The impact of luteal phase support on gene expression of extracellular matrix protein and adhesion molecules in the human endometrium during the window of implantation following controlled ovarian stimulation with a GnRH antagonist protocol

Objective To evaluate the impact of two different luteal phase support protocols on gene expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and adhesion molecules in the human endometrium. Design Eighty-four ECM protein and adhesion molecule genes were analyzed using array-based reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Setting Academic hospital. Patient(s) Nine oocyte donors. Intervention(s) Endometrial biopsies were obtained on the day of oocyte retrieval (group I) and 3–5 days later (group II) after randomization into 3 groups. Group IIa had no luteal phase support, group IIb had luteal support with micronized progesterone, and group IIc had luteal support with progesterone plus 17β-estradiol. Main Outcome Measure(s) Gene expression profiles in relation to different types of luteal phase support protocols. Result(s) Compared with the day of retrieval (group I), 24 genes were significantly up-regulated (4 in group IIa, 14 in group IIb, 22 in group IIc) and 14 genes were down-regulated (5 in group IIa, 2 in group IIb, 10 in group IIc) on day 3–5 ( P