Circulating MMP-7 and VEGF as potential predictive biomarkers for recurrent implantation failures

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine and Endocrinology
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
• Biomarker Discovery in Reproductive Failure

Background:

• Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) significantly impacts assisted reproductive technology (ART) success rates.
• Identifying reliable biomarkers for RIF is crucial for improving treatment strategies.
• The role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs), cytokines, and cell adhesion molecules in RIF requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the levels of MMPs, TIMPs, cytokines, and cell adhesion molecules in peripheral blood (PB) and follicular fluid (FF) of women experiencing RIF.
• To identify potential circulating biomarkers for predicting recurrent implantation failure in women undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Main Methods:

• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to analyze MMP-1, -2, -3, -7, -9, TIMP-1, -2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1), and intercellular adhesion molecules 1 (ICAM1) in PB and FF.
• Samples were collected from 44 women (25-39 years old) undergoing ICSI, divided into an RIF group (n=22) and an ICSI success group (controls, n=22).
• Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic value of potential biomarkers.

Main Results:

• Significantly lower levels of peripheral blood matrix metalloproteinase-7 (PB MMP-7) and peripheral blood vascular endothelial growth factor (PB VEGF) were observed in the RIF group compared to controls.
• ROC curve analysis indicated informative area under the curve values for PB MMP-7 and PB VEGF, suggesting their potential as RIF biomarkers.
• Circulating MMP-7 and VEGF appear to play a significant role in embryo implantation during in vitro fertilization (IVF)/ICSI cycles.

Conclusions:

• Peripheral blood MMP-7 and VEGF can be proposed as potential circulating biomarkers for recurrent implantation failure (RIF).
• These findings may aid clinicians and patients in selecting optimal strategies to minimize implantation failures in IVF/ICSI procedures.
• Further research into the role of MMP-7 and VEGF could lead to improved management of RIF.