Decreased expression of miR-200a and miR-223-3p in endometriosis during the secretory phase of menstrual cycle: Insights from a case-control study on molecular biomarkers and disease-related infertility.

Abstract

Background: Endometriosis (EM) is a condition that causes infertility with decreasing uterine receptivity. It is reported that it affects about 20-25% of all infertile women. Some genetic markers play a crucial role in pathogenesis and infertility.

Objective: This study investigates the role of miR-200a and miR-223-3p in embryo implantation and their association with EM-related infertility.

Materials and methods: In this case-control study, 36 women who referred to the Center for Research on Reproductive Health and Infertility of Babol University of Medical Sciences and Fatemeh Al-Zahra Infertility Specialized Treatment Center in Babol, Iran between June 2022 and July 2023 were evaluated. Participants were divided into 2 EM and control groups (n = 18/each). Endometrial samples were collected from participants between 17 ${\hspace{0.5em}}^{\text{th}}$ and 24 ${\hspace{0.5em}}^{\text{th}}$ days of their menstrual cycle. Histopathological examination (hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid schiff) was performed to confirm the secretory stage, and miR-200a and miR-223-3p expressions were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.

Results: Histological analysis confirmed that both groups were in the secretory stage. Additionally, miRNA expression results showed a significant decrease in the miR-200a and miR-223-3p expression levels in EM group compared to control group. The expression level of miR-223-3p and miR-200a in the eutopic endometrial tissue of women with EM was notably lower than those in the control group.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that miR-200a and miR-223-3p are involved in the EM pathogenesis, while other genes and signaling pathways are probably involved in the implantation failure.