Chinese Herbal Products for Female Infertility in Taiwan: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Zuogui Pills alleviate cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian aging by reducing oxidative stress and restoring the stemness of oogonial stem cells through the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Zuogui Pill (ZGP) is a traditional herbal formula of Chinese Medicine with a long history of use in alleviating ovarian aging.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To examine the impact of ZGP on oxidative stress and the stemness of oogonial stem cells (OSCs) in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced ovarian aging, as well as its molecular mechanisms involving the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2, NFE2L2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1, Hmox1) pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into seven groups: control, model (CTX), estradiol valerate (EV, 0.103 mg/kg), ZGP-L (low dose Zuogui Pill, 1.851 g/kg), ZGP-H (high dose Zuogui Pill, 3.702 g/kg), ML385 (30 mg/kg), and ML385+ZGP-L. After CTX modeling, the EV, ZGP-L, ZGP-H, and ML385+ZGP-L groups were treated by gavage for 8 weeks, while the ML385 and ML385+ZGP-L groups were administered the Nrf2 antagonist ML385 twice a week. OSCs were isolated after modeling and then treated with drug serum containing 10% ZGP or 10 μM ML385. The general conditions of the rats, including body weight, ovarian weight/body weight ratio, and estrous cycle, were observed. Ovarian ultrastructure, follicle and corpus luteum counts were assessed via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Serum hormone levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, stem cell, germ cell, and cell cycle biomarkers were analyzed by qPCR and Western blot. Cell viability was assessed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated using flow cytometry and assay kits. Immunofluorescence was employed to detect and locate OSCs in the ovary, quantify the average fluorescence intensity, and identify OSCs.

RESULTS

After ZGP treatment, rats with CTX-induced ovarian aging exhibited improved general condition, increased body weight, higher total ovarian weight to body weight ratio, and a restoration of the estrous cycle similar to the control group. Serum levels of estradiol (E2) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), two sex hormones, were also improved. Ovarian ultrastructure and follicle count at all stages showed improvement. Moreover, the viability and proliferation capacity of OSCs were enhanced following ZGP intervention. The Nrf2/HO-1 pathway was found to be down-regulated in CTX-induced aging ovarian OSCs. However, ZGP reversed this effect by activating the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and NAD(P)H oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and reducing the accumulation of malonaldehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus restoring resistance to oxidative stress. Additionally, ZGP improved the cell cycle of OSCs, up-regulated the expression of Cyclin D1 and Cyclin E1, restored cell stemness, promoted proliferation, enhanced the expression of cell stemness markers octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) and mouse VASA homolog (MVH), and down-regulated the expression of P21, thereby inhibiting apoptosis. The therapeutic effects of ZGP against oxidative stress and restoration of cell stemness were attenuated following inhibition of the Nrf2 signaling pathway using ML385.

CONCLUSIONS

ZGP protected against CTX-induced ovarian aging by restoring normal ovarian function, alleviating oxidative stress in aging OSCs, promoting OSCs proliferation, and restoring their stemness in rats, possibly through regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Complementary, supportive and traditional practice experiences of infertile women in Türkiye: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

In many societies, infertile couples use traditional practices.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the complementary, supportive and traditional (CST) practices used by infertile women and their attitudes toward these practices.

METHODS

In this qualitative study, data were collected through individual interviews using a semi-structured form in December 2021. A total of 25 infertile women who applied to the in-vitro fertilization center of a hospital in Türkiye participated in the study. The findings were evaluated by thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The ages of the participants ranged from 25 to 49 years. Three main themes were obtained by the data analysis; "Reasons for using CST practices," "Complementary, supportive and traditional practices used" and "Opinions on the effect of CST practices."

CONCLUSION

Women resorted to complementary and supportive practices for economic reasons, seeking hope, and environmental pressure. Various herbal cures, dietary practices, and religious methods such as praying and prayer amulets, hacamat (cupping), leeches, and various bodily applications were identified as methods commonly used by women. Women were using these methods with the recommendations of people who are not health professionals. It is important to determine the beneficial methods and increase women's awareness of harmful practices. Additionally, although women use many methods for infertility treatment, it should also be noted that infertility is not a female-only problem. Consequently, childless women should be empowered with healthy coping skills.

Effect of alternative and complementary medicine on male infertility: An umbrella review

Background and Aims

There is increasing interest worldwide in using alternative and complementary approaches for treating male infertility. This interest has spawned a multitude of published systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The aim of this Umbrella review was to consolidate the available evidence regarding the effect of complementary and alternative medicine on male infertility to inform clinical decision-making processes.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted to identify systematic reviews and meta-analyses pertaining to the effects of complementary and alternative medicine on male infertility. This search encompassed various databases including MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, Proquest, Google Scholar, SID, EMBASE, Magiran, Cochrane Library, Iranmedex, ScienceDirect, SAGE. Subsequently, two researchers independently extracted the data from the selected meta-analyses and systematic reviews, and evaluated their methodological quality using the assessment of multiple systematic reviews 2 (AMSTAR2).

Results

This analysis encompassed 11 studies, with four originating from Iran, two from Korea and five from China. The results regarding the effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine are controversial, indicating a need for further research. The methodological quality of the systematic reviews and meta-analyses appraised by AMSTAR 2 was rated as low or critically low. This assessment is attributed to inadequate examination of publication biases in the reviews and a lack of discussion regarding the effect of risk of bias.

Conclusion

The existing evidence regarding the effectiveness of alternative and complementary medicine in addressing male infertility is limited. Furthermore, the overall methodological quality of the published systematic reviews and meta-analyses may have been underestimated as the use of AMSTAR2 appears to be a more precise appraisal instrument compared to its predecessor.

Guizhi Fuling Wan ameliorates concanavalin A-induced autoimmune hepatitis in mice

BACKGROUND

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an immune-mediated hepatic disease associated with intense complications. AIH is more common in females and needs effective drugs to treat. Guizhi Fuling Wan (GZFLW) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula used to treat various gynecologic diseases. In this study, we aim to extend the new use of GZFLW for AIH.

METHODS

The tandem MS-based analysis was used to identify secondary metabolites in GZFLW. Therapeutic effects of GZFLW were tested in a concanavalin A (Con A)-induced AIH model in mice. Ethnopharmacological mechanisms underlying the antiapoptotic, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory protective effects were determined.

RESULTS

Oral administration of GZFLW attenuates AIH in a Con A-induced hepatotoxic model in vivo. The tandem MS-based analysis identified 15 secondary metabolites in GZFLW. The Con A-induced AIH syndromes, including hepatic apoptosis, inflammation, reactive oxygen species accumulation, function failure, and mortality, were significantly alleviated by GZFLW in mice. Mechanistically, GZFLW restrained the caspase-dependent apoptosis, restored the antioxidant system, and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine production in the livers of Con A-treated mice. Besides, GZFLW repressed the Con A-induced hepatic infiltration of inflammatory cells, splenic T cell activation, and splenomegaly in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate the applicable potential of GZFLW in treating AIH. It prompts further investigation of GZFLW as a treatment option for AIH and possibly other hepatic diseases.

Yikang decoction facilitates embryo implantation in mice with implantation dysfunction via upregulation of LIF expression

OBJECTIVE

The present study investigates the effects and mechanisms of Yikang decoction on embryo implantation in mice.

METHODS

Totally, mature female mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal, implantation failure (mifepristone treatment), Yikang decoction treatment (mifepristone and Yikang decoction treatment), and control (mifepristone and physiological saline treatment) groups. The efficacy of Yikang decoction was evaluated by the adhesion of uterine endometrial cells. The expression of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and integrin αvβ3 in the endometrium were detected by real-time quantitative PCR and western blot. In addition, mouse endometrial cells were transfected with LIF specific siRNA-1, and the expression of LIF and αvβ3 were detected.

RESULTS

The number of embryos markedly decreased after mifepristone treatment. The adhesion of endometrial cells in the Yikang decoction treatment group significantly increased, when compared to the control group. The expression of LIF and integrin αvβ3 was significantly reduced by mifepristone, but the attenuated expression of LIF and αvβ3 was markedly reversed by treatment with Yikang decoction. In addition, after LIF siRNA-1 transfection, the expression of integrin αvβ3 significantly decreased (P < 0.01). The correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between LIF and αvβ3 protein expression.

CONCLUSION

Yikang decoction can regulate the expression of αvβ3 and increase cell adhesion by upregulating the expression of LIF, thereby improving embryo implantation in mice. These data suggest that Yikang decoction may have therapeutic effect in treating infertility.

Complementary and alternative medicine use in infertility: A review of infertile women's needs

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is common in infertile women in different countries. The purpose of the current study was to review the infertile women's needs in relation to CAM use. This narrative review was conducted through searching English databases including Scopus, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane library as well as Persian databases consisted of SID, and Magiran. The used keywords included "CAM/therapy, needs, and Infertility." All studies published in English peer-reviewed journals from conception to October 2020, which examined the infertile women's needs in the field of CAM use were included in the review. In the process of data extraction, two researchers screened the title, abstract, and full text of the articles. Out of the 2166 articles reviewed, 29 articles including six qualitative and mixed methods studies, four review, and 19 quantitative studies met the inclusion criteria. The results showed that infertile women have different needs in six domains consisted of educational and informational needs, the need for psychological counseling, supportive needs, the need for CAM use counseling, the need to treatment consistent with women's culture and demands, and the need to the integration of CAM with conventional medicine. Awareness of infertile women's needs toward CAM use can help health policymakers and planners in designing and implementing counseling services in accordance with the demands and culture of infertile couples. It also helps to develop a coherent program to integrate the use of CAM in the classical infertility treatment.

Predicting clinical pregnancy using clinical features and machine learning algorithms in in vitro fertilization

INTRODUCTION

Assisted reproductive technology has been proposed for women with infertility. Moreover, in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles are increasing. Factors contributing to successful pregnancy have been widely explored. In this study, we used machine learning algorithms to construct prediction models for clinical pregnancies in IVF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 24,730 patients entered IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles with clinical pregnancy outcomes at Taipei Medical University Hospital. Data used included patient characteristics and treatment. We used machine learning methods to develop prediction models for clinical pregnancy and explored how each variable affects the outcome of interest using partial dependence plots.

RESULTS

Experimental results showed that the random forest algorithm outperforms logistic regression in terms of areas under the receiver operating characteristics curve. The ovarian stimulation protocol is the most important factor affecting pregnancy outcomes. Long and ultra-long protocols have shown positive effects on clinical pregnancy among all protocols. Furthermore, total frozen and transferred embryos are positive for a clinical pregnancy, but female age and duration of infertility have negative effects on clinical pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

Our findings show the importance of variables and propensity of each variable by random forest algorithm for clinical pregnancy in the assisted reproductive technology cycle. This study provides a ranking of variables affecting clinical pregnancy and explores the effects of each treatment on successful pregnancy. Our study has the potential to help clinicians evaluate the success of IVF in patients.

Chinese Herbal Medicines Have Potentially Beneficial Effects on the Perinatal Outcomes of Pregnant Women

Introduction: Tocolytic treatment is beneficial to pregnant women with a risk of premature labor or miscarriage. However, previous reports have shown that progestogen might not be effective and ritodrine may increase the risk of maternal vascular-related diseases. Chinese herbal products (CHP) are used as alternative therapies for pregnant women. The goal was to evaluate the efficacy of combined tocolytic therapy and CHP therapy in pregnancy outcomes for pregnant women in Taiwan.

Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study based on the National Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 47,153 pregnant women treated with tocolytics aged 18–50 years from 2001 to 2015 were selected from two million random samples. According to the medical use of tocolytics and CHP, we divided the users into two groups: western medicine (WM) only (n = 40,961) and WM/CHP (n = 6,192) groups. A propensity score (PS)-matched cohort (6,192 pairs) was established based on baseline confounders. All participants were followed up to perinatal outcomes. Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to examine the effects of CHP use on the odds of miscarriage and preterm birth.

Results: The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for premature birth in the WM/CHP group (n = 411, 6.64%) was significantly lower than in the WM group (n = 471, 7,61%) (0,86, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74–0.99). Further subgroup analysis based on the usage of formulae that activate blood and remove stasis or purgative formulae, the adjusted OR of preterm birth of those using these formulae was significantly lower in the WM/CHP group (n = 215, 6.32%) than that in the WM group (n = 265, 7.77%) (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.65–0.96).

Conclusion: We found that the combination of CHP and tocolytics can be beneficial to pregnant women in the prevention of premature birth. Further research is required to investigate causal relationships.

Treatment of Cesarean Scar Pregnancy with Traditional Chinese Medicine and Warming Moxibustion

We aimed to report the clinical characteristics of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP), improve the understanding of uterine scar pregnancy, and assess the outcomes of our treatment strategy for CSP. We present 30 patients with CSP diagnosed by transvaginal ultrasonography. Patients received B ultrasound-guided lauromacrogol injection, followed by evacuation under B ultrasound guidance, and intrauterine balloon compression for hemostasis. Postoperatively, all patients received Bushenquyu decoction and warming moxibustion. All patients showed fast recovery and preserved fertility. The combination of lauromacrogol injection and suction curettage under hysteroscopic guidance is an effective conservative treatment for CSP that can help preserve the reproductive function. Postoperative traditional Chinese medicine and warming moxibustion may reduce the risk of ectopic pregnancy and increase the rate of subsequent intrauterine pregnancy.

The Anti-Endometriotic Effect of Cyperi Rhizoma Extract, Inhibiting Cell Adhesion and the Expression of Pain-Related Factors through Akt and NF-kB Pathways

Rhizomes of Cyperus rotundus have been widely used as a traditional medicine in Asia for the treatment of gynecological diseases. However, there is no scientific evidence demonstrating the effect of C. rotundus rhizomes on endometriosis, which is characterized by the adhesion of endometrial tissues outside the uterus, resulting in chronic and severe pelvic pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Cyperi rhizoma extract (CRE) on cell adhesion and the expression of pain-related factors (neurotrophins) in endometriotic cells, and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. CRE inhibited the adhesion of human endometriotic 12Z cells to peritoneal mesothelial Met5A cells using by adhesion assays. The mRNA expression of adhesion molecules [P-cadherin and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2] was downregulated by CRE treatment. In addition, CRE significantly inhibited the mRNA expression of neurotrophins (BDNF, NGF, NT-3 and NT-4/5) in 12Z cells. Moreover, Akt overexpression markedly neutralized the inhibition of cell adhesion by CRE and expression of neurotrophins in 12Z cells. Furthermore, it was found that CRE suppressed NF-kB activation through the Akt pathway. These data suggest that CRE exerts anti-endometriotic activities by the inhibition of cell adhesion and neurotrophin expression, through the negative regulation of the Akt and NF-kB pathways in endometriotic cells.

Risk of chronic spontaneous urticaria in reproductive-aged women with abnormal uterine bleeding: A population-based cohort study

Women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) have been reported to develop chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Nevertheless, whether or not AUB women have an increased risk of CSU has not been examined in large-scale epidemiologic studies. This study aimed to investigate the risk of CSU among reproductive-aged women with AUB. A total of 79 595 patients and 79 107 propensity-score matched controls were recruited from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database to conduct a nationwide cohort study. The Cox proportional-hazard regression model was applied to examine the adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for CSU in relation to AUB. We found that women with AUB had a higher risk for CSU (aHR = 1.83; 95% CI, 1.76-1.90) than women without AUB. Subgroup analyses revealed that AUB with an abnormal bleeding frequency (aHR = 1.70; 95% CI, 1.60-1.79), irregular bleeding (aHR = 1.80; 95% CI, 1.71-1.89), and intermenstrual bleeding (aHR = 1.65; 95% CI, 1.49-1.83) were associated with an increased risk of CSU compared with those without abnormalities. The Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the cumulative incidence of developing CSU was consistently higher in the AUB cohort than in the non-AUB cohort during the entire follow-up period (log-rank test, p < 0.001). In conclusion, reproductive-aged women with AUB were found to have a higher risk of developing CSU. This study emphasizes the importance of enquiring CSU patients about menstrual problems in clinical practice. Further consultation with obstetrician-gynecologists may be beneficial.

Evaluation of the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine for the reproductive and pregnancy outcomes in women with endometriosis: A nationwide population-based study

OBJECTIVE

Patients with endometriosis may seek traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to help them conceive. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of TCM on reproductive and pregnancy outcomes in patients with endometriosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The patients with endometriosis taken from the National Health Insurance (NHI) research database between 2000 and 2012 were divided into two cohorts based on the use of TCM treatment. The two cohorts were matched by age and comorbidities and followed up until a new diagnosis of infertility, ectopic pregnancy, or miscarriage. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the hazard ratio (HR) of reproductive and pregnancy outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 5244 patients with endometriosis were analyzed, including 1748 TCM users and 3496 matched control subjects. The proportion of infertility was higher in TCM users than in non-TCM users (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-1.60). However, there was no significant difference in the proportion of ectopic pregnancies between TCM users and non-TCM users (adjusted HR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.60-1.13). There was no significant difference in the proportion of miscarriages between TCM users and non-TCM users (adjusted HR: 1.23, 95% CI: 0.95-1.61).

CONCLUSION

TCM treatment showed insignificant efficacy in decreasing the risk of ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage in patients with endometriosis.

Chinese herbal medicine for subfertile women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is characterised by both metabolic and reproductive disorders, and affects 5% to 15% of women of reproductive age. Different western medicines have been proposed for PCOS-related subfertility, such as oral contraceptives, insulin sensitisers and laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD). Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) have also been used for subfertility caused by PCOS for decades, and are expected to become an alternative treatment for subfertile women with PCOS.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for subfertile women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and six other databases, from inception to 2 June 2020. In addition, we searched three trials registries, the reference lists of included trials and contacted experts in the field to locate trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CHM versus placebo, no treatment or conventional (western) therapies for the treatment of subfertile women with PCOS.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened trials for inclusion, assessed the risk of bias in included studies and extracted data. We contacted primary study authors for additional information. We conducted meta-analyses. We used the odds ratios (ORs) to report dichotomous data, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methods.

MAIN RESULTS

We included eight RCTs with 609 participants. The comparisons in the included trials were as follows: CHM versus clomiphene, CHM plus clomiphene versus clomiphene (with or without ethinyloestradiol cyproterone acetate (EE/CPA)), CHM plus follicle aspiration plus ovulation induction versus follicle aspiration plus ovulation induction alone, and CHM plus laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) versus LOD alone. The overall certainty of the evidence for most comparisons was very low. None of the included studies reported the primary outcome, live birth rate. Most studies reported the secondary outcomes, and only one study reported data on adverse events. In trials that compared CHM to clomiphene (with or without LOD in both study arms), we are uncertain of the effect of CHM on pregnancy rates (odds ratio (OR) 1.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.63 to 3.19; I² = 28%; 3 studies, 140 participants; very low certainty evidence). Results suggest that if the chance of pregnancy following clomiphene is assumed to be 21.5%, the chance following CHM would vary between 14.7% and 46.7%. No study reported data on adverse events. When CHM plus clomiphene was compared to clomiphene (with or without EE/CPA), there was low certainty evidence of a higher pregnancy rate in the CHM plus clomiphene group (OR 3.06, 95% CI 2.05 to 4.55; I² = 10%; 6 studies, 470 participants; low certainty evidence). Results suggest that if the chance of pregnancy following clomiphene is assumed to be 31.5%, the chance following CHM plus clomiphene would vary between 48.5% and 67.7%. No data were reported on adverse events. In trials that compared CHM plus follicle aspiration and ovulation induction to follicle aspiration and ovulation induction alone, we are uncertain of the effect of CHM on pregnancy rates (OR 1.62, 95% CI 0.46 to 5.68; 1 study, 44 women; very low certainty evidence). Results suggest that if the chance of pregnancy following follicle aspiration and ovulation induction is assumed to be 29.2%, the chance following CHM with follicle aspiration and ovulation induction would vary between 15.9% and 70%. Reported adverse events included severe luteinised unruptured follicle syndrome (LUFS) (Peto OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.06 to 6.14; 1 study, 44 women; very low certainty evidence), ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) (Peto OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.00 to 8.19; 1 study, 44 women; very low certainty evidence) or multiple pregnancy (Peto OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.06 to 6.14; 1 study, 44 women; very low certainty evidence). These results suggest that if the chances of LUFS, OHSS, and multiple pregnancy following follicle aspiration and ovulation induction are assumed to be 8.3%, 4.2%, and 8.3% respectively, the chances following CHM with follicle aspiration and ovulation induction would be 0.5% to 35.8%, 0% to 26.3% and 0.5% to 35.8% respectively.  In trials that compared CHM plus LOD to LOD alone, we are uncertain if CHM improves pregnancy rates (OR 3.50, 95% CI 0.72 to 17.09; 1 study, 30 women; very low certainty evidence). Results suggest that if the chance of pregnancy following LOD is assumed to be 40%, the chance following CHM with LOD would vary between 32.4% and 91.9%. No data were reported on adverse events. We are uncertain of the results in the comparison groups for all outcomes. The certainty of the evidence for all other comparisons and outcomes was very low. The main limitations in the evidence were failure to report live birth or adverse events, failure to describe study methods in adequate detail and imprecision due to very low event rates and wide CIs.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence to support the use of CHM for subfertile women with PCOS. No data are available on live birth. We are uncertain of the effect of CHM on pregnancy rates for there is no consistent evidence to indicate that CHM influences fertility outcomes. However, we find that the addition of CHM to clomiphene may improve pregnancy rates, but there is very limited, low certainty evidence for this outcome. Furthermore, there is insufficient evidence on adverse effects to indicate whether CHM is safe. In the future, well-designed, carefully conducted RCTs are needed, with a particular focus on the live birth rate and other safety indexes.

The Efficacy of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the Treatment of Female Infertility

Female infertility is a state of fertility disorder caused by multiple reasons. The incidence of infertility for females has significantly increased due to various factors such as social pressure, late marriage, and late childbirth, and its harm includes heavy economic burden, psychological shadow, and even marriage failure. Conventional solutions, such as hormone therapy, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and embryo transfer, have the limitations of unsatisfied obstetric outcomes and serious adverse events. Currently, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), as a new treatment for infertility, is gradually challenging the dominant position of traditional therapies in the treatment of infertility. CAM claims that it can adjust and harmonize the state of the female body from a holistic approach to achieve a better therapeutic effect and has been increasingly used by infertile women. Meanwhile, some controversial issues also appeared; that is, some randomized controlled trials (RCTs) confirmed that CAM had no obvious effect on infertility, and the mechanism of its effect could not reach a consensus. To clarify CAM effectiveness, safety, and mechanism, this paper systematically reviewed the literature about its treatment of female infertility collected from PubMed and CNKI databases and mainly introduced acupuncture, moxibustion, and oral Chinese herbal medicine. In addition, we also briefly summarized psychological intervention, biosimilar electrical stimulation, homeopathy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, etc.

Perception of family sense of coherence among Chinese couples with infertility

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To explore perceptions of family sense of coherence among infertile couples and to provide a theoretical interpretation of the comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness of couples' experiences coping with infertility.

BACKGROUND

Infertility is a devastating experience for many couples and can have long-lasting psychosocial consequences. Family sense of coherence has the potential to facilitate a couple's adjustment to the life crisis of infertility and may provide a useful conceptual lens to understand experiences of infertility.

METHODS

Sixty-four couples with infertility participated in semi-structured interviews at subfertility clinics. Data were analysed using the constant comparative approach of grounded theory. COREQ guidelines were followed in reporting the study.

RESULTS

Three major themes related to infertility emerged from the interviews: comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness. The couples experienced psychological strain while making cognitive sense of infertility. The significance of children, which is embedded in traditional Chinese culture, created a sense of meaning and purpose in couples' lives and motivated them to mobilise both internal and external resources to cope with the demands of infertility and its treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate that the salutogenic model of family sense of coherence can contribute to our understanding of the experiences of infertility among Chinese couples.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

The results offer a theoretical framework that healthcare professionals can use to help couples cope with the life crisis of infertility by strengthening their sense of family coherence.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment Associated with Female Infertility in Taiwan: A Population-Based Case-Control Study

Background

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of female infertility remains ambiguous. The aim of the present case-control study was to examine the association between TCM treatment and successful pregnancy among infertile women.

Methods

This population-based case-control study included the data from 2,627 infertile women with successful pregnancy and 2,627 infertile women without successful pregnancy using datasets from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 of the National Health Insurance Research Database during 2000-2010. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the relationship between TCM use and successful pregnancy in infertility women were estimated using logistic regression.

Results

Patients who received TCM treatment significantly increased in successful pregnancy (OR = 1.48; 95% CI = 1.31-1.66), compared with patients without TCM. Si-Wu-Tang (OR = 4.25; 95% CI = 2.18, 8.30), Gui-Zhi-Fu-Ling-Wan (OR = 3.27; 95% CI = 2.13, 5.02), and Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San (OR = 3.17; 95% CI = 2.35, 4.28) were the TCM agents that were most strongly associated with successful pregnancy among infertile women.

Conclusions

Our study findings indicate that TCM is associated with higher likelihood of successful pregnancy in infertile women, which is worthy of further investigation by randomized control trial.

Herbal medicine in women undergoing in vitro fertilization/ intracytoplasmic sperm injection: A systematic review and meta-analysis

A combination of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and herbal medicine (HM) has been widely used in Asian countries. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of HM as an adjunct to IVF and reported the pregnancy outcomes, including the live birth rate (LBR) and clinical pregnancy rate (CPR). HM was consistently more likely to increase the LBR (RR 1.34, 95 % CI 1.05-1.72) and CPR (RR 1.38, 95 % CI 1.29-1.49) than those not receiving adjunctive treatment. The CPR in the HM treatment group was also improved compared to the placebo group (RR 1.85, 95 % CI 1.42-2.42). The adverse events were not significantly different between the HM and control groups. These findings indicate that HM may have beneficial effects on pregnancy outcomes in females undergoing IVF. Large-scale, long-term RCTs with robust methodological inputs are needed to clarify the role of HM.

Exploring Reproductive Health Education Needs in Infertile Women in Iran: A Qualitative Study

Objectives

An inadequate understanding of infertility can affect individuals’ self-efficacy and ability to perform self-care; thus, reproductive health education is an important part of infertility treatment. The present qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences and educational needs of infertile women with regard to reproductive health.

Methods

In this qualitative study, we utilized a content analysis approach. Purposive sampling was performed to ensure maximum diversity. In total, 23 individual interviews were conducted with 20 Iranian women with infertility and 3 key informants between July 2018 and February 2019 in northern Iran. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was performed using a conventional content analysis approach.

Results

Reproductive health education needs were identified by analyzing interview data from 4 main categories: familiarity with the fertility process and preparation for pregnancy, recognition of infertility and expectations around seeking treatment, recognition of preventive actions associated with reproductive health, and correction of false beliefs. Recognizing the causes of infertility and understanding the different approaches to infertility treatment are among the most important educational needs of infertile women. The potential for neglect of health-related issues due to concerns about fertility and the maternal experience necessitates education about preventive measures for cervical cancer, breast cancer, and sexually transmitted infections. Correcting misconceptions, including those related to contraceptives and traditional medicine, can also help promote reproductive health.

Conclusions

In infertile women, the educational needs associated with reproductive health are multifaceted. Satisfying these needs can help achieve optimal treatment results and promote reproductive health.

Complementary and alternative medicine use among infertile women attending infertility specialty clinics in South Korea: does perceived severity matter?

BACKGROUND

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among infertile women is popular in many countries, including Korea. Previous research has repeatedly found more than half of infertile women surveyed use CAM therapies for fertility enhancement and overall well-being. However, there is currently little evidence to support this practice, and this raises the question of infertile women's experiences in the uptake of those modalities and sociodemographic and psychological factors associated with CAM use. Thus, this study aims to explore the perceptions and experiences of infertile women with regard to their use of CAM in Korea.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from 263 infertile women attending infertility specialty clinics in Seoul, Korea, in June 2012. The survey instrument included 47 questions on the use of CAM, demographic characteristics, health status, and infertility related factors such as duration and type of infertility, experience and satisfaction of conventional treatment, and self-perceived severity of infertility condition. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Among 286 respondents (response rate, 95.3%), a total of 263 women were included in the final analysis. 63.5% of respondents used one or more types of CAM modalities during infertility treatment. The utilization of CAM was associated with employment status, duration of infertility treatment, and self-perceived severity of the disease. The most commonly used CAM modalities were multivitamin and herbal medicine, and differences in types of CAM modalities used were found between the group with a higher rating of self-perceived disease severity and the lower perceived severity group.

CONCLUSIONS

High prevalence of CAM use among infertile women was observed in Korea. Our findings support that infertile women's own understanding of their illness and physical condition influences self-care behavior such as CAM use. This calls for an urgent need for further in-depth study of the clinical effects of popular CAM modalities among infertile women when used in conjunction with conventional treatment.

Lived experience of infertility among Hong Kong Chinese women

PURPOSE

This study aims to explore and describe the phenomenon of women with infertility and to enhance understanding on how infertility affects their lives and the specific social consequence they encountered.

METHOD

A qualitative phenomenological design was adopted in this study. A total of 13 women who are infertile participated in the study. A snowball sampling method was adopted. Data were analysed through thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Four themes emerged in the study, including (i) non-escapable cultural burden in Chinese family; (ii) psychological distress: isolation caused by envy; (iii) disappointment towards reproductive health services; and (iv) self-compassion and religion as coping strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

The causes of infertility are highly complex. Apart from medical conditions, many social conditions would also probably trigger the difficulty of conceiving. Health care professional should also focus on the social and psychological aspects of women of infertility.

Effect of Total Flavones from Cuscuta Chinensis on Anti-Abortion via the MAPK Signaling Pathway

For centuries, the Chinese herb Cuscuta chinensis has been applied clinically for abortion prevention in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Total flavones extracted from Cuscuta chinensis (TFCC) are one of the active components in the herb and also display anti-abortion effect similar to the unprocessed material. However, how TFCC exerts the anti-abortion effect remains largely unknown. In this study, we aim at characterizing the anti-abortion effects of TFCC and its underlying molecular mechanism in vitro and in vivo using human primary decidua cells and a mifepristone-induced abortion model in rat, respectively. The damage to the decidua caused by mifepristone in vivo was reversed by TFCC treatment in a dosage-dependent manner. High dosage of TFCC significantly upregulated the expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and prolactin receptor (PRLR) in decidua tissue but downregulated the expression of p-ERK. Furthermore, we detected higher level of p-ERK and p-p38 in primary decidua cells from spontaneous abortion while treatment by TFCC downregulated their expression. Our results suggest TFCC mediates its anti-abortion effect by interfering with MAPK signaling pathway.

Water-extracted tubers of Cyperus rotundus L. enhance endometrial receptivity through leukemia inhibitory factor-mediated expression of integrin αVβ3 and αVβ5

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cyperus rotundus L. (CR) has been traditionally used as an herbal medicine in Asian countries to treat diverse gynecological disorders. However, the potential therapeutic effect of CR on endometrial receptivity for successful embryo implantation to treat female infertility has not been fully studied.

AIM OF STUDY

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of water-extracted CR on endometrial receptivity by investigating the expression of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and integrins, cell adhesion, and embryo implantation using mifepristone (RU486; RU)-induced implantation failure model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The water extract of CR was prepared and fingerprinted using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). For the expression and regulation of LIF, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting were performed in CR-stimulated Ishikawa cells. To evaluate LIF-mediated integrin expression, knockdown of LIF by shRNA was performed in Ishikawa cells. The effect of CR on endometrial receptivity was determined by an in vitro adhesion assay between JAr cells and CR-induced Ishikawa cells. In vivo, C57BL/6 female mice (n = 7 per group) orally received CR (31.68mg/kg/day), a similar dose as used clinically. Seven days after CR treatment, all female mice were caged with male mice until pregnancy was verified. On day 4 of pregnancy, RU (4mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously to induce embryo implantation failure.

RESULT

CR increased the expression of LIF through the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/ protein kinase B (PI-3K/AKT) signaling pathway in Ishikawa cells. In addition, CR enhanced adhesion of JAr cells onto Ishikawa cells by inducing the expression of LIF-dependent integrins αVβ3 and αVβ5. Furthermore, CR improved the number of implantation sites in pregnant mice despite RU injection.

CONCLUSION

CR increased the expression of LIF-mediated integrins αVβ3 and αVβ5 on the surface of endometrial cells, which is associated with adhesion of trophoblastic cells to endometrial cells for blastocyst implantation. Our findings provide evidence that CR has therapeutic potential against poor endometrial receptivity.

Successful Pregnancy after Treatment with Chinese Herbal Medicine in a 43-Year-Old Woman with Diminished Ovarian Reserve and Multiple Uterus Fibrosis: A Case Report

Objective: To highlight a natural approach to coexisting oligomenorrhea, subfertility, luteal phase insufficiency and multiple fibroids cohesively when in vitro fertilisation (IVF) has failed. Case Presentation: A 43-year-old woman with diminished ovarian reserve and multiple uterine fibroids had previously been advised to discontinue IVF treatment. According to Chinese Medicine diagnosis, herbal formulae were prescribed for improving age-related ovarian insufficiency as well as to control the growth of fibroids. After 4 months of treatment, the patient’s menstrual cycle became regular and plasma progesterone one week after ovulation increased from 10.9 nmol/L to 44.9 nmol/L. After 6 months, she achieved a natural conception, resulting in a live birth of a healthy infant at an estimated gestational age of 40 weeks. Conclusions: The successful treatment with Chinese Herbal Medicine for this case highlights a natural therapy to manage infertility due to ovarian insufficiency and multiple fibroids after unsuccessful IVF outcome.

Chinese herbal medicine for subfertile women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common reproductive endocrinology abnormalities, and affects 5% to 10% of women of reproductive age. Western medicines, such as oral contraceptives, insulin sensitizers and laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD), have been used to treat PCOS. Recently, many studies have been published that consider Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) as an alternative treatment for women with PCOS.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of CHM for subfertile women with PCOS.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched sources, including the following databases, from inception to 9 June 2016: the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Specialized Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, Allied and Complementary Medicine (AMED), PsycINFO, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP, Wanfang and trial registries. In addition, we searched the reference lists of included trials and contacted experts in the field to locate trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that considered the use of CHM for the treatment of subfertile women with PCOS.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened appropriate trials for inclusion, assessed the risk of bias in included studies and extracted data. We contacted primary study authors for additional information. We conducted meta-analyses. We used the odds ratios (ORs) to report dichotomous data, with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We assessed the quality of the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methods.

MAIN RESULTS

We included five RCTs with 414 participants. The comparisons in the included trials were as follows: CHM versus clomiphene, CHM plus clomiphene versus clomiphene (with or without ethinyloestradiol cyproterone acetate (CEA)), CHM plus follicle aspiration plus ovulation induction versus follicle aspiration plus ovulation induction alone, and CHM plus laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) versus LOD alone. The overall quality of the evidence for most comparisons was very low.None of the included studies reported live birth rate, and only one study reported data on adverse events.When CHM was compared with clomiphene (with or without LOD in both arms), there was no evidence of a difference between the groups in pregnancy rates (odds ratio (OR) 1.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78 to 5.06; two studies, 90 participants, I² statistic = 0%, very low quality evidence). No study reported data on adverse events. When CHM plus clomiphene was compared with clomiphene (with or without CEA), there was low quality evidence of a higher pregnancy rate in the CHM plus clomiphene group (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.65 to 4.14; three RCTs, 300 women, I² statistic = 0%,low quality evidence). No data were reported on adverse events.When CHM with follicle aspiration and ovulation induction was compared with follicle aspiration and ovulation induction alone, there was no evidence of a difference between the groups in pregnancy rates (OR 1.60, 95% CI 0.46 to 5.52; one study, 44 women, very low quality evidence), severe luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome (LUFS) (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.06 to 6.14; one study, 44 women, very low quality evidence), ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.00 to 8.19; one study, 44 women, very low quality evidence) or multiple pregnancy (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.06 to 6.14; one study, 44 women, very low quality evidence).When CHM with LOD was compared with LOD alone, there was no evidence of a difference between the groups in rates of pregnancy (OR 3.50, 95% CI 0.72 to 17.09; one study, 30 women, very low quality evidence), No data were reported on adverse events.There was no evidence of a difference between any of the comparison groups for any other outcomes. The quality of the evidence for all other comparisons and outcomes was very low. The main limitations in the evidence were failure to report live birth or adverse events, failure to describe study methods in adequate detail and imprecision due to very low event rates and wide CIs.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence to support the use of CHM for women with PCOS and subfertility. No data are available on live birth, and there is no consistent evidence to indicate that CHM influences fertility outcomes. However there is very limited low quality evidence to suggest that the addition of CHM to clomiphene may improve pregnancy rates. There is insufficient evidence on adverse effects to indicate whether CHM is safe.