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Zhang WY, McCracken M, Dominguez LV, Zhang A, Johal J, Aghajanova L. The impact of estradiol supplementation on endometrial thickness and intrauterine insemination outcomes. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100886. [PMID: 38636264 PMCID: PMC11208072 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
The impact of estrogen supplementation during the follicular/proliferative phase on the endometrial lining thickness (EMT) prior to intrauterine insemination (IUI) remains largely unstudied. Our study examined changes in EMT and rates of clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and live birth for all patients who completed an IUI cycle at Stanford Fertility Center from 2017-2023 (n = 2281 cycles). Cycles with estradiol supplementation (n = 309) were compared to reference cycles without supplementation (n = 1972), with the reference cohort further categorized into cycles with a pre-ovulatory EMT of < 7 mm ("thin-lining", n = 536) and ≥ 7 mm ("normal-lining", n = 1436). The estradiol group had a statistically significant greater change in EMT from baseline to ovulation compared to the thin-lining reference groups (2.4 mm vs 1.9 mm, p < =0.0001). Similar rates of clinical pregnancy and live birth were observed. After adjusting for age, BMI, race/ethnicity, infertility diagnosis, and EMT at trigger, the estradiol cohort had a significantly increased odds of miscarriage versus the entire reference cohort (2.46, 95 % confidence interval [1.18, 5.14], p = 0.02). Thus, although estradiol supplementation had a statistically significant increase in EMT compared to IUI cycles with thin pre-ovulatory EMT (<7 mm), this change did not translate into improved IUI outcomes such as increased rates of clinical pregnancy and live birth or decreased rate of miscarriage. Our study suggests that supplemental estradiol does not appear to improve IUI outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Y Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Megan McCracken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Amy Zhang
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jasmyn Johal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lusine Aghajanova
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Sunnyvale, CA, USA
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Li R, Tran DN, Lessey BA, Young SL, Kim TH, Jeong JW. Transcriptomic changes in eutopic endometrium and ectopic lesions during endometriosis progression in a mouse model. F&S SCIENCE 2024; 5:182-194. [PMID: 38342342 PMCID: PMC11116064 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the transcriptomic changes of ectopic lesions and eutopic endometrial tissues during the progression of endometriosis, we performed transcriptomic analysis in the eutopic endometrium and ectopic lesions. DESIGN Laboratory study. SETTING Academic medical center. ANIMALS Four fertile and 4 subfertile Pgrcre/+Rosa26mTmG/+ mice with endometriosis, and 4 sham mice for each group of endometriosis mice as control. These mice underwent either surgery to induce endometriosis or sham surgery. Fertile sham and mice with endometriosis were used 1 month after surgery, whereas subfertile ones were used 3 months after surgery. INTERVENTIONS Early and chronic effects of endometriosis on transcriptomics of ectopic lesions and eutopic endometrium. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES RNA-sequencing analysis and identification of differentially expressed genes and pathways in the ectopic lesions and eutopic uteri from mice with endometriosis and sham mice at day 3.5 of pregnancy. RESULTS Our mouse model recapitulates the transcriptomic changes of ectopic lesions in humans. RNA-sequencing analysis was performed in ectopic lesions and eutopic uteri from mice with or without endometriosis during the progression of the disease. Estrogen activity, inflammation, angiogenesis, and fibrosis pathways were consistently elevated in all the ectopic lesions compared with eutopic endometrium. Cholesterol/glucose synthesis and stem cell pluripotency pathways were more enhanced in ectopic lesions from subfertile mice compared with their eutopic endometrium. Dysregulation of infiltration of macrophage, dendritic, T and B cells was validated with the use of immunohistochemistry in ectopic lesions. Multiple ligand-receptor pairs between the ectopic and eutopic endometrium were altered compared with the sham endometrium. Suppressed WNT and EGF pathways were only found in the eutopic endometrium from subfertile not fertile mice compared with sham. CONCLUSIONS Our mouse endometriosis model recapitulates the transcriptomics of ectopic lesions in humans. Our transcriptomic analysis during endometriosis progression in our mouse model will help us understand the pathophysiology of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Dinh Nam Tran
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Bruce A Lessey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Steven L Young
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Tae Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Jae-Wook Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.
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Alson S, Henic E, Jokubkiene L, Sladkevicius P. Endometriosis diagnosed by ultrasound is associated with lower live birth rates in women undergoing their first in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment. Fertil Steril 2024; 121:832-841. [PMID: 38246403 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) after the first in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment in women with or without deep-infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) and/or endometrioma diagnosed by transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS), using the International Deep Endometriosis Analysis (IDEA) group definitions. DESIGN Prospective observational cohort study at a university hospital. PATIENTS(S) In total, 1,040 women with subfertility aged 25 to ≤39 years were undergoing their first IVF/ICSI treatment between January 2019 and October 2022. Of these, 234 (22.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 20.0-25.0) women were diagnosed with DIE and/or endometrioma at systematic TVUS before starting their treatment. INTERVENTION(S) All women underwent their first IVF or ICSI treatment. Fresh and/or frozen embryos from the first cycle were used until pregnancy was achieved or no embryos remained. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Cumulative live birth rate after the first IVF/ICSI cycle in women with or without DIE and/or endometrioma. RESULT(S) The CLBR after the first IVF/ICSI treatment in the total cohort of women was 426/1,040 (41.0%; 95% CI, 38.0-44.0). Women with DIE and/or endometrioma had a lower CLBR (78/234, 33.3%; 95% CI, 27.3-39.4) than women without the disease (348/806, 43.2%; 95% CI, 39.8-46.6). The crude relative risk (RR) for cumulative live birth for women with DIE and/or endometrioma was 0.77; 95% CI, 0.63-0.94, and after adjustments were made for age, body mass index, s-antimüllerian hormone, stimulation protocol, and day for embryo transfer, the adjusted RR was 0.63; 95% CI, 0.48-0.82. There was no difference in the number of retrieved mature oocytes, fertilization rate, or good quality embryos between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION The presence of DIE and/or endometrioma diagnosed by TVUS lowers the chance of live birth in women undergoing their first IVF/ICSI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Alson
- Obstetric, Gynecological and Prenatal Ultrasound research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Lund University, Sweden; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden; Reproductive Medicine Center, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Emir Henic
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden; Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Ligita Jokubkiene
- Obstetric, Gynecological and Prenatal Ultrasound research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Lund University, Sweden; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Povilas Sladkevicius
- Obstetric, Gynecological and Prenatal Ultrasound research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Lund University, Sweden; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
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Su Q, Pan Z, Yin R, Li X. The value of G-CSF in women experienced at least one implantation failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1370114. [PMID: 38694938 PMCID: PMC11061619 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1370114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Despite the developments of in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocols, implantation failure remains a challenging problem, owing to the unbalance between the embryo, endometrium, and immune system interactions. Effective treatments are urgently required to improve successful implantation. Recently, many researchers have focused on granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) to regulate immune response and embryo-endometrium cross-talk. However, previous studies have reported inconsistent findings on the efficacy of G-CSF therapy on implantation failure. The objective of this review was to further explore the effects of G-CSF according to administration dosage and timing among women who experienced at least one implantation failure. Methods We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials of G-CSF on implantation failure up to July 21, 2023. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and the heterogeneity of the studies with the I2 index was analyzed. Results We identified a total of 2031 studies and finally included 10 studies in the systematic review and meta-analysis. G-CSF administration improved the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), implantation rate (IR), biochemical pregnancy rate (BPR), and live birth rate (LBR) in women with at least one implantation failure. Subgroup analyses showed that G-CSF treatment could exert good advantages in improving CPR [OR=2.49, 95%CI (1.56, 3.98), I2 = 0%], IR [OR=2.82, 95%CI (1.29, 6.15)], BPR [OR=3.30, 95%CI (1.42, 7.67)] and LBR [OR=3.16, 95%CI (1.61, 6.22), I2 = 0%] compared with the blank control group. However, compared with placebo controls, G-CSF showed beneficial effects on CPR [OR=1.71, 95%CI (1.04, 2.84), I2 = 38%] and IR [OR=2.01, 95%CI (1.29, 3.15), I2 = 24%], but not on LBR. In addition, >150μg of G-CSF treatment increased CPR [OR=2.22, 95%CI (1.47, 3.35), I2 = 0%], IR [OR=2.67, 95%CI (1.47, 4.82), I2 = 0%] and BPR [OR=2.02, 95%CI (1.17, 3.47), I2 = 22%], while ≤150μg of G-CSF treatment improved miscarriage rate (MR) [OR=0.14, 95%CI (0.05, 0.38), I2 = 0%] and LBR [OR=2.65, 95%CI (1.56, 4.51), I2 = 0%]. Moreover, G-CSF administration on the day of embryo transfer (ET) could increase CPR [OR=2.81, 95%CI (1.37, 5.75), I2 = 0%], but not on the day of ovum pick-up (OPU) or human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) injection. Conclusion G-CSF has a beneficial effect on pregnancy outcomes to some extent among women who experienced at least one implantation failure, and the administration dosage and timing influence the effect size.Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023447046.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Su
- Chongqing University Central Hospital, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhuo Pan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Chongqing Reproduction Genetics Institute, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Rong Yin
- Chongqing University Central Hospital, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuemei Li
- Chongqing University Central Hospital, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing, China
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Strbo N, Rodriguez S, Padula L, Fisher E, Lyons A, Rodriguez C, Rivas K, Ibrahim M, Paidas M, Attia G. Assessment of immune cells in the uterine fluid at the time of the embryo transfer. Am J Reprod Immunol 2024; 91:e13842. [PMID: 38650366 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Although endometrial receptivity is a key factor in influencing implantation in both naturally conceived and assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles, very little is known about the endometrium milieu around the time of implantation. Previous studies have demonstrated the presence of several cytokines in the endometrium that affect implantation. However, there is lacking data about the presence of immune cell subtypes within the endometrium and in the uterine cavity at the time of implantation. METHOD OF STUDY This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (# 225589). The study was designed as a prospective observational cohort study between May 2021 and December 2022 at a single academic-based fertility center. All patients underwent at least one In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) cycle and have frozen embryos. Twenty-four participants were recruited for this study which was conducted during the frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle regardless of the outcome of previous cycles. Two samples were acquired from each subject, denoted as lower and upper. A trial transfer catheter was introduced under ultrasound guidance into the lower uterine segment. Upon removal, the tip was rinsed in IMDM medium containing 10% FBS (lower uterus). A transfer catheter was then loaded with the embryo that was placed in the upper uterus under ultrasound guidance. The tip of the transfer catheter was rinsed in separate aliquot of the above media (upper uterus). After centrifugation, pelleted cells were stained for the following surface markers: CD45, CD3, CD19, CD4, CD8, gamma delta TCR, CD25, CD127, CD66b, CD14, CD16, CD56 and acquired on Sony SP6800 Spectral Analyzer. RESULTS Upon staining the pelleted cells, we were able to identify viable leukocytes from samples obtained from both, upper and lower uterus (0.125 × 106 cells ± SD 0.32), (0.123 × 106 cells ± SD 0.12), respectively. Among total viable cells, there was no significant difference in both percent and number of CD45+ cells between the upper and lower uterus (9.88% ± 6.98 SD, 13.67% ± 9.79 SD, p = .198) respectively. However, there was significantly higher expression of CD3+ (p = .006), CD19+ (p = .032) and CD14+ (p = .019) cells in samples collected from upper compared to lower uterus. Within all CD3+ cells, we found that gamma delta T cells (GDT) were the major population of T cells in both upper and lower uterus. In contrast, CD8+ T cells were significantly higher in the lower uterus when compared to the upper uterus (p = .009). There was no statistically significant difference in the expression of CD4+ T cells, T regulatory cells (CD4+CD25+CD127-), NK cells (CD56+), neutrophils (CD66b+) and FcγRIII+ cells (CD16+) between upper and lower uterus. CONCLUSIONS We believe the immune milieu at the time of embryo transfer will affect implantation. Understanding the composition of immune cells will guide further research in identifying optimal immune milieus that favor implantation. Comprehensive analysis of endometrium is expected to lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to improve IVF outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasa Strbo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Suset Rodriguez
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, and Infertility, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Laura Padula
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Eva Fisher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Annabel Lyons
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Carolina Rodriguez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Katelyn Rivas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Mohammed Ibrahim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, and Infertility, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Michael Paidas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, and Infertility, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - George Attia
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, and Infertility, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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Almohammadi A, Choucair F, El Taha L, Burjaq H, Albader M, Cavanillas AB, Awwad JT. The reproductive potential of vitrified-warmed euploid embryos declines following repeated uterine transfers. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:23. [PMID: 38350949 PMCID: PMC10863213 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01192-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) represents a vague clinical condition with an unclear diagnostic challenge that lacks solid scientific underpinning. Although euploid embryos have demonstrated consistent implantation capabilities across various age groups, a unanimous agreement regarding the advantages of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) in managing RIF is absent. The ongoing discussion about whether chromosomal aneuploidy in embryos significantly contributes to recurrent implantation failure remains unsettled. Despite active discussions in recent times, a universally accepted characterization of recurrent implantation failure remains elusive. We aimed in this study to measure the reproductive performance of vitrified-warmed euploid embryos transferred to the uterus in successive cycles. METHODS This observational cohort study included women (n = 387) with an anatomically normal uterus who underwent oocyte retrieval for PGT-A treatment with at least one biopsied blastocyst, between January 2017 and December 2021 at a university-affiliated public fertility center. The procedures involved in this study included ICSI, blastocyst culture, trophectoderm biopsy and comprehensive 24-chromosome analysis of preimplantation embryos using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Women, who failed a vitrified-warmed euploid embryo transfer, had successive blastocyst transfer cycles (FET) for a total of three using remaining cryopreserved euploid blastocysts from the same oocyte retrieval cycle. The primary endpoints were sustained implantation rate (SIR) and live birth rate (LBR) per vitrified-warmed single euploid embryo. The secondary endpoints were mean euploidy rate (m-ER) per cohort of biopsied blastocysts from each patient, as well as pregnancy and miscarriage rates. RESULTS The mean age of the patient population was 33.4 years (95% CI 32.8-33.9). A total of 1,641 embryos derived from the first oocyte retrieval cycle were biopsied and screened. We found no associations between the m-ER and the number of previous failed IVF cycles among different ranges of maternal age at oocyte retrieval (P = 0.45). Pairwise comparisons showed a significant decrease in the sustained implantation rate (44.7% vs. 30%; P = 0.01) and the livebirth rate per single euploid blastocyst (37.1% vs. 25%; P = 0.02) between the 1st and 3rd FET. The cumulative SIR and LBR after up to three successive single embryo transfers were 77.1% and 68.8%, respectively. We found that the live birth rate of the first vitrified-warmed euploid blastocyst transferred decreased significantly with the increasing number of previously failed IVF attempts by categories (45.3% vs. 35.8% vs. 27.6%; P = 0.04). A comparable decrease in sustained implantation rate was also observed but did not reach statistical significance (50% vs. 44.2 vs. 37.9%; P = NS). Using a logistic regression model, we confirmed the presence of a negative association between the number of previous IVF failed attempts and the live birth rate per embryo transfer cycle (OR = 0.76; 95% CI 0.62-0.94; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS These findings are vital for enhancing patient counseling and refining management strategies for individuals facing recurrent implantation failure. By tailoring interventions based on age and ovarian reserve, healthcare professionals can offer more personalized guidance, potentially improving the overall success rates and patient experiences in fertility treatments. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Almohammadi
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, Granada, 18071, 11, Spain
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Sidra Medicine, OPC Bldg. Level 3. Office 302. Al Luqta St. Education City North Campus. Qatar Foundation, Doha, PO BOX 26999, Qatar
| | - F Choucair
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Sidra Medicine, OPC Bldg. Level 3. Office 302. Al Luqta St. Education City North Campus. Qatar Foundation, Doha, PO BOX 26999, Qatar
| | - L El Taha
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Sidra Medicine, OPC Bldg. Level 3. Office 302. Al Luqta St. Education City North Campus. Qatar Foundation, Doha, PO BOX 26999, Qatar
| | - H Burjaq
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, 3050, Qatar
| | - M Albader
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, 3050, Qatar
| | - A B Cavanillas
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, Granada, 18071, 11, Spain
| | - Johnny T Awwad
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Sidra Medicine, OPC Bldg. Level 3. Office 302. Al Luqta St. Education City North Campus. Qatar Foundation, Doha, PO BOX 26999, Qatar.
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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Khairy M, Harb H, Eapen A, Melo P, Kazem R, Rajkhowa M, Ndukuwe G, Coomarasamy A. The use of immunomodulation therapy in women with recurrent implantation failure undergoing assisted conception: A multicentre cohort study. Am J Reprod Immunol 2024; 91:e13819. [PMID: 38348954 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) after multiple embryo transfers remains a vexing problem and immunomodulators have been used with conflicting results. This study aims to assess the effect of immunomodulation therapy on live birth rate (LBR) in women with RIF undergoing assisted reproduction treatment (ART). METHOD OF STUDY DESIGN This is a retrospective cohort study in multicentre network of private assisted conception units in the UK. The study included women who had at least two failed attempts of embryo transfers at CARE fertility network in the period from 1997 to 2018. Women in the treatment group had immunomodulator drugs in the form of corticosteroids, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), and intravenous intralipid (IVIL) infusions, either separately or in combination, after immunological testing, in addition to standard ART whilst women in the control group had only ART without immunomodulators. The primary outcome was LBR per cycle. Secondary outcomes included the rates of clinical pregnancy (CPR), cumulative live birth (CLBR), and miscarriage. RESULTS A total of 27 163 ART cycles fulfilled the inclusion criteria, of which 5083 had immunomodulation treatment in addition to standard ART treatment, and 22 080 had standard ART treatment alone. Women in the treatment group were significantly older (mean age 38.5 vs. 37.1 years, p < .001), and had a higher number of previous failed ART cycles (mean 4.3 vs. 3.8, p < .01). There was a higher LBR in women who received immunomodulation therapy when compared with the control group (20.9% vs. 15.8%, odds ratio [OR] 1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29-1.53, p < .001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that immunomodulation treatment was a significant independent predictor of live birth after adjusting for other confounders (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.33, 95% CI 1.15-1.54, p < .001). Survival analysis showed a higher CLBR in the treatment group (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.78, 95% CI 1.62-1.94, p < .001). CONCLUSION(S) This study provides evidence of a potential beneficial effect of immunomodulation therapy in women with RIF after immunological testing. There remains a need for high quality, adequately powered multicentre RCTs to robustly address the role of immunomodulation in women with RIF. There is also an urgent need for standardised screening tests for immune disorders that could preclude implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hoda Harb
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
| | - Abey Eapen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | - Pedro Melo
- CARE Fertility Birmingham, Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
| | | | | | | | - Arri Coomarasamy
- CARE Fertility Birmingham, Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK
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Racca A, Bernabeu A, Bernabeu R, Ferrero S. Endometrial receptivity in women with endometriosis. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2024; 92:102438. [PMID: 38183768 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2023.102438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
As endometriosis is recognized as a contributing factor to infertility, prompting couples to embark on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatments, it becomes crucial to comprehend the extent and way this condition can affect success rates. Natural conception data reveal lower success rates for women with endometriosis, yet the same cannot be extrapolated to the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF). In recent years, advancements in the ART process, particularly the distinct stages of the IVF pathway and investigations into embryo quality have shown a comparable rate of embryonic quality and chromosomal normalcy (euploidy) between embryos obtained from individuals with or without endometriosis. Thus, the primary question that lingers relates to the functionality of the endometrium. This review addresses whether endometriosis can influence endometrial receptivity and implantation rates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Simone Ferrero
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy; DINOGMI, University of Genova, Italy
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Zargar M, Ghafourian M, Behrahi F, Nikbakht R, Salehi AM. Association of recurrent implantation failure and recurrent pregnancy loss with peripheral blood natural killer cells and interferon-gamma level. Obstet Gynecol Sci 2024; 67:112-119. [PMID: 37986570 DOI: 10.5468/ogs.23120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fetal uterine survival depends on maintaining an immune balance between the mother and fetus. This study aimed to investigate the correlation of blood peripheral natural killer (NK) cells and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) with recurrent recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). METHODS In this case-control study, peripheral blood samples were obtained from three groups of RPL, RIF, and parous women without a history of abortion or infertility problems and analyzed by lymphocyte-based flow cytometry. Afterward, the levels of NK cells and IFN-γ were determined. All data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS The level of IFN-γ in the RPL group was significantly higher than that in parous women and the RIF group (P<0.05), whereas its level in the RIF group was not significantly different from the control group (P>0.05). A significant correlation was found between the levels of IFN-γ and NK cells in the RPL group (r=0.481; P=0.02). However, no significant correlation was found between the levels of IFN-γ and the active NK cells in the RPL group (P=0.08). Moreover, no significant correlation was found between the levels of NK cells (whether activated or not) and IFN-γ in the RIF patients (P>0.05). CONCLUSION Immune dysfunction may not be involved in implantation failure during IVF but may be involved in recurrent miscarriage, probably by increasing IFN-γ levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahvash Zargar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mehri Ghafourian
- Department of Immunology, Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Farnaz Behrahi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Roshan Nikbakht
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Abdolah Mousavi Salehi
- Department of Immunology, Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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10
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Ali R, Ahmed Khan T, Gul H, Rehman R. An interplay of Progesterone, Leukemia Inhibitor Factor and Interleukin-6 in the window of implantation; Impact on fertility. Cytokine 2023; 170:156332. [PMID: 37586287 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The process of implantation is crucial for the initiation of conception and hence fertility. In addition to a number of factors, it is regulated by a cross talk of gonadotrophins [Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulatory Hormone (FSH)], ovarian steroids [Estrogen (Et), Progesterone (Pt)] and cytokines [Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and Interleukin 6 (IL6)]. These biomarkers are chief players of implantation. OBJECTIVE We aimed to explore the role of gonadotrophins (LH, FSH, LH/FSH ratio), ovarian steroids (Et, Pt) and cytokines (LIF, IL6) in the implantation process. This aim was achieved by comparing these hormones and cytokines in the fertile and infertile groups [Polycystic ovaries (PCOs), endometriosis, unexplained infertility (Uex-IF)] and finding their association in all study groups. METHODS A case control study conducted from October 2020-March 2023. A total of 135 infertile women (with PCOs, Uex-IF, and endometriosis) and 177 fertile women (matched for age and BMI) were selected. Levels of 'Et', 'Pt', 'LIF' and, 'IL6' were estimated using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). LH and FSH values were obtained from hospital desk records. The Independent Student'st-test was used to compare fertile and infertile groups. One-way ANOVA test was used to compare more than two groups, and Pearson's chi-square (χ2) test was employed to compare percentages of variables. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess the associations and correlations. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Significantly higher levels of LIF and IL6 were observed in fertile women compared to infertile women. Pt levels were significantly greater in the fertile group than in the infertile group. The FSH/LH ratio was significantly higher in the fertile group. Among infertile women, PCOs (71%) and Uex-IF (91%) exhibited lower Pt levels than the fertile controls (p < 0.01), but these levels remained within the reference range (RR). Among the fertile group (81%), levels of LIF within the RR were significantly higher compared to those with Uex-IF (49%) and females with endometriosis (37%). Moreover, the highest number of participants (57%) with Uex-IF exhibited IL6 levels significantly below the RR in comparison to the fertile group and infertile groups (PCOS and endometriosis). However, lower levels of IL6 were observed in women with Uex-IF. In the control group, LIF exhibited a significant positive correlation with IL6 (r = 0.370), Pt (r = 0.496), Et (r = 0.403), and LH (r = 0.428). Among women with PCOs, LIF showed a significant positive correlation with IL6 (r = 0.443), Pt (r = 0.607), and LH (r = 0.472). In cases of Uex-IF, LIF demonstrated a significant positive correlation with IL6 (r = 0.727). Females with endometriosis displayed a significant positive correlation between LIF and IL6 (r = 0.535) as well as Pt (r = 0.605). In fertile women, a positive correlation was observed between LH and IL6 (r = 0.197, p = 0.009), LIF (r = 0.428, p = 0.000), Pt (r = 0.238, p = 0.001), and Et (r = 0.356, p = 0.000). Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between LH and LIF (r = 0.472, p = 0.000) in women with PCOs. CONCLUSION Elevated levels of Pt were found to increase the production of LIF in fertile females. However, infertile females with PCOs and Uex-IF exhibited deficient levels of Pt, supporting its role as a biomarker for successful implantation in infertile women. These females showed decreased levels of gonadotropins as well as reduced LH/FSH ratio and diminished secretion of receptivity marker LIF, in addition to reduced Pt secretion. This suggests that reduced gonadotropin levels contribute to a lower LH/FSH ratio, resulting in decreased Pt secretion and ultimately leading to low levels of LIF, thereby causing impaired implantation in women with PCOs and Uex-IF. The exploration of low levels of LIF in patients with endometriosis requires further investigation. The significantly low levels of IL6 in the Uex-IF group elucidate the role of this cytokine in association with decreased Pt and LIF synthesis within this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabiya Ali
- Department of Physiology, Karachi Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), CMH, Malir Cantt, Karachi, Pakistan; Department of Physiology, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | | | - Hina Gul
- Department of Community Health Sciences, United Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Rehana Rehman
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
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11
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Nancarrow L, Tempest N, Lane S, Homburg R, Russell R, Hapangama DK. Four-dimensional ultrasound guided embryo transfers improve live birth rates when compared to the clinical touch technique: a randomised controlled trial. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14875. [PMID: 37684296 PMCID: PMC10491625 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41313-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Most aspects of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) have changed dramatically since introduction, but embryo transfer (ET) technique remains largely unaltered. We aimed to determine whether four-dimensional ultrasound guided embryo transfers (4D UGET) could improve pregnancy rates when compared with clinical touch technique (CTT). This was a single centre open labelled randomised controlled trial in a tertiary fertility centre in the UK. 320 women were randomised on the day of single ET. The primary outcome was clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), secondary outcomes included live birth rate (LBR), biochemical pregnancy rate (BPR), miscarriage, pregnancy of unknown location (PUL) and ectopic pregnancy. 4D-UGET resulted in significantly higher CPR [50% vs 36% p = 0.02, OR 1.78 (1.12-2.84)] and LBR [41% vs 28%, p = 0.02, OR 1.77 (1.09-2.87)] when compared to CTT technique. Miscarriage (p = 0.49), PUL (p = 0.14) and ectopic pregnancy (p = 0.96) were similar between the two groups. LBR, from this trial, are significantly higher than the current UK average (41% vs 24%). 4D UGET allows for superior imaging of the uterine cavity, whilst tailoring the embryo deposition point specifically to the patient. Further RCTs are required to determine if these results can be replicated in other units and whether 4D UGET is superior to 2D UGET.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Nancarrow
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Centre for Women's Health Research, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L8 7SS, UK
- Hewitt Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, L8 7SS, UK
| | - Nicola Tempest
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Centre for Women's Health Research, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L8 7SS, UK.
- Hewitt Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, L8 7SS, UK.
- Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, L8 7SS, UK.
| | - S Lane
- Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - R Homburg
- Hewitt Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, L8 7SS, UK
| | - R Russell
- Hewitt Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, L8 7SS, UK
- Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, L8 7SS, UK
| | - D K Hapangama
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Centre for Women's Health Research, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L8 7SS, UK
- Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Member of Liverpool Health Partners, Liverpool, L8 7SS, UK
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12
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Yenigül NN, Özelci R, Başer E, Dilbaz S, Aldemir O, Dilbaz B, Moraloğlu Tekin Ö. Does the decrease in E2 levels between the trigger of ovulation and embryo transfer affect the reproductive outcome in IVF-ICSI cycles? Turk J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 20:199-205. [PMID: 37667480 PMCID: PMC10478728 DOI: 10.4274/tjod.galenos.2023.91043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the rate of decline in serum estradiol (E2) levels between hCG injection and the day of embryo transfer (ET) on the success of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in women with infertility of different etiologies. Materials and Methods Women 20-45 years of age who underwent a standard GnRH antagonist or long agonist protocol and fresh ET during day 3 of their first ART cycle were included. Group 1 was diagnosed with low ovarian reserve, group 2 comprised high ovarian responders, and group 3 consisted of normal responders. Both groups were divided into four subgroups according to the decrease in E2 levels between the day of hCG injection and the day of ET. Subgroup A patients had a decrease of <20%, subgroup B a decrease of 20-40%, subgroup C a decrease of 41-60%, and subgroup D a decrease >60%. The primary outcome measure was the effect of an E2 decline, based on the measurement of E2 on the day of hCG administration and day of ET, on the implantation rate. The secondary outcome was the change in E2 values in these three groups. Results The study was conducted on 1.928 women. Of these, 639 were poor responders (group 1), 502 were high responders (group 2), and 787 women had a normal ovarian response (group 3). Patients with a 60% decrease in their E2 levels on the ET day after hCG had a lower live birth rate (LBR) and higher miscarriage rate (MCR), except normoresponders, in whom a similar decline was significant only with respect to MCR. Conclusion We indicate that high ovarian responders who underwent fresh ET cycles with a 60% decrease in their E2 levels on the ET day after human chorionic gonadotropin had lower LBRs and higher miscarriage. However, in normoresponder women, this decline was only significant in miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nefise Nazlı Yenigül
- University of Health Sciences Turkey, Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Training and ResearchHospital, Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Runa Özelci
- University of Health Sciences Turkey, Etlik Zübeyde Hanım Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of In Vitro Fertilization, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Emre Başer
- Yozgat Bozok University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yozgat, Turkey
| | - Serdar Dilbaz
- University of Health Sciences Turkey, Etlik Zübeyde Hanım Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of In Vitro Fertilization, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Oya Aldemir
- University of Health Sciences Turkey, Etlik Zübeyde Hanım Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of In Vitro Fertilization, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Berna Dilbaz
- University of Health Sciences Turkey, Etlik Zübeyde Hanım Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of In Vitro Fertilization, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Özlem Moraloğlu Tekin
- University of Health Sciences Turkey, Etlik Zübeyde Hanım Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of In Vitro Fertilization, Ankara, Turkey
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13
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Rubin SC, Abdulkadir M, Lewis J, Harutyunyan A, Hirani R, Grimes CL. Review of Endometrial Receptivity Array: A Personalized Approach to Embryo Transfer and Its Clinical Applications. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13050749. [PMID: 37240919 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13050749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) rely on both the formation of a chromosomally normal embryo and its implantation in a receptive endometrium. Pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) has been widely accepted as a tool to assess the viability of an embryo. In 2011, the endometrial receptivity array (ERA) was first published as a tool to determine when the endometrium is most receptive to an embryo, commonly referred to as the "window of implantation" (WOI). The ERA uses molecular arrays to assess proliferation and differentiation in the endometrium and screens for inflammatory markers. Unlike PGT-A, there has been dissent within the field concerning the efficacy of the ERA. Many studies that contest the success of the ERA found that it did not improve pregnancy outcomes in patients with an already-good prognosis. Alternatively, studies that utilized the ERA in patients with repeated implantation failure (RIF) and transfer of known euploid embryos demonstrated improved outcomes. This review aims to describe the ERA as a novel technique, review the various settings that the ERA may be used in, such as natural frozen embryo transfer (nFET) and hormone replacement therapy frozen embryo transfer (HRT-FET), and provide a summary of the recent clinical data for embryo transfers in patients with RIF utilizing the ERA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Rubin
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, 40 Sunshine Cottage Road, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Mawerdi Abdulkadir
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, 40 Sunshine Cottage Road, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Joshua Lewis
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, 40 Sunshine Cottage Road, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Aleksandr Harutyunyan
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, 40 Sunshine Cottage Road, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Rahim Hirani
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, 40 Sunshine Cottage Road, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Cara L Grimes
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, 40 Sunshine Cottage Road, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Urology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
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14
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Zeng X, Li S, Liu L, Cai S, Ye Q, Xue B, Wang X, Zhang S, Chen F, Cai C, Wang F, Zeng X. Role of functional fatty acids in modulation of reproductive potential in livestock. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:24. [PMID: 36788613 PMCID: PMC9926833 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00818-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Fatty acids are not only widely known as energy sources, but also play important roles in many metabolic pathways. The significance of fatty acids in modulating the reproductive potential of livestock has received greater recognition in recent years. Functional fatty acids and their metabolites improve follicular development, oocyte maturation and embryo development, as well as endometrial receptivity and placental vascular development, through enhancing energy supply and precursors for the synthesis of their productive hormones, such as steroid hormones and prostaglandins. However, many studies are focused on the impacts of individual functional fatty acids in the reproductive cycle, lacking studies involved in deeper mechanisms and optimal fatty acid requirements for specific physiological stages. Therefore, an overall consideration of the combination and synergy of functional fatty acids and the establishment of optimal fatty acid requirement for specific stages is needed to improve reproductive potential in livestock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangzhou Zeng
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, P. R. China ,Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio feed Additives, 100193 Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Siyu Li
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, P. R. China ,Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio feed Additives, 100193 Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Lu Liu
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, P. R. China ,Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio feed Additives, 100193 Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Shuang Cai
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, P. R. China ,Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio feed Additives, 100193 Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Qianhong Ye
- grid.35155.370000 0004 1790 4137State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Bangxin Xue
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, P. R. China ,Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio feed Additives, 100193 Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, P. R. China ,Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio feed Additives, 100193 Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Shihai Zhang
- grid.20561.300000 0000 9546 5767Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510642 Guangzhou, China
| | - Fang Chen
- grid.20561.300000 0000 9546 5767Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 510642 Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuanjiang Cai
- grid.144022.10000 0004 1760 4150College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, 712100 Yangling, Shaanxi China
| | - Fenglai Wang
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, 100193 Beijing, P. R. China ,Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio feed Additives, 100193 Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xiangfang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture Feed Industry Center, China Agricultural University, 100193, Beijing, P. R. China. .,Beijing Key Laboratory of Bio feed Additives, 100193, Beijing, P. R. China.
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15
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Rosa-E-Silva ACJDS, Mamillapalli R, Rosa-E-Silva JC, Ucar A, Schwartz J, Taylor HS. Uterine administration of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 increases the pregnancy rates in mice with induced endometriosis. F&S SCIENCE 2023; 4:65-73. [PMID: 36252793 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the effect of intrauterine injection of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12), also known as a stem cell chemoattractant (stromal cell-derived factor 1), on fertility and endometrial receptivity in mice with endometriosis. DESIGN Laboratory study. SETTING Academic Medical Center. ANIMAL(S) Fifty-six mice underwent chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation. Thirty-six of these mice underwent either surgery to induce endometriosis (n = 20) or sham surgery (n = 16). INTERVENTION(S) Injection of CXCL12 as a potential therapeutic agent to improve fertility in endometriosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Pregnancy rate, bone marrow-derived cell (BMDC) recruitment and endometrial receptivity markers. RESULT(S) The mice with or without endometriosis received a single uterine injection of either CXCL12 or placebo. Uterine injection of CXCL12 increased the pregnancy rates in a mouse model of endometriosis. Mice were euthanized after delivery, and implantation markers homeobox A11, alpha-v beta-3 integrin, and progesterone receptor were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, whereas green fluorescent protein positive BMDC recruitment was quantified by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The sham surgery groups without endometriosis had the highest cumulative pregnancy rate (100%) regardless of CXCL12 treatment. The endometriosis group treated with placebo had the lowest pregnancy rate. An increased pregnancy rate was noted in the endometriosis group after treatment with CXCL12. There was also an increase in BMDC recruitment and endometrial expression of progesterone receptor and alpha-v beta-3 integrin in the endometriosis group that received CXCL12 compared with that in the endometriosis group that received placebo. CONCLUSION(S) Uterine injection of CXCL12 increased the pregnancy rates in a mouse model of endometriosis. These results suggest that CXCL12 has a potential role as a therapeutic agent in women with infertility related to endometriosis and potentially other endometrial receptivity defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Japur de Sá Rosa-E-Silva
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics-Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brasil
| | - Ramanaiah Mamillapalli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
| | - Julio Cesar Rosa-E-Silva
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics-Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brasil
| | - Abdullah Ucar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Joshua Schwartz
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Hugh S Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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16
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New EP, Kodama S, Devine K, Jahandideh S, Imudia AN, Plosker SM. Live birth associated with peak serum estradiol levels in letrozole intrauterine insemination cycles. Fertil Steril 2023; 119:785-791. [PMID: 36634734 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify whether the serum estradiol (E2) level on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger or luteinizing hormone (LH) surge (hCG-LH) was associated with the live birth rate (LBR) during ovulation induction (OI) or controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with letrozole followed by intrauterine insemination (IUI). DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Large, multicenter private practice. PATIENT(S) A total of 2,368 OI-IUI cycles in patients treated with letrozole followed by IUI were evaluated from January 1, 2014, to July 31, 2019. INTERVENTION(S) Ovulation induction with letrozole, followed by autologous IUI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The primary outcome measure was the LBR as a function of the serum E2 level at the time of hCG administration or LH surge, adjusting for age, body mass index, the largest follicle diameter, and the number of follicles ≥14 mm in diameter. The clinical pregnancy rate as a function of the E2 level, pregnancy rate as a function of the lead follicle diameter, and pregnancy loss rates were the secondary outcome variables. RESULT(S) A total of 2,368 cycles met the inclusion criteria. Outcomes were evaluated at the 25th (E2 level, 110 pg/mL), 50th (157 pg/mL), 75th (225 pg/mL), and 90th (319 pg/mL) percentiles. The LBRs ranged from 9.4% to 11.1% in the lower E2 cohorts and from 12.5% to 13.5% in the higher E2 cohorts. The LBR was significantly greater in the cohort of women with higher E2 levels in all percentile comparisons except for the 90th percentile. The mean periovulatory follicle diameter of ≥20 or <20 mm was not independently associated with the LBR or clinical pregnancy rate, despite a significantly higher mean E2 level in the larger follicle group. CONCLUSION(S) In letrozole OI cycles followed by IUI, lower LBRs and clinical pregnancy rates were found in women with lower E2 levels than in those with higher E2 levels at the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentile E2 level quartiles. Where possible, delaying hCG trigger until the E2 level increases after aromatase inhibition and approaches the physiologic periovulatory level may improve the pregnancy rates with letrozole followed by IUI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika P New
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Samantha Kodama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Georgetown University-MedStar Washington Hospital Center; Washington, D.C
| | - Kate Devine
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Georgetown University-MedStar Washington Hospital Center; Washington, D.C.; Shady Grove Fertility Reproductive Science Center, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Samad Jahandideh
- Shady Grove Fertility Reproductive Science Center, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Anthony N Imudia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida; Shady Grove Fertility of Tampa Bay, Tampa, Florida
| | - Shayne M Plosker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida; Shady Grove Fertility of Tampa Bay, Tampa, Florida.
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17
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Puspita RD, Rizal DM, Syarif RA, Sari IP. Role of COX-2 for Successful Embryo Implantation Process: A Mini-review. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2023.9123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The endometrium undergoes a dynamic proliferation of cells and vascular tissue under the influence of ovarian steroid hormones. Implantation is an essential process in the development of pregnancy, where there is close contact between embryo and uterus, including supposition, adhesion, and invasion. The changes occur in the human endometrium, including endometrial secretion changes, blood vessels, and immune response, leading to the uterine receptivity period. Cyclooxygenase (COX) is an enzyme that plays a role in the metabolic conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins (PG). It is known that Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays a key role in the endometrium. COX-2 is essential for blastocyst implantation and decidualization. The deficiency of COX-2, but not COX-1, results in multiple female reproductive failures (including implantation defects). We reviewed the literature on COX-2 and embryonal implantation in the endometrium and its potential mechanisms that lead to physiological implantation. This review aims to identify the essential roles of COX-2 in the successful implantation process, especially in decidualization, implantation, and embryo growth. The regulation of COX-2 expression in endometrial cells is controlled by ovarian steroid hormones (progesterone and estrogen) through the ENaC pathway to regulate the phosphorylation CREB transcription factor. The presentation of COX-2 varies throughout the stage of embryo development.
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Vieujean S, De Vos M, Paridaens K, Daftary GS, Danese S, Peyrin-Biroulet L. Fertility and assisted reproductive technologies outcomes of women with non-surgically managed inflammatory bowel diseases: a systematic review. J Crohns Colitis 2022; 17:614-632. [PMID: 36322700 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjac170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM In view of their frequent onset during childbearing years, the impact of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) on reproductive health is of important concern to young women and to the IBD physician. This study aims to assess the fertility and assisted reproductive technologies outcomes in non-surgically treated IBD female. METHODS A systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE, SCOPUS and EMBASE (until March 2022) to identify studies assessing fertility and assisted reproductive technologies outcomes in women with non-operated IBD, compared to non-IBD patients. Two reviewers independently selected studies, assessed risk of bias and extracted study data. RESULTS A total of 14 studies encompassing 18 012 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 14 353 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) were included for analysis. The fertility rate in UC patients and in the general population was comparable, but UC patients tended to have fewer children, mainly by choice. On the contrary, the fertility of CD patients appeared to be reduced. Although a deliberate component cannot be not excluded, the disease itself could affect fertility. Disease activity was associated with reduced fertility in both UC and CD patients. In CD, the colonic involvement of the disease and perianal damage could be associated with subfertility, but data are less consistent. According to the only study reporting the assisted reproductive technologies outcomes, pregnancy rates after in vitro fertilization in subfertile non-operated UC patients and non-IBD patients were similar. CONCLUSION There is low-quality evidence from observational studies that patients with CD and relapsing UC may have impaired fertility. After assisted reproductive technologies, pregnancy rates of subfertile nonoperated UC patients were similar to those of the general population, although this observation requires further scrutiny in larger studies that should include UC and CD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Vieujean
- Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, University Hospital CHU of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Michel De Vos
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kristine Paridaens
- Ferring International Center S.A. Ch. De la Vergognausaz 50, 1162 Saint-Prex, Switzerland
| | - Gaurang S Daftary
- Ferring Pharmaceuticals A/S - International PharmaScience Center, Amager Strandvej 405, 2770 Kastrup, Denmark
| | - Silvio Danese
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele and University Vita-Salute San Raffaele Milano Italy
| | - Laurent Peyrin-Biroulet
- Department of Gastroenterology NGERE (INSERM U1256), Nancy University Hospital, University of Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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19
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Wu HM, Chen LH, Hsu LT, Lai CH. Immune Tolerance of Embryo Implantation and Pregnancy: The Role of Human Decidual Stromal Cell- and Embryonic-Derived Extracellular Vesicles. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113382. [PMID: 36362169 PMCID: PMC9658721 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo–endometrial communication plays a critical role in embryo implantation and the establishment of a successful pregnancy. Successful pregnancy outcomes involve maternal immune modulation during embryo implantation. The endometrium is usually primed and immunomodulated by steroid hormones and embryo signals for subsequent embryo implantation and the maintenance of pregnancy. The roles of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and microRNAs for the embryo–maternal interactions have been elucidated recently. New evidence shows that endometrial EVs and trophectoderm-originated EV cargo, including microRNAs, proteins, and lipids in the physiological microenvironment, regulate maternal immunomodulation for embryo implantation and subsequent pregnancy. On the other hand, trophoblast-derived EVs also control the cross-communication between the trophoblasts and immune cells. The exploration of EV functions and mechanisms in the processes of embryo implantation and pregnancy will shed light on a practical tool for the diagnostic or therapeutic approaches to reproductive medicine and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsien-Ming Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Hsuan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Le-Tien Hsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chyong-Huey Lai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Gynecologic Cancer Research Center, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-3-328-1200 (ext. 8254)
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20
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Implantation Failure in Endometriosis Patients: Etiopathogenesis. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11185366. [PMID: 36143011 PMCID: PMC9505862 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11185366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation requires adequate dialogue between a good quality embryo and a receptive endometrium. This implantation is still considered as the black box of reproductive medicine. Endometriosis is a highly prevalent chronic inflammatory disease, concerning about 10% of women of reproductive age and is one of the major causes of female infertility. The mechanisms involved in endometriosis-related infertility, an event not yet completely understood, are multifactorial and include anatomical changes, reduction in ovarian reserve, endocrine abnormalities, genetic profile, immunity markers, inflammatory mediators, or altered endometrial receptivity. In this article, we will focus on the impact of endometriosis on embryo quality and on endometrial receptivity. Results: Poor oocyte and embryo quality seem to promote a lower pregnancy rate, more than the endometrium itself in women with endometriosis. Other studies report the contrary. In addition, hormonal imbalance observed in the endometrium could also alter the embryo implantation. Conclusions: Controversial results in the literature add difficulties to the understanding of the mechanisms that lead to embryo implantation disorders. Furthermore, either oocyte/embryo impairment, altered endometrium, or both may cause impaired implantation. New prospective, randomized, and controlled studies are necessary to determine the origin of the defects that make conception more difficult in the case of endometriosis and adenomyosis.
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21
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Effect of Xylene Oral Exposure on the Mouse Uterus – A Preliminary Study. FOLIA VETERINARIA 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/fv-2022-0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Xylene is one of the environmental pollutants with a negative impact mainly on several organ systems. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of xylene on the uterus of mice. The study was performed on 12 adult female mice. Control mice (n = 6) were fed shredded pellets at a dose of 4 g per day. Xylene mice (n = 6) were fed the same diet at the same dose and orally administered xylene at 10 μl per day for 14 days. The mice were synchronized using the Whit-ten effect and introduced to males before the end of the procedure. Mice of both groups with no copulation plug were euthanized by cervical dislocation. The uteri were collected for routine histological and immunohistochemical analysis. The endometrial epithelium demonstrated vacuolar degeneration, mitotic cell activity, and the presence of leukocytes typical of metoestrus. Reductions of the endometrium, stroma, and myometrium were observed in the xylene mice. The xylene application did not have a significant effect on the superficial epithelium, or the size and number of uterine tubular glands. The immunohistochemical analysis of a proliferation marker PCNA revealed that the xylene increased its expression in the stroma, endometrial and myometrial cells, but did not significantly affect the superficial epithelial cells. The expression of an anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-xl in the xylene mice was stronger in the superficial epithelial, stromal, and endometrial cells. The Bcl-xl expression in the myometrial cells was similar to the controls. The results showed that the application of xylene stimulated the proliferation and exerted an anti-apoptotic effect on the uterine cells. However, the increased proliferation can lead to the malignant transformation of cells, resulting in their uncontrollable division.
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22
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Sieg W, Kiewisz J, Podolak A, Jakiel G, Woclawek-Potocka I, Lukaszuk J, Lukaszuk K. Inflammation-Related Molecules at the Maternal-Fetal Interface during Pregnancy and in Pathologically Altered Endometrium. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:3792-3808. [PMID: 36135172 PMCID: PMC9497515 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44090260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The blastocyst expresses paternally derived alloantigens and induces inflammation during implantation. However, it is necessary for the onset of pregnancy. An abnormal response might result in a pathological course of pregnancy or pregnancy failure. On the other hand, a state of maternal immune tolerance is necessary to ensure the normal development of pregnancy by suppressing inflammatory processes. This article discusses recognized mechanisms and the significance of inflammatory processes for embryo implantation and pregnancy establishment. We would also like to present disorders involving excessive inflammatory response and their influence on events occurring during embryo implantation. The chain of correlation between the processes responsible for embryo implantation and the subsequent physiological course of pregnancy is complicated. Many of those interrelationships are still yet to be discovered. Undoubtedly, their recognition will give hope to infertile couples for the emergence of new treatments that will increase the chance of giving birth to a healthy child.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jolanta Kiewisz
- Department of Human Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-561 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Amira Podolak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Jakiel
- Invicta Research and Development Center, 81-740 Sopot, Poland
- The Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Gdansk, 01-004 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Izabela Woclawek-Potocka
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Jakub Lukaszuk
- Invicta Research and Development Center, 81-740 Sopot, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Lukaszuk
- Invicta Research and Development Center, 81-740 Sopot, Poland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
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23
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Hydrochloride Berberine ameliorates alcohol-induced liver injury by regulating inflammation and lipid metabolism. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 610:49-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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24
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Yang T, Zhao J, Liu F, Li Y. Lipid metabolism and endometrial receptivity. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:858-889. [PMID: 35639910 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity has now been recognized as a high-risk factor for reproductive health. Although remarkable advancements have been made in ART, a considerable number of infertile obese women still suffer from serial implantation failure, despite the high quality of embryos transferred. Although obesity has long been known to exert various deleterious effects on female fertility, the underlying mechanisms, especially the roles of lipid metabolism in endometrial receptivity, remain largely elusive. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review summarizes current evidence on the impacts of several major lipids and lipid-derived mediators on the embryonic implantation process. Emerging methods for evaluating endometrial receptivity, for example transcriptomic and lipidomic analysis, are also discussed. SEARCH METHODS The PubMed and Embase databases were searched using the following keywords: (lipid or fatty acid or prostaglandin or phospholipid or sphingolipid or endocannabinoid or lysophosphatidic acid or cholesterol or progesterone or estrogen or transcriptomic or lipidomic or obesity or dyslipidemia or polycystic ovary syndrome) AND (endometrial receptivity or uterine receptivity or embryo implantation or assisted reproductive technology or in vitro fertilization or embryo transfer). A comprehensive literature search was performed on the roles of lipid-related metabolic pathways in embryo implantation published between January 1970 and March 2022. Only studies with original data and reviews published in English were included in this review. Additional information was obtained from references cited in the articles resulting from the literature search. OUTCOMES Recent studies have shown that a fatty acids-related pro-inflammatory response in the embryo-endometrium boundary facilitates pregnancy via mediation of prostaglandin signaling. Phospholipid-derived mediators, for example endocannabinoids, lysophosphatidic acid and sphingosine-1-phosphate, are associated with endometrial receptivity, embryo spacing and decidualization based on evidence from both animal and human studies. Progesterone and estrogen are two cholesterol-derived steroid hormones that synergistically mediate the structural and functional alterations in the uterus ready for blastocyst implantation. Variations in serum cholesterol profiles throughout the menstrual cycle imply a demand for steroidogenesis at the time of window of implantation (WOI). Since 2002, endometrial transcriptomic analysis has been serving as a diagnostic tool for WOI dating. Numerous genes that govern lipid homeostasis have been identified and, based on specific alterations of lipidomic signatures differentially expressed in WOI, lipidomic analysis of endometrial fluid provides a possibility for non-invasive diagnosis of lipids alterations during the WOI. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Given that lipid metabolic dysregulation potentially plays a role in infertility, a better understanding of lipid metabolism could have significant clinical implications for the diagnosis and treatment of female reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianli Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China.,Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China.,Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Feng Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, and Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China
| | - Yanping Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, P.R. China.,Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, P.R. China
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25
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Wu W, Xu GF, Hu YJ. The therapeutic effect of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) on potential biochemical pregnancy in patients with unexplained repeated transplantation failure (RIF): a case series and literature review. Gynecol Endocrinol 2022; 38:443-447. [PMID: 35244509 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2022.2036716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biochemical pregnancy is a type of embryo transfer failure, patients with unexplained repeated implantation failure (RIF) also have higher biochemical pregnancy rate. Our study intends to evaluate the effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in patients with unexplained RIF with low hCG levels in early pregnancy. METHODS Unexplained RIF patients with low hCG levels after embryo transfer were allocated. G-CSF were administrated from the ninth days after embryo transfer. Clinical pregnancy, miscarriage and live birth rates were evaluated. RESULTS The clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were 52.5% and 30%. CONCLUSION G-CSF is an effective treatment for potential biochemical pregnancy in unexplained RIF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Gu-Feng Xu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yan-Jun Hu
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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26
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You F, Du X, Zhang T, Wang Y, Lv Y, Zeng L. Electroacupuncture improves endometrial receptivity through miRNA-223-3p-mediated regulation of leukemia inhibitory factor / signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathway. Bioengineered 2022; 13:10298-10312. [PMID: 35435116 PMCID: PMC9161864 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2062524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fang You
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Second Clinical College, Guizhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Xin Du
- Reproductive Centre, Women and Children’s Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Taiwei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The First Clinical College, Guizhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Reproductive Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Guizhou, China
| | - Yuxia Lv
- Department of Obstetrics, Maternal and Child Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, Guizhou, China
| | - Li Zeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Second Clinical College, Guizhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
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27
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Chopyak VV, Koval HD, Havrylyuk AM, Lishchuk-Yakymovych KA, Potomkina HA, Kurpisz MK. Immunopathogenesis of endometriosis - a novel look at an old problem. Cent Eur J Immunol 2022; 47:109-116. [PMID: 35600152 PMCID: PMC9115599 DOI: 10.5114/ceji.2022.113830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This review aims to cast a look at endometriosis as a chronic and progressive gynecological disease.Endometriosis-affected tissues show a variety of pathologic features: alterations in cell growth, apoptosis, activation, angiogenesis, cell adhesion, and cytokine production. Fresh endometriotic lesions are associated with induction of an inflammatory reaction represented by overproduction of prostaglandins (PGE2), metalloproteinases (MMP-2, -3, -9), cytokines (IL-1β, IL-8, IFN-γ, TNF-α, MCP-1 and MIF) and adhesive molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1) and activation of synthesis of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. The inflammatory process may lead to defective folliculogenesis by an altered follicular milieu. An increase in the number and change in function of macrophages, T- and B-lymphocytes and reduction of NK cells have been reported. Treg lymphocytes are known to play an extremely important role in controlling and modulating changes in the aberrant immune response in endometriosis. Dysregulation of the immune system results in both increased progression of endometriosis and its severity. In inflammatory conditions the immune cells provide immune defense at the local level - in peritoneal fluid - and could further cause: 1) a decrease of the number of NK CD16+ cells with expression of KIRs and an increase of NK CD57+; 2) increased numbers of CD8+ cells and CD11b- immature dendritic cells; 3) an increase of FoxP3 expression in the regulatory T cell (Treg) population; 4) an increase of macrophages activating T- and B-lymphocytes leading to elevated synthesis of cytokines and/or autoantibodies. We may conclude that endometriosis resembles an immunodependent disease with the autoimmune background and breakdown of immunosuppressive mechanisms. Further immunological investigations may open a new avenue to discover innovative immunomodulatory treatments of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Maciej K. Kurpisz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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28
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Yoo JY, Kim TH, Shin JH, Marquardt RM, Müller U, Fazleabas AT, Young SL, Lessey BA, Yoon HG, Jeong JW. Loss of MIG-6 results in endometrial progesterone resistance via ERBB2. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1101. [PMID: 35232969 PMCID: PMC8888616 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28608-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Female subfertility is highly associated with endometriosis. Endometrial progesterone resistance is suggested as a crucial element in the development of endometrial diseases. We report that MIG-6 is downregulated in the endometrium of infertile women with endometriosis and in a non-human primate model of endometriosis. We find ERBB2 overexpression in the endometrium of uterine-specific Mig-6 knockout mice (Pgrcre/+Mig-6f/f; Mig-6d/d). To investigate the effect of ERBB2 targeting on endometrial progesterone resistance, fertility, and endometriosis, we introduce Erbb2 ablation in Mig-6d/d mice (Mig-6d/dErbb2d/d mice). The additional knockout of Erbb2 rescues all phenotypes seen in Mig-6d/d mice. Transcriptomic analysis shows that genes differentially expressed in Mig-6d/d mice revert to their normal expression in Mig-6d/dErbb2d/d mice. Together, our results demonstrate that ERBB2 overexpression in endometrium with MIG-6 deficiency causes endometrial progesterone resistance and a nonreceptive endometrium in endometriosis-related infertility, and ERBB2 targeting reverses these effects. Female subfertility is highly associated with endometriosis. Here the authors show that progesterone-induced MIG-6 is reduced in endometrium of infertile women and non-human primates with endometriosis, and in a mouse model find that Erbb2 is the key mediator of Mig-6 loss induced endometriosis-related infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Yoon Yoo
- Department of Obstetrics,Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.,Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Yonsei University Mirae Campus, Wonju, South Korea
| | - Tae Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics,Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Jung-Ho Shin
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Guro Hospital, Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ryan M Marquardt
- Department of Obstetrics,Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.,Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Ulrich Müller
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Asgerally T Fazleabas
- Department of Obstetrics,Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Steven L Young
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Bruce A Lessey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Ho-Geun Yoon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Severance Medical Research Institute, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Jae-Wook Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics,Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
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29
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Kim TH, Young SL, Sasaki T, Deaton JL, Schammel DP, Palomino WA, Jeong JW, Lessey BA. Role of SIRT1 and Progesterone Resistance in Normal and Abnormal Endometrium. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:788-800. [PMID: 34665857 PMCID: PMC8851922 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Progesterone resistance, a known pathologic condition associated with a reduced cellular response to progesterone and heightened estrogen responses, appears to have a normal physiologic role in mammalian reproduction. The molecular mechanism responsible for progesterone resistance in normal and abnormal endometrium remains unclear. OBJECTIVE To examine the roles of sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) in normal endometrium as well as endometrium associated with infertility and endometriosis, as an epigenetic modulator associated with progesterone resistance. METHODS SIRT1 expression was examined by Western blot, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry in mouse uterus and human endometrium. Mice with uterine specific Sirt1 overexpression were developed to examine SIRT1's role in endometrial function and endometriosis development. EX-527, a SIRT1 inhibitor, and SRT1720, a SIRT1 agonist, were also used to evaluate SIRT1 effect on endometriosis. RESULTS In normal healthy women, endometrial SIRT1 is expressed only during menses. SIRT1 was dramatically overexpressed in the endometrium from women with endometriosis in both the epithelium and stroma. In mice, SIRT1 is expressed at the time of implantation between day 4.5 and 5.5 of pregnancy. Overexpression of SIRT1 in the mouse uterus leads to subfertility due to implantation failure, decidualization defects and progesterone resistance. SIRT1 overexpression in endometriotic lesions promotes worsening endometriosis development. EX-527 significantly reduced the number of endometriotic lesions in the mouse endometriosis model. CONCLUSIONS SIRT1 expression and progesterone resistance appears to play roles in normal endometrial functions. Aberrant SIRT1 expression contributes to progesterone resistance and may participate in the pathophysiology of endometriosis. SIRT1 is a novel and targetable protein for the diagnosis as well as treatment of endometriosis and the associated infertility seen in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Steven L Young
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tsutomu Sasaki
- Laboratory of Nutrition Chemistry, Division of Food Science and Biotechnology Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwakecho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Jeffrey L Deaton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | | | - Wilder Alberto Palomino
- Institute for Maternal and Child Research, Reproductive Medicine and Infertility Unit, University of Chile & Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, San Borja Arriarán Clinical Hospital, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jae-Wook Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
- Correspondence: Jae-Wook Jeong, PhD, Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, 400 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA.
| | - Bruce A Lessey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Bruce A. Lessey, MD, PhD, 1 Medical Center Blvd, 4th Floor Watlington Hall, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
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Insight on Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Endometrial Receptivity. Biomolecules 2021; 12:biom12010036. [PMID: 35053184 PMCID: PMC8773570 DOI: 10.3390/biom12010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial receptivity plays a crucial role in fertilization as well as pregnancy outcome in patients faced with fertility challenges. The optimization of endometrial receptivity may help with normal implantation of the embryo, and endometrial receptivity may be affected by numerous factors. Recently, the role of lipids in pregnancy has been increasingly recognized. Fatty acids and their metabolites may be involved in all stages of pregnancy and play a role in supporting cell proliferation and development, participating in cell signaling and regulating cell function. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, in particular, are essential fatty acids for the human body that can affect the receptivity of the endometrium through in a variety of methods, such as producing prostaglandins, estrogen and progesterone, among others. Additionally, polyunsaturated fatty acids are also involved in immunity and the regulation of endometrial decidualization. Fatty acids are essential for fetal placental growth and development. The interrelationship of polyunsaturated fatty acids with these substances and how they may affect endometrial receptivity will be reviewed in this article.
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Miller JE, Lingegowda H, Symons LK, Bougie O, Young SL, Lessey BA, Koti M, Tayade C. IL-33 activates group 2 innate lymphoid cell expansion and modulates endometriosis. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e149699. [PMID: 34699382 PMCID: PMC8675188 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.149699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation and localized alterations in immune cell function are suspected to contribute to the progression of endometriosis and its associated symptoms. In particular, the alarmin IL-33 is elevated in the plasma, peritoneal fluid, and endometriotic lesions from patients with endometriosis; however, the exact role of IL-33 in the pathophysiology of endometriosis is not well understood. In this study, we demonstrate, in both humans and a murine model, that IL-33 contributes to the expansion of group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s), and this IL-33-induced ILC2 expansion modulates the endometriosis lesion microenvironment. Importantly, we show that IL-33 drives hallmarks of severe endometriosis, including elevated inflammation, lesion proliferation, and fibrosis, and that this IL-33-induced aggravation is mediated by ILC2s. Finally, we demonstrate the functionality of IL-33 neutralization as a promising and potentially novel therapeutic avenue for treating the debilitating symptoms of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E. Miller
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Lindsey K. Symons
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Olga Bougie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Steven L. Young
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Bruce A. Lessey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Madhuri Koti
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chandrakant Tayade
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Hisamatsu Y, Murata H, Tsubokura H, Hashimoto Y, Kitada M, Tanaka S, Okada H. Matrix Metalloproteinases in Human Decidualized Endometrial Stromal Cells. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2021; 43:2111-2123. [PMID: 34940120 PMCID: PMC8929033 DOI: 10.3390/cimb43030146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic changes, such as growth, decidualization, shedding, and regeneration, in the human endometrium are regulated by the reciprocal action of female hormones, such as estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P4). Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) control the invasion of extravillous trophoblast cells after implantation. Several MMPs and TIMPs function in the decidua and endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). Here, we aimed to systematically investigate the changes in MMPs and TIMPs associated with ESC decidualization. We evaluated the expression of 23 MMPs, four TIMPs, and four anti-sense non-coding RNAs from MMP loci. Primary ESC cultures treated with E2 + medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), a potent P4 receptor agonist, showed significant down-regulation of MMP3, MMP10, MMP11, MMP12, MMP20, and MMP27 in decidualized ESCs, as assessed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Further, MMP15 and MMP19 were significantly upregulated in decidualized ESCs. siRNA-mediated silencing of Heart and Neural Crest Derivatives Expressed 2 (HAND2), a master transcriptional regulator in ESC decidualization, significantly increased MMP15 expression in untreated human ESCs. These results collectively indicate the importance of MMP15 and MMP19 in ESC decidualization and highlight the role of HAND2 in repressing MMP15 transcription, thereby regulating decidualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoji Hisamatsu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka 573-1010, Japan; (Y.H.); (H.M.); (H.T.); (Y.H.)
| | - Hiromi Murata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka 573-1010, Japan; (Y.H.); (H.M.); (H.T.); (Y.H.)
| | - Hiroaki Tsubokura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka 573-1010, Japan; (Y.H.); (H.M.); (H.T.); (Y.H.)
| | - Yoshiko Hashimoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka 573-1010, Japan; (Y.H.); (H.M.); (H.T.); (Y.H.)
| | - Masaaki Kitada
- Department of Anatomy, Kansai Medical University, Osaka 573-1010, Japan;
| | - Susumu Tanaka
- Department of Anatomy, Kansai Medical University, Osaka 573-1010, Japan;
- Correspondence: (S.T.); (H.O.)
| | - Hidetaka Okada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka 573-1010, Japan; (Y.H.); (H.M.); (H.T.); (Y.H.)
- Correspondence: (S.T.); (H.O.)
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NR4A1 Affects Endometrial Receptivity by Participating in Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transition of Endometrial Stromal Cells. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:133-142. [PMID: 34773204 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00792-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Decidualization is a substantive differentiation process experienced by endometrium to prepare for pregnancy. During this process, the endometrial stromal cells are transformed to endometrial epithelial cells. The receptivity of endometrium is necessary for the decidualization and successful implantation of endometrium, while the main hormones coordinating this process are estrogen and progesterone (P). In our study, the immunofluorescence, qPCR, and western blot experiments were conducted on different types of clinical endometrial tissue samples. The experimental results show that in the endometrium of normal subjects during the luteal phase, the protein level and serum P4 level of the orphan nuclear receptor NR4A1 messenger RNA were all significantly higher than those of patients with endometriosis or primary infertility, and the two levels presented positive correlation. Through decidualization induction of the human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) cultured in vitro and additional P treatment, the results of chromatin immunoprecipitation and other experiments show that the P treatment could upregulate the expression of NR4A1 in hESCs, and this process was mediated under the direct effect of progesterone receptor (PR) and NR4A1. When the NR4A1 in hESCs was silenced, the promotion of hESC proliferation by P was inhibited. P and overexpressed NR4A1 increased the expression of epithelial cell marker in decidual hESCs, and qPCR showed that NR4A1's response to P was earlier than that of the epithelial cell marker. The results of spheroid adhesion assay show that the silent NR4A1 had reduced the adhesion of decidual hESCs induced in vitro to embryo. To sum it up, NR4A1 participated in the decidualization process by responding to the P regulation via and by promoting the hESCs' mesenchymal-epithelial transition, so as to further influence the receptivity of endometrium.
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Stankewicz T, Ruiz-Alonso M, Soler-Ibañez M, Simón C, Valbuena D. Do clinical outcomes differ for day-5 versus day-6 single embryo transfers controlled for endometrial factor? Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 44:478-485. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Zhu YC, Sun YX, Shen XY, Jiang Y, Liu JY. Effect of intrauterine perfusion of granular leukocyte-colony stimulating factor on the outcome of frozen embryo transfer. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:9038-9049. [PMID: 34786386 PMCID: PMC8567495 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i30.9038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of thin endometrium with granular leukocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) remains controversial.
AIM To investigate the effect of G-CSF on the outcome of frozen embryo transfer in patients with thin endometrium.
METHODS A retrospective propensity score matching (PSM) study was performed to assess patients administered frozen embryo transfer at the Reproductive Medicine Center of the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, in 2012-2018. The patients were divided into G-CSF intrauterine perfusion (G-CSF) and non-G-CSF groups, and clinical pregnancy, implantation, ectopic pregnancy, and early abortion rates between the two groups were compared.
RESULTS Before PSM, 372 cycles were enrolled, including 242 and 130 cycles in the G-CSF and non-G-CSF groups, respectively. Age (34.23 ± 5.76 vs 32.99 ± 5.59 years; P = 0.047) and the blastula/cleavage stage embryo ratio (0.68 vs 0.37; P = 0.011) were significantly elevated in the G-CSF group compared with the non-G-CSF group; however, clinical pregnancy (46.28% vs 51.54%; P = 0.371) and embryo implantation (35.21% vs 35.65%; P = 0.910) rates were similar in both groups. After PSM by age and blastula/cleavage stage embryo ratio, 244 cycles were included (122 cases each in the G-CSF and non-G-CSF groups). The clinical pregnancy (50.82 % vs 48.36%; P = 0.701) and embryo implantation (37.38% vs 34.11%; P = 0.480) remained similar in both groups.
CONCLUSION Intrauterine infusion of G-CSF does not improve the clinical outcome of frozen embryo transfer in patients with thin endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Chun Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yan-Xin Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Yue Shen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yue Jiang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jing-Yu Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China
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Wang L, Li L, Li Y, Huang C, Lian R, Wu T, Ma J, Zhang Y, Cheng Y, Diao L, Zeng Y. A History of Endometriosis Is Associated With Decreased Peripheral NK Cytotoxicity and Increased Infiltration of Uterine CD68 + Macrophages. Front Immunol 2021; 12:711231. [PMID: 34531861 PMCID: PMC8438297 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.711231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Women with endometriosis may have a defective immune system. However, evidence of the immune responses of endometriosis patients with a history of endometriosis surgery is lacking, and the association between the location of endometriosis lesions and immune responses is unclear. This retrospective study included 117 females with reproductive failure and a history of endometriosis and 200 females with reproductive failure but without endometriosis to analyze their endometrial and peripheral immune responses. The results show that endometriosis was associated with decreased peripheral natural killer (NK) cytotoxicity and increased uterine macrophages. Peripheral NK cytotoxicity at effector-to-target ratios of 25:1 and 50:1 was significantly reduced in women with a history of endometriosis from that of the control group (26.6% versus 33.3% and 36.1% versus 43.3%, respectively, both P < 0.001). Furthermore, after further division of patients into three subgroups according to the location of endometriosis lesions, we observed that NK cytotoxicity in the endometriosis subgroups, especially the mixed endometriosis group, was strongly decreased from that of the controls (P = 0.001). The endometrial CD68+ macrophage proportion in the mixed endometriosis subgroup was higher than that in the control group (2.8% versus 2.1%, P = 0.043). In addition, the baseline estradiol (E2) level was weakly correlated with the percentage of endometrial macrophages (r = 0.251, P = 0.009), indicating a potential association among the endocrine system, endometrial immune environment, and endometriosis. This study indicated that peripheral NK cytotoxicity and endometrial immune cell profiles could be useful for diagnosing and treating endometriosis and endometriosis-related reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Longfei Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yuye Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chunyu Huang
- Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Ruochun Lian
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tonghua Wu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jingwen Ma
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yanxiang Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lianghui Diao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Kasahara Y, Hashimoto T, Yokomizo R, Takeshige Y, Yoshinaga K, Toya M, Igarashi H, Kishi H, Kyono K. Evaluation of Pregnancy Outcomes of Vitrified-Warmed Blastocyst Transfer before and after Endometrial Receptivity Analysis in Identical Patients with Recurrent Implantation Failure. FERTILITY & REPRODUCTION 2021. [DOI: 10.1142/s2661318221500043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The clinical value of personalized embryo transfer (pET) guided by the endometrial receptivity analysis (ERA) tests for recurrent implantation failure (RIF) cases is still unclear. The aim of this study is to clarify the efficacy of ERA leading to personalization of the day of embryo transfer (ET) in RIF patients. Methods: A retrospective study was performed for 94 patients with RIF who underwent ERA between July 2015 and December 2019. Pregnancy outcomes in a previous vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer (previous VBT) and a personalized vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer (pVBT) in identical patients were compared. The details of each pVBT were further analyzed between patients in a non-displaced group, which indicated “receptive” cases in ERA results and those who were in the displaced group, which indicated “non-receptive” cases. Results: When the pregnancy rate, both per patient and per transfer cycle, of previous VBT and pVBT were compared, a significant increase in pVBT was observed between the two methods (5.3% vs. 62.8%, 4.4% vs. 47.9%, respectively). The pregnancy rates, implantation rates, and clinical pregnancy rates of the first pVBT were significantly higher in the displaced group than the non-displaced group. The cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate of the displaced group tended to be higher compared to that of the non-displaced group in the first pVBT, although the difference was not statistically significant (51.0% vs. 31.1%, [Formula: see text] = 0.06). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that pVBT guided by ERA tests may improve pregnancy outcomes in RIF patients whose window of implantation (WOI) is displaced, and its effect may be more pronounced at the first pVBT. The displacement of WOI may be considered to be one of the causes of RIF, and its adjustment may contribute to the improvement of pregnancy outcomes in RIF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Kasahara
- Kyono ART Clinic Takanawa, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Ryo Yokomizo
- Kyono ART Clinic Takanawa, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuya Takeshige
- Kyono ART Clinic Takanawa, Tokyo, Japan
- Kyono ART Clinic, Sendai, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Hiroshi Kishi
- Kyono ART Clinic Takanawa, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Kyono
- Kyono ART Clinic Takanawa, Tokyo, Japan
- Kyono ART Clinic, Sendai, Japan
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Ali R, Iqbal MUN, Rehman R, Khan TA. Association of novel stop-gained leukaemia inhibitory factor receptor gene (rs121912501) variant, leukaemia inhibitory factor and ovarian steroids with unexplained infertility among Pakistani women. Int J Clin Pract 2021; 75:e14245. [PMID: 33914392 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.14245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Embryo implantation is a complex process that requires sequential steps at the interface of embryo interaction with decidual endometrium. Many women after experiencing multiple attempts of assisted reproductive techniques fail to get implantation because of instability of leukaemia inhibitory factor and leukaemia inhibitory factor receptor-signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 3 (LIF-LIFR STAT3) signalling cascade. Therefore, this study explores the association of ovarian steroids, LIF and LIFR stop-gained variant using the tetra primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (TARMS-PCR) with unexplained infertility (UEX-IF) among Pakistani women. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a case-control study, a total of 81 unexplained infertile women and 162 fertile controls (with age and BMI matched) were inducted. Serum estradiol, progesterone and LIF were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). T-ARMS-PCR was designed using Primer 1 software. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and amplified using T-ARMS-PCR followed by sequencing for validation and comprehensive concordance. RESULTS This study established differences in LIF levels (χ2 = 9.857, P < .05) between patients and controls as well as explored the decreased LIF significantly raised the risk of UEX-IF (OR = 2.316; 95% CI = 1.214, 4.416). Progesterone (P) was significantly associated with UEX-IF between fertile and infertile counterparts (χ2 = 20.347, P < .05). It was also observed that increased Progesterone reduced the risk of UEX-IF (OR = 0.306; 95% CI = 0.166, 0.567). A rapid and inexpensive method for genotyping novel LIFR gene polymorphism through T- ARMS-PCR was successfully developed. LIFR gene SNP (rs121912501) had significant association (χ2 = 200.681, P < .05) with UEX-IF. LIFR rs121912501 "TT" genotype (OR = 5.417; 95% CI = 1.868, 15.709) and "CT" genotype (OR = 3.104, 95% CI = 1.586,6.076) were at increased risk of infertility. CONCLUSION UEX-IF can be caused by LIFR gene variation irrespective of increased P. It may open the doors for the discovery of new management plans for infertile women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabiya Ali
- Department of Physiology, Karachi Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), CMH, Malir Cantt, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Rehana Rehman
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Taseer A Khan
- Department of Physiology, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
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Lapshtaeva AV, Sychev IV, Goncharova LN. Laboratory predictors of pregnancy in vitro fertilization. Klin Lab Diagn 2021; 66:291-296. [PMID: 34047515 DOI: 10.51620/0869-2084-2021-66-5-291-296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Identification of factors determining both of favorable and unfavorable outcome of IVF will increase the effectiveness of this method and optimize infertility treatment. The aim of the research is to analyze the correlation between serum IL-1α concentration, its gene rs1800587 (C/T) genotype carrier and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine (T3) and tetraiodothyronine (T4)), and evaluate the prognostic significance of their combinations in women with tube-peritoneal infertility under the IVF program. 120 patients with tube-peritoneal infertility who applied for an IVF program were examined. Depending on the outcome of the procedure, 2 groups of patients were allocated: 1 group - 40 women who had a pregnancy after IVF, 2 group - 80 patients who did not have a pregnancy. The content of IL-1α, TSH, T3, T4 was determined in blood by ELISA. Genotyping was performed on the rs1800587 (C/T) polymorphic marker of the IL-1α gene. TSH, T3, T4 were within the norm for both groups. In our study, women with a TSH concentration of 0.23 to 1.7 nmol/L had a chance of a favorable IVF outcome 1.4 times higher than with other TSH levels (p = 0.042901); with a T3 level of 1.0 to 1.8 nmol/L had a chance of becoming pregnant 5.7 times higher than with other levels of T3 (p = 0.00002). For T4 concentration, the confidence test was not achieved (p = 0.068505). The individual indicators of IL-1α, TSH, T3 and carrier of the genotype of the gene IL-1α at the preconceptive stage have lower diagnostic value than their combined combination. Three combinations have maximum predictive value: a combination of the T/T genotype of the IL-1α gene and the TSH level of 0.23 to 1.7 nmol/l - OR = 8.1 (p = 0.000048); combination of IL-1α of 28.7 to 85.1 pg/ml, T/T gene genotype IL-1α and TSH level of 0.23 to 1.7 nmol/l - OR = 8.1 (p = 0.000048); combination of IL-1α of 28.7 to 85.1 pg/ml, T/T gene genotype IL-1α, TSH level of 0.23 to 1.7 nmol/l and T3 level of 1.0 to 1.8 nmol/l - OR = 8.1 (p = 0.000146). Thus, proposed new prognostic markers of IVF program effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Lapshtaeva
- Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «National Research Ogarev Mordovia State University»
| | - I V Sychev
- Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «National Research Ogarev Mordovia State University»
| | - L N Goncharova
- Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «National Research Ogarev Mordovia State University»
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40
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Ben Rafael Z. Endometrial Receptivity Analysis (ERA) test: an unproven technology. Hum Reprod Open 2021; 2021:hoab010. [PMID: 33880419 PMCID: PMC8045470 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoab010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
This article addresses the limitations of the endometrial receptivity array (ERA) methodology to increase implantation. Such limitations vary from the assumed inconsistency of the endometrial biopsy, the variable number of genes found to be dysregulated in endometrium samples without the embryonal-induced effect, the failure to account for the simultaneous serum progesterone level, and the expected low percentage of patients who may need this add-on procedure, to the difficulties in synchronising the endometrium with hormone replacements in successive cycles and the inherent perinatal risks associated with routine cryopreservation of embryos. Without a gold standard to compare, the claim that the window of implantation (WOI) might be off by ±12 h only requires a good argument for the advantage it provides to human procreation, knowing that embryos can linger for days before actual embedding starts and that the window is actually a few days. The intra-patient variations in the test need to be addressed. In summary, like all other add-ons, it is doubtful whether the ERA test use can significantly enhance implantation success rates.
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Pirtea P, Cicinelli E, De Nola R, de Ziegler D, Ayoubi JM. Endometrial causes of recurrent pregnancy losses: endometriosis, adenomyosis, and chronic endometritis. Fertil Steril 2021; 115:546-560. [PMID: 33581856 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory processes affecting the endometrium, as encountered in endometriosis, adenomyosis, and chronic endometritis, alter endometrial receptivity. These disorders are associated with early pregnancy losses and possibly recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL). In the cases of endometriosis, other factors associated with the disease also are susceptible of causing miscarriages and possibly RPL, such as an impact of intrapelvic inflammatory processes affecting the oocyte and embryo in case of natural conception. Conversely these latter effects obviously are bypassed in case of assisted reproductive technology. Chronic inflammation of the endometrium in the condition known as chronic endometritis also causes early pregnancy losses and RPL with beneficial effects achieved when specific treatment is undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Pirtea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hopital Foch - Faculté de Medicine Paris Ouest, Suresnes, France.
| | - Ettore Cicinelli
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical and Human Oncologic Science, University of Bari, Bari, Italy; Piazza Giulio Cesare, Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - Rosalba De Nola
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical and Human Oncologic Science, University of Bari, Bari, Italy; Piazza Giulio Cesare, Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - Dominique de Ziegler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hopital Foch - Faculté de Medicine Paris Ouest, Suresnes, France
| | - Jean Marc Ayoubi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hopital Foch - Faculté de Medicine Paris Ouest, Suresnes, France
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Immune Tolerance of the Human Decidua. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10020351. [PMID: 33477602 PMCID: PMC7831321 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10020351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The endometrium is necessary for implantation, complete development of the placenta, and a successful pregnancy. The endometrium undergoes repeated cycles of proliferation, decidualization (differentiation), and shedding during each menstrual cycle. The endometrium—including stromal, epithelial, vascular endothelial, and immune cells—is both functionally and morphologically altered in response to progesterone, causing changes in the number and types of immune cells. Immune cells make up half of the total number of endometrial cells during implantation and menstruation. Surprisingly, immune tolerant cells in the endometrium (uterine natural killer cells, T cells, and macrophages) have two conflicting functions: to protect the body by eliminating pathogenic microorganisms and other pathogens and to foster immunological change to tolerate the embryo during pregnancy. One of the key molecules involved in this control is the cytokine interleukin-15 (IL-15), which is secreted by endometrial stromal cells. Recently, it has been reported that IL-15 is directly regulated by the transcription factor heart- and neural crest derivatives-expressed protein 2 in endometrial stromal cells. In this review, we outline the significance of the endometrium and immune cell population during menstruation and early pregnancy and describe the factors involved in immune tolerance and their involvement in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy.
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Kida N, Nishigaki A, Kakita‐Kobayashi M, Tsubokura H, Hashimoto Y, Yoshida A, Hisamatsu Y, Tsuzuki‐Nakao T, Murata H, Okada H. Exposure to cigarette smoke affects endometrial maturation including angiogenesis and decidualization. Reprod Med Biol 2021; 20:108-118. [PMID: 33488290 PMCID: PMC7812488 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To elucidate the effects of cigarette smoking on human endometrial maturation for reproductive function, the authors examined the in vitro effects of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on angiogenesis and decidualization in primary human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). METHODS Endometrial stromal cells were cultured with CSE and/or estradiol-17β (E2) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). The mRNA, protein levels, and protein secretion of the angiogenic factors and decidual specific factors were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Decidualization was also monitored by the changes in cellular morphology. RESULTS Endometrial stromal cell proliferation substantially decreased after dose-dependent treatments with CSE at concentrations above 1%, whereas cell death was induced at treatment concentrations above 1% CSE. Treatments above 0.025% CSE led to increased vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA through hypoxia-inducible factor-1α accumulation. CSE concentrations at 0.01% and 0.025% increased the prolactin expression levels after treatment with E2 and MPA, whereas 0.1% and 0.25% CSE concentrations suppressed prolactin. Similar tendencies were observed in cellular morphology and other decidual specific factors. CONCLUSION These results suggest that exposure to cigarette smoke affects endometrial appropriate maturation including the processes of angiogenesis and decidualization in the reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Kida
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyKansai Medical UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Akemi Nishigaki
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyKansai Medical UniversityOsakaJapan
| | | | - Hiroaki Tsubokura
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyKansai Medical UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Yoshiko Hashimoto
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyKansai Medical UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Aya Yoshida
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyKansai Medical UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Yoji Hisamatsu
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyKansai Medical UniversityOsakaJapan
| | | | - Hiromi Murata
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyKansai Medical UniversityOsakaJapan
| | - Hidetaka Okada
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyKansai Medical UniversityOsakaJapan
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Tesarik J, Conde-López C, Galán-Lázaro M, Mendoza-Tesarik R. Luteal Phase in Assisted Reproductive Technology. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2020; 2:595183. [PMID: 36304702 PMCID: PMC9580649 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2020.595183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Luteal phase (LP) is the period of time beginning shortly after ovulation and ending either with luteolysis, shortly before menstrual bleeding, or with the establishment of pregnancy. During the LP, the corpus luteum (CL) secretes progesterone and some other hormones that are essential to prepare the uterus for implantation and further development of the embryo, the function known as uterine receptivity. LP deficiency (LPD) can occur when the secretory activity of the CL is deficient, but also in cases of normal CL function, where it is caused by a defective endometrial response to normal levels of progesterone. LPD is particularly frequent in treatments using assisted reproductive technology (ART). Controlled ovarian stimulation usually aims to obtain the highest number possible of good-quality oocytes and requires the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs, to prevent premature ovulation, as well as an ovulation trigger to achieve timed final oocyte maturation. Altogether, these treatments suppress pituitary secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH), required for the formation and early activity of the CL. In addition to problems of endometrial receptivity for embryos, LPD also leads to dysfunction of the local uterine immune system, with an increased risk of embryo rejection, abnormally high uterine contractility, and restriction of uterine blood flow. There are two alternatives of LPD prevention: a direct administration of exogenous progesterone to restore the physiological progesterone serum concentration independently of the CL function, on the one hand, and treatments aimed to stimulate the CL activity so as to increase endogenous progesterone production, on the other hand. In case of pregnancy, some kind of LP support is often needed until the luteal-placental shift occurs. If LPD is caused by defective response of the endometrium and uterine immune cells to normal concentrations of progesterone, a still poorly defined condition, symptomatic treatments are the only available solution currently available.
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Mohammed Rasheed HA, Hamid P. Inflammation to Infertility: Panoramic View on Endometriosis. Cureus 2020; 12:e11516. [PMID: 33354460 PMCID: PMC7746006 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.11516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a disease caused by the implantation of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity. It affects 10% of the reproductive-age women this means that 190 million women are affected worldwide. The definitive diagnosis requires surgical exploration or a laparoscopy which is of a high expense. The pathogenesis of the disease is heterogeneous and poorly understood despite the progress in the research field. Infertility is one of the main symptoms of Endometriosis. The mechanism behind this remains unclear. Literature suggests that Endometriosis reduces implantation capacity, increases the risk of pregnancy loss, and causes anatomical obstruction imposed by endometriotic lesions. The disease has a high burden to it by decreasing the quality of women's life and imposing negative consequences for their productivity, social life, and emotional wellbeing. Since inflammation is considered the hallmark of endometriosis, it is worth looking at the mechanism of how inflammation is linked to infertility in endometriosis patients. In this study, we summarized the recent finding of how inflammation can affect oocyte, endometrium, hormones, and sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pousette Hamid
- Neurology, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
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Glujovsky D, Pesce R, Sueldo C, Quinteiro Retamar AM, Hart RJ, Ciapponi A. Endometrial preparation for women undergoing embryo transfer with frozen embryos or embryos derived from donor oocytes. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 10:CD006359. [PMID: 33112418 PMCID: PMC8094620 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd006359.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle is when one or more embryos (frozen during a previous treatment cycle) are thawed and transferred to the uterus. Some women undergo fresh embryo transfer (ET) cycles with embryos derived from donated oocytes. In both situations, the endometrium is primed with oestrogen and progestogen in different doses and routes of administration. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the most effective endometrial preparation for women undergoing transfer with frozen embryos or embryos from donor oocytes with regard to the subsequent live birth rate (LBR). SEARCH METHODS The Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group trials register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, LILACS, trials registers and abstracts of reproductive societies' meetings were searched in June 2020 together with reference checking and contact with study authors and experts in the field to identify additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating endometrial preparation in women undergoing fresh donor cycles and frozen embryo transfers. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures recommended by Cochrane. We analysed all available interventions versus placebo, no treatment, or between each other. The primary review outcome was live birth rate. Secondary outcomes were clinical and multiple pregnancy, miscarriage, cycle cancellation, endometrial thickness and adverse effects. MAIN RESULTS Thirty-one RCTs (5426 women) were included. Evidence was moderate to very low-quality: the main limitations were serious risk of bias due to poor reporting of methods, and serious imprecision. Stimulated versus programmed cycle We are uncertain whether a letrozole-stimulated cycle compared to a programmed cycle, for endometrial preparation, improves LBR (odds ratio (OR) 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49 to 3.26; 100 participants; one study; very low-quality evidence). Stimulating with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), letrozole or clomiphene citrate may improve clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.38; 656 participants; five studies; I2 = 11%; low-quality evidence). We are uncertain if they reduce miscarriage rate (MR) (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.71; 355 participants; three studies; I2 = 0%; very low-quality evidence). Endometrial thickness (ET) may be reduced with clomiphene citrate (mean difference(MD) -1.04, 95% CI -1.59 to -0.49; 92 participants; one study; low-quality evidence). Other outcomes were not reported. Natural versus programmed cycle We are uncertain of the effect from a natural versus programmed cycle for LBR (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.28; 1285 participants; four studies; I2 = 0%; very low-quality evidence) and CPR (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.01; 1249 participants; five studies; I2 = 60%; very low-quality evidence), while a natural cycle probably reduces the cycle cancellation rate (CCR) (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.82; 734 participants; one study; moderate-quality evidence). We are uncertain of the effect on MR and ET. No study reported other outcomes. Transdermal versus oral oestrogens From low-quality evidence we are uncertain of the effect transdermal compared to oral oestrogens has on CPR (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.25; 504 participants; three studies; I2 = 58%) or MR (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.27 to 1.09; 414 participants; two studies; I2 = 0%). Other outcomes were not reported. Day of starting administration of progestogen When doing a fresh ET using donated oocytes in a synchronised cycle starting progestogen on the day of oocyte pick-up (OPU) or the day after OPU, in comparison with recipients that start progestogen the day prior to OPU, probably increases the CPR (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.13 to 3.08; 282 participants; one study, moderate-quality evidence). We are uncertain of the effect on multiple pregnancy rate (MPR) or MR. It probably reduces the CCR (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.74; 282 participants; one study; moderate-quality evidence). No study reported other outcomes. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist versus control A cycle with GnRH agonist compared to without may improve LBR (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.19 to 5.78; 234 participants; one study; low-quality evidence). From low-quality evidence we are uncertain of the effect on CPR (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.43; 1289 participants; eight studies; I2 = 20%), MR (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.36 to 2.00; 828 participants; four studies; I2 = 0%), CCR (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.21 to 1.17; 530 participants; two studies; I2 = 0%) and ET (MD -0.08, 95% CI -0.33 to 0.16; 697 participants; four studies; I2 = 4%). No study reported other outcomes. Among different GnRH agonists From very low-quality evidence we are uncertain if cycles among different GnRH agonists improves CPR or MR. No study reported other outcomes. GnRH agonists versus GnRH antagonists GnRH antagonists compared to agonists probably improves CPR (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.90; 473 participants; one study; moderate-quality evidence). We are uncertain of the effect on MR and MPR. No study reported other outcomes. Aspirin versus control From very low-quality evidence we are uncertain whether a cycle with aspirin versus without improves LBR, CPR, or ET. Steroids versus control From very low-quality evidence we are uncertain whether a cycle with steroids compared to without improves LBR, CPR or MR. No study reported other outcomes. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is insufficient evidence on the use of any particular intervention for endometrial preparation in women undergoing fresh donor cycles and frozen embryo transfers. In frozen embryo transfers, low-quality evidence showed that clinical pregnancy rates may be improved in a stimulated cycle compared to a programmed one, and we are uncertain of the effect when comparing a programmed cycle to a natural cycle. Cycle cancellation rates are probably reduced in a natural cycle. Although administering a GnRH agonist, compared to without, may improve live birth rates, clinical pregnancy rates will probably be improved in a GnRH antagonist cycle over an agonist cycle. In fresh synchronised oocyte donor cycles, the clinical pregnancy rate is probably improved and cycle cancellation rates are probably reduced when starting progestogen the day of or day after donor oocyte retrieval. Adequately powered studies are needed to evaluate each treatment more accurately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demián Glujovsky
- Reproductive Medicine, CEGYR (Centro de Estudios en Genética y Reproducción), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Romina Pesce
- Reproductive Medicine, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos Sueldo
- Reproductive Medicine, CEGYR (Centro de Estudios en Ginecologia y Reproducción), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea Marta Quinteiro Retamar
- Eggs donation program - Genetics unit, CEGYR (Centro de Estudios en Ginecologia y Reproducción), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Roger J Hart
- School of Women's and Infants' Health, The University of Western Australia, King Edward Memorial Hospital and Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, Subiaco, Perth, Australia
| | - Agustín Ciapponi
- Argentine Cochrane Centre, Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Klonos E, Katopodis P, Karteris E, Papanikolaou E, Tarlatzis B, Pados G. Endometrial changes in estrogen and progesterone receptor expression during implantation in an oocyte donation program. Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:178. [PMID: 33101468 PMCID: PMC7579777 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.9308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Implantation is the final and most important stage of embryogenesis and is of paramount importance in achieving a successful pregnancy. Progesterone and estrogen are steroid hormones responsible for the regulation of the implantation window and the current study hypothesised that their receptors may be implicated in women undergoing oocyte donation. A total of 15 women aged 25-32 years old (mean ± SD, 28.9±2.89) undergoing oocyte donation were recruited into the present study. Participants underwent ovarian stimulation with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonist and recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone. Endometrial aspiration biopsy was performed on the day of oocyte retrieval and after 5 days (on days 0 and 5, respectively). Endometrial histology and evaluation of estrogen receptor (ER)α and progesterone receptor (PR)-B were performed on days 0 and 5. The ER nodal staining percentage on day 0 was age-associated, with patients aged <30 years demonstrating 100% staining and those aged >30 years exhibiting 90% staining. Pathological staining revealed statistically significant differences between days 0 and 5 following all staining procedures. Wilcoxon signed-rank test resulted in the following P-values, for ER (nodes % and stromal %) day 0/5, P=0.0001; for PR (nodes % and stromal %) day 0/5, P=0.0001 and P=0.035, respectively; for ER (grade nodes and stromal %) day 0/5, P=0.0001; and PR (grade nodes and stromal %) day 0/5 P=0.0001 and P=0.016, respectively. Synchronization between blastocyst development and the acquisition of endometrial receptivity is a prerequisite for the success of in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Aside from the recent discovery of molecules that are considered crucial for successful embryo implantation, assessing the functional characteristics of the endometrium may offer unique insights into this process, thus improving IVF results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleftherios Klonos
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Thessaloniki 541 24, Greece
| | - Periklis Katopodis
- Division of Biosciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Emmanouil Karteris
- Division of Biosciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Evangelos Papanikolaou
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Thessaloniki 541 24, Greece
| | - Basil Tarlatzis
- Centre for Assisted Reproduction 'Biogenesis', Thessaloniki 555 35, Greece
| | - George Pados
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Thessaloniki 541 24, Greece.,Centre for Assisted Reproduction 'Biogenesis', Thessaloniki 555 35, Greece
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Evaluation of the endometrial receptivity assay and the preimplantation genetic test for aneuploidy in overcoming recurrent implantation failure. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2989-2997. [PMID: 32974805 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01948-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the clinical usefulness of the endometrial receptivity array (ERA) and the preimplantation genetic test for aneuploidy (PGT-A) in patients with severe and moderate recurrent implantation failure (RIF). DESIGN A retrospective multicenter cohort study was conducted in patients who failed to achieve implantation following transfer of 3 or more or 5 or more embryos in at least three single embryo transfers; patients were classified as moderate or severe RIF, respectively. Patients with previous RIF were compared based on the testing they received: PGT-A, ERA, or PGT-A+ERA versus a control group with no testing. Mean implantation rate and ongoing pregnancy rates per embryo transfer were considered primary outcomes. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed and adjusted ORs were calculated to control possible bias. RESULTS Of the 2110 patients belonging to the moderate RIF group, those who underwent transfer of euploid embryos after PGT-A had a higher implantation rate than those who did not. Additionally, the PGT-A group had a significantly higher rate of ongoing pregnancy. The same outcomes measured for the 488 patients in the severe RIF group did not reveal any statistically significant improvements. The use of the ERA test did not appear to significantly improve outcomes in either group. CONCLUSIONS PGT-A may be beneficial for patients with moderate recurrent implantation failure but not for severe cases. At its current level of development, ERA does not appear to be clinically useful for patients with RIF.
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Tan X, Ding J, Pu D, Wu J. Anti-phospholipid antibody may reduce endometrial receptivity during the window of embryo implantation. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2020; 50:101912. [PMID: 32950746 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2020.101912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL) have been reported to be associated with repeated implantation failure (RIF), but the mechanism remains controversial. Endometrial receptivity is well known to be crucial for embryo implantation. This study aims to investigate the effect of aPL on endometrial receptivity in RIF women with positive aPL. METHODS Sixty-four infertile women with normal menstrual cycles were enrolled. The control group comprised 32 pregnant women with negative aPL who conceived successfully after their first in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycle, and the RIF group comprised 32 women with positive aPL. Endometrial biopsy samples were collected seven days after the luteinizing hormone surge (LH + 7). The expression of LIF and HOXA10 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and Western blot. Endometrial pinopode development was examined by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS The mRNA expression of LIF and HOXA10 in the RIF group was significantly decreased compared with that in the control group during the implantation window. The immunohistochemistry and Western blot results confirmed these findings. Then, ultrastructural analyses of endometrial cells showed fewer pinopode processes, a more atypical morphology and increased atrophy in the RIF group compared with the control group, and these results were statistically significant. CONCLUSION aPL positivity may inhibit the expression of LIF and HOXA10 in the endometrium and influence pinopode development. Our findings suggest that positivity for aPL is associated with impaired endometrial receptivity, which results in the development of RIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University/Jiangsu Province Hospital/Jiangsu Women and Children Health Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China; Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226006, China
| | - Jiayi Ding
- Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226006, China
| | - Danhua Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University/Jiangsu Province Hospital/Jiangsu Women and Children Health Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
| | - Jie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University/Jiangsu Province Hospital/Jiangsu Women and Children Health Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
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Endometrial Decidualization: The Primary Driver of Pregnancy Health. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21114092. [PMID: 32521725 PMCID: PMC7312091 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Interventions to prevent pregnancy complications have been largely unsuccessful. We suggest this is because the foundation for a healthy pregnancy is laid prior to the establishment of the pregnancy at the time of endometrial decidualization. Humans are one of only a few mammalian viviparous species in which decidualization begins during the latter half of each menstrual cycle and is therefore independent of the conceptus. Failure to adequately prepare (decidualize) the endometrium hormonally, biochemically, and immunologically in anticipation of the approaching blastocyst—including the downregulation of genes involved in the pro- inflammatory response and resisting tissue invasion along with the increased expression of genes that promote angiogenesis, foster immune tolerance, and facilitate tissue invasion—leads to abnormal implantation/placentation and ultimately to adverse pregnancy outcome. We hypothesize, therefore, that the primary driver of pregnancy health is the quality of the soil, not the seed.
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