Uterine receptivity and the ramifications of ovarian stimulation on endometrial function

Semin Reprod Med. 2007 Nov;25(6):454-60. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-991043.

Abstract

Controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) is widely used in assisted reproduction techniques (ART). However, hormonal treatment induces endometrial alterations that may alter implantation rates compared with natural cycles. Endometrial alterations have been observed by histological and biochemical techniques. The recent developments in functional genomics have provided objective tools to analyze the endometrium in natural cycles and evaluate the impact of COS protocols in endometrial development. This article describes the fundamental aspects of endometrial receptivity in natural cycles and reports how COS affects the morphology, biochemistry, and the genomic pattern of the endometrium.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Embryo Implantation* / genetics
  • Endometrium / pathology
  • Endometrium / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Genomics / methods
  • Humans
  • Menstrual Cycle
  • Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
  • Ovulation Induction / methods*
  • Pregnancy
  • Principal Component Analysis