Autophagy markers are dysregulated in the endometrial tissues of patients with unexplained repeated implantation...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Cellular and molecular mechanisms
• Genomics and proteomics

Background:

• Endometrium decidualization is crucial for pregnancy but its molecular mechanisms, including the role of autophagy, are not fully understood.
• Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is a complex condition affecting fertility, with underlying molecular causes needing further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential association between autophagy and recurrent implantation failure (RIF).
• To identify molecular differences in endometrial tissues between RIF patients and controls.

Main Methods:

• Gene expression analysis identified differentially expressed genes between RIF and control groups.
• Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses were performed.
• Autophagy markers (LC3-II, LAMP2, HIF-1α, P62) and autophagy puncta were assessed at protein and cellular levels.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in gene expression were observed, with 81 genes downregulated and 231 genes upregulated in the RIF group (p < 0.05).
• Key autophagy markers (LC3-II, LAMP2, HIF-1α) were elevated, while P62 was reduced in RIF patients.
• Enhanced autophagy puncta were detected in the endometrial tissues of RIF patients, consistent with protein-level findings.

Conclusions:

• Autophagy is significantly associated with recurrent implantation failure.
• Altered autophagy may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of RIF, highlighting a potential therapeutic target.