Antibodies Against Annexin V and Prothrombin,Their Correlation with Other Anti-phospholipid Antibodies in Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Objective To study the findings of serum antibodies against annexin V, prothrombin, ph-inositol, ph-acid, ph-ethanolamine, ph-serine, ph-glycerol, cardiolipin, and beta2-glycoprotein I and analyze the trophoblast annexin V receptors Methods Sera from 156patients aged 26-41 years with recurrent pregnancy loss （3-7 times） were investigated. Eighty-four fertile healthy women aged 24-38 years were included in a control group. ELISA methods were used for detecting a panel of sera anti-phospholipid antibodies. Immunolocalization of annexin V receptors in 143 trophoblast specimens of 156 patients was investigated by the immunofluorescence technique using Annexin V-FITC, Apoptosis and Annexin V-CY3 commercial kits. Results Positivity for anti-phospholipid antibodies mainly against ph-serine, ph- ethanolamine, and ph-inositol was found together in 80. 8%（126 out of 156 patients）, anti-prothrombin antibodies in 12% （18）, and anti-annexin V antibodies in 13. 5% （21） women. No significant levels of anti-phospholipid antibodies were found in 6 controls. Placenta immunohistopathology also exhibited some changes manifested by the presence of apoptotic and necrotic cells in trophoblast, and very few microthrombotization in some intervillous spaces. Conclusion Our detailed study demonstrated the prevalence of majority of antiphospholipid antibodies as a high risk factor for repeated reproductive failure. Very low microthrombosis in placentas could be explained by the changes of haemocoagulation properties out of uterus.

Repeated pregnancy losses with multiple aneuploidies and major genomic imbalance:A case report

Rationale:If one of the partners is having balanced autosomal translocation,it is usually observed that the offspring inherit either normal chromosomes,balanced translocation identical to one of the parent or unbalanced chromosomal rearrangements of the same parental chromosome having translocation.Concern:A unique case presented with history of 8 miscarriages for genetic counseling.The last abortus material evaluation showed monosomy of chromosome X(Turner syndrome)in all the analyzed cells.There was a history of infertility and also repeated second trimester abortions on the paternal side.On the maternal side,there was a history of intellectual disability.Diagnose:History of repeated abnormal pregnancy outcomes.Wife’s karyotype is normal;however,husband shows translocation between chromosome 4 and 22.Intervention:Peripheral blood sample around 3 mL was collected for karyotype.Embryo biopsy was done and DNA was extracted and processed for whole exome sequencing.Outcomes:Wife’s karyotype is normal and husband has translocation between chromosome 4 and 22.Surprisingly,the entire pregnancy outcome including embryo screening has different,complete or partial aneuploidies of chromosomes other than chromosome 4 and 22.Main lesson:Though the translocation in one of the parent is balanced,we have to think beyond traditional ways for evaluating a couple with repeated pregnancy loss as we cannot predict the errors at cell division.Option of in vitro fertilization and preimplantation genetic diagnosis in couples having balanced translocations should be discussed so that early intervention can prevent the agony of pregnancy loss.

Comparative Study between the Use of Regular Folic Acid Supplement versus the Use of L-Methyl Folate in Patients with Methyl Tetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) Gene Mutation with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Background: Methylfolate is the active metabolite of folate that is important for DNA repair, synthetized under the effect of MTHFR (methyl-tetrahydro-folatereductase) enzyme. Patients with MTHFR gene mutation have low levels of biologically active methyfolate. Those patients have high homocysteine levels causing vasculopathy and inadequate feto-maternal circulation. Aim of the Work: To predict the potential benefit of use of methylfolate instead of use of the regular folic acid in patients with MTHFR gene mutation with history of RPL (recurrent pregnancy loss). Subjects and Methods: Study was performed on 100 women. All women had experienced at least two consecutive miscarriages first trimester abortion. All patients were positive of having MTHFR gene mutation. Patients were divided into two groups in terms of 1st trimester drug intake. The 1st group recieved a regular folic acid supplement in a dose of 5 mg per day starting from the day of positive pregnancy test till the end of the first trimester. The 2nd group recieved L-methylfolate supplement in a dose of 1000 mcg per day starting from the day of positive pregnancy test till the end of the first trimester. Then both groups were compared in terms of abortion rates, pregnancy continuation rates and the development of other major obstetric complications. Results: Patients in 1st group had no associated pregnancy related complications in 56%, PE in 14%, PROM in 18% and PTL in 12% of cases. On the other hand, patients in 2nd group had no associated pregnancy related complications in 78%, PE in 6%, PROM in 8% and PTL in 8% of cases 54% of patients on folate group ended in abortion, while only 16% of patients on methylfolate group had abortion. 24% of patients on folate group had PTL, compared to 8% of patient who had had PTL in methylfolate group. 22% of patients in the 1st group continued pregnancy to full term, while 60% of 2nd group continued pregnancy to full term. Conclusion and Recommendations: The use of methyl-folate supplement during the first trimester of in patients with history of RPL and positive MTHFR gene mutation should be a routine practice instead of the regular folate supplement as it improves pregnancy continuation rates and decreases occurrence of associated pregnancy co-morbidities as preterm labor and preeclampsia.

Ectopic Pregnancy in Cases of Recurrent Implantation Failure and Cases of Recurrent Early Pregnancy Loss

Objectives: To calculate the incidence of ectopic pregnancy in cases with recurrent early pregnancy loss and cases of recurrent implantation failure. Methods and materials: This is a retrospective cohort study. 200 women were recruited from the infertility clinic at shat by maternity university hospital seeking fertility. 100 of them were with history of recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and 100 with history of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Revisiting their hospital files for the history of ectopic pregnancy was done. Results: 8% of cases of RPL had history of ectopic pregnancy while only 6% of cases of RIF had the history. There was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.579). There was significantly higher incidence of ectopic pregnancy in both groups if compared with the general population (p = 0.0001 and 0.043) in RPL and RIF consecutively. Conclusions: RPL and RIF may be considered as a risk factor for ectopic pregnancy.

Inherited Thrombophilia and Early Recurrent Pregnancy Loss among Egyptian Women

Inherited thrombophilia has been implicated as a possible cause of recurrent pregnancy loss. Although numerous studies are available in literature, thrombophilia rate seems to vary fromstudy to another. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency of FII Prothrombin(G20210A), Factor V Leiden (G1691A), as well as methyl tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR?C677T) polymorphisms, protein C, protein S and antithrombin III deficiency in a series of patients with unexplained RPL compared to control. Patients and Methods: 100 patients of unexplained RPL and 43 age-matched healthy controls were investigated for inherited thrombophilia. Results: MTHFR and Factor V Leiden were the commonest gene defects among cases studied (63%, 60% respectively) and control groups (41.9%, 41.9% respectively) (p = 0.019, p = 0.046 respectively). The least common deficiencies were protein S and protein C deficiency in cases (3%, 2% respectively) as well as in controls (1%, 0% respectively). 4 cases were homozygous for MTHFR and 2 cases homozygous for Factor V Leiden mutation. Odds ratio for MTHFR and Factor V mutation was 2.36 and 2.08 respectively (CI 95%). Combined defects were seen in cases and controls (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our study found an association between MTHFR and Factor V Leiden mutations in patients with unexplained RPL among Egyptian women. Further studies are needed to define the management of genetic thrombophilia in cases of recurrent pregnancy loss.

Coagulation Factor XII Congenital Deficiency in Women with Recurrent Miscarriage

Factor XII (Hageman factor) is an important protease that plays a major role in the initiation of the intrinsic pathway of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis and kinin formation. It is still unclear whether factor XII deficiency causes any disorders during pregnancy. Because the main clinical feature in patients with factor XII deficiency is thrombosis rather than bleeding, low dose aspirin would be expected to prevent first trimester miscarriage and a decrease in factor XII level itself was found to be an independent risk factor in recurrent miscarriage. The woman in a 31-year-old patient, with personal and family antecedents without interest and preceding obstetrics of two spontaneous abortions in the first quarter of the pregnancy without apparent cause. In the study of infertility practiced emphasizes a partition of not more than one centimetre of length in the uterine found by hysteroscopy exploration and in the study of hipercoagulability a light deficiency of the factor XII. Himself guideline processing with low dose of aspirin (125 mgr/day) and preconception folic acid (5 mgr/day), remains expectant mother and in the week 12 of her third pregnancy itself guideline antitrombotic prophylaxis with heparin of low molecular weight by subcutaneous way. The pregnancy reaches the week 39 without incidents of interest and the expectant mother give birth of spontaneous form to health boy. Repeated abortions may be associated with reduced level of factor XII activity of unknown origin and low-dose aspirin may prevent miscarriage caused for decreased factor XII levels in patients with a history of recurrent first trimester miscarriage.

Study of the Effect of Intralipid Infusion during Pregnancy as an Additive Treatment for Reducing Pregnancy Complications Caused by Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome

Aim: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intralipid infusion in addition to other lines of treatment in reduction of complications caused by antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. Methods: This study was held in the period from June 1, 2016, to December 1, 2019. This study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tanta University on patients attending the antenatal care clinic and also on patients attending the researcher’s private clinics for antenatal care, 105 patients were enrolled after application of strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were randomized into 2 groups. In group A (study group 1) the patients received in addition to the conventional basic treatment of APS, intralipid 20% (Frezenius, Clayton, NC, USA) in a dose of 4 ml diluted in 250 ml 0.9% regular saline IV and to be repeated every 2 weeks. In group B (control group 2) the patients received the conventional basic treatment of APS. The outcome measures were the incidence of pregnancy complications of APS namely fetal loss, premature delivery, IUGR and preeclampsia. Results: 49 patients were enrolled in the study group, and 48 patients were enrolled in the control group, after exclusion of the skipped cases. The demographic data and the gestational age at the beginning of the study show insignificant differences. There were insignificant differences as regard the gestational age at which the pregnancy was terminated and fetal birth weight in patients with positive ACL test, positive LA test and positive B2 however the mean gestational age at which pregnancy was terminated was higher in study group. Also, there was insignificant difference as regards no of patients who complicated with abortion or who completed to full term. But had significant decrease number of case who complicated with preeclampsia (8, 21 patients in study and control group respectively). Conclusion: Intralipid infusion is a promising treatment option for control and prevention of problems caused by antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.

反复妊娠丢失中同种免疫功能异常机制的研究进展

反复妊娠丢失(RPL)在育龄妇女中发病率达2%~5%,是一种多病因导致的严重危害患者身心健康的生殖疾病。越来越多的研究表明,同种免疫功能紊乱通过影响母胎界面的免疫平衡耐受、子宫内膜蜕膜化、滋养层细胞的凋亡、胎盘血管生成参与了RPL的发生。包括自然杀伤细胞、巨噬细胞和树突状细胞的数量及活性异常在内的固有免疫异常,和包括CD4+辅助性T细胞(Th1、Th2和Th17)、CD4+CD25+Foxp3+调节性T细胞、CD8+T细胞、γδ-T细胞、CD19+调节性B细胞和细胞因子数量及活性异常在内的适应性免疫异常,共同构成了同种免疫性RPL的免疫紊乱模式,但具体机制需要进一步研究和探讨。本文就目前RPL的同种免疫源性的病因机制研究及进展进行综述。

反复种植失败与复发性流产的病因比较

目的了解反复种植失败(RIF)和复发性流产(RPL)患者的病因差异。方法选择2018年6月至2021年6月在中山大学附属第一医院生殖中心就诊的315例RIF患者和376例RPL患者为研究对象,进行一般资料及病因资料收集,比较其一般资料及病因构成差异。并采用多因素回归分析这两种疾病病因的相对风险度。结果RIF患者慢性子宫内膜炎、子宫内膜息肉、子宫内膜异位症、子宫内膜异位症合并子宫内膜息肉、卵巢储备功能减退病因比例均高于RPL患者,RIF患者不明原因病因比例低于RPL患者(P均<0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,RIF患者中病因为慢性子宫内膜炎(OR=3.044,95%CI 1.849~5.011,P<0.001)、子宫内膜息肉(OR=3.769,95%CI 1.670~8.510,P<0.001)、子宫内膜异位症(OR=3.812,95%CI 2.131~6.819,P<0.001)、卵巢储备功能减退(OR=2.175,95%CI 1.285~3.683,P=0.004)比RPL患者更为多见,RIF患者中抗米勒管激素水平低(OR=0.917,95%CI 0.864~0.973,P=0.004)的情况也较RPL患者多见。结论慢性子宫内膜炎、子宫内膜息肉、子宫内膜异位症、抗米勒管激素水平下降及卵巢储备功能减退等现象,在RIF患者中更为普遍,后续人工辅助生殖的工作实践中临床医师应强化对上述病变的筛查和监测。

血清miRNA-146、LPS、ROS在早期妊娠胚胎丢失患者中的水平及临床意义

目的探讨血清微小RNA(miRNA)-146、脂多糖(LPS)和活性氧(ROS)在早期妊娠胚胎丢失(EPEL)患者中的水平及临床意义。方法选取2021年3月至2023年3月广东省东莞市妇幼保健院收治的100例EPEL患者作为研究组,另外选取同期在广东省东莞市妇幼保健院就诊的100例正常妊娠女性作为对照组,检测并比较研究组和对照组血清指标水平。培养HTR-8/SVneo细胞,按照不同转染方式分成miRNA-146抑制剂组、miRNA-146模拟物组及NC组。比较miRNA-146抑制剂组、miRNA-146模拟物组Toll样受体4(TLR4)蛋白和核因子-κB(NF-κB)蛋白水平,比较NC组、miRNA-146模拟物组和miRNA-146抑制剂组miRNA-146水平及HTR-8/SVneo细胞的凋亡率,比较不同水平LPS处理的HTR-8/SVneo细胞生长活力。采用Pearson相关分析EPEL患者miRNA-146水平与ROS、LPS、白细胞介素(IL)-6、肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α、TLR4蛋白和NF-κB蛋白水平的相关性。结果研究组LPS、ROS、IL-6和TNF-α水平高于对照组,且雌二醇、孕酮、miRNA-146水平低于对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。miRNA-146模拟物组miRNA-146水平高于miRNA-146抑制剂组和NC组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。miRNA-146模拟物组TLR4蛋白、NF-κB蛋白水平低于miRNA-146抑制剂组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。不同水平LPS(8、12、16、20μg/mL)处理的HTR-8/SVneo细胞生长活力低于20μg/mL LPS+miRNA-146模拟物处理的HTR-8/SVneo细胞生长活力,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。miRNA-146抑制剂组HTR-8/SVneo细胞的凋亡率高于NC组和miRNA-146模拟物组,且NC组高于miRNA-146模拟物组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。Pearson相关分析结果显示,EPEL患者miRNA-146水平与ROS、LPS、IL-6、TNF-α、TLR4蛋白和NF-κB蛋白水平呈负相关(r=-0.737、-0.614、-0.712、-0.729、-0.739、-0.708,P<0.05)。结论EPEL患者血清中miRNA-146水平明显下降,并与LPS、ROS、IL-6、TNF-α的水平呈负相关,可能是EPEL发生的影响因素之一,有望为临床预测孕妇发生EPEL提供新思路。

普通叶酸与活性叶酸补充对于MTHFR 677TT型不明原因反复流产患者红细胞叶酸水平的影响

目的·研究普通叶酸与活性叶酸补充对亚甲基四氢叶酸还原酶(methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase,MTHFR)677TT型不明原因反复流产(unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss,URPL)患者红细胞叶酸水平的影响。方法·选取2021年1—12月于北京大学第三医院生殖医学中心就诊的MTHFR 677TT型URPL患者45例。按照叶酸补充方式将其分为3组,包括A组16例(研究开始前尚未接受任何形式的叶酸补充,研究开始后进行活性叶酸补充),B组15例(研究开始前进行过普通叶酸的补充,研究开始后进行活性叶酸补充),以及C组14例(研究开始前进行过普通叶酸的补充,研究开始后进行普通叶酸与活性叶酸联合补充)。分别于入组时(第一次)、入组补充后(第二次)对3组患者的红细胞5-甲基四氢叶酸(5-methyltetrahydrofolate,5-MTHF)浓度进行检测,并开展比较。结果·在3组患者中,任意2组的第一次红细胞5-MTHF浓度间差异均无统计学意义。与第一次红细胞5-MTHF浓度相比,3组患者的第二次红细胞5-MTHF浓度均有提高(均P=0.000),且B组患者的红细胞5-MTHF浓度的增幅高于A组(t=2.373,P=0.049),但与C组间差异无统计学意义。结论·与补充普通叶酸相比,补充活性叶酸可以更好地在短时间内提高MTHFR 677TT型URPL患者的红细胞叶酸水平。

蛋白质翻译后修饰在不明原因复发性流产中的作用

不明原因复发性流产(unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss,URPL)的病理机制复杂,是困扰育龄期女性的常见病。蛋白质翻译后修饰(post-translational modifications,PTMs)作为表观遗传学的主要内容之一,不仅能够调节蛋白质表达、增加其多样性,还能调控蛋白质与其他分子间相互作用。PTMs在URPL的发生、发展中发挥重要作用:如甲基化修饰可阻碍蜕膜化进程,调控滋养细胞迁移和侵袭;磷酸化修饰可调控调节性T细胞(regulatoryTcells,Treg)/辅助性T细胞17(T helper 17 cells,Th17)平衡,巨噬细胞极化,改变树突状细胞数量,促进滋养细胞凋亡;乙酰化修饰可诱发滋养细胞自噬,抑制M2型巨噬细胞极化;泛素化修饰可调控滋养细胞迁移和侵袭,干扰免疫微环境;糖基化修饰可抑制滋养层细胞迁移和侵袭;乳酸化修饰可维持子宫内膜容受性。PTMs在URPL中的作用可能使其成为URPL的研究切入点和治疗靶点。

In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer in patients with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss

Background:Empiric therapy for patients with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss(URPL)is not precise.Some patients will ask for assisted reproductive technology due to secondary infertility or advanced maternal age.The clinical outcomes of URPL patients who have undergonein vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET)require elucidation.The IVF outcome and influencing factors of URPL patients need further study.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was designed,and 312 infertile patients with URPL who had been treated during January 2012 to December 2015 in the Reproduction Center of Peking University Third Hospital were included.By comparing clinical outcomes between these patients and those with tubal factor infertility(TFI),the factors affecting the clinical outcomes of URPL patients were analyzed.Results:The clinical pregnancy rate(35.18%vs.34.52%in fresh ET cycles,P=0.877;34.48%vs.40.27%in frozen-thawed ET cycles,P=0.283)and live birth rate(LBR)in fresh ET cycles(27.67%vs.26.59%,P=0.785)were not significantly different between URPL group and TFI group.URPL group had lower LBR in frozen-thawed ET cycles than that of TFI group(23.56%vs.33.56%,P=0.047),but the cumulative LBRs(34.69%vs.38.26%,P=0.368)were not significantly different between the two groups.The increased endometrial thickness(EMT)on the human chorionic gonadotropin day(odds ratio[OR]:0.848,95%confidence interval[CI]:0.748-0.962,P=0.010)and the increased number of eggs retrieved(OR:0.928,95%CI:0.887-0.970,P=0.001)were protective factors for clinical pregnancy in stimulated cycles.The increased number of eggs retrieved(OR:0.875,95%CI:0.846-0.906,P<0.001),the increased two-pronucleus rate(OR:0.151,95%CI:0.052-0.437,P<0.001),and increased EMT(OR:0.876,95%CI:0.770-0.997,P=0.045)in ET day were protective factors for the cumulative live birth outcome.Conclusion:After matching ages,no significant differences in clinical outcomes were found between the patients with URPL and the patients with TFI.A thicker endometrium and more retrieved oocytes increase the probability of pregnancy in fresh transfer cycles,but a better normal fertilization potential will increase the possibility of a live birth.

Sperm DNA fragmentation in Chinese couples with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss

We aimed to study the association between sperm DNA fragmentation and recurrent pregnancy loss(RPL)in the Chinese population via a retrospective observational study of Chinese couples who had experienced RPL between May 2013 and August 2018.The study population included 461 men from couples with RPL and 411 men from a control group(couples with clinical pregnancy via in v/tro fertiIization owing to female causes).Routine semen analysis,sperm chromatin analysis,and microscopic(high-power)morphological analysis were performed using semen samples.Semen samples were assessed for volume,sperm count,and motility.The sperm DNA fragmentation index(DFI)was calculated,and the median DFI was obtained.Men were categorized as having normal(37.8%;DFI<15.0%),moderate(33.6%;15.0%<DFI<30.0%),or severe(28.6%;DFI A30.0%)DNA fragmentation levels.The percentage of men with severe DNA fragmentation was significantly higher in the RPL(42.3%)group than that in the control group(13.1%),whereas the percentage of men with normal levels of DNA fragmentation was significantly lower in the RPL group(22.8%)tha n that in the control group(54.7%).Subsequent analysis also dem on strated that the sperm DNA fragmentation rate had a moderate reverse correlation with the sperm progressive motility rate(r=-0.47,P<0.001)and the total motile sperm count(r=-0.31,P<0.001).We found a positive correlation between RPL and sperm DNA fragmentation.The results suggest that increased sperm DNA damage is associated with RPL.

Retrospective Cohort Study of Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy with Comprehensive Chromosome Screening versus Nonpreimplantation Genetic Testing in Normal Karyotype,Secondary Infertility Patients with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Objective:To evaluate whether preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy(PGT-A)with comprehensive chromosome screening increases live birth rate(LBR)in normal karyotype couples with recurrent pregnancy loss(RPL).Methods:A retrospective cohort follow-up study of 506 couples with RPL was conducted between April 2014 and March 2017.Couples were allocated to two groups according to their decision to choose PGT-A or not.The primary outcome was LBR per start/transfer cycle;secondary outcomes were ongoing pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate.Statistical analyses were conducted using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for maternal age.Results:LBR per start(26.6%vs.15.4%,relative risk[RR]:2.66,95%confidence interval[CI][1.69-4.20],P<0.0001;adjusted RR[aRR]:2.40,95%CI[1.49-3.86],P=0.0004)and per transfer(44.9%vs.25.1%,RR:3.00,95%CI[1.96-4.60],P<0.0001;aRR:2.64,95%CI[1.68-4.14],P<0.0001)was significantly higher in the PGT-A group than in the non-PGT-A group.The miscarriage rate was significantly lower in the PGT-A group compared to the non-PGT-A group(15.7%vs.34.6%,RR:0.27,95%CI[0.13-0.57],P=0.00005;aRR:0.26,95%CI[0.12-0.57],P=0.0007).Conclusions:LBR per start cycle following PGT-A is significantly higher,and risk of miscarriage is significantly lower among infertile couples with RPL,irrespective of maternal age.PGT-A should be recommended to infertile couples with RPL.

Understanding recurrent pregnancy loss:recent advances on its etiology,clinical diagnosis,and management

Recurrent pregnancy loss(RPL)has become an important reproductive health issue worldwide.RPL affects about 2%–3%of reproductive-aged women,and makes serious threats to women’s physical and mental health.However,the etiology of approximately 50%of RPL cases remains unknown(unexplained RPL),which poses a big challenge for clinical management of these patients.RPL has been widely regarded as a complex disease where its etiology has been attributed to numerous factors.Heretofore,various risk factors for RPL have been identified,such as maternal ages,genetic factors,anatomical structural abnormalities,endocrine dysfunction,prethrombotic state,immunological factors,and infection.More importantly,development and applications of next generation sequencing technology have significantly expanded opportunities to discover chromosomal aberrations and single gene variants responsible for RPL,which provides new insight into its pathogenic mechanisms.Furthermore,based upon patients’diagnostic evaluation and etiologic diagnosis,specific therapeutic recommendations have been established.This review will highlight current understanding and recent advances on RPL,with a special focus on the immunological and genetic etiologies,clinical diagnosis and therapeutic management.

Association between polymorphisms of prokineticin receptor(PKR1 rs4627609 and PKR2 rs6053283) and recurrent pregnancy loss

Recurrent pregnancy loss （RPL） is a condition with complex etiologies, to which both genetic and envi- ronmental factors may contribute. During the last decade, studies indicated that the expression patterns of the pro- kineticin receptor （PKR1 and PKR2） are closely related to early pregnancy. However, there are few studies on the role of PKR1 and PKR2 in RPL. In this study, we purpose to investigate the association between polymorphisms of the prokineticin receptor （PKR1 rs4627609 and PKR2 rs6053283） and RPL on a group of 93 RPL cases and 169 healthy controls. Genotyping of the single nucleotide polymorphisms （SNPs） was performed using a Sequenom MassARRAY iPLEX system. The results revealed a significant association between PKR2 rs6053283 polymorphism and RPL （P=0.003）, whereas no association was observed between PKR1 rs4627609 polymorphism and RPL （P=-0.929） in the Chinese Han population.

In vitro Fertilization with Single-nucleotide Polymorphism Microarray-based Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy Significantly Improves Clinical Outcomes in Infertile Women with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss:A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective:To evaluate the effect of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy(PGT-A)in infertile patients with recurrent pregnancy loss(RPL).Methods:A prospective randomized clinical trial was performed in a university-affiliated fertility center in Shanghai,China.Patients in the PGT-A group underwent blastocyst biopsy followed by single-nucleotide polymorphism microarray-based PGT-A and single euploid blastocyst transfer,whereas patients in the control group underwent routine in vitro fertilization/ICSI procedures and frozen embryo transfer of 1-2 embryos selected according to morphological standards.Results:Two hundred and seven infertile patients with RPL were included in this study and randomly assigned to either the control or the PGT-A group.Baseline variables and cycle characteristics were comparable between the two groups.The results showed that PGT-A significantly improved the ongoing pregnancy rate(55.34%vs.29.81%)as well as the live birth rate(48.54%vs.27.88%)and significantly reduced the miscarriage rate(0.00%vs.14.42%)on a per-patient analysis.A significant increase in cumulative ongoing pregnancy rates over time was observed in the PGT-A group.Subgroup analysis showed that the significant benefit diminished for patients who attempted≥2 PGT-A cycles.Conclusions:PGT-A significantly improved the ongoing pregnancy and live birth rate,while reduced miscarriage rate in infertile RPL patients.However,the significance diminished in patients attempting≥2 cycles;thus,further studies are warranted to explore the most cost-effective number of attempts in these patients to avoid overuse.

Factor XIII VaU34Leu polymorphism and risk of recurrent pregnancy loss in Iranian population： a case control study

BACKGROUND： Recurrent pregnancy loss （RPL） is a heterogeneous condition and thrombophilias have been considered as a probable cause. OBJECTIVE： The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of the coagulation factor XIII Va134Leu polymorphism among women with unexplained RPL. METHODS： A total of 140 women with a history of unexplained RPL and 100 age-matched healthy fertile women were recruited. The presence of FXIII Va134Leu polymorphism among the cases and controls was investigated using PCR-RFLP method. RESULTS： Genotype analyses of the subjects revealed that the patients had a significantly higher prevalence of V/L and L/L than the controls （P〈 0.05）： 33.5% vs. 15%, and 9.2% vs. 2%, respectively. CONCLUSION： These results indicate a significant association between FXIII Va134Leu polymorphism and unexplained RPL in the Iranian patient.

The interaction effect between advanced paternal age and paternal obesity is associated with the low implantation rate in couples with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss

Objective:To explore the roles of advanced paternal age(APA)and abnormal paternal weight on embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes for unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss(uRPL)couples who underwent preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies(PGT-A).Methods:This study included 779 uRPL couples who underwent their first PGT-A cycles between 2014 and 2018.Male patients’aging and nutritional status were quantified by paternal age and body mass index(BMI).Routine semen parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation index(DFI)were used to reflect the seminal quality.Blastocyst formation rate and aneuploidy rate were used to reflect the embryo quality.Cycle cancellation rate,implantation rate,pregnancy loss rate,and live birth rate were measured to evaluate the treatment efficiency from IVF.To remove the interference of maternal age,only the women younger than 38 years old were included.After univariate screening,interaction tests were performed in a generalized linear model(GLM)to further examine the effects of paternal age and BMI on each outcome indicator.Results:In the total population(779 cycles),there were no statistical differences in aneuploidy rate,cycle cancellation rate,implantation rate,pregnancy loss rate,and live birth rate,whether stratified by paternal age or paternal BMI.Similar results occurred in the younger men(<40 y.o.,633 cycles).Conversely,among the men with advanced age(≥40 y.o.,146 cycles),there were statistical differences between the three BMI groups in four semen parameters(total sperm number,total motility,progressive motility,and total motile sperm count),implantation rate,and live birth rate.After interaction testing,the results of GLM suggested that the interaction effect between APA and paternal obesity was associated with the low implantation rate of uRPL couples.Conclusions:For the uRPL couples seeking for PGT-A treatment,if the male patients have both advanced age and obesity,their spouses are at higher risks for embryo implantation failure.