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Hao H, Li M, Zhang C, Zhang S. The effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist downregulation in conjunction with hormone replacement therapy on endometrial preparation in patients for frozen-thawed embryo transfer. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1412126. [PMID: 39021824 PMCID: PMC11251965 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1412126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the effects of combining gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) downregulation with hormone replacement therapy (HRT, GnRHa-HRT) on the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET). Methods In this retrospective study, we included patients who had FET between January 2018 and December 2022. They were categorized into HRT and GnRHa-HRT groups based on the endometrial preparation protocol. The study compared the clinical outcomes of patients in two groups. Possible factors affecting clinical outcomes were analyzed using univariate analysis. To analyze the impact of two endometrial preparation methods on clinical outcomes, multifactorial logistic regression was performed. Results The rates of clinical pregnancy (47.31% vs. 59.60%), embryo implantation (37.58% vs. 49.65%), biochemical pregnancy (52.36% vs. 64.31%), and early abortion (7.07% vs. 10.77%) were statistically different between the two groups (p < 0.05). Analysis using multifactorial logistic regression showed that there was a 1.65-fold increase in clinical pregnancy rates (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.29-2.12, p < 0.001) and a 1.55-fold increase in embryo implantation rates (OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.27-1.90, p < 0.001) in the GnRHa-HRT group when compared to the HRT group. For blastocyst transfer, the clinical pregnancy and implantation rates of the GnRHa-HRT group were significantly higher than those of the HRT group (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.30-2.37, p < 0.001; OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.35-2.21, p < 0.001). Conclusion In FET cycles, leuprorelin (as a GnRHa) downregulation combined with HRT may improve the clinical outcome of patients compared to the HRT cycle, especially for the clinical pregnancy and embryo implantation rates of patients with blastocyst transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cuilian Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shaodi Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Wang Y, Tang Z, Teng X. New advances in the treatment of thin endometrium. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1269382. [PMID: 38745960 PMCID: PMC11092375 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1269382] [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: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Thin endometrium (TE) is defined as a mid-luteal endometrial thickness ≤7mm. TE can affect endometrial tolerance, leading to lower embryo implantation rates and clinical pregnancy rates, and is also associated with impaired outcomes from assisted reproductive treatment. Herein, we systematically review TE causes, mechanisms, and treatments. TE pathogenesis has multiple causes, with the endometrium becoming thinner with age under hormonal influence. In addition, uterine cavity factors are important, as the inflammatory environment may affect expressions of certain genes thereby inhibiting endometrial stromal cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis. Long-term oral contraceptive use or the use of ovulation-promoting drugs are also definite factors contributing to endometrial thinning. Other patients have primary factors, for which the clinical etiology remains unknown. The main therapeutic strategies available for TE are pharmacological (including hormonal and vasoactive drugs), regenerative medicine, intrauterine infusion of growth factor-granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, autologous platelet-rich plasma, and complementary alternative therapies (including traditional Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture). However, the associated mechanisms of action are currently unclear. Clinical scholars have proposed various approaches to improve treatment outcomes in patients with TE, and are exploring the principles of efficacy, offering potentials for novel treatments. It is hoped that this will improve TE tolerance, increase embryo implantation rates, and help more couples with infertility with effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidi Wang
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zunhao Tang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiuxiang Teng
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Ho NT, Ho DKN, Tomai XH, Nguyen NN, Nguyen HS, Hu YM, Kao SH, Tzeng CR. Pituitary Suppression with Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist Prior to Artificial Endometrial Preparation in Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer Cycles: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Different Protocols and Infertile Populations. Biomedicines 2024; 12:760. [PMID: 38672116 PMCID: PMC11048410 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040760] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the effect of GnRHa pretreatment on pregnancy outcomes in artificial endometrial preparation for frozen-thawed embryo transfer (AC-FET) cycles. A systematic review of English language studies published before 1 September 2022, was conducted, excluding conference papers and preprints. Forty-one studies involving 43,021 participants were analyzed using meta-analysis, with a sensitivity analysis ensuring result robustness. The study found that GnRHa pretreatment generally improved the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), implantation rate (IR), and live birth rate (LBR). However, discrepancies existed between randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies; RCTs showed no significant differences in outcomes for GnRHa-treated cycles. Depot GnRHa protocols outperformed daily regimens in LBR. Extended GnRHa pretreatment (two to five cycles) significantly improved CPR and IR compared to shorter treatment. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) saw substantial benefits from GnRHa pretreatment, including improved CPR and LBR and reduced miscarriage rates. In contrast, no significant benefits were observed in women with regular menstruation. More rigorous research is needed to solidify these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen-Tuong Ho
- Taipei Fertility Center, Taipei 110, Taiwan or (N.-T.H.); (Y.-M.H.)
- College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
| | - Dang Khanh Ngan Ho
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Xuan Hong Tomai
- Office of International Relations, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam;
| | - Nam Nhat Nguyen
- College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Hung Song Nguyen
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
| | - Yu-Ming Hu
- Taipei Fertility Center, Taipei 110, Taiwan or (N.-T.H.); (Y.-M.H.)
| | - Shu-Huei Kao
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Chii-Ruey Tzeng
- Taipei Fertility Center, Taipei 110, Taiwan or (N.-T.H.); (Y.-M.H.)
- College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
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Jiang J, Kong N, Shi Q, Yan Y, Shen X, Mei J, Sun H, Huang C. Effect of Elevated Progesterone Levels on hCG Trigger Day on Clinical Pregnancy Outcome in Short-Acting GnRHa Downregulated Cycles. Int J Womens Health 2023; 15:1971-1979. [PMID: 38146586 PMCID: PMC10749555 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s437794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies suggested higher serum progesterone (P) levels were strongly associated with a lower clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) for in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). However, the effect of increased serum P levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration on clinical outcomes in short-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) downregulated IVF-ET cycles remains unclear. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study from January 2017 to December 2021, which included a total of 1664 patients receiving their first short-acting GnRHa IVF-ET cycles at our reproductive medicine centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. The smooth curve fitting and interaction analysis were employed to analyse the association between the CPR and the serum P levels with different embryo types (cleavage-stage embryo or blastocyst). In addition, total cycles were grouped according to different P levels on the trigger day of hCG administration for further analysis. Results The CPR of patients with increased serum P level (higher than 1.5 ng/mL) on the hCG day did not decrease. A smoothing curve fitting showed that the CPR did not change obviously with the increase in serum P levels. Subgroup analysis of different types of embryos transferred showed that no correlation was observed between the CPR and serum P levels on the day of hCG administration in cleavage-stage embryo transfer cycles. However, the CPR of patients receiving blastocyst transfer showed a downward trend with the increase in serum P levels. At the same time, an interaction analysis also confirmed that the CPR of blastocyst transfer was more likely to be affected by elevated serum P levels on the hCG day. Conclusion In the luteal phase short-acting GnRHa downregulated IVF-ET cycles, the elevated serum P levels on the hCG day did not affect the CPR of cleavage-stage embryo transfer but reduced the CPR of blastocyst transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Jiang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drum Tower Clinic Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, People’s Republic of China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, People’s Republic of China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Na Kong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drum Tower Clinic Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, People’s Republic of China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, People’s Republic of China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qingqing Shi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drum Tower Clinic Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, People’s Republic of China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, People’s Republic of China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drum Tower Clinic Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, People’s Republic of China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, People’s Republic of China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyue Shen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drum Tower Clinic Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, People’s Republic of China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, People’s Republic of China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Mei
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drum Tower Clinic Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, People’s Republic of China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, People’s Republic of China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haixiang Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drum Tower Clinic Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, People’s Republic of China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, People’s Republic of China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chenyang Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drum Tower Clinic Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210008, People’s Republic of China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, People’s Republic of China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, People’s Republic of China
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Chang WS, Lin PH, Li CJ, Chern CU, Chen YC, Lin LT, Tsui KH. Additional single dose GnRH agonist during luteal phase support may improve live birth rate in GnRHa-HRT frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:174. [PMID: 36918869 PMCID: PMC10012576 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05491-y] [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: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND GnRH agonist (GnRHa) has been reported to have direct effects and functional roles in the endometrium and embryos. Several meta-analyses have shown that GnRHa administration in the luteal phase improved the live birth rate or pregnancy rate in both fresh and frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles. The aim of this study was to investigate whether luteal GnRHa administration could also improve in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in patients undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) cycles with GnRHa suppression. METHODS The retrospective cohort study included a total of 350 patients undergoing GnRHa-HRT FET cycles. The study group included 179 patients receiving an additional single dose of GnRHa in the luteal phase following embryo transfer. A total of 171 patients in the control group did not receive luteal GnRHa. The baseline and cycle characteristics and reproductive outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS Baseline and cycle characteristics were similar between the two groups, except lower AMH levels were found in the luteal GnRHa group than in the control group. The luteal GnRHa group had a significantly higher ongoing pregnancy rate and live birth rate than the control group. The multivariate analysis revealed that luteal GnRHa administration was positively associated with ongoing pregnancy (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.20-3.47, P = 0.008) and live birth (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.20-3.45, P = 0.009). When the subgroup of patients with recurrent implantation failure was analyzed, the multivariate analysis also showed that luteal GnRHa administration had beneficial effects on ongoing pregnancy (OR 4.55, 95% CI 1.69-12.30, P = 0.003) and live birth (OR 4.30, 95% CI 1.59-11.65, P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that the addition of one luteal dose of GnRHa may improve the live birth rate in patients undergoing the GnRHa-HRT protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Shan Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, No.386, Dazhong 1st Rd., Zuoying Dist, Kaohsiung City, 81362, Taiwan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hsuan Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, No.386, Dazhong 1st Rd., Zuoying Dist, Kaohsiung City, 81362, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jung Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, No.386, Dazhong 1st Rd., Zuoying Dist, Kaohsiung City, 81362, Taiwan.,Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Chyi-Uei Chern
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, No.386, Dazhong 1st Rd., Zuoying Dist, Kaohsiung City, 81362, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, No.386, Dazhong 1st Rd., Zuoying Dist, Kaohsiung City, 81362, Taiwan
| | - Li-Te Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, No.386, Dazhong 1st Rd., Zuoying Dist, Kaohsiung City, 81362, Taiwan. .,Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei City, Taiwan. .,Department of Biological Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
| | - Kuan-Hao Tsui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, No.386, Dazhong 1st Rd., Zuoying Dist, Kaohsiung City, 81362, Taiwan. .,Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei City, Taiwan. .,Department of Biological Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
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