Impact of luteinized unruptured follicles on endometrial receptivity

Abstract

This study examined the impact of luteinized unruptured follicle (LUF) on endometrial receptivity. The menstrual cycle of 17 LUF patients (LUF group) and 13 ovulatory women (control group) was monitored by measuring LH level in urine and by ultrasonic examination. An endometrial biopsy at the sixth to tenth day after LH surge was taken in all the patients. The expressions of endometrial ER, PR and integrin ανβ3 were immunohistochemically determined. At the same time, the serum levels of E(2) and P were detected by chemiluminescence. The results exhibited that (1) The mean serum P level in LUF group (7.32±2.56 ng/mL) was significantly lower than that in control group (11.17±3.17 ng/mL) (P<0.01). But there was no significant difference in the mean serum E2 levels between LUF group (179.35±81.60 pg/mL) and the control group (198.58±75.23 pg/mL) (P>0.05); (2) The mean expression intensities of ER, PR in endometrium of LUF group (183.86±2.43, 167.94±3.04) were significantly higher than those in control group (109.35±6.31, 105.98±4.07) (P<0.01); (3) The mean expression intensities of integrin ανβ3 in endomtrium of LUF patients (114.90±11.38) were significantly lower than those in control group (191.34±1.82) (P<0.01); (4) The change profile of integrin ανβ3 expression in the endometrium of LUF patients was in positive relation with serum P level (r=0.77, P<0.01), but bore no significant relationship with serum E(2) level (r=0.01, P>0.05). It was concluded that the depression of serum P levels in LUF patients was closely related to the failure of the down-regulation of ER and PR, and the low expressions of integrin ανβ3 also suggested that the delayed implantation and the impaired endometrial receptivity had impact on embryonic implantation.

Characterization and manipulation of reproductive cycles in the jaguar (Panthera onca)

“…As spontaneous ovulation has been observed to various degrees in many felid species (Schramm et al 1994, Brown et al 1995, Moreira et al 2001, Terio et al 2003, Brown 2006, it is highly probable this species is capable of spontaneous ovulation, indicated by the luteal phases outside of exogenous stimulation. Attenuated events (< 20 d) were more likely the result of luteinized follicles, similar to observations in hyperstimulated domestic cats (Friedgood andFoster 1938, Swanson et al 1996), guinea pigs (Westfahl 1988, Westfahl 1993, rhesus monkeys (Schenken et al 1986), humans (Hamilton et al 1985, Xu et al 2011), and rats (Plas-Roser et al 1984 rather than from active, fully formed corpora lutea. These findings also suggest that the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis of jaguars naturally might be variably responsive to external stimuli, similar to observations in other felids .…”

Mimicking reproductive endocrinology to achieve successful pregnancy in frozen embryo replacement cycle in luteinized unruptured follicle (LUF

“…In a study by Xu W et al, the impact of LUF on endometrial receptivity was examined. 10 They found significantly lower mean expression intensities of integrin ανβ3 in endometrium of LUF patients (114.90±11.38) than those in control group (191.34±1.82) (P<0.01). This change in integrin ανβ3 expression was in positive relation with serum P level (r=0.77, P<0.01), but no significant relationship with serum E2 level (r=0.01, P>0.05).…”

Impact of Luteinized Unruptured Follicles on Clinical Outcomes of Natural Cycles for Frozen/Thawed Blastocyst Transfer

“…Progesterone is essential for endometrial transitions from the proliferative phase to the secretory phase, which are needed for embryo implantation. It is reported that progesterone level in the mid-luteal phase is significantly lower in LUF cycles (7.32 vs. 11.17 ng/ml) ( 22 ). Our result also demonstrated that progesterone levels on the embryo transfer day were significantly lower in the LUF group under the same LPS protocol, implying deficient luteal function.…”

“…Our result also demonstrated that progesterone levels on the embryo transfer day were significantly lower in the LUF group under the same LPS protocol, implying deficient luteal function. In the study of Xu et al ( 22 ), unusual implantation windows and impaired endometrial receptivity in LUFS cases were proposed, as the expression intensities of estrogen receptors and progestogen receptors in the endometrium were significantly higher in LUFS patients than those in the ovulation group, while the expression intensities of integrin ανβ3 in the endometrium were significantly lower. Moreover, luteal resistance index, as detected by transvaginal color-pulsed Doppler ultrasound, in LUFS patients was higher than that in women with normal luteal function, which was similar to those with luteal phase defects ( 23 ).…”