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.

Effect of Mitochondrial Function of Ovarian Granulosa Cells on In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer Outcomes in Obese Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients

Objective:To investigate the effect of abnormal ovarian granulosa cell metabolism on in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET)outcomes in obese polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)patients.Methods:Patients with PCOS who met the study criteria were screened according to the inclusion criteria.A total of 32 patients with obese PCOS were recruited into the study group,and 39 patients with non-obese PCOS were recruited into the control group.The general data(age,body mass index,and years of infertility),insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),luteinizing hormone(LH),granulosa cell mitochondrial function,and IVF-ET outcome of patients in the study group and control group were retrospectively analyzed.Results:The differences in age and years of infertility between the study group and the control group were insignificant(P>0.05),and the body mass index(BMI)of the study group and control group was 30.5±1.24 kg/m2 and 22.3±1.12 kg/m2,respectively,in which the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);the HOMA-IR of the study group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05);the reactive oxygen species(ROS)in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05),and the ATP content in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05);comparing the FSH and LH levels between the two groups,the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05);the rate of IVF-ET failure was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group.Conclusion:PCOS is a complex endocrine disorder,and obesity is one of the independent risk factors for the development of PCOS.

Untreated Prior Pulmonary Tuberculosis Adversely Affects Pregnancy Outcomes in Infertile Women Undergoing in vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer: A Large Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective Prior pulmonary tuberculosis(PTB) on chest X-ray(CXR) was commonly found in infertile patients receiving examinations before in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET). It was unclear whether untreated PTB would affect pregnancy outcomes after IVF-ET.Method We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 14,254 infertile patients who had received IVFET at Peking University Third Hospital in 2017. Prior PTB was defined as the presence of signs suggestive of old or inactive PTB on CXR, with or without a clinical TB history. Patients who had prior PTB on CXR but had not received a clinical diagnosis and anti-TB therapy were included for analysis. Live birth,clinical pregnancy, and miscarriage rates were compared between the untreated PTB and non-PTB groups.Results The untreated PTB group had significantly lower clinical pregnancy(31.7% vs. 38.1%) and live birth(23.8% vs. 30.6%) rates than the non-PTB group(both P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that untreated PTB was a risk factor for decreased live birth rate [odds ratio(OR), 0.80;95% confidence interval(CI), 0.66–0.98;P = 0.028] in all patients and for increased miscarriage(OR, 4.19;95% CI,1.69–10.39;P = 0.002) and decreased live birth(OR, 0.45;95% CI, 0.24–0.83;P = 0.011) rates in patients with unexplained infertility.Conclusions Untreated PTB was associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes after IVF-ET, especially in patients with unexplained infertility, highlighting the clinical significance of PTB in this specific patient population.

Intramural pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer:A case report

BACKGROUND Intramural pregnancy is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy,which is diagnosed by transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.Management strategies vary depending on the site of the pregnancy,the gestational age and the desire to maintain fertility.The incidence of intramural pregnancy in assisted reproductive technology is higher than that in natural pregnancy.CASE SUMMARY We present a case of intramural pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and elective single embryo transfer following salpingectomy.The patient was completely asymptomatic and her serumβ-human chorionic gonadotropin level increased from 290 m IU/m L to 1759 m IU/m L.Three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound indicated a heterogeneous echogenic mass arising from the uterine fundus which was surrounded by myometrium and a slender and extremely hypoechoic area stretching to the uterine cavity which was thought to be a fistulous tract.Therefore,we considered a diagnosis of intramural pregnancy and laparoscopic surgery was conducted at 7 wk gestation.CONCLUSION Early diagnosis and treatment of intramural pregnancy is significant for maintaining fertility.

Post-salpingectomy interstitial heterotopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer:A case report

BACKGROUND Heterotopic pregnancy(HP)refers to the coexistence of ectopic pregnancy and intrauterine pregnancy.Salpingectomy is proposed as a pretreatment before in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET)to reduce the risk of HP.HP after IVF-ET occurs in women who had already underwent bilateral salpingectomy,even though it is extremely rare.CASE SUMMARY A case of a 29-year-old woman with recurrent interstitial HP after IVF-ET following salpingectomy is presented.The main symptom was a sudden and worsening pelvic pain.Physical examinations revealed signs of peritoneal bleeding and irritation with stable vital signs.Transvaginal ultrasound showed a live intrauterine pregnancy and another live embryo with cardiac activity in the left cornu extending beyond the lateral edge of the uterus.Her hemoglobin concentration was 8.0 g/dL,and serum human chorionic gonadotropin value was 171116.9 mIU/mL.With the diagnosis of ruptured HP with internal bleeding,an emergency laparoscopic resection of left cornu was performed.The interstitial pregnancy was removed with caution to protect the intrauterine pregnancy.After the surgical treatment,the intrauterine pregnancy continued with no complications.A healthy baby was delivered by caesarean section at 39 wk.Outcomes of another three cases are further summarized.CONCLUSION Post-salpingectomy HP is a rare but challenging condition.Surgical treatment is preferred in the case with a viable intrauterine pregnancy.

Effect of royal jelly on in vitro fertilization and early embryo development following nicotine treatment in adult female rats

Objective:To scrutinize the protective role of royal jelly as an antioxidant on nicotine-induced changes in malondialdehyde(MDA)level,p53 expression,in vitro fertilization(IVF)rate,and early embryo development in adult female rats.Methods:A total of 56 adult female Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups(n=7 in each group).Group 1 served as an untreated control group,group 2,3 and 4 received nicotine at a dose of 0.50,1.00 and 2.00 mg/kg respectively,group 5 received royal jelly at a dose of 100.00 mg/kg,and group 6,7 and 8 received 0.50,1.00 and 2.00 mg/kg nicotine,respectively,with 100.00 mg/kg body weight royal jelly.Nicotine and royal jelly were administered daily for 49 days in the experimental groups intra-peritoneally and orally,respectively.At the end of the experimental period,p53 expression,IVF rate and early embryo development as well as MDA concentration were measured.Results:The IVF rate,number of cumulus oocytes,two-cell embryos and blastocysts decreased in the nicotine-treated groups in a dose-dependent manner.In addition,p53 mRNA expression and MDA levels increased in the nicotine-treated groups.Royal jelly co-administration led to partial improvement in the aforementioned parameters.Conclusions:Royal jelly may have a repro-protective effect in nicotine-administered female rats in terms of its anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic properties.

Relationship between lower number of oocytes retrieved and clinical outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer

Objective:To explore the clinical outcomes of the infertile women with retrieved oocytes less than or equal to 5 undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer（IVF-ET） or intracytoplasmic sperm injection（1CSI）. Methods:The clinical data of 216 embryo transfer cycles with retrieved oocytes less than or equal to 5 during the procedure of IVF/ICSI in Reproductive Medicine Center of the 105th Hospital of PLA from Jul.2008 to Dec.2011 were analyze retrospectively.All the patients were divided into group A（< 35 years）,group B（35-39 years） and group C（≥40 years） according to the ages,and 409 IVF/ICSI cycles with patients’ age less than 35 years old and 6-15 retrieved oocytes in the same period were served as controlled group.Then the patients≥35 years were subdivided into gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist（GnRH-a） long protocol group,GnRH-a short group and GnRH antagonist group according to the protocols of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation（COH）.The clinical date and the outcomes were analyzed and compared among all groups. Results:There were significantly differences in clinical pregnancy rate（38.3%vs.19.4%） and early abortion rate（16.1%vs.50.0%） between group A and group C（P<0.05）,and there were no significant differences in clinical pregnancy rate（38.3%vs.41.6%）and early abortion rate（16.1%vs.10.0%） between group A and control group（P>0.05）.There were no significant differences in clinical pregnancy rates（29.01%vs.26.1%vs.25.9%） and early abortion rates（33.3%vs.33.3%vs.40.0%） among GnRH-a long protocol group,GnRH-a short group and GnRH antagonist group（P>0.05）. Conclusions:Relatively satisfactory clinical outcomes of IVF/ICSI would still be got for the patients <35 years with retrieved oocytes less than or equal to 5,but whatever COH protocols such as GnRH-a long protocol,GnRH-a short and GnRH antagonist could not improve the outcomes of IVF/ICSI for the patients aged≥35 with retrieved oocytes less than or equal to 5.

Double Pulmonary Embolism and Left Common Iliac Vein Thrombosis after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer： a Case Report

This article discusses the mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment of a case of double pulmonary embolism and left common iliac vein thrombosis following in vitro fertilization （IVF） and embryo transfer （ET） to arouse vigilance for unexpected thrombosis after ovarian hyperstimulation and to serve as a clinical reference of this condition. This paper reports the case of a woman with double pulmonary embolism and left common iliac vein thrombosis after IVF-ET and the successful management of this condition. The woman had primary infertility, and underwent IVF-ET with 14 ooeytes recovered and two embryos transferred. The patient suffered breathing difficulty 17 days after the ET, and was hospitalized 6 days later as her condition had exacerbated. Computed tomographic （CT） angiography of pulmonary arteries showed double pulmonary embolism, left common iliae vein thrombosis, abnormal density shadow in uterine appendages, and ascites. A healthy baby boy and girl were safely delivered by Caesarean section after successful treatment. Thrombosis after IVF-ET is an uncommon but life-threatening complication and concurrent pulmonary embolism is even rarer. It is suggested that careful thrombosis risk assessment be taken before therapy and particular attention be paid to patients with special body constitutions to develop thrombosis. Whenever patients experience breathing difficulty after IVF-ET, it is strongly advised to examine the possibility of pulmonary embolism. The main treatments for thrombosis are anticoagulant therapy by low-molecular-weight heparin and thrombolysis by urokinase.

Effect of heat stress on the maturation,fertilization and development rates of in vitro produced bovine embryos

Heat stress is one of the main reasons for reproductive performance decrease in cattle, resulting in severe economic losses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of heat stress during maturation, fertilization and development of in vitro produced bovine embryos. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were obtained by follicular puncture from slaughterhouse ovaries and after identification, were divided into four groups: control (CG), exposed 1 (EG1), exposed 2 (EG2), and exposed 3 (EG3). The oocytes of the group CG and CG3 were cultured at 38°C and the oocytes of group EG1 and EG2 were cultured at 40°C during the maturation period (24 hours at 5% CO2 in air). After the maturation period, oocytes of group CG, EG1, EG2, and EG3 were fecundated with frozen thawed semen. The oocytes of CG, EG2 and EG3 groups were cultured at 38°C, and the group EG1 was cultured at 40°C (18 hours at 5% CO2 in air). After that, the CG and EG2 groups were cultured in SOF at 38°C and the groups EG1 and EG3 at 40°C during embryonic development. The embryos were evaluated for cleavage, morula and blastocyst rates by optical microscopy. In control (CG) and EG3 groups, the oocytes showed uniform expansion of cumulus cells, classified as moderate to high, with brown color and uniform appearance of the ooplasm. In the oocytes exposed to 40°C (EG1 and EG2) we observed a decrease in the expansion of cumulus cells, and the same showed rounded appearance and retraction of the ooplasm with dark coloration. The control group (CG) had 68.23% ± 2% of cleavage, 50.16% ± 2% morulas, and 43.28% ± 1% blastocysts. Whereas the EG2 had 31.46% ± 2% cleavage, 35.64% ± 2% morula, and no blastocysts development. The EG3 had 3.7% ± 2% cleavage, and no embryo production. These data suggest that in all stages of exposure to heat stress, the embryos and the gametes are susceptible, leading to a decrease in embryonic development.

Laparoscopic management of an ectopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer at CHRACERH:A case report

1.Introduction Initially,in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET)was designed to solve tubal factors infertility(TFI)by placing the embryo(s)within the uterine cavity.However,in some cases,an ectopic implantation occurs as the embryo can enter the tube.Ectopic pregnancy(EP)is the location of the pregnancy outside the intrauterine cavity.The prevalence of EP following assisted reproductive technology(ART)ranges between 2.1%and 8.6%of all pregnancies and it can reach up to 11%inwomen with tubal factors infertility history.

The Effect of Insulin Resistance on In-Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer in Women without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Purpose: Insulin resistance (IR) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS);therefore, insulin-sensitizing agents are widely used to improve IR in women with PCOS. However, whether IR in patients without PCOS should be treated remains uncertain. This study aims to clarify whether IR in patients without PCOS affects the outcomes of in-vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) and pregnancy. Methods: Between January 2011 and December 2013, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 116 non-PCOS patients who underwent the first IVF–ET cycle. IR was calculated using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index [HOMA-IR = (insulin × glucose)/405]. A HOMA index of >2.5 was used to indicate IR. Based on the HOMA index calculation, 28 patients were IR(+) and 88 patients had normal insulin sensitivity. We retrospectively compared the response with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, retrieved oocytes number, fertilization rates, pregnancy rate, live birth rates, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) incidence. Results: There were no significant differences in human menopausal gonadotropin administration, peak estradiol, retrieved oocyte number, fertilized embryo number, good quality embryo number, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, delivery rate, or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and GDM incidences between the groups. Conclusion: IR in non-PCOS patients has no effect on IVF-ET outcomes or perinatal prognosis.

Sperm chromatin structure assay results after swim-up are related only to embryo quality but not to fertilization and pregnancy rates following IVF

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the sperm chromatin structure assay （SCSA） results after swim-up are related to fertilization rates, embryo quality and pregnancy rates following in vitrofertilization （IVF）. A total of 223 couples undergoing IVF in our hospital from October 2008 to September 2009 were included in this study. Data on the IVF process and sperm chromatin structure assay results were collected. Fertilization rate, embryo quality and IVF success rates of different DNA fragmentation index （DFI） subgroups and high DNA stainability （HDS） subgroups were compared. There were no significant differences in fertilization rate, clinical pregnancy or delivery rates between the DFI and HDS subgroups. However, the group with abnormal DFI had a lower good embryo rate. So, we concluded that the SCSA variables, either DFI or HDS after swim-up preparation, were not valuable in predicting fertilization failure or pregnancy rate, but an abnormal DFI meant a lower good embryo rate following IVF.

Reproductive Outcomes in Women with Prior Cesarean Section Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization:A Retrospective Case-control Study

The impact of prior cesarean section（CS） on the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer（IVF-ET） was investigated. A retrospective analysis was performed on 144 patients with prior CS between January 2013 and December 2015. The pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcomes of patients who had previous CS delivery and received IVF-ET were analyzed. The control group comprised 166 patients who had only previous vaginal delivery（VD） and received IVF-ET during the same period. The results showed that the basal follicle stimulating hormone level, estradiol level on human chorionic gonadotropin（h CG） day, gonadotrophin dosage, duration of stimulation, retrieved oocytes, fertilization rate, high-quality embryo rate, multiple birth rate, abortion rate and ectopic pregnancy rate had no significant difference between the two groups（P〉0.05）. The pregnancy rate（40.28% vs. 54.22%） and implantation rate（24.01% vs. 34.67%） were significantly lower（P〈0.05）, and the ratio of embryo difficulty transfer（9/144 vs. 0/166） was significantly higher in CS group than in VD group. The risk of pernicious placenta previa and postpartum hemorrhage in twin deliveries was significantly increased in CS group as compared with that in VD group（P〈0.05）, and gestational age and neonatal birth weight were significantly reduced in twin deliveries as compared with singleton deliveries in both groups（P〈0.05）. It was suggested that the existence of CS scar may impact embryo implantation and clinical pregnancy outcome, and increase the difficulty of ET. We should limit the number of transfer embryos to avoid multiple pregnancies and strengthen gestational supervision in patients with cesarean scar.

Alteration of ERβ gene Rsal polymorphism may contribute to reduced fertilization rate and embryonic developmental competence

This paper aims to determine the possible role of estrogen receptor-β （ERβ） gene Rsal polymorphism on sperm fertility and early embryonic development in humans. Three groups of Chinese men were recruited： in vitro fertilization （IVF） group, including 374 couples who underwent conventional IVF; intracytoplasmic sperm injection （ICSI） group, including 294 couples who underwent an ICSI procedure using ejaculated sperm; and azoospermic group, consisting of 197 couples who underwent ICSI using either testis or epididymis sperm. Rsal polymorphism in the ERβ gene was detected by polymerase chain reaction （PCR）-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique; fertilization and high-quality embryo rates were evaluated for each group. In each group, no significant differences were found in the overall rates of fertilization and high-quality embryos among GG, AG and AA genotypes. However, the proportion of cycles possessing a satisfactory high-quality embryo rate with the AA genotype was significantly lower than that in the wild-type GG genotype from each group. These results demonstrated that sperm possessing the ERβ RsalA genotype may have reduced fertilization ability and decreased early embryonic developmental potential, which could directly or indirectly contribute to the low fertilization rate and early embryonic developmental arrest in some cases.

Comparison between in vitro fertilization outcome of two motile sperm separation methods

Objective: To evaluate the efficiency of Percoll density gradient and swim-up methods for motile sperm isolation for in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) program. Methods: The fertilization rate, cleavage rate, embryo developing status and pregnancy outcome of 362 IVF cycles using sperm obtained by the two methods were studied. Results: There was no significant difference in fertilization rate and cleavage rate between the Percoll and swim-up groups. Although the two groups showed no significant difference in the embryo cell number, the percentage of embryos with<20% debris was significantly higher in the Percoll group (77.6%) than in swim-up group (65.9%). The pregnancy rate and the life birth rate were also significantly higher (P<0.01) in the Percoll group (43.7% and 70.3%, respectively) than in the swim-up group (36.6 % and 60.7 %, respectively). Conclusion: The efficiency of the Percoll density gradient method is superior to the swim-up method in motile sperm separation for the IVF-ET program. [Reprod Contracep (in Chinese) 2002; 22: 292]

Effects of difructose dianhydride (DFA)-Ⅳ on in vitro fertilization in pigs

Difructose dianhydride Ⅳ(DFA-Ⅳ) is produced from levan, which is a natural polysaccharide that belongs to the fructan family, through the activity of levan fructotransferase(LF) derived from microorganisms. Recently, DFA-Ⅳ has been expected to have diverse applications in the food and medical industry. Here, we examined the potential application of DFA-Ⅳ for in vitro fertilization(ⅣF) in pigs. In the assessment of acrosomal integrity during incubation, intact acrosomal or viable spermatozoa were highly sustained in 0.1% or 0.25% DFA-Ⅳ(69.8%-70.8%,P<0.05). Reactive oxygen species(ROS) levels during sperm incubation decreased following the addition of DFA-Ⅳ, and 0.1 %-0.5% DFA-Ⅳ in particular significantly decreased ROS production relative to that seen with no addition or 0.75% DFA-Ⅳ. Total fertilization(mono + polyspermic oocyte) rate was significantly higher in the addition of0.1% DFA-Ⅳ(94.2%) than with other concentrations(71.8%-86.7%, P<0.05). When using reduced ⅣF times and lower sperm numbers, we found that addition of 0.1%-0.5% DFA-Ⅳ significantly increased the fertilization rate(P<0.05). Fertilized oocytes treated with 0.1% DFA-Ⅳ exhibited higher embryonic development and blastocyst formation than those treated with other concentrations(P<0.05). Consequently, the addition of DFA-Ⅳ during ⅣF improved fertilization and embryonic development, suggesting the possible use of novel sugars for enhancement of assisted reproductive technology(ART) in mammals.

In vitro fertilization: Facts in medical sciences

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the assisted reproductive technologies in the field of medical sciences. Fusion of collected egg from female and sperm from male done in a culture media under aseptic condition in laboratory is called as IVF. This technique is one of the gifts of science towards the human society and mainly those who are facing problem in reproduction due to having either male or female defective reproductive systems. In this present study, factors to consider during IVF, steps followed in this technology, need of IVF are discussed. Risk of multiple birth and phenotypic changes to the newborn due to IVF are also well reviewed. And different types of instruments used during this process are focused. Few ethical and legal issues arising during this IVF process are shown as well. We also emphasize that part of IVF.

Evaluation of pig oocyte in vitro maturation and fertilization using three gonadotropin-based hormonal compounds

Objective:To evaluate the effect of human chorionic gonadotropins(hCG)and equine chorionic gonadotropins(eCG)on in vitro gilt oocyte maturation and embryonic development,using frozen semen for fertilization.Methods:Two independent experiments(6 replicates each)were carried out to evaluate gilt oocyte maturation,and fertilization and embryonic development by using ovaries from a local abattoir.Totally,712 oocytes were randomly distributed in four-well dishes to receive Novormon(eCG 5.0 IU),PG600(eCG 5.0 IU and hCG 2.5 IU),Chorulon(hCG 5.0 IU),or no hormones.Oocytes were incubated with 5%CO2,95%air and saturation humidity at 39℃for 44 h.Maturation of the oocytes to metaphaseⅡwas assessed by using the aceto-orcein technique.In addition,741 oocytes were used and randomly distributed in four-well dishes,and then oocyte maturation was carried out as mentioned,but matured oocytes were washed and placed in fertilization medium with frozen-thawed sperm.Gametes were co-incubated for 7 h,and then washed and placed in development medium,and incubated for further 7 days,at which time embryonic development was evaluated.Fertilization and embryo development media were not supplemented with the studied hormones.Results:Novormon(eCG)and PG600(eCG+hCG)treatments significantly improved the percentages of metaphaseⅡoocytes compared to the control group(P<0.05).Furthermore,a significant increase was also observed in the young blastocyst stage between the control group and the PG600 treatment group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Hormonal products Novormon(eCG)and PG600(eCG+hCG)can obtain the highest percentages of in vitro maturation in gilt oocytes;however,this effect is not transferred to fertilization rates.

Effects of Chinese herbs combined with in vitro fertilization and embryo transplantation on infertility:a clinical randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE： To assess the effects of using Chinese herbs in assisted reproductive technology. METHODS： Four hundred and thirty-three subjects aged less than 42 years with infertility due to Fallo- pian tube or male-related factors who were willing to undertake in vitro fertilization and embryo trans- plantation were randomly allocated to a Chinese herb intervention group （n=216） or a conventional treatment control group （n=217）. All subjects re- ceived one of four routine ultra-ovulation-promot- ing therapies at the Reproductive Center in the Third Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University ac- cording to their physician＇s assessments. The sub- jects in the intervention group received various Chi- nese herbs depending on their conventional treat- ment. Endometrial thickness, number of acquired eggs, and rates of normal fertility, high-quality em- bryos, biochemical and clinical pregnancy of sub- jects were assessed in both groups.RESULTS： The high-quality embryo rate of 51.9%, biochemical pregnancy rate of 51.0%, clinical preg- nancy rate of 44.2% and endometrial thickness of （10.84± 1.75） mm in the intervention group were all significantly higher than those in the control group [48.7%, 38.9%, 34.8%, and （10.52±1.50） mm, respec- tively; P〈O.05]. The normal fertility rate of 58.5% in the Chinese herb group was also significantly supe- rior to the 54.7% achieved in the control group （P〈 0.01）. There were no statistically significant differ- ences （P〉0.05） in the average number of acquired eggs within a single cycle, incidence of excessive stimulation of ovary, rates of embryo transplanta- tion or early abortion and birth of living babies be- tween the two groups. CONCLUSION： Our findings indicate that Chinese herbs increase endometrial thickness, improve the quality of fertility and embryo, and promote embry- onic nidation, thus enhancing the success rate of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injec- tion-embryo transplantation cycle. Using Chinese herbs improves the outcomes and safety of assist- ed reproductive technologies.

Xiaoyi Yusi decoction(消异育嗣汤)improves in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer outcomes in patients with endometriosis

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of—Xiaoyi Yusi decoction(XYYSD,消异育嗣汤),a Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM),on in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET)in patients with endometriosis,and to study the mechanism underpinning the action.METHODS:Women who underwent IVF-ET were divided into three groups by simple randomization:the treatment(n=32;with TCM treatment),patient(n=28;with endometriosis alone),and control(n=33;with male factor alone)groups.The luteal phase short-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist prolonged protocol was used in all three groups.To compare the changes in TCM scores and reproductive outcomes before and after TCM intervention in patients with endometriosis,partial least-squares discriminant analysis was used to analyze the follicular fluid samples of each group and screen and compare metabolites using the MetaboA nalyst software.RESULTS:The clinical data indicated that following TCM intervention,kidney deficiency and blood stasis symptom patterns improved dramatically in patients with endometriosis and that their clinical pregnancy rate increased significantly(71.9%vs 57.1%,P<0.05).Metabolomics showed that the two groups of samples were separated before and after TCM intervention.After TCM intervention,the intervention group was close to the control group,indicating that the TCM had a certain effect.Pathway analysis revealed that after TCM intervention,the metabolism of glycerin phospholipid,pyruvate,and citric acid was regulated.CONCLUSIONS:Through the pyruvate and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathways and tricarboxylic acid cycle,the TCM XYYSD successfully improved kidney deficiency and blood stasis symptom pattern,as well as the clinical reproductive outcomes of patients with endometriosis-related infertility.