1
|
Zeng H, Wang Y. Effects of various controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocols and surgery on pregnancy outcomes in women with endometriosis. Gynecol Endocrinol 2024; 40:2381504. [PMID: 39034637 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2024.2381504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition in women of childbearing age that causes symptoms such as menstrual changes and dysmenorrhea, and is also a major cause of infertility. Therefore, women with endometriosis usually need to use assisted reproductive technology (ART), such as in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection, to increase their chances of conceiving. Numerous clinical observations and studies have indicated that endometriosis can affect the success of ART, such that women with endometriosis who use ART have a lower live-birth rate than those without endometriosis who use ART. Therefore, this article reviews the impact of various controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocols and surgery on the pregnancy outcomes of women with endometriosis using ART to explore the selection of individualized treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Zeng
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yanbin Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
龚 雪, 黄 金, 黄 志. [Research Progress in the Role of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Endometriosis-Associated Infertility]. SICHUAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF SICHUAN UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCE EDITION 2024; 55:521-526. [PMID: 38948278 PMCID: PMC11211786 DOI: 10.12182/20240560404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Endometriosis (EMT), a common benign gynecological disease, is a leading cause of infertility in women. EMT affects female fertility in various aspects. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Mitochondria are known as the "powerhouse" of a cell. They play pivotal roles in the physiological processes of cellular energy metabolism, calcium homeostasis, oxidative stress, autophagy, the regulation of cell cycle, and cell death, and are involved in the pathophysiology of many diseases. Cellular mitochondria are highly dynamic, continuously undergoing cyclic fission and fusion to meet the demands of cellular activities. Balanced mitochondrial dynamics are critical for maintaining normal reproductive function in women. In addition, mitochondria are the major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cell damage, cell death, and fibrosis mediated by the imbalance in the oxidative-antioxidant system in EMT patients lead to decreased oocyte quality and ovarian reserve. Currently, the treatment of EMT-associated infertility remains a challenging and controversial topic. We herein reviewed the latest findings on the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in EMT-associated infertility and the potential therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- 雪 龚
- 香港中文大学医学院 妇产科学系 (香港 999077)Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - 金 黄
- 香港中文大学医学院 妇产科学系 (香港 999077)Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - 志超 黄
- 香港中文大学医学院 妇产科学系 (香港 999077)Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Casalechi M, Di Stefano G, Fornelli G, Somigliana E, Viganò P. Impact of endometriosis on the ovarian follicles. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2024; 92:102430. [PMID: 38311379 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2023.102430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
A significant body of evidence has supported a negative impact of endometriosis on ovarian follicles; however, the origin and relevance of this ovarian impairment in endometriosis is still a matter of debate. The ovarian damage can be caused by endometriosis itself or by surgeries aiming to remove endometriotic lesions. In this review, we summarized the existing knowledge on the mechanisms by which endometriosis can impact the ovarian follicles, from molecular to clinical points of view. From a molecular standpoint, the presence of endometriosis or its consequences can induce oxidative stress, inflammation, aberrant mitochondrial energy metabolism and inappropriate steroid production in granulosa cells, phenomena that may impair the quality of oocytes to variable degrees. These alterations may have clinical relevance on the accelerated exhaustion of the ovarian reserve, on the ovarian response to gonadotrophin stimulation in IVF cycles and on the competence of the oocytes. Critical points to be considered in current clinical practices related to fertility issues in endometriosis are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maíra Casalechi
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Infertility Unit, Milan, Italy.
| | - Giorgia Di Stefano
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Infertility Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Fornelli
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Infertility Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Edgardo Somigliana
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Infertility Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Viganò
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Infertility Unit, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Racca A, Bernabeu A, Bernabeu R, Ferrero S. Endometrial receptivity in women with endometriosis. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2024; 92:102438. [PMID: 38183768 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2023.102438] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
As endometriosis is recognized as a contributing factor to infertility, prompting couples to embark on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatments, it becomes crucial to comprehend the extent and way this condition can affect success rates. Natural conception data reveal lower success rates for women with endometriosis, yet the same cannot be extrapolated to the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF). In recent years, advancements in the ART process, particularly the distinct stages of the IVF pathway and investigations into embryo quality have shown a comparable rate of embryonic quality and chromosomal normalcy (euploidy) between embryos obtained from individuals with or without endometriosis. Thus, the primary question that lingers relates to the functionality of the endometrium. This review addresses whether endometriosis can influence endometrial receptivity and implantation rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Simone Ferrero
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy; DINOGMI, University of Genova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Casalechi M, Reschini M, Palermo MC, Stefano GD, Vercellini P, Benaglia L, Somigliana E, Viganò P. Is endometrial receptivity affected in women with endometriosis? Results from a matched pair case-control study of assisted reproductive technology treatments. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103414. [PMID: 37879123 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Is endometriosis detrimental to embryo implantation? DESIGN A retrospective matched case-control study of women with a surgical or ultrasound diagnosis of endometriosis at Fondazione IRCCS Ca'Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano between 2015 and 2021. Women with endometriosis who underwent a 'freeze-all' cycle during an IVF treatment were eligible to be included. They were matched to patients without the disease, who also underwent cryopreserved blastocyst transfer cycles, in a 1:1 ratio by age (±1 year), and number (=) and quality (±1 top versus low) of cryopreserved blastocysts. All women underwent single frozen embryo transfer, and assisted reproductive technology outcomes suggested by the Core Outcome Measure for Infertility Trials initiative were evaluated. The main outcome was the cumulative live birth rate per cycle. RESULTS One hundred and one women with endometriosis and 101 matched unaffected women were included. Cumulative live birth rate per cycle did not vary between women with and without endometriosis (50% versus 58%, respectively; P = 0.32). On the basis of the Kaplan-Meier analysis, the predicted success rates over four embryos transferred were also similar (74% versus 82%, respectively; P = 0.67). CONCLUSION In women with moderate or severe endometriosis, these retrospective results seem to indicate no or a limited effect of the disease on endometrial receptivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maíra Casalechi
- Division of Human Reproduction, Hospital das Clínicas - Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Marco Reschini
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Carla Palermo
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgia Di Stefano
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Vercellini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Benaglia
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Edgardo Somigliana
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Viganò
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Somigliana E, Piani LL, Paffoni A, Salmeri N, Orsi M, Benaglia L, Vercellini P, Vigano' P. Endometriosis and IVF treatment outcomes: unpacking the process. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:107. [PMID: 37936154 PMCID: PMC10629090 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01157-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced endometriosis is associated with a reduction of IVF success. Surgical damage to the ovarian reserve following the excision of endometriomas has been claimed as a critical factor in the explanation of this detrimental effect. However, it is generally inferred that other mechanisms might also hamper IVF success in affected women. They include diminished responsiveness to ovarian stimulation, altered steroidogenesis, a decline in oocyte quality, reduced fertilization and embryo development, and impaired implantation. To navigate these limitations, we scrutinized available literature for studies specifically designed to address distinct phases of the IVF process. Utmost consideration was given to intra-patient ovarian response comparisons in women with unilateral endometriomas and to studies applying a meticulous matching to control confounders. The following observations have been drawn: 1) endometriosis has a negligible impact on ovarian response. A slight reduction in stimulation response can only be observed for endometriomas larger than 4 cm. Follicular steroidogenesis is unaffected; 2) oocyte quality is not hampered. Fertilization rates are similar, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is not justified. Embryonic development is uncompromised, with no increase in aneuploidy rate; 3) endometrial receptivity is either unaffected or only slightly impacted. In conclusion, our study suggests that, aside from the well-known negative effect on ovarian reserve from excisional endometrioma surgeries, endometriosis does not significantly affect IVF outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edgardo Somigliana
- Academic Center for Research on Adenomyosis and Endometriosis, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento Area Materno Infantile, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Letizia Li Piani
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Noemi Salmeri
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Orsi
- Dipartimento Area Materno Infantile, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Benaglia
- Dipartimento Area Materno Infantile, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Vercellini
- Academic Center for Research on Adenomyosis and Endometriosis, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento Area Materno Infantile, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Vigano'
- Dipartimento Area Materno Infantile, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fan W, Yuan Z, Li M, Zhang Y, Nan F. Decreased oocyte quality in patients with endometriosis is closely related to abnormal granulosa cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1226687. [PMID: 37664845 PMCID: PMC10469306 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1226687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility and menstrual abnormalities in endometriosis patients are frequently caused by aberrant follicular growth or a reduced ovarian reserve. Endometriosis typically does not directly harm the oocyte, but rather inhibits the function of granulosa cells, resulting in a decrease in oocyte quality. Granulosa cells, as oocyte nanny cells, can regulate meiosis, provide the most basic resources required for oocyte development, and influence ovulation. Endometriosis affects oocyte development and quality by causing granulosa cells apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, steroid synthesis obstacle, and aberrant mitochondrial energy metabolism. These aberrant states frequently interact with one another, however there is currently relatively little research in this field to understand the mechanism of linkage between abnormal states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weisen Fan
- The First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zheng Yuan
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Muzhen Li
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yingjie Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Fengjuan Nan
- Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chen Q, Du S, Lin Y, Zheng B. Controlled ovarian stimulation for endometriosis patients with ultra-long GnRH-agonist or GnRH-antagonist protocols: A retrospective study by propensity score matching. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2023; 49:1366-1374. [PMID: 36780873 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15570] [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: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although in vitro fertilization with embryo transfer is the most effective treatment for infertile patients with endometriosis, ovarian stimulation protocols are controversial. STUDY DESIGN We recruited 639 patients with endometriosis from January 2016 to June 2020; 111 and 528 patients were treated with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist and ultra-long GnRH agonist protocols, respectively. Potential baseline differences between the regimens were adjusted by propensity score matching. Clinical and laboratory data, including the cumulative clinical pregnancy rate (CCPR) and cumulative live birth rate (CLBR), were compared. RESULTS Ovulation induction required significantly longer use of gonadotropins in the GnRH agonist group. However, the GnRH agonist group had a lower starting dose of gonadotropin (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, significantly lower clinical pregnancy, implantation, and live birth rates were observed in the GnRH antagonist group receiving fresh assisted reproductive technology cycles (all p < 0.05); however, pregnancy outcomes using the subsequent freeze-thaw cycles for the same oocyte retrieval were not significantly different. CCPR and CLBR for the oocyte retrieval cycles of the antagonist and ultra-long agonist protocols were similar. The ultra-long agonist protocol resulted in more favorable implantation of fresh embryos and improved clinical outcomes of the fresh cycle. CONCLUSIONS This novel strategy could be appropriate for endometriosis patients who are temporarily unsuitable for fresh embryo transfer. The GnRH antagonist protocol can be combined with the whole embryo freezing strategy to achieve CCPR and CLBR similar to the ultra-long agonist regimen, thus simultaneously avoiding the long pre-treatment duration of GnRH agonists during the ultra-long agonist protocol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingfen Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Shengrong Du
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Yunhong Lin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Beihong Zheng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhao S, Zhang B, Yuan H, Yin Y, Qi S, Li W, Wu X, Yaling F. IGF2BP2 promotes the progression of ovarian endometriosis by regulating m6A-modified MEIS2 and GATA6. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2022; 152:106296. [PMID: 36113831 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2022.106296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND m6A-RNA modification mediated by the N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation-related molecule methyltransferase-like 3 has been implicated in the progression of endometriosis. However, the functions of other m6A regulators, especially in ovarian endometriosis, remain unknown. METHODS Three datasets (GSE7305, GSE7307, and GSE37837) with diagnosed ovarian endometriosis were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Using bioinformatics methods such as Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis, Gene Ontology analysis, protein-protein interaction, and correlation, hub genes were identified. Using dot blot and N6-methyladenosine-IP-qPCR, the total and individual N6-methyladenosine gene levels were quantified. On clinical ovarian ectopic and eutopic endometrium tissues, N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation sequencing was performed. To authenticate protein localization and expression level, immunohistochemical staining and western blot were conducted, respectively. The database Connectivity Map was used to predict small molecules with potential therapeutic effects. RESULTS In ovarian endometriosis, the N6-methyladenosine "reader" molecule IGF2BP2 and related target genes MEIS2 and GATA6 were highly expressed. IGF2BP2 promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ectopic endometrial stromal cells by stabilizing the mRNA of MEIS2 and GATA6. Synergistically, METTL3 and IGF2BP2 increased the N6-methyladenosine methylation of MEIS2 and GATA6. We developed five molecules (Mercaptopurine, MK-886, CP-863187, Canadine, and Securinine) that could be used to treat ovarian endometriosis based on IGF2BP2. CONCLUSION Our findings provided additional support for a systematized understanding of the role of N6-methyladenosine RNA methylation in endometriosis and confirmed for the first time the mechanism of IGF2BP2 in promoting ovarian endometriosis. This provides the molecular foundation for potential future therapies for ovarian endometriosis. DATA AVAILABILITY The data used to support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaojie Zhao
- Department of Gynaecology, The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province 214002, PR China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Department of Gynaecology, The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province 214002, PR China
| | - Hua Yuan
- Department of Gynaecology, The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province 214002, PR China
| | - Yongxiang Yin
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province 214002, PR China
| | - Suwan Qi
- Department of Women Health Care, The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province 214002, PR China
| | - Wenjuan Li
- Department of Women Health Care, The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province 214002, PR China
| | - Xiadi Wu
- Department of Women Health Care, The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province 214002, PR China
| | - Feng Yaling
- Department of Women Health Care, The Affiliated Wuxi Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province 214002, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|