Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The identification of methods to improve the endometrial receptivity (ER) is increasingly of interest. The effect of the electromagnetic field associated with Quantum Molecular Resonance (QMR) on ER was investigated here. METHODS: Ishikawa cells were used to evaluate the effects of QMR both on the expression of a group of genes involved in ER, i.e., HOXA10, HOXA11, LIF, ITGB3, and ITGAV, and on cell toxicity. Endometrial samples were obtained from six patients during routine diagnostic procedures, four of which were subsequently used to assess the transcriptional response to QMR through microarray. RESULTS: Compared to unexposed controls, a single exposure of Ishikawa cells to QMR for 20 min was associated with a significant and power-dependent up-regulation of all the selected ER-related genes up to 8 power units (PU). Repeated exposure to QMR, up to three consecutive days, showed a significant up-regulation of all the selected genes at power values of 4 PU, from day two onwards. Negligible cytotoxicity was observed. Gene set enrichment analysis, on microarray data of endometrial biopsies stimulated for three consecutive days at 4 PU, showed a significant enrichment of specific gene sets, related to the proteasome system, the cell adhesion, the glucocorticoid receptor, and cell cycle pathways. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest a possible favorable impact of QMR on ER.