Treatment Of Infertile Patients Research Articles

Long noncoding RNA BMPR1B-AS1 stability regulated by IGF2BP2 affects the decidualization in endometriosis patients through the SMAD1/5/9 pathway.

Endometriosis (EMs)-related infertility commonly has decreased endometrial receptivity and normal decidualization is the basis for establishing and maintaining endometrial receptivity. However, the potential molecular regulatory mechanisms of impaired endometrial decidualization in patients with EMs have not been fully clarified. We confirmed the existence of reduced endometrial receptivity in patients with EMs by scanning electron microscopy and quantitative real-time PCR. Here we identified an lncRNA, named BMPR1B-AS1, which is significantly downregulated in eutopic endometrium in EMs patients and plays an essential role in decidual formation. Furthermore, RNA pull-down, mass spectrometry, RNA immunoprecipitation, and rescue analyses revealed that BMPR1B-AS1 positively regulates decidual formation through interaction with the RNA-binding protein insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2). Downregulation of IGF2BP2 led to a decreased stability of BMPR1B-AS1 and inhibition of activation of the SMAD1/5/9 pathway, an inhibitory effect which diminished decidualization in human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) decidualization. In conclusion, our identified a novel regulatory mechanism in which the IGF2BP2-BMPR1B-AS1-SMAD1/5/9 axis plays a key role in the regulation of decidualization, providing insights into the potential link between abnormal decidualization and infertility in patients with EMs, which will be of clinical significance for the management and treatment of infertility in patients with EMs.

КЛИНИЧЕСКИЙ СЛУЧАЙ УСПЕШНОЙ РЕАЛИЗАЦИИ РЕПРОДУКТИВНОЙ ФУНКЦИИ У ПАЦИЕНТКИ С ДИСГЕНЕЗИЕЙ ГОНАД

An important problem is the problem of implementing reproductive function in patients with forms of infertility caused by genetic abnormalities. Previously, the prognosis for their reproductive function was considered unfavorable. In modern conditions, by improving IVF techniques using oocyte donation, treatment of infertility in these patients becomes possible. Therefore, studying the features of the tactics of managing such patients at the stage of preconception preparation, the features of IVF protocols, as well as the features of managing pregnancy and labor and delivery is relevant. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the possibility of successful implementation of reproductive function in a patient with gonadal dysgenesis. A clinical case of pregnancy and childbirth in a patient with a typical form of gonadal dysgenesis (karyotype 45 X0) is presented. The diagnosis was made at the age of 15 during a comprehensive examination for primary amenorrhea, and hormone replacement therapy was prescribed. The patient's pregnancy occurred after preparation of the endometrium with estrogens and gestagens as a result of the fourth IVF attempt with the donation of an egg fertilized by her husband's sperm, and was complicated by the threat of termination at 8 and 19 weeks. At 36 weeks, the pregnancy was complicated by severe preeclampsia, which required emergency caesarean section. The course of the postoperative period was uneventful with continuation of therapy for complications of gestation. It is recommended after cessation of lactation - HRT using drugs with an estrogenic component similar in chemical structure to natural ones, gestagenic - metabolically neutral. The study of this clinical case is of undoubted interest, taking into account the peculiarities of management tactics. It is necessary to implement a multidisciplinary approach to the management of such complex patients. Taking into account the peculiarities of the body condition in patients with gonadal dysgenesis and the absence of hormonal ovarian function, it is necessary to ensure optimal preconception preparation, the use of an individual approach to the implementation of the IVF protocol, and the prevention of complications during pregnancy. Fulfillment of these conditions will ensure a positive result of infertility treatment in patients with gonadal dysgenesis who previously did not have the opportunity to realize reproductive function.

Endometrial polyps effect on pregnancy outcomes in infertile women with minimal/mild endometriosis: A retrospective study.

To assess the pregnancy outcomes and associated influencing factors of pregnancy after hysteroscopy combined with laparoscopy treatment in infertile patients with minimal/mild endometriosis. A retrospective study. West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University. We enrolled 898 infertile women who had their minimal/mild endometriosis lesions removed by laparoscopy, including 271 patients additionally diagnosed with endometrial polyps who also underwent hysteroscopic polypectomy. Based on the existence of endometrial polyps, patients with minimal/mild endometriosis were enrolled and divided into polyps group and non-polyps group. Pregnancy outcomes. A total of 271 women with minimal/mild endometriosis were included in polyps group while 491 women with minimal/mild endometriosis were included in non-polyps group. The pregnancy rate of polyps group was not statistically significant compared with non-polyp group (60.15% vs. 58.25%). The pregnancy rate was higher among patients with polyps ≥1 cm (76.06%, 54/71) than patients with polyps <1 cm (54.50%, 109/200) or patients without polyps (58.25%, 286/491) (p = 0.006). The pregnancy rate was higher for patients with multiple polyps (67.86%, 95/140) than for patients with single polyp (51.91%, 68/131) or without polyps (p = 0.025). Among women with minimal/mild endometriosis, hysteroscopic polypectomy did significantly increase fertility in infertile patients with multiple polyps or size of polyp ≥1 cm compared with those without endometrial polyps, single polyp, and size of polyp <1 cm. The size and number of polyps were independently associated with the reproductive ability of women with minimal/mild endometriosis.

Introduce an optimal method of ovarian stimulation in the polycystic ovarian syndrome affected: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCurrently, optimal method of ovarian stimulation (OS) to in-vitro fertilization (IVF) in the patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is unknown. The present research aims to study the efficiency of minimal-OS method in treatment of infertile patients with PCOS and also the effect of gonadotropin type (recombinant FSH (r-FSH) vs. urinary Human menopausal gonadotropin (u-HMG)) on treatment cycles with GnRH-antagonist.MethodsIn this randomized controlled trial, a total of 120 eligible patients were randomly allocated into four groups of OS to IVF: minimal-OS with r-FSH, minimal-OS with u-HMG, mild-OS with r-FSH and mild-OS with u-HMG. IVF outcomes of groups were analyzed statically.ResultsThe statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences among groups regarding stimulation duration (p < 0.0001), number of retrieved oocytes (p < 0.0001), number of obtained embryos (p < 0.0001). There were no statistically significant differences in fertilization rate (p = 0.289) and implantation rate (p = 0.757) among our participants. There were also significant differences among these four groups in terms of clinical pregnancy rate (/ET and /cycles) (p < 0.0001, p = 0.021, respectively) and live birth rate/cycles (p < 0.0001). Also cases of freeze all embryos due to prevention of ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome (OHSS) (p = 0.004).ConclusionsOn the basis of present results the minimal-OS with u-HMG may be one of optimal methods of control OS in the patients with PCOS in respect to serum levels of estradiol on the day of triggering final oocyte maturation, total dose of prescribed gonadotropin, the optimal number of oocytes and embryos obtained, rate of clinical pregnancy and the incidence of OHSS risk.Trial registrationNCT, NCT03876145. Registered 15/03/2019. Retrospectively registered, http://www.clinicaltrial.gov/ NCT03876145.

Infertility treatment for patients having a microdeletion of azoospermic factor (AZF).

In genetic causes of male infertility, Y chromosome microdeletions are the second most common after Klinefelter's syndrome. Although sperm recovery rate is relatively high for subjects with azoospermic factor (AZF) c chromosome microdeletion, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) results using retrieved sperm has been reported to be poor. We retrospectively examined the infertility treatment for subjects with AZF microdeletion. From October 2017 to September 2020, chromosomal examination of 67 azoospermic subjects and 12 cryptozoospermia were performed. Of these, twenty-three subjects (29.1%) had AZF microdeletion. Twelve subjects with AZFc microdeletion and one subtype with unknown classification (Ym-9; P3 deletion) received sperm retrieval surgery due to azoospermia. Two subjects obtained motile sperm by microscopic epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) and four subjects by microscopic testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE). Pregnancy and healthy delivery were achieved in 6 of 14 subject (42.9%; including one twin) using ICSI. This was comparable with previous reports. Since there were two cases of obstructive azoospermia, we employed MESA to avoid testicular damage. Following observation of the testis and epididymis under operative microscope, a decision was made to perform sperm retrieval surgery to avoid unnecessary testicular damage. Furthermore, since AZFc microdeletion is passed to the next generation, long term follow-up is necessary.

Can Classifications Adequately Represent Genital Malformations?: EVA Study ( E SHRE/ESGE | V CUAM | A FS) - A Prospective Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Current Female Genital Malformation Classifications.

Introduction Genital malformations are a common clinical occurrence that can be represented using different classifications. Reproducibility is an essential quality characteristic for a classification, and it plays an important role, especially in consultations and the treatment of infertile patients and in obstetric management. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the reproducibility and clinical practicality of three commonly used classifications: the ESHRE/ESGE (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology/ European Society for Gynecological Endoscopy), VCUAM (Vagina Cervix Uterus Adnex-associated Malformation), and AFS (American Fertility Society) classifications. Materials and Methods Sixty-five patients with female genital malformations were included in this prospective, multicenter, exploratory, observational study. All participants underwent a clinical examination and a medical interview. The investigators were instructed to classify the presenting malformations according to the ESHRE/ESGE, VCUAM, and AFS classifications using a structured questionnaire. Investigators were asked whether the malformation could be reproducibly classified (yes/no) and about the grade (grade 1-5 from "very good" to "deficient") they would assign to each classification. Classification assessment was queried for vagina, cervix, uterus, adnexa, and associated malformations and was scored from 1 to 5. Results Reproducibility was rated as 80% (n=52/65), 92.3% (n=60/65), and 56.9% (n=37/65) for the ESHRE/ESGE, VCUAM, and AFS classification, respectively. ESHRE/ESGE, VCUAM and AFS were rated as "very good" or "good" for 83.3%, 89.2%, and 10.8% of vaginal malformations; for 75.8%, 87.5%, and 24.2% of cervical malformations; and for 89.7%, 89.5%, and 86.2% of uterine malformations, respectively. VCUAM was rated as "very good" or "good" for 77.8% and 69.6% of adnexal malformations and associated malformations, respectively. ESHRE/ESGE and AFS were rated as "sufficient" or "deficient" for 100% and 75% of adnexal malformations and for 77.3% and 69.6% of associated malformations, respectively. Conclusion The prospective multicenter EVA ( E SHRE/ESGE | V CUAM | A FS) study revealed that the organ-based ESHRE/ESGE and VCUAM classifications of female genital malformations perform better in terms of reproducibility as well as in the assessment of individual compartments than the non-organ-based AFS classification.

Hysteroscopic injections of autologous endometrial cells and platelet-rich plasma in patients with thin endometrium: a pilot randomized study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of hysteroscopically controlled injections of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and autologous endometrial cells as a treatment for infertile women with thin endometrium. The study enrolled 115 patients with thin endometrium (< 7 mm at implantation window) and infertility, who were divided into groups: Group 1 (the control) underwent conservative therapy; Group 2 received intraendometrial PRP injections instead of the conservative therapy; Group 3 received identical injections after conservative therapy; Group 4 received injections of the autologous endometrial cells suspended in PRP. A single injection dose of PRP contained 0.6–0.7 × 1011 of platelets. The levels of PDGF-BB and VEGF in PRP were increased compared with ordinary plasma. The autologous endometrial cells, obtained from pipelle biopsies, constituted heterogeneous cell populations containing stromal and epithelial cells. Intraendometrial PRP injections had significant impact on endometrial thickness and local microcirculation in Group 2 and Group 3. In Group 4, injections of PRP reinforced with endometrial cells also facilitated a significant increase in endometrial thickness. This work describes a novel approach for infertility treatment in patients with refractory thin endometrium. PRP injections and injections of the endometrial cells suspended in PRP into endometrium enhanced cell proliferation and angiogenesis.

Testicular histopathology and associated factors in men with non-obstructive azoospermia

The testicular histopathological characteristic in azoospermic men can significantly help in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of infertile patients. This study assessed the pathology specimens of 88 azoospermic infertile men seen at Hanoi Medical University Hospital. The most common histopathological pattern was Sertoli cell-only syndrome (40.9%), followed by hypospermatogenesis (29.5%) and Germ cell maturation arrest (18.1%). There were significant differences in the mean testicular volume and serum concentrations of LH and FSH among patients with different histopathology patterns. Analysis using multinomial logistic regression model showed only FSH was significantly associated with the severity of histopathological pattern. Each unit increase in the level of FSH was associated with a 7.1% increase in the odds of a more severe histopathology (95%CI: 1.01 - 1.12).

ADAPTATION OF INFERTIL PATIENTS TO THE COVID-19 VACCINE AND IVF TREATMENT RESULTS

Bu çalışmanın amacı, infertil hastaların Koronavirüs hastalığı-2019 (COVID-19) aşısına bakış açılarını değerlendirmek; uygulanan COVID-19 aşısının kadınların over rezerv testleri üzerine ve in vitro fertilizasyon (IVF) tedavi sonuçlarına etkisini ölçmektir. Prospektif olarak planlanan bu çalışma Hüma Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum Hastanesi, Tüp Bebek Ünitesi’nde yapılmıştır. Çalışmaya Nisan 2022-Haziran 2022 tarihleri arasında infertilite nedeniyle başvuran 187 hasta dahil edilmiştir. Hastalar COVID-19 aşısı yaptırıp yaptırmama durumuna göre 2 gruba ayrıldı. Aşı yaptırmayı kabul eden 1. gruptaki 94 hastanın aşı öncesi Folikül Stimülan Hormon (FSH), Estradiol (E2), Anti Müllerian Hormon (AMH) değerlerine ve toplam antral follikül sayılarına (AFS) bakıldı. Aşı yaptırmayı kabul etmeyen 93 hastanın da aynı parametrelerine bakıldı. Aşı yaptıran ve yaptırmayan bu iki grup arasındaki over rezerv testleri ile IVF tedavi sonuçları karşılaştırıldı. Aşı yaptıran hastaların aşı öncesi ve sonrası over rezerv testleri değerlendirildiğinde FSH, AMH, E2 ve AFS bakımından istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir farklılık bulunamadı. IVF tedavi sürecinde aşı yaptıran grup ile yaptırmayan grup arasında toplanan oosit sayısı, M2 oosit sayısı, fertilizasyon, implantasyon ve klinik gebelik oranlarında anlamlı istatistiksel bir farklılık izlenmedi (p&gt;0.05). COVID-19 aşısı kişileri enfeksiyondan korurken over rezervi üzerinde herhangi bir azalma yapmadığı çalışmamızda gösterilmiştir. İnfertil hastalarda IVF tedavisi öncesi aşı yaptırmanın, tedavi sürecini ve sonuçlarını olumsuz etkilemediği yine bu çalışmada kanıtlanmıştır.

The Role of Cell and Gene Therapies in the Treatment of Infertility in Patients with Thyroid Autoimmunity.

There is a rising incidence of infertility worldwide, and many couples experience difficulties conceiving nowadays. Thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) is recognized as one of the major female infertility causes related to a diminished ovarian reserve and potentially impaired oocyte maturation and embryo development, causing adverse pregnancy outcomes. Growing evidence has highlighted its impact on spontaneously achieved pregnancy and pregnancy achieved by in vitro fertilization. Despite the influence of thyroid hormones on the male reproductive system, there is insufficient data on the association between TAI and male infertility. In past years, significant progress has been achieved in cell and gene therapies as emerging treatment options for infertility. Cell therapies utilize living cells to restore healthy tissue microenvironment and homeostasis and usually involve platelet-rich plasma and various stem cells. Using stem cells as therapeutic agents has many advantages, including simple sampling, abundant sources, poor immunogenicity, and elimination of ethical concerns. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) represent a heterogeneous fraction of self-renewal, multipotent non-hematopoietic stem cells that display profound immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive features and promising therapeutic effects. Infertility has a genetic component in about half of all cases, although most of its genetic causes are still unknown. Hence, it is essential to identify genes involved in meiosis, DNA repair, ovarian development, steroidogenesis, and folliculogenesis, as well as those involved in spermatogenesis in order to develop potential gene therapies for infertility. Despite advances in therapy approaches such as biological agents, autoimmune disorders remain impossible to cure. Recent research demonstrates the remarkable therapeutic effectiveness of MSCs in a wide array of autoimmune diseases. TAI is one of many autoimmune disorders that can benefit from the use of MSCs, which can be derived from bone marrow and adipose tissue. Cell and gene therapies hold great potential for treating autoimmune conditions, although further research is still needed.

The treatment of endometriosis-associated infertility.

To review the recent evidence around the treatment of infertility in patients with endometriosis. The management of endometriosis associated infertility remains challenging. There have been an increasing number of prospective observational studies highlighting the role of surgery to enhance assisted conception amongst those with deep rectovaginal endometriosis. Further validation studies confirm the role of the endometriosis fertility index in prediction of reproductive outcomes after surgery, and confirm that it can be employed in counselling patients prior to surgery on their likelihood of spontaneous conception. Further randomized trials are required to establish the role of surgically treating superficial and deep endometriosis and both spontaneous and assisted conception outcomes. Endometriosis continues to present challenges in counselling patients with regards to their fertility prospects. This article reviews the recent research findings that may assist in the management of patients with endometriosis associated infertility.

Identification of Potential Active Ingredients and Mechanisms of Cattail Pollen for Treating Infertile Patients With Endometriosis Based on Bioinformatics and Molecular Docking

Introduction: Cattail Pollen is a commonly used Chinese medicine for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis in infertility patients with endometriosis, but its ingredients and mechanism of action are still unclear. The aims of this study were to explore the potential active ingredients, targets and mechanisms of Cattail Pollen in treating infertility patients with endometriosis based on bioinformatics and molecular docking. Methods: The GSE120103 dataset was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to screen out differentially expressed genes. Cytoscape software was constructed to construct the protein–protein interaction network and screen for hub proteins, and molecular docking was performed to identify the binding activity of Cattail Pollen active ingredients and infertility genes. Then, DAVID software was used to perform gene ontology (GO) functional analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis on differentially expressed genes. Results: There were 1320 differentially expressed genes in patients with endometriosis. ADCY5, RLN3, and ADCY6 proteins encoded by genes that were upregulated in infertile patients with endometriosis. Eight active ingredients of Cattail Pollen were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform: naringenin ((2R)-5,7-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)chroman-4-one), arachidonic acid, isorhamnetin, β-sitosterol, kaempferol, Testosterone palmitate, kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnosyl(1→2)-β-D-glucoside and quercetin. Molecular docking identified that the binding activity of arachidonic acid with ADCY5, RLN3, and ADCY6; and testosterone palmitate with ADCY5 and ADCY6 was strong. GO analysis suggested that differentially expressed genes were involved in multiple biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions. KEGG enrichment analysis found that differentially expressed genes were enriched in neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction, cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, chemokine signaling pathway, and Jak-STAT signaling pathway. Conclusions: This study discovered the differentially expressed genes of naturally conceived and infertile patients with endometriosis, and clarified the effective ingredients, targets, and potential signaling pathways of Cattail Pollen in the treatment of infertility patients with endometriosis.

The first experience of reproductive function restoration in patients with Asherman’s syndrome using autologous mesenchymal stem cells

The main goal of Asherman’s syndrome treatment is to restore the volume and shape of the uterine cavity, regenerate the endometrium and reproductive function. Recently, in addition to ultrasound diagnostics of intrauterine synechiae, office hysteroscopy is widely used. The most standardized stages of Asherman’s syndrome treatment are hysteroscopic dissection of the uterine cavity synechiae and endometrium re-adhesion prevention in the postoperative period, which is achieved by the introduction of the intrauterine device, anti-adhesive drugs or balloon catheters inserted intrauterinely. The main difficulties are to find effective ways to prevent adhesion that occurs after removal of mechanical means from the uterine cavity and ways to restore the endometrium morphology in patients wishing to achieve pregnancy. The most promising technique in this area is the use of autologous endometrial stem cells. Here is a case of treatment of a reproductive age patient with infertility and Asherman’s syndrome. The clinical case was a part of a clinical trial Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT04675970. On the eve of the operative stage for uterine cavity synechiae separation 20.0 ml of venous blood was taken. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were isolated from the patient’s peripheral blood using the magnetic separation method of the autoMACS Pro Separator (Miltenyi Biotec). According to the international instructions, 6th passage MSCs were clinically used. Confirmation of belonging the derived cells to the MSCs group was performed using the set Bio-Techne FMC-020 (Great Britain). In addition, MSCs were differentiated to endometrial cells, which was confirmed using endometrial cell matching markers in generations P0-P3 (passage 0 – passage 3) with the MicroBead Kit (USA). The operative stage of treatment included office hysteroscopy, mechanical synechiolysis in the endocervix and endometrium and introduction of a silver-containing intrauterine device. Subendometrial injection of autologous endometrial MSCs was performed to restore the endometrium structure at the end of hysteroscopy. High dose adjuvant estrogen therapy followed for 3 weeks. Pregnancy was achieved spontaneously 2 years after the intervention. The patient gave birth to a full-term baby girl.The results of the clinical case indicate the prospects for the use of autologous blood stem cells converted into endometrial cells in the treatment of infertility in patients with CA in the absence of effect from previous attempts to restore fertility by traditional therapies.

Effect of varicocelectomy on detailed sperm morphology parameters: An observational retrospective clinical cohort study.

Although many studies suggest that varicocelectomy leads to improvement in semen parameters and morphology, its clinical efficacy remains controversial. The detailed morphological parameters described in the World Health Organization guidelines are important in terms of showing the effect of microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy on morphological changes.An observational, retrospective clinical cohort study was conducted with patients followed up from January 2018 to August 2021. This study included the data of 79 patients who met the criterion of undergoing at least 2 detailed morphological evaluations before and after surgery. All operations were performed by the same surgical team using the microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy technique.The mean age of the patients was 30.25 years. Of the patients, 63 underwent left-sided varicocelectomy and 16 underwent bilateral surgery. The sperm analysis revealed statistically significant increases in sperm volume (P = .006), sperm concentration (P = .003), total sperm count (P = .001), progressive sperm motility (P < .001), and normal morphology (P < .001). In the detailed morphological evaluation, except for the elongated head anomaly (P = .037), no other statistically significant changes were found in relation to sperm head, tail, and neck anomalies after surgery.This study makes an important contribution to the literature, being the first to use the subinguinal microscopic varicocelectomy technique in detailed morphological semen evaluation. We consider that detailed morphology examination in the selection and treatment of infertile patients may be useful in evaluating the efficacy of varicocelectomy.

Assisted reproduction in patients with Klinefelter syndrome

The goal of this article is to present the current knowledge of Klinefelter syndrome and its impact on male reproductive function as well as the current treatment options. PubMed/Medline, WoS and Scopus were searched for articles indexed until November 2021. Klinefelter syndrome is a chromosomal aberration with an additional X chromosome in males. This may adversely affect testicular growth and spermatogenesis, thus resulting in male infertility. Recently, new knowledge has appeared about the treatment of male infertility. Interdisciplinary approach enables early dia-gnosis and treatment of patients with Klinefelter syndrome. Assisted reproductive technology is essential for infertility treatment in patients with Klinefelter syndrome.

The Effects of Letrozole and Metformin Combined with Targeted Nursing Care on Ovarian Function, LH, and FSH in Infertile Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common gynecological endocrine disorder in women of gestational age and the most common cause of female infertility. This study aimed to investigate the effect of letrozole and metformin combined with targeted nursing on ovarian function, LH, and FSH in infertile patients with PCOS. Methods A total of 72 infertile patients with PCOS were divided into the control group and combined group. The control group was given metformin tablets combined with targeted nursing therapy. The combined group was treated with letrozole on the basis of the control group. Ovarian function, LH, and FSH were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results After treatment, the total effective rate (94.44%) of the combined group was significantly higher than that of the control group (80.56%). After treatment, the levels of HbA1c, FINS, HOMA-IR, TG, and TC in the two groups were lower than those before treatment, and the HDL-C level was higher than that before treatment. The full-term delivery rate, ovulation rate, and normal menstrual rate in the combined group were higher than those in the control group. After treatment, the LH level in the combined group was lower than that in the control group, and the FSH level was higher than that in the control group. After 1 month, 3 months, and 5 months of treatment, RI, PI, and ovarian volume were decreased, and the endometrial thickness was increased in both groups. Also, after 5 months of treatment, the RI, PI, and ovarian volume in the combined group were significantly lower than those in the control group, and the endometrial thickness was significantly higher than that in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups. Conclusion The combination of letrozole and metformin with targeted nursing in the treatment of infertility patients with PCOS has better clinical effect and high safety. It can improve endometrial receptivity and ovarian reserve function and regulate LH and FSH levels.

The feasibility of switching from IVF to IVM combined with all-blastocyst-culture and transfer for patients with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome tendency.

To investigate the feasibility of switching from in vitro fertilization (IVF) to in vitro maturation (IVM) combined with all-blastocyst-culture and transfer as a supplementary infertility treatment in patients with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) tendency METHODS: Retrospective cohort study including 184 patients who switched from IVF and underwent 192 IVM cycles between January 2016 and December 2020. The outcomes were compared between cleavage-stage embryo transfer (group A, n=74) and blastocyst-stage transfer (group B, n=52) groups. The OHSS rate is 0%. 66cycles were canceled for transfer. Among the 126 transfer cycles, number of retrieved oocytes, proportion of metaphase II oocytes, cleavage rate, and proportion of high-quality embryos on day 3 post-fertilization are significantly lower in group A than that in group B. On the contrary, number of transferred embryos is significantly lower in group B than that in group A, whereas the rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live births are significantly higher in group B than that in group A. Timely switching to IVM combined with all-blastocyst-culture and transfer for patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and exhibiting characteristics of OHSS tendency is feasible as a supplementary infertility treatment.

Second look hysteroscopy following hysteroscopic septum resection improves reproductive outcomes in patients undergoing ICSI

The aim of this study was to compare the reproductive outcomes between infertile women who underwent hysteroscopic uterine septum resection and those who required a second look hysteroscopy due to residual septum prior to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles with selective single ‘Grade A’ embryo transfer (ET). All second look hysteroscopies were performed due to partial remnant septum in a control three dimensional transvaginal ultrasonography (3D TVUSG) after the first hysteroscopic resection. Miscarriage and biochemical pregnancy rates were not different between the groups while clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1. Second look hysteroscopic metroplasty performed to restore remnant septum significantly improves live birth rate as well as clinical pregnancy rates while it appears not to alleviate abortion and biochemical pregnancy rates in women undergoing ICSI-ET. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? The effect of hysteroscopic septum resection on reproductive outcomes in IVF treatment in infertile patients with uterine septum is not clearly known. What do the results of this study add? With the selective single ET strategy, complete or partial hysteroscopic correction of the uterine septum before ICSI and subsequent resection of the residual septum with control hysteroscopy significantly increases the live birth rates in the infertile population. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? In the group of infertile patients with uterine septum, second control hysteroscopy should be performed 1 month later for residual septum or adhesions after hysteroscopic septum resection performed once.

Emotional Support for Infertility Patients: Integrating Mental Health Professionals in the Fertility Care Team

Patients seeking fertility treatment are at risk of experiencing psychological distress, with both women and men reporting higher levels of depression and anxiety during infertility treatment than patients in the general population. Multiple professional societies, fertility care providers, and patients have advocated for integrating mental health providers in the treatment of infertile patients in order to provide comprehensive patient-centered care. Research with other patient populations shows that embedding mental health professionals into clinics provides the greatest benefit to patients. Despite acknowledging the importance of mental health in infertility care, professional societies, such as ASRM and ESHRE, have not universally standardized recommendations or methods for imbedding mental health providers in the fertility team. This review article aims to serve as a resource for providers and patients to appraise the available literature on the importance of embedding mental health providers into the fertility treatment team and discusses feasible methods to develop this comprehensive care team.

Clinical efficacy and safety of the Jinfeng pill in the adjuvant treatment of infertility in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disease leading to infertility in women of childbearing age. Adjuvant therapy with Jinfeng pills (a traditional Chinese medicine) can increase ovarian blood flow, regulate female endocrine levels, and achieve good therapeutic effect. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to examine the efficacy and safety of Jinfeng pills. The PubMed (2000 to August 2021), Excerpta Medica Database (2000 to August 2021), Chinese Biomedical Literature (2000 to August 2021), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (2000 to August 2021) databases were searched. All patients with PCOS were included in the randomized controlled study of Jinfeng pills combined with an adjuvant Western medicine treatment. After screening and a risk of bias assessment, Stata16.0 software was used for the analysis. A total 7 of articles (comprising 691 patients; 26-83 participants per group) were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that the effective rate the experimental group treated with Jinfeng pills combined with adjuvant Western medicine was higher than that of the control group treated with Western medicine only [relative risk (RR) =1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03 to 1.28; P=0.015]. After treatment, the follicle-stimulating hormone level of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group [mean difference (MD) =-5.10, 95% CI: -7.95 to -2.24; P=0.0005], the estradiol level of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group (MD =10.74, 95% CI: 4.19 to 17.29; P=0.001), the testosterone level of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group (MD =-1.17, 95% CI: -2.09 to -0.25; P=0.01), and the pregnancy rate of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group (RR =1.36, 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.64; Z=3.183; P=0.001). The therapeutic effect of Jinfeng pills combined with Western medicine in treating PCOS was better than that of Western medicine alone, and there was no increase in adverse reactions.