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Peng T, Yang S, Lian W, Liu X, Zheng P, Qin X, Liao B, Zhou P, Wang Y, Liu F, Yang Z, Ye Z, Shan H, Liu X, Yu Y, Li R. Cytoskeletal and inter-cellular junction remodelling in endometrial organoids under oxygen-glucose deprivation: a new potential pathological mechanism for thin endometria. Hum Reprod 2024:deae137. [PMID: 38915267 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the pathological mechanism involved in a thin endometrium, particularly under ischaemic conditions? SUMMARY ANSWER Endometrial dysfunction in patients with thin endometrium primarily results from remodelling in cytoskeletons and cellular junctions of endometrial epithelial cells under ischemic conditions. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY A healthy endometrium is essential for successful embryo implantation and subsequent pregnancy; ischemic conditions in a thin endometrium compromise fertility outcomes. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We recruited 10 patients with thin endometrium and 15 patients with healthy endometrium. Doppler ultrasound and immunohistochemical results confirmed the presence of insufficient endometrial blood perfusion in patients with thin endometrium. Organoids were constructed using healthy endometrial tissue and cultured under oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) conditions for 24 h. The morphological, transcriptomic, protein expression, and signaling pathway changes in the OGD organoids were observed. These findings were validated in both thin endometrial tissue and healthy endometrial tissue samples. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Endometrial thickness and blood flow were measured during the late follicular phase using transvaginal Doppler ultrasound. Endometrial tissue was obtained via hysteroscopy. Fresh endometrial tissues were used for the generation and culture of human endometrial organoids. Organoids were cultured in an appropriate medium and subjected to OGD to simulate ischemic conditions. Apoptosis and cell death were assessed using Annexin-V/propidium iodide staining. Immunofluorescence analysis, RNA sequencing, western blotting, simple westerns, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy were conducted to evaluate cellular and molecular changes. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Patients with thin endometrium showed significantly reduced endometrial thickness and altered blood flow patterns compared to those with healthy endometrium. Immunohistochemical staining revealed fewer CD34-positive blood vessels and glands in the thin endometrium group. Organoids cultured under OGD conditions exhibited significant morphological changes, increased apoptosis, and cell death. RNA-seq identified differentially expressed genes related to cytoskeletal remodeling and stress responses. OGD induced a strong cytoskeletal reorganization, mediated by the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. Additionally, electron microscopy indicated compromised epithelial integrity and abnormal cell junctions in thin endometrial tissues. Upregulation of hypoxia markers (HIF-1α and HIF-2α) and activation of the RhoA/ROCK pathway were also observed in thin endometrial tissues, suggesting ischemia and hypoxia as underlying mechanisms. LARGE SCALE DATA none. LIMITATIONS AND REASONS FOR CAUTION The study was conducted in an in vitro model, which may not fully replicate the complexity of in vivo conditions. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This research provides a new three-dimensional in vitro model of thin endometrium, as well as novel insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of endometrial ischaemia in thin endometrium, offering potential avenues for identifying therapeutic targets for treating fertility issues related to thin endometrium. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81925013); National Key Research and Development Project of China (2022YFC2702500, 2021YFC2700303, 2021YFC2700601); the Capital Health Research and Development Project (SF2022-1-4092); the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82288102, 81925013, 82225019, 82192873); Special Project on Capital Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Technology Research and Transformation Application (Z211100002921054); the Frontiers Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory Foundation(TFJC2023010001). The authors declare that no competing interests exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- TianLiu Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
| | - Weisi Lian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojuan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xunsi Qin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
| | - Baoying Liao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
| | - Fenting Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
| | - Zi Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenhong Ye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
| | - Hongying Shan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
| | - Xiyao Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Key Specialty Construction Program, Beijing, China
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Zhang WY, McCracken M, Dominguez LV, Zhang A, Johal J, Aghajanova L. The impact of estradiol supplementation on endometrial thickness and intrauterine insemination outcomes. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100886. [PMID: 38636264 PMCID: PMC11208072 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
The impact of estrogen supplementation during the follicular/proliferative phase on the endometrial lining thickness (EMT) prior to intrauterine insemination (IUI) remains largely unstudied. Our study examined changes in EMT and rates of clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and live birth for all patients who completed an IUI cycle at Stanford Fertility Center from 2017-2023 (n = 2281 cycles). Cycles with estradiol supplementation (n = 309) were compared to reference cycles without supplementation (n = 1972), with the reference cohort further categorized into cycles with a pre-ovulatory EMT of < 7 mm ("thin-lining", n = 536) and ≥ 7 mm ("normal-lining", n = 1436). The estradiol group had a statistically significant greater change in EMT from baseline to ovulation compared to the thin-lining reference groups (2.4 mm vs 1.9 mm, p < =0.0001). Similar rates of clinical pregnancy and live birth were observed. After adjusting for age, BMI, race/ethnicity, infertility diagnosis, and EMT at trigger, the estradiol cohort had a significantly increased odds of miscarriage versus the entire reference cohort (2.46, 95 % confidence interval [1.18, 5.14], p = 0.02). Thus, although estradiol supplementation had a statistically significant increase in EMT compared to IUI cycles with thin pre-ovulatory EMT (<7 mm), this change did not translate into improved IUI outcomes such as increased rates of clinical pregnancy and live birth or decreased rate of miscarriage. Our study suggests that supplemental estradiol does not appear to improve IUI outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Y Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Megan McCracken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Amy Zhang
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jasmyn Johal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lusine Aghajanova
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Sunnyvale, CA, USA
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Hosseinzadeh P, Peck JD, Burks HR, Souter I, Xing A, Craig LB, Diamond MP, Hansen KR. Follicular phase length is not related to live birth outcome in women with unexplained infertility undergoing ovarian stimulation with intrauterine insemination cycles in a multicenter trial. F S Rep 2023; 4:361-366. [PMID: 38204957 PMCID: PMC10774873 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2023.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the effect of follicular phase length (FPL) on pregnancy outcomes and endometrial thickness (ET) among women with unexplained infertility undergoing ovarian stimulation with intrauterine insemination (OS-IUI) with clomiphene citrate, letrozole, or gonadotropins. Design Cohort analysis of the Reproductive Medicine Network's Assessment of Multiple Intrauterine Gestations from Ovarian Stimulation randomized controlled trial. Setting Multicenter randomized controlled trial. Patients A total of 869 couples with unexplained infertility who underwent OS-IUI treatment cycles as part of the Assessment of Multiple Intrauterine Gestations from Ovarian Stimulation study. Interventions FPL was evaluated as a categorical variable defined by quintiles (q1: ≤11 days, q2: 12 days, q3: 13 days, q4: 14-15 days, and q5: ≥16 days). Main outcome measures Clinical pregnancy, live birth rates, and ET. Results Decreasing FPL quintiles did not reduce clinical pregnancy or live birth rates in unadjusted or adjusted models with all treatment groups combined or when stratified by the ovarian stimulation medication. All FPL categories had significantly thinner ET compared with the 5th quintile (≥16 days) among women treated with clomiphene citrate or letrozole. Similar but diminished associations were observed among women who underwent ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins, but the observed differences were limited to those with FPL of 12 days or shorter when compared with FPL ≥16 days. Conclusions Although shorter FPL was associated with reduced ET, it was not associated with the outcomes of clinical pregnancy or live birth in women with unexplained infertility undergoing OS-IUI in all treatment groups combined. Similar patterns existed when analyses of clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were stratified by treatment. Clinical trial registration NCT01044862.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pardis Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Jennifer D. Peck
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oklahoma College of Public Health, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Heather R. Burks
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Irene Souter
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Angela Xing
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - LaTasha B. Craig
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Michael P. Diamond
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Karl R. Hansen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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Piróg M, Jach R, Ząbczyk M, Natorska J. Increased Serum Levels of Phoenixin-14, Nesfatin-1 and Dopamine Are Associated with Positive Pregnancy Rate after Ovarian Stimulation. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6991. [PMID: 38002606 PMCID: PMC10672044 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12226991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We study the relationship between phoenixin (PNX-14), nesfatin-1 (NES-1), dopamine (DA) and oxytocin (OT) levels together with pregnancy rates in women after ovarian stimulation (OS). METHODS In a prospective case-control study, 56 infertile women were enrolled from the Department of Gynecological Endocrinology University Hospital. Infertile women age < 40 years old, with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), confirmed tubal patency and suitable sperm quality were included. Blood samples were drawn twice-before the initiation of OS and before the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration. Assessments of PNX-14, NES-1, DA and OT serum levels were performed. Pregnancy rates after OS were observed. RESULTS Pregnant women showed higher baseline NES-1 and OT levels (+29.2% and +44%) but not PNX-14 and DA levels when compared to non-pregnant ones. In pregnant women, positive correlations between OT and prolactin, PRL (r = 0.47, p = 0.04), as well as between OT and NES-1 (r = 0.55, p = 0.02), were observed at baseline. At baseline, an OT level increase was associated with a positive pregnancy rate (per 100 pg/mL, OR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.04-1.74), while after OS, higher PNX-14 was a predictor of pregnancy (by 10 pg/mL, OR = 1.23, 95%CI 1.07-1.39). Post-stimulation PNX-14, NES-1 and DA concentrations were higher in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant ones (+17.4%, +26.1%, and +45.5%, respectively; all p < 0.05). In the pregnant group, OT levels were 2.7-times lower than in the remainder (p = 0.03). Moreover, in pregnant participants, a negative association between NES-1 and PNX (r = -0.53, p = 0.024) was observed. CONCLUSION Elevated PNX-14, NES-1 and DA along with decreased OT levels were observed in women who achieved pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Piróg
- Gynecological Endocrinology Department, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-501 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Robert Jach
- Gynecological Endocrinology Department, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-501 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Michał Ząbczyk
- Department of Thromboembolic Disorders, Institute of Cardiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-202 Krakow, Poland; (M.Z.); (J.N.)
- Krakow Centre for Medical Research and Technologies, St. John Paul II Hospital, 31-202 Krakow, Poland
| | - Joanna Natorska
- Department of Thromboembolic Disorders, Institute of Cardiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-202 Krakow, Poland; (M.Z.); (J.N.)
- Krakow Centre for Medical Research and Technologies, St. John Paul II Hospital, 31-202 Krakow, Poland
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Nishioka M, Maezawa T, Takeuchi H, Hagiwara K, Tarui S, Sakamoto M, Takayama E, Yajima H, Kondo E, Kawato H, Minoura H, Sugaya K, Fukuda A, Ikeda T. Pregnancy Rates after Hysteroscopic Endometrial Polypectomy versus Endometrial Curettage Polypectomy: A Retrospective Study. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1868. [PMID: 37893586 PMCID: PMC10608414 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59101868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: A relationship between endometrial polypectomy and in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancy outcomes has been reported; however, only a few studies have compared polyp removal techniques and pregnancy rates. We investigated whether different polypectomy techniques with endometrial curettage and hysteroscopic polypectomy for endometrial polyps affect subsequent pregnancy outcomes. Materials and Methods: Data from 434 patients who had undergone polypectomy for suspected endometrial polyps using transvaginal ultrasonography before embryo transfer in IVF at four institutions between January 2017 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Overall, there were 157 and 277 patients in the hysteroscopic (mean age: 35.0 years) and curettage (mean age: 37.3 years) groups, respectively. Single-blastocyst transfer cases were selected from both groups and age-matched to unify background factors. Results: In the single-blastocyst transfer cases, 148 (mean age: 35.0 years) and 196 (mean age: 35.9 years) were in the hysteroscopic and curettage groups, respectively, with the 148 cases matched by age. In these cases, the pregnancy rates for the first embryo transfer were 68.2% (odds ratio (OR): 2.14) and 51.4% (OR: 1.06) in the hysteroscopic and curettage groups, respectively; the resulting OR was 2.03. The pregnancy rates after up to the second transfer were 80.4% (OR: 4.10) and 68.2% (OR: 2.14) in the hysteroscopic and curettage groups, respectively, in which the OR was 1.91. The live birth rates were 66.2% (OR: 1.956) and 53.4% (OR: 1.15) in the hysteroscopic and curettage groups, respectively, in which the odds ratio was 1.71. These results show the effectiveness of hysteroscopic endometrial polypectomy compared to polypectomy with endometrial curettage. No significant difference was found regarding the miscarriage rates between the two groups. Conclusions: Hysteroscopic endometrial polypectomy resulted in a higher pregnancy rate in subsequent embryo transfer than polypectomy with endometrial curettage. Therefore, establishing a facility where polypectomy can be performed hysteroscopically is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikiko Nishioka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, 2-174 Edo-bashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; (M.N.); (H.T.); (M.S.); (H.Y.); (E.K.); (T.I.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edo-bashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan;
- Center of Advanced Reproductive Medicine, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edo-bashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Tadashi Maezawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edo-bashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan;
- Center of Advanced Reproductive Medicine, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edo-bashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Hiroki Takeuchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, 2-174 Edo-bashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; (M.N.); (H.T.); (M.S.); (H.Y.); (E.K.); (T.I.)
- Center of Advanced Reproductive Medicine, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edo-bashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Katsuyuki Hagiwara
- Faculty of Education, Mie University, 1577 Kurima-Machiya-cho, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan;
| | - Sachiyo Tarui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IVF Osaka Clinic, 1-1-14 Nagatahigashi, Higashiosaka, Osaka 577-0012, Japan; (S.T.); (A.F.)
| | - Mito Sakamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, 2-174 Edo-bashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; (M.N.); (H.T.); (M.S.); (H.Y.); (E.K.); (T.I.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edo-bashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan;
- Center of Advanced Reproductive Medicine, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edo-bashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Erina Takayama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edo-bashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan;
- Center of Advanced Reproductive Medicine, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edo-bashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Hideaki Yajima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, 2-174 Edo-bashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; (M.N.); (H.T.); (M.S.); (H.Y.); (E.K.); (T.I.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edo-bashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan;
- Center of Advanced Reproductive Medicine, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edo-bashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Eiji Kondo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, 2-174 Edo-bashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; (M.N.); (H.T.); (M.S.); (H.Y.); (E.K.); (T.I.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edo-bashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan;
| | - Hiroaki Kawato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kawato Ladies Clinic, 1-16-11 Betsumei, Yokkaichi, Mie 510-0007, Japan;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Minoura Ladies Clinic, 3-9-17 Isoyama, Suzuka, Mie 510-0256, Japan;
| | - Hiroyuki Minoura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Minoura Ladies Clinic, 3-9-17 Isoyama, Suzuka, Mie 510-0256, Japan;
| | - Ken Sugaya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saiseikai Matsusaka General Hospital, 15-6 asahimachiichiku, Matsusaka, Mie 515-8557, Japan;
| | - Aisaku Fukuda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IVF Osaka Clinic, 1-1-14 Nagatahigashi, Higashiosaka, Osaka 577-0012, Japan; (S.T.); (A.F.)
| | - Tomoaki Ikeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, 2-174 Edo-bashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan; (M.N.); (H.T.); (M.S.); (H.Y.); (E.K.); (T.I.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edo-bashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan;
- Center of Advanced Reproductive Medicine, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edo-bashi, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan
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Mathyk B, Schwartz A, DeCherney A, Ata B. A critical appraisal of studies on endometrial thickness and embryo transfer outcome. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103259. [PMID: 37516058 PMCID: PMC10528454 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
A receptive endometrium is required for successful embryo implantation. Endometrial thickness, as measured by ultrasonography, is the most commonly used marker of endometrial receptivity in assisted reproductive technology cycles. Several factors simultaneously affect both endometrial thickness and probability of live birth, including age, oestradiol concentration and oocyte number, among others. Most of the studies investigating a relationship between endometrial thickness and embryo transfer outcomes are retrospective and do not adequately address confounding factors, in addition to other limitations. Despite multiple meta-analyses and studies with large numbers of cycles, controversy still exists. The difference between the results from prospective and retrospective studies is also striking. This article presents a critical appraisal of the studies on endometrial thickness and embryo transfer outcomes in order to highlight methodological issues and how they can be overcome in future studies. Currently available evidence does not seem to support a modification of management just because endometrial thickness is below an arbitrary threshold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Begum Mathyk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Adina Schwartz
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Alan DeCherney
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Baris Ata
- School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey.; ART Fertility Clinics, Dubai, United Arab Emirates..
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Singh S, Prakash U. Study of Folliculometry After Spontaneous and Clomiphene Citrate-Induced Ovulation in Infertile Women. Cureus 2023; 15:e42234. [PMID: 37605698 PMCID: PMC10440010 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ovulatory disruption is the primary reversible cause of infertility, which affects 12-24% of couples. The FDA's first-line recommendation for ovulation induction in such cases is clomiphene citrate. Serial ultrasonography can be used to evaluate follicular development. Methodology The current study is a two-year prospective cohort study conducted at a tertiary care centre. One hundred patients with either primary or secondary infertility and no pelvic pathology were involved in the study and split into two groups: Group I included ovulatory women whose infertility was caused by a factor other than ovulatory disorder, and Group II comprised anovulatory women. Folliculometry was performed using transvaginal sonography; Group I had a spontaneous cycle, whereas Group II received clomiphene citrate (CC) to induce ovulation. The ovulation rate, pregnancy rate, multiple pregnancy rate, and rate of ovarian hyperstimulation (OHSS) were all studied. Results Seventy-two percent of the patients had primary infertility, and most appeared after 3-6 years of infertility. 62% of the patients were between the ages of 21 and 30 years. 50% of cases had ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) was the most frequent cause of anovulation (24%). The leading follicular diameter was substantially bigger (22-26 mm) in the CC-triggered cycle compared to the spontaneous cycle (16-21 mm). In both spontaneous and induced cycles, the endometrial thickness displayed a linear development pattern during the pre-ovulatory phase and plateaued during the luteal phase. With CC, there was a 68% ovulation rate, a 32% pregnancy rate, a 12.5% multiple pregnancy rate, and a 2% incidence of OHSS. Conclusion Clomiphene citrate increases the rate of ovulation and pregnancy in females having ovulatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smita Singh
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Patna, IND
| | - Uday Prakash
- Orthopedics and Traumatology, Darbhanga Medical College, Darbhanga, IND
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Vagios S, Sacha CR, James KE, Hammer KC, Fitz VW, Dimitriadis I, Bormann CL, Souter I. The impact of anti-Müllerian hormone on endometrial thickness in gonadotropin stimulation/intrauterine insemination cycles: is there an effect on pregnancy outcomes? J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:845-850. [PMID: 36745295 PMCID: PMC10224886 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02736-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the association, if any, between anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and pre-ovulatory endometrial thickness (ET) in gonadotropin/intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included a total of 964 patients undergoing 1926 gonadotropin/IUI cycles at an academic fertility center. Primary outcome measure was the association between serum AMH and measured ET on the day of and the day before human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG) ovulation trigger. The effect of a model combining AMH and ET on early pregnancy outcomes was a secondary measure. RESULTS In 52.8% of cycles, ET was last assessed and recorded on the day of hCG administration, while in the remaining 47.2% on the day prior to trigger. In unadjusted regression models, AMH was weakly correlated with ET on hCG trigger day [bAMH (95%CI) = 0.032 (- 0.008, 0.070), p = 0.015]. When adjusting for potential confounders, the positive correlation became significant [0.051 (0.006, 0.102), p = 0.047]. Similar findings were observed when assessing the correlation between AMH and ET on the day prior to hCG trigger. ET was non-significantly associated with the odds of clinical pregnancy, when adjusting for potential confounders, except for when restricting the analysis to couples with idiopathic infertility [OR (95%CI), p-value: 0.787 (0.623, 0.993), 0.044]. CONCLUSION Our findings support an effect of serum AMH on endometrial development in gonadotropin induced cycles, even when adjusting for the diagnosis of PCOS. ET was not associated with the odds of achieving a clinical pregnancy, except for couples with idiopathic infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stylianos Vagios
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
| | - Caitlin R Sacha
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Kaitlyn E James
- Deborah Kelly Center for Outcomes Research, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Karissa C Hammer
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Victoria W Fitz
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Irene Dimitriadis
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Charles L Bormann
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Irene Souter
- Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
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9
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Raperport C, Chronopoulou E, Homburg R, Khan K, Bhide P. Endogenous progesterone in unexplained infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:509-524. [PMID: 36572790 PMCID: PMC10033797 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02689-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the possibility that altered actions of endogenous progesterone affect receptivity and contribute to unexplained infertility (UI). METHODS Two authors electronically searched MEDLINE, CINAHL and Embase databases from inception to 6 July 2022 and hand-searched according to Cochrane methodology. We included all published primary research reporting outcomes related to endogenous progesterone in natural cycles in women with UI. Studies were assessed for risk of bias using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Score or NHLBI Score. We pooled results where appropriate using a random-effects model. Findings were reported as odds ratios or mean differences. RESULTS We included 41 studies (n = 4023). No difference was found between the mid-luteal serum progesterone levels of women with UI compared to fertile controls (MD 0.74, - 0.31-1.79, I2 36%). Women with UI had significantly higher rates of 'out-of-phase' endometrium than controls. Nine out of 10 progesterone-mediated markers of endometrial receptivity were significantly reduced in women with UI compared to fertile controls (the remaining 1 had conflicting results). Resistance in pelvic vessels was increased and perfusion of the endometrium and sub-endometrium reduced in UI compared to fertile controls in all included studies. Progesterone receptor expression and progesterone uptake were also reduced in women with unexplained infertility. CONCLUSIONS End-organ measures of endogenous progesterone activity are reduced in women with UI compared to fertile controls. This apparently receptor-mediated reduction in response affects endometrial receptivity and is implicated as the cause of the infertility. Further research is required to confirm whether intervention could overcome this issue, offering a new option for treating unexplained infertility. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration: CRD42020141041 06/08/2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Raperport
- Women's Health Research Unit, Wolfson Institute for Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
- London North West Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK.
| | | | - Roy Homburg
- Hewitt Fertility Centre, Liverpool Women's Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Khalid Khan
- Department of Preventative Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Priya Bhide
- Women's Health Research Unit, Wolfson Institute for Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Fertility Unit, Homerton University Hospital NHS Trust London, London, UK
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Xie W, Yang H, Shao S, Zheng N. Two subtypes of surgery-categorized upper-lateral intracavitary pregnancy identified by MRI, a retrospective study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:917. [PMID: 36482370 PMCID: PMC9733249 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-05274-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pregnancy outcomes in women with surgery-categorized upper-lateral intracavitary pregnancy (ULIP), previously named angular pregnancy, demonstrate higher heterogeneity than in women with ultrasonography-categorized ULIP. We aimed to use preoperative MRI and correlated clinical characteristics to explore whether the surgery-categorized ULIP comprises obstetric conditions undefined by the current ultrasonography-based diagnostic criteria. METHODS This retrospective study involved 28 women with surgically and pathologically confirmed ULIP from January 2016 to July 2022. Two board-certified radiologists, blinded to the patients' information, independently reviewed the MRI images, and determined each MRI feature, including endometrial thickness (EMT) and peri-gestational sac (GS) endometrial interruption. Disagreements were resolved by discussion to achieve a consensus. Based on the cutoff value of EMT (11.5 mm), the patients were divided into above-cutoff EMT (n = 22) and below-cutoff EMT (n = 6) groups. RESULTS Two subtypes of surgery-categorized ULIP were identified. Type-I ULIP (n = 22; EMT ≥ 11.5 mm), when compared to the type-II ULIP (n = 6; EMT < 11.5 mm), demonstrated lower incidence of peri-GS endometrial interruption (2/22 [9.1%] vs 6/6 [100%]; P = 0.001), higher logarithmic ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) concentration (4.7 ± 0.4 mIU/ml vs 4.2 ± 0.6 mIU/ml; P = 0.026), lower rate of repeated dilatation and curettage (1/22 [4.6%] vs 4/6 [66.7%]; P = 0.003), less intraoperative blood loss (10.1 ± 6.3 ml vs 28.3 ± 18.3 ml; P = 0.001), and shorter hospital stay (2.8 ± 1.7 days vs 7.5 ± 3.8 days; P = 0.001). The peri-GS endometrial interruption negatively correlated with EMT (Odds ratio [OR] = 0.55; P = 0.001) and logarithmic ß-hCG concentration (OR = 0.08; P = 0.045). The below-cutoff EMT negatively correlated with ß-hCG concentration (OR = 0.06; P = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS Surgery-categorized ULIP comprised two obstetric conditions among which the type-II ULIP, possessing unique imaging features undocumented in the literature, requires further attention during clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weili Xie
- grid.449428.70000 0004 1797 7280School of Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University. Forty-five South Jianshe Road, Jining, 272013 Shandong China ,Department of Radiology, Jining No. 1 People’s Hospital. Six Jiankang Road, Jining, 272011 Shandong China
| | - Huan Yang
- Department of Radiology, Jining No. 1 People’s Hospital. Six Jiankang Road, Jining, 272011 Shandong China
| | - Shuo Shao
- Department of Radiology, Jining No. 1 People’s Hospital. Six Jiankang Road, Jining, 272011 Shandong China
| | - Ning Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Jining No. 1 People’s Hospital. Six Jiankang Road, Jining, 272011 Shandong China
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Cagli F, Dolanbay M, Gülseren V, Disli Gurler A, Aygen EM. Does endometrial thickness affect pregnancy outcomes in isolated male infertility IVF cycles? A retrospective cohort study. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2022; 42:3199-3203. [PMID: 35959780 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2022.2109141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In our retrospective cohort study, we aimed to determine the role of endometrial thickness (ET) in isolated male factor infertile women in vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) fresh embryo cycles. The patients were classified as having an endometrial thickness of <7 mm (n: 80), 7-9.9 mm (n: 335), 10-14 mm (n: 579) and >14 mm (n: 50) according to their ETs on the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) day. The overall clinical pregnancy rate was 37.4%, and no significant difference was found between the groups (p = .262). There was no significant difference between live birth rates (p = .094), but the highest pregnancy (46%) and live birth (34%) rates were found in the group with >14 mm ET. The increase in ET in IVF cycles increases pregnancy rates, albeit partially. When it is desired to determine a cut-off value, it can be said that pregnancy rates increase significantly in thicknesses of 14 mm and above.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? When the literature is examined, many studies conclude that clinical pregnancy rates increase with the increase in endometrial thickness (ET) in IVF cycles, but there are also studies that argue the opposite. There is no study in the literature investigating the effect of ET on clinical pregnancy rates in patients with isolated male factor infertility.What do the results of this study add? In support of the literature, an increase in ET was found to be associated with an increase in clinical pregnancy rates, regardless of male and female factors. Although pregnancy occurs in thin endometriums, abortion rates are undesirably high.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Although the risk of abortion is high in thin endometriums, live birth rates are satisfactory. As a result, thin endometrium does not require cycle cancellation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulya Cagli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Dolanbay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Varol Gülseren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Ayse Disli Gurler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kayseri City Hospital, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Ercan Mustafa Aygen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
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12
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The Treatment of Complementary and Alternative Medicine on Female Infertility Caused by Endometrial Factors. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:4624311. [PMID: 36118081 PMCID: PMC9473886 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4624311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Recently, with the development of the social economy, the incidence of infertility has increased year by year. With its complex etiology and diversified syndromes, infertility has become one of the most important diseases that plague the physical and mental health of women of childbearing age worldwide. Endometrial factors as an important part affecting female reproductive capacity, due to which induced repeated abortion and multiple uterine cavity operations occur, can destruct endometrium, failing to provide a normal implantation environment for zygote, thus resulting in infertility. Many patients failed to achieve expected results after receiving conventional treatments such as hormone therapy, assisted reproductive technology (ART), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) therapy, and cell therapy, then turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies for help. Aiming at clarifying the effectiveness and mechanisms of CAM therapy in the treatment of infertility caused by endometrial factors, our paper systematically searched and studied present related literature on the PubMed, CNKI, and other databases, focusing on the aspects of clinical application and mechanism explorations and highlighting the therapeutic effects of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), acupuncture, and moxibustion on such diseases. Moreover, this paper also introduces the CAM treatments of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) retention enema, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), photobiomodulation therapy, dietary intervention, and other measures for infertility caused by endometrial factors, in order to provide a reference for subsequent basic research and clinical work.
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13
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Jacobs EA, Van Voorhis B, Kawwass JF, Kondapalli LA, Liu K, Dokras A. Endometrial thickness: How thin is too thin? Fertil Steril 2022; 118:249-259. [PMID: 35878944 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Jacobs
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Brad Van Voorhis
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Jennifer F Kawwass
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory Reproductive Center, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Kimberly Liu
- Mount Sinai Fertility, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anuja Dokras
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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Sun B, Yeh J. Non-Invasive and Mechanism-Based Molecular Assessment of Endometrial Receptivity During the Window of Implantation: Current Concepts and Future Prospective Testing Directions. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 4:863173. [PMID: 36303672 PMCID: PMC9580756 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2022.863173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Suboptimal endometrial receptivity and altered embryo-endometrial crosstalk account for approximately two-thirds of human implantation failures. Current tests of the window of implantation, such as endometrial thickness measurements and the endometrial receptivity assay, do not consistently improve clinical outcomes as measured by live birth rates. Understanding the mechanisms regulating the endometrial receptivity during the window of implantation is a critical step toward developing clinically meaningful tests. In this narrative review, the available literature is evaluated regarding mechanisms that regulate the endometrial receptivity during the window of implantation and the current tests developed. Overall, both animal and human studies point to five possible and interrelated mechanisms regulating the endometrial window of implantation: suitable synchrony between endometrial cells, adequate synchrony between the endometrium and the embryo, standard progesterone signaling and endometrial responses to progesterone, silent genetic variations, and typical morphological characteristics of the endometrial glands. The biological basis of current clinical markers or tests of window of implantation is poor. Future studies to elucidate the mechanisms shaping the window of implantation and to investigate the potential markers based on these mechanisms are required. In addition, molecular testing of the endometrium at single-cell resolution should be an initial step toward developing clinically meaningful tests for the optimal window of implantation. As understanding of the optimal window of implantation continues to evolve, one can envision the future development of non-invasive, mechanism-based testing of the window of implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Sun
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, New York State/American Program of Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - John Yeh
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, UMass Memorial Medical Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: John Yeh
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Shakeel S, Iffat W, Qamar A, Nesar S, Butt F, Siddiqui SN, Rehman H, Rehman AU. Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Toward Off-Label Medicine Use in Female Reproductive Health Issues. Front Public Health 2022; 10:829339. [PMID: 35400076 PMCID: PMC8987152 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.829339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Off-label medication usage (OLMU) is prevalent in the treatment of various diseases, including female reproductive health issues (FRHIs). However, there is a paucity of literature on the perspective of health professionals on this subject. The purpose of the current study was to assess gynecologists/obstetricians' knowledge, attitude and practice toward OLMU in the treatment of FRHIs. Methods The current cross-sectional study was conducted in September and October 2021, at five tertiary care hospitals (two public and three private sector), different clinics and maternity homes in a metropolitan city of Karachi, Pakistan. The target population was gynecologists, obstetricians and physicians/residents working in the ob/gyn department in various hospitals and clinical settings of Karachi. Results The overall response rate was 77.1%. The mean age of the study respondents was 36.1 ± 7.7 years; n = 85 (55.9%) respondents were working in primary patient care. The majorly reported OLMU by the respondents were clomiphene citrate in unexplained infertility (n = 66; 43.4%), metformin to improve cycle regularity in females with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (n = 59; 38.8%) and letrozole to induce ovulation (n = 31; 20.4%). The majorly stated categories of OLMU were at a different dose (n = 95; 62.5%) and at different indications than approved to treat (n = 89; 58.5%). It was reported by the majority of the respondents (n = 95; 62.5%) that they do not follow any guidelines or regulations for OLMU in their work setting; however, the response was statistically varied with the working organization (CI 2.14–2.93; p = 0.037) and practice area (CI 2.85–4.32; p = 0.0001) of respondents. Conclusions The present study revealed that the respondents were well-familiar with the practice of OLMU in the treatment of FRHIs. They expressed their concerns about decreasing such practices by being involved in collective decision-making procedures, and they were inclined to accept initiatives aimed at ensuring drug safety in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadia Shakeel
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dow College of Pharmacy, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
- *Correspondence: Sadia Shakeel
| | - Wajiha Iffat
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dow College of Pharmacy, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Ambreen Qamar
- Department of Physiology, Dr. Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan Institute of Oral Health Sciences, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Shagufta Nesar
- Jinnah College of Pharmacy, Sohail University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Fareeha Butt
- Department of Physiology, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sobia Naseem Siddiqui
- Department of Physiology, Dr. Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan Institute of Oral Health Sciences, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Hina Rehman
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jinnah Sind Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Anees ur Rehman
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, Multan, Pakistan
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16
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Hawkins Bressler L, Fritz MA, Wu SP, Yuan L, Kafer S, Wang T, DeMayo FJ, Young SL. Poor Endometrial Proliferation After Clomiphene is Associated With Altered Estrogen Action. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:2547-2565. [PMID: 34058008 PMCID: PMC8372647 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Suboptimal endometrial thickening is associated with lower pregnancy rates and occurs in some infertile women treated with clomiphene. OBJECTIVE To examine cellular and molecular differences in the endometrium of women with suboptimal vs optimal endometrial thickening following clomiphene. METHODS Translational prospective cohort study from 2018 to 2020 at a university-affiliated clinic. Reproductive age women with unexplained infertility treated with 100 mg of clomiphene on cycle days 3 to 7 who developed optimal (≥8mm; n = 6, controls) or suboptimal (<6mm; n = 7, subjects) endometrial thickness underwent preovulatory blood and endometrial sampling. The main outcome measures were endometrial tissue architecture, abundance and location of specific proteins, RNA expression, and estrogen receptor (ER) α binding. RESULTS The endometrium of suboptimal subjects compared with optimal controls was characterized by a reduced volume of glandular epithelium (16% vs 24%, P = .01), decreased immunostaining of markers of proliferation (PCNA, ki67) and angiogenesis (PECAM-1), increased immunostaining of pan-leukocyte marker CD45 and ERβ, but decreased ERα immunostaining (all P < .05). RNA-seq identified 398 differentially expressed genes between groups. Pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes indicated reduced proliferation (Z-score = -2.2, P < .01), decreased angiogenesis (Z-score = -2.87, P < .001), increased inflammation (Z-score = +2.2, P < .01), and ERβ activation (Z-score = +1.6, P < .001) in suboptimal subjects. ChIP-seq identified 6 genes bound by ERα that were differentially expressed between groups (P < .01), some of which may play a role in implantation. CONCLUSION Women with suboptimal endometrial thickness after clomiphene exhibit aberrant ER expression patterns, architectural changes, and altered gene and protein expression suggesting reduced proliferation and angiogenesis in the setting of increased inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Hawkins Bressler
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Marc A Fritz
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - San-Pin Wu
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Lingwen Yuan
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Suzanna Kafer
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Tianyuan Wang
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Steven L Young
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Kabukçu C, Çabuş Ü, Öztekin Ö, Fenkçi V. The strain rate of endometrium measured by real-time sonoelastography as a predictive marker for pregnancy in gonadotropin stimulated intrauterine insemination cycles. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2021; 47:3561-3570. [PMID: 34254413 DOI: 10.1111/jog.14921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM Sonoelastography is an imaging technique that measures tissue strain quantitatively. This study aims to investigate whether the strain rate of endometrium measured by elastography can predict pregnancy after intrauterine insemination (IUI). METHODS This study examined 197 gonadotropin-stimulated IUI cycles of 148 women diagnosed with unexplained infertility from February 2019 to November 2020. Endometrial thickness, pattern, and strain rate were measured by transvaginal ultrasonography immediately before the insemination. The endometrium and the parametrial tissue were selected for regions of interest, and the strain rate was calculated. The measurements were analyzed concerning the IUI outcome. RESULTS Of the 197 IUI cycles, the pregnancy rate was 15.20% (n = 30), and ongoing pregnancy rate was 12.2% (n = 24). The mean strain rates were not different between pregnant and nonpregnant groups (2.68 ± 1.28 vs. 2.81 ± 1.32, p = 0.651). Strain rate was not predictive for pregnancy, shown by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis; the area under the curve was 0.526 (95% CI 0.413-0.639; p = 0.649). Pregnancy rates were significantly affected by the women's age and the inseminated sperm count. In multiple logistic regression analysis, the other parameters, including body mass index, anti-Müllerian hormone, endometrial thickness, endometrial strain rate, and echogenic endometrial pattern, did not significantly change the odds ratio of pregnancy. CONCLUSION The endometrial strain rate does not significantly affect the pregnancy rates in gonadotropin stimulated IUI cycles. It appears that strain rate does not predict IUI outcome. More research is needed to evaluate the usefulness of sonoelastography in infertility treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cihan Kabukçu
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Ümit Çabuş
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Özer Öztekin
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Veysel Fenkçi
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
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18
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Abstract
Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor that blocks estrogen synthesis by inhibiting the final step of the estrogen biosynthetic pathway, has been used in the applications of a wide range of infertility settings. It has been more than 20 years since the initial clinical trial of letrozole for ovulation induction. In light of the accumulating clinical and basic evidence, the efficacy and safety of letrozole have been identified. This mini review focuses on our current knowledge of the applications and mechanisms of letrozole for female infertility and various questions are put forward about how letrozole could be more effectively used.
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19
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Elusive effect of endometrial thickness: through thick and thin. Fertil Steril 2020; 115:89-90. [PMID: 33059889 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.09.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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