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Seles L, Zaha IA, Luncan M, Bodog A, Sachelarie L, Sandor M, Macovei IC, Bimbo-Szuhai E, Huniadi A. Immunomodulatory Treatment Impact on IVF Outcomes in KIR AA Genotype: Personalized Fertility Insights. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:948. [PMID: 38929565 PMCID: PMC11205848 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60060948] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) affects 10% of couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), spurring exploration into tailored treatments to enhance implantation rates. Maternal immune tolerance towards embryos, particularly killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) on natural killer (NK) cells, is a focal point in RIF research. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study, conducted at fertility clinic in Oradea, Romania, involved 65 infertile couples undergoing IVF treatment between January 2022 and December 2023. Couples were divided into two groups: KIR AA (Group A) and KIR Bx (Group B). Results: Factors such as age, type of infertility, oocytes retrieved, embryos produced, pregnancy rates in Group A without and with immunomodulatory treatment were documented. Group A, receiving immunomodulatory treatment, achieved a pregnancy rate of 47.8%, significantly higher than the 23.73% rate without treatment (p = 0.008). Group B had a higher mean patient age than Group A. However, miscarriage rates did not significantly differ between Group A with treatment and Group B (p = 0.2457), suggesting comparable outcomes with immunomodulation. Conclusions: The impact of immunological factors on recurrent implantation failure is being more and more emphasized and warrants the attention of specialists in human reproduction. Uterine natural killers and their function though KIR receptors deserve particular attention as immunomodulatory treatment may improve pregnancy rates in patients with KIR AA haplotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Seles
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 1st December Square 10, 410073 Oradea, Romania; (L.S.); (I.A.Z.); (M.L.); (M.S.); (I.C.M.); (E.B.-S.); (A.H.)
- Oradea County Hospital, Gheorghe Doja Street 65-67, 410169 Oradea, Romania
| | - Ioana Alexandra Zaha
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 1st December Square 10, 410073 Oradea, Romania; (L.S.); (I.A.Z.); (M.L.); (M.S.); (I.C.M.); (E.B.-S.); (A.H.)
- Calla-Infertility Diagnostic and Treatment Center, Constantin A. Rosetti Street, 410103 Oradea, Romania
- Pelican Clinical Hospital, Corneliu Coposu Street 2, 410450 Oradea, Romania
| | - Mihai Luncan
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 1st December Square 10, 410073 Oradea, Romania; (L.S.); (I.A.Z.); (M.L.); (M.S.); (I.C.M.); (E.B.-S.); (A.H.)
- Pelican Clinical Hospital, Corneliu Coposu Street 2, 410450 Oradea, Romania
| | - Alin Bodog
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 1st December Square 10, 410073 Oradea, Romania; (L.S.); (I.A.Z.); (M.L.); (M.S.); (I.C.M.); (E.B.-S.); (A.H.)
- Pelican Clinical Hospital, Corneliu Coposu Street 2, 410450 Oradea, Romania
| | - Liliana Sachelarie
- Department of Clinical Discipline, Apollonia University, 700511 Iasi, Romania
| | - Mircea Sandor
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 1st December Square 10, 410073 Oradea, Romania; (L.S.); (I.A.Z.); (M.L.); (M.S.); (I.C.M.); (E.B.-S.); (A.H.)
| | - Iulia Codruta Macovei
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 1st December Square 10, 410073 Oradea, Romania; (L.S.); (I.A.Z.); (M.L.); (M.S.); (I.C.M.); (E.B.-S.); (A.H.)
- Calla-Infertility Diagnostic and Treatment Center, Constantin A. Rosetti Street, 410103 Oradea, Romania
| | - Erika Bimbo-Szuhai
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 1st December Square 10, 410073 Oradea, Romania; (L.S.); (I.A.Z.); (M.L.); (M.S.); (I.C.M.); (E.B.-S.); (A.H.)
- Pelican Clinical Hospital, Corneliu Coposu Street 2, 410450 Oradea, Romania
| | - Anca Huniadi
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 1st December Square 10, 410073 Oradea, Romania; (L.S.); (I.A.Z.); (M.L.); (M.S.); (I.C.M.); (E.B.-S.); (A.H.)
- Calla-Infertility Diagnostic and Treatment Center, Constantin A. Rosetti Street, 410103 Oradea, Romania
- Pelican Clinical Hospital, Corneliu Coposu Street 2, 410450 Oradea, Romania
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Piekarska K, Dratwa M, Radwan P, Radwan M, Bogunia-Kubik K, Nowak I. Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization procedure treated with prednisone. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1250488. [PMID: 37744353 PMCID: PMC10511889 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1250488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation is a key moment in pregnancy. Abnormal production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, their receptors and other immune factors may result in embryo implantation failure and pregnancy loss. The aim of this study was to determine the profile of selected pro- and anti-inflammatory factors in the blood plasma of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and control women who achieved pregnancy after natural conception. The examined patients were administered steroid prednisone. We present results concern the plasma levels of IFN-ɣ, BDNF, LIF, VEGF-A, sTNFR1 and IL-10. We found that IVF patients receiving steroids differed significantly from patients who were not administered such treatment in terms of IFN-γ and IL-10 levels. Moreover, IVF patients differed in secretion of all tested factors with the fertile controls. Our results indicated that women who secrete at least 1409 pg/ml of sTNFR1 have a chance to become pregnant naturally and give birth to a child, while patients after IVF must achieve a concentration of 962.3 pg/ml sTNFR1 in blood plasma for successful pregnancy. In addition, IVF patients secreting VEGF-A above 43.28 pg/ml have a greater risk of miscarriage or a failed transfer in comparison to women secreting below this value. In conclusion, fertile women present a different profile of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and growth factors compared to patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF).
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Piekarska
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Tissue Immunology, Department of Clinical Immunology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marta Dratwa
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical Immunology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Paweł Radwan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Gameta Hospital, Rzgów, Poland
| | - Michał Radwan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Gameta Hospital, Rzgów, Poland
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The Mazovian Academy in Plock, Płock, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Bogunia-Kubik
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Department of Clinical Immunology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Izabela Nowak
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Tissue Immunology, Department of Clinical Immunology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
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Colamatteo A, Fusco C, Micillo T, D'Hooghe T, de Candia P, Alviggi C, Longobardi S, Matarese G. Immunobiology of pregnancy: from basic science to translational medicine. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:711-725. [PMID: 37331882 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Embryo implantation failure and spontaneous abortions represent the main causes of infertility in developed countries. Unfortunately, incomplete knowledge of the multiple factors involved in implantation and fetal development keeps the success rate of medically assisted procreation techniques relatively low. According to recent literature, cellular and molecular mechanisms of 'immunogenic tolerance' towards the embryo are crucial to establish an 'anti-inflammatory' state permissive of a healthy pregnancy. In this review we dissect the role played by the immune system in the endometrial-embryo crosstalk, with a particular emphasis towards the fork-head-box-p3 (Foxp3+) CD4+CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells and discuss the most recent therapeutic advances in the context of early immune-mediated pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Colamatteo
- Treg Cell Lab, Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Clorinda Fusco
- Treg Cell Lab, Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy; Laboratorio di Immunologia, Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale "G. Salvatore", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Napoli, Italy
| | - Teresa Micillo
- Treg Cell Lab, Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany; Research Group Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ Systems, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Paola de Candia
- Treg Cell Lab, Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Carlo Alviggi
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Matarese
- Treg Cell Lab, Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy; Laboratorio di Immunologia, Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale "G. Salvatore", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Napoli, Italy.
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Sun Y, Cui L, Lu Y, Tan J, Dong X, Ni T, Yan J, Guan Y, Hao G, Liu JY, Zhang B, Wei D, Hong Y, He Y, Qi J, Xu B, Lu J, Zhang Q, Zhao S, Ji X, Du X, Zhang J, Liu J, Wang J, Huang Y, Huang D, Du Y, Vankelecom H, Zhang H, Chen ZJ. Prednisone vs Placebo and Live Birth in Patients With Recurrent Implantation Failure Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA 2023; 329:1460-1468. [PMID: 37129654 PMCID: PMC10155063 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.5302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Importance Implantation failure remains a critical barrier to in vitro fertilization. Prednisone, as an immune-regulatory agent, is widely used to improve the probability of implantation and pregnancy, although the evidence for efficacy is inadequate. Objective To determine the efficacy of 10 mg of prednisone compared with placebo on live birth among women with recurrent implantation failure. Design, Setting, and Participants A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial conducted at 8 fertility centers in China. Eligible women who had a history of 2 or more unsuccessful embryo transfer cycles, were younger than 38 years when oocytes were retrieved, and were planning to undergo frozen-thawed embryo transfer with the availability of good-quality embryos were enrolled from November 2018 to August 2020 (final follow-up August 2021). Interventions Participants were randomized (1:1) to receive oral pills containing either 10 mg of prednisone (n = 357) or matching placebo (n = 358) once daily, from the day at which they started endometrial preparation for frozen-thawed embryo transfer through early pregnancy. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was live birth, defined as the delivery of any number of neonates born at 28 or more weeks' gestation with signs of life. Results Among 715 women randomized (mean age, 32 years), 714 (99.9%) had data available on live birth outcomes and were included in the primary analysis. Live birth occurred among 37.8% of women (135 of 357) in the prednisone group vs 38.8% of women (139 of 358) in the placebo group (absolute difference, -1.0% [95% CI, -8.1% to 6.1%]; relative ratio [RR], 0.97 [95% CI, 0.81 to 1.17]; P = .78). The rates of biochemical pregnancy loss were 17.3% in the prednisone group and 9.9% in the placebo group (absolute difference, 7.5% [95% CI, 0.6% to 14.3%]; RR, 1.75 [95% CI, 1.03 to 2.99]; P = .04). Of those in the prednisone group, preterm delivery occurred among 11.8% and of those in the placebo group, 5.5% of pregnancies (absolute difference, 6.3% [95% CI, 0.2% to 12.4%]; RR, 2.14 [95% CI, 1.00 to 4.58]; P = .04). There were no statistically significant between-group differences in the rates of biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, implantation, neonatal complications, congenital anomalies, other adverse events, or mean birthweights. Conclusions and Relevance Among patients with recurrent implantation failure, treatment with prednisone did not improve live birth rate compared with placebo. Data suggested that the use of prednisone may increase the risk of preterm delivery and biochemical pregnancy loss. Our results challenge the value of prednisone use in clinical practice for the treatment of recurrent implantation failure. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR1800018783.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Linlin Cui
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yao Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Jichun Tan
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Diseases and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Xi Dong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianxiang Ni
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Junhao Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yichun Guan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guimin Hao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jia-Yin Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University/Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Maternal and Child Health Hospital/Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guangxi, China
| | - Daimin Wei
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yan Hong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaqiong He
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Qi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Juanjuan Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Diseases and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaowei Ji
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofang Du
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jinyong Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University/Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University/Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingqin Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Maternal and Child Health Hospital/Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guangxi, China
| | - Dongmei Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Maternal and Child Health Hospital/Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guangxi, China
| | - Yanzhi Du
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Hugo Vankelecom
- Laboratory of Tissue Plasticity in Health and Disease, Cluster of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Heping Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Zi-jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Manzur NF, Gluska H, Feferkorn I, Skvirsky S, Ben-Shlomo I, Wiener-Megnazi Z. Homocysteine serum levels correlate with the number of failed IVF cycles even when within normal range. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2023; 307:1975-1982. [PMID: 37037915 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-06972-3] [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: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Repeated implantation failure is a common challenge in daily practice. Homocysteine and vitamin B12 have been associated with reproductive processes among patients undergoing in vitro fertilization; however, their involvement in repeated implantation failure has not been assessed. We explored possible associations of serum homocysteine and vitamin B12 with repeated implantation failure. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective analysis of 127 women who underwent ≥ 3 unsuccessful embryo transfers during 2005-2016, at the Fertility and In Vitro Fertilization Unit at Carmel Medical Center. After at least 3 IVF failures serum levels of homocysteine and vitamin B12 were measured. RESULTS The mean patient age was 33.5 ± 5.2 years. The mean number of embryo transfers was 4.6 ± 1.5. The mean total cumulative number of embryos transferred was 10.4 ± 5.2. Mean serum levels of homocysteine were 8.6 ± 3.7 µM/L, and of vitamin B12 were 302.5 ± 155.3 pg/ml. Homocysteine levels were within the normal range (< 14 µM/L) in 95.8% of the patients. Yet, the levels of homocysteine correlated with both the number of failed embryo transfers (r = 0.34, p = 0.004) and the total cumulative number of transferred embryos (r = 0.36, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest an association between serum homocysteine levels and the occurrence of repeated implantation failure, even when homocystein levels were within the normal range. It should be studied whether nutritional supplementation to modulate serum homocysteine levels may improve treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nufar Frenkel Manzur
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carmel Medical Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, 7 Michal St., Haifa, Israel
| | - Hadar Gluska
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Sava, Israel
| | - Ido Feferkorn
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carmel Medical Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, 7 Michal St., Haifa, Israel
| | - Sivan Skvirsky
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carmel Medical Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, 7 Michal St., Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Zofnat Wiener-Megnazi
- Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carmel Medical Center, The Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, 7 Michal St., Haifa, Israel.
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Evidence for the effectiveness of immunologic therapies in women with subfertility and/or undergoing assisted reproduction. Fertil Steril 2022; 117:1144-1159. [PMID: 35618357 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Implantation is a critical step in the establishment of a successful pregnancy, depending on a complex immune-endocrine dialogue between the developing embryo and maternal endometrium. Research suggests that altered immunity in the maternal decidua results in implantation impairment and failure. Immunomodulatory drugs have, thus, been widely used in assisted conception to aid embryo implantation, despite an absence of consensus on their effectiveness and safety. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional studies investigating the use of immunomodulators in women undergoing assisted reproduction. Evidence was uncertain of an effect for most of the included interventions, owing to heterogeneous findings and a paucity of high-quality studies. For certain patient subgroups, however, the use of specific immunomodulatory therapies may offer some benefit. There is a need for further large randomized controlled trials to corroborate these findings.
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Bendarska-Czerwińska A, Zmarzły N, Morawiec E, Panfil A, Bryś K, Czarniecka J, Ostenda A, Dziobek K, Sagan D, Boroń D, Michalski P, Pallazo-Michalska V, Grabarek BO. Endocrine disorders and fertility and pregnancy: An update. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:970439. [PMID: 36733805 PMCID: PMC9887196 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.970439] [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: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
It is estimated that more and more couples suffer from fertility and pregnancy maintenance disorders. It is associated with impaired androgen secretion, which is influenced by many factors, ranging from genetic to environmental. It is also important to remember that fertility disorders can also result from abnormal anatomy of the reproductive male and female organ (congenital uterine anomalies - septate, unicornuate, bicornuate uterus; acquired defects of the uterus structure - fibroids, polyps, hypertrophy), disturbed hormonal cycle and obstruction of the fallopian tubes resulting from the presence of adhesions due to inflammation, endometriosis, and surgery, abnormal rhythm of menstrual bleeding, the abnormal concentration of hormones. There are many relationships between the endocrine organs, leading to a chain reaction when one of them fails to function properly. Conditions in which the immune system is involved, including infections and autoimmune diseases, also affect fertility. The form of treatment depends on infertility duration and the patient's age. It includes ovulation stimulation with clomiphene citrate or gonadotropins, metformin use, and weight loss interventions. Since so many different factors affect fertility, it is important to correctly diagnose what is causing the problem and to modify the treatment regimen if necessary. This review describes disturbances in the hormone secretion of individual endocrine organs in the context of fertility and the maintenance of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bendarska-Czerwińska
- Department of Molecular, Biology Gyncentrum Fertility Clinic, Katowice, Poland
- Faculty of Medicine, Academy of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland
- American Medical Clinic, Katowice, Poland
- *Correspondence: Anna Bendarska-Czerwińska, ; Nikola Zmarzły, ; Beniamin Oskar Grabarek,
| | - Nikola Zmarzły
- Department of Histology, Cytophysiology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Technology, Academy of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Poland
- *Correspondence: Anna Bendarska-Czerwińska, ; Nikola Zmarzły, ; Beniamin Oskar Grabarek,
| | - Emilia Morawiec
- Department of Molecular, Biology Gyncentrum Fertility Clinic, Katowice, Poland
- Department of Histology, Cytophysiology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Technology, Academy of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Poland
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Technology, Academy of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Agata Panfil
- Department of Histology, Cytophysiology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Technology, Academy of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Kamil Bryś
- Department of Histology, Cytophysiology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Technology, Academy of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Justyna Czarniecka
- Department of Histology, Cytophysiology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Technology, Academy of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Poland
| | | | | | - Dorota Sagan
- Medical Center Dormed Medical SPA, Busko-Zdroj, Poland
| | - Dariusz Boroń
- Department of Histology, Cytophysiology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Technology, Academy of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Poland
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Academy of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics with Gynecologic Oncology, Ludwik Rydygier Memorial Specialized Hospital, Kraków, Poland
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, TOMMED Specjalisci od Zdrowia, Katowice, Poland
| | | | | | - Beniamin Oskar Grabarek
- Department of Molecular, Biology Gyncentrum Fertility Clinic, Katowice, Poland
- Department of Histology, Cytophysiology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Technology, Academy of Silesia in Katowice, Zabrze, Poland
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, Academy of Silesia, Zabrze, Poland
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics with Gynecologic Oncology, Ludwik Rydygier Memorial Specialized Hospital, Kraków, Poland
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, TOMMED Specjalisci od Zdrowia, Katowice, Poland
- *Correspondence: Anna Bendarska-Czerwińska, ; Nikola Zmarzły, ; Beniamin Oskar Grabarek,
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Rogenhofer N, Mahner S, von Hasselbach YL, Thaler CJ. Effects of intralipid infusions on anti-trophoblast antibody (ATAb)-activities in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss: An observational report. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 87:e13506. [PMID: 34935238 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13506] [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: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Some studies suggest intravenous intralipid infusions (IVIL) to be effective in the treatment of immune-mediated pregnancy failure. To this date it remains to be established, how IVIL might protect pregnancy and therefore a specific subgroup of RPL patients that might benefit from IVIL has not been defined. Anti-trophoblast antibodies (ATAb) have been associated with RPL and appear to mediate immune pathology. We have shown, that ATAb in vitro decrease HCG- and progesterone production pointing to a mechanism how ATAb interfere with normal pregnancies. We have measured ATAb-activities in patients undergoing off label IVIL-treatment. METHOD OF STUDY Ten RPL-patients with positive ATAb, determined by using the choriocarcinoma cellline JEG-3 and flow cytometry as described before, and otherwise unexplained RPL, received off-label IVIL during pregnancy. Two ATAb-positive RPL patients preferred expectant management. In addition, ATAb-activity was studied in pregnancies of two healthy ATAb-negative volunteers without miscarriages. RESULTS In RPL patients receiving IVIL, relative ATAb-activity decreased from an average of 56.8±17.0% to 20.8±11.0% (P < .001). The two RPL-patients without IVIL, aborted at 6+3gw and 7+4gw and embryonic genetic testing revealed euploid karyotypes. During pregnancies of the two healthy ATAb-negative individuals, ATAb-activities remained negative (16±9.8%) without significant changes (P = .22). Nine of the 10 pregnancies receiving IVIL proceeded uneventful with healthy newborns ≥37gw. One patient receiving IVIL aborted at 7+6gw and embryonic genetic-testing revealed a trisomy 16. No specific side effects concerning IVIL were noted. CONCLUSIONS Intralipid preparations during pregnancies of ATAb-positive RPL-patients significantly reduce ATAb-activities and this may indicate a therapeutic mechanism of IVIL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Rogenhofer
- Division of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital LMU Munich - Großhadern, Munich, Germany
| | - Sven Mahner
- Division of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital LMU Munich - Großhadern, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Christian J Thaler
- Division of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital LMU Munich - Großhadern, Munich, Germany
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9
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Sehring J, Jeelani R. Human implantation: The complex interplay between endometrial receptivity, inflammation, and the microbiome. Placenta 2021; 117:179-186. [PMID: 34929458 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2021.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Human embryo implantation is an intricate spatiotemporal process that involves the intimate association between the embryo and the endometrium of the mother. During implantation, the endometrium undergoes a dynamic cascade of gene activation and repression, largely driven by autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine action. Steroid hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, act on a variety of targets including cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs), cytokines, and growth factors to facilitate the implantation process. Given the synchrony required to achieve implantation, it is unsurprising that embryo implantation represents a substantial problem for infertility patients. This is due to a complex interplay taking place at the level of the endometrium. This review discusses the intricacies of embryo implantation including the window of implantation, the cyclical phases of the endometrium, the implantation process itself, and features of endometrial receptivity. Additionally, we will discuss new research regarding inflammatory reproductive biology, epigenetics and microRNA, and the role of the vaginal and endometrial microbiome in implantation. A better understanding of embryo implantation and the interactions occurring at the level of the blastocyst and the endometrium will improve patient care for infertile patients who experience this frustrating challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Sehring
- Vios Fertility Institute, 1455 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622, United States.
| | - Roohi Jeelani
- Vios Fertility Institute, 1455 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622, United States
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10
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Kieu V, Lantsberg D, Mizrachi Y, Stern C, Polyakov A, Teh WT. A survey study of endometrial receptivity tests and immunological treatments in in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2021; 62:306-311. [PMID: 34862795 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13466] [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: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suboptimal endometrial receptivity is a key factor behind in vitro fertilisation (IVF) implantation failure. Direct clinical tests of the endometrium of natural killer (NK) cells and endometrial receptivity analysis (ERA) are controversial. AIMS To examine the current practice of endometrial receptivity tests (NK cells and ERA) and immunological treatments (corticosteroids, anticoagulants, antiplatelets, intravenous immunoglobulin, Intralipid, other) among fertility specialists in Australia and New Zealand. METHODS A prospective 23-item web-based survey was distributed by email via the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand, between August and October 2020. Data were collected and analysed using Qualtrics. RESULTS Of 238 fertility specialists, 90 completed the survey (response rate 37.8%). ERA (48/90, 53.3%) was most commonly ordered, followed by uterine NK (uNK) (36/90, 40.0%) and peripheral blood NK (pNK) (12/90, 13.3%). For all tests, the most common indication was recurrent implantation failure (RIF) (41/48, 22/36, 6/12; 85.4%, 61.1%, and 50.0%, respectively for ERA, uNK and pNK). Of those that did not offer these tests, the main reason cited was insufficient evidence (30/42, 47/54, 68/78; 71.4%, 87.0%, and 87.0%). A third of specialists offered empirical immunological treatment for RIF (30/90, 33.3%): anticoagulants (28/30, 93.3%), antiplatelets (27/30, 90.0%), and corticosteroids (25/30; 83.3%). The majority of specialists (56/90, 62.2%) stated they had refused a patient request for endometrial testing or treatment. CONCLUSIONS Tests for presumed endometrial receptivity pathology are often used in Australia and New Zealand. Immunological treatments for RIF are commonly employed empirically, without strong evidence of their effectiveness or safety. Further studies should focus on education and clinical adherence to evidence-based guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violet Kieu
- Reproductive Services Unit, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel Lantsberg
- Reproductive Services Unit, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yossi Mizrachi
- Reproductive Services Unit, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Catharyn Stern
- Reproductive Services Unit, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alex Polyakov
- Reproductive Services Unit, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Wan Tinn Teh
- Reproductive Services Unit, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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11
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Odendaal J, Quenby S. Immunological Testing in Assisted Reproductive Technology. Semin Reprod Med 2021; 39:13-23. [PMID: 34161996 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1730908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Fetal implantation requires carefully orchestrated involvement of the maternal immune system. Aberrant function within implantation has been suggested as a cause of implantation failure. The emergence of immunological theories of miscarriage has led to immunological testing as an adjuvant treatment in assisted reproductive technology; however, it remains controversial, with mixed evidence both for immunological cause and the benefits of immunological testing. Literature on common methods of immunological testing within assisted reproductive technology is reviewed including those of peripheral and uterine natural killer cells, chronic endometritis, and T-helper cells cytokine ratio. There is little consensus in the evidence on immunological testing in the context of recurrent implantation failure. The field is limited by a lack of uniformity in approach to testing and heterogeneity of the pathophysiological cause. Nevertheless, the maternal immune system is heavily involved in implantation and the new era of personalized medicine ensures that a more defined approach to immunological testing will be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Odendaal
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom.,Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Siobhan Quenby
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom.,Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, United Kingdom
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12
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) refers to the absence of implantation after repeated transfer of good embryos into a normal uterus. This review discusses the diagnostic criteria and cause of RIF. RECENT FINDINGS Regardless of the advancements in IVF practice, RIF is still a challenge that has to be solved. Exact definition of RIF is lacking today. For the initial evaluation, a rigorous algorithmic evaluation should be compromised with an individualized principle. Factors that might affect the number and quality of the oocyte and sperm cells should be investigated in order to obtain a good-quality embryo. Embryo assessment should be performed under ideal laboratory circumstances. The uterine environment should be carefully evaluated and the embryo should be transferred into the uterus at the most receptive time. Some of the newly introduced diseases and empirical treatment strategies, such as chronic endometritis, vaginal microbiota, immunologic profile and immunomodulator treatments, can be discussed with the couple under the light of adequate evidence-based information. SUMMARY New diagnostic and treatment modalities are needed to be introduced, which would be safe, efficient and efficacious after well-designed randomized controlled trials.
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13
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Zhou G, Zhou M, Duan X, Li W. Glucocorticoid supplementation improves reproductive outcomes in infertile women with antithyroid autoimmunity undergoing ART: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e25554. [PMID: 33879707 PMCID: PMC8078294 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000025554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thyroid autoimmune disease (TAI) has been verified to be related to multiple adverse pregnancy outcomes. A growing number of evidences highlight the protective roles of glucocorticoid on the treatments of TAI. This meta-analysis aimed to study whether it is beneficial to add glucocorticoid treatment in infertile women with TAI when they are undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART). METHODS We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang database, Weipu China Science and Technology Journal Databases (VIP database) up to September 10, 2020. The Revman 5.3 software was utilized for data statistics. We used a random-effects model to analyze data and the odds ratio (OR) combining with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were employed to reveal the results. RESULTS Three publications with 237 antithyroid antibody (ATA)-positive and 384 ATA-negative women were included in the final analysis. Overall, glucocorticoid therapy showed satisfying effects on improving clinical pregnancy rate (OR = 4.63, 95% CI [2.23, 9.58], I2 = 0.0%, P < .0001) and live birth rate (OR = 3.19, 95% CI [1.13, 9.04], I2 = 0.0%, P = .03) of ATA-positive women compared with control group. However, it seems that glucocorticoid showed no significant difference in the abortion rate (OR = 0.62, 95% CI [0.09, 4.32], I2 = 35%, P = .64) and oocyte recovery (OR = 2.26, 95% CI [-1.46, 5.99], I2 = 79%, P < .0001) between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS Glucocorticoid may improve the pregnancy outcomes of ART women with ATA positive, but there is no significant reduction in the risk of miscarriage. Due to the limited enrolled references, glucocorticoid adjuvant therapy should be applied after more randomized controlled trials.
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14
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Kuroda K, Nakagawa K, Horikawa T, Moriyama A, Ojiro Y, Takamizawa S, Ochiai A, Matsumura Y, Ikemoto Y, Yamaguchi K, Sugiyama R. Increasing number of implantation failures and pregnancy losses associated with elevated Th1/Th2 cell ratio. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 86:e13429. [PMID: 33835626 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM We aimed to assess whether an imbalance of T-helper (Th) 1 and Th2 cells contributes to implantation failure and pregnancy loss. METHOD OF STUDY In this cross-sectional study, 197 consecutive patients with a history of repeated implantation failure (RIF) after three or more embryo transfer (ET) cycles and/or recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) after two or more clinical pregnancy losses underwent Th cell testing. After excluding 42 women aged ≥44 and 9 with vitamin D supplementation, we recruited 146 women including 79 with RIF and 81 with RPL. Fourteen women had a history of both RIF and RPL. We also recruited 45 fertile women and 40 general infertile women without a history of in vitro fertilization treatment. This study was approved by the local ethics committee. RESULTS There was no significant difference in IFN-γ-producing Th1 and IL-4-producing Th2 cell levels between the fertile and general infertile women, but Th1 cell levels and the Th1/Th2 cell ratio were significantly higher in the women with ≥4 ET cycles and ≥2 pregnancy losses than in the fertile and general infertile women. In the general infertile women, the total livebirth rates including natural conception after two ET cycles in the normal and high Th1/Th2 groups (Th1/Th2 <11.8 and ≥11.8, respectively) were 66.7% and 87.5%, respectively (p = .395). CONCLUSIONS A high Th1/Th2 cell ratio was linked to ≥4 implantation failure cycles and ≥2 pregnancy losses but not to general infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiji Kuroda
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Implantation Research, Sugiyama Clinic Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Nakagawa
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Implantation Research, Sugiyama Clinic Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Horikawa
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Implantation Research, Sugiyama Clinic Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Azusa Moriyama
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Implantation Research, Sugiyama Clinic Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Ojiro
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Implantation Research, Sugiyama Clinic Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoru Takamizawa
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Implantation Research, Sugiyama Clinic Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Asako Ochiai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Matsumura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Ikemoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koushi Yamaguchi
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rikikazu Sugiyama
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Implantation Research, Sugiyama Clinic Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
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15
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Lensen S, Chen S, Goodman L, Rombauts L, Farquhar C, Hammarberg K. IVF add-ons in Australia and New Zealand: A systematic assessment of IVF clinic websites. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2021; 61:430-438. [PMID: 33594674 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In vitro fertilisation (IVF) 'add-ons' are extra (non-essential) procedures, techniques or medicines, which usually claim to increase the chance of a successful IVF outcome. Use of IVF add-ons is believed to be widespread in many settings; however, information about add-on availability in Australasia is lacking. AIMS To understand which add-ons are advertised on Australasian IVF clinic websites, and what is the evidence for their benefit. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic assessment of website content was undertaken between December 2019-April 2020, capturing IVF add-ons advertised, including costs, claims of benefit, statements of risk or limitations, and evidence of effectiveness for improving live birth and pregnancy. A literature review assessed the strength and quality of evidence for each add-on. RESULTS Of the 40 included IVF clinics websites, 31 (78%) listed one or more IVF add-ons. A total of 21 different add-ons or add-on groups were identified, the most common being preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (offered by 63% of clinics), time-lapse systems (33%) and assisted hatching (28%). In most cases (77%), descriptions of the IVF add-ons were accompanied by claims of benefit. Most claims (90%) were not quantified and very few referenced scientific publications to support the claims (9.8%). None of the add-ons were supported by high-quality evidence of benefit for pregnancy or live birth rates. The cost of IVF add-ons varied from $0 to $3700 (AUD/NZD). CONCLUSIONS There is widespread advertising of add-ons on IVF clinic websites, which report benefits for add-ons that are not supported by high-quality evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lensen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sheng Chen
- Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lucy Goodman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Luk Rombauts
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cindy Farquhar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Karin Hammarberg
- Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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16
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Saab W, Seshadri S, Huang C, Alsubki L, Sung N, Kwak-Kim J. A systemic review of intravenous immunoglobulin G treatment in women with recurrent implantation failures and recurrent pregnancy losses. Am J Reprod Immunol 2021; 85:e13395. [PMID: 33511656 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last few decades, the advancement in reproductive technologies and protocols to improve embryo quality through culture techniques and genetic testing to eliminate chromosomally abnormal embryos resulted in better pregnancy rates and outcomes after fertility treatments. Unfortunately, some patients still struggle with recurrent implantation failures (RIFs) and recurrent pregnancy losses (RPLs). Immune etiologies have been attributed to play an important role in some of those patients. Maintaining a pre-conceptional anti-inflammatory environment for implantation and pregnancy continuation yields superior results. Intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) treatment has been reported to enhance reproductive outcome in patients with RIF and RPL with immune dysregulations. In this systemic review, we analyzed outcomes of IVIG trials for RIF and RPL, its mechanism of action, dosing, administration, side-effects, and evidence for its use in women with RIF and RPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wael Saab
- Assisted Conception unit, The Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health, London, UK
| | - Srividya Seshadri
- Assisted Conception unit, The Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health, London, UK
| | - Changsheng Huang
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Sciences Department, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL, USA.,Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Rheumatology, Shenzhen Nanshan People's Hospital and The 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Lujain Alsubki
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Sciences Department, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nayoung Sung
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Sciences Department, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL, USA
| | - Joanne Kwak-Kim
- Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Sciences Department, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Vernon Hills, IL, USA
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17
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Kuroda K, Matsumura Y, Ikemoto Y, Segawa T, Hashimoto T, Fukuda J, Nakagawa K, Uchida T, Ochiai A, Horimoto Y, Arakawa A, Nojiri S, Itakura A, Sugiyama R. Analysis of the risk factors and treatment for repeated implantation failure: OPtimization of Thyroid function, IMmunity, and Uterine Milieu (OPTIMUM) treatment strategy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 85:e13376. [PMID: 33166020 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM What are the pregnancy outcomes after the OPtimization of Thyroid function, Immunity, and Uterine Milieu (OPTIMUM) treatment strategy in patients with repeated implantation failure (RIF)? METHOD OF STUDY Infertile women with a history of RIF after more than three embryo transfer (ET) cycles underwent implantation testing, including a hysteroscopy, endometrial biopsy for CD138 immunostaining and bacterial culture, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 , interferon-γ-producing helper T (Th1) cell, IL-4-producing helper T (Th2) cell, thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroid peroxidase antibody, and thrombophilia screening between April 2017 and August 2018. We treated chronic endometritis with antibiotics, aberrant high Th1/Th2 cell ratios with vitamin D and/or tacrolimus intake, overt/subclinical hypothyroidism with levothyroxine, and thrombophilia with low-dose aspirin. Of the 116 RIF women, 88 women with 133 ET cycles were recruited from a questionnaire-based survey regarding pregnancy outcomes. Fifty-nine consecutive RIF patients without the OPTIMUM treatment strategy were also recruited as a control. RESULTS The 116 women with RIF after the OPTIMUM treatment strategy were 38.3 ± 3.8 years old and had an implantation failure history over 5 (3-19) ET cycles. Implantation testing identified impaired intrauterine circumstances in 75 women (64.7%), an aberrant elevated Th1/Th2 cell ratio in 56 women (48.3%), and thyroid abnormalities in 33 women (28.4%). Cumulative ongoing pregnancy rates including spontaneous pregnancy in the patients aged < 40 and ≥ 40 years were 72.7% and 45.5% within two ET cycles, respectively. The pregnancy outcomes in the OPTIMUM group were significantly higher than those in the control. CONCLUSIONS The OPTIMUM treatment strategy improved pregnancy outcomes in patients with RIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiji Kuroda
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Implantation Research, Sugiyama Clinic Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Matsumura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Ikemoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Koji Nakagawa
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Implantation Research, Sugiyama Clinic Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toyoyoshi Uchida
- Departments of Metabolism and Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Asako Ochiai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Horimoto
- Departments of Human Pathology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Arakawa
- Departments of Human Pathology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuko Nojiri
- Medical Technology Innovation Center, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan.,Clinical Research and Trial Center, Juntendo University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsuo Itakura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rikikazu Sugiyama
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Implantation Research, Sugiyama Clinic Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
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18
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Miyagi Y, Habara T, Hirata R, Hayashi N. Predicting a live birth by artificial intelligence incorporating both the blastocyst image and conventional embryo evaluation parameters. Artif Intell Med Imaging 2020. [DOI: 10.35711/wjbc.v1.i3.87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Miyagi Y, Habara T, Hirata R, Hayashi N. Predicting a live birth by artificial intelligence incorporating both the blastocyst image and conventional embryo evaluation parameters. Artif Intell Med Imaging 2020; 1:94-107. [DOI: 10.35711/aimi.v1.i3.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The achievement of live birth is the goal of assisted reproductive technology in reproductive medicine. When the selected blastocyst is transferred to the uterus, the degree of implantation of the blastocyst is evaluated by microscopic inspection, and the result is only about 30%-40%, and the method of predicting live birth from the blastocyst image is unknown. Live births correlate with several clinical conventional embryo evaluation parameters (CEE), such as maternal age. Therefore, it is necessary to develop artificial intelligence (AI) that combines blastocyst images and CEE to predict live births.
AIM To develop an AI classifier for blastocyst images and CEE to predict the probability of achieving a live birth.
METHODS A total of 5691 images of blastocysts on the fifth day after oocyte retrieval obtained from consecutive patients from January 2009 to April 2017 with fully deidentified data were retrospectively enrolled with explanations to patients and a website containing additional information with an opt-out option. We have developed a system in which the original architecture of the deep learning neural network is used to predict the probability of live birth from a blastocyst image and CEE.
RESULTS The live birth rate was 0.387 (= 1587/4104 cases). The number of independent clinical information for predicting live birth is 10, which significantly avoids multicollinearity. A single AI classifier is composed of ten layers of convolutional neural networks, and each elementwise layer of ten factors is developed and obtained with 42792 as the number of training data points and 0.001 as the L2 regularization value. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, Youden J index, and area under the curve values for predicting live birth are 0.743, 0.638, 0.789, 0.831, 0.573, 0.427, and 0.740, respectively. The optimal cut-off point of the receiver operator characteristic curve is 0.207.
CONCLUSION AI classifiers have the potential of predicting live births that humans cannot predict. Artificial intelligence may make progress in assisted reproductive technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasunari Miyagi
- Department of Artificial Intelligence, Medical Data Labo, Okayama 703-8267, Japan
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Hidaka 350-1298, Saitama, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Habara
- Department of Reproduction, Okayama Couples' Clinic, Okayama 701-1152, Japan
| | - Rei Hirata
- Department of Reproduction, Okayama Couples' Clinic, Okayama 701-1152, Japan
| | - Nobuyoshi Hayashi
- Department of Reproduction, Okayama Couples' Clinic, Okayama 701-1152, Japan
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20
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Huber WJ, Sauerbrun-Cutler MT, Krueger PM, Lambert-Messerlian G, Sharma S. Human chorionic gonadotropin-mediated modulation of pregnancy-compatible peripheral blood natural killer cells in frozen embryo transfer cycles. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 85:e13324. [PMID: 33245601 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM To evaluate pregnancy-compatible phenotypic and functional changes in peripheral blood natural killer (pNK) cells during frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles. METHOD OF STUDY Peripheral blood was collected from patients undergoing frozen embryo transfer cycles at three separate time points in the cycle. pNK cell phenotype was analyzed by flow cytometry. Impact of pregnancy status on pNK cell cytotoxicity was characterized by two methods: (1) a three-dimensional endovascular tube formation approach and (2) a NK cell-specific K562 cell kill assay. RESULTS A total of 35 patients were enrolled, 15 with clinical pregnancies and 20 with negative serum β-hCG levels. Overall percentage of CD45+ CD3- CD56+ pNK cell did not change during the FET cycle. Pregnancy resulted in an increase in CD45+ CD3- CD56+ pNK cell population on the day of serum β-hCG. pNK cells from non-pregnant patients caused significant tube disruption when compared to pregnant patients. Addition of serum from pregnant women reduced the tube disruption by pNK cells from non-pregnant patients. pNK cells from pregnant patients showed significantly lower cytotoxicity toward K562 cells in serum-free conditions. The addition of pregnancy serum decreased non-pregnant pNK cell cytotoxicity. Pregnancy status had no impact on VEGF-A and VEGF-C serum levels. Recombinant hCG added to non-pregnant serum resulted in a significant reduction in non-pregnant pNK cell-mediated K562 cell kill. CONCLUSION There was no difference in pNK cell populations based on timing of the FET cycle. However, pregnancy increased the percentage of CD45+ CD3- CD56+ pNK cells. Additionally, pNK cells from pregnant women have reduced cytotoxicity and this is possibly mediated by hCG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren J Huber
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women & Infants Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - May-Tal Sauerbrun-Cutler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women & Infants Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Paula M Krueger
- Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Geralyn Lambert-Messerlian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women & Infants Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Women & Infants Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Surendra Sharma
- Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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21
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Lu Y, Yan J, Liu J, Tan J, Hong Y, Wei D, Chen ZJ, Sun Y. Prednisone for patients with recurrent implantation failure: study protocol for a double-blind, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Trials 2020; 21:719. [PMID: 32807234 PMCID: PMC7430107 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-020-04630-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) brings great challenges to clinicians and causes deep frustration to patients. Previous data has suggested that prednisone may play a promising role in the establishment of pregnancy and help improve the pregnancy outcome in women with RIF. But there is insufficient evidence from randomized clinical trials that had adequate power to determine if prednisone can enhance live births as the primary outcome. Methods/design This trial is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial (1:1 ratio of prednisone versus placebo). Infertile patients with RIF who intend to undergo frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) after in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) will be enrolled and randomly assigned to two parallel groups. Participants will be given the treatment of prednisone or placebo from the start of endometrial preparation till the end of the first trimester of pregnancy if pregnant. The primary outcome is live birth rate. Discussion The results of this study will provide evidence for the effect of prednisone on pregnancy outcomes in patients with RIF. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800018783. Registered on 9 October 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200135, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, 845 Lingshan Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200135, China
| | - Junhao Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology, Shandong University, Ministry of Education, and National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan, China
| | - Jiayin Liu
- Center of Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Jichun Tan
- Reproductive Medical Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yan Hong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200135, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, 845 Lingshan Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200135, China
| | - Daimin Wei
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology, Shandong University, Ministry of Education, and National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan, China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200135, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, 845 Lingshan Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200135, China.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology, Shandong University, Ministry of Education, and National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan, China
| | - Yun Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200135, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, 845 Lingshan Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 200135, China.
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22
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Odendaal J, Quenby S, Sammaritano L, Macklon N, Branch DW, Rosenwaks Z. Immunologic and rheumatologic causes and treatment of recurrent pregnancy loss: what is the evidence? Fertil Steril 2020; 112:1002-1012. [PMID: 31843070 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Odendaal
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Siobhan Quenby
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Sammaritano
- Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York; Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Nick Macklon
- London Womens Clinic, London, United Kingdom; ReproHealth Consortium, Zealand University Hospital, Koege, Denmark
| | | | - Zev Rosenwaks
- Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York.
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Abstract
Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is an uncommon, imprecisely defined clinical disorder characterized by failure to achieve pregnancy after repeated embryo transfers. The diverse etiologies and incomplete understanding of RIF provide significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to patients and providers. Careful clinical evaluation prior to assisted reproduction can uncover many treatable causes, including thyroid dysfunction, submucosal myomas, and tobacco use. The more-subtle causes often require a more-targeted assessment. Undetected, small polyps or small areas of intrauterine synechiae are relatively common and easily treated contributors to RIF. Molecular and cellular abnormalities pose a greater therapeutic challenge. Putative causes of RIF, including progesterone resistance, shifted window of receptivity, decreased integrin expression, and immunologic disturbances, should be considered in the evaluation of a patient with otherwise unexplained RIF. It may also be true that a more complex and standardized definition of RIF would be helpful in these cases. In this paper, we review the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to RIF, with emphasis on disorders of endometrial receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Moustafa
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Steven L Young
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Lensen S, Shreeve N, Barnhart KT, Gibreel A, Ng EHY, Moffett A. In vitro fertilization add-ons for the endometrium: it doesn't add-up. Fertil Steril 2019; 112:987-993. [PMID: 31843098 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The probability of live birth from an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle is modest. Many additional treatments (add-ons) are available which promise to improve the success of IVF. This review summarizes the current evidence for common IVF add-ons which are suggested to improve endometrial receptivity. Systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials and individual trials were included. Five add-ons were included: immune therapies, endometrial scratching, endometrial receptivity array, uterine artery vasodilation, and human chorionic gonadotropin instillation. The results suggest there is no robust evidence that these add-ons are effective or safe. Many IVF add-ons are costly, consuming precious resources which may be better spent on evidence-based treatments or further IVF. Large randomized controlled trials and appropriate safety assessment should be mandatory before the introduction of IVF add-ons into routine practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lensen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Norman Shreeve
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kurt T Barnhart
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ahmed Gibreel
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ernest Hung Yu Ng
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ashley Moffett
- Department of Pathology and Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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25
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Miyagi Y, Habara T, Hirata R, Hayashi N. Feasibility of predicting live birth by combining conventional embryo evaluation with artificial intelligence applied to a blastocyst image in patients classified by age. Reprod Med Biol 2019; 18:344-356. [PMID: 31607794 PMCID: PMC6780028 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify the multivariate logistic regression in a combination (combination method) involving artificial intelligence (AI) classifiers in images of blastocysts along with a conventional embryo evaluation (CEE) to predict the probability of accomplishing a live birth in patients classified by maternal age. METHODS Retrospectively, a total of 5691 blastocysts were enrolled. Images captured 115 hours or 139 hours if not yet sufficiently large after insemination were classified according to age as follows: <35, 35-37, 38-39, 40-41, and ≥42 years old. The classifiers for each category were created by using convolutional neural networks associated with deep learning. Next, the feasibility of a method combining AI with multivariate logistic model functions by CEE was investigated. RESULTS The values of the area under the curve (AUC) and the accuracies to predict live birth achieved by the CEE/AI/combination methods were 0.651/0.634/0.655, 0.697/0.688/0.723, 0.771/0.728/0.791, 0.788/0.743/0.806 and 0.820/0.837/0.888, and 0.631/0.647/0.616, 0.687/0.675/0.671, 0.725/0.697/0.732, 0.714/0.776/0.801, and 0.910/0.866/0.784 for age categories of <35, 35-37, 38-39, 40-41, and ≥42 years old, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Though there were mostly no significant differences regarding the AUC and the sensitivity plus specificity in all age categories, the combination method seemed to be the best.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasunari Miyagi
- Medical Data LaboOkayama CityJapan
- Department of Gynecologic OncologySaitama Medical University International Medical CenterHidaka CityJapan
| | | | - Rei Hirata
- Okayama Couple’s ClinicOkayama CityJapan
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26
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Scott JR. Reproductive immunology from the perspective of the clinician. J Reprod Immunol 2019; 133:27-29. [PMID: 31174079 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Investigators generate new and innovative ideas needed to advance knowledge, while physicians want proven treatments that provide the best care for their patients. Along with advances in reproductive immunology research, there have also been controversies such as immunologic treatments for recurrent pregnancy loss. Research deficiencies that are wasteful and misleading include: over-interpretation and extrapolation from animal studies to the human, inadequate sample sizes, lack of appropriate control groups, use of surrogate markers, associations presented as causation, un-blinded testing and treatments, unreproducible results, and non-standardized outcomes. The purpose of the EQUATOR Network (Enhancing the QUAlity Of health Research) is to improve the quality of research and its publication. These guidelines (CONSORT, STROBE, PRISMA, STARD, ARRIVE) have been accepted as mandatory by virtually all major medical journals, and all investigators should prospectively incorporate them into their study designs. From the perspective of a clinician-scientist and an editor, my premise is that the purpose of much basic science research and all clinical research is to improve the medical care of patients. Unproven and costly diagnostic tests and treatments for potential immunologic clinical problems can no longer be justified. The primary and most important outcome that should be reported for all pregnancy-related immunologic studies is the live birth rate of a healthy infant. Today's clinicians and patients expect unbiased research that leads to evidence-based recommendations for practical and effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Scott
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, United States; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, 8412, United States.
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Miyagi Y, Habara T, Hirata R, Hayashi N. Feasibility of artificial intelligence for predicting live birth without aneuploidy from a blastocyst image. Reprod Med Biol 2019; 18:204-211. [PMID: 30996684 PMCID: PMC6452008 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 01/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To make the artificial intelligence (AI) classifiers of the image of the blastocyst implanted later in order to predict the probability of achieving live birth. METHODS A system for using the machine learning approaches, which are logistic regression, naive Bayes, nearest neighbors, random forest, neural network, and support vector machine, of artificial intelligence to predict the probability of live birth from a blastocyst image was developed. Eighty images of blastocysts that led to live births and 80 images of blastocysts that led to aneuploid miscarriages were used to create an AI-based method with 5-fold cross-validation retrospectively for classifying embryos. RESULTS The logistic regression method showed the best results. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 0.65, 0.60, 0.70, 0.67, and 0.64, respectively. Area under the curve was 0.65 ± 0.04 (mean ± SE). Estimated probability of belonging to the live birth category was found significantly related to the probability of live birth (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS Classifiers using artificial intelligence applied toward a blastocyst image have a potential to show the probability of live birth being the outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasunari Miyagi
- Medical Data LaboOkayama CityJapan
- Department of Gynecologic OncologySaitama Medical University International Medical CenterHidaka CityJapan
| | | | - Rei Hirata
- Okayama Couple’s ClinicOkayama CityJapan
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Miyagi Y, Habara T, Hirata R, Hayashi N. Feasibility of deep learning for predicting live birth from a blastocyst image in patients classified by age. Reprod Med Biol 2019; 18:190-203. [PMID: 30996683 PMCID: PMC6452012 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify artificial intelligence (AI) classifiers in images of blastocysts to predict the probability of achieving a live birth in patients classified by age. Results are compared to those obtained by conventional embryo (CE) evaluation. METHODS A total of 5691 blastocysts were retrospectively enrolled. Images captured 115 hours after insemination (or 139 hours if not yet large enough) were classified according to maternal age as follows: <35, 35-37, 38-39, 40-41, and ≥42 years. The classifiers for each category and a classifier for all ages were related to convolutional neural networks associated with deep learning. Then, the live birth functions predicted by the AI and the multivariate logistic model functions predicted by CE were tested. The feasibility of the AI was investigated. RESULTS The accuracies of AI/CE for predicting live birth were 0.64/0.61, 0.71/0.70, 0.78/0.77, 0.81/0.83, 0.88/0.94, and 0.72/0.74 for the age categories <35, 35-37, 38-39, 40-41, and ≥42 years and all ages, respectively. The sum value of the sensitivity and specificity revealed that AI performed better than CE (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS AI classifiers categorized by age can predict the probability of live birth from an image of the blastocyst and produced better results than were achieved using CE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasunari Miyagi
- Medical Data LaboOkayama CityJapan
- Department of Gynecologic OncologySaitama Medical University International Medical CenterHidaka CityJapan
| | | | - Rei Hirata
- Okayama Couple’s ClinicOkayama CityJapan
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