[Gene expression profiles of peri-implantation endometrium in natural and superovulation cycles].

OBJECTIVE

To find valuable implantation-related genes associated with endometrial receptivity by scanning the complete genome array of endometrium at the luteal phase of superovulation cycle and the natural cycle.

METHODS

Twenty endometrial samples were obtained from patients who were to undergo invitro fertilization and embryo transfer because of the ovarian or male factors, underwent real-time quantitative PCR (QPCR) to confirm the differentially expressed genes and pathological examination to confirm the stages. Five of the 20 endometrial samples from days of LH + 4, LH + 7, or HCG + 7 underwent HU133 plus2.0 microarray scanning. The other 15 samples were divided into 2 groups: 7 samples were taken on the day LH + 7, and 8 samples taken on the day HCG + 7.

RESULTS

581 genes were expressed differentially in the LH + 7 and LH + 4 samples: 395 were up-regulated and 186 were down-regulated. 320 genes were expressed differentially in the HCG + 7 and LH + 7 samples: 175 genes were up-regulated, and 145 genes were down-regulated. QPCR test showed that the expression levels of some up-regulated genes were much lower on the day HCG + 7 than on the day LH + 7, such as PAEP, S100P, SOD and GDF15.

CONCLUSION

Microarray scanning provides a global gene expression spectrum of human endometrium at different phases. A set of genes are active at the implantation window phase of endometrium. These genes don't show adequate expression after superovulation, which may lead to the change of endometrial receptivity.