Matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and e-cadherin expression in the endometrium during the implantation window of infertile women before in vitro fertilization treatment.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the expression of endometrial matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 and E-cadherin in peri-implantation phase of infertile women who have undergone in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles.MethodsThis prospective study included 51 patients who underwent endometrial biopsy during the receptive phase in a menstrual cycle prior to IVF treatment. The samples were evaluated by tissue microarray for immunohistochemical study.ResultsThe expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and E-cadherin in the endometrium prior to IVF treatment was not associated with pregnancy. There was a decrease in E-cadherin immunodetection, the higher the age of the patients, a negative relationship between E-cadherin and MMP-2, and a positive association between MMP-9 and E-cadherin.ConclusionsThe MMP-2, MMP-9, and E-cadherin are expressed in the endometrium of infertile patients during the receptive phase of the natural menstrual cycle. However, there is no correlation between the expression of these molecules and the clinical IVF outcomes.