Live births from in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer following the administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist without gonadotropins:Two case reports

BACKGROUND The prevalence of female infertility between the ages of 25 and 44 is 3.5%to 16.7%in developed countries and 6.9%to 9.3%in developing countries.This means that infertility affects one in six couples and is recognized by the World Health Organization as the fifth most serious global disability.The International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technology reported that the global total of babies born as a result of assisted reproductive technology procedures and other advanced fertility treatments is more than 8 million.Advancements in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation procedures led to crucial accomplishments in human fertility treatments.The European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology guideline on ovarian stimulation gave us valuable evidence-based recommendations to optimize ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive technology.Conventional ovarian stimulation protocols for in vitro fertilization(IVF)–embryo transfer are based upon the administration of gonadotropins combined with gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH)analogues,either GnRH agonists(GnRHa)or antagonists.The development of ovarian cysts requires the combination of GnRHa and gonadotropins for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.However,in rare cases patients may develop an ovarian hyper response after administration of GnRHa alone.CASE SUMMARY Here,two case studies were conducted.In the first case,a 33-year-old female diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome presented for her first IVF cycle at our reproductive center.Fourteen days after triptorelin acetate was administrated(day 18 of her menstrual cycle),bilateral ovaries presented polycystic manifestations.The patient was given 5000 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin.Twenty-two oocytes were obtained,and eight embryos formed.Two blastospheres were transferred in the frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle,and the patient was impregnated.In the second case,a 37-year-old woman presented to the reproductive center for her first donor IVF cycle.Fourteen days after GnRHa administration,the transvaginal ultrasound revealed six follicles measuring 17-26 mm in the bilateral ovaries.The patient was given 10000 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin.Three oocytes were obtained,and three embryos formed.Two high-grade embryos were transferred in the frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle,and the patient was impregnated.CONCLUSION These two special cases provide valuable knowledge through our experience.We hypothesize that oocyte retrieval can be an alternative to cycle cancellation in these conditions.Considering the high progesterone level in most cases of this situation,we advocate freezing embryos after oocyte retrieval rather than fresh embryo transfer.

Gonadotropin and Testosterone hormone’s serum levels and partial deletions in the AZFc region in Iranian oligozoospermia infertile males

To investigate the relation of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and Testosterone serum levels with partial deletions in the AZFc region in Iranian oligozoospermia males. Material and methods: thirty infertile oligozoospermia and 52 Iranian fertile men included. The hormonal assays were measured by the Radioimmunoassay (RIA). Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (M-PCR) using eight sequence-tagged site (STS) markers were measured on the Yq11 chromosome. Results: The mean of FSH and LH levels in all oligozoospermia males were higher than fertile men (p < 0.001) and testosterone was lower significantly (p < 0.001). Five patients showed partial deletions in AZFc region (four had gr/gr and one had b2/b3 deletions). Six fertile men showed partial deletions (five gr/gr and one b2/b3) with higher level of FSH, LH in their group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: According to high incidence of partial deletions in the AZFc region among Iranian oligozoospermia males, hormonal assay and molecular screening should be advised before considering for ART treatments.

Associations of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor (GnRHR) and Neuropeptide Y(NPY) Genes’Polymorphisms with Egg-Laying Traits in Wenchang Chicken

Single nucleotide polymorphisms （SNP） of chicken gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor （GnRHR） and neuropeptide Y （NPY） were selected to identify the genotypes of Wenchang （Chinese indigenous breed） chicken with restricton fragment length polymorphisms. The associations of the SNPs with the total egg production （NE）, average days of continual laying （ADCL）, and number of double-yolked eggs （DYE） traits were analyzed. The frequency of restriction enzyme A/a alleles in the population was for GnRHR 0.69 （Bpu1102 Ⅰ A） and 0.31 （Bpu1102 Ⅰ a） and for NPY 0.46 （Dra Ⅰ B） and 0.54 （Dra Ⅰ b）. Trait data from a total of 120 hens, which were purebred introduced from Hainan Province, China from one generation were recorded. Two significant effects of genes＇ marker were found： for GnRHR and number of eggs （dominant; t= 2.67, df= 116） and NPY and number of eggs （additive; t= 1.97, df= 116）. The current research supports the effects of GnRHR and NPY genes on egg-laying traits of chickens.

Artificial Cycle with or without a Depot Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone Agonist for Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer： An Assessment of Infertility Type that Is Most Suitable

The clinical outcomes of five groups of infertility patients receiving frozen- thawed, cleavage-stage embryo transfers with exogenous hormone protocols with or without a depot gonadotropin-releasing hormone （GnRH） agonist were assessed. A retrospective cohort analysis was performed on 1003 cycles undergoing frozen-thawed, cleavage-stage embryo transfers from January 1, 2012 to June 31, 2015 in the Reproductive Medicine Center of Wuhan General Hospital of Guangzhou Military Region. Based on the infertility etiologies of the patients, the 1003 cycles were divided into five groups： tubal infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome （PCOS）, endometriosis, male infertility, and unexplained infertility. The main outcome was the live birth rate. Two groups were set up based on the intervention： group A was given a GnRH agonist with exogenous estrogen and progesterone, and group B （control group） was given exogenous estrogen and progesterone only. The results showed that the baseline serum hormone levels and basic characteristics of the patients were not significantly different between groups A and B. The live birth rates in groups A and B were 41.67% and 29.29%, respectively （P〈0.05）. The live birth rates in patients with PCOS in groups A and B were 56.25% and 30.61%, respectively （P〈0.05）. The clinical pregnancy, implantation and on-going pregnancy rates showed the same trends as the live birth rates between groups A and B. The ectopic pregnancy rate was significantly lower in group A than in group B. We concluded that the live birth rate was higher and other clinical outcomes were more satisfactory with GnRH agonist co- treatment than without GnRH agonist co-treatment for frozen-thawed embryo transfer. The GnRH agonist combined with exogenous estrogen and progesterone worked for all types of infertility tested, especially for women with PCOS.

Effect of Dual Trigger In Vitro Fertilization and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection During the Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone-Antagonist Cycle on Final Oocyte Maturation and Cumulative Live Birth Rate in Women with Diminished Ovarian Reserve

Objective It is well known that a dual trigger treatment can improve clinical outcomes of in vitro fertilization(IVF)in high or normal ovarian responders.However,it is not clear whether dual triggering also benefits patients with diminished ovarian reserve(DOR).The aim of this study was to investigate whether a dual trigger treatment of gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH)agonist combined with human chorionic gonadotropin(hCG)for final follicular maturation improves the cumulative live birth rate(CLBR)during the GnRH-antagonist cycle in patients with DOR.Methods This retrospective study included patients with DOR who received a GnRH-antagonist protocol during IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection(IVF-ICSI)cycles at Peking University People’s Hospital from January 1,2017 through December 31,2017.Oocyte maturation was triggered by GnRH combined with hCG(n=110)or hCG alone(n=71).Embryos were transferred on the third day after oocyte retrieval or during a subsequent freeze-thaw cycle.Patients were followed up for 3 years.Results The dual trigger treatment did not affect CLBR,which is an overall determinant of the success rate of assisted reproductive technology(ART).Women in the dual trigger group had significantly higher rates of fertilization than those in the hCG group(90.1%vs.83.9%,P=0.040).Conclusion Dual trigger with GnRH agonist and hCG did not improve CLBR in patients with DOR,but did slightly improve fertilization rate,oocyte count,and embryo quality.

Immunohistochemical Localization and Receptor Expression of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone in Pituitary of Guangxi Swamp Buffaloes

[ Objective] To locate gonadotropin-releasing hormone （GnRH） in pituitary of Guangxi swamp buffaloes and to provide a theoretical ba- sis for cloning and sequence analysis of GnRH receptor gene. [ Method] GnRH in pituitary were immunohistochemically stained by avidin biotin complex method. The GnRH expression was analyzed with image system. The GnRH receptor gene was amplified by real-time PCR. [ Result] Many GnRH positive cells were detected in pars distalis of adenohypophysis. GnRH were distributed in cytoplasm but not in nuclei. No positive sig- nal was observed in neurohypophysis. In addition, the GnRH receptor gene, 920 bp in size, was amplified. [ Conclusion] A large number of GnRH and GnRH receptor were found in pars distalis of adenohypophysis, which indicates that anterior pituitary is an important tissue for functions of hypo- thalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis and other endocrine axes.

Arg-Phe-amide-related peptides influence gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons

The hypothalamic Arg-Phe-amide-related peptides, gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone and orthologous mammalian peptides of Arg-Phe-amide, may be important regulators of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal reproductive axis. These peptides may modulate the effects of kisspeptins because they are presently recognized as the most potent activators of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. However, their effects on gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons have not been investigated. In the current study, the GT1-7 cell line-expressing gonadotropin-releasing hormone was used as a model to explore the effects of Arg-Phe- amide-related peptides on kisspeptin activation. Intracellular calcium concentration was quantified using the calcium-sensitive dye, fura-2 acetoxymethyl ester. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone released into the medium was detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results showed that 100 nmol/L kisspeptin-10 significantly increased gonadotropin-releasing hormone levels （at 120 minutes of exposure） and intracellular calcium concentrations. Co-treatment of kisspeptin with 1 μmol/L gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone or 1 μmol/L Arg-Phe-amide-related peptide-1 significantly attenuated levels of kisspeptin-induced gonadotropin-releasing hormone but did not affect kisspeptin-induced elevations of intracellular calcium concentration. Overall, the results suggest that gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone and Arg-Phe-amide-related peptide-1 may have inhibitory effects on kisspeptin-activated gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons independent of the calcium signaling pathway.

Morphological changes of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons in the rat preoptic area across puberty

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone （GnRH） neurons in the preoptic area may undergo morphological changes during the pubertal period when their activities are upregulated. To clarify the regulatory mechanism of puberty onset, this study aimed to investigate the morphological changes of GnRH neurons in the preoptic area of GnRH-enhanced green fluorescent protein transgenic rats. Under confocal laser microscopy, pubertal GnRH neurons exhibited an inverted Y distribution pattern. Prepubertal GnRH neurons were generally unipolar and bipolar, and were distinguished as smooth type cells with few small processes or irregular type cells with many spine-like processes in the proximal dendrites. The number of GnRH neurons in the preoptic area and spine-like processes were increased during the course of reproductive maturation. There was no significant difference between male and female rats. Immunofluorescence staining revealed synaptophysin punctae close to the distal end of GnRH neurons, indicating that some presynaptic terminals may form a synaptic linkage with these neurons.

Kisspeptin regulates gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion in gonadotropin-releasing hormone/enhanced green fluorescent protein transgenic rats

Kisspeptin is essential for activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis. In this study, we established gonadotropin-releasing hormone/enhanced green fluorescent protein transgenic rats. Rats were injected with 1, 10, or 100 pM kisspeptin-10, a peptide derived from full-length kisspeptin, into the arcuate nucleus and medial preoptic area, and with the kJsspeptJn antagonist peptJde 234 into the lateral cerebral ventricle. The results of immunohistochemical staining revealed that pulsatile luteinizing hormone secretion was suppressed after injection of antagonist peptide 234 into the lateral cerebral ventricle, and a significant increase in luteinizing hormone level was observed after kisspeptin-10 injection into the arcuate nucleus and medial preoptic area. The results of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that luteinizing hormone levels during the first hour of kisspeptin-10 infusion into the arcuate nucleus were significantly greater in the 100 pM kisspeptin-10 group than in the 10 pM kisspeptin-10 group. These findings indicate that kisspeptin directly promotes gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion and luteinizing hormone release in gonadotropin-releasing hormone/enhanced green fluorescent protein transgenic rats. The arcuate nucleus is a key component of the kisspeptin-G protein-coupled receptor 54 signaling pathway underlying regulating luteinizing hormone pulse secretion.

Stability of Human Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor mRNA in Stably Transfected Cells

In order to assess the impact of mRNA degradation on steady state levels of follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) mRNA and on regulation of FSHR gene expression, the stability and half life of FSHR mRNA were determined in transfected cells expressing recombinant FSHR. Time dependent changes in FSHR mRNA content were determined by nuclease protection solution hybridization assay (NPA) or by qualitative reverse transcription competitive polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) in cultured hFSHR YI cells, cell lines stably transfected with a human FSHR cDNA. FSHR mRNA content remained constant during 8 h control incubations of hFSHR Y1 cells (NPA, 2.9±0.3 μg/mg RNA; RT PCR, 2.7±0.3 μg/mg RNA). Actinomycin D (ActD, 5 μg/ml) inhibited mRNA synthesis, as assessed by incorporation of uridine into total RNA, by 90 % within 1 h in hFSHR Y1 cells. No effect of ActD on cellular morphology or viability was observed. ActD caused a time dependent decrease in FSHR mRNA content in hFSHR Y1 cell lines with a lag time of 1 h. There were no significant differences in the rate of FSHR mRNA degradation between the two methods of mRNA quantification. The half life of hFSHR mRNA was 3.6±0.2 h by NPA and 3.1±0.1 h by RT PCR. The results indicated that degradation of mRNA was an important process in maintenance of steady state expression of the FSHR gene in cells stably expressing recombinant receptor.

The Study on Immuno-response and Antisera Properties of Recombinant β-subunit of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in C57 Black Mouse

In this study, the immuno-response of recombinant hCG-β and natural hCGβ was comparatively investigated by using Freund's adjuvant. The results showed that, the properties and merits of the antibodies elicited by both kinds of hCG-β were similar. The antisera had high affinity for binding with hCG (Kαγβ≈5.86×108/mol/L, Kαβ≈8.18×108/mol/L), and were found to be effective in inhibiting the binding of 125I-hCG to receptors in rat testes. Results also indicated that, similar to the antisera induced by natural hCG-β, the recombinant hCG-β induced antisera had capacity of neutralizing the biological activities of hCG. Recombinant hCG-β could be used as an immunogen for contraceptive vaccine.

关于改善中枢性性早熟患儿身高获益的思考

随着遗传和环境等多种因素的改变,儿童性早熟的发病率逐渐增加,以改善身高为目的的性早熟治疗是临床关注的重点问题之一。目前,促性腺激素释放激素类似物(gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs,GnRHa)仍是首选治疗药物,但其对身高的改善作用受多种因素影响,可能导致身高获益低于预期。联合重组人生长激素(recombinant human growth hormone,rhGH)治疗是提高GnRHa疗效的可选治疗策略,然而联用时机等尚无明确推荐。基于性早熟治疗现状,重新审视单用GnRHa及联合rhGH治疗对身高的改善作用至关重要。该文探索了联合治疗适应证等策略,以期指导临床用药,帮助性早熟患儿实现更理想的身高获益。

GnRH拮抗剂和激动剂方案中扳机日子宫内膜厚度对新鲜移植周期妊娠结局的影响

目的:研究促性腺激素释放激素拮抗剂(GnRH-ant)和激动剂(GnRH-a)方案中扳机日子宫内膜厚度(EMT)对新鲜移植周期妊娠结局的影响。方法:选择2015年1月至2021年12月在郑州大学第二附属医院生殖中心接受体外受精/卵胞浆内单精子显微注射(IVF/ICSI)助孕的患者,共纳入新鲜移植2 559周期,其中GnRH-ant方案298周期,GnRH-a方案2 261周期。根据扳机日EMT分为7~9 mm、>9~12 mm和>12 mm组。比较两种方案中3组的临床特征和妊娠结局。结果:GnRH-ant方案中EMT 7~9 mm组的临床妊娠率、持续妊娠率和活产率均低于其他两组(P<0.017);GnRH-a方案中扳机日EMT 7~9 mm组的临床妊娠率、持续妊娠率和活产率低于>9~12 mm组,>9~12 mm组低于>12 mm组(P<0.017)。Logistic回归分析结果显示扳机日EMT较高的患者临床妊娠、持续妊娠和活产增加[GnRH-ant方案:>9~12 mm组的OR(95%CI)分别为2.243(1.173~4.288)、3.995(1.891~8.438)、3.814(1.810~8.036),>12 mm组的OR(95%CI)分别为3.298(1.490~7.299)、6.637(2.742~16.065)、5.249(2.184~12.616);GnRH-a方案:>9~12 mm组的OR(95%CI)分别为1.561(1.266~1.925)、1.378(1.112~1.707)、1.448(1.166~1.798),>12 mm组的OR(95%CI)分别为2.266(1.747~2.940)、2.257(1.736~2.933)、2.254(1.732~2.933)]。结论:扳机日EMT增加可改善妊娠结局;无论是GnRH-ant方案,还是GnRH-a方案,随着扳机日EMT增加,妊娠成功率升高。

青春期矮身材儿童身高改善的药物治疗

青春期矮身材可严重影响青少年的身心健康。青春期由于性激素导致的骨龄持续加速进展,限制了生长所需的时间,是矮身材治疗的巨大挑战,至今仍无标准化的治疗方案。青春期也是改善成年终身高的最后机会。目前临床常用治疗药物主要有重组人生长激素、促性腺激素释放激素类似物和第三代芳香化酶抑制剂。近年来,以改善成年终身高为目的的个体化治疗成为临床关注的重点。该文对青春期矮身材儿童身高改善的药物治疗相关研究进行梳理总结,为临床医生提供参考.

瑞卢戈利心血管安全风险信号的挖掘与评价

目的挖掘瑞卢戈利的心血管安全风险信号,为该药在我国上市及未来的临床安全用药评估提供参考。方法收集美国FDA不良事件报告系统(FAERS)中2021年第1季度至2023年第3季度以瑞卢戈利为主要/次要怀疑药物的不良事件(AE)报告,采用报告比值比(ROR)法进行数据挖掘。利用《国际医学用语词典》(MedDRA)24.0版中的首选术语(PT)对药物AE名称进行编码;采用狭义标准MedDRA查询(SMQ)术语和高位语(HLT)术语定义和分析目标AE。分别通过以瑞卢戈利为主要/次要怀疑药物或与药物相互作用、伴随使用药物有关的AE和广义SMQ术语进行敏感性分析。结果共得到瑞卢戈利AE报告4354份。得到狭义SMQ术语9个,含异常血脂症、高血糖症/新发糖尿病2个阳性信号;得到HLT术语11个,含胆固醇各项分析、甘油三酯分析和各种高血糖状况(不另分类)3个阳性信号。敏感性分析结果显示,上述研究结果可靠。结论瑞卢戈利存在高血脂和高血糖风险信号,但未发现高血压、心脏病和脑卒中等风险信号。临床在使用瑞卢戈利时,需关注患者的高血脂、高血糖AE。

孕中期胎盘功能监测指标的临床研究

目的探讨孕中期胎盘功能监测指标的临床效果。方法选取2021年1月至2023年12月南昌市第一医院诊断为胎儿生长受限(FGR)的60例孕妇设为观察组,正常孕妇60例设为对照组,比较两组胎盘血流学参数[血管指数(VI)、血流指数(FI)和血管血流综合指数(VFI)]、胎盘形态学参数[胎盘体积(PV)]以及外周血胎盘激素[人绒毛膜促性腺激素(hCG)、游离雌三醇(uE3)]等指标差异,分析绘制受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线,分析VI、VFI、FI、PV、hCG、uE3预测FGR价值。结果观察组VI为(15.47±2.39)、VFI为(4.14±0.72)、FI为(21.21±2.31)、PV为(35.51±3.42)cm3,均低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);观察组hCG检测值高于对照组,而uE3检测值低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);VI、VFI、FI、PV、hCG、uE3联合检测预测FGR的曲线下面积(AUC)为0.923,灵敏度为0.917,特异度为0.837,均高于单一检测。结论孕中期胎盘功能监测指标与FGR发生关系密切,各指标联合检测可有效预测FGR发生。

单时相GnRH激发试验对不同体重指数女童中枢性性早熟诊断价值的研究

目的 探讨单时相促性腺激素释放激素(gonadotropin-releasing hormone,GnRH)激发试验对不同体重指数(body mass index,BMI)女童中枢性性早熟(central precocious puberty,CPP)的诊断价值。方法 回顾性分析2017年1月—2023年8月在郑州大学第三附属医院就诊的7.5岁前出现乳房发育的760例女童数据。根据GnRH激发试验结果和临床表现综合诊断,分为CPP组(n=297)和非CPP组(n=463)。再根据体重指数(body mass index,BMI)分为正常体重组(n=540)、超重组(n=116)及肥胖组(n=104)。采用受试者操作特征曲线分析单时相GnRH激发试验对不同BMI女童CPP的诊断价值。结果 GnRH激发后30 min黄体生成素(luteinizing hormone,LH)/卵泡刺激素诊断CPP的曲线下面积为0.985,高于0、60、90 min LH/卵泡刺激素的曲线下面积(P<0.05)。30 min与60 minLH诊断价值相当(P>0.05)。30 min LH与BMI及BMI-Z值呈负相关(P<0.05)。30 min LH在正常体重、超重、肥胖女童中诊断CPP的曲线下面积分别为0.952、0.965、0.954 (P<0.05)。结论 30 min GnRH激发试验对不同BMI女童CPP均有较好的诊断价值,有望替代传统的GnRH激发试验,但应注意BMI对LH水平的影响。