Could the defects in the endometrial extracellular matrix during the implantation be a cause for impaired fertility?
OBJECTIVE
Assessment of concentration of the metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP1), urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR) and leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in the uterine fluid in women with idiopathic infertility and unknown cause for recurrent miscarriage.


METHODS
Uterine fluid obtained from patients with idiopathic infertility (n = 13), patients with unknown cause of recurrent miscarriages (n = 16) and healthy fertile women (n = 14). The assessment of MMP9, TIMP1, uPA, uPAR and LIF were performed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.


RESULTS
Statistically lower expression of MMP9 and TIMP1 in uterine fluid during implantation window in women with infertility and recurrent miscarriage of unknown cause.


CONCLUSIONS
Changed turnover of the extracellular matrix might be a cause of improper endometrial transition and in effect cause faulty implantation.
Skrzypczak
Jana
J
Division of Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, K Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
Wirstlein
Przemysław
P
Mikolajczyk
Mateusz
M
D000026:Abortion, Habitual; D000328:Adult; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D004717:Endometrium / Q000378:metabolism*; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D053605:Leukemia Inhibitory Factor / Q000097:blood; D045726:Metalloproteases / Q000097:blood; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000378:metabolism; D055293:Receptors, Urokinase Plasminogen Activator
D053605:Leukemia Inhibitory Factor; C524898:PLAUR protein, human; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D055293:Receptors, Urokinase Plasminogen Activator; D011374:Progesterone; D045726:Metalloproteases