New therapeutic protocol for improvement of endometrial receptivity (PRIMER) for patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) - A pilot study

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

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

Uterine infusion strategies for infertile patients with recurrent implantation failure: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Intra-uterine infusion treatments were reported to be beneficial to embryo implantation and pregnancy outcomes, and considered as potential therapies for infertile patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Nevertheless, their efficiencies were controversial and there lack of consensus on which intrauterine treatment is the most effective.

METHODS

All prospective trials (in Chinese or English) were searched in Databases PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and CNKI from July 2013 to July 2023. We included studies that investigated various uterine infusions, including chorionic gonadotropin, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, monocytes, platelet-rich plasma, etc. during IVF treatment and reported subsequent pregnancy outcomes.

RESULTS

We finally included 56 researches, including 40 randomized controlled trials, 14 non-randomized controlled trials, and 3 prospective cohort studies. This study included a total of 11 uterine perfusion methods: Placebo, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG), Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC), Growth hormone (GH), dexamethasone (DEX), Embryo culture supernatant (ESC), PRP combined with G-CSF (PRP + G-CSF), RPR combined with subcutaneous injection of G-CSF (RPR + G-CSFsc), G-CSF combined with subcutaneous injection of AXaIU (G-CSF + AXaIUsc). Intrauterine infusion of HCG, PBMC, G-CSF, and PRP significantly improves pregnancy outcomes in patients with repeated implantation failure compared with blank controls or placebo, and PRP improved the clinical pregnancy and live birth most. GH and ESC infusion might improve the pregnancy outcomes, but uterine infusion of DEX was shown with high miscarriage. The combination therapy did not show a significant advantage over the mono-therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Intrauterine infusion of HCG, PBMC, G-CSF, and PRP are promising strategies for improving pregnancy outcomes for infertile patients with recurrent implantation failure. Among these treatments, PRP may be the best. More researches are required to explore the effect of drug combinations and less commonly used drugs as well.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Our study was registered in PROSPERO and the ID was CRD42023467188.

The Effect of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor on Endometrial Receptivity of Implantation Failure Mouse

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of G-CSF on the endometrial receptivity of implantation failure mice. Sixty female mice were treated mifepristone to establish an implant failure model. The treatment groups received different doses of G-CSF. Endometrial tissue and serum were collected on day 5 after mating. The abundance of pinopodes on the endometrium was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The expressions of LPAR3, COX2, and HOXA10 were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Serum levels of E2, P, VEGF, LIF, TNF-α and IL-10 were measured by ELISA. The expressions of VEGF, CD34, CD57, TNF-α, and IL-10 were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence analysis was performed to determine the number of CD57, Treg, and Th17 cells. G-CSF increased implantation and pregnancy rates of mifepristone-induced implantation failure mice, with the most significant effect seen at the intermediate dose. G-CSF increased the serum levels of E2 and P, the abundance of endometrial pinopodes, and the level of LIF in the endometrium. It also promoted the expression of VEGF, HOXA10, LPAR3, and COX2. Moreover, G-CSF reduced the level of CD57 cells and the ratio of Th17/Treg cells in endometrium. G-CSF reduced the inflammatory factor TNF-α, but IL-10 did not change significantly. G-CSF can enhance embryo implantation rate and pregnancy rate and improve endometrial receptivity by attenuating degeneration of pinopodes, upregulating estrogen and progesterone, facilitating angiogenesis, maintaining immune cell homeostasis, and reducing the production of inflammatory cytokines in implantation failure mouse.

Combination Therapy With Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) for Thin Endometrium: A Case Report

This case study highlights the challenges faced by a couple with a history of two failed in-vitro fertilization (IVF) attempts, including miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. After treating the female partner for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) with ceftriaxone and doxycycline, the decision was made to proceed with intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and fresh embryo transfer. Despite the transfer of two good-quality (4AB and 3AA) day five embryos, the human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) test yielded a negative result. Upon re-examination, a thin endometrium measuring 6.5mm was identified, prompting the implementation of the protocol for improvement of endometrial receptivity (PRIMER) protocol, which involves a combination of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). Following PRP administration and G-CSF injection, significant improvement was observed in the endometrial thickness. Subsequently, frozen embryo transfer (FET) was performed on day six of progesterone, resulting in a positive pregnancy outcome with a β-hCG level of 234 mIU/ml. Continuous adherence to instructions and ongoing administration of G-CSF until the 12th week of gestation remains important. This case underscores the efficacy of the PRIMER protocol in overcoming obstacles such as recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and achieving positive outcomes in assisted reproductive technology (ART).

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.

Autologous platelet-rich plasma improves the endometrial thickness and live birth rate in patients with recurrent implantation failure and thin endometrium

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of intrauterine platelet-rich plasma (PRP) infusion on endometrial thickness and pregnancy outcomes in a population of patients with either recurrent implantation failure (RIF), thin endometrium (TE), or both (RIF + TE) METHODS: This retrospective study included patients attending the CReATe Fertility Centre between October 2018 and July 2021 who received intrauterine PRP infusion to prepare the endometrium for frozen embryo transfer. PRP was prepared from 21 cc of whole blood using the 2-step centrifugation method to yield 0.5-0.75 cc of concentrated platelets. Endometrial thickness was measured before infusion and within 72 h after infusion. All embryos transferred were tested for genetic abnormalities using next-generation sequencing.

RESULTS

A total of 85 patients, 133 cycles, and 211 infusions were included. The majority of patients (56.5%) were diagnosed with RIF, some with TE (27.0%), and the remainder with both RIF and TE (16.5%). The majority of patients received one PRP infusion per cycle (55%). The endometrial thickness significantly increased across all diagnoses with a significant increase of 1.0 mm (0.5-1.7), which was also significantly greater than in previous cycles. The clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer after intrauterine PRP infusion was significantly greater compared to previous cycles (37% vs 20%, odds ratio 2.2) as was the live birth rate (19% vs 2%, odds ratio 11.6).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that PRP should be considered a noninvasive front-line therapy for improving endometrial thickness and implantation in patients with RIF, a TE, or both.

Is There any Role for Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor in Improvement of Implantation in Intrauterine Insemination? A Prospective Double-Blind Randomized Control Trial

BACKGROUND

Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF) has been introduced as an immunomodulatory agent by increasing implantation rate in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients but it has not been studied in intrauterine insemination (IUI) patients. The aim of this study is to answer the role of GCSF in implantation rate of IUI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this prospective double-blind randomized control trial, 320 eligible patients were enrolled, who were referred to the referral infertility clinic of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from February 2018 till the end of 2019. They were divided into two groups randomly. After collecting the demographic data, all patients received clomiphene citrate from the 5th day of the menstruation cycle for 5 days. 50-150 units of recombinant purified follicle-stimulating factor (FSH) were started from the 8th day of the cycle. Follicle monitoring was done by transvaginal sonography till a mature follicle of 18 mm or more was developed. Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) injection was done in both groups with intrauterine administration of 300 μg GCSF in the case group and normal saline in the control group simultaneously. After 36 hours, IUI was performed. The clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and ongoing pregnancy rates of both groups were calculated by SPSS software.

RESULTS

The results showed improvement of clinical pregnancy rate [15.38% vs. 13.81% OR=1.17 (0.62-2.21)], miscarriage rate [3.84% vs. 5.26% OR=0.74 (0.25-2.20)] and ongoing pregnancy rate [11.53% vs. 8.55% OR=1.37 (0.65-2.92)] in the GCSF group compared to the control. However, the results revealed no statistically significance (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Although it was not statistically significant, 300 μg Intrauterine GCSF administration simultaneously with hCG injection in standard IUI procedure might increase the pregnancy outcomes. Further studies are warranted (registration number: IRCT201212079281N2).

Use of clomiphene citrate protocol for controlled ovarian stimulation impairs endometrial maturity

INTRODUCTION

Despite recent advances in assisted reproduction techniques and recent knowledge regarding embryo and endometrium quality, implantation and birth rates remain low. The objective of this study was to investigate whether clomiphene citrate alters endometrial maturation in infertile patients.

METHODS

In a prospective self-matched cohort study, we assessed the ovulation of women in spontaneous and stimulated cycles (with clomiphene citrate). We determined the ovulation day by ultrasound scanning. In both cycles, we took four blood samples (BS1 - at early proliferative phase, BS2 - at mid proliferative phase, BS3 - after ovulation and BS4 - at mid luteal phase) to determine the serum concentrations of FSH, LH, estradiol and progesterone. We retrieved an endometrial biopsy five days after ovulation, followed by blinded analysis and classification according to Noyes criteria, in both cycles.

RESULTS

Twenty-two participants completed the study. There were significant differences in FSH BS3 (p=0.001), in LH BS3 and BS4 (p<0.001 and p=0.049, respectively), in estradiol BS2, BS3 and BS4 (p<0.001, p=0.024 and p<0.001, respectively) and in progesterone BS3 and BS4 (p=0.028 and p<0.001, respectively). Considering Noyes criteria, there was a one-day delay when comparing the stimulated cycle with the spontaneous cycle (p=0.004), and a two-day delay when comparing the stimulated cycle with the biopsy day.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that ovarian stimulation with clomiphene citrate delays the endometrial maturity, and could possibly impair the implantation process due to asynchrony.

Platelet-Rich Plasma as a Potential New Strategy in the Endometrium Treatment in Assisted Reproductive Technology

The success rate of assisted reproduction techniques (ART) has long been less than satisfactory albeit the great progress made in recent years, demonstrating the need for alternative options in the ART cycles. Growing evidence correlates the effect of intrauterine platelet-rich plasma (PRP) infusion on the endometrium with reassuring reproductive results. Thus, in this review, we focus on the current clinical and mechanical evidence on PRP and its effect on endometrial receptivity, and assess the features, benefits and limitations of the current studies and potential risks of PRP in ART.