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Naik S, Lepine S, Nagels HE, Siristatidis CS, Kroon B, McDowell S. Androgens (dehydroepiandrosterone or testosterone) for women undergoing assisted reproduction. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2024; 6:CD009749. [PMID: 38837771 PMCID: PMC11152211 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd009749.pub3] [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] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Practitioners in the field of assisted reproductive technology (ART) continually seek alternative or adjunct treatments to improve ART outcomes. This Cochrane review investigates the adjunct use of synthetic versions of two naturally produced hormones, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone (T), in assisted reproduction. Steroid hormones are proposed to increase conception rates by positively affecting follicular response to gonadotrophin stimulation. This may lead to a greater oocyte yield and, subsequently, an increased chance of pregnancy. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and safety of DHEA and T as pre- or co-treatments in infertile women undergoing assisted reproduction. SEARCH METHODS We searched the following electronic databases up to 8 January 2024: the Gynaecology and Fertility Group (CGF) Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and trial registries for ongoing trials. We also searched citation indexes, Web of Science, PubMed, and OpenGrey. We searched the reference lists of relevant studies and contacted experts in the field for any additional trials. There were no language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing DHEA or T as an adjunct treatment to any other active intervention, placebo, or no treatment in women undergoing assisted reproduction. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently selected studies, extracted relevant data, and assessed risk of bias. We pooled data from studies using fixed-effect models. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) for each dichotomous outcome. Analyses were stratified by type of treatment. We assessed the certainty of evidence for the main findings using GRADE methods. MAIN RESULTS We included 29 RCTs. There were 1599 women in the intervention group and 1469 in the control group. Apart from three trials, the trial participants were women identified as 'poor responders' to standard in vitro fertilisation (IVF) protocols. The included trials compared either T or DHEA treatment with placebo or no treatment. Pre-treatment with DHEA versus placebo/no treatment: DHEA likely results in little to no difference in live birth/ongoing pregnancy rates (OR 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95 to 1.76; I² = 16%, 9 RCTs, N = 1433, moderate certainty evidence). This suggests that in women with a 12% chance of live birth/ongoing pregnancy with placebo or no treatment, the live birth/ongoing pregnancy rate in women using DHEA will be between 12% and 20%. DHEA likely does not decrease miscarriage rates (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.37; I² = 0%, 10 RCTs, N =1601, moderate certainty evidence). DHEA likely results in little to no difference in clinical pregnancy rates (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.49; I² = 0%, 13 RCTs, N = 1886, moderate certainty evidence). This suggests that in women with a 17% chance of clinical pregnancy with placebo or no treatment, the clinical pregnancy rate in women using DHEA will be between 16% and 24%. We are very uncertain about the effect of DHEA on multiple pregnancy (OR 3.05, 95% CI 0.47 to 19.66; 7 RCTs, N = 463, very low certainty evidence). Pre-treatment with T versus placebo/no treatment: T likely improves live birth rates (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.61 to 3.99; I² = 0%, 8 RCTs, N = 716, moderate certainty evidence). This suggests that in women with a 10% chance of live birth with placebo or no treatment, the live birth rate in women using T will be between 15% and 30%. T likely does not decrease miscarriage rates (OR 1.63, 95% CI 0.76 to 3.51; I² = 0%, 9 RCTs, N = 755, moderate certainty evidence). T likely increases clinical pregnancy rates (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.54 to 3.06; I² = 0%, 13 RCTs, N = 1152, moderate certainty evidence). This suggests that in women with a 12% chance of clinical pregnancy with placebo or no treatment, the clinical pregnancy rate in women using T will be between 17% and 29%. We are very uncertain about the effect of T on multiple pregnancy (OR 2.56, 95% CI 0.59 to 11.20; 5 RCTs, N = 449, very low certainty evidence). We are uncertain about the effect of T versus oestradiol or T versus oestradiol + oral contraceptive pills. The certainty of the evidence was moderate to very low, the main limitations being lack of blinding in the included trials, inadequate reporting of study methods, and low event and sample sizes in the trials. Data on adverse events were sparse; any reported events were minor. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Pre-treatment with T likely improves, and pre-treatment with DHEA likely results in little to no difference, in live birth and clinical pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF who have been identified as poor responders. DHEA and T probably do not decrease miscarriage rates in women under IVF treatment. The effects of DHEA and T on multiple pregnancy are uncertain. Data regarding adverse events were very limited; any reported events were minor. Research is needed to identify the optimal duration of treatment with T. Future studies should include data collection on adverse events and multiple pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Naik
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Capital Coast District Heath Board, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Sam Lepine
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Capital and Coast District Health Board, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Helen E Nagels
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Charalampos S Siristatidis
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ben Kroon
- Queensland Fertility Group Research Foundation, Brisbane, Australia
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Simon McDowell
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Capital Coast District Heath Board, Wellington, New Zealand
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Glachant S, Salle B, Langlois-Jacques C, Labrune E, Renault L, Roy P, Benchaib M, Fraison E. [Predictive factors of spontaneous pregnancies among women with diminished ovarian reserve patients treated with DHEA]. GYNECOLOGIE, OBSTETRIQUE, FERTILITE & SENOLOGIE 2023; 51:400-407. [PMID: 37331511 DOI: 10.1016/j.gofs.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diminished ovarian reserve remains a challenge in the reproductive medicine field. Treatment options for these patients are limited and there is no consensus to make any recommendations. Regarding adjuvant supplements, DHEA could play a role in follicular recruitment and, therefore, may increase spontaneous pregnancy rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was a monocentric historical and observational cohort study carried out in the reproductive medicine department at the University Hospital, Femme-Mère-Enfant in Lyon. All women presenting with a diminished ovarian reserve treated with 75mg/day of DHEA were consecutively included. The main objective was to evaluate the spontaneous pregnancy rate. The secondary objectives were to identify predictive factors for pregnancy and the evaluation of treatment side effects. RESULTS Four hundred and thirty-nine women were included. In all, 277 were analyzed, 59 had a spontaneous pregnancy (21.3%). The probability of being pregnant was respectively 13.2% (IC95 9-17.2%), 21.3% (IC95 15.1-27%) and 38.8% (IC95 29.3-48.4%) at 6, 12 and 24 months. Only 20.6% of patients complained of side effects. CONCLUSION DHEA may improve spontaneous pregnancies in women with diminished ovarian reserve without any stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Glachant
- Service de médecine de la reproduction, hospices civils de Lyon, hôpital Mère-Enfant, 59, boulevard Pinel, Bron, France; Faculté de médecine Laennec, université Claude-Bernard, 7, rue Guillaume-Paradin, Lyon, France
| | - B Salle
- Service de médecine de la reproduction, hospices civils de Lyon, hôpital Mère-Enfant, 59, boulevard Pinel, Bron, France; Faculté de médecine Lyon Sud, université Claude-Bernard, 165, chemin du Petit-Revoyet, Oullins, France; Inserm unité 1208, 18, avenue Doyen-Lépine, Bron, France
| | - C Langlois-Jacques
- Service de biostatistique et bioinformatique, hospices civils de Lyon, 69003 Lyon, France; CNRS, UMR 5558, laboratoire de biométrie et biologie évolutive, équipe biostatistique-santé, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - E Labrune
- Service de médecine de la reproduction, hospices civils de Lyon, hôpital Mère-Enfant, 59, boulevard Pinel, Bron, France; Faculté de médecine Laennec, université Claude-Bernard, 7, rue Guillaume-Paradin, Lyon, France; Inserm unité 1208, 18, avenue Doyen-Lépine, Bron, France
| | - L Renault
- Service de médecine de la reproduction, hospices civils de Lyon, hôpital Mère-Enfant, 59, boulevard Pinel, Bron, France; Faculté de médecine Laennec, université Claude-Bernard, 7, rue Guillaume-Paradin, Lyon, France; Inserm unité 1208, 18, avenue Doyen-Lépine, Bron, France
| | - P Roy
- Service de biostatistique et bioinformatique, hospices civils de Lyon, 69003 Lyon, France; CNRS, UMR 5558, laboratoire de biométrie et biologie évolutive, équipe biostatistique-santé, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - M Benchaib
- Service de médecine de la reproduction, hospices civils de Lyon, hôpital Mère-Enfant, 59, boulevard Pinel, Bron, France; Faculté de médecine Laennec, université Claude-Bernard, 7, rue Guillaume-Paradin, Lyon, France; Inserm unité 1208, 18, avenue Doyen-Lépine, Bron, France
| | - E Fraison
- Service de médecine de la reproduction, hospices civils de Lyon, hôpital Mère-Enfant, 59, boulevard Pinel, Bron, France; Faculté de médecine Laennec, université Claude-Bernard, 7, rue Guillaume-Paradin, Lyon, France.
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Zhang J, Jia H, Diao F, Ma X, Liu J, Cui Y. Efficacy of dehydroepiandrosterone priming in women with poor ovarian response undergoing IVF/ICSI: a meta-analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1156280. [PMID: 37361534 PMCID: PMC10288189 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1156280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may improve the outcomes of patients with poor ovarian response (POR) or diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) undergoing IVF/ICSI. However, the evidence remains inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of DHEA supplementation in patients with POR/DOR undergoing IVF/ICSI. Methods PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched up to October 2022. Results A total of 32 studies were retrieved, including 14 RCTs, 11 self-controlled studies and 7 case-controlled studies. In the subgroup analysis of only RCTs, DHEA treatment significantly increased the number of antral follicle count (AFC) (weighted mean difference : WMD 1.18, 95% confidence interval(CI): 0.17 to 2.19, P=0.022), while reduced the level of bFSH (WMD -1.99, 95% CI: -2.52 to -1.46, P<0.001), the need of gonadotropin (Gn) doses (WMD -382.29, 95% CI: -644.82 to -119.76, P=0.004), the days of stimulation (WMD -0.90, 95% CI: -1.34 to -0.47, P <0.001) and miscarriage rate (relative risk : RR 0.46, 95% CI: 0.29 to 0.73, P=0.001). The higher clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were found in the analysis of non-RCTs. However, there were no significant differences in the number of retrieved oocytes, the number of transferred embryos, and the clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in the subgroup analysis of only RCTs. Moreover, meta-regression analyses showed that women with lower basal FSH had more increase in serum FSH levels (b=-0.94, 95% CI: -1.62 to -0.25, P=0.014), and women with higher baseline AMH levels had more increase in serum AMH levels (b=-0.60, 95% CI: -1.15 to -0.06, P=0.035) after DHEA supplementation. In addition, the number of retrieved oocytes was higher in the studies on relatively younger women (b=-0.21, 95% CI: -0.39 to -0.03, P=0.023) and small sample sizes (b=-0.003, 95% CI: -0.006 to -0.0003, P=0.032). Conclusions DHEA treatment didn't significantly improve the live birth rate of women with DOR or POR undergoing IVF/ICSI in the subgroup analysis of only RCTs. The higher clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in those non-RCTs should be interpreted with caution because of potential bias. Further studies using more explicit criteria to subjects are needed. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD 42022384393.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongyan Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Clinical Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Lianyungang Maternal and Child Health Hospital Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang, China
| | - Feiyang Diao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiayin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yugui Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Randomized Controlled Study of the Effects of DHEA on the Outcome of IVF in Endometriosis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:3569697. [PMID: 34691212 PMCID: PMC8531780 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3569697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in patients with endometriosis (EMT). Methods Female patients diagnosed with EMT in our hospital from May 2018 to May 2019 were selected. The patients were divided into the control group (n = 22) and the DHEA group (n = 22) according to the random number table. Patients in the control group received placebo and patients in the DHEA group received DHEA. Patients in both groups received either DHEA (25 mg) or placebo orally 3 times a day for 90 days from the first day of menstruation. Patients were subsequently treated with an IVF cycle. In the control group, 22 patients completed the first cycle and 13 patients completed the second cycle. In the DHEA group, 22 patients completed the first cycle and 11 patients completed the second cycle. Serum sex hormone levels including serum E2 on hCG day, mean progesterone on hCG day, FSH on day 2, AMH on day 2, and gonadotropin dose were determined using a chemiluminescent immunoassay kit. The number of antral follicles of the bilateral ovaries was counted by transvaginal B-ultrasound, and the maximum length and transverse diameter of the ovaries were measured at the same time, to calculate the average diameter of the ovaries, observe the morphology of endometrium, and measure the thickness of the endometrium. The implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, persistent pregnancy rate, and live birth rate were compared between the two groups. Results There were no significant differences in serum E2, progesterone, endometrial thickness, recovered oocytes, mean number of transferred embryos, and mean score of leading embryo transfer between the DHEA group and the women who completed the first and second cycles (P > 0.05). The AMH, antral follicle count, serum E2 on hCG day, the number of recovered oocytes, fertilized oocytes, and the fertilization rate in the DHEA group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The doses of FSH on day 2, COH on day 3, and gonadotropin were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the total number of embryos, the number of high-quality embryos, and the number of transplanted embryos between the two groups (P > 0.05). The implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, persistent pregnancy rate, and live birth rate in the DHEA group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion DHEA can significantly increase serum E2 level and improve IVF outcome by regulating the hormone synthesis process, thus improving oocyte and embryo quality.
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The Use of Androgen Priming in Women with Reduced Ovarian Reserve Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology. Semin Reprod Med 2021; 39:207-219. [PMID: 34500477 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1735646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Androgen priming with either dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) or testosterone has been suggested as an adjunct to improve in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Numerous studies have investigated the effects of both DHEA and testosterone on IVF outcome. The results were inconsistent, and the quality of most studies is substandard. Meta-analyses have consistently reported that DHEA does appear to significantly improve IVF outcome in women with predicted or proven poor ovarian response (POR), but these have included some normal responders and/or nonrandomized studies. Our meta-analyses including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) incorporating only women with DOR or POR suggest that DHEA confers no benefit. While meta-analyses of RCTs on the use of testosterone in women with DOR or POR showed an improved IVF outcome, most studies included are of low quality with high risk of bias. When analysis of data from studies of only low-risk bias was performed, such a benefit with testosterone was not observed. Although recruitment may well be a challenge, a large, well-designed RCT is, however, still warranted to investigate whether or not androgen priming with either DHEA or testosterone should be recommended as an adjuvant treatment for women with DOR or POR undergoing IVF.
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Sundararajan A, Vora K, Saiyed S, Natesan S. Comparative Profiling of Salivary Cortisol and Salivary DHEA-S Among Healthy Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women. Horm Metab Res 2021; 53:602-607. [PMID: 34496410 DOI: 10.1055/a-1551-3722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
During pregnancy, circulatory cortisol levels increase, remaining steady over the second-third trimester. In contrast, profile of salivary cortisol during pregnancy is debatable, more influenced by factors like time of sample collection in the day. Circulatory DHEA-S decrease by at least 50% over the second-third trimester of pregnancy. However, profile of salivary DHEA-S is unclear. Objective was to determine changes in salivary cortisol and DHEA-S in healthy pregnant women, compared to non-pregnant women during late morning-early afternoon sampling to avoid fluctuations associated with other times. Pregnant women in their second-third trimester prospectively (n=500) and non-pregnant women (n=133) were enrolled in study with informed consent. Live birth outcome with no pregnancy complications and≥2.5 Kg infant birth weight were included. Concentrations of salivary cortisol and DHEA-S were determined through ELISA assays. Compared to non-pregnant women, pregnant women demonstrated significant increases in salivary cortisol [median (interquartile range)=4.2 (5.1) nmol/l vs. 17.2 (13.9) nmol/l, p<0.001] and salivary DHEA-S median (interquartile range)=2.7 (2.9) nmol/l vs. 3.8 (3.2) nmol/l, p<0.001). Consistently, quartile scores representing higher levels of salivary cortisol and DHEA-S concentrations demonstrated significant association with pregnancy. Quartile scores representing higher salivary cortisol/DHEA-S ratio demonstrated significant association with pregnancy. Study suggests the indicated time range of saliva sampling might best parallel the established profile of circulatory cortisol in pregnant women. However, unlike cortisol, study indicates that the salivary DHEA-S profile is distinct from the well-known profile of circulatory DHEA-S during pregnancy. A combinatorial approach involving both salivary and circulatory compartments could provide comprehensive picture of DHEA-S and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kranti Vora
- Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar, Lekawada, Gandhinagar, India
- University of Canberra, Bruce, Australia
| | - Shahin Saiyed
- Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar, Lekawada, Gandhinagar, India
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Li CJ, Lin LT, Tsai HW, Chern CU, Wen ZH, Wang PH, Tsui KH. The Molecular Regulation in the Pathophysiology in Ovarian Aging. Aging Dis 2021; 12:934-949. [PMID: 34094652 PMCID: PMC8139203 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2020.1113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The female reproductive system is of great significance to women’s health. Aging of the female reproductive system occurs approximately 10 years prior to the natural age-associated functional decline of other organ systems. With an increase in life expectancy worldwide, reproductive aging has gradually become a key health issue among women. Therefore, an adequate understanding of the causes and molecular mechanisms of ovarian aging is essential towards the inhibition of age-related diseases and the promotion of health and longevity in women. In general, women begin to experience a decline in ovarian function around the age of 35 years, which is mainly manifested as a decrease in the number of ovarian follicles and the quality of oocytes. Studies have revealed the occurrence of mitochondrial dysfunction, reduced DNA repair, epigenetic changes, and metabolic alterations in the cells within the ovaries as age increases. In the present work, we reviewed the possible factors of aging-induced ovarian insufficiency based on its clinical diagnosis and performed an in-depth investigation of the relevant molecular mechanisms and potential targets to provide novel approaches for the effective improvement of ovarian function in older women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Jung Li
- 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,2Institute of BioPharmaceutical sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Li-Te Lin
- 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,2Institute of BioPharmaceutical sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,3Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Wen Tsai
- 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,2Institute of BioPharmaceutical sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chyi-Uei Chern
- 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Zhi-Hong Wen
- 4Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Peng-Hui Wang
- 3Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,5Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,6Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,7Female Cancer Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Hao Tsui
- 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,2Institute of BioPharmaceutical sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,3Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,8Department of Pharmacy and Master Program, College of Pharmacy and Health Care, Tajen University, Pingtung County, Taiwan
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Gündoğan Gİ, Kıg C, Karacan M, Doğruman H. Investigation of Physiological Effects Induced by Dehydroepiandrosterone in Human Endothelial Cells and Ovarian Cancer Cell Line. Turk J Pharm Sci 2021; 18:185-191. [PMID: 33902257 DOI: 10.4274/tjps.galenos.2020.58827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an endogenous hormone that acts as a ligand for several cellular receptors. An age-dependent decline in circulating levels of DHEA is linked to changes in various physiological functions. In gynecological clinical practice, DHEA is commonly prescribed to induce ovulation. Some clinical studies report a positive association between high serum concentrations of DHEA and an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. However, the in vitro physiological effects of DHEA on ovarian cancerous cells have not been explored thus far. In this study, we aimed to investigate the physiological effects of DHEA treatment (0-200 μM, 24-72 hours) on MDAH-2774 human ovarian cancer cell line and primary HuVeC human endothelial cells. Materials and Methods The physiological effects of DHEA treatment (0-200 μM, 24-72 hours) on MDAH-2774 human ovarian cancer cell line and primary HuVeC human endothelial cells were investigated with the (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) test, acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining, and scratch assay. Results DHEA treatment promoted proliferation of the MDAH-2774 cancer cell line in a dose-dependent manner (r=0.6906, p<0.0001, for 24 hours) (r=0.6802, p<0.0001, for 48 hours) (r=0.7969, p<0.0001, for 72 hours). In contrast, DHEA inhibited proliferation of the primary HuVeC cells (r=0.9490, p<0.0001, for 24 hours) (r=0.9533, p<0.0001, for 48 hours) (r=0.9584, p<0.0001, for 72 hours). In agreement with these observations, DHEA treatment resulted in a dose-dependent increase in the number of necrotic cells in the primary HuVeC cells (r=0.97, p<0.0001). However, the number of necrotic or apoptotic cells did not change significantly when the MDAH-2774 cells was exposed to DHEA. Moreover, we found that DHEA treatment reduced the migration rate of HuVeC cells in a dose-dependent manner (r=0.9868, p<0.0001), whereas only a slight increase was observed in the MDAH-2774 ovarian cancer cell line (r=0.8938, p<0.05). Conclusion Our findings suggest that DHEA promotes the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Moreover, DHEA induced necrosis and inhibited proliferation in endothelial cells. Although mechanistic evidence is required, our preliminary findings imply that exposure to high doses of DHEA may be associated with an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gül İpek Gündoğan
- Istanbul Yeni Yuzyil University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cenk Kıg
- Istanbul Yeni Yuzyil University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Meriç Karacan
- Istanbul Yeni Yuzyil University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hüsniye Doğruman
- Istanbul Yeni Yuzyil University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Istanbul, Turkey
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Christodoulaki A, Boel A, Tang M, De Roo C, Stoop D, Heindryckx B. Prospects of Germline Nuclear Transfer in Women With Diminished Ovarian Reserve. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:635370. [PMID: 33692760 PMCID: PMC7937897 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.635370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is associated with a reduced quantity and quality of the retrieved oocytes, usually leading to poor reproductive outcomes which remain a great challenge for assisted reproduction technology (ART). Women with DOR often have to seek for oocyte donation, precluding genetically related offspring. Germline nuclear transfer (NT) is a novel technology in ART that involves the transfer of the nuclear genome from an affected oocyte/zygote of the patient to the cytoplast of an enucleated donor oocyte/zygote. Therefore, it offers opportunities for the generation of genetically related embryos. Currently, although NT is clinically applied only in women with serious mitochondrial DNA disorders, this technology has also been proposed to overcome certain forms of female infertility, such as advanced maternal age and embryo developmental arrest. In this review, we are proposing the NT technology as a future treatment option for DOR patients. Strikingly, the application of different NT strategies will result in an increase of the total number of available reconstituted embryos for DOR patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Christodoulaki
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annekatrien Boel
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maoxing Tang
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Chloë De Roo
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dominic Stoop
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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10
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Chronopoulou E, Raperport C, Serhal P, Saab W, Seshadri S. Preconception tests at advanced maternal age. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2020; 70:28-50. [PMID: 33358154 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2020.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancies at an advanced reproductive age are increasingly common. However, the safety of pregnancy remains a concern as maternal age is a recognized independent factor for various obstetric complications. Also, age is a risk factor for most systematic health problems and older women are more likely to enter into pregnancy with pre-existing conditions. At the moment there is no separate, structured guidance on preconception tests at advanced maternal age. However, the preconceptual period offers an ideal window to recognize and address underlying health issues, social issues and harmful lifestyle behaviours in order to optimize maternal health ultimately reducing infertility, perinatal morbidity and mortality. Preconception tests should be clinically relevant aiming to identify risk factors and address them to predict and prevent infertility and pregnancy complications. The importance of preconception care is magnified for women of advanced age for whom the risks are higher and the potential benefits greater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elpiniki Chronopoulou
- Homerton Fertility Centre, Homerton University Hospital, Homerton Row, Clapton, London, E9 6SR, UK.
| | - Claudia Raperport
- Homerton Fertility Centre, Homerton University Hospital, Homerton Row, Clapton, London, E9 6SR, UK
| | - Paul Serhal
- The Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health (CRGH), 230-232 Great Portland St, Fitzrovia, London, W1W 5QS, UK
| | - Wael Saab
- The Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health (CRGH), 230-232 Great Portland St, Fitzrovia, London, W1W 5QS, UK
| | - Srividya Seshadri
- The Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health (CRGH), 230-232 Great Portland St, Fitzrovia, London, W1W 5QS, UK
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11
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Yang R, Zhang C, Chen L, Wang Y, Li R, Liu P, Qiao J. Cumulative live birth rate of low prognosis patients with POSEIDON stratification: a single-centre data analysis. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 41:834-844. [PMID: 32978073 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does patient-oriented strategies encompassing individualized oocyte number (POSEIDON) classification help stratify the reproductive potential of patients with low prognosis more effectively from the perspective of prognosis; and as cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) is an effect indication, how is CLBR in patients stratified using POSEIDON? DESIGN A retrospective cohort study of 10,615 women who underwent IVF treatment at the Peking University Third Hospital between January 2017 and December 2017. Patients were stratified according to POSEIDON criteria. Clinical characteristics, fresh embryo transfer outcomes and CLBR during the first two ovarian stimulation cycles were recorded. RESULTS Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonist protocol was the most used treatment in both ovarian stimulation cycles. After the failure of the first IVF treatment, 2063 (29.2%) women continued the second treatment, and 10.9% of them switched to the micro-stimulation protocol. Compared with the non-POSEIDON group, the CLBR of the first cycle in each POSEIDON group was lower (P < 0.001). The CLBRs of the second cycle in older patients (POSEIDON groups 2b and 4) and in younger patients with poor ovarian reserve (POSEIDON group 3) were lower than that in non-POSEIDON group (group 2b, P = 0.001; group 3, P = 0.019; group 4, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that younger patients had higher CLBR than older patients in both cycles (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION The CLBRs vary among different POSEIDON groups. The results may help reproductive specialists to understand the characteristics of low prognosis patients better and to develop individualized treatment plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Chunmei Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Lixue Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Rong Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Ping Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100191, China
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12
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Drakopoulos P, Bardhi E, Boudry L, Vaiarelli A, Makrigiannakis A, Esteves SC, Tournaye H, Blockeel C. Update on the management of poor ovarian response in IVF: the shift from Bologna criteria to the Poseidon concept. Ther Adv Reprod Health 2020; 14:2633494120941480. [PMID: 32844159 PMCID: PMC7416136 DOI: 10.1177/2633494120941480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the considerate progress to which assisted reproduction technology (ART)
has been subject since 1978, some issues remain unresolved. Notably, the
clinical management of patients with a poor ovarian response is still a
challenge in everyday practice, frustrating to both the patient and the
fertility expert. Poor ovarian responders (PORs) embody 9–24% of patients
undergoing ovarian stimulation, meaning that up to one in four patients conceals
a poor reproductive prognosis. The last decade has witnessed the attempts of the
medical community to standardize diagnosis of POR with the developing of the
Bologna Criteria and the subsequent evolution of the low prognosis patient
elaborated in the POSEIDON classification. The aim of this article is to
summarize all evidence concerning etiology and management of poor ovarian
response, including the most recent advances and future prospects in this
regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Drakopoulos
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Erlisa Bardhi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Liese Boudry
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alberto Vaiarelli
- G.EN.E.R.A., Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonis Makrigiannakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Sandro C Esteves
- ANDROFERT-Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Brazil, São Paulo
| | - Herman Tournaye
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christophe Blockeel
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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13
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Song J, Wang T, Guo J, Guo Y, Wang X, Yang Y, Xu K, Sa Y, Yuan L, Jiang H, Sun Z. Advanced High-Coverage Targeted Metabolomics Method (SWATHtoMRM) for Exploring the Relationship of Follicular Fluid Components with Age. CURR PHARM ANAL 2020. [DOI: 10.2174/1573412915666190218155820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Background:
The complexity of follicular fluid metabolome presents a huge challenge for
qualitative and quantitative metabolite profiling and discovery of the comprehensive biomarkers.
Objective:
In order to address this challenge, novel SWATHtoMRM metabolomics method was used
for providing broad coverage and excellent quantitative capability to discover the human follicular fluid
metabolites related to age and evaluate their relationship with pregnancy outcome and oocyte senescence.
Methods:
The patients were divided into four groups according to age, including group A (28 cases, 21-
27 years old), group B (42 cases, 28-34 years old), group C (31 cases, 35-41 years old), and group D (24
cases, 42-48 years old). Follicular fluid samples from 125 IVF patients were analyzed. The differential
ions among the four groups were identified by principal components analysis according to accurate
mass, isotope ratio, and tandem mass spectroscopic spectra. Then, the differential metabolic pathways
were further identified by a KEGG cluster analysis.
Results:
A total of 18 metabolites in the follicular fluid differed among the four groups, including
amino acids, lipids, hormones, and vitamins. A total of 15 metabolites, including 6-oxohexanoate,
phenylalanine, proline, hexadecanoic acid, linoleate, arachidonate, oleic acid, docosahexaenoic acid,
LysoPC(16:1), LysoPC(20:5), LysoPC (20:3), 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, 5-dehydroepisterol, 27-
hydroxycholesterol, and 5beta-cholestane-3alpha,7alpha,12alpha,23,25-pentol, were down-regulated
with age and 3 metabolites, including LysoPC(18:3), LysoPC(18:1), and 13,14-dihydroretinol, were upregulated
with age.
Conclusion:
Our study provides useful information for revealing the relationship between age and female
reproductive capability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyan Song
- Reproductive and Genetic Center of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250011, China
| | - Tianqi Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Jiayin Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ying Guo
- Reproductive and Genetic Center of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250011, China
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Kaiyue Xu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Yuanhong Sa
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Lihua Yuan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Huaying Jiang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Zhengao Sun
- Reproductive and Genetic Center of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250011, China
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14
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Abu-Musa A, Haahr T, Humaidan P. Novel Physiology and Definition of Poor Ovarian Response; Clinical Recommendations. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062110. [PMID: 32204404 PMCID: PMC7139860 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Poor ovarian response (POR) to controlled ovarian stimulation (OS) presents a major challenge in assisted reproduction. The Bologna criteria represented the first serious attempt to set clear criteria for the definition of POR. However, the Bologna criteria were questioned because of the persistent heterogeneity among POR patients and the inability to provide management strategies. Based on these facts, a more recent classification, the POSEIDON (Patient-Oriented Strategies Encompassing IndividualizeD Oocyte Number) classification, was developed to provide a homogeneous and refined definition of POR that significantly reduces the heterogeneity of the Bologna criteria definition of POR and helps in the clinical handling and counseling of patients. In this review, we discuss the impact of the POSEIDON classification on the clinical management of patients with POR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Abu-Musa
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
- Correspondence:
| | - Thor Haahr
- The Fertility Clinic Skive Regional Hospital, 7800 Skive, Denmark; (T.H.); (P.H.)
- Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Peter Humaidan
- The Fertility Clinic Skive Regional Hospital, 7800 Skive, Denmark; (T.H.); (P.H.)
- Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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15
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Løssl K, Freiesleben NLC, Wissing ML, Birch Petersen K, Holt MD, Mamsen LS, Anderson RA, Andersen CY. Biological and Clinical Rationale for Androgen Priming in Ovarian Stimulation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:627. [PMID: 33013703 PMCID: PMC7498541 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgen receptors are expressed by all stages of growing follicles, and follicular fluid androgen levels are positively correlated to granulosa cell androgen receptor and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor expression. Thus, androgens may promote follicular growth, accumulation and/or responsiveness to gonadotropins. This is explored therapeutically in the concept of androgen priming, to improve the ovarian response to stimulation in assisted reproduction. Androgen effects may be achieved in two different ways, either directly by providing exogenous androgen or by providing luteinizing hormone (LH) activity [i.e., LH or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)] to stimulate local ovarian production of androgen. The androgen concentrations in follicular fluid by far exceed the levels in female circulation and it has recently been shown that there was no correlation between serum testosterone levels and follicular fluid androgen levels. There is some evidence that administration of exogenous dehydroepiandrosterone or testosterone increases live birth rates, but an optimal protocol has not been established and such adjuvant treatment should be considered experimental. Furthermore, studies exploring long-term administration of LH activity, achieving LH levels comparable to those seen in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, are awaited. The aim of the present review is to discuss critically the most suitable approach for androgen priming from a biological and clinical standpoint, and to evaluate current approaches and results obtained in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Løssl
- The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | - Linn Salto Mamsen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Richard A. Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Claus Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Claus Yding Andersen
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16
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What is the role of dehydroepiandrosterone in gynecologic practice? JAAPA 2019; 32:11-12. [DOI: 10.1097/01.jaa.0000604888.50734.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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17
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Monteiro CDS, Scheffer BB, Carvalho RFD, Scheffer JB. The impact of dehydroepiandrosterone in poor ovarian responders on assisted reproduction technology treatment. JBRA Assist Reprod 2019; 23:414-417. [PMID: 31251010 PMCID: PMC6798587 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20190045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
One in six couples worldwide will experience at least one infertility problem
during their reproductive years. Between 5.6% and 35.1% of women will exhibit
poor ovarian response. A variety of methods have been applied to improve ovarian
response, including dehydroepiandrosterone. In the ovaries,
dehydroepiandrosterone promotes follicular development and granulosa cell
proliferation by increasing intraovarian androgen concentrations while
simultaneously enhancing the level of follicular insulin-like growth factor-1,
which promotes folliculogenesis. Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation may
improve in vitro fertilization outcomes and ovarian response in
patients with poor ovarian response. However, a few questions still loom over
the effectiveness of dehydroepiandrosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruno Brum Scheffer
- Brazilian Institute of Assisted Reproduction (IBRRA), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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18
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Xu L, Hu C, Liu Q, Li Y. The Effect of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Supplementation on IVF or ICSI: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2019; 79:705-712. [PMID: 31303658 PMCID: PMC6620181 DOI: 10.1055/a-0882-3791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction
A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation in patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and/or poor ovarian response (POR) who were undergoing in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI).
Patients and Methods
We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library electronic databases for literature published until July 2018. The analysis included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the effects of DHEA versus placebo on IVF or ICSI. Two independent reviewers extracted information from the reports and evaluated the quality of the studies. Overall, we identified nine prospective RCTs involving 833 patients.
Results
Compared to the controls, patients treated with DHEA exhibited increases in the number of retrieved oocytes (mean difference, 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.23 – 1.59; p = 0.009), clinical pregnancy rate (relative risk [RR] = 1.27; 95% CI, 1.01 – 1.61; p = 0.04), and live birth rate (RR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.17 – 2.63; p = 0.006). However, there was no intergroup difference in the miscarriage rate (RR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.12 – 1.13; p = 0.08).
Conclusion
DHEA supplementation improved the outcomes of IVF/ICSI in women with DOR or POR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Xu
- Department of reproductive medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan 570102, China
| | - Chunxia Hu
- Department of Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570102, China
| | - Qun Liu
- Department of reproductive medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan 570102, China
| | - Yaxuan Li
- Department of reproductive medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Haikou, Hainan 570102, China
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19
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Conforti A, Esteves SC, Cimadomo D, Vaiarelli A, Di Rella F, Ubaldi FM, Zullo F, De Placido G, Alviggi C. Management of Women With an Unexpected Low Ovarian Response to Gonadotropin. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:387. [PMID: 31316461 PMCID: PMC6610322 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
POSEIDON groups 1 and 2 patients respond poorly (<4 oocytes retrieved) or sub-optimally (4-9 oocytes retrieved) to gonadotropin stimulation despite the presence of adequate ovarian parameters, which negatively affect their cumulative chances of delivering a baby using Assisted Reproductive Technology. A polygenic trait involving gonadotropins and/or their receptors seems to be the primary pathophysiology mechanism explaining this phenomenon. The clinical management is mainly focused on maximizing oocyte yield as to increase the likelihood of having at least one euploid embryo for transfer. Indices such as FORT (follicle output rate) and FOI (follicle-to-oocyte index) may be used to determine if the ovarian reserve was properly explored during a previous ovarian stimulation. Testing for the presence of common polymorphisms affecting gonadotropins and/or their receptors can also be considered to identify patients at risk of hypo-response. An individualized estimation of the minimum number of oocytes needed to obtain at least one euploid embryo can assist counseling and treatment planning. Among currently existing pharmacological interventions, use of recombinant FSH in preference over urinary gonadotropin preparations, FSH dosage increase, and use of rLH supplementation may be considered -alone or combined- for optimally managing POSEIDON's groups 1 and 2 patients. However, given the recent introduction of the POSEIDON criteria, there is still a lack of studies examining the role of interventions specifically to patients classified as groups 1 and 2, thus making it an area for open research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Conforti
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Alessandro Conforti
| | - Sandro C. Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas, Brazil
- Department of Surgery, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
- Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Danilo Cimadomo
- GENERA, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Vaiarelli
- GENERA, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Rella
- Medical Oncology, Department of Senology, National Cancer Institute, IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Fulvio Zullo
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Placido
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Alviggi
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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20
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Mostajeran F, Tehrani H, Ghoreishi E. Effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone on In Vitro Fertilization Among Women Aging Over 35 Years and Normal Ovarian Reserve. J Family Reprod Health 2018; 12:129-133. [PMID: 31223318 PMCID: PMC6571446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The fertility potential of women declines with aging and the likelihood of infertility and stillbirth increase. Treatment protocols involving dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) provide pathways on improving fertility and live birth rate. This randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the effect of DHEA on In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) outcomes in women over 35 years and normal ovarian reserve. Materials and methods: One hundred and six consecutive women with advanced reproductive age undergoing IVF due to infertility were enrolled in the study. Participants in the intervention group received 75 mg/day of DHEA orally 8 weeks before starting the cycle of ovulation induction. Participants in placebo group received placebo tablets during the same period. After 8 weeks, routine procedure of IVF was initiated then Clinical pregnancy, Miscarriage, Endometrial thickness and Duration of stimulation were evaluated for all the participants in both groups. Results: There is no significant difference between groups in terms of age and BMI. Mean endometrial thickness was significantly lower in DHEA group (9.63 ± 0.70vs.8.05 ± 0.70; p < 0.001) while Duration of stimulation was higher (8.98 ± 1.29vs.10.59 ± 1.43; p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between pregnancy rate, and miscarriage rate of the groups. Conclusion: According to the result of this study, DHEA supplementation may improve IVF outcomes in infertile women. Although additional larger and placebo-controlled studies using different DHEA protocols are required to support our present findings.
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Liu Y, Hu L, Fan L, Wang F. Efficacy of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer cycles: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Gynecol Endocrinol 2018; 34:178-183. [PMID: 29073790 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2017.1391202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation might hold some promise in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer cycles. However, the results remain controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of DHEA in patients for in vitro fertilization. PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO and Cochrane library databases were systematically searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of DHEA versus placebo on in vitro fertilization were included. Two investigators independently searched articles, extracted data and assessed the quality of included studies. The primary outcomes were clinical pregnancy and live birth rate. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effect model. Six RCTs involving 745 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with placebo, DHEA supplementation was associated with the significant increase in clinical pregnancy (OR = 1.45; 95% CI = 1.04-2.03; p = .03), live birth rate (OR = 2.70; 95% CI = 1.24-5.85; p = .01) and endometrial thickness (Std. mean difference = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.02-1.32; p = .04) but showed no influence on E2 on hCG day (Std. mean difference = 0.69; 95% CI = -0.46 to 1.85; p = .24), embryos transferred (Std. mean difference = 0.42; 95% CI = -0.04 to 0.88; p = .07) and miscarriage rate (OR = 0.43; 95% CI = 0.03-6.66; p = .55). DHEA supplementation could significantly improve clinical pregnancy, live birth rate, endometrial thickness and retrieved oocytes but failed to alter E2 on hCG day, embryos transferred and miscarriage rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaofang Liu
- a Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics , The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University , Luzhou , Sichuan , China
| | - Lina Hu
- b Department of Gynecology , The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , China
| | - Lingye Fan
- a Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics , The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University , Luzhou , Sichuan , China
| | - Fang Wang
- a Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics , The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University , Luzhou , Sichuan , China
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Keane KN, Hinchliffe PM, Rowlands PK, Borude G, Srinivasan S, Dhaliwal SS, Yovich JL. DHEA Supplementation Confers No Additional Benefit to that of Growth Hormone on Pregnancy and Live Birth Rates in IVF Patients Categorized as Poor Prognosis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:14. [PMID: 29445356 PMCID: PMC5797762 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In vitro fertilization (IVF) patients receive various adjuvant therapies to enhance success rates, but the true benefit is actively debated. Growth hormone (GH) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation were assessed in women undergoing fresh IVF transfer cycles and categorized as poor prognosis from five criteria. METHODS Data were retrospectively analyzed from 626 women undergoing 626 IVF cycles, where they received no adjuvant, GH alone, or GH-DHEA in combination. A small group received DHEA alone. The utilization of adjuvants was decided between the attending clinician and the patient depending on various factors including cost. RESULTS Despite patients being significantly older with lower ovarian reserve, live birth rates were significantly greater with GH alone (18.6%) and with GH-DHEA (13.0%) in comparison to those with no adjuvant (p < 0.003). No significant difference was observed between the GH groups (p = 0.181). Overall, patient age, quality of the transferred embryo, and GH treatment were the only significant independent predictors of live birth chance. Following adjustment for patient age, antral follicle count, and quality of transferred embryo, GH alone and GH-DHEA led to a 7.1-fold and 5.6-fold increase in live birth chance, respectively (p < 0.000). CONCLUSION These data indicated that GH adjuvant may support more live births, particularly in younger women, and importantly, the positive effects of GH treatment were still observed even if DHEA was also used in combination. However, supplementation with DHEA did not indicate any potentiating benefit or modify the effects of GH treatment. Due to the retrospective design, and the risk of a selection bias, caution is advised in the interpretation of the data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin N. Keane
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- PIVET Medical Centre, Perth, WA, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Satvinder S. Dhaliwal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - John L. Yovich
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- PIVET Medical Centre, Perth, WA, Australia
- *Correspondence: John L. Yovich,
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Lin LT, Cheng JT, Wang PH, Li CJ, Tsui KH. Dehydroepiandrosterone as a potential agent to slow down ovarian aging. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2017; 43:1855-1862. [PMID: 28892223 DOI: 10.1111/jog.13456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Revised: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM Ovarian aging, which leads to diminished ovarian reserve and decreased oocyte quality, is highly associated with poor reproductive outcomes. It has been suggested that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) might be able to temporarily slow down the aging process. This study attempted to investigate the clinical benefits of DHEA in older patients and the anti-senescence effect of DHEA on cumulus cells (CC) and human ovarian granulosa cells (HO23 cell line). METHODS This prospective study enrolled 88 patients who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF), including 30 younger patients (aged ≤ 37 years) and 58 older patients (aged > 37 years). Older patients were assigned to receive DHEA treatment or not prior to the IVF cycle. CC were obtained from all patients after oocyte retrieval and the HO23 granulosa cell line was used for in vitro studies. Senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) was used as a biomarker of senescence. RESULTS In older patients, following DHEA supplementation, a greater number of transferred embryos and a higher fertilization rate were observed compared with those in patients without DHEA supplementation. However, the clinical pregnancy rate was not significantly increased following DHEA supplementation. Additionally, treatment with DHEA resulted in significantly reduced SA-β-gal staining in both CC and HO23 cells. CONCLUSION DHEA supplementation ameliorated IVF outcomes but without a consequence on pregnancy rate in older patients and decreased SA-β-gal activity in CC and HO23 cells, suggesting that DHEA might be used as a possible intervention to slow down ovarian aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Te Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Biological Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jiin-Tsuey Cheng
- Department of Biological Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Peng-Hui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University Hospital, Ilan, Taiwan.,Immunology Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jung Li
- Research Assistant Center, Show Chwan Health Memorial Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Hao Tsui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Pharmacy and Graduate Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Tajen University, Pingtung County, Taiwan
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Triantafyllidou O, Sigalos G, Vlahos N. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation and IVF outcome in poor responders. HUM FERTIL 2016; 20:80-87. [PMID: 27927044 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2016.1262065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian stimulation of poor ovarian responders still remains a challenging issue. The incidence of poor responders among infertile women is reported in 9-24% IVF cycles and is associated with very low clinical pregnancy rates. Different treatments have been reported in the literature in an attempt to identify the best stimulation protocol for those patients. Administration of dehydroepiandrosterone acetate (DHEA) was suggested as a promising treatment. It is well known that androgens can influence ovarian follicular growth, augment steroidogenesis, promote follicular recruitment and increase the number of primary and pre-antral follicles. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the effect of DHEA supplementation on women with diminished ovarian reserve. Because of the uncertainty of published data, we suggest that well-designed multicentre RCTs are required to provide more insight on the effectiveness of DHEA. The absence of significant side effects should not be considered as an argument to support DHEA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George Sigalos
- a 'Lito' Maternity Hospital , Reproductive Medicine Unit , Athens , Greece
| | - Nikos Vlahos
- b 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , ' Aretaieion' Hospital, University of Athens , Athens , Greece.,c Research Network for the evaluation of DHEA administration in poor responders, University of Athens, Aristoteleion University of Thessaloniki, University of Ioannina , Greece.,d Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , University of Ioannina , Greece
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Zhang J, Qiu X, Gui Y, Xu Y, Li D, Wang L. Dehydroepiandrosterone improves the ovarian reserve of women with diminished ovarian reserve and is a potential regulator of the immune response in the ovaries. Biosci Trends 2016; 9:350-9. [PMID: 26781792 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2015.01154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) has a high morbidity rate worldwide and has become a primary cause of infertility. DOR is a daunting obstacle in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and leads to poor ovarian response, high cancellation rates, poor IVF outcomes, and low pregnancy rates. Abnormal autoimmune function may also contribute to DOR. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a C19 androgenic steroid. DHEA is secreted mainly by the adrenal gland, and its secretion declines with age. DHEA has a pro-inflammatory immune function that opposes cortisol. The cortisol to DHEA ratio increases with age, which may lead to decreased immune function. DHEA supplementation helps improve this situation. A number of clinical case control studies and several prospective randomized clinical trials have observed a positive effect of DHEA supplementation in women with DOR. However, the underlying mechanism by which DHEA improves ovarian reserve remains unclear. DHEA functions as an immune regulator in many different tissues in mammals and may also play an important role in regulating the immune response in the ovaries. The conversion of DHEA to downstream sex steroids may allow it to regulate the immune response there. DHEA can also enhance the Th1 immune response and regulate the balance of the Th1/Th2 response. DHEA treatment can increase selective T lymphocyte infiltration in mice, resulting in a decline in the CD4+ T lymphocyte population and an upregulation of the CD8+ T lymphocyte population in ovarian tissue, thus regulating the balance of CD4+/CD8+ T cells. This review mainly focuses on how DHEA supplementation affects regulation of the immune response in the ovaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Zhang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Hospital & Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IBS, Fudan University ShanghaiMedical College
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Liu X, Wang W, Wang X, Qu Q, Hao C. Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone administration in Chinese women over 37 years undergoing assisted reproductive techniques. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2016; 202:9-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2016.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Revised: 03/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Zhang M, Niu W, Wang Y, Xu J, Bao X, Wang L, Du L, Sun Y. Dehydroepiandrosterone treatment in women with poor ovarian response undergoing IVF or ICSI: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 33:981-91. [PMID: 27094195 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0713-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We reviewed the influence of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation in patients with poor ovarian response (POR) undergoing in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI). METHODS We searched Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library (1980-2015) for relevant papers and used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale scoring system to evaluate study quality. Dichotomous data were expressed as pooled relative risk (RR) estimates with fixed or random effect models. Continuous variables were expressed as the weighted mean difference (WMD). All data were analyzed using Revman Software v. 5 and are shown with 95 % confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. DHEA pretreatment increased the clinical pregnancy rate (RR 1.53, 95 % CI 1.25-1.86), live birth rate (RR 1.87, 95 % CI 1.22-2.88), implantation rate (RR 1.56, 95 % CI 1.20-2.01), and antral follicle count (WMD 0.4, 95 % CI 0.14 to 0.66) while reducing miscarriages (RR 0.50, 95 % CI 0.27-0.90). After subgroup analysis, oocyte numbers and anti-Müllerian hormone levels were also enhanced after DHEA treatment. However, the endometrial thickness and estradiol levels on the day of injecting hCG to induce ovulation were similar between the DHEA supplementation groups and controls. CONCLUSIONS Based on the limited available evidence, DHEA supplementation seems to improve ovarian reserves and IVF/ICSI outcome in patients with POR. Further research is required to clarify the effect of DHEA exposure in assisted reproduction technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meixiang Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Wenbin Niu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiawei Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xiao Bao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Linlin Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Linqing Du
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yingpu Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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Prough RA, Clark BJ, Klinge CM. Novel mechanisms for DHEA action. J Mol Endocrinol 2016; 56:R139-55. [PMID: 26908835 DOI: 10.1530/jme-16-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (3β-hydroxy-5-androsten-17-one, DHEA), secreted by the adrenal cortex, gastrointestinal tract, gonads, and brain, and its sulfated metabolite DHEA-S are the most abundant endogeneous circulating steroid hormones. DHEA actions are classically associated with age-related changes in cardiovascular tissues, female fertility, metabolism, and neuronal/CNS functions. Early work on DHEA action focused on the metabolism to more potent sex hormones, testosterone and estradiol, and the subsequent effect on the activation of the androgen and estrogen steroid receptors. However, it is now clear that DHEA and DHEA-S act directly as ligands for many hepatic nuclear receptors and G-protein-coupled receptors. In addition, it can function to mediate acute cell signaling pathways. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms by which DHEA acts in cells and animal models with a focus on the 'novel' and physiological modes of DHEA action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell A Prough
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsCenter for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Barbara J Clark
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsCenter for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Carolyn M Klinge
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsCenter for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
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Kotb MMM, Hassan AMA, AwadAllah AMA. Does dehydroepiandrosterone improve pregnancy rate in women undergoing IVF/ICSI with expected poor ovarian response according to the Bologna criteria? A randomized controlled trial. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2016; 200:11-5. [PMID: 26963897 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2016.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2015] [Revised: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide the best available evidence on the role of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) treatment in improving the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in women with poor ovarian response (POR). STUDY DESIGN A randomized controlled trial conducted in Cairo University hospitals and Dar Al-Teb subfertility and assisted conception centre, Giza, Egypt. 140 women undergoing IVF/ICSI with POR according to the Bologna criteria were randomly divided into 2 equal groups. The study group received DHEA 25mg three times daily for 12 weeks before the IVF/ICSI cycles and the control group did not receive DHEA. Controlled ovarian stimulation (COH) was started on the second day of menstruation using human menopausal gonadotropins, cetrotide 0.25mg was started when the leading follicle reached 14mm. The main outcome measures were the clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, retrieved oocytes, fertilization rate, gonadotropins doses and COH days. RESULTS The DHEA group had significantly higher clinical pregnancy rate (32.8% vs 15.7%, p=0.029), ongoing pregnancy rate (28.5% vs 12.8%), retrieved oocytes (6.9±3 vs 5.8±3.1, p=0.03), fertilization rate (62.3±27.4 vs 52.2±29.8, p=0.039), significantly less gonadotropins doses (3383±717.5IU vs 3653.5±856IU, p=0.045) and COH days (11.6±1.8 vs 12.6±1.06, p=0.001). CONCLUSION DHEA increases the number of oocytes, fertilization rate, fertilized oocytes, and clinical pregnancy rate and ongoing pregnancy rate in women with POR according to the Bologna criteria. DHEA was well tolerated by the patients and was associated with less COH days and gonadotropins doses. REGISTRATION NUMBER www.clinicaltrials.govNCT02151006.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed M M Kotb
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Cairo University, 1 Alsaraya Street AlKasr AlAiny, Cairo, Egypt
| | - AbdelGany M A Hassan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Cairo University, 1 Alsaraya Street AlKasr AlAiny, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed M A AwadAllah
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ain Shams University, Ramsis Street, Abassiya, Cairo Egypt
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Aging and the environment affect gamete and embryo potential: can we intervene? Fertil Steril 2016; 105:548-559. [PMID: 26812244 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Revised: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Optimal maturation of the oocyte depends on its environment and determines embryo competence, because the embryonic genome is not active until the cleavage stage and new mitochondria are not produced until blastulation. Adverse environmental factors include aging, andropause, oxidative stress, obesity, smoking, alcohol, and psychologic stress, whereas androgen supplementation, a prudent diet, exercise, nutritional supplements, and psychologic interventions have beneficial effects. Mitochondrial function and energy production deteriorate with age, adversely affecting ovarian reserve, chromosome segregation, and embryo competence. In aging mice, the mitochondrial cofactor coenzyme Q10 reverses most of these changes. Early human experience has been encouraging, although only a small study using a shorter duration of intervention compared with the murine model has been carried out. Mitochondrial metabolic stress can result in an abnormal compensatory increase in mitochondrial DNA, which can be assessed in biopsied blastomeres of trophectoderm as a predictive biomarker of implantation failure. Psychologic stress may reduce oocyte competence by shifting blood flow away from the ovary as part of the classic "fight or flight" physiologic response, and methods to reduce stress or the body's reaction to stress improve pregnancy success. Enhancing oocyte competence is a key intervention that promises to reduce the number of euploid embryos failing to produce viable deliveries.
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Nagels HE, Rishworth JR, Siristatidis CS, Kroon B. Androgens (dehydroepiandrosterone or testosterone) for women undergoing assisted reproduction. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015; 2015:CD009749. [PMID: 26608695 PMCID: PMC10559340 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd009749.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is a condition affecting 10% to 15% of couples of reproductive age. It is generally defined as "the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse". The treatment of infertility may involve manipulation of gametes or of the embryos themselves. These techniques are together known as assisted reproductive technology (ART). Practitioners are constantly seeking alternative or adjunct treatments, or both, in the hope that they may improve the outcome of assisted reproductive techniques. This Cochrane review focusses on the adjunct use of synthetic versions of two naturally-produced hormones, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone (T), in assisted reproduction.DHEA and its derivative testosterone are steroid hormones proposed to increase conception rates by positively affecting follicular response to gonadotrophin stimulation, leading to greater oocyte yields and, in turn, increased chance of pregnancy. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and safety of DHEA and testosterone as pre- or co-treatments in subfertile women undergoing assisted reproduction. SEARCH METHODS We searched the following electronic databases, trial registers and websites up to 12 March 2015: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), the Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group (MDSG) Specialised Register, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, electronic trial registers for ongoing and registered trials, citation indexes, conference abstracts in the Web of Science, PubMed and OpenSIGLE. We also carried out handsearches. There were no language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing DHEA or testosterone as an adjunct treatment to any other active intervention, placebo, or no treatment in women undergoing assisted reproduction. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently selected studies, extracted relevant data and assessed them for risk of bias. We pooled studies using fixed-effect models. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) for each dichotomous outcome. Analyses were stratified by type of treatment. There were no data for the intended groupings by dose, mode of delivery or after one/more than one cycle.We assessed the overall quality of the evidence for the main findings using the GRADE working group methods. MAIN RESULTS We included 17 RCTs with a total of 1496 participants. Apart from two trials, the trial participants were women identified as 'poor responders' to standard IVF protocols. The included trials compared either testosterone or DHEA treatment with placebo or no treatment.When DHEA was compared with placebo or no treatment, pre-treatment with DHEA was associated with higher rates of live birth or ongoing pregnancy (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.30 to 2.71; eight RCTs, N = 878, I² statistic = 27%, moderate quality evidence). This suggests that in women with a 12% chance of live birth/ongoing pregnancy with placebo or no treatment, the live birth/ongoing pregnancy rate in women using DHEA will be between 15% and 26%. However, in a sensitivity analysis removing trials at high risk of performance bias, the effect size was reduced and no longer reached significance (OR 1.50, 95% CI 0.88 to 2.56; five RCTs, N = 306, I² statistic = 43%). There was no evidence of a difference in miscarriage rates (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.17; eight RCTs, N = 950, I² statistic = 0%, moderate quality evidence). Multiple pregnancy data were available for five trials, with one multiple pregnancy in the DHEA group of one trial (OR 3.23, 95% CI 0.13 to 81.01; five RCTs, N = 267, very low quality evidence).When testosterone was compared with placebo or no treatment we found that pre-treatment with testosterone was associated with higher live birth rates (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.30 to 5.20; four RCTs, N = 345, I² statistic = 0%, moderate evidence). This suggests that in women with an 8% chance of live birth with placebo or no treatment, the live birth rate in women using testosterone will be between 10% and 32%. On removal of studies at high risk of performance bias in a sensitivity analysis, the remaining study showed no evidence of a difference between the groups (OR 2.00, 95% CI 0.17 to 23.49; one RCT, N = 53). There was no evidence of a difference in miscarriage rates (OR 2.04, 95% CI 0.58 to 7.13; four RCTs, N = 345, I² = 0%, low quality evidence). Multiple pregnancy data were available for three trials, with four events in the testosterone group and one in the placebo/no treatment group (OR 3.09, 95% CI 0.48 to 19.98; three RCTs, N = 292, very low quality evidence).One study compared testosterone with estradiol and reported no evidence of a difference in live birth rates (OR 2.06, 95% CI 0.43 to 9.87; one RCT, N = 46, very low quality evidence) or miscarriage rates (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.11 to 4.64; one RCT, N = 46, very low quality evidence).The quality of the evidence was moderate, the main limitations being lack of blinding in the included trials, inadequate reporting of study methods, and low event and sample sizes in some trials. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS In women identified as poor responders undergoing ART, pre-treatment with DHEA or testosterone may be associated with improved live birth rates. The overall quality of the evidence is moderate. There is insufficient evidence to draw any conclusions about the safety of either androgen. Definitive conclusions regarding the clinical role of either androgen awaits evidence from further well-designed studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen E Nagels
- University of AucklandObstetrics and GynaecologyFMHS Park RoadGraftonAucklandNew Zealand1142
| | - Josephine R Rishworth
- University of AucklandObstetrics and GynaecologyFMHS Park RoadGraftonAucklandNew Zealand1142
| | - Charalampos S Siristatidis
- University of AthensAssisted Reproduction Unit, 3rd Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyAttikon University Hospital,Rimini 1AthensChaidariGreece12462
| | - Ben Kroon
- Queensland Fertility Group Research Foundation55 Little Edward St, Level 2 Boundary CourtSpring HillBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia4000
- The University of QueenslandObstetrics & GynaecologyBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia4072
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32
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Ravel C, Kazdar N, Leveque J. [Ovarian failure: New treatments in perspective?]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 44:56-62. [PMID: 26597936 DOI: 10.1016/j.gyobfe.2015.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The premature loss of ovarian function may have physical and psychological consequences. A better understanding of its mechanism is therefore needed. Because they are affecting the oocyte quality, the decline of the ovarian reserve and high maternal age are implicated in many defects leading to chromosomal defects, modifications of gene expression or alterations of the mitochondrial pattern of the oocyte. However, cellular therapies such as ovarian follicle activation or isolation of ovarian stem cells are promising treatments of ovarian failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ravel
- Laboratoire de biologie de la reproduction, CHU de Rennes, 2, rue Henri-Le-Guillou, 35033 Rennes, France; Faculté de médecine, université Rennes 1, 35043 Rennes, France; Inserm, IRSET U1085, 263, avenue du Général-Leclerc, 35042 Rennes cedex, France.
| | - N Kazdar
- Laboratoire de biologie de la reproduction, CHU de Rennes, 2, rue Henri-Le-Guillou, 35033 Rennes, France; Faculté de médecine, université Rennes 1, 35043 Rennes, France
| | - J Leveque
- Service de gynécologie, CHU de Rennes, 2, rue Henri-Le-Guillou, 35033 Rennes, France
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