Dysregulation of Cell Adhesion Molecules in Ectopic Pregnancy: The Roles of E-Cadherin and Integrins in Tubal Implantation

Ectopic pregnancy is a pathological condition characterized by implantation of the embryo outside the uterine cavity, occurring in the fallopian tube. The pathogenesis of ectopic pregnancy is multifactorial and involves impaired embryo transport as well as alterations in the tubal microenvironment. Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), particularly E-cadherin and integrins, play important roles in cell–cell adhesion, cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, and epithelial integrity. This review aimed to analyze the role of CAMs, particularly E-cadherin and integrins, in embryo adhesion and implantation within the fallopian tube in ectopic pregnancy. A literature review was conducted through searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar using the keywords “ectopic pregnancy”, “tubal pregnancy”, “cell adhesion molecules”, “embryo-tubal attachment”, and “tubal microenvironment.” The literature primarily included publications from 2016 to 2026. Eligible articles were critically analyzed and narratively synthesized. The findings show that integrin β1 appears to play an important role in trophoblast adhesion to the tubal epithelium, whereas E-cadherin contributes to the maintenance of cell–cell adhesion and epithelial integrity through interactions with the catenin complex and the actin cytoskeleton. The interplay among CAM alterations, inflammation, and ECM remodeling may create a tubal microenvironment conducive to abnormal embryo implantation.