New advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of human embryo implantation in in vitro fertilization programs

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Abstract

The data available in the modern scientific literature on the role of the uterine and embryonic factors in failed euploid embryo implantation were systematically analyzed. The keywords “microRNA”, “small non-coding RNA”, “embryo implantation”, “implantation failure”, “implantation window”, “infertility treatment”, “thin endometrium”, “endometrial receptivity”, “molecular mechanisms”, and “gene expression” were used to search for literature sources in the Russian and foreign databases eLibrary, Medline/PubMed, and Embase. Differential expression of certain blastocyst microRNAs is shown to be associated with implantation failure. The paper describes the molecules involved in the transmission of maternal signals that are activated in the blastocyst trophectoderm. It reflects the mechanism of molecular regulation in endometrial receptivity and that of formation of a thin endometrium and genes identified in the networks that may play a certain role in the development of the thin endometrium.

Conclusion: The current evidence supports the promise of studying the molecular mechanisms of embryo implantation. Further investigations are needed to search for new biomarkers to select embryos with their good implantation potential, to assess endometrial receptivity for improving the outcomes of assisted reproductive technology programs, to reduce reproductive losses, and to give birth to healthy babies.

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About the authors

Anna V. Charaeva

Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia

Author for correspondence.
Email: ashcherina@yandex.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-2356-586X

Сlinical Resident

Russian Federation, Moscow

Natalya P. Makarova

Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia

Email: np_makarova@oparina4.ru

Dr. Bio. Sci., Leading Researcher, B.V. Leonov Department of Assisted Technologies for the Treatment of Infertility

Russian Federation, Moscow

Yulia S. Drapkina

Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia

Email: julia.drapkina@gmail.com

PhD, Researcher, B.V. Leonov Department of Assisted Technologies for the Treatment of Infertility

Russian Federation, Moscow

Elena A. Kalinina

Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia

Email: e_kalinina@oparina4.ru

Dr. Med. Sci., Professor, Head of the B.V. Leonov Department of Assisted Technologies for the Treatment of Infertility

Russian Federation, Moscow

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