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Tan H, Long P, Xiao H. Dissecting the shared genetic architecture between endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1359236. [PMID: 38742190 PMCID: PMC11089172 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1359236] [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: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Previous study suggested evidence for coexistence and similarities between endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but it is unclear regarding the shared genetic architecture and causality underlying the phenotypic similarities observed for endometriosis and PCOS. Methods By leveraging summary statistics from public genome-wide association studies regarding endometriosis (European-based: N=470,866) and PCOS (European-based: N=210,870), we explored the genetic correlation that shared between endometriosis and PCOS using linkage disequilibrium score regression. Shared risk SNPs were derived using PLACO (Pleiotropic analysis under composite null hypothesis) and FUMA (Functional Mapping and Annotation of Genetic Associations). The potential causal association between endometriosis and PCOS was investigated using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR). Linkage disequilibrium score for the specific expression of genes analysis (LDSC-SEG) were performed for tissue enrichment analysis. The expression profiles of the risk gene in tissues were further examined. Results A positive genetic association was observed between endometriosis and PCOS. 12 significant pleiotropic loci shared between endometriosis and PCOS were identified. Genetic associations between endometriosis and PCOS were particularly enriched in uterus, endometrium and fallopian tube. Two-sample MR analysis further indicated a potential causative effect of endometriosis on PCOS, and vice versa. Microarray and RNA-seq verified the expressions of SYNE1 and DNM3 were significantly altered in the endometrium of patients with endometriosis or PCOS compared to those of control subjects. Conclusion Our study indicates the genetic correlation and shared risk genes between PCOS and endometriosis. These findings provide insights into the potential mechanisms behind their comorbidity and the future development of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hangjing Tan
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, Center of Reproductive Health, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Panpan Long
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, Center of Reproductive Health, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Center of Genetics, Changsha Jiangwan Maternity Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hongmei Xiao
- Institute of Reproductive & Stem Cell Engineering, Center of Reproductive Health, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Ye J, Xu Y, Ren Q, Liu L, Sun Q. Nutrient deprivation induces mouse embryonic diapause mediated by Gator1 and Tsc2. Development 2024; 151:dev202091. [PMID: 38603796 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202091] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Embryonic diapause is a special reproductive phenomenon in mammals that helps embryos to survive various harsh stresses. However, the mechanisms of embryonic diapause induced by the maternal environment is still unclear. Here, we uncovered that nutrient deficiency in uterine fluid was essential for the induction of mouse embryonic diapause, shown by a decreased concentration of arginine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, glucose and lactate in the uterine fluid of mice suffering from maternal starvation or ovariectomy. Moreover, mouse blastocysts cultured in a medium with reduced levels of these six components could mimic diapaused blastocysts. Our mechanistic study indicated that amino acid starvation-dependent Gator1 activation and carbohydrate starvation-dependent Tsc2 activation inhibited mTORC1, leading to induction of embryonic diapause. Our study elucidates the essential environmental factors in diapause induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Ye
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology, Shanghai 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuting Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Qi Ren
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Qiang Sun
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
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Jia Y, Wang W, Jiang J, Zhang X, Li H, Gong S, Li Z, Liu H, Shang C, Wang A, Jin Y, Lin P. LncRNA STAT3-AS regulates endometrial receptivity via the STAT3 signaling pathway. Theriogenology 2024; 216:118-126. [PMID: 38171198 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.12.032] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Endometrial receptivity is critical for the successful establishment of pregnancy in ruminants. Interferon tau (IFNT) plays a key role in promoting embryo attachment by activating the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway, which induces the expression of a series of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). In our previous study, sequencing analysis of goat endometrial epithelial cells (gEECs) treated with 20 ng/mL IFNT revealed a differentially expressed long non-coding RNA located on the STAT3 antisense chain, which we designated STAT3-AS. The aim of this study was to investigate the role and mechanism of STAT3-AS in establishing endometrial receptivity in goats. The results showed that STAT3-AS was expressed in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of gEECs, and its expression increased significantly in the uterus on day 15 of pregnancy. STAT3-AS expression was upregulated in gEECs treated with IFNT alone or in combination with progesterone and estradiol. Knockdown of STAT3-AS using specific short interfering RNA significantly inhibited the expression of classical ISGs such as interferon-stimulated gene 15 and 2',5'-oligodenylate synthetase 2, as well as uterine endometrial receptivity-related genes including homeobox gene A11, integrin beta 3, and vascular endothelial growth factor. Moreover, gEEC proliferation and the STAT3 pathway were suppressed in the absence of STAT3-AS. However, pretreatment with the STAT3 activator RO8191 restored the effect of silencing STAT3-AS on endometrial receptivity. Overall, these results suggest that STAT3-AS is an important regulator of endometrial receptivity in goats and that it regulates endometrial receptivity through the STAT3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanni Jia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiaqi Jiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xinyan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haijing Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Suhua Gong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zuhui Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haokun Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chunmei Shang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Aihua Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yaping Jin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Pengfei Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
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4
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He D, Song Y, Xiao H, Shi S, Song H, Cui T, Ni T, Wang J, Ren X, Wei A. Ligustilide enhances pregnancy outcomes via improvement of endometrial receptivity and promotion of endometrial angiogenesis in rats. J Nat Med 2024; 78:42-52. [PMID: 37698739 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-023-01739-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Ligustilide (LIG) is the main active ingredient of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, which could promote focal angiogenesis to exert neuroprotection. However, there was no report that verified the exact effects of LIG on endometrial angiogenesis and the pregnancy outcomes. To explore the effects of LIG on low endometrial receptivity (LER) and angiogenesis, pregnancy rats were assigned into Control (saline treatment), LER (hydroxyurea-adrenaline treatment), LIG 20 mg/kg and LIG 40 mg/kg groups. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was performed to evaluate endometrial morphology. Quantitative real-time PCR, immunofluorescence staining, western blot and immunohistochemistry staining were employed to assess the expression of endometrial receptivity factors and angiogenesis-related gene/protein, respectively. RNA sequencing was used to analyze the effects of LIG on LER caused by Kidney deficiency and blood stasis. We found that endometrial thickness and the implanted embryo number were substantially reduced in the hydroxyurea-adrenaline-treated pregnancy rats. At the same time, the gene and protein expressions of ERα, LIF, VEGFA and CD31 in the endometrium were markedly reduced, while the expressions of MUC1, E-cadherin were increased in the LER group. Administration of LIG raised the endometrial thickness and implanted embryos, as well as reversed the expressions of these factors. Collectively, our findings revealed that LIG could facilitate embryo implantation via recovery of the endometrium receptivity and promotion of endometrial angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjie He
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yanli Song
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Huidongzi Xiao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shaoqi Shi
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hongyan Song
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Tianwei Cui
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Tingting Ni
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jing Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xingxing Ren
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Aiwu Wei
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 19 Renmin Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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5
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Sui C, Liao Z, Bai J, Hu D, Yue J, Yang S. Current knowledge on the role of extracellular vesicles in endometrial receptivity. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:471. [PMID: 37899459 PMCID: PMC10614333 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01459-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial receptivity has been widely understood as the capacity of the endometrium to receive implantable embryos. The establishment of endometrial receptivity involves multiple biological processes including decidualization, tissue remodeling, angiogenesis, immune regulation, and oxidative metabolism. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid-bilayer-membrane nanosized vesicles mediating cell-to-cell communication. Recently, EVs and their cargo have been proven as functional factors in the establishment of endometrial receptivity. In this review, we comprehensively summarized the alteration of endometrium/embryo-derived EVs during the receptive phase and retrospected the current findings which revealed the pivotal role and potential mechanism of EVs to promote successful implantation. Furthermore, we highlight the potentiality and limitations of EVs being translated into clinical applications such as biomarkers of endometrial receptivity or reproductive therapeutic mediators, and point out the direction for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Sui
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue 1095#, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqi Liao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue 1095#, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Bai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue 1095#, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Hu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue 1095#, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Yue
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue 1095#, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Shulin Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue 1095#, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
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6
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Chan HY, Tran HM, Breen J, Schjenken JE, Robertson SA. The endometrial transcriptome transition preceding receptivity to embryo implantation in mice. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:590. [PMID: 37794337 PMCID: PMC10552439 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09698-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Receptivity of the uterus is essential for embryo implantation and progression of mammalian pregnancy. Acquisition of receptivity involves major molecular and cellular changes in the endometrial lining of the uterus from a non-receptive state at ovulation, to a receptive state several days later. The precise molecular mechanisms underlying this transition and their upstream regulators remain to be fully characterized. Here, we aimed to generate a comprehensive profile of the endometrial transcriptome in the peri-ovulatory and peri-implantation states, to define the genes and gene pathways that are different between these states, and to identify new candidate upstream regulators of this transition, in the mouse. RESULTS High throughput RNA-sequencing was utilized to identify genes and pathways expressed in the endometrium of female C57Bl/6 mice at estrus and on day 3.5 post-coitum (pc) after mating with BALB/c males (n = 3-4 biological replicates). Compared to the endometrium at estrus, 388 genes were considered differentially expressed in the endometrium on day 3.5 post-coitum. The transcriptional changes indicated substantial modulation of uterine immune and vascular systems during the pre-implantation phase, with the functional terms Angiogenesis, Chemotaxis, and Lymphangiogenesis predominating. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software predicted the activation of several upstream regulators previously shown to be involved in the transition to receptivity including various cytokines, ovarian steroid hormones, prostaglandin E2, and vascular endothelial growth factor A. Our analysis also revealed four candidate upstream regulators that have not previously been implicated in the acquisition of uterine receptivity, with growth differentiation factor 2, lysine acetyltransferase 6 A, and N-6 adenine-specific DNA methyltransferase 1 predicted to be activated, and peptidylprolyl isomerase F predicted to be inhibited. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms that the transcriptome of a receptive uterus is vastly different to the non-receptive uterus and identifies several genes, regulatory pathways, and upstream drivers not previously associated with implantation. The findings will inform further research to investigate the molecular mechanisms of uterine receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hon Yeung Chan
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Ha M Tran
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - James Breen
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - John E Schjenken
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
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Zhu W, Xu M, Zhu M, Song Y, Zhang J, Zheng C. Cuyun Recipe ameliorates pregnancy loss by regulating macrophage polarization and hypercoagulable state during the peri-implantation period in an ovarian hyperstimulation mouse model. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 119:154974. [PMID: 37523838 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Chinese herbal prescription Cuyun Recipe (CYR) has been widely used to treat clinical infertility and has shown good efficacy. Animal experiments have shown that CYR can promote implantation in mice, however, the exact mechanism underlying the implantation has not been elucidated. PURPOSE To investigate the effect and mechanism of CYR on regulating macrophage polarization and hypercoagulability during the peri-implantation period in mice with ovarian hyperstimulation. METHODS An ovarian hyperstimulation mouse model was developed, followed by treatment with CYR. Mice were sacrificed on day (D)4.5, D6, or D8 of gestation. The number of implantation sites, the pathological changes of the uterus and ovaries were assessed. The polarization of monocytes/macrophages in the spleen and endometrium, the expression and localization of cytokines were further detected. Furthermore, analyses of hypercoagulable state of the blood were also performed. RESULTS Treatment with CYR increased the average number of implantation sites, promoted angiogenesis in endometrial, and regulated monocytes/macrophages and the cytokine levels. Moreover, CYR downregulated the overexpression of D-dimer and fgl2 after ovarian hyperstimulation. CONCLUSION CYR facilitates embryo implantation by alleviating ovarian hyperstimulation, promoting endometrial decidualization and angiogenesis, regulating macrophage polarization, and reversing the hypercoagulable state of the blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Zhu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Menghao Xu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Mengdi Zhu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yufan Song
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jinmin Zhang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Cuihong Zheng
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China.
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8
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Lin PY, Lee CI, Chen YC, Cheng EH, Huang CC, Chen CI, Lee TH, Lee YJ, Lee MS. Factors Affecting the Potential Efficacy of Intrauterine Platelet-Rich Plasma Infusion on Thin Endometrium in Women with Recurrent Implantation Failure. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1419. [PMID: 37763186 PMCID: PMC10532920 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13091419] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Optimizing endometrial thickness (EMT) is crucial for successful embryo implantation, but enhancing thin endometrium remains a significant challenge. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)-derived therapies have emerged as a promising approach in reproductive medicine due to their capacity to facilitate tissue repair and regeneration. This study aims to identify the risk factors associated with the failure of intrauterine PRP infusion for thin endometrium in women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF). We retrospectively reviewed data from 77 women with RIF, all exhibiting an EMT of <7 mm. These women underwent programmed hormone therapy for frozen embryo transfer (FET) and received two autologous intrauterine PRP infusions. Following intrauterine PRP-lysate (PL) infusions, the mean increase in EMT was 1.9 ± 1.2 mm, with EMT reaching 7 mm in 86% of the cases (66/77; average EMT, 8.3 mm). We identified an exceedingly thin EMT as a risk factor impacting the therapeutic efficacy in increasing EMT (p = 0.04, OR: 3.16; 95% CI: 1.03-9.67). Additionally, the number of previous uterine surgeries emerged as a prognostic factor for pregnancy failure following PL infusion (p = 0.02, OR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.12-3.64). Our findings suggest that an extremely thin EMT and a history of numerous uterine surgeries can impede successful pregnancy, even when an optimal EMT is achieved following PRP infusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin-Yao Lin
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110, Sec. 1, Jianguo N. Rd., South District, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan; (P.-Y.L.)
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women’s Hospital, No. 30-6, Sec. 1, Changping Road, Beitun District, Taichung City 406, Taiwan (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Chun-I Lee
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110, Sec. 1, Jianguo N. Rd., South District, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan; (P.-Y.L.)
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women’s Hospital, No. 30-6, Sec. 1, Changping Road, Beitun District, Taichung City 406, Taiwan (Y.-J.L.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, No. 110, Sec. 1, Jianguo N. Rd., South District, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chun Chen
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women’s Hospital, No. 30-6, Sec. 1, Changping Road, Beitun District, Taichung City 406, Taiwan (Y.-J.L.)
| | - En-Hui Cheng
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women’s Hospital, No. 30-6, Sec. 1, Changping Road, Beitun District, Taichung City 406, Taiwan (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Chun-Chia Huang
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women’s Hospital, No. 30-6, Sec. 1, Changping Road, Beitun District, Taichung City 406, Taiwan (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Chung-I Chen
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women’s Hospital, No. 30-6, Sec. 1, Changping Road, Beitun District, Taichung City 406, Taiwan (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Tsung-Hsien Lee
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110, Sec. 1, Jianguo N. Rd., South District, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan; (P.-Y.L.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, No. 110, Sec. 1, Jianguo N. Rd., South District, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jen Lee
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women’s Hospital, No. 30-6, Sec. 1, Changping Road, Beitun District, Taichung City 406, Taiwan (Y.-J.L.)
| | - Maw-Sheng Lee
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110, Sec. 1, Jianguo N. Rd., South District, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan; (P.-Y.L.)
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women’s Hospital, No. 30-6, Sec. 1, Changping Road, Beitun District, Taichung City 406, Taiwan (Y.-J.L.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, No. 110, Sec. 1, Jianguo N. Rd., South District, Taichung City 40201, Taiwan
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Bajpai K, Acharya N, Prasad R, Wanjari MB. Endometrial Receptivity During the Preimplantation Period: A Narrative Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e37753. [PMID: 37214054 PMCID: PMC10198587 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.37753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial receptivity is a complex and critical process fundamental to achieving a successful pregnancy. While researchers have made significant strides in understanding the underlying mechanisms governing endometrial receptivity, effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies remain scarce. This review article aims to elucidate the various factors that contribute to endometrial receptivity, including the hormonal regulation and molecular mechanisms that govern this process, as well as potential biomarkers for assessing endometrial receptivity. One of the major challenges in identifying reliable biomarkers for endometrial receptivity is the intricate nature of the process itself. Nonetheless, recent advances in transcriptomic and proteomic technologies have identified several candidate biomarkers that could potentially enhance our ability to predict endometrial receptivity. Furthermore, emerging technologies such as single-cell RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry-based proteomics hold great promise for providing novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying endometrial receptivity. Despite the lack of reliable biomarkers, various therapeutic strategies have been proposed to improve endometrial receptivity. One promising approach involves the transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which have been shown to increase endometrial thickness and receptivity in both animal models and clinical trials. Growth factors, cytokines, and exosomes derived from MSCs and other cell types may also have therapeutic potential for addressing endometrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kshitij Bajpai
- Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Neema Acharya
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Roshan Prasad
- Medicine and Surgery, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Mayur B Wanjari
- Research and Development, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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10
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Scheffer JB, Scheffer BB, Aguiar APDS, Franca JB, Lozano DM, Fanchin R. Serum progesterone level in luteal phase improves pregnancy rate in fresh cycles with blastocyst embryo transfer. JBRA Assist Reprod 2023; 27:49-54. [PMID: 36107033 PMCID: PMC10065764 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20220037] [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: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the association between serum level of progesterone during stimulation and in the luteal phase with pregnancy rate in a cohort of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) on day 5. METHODS Retrospective Cohort Study. Patients: 62 infertile women, aged 24-42 years, undergoing ART at our center from May 2019 to May 2021. Progesterone was evaluated during ovarian stimulation on Day 2, Day 6, and Day 8 of stimulation, day of trigger (P4dhCG), and on the day of blastocyst transfer with 5 days of progesterone supplementation (P4d5+). We also calculated the difference of P4d5+ with P4dhCG. (∆P4). Then we divided the patients into two groups based on progesterone serum levels at P4d5+; <10ng/ml (Group A), ≥10ng/ml (Group B). The Student's t-test was performed for continuous variables; Mann-Whitney's Test and Spearman's Test were used where appropriate for categorical variables. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS There were positive correlations between βhCG positive with P4d5+ (p<0.001; Rho 0.770) and ∆P4 (p<0.001; Rho 0.703). The pregnancy rate doubled when the serum progesterone level was ≥10ng/ml on the fifth day of progesterone supplementation compared with P4<10ng/ml (44% vs. 21%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The pregnancy rate was positively correlated with the serum P4 level on the fifth day of progesterone supplementation and with the difference between the serum progesterone level in the Dd5+ / dhCG. A higher pregnancy rate was observed when serum progesterone level on the fifth day of progesterone supplementation was ≥10ng/ml.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruno Brum Scheffer
- IBRRA - Brazilian Institute of Assisted Reproduction, Belo
Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | | | - Autor
- IBRRA - Brazilian Institute of Assisted Reproduction, Belo
Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Daniel Mendez Lozano
- School of Medicine, Tecnologico de Monterrey and Center for
Reproductive Medicine CREASIS, San Pedro Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Renato Fanchin
- University Professor - Hospital Practitioner in Reproductive
Medicine, France; Hopital Foch, Suresnes, France
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11
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Poh QH, Rai A, Salamonsen LA, Greening DW. Omics insights into extracellular vesicles in embryo implantation and their therapeutic utility. Proteomics 2023; 23:e2200107. [PMID: 36591946 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202200107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Implantation success relies on intricate interplay between the developing embryo and the maternal endometrium. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent an important player of this intercellular signalling through delivery of functional cargo (proteins and RNAs) that reprogram the target cells protein and RNA landscape. Functionally, the signalling reciprocity of endometrial and embryo EVs regulates the site of implantation, preimplantation embryo development and hatching, antioxidative activity, embryo attachment, trophoblast invasion, arterial remodelling, and immune tolerance. Omics technologies including mass spectrometry have been instrumental in dissecting EV cargo that regulate these processes as well as molecular changes in embryo and endometrium to facilitate implantation. This has also led to discovery of potential cargo in EVs in human uterine fluid (UF) and embryo spent media (ESM) of diagnostic and therapeutic value in implantation success, fertility, and pregnancy outcome. This review discusses the contribution of EVs in functional hallmarks of embryo implantation, and how the integration of various omics technologies is enabling design of EV-based diagnostic and therapeutic platforms in reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Hui Poh
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alin Rai
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiovascular Research, Translation and Implementation, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lois A Salamonsen
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - David W Greening
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiovascular Research, Translation and Implementation, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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12
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Lee YX, Su PH, Do AQ, Tzeng CR, Hu YM, Chen CH, Chen CW, Liao CC, Chen LY, Weng YC, Wang HC, Lai HC. Cervical Secretion Methylation Is Associated with the Pregnancy Outcome of Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021726. [PMID: 36675243 PMCID: PMC9863254 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021726] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The causes of implantation failure remain a black box in reproductive medicine. The exact mechanism behind the regulation of endometrial receptivity is still unknown. Epigenetic modifications influence gene expression patterns and may alter the receptivity of human endometrium. Cervical secretions contain endometrial genetic material, which can be used as an indicator of the endometrial condition. This study evaluates the association between the cervical secretion gene methylation profile and pregnancy outcome in a frozen-thawed embryonic transfer (FET) cycle. Cervical secretions were collected from women who entered the FET cycle with a blastocyst transfer (36 pregnant and 36 non-pregnant women). The DNA methylation profiles of six candidate genes selected from the literature review were measured by quantitative methylation-specific PCR (qMSP). Bioinformatic analysis of six selected candidate genes showed significant differences in DNA methylation between receptive and pre-receptive endometrium. All candidate genes showed different degrees of correlation with the pregnancy outcomes in the logistic regression model. A machine learning approach showed that the combination of candidate genes' DNA methylation profiles could differentiate pregnant from non-pregnant samples with an accuracy as high as 86.67% and an AUC of 0.81. This study demonstrated the association between cervical secretion methylation profiles and pregnancy outcomes in an FET cycle and provides a basis for potential clinical application as a non-invasive method for implantation prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Xuan Lee
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11030, Taiwan
- Taipei Fertility Center, Taipei 11030, Taiwan
- Translational Epigenetics Center, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei 23504, Taiwan
| | - Po-Hsuan Su
- Translational Epigenetics Center, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei 23504, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei 23504, Taiwan
| | - Anh Q. Do
- International Ph.D. Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong 04254, Vietnam
| | - Chii-Ruei Tzeng
- Taipei Fertility Center, Taipei 11030, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11303, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ming Hu
- Taipei Fertility Center, Taipei 11030, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Huang Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11303, Taiwan
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11030, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Wen Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei 23504, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chun Liao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei 23504, Taiwan
| | - Lin-Yu Chen
- Translational Epigenetics Center, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei 23504, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11303, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chun Weng
- Translational Epigenetics Center, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei 23504, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Chen Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei 23504, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Cheng Lai
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11030, Taiwan
- Translational Epigenetics Center, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei 23504, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei 23504, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11303, Taiwan
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +886-2-2249-0088 (ext. 8868)
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13
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Hu S, Sun Z, Li B, Zhao H, Wang Y, Yao G, Li X, Bian X, Li TC, Vankelecom H, Sun Y. iTRAQ-based Proteomic Analysis Unveils ACSL4 as a Novel Potential Regulator of Human Endometrial Receptivity. Endocrinology 2023; 164:6991315. [PMID: 36652382 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Competent endometrial receptivity is a prerequisite for successful embryo implantation. Identification of novel key molecules involved in endometrial receptivity is essential to better interpret human implantation and improve pregnancy rates in assisted reproduction treatment. Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based proteomics was performed to profile the proteomes of the prereceptive (luteinizing hormone [LH] + 2, n = 4) and receptive (LH + 7, n = 4) endometrial tissues. A total of 173 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between LH + 2 and LH + 7 endometrial samples were identified. Integrated analysis of the proteomic data and published transcriptomic data was performed to identify the concordant DEPs with differential expression at both the messenger RNA and protein levels. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was performed on concordant DEPs. We first identified 63 novel concordant DEPs and 5 hub proteins (ACSL4, ACSL5, COL1A1, PTGS1, and PLA2G4F) between LH + 2 and LH + 7 endometrial samples. ACSL4 was predominantly expressed in endometrial epithelial cells and its expression was significantly upregulated by progesterone in the LH + 7 endometrium and significantly downregulated in repeated implantation failure patients. Knockdown of ACSL4 in endometrial epithelial cells induced the downregulation of endometrial receptivity markers (HOXA10, COX2, and LIF) and the significant decrease of implantation rate during in vitro implantation analysis. This study provides the first gel-independent quantitative proteomes of the LH + 2 and LH + 7 human endometrium using iTRAQ technology. The identified concordant DEPs and hub proteins open a new avenue for future studies aimed at elucidating the underlying mechanisms governing endometrial receptivity. ACSL4 was identified as a novel regulatory molecule in the establishment of endometrial receptivity and might play important roles during implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuanggang Hu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Zhe Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Boyu Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Hanting Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Guangxin Yao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Xuejiao Bian
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China
| | - Tin Chiu Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Hugo Vankelecom
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Stem Cell Biology and Embryology, Research Unit of Stem Cell Research, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yun Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China
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14
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Bulletti C, Bulletti FM, Sciorio R, Guido M. Progesterone: The Key Factor of the Beginning of Life. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214138. [PMID: 36430614 PMCID: PMC9692968 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Progesterone is the ovarian steroid produced by the granulosa cells of follicles after the LH peak at mid-cycle. Its role is to sustain embryo endometrial implantation and ongoing pregnancy. Other biological effects of progesterone may exert a protective function in supporting pregnancy up to birth. Luteal phase support (LPS) with progesterone is the standard of care for assisted reproductive technology. Progesterone vaginal administration is currently the most widely used treatment for LPS. Physicians and patients have been reluctant to change an administration route that has proven to be effective. However, some questions remain open, namely the need for LPS in fresh and frozen embryo transfer, the route of administration, the optimal duration of LPS, dosage, and the benefit of combination therapies. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the uterine and extra-uterine effects of progesterone that may play a role in embryo implantation and pregnancy, and to discuss the advantages of the use of progesterone for LPS in the context of Good Medical Practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Bulletti
- Extra Omnes, Assisted Reproductive Technology, ART Center, Via Gallinelli, 8, 47841 Cattolica, Italy
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK
| | - Maurizio Guido
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
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15
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Lei Y, Du X, Chen D, Gao Y, Lian H. Quality evaluation of endometriosis guidelines using AGREE II. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31331. [PMID: 36316857 PMCID: PMC9622654 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To systematically evaluate the guidelines for endometriosis published in the past decade, and to provide reference for the selection of guidelines for endometriosis through quality evaluation and comparison. METHODS PubMed database, Embase database, evidence-based medicine clinical practice guidelines (CPG) database and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in the United Kingdom were searched by computer from December 2012 to December 2020 to retrieve published endometriosis CPG published by professional institutions or organizations. The search languages are English and Portuguese. Two researchers evaluated the quality of included CPG according to appraisal of guidelines for research and evaluation (AGREE II). The evaluation includes 6 areas: scope and purpose, participants, rigor of formulation, clarity of expression, applicability and independence. The recommendation level of CPG is determined by the distribution of standardized scores in the above 6 areas. RESULTS A total of 8 articles on endometriosis CPG were included, including 5 guidelines and 3 consensuses, covering 5 countries in 2 continents; the publication year was 2013 to 2020. The average standardized scores of the scope and purpose, participants, rigor, clarity, applicability and independence of CPG were 77.1%, 52.8%, 50.5%, 86.8%, 31.3%, and 36.5%, respectively. Among the 8 CPGs, 1 was grade A (recommended), 5 were grade B (recommended after improvement), and 2 were grade C (not recommended). Seven CPG recommendations were based on expert consensus, and one was developed through detailed literature retrieval, analysis and evidence rating evaluation. There was little difference between the guidelines in terms of treatment-related recommendations. CONCLUSIONS The quality of endometriosis CPG released in 2013 to 2020 is quite different, and some CPGs are not ideal in terms of rigor, applicability and independence. The guidelines issued by NICE in 2017 are A-grade recommendations. The standardized scores in various fields are high, and the formation process of CPG is the most standardized, which is worth learning and reference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lei
- Department of Gynecology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province
| | - Xin Du
- Department of Gynecology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province
| | - Dejun Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province
| | - Yue Gao
- Department of Gynecology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province
| | - Hongmei Lian
- Department of Gynecology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province
- * Correspondence: Hongmei Lian, Department of Gynecology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, 430070 (e-mail: )
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16
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Bui BN, Lensen SF, Gibreel A, Martins WP, Torrance H, Broekmans FJ. Endometrial injury for pregnancy following sexual intercourse or intrauterine insemination. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022; 10:CD011424. [PMID: 36278845 PMCID: PMC9590232 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011424.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intentional endometrial injury is being proposed as a technique to improve the probability of pregnancy in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Endometrial injury is often performed by pipelle biopsy and is a common gynaecological procedure with established safety. However, it causes a moderate degree of discomfort/pain and requires an additional pelvic examination. The effectiveness of this procedure outside of ART, in women or couples attempting to conceive via sexual intercourse or with intrauterine insemination (IUI), remains unclear. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and safety of intentional endometrial injury performed in infertile women or couples attempting to conceive through sexual intercourse or intrauterine insemination (IUI). SEARCH METHODS The Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, LILACS, ISI Web of Knowledge, and clinical trial registries were searched from inception to 21 May 2020, as were conference abstracts and reference lists of relevant reviews and included studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated any kind of intentional endometrial injury in women planning to undergo IUI or attempting to conceive spontaneously (with or without ovarian stimulation (OS)) compared to no intervention, a mock intervention, or intentional endometrial injury performed at a different time. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures recommended by Cochrane. Primary outcomes were live birth/ongoing pregnancy and pain experienced during the procedure. Due to high risk of bias associated with many of the studies, primary analyses of all review outcomes were restricted to studies at low risk of bias. Sensitivity analysis including all studies was then performed. MAIN RESULTS We included 22 RCTs (3703 women). Most of these studies included women with unexplained infertility. Intentional endometrial injury versus either no intervention or a sham procedure The primary analysis was restricted to studies at low risk of bias, which left only one study included. We are uncertain whether endometrial injury has an effect on the probability of live birth, as only one study is included in the analysis and the confidence interval is wide (risk ratio (RR) 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78 to 1.59; 1 RCT, 210 participants). Evidence suggests that if the chance of live birth with no intervention/a sham procedure is assumed to be 34%, then the chance with endometrial injury would be 27% to 55%. When all studies were included in the sensitivity analysis, we were uncertain whether endometrial injury improves live birth/ongoing pregnancy, as the evidence was of very low quality (RR 1.71, 95% CI 1.32 to 2.21; 8 RCTs, 1522 participants; I² = 16%). Evidence suggests that if the chance of live birth/ongoing pregnancy with no intervention/a sham procedure is assumed to be 13%, then the chance with endometrial injury would be 17% to 28%. A narrative synthesis conducted for the other primary outcome of pain during the procedure included studies measuring pain on a zero-to-ten visual analogue scale (VAS) or grading pain as mild/moderate/severe, and showed that most often mild to moderate pain was reported (6 RCTs, 911 participants; very low-quality evidence). Timing of intentional endometrial injury Four trials compared endometrial injury performed in the cycle before IUI to that performed in the same cycle as IUI. None of these studies reported the primary outcomes of live birth/ongoing pregnancy and pain during the procedure. One study compared endometrial injury in the early follicular phase (EFP; Day 2 to 4) to endometrial injury in the late follicular phase (LFP; Day 7 to 9), both in the same cycle as IUI. The primary outcome live birth/ongoing pregnancy was not reported, but the study did report the other primary outcome of pain during the procedure assessed by a zero-to-ten VAS. The average pain score was 3.67 (standard deviation (SD) 0.7) when endometrial injury was performed in the EFP and 3.84 (SD 0.96) when endometrial injury was performed in the LFP. The mean difference was -0.17, suggesting that on average, women undergoing endometrial injury in the EFP scored 0.17 points lower on the VAS as compared to women undergoing endometrial injury in the LFP (95% CI -0.48 to 0.14; 1 RCT, 110 participants; very low-quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Evidence is insufficient to show whether there is a difference in live birth/ongoing pregnancy between endometrial injury and no intervention/a sham procedure in women undergoing IUI or attempting to conceive via sexual intercourse. The pooled results should be interpreted with caution, as the evidence was of low to very low quality due to high risk of bias present in most included studies and an overall low level of precision. Furthermore, studies investigating the effect of timing of endometrial injury did not report the outcome live birth/ongoing pregnancy; therefore no conclusions could be drawn for this outcome. Further well-conducted RCTs that recruit large numbers of participants and minimise bias are required to confirm or refute these findings. Current evidence is insufficient to support routine use of endometrial injury in women undergoing IUI or attempting to conceive via sexual intercourse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bich Ngoc Bui
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Sarah F Lensen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ahmed Gibreel
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | | | - Helen Torrance
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Frank J Broekmans
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
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17
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Transcriptomic analysis of uterine receptivity in Guinea pigs. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 634:145-151. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.09.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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18
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Shekibi M, Heng S, Nie G. MicroRNAs in the Regulation of Endometrial Receptivity for Embryo Implantation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116210. [PMID: 35682889 PMCID: PMC9181585 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of endometrial receptivity is crucial for successful embryo implantation and pregnancy initiation. Understanding the molecular regulation underpinning endometrial transformation to a receptive state is key to improving implantation rates in fertility treatments such as IVF. With microRNAs (miRNAs) increasingly recognized as important gene regulators, recent studies have investigated the role of miRNAs in the endometrium. Studies on miRNAs in endometrial disorders such as endometriosis and endometrial cancer have been reviewed previously. In this minireview, we aim to provide an up-to-date knowledge of miRNAs in the regulation of endometrial receptivity. Since endometrial remodelling differs considerably between species, we firstly summarised the key events of the endometrial cycle in humans and mice and then reviewed the miRNAs identified so far in these two species with likely functional significance in receptivity establishment. To date, 29 miRNAs have been reported in humans and 15 miRNAs in mice within various compartments of the endometrium that may potentially modulate receptivity; miRNAs regulating the Wnt signalling and those from the let-7, miR-23, miR-30, miR-200 and miR-183 families are found in both species. Future studies are warranted to investigate miRNAs as biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets to detect/improve endometrial receptivity in human fertility treatment.
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19
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Robertson SA, Moldenhauer LM, Green ES, Care AS, Hull ML. Immune determinants of endometrial receptivity: a biological perspective. Fertil Steril 2022; 117:1107-1120. [PMID: 35618356 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Immune cells are essential for endometrial receptivity to embryo implantation and early placental development. They exert tissue-remodeling and immune regulatory roles-acting to promote epithelial attachment competence, regulate the differentiation of decidual cells, remodel the uterine vasculature, control and resolve inflammatory activation, and suppress destructive immunity to paternally inherited alloantigens. From a biological perspective, the endometrial immune response exerts a form of "quality control"-it promotes implantation success when conditions are favorable but constrains receptivity when physiological circumstances are not ideal. Women with recurrent implantation failure and recurrent miscarriage may exhibit altered numbers or disturbed function of certain uterine immune cell populations-most notably uterine natural killer cells and regulatory T cells. Preclinical and animal studies indicate that deficiencies or aberrant activation states in these cells can be causal in the pathophysiological mechanisms of infertility. Immune cells are, therefore, targets for diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic intervention. However, current diagnostic tests are overly simplistic and have limited clinical utility. To be more informative, they need to account for the full complexity and reflect the range of perturbations that can occur in uterine immune cell phenotypes and networks. Moreover, safe and effective interventions to modulate these cells are in their infancy, and personalized approaches matched to specific diagnostic criteria will be needed. Here we summarize current biological understanding and identify knowledge gaps to be resolved before the promise of therapies to target the uterine immune response can be fully realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Lachlan M Moldenhauer
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ella S Green
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Alison S Care
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - M Louise Hull
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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20
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Li B, Duan H, Wang S, Wu J, Li Y. Gradient Boosting Machine Learning Model for Defective Endometrial Receptivity Prediction by Macrophage-Endometrium Interaction Modules. Front Immunol 2022; 13:842607. [PMID: 35603216 PMCID: PMC9120433 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.842607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A receptive endometrium is a prerequisite for successful embryo implantation. Mounting evidence shows that nearly one-third of infertility and implantation failures are caused by defective endometrial receptivity. This study pooled 218 subjects from multiple datasets to investigate the association of the immune infiltration level with reproductive outcome. Additionally, macrophage-endometrium interaction modules were constructed to explore an accurate and cost-effective approach to endometrial receptivity assessment. Methods Immune-infiltration levels in 4 GEO datasets (n=218) were analyzed and validated through meta-analysis. Macrophage-endometrium interaction modules were selected based on the weighted gene co-expression network in GSE58144 and differentially expressed genes dominated by GSE19834 dataset. Xgboost, random forests, and regression algorithms were applied to predictive models. Subsequently, the efficacy of the models was compared and validated in the GSE165004 dataset. Forty clinical samples (RT-PCR and western blot) were performed for expression and model validation, and the results were compared to those of endometrial thickness in clinical pregnancy assessment. Results Altered levels of Mϕs infiltration were shown to critically influence embryo implantation. The three selected modules, manifested as macrophage-endometrium interactions, were enrichment in the immunoreactivity, decidualization, and signaling functions and pathways. Moreover, hub genes within the modules exerted significant reproductive prognostic effects. The xgboost algorithm showed the best performance among the machine learning models, with AUCs of 0.998 (95% CI 0.994-1) and 0.993 (95% CI 0.979-1) in GSE58144 and GSE165004 datasets, respectively. These results were significantly superior to those of the other two models (random forest and regression). Similarly, the model was significantly superior to ultrasonography (endometrial thickness) with a better cost-benefit ratio in the population. Conclusion Successful embryo implantation is associated with infiltration levels of Mϕs, manifested in genetic modules involved in macrophage-endometrium interactions. Therefore, utilizing the hub genes in these modules can provide a platform for establishing excellent machine learning models to predict reproductive outcomes in patients with defective endometrial receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohan Li
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Duan
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Sha Wang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiajing Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yazhu Li
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
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21
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Liu Z, Liu X, Wang M, Zhao H, He S, Lai S, Qu Q, Wang X, Zhao D, Bao H. The Clinical Efficacy of Personalized Embryo Transfer Guided by the Endometrial Receptivity Array/Analysis on IVF/ICSI Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Physiol 2022; 13:841437. [PMID: 35574479 PMCID: PMC9092494 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.841437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To assess the prevalence of displaced window of implantation (WOI) in infertile women, and the clinical utility of personalized embryo transfer (pET) guided by the endometrial receptivity array/analysis (ERA) on IVF/ICSI outcomes. Methods: The protocol was registered at Prospero: CRD42020204237. We systematically searched all published English literature related to the prevalence of WOI displacement and ongoing pregnancy rate/live birth rate in the overall good-prognosis infertile patients (GPP) and/or repeated implantation failure (RIF) patients undergoing IVF/ICSI-ET cycles after ERA test until August 2021. Result(s): 11 published studies were enrolled in the final analysis. The estimate of the incidence of WOI displacement based on ERA was 38% (95%CI 19–57%) in GPP and 34% (95%CI 24–43%) in RIF, respectively. There was no difference in OPR/LBR between patients undergoing routine ET without ERA test and those who following pET with ERA (39.5 vs. 53.7%, OR 1.28, p = 0.49, 95%CI 0.92–1.77, I2 = 0%) in relative GPP. Notably, the meta-analysis revealed that OPR/LBR of patients with RIF undergoing pET who had non-receptive ERA increased to the level of to those undergoing sET with receptive ERA (40.7 vs.49.6%, OR 0.94, p = 0.85, 95%CI 0.70–1.26, I2 = 0%). Conclusion: Considering the approximately one third of infertile women could suffered from displaced WOI, the ERA test emerged as a promising tool. Although the present meta-analysis demonstrates that patients with general good-prognosis may not benefit from ERA, pET guided by ERA significantly increases the chances of pregnancy for non-receptive patients with RIF of endometrial origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenteng Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Xuemei Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Meimei Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Huishan Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Shunzhi He
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Shoucui Lai
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Qinglan Qu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Xinrong Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Dongmei Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Hongchu Bao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Yantai, China
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22
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Zhang J, Du M, Fang JI, Lv S, Lou W, Xie Z, Chen Z, Gong X. In vivo evaluation of endometrium through dual-modality intrauterine endoscopy. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2022; 13:2554-2565. [PMID: 35774306 PMCID: PMC9203095 DOI: 10.1364/boe.453191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Female infertilities are highly associated with poor endometrial receptivity. A receptive endometrium is generally characterized by the normal uterine cavity, intact endometrial surface, appropriate endometrial thickness, and echo pattern. Acquiring comprehensive structural information is the prerequisite of endometrium assessment, which is beyond the ability of any single-modality imaging method. In this paper, we introduce a custom-made intrauterine dual-modality (OCT/ultrasound) endoscopic imaging system and achieve in vivo imaging of rabbit uteri, for the first time to our knowledge. The endometrial features of the injured uteri in both ultrasonic and OCT images are consistent with their corresponding pathology. The quantified parameters, including uterine thickness and endometrial surface roughness, show the correlation with the endometrial injury degree but with poor performance for injury classification. The combination of these parameters was proved to assess the degrees of endometrial injury more accurately. Our work shows the potential of the dual-modality system to be translated into a clinical tool, providing multiple quantitative imaging information and helping evaluate the endometrial receptivity and diagnose infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinke Zhang
- Research Center for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Imaging, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Optical Imaging Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Equal contribution
| | - Meng Du
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical Imaging Centre, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
- Institute of Medical Imaging, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
- Equal contribution
| | - JInghui Fang
- Laboratory of Ultrasound Molecular Imaging, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Equal contribution
| | - Shengmiao Lv
- Research Center for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Imaging, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Optical Imaging Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Wenjin Lou
- Research Center for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Imaging, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Optical Imaging Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zhihua Xie
- Research Center for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Imaging, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Optical Imaging Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zhiyi Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Medical Imaging Centre, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
- Institute of Medical Imaging, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
- Laboratory of Ultrasound Molecular Imaging, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojing Gong
- Research Center for Biomedical Optics and Molecular Imaging, Shenzhen Key Laboratory for Molecular Imaging, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Optical Imaging Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Health Informatics, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
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23
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Abruzzese GA, Silva AF, Velazquez ME, Ferrer MJ, Motta AB. Hyperandrogenism and Polycystic ovary syndrome: Effects in pregnancy and offspring development. WIREs Mech Dis 2022; 14:e1558. [PMID: 35475329 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the major endocrine disorders affecting women of reproductive age. Its etiology remains unclear. It is suggested that environmental factors, and particularly the intrauterine environment, play key roles in PCOS development. Besides the role of androgens in PCOS pathogenesis, exposure to endocrine disruptors, as is Bisphenol A, could also contribute to its development. Although PCOS is considered one of the leading causes of ovarian infertility, many PCOS patients can get pregnant. Some of them by natural conception and others by assisted reproductive technique treatments. As hyperandrogenism (one of PCOS main features) affects ovarian and uterine functions, PCOS women, despite reaching pregnancy, could present high-risk pregnancies, including implantation failure, an increased risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. Moreover, hyperandrogenism may also be maintained in these women during pregnancy. Therefore, as an altered uterine milieu, including hormonal imbalance, could affect the developing organisms, monitoring these patients throughout pregnancy and their offspring development is highly relevant. The present review focuses on the impact of androgenism and PCOS on fertility issues and pregnancy-related outcomes and offspring development. The evidence suggests that the increased risk of pregnancy complications and adverse offspring outcomes of PCOS women would be due to the factors involved in the syndrome pathogenesis and the related co-morbidities. A better understanding of the involved mechanisms is still needed and could contribute to a better management of these women and their offspring. This article is categorized under: Reproductive System Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology Reproductive System Diseases > Environmental Factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giselle A Abruzzese
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Aimé F Silva
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariela E Velazquez
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria-José Ferrer
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alicia B Motta
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFyBO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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24
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Thach B, Samarajeewa N, Li Y, Heng S, Tsai T, Pangestu M, Catt S, Nie G. Podocalyxin molecular characteristics and endometrial expression: high conservation between humans and macaques but divergence in mice†. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:1143-1158. [PMID: 35284933 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac053] [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: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Podocalyxin (PODXL) is a newly identified key negative regulator of human endometrial receptivity, specifically down-regulated in the luminal epithelium at receptivity to permit embryo implantation. Here, we bioinformatically compared the molecular characteristics of PODXL among the human, rhesus macaque and mouse, determined by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization (mouse tissues) whether endometrial PODXL expression is conserved across the three species, and examined if PODXL inhibits mouse embryo attachment in vitro. The PODXL gene, mRNA and protein sequences showed greater similarities between humans and macaques than with mice. In all species, PODXL was expressed in endometrial luminal/glandular epithelia and endothelia. In macaques (n = 9), luminal PODXL was significantly down-regulated when receptivity is developed, consistent with the pattern found in women. At receptivity PODXL was also reduced in shallow glands, whereas endothelial expression was unchanged across the menstrual cycle. In mice, endometrial PODXL did not vary considerably across the estrous cycle (n = 16); however, around embryo attachment on d4.5 of pregnancy (n = 4), luminal PODXL was greatly reduced especially near the site of embryo attachment. Mouse embryos failed to attach or thrive when co-cultured on a monolayer of Ishikawa cells overexpressing PODXL. Thus, endometrial luminal PODXL expression is down-regulated for embryo implantation in all species examined, and PODXL inhibits mouse embryo implantation. Rhesus macaques share greater conservations with humans than mice in PODXL molecular characteristics and regulation, thus represent a better animal model for functional studies of endometrial PODXL for treatment of human fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bothidah Thach
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia.,Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Nirukshi Samarajeewa
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Ying Li
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Sophea Heng
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Tesha Tsai
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Mulyoto Pangestu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Sally Catt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Guiying Nie
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia.,Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
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25
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Hou Z, He A, Zhang Q, Liu N, Liu D, Li Y, Xu B, Wang Y, Li S, Tian F, Liao T, Zhang Y, Cao J, Cao E, Li Y. Endometrial fluid aspiration immediately prior to embryo transfer does not affect IVF/vitrified-warmed embryo transfer outcomes - a prospective matched cohort study. Reprod Biomed Online 2022; 44:486-493. [PMID: 35177340 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does the endometrial aspiration of ultrasound-invisible fluid immediately preceding embryo transfer affect IVF/vitrified-warmed embryo transfer outcomes? DESIGN A prospective matched cohort study was conducted in 96 women and 96 control participants to assess the effect on pregnancy outcomes of endometrial aspiration performed immediately before embryo transfer. This study was carried out at a university-affiliated assisted reproductive medical centre between January 2019 and December 2019. Patients were divided into two groups. The EA group had cycles with endometrial aspiration of ultrasound-invisible fluid performed before embryo transfer and the non-EA group featured cycles without endometrial aspiration. The EA group was matched by propensity score with the non-EA group in a 1:1 ratio. The EA group consisted of 99 participants before and 96 participants after propensity score matching. There were 203 and 96 participants in the non-EA group before and after propensity score matching. RESULTS No significant differences were detected in the baseline characteristics and cycle characteristics of the EA and non-EA groups. No significant between-group differences were found in reproductive outcomes in the overall population. Subgroup analysis of blastocyst transfer cycles showed the implantation rate was significantly higher in the EA group (61 women per group, 57.1% versus 40.8%, relative risk 1.40, 95% confidence interval 1.04-1.88; P = 0.022). Live birth rate, clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate and multiple pregnancy rate were not different among the groups. CONCLUSIONS Endometrial aspiration immediately preceding embryo transfer does not affect IVF/vitrified-warmed embryo transfer outcomes. Interestingly, it might improve the vitrified-warmed blastocyst implantation rate. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm this result.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaojuan Hou
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China; Clinical Research Center For Women's Reproductive Health In Hunan Province, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China
| | - Aihua He
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China; Clinical Research Center For Women's Reproductive Health In Hunan Province, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China; Clinical Research Center For Women's Reproductive Health In Hunan Province, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China
| | - Nenghui Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China; Clinical Research Center For Women's Reproductive Health In Hunan Province, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China
| | - Donge Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China; Clinical Research Center For Women's Reproductive Health In Hunan Province, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China
| | - Yumei Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China; Clinical Research Center For Women's Reproductive Health In Hunan Province, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China; Clinical Research Center For Women's Reproductive Health In Hunan Province, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China
| | - Yonggang Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China; Clinical Research Center For Women's Reproductive Health In Hunan Province, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China
| | - Shuyi Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China; Clinical Research Center For Women's Reproductive Health In Hunan Province, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China
| | - Fen Tian
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China; Clinical Research Center For Women's Reproductive Health In Hunan Province, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Liao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China; Clinical Research Center For Women's Reproductive Health In Hunan Province, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China
| | - Yeqing Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China; Clinical Research Center For Women's Reproductive Health In Hunan Province, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China
| | - Jianyun Cao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China; Clinical Research Center For Women's Reproductive Health In Hunan Province, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China
| | - Exiang Cao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China; Clinical Research Center For Women's Reproductive Health In Hunan Province, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China
| | - Yanping Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China; Clinical Research Center For Women's Reproductive Health In Hunan Province, Changsha City Hunan Province, P.R. China.
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26
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Fraser R, Zenclussen AC. Killer Timing: The Temporal Uterine Natural Killer Cell Differentiation Pathway and Implications for Female Reproductive Health. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:904744. [PMID: 35832424 PMCID: PMC9271944 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.904744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are the predominant maternal uterine immune cell component, and they densely populate uterine mucosa to promote key changes in the post-ovulatory endometrium and in early pregnancy. It is broadly accepted that (a) immature, inactive endometrial NK (eNK) cells in the pre-ovulatory endometrium become activated and transition into decidual NK (dNK) cells in the secretory stage, peri-implantation endometrium, and continue to mature into early pregnancy; and (b) that secretory-stage and early pregnancy dNK cells promote uterine vascular growth and mediate trophoblast invasion, but do not exert their killing function. However, this may be an overly simplistic view. Evidence of specific dNK functional killer roles, as well as opposing effects of dNK cells on the uterine vasculature before and after conception, indicates the presence of a transitory secretory-stage dNK cell (s-dNK) phenotype with a unique angiodevelopmental profile during the peri-implantation period, that is that is functionally distinct from the angiomodulatory dNK cells that promote vessel destabilisation and vascular cell apoptosis to facilitate uterine vascular changes in early pregnancy. It is possible that abnormal activation and differentiation into the proposed transitory s-dNK phenotype may have implications in uterine pathologies ranging from infertility to cancer, as well as downstream effects on dNK cell differentiation in early pregnancy. Further, dysregulated transition into the angiomodulatory dNK phenotype in early pregnancy will likely have potential repercussions for adverse pregnancy outcomes, since impaired dNK function is associated with several obstetric complications. A comprehensive understanding of the uterine NK cell temporal differentiation pathway may therefore have important translational potential due to likely NK phenotypic functional implications in a range of reproductive, obstetric, and gynaecological pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupsha Fraser
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Rupsha Fraser,
| | - Ana Claudia Zenclussen
- Department of Environmental Immunology, UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research Leipzig-Halle, Leipzig, Germany
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27
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Li R, Wang X, Huang Z, Balaji J, Kim TH, Wang T, Zhou L, Deleon A, Cook ME, Marbrey MW, Wu SP, Jeong JW, Arora R, DeMayo FJ. The role of epithelial progesterone receptor isoforms in embryo implantation. iScience 2021; 24:103487. [PMID: 34934913 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The loss of uterine epithelial progesterone receptor (PGR) is crucial for successful embryo implantation in both humans and mice. The two major isoforms PGRA and PGRB have divergent functions under both physiological and pathological conditions. The present study compares phenotypes and gene signatures of PGRA and PGRB in uterine epithelium using uterine epithelial-specific constitutively expressed PGRA or PGRB mouse models. The cistrome and transcriptome analysis reveals substantial overlap between epithelial PGRA and PGRB, and both disrupt embryo implantation through FOXO1 pathways. Constitutive epithelial PGRA and PGRB expression impairs ESR1 occupancy at the promoter of Lif leading to reduced Lif transcription and further exaggerates SGK1 expression leading to enhanced PI3K-SGK1 activities, and both contribute to the decline of nuclear FOXO1 expression. Our study demonstrates that PGRA and PGRB in the uterine epithelium act on a similar set of target genes and commonly regulate the LIF-SGK1-FOXO1 signaling pathway for embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Xiaoqiu Wang
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Zhenyao Huang
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jayani Balaji
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823, MI, USA
| | - Tae Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823, MI, USA
| | - Tianyuan Wang
- Integrative Bioinformatics, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Lecong Zhou
- Integrative Bioinformatics, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Ashley Deleon
- Laser Capture Microdissection Core Laboratory, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA.,Kelly Government Solutions, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Molly E Cook
- Epigenomics and DNA Sequencing Core, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Margeaux W Marbrey
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - San-Pin Wu
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA
| | - Jae Wook Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823, MI, USA
| | - Ripla Arora
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823, MI, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823, MI, USA
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC 27709, USA
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Heng S, Samarajeewa N, Wang Y, Paule SG, Breen J, Nie G. Podocalyxin promotes an impermeable epithelium and inhibits pro-implantation factors to negatively regulate endometrial receptivity. Sci Rep 2021; 11:24016. [PMID: 34907278 PMCID: PMC8671585 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03425-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation is a key step in establishing pregnancy and a major limiting factor in IVF. Implantation requires a receptive endometrium but the mechanisms governing receptivity are not well understood. We have recently discovered that podocalyxin (PCX or PODXL) is a key negative regulator of human endometrial receptivity. PCX is expressed in all endometrial epithelial cells in the non-receptive endometrium but selectively down-regulated in the luminal epithelium at receptivity. We have further demonstrated that this down-regulation is essential for implantation because PCX inhibits embryo attachment and penetration. However, how PCX confers this role is unknown. In this study, through RNAseq analysis of Ishikawa cell line stably overexpressing PCX, we discovered that PCX suppresses expression of genes controlling cell adhesion and communication, but increases those governing epithelial barrier functions, especially the adherens and tight junctions. Moreover, PCX suppresses multiple factors such as LIF and signaling pathways including Wnt and calcium signaling that support receptivity but stimulates anti-implantation genes such as LEFTY2. Functional studies confirmed that PCX promotes epithelial barrier functions by increasing key epithelial junction proteins such as E-cadherin and claudin 4. PCX thus promotes an anti-adhesive and impermeable epithelium while impedes pro-implantation factors to negatively control endometrial receptivity for implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophea Heng
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Melbourne, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Nirukshi Samarajeewa
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Melbourne, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Yao Wang
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Melbourne, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Sarah G Paule
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - James Breen
- The Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,University of Adelaide Bioinformatics Hub, School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Guiying Nie
- Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Melbourne, VIC, 3083, Australia. .,Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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Stankewicz T, Ruiz-Alonso M, Soler-Ibañez M, Simón C, Valbuena D. Do clinical outcomes differ for day-5 versus day-6 single embryo transfers controlled for endometrial factor? Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 44:478-485. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Fraser R, Smith R, Lin CJ. A 3D endometrial organotypic model simulating the acute inflammatory decidualisation initiation phase with epithelial induction of the key endometrial receptivity marker, integrin αVβ3. Hum Reprod Open 2021; 2021:hoab034. [PMID: 34532597 PMCID: PMC8438487 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoab034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is it possible to develop a simplified physiological in vitro system representing the key cell-types associated with a receptive endometrial phenotype? SUMMARY ANSWER We present a new concept to investigate endometrial receptivity, with a 3D organotypic co-culture model to simulate an early and transient acute autoinflammatory decidual status that resolves in the induction of a receptive endometrial phenotype. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Embryo implantation is dependent on a receptive uterine environment. Ovarian steroids drive post-ovulation structural and functional changes in the endometrium, which becomes transiently receptive for an implanting conceptus, termed the ‘window of implantation’, and dysregulation of endometrial receptivity is implicated in a range of reproductive, obstetric, and gynaecological disorders and malignancies. The interactions that take place within the uterine microenvironment during this time are not fully understood, and human studies are constrained by a lack of access to uterine tissue from specific time-points during the menstrual cycle. Physiologically relevant in vitro model systems are therefore fundamental for conducting investigations to better understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling endometrial receptivity. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We conducted an in vitro cell culture study using human cell lines and primary human cells isolated from endometrial biopsy tissue. The biopsy tissue samples were obtained from three women attending gynaecological outpatient departments in NHS Lothian. The work was carried out between December 2016 and April 2019, at the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS An endometrial stromal cell (ESC) line, and endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) isolated from endometrial biopsy tissue and expanded in vitro by conditional reprogramming, were used throughout the study. Immunocytochemical and flow cytometric analyses were used to confirm epithelial phenotype following conditional reprogramming of EECs. To construct an endometrial organotypic co-culture model, ESCs were embedded within a 3D growth factor-reduced Matrigel structure, with a single layer of conditionally reprogrammed EECs seeded on top. Cells were stimulated with increasing doses of medroxyprogesterone acetate, cAMP and oestradiol, in order to induce ESC decidual transformation and endometrial receptivity. Decidual response and the induction of a receptive epithelial phenotype were assessed by immunocytochemical detection and quantitative in-cell western analyses, respectively. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A transient up-regulation of the interleukin-33 receptor protein, ST2L, was observed in ESCs, indicating a transient autoinflammatory decidual response to the hormonal stimulation, known to induce receptivity gene expression in the overlying epithelium. Hormonal stimulation increased the EEC protein levels of the key marker of endometrial receptivity, integrin αVβ3 (n = 8; *P < 0.05; ***P < 0.0001). To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a dedicated endometrial organotypic model, which has been developed to investigate endometrial receptivity, via the recapitulation of an early decidual transitory acute autoinflammatory phase and induction of an epithelial phenotypic change, to represent a receptive endometrial status. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This simplified in vitro ESC-EEC co-culture system may be only partly representative of more complex in vivo conditions. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The 3D endometrial organotypic model presented here may offer a valuable tool for investigating a range of reproductive, obstetric, and gynaecological disorders, to improve outcomes for assisted reproductive technologies, and for the development of advances in contraceptive methods. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported in part by a Medical Research Council Centre Grant (project reference MR/N022556/1). R.F. was the recipient of a Moray Endowment award and a Barbour Watson Trust award. C.-J.L. is a Royal Society of Edinburgh Personal Research Fellow, funded by the Scottish Government. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Fraser
- The University of Edinburgh, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - R Smith
- The University of Edinburgh, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - C-J Lin
- The University of Edinburgh, MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
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Adur MK, Braundmeier-Fleming AG, Lessey BA, Nowak RA. Altered eutopic endometrial T-regulatory and T-helper 17 lymphocyte ratio in women with unexplained subfertility. JOURNAL OF ENDOMETRIOSIS AND PELVIC PAIN DISORDERS 2021; 13:185-194. [PMID: 34354965 PMCID: PMC8330881 DOI: 10.1177/22840265211018544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PROBLEM Perturbations in T-helper lymphocyte profiles have previously been associated with endometriosis related subfertility and conception failure. Hence a retrospective in vitro study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between T-regulatory (Treg) and T-helper 17 (Th17) lymphocytes in the eutopic endometrium of women with unexplained subfertility and correlate these profiles to their conception status. METHOD OF STUDY Eutopic endometrial biopsies were collected during the mid-secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, from women with unexplained subfertility. These samples were evaluated immunohistochemically for Treg and Th17 lymphocytes as well as the related proinflammatory cytokine, Interleukin-17 (IL-17). These eutopic endometrial T lymphocyte subpopulations were compared to the patients' conception status in subsequent cycles. RESULTS Though Treg cells were not indicative of conception success in subsequent cycles, patients who maintained their subfertile (no conception) status were observed to have a higher Th17 cell count in their eutopic endometrium. The ratio of Treg:Th17 cell counts was significantly correlated to patient conception status as well. These trends stayed consistent irrespective of concurrent endometriosis. CONCLUSION Patients with a high proinflammatory Th17 lymphocyte profile and low Treg:Th17 ratio in their eutopic endometrium during the secretory phase of their menstrual cycle are more likely to not conceive in subsequent cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malavika K Adur
- Department of Animal Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Andrea G Braundmeier-Fleming
- Department of Animal Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Bruce A Lessey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Greenville Hospital System, Greenville, SC, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Romana A Nowak
- Department of Animal Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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Zhang H, Qi J, Guo J, Wang Y, Guan Y, Fan J, Sui L, Xu Y, Kong L, Yan B, Kong Y. Paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 2 affects endometrial cell function and embryo implantation through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Cell Biol Int 2021; 45:1957-1965. [PMID: 34003541 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The successful implantation of embryos is crucial for pregnancy in mammals. This complex process is inevitably dependent on the development of the endometrium. The paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 2 (PITX2) is involved in a variety of biological processes, but whether it is involved in embryo implantation has not been reported. In this study, we aimed to investigate uterine expression and regulation of PITX2 during implantation. We found that PITX2 was elevated in the human endometrium in the secretory phase. The results of the pregnant mouse models showed that PITX2 expression was spatiotemporal in mouse endometrial tissue throughout peri-implantation period, and it was significantly upregulated at the time of implantation. Interestingly, PITX2 was mainly localized to the glandular epithelium cells on D2.5-3.5 of pregnancy, while D5.5-6.5 was largely expressed in stromal cells. In vitro, PITX2 regulated endometrial cells proliferation, migration, invasion, and other functions through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In addition, a significant decrease in the rate of embryo implantation was observed after injecting PITX2 small interfering RNA into the uterine horn. These results demonstrate the effects of PITX2 on the physiological function of endometrial cells and embryo implantation, suggesting a role in the endometrial regulatory mechanism during implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongshuo Zhang
- Core Laboratory Glycobiology & Glycoengineering, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Jia Qi
- Core Laboratory Glycobiology & Glycoengineering, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Jinqiu Guo
- Core Laboratory Glycobiology & Glycoengineering, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yufei Wang
- Core Laboratory Glycobiology & Glycoengineering, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Ying Guan
- Core Laboratory Glycobiology & Glycoengineering, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Jianhui Fan
- Core Laboratory Glycobiology & Glycoengineering, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Linlin Sui
- Core Laboratory Glycobiology & Glycoengineering, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yuefei Xu
- Core Laboratory Glycobiology & Glycoengineering, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Li Kong
- Department of Histology and Embryology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Bin Yan
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Ying Kong
- Core Laboratory Glycobiology & Glycoengineering, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
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Polanski LT, Baumgarten M. Endometrial Receptivity Testing and Therapy in Assisted Reproductive Treatment. Semin Reprod Med 2021; 39:27-33. [PMID: 34391208 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1730421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive treatment (ART) gave numerous couples the chance to have their biological child. Improvement in laboratory and culture conditions allows for selection of embryos with the best developmental potential, although replacement of these top-quality embryos does not, however, guarantee reproductive success. Endometrial receptivity is essential for pregnancy establishment and may be the limiting factor for the observed pregnancy rates with ART. Multiple modalities have been in use to assess endometrial receptivity, with ultrasound assessment of the endometrial morphology most commonly used due to its noninvasive nature and availability. Utilization of various "omics" increases our understanding of endometrial receptivity and selectivity; however, significantly more work is required to develop clinically relevant and validated tests of endometrial receptivity and treatments which could improve a suboptimal endometrial milieu. Current evidence for and against use of various tests of endometrial receptivity in women undergoing ART is presented in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Tadeusz Polanski
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Peterborough City Hospital, Peterborough, United Kingdom
| | - Miriam Baumgarten
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Serum luteal phase progesterone in women undergoing frozen embryo transfer in assisted conception: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Fertil Steril 2021; 116:1534-1556. [PMID: 34384594 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between luteal serum progesterone levels and frozen embryo transfer (FET) outcomes. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. SETTING Not applicable. PATIENT(S) Women undergoing FET. INTERVENTION(S) We conducted electronic searches of MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and grey literature (not widely available) from inception to March 2021 to identify cohort studies in which the serum luteal progesterone level was measured around the time of FET. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Ongoing pregnancy or live birth rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and miscarriage rate. RESULT(S) Among the studies analyzing serum progesterone level thresholds <10 ng/mL, a higher serum progesterone level was associated with increased rates of ongoing pregnancy or live birth (relative risk [RR] 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28 to 1.70), higher chance of clinical pregnancy (RR 1.31, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.49), and lower risk of miscarriage (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.77) in cycles using exclusively vaginal progesterone and blastocyst embryos. There was uncertainty about whether progesterone thresholds ≥10 ng/mL were associated with FET outcomes in sensitivity analyses including all studies, owing to high interstudy heterogeneity and wide CIs. CONCLUSION(S) Our findings indicate that there may be a minimum clinically important luteal serum concentration of progesterone required to ensure an optimal endocrine milieu during embryo implantation and early pregnancy after FET treatment. Future clinical trials are required to assess whether administering higher-dose luteal phase support improves outcomes in women with a low serum progesterone level at the time of FET. PROSPERO NUMBER CRD42019157071.
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Metello J, Tomás C, Ferreira P, Bravo I, Branquinho M, Santos-Ribeiro S. Impact of Plasmatic Progesterone on the Day of Frozen Embryo Transfer in Hormone-induced Cycles. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRÍCIA 2021; 43:608-615. [PMID: 34547795 PMCID: PMC10183892 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1735229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish a relationship between serum progesterone values on the day of frozen blastocyst transfer in hormone-replaced cycles with the probability of pregnancy, miscarriage or delivery. METHODS This was an ambispective observational study including all frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles performed at our department following in vitro fecundation from May 2018 to June 2019. The outcomes evaluated were β human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG)-positive pregnancy and delivery. Groups were compared according to the level of serum progesterone on the day of embryo transfer: the 1st quartile of progesterone was compared against the other quartiles and then the 2nd and 3rd quartiles against the 4th quartile. RESULTS A total of 140 transfers were included in the analysis: 87 with β-HCG > 10 IU/L (62%), of which 50 (36%) delivered and 37 had a miscarriage (42%). Women with lower progesterone levels (< 10.7ng/mL) had a trend toward higher β-HCG-positive (72 versus 59%; p > 0.05), lower delivery (26 versus 39%; p > 0.05) and higher miscarriage rates (64 versus 33%; p < 0.01). Comparing the middle quartiles (P25-50) with those above percentiles 75, the rate of pregnancy was similar (60 versus 57%; p > 0.05), although there was a trend toward a higher number of deliveries (43 versus 31%; p > 0.05) and a lower number of miscarriages (28 versus 45%; p > 0.05). These differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION There were no differences in pregnancy and delivery rates related with the progesterone level when measured in the transfer day. The miscarriage rate was higher in the 1st quartile group.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Iris Bravo
- Hospital Garcia de Orta, Almada, Portugal
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Levi Setti PE, Cirillo F, Morenghi E, Immediata V, Caccavari V, Baggiani A, Albani E, Patrizio P. One step further: randomised single-centre trial comparing the direct and afterload techniques of embryo transfer. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2484-2492. [PMID: 34323282 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab178] [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: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the differences in ease of use between two different embryo transfer (ET) techniques: the preload direct approach and the afterload approach. SUMMARY ANSWER The afterload technique seems to reduce the rate of difficult ETs. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Numerous published trials now document that the ET procedure has an impact on pregnancy and delivery rates after IVF. Difficult transfers should be avoided, as they reduce implantation and pregnancy rates. Preload direct ETs with soft catheters under ultrasound guidance is currently considered the best procedure. However, when using soft catheters, it is not known which technique is preferable or which one should be implemented to reduce the operator factor. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This prospective randomised unblinded controlled clinical trial, included 352 ultrasound-guided ETs assigned to either direct ET or afterload ET, between September 2017 and March 2019. The sample size was calculated based on the historical rate of difficult ETs encountered between 2014 and 2015 with a direct ET procedure. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The inclusion criteria were women 18-38 years old, with BMI between 18 and 28, receiving a single-thawed blastocyst transfer. The exclusion criteria were use of testicular sperm and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) cycles. The primary outcome was the rate of difficult or suboptimal transfers defined as: advancement of the outer sheath (specific for the direct transfer), multiple attempts, use of force, required manipulation, use of a stylet or tenaculum, dilatation, or use of a different catheter. The secondary outcome was clinical pregnancy rate. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 352 frozen ETs were randomised, with 176 patients in each group. The two arms were homogeneous for female and male age, female BMI, duration of infertility, secondary infertility, previous deliveries or miscarriages, myomas, previous surgery to the uterine cavity, cycle day at ovulation trigger, freeze all cycles, first transfers, indication for treatment, endometrial preparation protocol and duration, endometrial thickness, and blastocyst grade at vitrification. Across the entire population, 85 (24.1%) ETs were defined as difficult. The rate of difficult transfers was significantly higher in the direct ET group than in the afterload group: 68 (38.6%) versus 17 (9.7%), respectively (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.09-0.30, P < 0.001). The mean percentage in the rate of difficult transfers per operator was 22.5% (SD ± 14.5%), of which 36.1% (SD ± 23.4%) were in the direct group compared with 8.6% (± 8.2%) in the afterload group (P < 0.001). The difficult transfer rate among operators varied from 0 to 43.8% (0-77.8% in the direct group and 0 to 25.0% in the afterload group). The clinical pregnancy rates (42.0% vs 48.3%, P = 0.239 in the direct and afterload groups, respectively) were not significantly different between the groups. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION There were 18 experienced operators who participated in the trial. Conclusions about the pregnancy rate should not be generalised, since the sample analysis was not performed on this outcome and, although clinically relevant, the difference was not significantly different. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The rate of difficult transfers was significantly higher in the direct ET group compared with the afterload ET group, although a wide variation was observed among operators. Further studies regarding the association between transfer technique and ART outcomes are required. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No specific funding was sought and there are no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03161119. TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE 5 April 2017. DATE OF FIRST PATIENT'S ENROLMENT 26 September 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- P E Levi Setti
- Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology, Fertility Center, Humanitas Research Hospital-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - F Cirillo
- Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology, Fertility Center, Humanitas Research Hospital-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - E Morenghi
- Biostatistics Unit, Humanitas Research Hospital-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - V Immediata
- Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology, Fertility Center, Humanitas Research Hospital-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - V Caccavari
- Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology, Fertility Center, Humanitas Research Hospital-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Division of Assisted Reproduction, Department of Gynecology, Istituto Clinico Città Studi, Milano, Italy
| | - A Baggiani
- Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology, Fertility Center, Humanitas Research Hospital-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - E Albani
- Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology, Fertility Center, Humanitas Research Hospital-IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - P Patrizio
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Saito R, Satoh H, Aoba K, Hirasawa H, Miwa N. Dicalcin suppresses in vitro trophoblast attachment in human cell lines. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 570:206-213. [PMID: 34311201 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Implantation is a highly organized process that involves an interaction between a competent blastocyst and a receptive uterus. Despite significant research efforts, the molecular mechanisms governing this complex process remain elusive. Here, we investigated the effect of dicalcin, an S100-like Ca2+-binding protein, on the attachment of choriocarcinoma cells (BeWo cells) onto a monolayer of endometrial carcinoma cells (Ishikawa cells). Extracellularly administered dicalcin bound to both BeWo and Ishikawa cells. Pretreatment of BeWo spheroids with dicalcin reduced the attachment ratio of the spheroids onto the monolayer, whereas that of Ishikawa cells showed no apparent change. We identified the partial amino acid sequence of human dicalcin that exhibited maximum suppression for BeWo spheroid attachment. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that the dicalcin-derived peptide caused a dilation of the intercellular junction between BeWo and ISK cells. Peptide treatment of BeWo spheroids downregulated the expression of integrinαvβ3 in BeWo cells, and induced alterations in their phalloidin-staining pattern, as measured by the length of each F-actin fiber and the thickness of the cortical stress fiber. Thus, dicalcin affects reorganization of the intracellular actin meshwork and subsequently the intensity of attachment, functioning as a novel suppressor of implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryohei Saito
- Department of Obsetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 38 Moro-hongo, Moroyama, Iruma-gun, Saitama, 350-0495, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Satoh
- Department of Physiology, Saitama Medical University, 38 Moro-hongo, Moroyama, Iruma-gun, Saitama, 350-0495, Japan
| | - Kayo Aoba
- Department of Physiology, Saitama Medical University, 38 Moro-hongo, Moroyama, Iruma-gun, Saitama, 350-0495, Japan
| | - Hajime Hirasawa
- Department of Physiology, Saitama Medical University, 38 Moro-hongo, Moroyama, Iruma-gun, Saitama, 350-0495, Japan
| | - Naofumi Miwa
- Department of Physiology, Saitama Medical University, 38 Moro-hongo, Moroyama, Iruma-gun, Saitama, 350-0495, Japan.
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Li X, Su Y, Xie Q, Luan T, Zhang M, Ji X, Liu Y, Zhao C, Ling X. The Effect of Sildenafil Citrate on Poor Endometrium in Patients Undergoing Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer following Resection of Intrauterine Adhesions: A Retrospective Study. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2021; 86:307-314. [PMID: 34120114 DOI: 10.1159/000516749] [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: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recent studies have shown that sildenafil citrate can enhance estrogen-induced proliferation of the endometrium in infertile women. OBJECTIVE This study was aimed to investigate whether sildenafil citrate could affect pregnancy outcomes in infertile women receiving frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) after resection of intrauterine adhesions (IUAs). MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 310 subjects who met the inclusion criteria were recruited and divided into the control group (group A) and the sildenafil citrate group (or the SC group, group B). The 2 groups were, respectively, divided into 2 subgroups based on the severity of reformed adhesions: (1) group A1 (with mild IUAs) and group A2 (with moderate to severe IUAs) and (2) group B1 (with mild IUAs) and group B2 (with moderate to severe IUAs). Therapeutic effects of sildenafil citrate on the cases were evaluated after resection of IUAs during FET cycles. Endometrial thickness, endometrial pattern, and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated and compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS There was no significant difference in the number of embryos transferred between the 2 groups. The endometrial thickness in group B (0.80 [0.68-0.90] cm) was significantly higher than that in group A (0.73 [0.35-0.80] cm). Besides, the biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate (LBR) were 71.60, 50.83, and 39.17% in group B, which were significantly higher than those in group A, namely, 57.36, 34.73, and 23.68%, respectively (p < 0.05). The univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression showed that the LBR in either subgroups of group B after vaginal sildenafil treatment was significantly higher than that in the corresponding control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS It was observed that the administration of sildenafil citrate during FET could effectively improve the poor endometrial conditions after FET following the resection of IUAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Su
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qijun Xie
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ting Luan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mianqiu Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Ji
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chun Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiufeng Ling
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Paule SG, Heng S, Samarajeewa N, Li Y, Mansilla M, Webb AI, Nebl T, Young SL, Lessey BA, Hull ML, Scelwyn M, Lim R, Vollenhoven B, Rombauts LJ, Nie G. Podocalyxin is a key negative regulator of human endometrial epithelial receptivity for embryo implantation. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:1353-1366. [PMID: 33822049 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How is endometrial epithelial receptivity, particularly adhesiveness, regulated at the luminal epithelial surface for embryo implantation in the human? SUMMARY ANSWER Podocalyxin (PCX), a transmembrane protein, was identified as a key negative regulator of endometrial epithelial receptivity; specific downregulation of PCX in the luminal epithelium in the mid-secretory phase, likely mediated by progesterone, may act as a critical step in converting endometrial surface from a non-receptive to an implantation-permitting state. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The human endometrium must undergo major molecular and cellular changes to transform from a non-receptive to a receptive state to accommodate embryo implantation. However, the fundamental mechanisms governing receptivity, particularly at the luminal surface where the embryo first interacts with, are not well understood. A widely held view is that upregulation of adhesion-promoting molecules is important, but the details are not well characterized. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study first aimed to identify novel adhesion-related membrane proteins with potential roles in receptivity in primary human endometrial epithelial cells (HEECs). Further experiments were then conducted to determine candidates' in vivo expression pattern in the human endometrium across the menstrual cycle, regulation by progesterone using cell culture, and functional importance in receptivity using in vitro human embryo attachment and invasion models. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Primary HEECs (n = 9) were isolated from the proliferative phase endometrial tissue, combined into three pools, subjected to plasma membrane protein enrichment by ultracentrifugation followed by proteomics analysis, which led to the discovery of PCX as a novel candidate of interest. Immunohistochemical analysis determined the in vivo expression pattern and cellular localization of PCX in the human endometrium across the menstrual cycle (n = 23). To investigate whether PCX is regulated by progesterone, the master driver of endometrial differentiation, primary HEECs were treated in culture with estradiol and progesterone and analyzed by RT-PCR (n = 5) and western blot (n = 4). To demonstrate that PCX acts as a negative regulator of receptivity, PCX was overexpressed in Ishikawa cells (a receptive line) and the impact on receptivity was determined using in vitro attachment (n = 3-5) and invasion models (n = 4-6), in which an Ishikawa monolayer mimicked the endometrial surface and primary human trophoblast spheroids mimicked embryos. Mann-Whitney U-test and ANOVA analyses established statistical significance at *P ≤ 0.05 and **P ≤ 0.01. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE PCX was expressed on the apical surface of all epithelial and endothelial cells in the non-receptive endometrium, but selectively downregulated in the luminal epithelium from the mid-secretory phase coinciding with the establishment of receptivity. Progesterone was confirmed to be able to suppress PCX in primary HEECs, suggesting this hormone likely mediates the downregulation of luminal PCX in vivo for receptivity. Overexpression of PCX in Ishikawa monolayer inhibited not only the attachment but also the penetration of human embryo surrogates, demonstrating that PCX acts as an important negative regulator of epithelial receptivity for implantation. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Primary HEECs isolated from the human endometrial tissue contained a mixture of luminal and glandular epithelial cells, as further purification into subtypes was not possible due to the lack of specific markers. Future study would need to investigate how progesterone differentially regulates PCX in endometrial epithelial subtypes. In addition, this study used primary human trophoblast spheroids as human embryo mimics and Ishikawa as endometrial epithelial cells in functional models, future studies with human blastocysts and primary epithelial cells would further validate the findings. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The findings of this study add important new knowledge to the understanding of human endometrial remodeling for receptivity. The identification of PCX as a negative regulator of epithelial receptivity and the knowledge that its specific downregulation in the luminal epithelium coincides with receptivity development may provide new avenues to assess endometrial receptivity and individualize endometrial preparation protocols in assisted reproductive technology (ART). The study also discovered PCX as progesterone target in HEECs, identifying a potentially useful functional biomarker to monitor progesterone action, such as in the optimization of progesterone type/dose/route of administration for luteal support. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Study funding was obtained from ESHRE, Monash IVF and NHMRC. LR reports potential conflict of interests (received grants from Ferring Australia; personal fees from Monash IVF Group and Ferring Australia; and non-financial support from Merck Serono, MSD, and Guerbet outside the submitted work. LR is also a minority shareholder and the Group Medical Director for Monash IVF Group, a provider of fertility preservation services). The remaining authors have no potential conflict of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah G Paule
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Sophea Heng
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, VIC, Australia
| | - Nirukshi Samarajeewa
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, VIC, Australia
| | - Ying Li
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, VIC, Australia
| | - Mary Mansilla
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew I Webb
- Advance Technology and Biology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Thomas Nebl
- Advance Technology and Biology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Steven L Young
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Bruce A Lessey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Greenville Health System, Greenville, SC, USA
| | - M Louise Hull
- The Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - Rebecca Lim
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Beverley Vollenhoven
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Womens and Newborn Programme, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Luk J Rombauts
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Womens and Newborn Programme, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Guiying Nie
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Implantation and Pregnancy Research Laboratory, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, VIC, Australia
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Kalinderis M, Kalinderi K, Srivastava G, Homburg R. When Should We Freeze Embryos? Current Data for Fresh and Frozen Embryo Replacement IVF Cycles. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:3061-3072. [PMID: 34033111 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00628-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have seen a dramatic rise in the number of frozen-thawed embryo replacement (FER) cycles. Along with the advances in embryo cryopreservation techniques, the optimization of endometrial receptivity has resulted in outcomes for FER that are similar to fresh embryo transfer. However, the question of whether the Freeze all strategy is for all is nowadays a hot topic. This review addresses this issue and describes current evidence based on randomized controlled trials and observational studies. To date, it is reasonable to perform FER in cases with a clear indication for the benefits of such strategy including impending ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) or preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A); however, this strategy does not fit for all. This review analyses the pros and cons of the freeze all strategy highlighting the need to follow a personalized plan in embryo transfer, avoiding a freeze all methodology for all patients in an unselected manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kallirhoe Kalinderi
- 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Roy Homburg
- Homerton Fertility Centre, Homerton University Hospital, London, UK.,Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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He A, Zou Y, Wan C, Zhao J, Zhang Q, Yao Z, Tian F, Wu H, Huang X, Fu J, Hu C, Sun Y, Xiao L, Yang T, Hou Z, Dong X, Lu S, Li Y. The role of transcriptomic biomarkers of endometrial receptivity in personalized embryo transfer for patients with repeated implantation failure. J Transl Med 2021; 19:176. [PMID: 33910562 PMCID: PMC8082865 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-02837-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Window of implantation (WOI) displacement is one of the endometrial origins of embryo implantation failure, especially repeated implantation failure (RIF). An accurate prediction tool for endometrial receptivity (ER) is extraordinarily needed to precisely guide successful embryo implantation. We aimed to establish an RNA-Seq-based endometrial receptivity test (rsERT) tool using transcriptomic biomarkers and to evaluate the benefit of personalized embryo transfer (pET) guided by this tool in patients with RIF. Methods This was a two-phase strategy comprising tool establishment with retrospective data and benefit evaluation with a prospective, nonrandomized controlled trial. In the first phase, rsERT was established by sequencing and analyzing the RNA of endometrial tissues from 50 IVF patients with normal WOI timing. In the second phase, 142 patients with RIF were recruited and grouped by patient self-selection (experimental group, n = 56; control group, n = 86). pET guided by rsERT was performed in the experimental group and conventional ET in the control group. Results The rsERT, comprising 175 biomarker genes, showed an average accuracy of 98.4% by using tenfold cross-validation. The intrauterine pregnancy rate (IPR) of the experimental group (50.0%) was significantly improved compared to that (23.7%) of the control group (RR, 2.107; 95% CI 1.159 to 3.830; P = 0.017) when transferring day-3 embryos. Although not significantly different, the IPR of the experimental group (63.6%) was still 20 percentage points higher than that (40.7%) of the control group (RR, 1.562; 95% CI 0.898 to 2.718; P = 0.111) when transferring blastocysts. Conclusions The rsERT was developed to accurately predict the WOI period and significantly improve the pregnancy outcomes of patients with RIF, indicating the clinical potential of rsERT-guided pET. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR-DDD-17013375. Registered 14 November 2017, http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-021-02837-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aihua He
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China.,Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Yangyun Zou
- Department of Clinical Research, Yikon Genomics Company, Ltd., #301, Building A3, No. 218, Xinghu Street, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Cheng Wan
- Department of Clinical Research, Yikon Genomics Company, Ltd., #301, Building A3, No. 218, Xinghu Street, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China.,Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China.,Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Zhongyuan Yao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China.,Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Fen Tian
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China.,Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Hong Wu
- Department of ENT, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology in Hunan Province, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Xi Huang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China.,Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Fu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China.,Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Chunxu Hu
- Department of Clinical Research, Yikon Genomics Company, Ltd., #301, Building A3, No. 218, Xinghu Street, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Sun
- Department of Clinical Research, Yikon Genomics Company, Ltd., #301, Building A3, No. 218, Xinghu Street, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lan Xiao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China.,Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Tianli Yang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China.,Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaojuan Hou
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China.,Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Xin Dong
- Department of Clinical Research, Yikon Genomics Company, Ltd., #301, Building A3, No. 218, Xinghu Street, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sijia Lu
- Department of Clinical Research, Yikon Genomics Company, Ltd., #301, Building A3, No. 218, Xinghu Street, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yanping Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China. .,Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China.
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Parvanov D, Ganeva R, Vidolova N, Stamenov G. Decreased number of p16-positive senescent cells in human endometrium as a marker of miscarriage. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2087-2095. [PMID: 33821427 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02182-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the number of p16-positive cells in the functional layer of the endometrium could be a useful biomarker to identify women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) at risk of miscarriage. METHODS Immunohistochemical staining was performed in 311 endometrial biopsies taken during mid-luteal phase using antibody against p16INK4A. The percentage of p16-positive cells was determined in luminal, glandular and stromal endometrial cells. After embryo transfer, women were divided into the following groups: unsuccessful embryo implantation (n = 151), miscarriage (n = 66) and live birth (n = 94). The percentage of p16-positive cells in all endometrial compartments was compared among these groups. RESULTS We found that the percentages of p16-positive glandular and luminal epithelial endometrial cells were significantly higher in patients with live births compared to women with miscarriage (9.3% vs. 2.9%, P < 0.001; and 35.2% vs. 11.7%, P = 0.001, respectively). This tendency was not confirmed in thе stroma. The cut-off values with p16-positive luminal cells lower than 12.5% and p16-positive glandular cells lower than 3.2% could be predictive factors for miscarriage (AUC 0.80 and 0.79; sensitivity 71.3% and 74.5%; specificity 74.2% and 71.2%, respectively). CONCLUSION A decreased number of senescent p16-positive cells could be involved in the implantation failures and aetiology of recurrent miscarriage. Women with history of RIF with reduced populations of p16-positive cells in the endometrial glandular and luminal epithelium may be at greater risk for unsuccessful implantation and miscarriage. The percentage of p16-positive luminal epithelial cells may be clinically useful as a biomarker of miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitar Parvanov
- Nadezhda Women's Health Hospital, 3 "Blaga vest" Street, Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Rumiana Ganeva
- Nadezhda Women's Health Hospital, 3 "Blaga vest" Street, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Nina Vidolova
- Nadezhda Women's Health Hospital, 3 "Blaga vest" Street, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Georgi Stamenov
- Nadezhda Women's Health Hospital, 3 "Blaga vest" Street, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Komaroff AL, Rizzo R, Ecker JL. Human Herpesviruses 6A and 6B in Reproductive Diseases. Front Immunol 2021; 12:648945. [PMID: 33841432 PMCID: PMC8027340 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.648945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human herpesviruses 6A (HHV-6A) and human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B)—collectively, HHV-6A/B—are recently-discovered but ancient human viruses. The vast majority of people acquire one or both viruses, typically very early in life, producing an ineradicable lifelong infection. The viruses have been linked to several neurological, pulmonary and hematological diseases. In early human history, the viruses on multiple occasions infected a germ cell, and integrated their DNA into a human chromosome. As a result, about 1% of humans are born with the full viral genome present in every cell, with uncertain consequences for health. HHV-6A may play a role in 43% of cases of primary unexplained infertility. Both the inherited and acquired viruses may occasionally trigger several of the factors that are important in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Transplacental infection occurs in 1-2% of pregnancies, with some evidence suggesting adverse health consequences for the child. While emerging knowledge about these viruses in reproductive diseases is not sufficient to suggest any changes in current practice, we write this review to indicate the need for further research that could prove practice-changing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony L Komaroff
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Roberta Rizzo
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jeffrey L Ecker
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Bui BN, Lensen SF, Gibreel A, Martins WP, Torrance H, Broekmans FJ. Endometrial injury for pregnancy following sexual intercourse or intrauterine insemination. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 3:CD011424. [PMID: 33734431 PMCID: PMC8094383 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011424.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intentional endometrial injury is being proposed as a technique to improve the probability of pregnancy in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Endometrial injury is often performed by pipelle biopsy and is a common gynaecological procedure with established safety. However, it causes a moderate degree of discomfort/pain and requires an additional pelvic examination. The effectiveness of this procedure outside of ART, in women or couples attempting to conceive via sexual intercourse or with intrauterine insemination (IUI), remains unclear. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and safety of intentional endometrial injury performed in infertile women or couples attempting to conceive through sexual intercourse or intrauterine insemination (IUI). SEARCH METHODS The Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, LILACS, ISI Web of Knowledge, and clinical trial registries were searched from inception to 21 May 2020, as were conference abstracts and reference lists of relevant reviews and included studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated any kind of intentional endometrial injury in women planning to undergo IUI or attempting to conceive spontaneously (with or without ovarian stimulation (OS)) compared to no intervention, a mock intervention, or intentional endometrial injury performed at a different time or to a higher/lower degree. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures recommended by Cochrane. Primary outcomes were live birth/ongoing pregnancy and pain experienced during the procedure. Due to high risk of bias associated with many of the studies, primary analyses of all review outcomes were restricted to studies at low risk of bias. Sensitivity analysis including all studies was then performed. MAIN RESULTS We included 23 RCTs (4035 women). Most of these studies included women with unexplained infertility. Intentional endometrial injury versus either no intervention or a sham procedure The primary analysis was restricted to studies at low risk of bias, which left only one study included. We are uncertain whether endometrial injury has an effect on the probability of live birth, as only one study is included in the analysis and the confidence interval is wide (risk ratio (RR) 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78 to 1.59; 1 RCT, 210 participants). Evidence suggests that if the chance of live birth with no intervention/a sham procedure is assumed to be 34%, then the chance with endometrial injury would be 27% to 55%. When all studies were included in the sensitivity analysis, we were uncertain whether endometrial injury improves live birth/ongoing pregnancy, as the evidence was of very low quality (RR 1.71, 95% CI 1.32 to 2.21; 8 RCTs, 1522 participants; I² = 16%). Evidence suggests that if the chance of live birth/ongoing pregnancy with no intervention/a sham procedure is assumed to be 13%, then the chance with endometrial injury would be 17% to 28%. A narrative synthesis conducted for the other primary outcome of pain during the procedure included studies measuring pain on a zero-to-ten visual analogue scale (VAS) or grading pain as mild/moderate/severe, and showed that most often mild to moderate pain was reported (6 RCTs, 911 participants; very low-quality evidence). Higher versus lower degree of intentional endometrial injury Evidence was insufficient to show whether there is a difference in ongoing pregnancy rates (RR 1.29, 95% CI 0.71 to 2.35; 1 RCT, 332 participants; low-quality evidence) between hysteroscopy with endometrial injury and hysteroscopy alone. Evidence suggests that if the chance of ongoing pregnancy with hysteroscopy alone is 10%, then the chance with hysteroscopy with endometrial injury would be 7% to 24%. This study did not report the primary outcomes of live birth and pain during the procedure. Timing of intentional endometrial injury Four trials compared endometrial injury performed in the cycle before IUI to that performed in the same cycle as IUI. None of these studies reported the primary outcomes of live birth/ongoing pregnancy and pain during the procedure. One study compared endometrial injury in the early follicular phase (EFP; Day 2 to 4) to endometrial injury in the late follicular phase (LFP; Day 7 to 9), both in the same cycle as IUI. The primary outcome live birth/ongoing pregnancy was not reported, but the study did report the other primary outcome of pain during the procedure assessed by a zero-to-ten VAS. The average pain score was 3.67 (standard deviation (SD) 0.7) when endometrial injury was performed in the EFP and 3.84 (SD 0.96) when endometrial injury was performed in the LFP. The mean difference was -0.17, suggesting that on average, women undergoing endometrial injury in the EFP scored 0.17 points lower on the VAS as compared to women undergoing endometrial injury in the LFP (95% CI -0.48 to 0.14; 1 RCT, 110 participants; very low-quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Evidence is insufficient to show whether there is a difference in live birth/ongoing pregnancy between endometrial injury and no intervention/a sham procedure in women undergoing IUI or attempting to conceive via sexual intercourse. The pooled results should be interpreted with caution, as the evidence was of low to very low quality due to high risk of bias present in most included studies and an overall low level of precision. Furthermore, studies investigating the effect of timing of endometrial injury did not report the outcome live birth/ongoing pregnancy; therefore no conclusions could be drawn for this outcome. Further well-conducted RCTs that recruit large numbers of participants and minimise bias are required to confirm or refute these findings. Current evidence is insufficient to support routine use of endometrial injury in women undergoing IUI or attempting to conceive via sexual intercourse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bich Ngoc Bui
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Sarah F Lensen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ahmed Gibreel
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | | | - Helen Torrance
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Frank J Broekmans
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Silva Martins R, Helio Oliani A, Vaz Oliani D, Martinez de Oliveira J. The predictive value of serial serum estradiol and serial endometrial volume on endometrial receptivity on assisted reproductive technology cycles. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:184. [PMID: 33673820 PMCID: PMC7936427 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-03672-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diagnosis of endometrial receptivity is still unclear and conflicting. Despite advances in embryo development during assisted reproductive technologies (ART) cycles, the intricate process of implantation is still matter for debate and research. Materials and methods Prospective case control of 169 subjects during ovarian controlled stimulation for ART. Endometrial receptivity assessment to predict clinical pregnancy with serial continuous biochemical (serum estradiol) and biophysical (endometrial volume and adjusted endometrial volume) parameters were used. Both parameters were compared between negative and positive outcome in terms of clinical pregnancy. Results No statistical difference was noted between the two groups in terms of demographics and ART procedures and scores. Serum estradiol was significantly higher in the positive group from day 8 after ovarian controlled stimulation. Endometrial volume and adjusted endometrial volume were significantly higher in the positive group as soon as day 6 of ovarian controlled stimulation. Conclusions Continuous serum estradiol and 3D endometrial volume and adjusted endometrial volumes may reflect endometrial changes during ART procedures and provide a useful real time tool for clinicians in predicting endometrial receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Silva Martins
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário Cova da Beira EPE, Quinta do Alvito, 6200 503, Covilha, Portugal. .,Centro Investigação Ciências da Saúde - Faculdade Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Alameda Infante D, Henrique, 6200 506, Covilha, Portugal.
| | - A Helio Oliani
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário Cova da Beira EPE, Quinta do Alvito, 6200 503, Covilha, Portugal
| | - D Vaz Oliani
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário Cova da Beira EPE, Quinta do Alvito, 6200 503, Covilha, Portugal
| | - J Martinez de Oliveira
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário Cova da Beira EPE, Quinta do Alvito, 6200 503, Covilha, Portugal.,Centro Investigação Ciências da Saúde - Faculdade Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Alameda Infante D, Henrique, 6200 506, Covilha, Portugal
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Clinical utility of the endometrial receptivity analysis in women with prior failed transfers. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:645-650. [PMID: 33454901 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-02041-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the utility of the endometrial receptivity analysis (ERA) in women with prior failed embryo transfers (ET). METHODS This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent an ERA test with a subsequent frozen ET. Women were classified based on their indication for an ERA test: (1) ≥ 1 prior failed ET (cases), or (2) as a prophylactic measure (controls). A subset analysis of women with ≥ 3 prior failed transfers was performed. Pregnancy outcomes of the subsequent cycle were examined, including conception, clinical pregnancy, and ongoing pregnancy/live birth. RESULTS A total of 222 women were included, 131 (59%) women with ≥ 1 prior failed ET and 91 (41%) controls. Among the 131 women with ≥ 1 prior failed ET, 20 women (9%) had ≥ 3 prior failed ETs. The proportion of non-receptive ERA tests in the three groups were the following: 45% (≥ 1 prior failed ET), 40% (≥ 3 prior failed ETs), and 52% (controls). The results did not differ between cases and controls. The pregnancy outcomes did not differ between women with ≥ 1 prior failed ET and controls. In women with ≥ 3 prior failed ETs, there was a lower ongoing pregnancy/live birth rate (28% vs 54%, P = 0.046). CONCLUSION Women with ≥ 1 prior failed ET and ≥ 3 prior failed ETs had a similar prevalence of non-receptive endometrium compared to controls. Women with ≥ 3 prior failed ETs had a lower ongoing pregnancy/live birth rate despite a personalized FET, suggesting that there are additional factors in implantation failure beyond an adjustment in progesterone exposure.
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Hosseinirad H, Novin MG, Hosseini S, Nazarian H, Safaei Z, Hashemi T, Paktinat S, Mofarahe ZS. Evaluation of Expression and Phosphorylation of Progesterone Receptor in Endometrial Stromal Cells of Patients with Recurrent Implantation Failure Compared to Healthy Fertile Women. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:1457-1465. [PMID: 33449351 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00428-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is the repeated failure of good-quality embryos in implantation process following several assisted reproduction cycles. Disruption of the endometrial receptivity is one of the main causes of RIF. Progesterone plays a pivotal role in the endometrial receptivity through the regulation of gene expression pattern by binding to its receptors in the endometrial cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression level of progesterone receptor (PR) and its phosphorylated form in the endometrial stromal cells (eSC) of RIF patients and compare it to the eSC of healthy fertile women as control group. After isolation of the eSC from biopsy samples of RIF patients and healthy fertile women and their characterization, expression levels of PR mRNA, PR protein, and phospho-Ser294 PR protein were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR and immunofluorescence staining, respectively. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in PR mRNA expression (P < 0.01.) and phospho-Ser294 PR protein (P < 0.05) level in RIF patients compared to the control group. These data for the first time suggest that the expression of PR and its phosphorylated form are impaired in RIF patients. Therefore, designing therapeutic methods for improving PR expression status and its regulation in the endometrium of RIF patients may help in improving the final reproductive outcomes of these cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Hosseinirad
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marefat Ghaffari Novin
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sedighe Hosseini
- Preventative Gynecology Research Center (PGRC), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Nazarian
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Safaei
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Teibeh Hashemi
- Preventative Gynecology Research Center (PGRC), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahrokh Paktinat
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Shams Mofarahe
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Ojosnegros S, Seriola A, Godeau AL, Veiga A. Embryo implantation in the laboratory: an update on current techniques. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27:501-530. [PMID: 33410481 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The embryo implantation process is crucial for the correct establishment and progress of pregnancy. During implantation, the blastocyst trophectoderm cells attach to the epithelium of the endometrium, triggering intense cell-to-cell crosstalk that leads to trophoblast outgrowth, invasion of the endometrial tissue, and formation of the placenta. However, this process, which is vital for embryo and foetal development in utero, is still elusive to experimentation because of its inaccessibility. Experimental implantation is cumbersome and impractical in adult animal models and is inconceivable in humans. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE A number of custom experimental solutions have been proposed to recreate different stages of the implantation process in vitro, by combining a human embryo (or a human embryo surrogate) and endometrial cells (or a surrogate for the endometrial tissue). In vitro models allow rapid high-throughput interrogation of embryos and cells, and efficient screening of molecules, such as cytokines, drugs, or transcription factors, that control embryo implantation and the receptivity of the endometrium. However, the broad selection of available in vitro systems makes it complicated to decide which system best fits the needs of a specific experiment or scientific question. To orient the reader, this review will explore the experimental options proposed in the literature, and classify them into amenable categories based on the embryo/cell pairs employed.The goal is to give an overview of the tools available to study the complex process of human embryo implantation, and explain the differences between them, including the advantages and disadvantages of each system. SEARCH METHODS We performed a comprehensive review of the literature to come up with different categories that mimic the different stages of embryo implantation in vitro, ranging from initial blastocyst apposition to later stages of trophoblast invasion or gastrulation. We will also review recent breakthrough advances on stem cells and organoids, assembling embryo-like structures and endometrial tissues. OUTCOMES We highlight the most relevant systems and describe the most significant experiments. We focus on in vitro systems that have contributed to the study of human reproduction by discovering molecules that control implantation, including hormones, signalling molecules, transcription factors and cytokines. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The momentum of this field is growing thanks to the use of stem cells to build embryo-like structures and endometrial tissues, and the use of bioengineering to extend the life of embryos in culture. We propose to merge bioengineering methods derived from the fields of stem cells and reproduction to develop new systems covering a wider window of the implantation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Ojosnegros
- Bioengineering in Reproductive Health, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Seriola
- Bioengineering in Reproductive Health, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amélie L Godeau
- Bioengineering in Reproductive Health, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Veiga
- B arcelona Stem Cell Bank, Regenerative Medicine Programme, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Hospital Duran i Reynals, Barcelona, Spain.,Reproductive Medicine Service, Dexeus Mujer, Hospital Universitari Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain
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The freeze-all strategy after IVF: which indications? Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 42:529-545. [PMID: 33384269 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The freeze-all strategy is gaining popularity worldwide as an alternative to the conventional fresh embryo transfer. It consists of cryopreservation of the entire embryo cohort and the embryo transfer in a subsequent cycle that takes place separately from ovarian stimulation. The freeze-all strategy was initially a 'rescue' strategy for women at high risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome; however, this approach has been extended to other indications as a scheduled strategy to improve implantation rates. This assumes that ovarian stimulation can alter endometrial receptivity in fresh cycles owing to the effect of supraphysiological levels of steroids on endometrial maturation. The procedure, however, has not been associated with increased live birth rates in all infertile couples, and concerns have been raised about the occurrence of several adverse perinatal outcomes. It is, therefore, crucial to identify in which subgroups of patients a freeze-all strategy could be beneficial. The aim of this review is to summarize current scientific research in this field to highlight potential indications for this strategy and to guide clinicians in their daily practice.
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Martins RS, Oliani AH, Oliani DV, de Oliveira JM. Continuous endometrial volumetric analysis for endometrial receptivity assessment on assisted reproductive technology cycles. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020; 20:663. [PMID: 33143675 PMCID: PMC7640386 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-03372-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human implantation is a complex process requiring synchrony between a healthy embryo and a functionally competent or receptive endometrium. In order to assess endometrial receptivity in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) cycles serial evaluation of endometrial volumetric analysis may have a predictive value on a positive outcome. METHODS Serial 3D transvaginal ultrasound performed in women on ART cycle to evaluate embryo implantation predictors. Prospective case control study of 169 subjects were assessed. Endometrial pattern, thickness, volume and adjusted endometrial volume (ratio between endometrial volume and uterine volume) was performed to all subjects on a continuous process from baseline, during controlled ovarian stimulation, trigger day with human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG) and at embryo transfer day. RESULTS Demographics and ART procedures and scores, was similar between the two groups. Endometrial morphology also showed no difference between the two groups. Endometrial volume and adjusted endometrial volume was significantly higher in the positive group as soon as day 6 of ovarian controlled stimulation. CONCLUSIONS Serial 3D endometrial volume and adjusted endometrial volumes provides a predicting clinical tool enhancing elective embryo transfers in fresh ART cycle. Thus providing a non-invasive continuous technique for endometrial receptivity assessment that reflects endometrial changes during ART procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Silva Martins
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário Cova da Beira EPE, Quinta do Alvito, 6200 503, Covilha, Portugal.
- Centro Investigação Ciências da Saúde - Faculdade Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Alameda Infante D, Henrique, 6200 506, Covilha, Portugal.
| | - António Helio Oliani
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário Cova da Beira EPE, Quinta do Alvito, 6200 503, Covilha, Portugal
| | - Denise Vaz Oliani
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário Cova da Beira EPE, Quinta do Alvito, 6200 503, Covilha, Portugal
| | - José Martinez de Oliveira
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário Cova da Beira EPE, Quinta do Alvito, 6200 503, Covilha, Portugal
- Centro Investigação Ciências da Saúde - Faculdade Ciências da Saúde, Universidade da Beira Interior, Alameda Infante D, Henrique, 6200 506, Covilha, Portugal
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