Approaches to Improve Endometrial Receptivity in Case of Repeated Implantation Failures

Development of a New Personalized Molecular Test Based on Endometrial Receptivity and Maternal-Fetal Dialogue: Adhesio

Successful embryo implantation relies on a receptive endometrium and a maternofetal dialogue. Abnormal receptivity is a common cause of implantation failure in assisted reproductive techniques. This study aimed to develop a novel transcriptomic-based diagnostic assay, Adhesio, for assessing endometrial receptivity and guiding personalized embryo transfer. Adhesio was developed based on an initial dataset of 74 endometrial biopsies. Two types of biopsy samples were involved: 45 endometrial biopsies collected during the optimal theoretical window of implantation (WOI) and 29 endometrial biopsies which cells have been cultured with or without an autologous embryo. Microarray analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes associated with endometrial receptivity and selected candidate genes were assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) on biopsy samples. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess the performance and accuracy of Adhesio. The microarray analysis identified three distinct clusters of endometrial samples with differential gene expression patterns. Cluster 1 exhibited 1717 differentially expressed genes involved in biological processes associated with endometrial receptivity. A specific transcriptomic signature of 60 genes associated with endometrial co-culture was obtained using class prediction approach. Thereafter, an original panel of 10 genes was selected as potential biomarkers for endometrial receptivity based on their expression profiles in both endometrial biopsies and co-cultured cells. This article outlines the methodology employed to develop Adhesio, a test that assesses endometrial receptivity using an original panel of 10 genes. These genes are not only involved during the WOI but are also influenced by the maternal-fetal dialogue.

Optimizing evaluation of endometrial receptivity in recurrent pregnancy loss: a preliminary investigation integrating radiomics from multimodal ultrasound via machine learning

Background

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) frequently links to a prolonged endometrial receptivity (ER) window, leading to the implantation of non-viable embryos. Existing ER assessment methods face challenges in reliability and invasiveness. Radiomics in medical imaging offers a non-invasive solution for ER analysis, but complex, non-linear radiomic-ER relationships in RPL require advanced analysis. Machine learning (ML) provides precision for interpreting these datasets, although research in integrating radiomics with ML for ER evaluation in RPL is limited.

Objective

To develop and validate an ML model that employs radiomic features derived from multimodal transvaginal ultrasound images, focusing on improving ER evaluation in RPL.

Methods

This retrospective, controlled study analyzed data from 346 unexplained RPL patients and 369 controls. The participants were divided into training and testing cohorts for model development and accuracy validation, respectively. Radiomic features derived from grayscale (GS) and shear wave elastography (SWE) images, obtained during the window of implantation, underwent a comprehensive five-step selection process. Five ML classifiers, each trained on either radiomic, clinical, or combined datasets, were trained for RPL risk stratification. The model demonstrating the highest performance in identifying RPL patients was selected for further validation using the testing cohort. The interpretability of this optimal model was augmented by applying Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) analysis.

Results

Analysis of the training cohort (242 RPL, 258 controls) identified nine key radiomic features associated with RPL risk. The extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) model, combining radiomic and clinical data, demonstrated superior discriminatory ability. This was evidenced by its area under the curve (AUC) score of 0.871, outperforming other ML classifiers. Validation in the testing cohort of 215 subjects (104 RPL, 111 controls) confirmed its accuracy (AUC: 0.844) and consistency. SHAP analysis identified four endometrial SWE features and two GS features, along with clinical variables like age, SAPI, and VI, as key determinants in RPL risk stratification.

Conclusion

Integrating ML with radiomics from multimodal endometrial ultrasound during the WOI effectively identifies RPL patients. The XGBoost model, merging radiomic and clinical data, offers a non-invasive, accurate method for RPL management, significantly enhancing diagnosis and treatment.

An Approach to Improve Endometrial Receptivity: Is It Beneficial to Flush The Uterine Cavity with Follicular Fluid and Granulosa Cells? A Phase III Randomised Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

The follicular fluid (FF) of mature oocytes contains a high concentration of growth factors and cytokines that have the potential to influence implantation in either a paracrine or autocrine manner. During the physiological processes of ovulation, FF enters the fallopian tubes in conjunction with the oocyte. The purpose of this study is to evaluate implantation and clinical pregnancy rates following uterine flushing with FF and granulosa cells in infertile women with moderate male factor infertility after ovum retrieval for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This phase III randomised clinical trial enrolled 140 women with moderate male factor infertility who intended to undergo ICSI at Royan Infertility Clinic (Tehran, Iran). A computer-generated program and opaque sealed envelopes were used to randomly allocate patients to either an intervention group (n=70) or a control group (n=70). Participants in the intervention group received 2 ml of clear FF (without blood contamination) from 2 to 3 dominant follicles after oocyte retrieval. The control group only underwent uterine cavity catheterisation.

RESULTS

The intervention group had a clinical pregnancy rate of 38.5% (25/65) compared to the control group [42.9% (27/63); P=0.719] and an implantation rate of 24.1% compared to the control group (27%; P=0.408). These rates did not differ between the groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the intervention and control groups in terms of pregnancy-related complications-ectopic pregnancy, blighted ovum or anembryonic pregnancy, and abortion.

CONCLUSION

Uterine cavity flushing with FF from mature follicles following oocyte retrieval had no effect, either positively or negatively, on clinical pregnancy or implantation rates in women with moderate male factor infertility (registration number: NCT04077970).

Subcutaneous injection granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is superior to intrauterine infusion on patients with recurrent implantation failure: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Although both subcutaneous injection and intrauterine infusion of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) have been reported to improve pregnancy outcomes in patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF), how to administer it is still no consensus. The study aimed to investigate which administration route is optimal. We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI) from inception to April 10, 2023, with language in both English and Chinese. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) compared the effectiveness of G-CSF to treat patients with RIF were included in this network meta-analysis (NMA). The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) in pregnancy outcomes (implantation rate, IR; clinical pregnancy rate, CPR; live birth rate, LBR; miscarriage rate, MR; ectopic pregnancy rate, EPR) were summarized by NMA with a random-effects model. A total of 1360 RIF patients from 14 RCTs were included in this NMA, with no publication bias and small sample effects. No direct evidence compared the effectiveness of different administration routes of G-CSF on IR, LBR and MR. Both subcutaneous injection and intrauterine infusion of G-CSF increased the IR (OR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.10-7.24; OR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.50-3.07, respectively) and CPR (OR = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.86-4.17; OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.30-2.33, respectively) in patients with RIF. According to SUCRA, subcutaneous injection is more likely to be the optimal medication administration route. However, more high-quality studies were also needed to support these, especially IR and LBR.

Upregulated α-actinin-1 impairs endometrial epithelial cell adhesion by downregulating NEBL in recurrent implantation failure

Poor endometrial receptivity results in embryo implantation failure. Acquisition of endometrial receptivity involves substantial structural alterations in the cytoskeleton and plasma membrane of epithelial cells, which facilitate embryo adhesion. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains largely unknown. In this study, we identified that α-actinin-1 (ACTN1) was significantly downregulated in the mid-secretory phase of the endometrium compared with other phases; however, ACTN1 significantly increased in women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF). In Ishikawa and human endometrial epithelial cells (HEECs), ACTN1 overexpression significantly decreased NEBL levels, enhanced F-actin fiber levels, and caused a notable impairment in blastocyst adhesion, which mimicked the process of embryo adhesion. However, NEBL overexpression notably restored adhesion. Moreover, NEBL expression was reduced in patients with RIF compared with that in controls. Finally, our data showed that ACTN1 upregulation impaired endometrial receptivity in women with RIF, possibly by regulating NEBL expression and subsequent cell-adhesion capability.

Embryo Transfer Strategies for Women with Recurrent Implantation Failure During the Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer Cycles: Sequential Embryo Transfer or Double-blastocyst Transfer?

OBJECTIVE

Both sequential embryo transfer (SeET) and double-blastocyst transfer (DBT) can serve as embryo transfer strategies for women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF). This study aims to compare the effects of SeET and DBT on pregnancy outcomes.

METHODS

Totally, 261 frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles of 243 RIF women were included in this multicenter retrospective analysis. According to different embryo quality and transfer strategies, they were divided into four groups: group A, good-quality SeET (GQ-SeET, n=38 cycles); group B, poor-quality or mixed-quality SeET (PQ/MQ-SeET, n=31 cycles); group C, good-quality DBT (GQ-DBT, n=121 cycles); and group D, poor-quality or mixed-quality DBT (PQ/MQ-DBT, n=71 cycles). The main outcome, clinical pregnancy rate, was compared, and the generalized estimating equation (GEE) model was used to correct potential confounders that might impact pregnancy outcomes.

RESULTS

GQ-DBT achieved a significantly higher clinical pregnancy rate (aOR 2.588, 95% CI 1.267-5.284, P=0.009) and live birth rate (aOR 3.082, 95% CI 1.482-6.412, P=0.003) than PQ/MQ-DBT. Similarly, the clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in GQ-SeET than in PQ/MQ-SeET (aOR 4.047, 95% CI 1.218-13.450, P=0.023). The pregnancy outcomes of GQ-SeET were not significantly different from those of GQ-DBT, and the same results were found between PQ/MQ-SeET and PQ/MQ-DBT.

CONCLUSION

SeET relative to DBT did not seem to improve pregnancy outcomes for RIF patients if the embryo quality was comparable between the two groups. Better clinical pregnancy outcomes could be obtained by transferring good-quality embryos, no matter whether in SeET or DBT. Embryo quality plays a more important role in pregnancy outcomes for RIF patients.

The value of intraovarian autologous platelet rich plasma in women with poor ovarian reserve or ovarian insufficiency: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To assess the value of intraovarian PRP in women with low ovarian reserve.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Screening of databases from inception to January 2023 using the keywords related to "Platelet-rich plasma" AND "poor ovarian reserve" OR "ovarian failure".

SELECTION CRITERIA

Fourteen studies (1632 participants) were included, 10 included women with POR, 1 included women with POI and 3 included both POR and POI women.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Extracted data included study settings, design, sample size, population characteristics, volume, timing and preparation of PRP administration, and outcome parameters.

MAIN RESULTS

AMH level was evaluated in 11 studies (2099 women). The mean difference (MD) was 0.09 with 95% CI of - 0.06, 0.24 (P = 0.25). Antral follicular count level was assessed in 6 studies (1399 women). The MD was 1.73 with 95% CI of 0.81, 2.66 (P < 0.001). The number of oocytes retrieved was evaluated in 7 studies (1413 women). The MD was 1.21 with 95% CI of 0.48, 1.94 (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This systematic review found a significant improvement of AFC, the number of retrieved oocytes, the number of cleavage embryos and the cancellation rate in women with POR.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registration number CRD42022365682.

Mechanisms of Bushen Tiaoxue Granules against controlled ovarian hyperstimulation-induced abnormal morphology of endometrium based on network pharmacology

Bushen Tiaoxue Granules (BTG) is an empirical Chinese herbal formula that has been used for the treatment of subfertility. The protective effect of BTG on controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH)-induced impaired endometrial receptivity has been reported in our previous study. This study aims to explore the mechanisms of BTG on ameliorating abnormal morphology of endometrium based on network pharmacology. Active compounds of BTG were identified via the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology and UPLC-MS technology. The SwissTargetPrediction platform and HERB database were used to screen out the putative targets of BTG. Potential targets of endometrial dysfunction caused by COH were obtained from three GEO databases. Through the STRING database, the protein-protein interaction was carried out according to the cross-common targets of diseases and drugs. GO terms and KEGG pathways enrichment analyses were conducted via the Metascape database. AutoDock Vina was used for docking validation of the affinity between active compounds and potential targets. Finally, in vivo experiments were used to verify the potential mechanisms derived from network pharmacology study. A total of 141 effective ingredients were obtained from TCMSP and nine of which were verified in UPLC-MS. Six genes were selected through the intersection of 534 disease related genes and 165 drug potential targets. Enrichment analyses showed that BTG might reverse endometrial dysfunction by regulating adherens junction and arachidonic acid metabolism. Hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed that BTG ameliorated the loose and edematous status of endometrial epithelium caused by COH. The protein expression of FOXO1A, β-Catenin and COX-2 was decreased in the COH group, and was up-regulated by BTG. BTG significantly alleviates the edema of endometrial epithelium caused by COH. The mechanisms may be related to adheren junctions and activation of arachidonic acid metabolism. The potential active compounds quercetin, taxifolin, kaempferol, eriodictyol, and isorhamnetin identified from the BTG exhibit marginal cytotoxicity. Both high and low concentrations of kaempferol, eriodictyol, and taxifolin are capable of effectively ameliorating impaired hESC cellular activity.

Endometrial BMP2 Deficiency Impairs ITGB3-Mediated Trophoblast Invasion in Women With Repeated Implantation Failure

BACKGROUND

Repeated implantation failure (RIF) leads to a waste of high-quality embryos and remains a challenge in assisted reproductive technology. During early human placentation, the invasion of trophoblast cells into the decidua is an essential step for the establishment of maternal-fetal interactions and subsequent successful pregnancy. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) has been reported to regulate endometrial receptivity and promote trophoblast invasion. However, whether there is dysregulation of endometrial BMP2 expression in patients with RIF remains unknown. Additionally, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of BMP2 on human trophoblast invasion and early placentation remain to be further elucidated.

METHODS

Midluteal phase endometrial samples were biopsied from patients with RIF and from routine control in vitro fertilization followed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting analyses. Human trophoblast organoids, primary human trophoblast cells, and an immortalized trophoblast cell line (HTR8/SVneo) were used as study models.

RESULTS

We found that BMP2 was aberrantly low in midluteal phase endometrial tissues from patients with RIF. Recombinant human BMP2 treatment upregulated integrin β3 (ITGB3) in a SMAD2/3-SMAD4 signaling-dependent manner in both HTR8/SVneo cells and primary trophoblast cells. siRNA-mediated integrin β3 downregulation reduced both basal and BMP2-upregulated trophoblast invasion and vascular mimicry in HTR8/SVneo cells. Importantly, shRNA-mediated ITGB3 knockdown significantly decreased the formation ability of human trophoblast organoids.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate endometrial BMP2 deficiency in patients with RIF. ITGB3 mediates both basal and BMP2-promoted human trophoblast invasion and is essential for early placentation. These findings broaden our knowledge regarding the regulation of early placentation and provide candidate diagnostic and therapeutic targets for RIF clinical management.

GM-CSF improves endometrial receptivity in a thin endometrium rat model by upregulating HOXA10

Endometrial receptivity is a prerequisite for the success of assisted reproduction. Patients with a consistently thin endometrium frequently fail to conceive, owing to low endometrial receptivity, and there are currently very few therapeutic options available. Our previous study demonstrated that intrauterine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) administration resulted in a significant improvement in clinical pregnancy and implantation rates and was an effective means of increasing endometrial thickness on the day of embryo transfer in patients with thin endometrium. In order to explore the underlying process, an animal model with a thin endometrium was constructed, the homeobox A10 gene (HOXA10) was downregulated, and an inhibitor of the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway (MAPK/ERK) was employed. Our findings strongly suggest a marked decrease in GM-CSF levels in the thin endometrial rat model, and the suppression of HOXA10 impeded the therapeutic efficacy of GM-CSF in this model. Moreover, we showed that GM-CSF significantly increases endometrial receptivity in the rat model and upregulates HOXA10 via the MAPK/ERK pathway. Our data provide new molecular insights into the mechanisms underlying formation of a thin endometrium and highlight a novel, potential clinical treatment strategy as well as directions for further research.

Value of Intrauterine Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy on Endometrial Receptivity: A Literature Review

Endometrial receptivity is an important factor that influences embryo implantation. Thus, it is important to identify an applicable approach to improve endometrial receptivity in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology. Recently, growing evidence has indicated that intrauterine platelet-rich plasma (PRP) infusion is an effective method to obtain a satisfactory reproductive outcome by increasing endometrial thickness and improving endometrial receptivity. Therefore, the present review aims to outline the possible mechanisms of PRP on endometrial receptivity and summarize the present literature on the effects of PRP therapy in improving endometrial receptivity.

Identification of MARK2, CCDC71, GATA2, and KLRC3 as candidate diagnostic genes and potential therapeutic targets for repeated implantation failure with antiphospholipid syndrome by integrated bioinformatics analysis and machine learning

Background

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a group of clinical syndromes of thrombosis or adverse pregnancy outcomes caused by antiphospholipid antibodies, which increase the incidence of in vitro fertilization failure in patients with infertility. However, the common mechanism of repeated implantation failure (RIF) with APS is unclear. This study aimed to search for potential diagnostic genes and potential therapeutic targets for RIF with APS.

Methods

To obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs), we downloaded the APS and RIF datasets separately from the public Gene Expression Omnibus database and performed differential expression analysis. We then identified the common DEGs of APS and RIF. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed, and we then generated protein-protein interaction. Furthermore, immune infiltration was investigated by using the CIBERSORT algorithm on the APS and RIF datasets. LASSO regression analysis was used to screen for candidate diagnostic genes. To evaluate the diagnostic value, we developed a nomogram and validated it with receiver operating characteristic curves, then analyzed these genes in the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database. Finally, the Drug Gene Interaction Database was searched for potential therapeutic drugs, and the interactions between drugs, genes, and immune cells were depicted with a Sankey diagram.

Results

There were 11 common DEGs identified: four downregulated and seven upregulated. The common DEG analysis suggested that an imbalance of immune system-related cells and molecules may be a common feature in the pathophysiology of APS and RIF. Following validation, MARK2, CCDC71, GATA2, and KLRC3 were identified as candidate diagnostic genes. Finally, Acetaminophen and Fasudil were predicted as two candidate drugs.

Conclusion

Four immune-associated candidate diagnostic genes (MARK2, CCDC71, GATA2, and KLRC3) were identified, and a nomogram for RIF with APS diagnosis was developed. Our findings may aid in the investigation of potential biological mechanisms linking APS and RIF, as well as potential targets for diagnosis and treatment.

Closer to the Reality-Proteome Changes Evoked by Endometrial Scratching in Fertile Females

Endometrial scratching (ES) has been widely used in assisted reproductive technology to possibly improve pregnancy rates, but its exact mechanism is still not understood or investigated, and its benefits are controversially discussed. Hypothetically, ES may trigger a local immune response, leading to an improved endometrial receptivity. So far, it has been shown that ES affects the gene expression of cytokines, growth factors, and adhesive proteins, potentially modulating inflammatory pathways and adhesion molecule expression. Our pilot study applying proteomic analysis reveals that ES probably has an impact on the proteins involved in immune response pathways and cytoskeleton formation, which could potentially increase endometrial receptivity. Specifically, proteins that are involved in the immune response and cytoskeleton regulation showed a trend toward higher abundance after the first ES. On the other hand, proteins with a decreasing abundance after the first ES play roles in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton and cellular processes such as intracellular transport, apoptosis, and autophagy. These trends in protein changes suggest that ES may affect endometrial tissue stiffness and extracellular matrix remodeling, potentially enhancing the embryos' implantation. To our knowledge, this pilot study provides, for the first time, data investigating potential changes in the endometrium due to the scratching procedure that might explain its possible benefit for patients in infertility treatment. Furthermore, the proteome of a group of patients suffering from repeated implantation failure was compared to that of the fertile group in order to transfer the basic science to clinical routine and application.

Radiomics optimizing the evaluation of endometrial receptivity for women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss

Background

The optimization of endometrial receptivity (ER) through individualized therapies has been shown to enhance the likelihood of successful gestation. However, current practice lacks comprehensive methods for evaluating the ER of patients with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Radiomics, an emerging AI-based technique that enables the extraction of mineable information from medical images, holds potential to offer a more objective and quantitative approach to ER assessment. This innovative tool may facilitate a deeper understanding of the endometrial environment and enable clinicians to optimize ER evaluation in RPL patients.

Objective

This study aimed to identify ultrasound radiomics features associated with ER, with the purpose of predicting successful ongoing pregnancies in RPL patients, and to assess the predictive accuracy of these features against regular ER parameters.

Methods

This retrospective, controlled study involved 262 patients with unexplained RPL and 273 controls with a history of uncomplicated full-term pregnancies. Radiomics features were extracted from ultrasound endometrial segmentation images to derive a radiomics score (rad-score) for each participant. Associations between rad-scores, baseline clinical variables, and sonographic data were evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to identify potential indicators of RPL. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the rad-score and other identified indicators in discriminating RPL cases. Furthermore, the relationships between age and these identified indicators were assessed via Pearson correlation analysis.

Results

From the 1312 extracted radiomics features, five non-zero coefficient radiomics signatures were identified as significantly associated with RPL, forming the basis of the rad-score. Following multivariate logistic regression analysis, age, spiral artery pulsatility index (SA-PI), vascularisation index (VI), and rad-score emerged as independent correlates of RPL (all P<0.05). ROC curve analyses revealed the superior discriminative capability of the rad-score (AUC=0.882) over age (AUC=0.778), SA-PI (AUC=0.771), and VI (AUC=0.595). There were notable correlations between age and rad-score (r=0.275), VI (r=-0.224), and SA-PI (r=0.211), indicating age-related variations in RPL predictors.

Conclusion

This study revealed a significant association between unexplained RPL and elevated endometrial rad-scores during the WOI. Furthermore, it demonstrated the potential of rad-scores as a promising predictive tool for successful ongoing pregnancies in RPL patients.

Effect of hyaluronic acid-enriched transfer medium on frozen-thawed embryo transfer outcomes in RIF patients: a single-centre retrospective study

Introduction

Many patients who undergo assisted reproductive technology (ART) suffer from recurrent implantation failure (RIF). The addition of hyaluronic acid (HA) to the transfer medium is one of several methods to improve pregnancy outcomes. We investigated whether HA could improve the live birth and clinical pregnancy rates of RIF patients.

Methods

This study included 248 RIF patients, who were divided into two groups: the control (CTL) group (n=137), which received transfer medium without HA, and the HA group (n=111), which received transfer medium with HA. The two groups were compared according to the ART outcome.

Results

The primary outcomes were the clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. Secondary outcomes include a positive urine pregnancy test, the implantation, ongoing pregnancy, multiple pregnancy, clinical miscarriage, and ectopic pregnancy rates, foetal or congenital defects, obstetric complications, infant birth weight and any related adverse events. Regarding the primary outcomes, the clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the HA group than in the control group, and there was no significant difference in the live birth rate (LBR) between the HA and control groups. Regarding the secondary outcomes, the implantation, multiple pregnancy and ectopic pregnancy rates were similar between the two groups.

Discussion

Our findings supported the conclusion that HA can improve the clinical pregnancy rate of patients with RIF undergoing FET cycles, but the live birth rate was not significantly improved with the addition of HA to the traditional transfer medium.

The value of platelet-rich plasma in women with previous implantation failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the value of intrauterine PRP to improve IVF outcome in women with previous implantation failure.

METHODS

Screening of Pubmed, Web of Science, and other databases from inception to August 2022 using the keywords related to "platelet-rich plasma" OR "PRP" AND "IVF" "implantation failure." Twenty-nine studies (3308 participants) were included in our analysis, 13 were RCTs, 6 were prospective cohorts, 4 were prospective single arm, and 6 were retrospective analyses. Extracted data included settings of the study, study type, sample size, participants' characteristics, route, volume, timing of PRP administration, and outcome parameters.

RESULTS

Implantation rate was reported in 6 RCTs (886 participants) and 4 non-RCTs (732 participants). The odds ratio (OR) effect estimate was 2.62 and 2.06, with 95% CI of 1.83, 3.76, and 1.03-4.11, respectively. Endometrial thickness was compared in 4 RCTs (307 participants) and 9 non-RCTs (675 participants), which showed a mean difference of 0.93 and 1.16, with 0.59-1.27 and 0.68-1.65 95% CI, respectively.

CONCLUSION

PRP administration improves implantation, clinical pregnancy, chemical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, live birth rates, and endometrial thickness in women with previous implantation failure.

Fractalkine Improves the Expression of Endometrium Receptivity-Related Genes and Proteins at Desferrioxamine-Induced Iron Deficiency in HEC-1A Cells

Fractalkine (CX3CL1/FKN) is a unique chemokine belonging to the CX3C chemokine subclass. FKN exists in two forms: a membrane-bound form expressed by both endometrium cells and trophoblasts thought to be implicated in maternal-fetal interaction and a soluble form expressed by endometrium cells. Endometrium receptivity is crucial in embryo implantation and a complex process regulated by large numbers of proteins, e.g., cytokines, progesterone receptor (PR), SOX-17, prostaglandin receptors (PTGER2), and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). It has also been reported that iron is important in fertility and affects the iron status of the mother. Therefore, iron availability in the embryo contributes to fertilization and pregnancy. In this study, we focused on the effect of iron deficiency on the secreted cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, leukocyte inhibitory factor, TGF-β), chemokines (IL-8, FKN), and other regulatory proteins (bone morphogenic protein 2, activin, follistatin, PR, SOX-17, prostaglandin E2 receptor, TIMP2), and the modifying effect of FKN on the expression of these proteins, which may improve endometrium receptivity. Endometrial iron deficiency was mediated by desferrioxamine (DFO) treatment of HEC-1A cells. FKN was added to the cells 24 h and 48 h after DFO with or without serum for modelling the possible iron dependence of the alterations. Our findings support the hypothesis that FKN ameliorates the effects of anemia on the receptivity-related genes and proteins in HEC-1A cells by increasing the secretion of the receptivity-related cytokines via the fractalkine receptor (CX3CR1). FKN may contribute to cell proliferation and differentiation by regulating activin, follistatin, and BMP2 expressions, and to implantation by altering the protein levels of PR, SOX-17, PTGER2, and TIMP2. FKN mitigates the negative effect of iron deficiency on the receptivity-related genes and proteins of HEC-1A endometrium cells, suggesting its important role in the regulation of endometrium receptivity.

Omics insights into extracellular vesicles in embryo implantation and their therapeutic utility

Implantation success relies on intricate interplay between the developing embryo and the maternal endometrium. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent an important player of this intercellular signalling through delivery of functional cargo (proteins and RNAs) that reprogram the target cells protein and RNA landscape. Functionally, the signalling reciprocity of endometrial and embryo EVs regulates the site of implantation, preimplantation embryo development and hatching, antioxidative activity, embryo attachment, trophoblast invasion, arterial remodelling, and immune tolerance. Omics technologies including mass spectrometry have been instrumental in dissecting EV cargo that regulate these processes as well as molecular changes in embryo and endometrium to facilitate implantation. This has also led to discovery of potential cargo in EVs in human uterine fluid (UF) and embryo spent media (ESM) of diagnostic and therapeutic value in implantation success, fertility, and pregnancy outcome. This review discusses the contribution of EVs in functional hallmarks of embryo implantation, and how the integration of various omics technologies is enabling design of EV-based diagnostic and therapeutic platforms in reproductive medicine.

Hypoxia-sensitive miRNA regulation via CRISPR/dCas9 loaded in hybrid exosomes: A novel strategy to improve embryo implantation and prevent placental insufficiency during pregnancy

Assisted reproductive techniques as a new regenerative medicine approach have significantly contributed to solving infertility problems that affect approximately 15% of couples worldwide. However, the success rate of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle remains only about 20%-30%, and 75% of these losses are due to implantation failure (the crucial rate-limiting step of gestation). Implantation failure and abnormal placenta formation are mainly caused by defective adhesion, invasion, and angiogenesis. Placental insufficiency endangers both the mother's and the fetus's health. Therefore, we suggested a novel treatment strategy to improve endometrial receptivity and implantation success rate. In this strategy, regulating mir-30d expression as an upstream transcriptomic modifier of the embryo implantation results in modified expression of the involved genes in embryonic adhesion, invasion, and angiogenesis and consequently impedes implantation failure. For this purpose, "scaffold/matrix attachment regions (S/MARs)" are employed as non-viral episomal vectors, transfecting into trophoblasts by exosome-liposome hybrid carriers. These vectors comprise CRISPR/dCas9 with a guide RNA to exclusively induce miR-30d gene expression in hypoxic stress conditions. In order to avoid concerns about the fetus's genetic manipulation, our vector would be transfected specifically into the trophoblast layer of the blastocyst via binding to trophoblast Erb-B4 receptors without entering the inner cell mass. Additionally, S/MAR episomal vectors do not integrate with the original cell DNA. As an on/off regulatory switch, a hypoxia-sensitive promoter (HRE) is localized upstream of dCas9. The miR-30d expression increases before and during the implantation and placental insufficiency conditions and is extinguished after hypoxia elimination. This hypothesis emphasizes that improving the adhesion, invasion, and angiogenesis in the uterine microenvironment during pregnancy will result in increased implantation success and reduced placental insufficiency, as a new insight in translational medicine.

Mst1-mediated phosphorylation of Nur77 improves the endometrial receptivity in human and mice

BACKGROUND

Successful embryo implantation requires the attachment of a blastocyst to the receptive endometrial epithelium, which was disturbed in the women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Endometrial β3-integrin was the most important adhesion molecule contributing to endometrial receptivity in both humans and mice. Nur77 has been proven indispensable for fertility in mice, here we explore the role of Nur77 on embryo-epithelial adhesion and potential treatment to embryo implantation failure.

METHODS

The expression and location of Mst1 and Nur77 in endometrium from fertile women and RIF patients were examined by IHC, qRT-PCR and Western blotting. In vitro kinase assay following with LC-MS/MS were used to identify the phosphorylation site of Nur77 activated by Mst1. The phosphorylated Nur77 was detected by phos-tag SDS-PAGE assay and specific antibody against phospho-Nur77-Thr366. The effect of embryo-epithelium interaction was determined in the BeWo spheroid or mouse embryo adhesion assay, and delayed implantation mouse model. RNA-seq was used to explore the mechanism by which Nur77 derived peptide promotes endometrial receptivity.

FINDINGS

Endometrial Mammalian sterile 20 (STE20)-like kinase 1 (Mst1) expression level was decreased in the women with RIF than that in the fertile control group, while Mst1 activation in the epithelial cells promoted trophoblast-uterine epithelium adhesion. The effect of Nur77 mediated trophoblast-uterine epithelium adhesion was facilitated by active Mst1. Mechanistically, mst1 promotes the transcription activity of Nur77 by phosphorylating Nur77 at threonine 366 (T366), and consequently increased downstream target β3-integrin expression. Furthermore, a Nur77-derived peptide containing phosphorylated T366 markedly promoted mouse embryo attachment to Ishikawa cells ([4 (2-4)] vs [3 (2-4)]) and increased the embryo implantation rate (4 vs 1.4) in a delayed implantation mouse model by regulating integrin signalling. Finally, it is observed that the endometrial phospho-Nur77 (T366) level is decreased by 80% in the women with RIF.

INTERPRETATION

In addition to uncovering a potential regulatory mechanism of Mst1/Nur77/β3-integrin signal axis involved in the regulation of embryo-epithelium interaction, our finding provides a novel marker of endometrial receptivity and a potential therapeutic agent for embryo implantation failure.

FUNDING

National Key Research and Development Program of China (2018YFC1004400), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82171653, 82271698, 82030040, 81971387 and 30900727), and National Institutes of Health grants (R01HL103869).

Epigenetic clocks provide clues to the mystery of uterine ageing

BACKGROUND

Rising maternal ages and age-related fertility decline are a global challenge for modern reproductive medicine. Clinicians and researchers pay specific attention to ovarian ageing and hormonal insufficiency in this regard. However, uterine ageing is often left out of the picture, with the majority of reproductive clinicians being close to unanimous on the absence of age-related functional decline in the uterine tissues. Therefore, most existing techniques to treat an age-related decline in implantation rates are based primarily on hormonal supplementation and oocyte donation. Solving the issue of uterine ageing might lead to an adjustment to these methods.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

A focus on uterine ageing and the possibility of slowing it emerged with the development of the information theory of ageing, which identifies genomic instability and erosion of the epigenetic landscape as important drivers of age-related decline in the functionality of most cells and tissues. Age-related smoothing of this landscape and a decline in tissue function can be assessed by measuring the ticking of epigenetic clocks. Within this review, we explore whether the uterus experiences age-related alterations using this elegant approach. We analyse existing data on epigenetic clocks in the endometrium, highlight approaches to improve the accuracy of the clocks in this cycling tissue, speculate on the endometrial pathologies whose progression might be predicted by the altered speed of epigenetic clocks and discuss the possibilities of slowing down the ticking of these clocks.

SEARCH METHODS

Data for this review were identified by searches of Medline, PubMed and Google Scholar. References from relevant articles using the search terms 'ageing', 'maternal age', 'female reproduction', 'uterus', 'endometrium', 'implantation', 'decidualization', 'epigenetic clock', 'biological age', 'DNA methylation', 'fertility' and 'infertility' were selected. A total of 95 articles published in English between 1985 and 2022 were included, six of which describe the use of the epigenetic clock to evaluate uterine/endometrium ageing.

OUTCOMES

Application of the Horvath and DNAm PhenoAge epigenetic clocks demonstrated a poor correlation with chronological age in the endometrium. Several approaches were suggested to enhance the predictive power of epigenetic clocks for the endometrium. The first was to increase the number of samples in the training dataset, as for the Zang clock, or to use more sophisticated clock-building algorithms, as for the AltumAge clock. The second method is to adjust the clocks according to the dynamic nature of the endometrium. Using either approach revealed a strong correlation with chronological age in the endometrium, providing solid evidence for age-related functional decline in this tissue. Furthermore, age acceleration/deceleration, as estimated by epigenetic clocks, might be a promising tool to predict or to gain insights into the origin of various endometrial pathologies, including recurrent implantation failure, cancer and endometriosis. Finally, there are several strategies to slow down or even reverse epigenetic clocks that might be applied to reduce the risk of age-related uterine impairments.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

The uterine factor should be considered, along with ovarian issues, to correct for the decline in female fertility with age. Epigenetic clocks can be tested to gain a deeper understanding of various endometrial disorders.

Efficacy of Autologous Intrauterine Infusion of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Patients with Unexplained Repeated Implantation Failures in Embryo Transfer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

(1) Background: Controversial conclusions have been made in previous studies regarding the influence of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the reproductive outcomes of women with repeated implantation failures (RIF) who are undergoing embryo transfer (ET). (2) Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of PRP intrauterine infusion in patients with unexplained RIF, who are undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic injection (ICSI), by a systematic review and meta-analysis. (3) Results: A fixed-effects model was used, and 795 cases and 834 controls were included in these studies. The pooling of the results showed the beneficial effect of PRP which were compared with those of the control in terms of the clinical pregnancy rates (n = 10, risk ratio (RR) = 1.79, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.55, 2.06; p < 0.01, I2 = 40%), live birth rates (n = 4, RR = 2.92, 95% CI: 2.22, 3.85; p < 0.01, I2 = 83%), implantation rates (n = 3, RR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.34, 2.26; p < 0.01, I2 = 0%), and positive serum β-HCG 14 days after the ET (n = 8, RR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.54, 2.03; p < 0.01, I2 = 36%). However, we did not find that the miscarriage rates indicated a significant difference between the two groups (n = 6, RR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.72, 1.51; p = 0.83, I2 = 0%). (4) Conclusions: The findings of this systemic review and meta-analysis suggest that PRP appears to improve the results of IVF/ICSI treatments in the cases of unexplained RIF.

Commercially Available Molecular Approaches to Evaluate Endometrial Receptivity: A Systematic Review and Critical Analysis of the Literature

Despite the advances in the field of reproductive medicine, implantation failure represents a challenging condition affecting 10-30% of patients subjected to in vitro fertilization (IVF). Research has focused on the identification of molecules playing crucial roles in endometrial receptivity, with the aim of designing predictive tools for efficient detection of the implantation window. To that end, novel molecular genomic and transcriptomic approaches have been introduced as promising tools to enable personalized approaches with the aim of optimizing embryo transfer dating. However, the clinical value of these approaches remains unclear. The aim of this study is to provide a systematic review and critical analysis of the existing evidence regarding the employment of commercially available novel approaches to evaluate endometrial receptivity. An Embase and PubMed/Medline search was performed on 1 February 2022. From the 475 articles yielded, only 27 were included and analyzed. The considerable heterogeneity of the included articles indicates the uniqueness of the implantation window, showcasing that the optimal time for embryo transfer varies significantly between women. Moreover, this study provides information regarding the technical aspects of these advanced molecular tools, as well as an analysis of novel possible biomarkers for endometrial receptivity, providing a basis for future research in the field.

Endometrium Immunomodulation to Prevent Recurrent Implantation Failure in Assisted Reproductive Technology

After more than four decades of assisted reproductive technology (ART) practice worldwide, today more than 60% of women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments fail to become pregnant after the first embryo transfer and nearly 20% of patients are suffering from unexplained recurrent implantation failures (RIFs) and repeated pregnancy loss (RPL). The literature reported different causes of RIF–RPL, mainly multifactorial, endometrial and idiopathic. RIF remains a black box because of the complicated categorization and causes of this physio-pathological dysregulation of implantation and pregnancy process after ovarian stimulation. Many options were suggested as solutions to treat RIF–RPL with controversial results on their usefulness. In this article, we reviewed different possible therapeutic options to improve implantation rates and clinical outcomes. Based on our experience we believe that endometrium immunomodulation after intrauterine insemination of activated autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can be a promising therapeutic solution. On the other hand, peripheral lymphocyte balance typing, specific cytokines and interleukins profiling can be proposed as predictive biomarkers of implantation before embryo transfer.

Correlation between Endometrial Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression and Pregnancy Outcome of Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer in Patients with Repeated Implantation Failure

Objective

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a well-known angiogenic factor that is essential to numerous physiological and pathological processes. VEGF also contributes to embryo implantation by promoting embryo development, enhancing endometrial receptivity (ER), and promoting interactions between the endometrium and developing embryo. Changes in VEGF expression are linked to repeated implantation failure (RIF). Control endometrial tissues demonstrated an increase in VEGF expression during the implant window period, which promoted early villous vascularization and embryo implantation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between RIF and the expression of ER markers, such as VEGF during the implantation window stage.

Methods

The Yinchuan Maternal and Child Health Hospital collected 192 cases of FET endometrial tissues in the implantation window stage between January 2019 and December 2021. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to measure the levels of VEGF expression in patients with RIF (RIF group, n = 82) and patients with a successful pregnancy (control group, n = 110). The relationship between VEGF and the RIF group was analyzed using Spearman's correlation coefficient.

Results

VEGF levels were significantly lower during the implantation window stage (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

VEGF was expressed in planting window stage. The decrease of VEGF during the implantation window was correlated with RIF.

Biologia Futura: endometrial microbiome affects endometrial receptivity from the perspective of the endometrial immune microenvironment

The existence of Lactobacillus-led colonized bacteria in the endometrium of a healthy human has been reported in recent studies. Unlike the composition of the microbiome in the lower genital tract, that in the endometrium is different and closely associated with the physiological and pathological processes of gynecological diseases. For example, changing the immune microenvironment affects the receptivity of the endometrium, thereby leading to abnormal reproductive outcomes, such as embryo implantation failure and recurrent spontaneous abortion. However, the concrete functions and mechanisms of the endometrial microbiome have not been studied thoroughly. This review elaborates the research progress on the mechanisms by which the endometrial microbiome affects endometrial receptivity from the perspective of endometrial immune microenvironment regulation. Considering the lack of a unified evaluation method for the endometrial microbiome, as well as the lack of an optimal treatment protocol against recurrent spontaneous abortion, we also discussed the application of combining antibiotics with probiotics/prebiotics as precautionary measures.

A novel role of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in various regeneration-related functions of endometrial stem cells

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) promotes the production and secretion of estrogen, which in turn stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles. Therefore, consecutive FSH treatment to induce ovarian hyperstimulation (superovulation) is still considered the most cost-effective option for the majority of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). However, a relatively high cancellation rate and subsequent low pregnancy outcomes (approximately 15%) are the most challenging aspects of this FSH-based ART. Currently, the main cause for this low implantation rate of FSH-based ART has not yet been revealed. Therefore, we hypothesized that these high cancellation rates with FSH-based superovulation protocols might be associated with the harmful effects of consecutive FSH treatment. Importantly, several recent studies have revealed that tissue-resident stem cell deficiency can significantly reduce cyclic endometrial regeneration and subsequently decrease the pregnancy outcome. In this context, we investigated whether FSH treatment could directly inhibit endometrial stem cell functions and consequently suppress endometrial regeneration. Consistent with our hypothesis, our results revealed for the first time that FSH could inhibit various regeneration-associated functions of endometrial stem cells, such as self-renewal, migration, and multilineage differentiation capacities, via the PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 signaling pathways both in vitro and in vivo.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is commonly administered to treat female infertility by stimulating the ovaries, but FSH treatment can also inhibit key cellular and physiological processes required for successful pregnancy. In the light of pregnancy outcomes as low as 15 percent after FSH-based assisted reproduction technologies, In-Sun Hong at Gachon University, Incheon, South Korea, and colleagues investigated the effects of FSH. Working with cultured human stem cells from the lining of the uterus, they found that FSH could inhibit multiple cellular regenerative functions that normally maintain this lining. They also identified a specific molecular signaling pathway involved in mediating these inhibitory effects. Studies in mice supported the cell culture results. The findings could help improve infertility treatment strategies by guiding research into methods to alleviate the unwanted effects of FSH.

A randomized double blind comparison of atosiban in patients with recurrent implantation failure undergoing IVF treatment

BACKGROUND

Patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) may have more uterine contractions. Several observational studies suggested that atosiban administration around embryo transfer resulted in higher pregnancy rates in RIF patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of atosiban given before fresh embryo transfer on pregnancy outcomes of women with RIF.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trial was performed in IVF center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital. According to a computer-generated randomization list, 194 infertile women with RIF received fresh embryo transfer between July 2017 and December 2019 were randomly allocated into the atosiban (n = 97) and the placebo (n = 97) groups. Women in the treatment group received atosiban intravenously about 30 min before embryo transfer with a bolus dose of 6.75 mg over one minute. Those in the placebo group received only normal saline infusion for the same duration.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the live birth rate between the atosiban and placebo groups (42.3% vs 35.1%, P = 0.302, RR = 1.206 (0.844-1.723)). No significant differences were found between the two groups in the positive pregnancy test, clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, miscarriage, multiple pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy and implantation rates. Similar results were found when stratified by the number of embryos previously transferred, number of previous failed embryo transfers, frequency of endometrial peristalsis on embryo transfer day (≥ 3 waves/min) or serum estradiol (E₂) on the day of hCG above the median level. And, there was no correlation between the serum E₂ level on the day of hCG and the frequency of endometrial peristalsis on embryo transfer day. The frequency of endometrial peristalsis on embryo transfer day, total FSH/HMG dosage and duration were the significant factors which independently predicted the likelihood of a live birth.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that atosiban treatment before fresh embryo transfer might not improve the live birth rate in RIF patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study had been approved by the Institutional Review Board of the hospital (2017 ethics No.43) and was registered under Clinicaltrials.gov with an identifier NCT02893722.

Novel roles of luteinizing hormone (LH) in tissue regeneration-associated functions in endometrial stem cells

Luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulates the synthesis and secretion of the key steroid hormone estrogen, which subsequently promotes ovarian follicular growth and development. Therefore, the administration of exogenous LH to achieve superovulation (multiple ovulations) and an LH surge is commonly used as the most effective therapeutic option in a majority of in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics. However, a relatively low pregnancy rate (between 20% and 35%) is one of the most challenging aspects of LH-based infertility treatment. Furthermore, the major cause of this low pregnancy rate in LH-based infertility treatment remains unidentified. Recent studies have shown that endometrial stem cell loss or deficiency can significantly decrease tissue regeneration ability during the menstrual cycle and reduce endometrial receptivity. In this context, we postulated that the low pregnancy rates following LH-based ovarian hyperactivation may be the result of the adverse effects of consecutive exogenous LH administration on endometrial stem cells. To the best of our knowledge, this study revealed for the first time that in addition to its previously reported roles in stimulating ovarian functions through the pituitary-gonadal axis, LH brings about the extragonadal suppression of various tissue regeneration-associated functions in endometrial stem cells, such as self-renewal, migration ability, multilineage differentiation potential, and pluripotency/stemness, by inhibiting pro-survival Akt and ERK1/2 signaling pathways in vitro and in vivo, and as a consequence, it decreases the endometrial receptivity.

Effectiveness of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors on the treatment of thin endometrium and pregnancy outcomes: An systematic review

Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are thought to play a role in increasing endometrial thickness and increasing the success rate of pregnancy outcomes. This study was done to investigate the effects of PDE5 inhibitors on infertile women with thin endometrium and pregnancy outcomes. In this systematic review, all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies were retrieved from databases including Institute for Scientific Information (ISI), PubMed, and Scopus by interesting keywords. A checklist was designed to collect necessary data and pregnancy outcomes, and the required items were recorded. PDE5 inhibitors through various mechanisms such as induction of vasodilatory effect through the effect on NO/cGMP signaling on vascular smooth muscle, through regulating cells proliferation and induction angiogenesis by increasing the expression of tumor suppressor factor (p53), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and downregulating inflammation by downregulating proinflammatory cytokines, affect endometrial thickness that eventually increases and pregnancy outcomes. Although PDE5s inhibitors increase endometrial thickness by different mechanisms, especially in women with thin endometrial, this does not necessarily mean that they induce a positive effect in all situations. However, their positive effects on pregnancy outcome may be affected by the time of administration, type of infertility treatment, underlying diseases such as pelvic disorders and inflammation. So in this regard, there are still ambiguous aspects that required further RCTs study in this area.

Endometrial Dysbiosis Is Related to Inflammatory Factors in Women with Repeated Implantation Failure: A Pilot Study

An abnormal endometrial microbiota has been suggested to impair the process of embryo implantation, thus leading to repeated implantation failure (RIF) in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, the molecular mechanisms linking uterine microbiota and IVF out-comes are still an open question. The aim of this cohort study was to outline the relationship between endometrial microbiota, inflammation and IVF outcomes. To this purpose, endometrial microbiota and selected components of the “cytokine network” were analyzed in women presenting RIF and divided between eubiosis and dysbiosis groups, according to the percentage of endometrial lactobacilli (≥90% or <90%, respectively). The Dysbiosis group presented significantly higher tissue concentrations of the inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-1β, HIF-1α and COX-2) and significantly lower levels of the anti-inflammatory/well-being factors, IL-10 and IGF-1, with respect to women with eubiosis. Moreover, the Lactobacillus percentage was negatively related to the concentrations of the inflammatory molecules and positively related to IL-10/IGF-1. Interestingly, the number of IVF attempts was directly related to the levels of the inflammatory factors COX-2, IL-1β and HIF-1α in the eubiosis group. Overall, endometrial dysbiosis was demonstrated to be associated with inflammation-related endometrial changes affecting the process of embryo implantation, underlining the importance of assessing uterine microbiota in patients undergoing IVF.

Characterization of an artificial intelligence model for ranking static images of blastocyst stage embryos

OBJECTIVE

To perform a series of analyses characterizing an artificial intelligence (AI) model for ranking blastocyst-stage embryos. The primary objective was to evaluate the benefit of the model for predicting clinical pregnancy, whereas the secondary objective was to identify limitations that may impact clinical use.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Consortium of 11 assisted reproductive technology centers in the United States.

PATIENT(S)

Static images of 5,923 transferred blastocysts and 2,614 nontransferred aneuploid blastocysts.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Prediction of clinical pregnancy (fetal heartbeat).

RESULT(S)

The area under the curve of the AI model ranged from 0.6 to 0.7 and outperformed manual morphology grading overall and on a per-site basis. A bootstrapped study predicted improved pregnancy rates between +5% and +12% per site using AI compared with manual grading using an inverted microscope. One site that used a low-magnification stereo zoom microscope did not show predicted improvement with the AI. Visualization techniques and attribution algorithms revealed that the features learned by the AI model largely overlap with the features of manual grading systems. Two sources of bias relating to the type of microscope and presence of embryo holding micropipettes were identified and mitigated. The analysis of AI scores in relation to pregnancy rates showed that score differences of ≥0.1 (10%) correspond with improved pregnancy rates, whereas score differences of <0.1 may not be clinically meaningful.

CONCLUSION(S)

This study demonstrates the potential of AI for ranking blastocyst stage embryos and highlights potential limitations related to image quality, bias, and granularity of scores.

An endometrial receptivity scoring system basing on the endometrial thickness, volume, echo, peristalsis, and blood flow evaluated by ultrasonography

BACKGROUND

Establishing a successful pregnancy depends on the endometrium and the embryo. It is estimated that suboptimal endometrial receptivity account for one-third of implantation failures. Despite the indepth understanding of the processes associated with embryo-endometrial cross-talk, little progress has been achieved for diagnosis and treatments for suboptimal endometrial receptivity.

METHODS

This retrospective study included women undergoing their first frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles at our reproductive medicine center from March 2021 to August 2021. Transvaginal three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound was performed in the morning on the day of embryo transfer for all the thawed embryo transfer patients, to evaluate endometrial receptivity, including endometrial thickness, echogenicity, volume, movement and blood flow.

RESULTS

A total number of 562 patients of FET with 315 pregnancies (56.0%) was analyzed. It was found that only the echo of the endometrial central line was different between the pregnant group and non-pregnant group. Other parameters, such as endometrial thickness, volume, endometrial peristalsis, or the endometrial blood flow were not statistically different between the two groups. Then, according to the relationship between the different groups and the clinical pregnancy rate, a score of 0 to 2 was respectively scored. The sum of the scores for the six items was the patient's endometrial receptivity score. It showed that the clinical pregnancy rate increased as the endometrial receptivity score increased, and when the receptivity score reaches at least 5, the clinical pregnancy rate is significantly improved (63.7% versus 49.5%, P=0.001).

CONCLUSION

We developed an endometrial receptivity scoring system and demonstrated its validity. It may aid clinicians in choosing the useful marker in clinical practice and for informing further research.

Biomolecular Markers of Recurrent Implantation Failure-A Review

Currently, infertility affects 8–12% of reproductive age couples worldwide, a problem that also affects women suffering from recurrent implantation failure (RIF). RIF is a complex condition resulting from many physiological and molecular mechanisms involving dynamic endometrium–blastocyst interaction. The most important are the endometrial receptivity process, decidualization, trophoblast invasion, and blastocyst nesting. Although the exact multifactorial pathogenesis of RIF remains unclear, many studies have suggested the association between hormone level imbalance, disturbances of angiogenic and immunomodulatory factors, certain genetic polymorphisms, and occurrence of RIF. These studies were performed in quite small groups. Additionally, the results are inconsistent between ethnicities. The present review briefly summarizes the importance of factors involved in RIF development that could also serve as diagnostic determinants. Moreover, our review could constitute part of a new platform for discovery of novel diagnostic and therapeutic solutions for RIF.

The Complicated Effects of Extracellular Vesicles and Their Cargos on Embryo Implantation

As a rate-limiting step in pregnancy, embryo implantation is highly dependent on intercellular communication. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are newly identified to be important in the course of intercellular communication. EVs have been isolated from a wide variety of biofluids and tissues, including plasma, liver, uterine, semen, embryo, etc. The present and future use of EVs not only as biomarkers, but also as targeting drug delivery system, is promisingly pave the way for advanced comprehension of implantation failure in reproductive diseases. However, as the precise mechanisms of EVs in embryo implantation has not been elucidated yet. Herein, we summarize the current knowledge on the diverse effects of EVs from various sources and their cargos such as microRNA, long non-coding RNA, protein, etc. on embryo implantation, and the potential mechanisms of EVs in reproductive diseases such as recurrent implantation failure, polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis. It is essential to note that many of the biologically plausible functions of EVs in embryo implantation discussed in present literatures still need further research in vivo.