Systematic review of cell adhesion molecules and estrogen receptor expression in the endometrium of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

BACKGROUND: Infertility associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) could be related to many mechanisms including endometrial factors. OBJECTIVES: To review cell adhesion molecule and estrogen receptor expression in the endometrium. SEARCH STRATEGY: A systematic review was performed of the Medline and Cochrane databases for papers published in any language between 2004 and 2014. The search term was "'polycystic ovary syndrome' OR 'Stein Leventhal syndrome' OR 'anovulation' AND 'endometrium' OR 'endometria.'" SELECTION CRITERIA: Research studies on endometrial cell adhesion molecules and estrogen receptor expression among women with PCOS diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were extracted from identified studies and the quality of assessment was analyzed. MAIN RESULTS: Six studies were included. Data were controversial with respect to MUC1 and αVβ3 integrin expression with significantly higher and lower levels, respectively, in women with PCOS. Estrogen receptor expression was enhanced among patients with PCOS as compared with healthy women. CONCLUSIONS: Endometrial factors influence embryo receptivity as indicated by the molecular mediators identified in the studies, including cell adhesion molecules and the estrogen receptor.