Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Injection Research Articles

Effect of intrauterine infusion of autologous platelet-rich plasma in patients with refractory thin endometrium undergoing in vitro fertilization.

Treatment of refractory thin endometrium during IVF is a relatively challenging problem, considering that optimal endometrium thickness is one of the critical factors for successful implantation and pregnancy. Autologous intrauterine platelet-rich plasma (PRP) infusion is an adjuvant therapeutic alternative for enhancing the endometrial thickness (EMT) and echo pattern. It was shown that PRP could expand EMT and improve pregnancy outcomes with its high content of growth factors and cytokines, and its role in the regulation of the immunological interaction between the embryo and the endometrium. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of autologous PRP in improving the ongoing pregnancy rate in patients with refractory thin endometrium undergoing IVF. A prospective study in Ain Shams University Hospital including 66 infertile women with a refractory thin endometrium below 7 mm by ultrasound on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin injection in fresh embryo transfer (ET) cycle, who did not respond to standard medical therapies after more than 2 cycles of previous medical therapy, and who were candidates for IVF cycle were given intrauterine PRP. A significant increase in EMT was noted and enhancement of endometrial pattern after intrauterine PRP infusion in the days of ovum pick-up and ET. There was also a significant increase in ongoing pregnancy, chemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and implantation rates, while the miscarriage rate decreased after PRP infusion. Intrauterine PRP infusion improved ongoing pregnancy, chemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and implantation rates, in addition to EMT and pattern on the days of ovum pick-up and ET, while the miscarriage rate significantly decreased.

Progestin-primed ovarian stimulation protocol with or without clomiphene citrate for poor ovarian responders: a retrospective cohort study

ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy of progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) combined with clomiphene citrate (CC) versus PPOS protocol used alone on cycle characteristics and pregnancy outcomes for women with the poor ovarian response (POR).MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study and a total of 578 POR patients who underwent IVF/ICSI cycles were collected and divided into Group A (HMG 300 IU/d + MPA 10 mg/d) and Group B (HMG 300 IU/d + MPA 10 mg/d + CC 50 mg/d). The primary outcome measure was the number of oocytes retrieved, other outcome measures were cycle characteristics and clinical pregnancy rate.ResultsThe baseline information between the two groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Compared with Group A, Group B had a lower total dose of human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) (2998.63 ± 1051.09 vs. 3399.18 ± 820.75, P < 0.001) and the duration of stimulation (10.21 ± 3.56 vs. 11.27 ± 2.56, P < 0.001). Serum luteinizing hormone level was higher in Group B on human chorionic gonadotrophin injection day (P < 0.001). The number of oocyte for retrieval, maturation, and fertilization were significantly lower in Group B than that in Group A (P < 0.001). However, the oocyte retrieval rate, maturation rate, fertilization rate, and viable embryo rate showed no statistical difference in the two groups (P > 0.05). After adjusting for confounders, the clinical pregnancy rate (OR 1.286; 95% CI 0.671–2.470) and live birth rate (OR 1.390; 95% CI 0.478–3.990) were comparable between the two groups.ConclusionsPPOS protocol combined with CC reduces the total dose of HMG and the duration of stimulation, and can also achieve similar oocyte yields and clinical pregnancy rate compared with the PPOS protocol used alone in poor ovarian responders.

Evaluation of the role of human chorionic gonadotropin therapy in the management of retractile testes in children

Background and objective: Retractile testis is relatively common in pediatric population. This study followed up boys with retractile testis to investigate the natural course and the need for hormonal therapy and surgical treatments. Methods: A total of 110 boys aged 1.5-10.1 years (mean: 3.2 years) diagnosed as retractile testes, 67 (60.9%) unilateral and 43 (39.09%) bilateral. The mean follow-up period was 4.9±1.3 years. The diagnosis is confirmed on history and examination and ultrasound was made for measuring the size of the testis. Results: A total of 47 (42.72%) cases received human chorionic gonadotropin (17 bilateral and 30 unilateral). Response occurred in 32 boys (68.1%),12 bilateral and 20 unilateral. Failure of response occurred in 15 boys (31.9%). Fourteen of 110 boys (12.72 %) were referred for orchiopexy, including 1 of 12 (8.3%) of bilateral cases and 2 of 20 (10%) of unilateral cases who responded to human chorionic gonadotropin injection, 2 of 5 bilateral cases (40%) and 1 in 10 unilateral cases (10%) in those did not respond to treatment. In those who did not receive treatment, orchiopexy was performed in 6 of 26 bilateral cases (23.1) and in 2 of 37 unilateral cases (5.4%). Conclusion: Although testicular descent was achieved by short-term hormone therapy, the study revealed that there is no significant statistical difference for the need for orchiopexy between those received and those did not receive human chorionic gonadotropin.

Natural cycle versus modified natural cycle for endometrial preparation in women undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer: An RCT.

Studies have evaluated different endometrial preparation methods, but the optimal frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycle strategy in terms of the in-vitro fertilization outcome is still debated. To compare the natural versus modified natural cycles for endometrial preparation in women undergoing FET. This study was designed as a randomized clinical trial, and it was performed at the Arash women's hospital between August 2016-2018. Hundred and forty eligible participants were enrolled in this study and were randomly divided into 2 groups by using the block randomization method, including true natural FET (n = 70) and modified natural FET (mNFET) (n = 70) cycles. Both groups were monitored for endometrial thickness and follicular size; simultaneously spontaneous luteinizing hormone surge using urinary luteinizing hormone testing kits. The mNFET group received 5000 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin injection to trigger final follicular maturation. Luteal support by vaginal progesterone (cyclogest 400 mg twice daily) was used in true natural FET from the day of transfer until the 10 wk of pregnancy. Chemical and clinical pregnancy and abortion rates were considered as the primary outcomes. There were no differences in the participants' baseline characteristics between groups. There was no difference in clinical pregnancy and abortion rate between groups, while the implantation rate was significantly higher in the mNFET group (29.2% vs. 17.6%; p = 0.036). The results demonstrated that both types of natural cycles were similar in pregnancy outcomes, while modified cycles might be associated with a higher implantation rate.

Association of gene expression in ovarian granulosa cells with embryonic development potential among patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

To assess the association of gene expression with development potential of early embryos derived from patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Three pairs of infertile patients with respectively matched age, body mass index, ovarian reserve and treatment with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists were selected. Patients with fewer embryos were assigned as the case group (n = 3), whilst the remainders were assigned as the control group (n = 3). Ovarian granulosa cells from patients were collected for the extraction of total RNA and subjected to RNA sequencing. The results were subjected to differential gene expression and functional enrichment analyses. Compared with the control group, 76 genes were up-regulated and 110 genes were down-regulated in the case group. The level of estradiol (E2) was significantly higher in the control group on the trigger day with the injection of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG). Compared with the control group, the KRT7 gene was most significantly up-regulated, whilst the CCNYL2 gene was most significantly down-regulated in the case group. Gene ontology (GO) entries enrichment has found those associated with chromosome segregation, cell cycle regulation, and fatty acid metabolism to be significantly enriched. The genes participating in the regulation of cell assembly, differentiation, negative regulation of cell cycle, negative regulation of development, extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK), ERK1 and ERK2 signaling pathways to be significantly down-regulated. KEGG enrichment analysis of cell signaling pathways revealed that steroid hormone biosynthesis-related genes were enriched. Among patients treated with GnRH antagonists, the significant difference in the number of oocytes fertilized in vitro and the number of available embryos are associated with the difference in the expression of genes of ovarian granulosa cells.

Pregnancy outcomes in infertile patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection and two interval programs of hCG-to-oocyte aspiration

This study aimed to determine the outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) if oocyte retrieval was done 32-34 hours or 34:05-36 hours after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection. A randomized sample involving 186 patients with tubal failure was divided into groups A (96 patients) and B (90 patients). Intracytoplasmic sperm injection was performed on all patients according to described protocols. The number of oocytes retrieved, oocyte cumulus complex quality, number of fertilized eggs, and pregnancy rates were compared between groups. The total of oocytes retrieved in group B was significantly higher than in group A but not significant (P=0.068). The oocyte maturation rate was also significantly higher in the long interval group B than in the short interval group A (P=0.039). There was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of fertilization rate (0.040), and the pregnancy rate in group B was higher than that in group A, but it was not significant (P=0.055). The prolonged interval could also increase the pregnancy rate, but it was not significant. It seems that if the interval between hCG priming and oocyte retrieval is prolonged, the percentage of the number of oocytes retrieved, mature oocytes (MII), and fertilized oocytes increases.

Nomogram models to predict low fertilisation rate and total fertilisation failure in patients undergoing conventional IVF cycles

ObjectivesTo establish visualised prediction models of low fertilisation rate (LFR) and total fertilisation failure (TFF) for patients in conventional in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycles.DesignA retrospective cohort study.SettingData from August 2017...

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

Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF) has been introduced as an immunomodulatory agent by increasing implantation rate in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients but it has not been studied in intrauterine insemination (IUI) patients. The aim of this study is to answer the role of GCSF in implantation rate of IUI. In this prospective double-blind randomized control trial, 320 eligible patients were enrolled, who were referred to the referral infertility clinic of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences from February 2018 till the end of 2019. They were divided into two groups randomly. After collecting the demographic data, all patients received clomiphene citrate from the 5th day of the menstruation cycle for 5 days. 50-150 units of recombinant purified follicle-stimulating factor (FSH) were started from the 8th day of the cycle. Follicle monitoring was done by transvaginal sonography till a mature follicle of 18 mm or more was developed. Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) injection was done in both groups with intrauterine administration of 300 μg GCSF in the case group and normal saline in the control group simultaneously. After 36 hours, IUI was performed. The clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and ongoing pregnancy rates of both groups were calculated by SPSS software. The results showed improvement of clinical pregnancy rate [15.38% vs. 13.81% OR=1.17 (0.62-2.21)], miscarriage rate [3.84% vs. 5.26% OR=0.74 (0.25-2.20)] and ongoing pregnancy rate [11.53% vs. 8.55% OR=1.37 (0.65-2.92)] in the GCSF group compared to the control. However, the results revealed no statistically significance (P>0.05). Although it was not statistically significant, 300 μg Intrauterine GCSF administration simultaneously with hCG injection in standard IUI procedure might increase the pregnancy outcomes. Further studies are warranted (registration number: IRCT201212079281N2).

Value of Intrauterine Injection of HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) before Fresh Embryo Transfer on Clinical Pregnancy Rate in Women with Previous Failed One or Two ICSI (Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection) Trials

Value of Intrauterine Injection of HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) before Fresh Embryo Transfer on Clinical Pregnancy Rate in Women with Previous Failed One or Two ICSI (Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection) Trials

The use of stimulation tests for the differential diagnosis of delayed puberty in boys. How to increase the specificity of the method?

BACKGROUND: In patients with a constitutional delay of puberty starts and ends completely without any medical intervention. In adolescents with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism puberty is absent or does not continue its development. Differential diagnosis of the conditions is complicated due to lack of standard recommendations for the selection, conducting and assessment of stimulation tests.&#x0D; AIM: To assess the information content and find ways to increase the specificity of stimulation tests with triptorelin and corionic gonadotropin in relation to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 44 adolescent boys aged 13.517 years with delayed puberty. Sexual development was assessed according to Tanner scale, bone age (X-ray of the non-dominant hand according to the Greulich atlas). All boys were tested with triptorelin. The test with one- and three-day intramuscular injection of human chorionic gonadotropin was performed in 26 and 35 patients, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using the StatTech v. 2.6.1 (developer Stattech LLC, Russia). To assess the diagnostic significance of quantitative signs in predicting a certain outcome the ROC-curve analysis was performed.&#x0D; RESULTS: It was revealed that a negative test with triptorelin was observed in some patients with constitutional delay of puberty. Threshold stimulated luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone levels were set (8.90 and 5.90 IU/l respectively). Gonadotropins values equal to or lower than selected thresholds allow diagnosing of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with high sensitivity and specificity. Threshold testosterone levels stimulated by one- and three-day administration of human chorionic gonadotropin were determined (2.11 and 5.84 nmol/l respectively). Testosterone values equal to or lower than selected thresholds allow diagnosing of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with high sensitivity and specificity. A high degree of positive correlation was found between stimulated luteinizing hormone levels and stimulated testosterone levels during a three-day test with human chorionic gonadotropin.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: A negative test with triptorelin is observed in some patients with constitutional delay of puberty. The specificity of the test can be improved by using threshold stimulated levels of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone (8.90 and 5.90 IU/L, respectively). The use of the threshold levels of testosterone (2.11 and 5.84 nmol/l within the one- and three-day functional tests of the testicles respectively) can help to increase the specificity of the considered outdated stimulation tests with human chorionic gonadotropin.

The effect of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation on ovarian reserve via PTEN pathway.

Graphical abstract This study was carried out to investigate whether repeated controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) affects ovarian reserve. For this reason, we aimed to show possible changes in the expression of PTEN and FOXO3, which are involved in preserving the over-reserve, after applying the COH protocol methods. For this purpose, 18 young Wistar albino female rats (8 weeks old) were randomly assigned as group 1 (control), group 2, and group 3 as 6 subjects in each group. Experimental groups were treated with 10 IU/0.1 mL pregnant mare’s serum gonadotropin and a COH protocol consisting of 10 IU/0.1 mL human chorionic gonadotropin injection after 48 h. This procedure was applied three and five times to group 2 and group 3, respectively. For the control groups, the same procedures were performed with 0.1 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride solution. At the end of the experiment, the ovarium tissues were placed in a 10% neutral formaldehyde solution for light microscopic examinations. In histological sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin, the number of ovarian follicles was determined using the physical dissector method. However, the expression of PTEN, FOXO3, and LH-R molecules was evaluated by immunohistochemical methods. As a result of our study, it was concluded that COH administration reduces the expression levels of PTEN and FOXO3 proteins and LH-R, which are among the essential components of the PIK3 intracellular signaling pathway and also increased the levels of hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, and luteinizing hormone, which are over-reserve markers, and causes adverse effects on the histological structure, oocyte morphology, and number of ovaries.Lay summaryToday, approximately 10–15% of couples experience fertility problems. However, assisted reproductive techniques help people with fertility problems to get pregnant. The main purpose of these techniques is to put the sperm and egg together outside the woman’s body where the eggs are fertilized and then to return the fertilized eggs (embryos) to the womb. During a woman’s menstrual cycle, several hormones influence the growth of the eggs. This process can be mimicked by using various medications. Medication is given to increase the number of eggs that develop. However, this method is not the same as normal ovulation. Therefore, in our study, we wanted to examine the effect that developing multiple follicles has on the number and quality of eggs remaining for the future.

Comparing Naltrexone and Metformin Pretreatment for Inducing Ovulation in Patients With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Intrauterine Insemination Cycles

Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder among women. Hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance are normally observed in PCOS patients and metformin is used to treat this disease. The evidence indicates that the opioid system plays a role in the pathogenesis of the PCOS. Based on the above-mentioned explanation, the present study evaluated the role of opioid antagonist (naltrexone) in PCOS-induced infertility compared to metformin. Materials and Methods: Totally, 120 patients afflicted with PCOS were assigned to three groups based on Rotterdam diagnostic criteria, with a body mass index (BMI) of 25-30 kg/m2 . The first group received naltrexone (50 mg/d) for 8 weeks. In addition, the second group were injected with metformin 1000 and then 1500 mg/d for the first and seventh weeks, respectively. Finally, the third group entered the intrauterine insemination (IUI) without prior therapeutic treatment. Then, the groups were compared in terms of the amount of estradiol produced per day of human chorionic gonadotropin injection and the total amount of gonadotropin needed, the number and size of the adult follicles, the number of days of taking the drug, and incidence of pregnancy-induced abo Results: Based on the results, the mean of infertility duration was not significant among the three groups (P=0.782). Further, the mean fasting insulin level between the metformin and control groups represented a significant difference (P=0.045). The average number of days to trigger patients in the 3 groups was not significant (P=0.346). Although the average number of follicles between metformin and naltrexone groups was not significant, it was higher in the naltrexone group. Finally, the average BMI of the naltrexone group after the treatment was lower compared to before treatment (P≤ 0.001). Conclusions: In general, the number of receiving days and the dose of the drug in the naltrexone group was lower compared to the metformin group. Furthermore, the number of mature follicles in both ovaries and the serum estradiol level in the naltrexone group was higher compared to the metformin group.

The Effect of Intrauterine Injection of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin on Implantation Rate During ICSI Cycles: Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

The Effect of Intrauterine Injection of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin on Implantation Rate During ICSI Cycles: Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

Effects of Acupuncture on Endometrium and Pregnancy Outcomes in Patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Undergoing in vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

To observe the effect of acupuncture on endometrium and pregnancy outcomes in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) infertility undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Eighty-three patients were randomly assigned to observation group (40 cases) and control group (43 cases) according to the random numbers generated by SPSS software. The patients of the two groups received GnRH agonist long protocol as a routine treatment. In the observation group, acupuncture was given at two acupoint groups for 30 min once every other day. Group 1 included Guanyuan (CV 4), Qihai (CV 6), Zhongji (CV 3), bilateral acupoints Zigong (EX-CA1). Group 2 included Mingmen (GV 4), Yaoyangguan (GV 3), bilateral Shenshu (BL 23) and Ciliao (BL 32). The two groups of acupoints were used alternately. The whole needling process was performed at the time of ovulation induction until the transplantation day and consisted of 3 courses, while the control group did not receive acupuncture interventions. The Gn dosage and Gn stimulation time, endometrial thickness and type (A, B, and C), serum oestradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) levels on the day of injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), clinical pregnancy rate, as well as live birth rate were observed. Adverse reactions were also be recorded. All patients were followed up for the pregnant rate 14 days after IVF-ET and live birth rate after pregnancy. All adverse reactions (AEs) of acupuncture were recorded during the trial. The Gn dosage and Gn stimulation time in the observation group were lower in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.01). The proportion of type A endometrium in the observation group were higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The serum E2 and P levels on the day of hCG injection was lower and the clinical pregnancy rate was higher in the observation group compared to those in the control group (P<0.05). There was no serious AEs during this trial. Acupuncture can improve the proportion of type A endometrium, regulate the levels of serum E2 and P on the day of hCG injection, and improve the pregnancy rate in patients with PCOS infertility undergoing IVF-ET.

Cryptotanshinone Protects against PCOS-Induced Damage of Ovarian Tissue via Regulating Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Membrane Potential, Inflammation, and Apoptosis via Regulating Ferroptosis.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of childbearing age. Cryptotanshinone (CRY) has been shown to be effective in reversing reproductive disorders, but whether it can be used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome remains unclear. We aimed to explore whether the mechanism of cryptotanshinone (CRY) in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can be driven via regulating ferroptosis. A rat model of PCOS was established by daily injection of human chorionic gonadotropin and insulin for 22 days. An in vitro model of ischemia-reperfusion (IR) of granulosa cells was established. The in vitro and rat models of PCOS were subjected to different treatments including ferroptosis activators and inhibitors, CRY, and MAPK inhibitor. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring the activities of SOD, MDA, and GSH-PX. Total body weight and ovarian weight, as well as the levels of LH and the LH to FSH ratio, significantly increased in rats with PCOS, compared with controls. The expression of Bax was increased in PCOS tissues while PGC1α, NFR1, GPX4, catalase p-ERK, and Bcl-2 were all downregulated. Ferroptosis activator, erastin, had effects similar to those of PCOS while the contrary was found with CRY and ferroptosis inhibitor treatment groups. In vitro, CRY inhibited oxidative stress, MMP, and NF-κB and activated MAPK/ERK signaling by regulating ferroptosis. Overall, this study indicated that CRY protects against PCOS-induced damage of the ovarian tissue, via regulating oxidative stress, MMP, inflammation, and apoptosis via regulating ferroptosis.

Reproductive efficiency of treated Karakul ewes with short-term progesterone and hCG injections during the non-breeding and breeding seasons

The aim of this study was to evaluate reproductive efficiency of ewes following a short-term treatment with progesterone (P4) plus human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injections. In Exp 1, ewes (n = 65) were used during the non-breeding season and received P4, three times every other day (n = 22, 3PHCG, IM) or a single dose of P4 (n = 21, PHCG). We injected hCG in all ewes 24 h after the P4 treatment, and distilled water in control group (n = 22). Blood collection were performed on days −13, −6 and + 8 relative to ram release. In Exp 2, during the breeding season, ewes (n = 66) were assigned to the 3PHCG (n = 33) and control (n = 33) groups described for Exp 1, and subsequently received PGF2α 48 h before ram release. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed on day 42 after the ram release which was done 24 h after the hCG injection. In Exp 1, Estrus, pregnancy rate at induced estrus, and lambing rates at the first cycle were greater in 3PHCG (81.8%, 59.1% and 54.5%) group compared with the PHCG (38.1%, 23.8% and 19%) and control (0%, 0% and 0%) groups (P < 0.05). In Exp 2, Estrus, pregnancy rate at induced estrus, and lambing rates at the first cycle were greater in 3PHCG (75.8%, 57.6% and 51.5%) group compared with the control (39.4%, 30.3% and 27.3%) groups (P < 0.05). To conclude, hCG injection 24 h after P4 administration is an effective protocol to induce fertile estrus during non-breeding season, and synchronize estrus and lambing of ewe in the breeding season.

Efficacy and safety of newly developed ganirelix acetate in infertile women for assisted reproductive technology: a prospective, randomised, controlled study

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Ganilever pre-filled syringe (PFS), a newly developed ganirelix acetate, for the inhibition of premature luteinising hormone (LH) surge in in vitro fertilisation (IVF). A prospective randomised controlled study was conducted (NCT03051087). A total of 236 women (Ganilever group: 114, Orgalutran group: 122) were finally analysed. The patients with LH of >10 mIU/mL on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection were 0 (0.0%) and 3 (2.5%) in the Ganilever and Orgalutran groups, respectively (p= .25). The number of retrieved oocytes from two groups did not show any significant difference (12.0 ± 6.4 vs. 11.8 ± 6.3, p= .73). Furthermore, the two groups did not show significant differences in the number of good-quality oocytes and embryo, and the rate of fertilisation. Similar safety profiles were also observed. In conclusion, Ganilever PFS showed comparable IVF outcomes and safety profile in IVF, as compared to the Orgalutran. Impact Statement What is already known on this subject? Premature LH surge during controlled ovarian stimulation results in the induction of luteinisation of the immature follicles. Thus, gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol was suggested as an option for suppression of premature LH surge. Currently, one of GnRH antagonists being widely used is ganirelix acetate (Orgalutran®; Organon, Oss, The Netherlands). Ganilever pre-filled syringe (PFS) is a newly developed GnRH antagonist containing ganirelix acetate as an active ingredient. What do the results of this study add? Our study demonstrated that Ganilever PFS showed comparable IVF outcomes and patient safety profile in infertile women undergoing in IVF-ET, as compared to the Orgalutran. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The results of our study will provide another available GnRH antagonist to be used in patients with IVF.

Effects of embryonic stem cell-conditioned medium on the preimplantation development of mouse embryos.

The production of high-quality embryos in the laboratory and a successful pregnancy are closely related to the condition and contents of oocyte and embryo culture media. In this study, we investigated the effects of embryonic stem cell-conditioned medium (ESCCM) and embryonic stem cells growth medium (ESCGM) compared with potassium-enriched simplex optimized medium (KSOM) on preimplantation embryo development stages during natural or in vitro fertilization (IVF). Birth rate of pups was measured. To obtain mature oocytes, and 2-cell and 8-cell embryos, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) was injected 48 h after i.p. injection of 5 units of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin. Mature oocytes were obtained from non-mated female mice 14 h after HCG injection. To obtain 2-cell and 8-cell embryos, mated female mice, 1 day and 3 days, respectively, after HCG injection, were used. Mature oocytes were fertilized in HTF medium. Embryos obtained from natural or in vitro fertilization were cultured in experimental media, ESCCM and ESCGM, or KSOM as the control culture medium. Embryos that developed to the blastocyst stage were transferred to the uteri of pseudopregnant mice and effects of the experimental media on embryo viability were determined. ESCCM and ESCGM could not pass the embryo after the 2-cell stage, but they were suitable for the development of the embryo from the 8-cell stage to the blastocyst. It can be concluded that the embryo has various requirements at different stages of development.

A novel orally active gonadotropin‐releasing hormone antagonist, relugolix, is a potential substitute for injectable GnRH antagonists in controlled ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive technology

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy of an oral gonadotropin‐releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH Ant), relugolix (R), for assisted reproductive technology (ART).MethodsWe enrolled women undergoing ART using a GnRH Ant for controlled ovarian stimulation. We compared R; 20 mg/day with cetrorelix acetate (C); 0.125 mg. C was administered to 88 women in 2019, and R to 93 women in 2020. Clinical outcomes associated with ART were assessed in both groups.ResultsThe luteinizing hormone levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin injection in the R group (1.26 ± 0.93 IU/L) were significantly lower than those in the C group (2.85 ± 3.02 IU/L). There were no cases in which egg retrieval was canceled in both groups. The total doses of gonadotropins administered were greater in the R group compared with the C group. The number of days of GnRH Ant administration in the R group (1.71 ± 0.57 days) was significantly longer compared with the C group (1.48 ± 0.58 days). The number of oocytes collected, fertilization rates, and pregnancy rates (R; 47.1% vs C; 45.8%) did not differ between the two groups.ConclusionAn orally active GnRH Ant, relugolix, when used in controlled ovarian stimulation for ART, showed comparable clinical outcomes with cetrorelix.

Testis development in the Japanese eel is affected by photic signals through melatonin secretion.

ObjectiveAccording to reported spawning characteristics of Japanese eel, Anguilla japonica, which exhibit spawning and migration patterns that are synchronized with lunar cycles and photoperiod, we hypothesized that a close association exists between specific photic signals (daylight, daylength, and moonlight) and endocrinological regulation. Given the photic control in melatonin secretion, this hypothesis was tested by investigating whether melatonin signals act as mediators relaying photic signals during testis development in the eel.MethodsWe examined changes in melatonin-secretion patterns using time-resolved fluorescence immunoassays in sexually immature and mature male Japanese eels under the condition of a new moon (NM) and a full moon (FM).ResultsThe eye and plasma melatonin levels exhibited a nocturnal pattern under a 12-h light: dark cycle (12L12D) or under constant darkness (DD), but not with constant light (LL). Eye melatonin levels were similar under the 12L12D and short-day (9L15D) conditions. In the long-day condition (15L9D), secreted plasma melatonin levels were stable, whereas short-day melatonin secretion began when darkness commenced. Sexual maturation began at 8 weeks following intraperitoneal injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and NM exposure led to significantly higher eye and plasma melatonin levels compared with those detected under FM exposure.