Diagnostic Value and Molecular Function of MicroRNAs in Endometrial Diseases: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The human endometrium experiences significant cyclic morphological and biochemical changes throughout the menstrual cycle to prepare for embryo implantation. These processes are meticulously regulated by ovarian steroids and various locally expressed genes, encompassing inflammatory reactions, apoptosis, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, differentiation (tissue formation), and tissue remodeling. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been recognized as crucial regulators of gene expression, with their altered expression being linked to the onset and progression of various disorders, including cancer. This review examines the expression of miRNAs in the endometrium and their potential regulatory roles under pathological conditions such as endometriosis, recurrent implantation failure and endometrial cancer. Given miRNAs' critical role in maintaining gene expression stability, understanding the regulatory mechanisms of endometrial miRNAs and identifying their specific target genes could pave the way for developing preventive and therapeutic strategies targeting specific genes associated with these reproductive disorders.

Keywords: endometrial cancer; endometriosis; microRNA; recurrent implantation failure.

Figure 1

PRISMA flow diagram [18].

Figure 2

A summary of miRNAs reported in recent studies considering their role in the pathogenesis of the most noticeable endometrial diseases. (Created in BioRender.com (accessed on 28 May 2024), license number GH26XHCAKS).