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Castillo J, Quaas AM, Kol S. LH supplementation in IVF: human nature, politics, and elephants in the room. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:609-612. [PMID: 38246921 PMCID: PMC10957814 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03033-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is present throughout the natural follicular phase. However, the debate is still not settled on whether LH is needed during ovarian stimulation in IVF. This commentary looks at the evolution of this debate, mentioning three elephants in the room that were ignored by the Pharma industry, professional organizations, and clinicians alike: 1. The different endocrinology between the long agonist and the antagonist protocols. 2. The fixed dose of the two most widely commercially available antagonist preparations, namely cetrorelix and ganirelix. 3. The fact that most research in this area uses population-based criteria, ignoring endocrine parameters. Individual genetics of the LH receptor gene may also serve to individualize LH needs during stimulation; however, the jury is still out regarding this approach. CONCLUSIONS: Individual endocrine and genetics parameters may shed meaningful light on the question of LH supplemental during ovarian stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Castillo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Instituto Bernabeu, Alicante, Spain
| | | | - Shahar Kol
- IVF unit, Elisha Hospital, 12 Yair Katz Street, Haifa, Israel.
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Udumudi A, Lava KC, Hegde V. High-Risk Genotypes Associated with Poor Response to Controlled Ovarian Stimulation in Indian Women. J Hum Reprod Sci 2023; 16:70-78. [PMID: 37305771 PMCID: PMC10256945 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_2_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Infertility is a global burden and has become exceedingly common in the preceding years; controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) is a pre-requisite for couples opting to conceive via in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Based on the number of oocytes retrieved upon COS, a patient may be classified as a good responder or poor responder. The genetic aspect of response to COS has not been elucidated in the Indian population. Aims This study aimed to establish a genomic basis for COS in IVF in the Indian population and to understand its predictive value. Settings and Design The patient samples were collected at both Hegde Fertility Centre and GeneTech laboratory. The test was carried out at GeneTech, a diagnostic research laboratory based in Hyderabad, India. Patients with infertility without any history of polycystic ovary syndrome and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism were included in the study. Detailed clinical, medical and family history was obtained from patients. The controls had no history of secondary infertility or pregnancy losses. Materials and Methods A total of 312 females were included in the study comprising 212 women with infertility and 100 controls. Next-generation sequencing technology was employed to sequence multiple genes associated with response to COS. Statistical Analysis Used Statistical analysis using odds ratio was carried out to understand the significance of the results obtained. Results Strong association of c.146G>T of AMH, c.622-6C>T of AMHR2, c.453-397T>C and c.975G>C of ESR1, c.2039G>A of FSHR and c.161+4491T>C of LHCGR with infertility and response to COS was established. Further, combined risk analysis was carried out to establish a predictive risk factor for patients with a combination of the genotypes of interest and biochemical parameters commonly considered during IVF procedures. Conclusion This study has enabled the identification of potential markers pertaining to response to COS in the Indian population.
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Di Segni N, Busnelli A, Secchi M, Cirillo F, Levi-Setti PE. Luteinizing hormone supplementation in women with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism seeking fertility care: Insights from a narrative review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:907249. [PMID: 35979440 PMCID: PMC9377693 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.907249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The management of infertile women affected by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) or conditions mimicking it is particularly challenging. In the present narrative review, we aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the benefit (if any) of exogenous luteinizing hormone (LH) supplementation in this group of patients. Available data support LH supplementation in women with organic or functional HH. On the contrary, the benefit of exogenous LH on reproductive outcomes both in advanced maternal age patients and in cases of depletion of FSH and LH levels induced by GnRH analogues has not been demonstrated. unfortunately, the inhomogeneous study populations as well as the methodological heterogeneity between studies focused on women affected by conditions mimicking HH do not allow reliable conclusions to be drawn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Di Segni
- Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology, Fertility Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Busnelli
- Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology, Fertility Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Secchi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Cirillo
- Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology, Fertility Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Emanuele Levi-Setti
- Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology, Fertility Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Paolo Emanuele Levi-Setti,
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Rivero-Müller A, Huhtaniemi I. Genetic variants of gonadotrophins and their receptors: Impact on the diagnosis and management of the infertile patient. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 36:101596. [PMID: 34802912 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2021.101596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This narrative review is concerned with genetic variants of the genes encoding gonadotrophin subunits and their receptors, as well as their implications into the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. We first review briefly the basics of molecular biology and biochemistry of gonadotrophin and gonadotrophin receptor structure and function, then describe the phenotypic effects of polymorphisms and mutations of these genes, followed by diagnostic aspects. We will then summarise the information that inactivating gonadotrophin receptor mutations have provided about the controversial topic of extragonadal gonadotrophin action. Finally, we will close with the current and future therapeutic approaches on patients with gonadotrophin and their receptor mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adolfo Rivero-Müller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, 20-093, Poland
| | - Ilpo Huhtaniemi
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK.
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Mahony MC, Hayward B, Mottla GL, Richter KS, Beall S, Ball GD, D’Hooghe T. Recombinant Human Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Alfa Dose Adjustment in US Clinical Practice: An Observational, Retrospective Analysis of a Real-World Electronic Medical Records Database. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:742089. [PMID: 34956077 PMCID: PMC8696034 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.742089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the pattern of dose adjustment of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone alfa (r-hFSH-alfa) during ovarian stimulation (OS) for assisted reproductive technology (ART) in a real-world setting. METHODS This was an observational, retrospective analysis of data from an electronic de-identified medical records database including 39 clinics in the USA. Women undergoing OS for ART (initiated 2009-2016) with r-hFSH-alfa (Gonal-f® or Gonal-f RFF Redi-ject®) were included. Assessed outcomes were patients' baseline characteristics and dosing characteristics/cycle. RESULTS Of 33,962 ART cycles, 13,823 (40.7%) underwent dose adjustments: 23.4% with ≥1 dose increase, 25.4% with ≥1 dose decrease, and 8.1% with ≥1 increase and ≥1 decrease. Patients who received dose adjustments were younger (mean [SD] age 34.8 [4.58] years versus 35.9 [4.60] years, p<0.0001) and had lower BMI (25.1 [5.45] kg/m2 versus 25.5 [5.45] kg/m2, p<0.0001) than those who received a constant dose. The proportion of patients with non-normal ovarian reserve was 38.4% for those receiving dose adjustment versus 51.9% for those with a constant dose. The mean (SD) number of dose changes/cycle was 1.61 (0.92) for cycles with any dose adjustment, 1.72 (1.03) for cycles with ≥1 dose increase, 2.77 (1.00) for cycles with ≥1 dose increase and ≥1 decrease (n=2,755), and 1.88 (1.03) for cycles with ≥1 dose decrease. CONCLUSIONS Dose adjustment during OS is common in clinical practice in the USA and occurred more often in younger versus older patients, those with a high versus non-normal ovarian reserve or those with ovulation disorders/polycystic ovary syndrome versus other primary diagnoses of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C. Mahony
- North America Medical Affairs, EMD Serono, Inc. (an affiliate of Merck KGaA), Rockland, MA, United States
| | - Brooke Hayward
- North America Medical Affairs, EMD Serono, Inc. (an affiliate of Merck KGaA), Rockland, MA, United States
| | - Gilbert L. Mottla
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Shady Grove Fertility Reproductive Science Center, Rockville, MD, United States
| | | | - Stephanie Beall
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Shady Grove Fertility Reproductive Science Center, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - G. David Ball
- Seattle Reproductive Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Thomas D’Hooghe
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
- Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ Systems, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
- *Correspondence: Thomas D’Hooghe,
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Conforti A, Tüttelmann F, Alviggi C, Behre HM, Fischer R, Hu L, Polyzos NP, Chuderland D, Rama Raju GA, D’Hooghe T, Simoni M, Sunkara SK, Longobardi S. Effect of Genetic Variants of Gonadotropins and Their Receptors on Ovarian Stimulation Outcomes: A Delphi Consensus. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:797365. [PMID: 35178027 PMCID: PMC8844496 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.797365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A Delphi consensus was conducted to evaluate the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding gonadotropin and gonadotropin receptors on clinical ovarian stimulation outcomes following assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. METHODS Nine experts plus two Scientific Coordinators discussed and amended statements plus supporting references proposed by the Scientific Coordinators. The statements were distributed via an online survey to 36 experts, who voted on their level of agreement or disagreement with each statement. Consensus was reached if the proportion of participants agreeing or disagreeing with a statement was >66%. RESULTS Eleven statements were developed, of which two statements were merged. Overall, eight statements achieved consensus and two statements did not achieve consensus. The statements reaching consensus are summarized here. (1) SNP in the follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), rs6166 (c.2039A>G, p.Asn680Ser) (N=5 statements): Ser/Ser carriers have higher basal FSH levels than Asn/Asn carriers. Ser/Ser carriers require higher amounts of gonadotropin during ovarian stimulation than Asn/Asn carriers. Ser/Ser carriers produce fewer oocytes during ovarian stimulation than Asn/Asn or Asn/Ser carriers. There is mixed evidence supporting an association between this variant and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. (2) SNP of FSHR, rs6165 (c.919G>A, p.Thr307Ala) (N=1 statement): Few studies suggest Thr/Thr carriers require a shorter duration of gonadotropin stimulation than Thr/Ala or Ala/Ala carriers. (3) SNP of FSHR, rs1394205 (-29G>A) (N=1 statement): Limited data in specific ethnic groups suggest that A/A allele carriers may require higher amounts of gonadotropin during ovarian stimulation and produce fewer oocytes than G/G carriers. (4) SNP of FSH β-chain (FSHB), rs10835638 (-211G>T) (N=1 statement): There is contradictory evidence supporting an association between this variant and basal FSH levels or oocyte number. (5) SNPs of luteinizing hormone β-chain (LHB) and LH/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) genes (N=1 statement): these may influence ovarian stimulation outcomes and could represent potential future targets for pharmacogenomic research in ART, although data are still very limited. CONCLUSIONS This Delphi consensus provides clinical perspectives from a diverse international group of experts. The consensus supports a link between some variants in gonadotropin/gonadotropin receptor genes and ovarian stimulation outcomes; however, further research is needed to clarify these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Conforti
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Frank Tüttelmann
- Institute of Reproductive Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Carlo Alviggi
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Hermann M. Behre
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Halle, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Robert Fischer
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Fertility Center Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Liang Hu
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Nikolaos P. Polyzos
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dana Chuderland
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Thomas D’Hooghe
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
- Research Group Reproductive Medicine, Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ Systems, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Sesh K. Sunkara
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Salvatore Longobardi
- Global Clinical Development, Research and Development, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
- *Correspondence: Salvatore Longobardi,
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