Activin A regulates trophoblast cell adhesive properties: implications for implantation failure in women with endometriosis-associated infertility

Abstract

BACKGROUND: During implantation, the embryo adheres to the endometrium via cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) present on blastocyst trophectoderm and endometrial epithelial cells. CAMs, including integrins and extracellular matrix (ECM) ligands, are most likely regulated by hormones, cytokines and growth factors. We hypothesized first that activin A affects the adhesive properties of trophoblast cells and second that alterations in dimeric activin A levels in the uterine cavity could disrupt adhesion, thereby causing implantation failure. METHODS: This study examined effects of activin A on trophoblast cell adhesion and measured activin A levels in secretory phase uterine washings from women wit..