Reduced expression of biomarkers associated with the implantation window in women with endometriosis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the expression of biomarkers of implantation, glycodelin A (GdA), osteopontin (OPN), lysophosphatidic acid receptor 3 (LPA3), and HOXA10, in eutopic endometrium of women with and without endometriosis.


METHODS
Prospective observational study.


METHODS
Clinical research center.


METHODS
Twenty-four women with endometriosis and 23 healthy volunteers of similar age.


METHODS
Secretory phase endometrial biopsy.


METHODS
Expression of immunohistochemical staining intensity and localization of GdA, OPN, LPA3, and HOXA10 in eutopic endometrium.


RESULTS
Endometrial GdA expression was significantly reduced in patients after cycle day 22. The endometrium from women with endometriosis also showed decreased expression of OPN in the late secretory phase and LPA3 and HOXA10 expression in the midsecretory and late secretory phases.


CONCLUSIONS
The decreased expression of these four biomarkers of implantation may indicate impaired endometrial receptivity in patients with endometriosis, providing one explanation for the subfertility observed even in women with few pelvic implants. Because many of these markers are P dependent, these findings suggest the possibility of reduced endometrial P action in this population.
Wei
Qingxiang
Q
Reproductive Biology and Medicine Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
St Clair
J Benjamin
JB
Fu
Teresa
T
Stratton
Pamela
P
Nieman
Lynnette K
LK
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D004715:Endometriosis; D004717:Endometrium / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D000071816:Glycodelin; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis*; D000080905:Homeobox A10 Proteins; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D053495:Osteopontin / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D049368:Receptors, Lysophosphatidic Acid / Q000032:analysis*
D015415:Biomarkers; D000071816:Glycodelin; D006023:Glycoproteins; D000080905:Homeobox A10 Proteins; D018398:Homeodomain Proteins; C045246:PAEP protein, human; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins; D049368:Receptors, Lysophosphatidic Acid; D053495:Osteopontin; C069634:HOXA10 protein, human