Efficacy of intrauterine perfusion of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) for Infertile women with thin endometrium: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Network meta-analysis of four common immunomodulatory therapies for the treatment of patients with thin endometrium

OBEJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness of endometrial receptivity and pregnancy outcomes of four common immunomodulatory therapies for patients with thin endometrium.

METHOD

This systematic review and network meta-analysis using a literature search up to January 2024, to identify relevant trials comparing endometrial receptivity and pregnancy outcomes of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), infusion of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (IG-CSF), and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) for patients with thin endometrium. We used surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) to ranked four common immunomodulatory therapies on endometrium thickness, implantation rate (IR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), and live birth rate (LBR). RoB2 and ROBINS-I were used to assess the certainty of evidence.

RESULTS

The pooled results of 22 studies showed that hCG (mean difference [MD]: 3.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.46-4.64) and PRP (MD: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.20-1.76) significantly increase endometrium thickness. The hCG was the best among the IG-CSF (MD = -2.56, 95% CI = -4.30 to -0.82), PBMC (MD = -2.75, 95% CI = -5.49 to -0.01), and PRP (MD = -2.07, 95% CI = -3.84 to -0.30) in increasing endometrium thickness. However, IG-CSF and PRP significantly improved IR (IG-CSF: risk ratio (RR; IG-CSF: RR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.06-1.67; PRP: RR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.19-2.23), and LBR (IG-CSF: RR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.16-2.02; PRP: RR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.08-2.36).

CONCLUSIONS

Available evidence reveals that hCG and subcutaneous or intrauterine CSF (SG-CSF) may be the best treatment options for current thin endometrium patients. However, future high-quality and large-scale studies are necessary to validate our findings.

Treatment Effects in Randomized and Nonrandomized Studies of Pharmacological Interventions: A Meta-Analysis

Importance

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are widely regarded as the methodological benchmark for assessing clinical efficacy and safety of health interventions. There is growing interest in using nonrandomized studies to assess efficacy and safety of new drugs.

Objective

To determine how treatment effects for the same drug compare when evaluated in nonrandomized vs randomized studies.

Data Sources

Meta-analyses published between 2009 and 2018 were identified in MEDLINE via PubMed and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Data analysis was conducted from October 2019 to July 2024.

Study Selection

Meta-analyses of pharmacological interventions were eligible for inclusion if both randomized and nonrandomized studies contributed to a single meta-analytic estimate.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

For this meta-analysis using a meta-epidemiological framework, separate summary effect size estimates were calculated for nonrandomized and randomized studies within each meta-analysis using a random-effects model and then these estimates were compared. The reporting of this study followed the Guidelines for Reporting Meta-Epidemiological Methodology Research and relevant portions of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline.

Main Outcome and Measures

The primary outcome was discrepancies in treatment effects obtained from nonrandomized and randomized studies, as measured by the proportion of meta-analyses where the 2 study types disagreed about the direction or magnitude of effect, disagreed beyond chance about the effect size estimate, and the summary ratio of odds ratios (ROR) obtained from nonrandomized vs randomized studies combined across all meta-analyses.

Results

A total of 346 meta-analyses with 2746 studies were included. Statistical conclusions about drug benefits and harms were different for 130 of 346 meta-analyses (37.6%) when focusing solely on either nonrandomized or randomized studies. Disagreements were beyond chance for 54 meta-analyses (15.6%). Across all meta-analyses, there was no strong evidence of consistent differences in treatment effects obtained from nonrandomized vs randomized studies (summary ROR, 0.95; 95% credible interval [CrI], 0.89-1.02). Compared with experimental nonrandomized studies, randomized studies produced on average a 19% smaller treatment effect (ROR, 0.81; 95% CrI, 0.68-0.97). There was increased heterogeneity in effect size estimates obtained from nonrandomized compared with randomized studies.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this meta-analysis of treatment effects of pharmacological interventions obtained from randomized and nonrandomized studies, there was no overall difference in effect size estimates between study types on average, but nonrandomized studies both overestimated and underestimated treatment effects observed in randomized studies and introduced additional uncertainty. These findings suggest that relying on nonrandomized studies as substitutes for RCTs may introduce additional uncertainty about the therapeutic effects of new drugs.

Feasible Influence of G-CSF on Clinical Pregnancy Outcome in Oocyte Donation Cycles for Patients with Recurrent Implantation Failure

Background and Objectives: The aim of our single-center cohort study was the determination of the influence of the intrauterine lavage of granulocyte colony-stimulating growth factor (G-CSF) on clinical pregnancy rate in patients with a history of implantation failure older than 40 years. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in Ferticare Prague SE between May 2018 and June 2020. Overall, 115 patients were distributed into two arms, with 48 subjects in the experimental and 67 in the control arm. All women have had a previous history of unsuccessful history of infertility treatment with their own genetic material and at least one ineffective cycle with the donated oocytes. The experimental arm underwent the intrauterine lavage of 0.5 mL of pure G-CSF from 120 to 48 h prior to embryo transfer. Results: The clinical pregnancy rate was 63.3% in the experimental arm and 47.8% in the control arm (p = 0.097 for Pearsonߣs χ2, and p = 0.133 for Fisher's exact test). However, the mean endometrial thickness on the day of embryo transfer did not appear to be statistically different (p = 0.139). Only the difference in endometrium thickness growth was statistically significant (p = 0.023). The increase in pregnancy rate is still encouraging for the future, even if it is not significant. Conclusion: Our study suggests the trend of increased pregnancy rate after the intrauterine G-CSF lavage in the interval of 120-48 h prior to embryo transfer.

Injectable, stable, and biodegradable hydrogel with platelet-rich plasma induced by l-serine and sodium alginate for effective treatment of intrauterine adhesions

The combination of pharmacological and physical barrier therapy is a highly promising strategy for treating intrauterine adhesions (IUAs), but there lacks a suitable scaffold that integrates good injectability, proper mechanical stability and degradability, excellent biocompatibility, and non-toxic, non-rejection therapeutic agents. To address this, a novel injectable, degradable hydrogel composed of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), sodium alginate (SA), and l-serine, and loaded with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) (referred to as PSL-PRP) is developed for treating IUAs. l-Serine induces rapid gelation within 1 min and enhances the mechanical properties of the hydrogel, while degradable SA provides the hydrogel with strength, toughness, and appropriate degradation capabilities. As a result, the hydrogel exhibits an excellent scaffold for sustained release of growth factors in PRP and serves as an effective physical barrier. In vivo testing using a rat model of IUAs demonstrates that in situ injection of the PSL-PRP hydrogel significantly reduces fibrosis and promotes endometrial regeneration, ultimately leading to fertility restoration. The combined advantages make the PSL-PRP hydrogel very promising in IUAs therapy and in preventing adhesions in other internal tissue wounds.

[Effect of Intrauterine Perfusion of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor on Endometrium and Blood Flow Parameters in Patients With Thin Endometrium: A Prospective Controlled Clinical Trial]

Objective

To investigate the effects of intrauterine perfusion with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on the endometrial thickness, volume, and blood flow parameters of patients with thin endometrium and their clinical outcomes.

Methods

We designed a prospective non-randomized synchronous controlled trial and recruited patients with thin endometrium who underwent frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) at Mianyang Central Hospital between September 1, 2021 and September 1, 2023. They were divided into two groups, an experimental group of patients who received the experimental treatment of intrauterine perfusion with G-CSF and a control group of patients who did not receive the experimental treatment. The general data and the clinical outcomes of the two groups were analyzed and compared. The endometrial thickness, volume and blood flow parameters of patients in the experimental group before and after intrauterine perfusion with G-CSF were analyzed.

Results

The clinical data of 83 patients were included in the study. The experimental group included 51 cases, while the control group included 31 cases. There were no significant differences in the baseline data between the two groups. The clinical pregnancy rate of the experimental group (56.86%) was higher than that of the control group (50.00%) and the rate of spontaneous abortion in the experimental group (27.59%) was lower than that in the control group (37.50%), but the differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05). In the experimental group, the postperfusion endometrial thickness ([0.67±0.1] cm) was greater than the preperfusion endometrial thickness ([0.59±0.09] cm), the postperfusion ([1.84±0.81] cm3) was greater than the preperfusion endometrial volume ([1.54±0.69] cm3), and the postperfusion vascularization flow index (VFI) (1.97±2.82) was greater than the preperfusion VFI (0.99±1.04), with all the differences being statistically significant (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Intrauterine perfusion with G-CSF can enhance the endometrial thickness, volume, and some blood flow parameters in patients with thin endometrium.

The value of G-CSF in women experienced at least one implantation failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

Despite the developments of in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocols, implantation failure remains a challenging problem, owing to the unbalance between the embryo, endometrium, and immune system interactions. Effective treatments are urgently required to improve successful implantation. Recently, many researchers have focused on granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) to regulate immune response and embryo-endometrium cross-talk. However, previous studies have reported inconsistent findings on the efficacy of G-CSF therapy on implantation failure. The objective of this review was to further explore the effects of G-CSF according to administration dosage and timing among women who experienced at least one implantation failure.

Methods

We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials of G-CSF on implantation failure up to July 21, 2023. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and the heterogeneity of the studies with the I2 index was analyzed.

Results

We identified a total of 2031 studies and finally included 10 studies in the systematic review and meta-analysis. G-CSF administration improved the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), implantation rate (IR), biochemical pregnancy rate (BPR), and live birth rate (LBR) in women with at least one implantation failure. Subgroup analyses showed that G-CSF treatment could exert good advantages in improving CPR [OR=2.49, 95%CI (1.56, 3.98), I2 = 0%], IR [OR=2.82, 95%CI (1.29, 6.15)], BPR [OR=3.30, 95%CI (1.42, 7.67)] and LBR [OR=3.16, 95%CI (1.61, 6.22), I2 = 0%] compared with the blank control group. However, compared with placebo controls, G-CSF showed beneficial effects on CPR [OR=1.71, 95%CI (1.04, 2.84), I2 = 38%] and IR [OR=2.01, 95%CI (1.29, 3.15), I2 = 24%], but not on LBR. In addition, >150μg of G-CSF treatment increased CPR [OR=2.22, 95%CI (1.47, 3.35), I2 = 0%], IR [OR=2.67, 95%CI (1.47, 4.82), I2 = 0%] and BPR [OR=2.02, 95%CI (1.17, 3.47), I2 = 22%], while ≤150μg of G-CSF treatment improved miscarriage rate (MR) [OR=0.14, 95%CI (0.05, 0.38), I2 = 0%] and LBR [OR=2.65, 95%CI (1.56, 4.51), I2 = 0%]. Moreover, G-CSF administration on the day of embryo transfer (ET) could increase CPR [OR=2.81, 95%CI (1.37, 5.75), I2 = 0%], but not on the day of ovum pick-up (OPU) or human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) injection.

Conclusion

G-CSF has a beneficial effect on pregnancy outcomes to some extent among women who experienced at least one implantation failure, and the administration dosage and timing influence the effect size.Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023447046.

Platelet-rich plasma infusion as an adjunct treatment for persistent thin lining in frozen embryo transfer cycles: first US experience report

PURPOSE

To study effect of intrauterine infusion of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on endometrial growth in the setting of thin endometrial lining in patients with prior cancelled or failed frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Single-arm cohort study of forty-six patients (51 cycles) with endometrial lining thickness (EMT) < 6 mm in prior cancelled or failed FET cycles requesting intrauterine PRP treatment in upcoming FET cycle. The primary outcomes were final EMT in FET cycle and change in EMT after PRP. The secondary outcomes were overall pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, ongoing pregnancy, and live birth rates.

RESULTS

The mean pre-PRP EMT in all FET cycles was 4.0 ± 1.1 mm, and mean post-PRP EMT (final) was 7.1 ± 1.0 mm. Of 51 cycles, 33 (64.7%) reached ≥ 7 mm after PRP administration. There was a significant difference between pre-PRP EMT and post-PRP EMT in all FET cycles, with mean difference of 3.0 ± 1.5 mm. Three cycles were cancelled for failure to reach adequate lining. Total pregnancy rate was 72.9% in our cohort of 48 cycles that proceeded to transfer. Clinical pregnancy rate was 54.2% (26/48 FET cycles); clinical miscarriage rate was 14.3% (5/35 pregnancies). Twenty six women had live birth (18 with EMT ≥ 7 mm and 8 with EMT < 7 mm). Response to PRP was not correlated with any pre-cycle characteristics.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate a significant improvement in lining thickness and pregnancy rates in this challenging cohort of women after PRP infusion, with no adverse events. Cost-effectiveness of PRP with benefits and alternatives should be carefully considered.

Effect of tamoxifen in patients with thin endometrium who underwent frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles: a retrospective study

Introduction

Thin endometrium leads to an impaired implantation rate. The aim of the study is to compare the clinical outcomes of tamoxifen (TAM) and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used in patients with thin endometrium (<7mm) in frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET)cycles.

Methods

A total of 176 FET cycles with thin endometrium were retrospectively analyzed in our center from Jan 2020 to May 2022. According to patients' own will, 112 patients were allocated to the HRT group and 64 patients chose the TAM protocol. Clinical outcomes were compared between two groups.

Result

The duration of treatment was shorter in the TAM group(12.03±2.34d) than the HRT group (16.07±2.52 d), which was statistically different (p<0.05). The endometrial thickness on the transfer day of the TAM group (7.32±1.28 mm) was significantly thicker than that of the HRT group (6.85±0.89mm, p<0.05). The clinical pregnancy rate of the TAM group (50.0%) was higher than that of the HRT group (36.6%), but there was no significant difference (p >0.05). The early miscarriage rate was significantly lower in the TAM group compared with the HRT group (5.9% Vs 26.8%, adjusted OR 0.10, p<0.05), while the live birth rate was higher in the TAM group (46.9% Vs 26.8%, adjusted OR 2.24, p<0.05) compared with the HRT group.

Conclusion

For patients with thin endometrium, TAM effectively improved the endometrial thickness and increased the live birth rate. TAM can be used as an alternative protocol for patients with thin endometrium.

Treatment options for endometrial hypoproliferation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Endometrial hypoproliferation refers to the failure of the endometrium to reach optimal thickness during fresh or frozen embryo transfer cycles in women undergoing infertility treatment with in-vitro fertilization (IVF). This review discusses the treatment options for endometrial hypoproliferation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Apart from factors related to the embryo quality, ultrasonographic findings associated with the endometrium, such as endometrial thickness, endometrial pattern and subendometrial blood flow, are considered key factors associated with the outcome of assisted reproductive treatment. To date, a consensus has not been reached regarding the definition of thin endometrium, while thresholds of 6, 7 or 8 mm have been used in the literature. Strategies to increase endometrial thickness can be reviewed in three groups: endocrine approaches, vitamins & supplements, and new experimental therapeutic interventions. Some of the recently introduced experimental therapeutic interventions such as platelet-rich plasma injection, stem cell treatment and tissue bioengineering are exciting potential therapies that need to be further studied.

SUMMARY

Despite a large number of publications on the topic, diagnosing and treating endometrial hypoproliferation remains a challenge. Well designed studies are needed to establish a widely accepted endometrial thickness cut-off value below which endometrial hypoproliferation is diagnosed and to generate meaningful data that would allow an evidence-based discussion of available therapeutic options with patients.

Efficacy of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for infertility undergoing IVF: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) for infertility and recurrent spontaneous abortion.

METHODS

Existing research was searched in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library till Dec 2021. Randomized control trials (RCTs) that compared G-CSF administration with the control group in infertility women undergoing IVF were included. The primary outcomes included clinical pregnancy rate; the secondary outcomes included live birth rate, abortion ratebiochemical pregnancy rate, embryo implantation rate, as well as endometrial thickness.

RESULT(S)

20 RCTs were included in this study. G-CSF increased the clinical pregnancy rate (RR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.07, 3.18) and the endometrial thickness (MD = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.58,2.92;) in patients with thin endometrium undergoing IVF. G-CSF increased the biochemical pregnancy rate (RR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.54, 2.93), the embryo implantation rate (RR = 2.51; 95% CI: 1.82, 3.47) and the clinical pregnancy rate (RR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.63, 2.29) in patients with a history of repeated implantation failure undergoing IVF. No differences were found in pregnancy outcomes of general IVF patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor is likely to be a potential option for infertility women undergoing IVF with thin endometrium or recurrent implantation failure .

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Retrospectively registered (The PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022360161).

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor priming improves embryos and pregnancy rate in patients with poor ovarian reserve: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) administration increased ovarian preantral follicles and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in animal models with diminished ovarian reserve. We investigated whether G-CSF priming before treatment with assisted reproductive technology (ART) improved embryo development and pregnancy rate while increasing serum AMH in patients with poor ovarian reserve.

METHODS

In this prospective randomized open-label controlled trial, 100 patients 20 to 42 years old with AMH below 2 ng/mL were randomized to priming or control groups (50 patients each). None had over 1 ART failure, day-3 follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) above 30 IU/L, uterine anomalies, or a partner with azoospermia. All patients initially underwent conventional infertility treatment for 2 consecutive cycles in which the priming group but not controls received a subcutaneous G-CSF priming injection during the early luteal phase. Each group then underwent 1 cycle of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and fresh embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-fresh ET), followed by cryopreserved ET if needed until live birth or embryo depletion. AMH was measured before and after priming.

RESULTS

Fertilization rate, embryonic development, and implantation rate by fresh ET were significantly improved by priming. Clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates by IVF/ICSI-fresh ET were significantly higher with priming (30% and 26% in 47 ART patients; 3 delivered with conventional treatment) than in controls (12% and 10% in 49 ART patients; 1 dropped out). With priming, significantly more patients achieved cryopreservation of redundant blastocysts. The cumulative live birth rate was 32% in 50 patients with priming, significantly higher than 14% in 49 controls (relative risk, 2.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-7.7). Infants derived from priming had no congenital anomalies, while infant weights, birth weeks, and Apgar scores were similar between groups. Among 4 variables (age, day-3 FSH, AMH, and priming), logistic regression significantly associated age and priming with cumulative live birth. Priming significantly increased serum AMH. No adverse effects of priming were observed.

CONCLUSION

G-CSF priming improved embryonic development and pregnancy rate during ART treatment and increased AMH in patients with poor ovarian reserve. Enhanced preantral follicle growth likely was responsible.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

UMIN registration in Japan (UMIN000013956) on May 14, 2014.  https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm .

The therapeutic effects and optimal timing of granulocyte colony stimulating factor intrauterine administration during IVF-ET

Most of embryos fail to produce live offspring during In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET) procedure. There is a dearth of research activity addressing this problem despite the significant population of women suffering from repeated implantation failure after transfer of high-quality of embryos. As a clinically accessible option, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is often used for the treatment to improve the rates of embryo implantation. However, there are currently no evidence-based standardized protocol for the clinical use of G-CSF. G-CSF was administered into one side of mouse uterine horns and saline was infused into the other side of horns as a control. Intrauterine G-CSF administration showed maximal effects 24 h after administration in enhancing endometrial receptivity and subsequent increase of angiogenesis by demonstrating elevated integrin β3 and OPN and reduced cytotoxicity of NK cells. Furthermore, G-CSF administration 24 h prior to embryo transfer promoted the stability of attached embryos at the early stage of implantation in vitro. Our findings suggest as new consensus criteria providing a potential therapeutic strategy of the clinical use of G-CSF to achieve maximal effects of IVF-ET for patients who are suffering from repeated implantation failure with the problems with endometrial receptivity.

Intrauterine botulinum toxin A administration promotes endometrial regeneration mediated by IGFBP3-dependent OPN proteolytic cleavage in thin endometrium

Adequate endometrial growth is a critical factor for successful embryo implantation and pregnancy maintenance. We previously reported the efficacy of intrauterine administration of botulinum toxin A (BoTA) in improving the endometrial angiogenesis and the rates of embryo implantation. Here, we further evaluated its potent therapeutic effects on the uterine structural and functional repair and elucidated underlying molecular regulatory mechanisms. This study demonstrated that a murine model of thin endometrium was successfully established by displaying dramatically decreased endometrial thickness and the rates of embryo implantation compared to normal endometrium. Interestingly, the expressions of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP3) and an active 35 kDa-form of osteopontin (OPN) were significantly reduced in thin endometrium, which were almost fully restored by intrauterine BoTA administration. Neutralization of BoTA-induced IGFBP3 subsequently suppressed proteolytic cleavage of OPN, exhibiting un-recovered endometrial thickness even in the presence of BoTA administration, suggesting that BoTA-induced endometrial regeneration might be mediated by IGFBP3-dependent OPN proteolytic cleavage. Our findings suggest that intrauterine BoTA administration improves the endometrial environment in our murine model with thin endometrium by increasing endometrial receptivity and angiogenesis in a manner dependent on the regulatory effect of IGFBP3 on OPN proteolytic cleavage, proposing BoTA as an efficient therapeutic strategy for the patients with thin endometrium.

The effectiveness of immunomodulatory therapies for patients with repeated implantation failure: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

This meta-analysis analyzed the clinical pregnancy outcomes of repeated implantation failure (RIF) patients treated with immunomodulatory therapies. Publications (published by August 16, 2021) were identified by searching the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. The quality of the studies was evaluated with the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool, and a network meta-analysis was performed with Stata 14.0. The outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), live birth rate (LBR), and implantation rate (IR). The results of our network meta-analysis of 16 RCTs (including 2,008 participants) show that PBMCs, PRP, and SC-GCSF can significantly improve the CPR compared with LMWH (PBMCs: OR 2.15; 95% CI 1.21-3.83; PRP: OR 2.38; 95% CI 1.08-5.24; SC-GCSF: OR 2.46; 95% CI 1.05-5.72). The LBR of PRP was significantly higher than those of IU-GCSF (OR 3.81; 95% CI 1.22-11.86), LMWH (OR 4.38; 95% CI 1.50-12.90), and intralipid (OR 3.85; 95% CI 1.03-14.29), and the LBR of PBMCs was also significantly better than that of LMWH (OR 2.35; 95% CI 1.14-4.85). Furthermore, PRP treatment significantly improved the IR compared with LMWH treatment (OR 2.81; 95% CI 1.07-7.4). The limited evidence from existing RCTs suggests that PBMCs and PRP are the best therapeutic options for RIF patients. However, owing to the quantity limitation, more top-quality research is required to obtain additional high-level evidence.

Recent progress of Bioinspired Hydrogel-based delivery system for endometrial repair

Endometrial injury is the main fact leading to infertility. Current treatments of endometrial injury present many problems, such as unable to achieve desired effects due to low retention and the inherent potential risk of injury. Besides, it is important to the development of bioinspired material that can mimic the natural tissue and possess native tissue topography. Hydrogel is a kind of bioinspired superhydrophilic materials with unique characteristics, such as excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, porosity, swelling, and cross-linkage. These unique physiochemical properties of bioinspired hydrogels enable their promising application as novel delivery platform and alternative therapies for endometrial injury. In this mini review, we summarize the recent advances in bioinispred hydrogel-based delivery system for endometrial repair, including as a post-operative physical barrier and therapeutic delivery system. In addition, present status, limitations, and future perspectives are also discussed.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in reproductive-related disease: Function, regulation and therapeutic effect

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is one of the cytokines which plays important roles in embryo implantation and normal pregnancy. At the maternal-fetal interface, G-CSF can be synthesized by multiple cells, and participates in regulation of trophoblast development, endometrial decidualization, placental metabolism and angiogenesis. Moreover, as an important medium of intercellular communication, G-CSF has also been shown to exert key roles in crosstalk between cellular components at the maternal-fetal interface. Recently, our study demonstrated that G-CSF derived from M2 macrophage could promote trophoblasts invasion and migration through activating PI3K/AKT/Erk1/2 pathway, thereby involving in normal pregnancy program. Herein, we will summarize the role and regulation of G-CSF in normal pregnancy and reproductive-related disease, and the clinical applications of G-CSF in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization with thin endometrium, repeated implantation failure, and women suffered with recurrent spontaneous abortion.

Effect of intrauterine perfusion of granular leukocyte-colony stimulating factor on the outcome of frozen embryo transfer

BACKGROUND

Treatment of thin endometrium with granular leukocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) remains controversial.

AIM

To investigate the effect of G-CSF on the outcome of frozen embryo transfer in patients with thin endometrium.

METHODS

A retrospective propensity score matching (PSM) study was performed to assess patients administered frozen embryo transfer at the Reproductive Medicine Center of the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, in 2012-2018. The patients were divided into G-CSF intrauterine perfusion (G-CSF) and non-G-CSF groups, and clinical pregnancy, implantation, ectopic pregnancy, and early abortion rates between the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

Before PSM, 372 cycles were enrolled, including 242 and 130 cycles in the G-CSF and non-G-CSF groups, respectively. Age (34.23 ± 5.76 vs 32.99 ± 5.59 years; P = 0.047) and the blastula/cleavage stage embryo ratio (0.68 vs 0.37; P = 0.011) were significantly elevated in the G-CSF group compared with the non-G-CSF group; however, clinical pregnancy (46.28% vs 51.54%; P = 0.371) and embryo implantation (35.21% vs 35.65%; P = 0.910) rates were similar in both groups. After PSM by age and blastula/cleavage stage embryo ratio, 244 cycles were included (122 cases each in the G-CSF and non-G-CSF groups). The clinical pregnancy (50.82 % vs 48.36%; P = 0.701) and embryo implantation (37.38% vs 34.11%; P = 0.480) remained similar in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Intrauterine infusion of G-CSF does not improve the clinical outcome of frozen embryo transfer in patients with thin endometrium.

Strategies for managing asherman's syndrome and endometrial atrophy: Since the classical experimental models to the new bioengineering approach

Endometrial function is essential for embryo implantation and pregnancy, but managing endometrial thickness that is too thin to support pregnancy or an endometrium of compromised functionality due to intrauterine adhesions is an ongoing challenge in reproductive medicine. Here, we review current and emerging therapeutic and experimental options for endometrial regeneration with a focus on animal models used to study solutions for Asherman's syndrome and endometrial atrophy, which both involve a damaged endometrium. A review of existing literature was performed that confirmed the lack of consensus on endometrial therapeutic options, though promising new alternatives have emerged in recent years (platelet-rich plasma, exosomes derived from stem cells, bioengineering-based techniques, endometrial organoids, among others). In the future, basic research using established experimental models of endometrial pathologies (combined with new high-tech solutions) and human clinical trials with large population sizes are needed to evaluate these emerging and new endometrial therapies.

Unresponsive thin endometrium caused by Asherman syndrome treated with umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on collagen scaffolds: a pilot study

Background

Unresponsive thin endometrium caused by Asherman syndrome (AS) is the major cause of uterine infertility. However, current therapies are ineffective. This study is to evaluate the effect of transplantation with collagen scaffold/umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (CS/UC-MSCs) on this refractory disease.

Methods

Eighteen infertile women with unresponsive thin endometrium, whose frozen–thawed embryo transfers (FETs) were cancelled due to reduced endometrial thickness (ET ≤ 5.5 mm), were enrolled in this before and after self-control prospective study. Hysteroscopic examination was performed to confirm no intrauterine adhesions, then twenty million UC-MSCs loaded onto a CS were transplanted into the uterine cavity in two consecutive menstrual cycles. Then uterine cavity was assessed through hysteroscopy after two transplants. FETs were performed in the following cycle. Pregnancy outcomes were followed up. Endometrial thickness, uterine receptivity and endometrial angiogenesis, proliferation and hormone response were compared before and after treatment.

Results

Sixteen patients completed the study. No treatment-related serious adverse events occurred. Three months after transplantation, the average ET increased from 4.08 ± 0.26 mm to 5.87 ± 0.77 mm (P < 0.001). Three of 15 patients after FET got pregnant, of whom 2 gave birth successfully and 1 had a miscarriage at 25 weeks’ gestation. One of 2 patients without FET had a natural pregnancy and gave birth normally after transplantation. Immunohistochemical analysis showed increased micro-vessel density, upregulated expression of Ki67, estrogen receptor alpha, and progesterone receptor, indicating an improvement in endometrial angiogenesis, proliferation, and response to hormones.

Conclusion

CS/UC-MSCs is a promising and potential approach for treating women with unresponsive thin endometrium caused by AS.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03724617. Registered on 26 October 2018—prospectively registered, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02499-z.

CXCL12 enhances pregnancy outcome via improvement of endometrial receptivity in mice

Successful pregnancy inevitably depends on the implantation of a competent embryo into a receptive endometrium. Although many substances have been suggested to improve the rate of embryo implantation targeting enhancement of endometrial receptivity, currently there rarely are effective evidence-based treatments to prevent or cure this condition. Here we strongly suggest minimally-invasive intra-uterine administration of embryo-secreted chemokine CXCL12 as an effective therapeutic intervention. Chemokine CXCL12 derived from pre- and peri-implanting embryos significantly enhances the rates of embryo attachment and promoted endothelial vessel formation and sprouting in vitro. Consistently, intra-uterine CXCL12 administration in C57BL/6 mice improved endometrial receptivity showing increased integrin β3 and its ligand osteopontin, and induced endometrial angiogenesis displaying increased numbers of vessel formation near the lining of endometrial epithelial layer with higher CD31 and CD34 expression. Furthermore, intra-uterine CXCL12 application dramatically promoted the rates of embryo implantation with no morphologically retarded embryos. Thus, our present study provides a novel evidence that improved uterine endometrial receptivity and enhanced angiogenesis induced by embryo-derived chemokine CXCL12 may aid to develop a minimally-invasive therapeutic strategy for clinical treatment or supplement for the patients with repeated implantation failure with less risk.

Non-invasive Intrauterine Administration of Botulinum Toxin A Enhances Endometrial Angiogenesis and Improves the Rates of Embryo Implantation

Endometrial angiogenesis plays crucial roles in determining the endometrial receptivity. Defects in endometrial receptivity often cause repeated implantation failure, which is one of the major unmet needs for infertility and contributes a major barrier to the assisted reproductive technology. Despite the numerous extensive research work, there are currently no effective evidence-based treatments to prevent or cure this condition. As a non-invasive treatment strategy, botulinum toxin A (BoTA) was administered into one side of mouse uterine horns, and saline was infused into the other side of horns for the control. Impact of BoTA was assessed in the endometrium at 3 or 8 days after infusion. We demonstrated that BoTA administration enhances the capacity of endothelial cell tube formation and sprouting. The intrauterine BoTA administration significantly induced endometrial angiogenesis displaying increased numbers of vessel formation and expression levels of related marker genes. Moreover, BoTA intrauterine application promoted the endometrial receptivity, and the rates of embryo implantation were improved with BoTA treatment with no morphologically retarded embryos. Intrauterine BoTA treatment has a beneficial effect on vascular reconstruction of functional endometrium prior to embryo implantation by increasing endometrial blood flow near the uterine cavity suggesting BoTA treatment as a potential therapeutic strategy for patients who are suffering from repeated implantation failure with the problems with endometrial receptivity.

Normalization of endometrial histopathology and endometrial NK cells concentration predict successful pregnancy in repeated implantation failure

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective was to establish the endometrial predictors of clinical pregnancy in a population of repeated implantation failure with oocyte donation after specific endometrial treatment. The secondary one was to evaluate reproduction outcomes in terms of Implantation rate (IR), Clinical pregnancy (CP), Live birth delivery rate (LBDR) and Prematurity, in relation to normalization or no-normalization of the predictors.

METHODS

66 patients were assigned to the study. We ran a Pipelle endometrial biopsy to investigate the endometrium lymphocyte population by Flow Cytometry and abnormal/normal patterns by histopathology in pre/post-treatment. We employed the binary logistic regression model to identify the predictors for CP. For the secondary objective, we assessed the clinical outcomes in function to the normalization or no normalization in post-treatment.

RESULTS

Endometrial histopathology and endometrial NK cell counts resulted in CP predictors (Wald chi2 test (p=0.044 and 0.001)), respectively. We had a higher IR, CP and LBDR when both predictors were normalized in comparison with no normalization (p<0.001). There was a high percentage of prematurity in both normalized vs. non-normalized groups (34.4% (11/32) and 71.43% (5/7), respectively) without significant differences.

CONCLUSION

Endometrial histopathology and endometrial NK cell counts showed that they are valid predictors of pregnancy outcome in repeated implantation failure after treatment. In post-treatment, the pregnancy outcomes were significantly higher in the presence of both normalized predictors. Pregnancy rates were zero in the no-normalization of both predictors. There was a high percentage of prematurity in both groups.

Concordance between systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials in assisted reproduction: an overview

STUDY QUESTION

Are systematic reviews published within a 3-year period on interventions in ART concordant in their conclusions?

SUMMARY ANSWER

The majority of the systematic reviews published within a 3-year period in the field of assisted reproduction on the same topic had discordant conclusions.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses have now replaced individual randomized controlled trials (RCTs) at the top of the evidence pyramid. There has been a proliferation of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, many of which suffer from methodological issues and provide varying conclusions.

STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION

We assessed nine interventions in women undergoing ART with at least three systematic reviews each, published from January 2015 to December 2017.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS

The systematic reviews which included RCTs were considered eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome was extent of concordance between systematic reviews on the same topic. Secondary outcomes included assessment of quality of systematic reviews, differences in included studies in meta-analyses covering the same search period, selective reporting and reporting the quality of evidence.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Concordant results and conclusions were found in only one topic, with reviews in the remaining eight topics displaying partial discordance. The AMSTAR grading for the majority of the non-Cochrane reviews was critically low whilst it was categorized as high for all of the Cochrane reviews. For three of the nine topics, none of the included systematic reviews assessed the quality of evidence. We were unable to assess selective reporting as most of the reviews did not have a pre-specified published protocol.

LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION

We were limited by the high proportion of reviews lacking a pre-specified protocol, which made it impossible to assess for selective reporting. Furthermore, many reviews did not specify primary and secondary outcomes which made it difficult to assess reporting bias. All the authors of this review were Cochrane review authors which may introduce some assessment bias. The categorization of the review's conclusions as beneficial, harmful or neutral was subjective, depending on the tone and wording of the conclusion section of the review.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The majority of the systematic reviews published within a 3-year period on the same topic in the field of assisted reproduction revealed discordant conclusions and suffered from serious methodological issues, hindering the process of informed healthcare decision-making.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

All the authors are Cochrane authors. M.S.K. is an editorial board member of Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility group. No grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors was obtained.

Application of Hydrogel-Based Delivery System in Endometrial Repair

A receptive endometrium with proper thickness is essential for successful embryo implantation. However, endometrial injury caused by intrauterine procedures often leads to pathophysiological changes in its environment, resulting in subsequent female infertility. Among diverse treatment methods of endometrial injury, hydrogels are a class of hydrophilic three-dimensional polymeric network with biocompatibility as well as the capability of absorbing water and encapsulation, which have potential applications as a promising intrauterine controlled-release delivery system. This review summarizes recent advances in the approaches of endometrial repair and further focuses on the application of a hydrogel-based delivery system in endometrial repair, including its preparation, therapeutic loading considerations, clinical applications, as well as working mechanisms.

The therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of the intrauterine perfusion of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor on a thin-endometrium rat model

AIMS

This study aims to investigate the effects of intrauterine perfusion of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on a thin-endometrium rat model.

MAIN METHODS

Twenty rats in two groups of 10 were used. Group I was perfused with normal saline (NS) in the right uterine horn and 95% ethanol in the left one. Group II was bilaterally perfused with 95% ethanol into the uterine horns. After three estrous cycles, Group II was perfused with NS in the right uterine horn and G-CSF (30 μg/kg) in the left one. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining were used to detect changes in endometrial thickness and expression of cytokeratin 19 (CK19) and vimentin (Vim). The relative expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (Vegf) and leukemia inhibitory factor (Lif) were also tested via reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western-blot analyses.

KEY FINDINGS

G-CSF treatment significantly increased the thickness of the endometrium in the 95% ethanol-induced thin-endometrium rat model. The expression levels of endometrial glandular epithelial cell marker for CK19 and stromal cell marker Vim were augmented in the G-CSF-treated group compared with the control group. Moreover, G-CSF treatment stimulated the expression of VEGF and LIF in the 95% ethanol-induced thin-endometrium rat model.

SIGNIFICANCE

G-CSF intrauterine perfusion improved endometrial receptivity in the thin-endometrium rat model by stimulating endometrial proliferation and angiogenesis.

Intrauterine G-CSF Administration in Recurrent Implantation Failure (RIF): An Rct

This study investigates the effects of intrauterine G-CSF on endometrial thickness, clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate in a recurrent implantation failure (RIF) group with normal endometrium. This study was designed as a prospective randomized controlled trial with the involvement of 157 RIF group pati; ents. The RIF group was formed on the basis of the RIF criteria: "The failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after the transfer of at least four good-quality embryos in a minimum of three fresh or frozen cycles to a woman under the age of 40 years. The study sample included 82 patients in the G-CSF group who received G-CSF once a day on hCG. The procedure was performed by administering 30 mIU of Leucostim®(Filgrastim [G-CSF] 30 mIU/mL; DEM Medical, Dong-A; South Korea) through slow infusion into the endometrial cavity using a soft embryo transfer catheter. Normal saline of 1 mL was infused into the endometrial cavity in the same way in 75 patients in the control group. The standard ICSI procedure was used for all patients, and fresh cycle embryos were transferred on the third or fifth day. No statistically significant difference was identified in clinical pregnancy rates, miscarriage rates and live birth rates between the G-CSF group and the control group (p = 0.112, p = 0.171, p = 0.644, respectively), and no difference was observed between the two groups regarding endometrial thickness (p = 0.965). The intervention of administration G-CSF into the uterine cavity in RIF patients with normal endometrium, did not alter the endometrial thickness, clinical pregnancy rates, or live birth rates.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for intracytoplasmic sperm injection patients with repeated implantation failure: which route is best?†

The aim of this study was to assess whether the dual administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) increases the effect of only systemic administration in patients with RIF. This retrospective study included 111 infertile normoresponder cases with two or more unsuccessful in vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) treatments, despite the transfer of good quality embryos. Patients were divided into three groups according to using G-CSF and administration route; Group 1 included patients who received subcutaneous (SC) G-CSF only (n = 38), Group 2 comprised patients who received both intrauterine (IU) and SC G-CSF (n = 39), the control group included patients who did not receive G-CSF who were matched by age (n = 34). The IU route of G-CSF was employed on ovulation triggering day. G-CSF was administered via an IU insemination catheter. SC injection was started on the day of oocyte retrieval and administered for 15 days at 100,000 IU/kg. Foetal cardiac activity (clinical pregnancy) was present in 50 patients (46.2%) after embryo transfer, with 20 patients included in SC group (Group 1) (52.6%), 25 in SC + IU group (Group 2) (64.1%) and 8 (23.5%) in control group and significant difference was observed between groups (p: .001). Pregnancy resulted in live birth in 43 patients (39.8%), with 13 patients belonging in Group 1 (34.2%), 25 in Group 2 (61.5%) and 8 (23.5%) in control group; significant differences were observed between groups (p: .001). In conclusion, our results showed that dual administration of G-CSF was significantly more effective that the SC only method.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? A number of studies reported the possible benefits of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) administration in recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and recurrent pregnancy loss patients; however, it is unclear which administration route is better.What do the results of this study add? Our results showed that G-CSF is a promising and safe agent for increasing live birth rates in patients with RIF. Additionally, dual administration is considered the better method than SC only administration.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Clinicians should consider a combination of IU use before ovulation triggering with SC administration starting from the day of oocyte collection for using G-CSF for the treatment of recurrent implantation failure. Additionally, our data show the need for research in the field of administration route of G-CSF for RIF. We suggest that further studies be performed in this field.

Mediator in the Embryo-endometrium Cross-talk: Granulocyte Colony-stimulating Factor in Infertility

Successful implantation requires a receptive endometrium and a good quality egg. The challenges a physician encounters with regard to this in assisted reproductive technology are obtaining good quality embryo, achieving optimal endometrial thickness (EMT), and subsequently implantation, which is denotive of a receptive endometrium. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been observed to be a biomarker of oocyte quality and has been shown to enhance EMT and implantation because of its immunological effects. A systematic search for all relevant articles on G-CSF in follicular fluid and its therapeutic benefit in thin endometrium and recurrent implantation failure was performed, and peer-reviewed, full-text articles related to humans were included in the study. As a tool to determine the potentiality of oocyte, G-CSF shows promise with its predictability increasing in combination with morphological embryo scoring or interleukin 15. For the thin endometrium, G-CSF is especially useful in patients who are refractory to other treatment modalities. In recurrent implantation failure (RIF), G-CSF showed potential in a subset of patients with immunological deficiency lacking killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor genes. This review highlights the various forms of usage of G-CSF and the effectiveness of G-CSF in infertility. G-CSF equips embryologists with a tool to determine the potentiality of oocyte and physicians with therapy for thin endometrium and RIF, especially since the available treatment options are ineffective.

Endometrial stem cell-derived granulocyte-colony stimulating factor attenuates endometrial fibrosis via sonic hedgehog transcriptional activator Gli2

Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is characterized by endometrial fibrosis, which ultimately leads to menstrual abnormalities, infertility, and recurrent miscarriages. The Shh/Gli2 pathway plays a critical role in tissue fibrogenesis and regeneration; Gli2 activation induces profibrogenic effects in various tissues, such as the liver and kidney. However, the role of Gli2 in endometrial fibrosis remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that activated Gli2 promotes endometrial fibrosis. Endometrial samples from moderate and severe IUA patients exhibited significantly enhanced expression of Gli2 compared with normal endometrial samples and mild IUA samples. Transfection with overactive Gli2 plasmids induced higher fibrosis-related protein expression, while blocking Gli2 signaling with cyclopamine caused the opposite effect in endometriotic stromal cells (ESCs), including inducing cell-cycle arrest. Menstrual-derived stem cell conditioned medium (MenSCs-CM) reduced endometrial fibrosis by reducing Gli2 protein levels and causing cell-cycle arrest in ESCs through granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). The effect was weakened after neutralization with a G-CSF antibody. Gli2 overexpression reduced the effects of MenSC-CM and G-CSF on fibrosis and cell-cycle progression in vitro. The antifibrotic effect of G-CSF was also observed in murine model. These findings demonstrate that Gli2 signaling promotes endometrial fibrosis, and the inhibition of Gli2 through MenSCs-secreted G-CSF may be of therapeutic value for managing endometrial fibrosis.

Effects of autologous platelet-rich plasma on endometrial expansion in patients undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer: A double-blind RCT

Background

Adequate endometrial growth is principal for implantation and pregnancy. Thin endometrium is associated with lower pregnancy rate in assisted reproductive technology. Some frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles are cancelled due to inadequate endometrial growth.

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) intrauterine infusion for the treatment of thin endometrium.

Materials and Methods

A total of 72 patients who had a history of cancelled frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle due to the thin endometrium ( < 7mm) were assessed for the eligibility to enter the study between 2016 and 2017. Twelve patients were excluded for different reasons, and 60 included patients were randomly assigned to PRP or sham-catheter groups in a double-blind manner. Hormone replacement therapy was administered for endometrial preparation in all participants. PRP intrauterine infusion or shamcatheter was performed on day 11-12 due to the thin endometrium and it was repeated after 48 hr if necessary.

Results

Endometrial thickness increased at 48 hr after the first intervention in both groups. All participants needed second intervention due to an inadequate endometrial expansion. After second intervention, endometrial thickness was 7.21 ± 0.18 and 5.76 ± 0.97 mm in the PRP group and sham-catheter group, respectively. There was a significant difference between the two groups. (p < 0.001). Embryo transfer was done for all patients in PRP group and just in six cases in the sham-catheter group. Chemical pregnancy was reported in twelve cases in the PRP group and two cases in the sham-catheter group.

Conclusion

According to this trial, PRP was effective in endometrial expansion in patients with refractory thin endometrium.

Innate Immune Cells and Toll-like Receptor-Dependent Responses at the Maternal-Fetal Interface

During pregnancy, the placenta, the mother and the fetus exploit several mechanisms in order to avoid fetal rejection and to maintain an immunotolerant environment throughout nine months. During this time, immune cells from the fetal and maternal compartments interact to provide an adequate defense in case of an infection and to promote a tolerogenic milieu for the fetus to develop peacefully. Trophoblasts and decidual cells, together with resident natural killer cells, dendritic cells, Hofbauer cells and other macrophages, among other cell types, contribute to the modulation of the uterine environment to sustain a successful pregnancy. In this review, the authors outlined some of the various roles that the innate immune system plays at the maternal-fetal interface. First, the cell populations that are recruited into gestational tissues and their immune mechanisms were examined. In the second part, the Toll-like receptor (TLR)-dependent immune responses at the maternal-fetal interface was summarized, in terms of their specific cytokine/chemokine/antimicrobial peptide expression profiles throughout pregnancy.

The role of immunotherapy in in vitro fertilization: a guideline

Adjuvant immunotherapy treatments in in vitro fertilization (IVF) aim to improve the outcome of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in both the general ART population as well as subgroups such as patients with recurrent miscarriage or implantation failure. The purpose of this guideline is to evaluate the role of immunomodulating therapy in ART. Unfortunately, many of the evaluated therapies lack robust evidence from well-designed adequately powered randomized controlled trials to support their use. Immunotherapies reviewed in the present document are either not associated with improved live-birth outcome in IVF or have been insufficiently studied to make definitive recommendations.

Intrauterine infusion of human chorionic gonadotropin before embryo transfer in IVF/ET cycle: The critical review

Intrauterine infusion of human chorionic gonadotropin (IUI-hCG) has been proposed to improve the outcome of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), since it plays a critical role in synchronizing endometrial and fetal development. As the early mediator from embryo, hCG promotes the decidualization, angiogenesis, maternal immune tolerance, and trophoblast invasion, favoring successful implantation of embryo. Although multiple clinical trials have been conducted to verify the efficacy of IUI-hCG on IVF-ET outcome in recent years, the findings remained controversial. The difference in study design and population might be the cause to the different consequences after administration of hCG. More importantly, the endometrial receptivity, which might affect the efficacy of IUI-hCG, has not been assessed in women receiving this intervention. Selecting the right population suitable for IUI-hCG based on known etiology would be crucial in enhancing its efficacy and minimize any possible complications. Investigation of optimal indications for IUI-hCG should be highlighted in the future.

Therapeutic role of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) for infertile women under in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this meta-analysis is to explore the beneficial role of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on infertile women under artificial reproduction technology treatment.

METHOD

Medline, Embase and ISI Web of Science databases were searched to identify relevant randomized control trials. Studies before July, 2017 were included for primary screening. Meta-analysis of the total and subgroup patients was conducted, and relative risks (RRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated by a fixed-effect model if no heterogeneity (evaluated as I2 statistic) existed. Otherwise, a random-effects model was adopted. Subgroup analysis was performed by administrating route or clinical indication. Egger test and influence analysis were conducted to evaluate the publication bias and study power, respectively.

RESULTS

The final selection enrolled 10 RCTs, involving 1016 IVF-ET cycles (521 distributed to the G-CSF group and 495 to the control). Compared with control group, G-CSF administration could significantly improve clinical pregnancy rate (CPR, RR 1.89, 95% CI 1.53-2.33), while it had no beneficial effect on embryo implantation rate (IR, RR 1.84, 95% CI 0.84-4.03). The subgroup analysis by administration route showed that both uterine infusion and subcutaneous injection can produce a substantial increase in CPR, with the pooled RRs (95% CI) 1.46 (1.04-2.05) and 2.23 (1.68-2.95), respectively. Nevertheless, most of included RCTs dealt with the RIF subjects, and the pooled analysis of this data showed a higher PR and IR in G-CSF group as compared to that in the control, with the RRs (95% CI) 2.07 (1.64-2.61) and 1.52 (1.08-2.14), respectively. Egger regression test did not demonstrate any significance for the publication bias.

CONCLUSION

G-CSF administration has a beneficial role on the clinical outcome after embryo transfer by both routes of local infusion and systematic administration, especially for the cases with RIF. Further RCTs are needed to investigate the role of G-CSF in thin endometrium patients.