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Chen H, Cai J, Sun X, Liu L, Liu Z, Gao P, Jiang X, Ren J. Atosiban interacts with growth hormones as adjuvants in frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1380778. [PMID: 38841302 PMCID: PMC11150816 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1380778] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the interaction between atosiban and growth hormone (GH) as adjuvants in frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles. Method A total of 11627 patients who underwent FET at Xiamen University Affiliated Chenggong Hospital between January 2018 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 482 patients received atosiban and 275 patients received GH. The interactions were estimated by comparing the odds ratio (OR) for pregnancy comparing patients with or without atosiban adjuvant in cohorts stratified according to the presence of GH use in either the overall cohort or a propensity score (PS) matched cohort. An interaction term (atosiban × GH) was introduced to a multivariate model to calculate the ratio of OR (ORR) adjusted for confounders. Results For all patients receiving atosiban administration, no obvious effect on pregnancy was observed in comparison with either matched or unmatched controls. However, when the patients were stratified according to GH administration, atosiban showed a significant association with clinical pregnancy in comparison with either matched or unmatched controls among patients with GH treatment with rate ratios (RR) of 1.32 (95%CI: 1.05,1.67) and 1.35 (95%CI: 1,1.82), respectively. On the other hand, however, the association was absent among patients without GH treatment. The adjusted ORRs in both matched and unmatched cohorts were 2.44 (95%CI: 1.07,5.84) and 1.95 (95%CI: 1.05, 3.49) respectively. Conclusion The combination use of atosiban and GH in FET cycles is potentially beneficial to the pregnancy. However, indications for the use of atosiban and GH may need further assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixiao Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiamen University Affiliated Chenggong Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jiali Cai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiamen University Affiliated Chenggong Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaohua Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiamen University Affiliated Chenggong Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Lanlan Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiamen University Affiliated Chenggong Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Zhenfang Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiamen University Affiliated Chenggong Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Quality Management Department, Xiamen University Affiliated Chenggong Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaoming Jiang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiamen University Affiliated Chenggong Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jianzhi Ren
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiamen University Affiliated Chenggong Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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Li L, Zhang Z, Li H, Zhou M, Li F, Chu C, Zhang Y, Zhu X, Ju H, Li X. Research progress on the STAT signaling pathway in pregnancy and pregnancy-associated disorders. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1331964. [PMID: 38235138 PMCID: PMC10792037 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1331964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins, pivotal regulators of signaling cascades, undergo activation in response to the stimulation of cytokines and growth factors, and participate in biological processes, including inflammation, immune responses, cell proliferation, and differentiation. During the process of pregnancy, STAT signaling is involved in regulating embryonic implantation, endometrial decidualization, and establishing and maintaining maternal-fetal immune tolerance. Increasing evidence suggests that aberrant STAT signaling contributes to the occurrence and development of pregnancy disorders, including repeated implantation failure (RIF), preeclampsia (PE), recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA), preterm birth (PTB) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of the STAT signaling pathway holds promise for further understanding the establishment and maintenance of normal pregnancy, and thereby providing potent targets and strategic avenues for the prevention and management of ailments associated with pregnancy. In this review, we summarized the roles of the STAT signaling pathway and its related regulatory function in embryonic implantation, endometrial decidualization, and maternal-fetal immune tolerance. In conclusion, in-depth research on the mechanism of the STAT signaling pathway not only enhances our understanding of normal pregnancy processes but also offers STAT-based therapeutic approaches to protect women from the burden of pregnancy-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihua Li
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Haoyang Li
- International Business School, Tianjin Foreign Studies University, Tianjin, China
| | - Miaomiao Zhou
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Fang Li
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Chu Chu
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yunhong Zhang
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Zhu
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Hongmei Ju
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xia Li
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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Hu X, Wu H, Yong X, Wang Y, Yang S, Fan D, Xiao Y, Che L, Shi K, Li K, Xiong C, Zhu H, Qian Z. Cyclical endometrial repair and regeneration: Molecular mechanisms, diseases, and therapeutic interventions. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e425. [PMID: 38045828 PMCID: PMC10691302 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The endometrium is a unique human tissue with an extraordinary ability to undergo a hormone-regulated cycle encompassing shedding, bleeding, scarless repair, and regeneration throughout the female reproductive cycle. The cyclical repair and regeneration of the endometrium manifest as changes in endometrial epithelialization, glandular regeneration, and vascularization. The mechanisms encompass inflammation, coagulation, and fibrinolytic system balance. However, specific conditions such as endometriosis or TCRA treatment can disrupt the process of cyclical endometrial repair and regeneration. There is uncertainty about traditional clinical treatments' efficacy and side effects, and finding new therapeutic interventions is essential. Researchers have made substantial progress in the perspective of regenerative medicine toward maintaining cyclical endometrial repair and regeneration in recent years. Such progress encompasses the integration of biomaterials, tissue-engineered scaffolds, stem cell therapies, and 3D printing. This review analyzes the mechanisms, diseases, and interventions associated with cyclical endometrial repair and regeneration. The review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the regenerative interventions currently employed in clinical practice. Additionally, it highlights the significant advantages of regenerative medicine in this domain. Finally, we review stem cells and biologics among the available interventions in regenerative medicine, providing insights into future therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xulin Hu
- Clinical Medical College and Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu UniversityChengdu UniversityChengduSichuanChina
- Department of BiotherapyCancer Center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Haoming Wu
- Clinical Medical College and Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu UniversityChengdu UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Xin Yong
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Department of Paediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of BiotherapySichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yao Wang
- Clinical Medical College and Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu UniversityChengdu UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Shuhao Yang
- Department of OrthopedicsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Diyi Fan
- Clinical Medical College and Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu UniversityChengdu UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yibo Xiao
- Clinical Medical College and Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu UniversityChengdu UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Lanyu Che
- Clinical Medical College and Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu UniversityChengdu UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Kun Shi
- Department of BiotherapyCancer Center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Kainan Li
- Clinical Medical College and Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu UniversityChengdu UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | | | - Huili Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of Ministry of EducationWest China Second University Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
| | - Zhiyong Qian
- Department of BiotherapyCancer Center and State Key Laboratory of BiotherapyWest China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduSichuanChina
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He Y, Tang R, Yu H, Mu H, Jin H, Dong J, Wang W, Wang L, Chen S, Wang X. Comparative effectiveness and safety of 36 therapies or interventions for pregnancy outcomes with recurrent implantation failure: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2343-2356. [PMID: 37661207 PMCID: PMC10504168 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02923-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effectiveness and safety of 36 different therapies for recurrent implantation failure (RIF) patients. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI) from inception to August 24, 2022, with language in both English and Chinese. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies that provided data with one of pregnancy outcomes on RIF patients were included in the network meta-analysis (NMA). The odds ratios (OR) and 95% credible interval (CrI) on pregnancy outcomes were summarized by NMA with a random-effects model. We also analyzed data from only RCTs and compared whether the optimal treatment is the same for different failed embryo transfer attempts. RESULTS The total of 29,906 RIF patients from 154 clinical studies (74 RCTs and 80 non-RCTs) were included in the NMA. In terms of implantation rate (IR), growth hormone (GH) (OR: 3.32, 95% CrI: 1.95-5.67) is the best treatment in all included studies; IVIG+PBMC (5.84, 2.44-14.1) is the best for clinical pregnancy rate (CPR); hyaluronic acid (HA) (12.9, 2.37-112.0) for live birth rate (LBR); and aspirin combined with glucocorticoids (0.208, 0.0494-0.777) for miscarriage rate (MR). The two-dimensional graphs showed that GH could maximize IR and CPR simultaneously; HA and GH could simultaneously increase IR and LBR to a large extent; HA could maximize IR and minimize MR. CONCLUSION IVIG+PBMC, GH, and embryo medium enriched with HA could significantly improve pregnancy outcomes in patients with RIF. It appears that combination therapy is a potential administration strategy. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022353423).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunan He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrine Diseases of Shaanxi Province, No.1 Xinsi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an City, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ruonan Tang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrine Diseases of Shaanxi Province, No.1 Xinsi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an City, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
- Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haikun Yu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrine Diseases of Shaanxi Province, No.1 Xinsi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an City, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hui Mu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrine Diseases of Shaanxi Province, No.1 Xinsi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an City, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hongbin Jin
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jie Dong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrine Diseases of Shaanxi Province, No.1 Xinsi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an City, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Wenwen Wang
- Department of Statistics, Military Prevention Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrine Diseases of Shaanxi Province, No.1 Xinsi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an City, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Shuqiang Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrine Diseases of Shaanxi Province, No.1 Xinsi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an City, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrine Diseases of Shaanxi Province, No.1 Xinsi Road, Baqiao District, Xi'an City, 710038, Shaanxi Province, China.
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Chu Y, Wang L, Xie J, Yang S, Liu S, Hu D, Yue J. Impact of growth hormone on IVF/ICSI outcomes and endometrial receptivity of patients undergoing GnRH antagonist protocol with fresh embryo transfer: a pilot study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1225121. [PMID: 37727454 PMCID: PMC10506076 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1225121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant) protocol is widely used in the world for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). However, previous studies have shown that pregnancy outcomes of fresh embryo transfer with GnRH-ant protocol are not ideal. Current studies have demonstrated the value of growth hormone (GH) in improving the pregnancy outcome of elderly women and patients with diminished ovarian reserve, but no prospective studies have confirmed the efficacy of GH in fresh embryo transfer with GnRH-ant protocol, and its potential mechanism is still unclear. This study intends to evaluate the impact of GH on IVF/ICSI outcomes and endometrial receptivity of patients undergoing GnRH-ant protocol with fresh embryo transfer, and preliminarily explore the possible mechanism. Methods We designed a randomized controlled trial of 120 infertile patients with normal ovarian response (NOR) who will undergo IVF/ICSI from April 2023 to April 2025, at Department of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. The patients will be divided into the depot gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) protocol group, GnRH-ant protocol control group, and GnRH-ant protocol plus GH intervention group at a ratio of 1:1:1 by block randomization design. Patients will be followed on enrollment day, trigger day, embryo transfer day, 7 days after oocytes pick-up, 15 days after embryo transfer, 28 days after embryo transfer, and 12 weeks of gestation. The primary outcome is the ongoing pregnancy rate. Secondary outcomes include the gonadotropin dosage, duration of COH, endometrial thickness and pattern, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, progesterone level on trigger day, numbers of retrieved oocytes, high-quality embryo rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, early miscarriage rate, multiple pregnancy rate and incidence of moderate and severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The endometrium of certain patients will be collected and tested for endometrial receptivity. Ethics and dissemination The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology [approval number: TJ-IRB20230236; approval date: February 10, 2023]. The research results will be presented at scientific/medical conferences and published in academic journals. Clinical trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry; identifier: ChiCTR2300069397.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jing Yue
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Zhang L, Li H, Zhang L, Zu Z, Xu D, Zhang J. Network Pharmacology Analysis of the Mechanisms Underlying the Therapeutic Effects of Yangjing Zhongyu Tang on Thin Endometrium. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:1805-1818. [PMID: 37350984 PMCID: PMC10284302 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s409659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Yangjing Zhongyu Tang (YJZYT) is a classic Chinese prescription for infertility treatment and exerts therapeutic effects via activity on the thin endometrium (TE). However, the major components and underlying mechanisms of YJZYT actions remain to be established. The main objectives of this study were to clarify the effects of YJZYT on the TE and provide insights into the related mechanisms based on network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses. Methods Network pharmacology was employed to explore the main bioactive components and targets of YJZYT. TE-related genes were obtained from the Genecards database and screened for intersections with YJZYT. The Cytoscape 3.8.2 was used to build a "compounds-disease-targets" network and molecular docking analysis performed on key targets. The mechanism of action of YJZYT was further validated in vivo using a rat model. Results A total of 98 YJZYT active ingredients, 2409 thin endometrium-associated genes, and 186 common targets were obtained. Through topological analysis, 10 core objectives were screened. Data from the PPI network suggest that AKT1, TNF, VEGFA, IL-6, TP53, INS, ESR1, MMP9, ALB, and ACTB serve as key targets in the action of YJZYT on TE. PI3K-Akt, TNF, apoptosis, IL-17 and MAPK were established as the main functional pathways. Molecular docking analysis revealed high affinity of the active ingredients of YJZYT, specifically, ursolic acid, palbinone, stigmasterol, and beta-sitosterol, for TNF, VEGFA, IL-6, AKT, and MMP9. YJZYT improved endometrial recovery, promoted endometrial angiogenesis, and upregulated protein expression of VEGF, PI3K, AKT, and p-AKT in the TE rat model. Conclusion Network pharmacological and animal studies facilitated the prediction and validation of the active components and key targets of YJZYT potentially contributing to TE. Preliminary evidence from in vivo experiments showed that YJZYT promotes angiogenesis and thin endometrial repair via regulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, providing a reference for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- The First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Honglin Li
- The First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Center, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhihui Zu
- The First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dinglin Xu
- The First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianwei Zhang
- The First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
- Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Center, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
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Wang P, Yang H, Chen Z, Chen Y, Jin C, Yu R, Lin J, Chen Q, Huang X. Agonist long protocol improves outcomes of vitrified-warmed embryo transfer in repeatedly thin endometrium. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 46:527-535. [PMID: 36604214 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.12.003] [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: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does follicular stimulation using human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) after pituitary down-regulation by a GnRH agonist improve endometrial thickness (EMT) and clinical outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET; using vitrified-warmed embryos) in women with thin endometrium after intensified oestrogen administration (IOA)? DESIGN This was a retrospective study. A total of 627 patients attempted 683 FET cycles with at least one previous history of thin endometrium. None of the cycles reached over 7 mm EMT after using oral and vaginal oestradiol for more than 21 days (IOA protocol). A total of 129 cycles proceeded with FET, 305 cycles were cancelled, and 249 cycles involved administration of HMG following GnRH agonist pituitary down-regulation (GnRH agonist + HMG protocol) for further endometrial preparation. RESULTS EMT became significantly greater (7.18 ± 1.14 mm versus 6.13 ± 0.63 mm, P < 0.001) using GnRH agonist + HMG compared with previous IOA cycles, but this was not related to serum oestrogen concentrations. A total of 213 cycles after the GnRH agonist + HMG protocol proceeded with FET, showing a significantly increased clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate and live birth rate compared with those after IOA. CONCLUSIONS The GnRH agonist + HMG protocol for endometrial preparation in FET cycles improves EMT in women with a thin endometrium after IOA and showed significantly better clinical outcomes than IOA. The authors suggest that the GnRH agonist + HMG protocol should be used for EMT that is less than 7 mm after there has been no optimal response to IOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyu Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Congcong Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Yu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Lin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianqian Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuefeng Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
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Jiang S, Fu L, Zhang W, Zuo N, Guan W, Sun H, Wang X. The Advantage of Growth Hormone Alone as an Adjuvant Therapy in Advanced Age and BMI ≥ 24 kg/m 2 with In Vitro Fertilization Failure Due to Poor Embryo Quality. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12030955. [PMID: 36769605 PMCID: PMC9918017 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12030955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the effects of GH adjuvant therapy on the cumulative live birth rate in patients with poor embryo quality and to determine the characteristics of patients who are more responsive to GH. A retrospective cohort study was carried out in patients who have suffered from previous IVF failure due to poor embryonic development and underwent IVF with or without a 6-week pretreatment with GH in the subsequent cycle from January 2018 to December 2020. Clinical parameters including the cumulative live birth rate between the (-) GH and (+) GH groups were compared. Multivariate analysis was performed to ascertain associations between clinical parameters and cumulative live birth rate. Upon analysis of the clinical data from 236 IVF cycles, 84 patients received GH and 152 did not receive GH. In frozen embryo transfer cycles, compared with the (-) GH group, the implantation rate and live birth rate were significantly higher in the (+) GH group (p < 0.05). After adjusting for possible confounding factors, GH improved cumulative live birth per oocyte retrieval cycle by 1.96 folds (p = 0.032). Furthermore, when patients were subdivided based on age and BMI, a significant increase in the cumulative live birth rate was found in the (+) GH group of patients between 35 and 42 years old and BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2, respectively (p < 0.05). GH may increase the live birth rate in women who experienced IVF failure because of poor embryonic development, particularly in obese patients and women with advanced age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyi Jiang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 SanHao Street, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Lingjie Fu
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 SanHao Street, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 SanHao Street, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Na Zuo
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 SanHao Street, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Wenzheng Guan
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 SanHao Street, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Medicine, the First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, Shenyang 110001, China
- Correspondence: (H.S.); (X.W.); Tel.: +86-189-4025-1898 (X.W.)
| | - Xiuxia Wang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 36 SanHao Street, Shenyang 110004, China
- Correspondence: (H.S.); (X.W.); Tel.: +86-189-4025-1898 (X.W.)
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Zhou XY, Ma JN, Shen YY, Xie XR, Ren W. Effects of Growth Hormone on Adult Human Gonads: Action on Reproduction and Sexual Function. Int J Endocrinol 2023; 2023:7492696. [PMID: 37064267 PMCID: PMC10104746 DOI: 10.1155/2023/7492696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Growth hormone (GH), which is commonly considered to be a promoter of growth and development, has direct and indirect effects on adult gonads that influence reproduction and sexual function of humans and nonhumans. GH receptors are expressed in adult gonads in some species including humans. For males, GH can improve the sensitivity of gonadotropins, contribute to testicular steroidogenesis, influence spermatogenesis possibly, and regulate erectile function. For females, GH can modulate ovarian steroidogenesis and ovarian angiogenesis, promote the development of ovarian cells, enhance the metabolism and proliferation of endometrial cells, and ameliorate female sexual function. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is the main mediator of GH. In vivo, a number of the physiological effects of GH are mediated by GH-induced hepatic IGF-1 and local IGF-1. In this review, we highlight the roles of GH and IGF-1 in adult human gonads, clarify potential mechanisms, and explore the efficacy and the risk of GH supplementation in associated deficiency and assisted reproductive technologies. Besides, the effects of excess GH on adult human gonads are discussed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yi Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jia-Ni Ma
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ya-Yin Shen
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xue-Rui Xie
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Wei Ren
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
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10
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Guo Q, Liu P, Zhou W, Xia M, Li J, Lu J, Ma JL, Chen ZJ, Yan J. Growth hormone supplementation ameliorates blastocyst euploidy rates and improves pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy cycles. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1117706. [PMID: 36950683 PMCID: PMC10025457 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1117706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growth hormone (GH) supplementation has been shown to improve oocyte quality and live birth, but few studies have examined whether GH can reduce embryonic aneuploidy. Chromosomal abnormalities in preimplantation embryos have been regarded as the principal cause of implantation failure and miscarriage, and an increased percentage of aneuploid embryos has been observed in patient cohorts with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), recurrent implantation failure (RIF), and advanced maternal age. METHODS This prospective cohort study was conducted on women whose previous PGT-A cycle ended up with no transferrable blastocysts, or the aneuploidy rate was above 50% and no live birth was acquired. The participants were divided into GH co-treatment and comparison groups according to whether GH was administered in the subsequent PGT-A cycle. In addition, within the GH co-treatment group, the previous failed cycle constituted the self-control group. RESULTS 208 women were recruited in the study (GH co-treatment group: 96 women, comparison group: 112 women). Compared to the self-control and comparison groups, the rate of euploid blastocysts was significantly higher in the GH co-treatment group (GH vs self-control: 32.00% vs 9.14%, odds ratio [OR]: 4.765, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.420-9.385, P < 0.01; GH vs comparison: 32.00% vs. 21.05%, OR: 1.930, 95% CI: 1.106-3.366, P = 0.021), and their frozen embryo transfers resulted in more pregnancies and live births. In the subgroup analysis, for the <35 and 35-40 years groups, the euploidy rate in the GH co-treatment group was significantly higher than those in the self-control and comparison groups, but in the >40 years group, there was no difference in euploidy rate. CONCLUSION Our study presents preliminary evidence that GH supplementation may ameliorate blastocyst aneuploidy and improve pregnancy outcomes in women who have previously experienced pregnancy failures along with high aneuploidy rates, particularly in those younger than 40 years. Therefore, the use of GH in such women should be considered. However, considering the limited sample size and mixed indications for PGT-A, further scientific research on the underlying mechanism as well as clinical trials with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm the effects and optimal protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Peihao Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Mingdi Xia
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Juanjuan Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jin-Long Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junhao Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- *Correspondence: Junhao Yan,
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Growth Hormone Administration to Improve Reproductive Outcomes in Women with Recurrent Implantation Failure (RIF): a Systematic Review. Reprod Sci 2022; 30:1712-1723. [DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01124-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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12
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Bavan B, Gardner RM, Zhang WY, Aghajanova L. The Effect of Human Growth Hormone on Endometrial Growth in Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation Cycles. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12121991. [PMID: 36556212 PMCID: PMC9788117 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12121991] [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: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to compare endometrial growth before and after the addition of human growth hormone (hGH) in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) cycles. A 5-year retrospective cohort study of patients treated with hGH to improve oocyte development during COH cycles was conducted. Each patient’s cycle without hGH immediately preceding cycle(s) with hGH was used for patients to serve as their own controls. Primary outcome was absolute growth in endometrial thickness from pre-stimulation start to day of hCG trigger. Mixed-model regression analysis controlled for patient correlation over repeat cycles and potential confounders. 80 patients were included. Mean age was 39.7 years; mean BMI was 23.8 kg/m2. Majority of patients were nulliparous, non-smoking, and White or Asian. Most common diagnosis was diminished ovarian reserve. Endometrial growth was compared between 159 COH cycles with hGH and 80 COH control cycles; mean increase was 4.5 mm and 3.9 mm, respectively-an unadjusted difference of 0.6 mm (95% CI: 0.2−1.1, p = 0.01). After adjusting for demographic/clinical factors, hGH was associated with 0.9 mm greater endometrial growth (0.4−1.4, p < 0.01). Absolute increase in endometrial thickness was higher in COH cycles that included hGH. Further prospective studies in embryo transfer cycles are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brindha Bavan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Stanford University, Sunnyvale, CA 94087, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Rebecca M. Gardner
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Wendy Y. Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Stanford University, Sunnyvale, CA 94087, USA
| | - Lusine Aghajanova
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Stanford University, Sunnyvale, CA 94087, USA
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13
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Molka B, Gwladys B, Dorian B, Lucie M, Mustapha B, Rosalie C, Brigitte G, Hafida KC, Moncef B. Follicular Fluid Growth Factors and Interleukin Profiling as Potential Predictors of IVF Outcomes. Front Physiol 2022; 13:859790. [PMID: 35770187 PMCID: PMC9234297 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.859790] [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: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth hormone (GH) has gained attention as an anti-aging compound enhancing oocyte quality. In fact, GH is known to activate intrafollicular metabolic events for oocyte maturation. Insulin growth factor I (IGF1) is another ovarian growth factor that mediates the FSH and GH actions. Cytokines could also increase IVF outcomes. Indeed, IL-6 is a pleiotropic cytokine with multiple cellular effects that can vary based on the physiological environment. IL-6 may also play an important role in follicular development (Yang et al., J Assist Reprod Genet, 2020, 37 (5), 1171–1176). Clinical studies have been performed to explore the potential role of IL-6 in human oocyte maturation and subsequent embryonic development. To date, the answers are not conclusive. During peri-implantation, many cytokines balances are regulated like pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory interleukins. The pro-inflammatory properties of IL-17 and its impact on the tumor microenvironment or autoimmune diseases are characterized, but new dimensions of IL-17 activity that promotes embryo implantation are not well explored. In the search for answers, our study compared concentrations of growth factors IGF1, GH, and interleukins IL-6 and IL-17 in the follicular fluid (FF) from 140 women divided into two groups depending on bad (G1) or good prognosis (G2) and investigated the relationships between these FF components’ levels and the main parameters of IVF. GH, IGF1, and IL-6 were significantly higher for G2. For GH, it was negatively correlated to patient age and positively correlated to maturity rate and IGF1. Moreover, GH and IGF1 were correlated to the top embryo rate and cumulative pregnancy rate. Regarding IL-6, it was correlated to IGF1 level, endometrium thickness, and implantation rate. As for IL-17, it was only correlated to IL-6. Consequently, all these FF components were predictive of oocyte quality except IL-17. GH seemed to be the best biomarker of this quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bouricha Molka
- Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology and Genetics, University Hospital and School of Medicine, Picardie University Jules Verne, Amiens, France
- *Correspondence: Bouricha Molka,
| | - Bourdenet Gwladys
- Department of Immunology Laboratory, Amiens University Hospital, Amiens, France
- HEMATIM - EA4666, Jules Verne University of Picardie, Amiens, France
| | - Bosquet Dorian
- Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology and Genetics, University Hospital and School of Medicine, Picardie University Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Moussot Lucie
- Department of Immunology Laboratory, Amiens University Hospital, Amiens, France
| | - Benkhalifa Mustapha
- HB Laboratory, Tunis, Tunisia
- Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, Carthage University, Bizerte, Tunisia
| | - Cabry Rosalie
- Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology and Genetics, University Hospital and School of Medicine, Picardie University Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Gubler Brigitte
- Department of Immunology Laboratory, Amiens University Hospital, Amiens, France
- HEMATIM - EA4666, Jules Verne University of Picardie, Amiens, France
- Department of Molecular Oncobiology, Amiens University Hospital, Amiens, France
| | - Khorsi-Cauet Hafida
- Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology and Genetics, University Hospital and School of Medicine, Picardie University Jules Verne, Amiens, France
- PERITOX laboratory, CURS, Picardie University Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Benkhalifa Moncef
- Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Biology and Genetics, University Hospital and School of Medicine, Picardie University Jules Verne, Amiens, France
- PERITOX laboratory, CURS, Picardie University Jules Verne, Amiens, France
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14
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Shang Y, Wu M, He R, Ye Y, Sun X. Administration of growth hormone improves endometrial function in women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:838-857. [PMID: 35641113 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The positive effects of growth hormone (GH) on IVF are often attributed to improvements in oocyte and embryo quality. While emerging evidence emphasizes GH-induced improvements in the endometrium, these results are controversial. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether GH administration improved endometrial function and reproductive outcomes during IVF cycles and to thus guide clinical practice. SEARCH METHODS A literature search in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed and Embase was performed through to 30 November 2021, without language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of GH on IVF outcomes were included. Risk of bias and quality of evidence (QoE) were assessed according to the Cochrane Collaboration's tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were assessed by random-effects models. OUTCOMES A total of 25 trials with 2424 women were included. Seventeen RCTs with poor responders (n = 1723) showed that GH administration significantly increased endometrial thickness (EMT) (MD = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.18-0.59; moderate QoE), which contributed to an improved live birth rate (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.13-2.49; very low QoE) and clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.43-2.72; low QoE). Subgroup analyses showed a dose- and time-dependent relationship between GH cotreatment and IVF outcomes; the optimal recommendation for improving CPR was consistent with that for EMT, rather than for oocytes and embryos. Hence, GH might improve fertility via effects on the endometrium. Administration of GH daily from the follicular phase of previous cycle until the hCG trigger with < 5 IU/day led to a thicker endometrium and a greater chance of becoming pregnant, while 5-10 IU/day or administration from the luteal phase of the previous cycle until the hCG trigger resulted in higher oocyte and embryo quality. Poor responders might benefit from cotreatment with the GnRH agonist long protocol more than other stimulation protocols. Pooled data from four trials (n = 354) on women with a thin endometrium indicated that improved endometrial function might be critical for improving reproductive outcomes during GH treatment, as no improvements in embryo quality were found. GH administration not only increased EMT (MD = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.21-1.75; moderate QoE) but also promoted endometrial morphology (OR = 2.67, 95% CI: 1.36-5.23; low QoE) and perfusion (OR = 5.84, 95% CI: 1.30-26.17; low QoE), thereby improving the CPR (OR = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.69-4.34; P < 0.0001; low QoE). There was insufficient evidence to reach a conclusion regarding the effects of GH in normal responders (n = 80). Due to obvious improvements in the CPR, women with a thin endometrium might be the most appropriate population to benefit from GH administration. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Improving endometrial function might be another vital mechanism by which GH improves IVF outcomes. Optimal treatment should be offered to the target population according to their personal conditions and needs. The QoE was moderate to very low, due to limited sample sizes and methodological problems; thus, the results should be interpreted with caution. More rigorous RCTs with large sample sizes are needed to confirm the effects and determine optimal GH protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Shang
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of the Chinese Ministry of Health, The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Minghua Wu
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of the Chinese Ministry of Health, The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ruohan He
- Integrated TCM & Western Medicine Department, Maternal and Child Hospital of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ye
- Department of Gynaecology, Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated TCM-WM, Cangzhou, China
| | - Xiumei Sun
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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15
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Zhang X, Li Y, Chen X, Jin B, Shu C, Ni W, Jiang Y, Zhang J, Ma L, Shu J. Single-cell transcriptome analysis uncovers the molecular and cellular characteristics of thin endometrium. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22193. [PMID: 35201635 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101579r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Infertility is a social and medical problem around the world and the incidence continues to rise. Thin endometrium (TE) is a great challenge of infertility treatment, even by in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. It is widely believed that TE impairs endometrium receptivity. However, only a few studies have explained the molecular mechanism. Herein, in order to reveal the possible mechanism, we sampled endometrium from a TE patient and a control volunteer and got a transcriptomic atlas of 18 775 individual cells which was constructed using single-cell RNA sequencing, and seven cell types have been identified. The cells were acquired during proliferative and secretory phases, respectively. The proportion of epithelial cells and stromal cells showed a significant difference between the TE group and the control group. In addition, differential expressed genes (DEGs) in diverse cell types were revealed, the enriched pathways of DEGs were found closely related to the protein synthesis in TE of both proliferative and secretory phases. Some DEGs can influence cell-type ratio and impaired endometrial receptivity in TE. Furthermore, divergent expression of estrogen receptors 1 and progesterone receptors in stromal and epithelial cells were compared in the TE sample from the control. The cellular and molecular heterogeneity found in this study provided valuable information for disclosing the mechanisms of impaired receptivity in TE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xirong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qingdao Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Yini Li
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaopan Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China.,Department of Genetic and Genomic Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Bihui Jin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Chongyi Shu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Wanmao Ni
- Cancer Center, Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Yinshen Jiang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China.,Department of Obstetrics, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Lijia Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Shu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qingdao Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
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16
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Quaas AM, Penzias AS, Adashi EY. The role of growth hormone in assisted reproduction. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1055097. [PMID: 36531455 PMCID: PMC9755199 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1055097] [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: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In contemporary ART, the use of "add-ons" during ovarian stimulation has increased, especially in poor responders. Growth Hormone (GH) is an adjunctive therapy that has been studied extensively in the translational and clinical setting, with an ongoing scientific debate over its effectiveness and optimal use. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the physiologic basis for the use of GH in ART, and to summarize the latest evidence regarding its clinical use, primarily as an adjunct to ovarian stimulation, but also in the IVF lab and with regards to its effects on the endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M. Quaas
- Division of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology (RME), University Hospital, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Alexander M. Quaas,
| | - Alan S. Penzias
- Boston IVF, Waltham, MA, United States
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
- Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Eli Y. Adashi
- Department of Medical Science, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
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17
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Chang CW, Sung YW, Hsueh YW, Chen YY, Ho M, Hsu HC, Yang TC, Lin WC, Chang HM. Growth hormone in fertility and infertility: Mechanisms of action and clinical applications. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1040503. [PMID: 36452322 PMCID: PMC9701841 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1040503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, growth hormone (GH) is a peptide that plays a critical role in regulating cell growth, development, and metabolism in multiple targeted tissues. Studies have shown that GH and its functional receptor are also expressed in the female reproductive system, including the ovaries and uterus. The experimental data suggest putative roles for GH and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1, induced by GH activity) signaling in the direct control of multiple reproductive functions, including activation of primordial follicles, folliculogenesis, ovarian steroidogenesis, oocyte maturation, and embryo implantation. In addition, GH enhances granulosa cell responsiveness to gonadotropin by upregulating the expression of gonadotropin receptors (follicle-stimulating hormone receptor and luteinizing hormone receptor), indicating crosstalk between this ovarian regulator and the endocrine signaling system. Notably, natural gene mutation of GH and the age-related decline in GH levels may have a detrimental effect on female reproductive function, leading to several reproductive pathologies, such as diminished ovarian reserve, poor ovarian response during assisted reproductive technology (ART), and implantation failure. Association studies using clinical samples showed that mature GH peptide is present in human follicular fluid, and the concentration of GH in this fluid is positively correlated with oocyte quality and the subsequent embryo morphology and cleavage rate. Furthermore, the results obtained from animal experiments and human samples indicate that supplementation with GH in the in vitro culture system increases steroid hormone production, prevents cell apoptosis, and enhances oocyte maturation and embryo quality. The uterine endometrium is another GH target site, as GH promotes endometrial receptivity and pregnancy by facilitating the implantation process, and the targeted depletion of GH receptors in mice results in fewer uterine implantation sites. Although still controversial, the administration of GH during ovarian stimulation alleviates age-related decreases in ART efficiency, including the number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, embryo quality, implantation rate, pregnancy rate, and live birth rate, especially in patients with poor ovarian response and recurrent implantation failure.
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Ma J, Zhan H, Li W, Zhang L, Yun F, Wu R, Lin J, Li Y. Recent trends in therapeutic strategies for repairing endometrial tissue in intrauterine adhesion. Biomater Res 2021; 25:40. [PMID: 34819167 PMCID: PMC8611984 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-021-00242-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is a common gynaecological disease that develops from infection or trauma. IUA disease may seriously affect the physical and mental health of women of childbearing age, which may lead to symptoms such as hypomenorrhea or infertility. Presently, hysteroscopic transcervical resection of adhesion (TCRA) is the principal therapy for IUAs, although its function in preventing the recurrence of adhesion and preserving fertility is limited. Pharmaceuticals such as hormones and vasoactive agents and the placement of nondegradable stents are the most common postoperative adjuvant therapy methods. However, the repair of injured endometrium is relatively restricted due to the different anatomical structures of the endometrium. Recently, the treatment outcome of IUAs has improved with the advancement of hysteroscopic techniques. In particular, the application of bioactive scaffolds combined with tissue engineering technology has proven to have high therapeutic potential or endometrial repair in IUA treatment. Herein, this review has summarized past therapeutic strategies, including postoperative adjuvant therapy, cell or therapeutic molecular delivery therapy methods and bioactive scaffold-based tissue engineering methods. Therefore, this review presented the recent therapeutic strategies for repairing endometrium treatment and pointed out the issues of clinical concern to provide alternative methods for the management of IUAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyan Ma
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Precision Diagnosis & Treatment of Major Gynecological Diseases, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hong Zhan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Women' s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Women' s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Liqi Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Women' s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Feng Yun
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Women' s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ruijin Wu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Women' s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Jun Lin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Women' s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Yangyang Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Precision Diagnosis & Treatment of Major Gynecological Diseases, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Sood A, Mohiyiddeen G, Ahmad G, Fitzgerald C, Watson A, Mohiyiddeen L. Growth hormone for in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 11:CD000099. [PMID: 34808697 PMCID: PMC8608438 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd000099.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In an effort to improve outcomes of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycles, the use of growth hormone (GH) has been considered as adjuvant treatment in ovarian stimulation. Improving the outcomes of IVF is especially important for women with infertility who are considered 'poor responders'. We have compared the outcomes of IVF with adjuvant GH versus no adjuvant treatment in routine use, and specifically in poor responders. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and safety of growth hormone as an adjunct to IVF compared to standard IVF for women with infertility SEARCH METHODS: We searched the following databases (to November 2020): Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility (CGF) Group specialised register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Epistemonikos database and trial registers together with reference checking and contact with study authors and experts in the field to identify additional trials. SELECTION CRITERIA We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of adjuvant GH treatment in IVF compared with no adjuvant treatment for women with infertility. We excluded trials where additional adjuvant treatments were used with GH. We also excluded trials comparing different IVF protocols. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures recommended by Cochrane. Two review authors independently performed assessment of trial risk of bias and extraction of relevant data. The primary review outcome was live birth rate. The secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate, oocytes retrieved, embryo transfer, units of gonadotropin used and adverse events, i.e. ectopic pregnancy, multiple pregnancy, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), congenital anomalies, oedema. MAIN RESULTS We included 16 RCTs (1352 women). Two RCTs (80 women) studied GH in routine use, and 14 RCTs (1272 women) studied GH in poor responders. The evidence was low to very low certainty, the main limitations being risk of bias, imprecision and heterogeneity. Adjuvant growth hormone compared to no adjuvant: routine use for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of GH on live birth rate per woman randomised for routine use in IVF (odds ratio (OR) 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40 to 4.43; I2 = 0%; 2 trials, 80 participants; very low-certainty evidence). If the chance of live birth without adjuvant GH is assumed to be 15%, the chance of live birth with GH would be between 6% and 43%. There was insufficient evidence to reach a conclusion regarding clinical pregnancy rates per woman randomised, number of women with at least one oocyte retrieved per woman randomised and embryo transfer achieved per woman randomised; reported data were unsuitable for analysis. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of GH on mean number of oocytes retrieved in normal responders (mean difference (MD) -0.02, 95% CI -0.79 to 0.74; I2 = 0%; 2 trials, 80 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of GH on mean units of gonadotropin used in normal responders (MD 13.57, 95% CI -112.88 to 140.01; I2 = 0%; 2 trials, 80 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain of the effect of GH on adverse events in normal responders. Adjuvant growth hormone compared to no adjuvant: use in poor responders for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of GH on live birth rate per woman randomised for poor responders (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.70; I2 = 0%; 8 trials, 737 participants; very low-certainty evidence). If the chance of live birth without adjuvant GH is assumed to be 11%, the chance of live birth with GH would be between 13% and 25%. Adjuvant GH results in a slight increase in pregnancy rates in poor responders (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.35 to 2.53; I2 = 15%; 11 trials, 1033 participants; low-certainty evidence). The results suggest, if the pregnancy rate without adjuvant GH is assumed to be 15%, with GH the pregnancy rate in poor responders would be between 19% and 31%. The evidence suggests that GH results in little to no difference in number of women with at least one oocyte retrieved (OR 5.67, 95% CI 1.54 to 20.83; I2 = 0%; 2 trials, 148 participants; low-certainty evidence). If the chance of retrieving at least one oocyte in poor responders was 81%, with GH the chance is between 87% and 99%. There is a slight increase in mean number of oocytes retrieved with the use of GH for poor responders (MD 1.40, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.64; I2 = 87%; 12 trials, 1153 participants; low-certainty evidence). The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of GH on embryo transfer achieved (OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.08 to 4.96; I2 = 25%; 4 trials, 214 participants; very low-certainty evidence). If the chance of achieving embryo transfer is assumed to be 77%, the chance with GH will be 78% to 94%. Use of GH results in reduction of mean units of gonadotropins used for stimulation in poor responders (MD -1088.19, 95% CI -1203.20 to -973.18; I2 = 91%; 8 trials, 685 participants; low-certainty evidence). High heterogeneity in the analyses for mean number of oocytes retrieved and units of GH used suggests quite different effects according to differences including in trial protocols (populations, GH dose and schedule), so these results should be interpreted with caution. We are uncertain of the effect of GH on adverse events in poor responders as six of the 14 included trials failed to report this outcome. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The use of adjuvant GH in IVF treatment protocols has uncertain effect on live birth rates and mean number of oocytes retrieved in normal responders. However, it slightly increases the number of oocytes retrieved and pregnancy rates in poor responders, while there is an uncertain effect on live birth rates in this group. The results however, need to be interpreted with caution, as the included trials were small and few in number, with significant bias and imprecision. Also, the dose and regimen of GH used in trials was variable. Therefore, further research is necessary to fully define the role of GH as adjuvant therapy in IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Sood
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Gadha Mohiyiddeen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Gaity Ahmad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Cheryl Fitzgerald
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Andrew Watson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tameside & Glossop Acute Services NHS Trust, Ashton-Under-Lyne, UK
| | - Lamiya Mohiyiddeen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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Li W, Cao Z, Yu X, Hu W. Effect of growth hormone on thin endometrium via intrauterine infusion. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1325. [PMID: 34532462 PMCID: PMC8422125 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-3583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background A thin endometrium has become a common reason for the repeated implantation failure. Growth hormone (GH) can regulate the proliferation and metabolism of endometrial cells. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of GH on thin endometrium. Methods A total of 48 female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to the following 4 groups with 12 rats in each group: blank control, model, subcutaneous, and GH groups. The blank control group was untreated and maintained in a routine manner. The model, subcutaneous, and GH groups were intrauterine perfused with 95% ethanol during estrus. After 6–8 h, the model group was intrauterine perfused with 0.2 mL normal saline, the subcutaneous group received subcutaneous injection of 0.12 mg/kg GH dissolved in 0.2 mL normal saline, and the GH group was intrauterine perfused with 0.12 mg/kg GH dissolved in 0.2 mL normal saline. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to examine the thickness of the endometrium. The expression of cytokeratin and vimentin was detected by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Results The intima thickness in the GH group and blank control group was increased compared with that in the model group (P<0.01). The intima thickness in the subcutaneous group was increased compared with that in the model group, but there was no significant difference. The expression of vimentin and cytokeratin was increased in the GH (P<0.01) and blank control (P<0.01) groups compared with that in the model group. Conclusions Intrauterine perfusion of GH can promote the regeneration and repair of thin endometrium in rats. The therapeutic effect of uterine infusion of GH is better than that of subcutaneous injection of GH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Li
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Zhiwen Cao
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Xiaoying Yu
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Weihua Hu
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
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21
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Park SR, Kim SR, Im JB, Park CH, Lee HY, Hong IS. 3D stem cell-laden artificial endometrium: successful endometrial regeneration and pregnancy. Biofabrication 2021; 13. [PMID: 34284368 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac165a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Thin endometrium lining or severe endometrial injury which may occur during artificial abortion can cause defective endometrial receptivity and subsequent infertility. Therefore, much effort has been devoted toward regenerating thin or damaged endometrial lining by applying multiple types of stem cells. Even though there are some positive preliminary outcomes, repairing the injured endometrium with stem cells is considerably challenging, due to the lack of an adequate microenvironment for the administrated stem cells within the tissues and subsequent poor therapeutic efficiency. In this context, as an alternative, we fabricated a 3D stem cell-laden artificial endometrium by incorporating several biodegradable biomaterials (collagen and hyaluronic acid) and multiple cellular components of endometrium (endometrial stem cells, stromal cells, and vessel cells) to properly recapitulate the multicellular microenvironment and multilayered structure. Agarose was used as an inert filler substrate to enhance the mechanical integrity of the three-layered artificial endometrium. Various mechanical characteristics, such as morphology, compression properties, swelling, and viscosity, have been evaluated. Various biological features, such as steroid hormone responsiveness, specific endometrial cell-surface marker expressions, and the secretion of multiple growth factors and steroid hormones, as well as the viability of encapsulated endometrial cells are relatively well maintained within the artificial endometrium. More importantly, severe tissue injuries were significantly relieved by transplanting our 3D artificial endometrium into endometrial ablation mice. Remarkably, artificial endometrium transplantation resulted in a successful pregnancy with subsequent live birth without any morphological or chromosomal abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se-Ra Park
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea.,Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-840, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Rim Kim
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea.,Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-840, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Been Im
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea.,Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-840, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Hum Park
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwa-Yong Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Jungwon University, 85 Goesan-eup,Munmu-ro, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do 367-700, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Sun Hong
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea.,Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-840, Republic of Korea
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22
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Growth hormone replacement improved oocyte quality in a patient with hypopituitarism: a study of follicular fluid. ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2021; 82:590-596. [PMID: 34186075 DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDː Growth hormone (GH) is known to be involved in ovarian folliculogenesis and oocyte maturation. In patients with poor ovarian response without growth hormone deficiency (GHD), adjuvant GH treatment improves in-vitro fertilization (IVF) results. Improvement of oocyte quality in IVF by GH replacement was reported in only a few patients with GHD. We report on another case with study of follicular fluid. METHODSː A 29-year-old patient with hypopituitarism was referred to our infertility center. She was undergoing hormonal replacement for hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and diabetes insipidus, and did not at first want GH replacement. Four IVF procedures were performed between 2011 and 2014. Growth hormone replacement (somatotropin 1.1mg/day) was initiated before the fourth IVF procedure and unmasked central hypothyroidism; levothyroxine (75 mg/day) was introduced. It took 10 months to reach the treatment objectives for insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), free triiodothyronine (fT3) and free thyroxine (fT4). GH, IGF1 and thyroid hormones were measured in the blood and follicular fluid before and after GH and thyroid hormone replacement. Oocyte and embryo quality were also compared. RESULTSː The first 3 IVF procedures were performed without GH replacement. 62% to 100% of mature oocytes presented one or more morphologic abnormalities: diffuse cytoplasmic granularity, large perivitelline space with fragments, fragmentation of the first polar body, ovoid shape, or difficult denudation. Embryo quality was moderate to poor (grade B to D), and no pregnancy was obtained after embryo transfer. After GH replacement, hormones levels increased in follicular fluid: GH [7.68 vs. 1.39 mIU/L], IGF1 [109 vs. <25 ng/mL], fT3 [3.7 vs. 2.5 pmol/L] and fT4 [1.45 vs. 0.84 ng/mL]. Concomitantly, there was dramatic improvement in oocyte quality (no abnormal morphologies) and embryo quality (grade A), allowing an embryo transfer with successful pregnancy. CONCLUSIONSː This is the first report illustrating changes in hormonal levels in follicular fluid and the beneficial effect of GH replacement on oocyte and embryo quality during an IVF procedure in a patient with hypopituitarism. These results suggest that GH replacement is beneficial for oocyte quality in patients with GHD.
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Keyhanvar N, Zarghami N, Bleisinger N, Hajipour H, Fattahi A, Nouri M, Dittrich R. Cell-based endometrial regeneration: current status and future perspectives. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 384:241-254. [PMID: 33650018 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03419-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Endometrial-related disorders including Asherman's syndrome, thin endometrium, pelvic organ prolapse, and cesarean scar pregnancies can be accompanied by different symptoms such as amenorrhea, infertility, abnormal placental implantation and recurrent miscarriage. Different methods have been introduced to overcome these problems such as surgery and hormonal therapy but none of them has shown promising outcomes. On the other hand, the development of novel regenerative therapeutic strategies has opened new avenues for the treatment of endometrial-related deficiencies. In this regard, different types of scaffolds, acellular matrices and also cell therapy with adult or stem cells have been investigated for the treatment of endometrial-related deficiencies. In this paper, we review the current status of cell-based endometrium regeneration using scaffold dependent and scaffold-free methods and future perspectives in this field. Moreover, we discuss the endometrial diseases that can be candidates for cell-based treatments. Also, the cells with the potential for endometrial regeneration are explained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Keyhanvar
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nosratollah Zarghami
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nathalie Bleisinger
- University Hospital Erlangen, OB/GYN, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hamed Hajipour
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Fattahi
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Ralf Dittrich
- University Hospital Erlangen, OB/GYN, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Makrigiannakis A, Makrygiannakis F, Vrekoussis T. Approaches to Improve Endometrial Receptivity in Case of Repeated Implantation Failures. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:613277. [PMID: 33796523 PMCID: PMC8007915 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.613277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Repeated implantation failures are a constant challenge in reproductive medicine with a significant impact both on health providers and on infertile couples. Several approaches have been proposed so far as effective; however, accumulative data have clarified that most of the treatment options do not have the evidence base for a generalized application to be suggested by the relevant societies. Implantation failures are attributed to either poor quality embryos or to defected endometrial receptivity. The current review aims to summarize in a systematic way all the new trends in managing RIF via interference with endometrial receptivity. The authors focus mainly, but not exclusively, on endometrial injury prior to embryo transfer and endometrial priming with autologous cells or biological agents. To this direction, a systematic search of the Pubmed database has been conducted taking into account the emerged evidence of the last two decades. All the suggested interventions are herein presented and analyzed in terms of reproductive outcomes. It is evident that properly powered and designed randomized trials are needed to support a new standard approach in RIF treatment that will safely be incorporated in national and international guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonis Makrigiannakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Thomas Vrekoussis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
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Lin Y, Xie B, Li X, Li R, Ma C, Zhu J, Qiao J. Supplementation of the In Vitro Maturation Culture Medium of Mouse Oocytes with Growth Hormone Improves Pregnancy Outcomes. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:2540-2549. [PMID: 33650095 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00507-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the effects of adding growth hormone (GH) into the in vitro maturation (IVM) culture medium of mouse oocytes on pregnancy outcomes. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were cultured in a medium with (GH group, 100 ng/mL) or without (Con group) GH. Thereafter, chromosome morphology, spindle morphology, and mitochondrial function were examined. Embryo development and blastocyst quality after in vitro fertilization were evaluated. After the embryo transfer, the implantation sites and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated. The oocyte maturation rate of the GH group (81.8 ± 9.6%) was compared to that of the Con group (81.3 ± 6.9%, P = 0.928). The proportion of morphologically abnormal spindles in GH-treated oocytes (7.1 ± 0.9%) was significantly lower than control oocytes (13.7 ± 1.3%, P = 0.032), whereas the proportion of morphologically abnormal chromosomes and mitochondrial distribution was similar between the groups. The mitochondrial membrane potential (P < 0.001) and ATP concentration (P < 0.001) in GH-exposed oocytes were higher than those in control oocytes. After fertilization, the blastocyst rate in the GH group (33.8 ± 13.2%) was significantly higher than the Con group (16.2 ± 2.0%, P = 0.003). In addition, inner cell mass (ICM) number (13.91 ± 3.48 vs. 7.00 ± 1.91, P < 0.001), total cell number (47.45 ± 8.39 vs. 37.71 ± 4.15, P = 0.007), and the ratio of ICM/total cell number (29.9 ± 8.2% vs. 18.6 ± 5.0%, P = 0.002) of blastocyst were all higher in GH group. The implantation rate (71.2 ± 1.9% vs. 39.4 ± 16.4%, P < 0.001) and litter size (8.50 ± 3.99 vs. 3.00 ± 1.22, P = 0.018) were significantly higher in the GH group. Although addition of GH into IVM culture medium does not improve oocyte maturation rate, it improves oocyte and embryo quality, which leads to better embryo development and pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihua Lin
- Department of Reproductive Center, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518036, China
| | - Bingteng Xie
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiaoxue Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Rong Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Caihong Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jinliang Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Jie Qiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, 100191, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191, China
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Liu C, Li S, Li Y, Tian J, Sun X, Song T, Yan G, Ding L, Sun H. Growth hormone ameliorates the age-associated depletion of ovarian reserve and decline of oocyte quality via inhibiting the activation of Fos and Jun signaling. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:6765-6781. [PMID: 33621201 PMCID: PMC7993724 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Oocyte quality typically begins to decline with aging, which contributes to subfertility and infertility. However, there is still no effective treatment to restore the ovarian reserve and improve aged-oocyte quality. According to the present study, growth hormone (GH) secretion changes with maternal age in female mice. After intraperitoneal injection with GH (1 mg/kg body weight) every two days for two months, the 10-month-old mice showed a better ovarian reserve and oocyte quality than control mice. GH treatment decreased the occurrence rate of aneuploidy caused by spindle/chromosome defects. Additionally, the single oocyte transcriptome analysis indicated that GH decreased the expression of apoptosis-related genes in oocytes. It was also observed that GH treatment reduced the expression of γH2AX and apoptosis of aged oocytes via decreasing the activation of Fos and Jun. Collectively, our results indicate that GH treatment is an effective way to reverse the age-associated depletion of ovarian reserve and the decline of oocyte quality by decreasing apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanming Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shiyuan Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yifan Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiao Tian
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoling Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tianran Song
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guijun Yan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lijun Ding
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, People’s Republic of China
- Center for Clinical Stem Cell Reasearch, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haixiang Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, People’s Republic of China
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Jiang L, Xu X, Cao Z, Yang N, Wang S, Wang L, Xu X, Li Q, Shi B, Hao G. Comparison of Frozen Embryo Transfer Outcomes Between Uterine Infusion of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor and Growth Hormone Application in Patients With Thin Endometrium: A Retrospective Study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:725202. [PMID: 35027908 PMCID: PMC8750567 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.725202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of two treatments on the outcome of freeze-thaw embryo transfer for pregnancy assistance in thin endometrium. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on 66 patients who failed in the first cycle treated in the reproductive medicine center of the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2018 to December 2019. Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) was used through cavity infusion in one group (n=25, and growth hormone (GH) was subcutaneously injected in the group (n=41). The clinical data of the two groups were compared, including morphology and thickness of the endometrium, biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, miscarriage rate, and live birth rate in each period of the hormone replacement cycle. RESULTS There was no significant difference in age, BMI, AMH, FSH, LH, E2, infertility years, number of transferred embryos, basal endometrium, and thickness of endometrium on the day of P administration before and after treatment (P> 0.05). After treatment, compared to the GH group, the G-CSF group presented higher biochemical pregnancy rate (56% versus 48.8%; P=0.569), clinical pregnancy rate (52% versus 46.3%; P=0.655), implantation rate (34.8% versus 27.5%; P=0.391), and live birth rate (40% versus 31.7%; P=0.493), but the differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). On the 5th day of treatment, the endometrial thickness in the G-CSF group was thinner than that in the GH group (4.83 ± 0.85 versus 5.75 ± 1.27; P< 0.05), but it had no correlation with pregnancy outcome (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in endometrial thickness between the two groups on the 7th, 9th day of treatment and the day of P administration (P > 0.05). On the 5th day of treatment, the proportion of endometrial type A morphology in the GH group was significantly higher than that in the G-CSF group (P < 0.05), while the type B morphology in the G-CSF group was significantly higher than that in the GH group (P< 0.05). CONCLUSION Although G-CSF and GH may not have a role in increasing endometrium, both of them can improve the pregnancy outcomes of patients with thin endometrium in the FET cycle. And the effects of the two treatments were similar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Jiang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ziyu Cao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ni Yang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shaoqing Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Luning Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiuhua Xu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Cardiovascular Platform, Institute of Health and Disease, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Qian Li
- Cardiovascular Platform, Institute of Health and Disease, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Baojun Shi
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Guimin Hao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: Guimin Hao,
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Gong Y, Zhang K, Xiong D, Wei J, Tan H, Qin S. Growth hormone alleviates oxidative stress and improves the IVF outcomes of poor ovarian responders: a randomized controlled trial. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2020; 18:91. [PMID: 32891163 PMCID: PMC7487463 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-020-00648-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxidative stress (OS), defined as an imbalance between excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and/or reactive nitrogen species (RNS) production and antioxidant insufficiency, has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of poor ovarian response (POR). Growth hormone (GH) can reduce OS in some cell types. This study investigated whether GH can improve OS and the in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) outcomes of poor ovarian responders. METHODS This study enrolled 105 patients with POR and 58 patients without POR (controls) who were diagnosed according to the Bologna criteria and underwent conventional IVF-ET. Poor ovarian responders were randomly assigned to two groups: the POR-GH group, which received pretreatment with GH 4 IU/d on day 2 of the previous menstrual cycle before IVF until the trigger day, and the POR-C group, which received no pretreatment. OS markers in follicular fluid (FF), ROS levels in granulosa cells (GCs), and the IVF outcomes of the groups were compared. RESULTS Endometrial thickness on trigger day, the number of cleaved embryos, the number of higher-quality embryos, and the rates of embryo formation, higher-quality embryo formation, implantation and clinical pregnancy were significantly increased in the POR-GH group compared with the POR-C group (P < 0.05). Moreover, compared to those in the non-POR group, FF malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) and ROS levels in GCs were significantly higher, whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were significantly lower in the POR-C group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, compared with those in the POR-C group, the FF TAC was significantly increased in the POR-GH group, and TOS, OSI and intracellular ROS levels were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Pretreatment with GH alleviates OS and improves oocyte quality and IVF outcomes of poor ovarian responders. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. ChiCTR1900021269 . Registered 8 February 2019, http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=35837&htm=4 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Gong
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Sichuan Provincial Women's and Children's Hospital, The Affiliated Women's and children's Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, #290 Shayan West Second Street, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Genetics, School of Bioscience and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, #783 Xindu Avenue, Xindu District, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610500, People's Republic of China.
| | - Dongsheng Xiong
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Sichuan Provincial Women's and Children's Hospital, The Affiliated Women's and children's Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, #290 Shayan West Second Street, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiajing Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Sichuan Provincial Women's and Children's Hospital, The Affiliated Women's and children's Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, #290 Shayan West Second Street, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Tan
- Department of Genetics, School of Bioscience and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, #783 Xindu Avenue, Xindu District, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610500, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengfang Qin
- Department of Medical Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis, Sichuan Provincial Women's and Children's Hospital, The Affiliated Women's and children's Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
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Park SR, Kim SR, Im JB, Lim S, Hong IS. Tryptophanyl-tRNA Synthetase, a Novel Damage-Induced Cytokine, Significantly Increases the Therapeutic Effects of Endometrial Stem Cells. Mol Ther 2020; 28:2458-2472. [PMID: 32592690 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The major challenges of most adult stem cell-based therapies are their weak therapeutic effects caused by the loss of multilineage differentiation capacity and homing potential. Recently, many researchers have attempted to identify novel stimulating factors that can fundamentally increase the differentiation capacity and homing potential of various types of adult stem cells. Tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase (WRS) is a highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed enzyme that catalyzes the first step of protein synthesis. In addition to this canonical function, we found for the first time that WRS is actively released from the site of injury in response to various damage signals both in vitro and in vivo and then acts as a potent nonenzymatic cytokine that promotes the self-renewal, migratory, and differentiation capacities of endometrial stem cells to facilitate the repair of damaged tissues. Furthermore, we also found that WRS, through its functional receptor cadherin-6 (CDH-6), activates major prosurvival signaling pathways, such as Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 signaling. Our current study provides novel and unique insights into approaches that can significantly enhance the therapeutic effects of human endometrial stem cells in various clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se-Ra Park
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea; Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-840, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Rim Kim
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea; Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-840, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Been Im
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea; Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-840, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyi Lim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Sun Hong
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea; Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-840, Republic of Korea.
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Abstract
Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is an uncommon, imprecisely defined clinical disorder characterized by failure to achieve pregnancy after repeated embryo transfers. The diverse etiologies and incomplete understanding of RIF provide significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to patients and providers. Careful clinical evaluation prior to assisted reproduction can uncover many treatable causes, including thyroid dysfunction, submucosal myomas, and tobacco use. The more-subtle causes often require a more-targeted assessment. Undetected, small polyps or small areas of intrauterine synechiae are relatively common and easily treated contributors to RIF. Molecular and cellular abnormalities pose a greater therapeutic challenge. Putative causes of RIF, including progesterone resistance, shifted window of receptivity, decreased integrin expression, and immunologic disturbances, should be considered in the evaluation of a patient with otherwise unexplained RIF. It may also be true that a more complex and standardized definition of RIF would be helpful in these cases. In this paper, we review the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to RIF, with emphasis on disorders of endometrial receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Moustafa
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Steven L Young
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Feng Q, Gao B, Huang H, Zou L, Zhao X, Zhu X, Xu D. Growth hormone promotes human endometrial glandular cells proliferation and motion through the GHR-STAT3/5 pathway. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:53. [PMID: 32175347 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2019.12.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background This study aims at investigating the effect of growth hormone (GH) on the growth of human endometrial glandular cells (hEGCs) and preliminary exploring its mechanism. Methods HEGCs were isolated from the endometrial biopsies and exposed to different dose of GH (0, 50, 100, and 200 ng/mL). Cell proliferation and cell cycle assay, migration assay was performed to investigate the growth and motivation of hEGCs, respectively. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunocytochemistry (ICC), and western blot (WB) were processed to investigate its related gene or protein expression. Results The results revealed that GH administration promoted the proliferation, cell cycle, migration, and growth hormone receptors (GHRs) expression of the hEGC. We further inhibited GHRs with AG490, and the inhibitor reversed the effects of GH on cell growth, motion, and the activation of GHR and STAT3/5. Conclusions GH promoted hEGCs proliferation and motion, which is GHR-JAK-STAT3/5 signaling pathway-dependent. These findings reveal the essential roles of GH in the hEGCs growth and provide evidence for potential GH therapy in intrauterine adhesion (IUA) treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Bingsi Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Huan Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Lingxiao Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Xingping Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Xiuting Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Dabao Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
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Liu FT, Wu Z, Yan J, Norman RJ, Li R. The Potential Role of Growth Hormone on the Endometrium in Assisted Reproductive Technology. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:49. [PMID: 32117072 PMCID: PMC7033614 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth hormone (GH) has been considered as an adjuvant treatment in human assisted reproductive technology (ART) for several years. Its action was largely attributed to an improvement of ovarian function and less emphasis was paid to its role in the uterus. However, there is increasing evidence that GH and its receptors are expressed and have actions in the endometrium and may play an important role in modifying endometrial receptivity. Thus, in this review, we firstly describe the existence of GH receptors in endometrium and then summarize the effects of GH on the endometrium in clinical situations and the underlying mechanisms of GH in the regulation of endometrial receptivity. Finally, we briefly review the potential risks of GH in ART and consider rationalized use of GH treatment in ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen-Ting Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ze Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Jie Yan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Robert J. Norman
- Robinson Research Institute and Fertility SA, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Rong Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Rong Li
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Park SR, Kim SR, Park CH, Lim S, Ha SY, Hong IS, Lee HY. Sonic Hedgehog, a Novel Endogenous Damage Signal, Activates Multiple Beneficial Functions of Human Endometrial Stem Cells. Mol Ther 2019; 28:452-465. [PMID: 31866117 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Local endometrial stem cells play an important role in regulating endometrial thickness, which is an essential factor for successful embryo implantation and pregnancy outcomes. Importantly, defects in endometrial stem cell function can be responsible for thin endometrium and subsequent recurrent pregnancy losses. Therefore, many researchers have directed their efforts toward finding a novel stimulatory factor that can enhance the regenerative capacity of endometrial stem cells. Sonic hedgehog (SHH) is a morphogen that plays a key role in regulating pattern formation throughout embryonic limb development. In addition to this canonical function, we identified for the first time that SHH is actively secreted as a stem cell-activating factor in response to tissue injury and subsequently stimulates tissue regeneration by promoting various beneficial functions of endometrial stem cells. Our results also showed that SHH exerts stimulatory effects on endometrial stem cells via the FAK/ERK1/2 and/or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathways. More importantly, we also observed that endometrial stem cells stimulated with SHH showed markedly enhanced differentiation and migratory capacities and subsequent in vivo therapeutic effects in an endometrial ablation animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se-Ra Park
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea; Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-840, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Rim Kim
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea; Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-840, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Hum Park
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Soyi Lim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Yeon Ha
- Department of Pathology, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Sun Hong
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea; Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-840, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hwa-Yong Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Jungwon University, 85 Goesan-eup, Munmu-ro, Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do 367-700, Republic of Korea.
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Lan KC, Lin PY, Chang YC, Chen YJ, Tsai YR, Ismaeil Mohamed IS, Kang HY. Growth hormone supplementation may improve the pregnancy rate and endometrial receptivity among women aged more than 40 years undergoing in vitro fertilization. Biomed J 2019; 42:411-416. [PMID: 31948605 PMCID: PMC6962760 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Growth hormone (GH) supplements have been shown to improve pregnancy and live-birth rates, suggesting that GH has a beneficial effect on oocyte quality. However, the effects of GH on implantation and receptivity remain unknown. This study evaluated the efficacy of GH in women aged more than 40 years participating in assisted reproductive technology (ART) programs. Methods Cycles of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection-embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET) in women aged more than 40 years (range, 40–43 years) between January 2009 and March 2014 at a university-based reproductive center were reviewed. Women were divided into two groups, those with and without GH co-stimulation. ART outcomes were evaluated. Results Supplement of GH significantly lowered cycle cancellation rate by increasing the per cycle rates of harvesting at least one oocyte and transferring at least one embryo (80.2% vs. 69.4%). GH increased the per cycle clinical pregnancy (15.9% vs. 6.8%) and favorable ultrasonic endometrial pattern (60.9% vs. 39.3%) rates. GH also increased the per transfer clinical pregnancy (19.9% vs. 9.9%) and implantation (11.2% vs. 5.2%) rates and the rate of a favorable ultrasonic endometrial pattern (65.1% vs. 45.0%). Conclusion GH supplementation reduces the cycle cancellation rate in women aged more than 40 years, and increases the favorable ultrasonic endometrial pattern, pregnancy, and implantation rates by its beneficial actions on embryo quality and endometrial receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Chung Lan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Center for Menopause and Reproductive Medicine Research, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Pin-Yao Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Chiao Chang
- Center for Menopause and Reproductive Medicine Research, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ju Chen
- Center for Menopause and Reproductive Medicine Research, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ru Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Chiayi, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | | | - Hong-Yo Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Center for Menopause and Reproductive Medicine Research, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Keane KN, Ye Y, Hinchliffe PM, Regan SLP, Dhaliwal SS, Yovich JL. Live birth outcomes of vitrified embryos generated under growth hormone stimulation are improved for women categorized as poor-prognosis. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2019; 46:178-188. [PMID: 31739659 PMCID: PMC6919205 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2019.00206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the clinical pregnancy (CP) and live birth (LB) rates arising from frozen embryo transfers (FETs) that had been generated under the influence of in vitro fertilization (IVF) adjuvants given to women categorized as poor-prognosis. METHODS A registered, single-center, retrospective study. A total of 1,119 patients with first FETs cycle include 310 patients with poor prognosis (109 treated with growth hormone [GH], (+)GH group vs. 201 treated with dehydroepiandrosterone, (-)GH group) and 809 patients with good prognosis (as control, (-)Adj (Good) group). RESULTS The poor-prognosis women were significantly older, with a lower ovarian reserve than the (-)Adj (Good) group, and demonstrated lower chances of CP (p<0.005) and LB (p<0.005). After adjusting for confounders, the chances of both CP and LB in the (+)GH group were not significantly different from those in the (-)Adj (Good) group, indicating that the poor-prognosis patients given GH had similar outcomes to those with a good prognosis. Furthermore, the likelihood of LB was significantly higher for poor-prognosis women given GH than for those who did not receive GH (p<0.028). This was further confirmed in age-matched analyses. CONCLUSION The embryos cryopreserved from fresh IVF cycles in which adjuvant GH had been administered to women classified as poor-prognosis showed a significant 2.7-fold higher LB rate in subsequent FET cycles than a matched poor-prognosis group. The women with a poor prognosis who were treated with GH had LB outcomes equivalent to those with a good prognosis. We therefore postulate that GH improves some aspect of oocyte quality that confers improved competency for implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin N Keane
- PIVET Medical Center, Perth, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Yun Ye
- PIVET Medical Center, Perth, Australia
- Zhongshan People’s Hospital, Zhongshan City, China
| | | | - Sheena LP Regan
- PIVET Medical Center, Perth, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
- Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI), Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | | | - John L Yovich
- PIVET Medical Center, Perth, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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Hou HY, Wang X, Yu Q, Li HY, Li SJ, Tang RY, Guo ZX, Chen YQ, Hu CX, Yang ZJ, Zhang WK, Qin Y. Evidence that growth hormone can improve mitochondrial function in oocytes from aged mice. Reproduction 2019; 157:345-358. [PMID: 30668522 PMCID: PMC6420407 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Decline in successful conception decreases more rapidly after 38 years of age owing to follicular depletion and decreased oocyte quality. However, limited information is available regarding the underlying mechanism and the useful treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of growth hormone supplementation on oocyte maturation in vivo in aged and young mice and to determine its effect on mitochondrial function. The influence of three different doses of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) (0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks before ovarian stimulation was analyzed. Superovulated oocytes were released from the oviduct of 12-week-old and 40-week-old female C57BL/6J mice 14-16 h after administration of human chorionic gonadotropin. Ovarian follicle and morphological analysis and oocyte maturation parameters were then evaluated. This study is the first, to our knowledge, to report that medium- and high-dose rhGH significantly increases antral follicles in aged mice but anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels. Furthermore, derived oocytes, MII-stage oocyte rate, ATP levels, mitochondrial membrane potential and frequencies of homogeneous mitochondrial distribution increased. In contrast, in both aged and young mice, the mtDNA copy numbers per oocyte were similar before rhGH administration, and upon saline administration, they did not differ significantly. We conclude that medium-dose rhGH supplementation before standard ovarian stimulation regimens improves oocyte quality in aged mice, probably by enhancing mitochondrial functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Yan Hou
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Characteristic Medical Center of PAP, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Wang
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Yu
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Yi Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Characteristic Medical Center of PAP, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Shao-Jie Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Characteristic Medical Center of PAP, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui-Yi Tang
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zai-Xin Guo
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya-Qiong Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Characteristic Medical Center of PAP, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Xiu Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Characteristic Medical Center of PAP, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Juan Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Characteristic Medical Center of PAP, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Ke Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Characteristic Medical Center of PAP, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Qin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Characteristic Medical Center of PAP, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
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Zhong Y, Zeng F, Liu W, Ma J, Guan Y, Song Y. Acupuncture in improving endometrial receptivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 19:61. [PMID: 30866920 PMCID: PMC6417024 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2472-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background This systematic review aimed at summarizing and evaluating the evidence of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using acupuncture to improve endometrial receptivity (ER). Methods We searched 12 databases electronically through August 2018 without language restrictions. We included RCTs of women of infertility due to low ER, and excluded infertility caused by other reasons or non-RCTs. Two independent reviewers extracted the characteristics of studies and resolved the differences through consensus. Data were pooled and expressed as standard mean difference (SMD) or mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes and risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous outcomes, with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results We found very low to moderate level of evidence that acupuncture may improve pregnancy rate (RR = 1.23 95%CI[1.13, 1.34] P < 0.00001) and embryo transfer rate (RR = 2.04 95%CI[1.13, 3.70] P = 0.02), increase trilinear endometrium (RR = 1.47 95%CI [1.27, 1.70] P < 0.00001), thicken endometrium (SMD = 0.41 95% CI [0.11, 0.72] P = 0.008), reduce resistive index (RI) (MD = -0.08 95% CI [− 0.15, − 0.02] P = 0.01), pulse index (PI) (SMD = -2.39 95% CI [− 3.85, − 0.93] P = 0.001) and peak systolic velocity/ end-diastolic blood velocity (S/D) (SMD = -0.60 95% CI [− 0.89, − 0.30] P < 0.0001), compared with medication, sham acupuncture or physiotherapy. Acupuncture was statistically significant as a treatment approach. Conclusion The efficacy and safety of acupuncture on key outcomes in women with low ER is statistically significant, but the level of most evidence was very low or low. More large-scale, long-term RCTs with rigorous methodologies are needed.
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Altmäe S, Aghajanova L. Growth Hormone and Endometrial Receptivity. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:653. [PMID: 31616379 PMCID: PMC6768942 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Administration of growth hormone (GH) during ovarian stimulation has shown beneficial effects on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. It is generally believed that this improvement is due to the stimulating effect of GH on oocyte quality. However, studies are emerging that show possible positive effect of GH administration on endometrial receptivity, thus suggesting an additional potential benefit at the level of the uterus, especially among women with recurrent implantation failure, thin endometrium, and older normal responders. This review summarizes recent data on GH co-treatment effects on endometrium and endometrial receptivity among infertile women undergoing IVF, and proposes possible mechanisms of GH actions in the endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Signe Altmäe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
- *Correspondence: Signe Altmäe
| | - Lusine Aghajanova
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford School of Medicine, Sunnyvale, CA, United States
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Devesa J, Caicedo D. The Role of Growth Hormone on Ovarian Functioning and Ovarian Angiogenesis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:450. [PMID: 31379735 PMCID: PMC6646585 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although not yet well-understood, today it is clear that Growth Hormone (GH) exerts a relevant role in the regulation of ovulation and fertility; in fact, fertility is lower in women with GH deficiency (GHD), and GH receptors (GHR) and GH mRNA have been found in the ovary since the onset of follicular development in humans. However, despite the strong evidence of GH in the regulation of fertility, many aspects of GH actions at this level are still not well-established, and it is likely that some controversial data depend on the species analyzed, the dose of the hormone and the duration of use of GH. Folliculogenesis, ovulation, and corpus luteum formation and maintenance are processes that are critically dependent on angiogenesis. In the ovary, new blood vessel formation facilitates oxygen, nutrients, and hormone substrate delivery, and also secures transfer of different hormones to targeted cells. Some growth factors and hormones overlap their actions in order to control the angiogenic process for fertility. However, we still know very little about the factors that play a critical role in the vascular changes that occur during folliculogenesis or luteal regression. To promote and maintain the production of VEGF-A in granulosa cells, the effects of local factors such as IGF-I and steroids are needed; that VEGF-A-inducing effect cannot be induced by luteinizing hormone (LH) or chorionic gonadotropin (CG) alone. As a result of the influences that GH exerts on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, facilitating the release of gonadotropins, and given the relationship between GH and local ovarian factors such as VEGF-A, FGF-2, IGF-1, or production of sex steroids, we assume that GH has to be a necessary factor in ovarian angiogenesis, as it happens in other vascular beds. In this review we will discuss the actions of GH in the ovary, most of them likely due to the local production of the hormone and its mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Devesa
- Scientific Direction, Medical Center Foltra, Foundation Foltra, Teo, Spain
- *Correspondence: Jesús Devesa ;
| | - Diego Caicedo
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Xu YM, Hao GM, Gao BL. Application of Growth Hormone in in vitro Fertilization. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:502. [PMID: 31396161 PMCID: PMC6663998 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth hormone (GH) is a peptide hormone secreted mainly by the anterior part of the pituitary gland and plays a critical role in cell growth, development, and metabolism throughout the body. GH can not only directly influence human oocytes and cumulus cells but also indirectly improve oocyte quality through activating synthesis of insulin-like growth factor-I or promoting follicle-stimulating hormone-induced ovarian steroidogenesis. Since GH can regulate female and male infertility, it has been applied in the management of infertility for many years, especially in patients with poor ovarian response or poor prognosis. During ovarian stimulation, GH administration might improve the success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF) probably through the beneficial effects of GH on oocyte quality as indicated by a higher number of mature oocytes and embryos arriving at the transfer stage and a higher fertility rate in GH-treated patients. However, there is still great controversy in the application of GH in IVF. While some researchers showed that pregnancy, implantation and live birth rates could be increased by ovarian pretreatment with GH, others did not support GH as an effective adjuvant for infertility treatment because the live birth rate was not increased. This study reviewed and summarized recent advancements and benefits in clinical application of GH, trying to reach a just unbiased conclusion regarding the effect of GH therapy in IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Ming Xu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Gui-Min Hao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Second Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: Gui-Min Hao
| | - Bu-Lang Gao
- Department of Medical Research, Shijiazhuang First Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Bu-Lang Gao
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Yovich JL, Ye Y, Regan SLP, Keane KN. The Evolving Concept of Poor-Prognosis for Women Undertaking IVF and the Notion of Growth Hormone as an Adjuvant; A Single-Center Viewpoint. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:808. [PMID: 31824425 PMCID: PMC6882284 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
IVF is currently regarded as a successful new technology with the number of IVF children currently well over 8 million worldwide. This has been achieved by an explosive plethora of facilities. However, from its earliest history, IVF has been beset by poor-prognosis on a treatment cycle basis, an aspect which has been a constant feature for the majority of treatments to this stage. The 2019 Australian and New Zealand Assisted Reproduction Database (ANZARD) report shows that IVF clinics have live birth productivity rates (from combined initiated fresh and frozen cycles) ranging from 9.3 to 33.2%. Over the past 40 years there have been a number of innovations which have steadily moved the success rates forward, but progress is held back by an intransigent group of women who can be classified as being poor-prognosis from one or more adverse factors, namely advanced age (>40 years), poor ovarian response (POR) to ovarian stimulation, inability to generate high quality blastocyst-stage embryos, recurrent implantation failure, or recurrent early pregnancy losses. A number of strategies are variously applied including the use of recombinant growth hormone (GH) adjuvant therapy. Our retrospective studies at PIVET over the past decade show a 6.2-fold chance of live birth for fresh cycle embryo transfers following GH injections of 1-1.5 IU daily given for 3-6 weeks in the lead-up to the trigger for ovum pick-up. We have also recently reported the live birth rates from frozen embryo transfers utilizing those blastocyst embryos generated under GH influence and showed the live birth rate was 2.7-fold higher in a carefully matched poor-prognosis group. This experience has been compared to the total 42 GH studies reported since the year 2000, the majority matching those of PIVET with significant increases in both oocyte and embryo utilization rates but only ~50% are followed by elevated live birth rates. We argue that this discrepancy relates to failure in addressing other causes of poor-prognosis along with the wastage of transferring more than a single embryo in the fresh cycle, when ANZARD data indicates a significantly higher chance of live birth from frozen embryo transfers.
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Affiliation(s)
- John L. Yovich
- PIVET Medical Centre, Perth, WA, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- *Correspondence: John L. Yovich
| | - Yun Ye
- PIVET Medical Centre, Perth, WA, Australia
- Zhongshan People's Hospital, Zhongshan, China
| | - Sheena L. P. Regan
- PIVET Medical Centre, Perth, WA, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Kevin Noel Keane
- PIVET Medical Centre, Perth, WA, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Hart RJ. Use of Growth Hormone in the IVF Treatment of Women With Poor Ovarian Reserve. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:500. [PMID: 31396160 PMCID: PMC6667844 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth hormone (GH) has been used as an adjunct in the field of female infertility treatment for more than 25 years, although, apart from treating women with GH deficiency its role has not yet been clarified. Contributing to this lack of clarity is that several underpowered studies have been performed on women undergoing IVF treatment, with a previous "poor response" to ovarian stimulation, which have suggested a favorable outcome. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials has demonstrated a benefit for the use of the adjunct growth hormone, in comparison to placebo; with reductions in the duration of ovarian stimulation required prior to oocyte retrieval, with a greater number of oocytes collected, and improvements in many of the early clinical parameters with the use of GH. However, no benefit of an increased chance of a live birth with the use of growth hormone for the "poor responding" patient has been determined. Consequently the role of GH to treat a woman with a poor response to ovarian stimulation cannot be supported on the basis of the available evidence. However, the place for GH in the treatment of women undergoing IVF may yet still be determined, as it is also used, without firm evidence of benefit; for women with poor embryonic development, poor endometrial development and for women who do not conceive despite multiple embryo transfers (recurrent implantation failure).
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger J. Hart
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, Bethesda Hospital, Claremont, WA, Australia
- *Correspondence: Roger J. Hart
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