Adiponectin receptor 1 regulates endometrial receptivity via the adenosine monophosphate‑activated protein kinase/E‑cadherin pathway

Endometrial receptivity is essential for successful embryo implantation and pregnancy initiation and is regulated via various signaling pathways. Adiponectin, an important adipokine, may be a potential regulator of reproductive system functions. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the regulatory role of adiponectin receptor 1 (ADIPOR1) in endometrial receptivity. The endometrial receptivity between RL95‑2 and AN3CA cell lines was confirmed using an <i>in vitro</i> JAr spheroid attachment model. 293T cells were transfected with control or short hairpin (sh)ADIPOR1 vectors and RL95‑2 cells were transduced with lentiviral particles targeting <i>ADIPOR1</i>. Reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and immunoblot assays were also performed. <i>ADIPOR1</i> was consistently upregulated in the endometrium during the mid‑secretory phase compared with that in the proliferative phase and in receptive RL95‑2 cells compared with that in non‑receptive AN3CA cells. Stable cell lines with diminished <i>ADIPOR1</i> expression caused by shRNA showed reduced E‑cadherin expression and attenuated <i>in vitro</i> endometrial receptivity. ADIPOR1 regulated AMP‑activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity in endometrial epithelial cells. Regulation of AMPK activity via dorsomorphin and 5‑aminoimidazole‑4‑carboxamide ribonucleotide affected E‑cadherin expression and <i>in vitro</i> endometrial receptivity. The ADIPOR1/AMPK/E‑cadherin axis is vital to endometrial receptivity. These findings can help improve fertility treatments and outcomes.