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Rodríguez-Eguren A, Bueno-Fernandez C, Gómez-Álvarez M, Francés-Herrero E, Pellicer A, Bellver J, Seli E, Cervelló I. Evolution of biotechnological advances and regenerative therapies for endometrial disorders: a systematic review. Hum Reprod Update 2024:dmae013. [PMID: 38796750 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmae013] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The establishment and maintenance of pregnancy depend on endometrial competence. Asherman syndrome (AS) and intrauterine adhesions (IUA), or endometrial atrophy (EA) and thin endometrium (TE), can either originate autonomously or arise as a result from conditions (i.e. endometritis or congenital hypoplasia), or medical interventions (e.g. surgeries, hormonal therapies, uterine curettage or radiotherapy). Affected patients may present an altered or inadequate endometrial lining that hinders embryo implantation and increases the risk of poor pregnancy outcomes and miscarriage. In humans, AS/IUA and EA/TE are mainly treated with surgeries or pharmacotherapy, however the reported efficacy of these therapeutic approaches remains unclear. Thus, novel regenerative techniques utilizing stem cells, growth factors, or tissue engineering have emerged to improve reproductive outcomes. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review comprehensively summarizes the methodologies and outcomes of emerging biotechnologies (cellular, acellular, and bioengineering approaches) to treat human endometrial pathologies. Regenerative therapies derived from human tissues or blood which were studied in preclinical models (in vitro and in vivo) and clinical trials are discussed. SEARCH METHODS A systematic search of full-text articles available in PubMed and Embase was conducted to identify original peer-reviewed studies published in English between January 2000 and September 2023. The search terms included: human, uterus, endometrium, Asherman syndrome, intrauterine adhesions, endometrial atrophy, thin endometrium, endometritis, congenital hypoplasia, curettage, radiotherapy, regenerative therapy, bioengineering, stem cells, vesicles, platelet-rich plasma, biomaterials, microfluidic, bioprinting, organoids, hydrogel, scaffold, sheet, miRNA, sildenafil, nitroglycerine, aspirin, growth hormone, progesterone, and estrogen. Preclinical and clinical studies on cellular, acellular, and bioengineering strategies to repair or regenerate the human endometrium were included. Additional studies were identified through manual searches. OUTCOMES From a total of 4366 records identified, 164 studies (3.8%) were included for systematic review. Due to heterogeneity in the study design and measured outcome parameters in both preclinical and clinical studies, the findings were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively without meta-analysis. Groups using stem cell-based treatments for endometrial pathologies commonly employed mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the human bone marrow or umbilical cord. Alternatively, acellular therapies based on platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or extracellular vesicles are gaining popularity. These are accompanied by the emergence of bioengineering strategies based on extracellular matrix (ECM)-derived hydrogels or synthetic biosimilars that sustain local delivery of cells and growth factors, reporting promising results. Combined therapies that target multiple aspects of tissue repair and regeneration remain in preclinical testing but have shown translational value. This review highlights the myriad of therapeutic material sources, administration methods, and carriers that have been tested. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Therapies that promote endometrial proliferation, vascular development, and tissue repair may help restore endometrial function and, ultimately, fertility. Based on the existing evidence, cost, accessibility, and availability of the therapies, we propose the development of triple-hit regenerative strategies, potentially combining high-yield MSCs (e.g. from bone marrow or umbilical cord) with acellular treatments (PRP), possibly integrated in ECM hydrogels. Advances in biotechnologies together with insights from preclinical models will pave the way for developing personalized treatment regimens for patients with infertility-causing endometrial disorders such as AS/IUA, EA/TE, and endometritis. REGISTRATION NUMBER https://osf.io/th8yf/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adolfo Rodríguez-Eguren
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Clara Bueno-Fernandez
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - María Gómez-Álvarez
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Emilio Francés-Herrero
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Pellicer
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - José Bellver
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Department of Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Emre Seli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVIRMA New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA
| | - Irene Cervelló
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
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Vali S, Saso S, Bracewell Milnes T, Nicopoullos J, Thum MY, Smith JR, Jones BP. The Clinical Application of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Female Reproductive System: A Narrative Review. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2348. [PMID: 38137949 PMCID: PMC10744710 DOI: 10.3390/life13122348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Platelet-rich plasma is an autologous plasma containing platelets prepared from fresh whole blood drawn from a peripheral vein. Through processing, it can be prepared to contain supraphysiologic levels of platelets at three to five times greater than the level of normal plasma. PRP has been explored both in vivo and ex vivo in the human endometrium model in its ability to harness the intrinsic regenerative capacity of the endometrium. Intrauterine autologous PRP infusions have been shown to increase endometrial thickness and reduce the rate of intrauterine adhesions. In the setting of recurrent implantation failure, intrauterine infusion of PRP has been shown to increase clinical pregnancy rate. PRP also appears to hold a potential role in select patients with premature ovarian insufficiency, poor ovarian responders and in improving outcomes following frozen-thawed transplantation of autologous ovarian tissue. Further studies are required to explore the potential role of PRP in reproductive medicine further, to help standardise PRP protocols and evaluate which routes of administration are most effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saaliha Vali
- Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London W12 OHS, UK; (S.S.); (J.R.S.); (B.P.J.)
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (T.B.M.); (J.N.); (M.-Y.T.)
| | - Srdjan Saso
- Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London W12 OHS, UK; (S.S.); (J.R.S.); (B.P.J.)
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (T.B.M.); (J.N.); (M.-Y.T.)
| | - Timothy Bracewell Milnes
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (T.B.M.); (J.N.); (M.-Y.T.)
- Lister Fertility Clinic, The Lister Hospital, London SW1W 8RH, UK
| | - James Nicopoullos
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (T.B.M.); (J.N.); (M.-Y.T.)
- Lister Fertility Clinic, The Lister Hospital, London SW1W 8RH, UK
| | - Meen-Yau Thum
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (T.B.M.); (J.N.); (M.-Y.T.)
- Lister Fertility Clinic, The Lister Hospital, London SW1W 8RH, UK
| | - James Richard Smith
- Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London W12 OHS, UK; (S.S.); (J.R.S.); (B.P.J.)
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (T.B.M.); (J.N.); (M.-Y.T.)
| | - Benjamin P. Jones
- Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London W12 OHS, UK; (S.S.); (J.R.S.); (B.P.J.)
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; (T.B.M.); (J.N.); (M.-Y.T.)
- Lister Fertility Clinic, The Lister Hospital, London SW1W 8RH, UK
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Li CJ, Zhan YD, Zhou XL, Yang J, Deng L, Li XL, Chen X. Value of Intrauterine Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy on Endometrial Receptivity: A Literature Review. Curr Med Sci 2023; 43:1075-1083. [PMID: 38041791 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-023-2816-4] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Endometrial receptivity is an important factor that influences embryo implantation. Thus, it is important to identify an applicable approach to improve endometrial receptivity in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology. Recently, growing evidence has indicated that intrauterine platelet-rich plasma (PRP) infusion is an effective method to obtain a satisfactory reproductive outcome by increasing endometrial thickness and improving endometrial receptivity. Therefore, the present review aims to outline the possible mechanisms of PRP on endometrial receptivity and summarize the present literature on the effects of PRP therapy in improving endometrial receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu-Jun Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Shunde, 528300, China
| | - Ya-Dou Zhan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Shunde, 528300, China
| | - Xian-Li Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Shunde, 528300, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Shunde, 528300, China
| | - Ling Deng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Shunde, 528300, China
| | - Xue-Lan Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Shunde, 528300, China.
| | - Xin Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Shunde, 528300, China.
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Hiraoka T, Osuga Y, Hirota Y. Current perspectives on endometrial receptivity: A comprehensive overview of etiology and treatment. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2023; 49:2397-2409. [PMID: 37527810 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) remains a challenging problem in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Further insights into uterine abnormalities that can disturb embryo implantation should be obtained. This review provides an overview of the effects of organic and non-organic uterine disorders on endometrial receptivity. The results suggest that various uterine pathologies can lead to defective embryo implantation via multiple mechanisms. In particular, uterine adenomyosis dysregulates molecular and cellular interactions that are vital for successful embryo implantation with a background of chronic inflammation, which may be alleviated by pretreatment with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist. Uterine myomas can cause endometrial deformation and adverse alterations in uterine contractility. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of myomectomy remains debated, and endometrial polyp removal may be considered, particularly in patients with RIF. Chronic endometritis abrogates the appropriate uterine immunological environment critical for embryo implantation. Abnormal endometrial microbiota have been suggested to influence endometrial receptivity; however, supporting evidence is currently scarce. Platelet-rich plasma therapy may be a potential treatment for thin endometria; nevertheless, further validation is required. Endometrial receptivity analysis can detect dysregulation of the window of implantation, and new non-invasive methods for predicting endometrial receptivity have recently been proposed. However, numerous issues still need to be fully clarified. Further clinical and basic studies are necessary to investigate the pathophysiology of defective endometrial receptivity and identify optimal treatments for patients undergoing ART, especially those with RIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehiro Hiraoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hirota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Chen J, Huang F, Fu J, Zhao J, Li J, Peng Z, Zhao J, Xu B, Li S, Zhang Q, Liang S, Li Y. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: a possible choice for patients with resistant thin endometrium during frozen embryo transfer treatments. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:80. [PMID: 37658414 PMCID: PMC10472734 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01123-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thin endometrium is considered suboptimal for embryo implantation, leading to compromised pregnancy rates without effective therapies. While some studies have reported promoted endometrial growth after a period of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in patients with intrauterine adhesion, there have been no reports in patients with resistant thin endometrium. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of HBOT on endometrium growth and pregnancy outcomes in patients with resistant thin endometrium during frozen embryo transfer (FET) treatments. METHODS This prospective pre-post cohort study was conducted at a university-affiliated assisted reproductive medical center between October 2021 and December 2022. Patients who had experienced at least one canceled transfer cycle due to a thin endometrium(< 7 mm) on the endometrium transformation day, despite the use of standard therapies as well as adjuvant therapies, were enrolled in the study. Patients were assigned voluntarily to either the HBOT group or the concurrent control group. The HBOT group received daily HBOT for at least 10 days during the proliferative phase, in addition to the routine endometrium preparation methods and the concurrent control group underwent cycles without HBOT. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to ensure comparability between the groups. Both self-control and case-control comparisons were conducted. The primary outcome measured was endometrial thickness (ET) on the day of endometrium transformation. Secondary outcomes included intrauterine pregnancy rate (IPR), embryo implantation rate (IR), miscarriage rate, and others. RESULTS Patients in the HBOT group demonstrated a significantly thicker endometrial thickness on the day of endometrium transformation after undergoing therapy (5.76 ± 1.66 vs. 6.57 ± 1.23, P = 0.002). This improvement was accompanied by a decreased rate of cycle cancellations. Baseline parameters and endometrial thickness were comparable between the HBOT group and the concurrent control group during the cycle. The IPR was similar in patients who received cleavage-stage embryos (0.0% vs. 6.7%, P = 1.00), but significantly higher in patients in the HBOT group who received blastocysts (53.8% vs. 18.2%, P = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS A period of HBOT prior to endometrium transformation contributes to increased endometrial thickness and facilitates blastocyst implantation in patients with resistant thin endometrium during FET treatments. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial was registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration no. ChiCTR2300072831, retrospectively registered).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Chen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
- Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Fangling Huang
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Jing Fu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
- Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Jianjuan Zhao
- STI-Zhilian Research Institute for Innovation and Digital Health, #1203, Building 1, No. 21, 18 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 410000, China
| | - Jinsheng Li
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518071, China
| | - Zhengrong Peng
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
- Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
- Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Shuyi Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
- Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China.
| | - Shaolin Liang
- STI-Zhilian Research Institute for Innovation and Digital Health, #1203, Building 1, No. 21, 18 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 410000, China.
- Institute for Six-sector Economy, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
- Xiangya Hospital, "Mobile Health" Ministry of Education-China Mobile Joint Laboratory, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China.
| | - Yanping Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Women's Reproductive Health in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China.
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