Determination of endometrial estrogen and progesterone receptors in women with unexplained recurrent miscarriages

Abstract

This study investigated the endometrial tissue to study the fluctuation of estrogen receptors (ERs) and progesterone receptors (PRs) in women with recurrent miscarriage compared with normal endometrium of fertile women. Forty women were divided into two groups: 20 non-pregnant women with history of recurrent miscarriage (who had three or more first- trimester miscarriages) and 20 controls. Both groups had regular ovulatory menses and proven fertility. Endometrial biopsy was taken in the two groups during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, between the 8th and the 10th postovulatory days using an endometrial biopsy curette for determination of estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) hormones levels and their receptors. On the same day as the biopsy, a blood sample was taken for determination of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) levels. The obtained results showed no significant differences between both groups regarding age, BMI, menarche, menstrual cycle & menstruation, significant decrease in E2 and P4 levels in the serum and endometrial biopsy of recurrent miscarriage women versus control. In control and recurrent miscarriage; ER levels in cytoplasm and salt extracted nucleus were higher than PR levels. ER and PR values were higher in the nuclear compartment than in the cytoplasmic compartment. The women with early recurrent miscarriage showed lower levels of both ER and PR significantly. All types of endometrial receptors (ER &PR) and hormones (E2 & P4) in serum and endometrium showed correlation relating to number of previous miscarriages.