In-vitro model systems for the study of human embryo-endometrium interactions

REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE

卷:27

Article

Weimar, Charlotte H. E.^1,2  Uiterweer, Emiel D. Post^1,3  Teklenburg, Gijs²  Heijnen, Cobi J.^1,4  Macklon, Nick S.^1,5 

[1] Univ Med Ctr Utrecht, Lab Neuroimmunol & Dev Origins Dis NIDOD, NL-3584 EA Utrecht, Netherlands

[2] Univ Med Ctr Utrecht, Dept Reprod Med & Gynaecol, NL-3584 EA Utrecht, Netherlands

[3] Univ Med Ctr Utrecht, Dept Obstet, NL-3584 EA Utrecht, Netherlands

[4] Univ Texas MD Anderson Canc Ctr, Dept Symptom Res, Houston, TX 77030 USA

[5] Univ Southampton, Princess Anne Hosp, Fac Med, Southampton SO16 YA, Hants, England

关键词: co-culture;    embryo;    endometrium;    implantation;    in vitro;    model;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.08.002

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

Implantation requires highly orchestrated interactions between the developing embryo and maternal endometrium. The association between abnormal implantation and reproductive failure is evident, both in normal pregnancy and in assisted reproduction patients. Failure of implantation is the pregnancy rate-limiting step in assisted reproduction, but, as yet, empirical interventions have largely failed to address this problem. Better understanding of the mechanisms underlying human embryo-endometrium signalling is a prerequisite for the further improvement of assisted reproduction outcomes and the development of effective interventions to prevent early pregnancy loss. Studying human embryo implantation is challenging since in-vivo experiments are impractical and unethical, and studies in animal models do not always translate well to humans. However, in recent years in-vitro models have been shown to provide a promising way forward. This review discusses the principal models used to study early human embryo development and initial stages of implantation in vitro. While each model has limitations, exploiting these models will improve understanding of the molecular mechanisms and embryo-endometrium cross-talk at the early implantation site. They provide valuable tools to study early embryo development and pathophysiology of reproductive disorders and have revealed novel disease mechanisms such as the role of epigenetic modifications in recurrent miscarriage. (C) 2013, Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

【 授权许可】

Free