Adverse effects of fertility drugs

Clomiphene Citrate Administered in Periconception Phase Causes Fetal Loss and Developmental Impairment in Mice

Clomiphene citrate is a common treatment for ovulation induction in subfertile women, but its use is associated with elevated risk of adverse perinatal outcomes and birth defects. To investigate the biological plausibility of a causal relationship, this study investigated the consequences in mice for fetal development and pregnancy outcome of periconception clomiphene citrate administration at doses approximating human exposures. A dose-dependent adverse effect of clomiphene citrate given twice in the 36 hours after mating was seen, with a moderate dose of 0.75 mg/kg sufficient to cause altered reproductive outcomes in 3 independent cohorts. Viable pregnancy was reduced by 30%, late gestation fetal weight was reduced by 16%, and ∼30% of fetuses exhibited delayed development and/or congenital abnormalities not seen in control dams, including defects of the lung, kidney, liver, eye, skin, limbs, and umbilicus. Clomiphene citrate also caused a 30-hour average delay in time of birth, and elevated rate of pup death in the early postnatal phase. In surviving offspring, growth trajectory tracking and body morphometry analysis at 20 weeks of age showed postweaning growth and development similar to controls. A dysregulated inflammatory response in the endometrium was observed and may contribute to the underlying pathophysiological mechanism. These results demonstrate that in utero exposure to clomiphene citrate during early pregnancy can compromise implantation and impact fetal growth and development, causing adverse perinatal outcomes. The findings raise the prospect of similar iatrogenic effects in women where clomiphene citrate may be present in the periconception phase unless its use is well-supervised.

Perceived financial burden is indirectly linked to sexual well-being via quality of life among couples seeking medically assisted reproduction

Introduction

Medically assisted reproduction is a difficult treatment process for couples both financially and sexually. Yet, these two domains have not been examined together among couples seeking treatment, leaving couples and practitioners without guidance on how to address these domains together.

Methods

In line with Couples and Finance Theory, we tested the hypothesis that perceived financial burden and couple income would predict quality of life during medically assisted reproduction, which would then predict four domains of sexual well-being (i.e., sexual satisfaction, desire, distress, and frequency). We also examined if the results differed by treatment status-that is, between partners who were receiving treatment and those who were not. Cross-sectional data from 120 couples who had undergone medically assisted reproduction in the past six months were analyzed via structural equation modeling through an actor-partner interdependence mediation model.

Results

An individual's greater perceived financial burden predicted their own lower quality of life during medically assisted reproduction, which in turn predicted their lower sexual satisfaction, desire and distress, as well as their partner's lower sexual satisfaction. Household income did not indirectly predict any sexual well-being domains, and results regarding treatment status were inconclusive.

Discussion

Clinicians can discuss with couples how perceived financial strain of medically assisted reproduction affects their quality of life and what ramifications that may have for their sexual well-being.

Psychological effect of COVID-19 pandemic among women undergoing infertility care, a French cohort - PsyCovART Psychological effect of COVID-19: PsyCovART

Purpose: To assess psychological state of women who experienced postponement of ART care during the first COVID-19 wave in a French public ward of reproductive medicine.

Methods: An online anonymous survey was emailed between July and August 2020 to all women whose infertility care, including the first consultation for infertility, have been delayed at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Anxiety, depression, and stress were assessed using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Feelings about COVID-19 outbreak, lockdown and suspension of fertility care were assessed by Multiple-Choice Questions and Visual Analog Scales.

Results: 435 women answered to the survey (response rate 34.6%). Mean levels of the HADS-A (anxiety), HADS-D (depression) and PSS10 were respectively 7.58(±3.85), 4.51(±3.48), and 27(±6.75). Prevalence of stress was 50.8% and almost half of women presented clear or suggestive anxiety symptoms (respectively 21.6% and 25.7%). Stress and anxiety rates were much higher than those expected in infertile population. Increased stress was observed in women above 35 years and those stopped ‘in cycle’ or during pre-treatment for in-vitro fertilization or frozen embryo transfer. Patient with history of depression or anxiety had a higher prevalence of perceived stress (p = 0.0006). Postponement was perceived as ‘unbearable’ for women experiencing stress (p = 0.0032). After the first wave of pandemic, pregnancy desire remained the same and 84.3% of women wanted to resume fertility care as soon as possible.

Conclusion: Stopping fertility care during the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant psychological impact on women with an increase of stress, and anxiety. Psychological counseling should always be offered especially during this difficult period.

Pharmacogenomic Biomarkers of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor Malfunction in Females with Impaired Ovarian Response-A Genetic Survey

Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) plays an essential role as one of the most important molecules in response to some of infertility related medications. Impaired ovarian reserve and poor response to such treatments are partially dependent on the FSHR molecule itself. However, the function and drug sensitivity for this receptor may change due to various allele and polymorphisms in the FSHR gene. Studies indicated some of the FSHR-mediated treatments utilized in clinical centers display different outcomes in specific populations, which may arise from FSHR altered genotypes in certain patients. To support the increased demands for reaching the personalized drug and hormone therapy in clinics, focusing on actionable variants through Pharmacogenomic analysis of this receptor may be necessary. The current study tries to display a perspective view on genetic assessments for Pharmacogenomic profiling of the FSHR gene via providing a systematic and critical overview on the genetics of FSHR and its diverse responses to ligands for infertility treatment in females with impaired ovarian responses and show the potential effects of the patient genetic make-up on related binding substances efficacy. All identified functional drug-related alleles were selected through a comprehensive literature search and analyzed. Advanced technologies for the genetic evaluation of them are also discussed properly.

Tissue selective estrogen complex (TSEC): a review

Objective:

This review describes historical development of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and their combination with estrogens, termed a tissue selective estrogen complex (TSEC), and considers the potential for future TSEC development.

Methods:

This narrative review is based on literature identified on PubMed and the TSEC research and development experience of the authors.

Results:

SERMs have estrogenic and antiestrogenic effects in various tissues; however, no single agent has achieved an optimal balance of agonist and antagonist effects for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Clinically, a number of SERMs protect against osteoporosis and breast cancer but can exacerbate vasomotor symptoms. Estrogens alleviate menopausal hot flushes and genitourinary symptoms as well as reduce bone loss, but the addition of a progestogen to menopausal hormone therapy to protect against endometrial cancer increases vaginal bleeding risk, breast tenderness, and potentially breast cancer. The search for an effective menopausal therapy with better tolerability led to the investigation of TSECs. Clinical development of a TSEC consisting of conjugated estrogens/bazedoxifene increased understanding of the importance of a careful consideration of the combination's components and their respective doses to balance safety and efficacy. Bazedoxifene is an estrogen receptor agonist in bone but an antagonist/degrader in the endometrium, which has contributed to its success as a TSEC component. Other oral TSEC combinations studied thus far have not demonstrated similar endometrial safety.

Conclusions:

Choice of SERM, selection of doses, and clinical trial data evaluating safety and efficacy are key to ensuring safety and adequate therapeutic effect of TSECs for addressing menopausal symptoms.

Bu-shen-zhu-yun decoction promotes synthesis and secretion of FSHβ and LHβ in anterior pituitary cells in vitro

Luteal phase defects (LPD) are an important etiology of infertility which has increased in recent years. Studies have shown that bu-shen-zhu-yun decoction (BSZY-D) can lower the expression of estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor, in rats endometrium of embryonic implantation period, which upregulated by mifepristone, and improve uterine receptivity. The aim of present study was to determine the effect of BSZY-D on the synthesis and secretion of gonadotropic hormones in the anterior pituitary cells of rats. Rats were treated with saline (control) or BSZY-D two times/day for three estrous cycles by gavage. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were collected for further cell treatment. The components in BSZY-D, serum and CSF were analysed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Cells were either pretreated with normal CSF or BSZY-D/CSF before being stimulated with or without cetrorelix. The mRNA and proteins levels of receptors, hormones, and transcription factors were detected by RT-PCR, western blot analysis and immunostaining. We show that non-toxic concentrations of cetrorelix, a GnRH antagonist, can reduce the mRNA and protein levels of GnRHR, LH, and FSH. This effect could be reversed by the addition of BSZY-D/CSF. We also show decreased mRNA and protein expression of transcription factors, such as CREB, and Egr-1 and secretory vescicles, including SNAP-25 and Munc-18 upon treatment with cetrorelix could be reversed post co-treatment with BSZY-D/CSF. These results indicate that BSZY-D/CSF treatment led to increased levels of GnRHR, transcription factors, and secretory vesicles leading to increased secretion of FSH and LH. Thus, BSZY-D presents a promising candidate to treat luteal phase defects and infertility.

Empirical medical therapy in idiopathic male infertility: Promise or panacea?

Male factors account for 20%-50% of cases of infertility and in 25% of cases, the etiology of male infertility is unknown. Effective treatments are well-established for hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, male accessory gland infection, retrograde ejaculation, and positive antisperm antibody. However, the appropriate treatment for idiopathic male infertility is unclear. Empirical medical treatment (EMT) has been used in men with idiopathic infertility and can be divided into two categories based on the mode of action: hormonal treatment and antioxidant supplementation. Hormonal medications consist of gonadotropins, androgens, estrogen receptor blockers, and aromatase inhibitors. Antioxidants such as vitamins, zinc, and carnitines have also been widely used to reduce oxidative stress-induced spermatozoa damage. Although scientifically acceptable evidence of EMT is limited because of the lack of large, randomized, controlled studies, recent systematic reviews with meta-analyses have shown that the administration of gonadotropins, anti-estrogens, and oral antioxidants results in a significant increase in the live birth rate compared with control treatments. Therefore, all physicians who treat infertility should bear in mind that EMT can improve semen parameters and subsequent fertility potential through natural intercourse.

Induction of sister chromatid exchanges and cell division delays by clomiphene citrate in human lymphocytes

Objective:

Clomiphene citrate (CC) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator and is used for the treatment of in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, intrauterine insemination, and so on. In this study, sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) and cell cycle delays were analyzed to investigate genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of CC in peripheral blood lymphocytes of healthy women.

Methods:

Human peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained from two donors were used to detect genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of CC. Lymphocytes were treated with various concentrations (0.40, 0.80, 1.60, and 3.20 µg/ml) of CC. A negative (distilled water) and a positive control (mitomycin-C = 0.20 µg/ml) were also used simultaneously with test substance-treated cultures. SCEs and cell division delays were measured from 25 cells and 100 cells perdonor, respectively.

Results:

CC significantly increased the mean SCE value at all concentrations compared with the negative control. This increase was found to be dose dependent ( r = 0.83) and at the highest concentration, nearly two times higher increase was observed than the negative control. However, replication index was not affected by the CC treatment.

Conclusion:

The present study shows that CC is genotoxic for human lymphocytes in vitro. Further investigations, especially in vivo are now needed in different test organisms to clarify the genotoxic activity of CC, which should also help to better understand genotoxic mechanism of this ovulation-stimulating drug.

In vivo evaluation of the genotoxic effects of gonadotropins on rat reticulocytes

BACKGROUND

Gonadotropins, as ovulation-inducing drugs, have been used widely to treat infertility. An epidemiologic correlation between infertility therapy and ovarian cancer development has been reported. However, the effect of gonadotropins in the formation of reproductive tract cancers is controversial.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to determine the in vivo genotoxic effects of gonadotropins on rat reticulocytes.

METHODS

In this prospective, randomized, controlled study, rats were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 groups. The calculated rat doses of 0.65 human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG), 0.95 hMG, 0.65 follitropin beta (FB), 0.95 FB, or normal saline (control group) were injected, respectively. These calculated rat doses (U/g) are based on average human gonadotropin doses of 150 and 225 IU/d for a 70-kg woman given in 2-mL saline (the control group received 2 mL of saline). Injections were administered once per day for 5 days, followed by 5 days of rest. Each treatment was repeated for 6 estrus cycles in the rats for a total of 12 estrus cycles. Six months after the last day of the 12(th) cycle, the rats were euthanized. Bone marrow tissues were removed, and pluripotent reticulocyte cells with micronuclei, nuclear buds, and binuclear abnormalities were analyzed using an in situ micronuclei assay under light microscopy. The proportion of micronucleated cells, cells with anaphase bridge, nuclear buds, and other nuclear abnormalities were measured.

RESULTS

The number of cells with nuclear buds and binuclear abnormalities in the hMG 225 and FB 225 groups was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that from the hMG 150, FB 150, and control groups in the cytogenetic analysis of bone marrow stem cells. An increased rate of genotoxicity in all gonadotropin groups versus that of placebo was found.

CONCLUSION

In rats, the micronucleus genotoxicity assay suggests a dose-dependent gonadotropin effect on genomic instability in bone marrow stem cells in vivo.

Genotoxicity of the some selective estrogen receptor modulators: a review

The objective of this article is to review genotoxicological profile of the major selective estrogen receptor modulators, including clomiphene, tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene. These drugs have been used for infertility treatment and breast cancer prevention in high risk-women. However, some studies reported that especially tamoxifen is a genotoxic agent and is related with endometrial cancer. Our review indicate that clomiphene and tamoxifen were found as genotoxic agent in majority of the tests. However published reports showed that toremifene is a weakly genotoxic agent. The genotoxic effects of raloxifene are still poorly known. Further genotoxicity studies should be conducted especially for raloxifene.

Fertility drugs and endometrial cancer risk: results from an extended follow-up of a large infertility cohort

STUDY QUESTION

Do fertility drugs influence the subsequent risk of endometrial cancer in a manner that is independent of other risk predictors, such as parity?

SUMMARY ANSWER

In this follow-up of a large cohort of women evaluated for infertility and for whom information was captured on fertility drugs, indications for usage and other risk factors that might influence cancer risk, we found no evidence for a substantial relationship between fertility drug use and endometrial cancer risk.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN

Although the hormonal etiology of endometrial cancer has been well established, it remains unclear whether the use of fertility drugs has an influence on risk. Results regarding the effects of fertility drugs on endometrial cancer risk have been inconsistent, although several studies have shown some evidence for possible increases in risk. The relationship is of particular interest given that clomiphene, a commonly prescribed drug, is a selective estrogen receptor modulator, with chemical properties similar to tamoxifen, another drug linked to an increase in endometrial cancer risk.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

In a retrospective cohort of 12 193 women evaluated for infertility between 1965 and 1988 at five US sites, follow-up was pursued through 2010 via both passive as well as active (questionnaire) means.

PARTICIPANTS, SETTING, METHODS

Among the 9832 subjects for whom follow-up was allowed and achieved, 259 346 at-risk person-years (i.e. prior to hysterectomy) were accrued, and 118 invasive endometrial cancers identified. Cox regression determined hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for fertility treatments adjusted for endometrial cancer risk factors and causes of infertility.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Although we observed slight increases in endometrial cancer risk associated with clomiphene (HR = 1.39, 95% CI: 0.96-2.01) and the less commonly prescribed gonadotrophins (1.34, 0.76-2.37), there were no convincing relationships of risk with either cycles of use or cumulative exposures for either drug. A statistically significant risk associated with the use of clomiphene among women who began use at younger ages (<30) (1.93, 1.24-3.00) may have reflected indications for drug usage rather than the effect of the drug itself. Women who received clomiphene followed by gonadotrophins were at a non-significantly elevated risk (1.77, 0.98-3.19).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Like most studies of endometrial cancer, we were limited by sample sizes, particularly for evaluating subgroup associations. We were also unable to follow all women and were not able to obtain complete risk factor information (including hysterectomy status) for the entire cohort.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Although we found no support for a relationship between fertility drugs and endometrial cancer risk, the association should continue to be monitored given that our study population was still young and had not yet reached the age of peak endometrial cancer incidence.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This project was supported in part by funds from the intramural research program of the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health. None of the authors has any conflicting interests to declare.

Chinese herbal medicine for infertility with anovulation: a systematic review

The aim of this systematic review is to assess the effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) in treatment of anovulation and infertility in women. Eight (8) databases were extensively retrieved. The Chinese electronic databases included VIP Information, CMCC, and CNKI. The English electronic databases included AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, and MEDLINE(®). Randomized controlled trials using CHM as intervention were included in the study selection. The quality of studies was assessed by the Jadad scale and the criteria referred to Cochrane reviewers' handbook. The efficacy of CHM treatment for infertility with anovulation was evaluated by meta-analysis. There were 692 articles retrieved according to the search strategy, and 1659 participants were involved in the 15 studies that satisfied the selection criteria. All the included trials were done in China. Meta-analysis indicated that CHM significantly increased the pregnancy rate (odds ratio [OR] 3.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.50-3.88) and reduced the miscarriage rate (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.10-0.41) compared to clomiphene. In addition, CHM also increased the ovulation rate (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.06-2.25) and improved the cervical mucus score (OR 3.82, 95% CI 1.78-8.21) compared to clomiphene, while there were no significant difference between CHM and clomiphene combined with other medicine. CHM is effective in treating infertility with anovulation. Also, no significant adverse effects were identified for the use of CHM from the studies included in this review. However, owing to the low quality of the studies investigated, more randomized controlled trials are needed before evidence-based recommendation regarding the effectiveness and safety of CHM in the management of infertility with anovulation can be provided.

In vitro fertilization and risk of breast and gynecologic cancers: a retrospective cohort study within the Israeli Maccabi Healthcare Services

OBJECTIVE

To assess long-term cancer risks associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF).

DESIGN

Record-linkage study.

SETTING

Health maintenance organization in Israel.

PATIENT(S)

A total of 87,403 women evaluated and/or treated for infertility on or after September 25, 1994, who were followed for cancer development through June 22, 2011: 522 breast, 41 endometrial, 45 ovarian, 311 in situ cervical, and 32 invasive cervical cancers were identified.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Hazard ratios (HRs) for specific cancers.

RESULT(S)

We found no significant relationships of IVF exposures to the risks of breast, endometrial, or ovarian cancers. However, compared with women with no fertility treatment, the HR for ovarian cancer associated with IVF was 1.58 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75-3.29), with higher risk among those receiving four or more cycles (HR 1.78, 95% CI 0.76-4.13). There was also a nonsignificantly elevated risk for endometrial cancer among women who received 1-3 IVF cycles (HR 1.94, 95% CI 0.73-5.12), but additional cycles were associated with less risk. In contrast, the risk of in situ cervical cancer was significantly reduced and invasive cervical cancer nonsignificantly reduced among women receiving IVF as well as other fertility treatments.

CONCLUSION(S)

Our results regarding long-term effects were largely reassuring, but women receiving IVF should continue to be monitored given that the procedures involve potent ovulation stimulators and repeated ovarian punctures.

Risk of borderline and invasive ovarian tumours after ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization in a large Dutch cohort

BACKGROUND

Long-term effects of ovarian stimulation for IVF on the risk of ovarian malignancies are unknown.

METHODS

We identified a nationwide historic cohort of 19,146 women who received IVF treatment in the Netherlands between 1983 and 1995, and a comparison group of 6006 subfertile women not treated with IVF. In 1997-1999, data on reproductive risk factors were obtained from 65% of women and data on subfertility (treatment) were obtained from the medical records. The incidence of ovarian malignancies (including borderline ovarian tumours) through 2007 was assessed through linkage with disease registries. The risk of ovarian malignancies in the IVF group was compared with risks in the general population and the subfertile comparison group.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 14.7 years, the risk of borderline ovarian tumours was increased in the IVF group compared with the general population [standardized incidence ratio (SIR) = 1.76; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.16-2.56]. The overall SIR for invasive ovarian cancer was not significantly elevated, but increased with longer follow-up after first IVF (P = 0.02); the SIR was 3.54 (95% CI = 1.62-6.72) after 15 years. The risks of borderline ovarian tumours and of all ovarian malignancies combined in the IVF group were significantly increased compared with risks in the subfertile comparison group (hazard ratios = 4.23; 95% CI = 1.25-14.33 and 2.14; 95% CI = 1.07-4.25, respectively, adjusted for age, parity and subfertility cause).

CONCLUSIONS

Ovarian stimulation for IVF may increase the risk of ovarian malignancies, especially borderline ovarian tumours. More large cohort studies are needed to confirm these findings and to examine the effect of IVF treatment characteristics.

Pharmacology and clinical applications of selective estrogen receptor modulators

Compounds that can be described as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) have expanded dramatically over the past two decades. The ability of SERMs to act as estrogens in certain tissues while remaining inert or acting as an anti-estrogen in other tissues has opened up opportunities for treating specific estrogen-modulated diseases without accepting the risk of systemic estrogen activity. SERM development has resulted in significant therapeutic advances for breast cancer, osteoporosis and potentially other diseases associated with the menopause. After the publication of the Women's Health Initiative, interest in compound selectivity that reduces menopausal symptoms while protecting bone, breast, uterus and the heart has increased. Future SERMs may also have a therapeutic profile that can be tailored to specific patient populations, including men. This review paper summarizes the characteristics of different SERMs from various pharmacological categories and the feasibility and scope of their use for a large range of disease/health conditions.

Fertility drug use and mammographic breast density in a mammography screening cohort of premenopausal women

The widespread use of ovulation-inducing drugs to enhance fertility has raised concerns about its potential effects on breast cancer risk, as ovarian stimulation is associated with increases in estrogen and progesterone levels. We investigated the short-term relation between fertility drug use and mammographic breast density, a strong marker of breast cancer risk, among participants in the Group Health Breast Cancer Screening Program. Data linkage with Group Health automated pharmacy records identified 104 premenopausal women < 50 years old who obtained a mammogram during 1996--2006, within 2 years after a fertility drug dispensing. Premenopausal nonusers of fertility drugs were matched to users by age, body mass index, age at first birth, family history of breast cancer, past use of birth control hormones, race, and education (n = 1005). All mammograms were categorized for density according to the Breast Imaging Reporting Data System as entirely fat, scattered fibroglandular, heterogeneously dense, or extremely dense. Density in fertility drug users was equally likely as in nonusers to be rated entirely fat [odds ratio (OR), 0.83; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.18-3.71], heterogeneously dense (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.64-1.85), or extremely dense (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.48-1.78) compared with scattered fibroglandular. In analyses restricted to fertility drug users, each additional month after the date of dispensing was associated with a 13% (95% CI for the OR, 1.01-1.27) increased odds of being categorized as heterogeneously/extremely dense compared with entirely fat/scattered fibroglandular (P = 0.04). Our results indicate no overall association between fertility drug use and mammographic density, but provide evidence that density may be lower in women more recently dispensed a fertility drug.

Ovarian stimulation protocols (anti-oestrogens, gonadotrophins with and without GnRH agonists/antagonists) for intrauterine insemination (IUI) in women with subfertility

BACKGROUND

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) combined with ovarian hyperstimulation (OH) has been demonstrated to be an effective form of treatment for subfertile couples. Several ovarian stimulation protocols combined with IUI have been proposed, but it is still not clear which stimulation protocol and which dose is the most cost-effective.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate ovarian stimulation protocols for intrauterine insemination for all indications.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched for all publications which described randomised controlled trials comparing different ovarian stimulation protocols followed by IUI. We searched the Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group's Central register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). We searched the electronic databases of MEDLINE (January 1966 to present) and EMBASE (1980 to present).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials only were considered for inclusion in this review. Trials comparing different ovarian stimulation protocols combined with IUI were selected and reviewed in detail.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two independent review authors independently assess trial quality and extracted data.

MAIN RESULTS

Forty three trials involving 3957 women were included. There were 11 comparisons in this review. Pregnancy rates are reported here since results of live birth rates were lacking. Seven studies (n = 556) were pooled comparing gonadotrophins with anti-oestrogens showing significant higher pregnancy rates with gonadotrophins (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.7). Five studies (n = 313) compared anti-oestrogens with aromatase inhibitors reporting no significant difference (OR 1.2 95% CI 0.64 to 2.1). The same could be concluded comparing different types of gonadotrophins (9 studies included, n = 576). Four studies (n = 391) reported the effect of adding a GnRH agonist which did not improve pregnancy rates (OR 0.98 95% CI 0.6 to 1.6), although it resulted in significant higher multiple pregnancy rates (OR 2.9 95% CI 1.0 to 8). Data of three studies (n = 299) showed no convincing evidence of adding a GnRH antagonist to gonadotrophins (OR 1.5 95% CI 0.83 to 2.8). The results of two studies (n = 297) reported no evidence of benefit in doubling the dose of gonadotrophins (OR 1.2 95% 0.67 to 1.9) although the multiple pregnancy rates and OHSS rates were increased. For the remaining five comparisons only one or none studies were included.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Robust evidence is lacking but based on the available results gonadotrophins might be the most effective drugs when IUI is combined with ovarian hyperstimulation. When gonadotrophins are applied it might be done on a daily basis. When gonadotrophins are used for ovarian stimulation low dose protocols are advised since pregnancy rates do not differ from pregnancy rates which result from high dose regimen, whereas the chances to encounter negative effects from ovarian stimulation such as multiples and OHSS are limited with low dose gonadotrophins. Further research is needed for each comparison made.

In vivo Evaluation of the Genotoxic Effects of Clomiphene Citrate on Rat Reticulocytes: A Micronucleus Genotoxicity

OBJECTIVE

To determine the genotoxic effects of clomiphene citrate (CC) on rat reticulocytesin vivo.

METHODS

In this prospective, randomized, controlled study, rats were each assigned randomly to the CC 50, CC 100, CC 200, or control group and were given repeat doses of 0.16, 0.32 or 0.64 mg CC, or normal saline, respectively. Each study group received its CC dose in 2 ml of saline intraperitoneally for 5 days, while the control group received only 2 ml of saline. Each treatment cycle was repeated six times. Six months later, the rats were euthanized. Bone marrow tissues were removed, and pluripotent reticulocyte cells with micronuclei, nuclear buds, and binuclear abnormalities were analyzed using an in situmicronuclei assay under light microscopy. The proportion of micronucleated erythrocytes was measured.

RESULTS

Fewer cells with nuclear buds and binuclear abnormalities were detected in the CC 50 group and controls. The CC 100 and 200 groups had significantly (p < 0.05) more nuclear buds and binuclear abnormalities compared with the CC 50 group and controls in the cytogenetic analysis of bone marrow stem cells.

CONCLUSION

In rats, the micronucleus genotoxicity assay suggests a dose-dependent CC effect on genomic instability in bone marrow stem cells in vivo.

Psychological side-effects of clomiphene citrate and human menopausal gonadotrophin

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the psychological side-effects of clomiphene citrate (CC) and hMG in women undergoing fertility treatment.

METHOD

This study was a cross-sectional, self-report survey of 454 women at various stages of treatment for infertility. At the time of study, 139 women had not taken fertility drugs and 315 women had taken one or more cycles of CC or hMG. All subjects were asked to complete the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Women taking CC or hMG were also asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire on the side-effects of their medications.

RESULT(S)

In the CC group (n = 162) and hMG group (n = 153), 77.8% (126 of 162) and 94.8% (145 of 153) reported at least one side-effect, respectively. Irritability, mood swings, feeling down, and bloating had high frequencies in both CC and hMG groups, with a higher mean number of side effects reported in the hMG group (4.4 +/- 3.7 for the CC group and 6.8 +/- 3.7 for the hMG group, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference among the CC, hMG and no medication groups for mean state and trait anxiety scores. However, there were significant differences among the three side-effect groups (those who reported 1 to 4, 5 to 7, and more than 7 side-effects) for the mean scores of state (df = 2, F = 8.7, p < 0.001) and trait (df = 2, F = 11.9, p < 0.001) anxiety in women taking fertility drugs.

CONCLUSION(S)

Women taking CC or hMG reported high frequencies of psychological side-effects, and should be advised of these before treatment.

Management of anovulatory infertility associated with polycystic ovary syndrome: tamoxifen citrate an effective alternative compound to clomiphene citrate

Clomiphene citrate (CC) is widely used as first-line treatment for ovulation induction in anovulatory women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Tamoxifen citrate (TMX), another non-steroidal selective estrogen receptor modulator, may also be effective on the resumption of ovulation in these women. The aim of this controlled observational study was to compare the efficacy and safety of ovulation induction with TMX versus CC in anovulatory infertile women with PCOS. A total of 102 consecutive women (mean age+/-SD: 31+/-3.6 years; range: 26-38) with PCOS were studied. Following a spontaneous or progesterone-induced withdrawal bleed, women received either 50 mg daily of CC (days 2-6) or 20 mg daily of TMX (days 2-5). In case ovulation failed to occur, the dose was sequentially increased to 100 mg daily of CC and 40 mg daily of TMX, respectively. Serum progesterone levels were measured on cycle day 21 to monitor the ovulation pattern. The overall ovulation rate was significantly higher in women who received TMX compared with those who received CC (61/98, 62.2% vs. 60/127, 47.2%, p=0.03). Although not statistically significant, the pregnancy rate per ovulatory cycle was higher in the TMX group compared to the CC group (14/61, 22.9% vs. 11/60, 18.3%, respectively). All pregnancies were single and there were no side-effects in either group of treatment. Collectively, these data demonstrate that TMX is a safe and effective agent, and a suitable alternative to CC for anovulatory infertility in women with PCOS.

Effect of an in vitro fertilization program on serum CA 125, tumor-associated trypsin inhibitor, free beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin, and common alpha-subunit of glycoprotein hormones

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of an IVF program on serum levels of tumor markers CA 125, tumor-associated trypsin inhibitor, free hCG beta-subunit, and free glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit.

DESIGN

A prospective controlled clinical study.

SETTING

Outpatient university infertility clinic.

PATIENT(S)

Seventy-one infertile patients (with tubal occlusion, pelvic endometriosis, or unexplained infertility) undergoing IVF and nine control women with regular menstrual cycles.

INTERVENTION(S)

Serial blood sampling before, during, and after IVF, or during one ovulatory menstrual cycle in the controls.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Serum levels of CA 125, tumor-associated trypsin inhibitor, hCG-beta, and glycoprotein hormone-alpha.

RESULT(S)

Before IVF, all tumor markers were within the normal range except for CA 125, which was elevated in patients with endometriosis. IVF led to significant increases in CA 125 and glycoprotein hormone-alpha that differed from the changes seen during normal menstrual cycles. The luteal phase increase in CA 125 correlated with levels of E(2) and P and the number of follicles. Two months after IVF, levels of CA 125 were 12% higher than levels before treatment. Tumor-associated trypsin inhibitor and hCG-beta revealed no cyclicity.

CONCLUSION(S)

An IVF regimen increased the release of CA 125 and glycoprotein hormone-alpha. The CA 125 elevation after IVF implies a persistent effect of ovarian hyperstimulation on CA 125 release.