Antimüllerian hormone as a risk factor for miscarriage in naturally conceived pregnancies

Factors affecting age at menopause and their relationship with ovarian reserve: a comprehensive review

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this article was to discuss all the factors affecting the age at menopause and their correlation with ovarian reserve.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A narrative review of original articles was performed using PubMed until December 2023. The following keywords were used to generate the list of citations: 'menopause', 'ovarian reserve' 'oocytes quality and quantity', 'ovarian ageing'.

RESULTS

Menopause is the final step in the process of ovarian ageing and is influenced by the oocyte pool at birth. Conditions that accelerate follicle depletion during the reproductive lifespan lead to premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and premature ovarian failure (POF), while a higher ovarian reserve is associated with a delayed time to menopause. Reproductive history, sociodemographic, lifestyle and iatrogenic factors may impact ovarian reserve and the age at menopause.

CONCLUSIONS

Some factors affecting the age at menopause are modifiable and the risks of early menopause may be preventable. We hypothesise that by addressing these modifiable factors we may also preserve ovarian reserve. However, further interventional studies are needed to evaluate the effects of the described strategies on ovarian reserve.

Health needs, treatment decisions and experience of traditional complementary and integrative medicine use by women with diminished ovarian reserve: A cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

Women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) have fewer eggs than would be expected at their age. It is estimated that 10% of women seeking fertility treatment are diagnosed with DOR. However, the success rate of medically assisted reproduction (MAR) is significantly lower in women with DOR, thus many seek additional approaches.

AIM

To explore the health needs of women with DOR, treatment options and experience of treatment including traditional complementary integrative medicine (TCIM).

METHODS

Anyone with a diagnosis of DOR, living in Australia or New Zealand, aged over 18 were invited to complete an online survey distributed via fertility support networks and social media platforms from April to December 2021.

RESULTS

Data from 67 respondents were included. The main aspects of health that were impacted by DOR were fertility (91.0%) and mental health (52.2%). The main treatment recommended was MAR with most women either currently using MAR (38.8%) or having previously used MAR (37.3%). TCIM was widely used with 88.1% of women utilising supplements, 74.6% consulting with TCIM practitioners, and 65.7% adopting self-care practices. The main reasons for using TCIM were to improve fertility or support pregnancy, and to support general health and well-being.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with DOR have additional health needs apart from infertility, most notably mental health support. The main form of treatment utilised is MAR, despite DOR being challenging for fertility clinicians. TCIM was widely used, and respondents perceived benefits related to improving fertility, supporting pregnancy, or improving well-being through use of acupuncture, meditation, naturopathy, massage, yoga.

Comparison of miscarriage rates in low prognosis patients according to the POSEIDON criteria

OBJECTIVE

The POSEIDON criteria stratified patients with poor ovarian response into four subgroups with exclusive characteristics and assisted reproductive technology success rates. However, limited studies focused on miscarriage in the POSEIDON population. This study aimed to explore whether the miscarriage rate different among low prognosis patients according to POSEIDON criteria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective observational study. All clinical pregnancies achieved after in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment between January 1998 and April 2021 were analyzed. The primary outcome was miscarriage, defined as the pregnancy loss before 20 weeks of gestation age. Miscarriage rate was estimated per clinical pregnancy and gestational sac.

RESULTS

A total of 1222 clinical pregnancies from 1088 POSEIDON patients met the inclusion criteria. The miscarriage rates per clinical pregnancy in each POSEIDON subgroup were as follows: Group 1: 11.7 %, Group 2: 26.5 %, Group 3: 20.9 %, and Group 4: 37.5 %. The miscarriage rate per gestational sac showed a similar trend as the clinical miscarriage rate. Multivariate regression analysis showed that advanced maternal age is an independent factor for miscarriage (Group 2 vs. 1: OR 2.476; Group 4 vs. 3: OR 2.252). Patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) have higher miscarriage risks but without significance (Group 3 vs. 1: OR 1.322; Group 4 vs. 2: OR 1.202).

CONCLUSION

Miscarriage rates differed among low prognosis patients according to the POSEIDON criteria. Age remains a determined risk for miscarriage. DOR might be a potential factor for miscarriage, but it didn't account for a significant impact in POSEIDON patients.

Correlations between clinical parameters, blastocyst morphological classification and embryo euploidy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to evaluate clinical and embryo parameters to predict embryo ploidy.

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis, we studied 838 biopsied day-5 blastocysts from 219 patients in the period from May 2021 to July 2022. All embryos were morphologically classified before biopsy and were divided into two groups according to genetic test results. Euploid embryos (299) were compared with aneuploid embryos (539) based on maternal age, anti-Mullerian hormone, antral follicle count, and embryo morphology.

RESULTS

Maternal age (36.2±3.0) of euploid embryos was lower than maternal age (37.1±2.5) of aneuploid embryos (p<0.0001). AMH levels were higher (3.9±1.2) in the group of euploid embryos than in the group of aneuploid embryos (3.6±1.3, p<0.0001). However, the AFC was not different in the group of euploid embryos (15.3±6.0) compared to the group of aneuploid embryos (14.5±5.9, p=0.07). The presence of aneuploidy was negatively correlated with top embryo quality (embryos 4AA and 4AB). All euploid embryos (299) were top quality versus 331 of 539 (61.49%) aneuploid embryos (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that euploid embryos were associated with lower maternal age, higher AMH levels, and higher quality embryos.

Anti-Müllerian hormone for screening, diagnosis, evaluation, and prediction: A systematic review and expert opinions

AIM

To present evidence-based recommendations for anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) measurement as an ovarian reserve test.

METHODS

A systematic literature search for the clinical utility of AMH was conducted in PubMed from its inception to August 2022 to identify studies, including meta-analyses, reviews, randomized controlled trials, and clinical trials, followed by an additional systematic search using keywords. Based on this evidence, an expert panel developed clinical questions (CQs).

RESULTS

A total of 1895 studies were identified and 95 articles were included to establish expert opinions subdivided into general population, infertility treatment, primary ovarian insufficiency, polycystic ovary syndrome, surgery, and oncofertility. We developed 13 CQs and 1 future research question with levels of evidence and recommendations.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the current systematic review covered the clinical utility of AMH including its screening, diagnosis, evaluation, and prediction. Although some clinical implications of AMH remain debatable, these expert opinions may help promote a better understanding of AMH and establish its clinical significance.

Association between ovarian reserve and spontaneous miscarriage and their shared genetic architecture

STUDY QUESTION

Can potential mechanisms involved in the likely concurrence of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and miscarriage be identified using genetic data?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Concurrence between ovarian reserve and spontaneous miscarriage was observed, and may be attributed to shared genetic risk loci enriched in antigen processing and presentation and autoimmune disease pathways.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Previous studies have shown that lower serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels are associated with increased risk of embryo aneuploidy and spontaneous miscarriage, although findings have not been consistent across all studies. A recent meta-analysis suggested that the association between DOR and miscarriage may not be causal, but rather a result of shared underlying causes such as clinical conditions or past exposure. Motivated by this hypothesis, we conducted the present analysis to explore the concurrence between DOR and miscarriage, and to investigate potential mechanisms using genetic data.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Three data sources were used in the study: the clinical IVF data were retrospectively collected from an academically affiliated Reproductive Medicine Center (17 786 cycles included); the epidemiological data from the UK Biobank (UKB), which is a large-scale, population-based, prospective cohort study (35 316 white women included), were analyzed; and individual-level genotype data from the UKB were extracted for further analysis.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

There were three modules of analysis. First, clinical IVF data were used to test the association between ovarian reserve biomarkers and the subsequent early spontaneous miscarriage risk. Second, the UKB data were used to test the association of spontaneous miscarriage history and early menopause. Third, individual-level genotype data from the UKB were analyzed to identify specific pleiotropic genes which affect the development of miscarriage and menopause.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

In the analysis of clinical IVF data, the risk of early spontaneous miscarriage was 1.57 times higher in the group with AMH < 1.1 ng/ml group (P < 0.001), 1.62 times for antral follicular count <5 (P < 0.001), and 1.39 times for FSH ≥10 mIU/ml (P < 0.001) in comparison with normal ovarian reserve groups. In the analysis of UKB data, participants with a history of three or more miscarriages had a one-third higher risk of experiencing early menopause (odds ratio: 1.30, 95% CI 1.13-1.49, P < 0.001), compared with participants without spontaneous miscarriage history. We identified 158 shared genetic risk loci that affect both miscarriage and menopause, which enrichment analysis showed were involved in antigen processing and presentation and autoimmune disease pathways.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The analyses of the UKB data were restricted to participants of European ancestry, as 94.6% of the cohort were of white ethnicity. Further studies are needed in non-white populations. Additionally, maternal age at the time of spontaneous miscarriage was not available in the UKB cohort, therefore we adjusted for age at baseline assessment in the models instead. It is known that miscarriage rate in IVF is higher compared to natural conception, highlighting a need for caution when generalizing our findings from the IVF cohort to the general population.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Our findings have implications for IVF clinicians in terms of patient counseling on the prognosis of IVF treatment, as well as for genetic counseling regarding miscarriage. Our results highlight the importance of further research on the shared genetic architecture and common pathophysiological basis of DOR and miscarriage, which may lead to new therapeutic opportunities.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This work was supported by the Hunan Youth Science and Technology Innovation Talent Project (2020RC3060), the International Postdoctoral Exchange Fellowship Program (Talent-Introduction Program, YJ20220220), the fellowship of China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2022M723564), and the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province, China (2023JJ41016). This work has been accepted for poster presentation at the 39th Annual Meeting of ESHRE, Copenhagen, Denmark, 25-28 June 2023 (Poster number: P-477). The authors declare no conflict of interest.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Pregnancy outcomes of intrauterine insemination in young patients with diminished ovarian reserve: a multicenter cohort study

BACKGROUND

To date, there is no consensus on whether intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment is required in young patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Pregnancy outcomes in young DOR patients undergoing IUI are controversial. The existing studies are all single-center studies, with no existing multicenter cohort studies. The purpose of this multicenter study was to investigate the pregnancy outcomes of young DOR patients undergoing IUI.

METHODS

This multicenter cohort study included a total of 4600 cycles in 2204 infertile patients who underwent IUI treatment in three reproductive medical centers between September 2018 and January 2022. The research subjects were divided into two groups according to their serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match the research subjects at a ratio of 1:4. The pregnancy outcomes in the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the clinical pregnancy rates (CPR), biochemical rates, and ectopic pregnancy rates between the two groups (P > 0.05). There were, however, significant differences in the miscarriage rates between the groups (P < 0.05). The live birth rates (LBR) were 6.6 vs. 9.9 between the two groups. The multivariable logistic regression models reveal that body mass index, AMH were significantly correlated with CPR; AMH were significantly correlated with LBR; BMI, follicle stimulating hormone were significantly correlated with miscarriage rate.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical pregnancy rate of DOR patients was not significantly different from that of NOR patients; however, the miscarriage rates were significantly different from those of NOR patients.

AMH predicts miscarriage in non-PCOS but not in PCOS related infertility ART cycles

BACKGROUND

To study whether AMH levels were associated with miscarriage rates in index ART cycles undergoing fresh autologous transfers in PCOS and non-PCOS related infertility.

METHODS

In the SART CORS database 66,793 index cycles underwent fresh autologous embryo transfers with AMH values reported within the last 1-year between 2014 and 2016. Cycles that resulted in ectopic or heterotopic pregnancies, or were performed for embryo/oocyte banking were excluded. Data were analyzed using Graphpad Prism-9. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI) along with multivariate regression analysis adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), and number of embryos transferred. Miscarriage rates were calculated as miscarriage per clinical pregnancies.

RESULTS

Of the total 66,793 cycles, the mean AMH was 3.2 ng/ml and were not associated with increased miscarriage rates for AMH < 1 ng/ml (OR 1.1, CI 0.9-1.4, p = 0.3). Of the 8,490 PCOS patients, the mean AMH was 6.1 ng/ml and were not associated with increased miscarriage rates for AMH < 1 ng/ml (OR 0.8, CI 0.5-1.1, p = 0.2). Of the 58,303 non-PCOS patients, the mean AMH was 2.8 ng/ml and there was a significant difference in miscarriage rates for AMH < 1 ng/ml (OR 1.2, CI 1.1-1.3, p < 0.01). All findings were independent of age, BMI and number of embryos transferred. This statistical significance did not persist at higher thresholds of AMH. The overall miscarriage rate for all cycles, and cycles with and without PCOS were each 16%.

DISCUSSION

The clinical utility of AMH continues to increase as more studies investigate its predictive abilities regarding reproductive outcomes. This study adds clarity to the mixed findings of prior studies that have examined the relationship between AMH and miscarriage in ART cycles. AMH values of the PCOS population are higher than the non-PCOS. The elevated AMH associated with PCOS decreases its utility in predicting miscarriages in IVF cycles as it may be representing the number of developing follicles rather than oocyte quality in the PCOS patient population. The elevated AMH associated with PCOS may have skewed the data; removing this sub-population may have unmasked significance within the non-PCOS associated infertility.

CONCLUSIONS

AMH < 1 ng/mL is an independent predictor of increased miscarriage rate in patients with non-PCOS infertility.

Anti-Müllerian Hormone and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Are Poor Independent Predictors of Live Birth After Assisted Reproductive Technology

To query if anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and/or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) predict live birth at the University of Colorado Advanced Reproductive Medicine (CU ARM). This was a retrospective analysis using the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) Clinic Outcome Reporting System database at CU ARM from 2017 to 2019 to identify the pregnancy outcomes of the initial fresh or frozen embryo transfer (FET) and their corresponding AMH and FSH. Fisher's exact tests were used to identify differences in pregnancy outcome by age group, and area under the receiver operator characteristic curves was used to quantify live birth prediction. A total of 1083 records from 557 patients were reviewed. After only including the first autologous transfer, 270 cycles were analyzed. Overall live birth (L/B) rate was 58.15% (157/270), which declined with increasing age group (p ≤ 0.01). Although AMH significantly decreased with increasing age (p < 0.001), it was not associated with pregnancy outcome (3.54 ng/mL vs. 3.41 ng/mL, p = 0.56); this relationship was unchanged after controlling for age in logistic regression models (p = 0.52). FSH was also not significantly related to pregnancy outcome (7.00 IU/L vs 6.00 IU/L, p = 0.15), and this relationship did not change after controlling for age (p = 0.61). Using AUC, the only variable predictive of live birth was age (p = 0.002). AMH and FSH are not associated with the probability of live birth. Only age was significantly associated with live birth in this series. AMH and FSH should therefore be used cautiously when counseling patients about ART outcomes.

Live Birth Rates in Women Under 38 Years Old with AMH Level < 1.2 ng/ml in the First In Vitro Fertilization + / - Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: Retrospective Study and Arguments for Care

Many studies failed to show a predictive impact of AMH levels on the chances of pregnancy; however, acceptable pregnancy rates for young women with low AMH levels were observed in IVF + / - ICSI. The objectives of this retrospective study were to evaluate the clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in the first IVF + / - ICSI cycle in women under 38 years old with AMH level < 1.2 ng/ml and to determine the arguments for care. We classified the women into three groups: group A: AMH < 0.4 ng/ml (n: 86); group B: AMH: 0.4 to 0.8 ng/ml (n: 90); and group C: AMH > 0.8 to < 1.2 ng/ml (n: 92). We recorded data on the patients' characteristics, stimulation cycles, embryo cultures, and ongoing pregnancies. No difference was observed between the three groups for the number of embryos transferred, the clinical pregnancy, and the live birth rates (LBR) per embryo transfer (LBR/transfer: 24.1% in group A, 25.9% in group B, and 28.1% in group C). The young age of the women reassures about the oocyte quality, but a low level of AMH may raise concerns about a lower quantitative oocyte yield, leading to accelerated management of the couple in IVF + / - ICSI.

Antimüllerian hormone is not associated with embryo ploidy in patients with and without infertility undergoing in vitro fertilization with preimplantation genetic testing

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between antimüllerian hormone (AMH) and embryo ploidy rates in 2 cohorts of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) with trophectoderm biopsy for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A): the general population of women pursuing IVF with PGT-A (Infertile cohort) and women pursuing IVF with preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) owing to the risk of hereditary monogenic diseases (Non-infertile cohort).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Academic center.

PATIENT(S)

Patients undergoing their first cycle of IVF with trophectoderm biopsy and PGT-A or PGT-A and PGT-M in our center between March 2012 and June 2020. Patients of advanced maternal age according to the Bologna criteria (age ≥40 years) and patients who underwent fresh embryo transfers were excluded.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Proportion of euploid, mosaic, and aneuploid embryos per cycle.

RESULT(S)

"Infertile" (n = 926) and "Non-infertile" (n = 214) patients were stratified on the basis of AMH levels, with low-AMH defined as <1.1 ng/mL in accordance with the Bologna criteria. Age-adjusted regression models showed no relationship between AMH classification and proportion of euploid, mosaic, and aneuploid embryos in the Infertile or Non-infertile cohorts. In the Infertile cohort, no association between AMH classification and embryo ploidy rates was identified in a subgroup analysis of patients aged <35 years, 35-37 years, and 38-39 years. These findings persisted in a sensitivity analysis of infertile patients stratified into AMH (ng/mL) quartile categories.

CONCLUSION(S)

No association was found between AMH and the proportion of euploid, mosaic, or aneuploid embryos in 2 large cohorts of patients undergoing IVF with PGT-A (Infertile patients) or PGT-A and PGT-M (Non-infertile patients), suggesting that a quantitative depletion of ovarian reserve does not predict the ploidy status of the embryo cohort.

Serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone influence pregnancy outcomes associated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist treatment: a retrospective cohort study

As a specific predictor of ovarian reserve, serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) has become an area of intense research interest in the field of assisted reproductive technology. We assessed the relationship between AMH levels and pregnancy outcomes in Chinese patients and investigate the influencing factors of cumulative live birth in patients with high AMH levels. A total of 1379 patients starting their IVF/ICSI cycle were divided into normal (Group A, 1.1-4.0 ng/ml, n = 639) and high (Group B, > 4.0 ng/ml, n = 740) groups by serum AMH levels. Live birth rate (LBR), cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) and cumulative clinical pregnancy rate (CCPR) were also investigated. Compared with Group A, Group B had a significantly higher CLBR (65.80% vs. 43.95%) and CCPR (76.77% vs. 57.14%), respectively. Binomial logistic regression analysis showed that age over 40 years, LH/FSH > 2.5, total Gn dose and Gn duration, and greater than 4000 ng/ml serum E2 levels on HCG day were significantly associated with CLBR in Group B. The AUC value of CLBR averaged 0.664 (ranging from 0.621 to 0.706) (p < 0.001). The patients with high AMH levels had higher CPR, higher LBR, and lower MR with no statistically significant differences, although there were significant improvements in CLBR. Advanced age (> 40 years) still impacted CLBR, even in women with good ovarian reserves. Consequently, it is still recommended that patients over 40 years old with high AMH levels actively receive IVF treatment if they seek to become pregnant. PCOS diagnoses did not influence the CLBR. In summary, this study showed that serum AMH levels could positively predict patient ovarian responses and further affect pregnancy outcomes.

Evaluating the efficacy of ovulation stimulation with intrauterine insemination in women with diminished ovarian reserve compared to women with normal ovarian reserve

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination (IUI) in couples with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR).

METHODS

Women aged 20-39 years and men younger than 50 years were included. Four "ovarian reserve groups" were created according to anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and the partner's age. Gestational sac finding on ultrasound examination was the primary outcome measure.

RESULTS

The study was carried out on a total of 770 cycles of 362 women in an infertility cohort that consisted of 75 women with DOR treated by 153 cycles and 287 women without DOR treated by 617 cycles. The pregnancy rate was similar in the four ovarian reserve groups in terms of first, second, third plus fourth, and total attempts of IUI cycles. Moreover, the pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, and multiple pregnancy rate were similar. We found no difference in the cumulative pregnancy rate among the groups after four IUI cycles. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of the entire cohort revealed that infertility duration, post-wash sperm count, and follicle number greater than 11 mm on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin trigger were independent predictors of pregnancy (P < 0.001). Neither age nor AMH predicted pregnancy after ovulation stimulation and IUI.

CONCLUSIONS

Ovulation stimulation and IUI are equally effective in women with DOR and in women with normal ovarian reserve in terms of pregnancy rate, multiple pregnancy rate, and miscarriage rate per IUI cycle or cumulative pregnancy rate after four cycles of IUI.

Is There a Relationship between Serum Anti-Mullerian Hormone Levels and Abortion Rates in Patients Who Received In vitro Fertilisation-Embryo Transfer Cycles?

Background

The studies which investigated the relationship between anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) level and abortion rate have conflicting results.

Aims

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the relationship between AMH levels and abortion in women who achieved pregnancy with in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment.

Settings and Design

This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Etlik Zubeyde Hanim Women's Health Training and Research Hospital, between January 2014 and January 2020.

Materials and Methods

Patients below 40 years of age who conceived after IVF-embryo transfer treatment during a 6-year period and had a serum AMH level measurement were included. The patients were divided into three groups according to the serum AMH levels as low AMH (L-AMH, ≤1.6 ng/mL), intermediate AMH (I-AMH, 1.61-5.6 ng/mL) and high AMH (H-AMH, >5.6 ng/mL). The groups were compared in terms of obstetric, treatment cycle characteristics and abortion rates.

Statistical Analysis Used

The Mann-Whitney U-test was used in comparison of non-parametric data of two groups; the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the data of more than two groups. When a statistically significant difference was found in the Kruskal-Wallis test result, the groups were compared in pairs using the Mann-Whitney U-test, and the groups that made a statistical difference were determined. The Pearson's Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare the independent categorical variables.

Results

L-AMH (n = 164), I-AMH (n = 153) and H-AMH (n = 59) groups were similar in terms of obstetric histories and number of cycles applied, with an abortion rate of 23.8%, 19.6% and 16.9%, respectively (P = 0.466). The same analyses were repeated in two subgroups under 34 years of age and above, and no difference was found in terms of miscarriage rates. The number of oocytes retrieved and the number of mature oocytes were higher in H-AMH group compared to intermediate and low groups.

Conclusion

No relationship was found between serum AMH level and abortion rate in women who achieved clinical pregnancy with IVF treatment.

Risk factors for clinical pregnancy loss after IVF in women with PCOS

RESEARCH QUESTION

Which factors are associated with the risk of clinical pregnancy loss in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing IVF?

DESIGN

Case-control study nested in a multicentre randomized trial comparing live birth rates between fresh and frozen embryo transfer in women with PCOS. Women with the outcome of clinical pregnancy loss were selected as the case group, those with live birth as the control group. Parameters before IVF treatment and variables during ovarian stimulation and embryo transfer were compared.

RESULTS

Women with clinical pregnancy loss had higher maternal body mass index (BMI, P = 0.010), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH, P = 0.032), 2-h glucose concentration after 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT, P = 0.025), and a higher proportion of fresh embryo transfers (P = 0.001). There were significant interactions between the types of transfer and antral follicle count (AFC, P = 0.013), 2-h glucose concentration after OGTT (P = 0.024) on clinical pregnancy loss in PCOS, indicating that these factors may have different effects on pregnancy loss after fresh versus frozen embryo transfer. When the multivariable logistic regression analysis was stratified by the fresh or frozen embryo transfer, AFC (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.05) was a risk factor for clinical pregnancy loss after fresh embryo transfer, while 2-hour glucose concentration after OGTT (aOR 1.13, 95% CI 1.01-1.25) was associated with clinical pregnancy loss in frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles.

CONCLUSIONS

In women with PCOS, fresh embryo transfer, higher BMI, AFC and 2-h glucose concentration after OGTT were risk factors for clinical pregnancy loss. FET may be a better choice to decrease the risk of clinical pregnancy loss, especially for those with higher AFC. During FET, 2-h glucose after OGTT appears to be associated with clinical pregnancy loss and warrants close monitoring.

Factors Influencing the Pregnancy Outcome of Intrauterine Insemination and Follow-up Treatment

Background

Many factors were reported associated with the pregnancy rate of intrauterine insemination (IUI), which played key role is still debated.

Aims

The aim of this study was to explore related clinical pregnancy outcome factor in IUI cycles of non-male factor.

Settings and Design

The clinical data of 1232 IUI cycles in 690 couples experiencing infertility who attended the Reproductive Center of Jinling Hospital between July 2015 and November 2021 were retrospectively analysed.

Materials and Methods

Female and male age, body mass index (BMI), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), male semen parameters before and after wash, endometrial thickness (EMT), artificial insemination timing and ovarian stimulation (OS) protocols were compared between the pregnant group and the non-pregnant group in order to explore any correlation.

Statistical Analysis Used

Continuous variables were analysed using independent-samples t-test, and Chi-square test was used for comparison of measurement data between the two groups. P <0.05 was considered statistical significance.

Results

There were statistically significant differences in female AMH, EMT and duration of OS between the two groups. The AMH was higher in the pregnant group than in the non-pregnant group (P < 0.01), the stimulated days was significantly longer (P < 0.05) and EMT was significantly greater (P < 0.01) in the pregnant group than in the non-pregnant group. Further analysis showed that when patients with IUI had the following conditions: AMH > 4.5 ng/ml, EMT between 8 and 12 mm and letrozole + human menopausal gonadotropin stimulation with higher clinical pregnancy. However, there were no differences between the pregnant group and the non-pregnant group amongst the female and male age, BMI, hormones on baseline and day of human chorionic gonadotrophin, number of ovulated oocytes, sperm parameters before and after wash, treatment protocols and the timing of IUI (P > 0.05). Furthermore, there were 240 couples who not pregnant received one or more cycles of in vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection/ pre-implantation genetic technology treatment, and another 182 couples forgo follow-up treatment.

Conclusion

The results of the present study demonstrate that the clinical IUI pregnancy rate is correlated with the factors of female AMH, EMT and OS protocol; more studies and samples are necessary to evaluate whether other factors affect pregnancy rate.

Markers of ovarian reserve as predictors of future fertility

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between ovarian reserve biomarkers and future fertility among late reproductive-age women.

DESIGN

Cohort study of participants enrolled in Time to Conceive (TTC), a time-to-pregnancy cohort study of the ovarian reserve biomarkers.

SETTING

Community.

PATIENT(S)

Women aged 30-44 years without a history of infertility who provided a blood sample at enrollment in TTC and who agreed to future follow-up.

INTERVENTION(S)

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The primary outcomes were probability of achieving a live birth >3 years after enrollment in TTC, diagnosis of infertility at any time, and time-to-pregnancy in future pregnancy attempts.

RESULT(S)

Women with diminished ovarian reserve, defined as those with an antimüllerian hormone (AMH) level <0.7 ng/mL or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level ≥10 mIU/mL, did not have low risk of future live birth (relative risk [RR], 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.95-1.83 and RR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.97-1.70, respectively) compared with women with normal ovarian reserve after adjusting for age at blood draw, race, obesity, use of hormonal contraception, and year of enrollment in original study. Among women in the cohort that attempted to conceive, there was not a significant association between diminished ovarian reserve, as measured by AMH or FSH, and risk of future infertility (RR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.21-2.07 and RR,1.69; 95% CI, 0.86-3.31, respectively). Similarly, there was no association between AMH and FSH levels and future fecundability (fecundability ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.59, 1.60; and fecundability ration, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.55-1.36, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Diminished ovarian reserve is not associated with reduced future reproductive capacity. Given the lack of association, women should be cautioned regarding use biomarkers of ovarian reserve as predictors of their future reproductive capacity.

Anti-Müllerian hormone in guiding the selection of a freeze-all versus a fresh embryo transfer strategy: a cohort study

PURPOSE

To explore an interaction effect between serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and the relative treatment effect of a freeze-all versus a fresh embryo transfer strategy on live birth.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study investigating couples with infertility and eligible for both freeze-all and fresh embryo transfer between 2017 and 2019. Women with an absolute indication for a freeze-all strategy were excluded. Multivariable fractional polynomial interaction analysis within a logistic regression model was used to evaluate whether the treatment effect of a freeze-all versus a fresh transfer strategy varied at different AMH levels. Non-linear interactions were also considered. The primary outcome was the live birth after the first transfer.

RESULTS

A total of 13,503 women underwent a fresh embryo transfer and 2247 women underwent a freeze-all strategy. Live birth rates were slightly higher in the freeze-all group compared to those in the fresh embryo transfer group (35% vs 33%). There was a non-linear interaction between baseline serum AMH levels and the relative treatment effect of a freeze-all strategy versus a fresh transfer strategy on live birth (P = 0.0161). The benefit on live birth from a freeze-all embryo transfer strategy was greatest in women with a high serum level (> 7 ng/ml). The interaction remained valid when different imputation methods were used.

CONCLUSION

As serum AMH level increased, there was a nonlinear increase in relative treatment effect of a freeze-only transfer versus a fresh transfer strategy on live birth, and such an effect reaches its maximum in women with high AMH levels.

Diminished ovarian reserve in young women with sickle cell anemia

Women with sickle cell anemia (SCA) have higher rates of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) than age-matched controls. Pecker et al report a small study of patients with SCA that compares ovarian reserve in patients after stem cell transplant, on therapy with hydroxyurea (HU), and on supportive care. As expected, patients who received transplants have severe DOR. About one-third of patients on HU have DOR, while DOR was absent in patients on supportive care. Whether this reflects an impact of HU or is a biomarker of severe disease remains to be established in a larger study.

Decreased Ovarian Reserves With an Increasing Number of Previous Early Miscarriages: A Retrospective Analysis

The fact of ovarian reserve (OR) decreased in women with recurrent miscarriage has been well known. However, Whether OR would decrease with increasing numbers of previous miscarriages (PMs) is still unclear. To address this, OR parameters of following four groups' patients were evaluated: 99 women with one previous miscarriage (PM1), 46 women with two previous miscarriages (PM2) and 35 women with three or more previous miscarriages (PM3). The control group included 213 women without a history of miscarriage (PM0). The correlation of OR parameters and the proportion of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) patients between the four groups were analyzed using Kendall's Tau-B coefficients. The results showed the median anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were 4.04, 3.40, 3.14 and 2.55 respectively in the PM0, PM1, PM2 and PM3 groups, respectively (H=15.99, P = 0.001); the median antral follicle counts (AFCs) were 10, 8, 8 and 6, respectively (H=24.53, P < 0.001); and the proportions of DOR patients were 10.8%, 15.2%, 23.9% and 31.4% (χ2 = 13.01, P = 0.005). In addition, AMH level and AFC correlated negatively with the number of PMs (correlation coefficients -0.154, P < 0.001; -0.205, P < 0.001 respectively), the proportion of DOR patients correlated positively with the number of PMs (correlation coefficients 0.156, P = 0.001). After stratification by age, AMH and AFC levels were still significantly lower in the PM3 group than the PM0 group (P < 0.05). The proportion of DOR patients between the PM0 and PM3 groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001). This study showed that AMH levels and AFCs decreased as well as the proportion of DOR patients increased significantly as the number of PMs increased. In conclusion, our study indicates decreased AMH levels and AFCs might be one of the factors contributing to early miscarriage.

Anti-Müllerian hormone stimulates expression of the collagen-specific chaperone 47-kDa heat shock protein in bovine uterine epithelial cells

Uterine collagen is the most abundant component of the uterine extracellular matrix and plays a critical role in pregnancy. The 47-kDa heat shock protein (HSP47) is the sole collagen-specific molecular chaperone. We investigated the mechanisms regulating the expression of HSP47 in the uterus by assessing the effect of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) stimulation on HSP47 expression in cultured bovine uterine epithelial cells. AMH receptor type 2 (AMHR2), AMH, and HSP47 expression was assessed by fluorescence immunocytochemistry in uterine epithelial layers of the uteri of Japanese Black cows. The effect of AMH on HSP47 expression was assessed in cultured epithelial cells. The effect of MEK/ERK inhibitor on AMH-induced HSP47 expression was also assessed. We confirmed the expression of AMHR2, AMH, and HSP47 in the uterine epithelial layers. We confirmed the expression of AMHR2, AMH, HSP47, and type IV collagen in cultured uterine epithelial cells. AMH treatment at 10 or 100 ng/ml promoted significant HSP47 expression (p < 0.05). MEK/ERK inhibitor U0126 pretreatment suppressed such AMH stimulation on HSP47. These findings indicate that AMH induced HSP47 protein expression through the ERK pathway in bovine uterine epithelial cells.

Infertility and subsequent recurrent miscarriage: Current state of the literature and future considerations for practice and research

Background: Recurrent miscarriage (RM) and infertility are independently associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, in addition to psychological sequelae. Experiencing pregnancy loss alongside infertility is particularly difficult. International guidance regarding RM is conflicting, and applicability to women with infertility is undetermined. The aim of this study was to: (i) establish if women/couples with a history of infertility are recognised in the literature on the investigation and management of RM, and (ii) determine if the specific needs of women/couples experiencing RM and infertility are ascertained and incorporated into clinical management strategies. Methods: We examined the wide-ranging literature to ascertain what gaps existed. Studies were retrieved through searches of PubMed and Google Scholar up to 21 January 2021 using appropriate controlled vocabulary and combinations of key words. No language or study design restrictions were applied. Results: While women/couples experiencing RM after infertility appear in studies evaluating investigations and proposed treatments, high-quality studies are lacking. Furthermore, they are largely excluded from international clinical guidance and qualitative research. Conclusions: The experiences of women/couples with RM and infertility and their specific care needs within maternity and fertility services are underexplored. It is unclear from current RM guidelines how best to manage and support this complex cohort. Women/couples with infertility and RM are underserved in the literature and in clinical guidance. Further robust studies are warranted to examine pregnancy outcomes, investigations and treatments currently used. Qualitative research is also required to identify their medical and psychological needs to better support this vulnerable group.

Is diminished ovarian reserve a risk factor for miscarriage? Results of a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) serum concentration and antral follicle count (AFC), as measured by transvaginal ultrasonography, accurately reflect the antral follicle pool. However, AMH and AFC association with fertility surrogates (i.e. age at menopause, probability of conceiving naturally and ART success rate) is questioned. Miscarriage is often considered an alternative measure of reproductive capacity. Nonetheless, the impact of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) on miscarriage incidence remains an understudied and unresolved issue.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to elucidate associations between DOR and miscarriage risk, both in women who conceived naturally and in those who achieved pregnancy through ART.

SEARCH METHODS

Relevant studies were identified by a systematic search in PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and Scopus, from database inception to 1 March 2021. Studies were included only if all the following conditions were met: DOR was defined using serum AMH concentration or AFC; miscarriage rate was reported separately for different groups of women categorized according to the AMH and/or AFC level; authors reported either the rate of intrauterine pregnancy loss before 22 weeks of gestation or enough data were available to calculate it.

OUTCOMES

From a total of 347 publications initially identified, 16 studies were included. Pooled results from 13 retrospective studies focusing on ART pregnancies showed a significantly higher rate of miscarriage in women with a low AMH, as compared to women with a medium or high serum AMH concentration (12 042 women, random effects model, odds ratio (OR) 1.35; 95% CI, 1.10-1.66; P = 0.004; I2=50%). The only prospective study on ART pregnancies failed to show any association (61 women, risk ratio (RR) 2.95; 95% CI, 0.66-3.18; P = 0.16). Data from two prospective studies, which included naturally conceived pregnancies, showed a significantly increased miscarriage risk for women with low serum AMH. However, these data could not undergo meta-analysis owing to differing study designs. Using three retrospective studies, we observed an association between low AFC and miscarriage incidence (three retrospective studies on ART pregnancies, random effects model, OR 1.81; 95% CI, 1.02-3.21; P = 0.04; I2=64%).

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

Our meta-analysis findings suggest that within the DOR patient subgroup, serum AMH and AFC biomarker levels may correlate with both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of ovarian reserve. However, owing to study limitations, the aetiology of this effect remains unclear and we are unable to define a causal relationship between DOR and increased miscarriage or to provide clinical recommendations based on this information. However, if confirmed by future well-designed studies, these findings would be profoundly informative for guiding women in family planning decisions.

Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) test information on Australian and New Zealand fertility clinic websites: a content analysis

OBJECTIVES

The anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) test has been promoted as a way to inform women about their future fertility. However, data consistently show the test is a poor predictor of natural fertility potential for an individual woman. As fertility centre websites are often a primary source of information for reproductive information, it is essential the information provided is accurate and reflects the available evidence. We aimed to systematically record and categorise information about the AMH test found on Australian and New Zealand fertility clinic websites.

DESIGN

Content analysis of online written information about the AMH test on fertility clinic websites.

SETTING

Accredited Australian and New Zealand fertility clinic websites.

METHODS

Data were extracted between April and June 2020. Any webpage that mentioned the AMH test, including blogs specifically about the AMH test posted since 2015, was analysed and the content categorised.

RESULTS

Of the 39 active accredited fertility clinics' websites, 25 included information about the AMH test. The amount of information varied widely, and embodied four overarching categories; (1) the utility of the AMH test, (2) who the test is suitable for, (3) possible actions in response to the test and (4) caveats and limitations of the test. Eight specific statements about the utility of the test were identified, many of which are not evidence-based. While some websites were transparent regarding the test's limitations, others mentioned no caveats or included persuasive statements actively promoting the test as empowering for a range of women in different circumstances.

CONCLUSIONS

Several websites had statements about the utility of the AMH test that are not supported by the evidence. This highlights the need for higher standards for information provided on fertility clinic websites to prevent women being misled to believe the test can reliably predict their fertility.

Anti-Müllerian hormone as a qualitative marker - or just quantity?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In this review, we will summarize research looking into anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as a measure of oocyte quality.

RECENT FINDINGS

AMH is a key factor involved in embryogenesis but also in the development of early follicles. Owing to its relatively small inter and intracycle variability, it has become a widely used method of ovarian reserve testing. In the realm of assisted reproductive technology, it has demonstrated a reliable ability to gauge the number of oocytes obtained during an in-vitro fertilization cycle. For these purposes, AMH is a readily measured quantitative tool. However, its qualitative role is as yet undefined.

SUMMARY

Although levels of this hormone have been associated with fertilization, blastulation, implantation, and clinical pregnancy rates, there is no clear link with live-birth rates. Furthermore, AMH levels do not appear to correspond with risk of fetal trisomy. AMH does show significant predictive value for the risk of premature ovarian insufficiency and time to onset of menopause.

Decision regret and associated factors following oocyte cryopreservation in patients with diminished ovarian reserve and/or age-related fertility decline

PURPOSE

To evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with decision regret following oocyte cryopreservation (OC) in women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and/or age-related fertility decline (ARFD).

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey study was conducted to five hundred fifty-two women with DOR and/or ARFD who underwent OC between 2014 and 2019 in two private-assisted reproductive units in Istanbul, Turkey. Decision regret was measured using the validated Decision Regret Scale (DRS).

RESULTS

The median and mean DRS scores were 10 (interquartile range: 25) and 13.4 (SD: 13.2, range 0-70), respectively. Eighty-five (52.5%) women reported mild regret and 26 (16%) had moderate to severe regret. Decision regret was inversely associated with the belief in fate regarding childbearing and trust in the efficacy of OC.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of severe decision regret among patients with DOR and/or ARFD undergoing OC is low. Women who had belief in fate and trusted in the efficacy of oocyte cryopreservation had significantly lower decisional regret.

Pretreatment antimüllerian hormone levels and outcomes of ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins/intrauterine insemination cycles

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association, if any, between serum antimüllerian hormone (AMH) levels and probability of clinical pregnancy and spontaneous abortion (SAB) in the infertility setting.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Academic fertility center.

PATIENT(S)

A total of 1,861 gonadotropin stimulation/intrauterine insemination cycles stratified by AMH levels into 3 groups: Low, <25th percentile (<0.7 ng/mL); Middle, ≥25th and <75th percentile (0.7-4.4 ng/mL); and High, ≥75th percentile (≥4.5 ng/mL).

INTERVENTION(S)

Intrauterine insemination after stimulation with gonadotropins.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Cumulative probability of clinical pregnancy over a maximum of 3 and/or 6 cycles and SAB incidence risk rate (IRR). The Kaplan-Meier failure function (log rank test), Cox proportional hazards models, and multilevel mixed-effects Poisson regression models were performed to compare outcomes among the AMH groups.

RESULT(S)

Overall, in both unadjusted and adjusted models, the probability of achieving a clinical pregnancy was higher in the Middle and High AMH groups compared with that in the Low AMH group, both over 3 (hazard ratios [95% confidence interval], 1.55 [1.05-2.29] and 1.85 [1.22-2.81], respectively) and 6 (1.71 [1.17-2.48] and 2.12 [1.42-3.16], respectively) cycles. In the unadjusted models, the SAB IRR was higher among the Low AMH group (IRR [95% confidence interval], 2.17 (1.11-4.24]), with the relationship persisting after adjusting for age (1.83 [0.93-3.60]). When the SAB IRR were calculated separately for the subpopulations with and without polycystic ovary syndrome, a similar relationship was noted among the latter in the unadjusted (1.94 [0.97-3.88]) and adjusted (1.74 [0.86-3.49]) analyses.

CONCLUSION(S)

In women undergoing gonadotropin stimulation/intrauterine insemination, AMH appears to affect the probability of achieving a clinical pregnancy. A possible negative impact, independent of age, on the risk of SAB was also suggested.

Anti-Müllerian hormone receptor type 2 (AMHR2) expression in bovine oviducts and endometria: comparison of AMHR2 mRNA and protein abundance between old Holstein and young and old Wagyu females

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a glycoprotein produced by granulosa cells of preantral and small antral follicles that has multiple important roles in the ovaries. Recent studies have revealed extragonadal AMH regulation of gonadotrophin secretion from bovine gonadotrophs. In this study we investigated whether the primary receptor for AMH, AMH receptor type 2 (AMHR2), is expressed in bovine oviducts and endometria. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction detected expression of AMHR2 mRNA in oviductal and endometrial specimens. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed to analyse AMHR2 protein expression using anti-bovine AMHR2 antibody. Immunohistochemistry revealed robust AMHR2 expression in the tunica mucosa of the ampulla and isthmus, as well as in the glandular and luminal epithelium of the endometrium. AMHR2 mRNA (measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction) and AMHR2 protein expression in these layers did not significantly differ among oestrous phases in adult Wagyu cows (P>0.1). In addition, AMHR2 mRNA and protein expression in these layers did not differ among old Holsteins (mean (±s.e.m.) age 91.9±6.4 months) and young (26.6±0.8 months) and old (98.8±10.2 months) Wagyu cows. Therefore, AMHR2 is expressed in bovine oviducts and endometria.

Diminished ovarian reserve is associated with reduced euploid rates via preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy independently from age: evidence for concomitant reduction in oocyte quality with quantity

OBJECTIVE(S)

To determine whether women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) (quantitatively) had lower rates of euploid blastocysts, as a proxy for oocyte quality.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

University reproductive health clinic.

PATIENT(S)

A total of 1,152 women aged 19-42 years underwent 1,675 IVF cycles yielding 8,073 blastocysts for biopsy from 2010 to 2019.

INTERVENTIONS(S)

Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Euploid rates, defined as the number of euploid blastocysts divided by the number of biopsied blastocysts per cycle.

RESULT(S)

A total of 225 women (20%) had DOR as infertility diagnosis per the Bologna criteria. Age was higher among the women with DOR (39.5 y vs. 37.0 y). Euploid rates were lower among women with vs. without DOR (29.0% vs. 44.9%). In generalized linear models controlling for age, women with DOR had 24% reduced odds of a biopsied blastocyst being euploid versus women without DOR. In a secondary analysis assigning DOR status to women producing the lowest quartile of age-adjusted mature oocyte yield, this relationship remained. No differences were identified in live birth rates between women with and without DOR after euploid single-embryo transfer independently from age (n = 944 transfers; 56.8% vs. 54.8%, respectively).

CONCLUSION(S)

Blastocysts from women with DOR are less likely to be euploid than those from women without DOR after adjustment for age. Given the concomitant reduction in euploid rates with quantity of oocytes observed in this study, quantitative ovarian reserve assessments (i.e., follicular machinery) may yield insight into relative ovarian aging.

Melatonin: Multi-Target Mechanism Against Diminished Ovarian Reserve Based on Network Pharmacology

BACKGROUND

Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) significantly increases the risk of female infertility and contributes to reproductive technology failure. Recently, the role of melatonin in improving ovarian reserve (OR) has attracted widespread attention. However, details on the pharmacological targets and mechanisms of melatonin-improved OR remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

A systems pharmacology strategy was proposed to elucidate the potential therapeutic mechanism of melatonin on DOR at the molecular, pathway, and network levels.

METHODS

The systems pharmacological approach consisted of target identification, data integration, network construction, bioinformatics analysis, and molecular docking.

RESULTS

From the molecular perspective, 26 potential therapeutic targets were identified. They participate in biological processes related to DOR development, such as reproductive structure development, epithelial cell proliferation, extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway, PI3K signaling, among others. Eight hub targets (MAPK1, AKT1, EGFR, HRAS, SRC, ESR1, AR, and ALB) were identified. From the pathway level, 17 significant pathways, including the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and the estrogen signaling pathway, were identified. In addition, the 17 signaling pathways interacted with the 26 potential therapeutic targets to form 4 functional modules. From the network point of view, by regulating five target subnetworks (aging, cell growth and death, development and regeneration, endocrine and immune systems), melatonin could exhibit anti-aging, anti-apoptosis, endocrine, and immune system regulation effects. The molecular docking results showed that melatonin bound well to all hub targets.

CONCLUSION

This study systematically and intuitively illustrated the possible pharmacological mechanisms of OR improvement by melatonin through anti-aging, anti-apoptosis, endocrine, and immune system regulation effects.

Anti-Müllerian hormone is expressed and secreted by bovine oviductal and endometrial epithelial cells

In this study, we investigated whether bovine oviducts and endometria produce anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) (for paracrine and autocrine signaling). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting detected AMH expression in oviductal and endometrial specimens. Immunohistochemistry revealed robust AMH expression in the ampulla and isthmus epithelia, and the glandular and luminal endometrial epithelia (caruncular endometria). AMH mRNA (measured by real-time PCR) and protein expression in these layers did not significantly differ among estrous phases in adult Japanese Black (JB) heifers (p > .1). Furthermore, the expression in these layers also did not differ among Holstein cows (93.8 ± 5.8 months old), JB heifers (25.5 ± 0.4 months old), and JB cows (97.9 ± 7.9 months old). We also compared AMH concentrations in the oviduct and uterine horn fluids among the three groups (measured by immunoassays). Interestingly, the AMH concentration in the oviduct fluid, but not in the uterine horn fluid, of Holstein cows was lower than those in JB heifers and cows (p < .05). Therefore, bovine oviducts and endometria express AMH and likely secrete it into the oviduct and uterine fluids.

The anti-Mullerian hormone as a predictor of early pregnancy loss in subfertile women

The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of the anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) level for early pregnancy loss and to compare the significance of AMH level to age as prognostic factors of pregnancy loss in subfertile women. The outcome of 848 subfertile patients confirmed with intrauterine pregnancies by ultrasound within 1 year of measuring serum AMH level were retrospectively analyzed. Among 848 patients, 206 women were diagnosed with early pregnancy loss. The mean age of the 848 patients was 35.66 ± 3.61 years (range: 26-46 years), and the mean AMH level was 2.95 ± 1.89 (range: 0.14-8.82 ng/mL). There were no significant differences in gravidity, parity, body mass index (BMI), and previous abortion history depending on early pregnancy loss. However, multivariable logistic regression analysis confirmed that the probability of early pregnancy loss is significantly affected by age (odd ratio, 1.079: 1.025-1.135, P = 0.004) and AMH (odd ratio, 0.885: 0.797-0.982, p = 0.022). According to this study, AMH level and age are both powerful predictors of early pregnancy loss. While chronological age is already well known as a factor related to early pregnancy loss, AMH was also considered when individualizing risk prediction for early pregnancy loss.

Diminished ovarian reserve versus ovarian aging: overlaps and differences

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Diminished ovarian reserve, in general, implies a quantitative decline in the oocyte pool. However, whether this quantitative decline is necessarily accompanied by a qualitative decline, remains to be determined.

RECENT FINDINGS

Studies of natural conception suggest that fecundity of women with a quantitative decline in ovarian reserve is similar to age-matched women with normal ovarian reserve. Data on rates of pregnancy loss and fetal chromosomal abnormality do not consistently suggest a decline in oocyte quality in women who has a lower ovarian reserve. In assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles, oocytes from women with diminished ovarian reserve have similar potential for euploid blastocyst development. Likewise, available evidence does not strongly suggest an increased risk of pregnancy loss in women with diminished reserve undergoing ART treatment as compared with similarly aged woman with normal ovarian reserve.

SUMMARY

Quantitative decline in ovarian reserve may not be necessarily accompanied by a qualitative decline. Although a decreased number of follicles and poor response to ovarian stimulation are hallmarks of ovarian aging, younger women with diminished ovarian reserve may not be experiencing the distinct effects of aging on oocyte quality.

Novel variants in women with premature ovarian function decline identified via whole-exome sequencing

PURPOSE

To investigate the potential etiologies of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and diminished ovarian reserve (DOR).

METHODS

Fourteen women with sporadic POI and 6 women with DOR were enrolled. We used whole-exome sequencing (WES) and bioinformatics analysis to identify variants in a subset of 599 selected POI candidate genes. The identified genes were subjected to gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses to uncover key genes and pathways.

RESULTS

Among the 20 patients, 79 heterozygous variants were detected in 49 genes, which were classified as "likely pathogenic" or "variants of uncertain significance" according to the guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. Most patients (17/20) carried two or more variants. Monoacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 mutations were found in six patients, and cytochrome P450 family 26 subfamily B member 1 and Bardet-Biedl syndrome 9 mutations were each found in four patients. Some variants were shared between DOR and POI. Enrichment analyses showed that the identified genes participate in key ovarian processes, such as follicular development, gonadal development, meiosis, Fanconi anemia, homologous recombination, and transforming growth factor β signaling. A PPI network revealed interactions between these proteins.

CONCLUSION

Premature ovarian function decline may be polygenic, and overlap exists between the genetic backgrounds of DOR and POI. WES and in silico analyses may be a useful clinical tool for etiological diagnosis and risk prediction for high-risk women in the future.

Low anti-Müllerian hormone level is not a risk factor for early pregnancy loss in IVF/ICSI treatment

STUDY QUESTION

Is a low (&lt;1.0 μg/L) or moderately low (1.0–1.9 μg/L) serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level a risk factor for early pregnancy loss in IVF/ICSI with a fresh or frozen-thawed embryo transfer (ET)?

SUMMARY ANSWER

A low or moderately low serum AMH level does not associate with miscarriage, non-visualized pregnancy loss or overall early pregnancy loss rate in the IVF/ICSI treatment.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Low AMH predicts poor ovarian response and small oocyte yield in IVF/ICSI treatment, but its value in the evaluation of live birth rate (LBR) is modest. Little is known about the risk of early pregnancy loss in ART among women with low AMH.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

A retrospective cohort study on 1383 women undergoing their first oocyte retrieval for IVF/ICSI in Helsinki University Hospital in Helsinki, Finland, between 2012 and 2016, with all associated fresh (n = 1315) and frozen-thawed (n = 1418) ET cycles finished by August 2018. AMH was measured within 12 months before the IVF/ICSI stimulation.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Of all the women, 235 (17.0%) had low (&lt;1.0 μg/L), 278 (20.1%) had moderately low (1.0–1.9 μg/L) and 870 (62.9%) had normal (≥2.0 μg/L) AMH. The primary outcomes were miscarriage, non-visualized pregnancy loss and early pregnancy loss (miscarriage and non-visualized pregnancy loss combined) after fresh or frozen-thawed ET. The impact of AMH on these outcomes was calculated in three populations: among all women who became pregnant, among women with AMH ≤6.0 μg/L and in a population weighted by the inverse probability of becoming pregnant (inverse probability weighting, IPW). The impact of AMH was also assessed on the secondary outcomes, cumulative pregnancy rate (cPR) and cumulative live birth rate (cLBR) across all ET cycles in the woman’s first IVF/ICSI. Potential confounders (the woman’s age, overweight, smoking, history of endometriosis and underlying medical conditions) adjusted the final results.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Of 1123 pregnancies, 285 (25.4%) ended in non-visualized pregnancy loss and 143 (12.7%) in miscarriage. The LBR was 24.6% per ET (673/2733). Low or moderately low AMH, compared with normal AMH, did not associate with miscarriage or non-visualized pregnancy loss in analyses among all women who became pregnant (adjusted relative risk (RR) for miscarriage vs live birth, 0.70 and 95% CI 0.42–1.17 in low AMH and adjusted RR, 1.00 and 95% CI, 0.68–1.49 in moderately low AMH; adjusted RR for non-visualized pregnancy loss vs live birth, 0.90 and 95% CI, 0.65–1.23 in low AMH and adjusted RR, 1.09 and 95% CI 0.85–1.41 in moderately low AMH), nor did low or moderately low AMH associate with the overall early pregnancy loss rate (adjusted RR for early pregnancy loss vs live birth, 0.86 and 95% CI, 0.68–1.10 in low AMH and adjusted RR, 1.01 and 95% CI, 0.86–1.27 in moderately low AMH). Results remained similar after restricting the analysis to women with AMH ≤6.0 μg/L. Women with low or moderately low AMH had fewer pregnancies and live births than women with normal AMH in their first IVF/ICSI (cPR/cLBR in women with low AMH 50.6/34.0%, moderately low AMH 59.0/36.3% and normal AMH 68.3/49.2%). When the lower probability for pregnancy was considered by using IPW, women with low or moderately low AMH did not have a higher risk for miscarriage, non-visualized pregnancy loss or overall early pregnancy loss compared with women with normal AMH.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The number of miscarriages in women with low AMH was moderately small, limiting the power of the study. The real-world clinical setting of the study restricted the ability to control for all factors causing selection bias.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The cLBR was higher among women with normal AMH than among women with low or moderately low AMH in their first IVF/ICSI treatment because these women had more oocytes and embryos. Women with low or moderately low AMH did not have an increased risk for early pregnancy loss. This information is reassuring for couples and useful in counseling. These results are also valuable when assessing the overall effectiveness of IVF/ICSI treatment.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

Research funds from Helsinki University Hospital (no. TYH2018232), Hyvinkää Hospital (no. M3080TUT18) and the Emil Aaltonen Foundation for P.P. Grants from the Paulo Foundation and the Finnish Medical Foundation for H.H. The authors report no conflicts of interest.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

HUS/138/2017.

Recurrent miscarriage and fetal congenital malformations: Is there a neglected causal association?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study is to investigate the correlation between pregnancies complicated by morphological or chromosomal fetal anomalies and an obstetric history of two or more pregnancy losses, analyzing the association with any maternal risk factor.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of women who had access to the Day Hospital Clinic of Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS in Rome from 2012 to 2018 for a pregnancy complicated by fetal malformation and/or abnormal karyotype, and who had an obstetric history of at least one pregnancy loss. Patients were divided into four groups depending on the number of miscarriages and the presence of a genetic anomaly: Group 0 included women with <2 miscarriages and fetal malformations, Group 1 included women with ≥2 miscarriages and fetal malformations, Group 2 included women with <2 abortion, fetal malformations and the presence of genetic anomalies; Group 3 included women with 2 ≥ abortions, fetal malformations and genetic anomalies. Statistical analysis was performed using the SAS v. 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA).

RESULTS

A total of 466 patients were included in the present analysis. Out of these, 379 patients belonged to Group 0; 40 patients entered in Group 1; Group 2 included 42 patients, and 5 patients were part of Group 3. Pregnancies complicated by fetal congenital malformations in patients with two or more pregnancy losses were significantly associated with maternal trombophilic disease and previous birth defects. Recurrent miscarriage and fetal structural anomalies were also significantly correlated with advanced maternal age.

CONCLUSIONS

An adequate periconceptional counseling regarding the risk of fetal congenital anomalies may be indicated in patients affected by thrombophilic disease, as well as in those of advanced maternal age and with a pregnancy history of fetal malformations. The screening for thrombophilia may be advisable in patients with an obstetric history of congenital birth defects.

ACOG Committee Opinion No. 773: The Use of Antimüllerian Hormone in Women Not Seeking Fertility Care

Antimüllerian hormone is produced by the granulosa cells surrounding each oocyte in the developing ovarian follicle. The production and serum levels of antimüllerian hormone at any given time are reflective of a woman's ovarian reserve, and multiple studies have demonstrated that antimüllerian hormone levels decline across the reproductive lifespan. Data exist to support the use of antimüllerian hormone levels for the assessment of ovarian reserve in infertile women and to select ovarian stimulation protocols in this population; however, using serum antimüllerian hormone levels for fertility counseling in women without a diagnosis of infertility is not currently supported by data from high-quality sources. The obstetrician-gynecologist should exercise caution when considering the predictability of serum antimüllerian hormone levels in any population of women with a low prevalence of infertility, including reproductive-aged women who either have never tried to become pregnant or have become pregnant previously without assistance. Based on the current information, a single serum antimüllerian hormone level assessment obtained at any point in time in a population of women with presumed fertility does not appear to be useful in predicting time to pregnancy and should not be used for counseling patients in this regard. At this time, routine antimüllerian hormone testing for prediction of pregnancy loss is not recommended. More data are needed to determine the utility of antimüllerian hormone as a predictor of time to menopause, a biomarker for polycystic ovary syndrome, or a predictor of future menses in women who have received gonadotoxic therapy.

Asthma and/or hay fever as predictors of fertility/impaired fecundity in U.S. women: National Survey of Family Growth

This study addresses whether asthma and/or hay fever predict fertility and impaired fecundity. The lifetime number of pregnancies (fertility) and spontaneous pregnancy losses (impaired fecundity) in 10,847 women representative of the U.S. population 15 to 44 years of age with histories of diagnosed asthma and/or hay fever are analyzed in the 1995 National Survey of Family Growth using multivariable Poisson regression with multiple covariates and adjustments for complex sampling. Smokers have significantly increased fertility compared to nonsmokers. Smokers with asthma only have significantly increased fertility compared to other smokers. Higher fertility is associated with impaired fecundity (ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth). Women with asthma (with and without hay fever) have significantly higher pregnancy losses than women without asthma. With increasing number of pregnancies, smokers have increased pregnancy losses compared to nonsmokers. Smokers, especially those with asthma only, have increased fertility and require special attention as to their family planning needs, reproductive health, and smoking cessation. Women with asthma, regardless of number of pregnancies, and smokers with higher numbers of pregnancies have high risk pregnancies that require optimal asthma/medical management prenatally and throughout pregnancy. Whether a proinflammatory asthma endotype underlies both the increased fertility and impaired fecundity associated with age and smoking is discussed.

Age-specific anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels poorly affects cumulative live birth rate after intra-uterine insemination

Objective

To evaluate the impact of age-specific anti-Mullerian (AMH) levels on the cumulative live birth rate after 4 intra uterine inseminations (IUI).

Study Design

The retrospective study study involved 509 couples who underwent their first IUI between January 2011 and July 2017 in the Toulouse University Hospital. All IUI were performed after an ovarian stimulation combining recombinant FSH and GnRH antagonist. The main measure outcome was the cumulative live birth rate (LBR) defined as the number of deliveries with at least one live birth resulting from a maximum of 4 IUI attempts.

Results

When compared to normal or high levels, low age-specific AMH (<25th of the AMH in each age group) was associated to a non-significant lower live birth rate (31%, 38% and 42% respectively for low, normal and high age-specific groups; P = 0.170) and non-significant higher miscarriage rate (26%; 19% and 14% respectively for low, normal and high age-specific groups; P = 0.209). However, it must be pointed out that in low age-specific AMH the initial FSH doses used for stimulation were higher than in the other groups.

Conclusion

This study shows that the age-specific levels of AMH have only a slight effect on IUI outcome when adapting the stimulation protocols to their level.

Antimullerian hormone is a predictor of live birth in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss

Background

Ovarian reserve testing is not routinely performed in the evaluation of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). The objective of this study was to determine if AMH levels are predictive of live birth rate in RPL patients pursuing expectant management (EM).

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of RPL patients. Patients tried to conceive spontaneously for 12 calendar months or until they achieved a live birth, whichever occurred first. All patients with the intent to conceive were included regardless of final outcome.

Results

One hundred fifty-five RPL patients treated from 2009 to 2017 were included. In a univariate logistic regression, AMH < 1 ng/mL was associated with decreased likelihood of live birth (OR 0.38; CI 0.16–0.87, p = 0.03) and increasing age (OR 0.91; CI 0.83–0.99, p = 0.04). Likelihood of live birth was not significantly associated with BMI (OR 1.21; CI 0.83–1.77, p = 0.31), three or four or more prior pregnancy losses (OR 0.93; CI 0.40–2.22, p = 0.87 and OR 0.52; CI 0.19–1.42, p = 0.20, respectively) and prior live births (OR 1.00; CI 0.48–2.08, p = 0.99). AMH < 1 ng/mL was shown to be a stronger predictor of live birth than age using a multivariate model adjusting for age, AMH, and time to conception.

Conclusions

AMH < 1 ng/mL is associated with decreased likelihood of live birth among RPL patients pursuing EM, and may be a stronger predictor of live birth than age in this population.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s40738-019-0054-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Chemotherapy-related damage to ovarian reserve in childhood cancer survivors: interpreting the evidence

Chemotherapy during childhood damages ovarian reserve and can affect future fertility. However, recent large epidemiological studies showed that the detrimental impact on fertility is less severe if women seek for pregnancy at a younger age. To explain this observation, we hypothesize that the detrimental effects of previous chemotherapy on the ovarian reserve may be attenuated in young adults for two main reasons. Firstly, recent evidence showed that the amount of ovarian reserve is not a critical factor for effective natural conceptions. Provided that the residual ovarian reserve allows regular ovulatory cycles, the chances of pregnancy are similar in women with intact or reduced ovarian reserve. Secondly, ovarian reserve depletion appears to be a phenomenon that is inversely related to the residual ovarian reserve rather than to age. From a mathematical perspective, this kind of regulation intrinsically attenuates the effects of an early loss of a significant amount of primordial follicles. In conclusion, the detrimental effects of chemotherapy on natural fertility may be less severe if women with a history of chemotherapy during childhood seek for pregnancy early. This information should be part of the counseling.