Treatment Of Female Infertility Research Articles

The Functions and Application Prospects of Hepatocyte Growth Factor in Reproduction.

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is expressed in multiple systems and mediates a variety of biological activities, such as mitosis, motility, and morphogenesis. A growing number of studies have revealed the expression patterns and functions of HGF in ovarian and testicular physiology from the prenatal to the adult stage. HGF regulates folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis by modulating the functions of theca cells and granulosa cells in the ovary. It also mediates somatic cell proliferation and steroidogenesis, thereby affecting spermatogenesis in males. In addition to its physiological effects on the reproductive system, HGF has shown advantages in preclinical studies over recent years for the treatment of male and female infertility, particularly in women with premature ovarian insufficiency. This review aims to summarize the pleiotropic functions of HGF in the reproductive system and to provide prospects for its clinical application.

Recent scientific data on the treatment of female infertility of tubal origin

In 1976 in the United States about 10-15% of couples failed to conceive after at least one year of marriage without the use of contraceptive methods. At the same time, the number of visits to private doctors for infertility problems increased from about 600,000 in 1968 to about 900,000 in 1980. This increased concern about infertility problems appears to be concentrated in that cohort of the American female population born after World War II, currently in their thirties or early forties.

Application of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Female Infertility Treatment: Protocols and Preliminary Results.

Infertility is a global phenomenon that impacts people of both the male and the female sex; it is related to multiple factors affecting an individual's overall systemic health. Recently, investigators have been using mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy for female-fertility-related disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure (POF), endometriosis, preeclampsia, and Asherman syndrome (AS). Studies have shown promising results, indicating that MSCs can enhance ovarian function and restore fertility for affected individuals. Due to their regenerative effects and their participation in several paracrine pathways, MSCs can improve the fertility outcome. However, their beneficial effects are dependent on the methodologies and materials used from isolation to reimplantation. In this review, we provide an overview of the protocols and methods used in applications of MSCs. Moreover, we summarize the findings of published preclinical studies on infertility treatments and discuss the multiple properties of these studies, depending on the isolation source of the MSCs used.

Research progress of ferroptosis in female infertility

Ferroptosis is a novel type of programmed cell death dependent on iron and characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides in cells and is closely related to various diseases. Female infertility is a global health concern, which is associated with a variety of factors. The etiology remains unknown in many women with infertility. With further investigation into the pathogenesis of infertility, a growing number of studies have demonstrated the close connections between infertility and ferroptosis. Through a literature review, it is found that ferroptosis is closely involved in endometriosis- and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)-associated infertility and tubal factor infertility. Iron overload increases the resistance to ferroptosis, and ferroptosis in some cells accelerates endometrial lesion growth. Moreover, iron overload may be hazardous to oocytes. This review may shed some light on the diagnosis and treatment of female infertility.

Causal relationship between genetically predicted antibody-Mediated Immune Responses and female infertility

ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the causal relationship between Antibody-Mediated Immune Response (AIR) and female infertility using Mendelian randomization analysis, providing new targets and insights for treating female infertility. MethodsExposure data from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) involving 9724 participants provided information on 46 types of AIR. Outcome data were sourced from a large-scale meta-analysis of female infertility, which included 899 cases and 246,641 controls. Five different Mendelian randomization analysis methods were used to assess the genetic causal relationship between AIR and female infertility, with the inverse variance-weighted method as the primary approach. The robustness of the study results was evaluated through heterogeneity analysis, pleiotropy tests, and leave-one-out validation. Replication and meta-analysis were conducted using FinnGen data to further identify AIR. ResultsThrough rigorous genetic variant screening, IVW, sensitivity analysis, replication, and meta-analysis, the results indicate that only seropositivity of anti-polyomavirus 2 IgG shows significant evidence of association with female infertility. The reverse MR analysis did not reveal a genetic causal association between female infertility and this antibody-influencing relationship. Sensitivity analysis showed no evidence of pleiotropy or heterogeneity. Replication and meta-analysis using FinnGen data further supported that only anti-polyomavirus 2 IgG seropositivity has a significant association with female infertility. ConclusionUsing Mendelian randomization analysis in two independent samples, this study presents evidence of a genetic association between anti-polyomavirus 2 IgG seropositivity and female infertility. These findings carry significant implications for the prevention and treatment of female infertility in clinical practice.

Innovative methods for solving the problem of female infertility associated with endocrine disorders

Aim: to analyze the publications assessing innovative methods of diagnostics and treatment used to solve the problem of female infertility associated with endocrine disorders.Materials and Methods. There was conducted a search for publications in electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and eLibrary, which were selected in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. All relevant articles published up to January 2024 were included in thereview. As a result, 374 publications retrieved from PubMed, 147 – from eLibrary, and 33– from Google Scholar were extracted. Duplicates and non-full-text versions of articles were excluded. After the selection procedure, 72 publications were included in the review.Results. During the data analysis, we identified key aspects providing deeper understanding of endocrine disorders affecting female infertility. In particular, new correlations were demonstrated between the level of select hormones and treatment success, as well as pathogenetic mechanisms were also identified influencing the conception and pregnancy process. These results will allow to develop more accurate diagnostic criteria and effective treatment methods able to increase women's chances of successful conception and pregnancy.Conclusion. The data analysis identified the hallmark aspects for diagnostics and treatment of female endocrine infertility, with new diagnostic criteria and effective treatment methods identified able to markedly improve outcomes. The crucial potential of the innovative approaches and methods considered contributes to improving reproductive health and increasing the chances of successful conception. We strongly encourage the introduction of such advanced technologies into clinical practice to optimize reproductive success.

Dicliptera laxata (Acanthaceae) (C. B. Clark) Unblocks an Abamectin-Blocked Estrous Cycle and Restores Cyclicity in Female Albino Rats

The farmers of the Buea municipality, Fako Division, South-West Region, Cameroon extensively use Abamectin or Aba, a phytosanitary insecticide which targets insects such as mites, thrips species and leaf miners. In this area, the local population also uses Dicliptera laxata traditionally as a fertility enhancer and in stabilizing risky pregnancies in women. This study was aimed at evaluating the actions of Dicliptera laxata aqueous extract on the estrous cycle and reproductive system of Aba-treated female rats. A total of 30 adult female rats of the confirmed regular cycle were daily treated orally with a 2 ml/kg Abamectin for a period of 45 days, accompanied by the evaluation of the cytology of their vaginal smears at 5 days intervals. From the 46th day, they were subsequently treated with the leaf-aqueous extract of Dicliptera laxata for 15 days and were terminated on the 61st day during which blood and reproductive organs were collected for biochemical assays and relative weight indices. Chronic (45 days) exposure of normal cycled female rats to Abamectin witnessed a blockade in their estrous cycle, a significant drop in plasma estradiol and progesterone concentration, and a significant drop in the percentage weight of organs. Administration of Dicliptera laxata leaf-aqueous extract to these Aba-treated females resulted in a return to the regularity of their estrous cycle, with animals receiving the 300 mg/kg dose of plant extract recording a 60% regulation in the first week and 100% in the second week as compared to animals treated with distilled water that recorded a 0% and 20% regulation in the first and second week of treatment, respectively. Also, the animals that received 300 mg/kg body weight of the extract registered significant (p < 0.05) rise in plasma concentrations of progesterone and estradiol (36.44 ± 1.69 pg/mL and 77.73 ± 3.82 pg/mL, respectively) as compared to animals that received distilled water which showed 22.54 ± 2.19 pg/mL plasma progesterone and a 44.90 ± 7.63 pg/mL plasma estradiol concentrations, respectively. The actions of the leaf-aqueous extract of D. laxata could be attributed to the presence of phytochemicals including steroids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids and saponins in our extract, which have been reported to have important pharmacological effects on female reproduction. D. laxata, therefore, constitutes a potential treatment of female infertility and our findings justify its folkoric use by the Bakweri tribe in enhancing fertility. It can be used to stalize risky pregnancies and prevent miscarriages.

Association between visceral adipose tissue area and infertility: a cross-sectional analysis

Research Question: The effect of obesity on fertility has been studied in recent years. However, the direct relationship between intra-abdominal fat obesity and female reproductive health remains inconclusive.Design: The study analysis data from the 2013-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, with a total of 3013 women were enrolled. The participants were divided into an “infertility” group and a “non-infertility” group. Differences between two groups were analyzed using a weighted Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables or a weighted Chi-squared test for categorical data. Visceral adipose tissue area (VATA) is assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The independent association between infertility and log VATA was assessed by weighted multivariate logistic regression models. Subgroup analyses were performed to assess the strength of the results. Interaction tests were used to examine whether covariates interacted with log VATA to influence infertility.Results: The results showed that log VATA was significantly higher in the infertility group than in the non-infertility group. After adjustment for potential confounders, the results of multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that an increase in log VATA was associated with a growing prevalence of female infertility (OR=2.453, 95% CI: 1.278-4.792). Subgroup analyses showed this association was still consistent in individuals under 35 years old (P=0.002), Mexican-American (P=0.033), non-hypertensive (P=0.013), and non-diabetic individuals (P=0.003).Conclusions: This study showed that enlarged VATA was associated with an increased risk of infertility. The direct effect of VATA on female infertility needs to be further clarified to provide a basis for future prevention and treatment of female infertility.

Preparation of the endometrium in the programs of auxiliary reproductive technologies for sterility in women

Background. The most important stage in the treatment of infertility is the introduction into clinical practice of the methods of in vitro fertilization (IVF), which made it possible to implement the function of childbirth in almost all forms of female infertility. The introduction of endoscopic technologies made it possible to significantly expand diagnostic possibilities and clarify the nature of intrauterine pathology when using assisted reproductive technologies. Purpose – of the research should be to increase the effectiveness of the treatment of female infertility when using assisted reproductive technologies and hysteroscopy by creating conditions in the endometrium for embryo implantation. Materials and Methods. A study was conducted in 42 patients with infertility aged 32 to 38 years. In all women, the morphological state of the endometrium was determined after diagnostic hysteroscopy. The patients were divided into 2 clinical groups. Group 1 included 28 women who were in a state of preparation for IVF after hysteroscopy with changes characteristic of endometrial pathology, which were found during ultrasound. The second group included 14 patients in whom, according to ultrasound, no structural changes of the endometrium were noted. These patients had a failed IVF attempt. In the next cycle, the women underwent a diagnostic hysteroscopy due to the lack of pregnancy after the first IVF attempt. Results. Group 1 patients (n = 28) with endometrial changes before IVF showed that the causes of pathology were: endometrial hyperplasia (53.6%); chronic endometritis (21.4%), endometriosis (25%). Therefore, before stimulation of superovulation, a hysteroscopy was performed to confirm the morphological diagnosis. In patients of the 2nd group (n = 14) after hysteroscopy and histological examination, pathological changes of the endometrium were found in all patients. Chronic endometritis occurred in 5 cases (35.7%), micropolyposis of the endometrium – in 6 (42.9%), endometriosis – 3 (21.4%). Clinical pregnancy occurred in 17 patients (60.7%) in the first group, in 9 (64.2%) in the second group. Conclusions. Hysteroscopy with morphological examination of the endometrium remains the main method of diagnosing intrauterine pathology. Diagnosis of infertility by hysteroscopy plays a very important role in the normalization of reproductive function during in vitro fertilization (IVF). After an unsuccessful IVF attempt, in the absence of pathological changes in the endometrium, a diagnostic hysteroscopy should be performed to rule out endometrial pathology.

Impaired receptivity of thin endometrium: therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells.

The endometrium is a resilient and highly dynamic tissue, undergoing cyclic renewal in preparation for embryo implantation. Cyclic endometrial regeneration depends on the intact function of several cell types, including parenchymal, endothelial, and immune cells, as well as adult stem cells that can arise from endometrial or extrauterine sources. The ability of the endometrium to undergo rapid, repeated regeneration without scarring is unique to this tissue. However, if this tissue renewal process is disrupted or dysfunctional, women may present clinically with infertility due to endometrial scarring or persistent atrophic/thin endometrium. Such disorders are rate-limiting in the treatment of female infertility and in the success of in vitro fertilization because of a dearth of treatment options specifically targeting the endometrium. A growing number of studies have explored the potential of adult stem cells, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), to treat women with disorders of endometrial regeneration. MSCs are multipotent adult stem cells with capacity to differentiate into cells such as adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts. In addition to their differentiation capacity, MSCs migrate toward injured sites where they secrete bioactive factors (e.g. cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, proteins and extracellular vesicles) to aid in tissue repair. These factors modulate biological processes critical for tissue regeneration, such as angiogenesis, cell migration and immunomodulation. The MSC secretome has therefore attracted significant attention for its therapeutic potential. In the uterus, studies utilizing rodent models and limited human trials have shown a potential benefit of MSCs and the MSC secretome in treatment of endometrial infertility. This review will explore the potential of MSCs to treat women with impaired endometrial receptivity due to a thin endometrium or endometrial scarring. We will provide context supporting leveraging MSCs for this purpose by including a review of mechanisms by which the MSC secretome promotes regeneration and repair of nonreproductive tissues.

The knowledge domain and emerging trends in the infertility field: A 67-year retrospective study

Infertility is a significant problem influencing many couples. Our purpose was to assess the field of infertility in Obstetrics and Gynecology from 1955 to 2022 reviewing 3575 documents found in the Web of Science database. Most articles were in the areas of Reproductive Biology, Fertility, Endometriosis & Hysterectomy, and Chromosome Disorders. We found publication has increased dramatically since 1989. Agarwal, Thomas, and Sharma; United States, England, and Canada; Fertility and Sterility, Human Reproduction, and AJOG were the most-cited authors, countries, and journals, respectively. We discovered five substantive clusters: male infertility factors, female infertility factors, causes and treatment of infertility, the consequence of infertility, and assisted reproductive techniques. Using bibliometric review (Co-citation analysis) six research areas were found: semen analysis and sperm morphology, regional differences in the psychological effects of infertility, unexplained infertility, endometriosis, diagnosis and treatment of infertility, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Despite advances in understanding infertility, further research is needed.

Pulsed Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (LIFU) Activation of Ovarian Follicles.

Objective: A biological system's internal morphological structure or function can be changed as a result of the mechanical effect of focused ultrasound. Pulsed low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) has mechanical effects that might induce follicle development with less damage to ovarian tissue. The potential development of LIFU as a non-invasive method for the treatment of female infertility is being considered, and this study sought to explore and confirm that LIFU can activate ovarian follicles. Results: We found a 50% increase in ovarian weight and in the number of mature follicles on the ultrasound-stimulated side with pulsed LIFU and intraperitoneal injection of 10 IU PMSG in 10-day-old rats. After ultrasound stimulation, the PCOS-like rats had a decrease in androgen levels, restoration of regular estrous cycle and increase in the number of mature follicles and corpora lutea, and the ratio of M1 and M2 type macrophages was altered in antral follicles of PCOS-like rats, consequently promoting further development and maturation of antral follicles. Conclusion: LIFU treatment could trigger actin changes in ovarian cells, which might disrupt the Hippo signal pathway to promote follicle formation, and the mechanical impact on the ovaries of PCOS-like rats improved antral follicle development.

Plants Used in the Traditional Treatment of Female Infertility in Kita, Mali

Aims: The aim of this study was to identify the plants used in the traditional treatment of female infertility in Kita, Mali.
 Place and Duration of Study: The ethnobotanical investigation has been conducted in the town of Kita (Mali) from April to July, 2021. The data management and analysis were carried out at Faculty of Sciences and Techniques (FST), University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Mali, between August 2021 and January 2023.
 Methodology: Ethnobotanical survey was carried out using questionnaire addressed to the available people who gave their free consent.
 Results: An ethnobotanical survey was carried out among fifty-two (52) people, including twenty (20) traditional practitioners, ten (10) herbalists, six (6) people who are both herbalists and traditional practitioners, and sixteen (16) housewives inside the town of Kita. The survey revealed 38 plant species belonged to 25 botanical families. The most represented families were Moraceae (28.94%), Sapotaceae (26.31%), Fabaceae (26.30%), Apocynaceae (21.05%). The most coveted plant species by the local populations to treat female infertility were Ficus capensis with 26.31%, Vitellaria paradoxa with 23.68%, Stereospermum kunthinum with 21.05%, Leptadenia hastata with 21.05%. The leaves have been the most frequently used organs (43%). These plants were mostly used as decoctions (80%) and administered by oral route (89%). The commonly associated ailments with female infertility included pelvic pains, dysmenorrhea and Toxoplasma gondii infections.
 Conclusion: This survey has enabled us to gain a better understanding of the anti-fertility plants used in the town of Kita.

Herbal remedies used for the treatment of infertility in females by traditional healers in the northwest of Algeria.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: According to the world health organization, infertility is a global health issue affecting millions of people of reproductive age worldwide. Available data suggests that between 48 million couples and 186 million individuals have infertility globally. 
 Aim of the study: The aims of this work is to inventory plants used in the treatment of female primary infertility by the herbal healers in the northwest of Algeria. 
 Materials and methods: A number of 30 herbal healers and resource persons were interviewed. This ethnobotanical survey has permitted to identify 41 recipes in which involved 49 plant species belonging to 23 family used to treat primary infertility in women by traditional healers in the northwest of Algeria.The scientific name, family, common name, part used, mode of preparation as well as of administration, days of treatment and the indication are provided.
 Results: Results show that The Lamiaceae family is the best represented with 9 species and 32.14% of the frequency of use, followed by the Apiaceae with 8 species and Asteraceae with 4 species and frequency of use 9.52% for each .The aerial parts are the most commonly parts used with a rate of 22% of total parts of the plant, followed by the leaves with 18%, seeds 16%,root and rhizome 12%,fruit and flower (10% each); bark bulb(4% each), kernel and pollen grains(2% each) Infusion is the main mode of preparation with rate of 40% of total preparations, mixture with 37%, decoction with 17%, and finally paste with 6%. Recipes were principally taken orally (83 %) or topically (17%) as poultice (10%) or as vaginal steaming (7%). 
 Conclusions: Herbal healers in northwest of Algeria have a wide range of herbal remedies used to treat primary infertility in females; their knowledge is a natural heritage from their ancestors transmitted through centuries.
 
 Keywords: ethnobotany, infertility, recipes, herbal healers, northwest of Algeria.

A metabolomics approach for the evaluation of Ficus benghalensis female in vivo reproductive effects relative to its metabolite fingerprint as determined via UPLC-MS and GC-MS

Ethnopharmacological relevanceFicus benghalensis, commonly known as Banyan Fig, is the national tree of India and its aerial roots are used traditionally to treat female reproductive disorders. However, despite this traditional use, no pharmacological evidence could be traced supporting this use. Additionally, no comprehensive metabolite profiling was reported for F. benghalensis aerial roots. Aim of the studyThis study attempts to justify biochemically the traditional use of F. benghalensis aerial roots in treatment of female reproductive disorders and in relation to its secondary metabolite profile. Materials and methodsTotal ethanol extract (TEE) and subfractions [petroleum ether (PEF), chloroform (CHF), ethyl acetate (EAF) and n-butanol (BUF] were prepared from air-dried powdered aerial roots of F. benghalensis. Detailed in-vivo investigation of the hormonal activity and action mechanism of the total ethanol extract and subfractions was carried out through evaluation of estrogenic and gonadotropic activities. The estrogenic activity was evaluated on ovariectomized immature female rats through estimating uterine weight, vaginal cornification and serum estradiol level along with histological examination of uteri. The gonadotropic activity was measured by assay of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) like activities. Total follicular and corpora lutea counts in immature female rats were used to determine FSH and LH like activities, respectively in addition to histological picture of the genitalia. Comprehensive non-targeted metabolite profiling was carried out for the TEE and subfractions using UPLC-HRMS in negative and positive ionization modes. UPLC-MS fingerprint was subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares analyses to correlate the bioactivities to specific chemical constituents in F. benghalensis different subfractions. GC-MS was further used for non-polar silylated fractions. ResultsResults revealed that only the non-polar PEF and CHF displayed moderate estrogenic and FSH-like activities but with no LH-like activity. Metabolites profiling via (UPLC-HRMS) and multivariate PCA analysis enabled identification and comparison of various chemical classes in F. benghalensis extract and fractions. The active non-polar fractions revealed nearly similar metabolites profile being composed of isoflavonoids, triterpenes, sterols, fatty acids and cyclic peptides. In contrast, polar fractions were more abundant in apocarotenoids, fatty acyl amides, hydroxybenzoates and hydroxycinnamates in addition to two lignans. PLS analysis revealed strong correlation between hydroxylated fatty acids and pyranoisoflavones with estrogenic and FSH-like activities. GC-MS analysis was further employed for non-polar fractions profiling revealing for their enrichment in fatty acids/esters, terpenes, organic acids and phenolics. ConclusionThis is the first study to rationalize the use of F. benghalensis aerial root traditionally in treatment of gynecological disorders, revealing that the petroleum ether and chloroform non-polar subfractions of F. benghalensis showed estrogenic and FSH-like activity with absence of LH-like activity. This biological activity could possibly be attributed to its metabolites profile of isoflavonoids, fatty acids, triterpenes, sterols and cyclic peptides identified via UPLC-MS and GC-MS techniques. Consequently, F. benghalensis aerial roots should be used with caution in traditional treatment of female infertility or other reproductive disorders.

The effects of intraovarian injection of autologous menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stromal cells on pregnancy outcomes in women with poor ovarian response

BackgroundAssisted reproduction faces a significant obstacle in the form of poor ovarian response (POR) to controlled ovarian stimulation. To address this challenge, mesenchymal stem cell therapy has been proposed as a potential treatment for female infertility and/or restoration of ovarian function in POR women. Our previous research has demonstrated that menstrual blood-derived-mesenchymal stromal cells (MenSCs) injected into the ovaries of women with POR can increase pregnancy rates. The objective of this study was to examine whether MenSC therapy could enhance ovarian reserve parameters and pregnancy outcomes in a larger population of individuals with POR.MethodThis study consisted of 180 infertile individuals with POR who declined oocyte donation. Participants were divided into two groups: those who received bilateral MenSCs intraovarian injection and those who received no intervention. Our primary aim was to compare the rates of spontaneous pregnancy between the two groups, followed by an investigation of any alterations in the ovarian reserve parameters, such as serum FSH, AMH, and AFC levels, as well as the ICSI/IVF outcomes, in both groups of participants.ResultsThe MenSC therapy exhibited a favourable tolerability profile and did not raise any safety concerns. Following the 2-month follow-up period, women who received MenSC treatment demonstrated a significantly higher rate of spontaneous pregnancy (P < 0.005) and an improvement in anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels (P = 0.0007) and antral follicle count (AFC) (P < 0.001), whereas the control group demonstrated a considerable decline in these parameters (Both P < 0.001). The MenSC therapy led to a greater number of mature oocytes and embryos among women who underwent ICSI/IVF. Our age subgroup analysis demonstrated a significant difference in the number of spontaneous pregnancies and ICSI/IVF outcomes between the treatment and control groups only among individuals below 40 years of age.ConclusionThe results of our study indicate that MenSCs treatment may be a viable option for treating women experiencing POR. However, in order to be widely implemented in clinical practice, the clinical effectiveness of MenSCs therapy will need to be established through rigorous prospective randomized clinical trials.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05703308. Registered 01/26/2023, retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05703308. IRCT, IRCT20180619040147N4. Registered 08/01/2020.

Midkine can not be accepted as a new biomarker for unexplained female infertility

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to investigate whether a growth factor and a cytokine midkine (MK) can be a new biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of unexplained female infertility (UFI) cases. Methods Serum (S), follicle fluid (FF), and cumulus cells (CCs) of the patients aged 20–42 years, diagnosed with male factor (MF) and UFI were used. Patients underwent Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). The anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and MK levels with other hormone levels (FSH, LH, E2, PRL, INHB, TSH), the oocyte and embryo qualities, the fertilization and pregnancy rates, and cumulus cells (Cell number and ultrastructure, apoptosis rate) were evaluated. Student-T-test was performed and p&lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The lowest numbers of CCs were found at UFI (p&lt;0.05). The lowest apoptosis rate with the highest CC viability rate was evaluated at MF (p&lt;0.05). The lowest AMH and MK levels (S, FF) were detected at UFI in comparison to MF (p&lt;0.05). MK and AMH levels of non-pregnant subjects were much lower than pregnant subjects (p&lt;0.05). In addition, these levels were lower in the subjects above 35 age (p&lt;0.05). Structural analysis of CCs showed that the number of lytic cells with cell remnants and apoptotic bodies was higher in non-pregnant subjects. It seems that MK did not show any resistance to both AMH and apoptosis. Conclusions MK can not be accepted as a new biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of UFI cases.

Fallopian tube occlusion – anatomical ex vivo studies in advance of preclinical in vivo models for future microstent-based therapeutic concept evaluation

Abstract An unfulfilled pregnancy is often due to impaired patency of the female Fallopian tubes. To circumvent tubal obstruction, cost-intensive in vitro fertilisation (IVF) is currently indicated. The only therapeutic treatment concepts available are transvaginal tubal lavage/catheterization or laparoscopy with minimally invasive or complex surgical tubal reconstruction, which are associated with side effects. The development of new and cost-effective non- or minimally invasive therapeutic concepts that can restore the patency of the Fallopian tubes would be key in the treatment of female infertility and can fulfil the desire to have children. Therefore, in the present work, ex vivo anatomical studies are carried out on various laboratory mammals (pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs). Using these animal models, it was also evaluated whether a sensor-ureterorenoscope can be inserted through the whole female reproductive tract to the Fallopian tubes. This device will be used for endoscopically guided implantation of a novel tubal microstent prototype via its tailor-made delivery system into the isthmus region of the Fallopian tubes in upcoming studies. This work serves to identify an optimal species for a longitudinal animal study, in which the feasibility as well as the tissue reaction to the implant will be evaluated.

The Application of Different Lasers in Treatment of Male and Female Infertility: A Review

The Application of Different Lasers in Treatment of Male and Female Infertility: A Review

MiR-425-5p suppression of Crebzf regulates oocyte aging via chromatin modification

Female infertility due to declining oocyte quality with age remains a significant challenge for patients and physicians, despite extensive research efforts. Recent studies suggest that microRNAs (miRNAs), which respond to various stressors in the aging process, may provide a promising solution. With the approval of small RNA drugs for clinical use, miRNA-based treatment of oocyte aging appears to be a viable option. Through high-throughput sequencing, miR-425-5p was identified as the only miRNA elevated under natural aging and oxidative stress. Microinjection of inhibitors to inhibit miR-425-5p effectively improved compromised phenotypes of old oocytes in vitro. Further investigation revealed that Crebzf acts as a mediator of miR-425-5p's age-related functions in old oocytes. In vivo treatment with miR-425-5p antagomirs significantly improved impaired oocyte development in reproductively old females by targeting Crebzf. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that Crebzf plays a vital role in regulating mRNAs targeting histone H3, trimethylated lysine 4 (H3K4me3), a crucial marker for transcriptional silencing. Overexpression of miR-425-5p could hinder oocyte maturation by downregulating Crebzf expression and disrupting transcriptional regulation. Our findings provide new insights into the potential of miR-425-5p antagomirs as a treatment for female infertility and highlight an elegant mechanism by which miR-425-5p inhibition of Crebzf inhibits a developmental switch in GV oocytes by regulating a group of histone methyltransferase mRNAs.