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Huang B, Lu D, Kong Y, Ma L. Successful live birth of thin endometrium: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37399. [PMID: 38428873 PMCID: PMC10906640 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE The success of pregnancy depends on various factors, with the endometrial receptivity being a crucial component. Endometrial thickness (EMT) serves as a direct indicator for assessing endometrial receptivity. Previous studies have suggested that a thin endometrium is associated with lower pregnancy rates, especially in patients with an EMT of less than 4 mm. Even in assisted reproductive technology cycles with high success rates, clinical pregnancy cases in patients with such thin endometrium are reported to be very few, let alone in natural conception cycles. Therefore, a thin endometrium poses significant challenges for infertility patients. In this study, patients with an extremely thin endometrium were able to achieve clinical pregnancy and successful live births through natural conception, highlighting the possibility of success even in challenging cases. PATIENT CONCERNS The patient presented with polycystic ovary syndrome and ovulation disorders. She underwent a natural cycle of letrozole-induced ovulation. On the day of the human chorionic gonadotropin trigger, she had an EMT of 3.8 mm. DIAGNOSES Polycystic ovary syndrome, ovulation disorders, thin endometrium. INTERVENTIONS The patient received medications including Progynova, Aspirin, and Dydrogesterone. OUTCOMES The patient achieved spontaneous conception and subsequently had a live birth. LESSONS This case report underscores the significance of managing a thin endometrium during letrozole-induced ovulation. While EMT is traditionally pivotal for predicting embryo implantation success, our findings indicate that endometrial receptivity extends beyond thickness alone. Factors such as endometrial morphology, type, and blood supply play crucial roles. Successful pregnancies with a 3.8 mm EMT are rare, making this case a beacon of hope for such patients. It highlights that, with appropriate interventions, successful pregnancies remain attainable. For those with a thin endometrium, emphasis should extend beyond thickness, addressing ways to enhance both endometrial blood supply and morphology for improved pregnancy rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoyi Huang
- The Reproductive Medical Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Danying Lu
- The Reproductive Medical Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanxiang Kong
- The Reproductive Medical Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Lin Ma
- The Reproductive Medical Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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Elkhalifa WS, Suliman HM, Abdoon IH, Mohamed W, Osman B. Letrozole vs clomiphene citrate in Sudanese patients with infertility secondary to polycystic ovary syndrome. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18107. [PMID: 37483825 PMCID: PMC10362321 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
PCOS is a cluster of metabolic, hormonal, and environmental factors coupled with infertility in patients within reproductive age. This cross-sectional study compared letrozole (LTZ) vs Clomiphene citrate (CC) as ovulation inducers in infertile Sudanese patients with PCOS. Follicles ≥18 mm and pregnancy tests were used for comparison. SPSS version 23 was used for analysis. Significance was calculated with Chi-square, t-test, and logistic regression. P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.Our results showed 49% of the patients were 20-30 years old, 60% had secondary infertility 98.4% were secondary to PCOS and 64% had a family history of infertility. Comparable results on positive pregnancy tests of 26% (P ≤ 0.017) and 17% (P ≤ 0.027) were observed for LTZ vs CC respectively. Similar strengths (P ≤ 0.000) in compacting the ovarian cysts were recorded. LTZ showed less activity (P ≤ 0.013) on follicles size maturation compared to (P ≤ 0.000) with CC. The endometrial thickness was increased with LTZ (51.87%) but reduced with CC (25.54%). The positive pregnancy test was associated with age and BMI. Conclusion Letrozole 20 mg single dose showed comparable results on positive pregnancy tests but less significance on follicle maturation compared to CC100mg. Both drugs compacted the ovarian cysts' sizes. letrozole significantly increased the endometrial lining thickness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warda Salah Elkhalifa
- Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Hayat Mohamed Suliman
- Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Iman H. Abdoon
- Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Khartoum, Sudan
| | | | - Bashier Osman
- Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Khartoum, Sudan
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Panda SR, Sharmila V, Kalidoss VK, Hota S. A triple-blind, randomized controlled trial, comparing combined letrozole and clomiphene versus only letrozole for ovulation induction in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2023; 161:63-70. [PMID: 36149885 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of combination treatment of letrozole and clomiphene citrate (CC) in comparison to that of letrozole alone to induce ovulation in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS The current study was designed as a single-center, double-arm and triple-blind, randomized, controlled trial. The study was prospectively registered with the clinical trials registry in India and was conducted after approval from the institutional ethics committee. Study patients were randomly assigned to treatment with either a combination of 2.5 mg of letrozole and placebo (n = 40) or a combination of 2.5 mg of letrozole and 50 mg of CC (n = 40) starting from cycle days 3 to 7 for a single treatment cycle. RESULTS Ovulation induction with combined letrozole and CC provided a higher ovulation rate, with a 35% absolute difference in its favor. The authors found an ovulation rate of 73% versus 38% (P = 0.003) for treatment with a combination drug and letrozole alone, respectively, while the ovulation rate ratio was 1.93 (95% CI, 1.24-3.01). CONCLUSION Combined treatment of letrozole and clomiphene may be considered as one of the first-line ovulation induction agents for infertile women with PCOS because of its affordability and better safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vijayan Sharmila
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, AIIMS, Mangalagiri, India
| | | | - Smrutismita Hota
- Department of Radiodiagnosis, Nidan Diagnostic and Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, India
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Estradiol and intrauterine device treatment for moderate and severe intrauterine adhesions after transcervical resection. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:357. [PMID: 36038909 PMCID: PMC9422139 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-01940-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the effect of 4 mg/day, 6 mg/day, and 8 mg/day estradiol alone or in combination with an intrauterine device (IUD) in patients with moderate and severe intrauterine adhesion (IUA) after transcervical resection of adhesion (TCRA). Methods Patients with moderate or severe IUA who reived 4 mg/day, 6 mg/day, and 8 mg/day estradiol alone or in combination with an intrauterine device (IUD) after TCRA in Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, from March 2014 to December 2014 were enrolled in this retrospective case–control study. In group A, 14 patients received estradiol 4 mg/day + IUD after the first operation; in group B, 29 patients (group B0) received estradiol 6 mg/day after the first operation, and 73 patients (group B1) received estradiol 6 mg/day + IUD; in group C, 14 patients received estradiol 8 mg/day + IUD after the first operation. Referring to ESGE's IUA diagnostic classification method, 72 patients had moderate adhesion, and 58 cases had severe adhesion. Outpatient follow-up was performed at 1 and 23 months and after 1 year. The postoperative menstrual improvement, uterine cavity recovery, drug side effects at two to three months, and pregnancy situation at one year were recorded. Results There were no significant differences in age, BMI, and previous intrauterine operation times between the 3 groups (all p > 0.05). Compared with Group A, more patients in group C had severe IUA (p = 0.008). In addition, there were no differences in menstrual recovery, uterine cavity recovery, and pregnancy in one year between the 3 groups (p > 0.05) and between groups B0 and B1 (p > 0.05). In group B1, 51 (69.86%) patients had IUD incarceration. Conclusion This data suggests that 4 mg/d doses of estrogen may have the same effect in improving the menstrual condition, uterine cavity morphology, and reproductive ability compared to a higher dosage (6 mg/day estrogen and 8 mg/day). In addition, the placement of IUD in the uterine cavity during TCRA may cause IUD incarceration, and the treatment results for the prevention of IUA are not better than without IUD.
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The Effect of Clomiphene Citrate and Letrozole in Apoptotic Pathways and Cell Cycle in Human Primary Cumulus Cells and the Protective Effect of Estradiol. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:2272-2281. [PMID: 35513593 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00961-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Clomiphene citrate (CC) and letrozole are ovulatory stimulants that, despite high ovulation rates, achieve low pregnancy rates. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro effects of CC and letrozole, alone or in combination with estradiol, on apoptosis in human cumulus cells. We performed a controlled prospective study using primary cumulus cell cultures from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (n=22). Alpha-inhibin immunocytochemistry was used to assess cell culture purity and morphology. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay, cell cycle status by flow cytometry, and Caspase-3, Bax and SOD-2, and S26 gene expression by qPCR. Cells were treated for 24 hours in 5 conditioned media: CC, CC + estradiol, letrozole, letrozole + estradiol and control. None of the treatments affected cell viability, but letrozole reduced the mean percentage of cells in the S phase compared to control (24.79 versus 21.70, p=0.0014). Clomiphene treatment increased mRNA expression of Bax (4 fold) and SOD-2 (2 fold), which was reversed by co-treatment with estradiol. SOD-2 expression increased in cells treated with letrozole compared to control (4 fold), which was also reversed by estradiol. These findings suggest that clomiphene citrate and letrozole do not significantly affect the viability of human cumulus cells. Still, the expression of genes involved in apoptosis was modulated by these drugs alone and in association with estradiol, suggesting that CC and letrozole may have direct effects on cumulus cells beyond their known mechanisms of action.
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Cheng YH, Tsai NC, Chen YJ, Weng PL, Chang YC, Cheng JH, Ko JY, Kang HY, Lan KC. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Combined with Platelet-Rich Plasma during Preventive and Therapeutic Stages of Intrauterine Adhesion in a Rat Model. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020476. [PMID: 35203684 PMCID: PMC8962268 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is caused by artificial endometrial damage during intrauterine cavity surgery. The typical phenotype involves loss of spontaneous endometrium recovery and angiogenesis. Undesirable symptoms include abnormal menstruation and infertility; therefore, prevention and early treatment of IUA remain crucial issues. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) major proposed therapeutic mechanisms include neovascularization, tissue regeneration, and fibrosis. We examined the effects of ESWT and/or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) during preventive and therapeutic stages of IUA by inducing intrauterine mechanical injury in rats. PRP alone, or combined with ESWT, were detected an increased number of endometrial glands, elevated vascular endothelial growth factor protein expression (hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry), and reduced fibrosis rate (Masson trichrome staining). mRNA expression levels of nuclear factor-kappa B, tumor necrosis factor-α, transforming growth factor-β, interleukin (IL)-6, collagen type I alpha 1, and fibronectin were reduced during two stages. However, PRP alone, or ESWT combined with PRP transplantation, not only increased the mRNA levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and progesterone receptor (PR) during the preventive stage but also increased PR, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and IL-4 during the therapeutic stage. These findings revealed that these two treatments inhibited endometrial fibrosis and inflammatory markers, thereby inhibiting the occurrence and development of intrauterine adhesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin-Hua Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (Y.-H.C.); (Y.-J.C.); (P.-L.W.); (Y.-C.C.); (H.-Y.K.)
| | - Ni-Chin Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pingtung Christian Hospital, Pingtung 900, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ju Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (Y.-H.C.); (Y.-J.C.); (P.-L.W.); (Y.-C.C.); (H.-Y.K.)
| | - Pei-Ling Weng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (Y.-H.C.); (Y.-J.C.); (P.-L.W.); (Y.-C.C.); (H.-Y.K.)
| | - Yun-Chiao Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (Y.-H.C.); (Y.-J.C.); (P.-L.W.); (Y.-C.C.); (H.-Y.K.)
| | - Jai-Hong Cheng
- Center for Shockwave Medicine and Tissue Engineering, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (J.-H.C.); (J.-Y.K.)
- Medical Research, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
- Department of Leisure and Sports Management, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
| | - Jih-Yang Ko
- Center for Shockwave Medicine and Tissue Engineering, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (J.-H.C.); (J.-Y.K.)
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Yo Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (Y.-H.C.); (Y.-J.C.); (P.-L.W.); (Y.-C.C.); (H.-Y.K.)
- Center for Menopause and Reproductive Medicine Research, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chung Lan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (Y.-H.C.); (Y.-J.C.); (P.-L.W.); (Y.-C.C.); (H.-Y.K.)
- Center for Menopause and Reproductive Medicine Research, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jen-Ai Hospital, Taichung 412, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-7-7317123-8654; Fax: +886-7-7322915
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Taheripanah R, Kabir-Salmani M, Favayedi M, Zamaniyan M, Malih N, Taheripanah A. Effects of clomiphene citrate plus estradiol or progesterone on endometrial ultrastructure: An RCT. Int J Reprod Biomed 2020; 18:201-208. [PMID: 32309769 PMCID: PMC7142311 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v18i3.6718] [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: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pinopods concentrations in endometrial surface is a marker of implantation. Estradiol valerate (EV) was used to change the adverse effects of Clomiphene Citrate (CC) on the endometrium. Objective The goal was to assess whether there is a significant difference in the endometrial pinopods concentrations and other parameters after adding EV and progesterone to higher doses of CC. Materials and Methods In this prospective randomized clinical trial, a total of 30 women who did not respond to 100 mg of CC from February 2016 to June 2016 were evaluated. They were divided into three groups: group I) received 150 mg of CC alone, group II) CC with EV, and group III) CC plus progesterone. On day 21 of the menstrual cycle, endometrial biopsy, a blood sampling, and a scanning by electron microscopy were performed. Results On day 21 of the menstrual cycle, there was no significant difference in the pinopods concentrations (p = 0.641) and serum estrogen levels (p = 0.276) between groups. However, the Serum progesterone levels in group I was higher than the other two groups (p = 0.007) in the same day. Conclusion Since the addition of EV and progesterone to higher dosages of CC did not change the pinopods concentration and serum estrogen levels on day 21 of the menstrual cycle, and the serum progesterone levels was higher in CC alone group (i.e. group I) compared to other groups, it can be concluded that the anti-estrogenic effects of CC just appear on the endometrium and not on the plasma levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robabeh Taheripanah
- Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Kabir-Salmani
- Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Stem Cell Division, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoomeh Favayedi
- Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Zamaniyan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Infertility Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Diabetes Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Narges Malih
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Anahita Taheripanah
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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Showell MG, Mackenzie‐Proctor R, Jordan V, Hodgson R, Farquhar C. Inositol for subfertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018; 12:CD012378. [PMID: 30570133 PMCID: PMC6516980 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012378.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Subfertile women are highly motivated to try different adjunctive therapies to have a baby, and the widespread perception is that dietary supplements such as myo-inositol (MI) and D-chiro-insoitol (DCI) are associated with only benefit, and not with harm. Many fertility clinicians currently prescribe MI for subfertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as pre-treatment to in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or for ovulation induction; however no high-quality evidence is available to support this practice. This review assessed the evidence for the effectiveness of inositol in subfertile women with a diagnosis of PCOS. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of oral supplementation of inositol for reproductive outcomes among subfertile women with PCOS who are trying to conceive. SEARCH METHODS We searched the following databases (to July 2018): Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group (CGFG) Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and AMED. We also checked reference lists and searched the clinical trials registries. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared any type, dose, or combination of oral inositol versus placebo, no treatment/standard treatment, or treatment with another antioxidant, or with a fertility agent, or with another type of inositol, among subfertile women with PCOS. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently selected eligible studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. The primary outcomes were live birth and adverse effects; secondary outcomes included clinical pregnancy rates and ovulation rates. We pooled studies using a fixed-effect model, and we calculated odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We assessed the overall quality of the evidence by applying GRADE criteria. MAIN RESULTS We included 13 trials involving 1472 subfertile women with PCOS who were receiving myo-inositol as pre-treatment to IVF (11 trials), or during ovulation induction (two trials). These studies compared MI versus placebo, no treatment/standard, melatonin, metformin, clomiphene citrate, or DCI. The evidence was of 'low' to 'very low' quality. The main limitations were serious risk of bias due to poor reporting of methods, inconsistency, and lack of reporting of clinically relevant outcomes such as live birth and adverse events.We are uncertain whether MI improves live birth rates when compared to standard treatment among women undergoing IVF (OR 2.42, 95% CI 0.75 to 7.83; P = 0.14; 2 RCTs; 84 women; I² = 0%). Very low-quality evidence suggests that for subfertile women with PCOS undergoing pre-treatment to IVF who have an expected live birth rate of 12%, the rate among women using MI would be between 9% and 51%.We are uncertain whether MI may be associated with a decrease in miscarriage rate when compared to standard treatment (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.86; P = 0.02; 4 RCTs; 535 women; I² = 66%; very low-quality evidence). This suggests that among subfertile women with PCOS with an expected miscarriage rate of 9% who are undergoing pre-treatment to IVF, the rate among women using MI would be between 2% and 8%; however this meta-analysis is based primarily on one study, which reported an unusually high miscarriage rate in the control group, and this has resulted in very high heterogeneity. When we removed this trial from the sensitivity analysis, we no longer saw the effect, and we noted no conclusive differences between MI and standard treatment.Low-quality evidence suggests that MI may be associated with little or no difference in multiple pregnancy rates when compared with standard treatment (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.71; P = 0.89; 2 RCTs; 425 women). This suggests that among subfertile women with PCOS who are undergoing pre-treatment to IVF, with an expected multiple pregnancy rate of 18%, the rate among women using inositol would be between 12% and 27%.We are uncertain whether MI may be associated with an increased clinical pregnancy rate when compared to standard treatment (OR 1.27, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.85; P = 0.22; 4 RCTs; 535 women; I² = 0%; very low-quality evidence). This suggests that among subfertile women with PCOS who are undergoing pre-treatment to IVF, with an expected clinical pregnancy rate of 26%, the rate among women using MI would be between 24% and 40%. Ovulation rates were not reported for this comparison.Other comparisons included only one trial in each, so for the comparisons MI versus antioxidant, MI versus an insulin-sensitising agent, MI versus an ovulation induction agent, and MI versus another DCI, meta-analysis was not possible.No pooled evidence was available for women with PCOS undergoing ovulation induction, as only single trials performed comparison of the insulin-sensitising agent and the ovulation induction agent. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS In light of available evidence of very low quality, we are uncertain whether MI improves live birth rate or clinical pregnancy rate in subfertile women with PCOS undergoing IVF pre-treatment taking MI compared to standard treatment. We are also uncertain whether MI decreases miscarriage rates or multiple pregnancy rates for these same women taking MI compared to standard treatment. No pooled evidence is available for use of MI versus placebo, another antioxidant, insulin-sensitising agents, ovulation induction agents, or another type of inositol for women with PCOS undergoing pre-treatment to IVF. No pooled evidence is available for use of MI in women undergoing ovulation induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian G Showell
- University of AucklandDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyPark Road GraftonAucklandNew Zealand1142
| | | | - Vanessa Jordan
- University of AucklandDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyPark Road GraftonAucklandNew Zealand1142
| | - Ruth Hodgson
- Auckland City HospitalDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyAucklandNew Zealand1142
| | - Cindy Farquhar
- University of AucklandDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyPark Road GraftonAucklandNew Zealand1142
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Franik S, Eltrop SM, Kremer JAM, Kiesel L, Farquhar C. Aromatase inhibitors (letrozole) for subfertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018; 5:CD010287. [PMID: 29797697 PMCID: PMC6494577 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd010287.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of infrequent periods (oligomenorrhoea) and absence of periods (amenorrhoea). It affects about 4% to 8% of women worldwide and often leads to anovulatory subfertility. Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are a class of drugs that were introduced for ovulation induction in 2001. Since about 2001 clinical trials have reached differing conclusions as to whether the AI letrozole is at least as effective as the first-line treatment clomiphene citrate (CC). OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of aromatase inhibitors for subfertile women with anovulatory PCOS for ovulation induction followed by timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination (IUI). SEARCH METHODS We searched the following sources from inception to November 2017 to identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs): the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Pubmed, LILACS, Web of Knowledge, the World Health Organization (WHO) clinical trials register and Clinicaltrials.gov. We also searched the references of relevant articles. We did not restrict the searches by language or publication status. SELECTION CRITERIA We included all RCTs of AIs used alone or with other medical therapies for ovulation induction in women of reproductive age with anovulatory PCOS. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently selected trials, extracted the data and assessed risks of bias. We pooled studies where appropriate using a fixed-effect model to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for most outcomes, and risk differences (RDs) for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). The primary outcomes were live birth and OHSS. Secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy, miscarriage and multiple pregnancy. We assessed the quality of the evidence for each comparison using GRADE methods. MAIN RESULTS This is a substantive update of a previous review. We identified 16 additional studies for the 2018 update. We include 42 RCTs (7935 women). The aromatase inhibitor letrozole was used in all studies.Letrozole compared to clomiphene citrate (CC) with or without adjuncts followed by timed intercourseLive birth rates were higher with letrozole (with or without adjuncts) compared to clomiphene citrate (with our without adjuncts) followed by timed intercourse (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.42 to 1.99; 2954 participants; 13 studies; I2 = 0%; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) = 10; moderate-quality evidence). There is high-quality evidence that OHSS rates are similar with letrozole or clomiphene citrate (0.5% in both arms: risk difference (RD) -0.00, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.00; 2536 participants; 12 studies; I2 = 0%; high-quality evidence). There is evidence for a higher pregnancy rate in favour of letrozole (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.37 to 1.78; 4629 participants; 25 studies; I2 = 1%; NNTB = 10; moderate-quality evidence). There is little or no difference between treatment groups in the rate of miscarriage by pregnancy (20% with CC versus 19% with letrozole; OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.26; 1210 participants; 18 studies; I2 = 0%; high-quality evidence) and multiple pregnancy rate (1.7% with CC versus 1.3% with letrozole; OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.16; 3579 participants; 17 studies; I2 = 0%; high-quality evidence). However, a funnel plot showed mild asymmetry, indicating that some studies in favour of clomiphene might be missing.Letrozole compared to laparoscopic ovarian drillingThere is low-quality evidence that live birth rates are similar with letrozole or laparoscopic ovarian drilling (OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.95 to 2.02; 548 participants; 3 studies; I2 = 23%; low-quality evidence). There is insufficient evidence for a difference in OHSS rates (RD 0.00, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.01; 260 participants; 1 study; low-quality evidence). There is low-quality evidence that pregnancy rates are similar (OR 1.28, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.74; 774 participants; 5 studies; I2 = 0%; moderate-quality evidence). There is insufficient evidence for a difference in miscarriage rate by pregnancy (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.43; 240 participants; 5 studies; I2 = 0%; moderate-quality evidence), or multiple pregnancies (OR 3.00, 95% CI 0.12 to 74.90; 548 participants; 3 studies; I2 = 0%; low-quality evidence).Additional comparisons were made for Letrozole versus placebo, Selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMS) followed by intrauterine insemination (IUI), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), Anastrozole, as well as dosage and administration protocols. There is insufficient evidence for a difference in either group of treatment due to a limited number of studies. Hence more research is necessary. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Letrozole appears to improve live birth and pregnancy rates in subfertile women with anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome, compared to clomiphene citrate. There is high-quality evidence that OHSS rates are similar with letrozole or clomiphene citrate. There is high-quality evidence of no difference in miscarriage rates or multiple pregnancy rates. There is low-quality evidence of no difference in live birth and pregnancy rates between letrozole and laparoscopic ovarian drilling, although there were few relevant studies. For the 2018 update, we added good-quality trials, upgrading the quality of the evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Franik
- University Hospital MünsterDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyAlbert‐Schweitzer‐Campus 1MünsterGermany48149
| | - Stephanie M Eltrop
- University Hospital MünsterDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyAlbert‐Schweitzer‐Campus 1MünsterGermany48149
| | - Jan AM Kremer
- Radboud University Nijmegen Medical CenterDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyPO Box 9101NijmegenNetherlands6500 HB
| | - Ludwig Kiesel
- University Hospital MünsterDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyAlbert‐Schweitzer‐Campus 1MünsterGermany48149
| | - Cindy Farquhar
- University of AucklandDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyFMHS Park RoadGraftonAucklandNew Zealand1003
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10
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陈 彩, 颜 秋, 周 秀, 冼 英, 郭 晓, 全 松. [Effects of raloxifene at two different doses for ovulation induction on endometrial pinopodes in mice during the implantation window]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2018; 38:234-238. [PMID: 29502066 PMCID: PMC6743885 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-4254.2018.02.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the expression of pinopodes, the marker of endometrial receptivity, during the implantation window in Kunming mice stimulated with two different doses of raloxifene (RAL). METHODS Forty-eight 8-week-old female Kunming mice were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=12), namely saline group, clomiphene citrate (CC, 18 mg/kg) group, RAL (33 mg/kg) group and RAL (44 mg/kg group). In each group, the mice received intragastric administration of 1 mL of normal saline containing CC or RAL at the specified doses or saline only as indicated for ovulation induction, once daily for 2 days. The mice received then injection with 5 IU human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and mated and on day 4.5 of gestation, the pregnant mice were sacrificed for examination of the uterus with scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS Abundant and well developed pinopodes were observed in the endometrium of the mice in the 2 RAL groups and in the saline control group. The mice in CC group showed obviously reduced endometrial pinopodes with poor development. CONCLUSIONS RAL at two different doses does not obviously affect the expression of pinopodes in the uterine epithelium of mice, suggesting the safety of RAL at these two doses for ovulation induction without causing adverse effects on endometrial receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- 彩蓉 陈
- 广州医科大学附属第六医院//清远市人民医院生殖中心,广东 清远 511518Reproductive Medicine Center, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University/Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan 511518, China
| | - 秋霞 颜
- 广州医科大学附属第六医院//清远市人民医院生殖中心,广东 清远 511518Reproductive Medicine Center, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University/Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan 511518, China
| | - 秀琴 周
- 广州医科大学附属第六医院//清远市人民医院生殖中心,广东 清远 511518Reproductive Medicine Center, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University/Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan 511518, China
| | - 英杰 冼
- 广州医科大学附属第六医院//清远市人民医院生殖中心,广东 清远 511518Reproductive Medicine Center, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University/Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan 511518, China
| | - 晓燕 郭
- 广州医科大学附属第六医院//清远市人民医院生殖中心,广东 清远 511518Reproductive Medicine Center, Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University/Qingyuan People's Hospital, Qingyuan 511518, China
| | - 松 全
- 南方医科大学附属南方医院生殖中心,广东 广州 510515Reproductive Medicine Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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11
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Zheng Q, Li Y, Zhang D, Cui X, Dai K, Yang Y, Liu S, Tan J, Yan Q. ANP promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells by NPRA/PGRMC1/EGFR complex and improves ovary functions of PCOS rats. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e3145. [PMID: 29072679 PMCID: PMC5682660 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complicated reproductive endocrine disease characterized by polycystic ovaries, hyperandrogenism and anovulation. It is one of the main causes of infertility. RU486 is an antagonist of progesterone receptor, and most commonly used as a contraceptive. However, whether RU486 is correlated with PCOS remains unclear. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a small peptide with natriuretic and diuretic functions, and its availability to be used in PCOS treatment is unknown. Here, we showed that the serum ANP level was lower in PCOS patients than that in healthy women, and it was also decreased in the serum and ovarian tissues of RU486-induced PCOS rats compared with the control rats. We also found that RU486 inhibited the proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of human KGN ovarian granulosa cells by downregulating progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1). Meantime, ANP promoted the proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis of KGN cells through upregulating ANP receptor A (NPRA). The promotive effects of ANP on ovarian functions were mediated through the formation of an NPRA/PGRMC1/EGFR complex, which further activated MAPK/ERK signaling and transcription factor AP1. Moreover, ANP treatment reversed the PCOS symptoms, and improved the fertility of RU486-induced PCOS rats. Collectively, these findings highlight that RU486 is associated with the pathogenesis of PCOS, and ANP treatment may be a promising therapeutic option for PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Core Lab of Glycobiology and Glycoengineering, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Yulin Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Core Lab of Glycobiology and Glycoengineering, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Core Lab of Glycobiology and Glycoengineering, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Xinyuan Cui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Core Lab of Glycobiology and Glycoengineering, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Kuixing Dai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Core Lab of Glycobiology and Glycoengineering, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Yu Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Core Lab of Glycobiology and Glycoengineering, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Core Lab of Glycobiology and Glycoengineering, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Jichun Tan
- Centre for Auxiliary Human Reproduction, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Qiu Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Core Lab of Glycobiology and Glycoengineering, Dalian 116044, China
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12
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Zhang SS, Xia WT, Xu J, Xu HL, Lu CT, Zhao YZ, Wu XQ. Three-dimensional structure micelles of heparin-poloxamer improve the therapeutic effect of 17β-estradiol on endometrial regeneration for intrauterine adhesions in a rat model. Int J Nanomedicine 2017; 12:5643-5657. [PMID: 28848344 PMCID: PMC5557621 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s137237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine adhesions (IUA) frequently occur after infectious or mechanical injury to the endometrium, which may lead to infertility and/or pregnancy complications. There are few effective treatments due to the complex function of endometrium and shortage of native materials. 17β-estradiol (E2) is commonly used as an ancillary treatment in IUA patients, but it is limited by its poor solubility in aqueous solutions and low concentrations at the injured sites. In this research, a mini-endometrial curette was used to injure the rat’s endometrium to form an IUA model. 17β-estradiol was encapsulated into the micelles of heparin-poloxamer and a thermosensitive hydrogel (E2-HP hydrogel) was formed. This sustained releasing system was applied to restore the structure and function of the injured uterus. E2-HP hydrogel was constructed and relevant characteristics including gelation temperature and micromorphology were evaluated. Sustained release of 17β-estradiol from HP hydrogel was performed both in vitro and in vivo. Ultrasonography measurement and pathologic characteristics on the IUA rats were performed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of E2-HP hydrogel. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related apoptosis was analyzed to explore the possible mechanisms in IUA recovery. E2-HP hydrogel showed a prolonged release of E2 at the targeting region and more effective endometrium regeneration in IUA rats. Significant improvements in both gland numbers and fibrosis area were observed in the E2-HP hydrogel group. We also demonstrated that E2-HP hydrogel in the recovery of IUA was closely related to the suppression of ER stress signals via the activation of downstream signals, PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2. HP hydrogel might be an effective approach to deliver E2 into the injured endometrium. Therapeutic strategies targeting ER stress using E2-HP hydrogel might be a promising solution for the treatment of women with intrauterine adhesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Si Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Ting Xia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - He-Lin Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Cui-Tao Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Zheng Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Qing Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
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