1
|
Ortac MS, Hacioglu A, Uludag SZ, Karaca Z, Unluhizarci K, Kelestimur F, Tanriverdi F. Evaluation of growth hormone deficiency in women with unexplained infertility. Growth Horm IGF Res 2024; 74:101571. [PMID: 38280246 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2024.101571] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Growth hormone (GH) has been recognized to play a regulatory role in female reproduction. It has been reported that infertile GH deficient patients regained fertility after GH replacement. The frequency of GH deficiency is not established in patients diagnosed with unexplained infertility. Here, we aim to present the prevalence of GH deficieny in this patient group. METHODS We included patients diagnosed with unexplained infertility throughout 18 months. Insulin tolerance test (ITT) and glucagon stimulation tests (GST) were performed and insufficient response to both tests was required for the diagnosis of GH deficiency. RESULTS Twenty-five patients were included in the study, the mean age was 27.4 ± 4.5 years and the median duration of infertility was 60 months (min:14, max:120). Two patients were GH deficient according to GST and 14 to ITT. Two patients (8%) showed lack of response on both tests and were diagnosed with GH deficiency. CONCLUSION The rate of GH deficiency among women with unexplained infertility was 8% in this preliminary study. There is need for further studies with larger patient groups to verify the results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Serif Ortac
- Erciyes University Medical School, Department of Endocrinology, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Aysa Hacioglu
- Erciyes University Medical School, Department of Endocrinology, Kayseri, Turkey.
| | - Semih Zeki Uludag
- Uskudar University Medical School, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zuleyha Karaca
- Erciyes University Medical School, Department of Endocrinology, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Kursad Unluhizarci
- Erciyes University Medical School, Department of Endocrinology, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Fahrettin Kelestimur
- Yeditepe University Medical School, Department of Endocrinology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fatih Tanriverdi
- Memorial Kayseri Hospital, Department of Endocrinology, Kayseri, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sidell N, Rajakumar A. Retinoic Acid Action in Cumulus Cells: Implications for Oocyte Development and In Vitro Fertilization. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1709. [PMID: 38338985 PMCID: PMC10855907 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031709] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In the field of human in vitro fertilization (IVF), selecting the best oocyte for freezing or embryo for transfer remains an important focus of clinical practice. Although several techniques are and have been used for this goal, results have generally not been favorable and/or are invasive such that damage to some embryos occurs, resulting in a reduced number of healthy births. Therefore, the search continues for non-invasive oocyte and embryo quality markers that signal the development of high-quality embryos. Multiple studies indicate the important positive effects of retinoic acid (RA) on oocyte maturation and function. We previously showed that a high follicular fluid (FF) RA concentration at the time of oocyte retrieval in IVF protocols was associated with oocytes, giving rise to the highest quality embryos, and that cumulus granulosa cells (CGCs) are the primary source of follicle RA synthesis. Data also demonstrated that connexin-43 (Cx43), the main connexin that forms gap junctions in CGCs, is regulated by RA and that RA induces a rapid increase in gap junction communication. Here, we hypothesize that CGC RA plays a causal role in oocyte competency through its action on Cx43 and, as such, may serve as a biomarker of oocyte competence. Multiple studies have demonstrated the requirement for Cx43 in CGCs for the normal progression of folliculogenesis, and that the increased expression of this connexin is linked to the improved developmental competence of the oocyte. The data have shown that RA can up-regulate gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) in the cumulus-oocyte complex via a non-genomic mechanism that results in the dephosphorylation of Cx43 and enhanced GJIC. Recognizing the positive role played by gap junctions in CGCs in oocyte development and the regulation of Cx43 by RA, the findings have highlighted the possibility that CGC RA levels may serve as a non-invasive indicator for selecting high-quality oocytes for IVF procedures. In addition, the data suggest that the manipulation of Cx43 with retinoid compounds could provide new pharmacological approaches to improve IVF outcomes in cases of failed implantation, recurrent miscarriage, or in certain diseases that are characterized by reduced fecundity, such as endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neil Sidell
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bartolacci A, dell'Aquila M, Coticchio G, Intra G, Parodi F, Patria G, Zacà C, Borini A. Endometriosis affects the number of retrieved oocytes but not early embryonic development and live birth: a retrospective analysis of 716 IVF cycles. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:1469-1476. [PMID: 37139851 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2200979] [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: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the potential effect of endometriosis on embryo development and clinical outcomes, a retrospective analysis of 716 women undergoing their first standard in vitro fertilization (sIVF) cycles (205 endometriosis and 511 with tubal factor infertility) was performed. The endometriosis group included women with an ultrasonographic or surgical diagnosis. Control subjects were women diagnosed with tubal factor infertility by laparoscopy or hysterosalpingogram. The primary outcome of the study was live birth. Cumulative live birth was also assessed in a subgroups analysis. After adjusting for confounders we found no significant difference in fertilization rate, blastulation, top-quality blastocyst, live birth, cumulative live birth (subgroups analysis) and miscarriage rate. In the endometriosis group, the number of retrieved oocytes was smaller (6.94 ± 4.06 Vs 7.50 ± 4.6, adjusted p < 0.05). We observed a statistically significant difference in the percentage of day-3 embryos with ≥8 blastomeres (33.12 ± 22.72 endometriosis vs, 40.77 ± 27.62 tubal factor, adjusted p < 0.01) and a negative correlation between the presence of endometriomas and a number of retrieved oocytes [B coefficient =-1.41, 95%CI (-2.31-0.51), adjusted p = 0.002]. Our results suggest that endometriosis affects the number of retrieved oocytes but not embryo development and live birth.
Collapse
|
4
|
Aguiar LDF, da Cunha GDSP, Cordido KAAT, Coelho1 FAC, Carvalho TMO. Randomized prospective study comparing conventional In Vitro Fertilization technique to Intravaginal Culture with the INVOCELL™ device for 3 and 5 days. JBRA Assist Reprod 2023; 27:360-366. [PMID: 37014952 PMCID: PMC10712802 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20220042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective was to analyse and compare the formation and quality of the embryos developed using conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) and IVC techniques with an INVOCell™ device. METHODS Two groups were formed, with eight couples in each, one in culture for three days (D3) and another in culture for five days (D5), using intravaginal culture technique with an INVOcell device and a conventional in vitro fertilization technique. RESULTS Embryo formation in Group D5 showed 46.7% (IVC) and 40% (IVF) of recovered blastocysts. In the group D5, the conventional IVF, better embryo development dynamics was observed, with 66% of expanded blastocysts, against 28% in the IVC. Group D3 showed 75% (IVC) and 53% (IVF) of embryo formation. Embryonic quality in Group D3 demonstrated that IVF embryos had a better synchrony in the number and quality of blastomeres. All embryos recovered in Group D3, in both techniques, did not show fragmentation. The pH of the medium contained in the INVOCell™ device in both Groups D5 and D3 showed no differences. The means were 7.26 and 7.25, respectively. The pH of the medium used in IVF was 7.29 in both groups. Microbiological analyzes of the culture media contained in the INVOCell™ devices used in Group D5 were negative. CONCLUSIONS The results showed that the IVC technique, using the INVOCell™ device, provided a healthy and balanced environment for the development and obtaining of quality embryos with three and five days of culture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lilian de Freitas Aguiar
- Centro de Infertilidade e Medicina Fetal do Norte Fluminense,
Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade
Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, RJ, Brasil
| | - Gisele dos Santos Pessanha da Cunha
- Centro de Infertilidade e Medicina Fetal do Norte Fluminense,
Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade
Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, RJ, Brasil
| | | | - Francisco Augusto Colucci Coelho1
- Centro de Infertilidade e Medicina Fetal do Norte Fluminense,
Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
- Faculdade de Medicina de Campos, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ,
Brasil
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Impact of endometriosis on embryo quality and endometrial receptivity in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology. Reprod Biol 2023; 23:100733. [PMID: 36821944 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2023.100733] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
ART is an important treatment method for infertile patients with endometriosis. However, the effects of endometriosis on embryo quality and endometrial receptivity remain unclear. Thus, we aimed to simultaneously investigate the impact of endometriosis and its stage on embryo quality and endometrial receptivity in women undergoing ART. We retrospectively analyzed the data from patients with and without endometriosis who underwent oocyte retrieval and/or high-quality embryos transfer between July 2015 and December 2020, including 1312 IVF cycles and 608 IVF or frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles, respectively. The endometriosis group had a lower percentage of good cleavage-stage embryos and fertilization rates than those in the control group (p = 0.038 and 0.008, respectively). The number of retrieved oocytes, MII oocytes, cleavage, blastocysts, and blastulation rates was comparable between two groups. We found no significant difference in clinical pregnancy, implantation, live birth, miscarriage, or multiple pregnancy rates between the two groups among patients who transferred high-quality embryos. Stratification analysis showed that patients with stage III-IV endometriosis had fewer retrieved oocytes than those with stage I-II endometriosis (p = 0.012) and marginally fewer retrieved oocytes than the control group (p = 0.051). The stage I-II group had the lowest percentage of good cleavage-stage embryos, which was significantly lower than that of the control group (p = 0.043). In FET cycles, patients with stage III-IV endometriosis had a higher miscarriage rate than those in the control group (p = 0.023). Our results suggest that endometriosis does not alter endometrial receptivity but affects embryo quality, oocyte fertilization ability, and ovarian response.
Collapse
|
6
|
Esmaeilzadeh S, Ghorbani M, Abdolahzadeh M, Chehrazi M, Jorsaraei SG, Mirabi P. Stages of endometriosis: Does it affect oocyte quality, embryo development and fertilization rate? JBRA Assist Reprod 2022; 26:620-626. [PMID: 36350241 PMCID: PMC9635609 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20220051] [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] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of endometriosis and its different stages over Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) outcomes among infertile women without previous history of ovarian surgery. METHODS A total of 440 women enrolled in ICSI cycles were recruited and divided into two groups: endometriosis (n=220) and control group (n=220). Endometriosis patients without previous surgical treatment and with diagnostic laparoscopy were further stratified based on disease stage. Clinical and laboratory parameters, ovarian reserve markers, the number and quality of oocytes and embryos and fertilization rate were analyzed and compared among the various severity grades of endometriosis and the control group. RESULTS Patients with advanced endometriosis had significantly fewer retrieved oocytes with small effect size (p<0.001, η2=0.04), lower metaphase II oocytes (p<0.001, η2=0.09) and fewer total numbers of embryos (p<0.001, η2=0.11) compared with less severe disease or women with tubal factor infertility. The fertilization rate in women with severe endometriosis was similar to that of the control group and in those with minimal/mild endometriosis (p=0.187). CONCLUSIONS Severe endometriosis negatively affects ovarian response, oocyte quality and embryos. However, fertilization rate is not different among the various stages of endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sedighe Esmaeilzadeh
- Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center. Health
Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mahsa Ghorbani
- Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center. Health
Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Maryam Abdolahzadeh
- Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center. Health
Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Mohammad Chehrazi
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Medicine,
Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Sayed Gholamali Jorsaraei
- Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center. Health
Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Parvaneh Mirabi
- Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center. Health
Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran ,Corresponding author: Parvaneh Mirabi, Fatemezahra
Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Health Research Institute,
Babol University of Medical Sciences, Torkemahale Babol, Iran. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bilgic BE, Kurek Eken M, Ayla Ş, Kose A, Kutlu T, İlhan G. The rate of oocytes with granular cytoplasm is higher in women with endometrioma in ICSI cycles. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2021; 42:467-471. [PMID: 34165007 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2021.1916803] [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: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of endometrioma on oocyte morphology and fertility outcome in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)cycles. The study material was obtained from 114 ICSI cycles of infertile women aged between 20 and 38 years with ovarian endometriomas and unexplained infertility. In total, 644 mature oocytes were included in the analysis. The rates of specific oocyte morphological abnormalities were similar between the two groups however the central granulation rate was significantly higher in the group with endometrioma (p < .05). Fertilisation rate were not significantly different between the groups (p ≥ .05) however the numbers of metaphase 2 (MII) oocytes and embryos were lower in the endometrioma group (p ≤ .05). Endometrioma was associated with a higher rate of oocytes with granular cytoplasm, despite the fertilisation rate the numbers of the MII oocytes and embryo were affected.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? The association between endometrioma and infertility is a well-known condition, but the possible mechanisms of the effects of endometrioma on women's fertility is still debated and controversial. There is limited data on the effect of endometrioma on oocyte morphology. Low oocyte quality and lower fertilisation rates might be the main cause of adverse pregnancy outcomes during in vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles.What do the results of this study add? Endometrioma was associated with a higher rate of oocytes with granular cytoplasm, and lower metaphase 2 oocytes and embryos.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Future studies using further oocyte quality assessment methods and prospective observational studies including live-birth rate should be designed to better understand how endometrioma affects fertility outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bulent Emre Bilgic
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, Zeynep Kamil Women and Children Educational and Research Hospital Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Meryem Kurek Eken
- Medical Faculty Department of Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, İstanbul Yeni Yüzyıl University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Şule Ayla
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embriyology, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Kose
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, Süleymaniye Women and Children Educational and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tayfun Kutlu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, Zeynep Kamil Women and Children Educational and Research Hospital Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gülşah İlhan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, Süleymaniye Women and Children Educational and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ajdary M, Ashrafi M, Aflatoonian R, Mehdizadeh M. The role of sperm in inducing genomic changes in the implantation: An experimental study. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14077. [PMID: 33909315 DOI: 10.1111/and.14077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial receptivity and implantation are important topics in reproductive sciences. No evidence was found to support sperm involvement in endometrial receptivity and its associated factors. This study aimed to explore the effect of the normal human spermatozoa-endometrium cell interaction in regulating genes in the endometrial receptivity pathway. Semen samples were collected from a healthy and fertile man; then, they were incubated with endometrial cells for 24 hr and considered as the sperm group. A group was cultured without spermatozoa and considered as a control group. About 24 hr later, cells were collected from the bottom of the culture dish. The expressions of the VEGF, FGF2, HBEGF, LIFR, EGF, LIF, MUC1, HOXA10, CSF and PGR genes were evaluated in the two groups. Statistical analysis was performed using an independent sample test. Compared with the control group, in the sperm group, the mRNA levels of PGR (p = .0451), VEGF (p = .0101), HBEGF (p = .0163), EFG (p = .0339), FGF2 (p = .012), LIF (p = .0324), LIFR (p = .0321) and HOXA10 (p = .0098) were significantly upregulated. The results showed that there is a need for the interaction between spermatozoa and endometrium for implantation and can be used for preparing uterine in in vitro fertilisation cycles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marziyeh Ajdary
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Ashrafi
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Aflatoonian
- Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mehdizadeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Anatomical Science, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mahdavinezhad F, Gharaei R, Farmani AR, Hashemi F, Kouhestani M, Amidi F. The Potential Relationship Between Different Human Female Reproductive Disorders and Sperm Quality in Female Genital Tract. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:695-710. [PMID: 33852138 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00520-7] [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: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Spermatozoa should travel throughout the female reproductive tract to reach its ultimate goal, fertilization of the oocyte. At the ejaculation moment, millions of sperm within a few milliliters of the ejaculate are deposited at the cranial segment of vagina and make their journey to the fertilization site. This is done by means of various factors, such as sperm motility, the uterine and fallopian tubes contractility, and the ciliary movement of the lining cells. During this migration, spermatozoa interact with the female microenvironment both physically and molecularly. In this regard, the quality of the environmental conditions may affect this interaction. Therefore, some alterations in women's genital tract microenvironment, such as conditions that occur in female reproductive disorders, may have detrimental effects on sperm reproductive function. In this review, human sperm migration through the female tract is described, and the potential effects of different reproductive disorders at reproductive organs, such as vagina, uterine cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovary on sperm survival and quality, are also argued. The understanding of those conditions that may impair sperm fertility in the female genital tract can provide a more accurate diagnosis of the causes of infertility in couples. This can ultimately lead to the discovery of effective treatment approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Forough Mahdavinezhad
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roghaye Gharaei
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Farmani
- Department of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Advanced Technologies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farideh Hashemi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Kouhestani
- Department of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Advanced Technologies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fardin Amidi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Infertility, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Siristatidis C, Pouliakis A, Sergentanis TN. Special characteristics, reproductive, and clinical profile of women with unexplained infertility versus other causes of infertility: a comparative study. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:1923-1930. [PMID: 32504303 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01845-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate whether women with unexplained infertility (UI) demonstrate different demographic and IVF characteristics compared to those with other causes of infertility. METHODS Data on 245 couples that underwent a total of 413 IVF/ICSI cycles were analyzed (UI 114 cycles, 73 women; anovulation (PCO/PCOS) 83 cycles, 51 women; tubal factor 85 cycles, 47 women; male factor 131 cycles, 74 women). Features of UI were compared versus other infertility groups, after adjustment for multiple comparisons. Generalized least squares (GLS) and random-effects logistic regression analysis were also performed. RESULTS Live birth rates, consisting of the primary outcome, were similar in all compared infertility groups. Compared to male infertility, UI was associated with woman's older age at cycle, lower body mass index (BMI), and higher follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Compared to tubal infertility, UI was linked to lower endometrial thickness at oocyte retrieval and lower BMI; compared to anovulatory infertility related to PCO/PCOS, UI was linked to woman's older age, more frequent smoking, and poorer ovarian reserve tests (FSH and antral follicle count). After adjustment for other types of infertility, woman's age, age at menarche, and FSH levels, anovulatory infertility presented with higher odds of clinical pregnancy compared to UI (adjusted OR = 2.13, 95% C: 1.01-4.52). CONCLUSIONS Infertile women with UI undergoing assisted reproduction demonstrate different demographic and clinical characteristics compared to those of other causes of infertility, albeit live birth rates are similar.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Siristatidis
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Attikon" University Hospital, 1 Rimini Street, Chaidari, 12642, Athens, Greece.
- Assisted Reproducton Unit, Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Abraham Pouliakis
- Second Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Attikon" University Hospital, 1 Rimini Street, Chaidari, 12642, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros N Sergentanis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Alexandra" Hospital, 80 Vas. Sofias Ave, 11528, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Horton J, Sterrenburg M, Lane S, Maheshwari A, Li TC, Cheong Y. Reproductive, obstetric, and perinatal outcomes of women with adenomyosis and endometriosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 25:592-632. [PMID: 31318420 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The reproductive impact of adenomyosis and endometriosis is widely researched but the extent of these impacts remains elusive. It has been demonstrated that endometriosis, in particular, is known to result in subfertility but endometriosis and adenomyosis are increasingly linked to late pregnancy complications such as those caused by placental insufficiency. At the molecular level, the presence of ectopic endometrium perturbs the endometrial hormonal, cellular, and immunological milieu, negatively influencing decidualization, placentation, and developmental programming of the embryo. It is unclear if and how such early aberrant reproductive development relates to pregnancy outcomes in endometriosis and adenomyosis. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to (i) investigate the association of adenomyosis and endometriosis with fertility, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes of women through both assisted reproduction and natural conception and (ii) determine whether endometriosis disease subtypes have specific impacts on different stages of the reproductive process. SEARCH METHODS A systematic literature review of NHS evidence electronic databases and the Cochrane database identified all comparative and observational studies between 1980 and December 2018 in any language on adenomyosis and endometriosis with fertility, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes (23 search terms used). A total of 104 papers were selected for data extraction and meta-analysis, with use of Downs and Black standardized checklist to evaluate quality and bias. OUTCOMES We found that endometriosis consistently leads to reduced oocyte yield and a reduced fertilization rate (FR), in line with current evidence. Milder forms of endometriosis were most likely to affect the fertilization (FR OR 0.77, CI 0.63-0.93) and earlier implantation processes (implantation rate OR 0.76, CI 0.62-0.93). The more severe disease by American Society for Reproductive Medicine staging (ASRM III and IV) influenced all stages of reproduction. Ovarian endometriosis negatively affects the oocyte yield (MD -1.22, CI -1.96, -0.49) and number of mature oocytes (MD -2.24, CI -3.4, -1.09). We found an increased risk of miscarriage in both adenomyosis and endometriosis (OR 3.40, CI 1.41-8.65 and OR 1.30, CI 1.25-1.35, respectively), and endometriosis can be associated with a range of obstetric and fetal complications including preterm delivery (OR 1.38, CI 1.01-1.89), caesarean section delivery (OR 1.98 CI 1.64-2.38), and neonatal unit admission following delivery (OR 1.29, CI 1.07-1.55). WIDER IMPLICATIONS Adenomyosis and the subtypes of endometriosis may have specific complication profiles though further evidence is needed to be able to draw conclusions. Several known pregnancy complications are likely to be associated with these conditions. The complications are possibly caused by dysfunctional uterine changes leading to implantation and placentation issues and therefore could potentially have far-reaching consequences as suggested by Barker's hypothesis. Our findings would suggest that women with these conditions should ideally receive pre-natal counselling and should be considered higher risk in pregnancy and at delivery, until evidence to the contrary is available. In order to expand our knowledge of these conditions and better advise on future management of these patients in reproductive and maternal medicine, a more unified approach to studying fertility and reproductive outcomes with longer term follow-up of the offspring and attention to the subtype of disease is necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Horton
- University of Southampton, Human Development and Health, Southampton, UK.,University of Southampton, Complete Fertility, Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - Monique Sterrenburg
- University of Sheffield, Academic Unit of Medical, Sheffield, UK.,University of Sheffield, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sheffield, UK
| | - Simon Lane
- University of Southampton, Institute for Life Sciences, Southampton, UK
| | - Abha Maheshwari
- University of Aberdeen, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Tin Chiu Li
- Chinese University of Hong Kong, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Ying Cheong
- University of Southampton, Human Development and Health, Southampton, UK.,University of Southampton, Complete Fertility, Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Daniilidis A, Balaouras D, Chitzios D, Theodoridis T, Assimakopoulos E. Hydrosalpinx: Tubal surgery or in vitro fertilisation? An everlasting dilemma nowadays; a narrative review. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2017; 37:550-556. [PMID: 28325120 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2017.1287685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The decision on how to treat tubal diseases, specifically hydrosalpinx, is a difficult one. Ιt involves surgical, medical, social, emotional and economic factors. This narrative review aims to increase awareness of tubal disease diagnosis and treatment, to compare between tubal surgery and in vitro fertilisation (IVF) for tubal factor infertility, and to investigate the effect of the combination of both. This way, we can be more effective, safe and provide our patients with better treatment results. The review analysed randomised studies, trials and meta-analysis, which give new aspects on the treatment methods for tubal pathology before IVF. Recent papers published in English have been studied, alongside guidelines and committee opinions from previous years. Tubal surgery and IVF aim to exploit a woman's reproductive potential. IVF and endoscopic tubal surgery must be thought of as complementary, rather than competing techniques in tubal disease cases, in order to improve fertility outcome. The first-line treatment for young women less than 35 years old with minor tubal pathology, is tubal surgery. IVF should be offered if there are other factors in a couple's subfertility, if the patient is >38 years old, if moderate to severe tubal disease is present, and if it has been more than 12 months post-surgery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Daniilidis
- a 2nd University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hippokratio General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Greece
| | - D Balaouras
- a 2nd University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hippokratio General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Greece
| | - D Chitzios
- a 2nd University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hippokratio General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Greece
| | - T Theodoridis
- b 1st University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Greece
| | - E Assimakopoulos
- a 2nd University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hippokratio General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Greece
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Shebl O, Sifferlinger I, Habelsberger A, Oppelt P, Mayer RB, Petek E, Ebner T. Oocyte competence in in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection patients suffering from endometriosis and its possible association with subsequent treatment outcome: a matched case-control study. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2016; 96:736-744. [PMID: 27317364 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.12941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Endometriosis affects up to 15% of women of reproductive age. There is an obvious lack of studies dealing with morphological parameters of oocyte morphology in endometriosis patients in assisted reproduction. One aim of the study is to describe oocyte morphology in patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection suffering from endometriosis. In addition, the impact of endometriosis on in vitro fertilization results is analyzed. Both in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection patients are then matched with an endometriosis-free control group for highlighting the possible association of endometriosis with pregnancy outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS Oocyte morphology of endometriosis patients was assessed in two groups. Both study group and control group consisted of 129 in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles each. Patients were matched according to anti-Müllerian hormone, female age, previous treatment cycles, and method of fertilization. Endometriosis was graded according to the revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine guidelines of 1997. RESULTS Patients with endometriosis had a significantly lower rate of mature oocytes (p < 0.03) and morphologically normal oocytes (p < 0.001). In particular, brownish oocytes (p < 0.009; stage I-IV) and the presence of refractile bodies (p < 0.001; stage IV) were found to be increased. Endometriosis stage IV was associated with significantly worse-quality oocytes than stages I-III (p < 0.01). Fertilization was significantly reduced in conventional in vitro fertilization but not in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (p < 0.03). This was due to lower fertilization rates in stage III-IV endometriosis compared with stage I-II (p < 0.04). No difference was observed with respect to rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, live birth, and malformation. CONCLUSIONS Endometriosis patients, in particular those with severe endometriosis, present lower-quality oocytes. Once fertilized, no impairment of further preimplantation embryo development and pregnancy outcome right up to healthy live birth rate has to be expected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omar Shebl
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Gynecological Endocrinology, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria
| | | | - Alwin Habelsberger
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Gynecological Endocrinology, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria
| | - Peter Oppelt
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Gynecological Endocrinology, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria
| | - Richard B Mayer
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Gynecological Endocrinology, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria
| | - Erwin Petek
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical University, Graz, Austria
| | - Thomas Ebner
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Gynecological Endocrinology, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Nair HB, Baker R, Owston MA, Escalona R, Dick EJ, VandeBerg JL, Nickisch KJ. An efficient model of human endometriosis by induced unopposed estrogenicity in baboons. Oncotarget 2016; 7:10857-69. [PMID: 26908459 PMCID: PMC4905444 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic estrogen-dependent disease that occurs in approximately 10% of reproductive age women. Baboons offer a clear benefit for studying the initiation and progression of endometriosis since baboon is very close to humans phylogenetically. Progestins are used in the treatment of endometriosis. The therapeutic window of progestins depends on the ratio of its affinity towards progesterone receptor agonism verses antagonism. The present study is to determine the role of pure antiprogestin in baboon endometriosis. We hypothesize that pure antiprogestin will induce unopposed estrogenicity and spontaneous endometriosis in baboons. The rate of endometrial invasion and attachment through modeled peritoneum in the presence and absence of progesterone and antiprogestin was evaluated in this study. A baboon model of endometriosis induced by unopposed estrogenicity using progesterone receptor antagonist (EC304) was used in this study. We observed EC304 has induced unopposed estrogenicity that deregulated proteins involved in attachment, invasion, cell growth, and steroid hormone receptors in this model. Our data suggest that depleting progesterone levels in the endometrium will increase estrogen hyper-responsiveness that leads to increased endometriotic lesion progression in the baboon (Papio anubis) model. This study reports a refined model of human endometriosis in baboons that could potentially be used to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for the benefit of women suffering from endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert Baker
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Michael A Owston
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Renee Escalona
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Edward J Dick
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - John L VandeBerg
- Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Xu B, Guo N, Zhang XM, Shi W, Tong XH, Iqbal F, Liu YS. Oocyte quality is decreased in women with minimal or mild endometriosis. Sci Rep 2015; 5:10779. [PMID: 26022105 PMCID: PMC4448226 DOI: 10.1038/srep10779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis, a pathological condition in which the endometrium grows outside the uterus, is one of the most common causes of female infertility; it is diagnosed in 25–40% of infertile women. The mechanism by which endometriosis affects the fertility of females remains largely unknown. We examined the ultrastructure of oocytes from patients with minimal or mild endometriosis and control females undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to investigate the physiological significance of oocyte quality for patients with minimal or mild endometriosis. The TEM results revealed that the oocytes from women with minimal or mild endometriosis exhibited abnormal mitochondrial structure and decreased mitochondria mass. Quantitative real time PCR analysis revealed that the mitochondrial DNA copy number was significantly reduced in the oocytes from women with minimal or mild endometriosis compared with those of the control subjects. Our results suggest that decreased oocyte quality because of impaired mitochondrial structure and functions probably an important factor affecting the fertility of endometriosis patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Nan Guo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Xiao-min Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Wei Shi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Xian-hong Tong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Furhan Iqbal
- Institute of Pure and Applied Biology. Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, 60800, Pakistan
| | - Yu-sheng Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
|
17
|
Singh N, Lata K, Naha M, Malhotra N, Tiwari A, Vanamail P. Effect of endometriosis on implantation rates when compared to tubal factor in fresh non donor in vitro fertilization cycles. J Hum Reprod Sci 2014; 7:143-7. [PMID: 25191029 PMCID: PMC4150142 DOI: 10.4103/0974-1208.138874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2013] [Revised: 11/06/2013] [Accepted: 01/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of the following study is to compare the outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in women with endometriosis and tubal-factor infertility. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Tertiary referral hospital, assisted reproductive technologies unit. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The study group consisted of 78 women diagnosed with advanced stage endometriosis. The control group included 100 women with tubal-factor infertility. These groups were retrospectively analyzed regarding stimulation, fertilization, embryo development, implantation and pregnancy outcome. INTERVENTION (S): Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and IVF-ET. RESULTS: Lower oocyte yield with lower fertilization rate were found in women with endometriosis compared with tubal-factor control subjects. However, no differences were found in cleavage, implantation and clinical pregnancy rates between the endometriosis and tubal-factor groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that women with endometriosis have a lower oocyte yield and lower fertilization rate compared with women with tubal-factor infertility. However, once the oocyte is fertilized, it seems that the embryo has a normal chance of implantation, leading to similar pregnancy rates and adequately treated women with endometriosis have equal chances of conception as seen with tubal-factor infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neeta Singh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Kusum Lata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Moumita Naha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Neena Malhotra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Abhinash Tiwari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Perumal Vanamail
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Barbosa MAP, Teixeira DM, Navarro PAAS, Ferriani RA, Nastri CO, Martins WP. Impact of endometriosis and its staging on assisted reproduction outcome: systematic review and meta-analysis. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2014; 44:261-278. [PMID: 24639087 DOI: 10.1002/uog.13366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2013] [Revised: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether the presence or severity of endometriosis affects the outcome of assisted reproductive techniques (ART). METHODS In this systematic review, all studies comparing the outcome of ART in women with and those without endometriosis, or at different stages of the disease, were considered eligible. We used either risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD) and their 95%CIs for comparisons. The primary outcome was live birth; the secondary outcome was clinical pregnancy. Miscarriage and the number of oocytes retrieved were examined as additional outcomes. RESULTS We included 92 studies in the review and 78 in the meta-analysis: 20,167 women with endometriosis were compared with 121,931 women without endometriosis, and 1703 women with Stage-III/IV endometriosis were compared with 2227 women with Stage-I/II endometriosis. The following results were observed for the comparison of women with endometriosis vs women without endometriosis: live birth, RR = 0.99 (95%CI, 0.92-1.06); clinical pregnancy, RR = 0.95 (95%CI, 0.89-1.02); miscarriage, RR = 1.31 (95%CI, 1.07-1.59); number of oocytes retrieved, MD = -1.56 (95%CI, -2.05 to -1.08). The following results were observed for the comparison of women with Stage-III/IV vs Stage-I/II endometriosis: live birth, RR = 0.94 (95%CI, 0.80-1.11); clinical pregnancy, RR = 0.90 (95%CI, 0.82-1.00); miscarriage, RR = 0.99 (95%CI, 0.73-1.36); number of oocytes retrieved, MD = -1.03 (95%CI, -1.67 to -0.39). CONCLUSIONS Women with endometriosis undergoing ART have practically the same chance of achieving clinical pregnancy and live birth as do women with other causes of infertility. No relevant difference was observed in the chance of achieving clinical pregnancy and live birth following ART when comparing Stage-III/IV with Stage-I/II endometriosis. The quality of the evidence for the additional examined outcomes was very low, not allowing meaningful conclusions to be drawn.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M A P Barbosa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Fadhlaoui A, Bouquet de la Jolinière J, Feki A. Endometriosis and infertility: how and when to treat? Front Surg 2014; 1:24. [PMID: 25593948 PMCID: PMC4286960 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2014.00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial-like tissue (glands or stroma) outside the uterus, which induces a chronic inflammatory reaction. Although endometriosis impairs fertility, it does not usually completely prevent conception. The question of evidence based-medicine guidelines in endometriosis-associated infertility is weak in many situations. Therefore, we will highlight in this issue where the challenges are.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anis Fadhlaoui
- Service de gynécologie obstétrique, HFR Fribourg – Hôpital Cantonal, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | | | - Anis Feki
- Service de gynécologie obstétrique, HFR Fribourg – Hôpital Cantonal, Fribourg, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Goud PT, Goud AP, Joshi N, Puscheck E, Diamond MP, Abu-Soud HM. Dynamics of nitric oxide, altered follicular microenvironment, and oocyte quality in women with endometriosis. Fertil Steril 2014; 102:151-159.e5. [PMID: 24825428 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.03.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2013] [Revised: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study follicular microenvironment in terms of free radical dynamics, oocyte quality, and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes among women with (group A) and without (group B) endometriosis. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING University ART center. PATIENT(S) Women with and without endometriosis undergoing ART (n=28). INTERVENTION(S) Follicular fluid (FF), granulosa cells (GCs), immature oocytes (IOs), and ART data on sibling cohort oocytes in groups A and B were compared. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) ART live birth outcomes, maturation, and aging among in vitro matured (IVM) oocytes, nitrate levels in FF, and nitrotyrosine (NT) footprints and apoptosis in the GCs. RESULT(S) Clinical characteristics and ART live birth outcomes were no different between groups A and B. Women from group A had significantly lower peak serum E2 (2,068.8±244.6 pg/mL vs. 2,756.2±205.0 pg/mL) and higher apoptosis (80.0% vs. 22.2%) and NT staining (70.0% vs. 22.2%) in GCs compared with group B. Fewer IOs underwent IVM to MII (0.6±0.3) in group A compared with group B (1.4±0.2). IVM oocytes had significantly higher incidence of cortical granule loss (83.3% vs. 24.0%) and spindle disruption (66.7% vs. 16.0%) and higher zona pellucida dissolution timing (133.8±9.4 s vs. 90.5±5.8 s) in group A compared with group B. FF nitrate levels were significantly higher in women who failed to conceive in group A (478.2±43.1 nmol/L) compared with those that did conceive (173.3±19.0 nmol/L). CONCLUSION(S) Increased protein nitration, GC apoptosis, resistance to IVM, and oocyte aging indicate the involvement of oxidative dysregulation of NO in the pathophysiology of altered follicular milieu and poor oocyte quality in women with endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pravin T Goud
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California; Californa IVF Fertility Center, Davis and Sacramento, California.
| | - Anuradha P Goud
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan; California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Narendra Joshi
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Elizabeth Puscheck
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Michael P Diamond
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Husam M Abu-Soud
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Developmental exposure of fetal ovaries and fetal germ cells to endometriosis in an endometriosis model causes differential gene expression in the preimplantation embryos of the first-generation and second-generation embryos. Fertil Steril 2013; 100:1436-43. [PMID: 23954358 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Revised: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize multigenerational gene expression anomalies in eight-cell stage embryos associated with developmental exposure to endometriosis. DESIGN Using an endometriosis model in rats (F0 founder generation) to evaluate gene expression in F1 (fetal exposure) and F2 (fetal germ cell exposure) generation eight-cell stage embryos. SETTING Laboratory. ANIMAL(S) Endometriosis model in rats (Endo) and controls (Sham). INTERVENTION(S) F0 Endo and Sham rats were bred; half the pregnant rats were killed on gestational day 3 to collect F1 eight-cell stage embryos and the others gestated to term (F1 females). Adult F1 females bred; F2 eight-cell embryos collected. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Maintenance of differential gene expression in F1 and F2 generation eight-cell embryos in endometriosis. RESULT(S) Developmental exposure to endometriosis altered the gene signaling pathways, with changes found in apoptosis, the cell cycle process, the response to oxidative stress, negative regulation of molecular function, and RNA processing. The apoptotic genes Diablo, Casp3, Parp1, Cad, and Dnaja3 were increased and the Nfkbia transcripts were decreased in F1 Endo versus F1 Sham embryos. In F2 Endo versus Sham embryos, Casp3 and Cad were statistically significantly increased, and Parp1 and Nfkbia tended to be elevated. CONCLUSION(S) Fetal and germ cell exposure to endometriosis alters apoptotic gene expression in first- and second-generation eight-cell stage embryos, supporting the hypothesis of multigenerational inheritance resulting from exposure to endometriosis in utero.
Collapse
|
22
|
Harb HM, Gallos ID, Chu J, Harb M, Coomarasamy A. The effect of endometriosis on in vitro fertilisation outcome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BJOG 2013; 120:1308-20. [PMID: 23834505 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.12366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is found in 0.5-5% of fertile women and 25-40% of infertile women. It is known that endometriosis is associated with infertility, but there is uncertainty whether women with endometriosis have adverse pregnancy outcomes in in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment. OBJECTIVES To explore the association between endometriosis and IVF outcome. SEARCH STRATEGY Searches were conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science (inception, December 2012) in all languages, together with reference lists of retrieved papers. SELECTION CRITERIA Studies comparing IVF outcome in women with endometriosis with women without endometriosis. Patients were classified by stage of endometriosis. The outcomes were fertilisation, implantation, clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. Study selection was conducted independently by two reviewers. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale was used for quality assessment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data extraction was conducted independently by two reviewers. Relative risks from individual studies were meta-analysed. MAIN RESULTS Twenty-seven observational studies were included, comprising 8984 women. Meta-analysis of these studies showed that fertilisation rates were reduced in stage I/II of endometriosis (relative risk [RR] = 0.93, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.87-0.99, P = 0.03). There was a decrease in the implantation rate (RR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.67-0.93, P = 0.006) and clinical pregnancy rate (RR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.69-0.91, P = 0.0008) in women with stage III/IV endometriosis undergoing IVF treatment. CONCLUSION The presence of severe endometriosis (stage III/IV) is associated with poor implantation and clinical pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H M Harb
- School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Birmingham, Birmingham Women's Hospital Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Stilley JAW, Birt JA, Sharpe-Timms KL. Cellular and molecular basis for endometriosis-associated infertility. Cell Tissue Res 2013; 349:849-62. [PMID: 22298022 PMCID: PMC3429772 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-011-1309-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 12/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a gynecological disease characterized by the presence of endometrial glandular epithelial and stromal cells growing in the extra-uterine environment. The disease afflicts 10%–15% of menstruating women causing debilitating pain and infertility. Endometriosis appears to affect every part of a woman’s reproductive system including ovarian function, oocyte quality, embryo development and implantation, uterine function and the endocrine system choreographing the reproductive process and results in infertility or spontaneous pregnancy loss. Current treatments are laden with menopausal-like side effects and many cause cessation or chemical alteration of the reproductive cycle, neither of which is conducive to achieving a pregnancy. However, despite the prevalence, physical and psychological tolls and health care costs, a cure for endometriosis has not yet been found. We hypothesize that endometriosis causes infertility via multifaceted mechanisms that are intricately interwoven thereby contributing to our lack of understanding of this disease process. Identifying and understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for endometriosis-associated infertility might help unravel the confounding multiplicities of infertility and provide insights into novel therapeutic approaches and potentially curative treatments for endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie A W Stilley
- Division of Reproductive and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, The University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, 65212, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Komsky-Elbaz A, Raziel A, Friedler S, Strassburger D, Kasterstein E, Komarovsky D, Ron-El R, Ben-Ami I. Conventional IVF versus ICSI in sibling oocytes from couples with endometriosis and normozoospermic semen. J Assist Reprod Genet 2012; 30:251-7. [PMID: 23271211 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-012-9922-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study compares the fertilization rate and embryonic development of oocytes randomly inseminated by conventional IVF or ICSI in patients with endometriosis and normozoospermic semen during IVF cycles. METHODS Sibling oocytes were randomized to be inseminated either by ICSI or IVF. Rates of fertilization, cleavage, blastulation and embryonic morphology were assessed. RESULTS A total of 786 sibling cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) were randomized between insemination by conventional IVF (387 COC) or ICSI (399 COC). A significantly higher fertilization rate was found in the ICSI group (ICSI versus IVF, 73.3±23 % versus 54.7±31.9 % respectively; P=0.003), yielding a higher mean number of day 2 embryos (5.2±3.4 versus 3.6±2.9 respectively; P=0.002). Triploid fertilization rate (3PN/COC) was significantly higher in the IVF group compared to the ICSI group (3.9±8.7 % versus 0.9±3.1 % respectively; P=0.02). The morphology score and rate of development of day 2 and 3 embryos were not different between the two groups. Comparison of embryo transfer cycles in which either IVF or ICSI only embryos were transferred did not reveal any statistically significant differences in pregnancy or implantation rates. CONCLUSION ICSI appears to be a better treatment option than conventional IVF in endometriosis-associated infertility, since it offers the advantages of higher fertilization rate and mean number of embryos and lower rate of total fertilization failure and triploid fertilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Komsky-Elbaz
- IVF and Infertility unit, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Zerifin, Israel
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Koch J, Rowan K, Rombauts L, Yazdani A, Chapman M, Johnson N. Endometriosis and Infertility - a consensus statement from ACCEPT (Australasian CREI Consensus Expert Panel on Trial evidence). Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2012; 52:513-22. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1479-828x.2012.01480.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2012] [Accepted: 08/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Koch
- IVF Australia; Bondi Junction; New South Wales; Australia
| | | | - Luk Rombauts
- Department of O&G; Monash University; Clayton; Victoria; Australia
| | - Anusch Yazdani
- QFG Research Foundation; University of Queensland; St Lucia; Queensland; Australia
| | - Michael Chapman
- Department of O&G; University of New South Wales; Randwick; New South Wales; Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Opøien HK, Fedorcsak P, Omland AK, Abyholm T, Bjercke S, Ertzeid G, Oldereid N, Mellembakken JR, Tanbo T. In vitro fertilization is a successful treatment in endometriosis-associated infertility. Fertil Steril 2012; 97:912-8. [PMID: 22341637 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.01.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2011] [Revised: 01/09/2012] [Accepted: 01/19/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess success rates of IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection in women with various stages of endometriosis. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Reproductive medicine unit in a university hospital. PATIENT(S) Infertile women (n = 2,245) with various stages of endometriosis or tubal factor infertility. INTERVENTION(S) IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Dose of FSH, number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, implantation rate, pregnancy rate (PR), live birth/ongoing PR. RESULT(S) Women with endometriosis had similar pregnancy and live birth/ongoing PR as did women with tubal factor infertility, but the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) stage I and II endometriosis patients had a lower fertilization rate, and stage III and IV patients required more FSH and had fewer oocytes retrieved. Splitting the stage III and IV groups into patients with and without endometriomas showed that the endometrioma group required more FSH and had a significantly lower pregnancy and live birth/ongoing PR. CONCLUSION(S) With the exception of patients with endometrioma, infertile women with various stages of endometriosis have the same success rates with IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection as patients with tubal factor. This contrasts with the systematic review on which the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology bases its recommendations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hans Kristian Opøien
- Section for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynaecology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Implantation Rate Remains Unaffected in Women with Endometriosis Compared to Tubal Factor Infertility. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.5301/je.2011.8528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To reconsider the implantation and delivery rates which occurred six years later in women with endometriosis from the Yale IVF Programme. Methods Five hundred and ninety-seven consecutive IVF and ICSI treatment cycles were analyzed retrospectively. Patients with endometriosis (n=130; 258 cycles) were compared with an age-matched control group with tubal infertility (n=104; 206 cycles) and also with a group with male infertility (n=59; 133 cycles). Data from the endometriosis group were analyzed further in minimal-mild (144 cycles) and moderate-severe (114 cycles) subgroups. All the patients underwent laparoscopy prior to IVF treatment. Results Fewer oocytes were retrieved and similar fertilization (59% vs. 61%), implantation (12.3% vs. 16%), and delivery (23.7% vs. 26.3%) rates were found in patients with endometriosis compared to tubal infertility. A trend towards reduced pregnancy rate per transfer (17.5%) in the male infertility vs. endometriosis or tubal infertility groups (34% and 37.8% respectively) was observed. The number of embryos transferred in each group was comparable. Analysis of first cycles only across all groups revealed that the implantation rate did not have any statistically significant differences in the endometriosis versus the tubal or male infertility groups. Within the endometriosis group, the implantation, pregnancy, and delivery rates were similar in subgroups. Conclusions We conclude that in patients with endometriosis, implantation, pregnancy, and delivery rates are similar with tubal factor infertility, and higher compared to male infertility. Our results suggest that embryo quality and uterine receptivity remain unaffected in women with endometriosis.
Collapse
|
28
|
Zanatta A, Rocha AM, Carvalho FM, Pereira RMA, Taylor HS, Motta ELA, Baracat EC, Serafini PC. The role of the Hoxa10/HOXA10 gene in the etiology of endometriosis and its related infertility: a review. J Assist Reprod Genet 2010; 27:701-10. [PMID: 20821045 PMCID: PMC2997955 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-010-9471-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2010] [Accepted: 08/12/2010] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE endometriosis and its associated infertility have been the object of continuous research for over a century. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease, it has become necessary to determine the aspects of its etiology that are not explained by the retrograde menstruation theory. This could in turn elucidate how various clinical and surgical treatments might affect the evolution and remission of the disease. METHODS this review is focused on the most recent clinical and laboratory findings regarding the association of HOXA10 with endometriosis and infertility. RESULT the homebox (Hox/HOX) proteins are highly conserved transcription factors that determine segmental body identities in multiple species, including humans. Hoxa10/HOXA10 is directly involved in the embryogenesis of the uterus and embryo implantation via regulation of downstream genes. Cyclical endometrial expression of Hoxa10/HOXA10, with a peak of expression occurring during the window of implantation, is observed in the adult in response to estrogen and progesterone. Women with endometriosis do not demonstrate the expected mid-luteal rise of HOXA10 expression, which might partially explain the infertility observed in many of these patients. Recent studies also demonstrated HOXA10 expression in endometriotic foci outside the Müllerian tract. CONCLUSIONS multiple lines of evidence suggest that the actions of the homeobox A10 (Hoxa10/HOXA10) gene could account for some aspects of endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alysson Zanatta
- Huntington Medicina Reprodutiva, Av. República do Líbano, 529-Ibirapuera, 04501-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Sherwin JRA, Hastings JM, Jackson KS, Mavrogianis PA, Sharkey AM, Fazleabas AT. The endometrial response to chorionic gonadotropin is blunted in a baboon model of endometriosis. Endocrinology 2010; 151:4982-93. [PMID: 20668030 PMCID: PMC2946138 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-0275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis-associated infertility has a multifactorial etiology. We tested the hypothesis that the endometrial response to the early embryonic signal, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), alters over time in a nonhuman primate model of endometriosis. Animals with experimental or spontaneous endometriosis were treated with hCG (30 IU/d), from d 6 after ovulation for 5 d, via an oviductal cannula. Microarray analysis of endometrial transcripts from baboons treated with hCG at 3 and 6 months of disease (n=6) identified 22 and 165 genes, respectively, whose levels differed more than 2-fold compared with disease-free (DF) animals treated with hCG (P<0.01). Quantitative RT-PCR confirmed abnormal responses of known hCG-regulated genes. APOA1, SFRP4, and PAPPA, which are normally down-regulated by hCG were up-regulated by hCG in animals with endometriosis. In contrast, the ability of hCG to induce SERPINA3 was lost. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated dysregulation of C3 and superoxide dismutase 2 proteins. We demonstrate that this abnormal response to hCG persists for up to 15 months after disease induction and that the nature of the abnormal response changes as the disease progresses. Immunohistochemistry showed that this aberrant gene expression was not a consequence of altered LH/choriogonadotropin receptor distribution in the endometrium of animals with endometriosis. We have shown that endometriosis induces complex changes in the response of eutopic endometrium to hCG, which may prevent the acquisition of the full endometrial molecular repertoire necessary for decidualization and tolerance of the fetal allograft. This may in part explain endometriosis-associated implantation failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J R A Sherwin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Whittington Hospital National Health ServiceTrust, London N19 5NF, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Stilley JAW, Birt JA, Nagel SC, Sutovsky M, Sutovsky P, Sharpe-Timms KL. Neutralizing TIMP1 restores fecundity in a rat model of endometriosis and treating control rats with TIMP1 causes anomalies in ovarian function and embryo development. Biol Reprod 2010; 83:185-94. [PMID: 20410455 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.083287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Human and rat endometriotic lesions synthesize and secrete tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1). More TIMP1 localizes in the ovarian theca in an established rat model for endometriosis (Endo) when compared to surgical controls (Sham). We hypothesized that endometriotic TIMP1 secreted into peritoneal fluid (PF) negatively affects ovarian function and embryogenesis by altering the balance of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and TIMPs. Three experiments were performed modulating TIMP1 in vitro and in vivo to investigate ovarian and embryonic anomalies. The first experiment demonstrated control embryos treated in vitro with endometriotic PF concentrations of TIMP1 developed abnormally. In the second experiment where TIMP1 was modulated in vivo, TIMP1-treated Sham rats had fewer zygotes, ovarian follicles, and corpora lutea (CLs) and poorer embryo quality and development, which is analogous to the findings in Endo rats. Importantly, Endo rats treated with a TIMP1 function-blocking antibody had zygote, follicle, and CL numbers and embryo quality similar to Sham rats. In addition, more TIMP1 inhibitory activity was found in ovaries from Endo and TIMP1-treated Sham rats than in ovaries from Sham or TIMP1 antibody-treated Endo rats. In experiment three, control rats (no surgery) treated with Endo PF had fewer follicles and CLs and increased TIMP1 localization in the ovarian theca whereas treatment with Endo PF stripped of TIMP1 or with Sham PF had no effect, providing further evidence that endometriotic TIMP1 sequesters in the ovary and inhibits MMPs necessary for ovulation. Collectively, these results showed that excessive TIMP1 was deleterious to ovulation and embryo development. Thus, novel TIMP1-modulating therapies may be developed to alleviate infertility in women with endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie A W Stilley
- Department of Obstetrics, Division of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri 65212, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Demir B, Guven S, Guvendag Guven ES, Atamer Y, Gul T. ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Serum IL-6 Level May Have Role in the Pathophysiology of Unexplained Infertility. Am J Reprod Immunol 2009; 62:261-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2009.00734.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
|
32
|
Tanahatoe SJ, McDonnell J, Goverde AJ, Hompes PGA, Lambalk CB. Total fertilization failure and idiopathic subfertility. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2009; 7:3. [PMID: 19138415 PMCID: PMC2632644 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-7-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2008] [Accepted: 01/12/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To gain more insight in whether failure of intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatment in patients with idiopathic subfertility could be related to diminished fertilization, the aim of this study is to compare the fertilization of an initial IVF procedure after six cycles of IUI and the fertilization of an initial IVF procedure without preceding IUI cycles in couples with idiopathic subfertility. METHODS We performed a complimentary analysis of a randomized controlled trial, in which the number of total fertilization failure (TFF) in the first IVF procedure after unsuccessful IUI was compared to those of IVF without preceding IUI in patients with idiopathic subfertility. These patients participated in a previous study that assessed the cost effectiveness of IUI versus IVF in idiopathic subfertility and were randomized to either IUI or IVF treatment. RESULTS 45 patients underwent IVF after 6 cycles of unsuccessful IUI and 58 patients underwent IVF immediately without preceding IUI. In 7 patients the IVF treatment was cancelled before ovum pick. In the IVF after unsuccessful IUI group TFF was seen in 2 of the 39 patients (5%) versus 7 of the 56 patients (13%) in the immediate IVF group. After correction for confounding factors the TFF rate was not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.08, OR 7.4; 95% CI: 0.5-14.9). CONCLUSION Our data showed that TFF and the fertilization rate in the first IVF treatment were not significantly different between couples with idiopathic subfertility undergoing IVF after failure of IUI versus those couples undergoing IVF immediately without prior IUI treatment. Apparently, impaired fertilization does not play a significant role in the success rate of IUI in patients with idiopathic subfertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra J Tanahatoe
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Vrije Universiteit medical centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Vrije Universiteit medical centre, PO Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joseph McDonnell
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Vrije Universiteit medical centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Angelique J Goverde
- Department of reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter GA Hompes
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Vrije Universiteit medical centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis B Lambalk
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Vrije Universiteit medical centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Stilley JAW, Woods-Marshall R, Sutovsky M, Sutovsky P, Sharpe-Timms KL. Reduced fecundity in female rats with surgically induced endometriosis and in their daughters: a potential role for tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase 1. Biol Reprod 2008; 80:649-56. [PMID: 19020297 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.108.073411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The cause of reduced fecundity in women with endometriosis is unknown. Expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) by both ectopic and eutopic endometrium reportedly has a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. We hypothesize that anomalous endometriotic TIMP protein synthesis, secretion, and localization also cause reproductive pathologies resulting in reduced fecundity. An established rat model for endometriosis (Endo) compared with nonendometriotic controls (Shams) was used to investigate reduced fecundity in endometriosis. Comparing Endo and Sham rats, Endo rats had altered ovarian dynamics, including fewer ovarian follicles and corpora lutea with luteinized unruptured follicles. Furthermore, in vivo anomalies in postovulatory oocyte structure and preimplantation embryo development, including misaligned chromosomes, nuclear and cytoplasmic fragmentation, and delayed or arrested cleavage, as well as spontaneous abortions, were found only in Endo rats. A causative role for TIMP1 in these phenomena is supported by our findings that Endo rats have more TIMP1 in their peritoneal fluid as detected by ELISA and more TIMP1 immunolocalization in the theca of antral follicles as measured by computer-assisted morphometric analysis. These data suggest that in endometriosis the accumulation of TIMP1 disrupts the normal MMP/TIMP enzymatic milieu in the peritoneal cavity and negatively affects ovarian dynamics, oocyte quality, and preimplantation embryo development, thereby decreasing fecundity. Most intriguingly, daughters of Endo rats that had no experimental interventions exhibited these same reproductive abnormalities. We predict that developmental exposure to endometriosis leads to permanent epigenetic changes in subsequent generations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie A W Stilley
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65212, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Aghajanova L, Bjuresten K, Altmäe S, Landgren BM, Stavreus-Evers A. HB-EGF but not amphiregulin or their receptors HER1 and HER4 is altered in endometrium of women with unexplained infertility. Reprod Sci 2008; 15:484-92. [PMID: 18579857 DOI: 10.1177/1933719108314624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) and its receptors (HER1 and HER4) play a role in the human implantation process. Amphiregulin is a member of the EGF family but with unknown function in human fertility. It has been suggested that some women with unexplained infertility have defective endometrial development. The aim of this study is to determine the presence of amphiregulin and the receptors HER1 and HER4 in normal human endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle. In addition, the present study aims to compare endometrium from women with unexplained infertility with endometrium from women with male factor infertility and healthy fertile controls. Immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to determine the expression of HB-EGF, HER1, HER4, and amphiregulin. The stromal staining of HER1 and the epithelial staining of HER4 were most intense in the mid- and late-secretory-phase endometrium. Amphiregulin did not vary during the menstrual cycle. In the mid-secretory phase, the protein expression of HB-EGF was lower in endometrium from women with unexplained infertility versus normal endometrium and endometrium from women with male factor infertility. HB-EGF and HER4 mRNA expression in mid-secretory endometrium of women with unexplained and male factor infertility were increased compared with normal controls. Impaired endometrial expression of certain members of the EGF family may contribute to infertility in some women with unexplained infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lusine Aghajanova
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Pathogenic mechanisms in endometriosis-associated infertility. Fertil Steril 2008; 90:247-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.02.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 267] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2008] [Revised: 02/07/2008] [Accepted: 02/07/2008] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
|
36
|
Demir B, Guven S, Guven ESG, Atamer Y, Gunalp GS, Gul T. Serum leptin level in women with unexplained infertility. J Reprod Immunol 2007; 75:145-9. [PMID: 17485120 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2007.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2007] [Revised: 02/27/2007] [Accepted: 04/02/2007] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to compare serum levels of leptin in women with unexplained infertility with fertile subjects. MATERIAL AND METHOD Serum leptin levels of 27 infertile and 30 fertile women on day 3 of the menstrual cycle were assessed and compared in this prospective age and body mass index (BMI) comparable controlled study. RESULTS The mean age in the infertile group was 29.3 (range, 23-38), while this figure was 28.9 (range, 19-39) in the fertile group; the mean BMIs were 24.5 (range, 20.6-27.8) and 25.0 (range, 21.8-28.7), respectively. The mean serum leptin level was significantly higher in women with unexplained infertility compared with fertile subjects. Considering normal weight subjects, mean serum leptin levels were increased significantly in the unexplained infertile group compared with the fertile group (7.2 (range, 4.3-10.4) versus 3.5 (range, 1.9-6.2)ng/ml, respectively; p<0.0001, Mann-Whitney U-test). The significant increase in serum leptin levels was observed also in overweight patients (6.8 (range, 1.3-5.2) versus 3.3 (range, 4.2-8.9)ng/ml, respectively; p<0.0001, Mann-Whitney U-test). CONCLUSION A significant difference in serum leptin levels between unexplained infertile and fertile women suggests that this cytokine may be involved in pathophysiology of unexplained infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bulent Demir
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic, Health Ministry Ergani Goverment Hospital, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Xu H, Schultze-Mosgau A, Agic A, Diedrich K, Taylor RN, Hornung D. Regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 in follicular fluid accumulate differentially in patients with and without endometriosis undergoing in vitro fertilization. Fertil Steril 2006; 86:1616-20. [PMID: 16997300 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2005] [Revised: 05/11/2006] [Accepted: 05/11/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the amount of regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) in follicular fluid (FF) of patients with and without endometriosis and to determine their oocyte fertilization and pregnancy rates. DESIGN Case-control study. SETTING Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Germany. PATIENT(S) Thirty-two women with endometriosis stages I-IV and 28 women without endometriosis, both groups surgically and histologically confirmed. INTERVENTION(S) Diagnostic laparoscopy, IVF-ET. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) RANTES and MCP-1 levels in follicular fluid, measured by ELISA, and oocyte fertilization and pregnancy rates. RESULT(S) Follicular response and days of gonadotropin stimulation were similar between the two groups. The levels of RANTES in FF from patients with endometriosis were significantly higher (460.4 +/- 90.3 pg/mL) compared with concentrations in patients with tubal infertility (243.8 +/- 70.9 pg/mL; P<.05). In contrast, MCP-1 concentrations in FF from women with endometriosis (330.0 +/- 29.2 pg/mL) were lower than in women with tubal infertility (420.5 +/- 46.6 pg/mL; P<.05). Oocyte fertilization rates in the endometriosis group (54%) were significantly lower than those of the tubal infertility group (73%; P<.05), as were the pregnancy rates (19% vs. 35%, respectively; P<.01). CONCLUSION(S) Women with endometriosis-associated infertility have a poor IVF outcome. Immune cell recruitment into the ovary might affect follicular function and lead to impaired oocyte quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Xu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Omland AK, Bjercke S, Ertzeid G, Fedorcsák P, Oldereid NB, Storeng R, Abyholm T, Tanbo T. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in unexplained and stage I endometriosis-associated infertility after fertilization failure with in vitro fertilization (IVF). J Assist Reprod Genet 2006; 23:351-7. [PMID: 16946999 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-006-9060-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2006] [Accepted: 08/07/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate possible differences between unexplained and stage I endometriosis-associated infertility in ICSI cycles conducted after low fertilization (<20%) in preceding IVF cycles with normal semen parameters. METHODS Retrospective cohort study consisting of patients with unexplained (n=48) and stage I endometriosis-associated infertility (n=43) with a minimum of one IVF cycle with <20% fertilized oocytes and normal semen quality, treated with ICSI from January 1997 to January 2006. Age matched male factor infertility patients (n=91) were used as controls. RESULTS Diploid fertilization rate was significantly lower in the stage I endometriosis-associated infertility group compared to the unexplained infertility group. Score of the transferred embryos, implantation rate, pregnancy rate and outcome were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS ICSI appears to be an efficient treatment option after fertilization failure with IVF in unexplained and stage I endometriosis-associated infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne K Omland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rikshospitalet-Radiumhospitalet Medical Center, Sognsvannsveien 20, 0027, Oslo, Norway.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Chavez-Badiola A, Drakeley A. Optimising in vitro fertilisation (IVF) outcome in women with endometriosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rigapp.2006.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
40
|
Abstract
Evidence has been provided that pelvic endometriosis is significantly associated with uterine adenomyosis and that the latter constitutes the major factor of infertility in such conditions. Furthermore, it has become evident that both adenomyosis and endometriosis constitute a pathophysiological and nosological entity. Mild peritoneal endometriosis of the fertile woman and premenopausal adenomyosis of the parous and non-parous woman, as well as adenomyosis in association with endometriosis of the infertile woman, constitute a pathophysiological continuum that is characterized by the dislocation of basal endometrium. Due to the postponement of childbearing late into the period of reproduction, premenopausal adenomyosis might increasingly become a factor for infertility in addition to adenomyosis associated with endometriosis of younger women. In any event, the presence or absence of uterine adenomyosis should be examined in a sterility work-up.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard Leyendecker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Klinikum Darmstadt, Teaching Hospital to the Universities of Frankfurt and Heidelberg/Mannheim, Grafenstr. 9, 64283 Darmstadt, Germany.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Matalliotakis IM, Cakmak H, Fragouli Y, Kourtis A, Arici A, Huszar G. Increased IL-18 Levels in Seminal Plasma of Infertile Men with Genital Tract Infections. Am J Reprod Immunol 2006; 55:428-33. [PMID: 16674600 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2006.00380.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Interleukin (IL)-18 is a novel cytokine, previously known as interferon (IFN)-gamma inducing factor. We evaluated the levels of IL-18 and IFN-gamma in seminal plasma (SP) of fertile and infertile men. METHOD OF STUDY Semen samples were obtained by masturbation from 80 men, and were examined for the levels of IL-18 and IFN-gamma by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Seven groups were included: (i) fertile men (n = 18), (i) infertile men with genital tract infections (n = 17), (iii) with varicocele (n = 15), (iv) with Klinefelter syndrome (n = 6), (v) with cryptorchidism (n = 7), (vi) with mumps orchitis (n = 7), and (vii) with idiopathic testicular lesions (n = 10). RESULTS Mean levels of IL-18 were higher in SP from infertile men with genital tract infections compared with SP from other groups except Klinefelter syndrome (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences could be detected for IFN-gamma. A significant positive correlations was found between IL-18 and IFN-gamma in total patient population (P < 0.001). Moreover, a negative correlation was observed between IL-18 and sperm concentrations, and motility (P < 0.01 and < 0.03, respectively). Furthermore, there was a positive and statistically significant association between IL-18 and IFN-gamma levels in SP of infertile men with genital tract infections (P < 0.0001). However, there was no relationship between IL-18 and IFN-gamma, and semen parameters in the same group. CONCLUSION SP IL-18 levels were increased in men with urogenital infections. Thus, the elevated expression of IL-18 in SP may be used as a diagnostic marker in the male genital tract infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis M Matalliotakis
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Sallam HN, Garcia-Velasco JA, Dias S, Arici A. Long-term pituitary down-regulation before in vitro fertilization (IVF) for women with endometriosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2006; 2006:CD004635. [PMID: 16437491 PMCID: PMC8195082 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd004635.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women with endometriosis who are treated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) have a lower pregnancy rate compared to women with tubal factor infertility. It has been suggested that the administration of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists for a few months prior to IVF or ICSI increases the pregnancy rate. OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness of administering GnRH agonists for three to six months prior to IVF or ICSI in women with endometriosis. SEARCH STRATEGY We used computer searches of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, the National Research Register (NRR) and the MDSG Specialised Register of controlled trials. We handsearched proceedings of annual meetings of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE). We reviewed lists of references in original research and review articles. We contacted experts in various countries to identify unpublished trials. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials using any GnRH agonist prior to IVF or ICSI to treat women with any degree of endometriosis diagnosed by laparoscopy or laparotomy DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two independent review authors abstracted data (HNS and JGV). We sent e-mails to investigators to seek additional information. We assessed the validity of each study using the methods suggested in the Cochrane Handbook. The data were checked by the third review author (SD) and any disagreement was resolved by arbitration with the fourth review author (AA). We generated 2 x 2 tables for principal outcome measures. The Peto-modified Mantel-Haenszel technique was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and assess statistical heterogeneity between studies. MAIN RESULTS Three randomised controlled trials (with 165 women) were included. The live birth rate per woman was significantly higher in women receiving the GnRH agonist compared to the control group (OR 9.19, 95% CI 1.08 to 78.22). However, this was based on one trial reporting "viable pregnancy" only. The clinical pregnancy rate per woman was also significantly higher (three studies: OR 4.28, 95% CI 2.00 to 9.15). The information on miscarriage rates came from two trials with high heterogeneity and, therefore, results of the meta-analysis were doubtful. The included studies provided insufficient data to investigate the effects of administration of GnRH agonists on multiple or ectopic pregnancies, fetal abnormalities or other complications. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The administration of GnRH agonists for a period of three to six months prior to IVF or ICSI in women with endometriosis increases the odds of clinical pregnancy by fourfold. Data regarding adverse effects of this therapy on the mother or fetus are not available at present.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H N Sallam
- Alexandria University, Egypt, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 22 Victor Emanuel Square, Smouha, Alexandria, Egypt, 21615.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Cédrin-Durnerin I. [Against the use of clomiphene citrate for unexplained infertilities]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 34:61-5. [PMID: 16406664 DOI: 10.1016/j.gyobfe.2005.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- I Cédrin-Durnerin
- Service de médecine de la reproduction, hôpital Jean-Verdier, université Paris-XIII, avenue du 14-Juillet, 93143 Bondy, France.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Sifer C, Sasportes T, Barraud V, Poncelet C, Rudant J, Porcher R, Cedrin-Durnerin I, Martin-Pont B, Hugues JN, Wolf JP. World Health Organization grade 'a' motility and zona-binding test accurately predict IVF outcome for mild male factor and unexplained infertilities. Hum Reprod 2005; 20:2769-75. [PMID: 15958402 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dei118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine the pronostic value of a sperm-zona pellucida (ZP) binding assay, combined with World Health Organization (WHO) grade 'a' sperm motility on the day of the IVF attempt, to predict sperm fertilizing ability in unexplained and moderate male factor infertilities. METHODS In total, 84 couples (64 unexplained infertility; 20 male factor) underwent both a sperm-ZP binding assay and an IVF attempt, irrespective of the test's result. The test was negative when grade 'a' motility was #5% and/or the ZP binding index was <0.7. Fertilization and pregnancy rates were related to the test's results. RESULTS Thirty-one patients had a negative test (group N) and 53 a positive test (group P). A difference was observed concerning the fertilization rate [median (range): 0 (0-75%) versus 50 (0-100%); P = 0.0001] and the number of cycles with fertilization rate <20% (65 versus 23%; P = 0.0002) between groups N and P respectively. In the group of unexplained and male factor infertilities, the test showed a sensitivity of 83 and 60%, specificity of 50 and 90%, positive predictive value of 76 and 86%, and negative predictive value of 61 and 69% respectively. CONCLUSION Sperm-ZP binding test, combined with WHO grade 'a' motility assessment, is relevant to prevent IVF fertilization failures in unexplained infertility and, most particularly, in moderate male factor infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Sifer
- Service d'Histologie-Embryologie-Cytogénétique, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Kunz G, Beil D, Huppert P, Noe M, Kissler S, Leyendecker G. Adenomyosis in endometriosis--prevalence and impact on fertility. Evidence from magnetic resonance imaging. Hum Reprod 2005; 20:2309-16. [PMID: 15919780 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dei021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hypothesis is tested that there is a strong association between endometriosis and adenomyosis and that adenomyosis plays a role in causing infertility in women with endometriosis. METHODS. Magnetic resonance imaging of the uteri was performed in 160 women with and 67 women without endometriosis. The findings were correlated with the stage of the disease, the age of the women and the sperm count parameters of the respective partners. RESULTS The posterior junctional zone (PJZ) was significantly thicker in women with endometriosis than in those without the disease (P<0.001). There was a positive correlation of the diameter of the PJZ with the stage of the disease and the age of the patients. The PJZ was thicker in patients with endometriosis with fertile than in patients with subfertile partners. The prevalence of adenomyotic lesions in all 160 women with endometriosis was 79%. In women with endometriosis below an age of 36 years and fertile partners, the prevalence of adenomyosis was 90% (P<0.01) CONCLUSIONS With a prevalence of up to 90%, uterine adenomyosis is significantly associated with pelvic endometriosis and constitutes an important factor of sterility in endometriosis presumably by impairing uterine sperm transport.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Kunz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Academic Teaching Hospital to the Universities of Frankfurt and Heidelberg/Mannheim, Klinikum Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Takahashi K, Mukaida T, Tomiyama T, Goto T, Oka C. GnRH antagonist improved blastocyst quality and pregnancy outcome after multiple failures of IVF/ICSI-ET with a GnRH agonist protocol. J Assist Reprod Genet 2005; 21:317-22. [PMID: 15587144 PMCID: PMC3468267 DOI: 10.1023/b:jarg.0000045470.68525.a4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine the efficacy of a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist, cetrorelix, in improving the quality of embryos and pregnancy outcome, we performed a study in patients with a history of multiple failures of in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles with a GnRH agonist (GnRHa) long protocol. METHODS Forty women with no live births after conventional IVF or ICSI embryo transfer (ET) and subsequent blastocyst transfer (BT) with a GnRHa long protocol entered this study. The treatment protocol consisted of a daily dose of clomiphene citrate 100 mg for 5 days and gonadotrophin injections daily from cycle day 4 onward. Cetrorelix, 0.25 mg/day, was started when the leading follicle reached 14 mm. Induction of ovulation was triggered with human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) (N = 36) or GnRHa (N = 4). It was possible to perform BT in 38 patients. RESULTS Comparison of the results with the results for BT with the previous GnRHa protocol showed no significant differences in number of oocytes retrieved or the zygote- and blastocyst-development rate. With the cetrorelix protocol, however, number of patients whose embryos had developed to at least one expanded blastocyst on day 5 was significantly higher than with the GnRHa protocol (25 vs. 9) (p < 0.001), and 16 of the women became pregnant (42.1%), with 7 delivering 9 infants, 4 ending in abortion (25%), and 5 in progressing. CONCLUSIONS The use of a GnRH antagonist in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation improves the outcome of pregnancy of patients with a history of multiple failure of IVF/ICSI-ET in a GnRHa protocol, most likely due to improvement of the quality of the blastocysts generated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katsuhiko Takahashi
- Hiroshima HART Clinic, 5-7-10 Ohtemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima 730-0051, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Omland AK, Abyholm T, Fedorcsák P, Ertzeid G, Oldereid NB, Bjercke S, Tanbo T. Pregnancy outcome after IVF and ICSI in unexplained, endometriosis-associated and tubal factor infertility. Hum Reprod 2004; 20:722-7. [PMID: 15591078 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deh664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was undertaken in order to compare pregnancy outcome after IVF and ICSI in unexplained and endometriosis-associated infertility using tubal factor infertility as controls. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of early IVF/ICSI pregnancies verified by serum hCG measurement, comparing the subsequent outcome in unexplained (n = 274) and minimal endometriosis-associated (n = 212) with tubal factor (n = 540) infertility as controls. From January 1990 to December 2002, 1026 conception cycles after treatment with IVF or ICSI complied with the inclusion criteria. RESULTS Live birth rate, twin birth rate after transfer of two embryos and abortion rate prior to 6 weeks of gestation were superior for the unexplained (78.8, 23.5 and 11.7%) compared to endometriosis-associated (66.0, 15.0 and 19.3%) and tubal factor (66.7, 18.1 and 18.0%) infertility groups (P < 0.05). Compared to the endometriosis-associated, the unexplained infertility group attained a higher pregnancy rate after the first treatment cycle (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The overall better outcome for the unexplained infertility group with respect to live birth rate, twin birth rate and early abortion rate compared to the minimal peritoneal endometriosis-associated and tubal factor infertility groups might be a guide to select diagnostic groups for single embryo transfer and be useful in patient counselling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne K Omland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Hospital, University of Oslo, Sognsvannsveien 20, 0027 Oslo, Norway.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Abstract
A wealth of publications proposes that endometriosis and inflammation may have an unfavorable influence on fertility. A recent meta-analysis of assisted reproductive technologies demonstrated that, once confounding factors are controlled for, the pregnancy rate in women with endometriosis is approximately 50% of the rate of women with tubal factor infertility. Peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis contains elevated amounts of macrophages and their secreted products, such as growth factors, cytokines, and angiogenic factors. Because reproductive organs are bathed in and thus will be influenced by peritoneal fluid, these proinflammatory mediators would affect various aspects of reproduction in women with endometriosis. Advanced stages of endometriosis may have easily understandable factors, such as distortion of the anatomy, causing infertility. On the other hand, in minimal or mild endometriosis mechanisms underlying reproductive failure are subtle and remain controversial. Recent reports suggest that inflammatory factors play a role in this endometriosis-associated reproductive failure. This review provides an overview of recent data on the effects of endometriosis-associated inflammation on fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gülden Halis
- Endometriosezentrum Berlin, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CBF, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Lukassen HGM, van der Meer A, van Lierop MJC, Lindeman EJM, Joosten I, Braat DDM. The proportion of follicular fluid CD16+CD56DIM NK cells is increased in IVF patients with idiopathic infertility. J Reprod Immunol 2004; 60:71-84. [PMID: 14568679 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-0378(03)00081-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
One-fifth of all in-vitro fertilization (IVF) patients suffer from idiopathic infertility. A low fertilization rate is one of the most characteristic features of IVF in this group, probably caused by oocyte dysfunction. We speculate that an altered lymphocyte profile in follicular fluid (FF) may affect oocyte function and thus play a role in idiopathic infertility. Therefore, we compared levels of lymphocyte populations present in FF of 11 patients with idiopathic infertility (study group) with 29 patients in the control group, i.e. severe male factor infertility (n=17) or tubal factor infertility (n=12). Triple color flow cytometry was used to discriminate between T cells and NK cell subpopulations. In the idiopathic infertility group, a shift from T to NK cells was observed in FF as compared to the control group, caused mainly by a significant higher level of NK cells--20.3 and 13.6% (P<0.05), respectively. This high level of NK cells was due to a rise of the CD16+CD56dim NK cell subset. In peripheral blood, the NK cell levels showed a similar although not significant trend (P=0.08). As the CD16+CD56dim NK cell subpopulation is known for its cytotoxic properties, this subpopulation may negatively affect folliculogenesis and oocyte maturation, reflected by a diminished fertilization rate in the idiopathic infertility group. An altered lymphocyte profile in FF could therefore influence fertility in these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H G Marieke Lukassen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the University Medical Center Nijmegen, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Edi-Osagie ECO, Seif MW, Aplin JD, Jones CJP, Wilson G, Lieberman BA. Characterizing the endometrium in unexplained and tubal factor infertility: A multiparametric investigation. Fertil Steril 2004; 82:1379-89. [PMID: 15533364 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2004.04.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2003] [Revised: 04/07/2004] [Accepted: 04/07/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize endometrial development in unexplained and tubal factor infertility. DESIGN Prospective study of 20 women with unexplained infertility, 22 with tubal factor infertility, and 21 fertile controls in the midproliferative, periovulatory, and midluteal phases of the menstrual cycle. SETTING Reproductive Medicine Department of St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom. PATIENT(S) Women awaiting assisted conception. INVESTIGATION(S) Serum hormone assays, transvaginal ultrasound, Doppler, and midluteal endometrial biopsies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Serum levels of E2, P, and LH, endometrial ultrasound morphometry, uterine and subendometrial artery Doppler, and endometrial histology and biochemistry. RESULT(S) Women with unexplained infertility demonstrated significantly reduced uterine artery flow velocity in all phases, significantly elevated uterine and subendometrial artery impedance in the periovulatory and midluteal phases, and significantly reduced endometrial texture in the midproliferative phase. Women with tubal factor infertility demonstrated significantly reduced uterine artery flow velocity, without a concomitant increase in impedance, and significantly greater expression of endometrial glandular and luminal keratan sulphate. CONCLUSION(S) Unexplained infertility is associated with a profound impairment of endometrial perfusion that might be amenable to treatment by perfusion enhancers. Tubal factor infertility is associated with endometrial developmental defects that might be corrected by salpingectomy. Endometrial ultrasound and Doppler studies are likely to become a vital tool in the investigation of infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edmond C O Edi-Osagie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, United Kingdom.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|