Biomarkers of endometrial receptivity - A review

Implantation is a phenomenon that involves an interaction between the embryo and maternal endometrium. There is, in the menstrual cycle, a short and precise period of time in which the maternal-embryonic interaction is optimal and culminates with adhesion and invasion of the blastocyst into the progesterone-induced secretory endometrium. This period is called nidation or implantation window. In the implantation window changes occur in endometrial epithelial morphology, characterized by the appearance of membrane projections called pinopodes. Pinopodes are progesterone-dependent organelles, that took like apical cellular protrusions appearing between days 20 and 21 of the natural menstrual cycle. There are many factors that regulate the changes typical of the implantation window and the appearance of the pinopodes. The embryonic and maternal expression of growth factors and cytokines, calcitonin, HOX genes and cell adhesion molecules might all play a major role in the phenomenon of implantation. The cytokines function as chemical messengers and can serve as biomarkers of uterine receptivity. Understanding the function of these biomarkers and their role in determining the implantation window in women, will help us to diagnose and treat infertile couples more efficiently. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Ltd.