The expression level of mir-21-3p in platelet-rich plasma: A potential effective factor and predictive biomarker in...

Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is the most important complication associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF). Despite the good quality of the transferred embryo, the success rate is rather disappointing. Therefore, predictive biomarkers for implantation are critical to making decisions about transferring high-quality embryos or cryopreserving them for cycles with a higher chance of implantation. Recently, intrauterine infusion of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been proposed to increase the endometrial receptivity in RIF patients. PRP is rich in both growth factors and microRNAs (miRNAs). We investigated the possible association of mir-21-3p, mir-21-5p, mir-494-3p, mir-145-5p, and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) levels in PRP and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) samples with the pregnancy outcomes in RIF patients. The miRNA expression level and IGF-I concentration were assessed using real-time PCR and chemiluminescence methods respectively. Mir-21-3p was upregulated in PRP samples of the pregnant group in comparison to the nonpregnant group. There was no difference in the expression of mir-21-3p in PPP samples of these groups. The concentration of IGF-I was higher in PRP and PPP samples of the nonpregnant in comparison to the pregnant group. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis showed that mir-21-3p can be a valuable biomarker for the prediction of pregnancy chance in RIF patients treated with PRP.