Red cell distribution width and mean platelet volume detection in patients with endometrial cancer and endometrial hyperplasia.

Background: Endometrial cancer is the most common malignancy in women in developed countries, and its incidence is increasing annually. Due to the availability and cost-effectiveness of serum markers of red cell distribution width (RDW), and mean platelet volume (MPV), we decided to investigate these two important markers in patients with endometrial cancer and assess their role in diagnosing the tumor and differentiate it from endometrial hyperplasia and other causes of bleeding. Methods: This is a case-control study that examined the data of patients who were referred to Al-Zahra Hospital during 2022-2023 with complaints of abnormal bleeding and underwent diagnostic curettage. Based on the pathology findings, the patients were divided into 3 groups, including endometrial cancer, endometrial hyperplasia, and control. The clinical characteristics and results of MPV and RDW were compared in these three groups. The IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0. was used for data analysis. Results: In this study, 87 women were examined in three groups endometrial cancer, endometrial hyperplasia, and control with a mean age of 52.70 ± 11.63 years. The results showed that the endometrial cancer group, had higher gravida, underlying disease, history of radiation therapy, anticoagulant therapy, blood transfusion, surgery, and family history of cancer (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the endometrial cancer group had lower menstrual age and history of using contraceptives than other groups (p < 0.05). In addition, in this study, the results indicated that the levels of MPV and RDW in the endometrial cancer group were significantly higher than in the endometrial hyperplasia and control groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Since MPV and RDW are cheap and accessible and can be easily obtained from complete blood count panels, they can be used as suitable diagnostic markers for endometrial cancer. However, conducting comprehensive multicenter prospective studies with a larger sample size can be helpful.

Dose Sildenafil Citrate Reduce the Incidence of Emergency Cesarean Section and Fetal Distress During Labor? A Randomized Double-Blinded Clinical Trial.

Background: Fetal distress (FD) is one of the most frequent causes of emergency cesarean section (CS) due to the insufficient uteroplacental blood supply during labor. There is a theory that Sildenafil citrate (SC) may improve the uteroplacental blood supply and decrease fetal hypoxia and FD. Methods: In a randomized double-blinded clinical trial, a total of 208 low-risk subjects who met our stringent inclusion criteria were randomly assigned into two groups: the Sildenafil citrate group (n=104) and the placebo group (n=104). These participants were referred to our referral gynecology and obstetrics department for delivery between July 2022 to September 2022. The SC group received oral SC at a dose of 50 mg every 6 hr, up to a maximum of three times. The final maternal-fetal-neonatal results were recorded and all data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: The mean age of mothers was 28.98±5.6 years and 120 cases were primigravid (57.7%). Out of a total of 208 pregnant subjects, 168 subjects delivered through normal vaginal delivery (80.8%) and 40 cases underwent emergency CS (19.2%). The number of NVD in Sildenafil group was significantly more than placebo group (87.5% vs. 74%) and SC decreased the rate of emergency CS to 87.5% (RR=2.46%, 95%CI 1.19-5.08). Also, SC decreased the rate of FD to 53.8% (RR=2.83%, 95%CI of 1-8.24). Conclusion: The results showed that SC can effectively decrease the rate of emergency CS and FD during labor.

Levels of serum ß-human chorionic gonadotropin after embryo transfer and subsequent miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction.

Background: This study aimed to examine maternal serum concentration of ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) on Day 16 after embryo transfer and risk of miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Methods: In this study, we evaluated 125 pregnancies following in vitro fertilization (IVF). ß-hCG concentrations were measured on the morning of Day 16 after embryo transfer. Baseline characteristics of the study participants were also recorded. Results: Concentrations of ß-hCG on Day 16 after embryo transfer were inversely associated with the higher risk of miscarriage (p < 0.001), but did not with pre-eclampsia and IUGR (p > 0.05). Spearman's correlation coefficient showed a reverse and significant association between ß-hCG and higher risk of miscarriage (σ = 0.531 and p < 0.001). There was a significant association between frozen embryo transfer and the risk of IUGR and pre-eclampsia (p = 0.005 and p = 0.023, respectively). Conclusions: Maternal serum concentrations of ß-hCG on Day 16 after IVF/embryo transfer were associated with the higher risk of miscarriage, but not pre-eclampsia and IUGR.

Association between follicular fluid bacteria with inflammatory markers of the complete blood count and the outcomes of assisted reproductive technology in women with endometriosis: A case-control study.

Background and Aims: Endometriosis is a common reason for infertility and poor outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. The presence of microorganisms in women with endometriosis may increase levels of inflammatory markers. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between the presence of bacteria in the follicular fluid with the inflammatory markers of the complete blood count (CBC) and the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in women with endometriosis. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 74 patients undergoing IVF, referred to Al-Zahra Hospital in Rasht (Iran) in 2021. The patients were divided into two case groups including 37 women with endometrioma and the control group, including 37 infertile women with a male factor and normal ultrasound. In total, 74 follicular fluids were collected from the case and control groups and were cultured in the laboratory. The relationship between culture results with IVF outcomes and the levels of CBC inflammatory markers including the number of white blood cells (WBCs), lymphocytes, neutrophils, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and c-reactive protein (CRP) was analyzed. Results: There was no significant statistical difference between the frequency of bacteria present in the follicular fluid (p = 0.861), the mean rate of fertilization (p = 0.363), the frequency of CRP (p = 0.999), and the mean WBCs, lymphocytes, neutrophils, NLR, LMR, and PLR in the two groups. There was a significant statistical difference between the mean number of oocytes of metaphase II (p = 0.034) and the mean ESR (p = 0.018) in the two groups. Conclusions: It seems necessary to evaluate follicular fluid as a biological substance that is considered an optimal factor for predicting oocyte quality, fertilization rate, embryo quality, and the success rate of ART.

Pregnancy outcome in long- versus short-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist cycles in participants with normal ovarian reserve: An RCT.

Background: There is no agreement on which of the 2 gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist protocols are the most efficient, neither there is any consensus on which one yields a better clinical pregnancy percentage. Objective: The present study aims to compare the effectiveness of reduced dosages of long- and short-acting GnRH agonists on pregnancy outcomes. Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 400 women were randomly assigned to 2 groups (n = 200/group): the reduced dosage of long-acting GnRH agonist group (group 1, 1.25 mg Decapeptyl) and the short-acting GnRH agonist group (group 2, 0.5 mg/day Buserelin Acetate). The study was conducted at Mehr Medical Institute, Rasht, Iran between July 2019 and July 2020. Biochemical and clinical pregnancy were compared between groups. Results: No significant differences were observed in the endometrial lining, the total number of retrieved and metaphase-II oocytes, progesterone, and serum estradiol levels on human chorionic gonadotropin day, fertilization rate, and top-quality embryos between the groups. The duration of induction (10.8 ± 1.7 vs. 10 ± 2.1, p < 0.001) and the total dosage of gonadotropins (2939.4 ± 945.9 vs. 2441 ± 1247.1, p < 0.001) were significantly greater in group 2 than in group 1. No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in terms of implantation rate, chemical pregnancy rate, and clinical pregnancy rate. A higher percentage of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome was observed in group 2 (p = 0.005). Conclusion: Due to a lower percentage of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in group 1 and similar assisted reproductive technology outcomes in both groups, the long protocol was found to be superior to the short protocol.

Lactate plasma level as a potential biomarker in early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy: A case-control survey.

Introduction: A novel metabolomics survey proposed lactic acid as a diagnostic biomarker to detect ectopic pregnancy (EP). Here we investigate the plasma level of lactate for early diagnosis of EP as a potential biomarker. Methods: In a case-control study, the reproductive aged women with definite tubal EP (6-10 weeks' gestation), referred to our department during 2021-2022, considered as case group, and women with normal singleton pregnancy in the same gestational age as control group. After informed concept, demographic data (maternal and gestational age and parity) recorded and 5 mL venous blood samples were taken to detect the lactate plasma level. The data analyzed using SPSS software ver22. Results: Finally, 95 participations (50 in case and 45 in control group) enrolled. The clinical results showed that the most of case group were aged more than 35 years old with had higher parity and body mass index, but, no statistically significant difference showed up. On the other hand, although the lactate level was slightly higher in women with EP, but, the plasma lactate level did not statistically differ between the two study groups. Also, the logistic regression showed no relationship between the demographic variables and the lactate plasma level. Conclusion: It seems that the plasma level of lactate cannot be a diagnostic biomarker for EP.

Association between the duration of progesterone supplementation treatment and premature neonates outcomes: A retrospective cohort study.

Background and Aims: Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity, progesterone is one of the main hormones to maintain a normal pregnancy. However, there are still conflicting results regarding using progesterone supplementation to prevent PTB and improve neonatal outcomes. The length of treatment with progesterone supplementation is also one of the challenges ahead, so the present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the duration of progesterone supplementation treatment and neonatal outcomes. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted on pregnant women at risk of PTB and who have taken progesterone supplementation. They were asked about the length of treatment with progesterone supplements and finally, the neonatal outcomes of these women were measured. Results: A total of 265 pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria were included in this study and the subjects were divided into two groups that received progesterone <12 weeks and received progesterone ≥12. In the group of women receiving progesterone with a treatment duration of ≥12 weeks, the rate of preterm labor, respiratory distress syndrome, low birth weight, and the need for hospitalization were significantly lower than in the group receiving progesterone with a treatment duration of ≥12 weeks. Conclusion: Progesterone administration for longer than 12 weeks in women at risk of PTB can improve neonatal outcomes.

Female infertility and dietary antioxidant index (DAI); a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Adequate intake of natural antioxidants may improve female fertility. The aim of this study was to examine the link between female infertility and dietary antioxidant index (DAI). METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on 125 women with recently diagnosis of reduced ovarian reserves (AMH < 1.1) as the case group and 125 women with normal ovarian reserve as the control group in Rasht, Iran. The amount of food intake was assessed using the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and the DAI was calculated to estimate the antioxidant capacity of the diet. RESULTS: Regarding dietary intake, the infertile women had a lower intake of potassium (2789.25 ± 777 vs. 2593.68 ± 443 mg/d, P = 0.02), magnesium (204.12 ± 66 vs. 189.73 ± 34 mg/d, P = 0.03), copper (0.93 ± 0.40 vs. 0.82 ± 0.20 mg/d, P < 0.01), vitamin C (133.99 ± 46 vs. 122.62 ± 24 mg/d, P = 0.02), and fiber (14.53 ± 3 vs. 13.44 ± 2 g/d, P < 0.05), and a higher intake of cholesterol (205.61 ± 58 vs. 227.02 ± 46 mg/d, P < 0.01) than the control group (All P < 0.05). The DAI was negatively associated with infertility (OR: 0.94, CI 95%: 0.88-0.97, P = 0.03). The association remained significant after adjustments for age, BMI, the underlying diseases, fertility frequency, IVF failure, and calorie intake. CONCLUSION: Following an antioxidant-rich diet may reduce the risk of infertility. More longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm these results and discover the underlying mechanisms.

Risk of decreased ovarian reserve in women with HPV infection and cervical lesions.

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been considered an important involved factor for infertility. Since one of the causes of decreased ovarian reserve is oophoritis due to viral infections, this study aimed to evaluated the association between HPV infection and ovarian reserve. Methods: This case-control study was performed on 219 women aged 25-35 years who were referred to the gynecologic oncology clinic during 2019-2020. The positive or negative HPV infection was confirmed by cervical biopsy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Cervical lesions or abnormalities in the cervix were assessed by colposcopy and histopathological analysis. Serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels were measured for all participants to assess ovarian reserve. Results: The results of this study showed that in patients who were HPV positive, decreased ovarian reserve was more common than in the HPV negative group (p = 0.0001). Also, there was a significant difference between Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) I and CIN III sub-groups in AMH level (p = 0.0001). Conclusions: Traces of HPV have been observed in various aspects of infertility, but no study has been performed on its association with ovarian reserve. According to the results of this study, decreased ovarian reserve was more common in patients who were HPV positive.

A report of two cases with successful oocyte retrieval after wrongly earlier injection of ovulation induction trigger: Case report.

Oocyte maturation is induced by trigger administration and is acritical step in the success of assisted reproductive technology (ART)treatment. The ideal time interval between trigger administration and oocyte retrieval varies in the literature. Extremely short or long time intervals are both knownto cause unfavorable outcomes in oocyte collection. Accurate control over theinterval between trigger injection and oocyte retrieval is very important forwomen undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), to avoid unexpected premature ovulation. In this report, we present two infertile women who mistakenly injected the triggering dose of gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) 12 h earlier. Case 1 and case 2 were 23 and 30 years old, respectively. Therewas no intervention to prevent pre-operative ovulation, and oocyte retrievalhas been done 48-50 h after trigger injection. oocytes and embryos quality wereacceptable. In conclusion, in patients who have the wrong trigger injection, oocyte retrieval is recommended after consulting the patient about theadvantages and disadvantages of the oocyte retrieval operation.

The prevalence of endometrial polyp in women with tubal factor infertility is higher than male factor infertility: Is PID one of the causes of endometrial polyp?

AIMS: Previous studies have shown an association between chronic endometritis and endometrial polyps, and only one study in infertile women reported an association between tubal obstruction and polyps. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of endometrial polyps in two groups of women with tubal factor infertility and male factor infertility to assess if is there any association between tubal factor infertility and endometrial polyps. METHODS: This case-control study was performed on infertile women. The case group included women with tubal factor infertility and the control group included all women with male factor infertility. In all patients, vaginal ultrasound was performed between days 8 and 12 of the menstrual cycle to diagnose endometrial polyp, its size, and number. Demographic and obstetrics variables were recorded. Patients underwent hysteroscopy and polypectomy and the diagnosis of the polyp was confirmed by pathology report. RESULT: In the present study, 245 people participated in two groups. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic and obstetric characteristics like type of infertility, duration of infertility, and gravidity. The prevalence of polyps in the tubal factor group was higher than in the male factor group (63 [60%] vs. 12 [9.8%]), and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.0001). In addition, the prevalence of chronic endometritis in the tubal factor group was higher than in the male factor group (19 [18.8%] vs. 4 [3.3%]), and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, a strong association was observed between endometrial polyps and tubal obstruction, and considering that the most common cause of tubal obstruction is pelvic and genital infections, after confirmation with more studies, it may be possible to consider antibiotic treatment in these patients, especially in patients with recurrent polyps.

The Effect of Age and AMH Level on ART Outcomes in Patients With Reduced Ovarian Reserve: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Despite many advances, patients with a poor ovarian response to stimulation are one of the most important and challenging factors of infertility. Chronological and ovarian ages are two effective factors responsible for poor response to assisted reproduction treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of age and AMH level on the in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in participants with a reduced ovarian reserve. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 210 participants with anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) < 1.1 ng/ml were included. The effect of age and AMH on pregnancy outcomes including dominant follicle count, serum estradiol level on the day of trigger administration, number of metaphase II (MII) oocytes, number of embryos, biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, abortion and live birth rate were evaluated. Results: The number of dominant follicle (p < 0.001), MII oocyte (p < 0.001), grade A (p < 0.001) and B (p < 0.001) embryos, serum estradiol level (p < 0.001), gonadotropin level ( p< 0.001), AMH (p = 0.001), biochemical pregnancy (p = 0.007), clinical (p = 0.01) pregnancy, and live birth rate (p = 0.003) were higher in participants younger than 35 years old. In univariable logistic regression, the chance of retrieving more than 3 oocytes in individuals over 35 years old was 97.1% lower than in individuals younger than 35 years old (p < 0.001). Conclusion: It has been concluded that the higher clinical pregnancy and live birth rate in participants younger than 35 years can be due to the higher AMH level in this group. Under the same conditions of AMH and other variables, age can affect the number of retrieved oocytes.

Evaluation of PGK2 and ACR proteins in seminal plasma: suggestion of potential new biomarkers for prediction of sperm retrieval in non-obstructive azoospermia patients.

This study aimed to assess the role of testis-specific proteins, PGK2 and ACR, in the prediction of sperm retrieval results by microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) in men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). This was a case-control study including 48 semen samples of NOA patients undergoing the micro-TESE procedure, 15 semen samples from normozoospermic men as the positive control, and 12 semen samples from obstructive azoospermia/post-vasectomy (OA/PV) as negative controls. We investigated the levels of PGK2 and ACR proteins by ELISA tests in seminal plasma samples. The ELISA results revealed a significantly higher concentration of PGK2 and ACR in the NOA patients with successful sperm retrieval (NOA+) in comparison to NOA patients with failed sperm retrieval (NOA-) group (p = 0.0001 in both cases). For the first time, the data from this study suggests that a seminal PGK2 concentration of 136.3 pg/ml and ACR concentration of 21.75 mIU/ml can be used as cut-off values for the prediction of micro-TESE outcomes in NOA patients. These findings may be useful to avoid unnecessary micro-TESE operations. Overall, the seminal levels of the PGK2 and ACR proteins may be useful in predicting sperm retrieval success by micro-TESE in NOA patients.

Effects of maternal age on the mode of delivery following induction of labor in nulliparous term pregnancies: A retrospective cohort study.

Background and Aim: Increased maternal age at the time of pregnancy and labor is believed to have potential complications. To evaluate the effects of maternal age on the mode of delivery among nulliparous women with term pregnancies who underwent labor induction. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 313 women with the gestational age of at least ≥37 weeks, were enrolled. They were divided based on their maternal ages as: Group A < 35 years old (y/o) and Group B ≥ 35 y/o patients. Demographic features and other variables (i.e., past medical history, social history, indications and methods of labor induction, causes of cesarean delivery) were recorded from patients' files. Final outcomes were categorized as: primary (i.e., rate of cesarean section: C/S) and (b) secondary (i.e., duration of labor, postpartum complications, neonatal variables). All data were analyzed by the SPSS ver.21 software. Results: Median and interquartile ranges of gestational age were not significantly different, comparing the two groups (p = 0.415), although these variables were significantly different regarding maternal height among the two groups (p = 0.007). There was a significant relationship between the methods of labor induction among the two groups (p = 0.005). There was a prominent statistical relationship between (a) C/S deliveries and also (b) indications of C/S among the two groups (p = 0.004 and p = 0.033, respectively). Univariate logistic regression test revealed maternal age groups, neonatal weight, and history of underlying diseases had significant results (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Increased maternal age is associated with higher rates of CS among nulliparous women with term pregnancies who underwent labor induction.

The association between chronic endometritis and uterine fibroids.

Background: Some studies reported the association between fibroids with uterine inflammation. By considering this hypothesis, the formation and recurrence of uterine fibroids can be prevented by diagnosis and treatment of inflammation, and complications and costs can be reduced. This study aimed to evaluate the association between chronic endometritis and uterine fibroids in non-menopausal women. Materials and Methods: This prospective case-control study was performed on non-menopausal women referred to Al-Zahra Hospital in Rasht during April 2019-April 2020. Non- menopausal women of reproductive age (20-55 years old) with abnormal uterine bleeding who were candidates for hysteroscopy based on medical history and ultrasound reports were included in this study. The case group with fibroids were divided into two groups of intramural and subserosal myoma group and submucosal group based on the location of fibroids. The control group was patients with abnormal uterine bleeding complaints and no uterine fibroid. Endometrial specimens were examined by a pathologist for histological and immunochemistry assessments. In interpreting the results of endometrial biopsy, a positive result was indicated by the presence of one or more plasma cells per 10 high power field. Data were gathered by a form including age, parity, history of recurrent miscarriage, patient's complaint (abnormal uterine bleeding), hysteroscopic results (submucosal myoma-polyp-normal), uterine histology (polyp, endometritis, and hyperplasia) and prevalence of chronic endometritis based on plasma cell in the biopsy. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 21. Data were reported by descriptive statistics including number, percent, mean and standard deviation. The normality of quantitative data was assessed by the Kolmogorov- Smirnov test. Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to compare groups and logistic regression was used to control the effect of confounders. Results: The incidence of chronic endometritis was 39% (38 out of 97) and a higher incidence of chronic endometritis was noted in the case group than the control group (46% vs. 31%), No significant difference was observed between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, the incidence of chronic endometritis in women with submucosal myoma was higher than the intramural and subserosal groups (64% vs. 37%) (P = 0.04). To control the effect of age on the rate of chronic endometritis in both groups, no significant effect was observed in logistic regression. Conclusions: The results showed the overall incidence of chronic endometritis was higher than previous studies and also the incidence was higher and more significant in women with submucosal myoma than in the intramural and subserosal group. As in this study, authors assessed the association between chronic endometritis and uterine fibroids, further studies assessing the cause and effect relationships are recommended.

Effect of vaginal washing before Misoprostol insertion on cervical ripening before induction of labor: A randomized single-blind clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Vaginal pH is acidic in pregnancy, but there is no information about pH changes in pregnancy, and contradictory results have been reported from the effectiveness of Misoprostol at different vaginal pH. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of vaginal washing before Misoprostol insertion on cervical ripening before induction of labor in comparison with the control group. METHODS: This randomized single-blind clinical trial was performed on 148 pregnant women who were candidates for induction of labor. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups of intervention (vaginal washing with 20 cc of normal saline 0.9% before Misoprostol insertion) and the control group (without vaginal washing). Vaginal pH and Bishop scores were measured before and after the intervention. The two groups were compared in demographic-obstetric variables, the success rate of induction of labor, maternal and neonatal outcomes, and Misoprostol dose. RESULTS: After the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference between the pH before and after in the group with vaginal washing. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the type and duration of labor, and maternal and neonatal outcomes (P > .05). The frequency of normal delivery less than 12 hours in the intervention group was higher than in the control group. Although this difference was not statistically significant due to the small number of subjects, it is clinically significant. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study showed that vaginal washing with normal saline before Misoprostol insertion for induction of labor did not affect the success of induction and duration of labor.

The 4-month effect of Vitex agnus-castus plant on sexual function of women of reproductive age: A clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Sexual dysfunction in women is a common disorder. Yet, there is no consensus on its treatment. Few studies have shown that Vitex agnus-castus improves sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women; the present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of V. agnus-castus on the female sexual function in the reproductive age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a double-blinded randomized control clinical trial on the women of reproductive age referred to the gynecology clinic of Al-Zahra Medical Center in Rasht, Iran, from February 2018 to December 2019. The intervention group received Agnugol tablet containing 3.2-4.8 mg dried extract V. agnus-castus (51 participants) and the control group received a placebo tablet (51 participants). All participants received one tablet daily for 16 weeks. The participants were asked to complete the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire at the beginning of the study and after 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks. Data were analyzed in SPSS statistics (version 21) using Chi-square test, t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, analysis of variance, and mixed model to examine the differences between the groups. RESULTS: The results showed that the difference between the two groups was not significant in each domain, but there was a significant difference in the overall sexual function mean score so that the intervention group had a higher score than the placebo group after 16 weeks (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In the present study, it was observed that the consumption of V. agnus-castus during 16 weeks was more effective than the placebo in improving sexual dysfunction. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to be able to decide on the prescription of this drug in the clinics.

The relationship between thyroid function and ovarian reserve: a prospective cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid dysfunction can affect fertility and miscarriage risk by affecting the process of follicular growth, embryo development, implantation, and placental formation. It has been suggested that thyroid disorders are associated with ovarian reserve by affecting the follicular process. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between thyroid hormone levels and ovarian reserve. METHODS: Three hundred fourteen women with infertility due to various etiologies were enrolled in this study (172 individuals with Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) level ≥ 1.1 ng/ml and 142 individuals with AMH < 1.1 ng/ml). Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2) on day 2-4 of menstrual cycles, AMH, Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyroxine (free T4) were evaluated. RESULTS: In participants with age over 35 years, median TSH level in women with AMH < 1.1 ng/ml was significantly higher than those with AMH ≥1.1 ng/ml (P-value =0.037). There was no significant difference in body mass index (BMI) in patients with age older than 35 years and younger than 35 years sub-groups based on AMH level (P-value = 0.102, and P-value = 0.909 respectively). With one unit increase in TSH level, the odds of having AMH < 1.1 ng/ml increases by 1.25 times or by 25% (P-value =0.017). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed a TSH cut-off point of 1.465 mIU/L in participants over 35 years in identifying decreased AMH level. CONCLUSION: Our study supports the relationship between TSH level and ovarian reserve so that with an increase in TSH from a certain level is associated with a decrease in ovarian function.

Luteinizing hormone changes in gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist protocol in in vitro fertilization cycles: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Because of the unexpected and often dramatic inhibition of luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion related with the usage of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-antagonist, there has been a probable need for exogenous LH supplementation. There is a basic and clinical evidences that show late development of follicle needs an LH but there is a threshold for LH requirements during folliculogenesis. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in serum LH and the identification of patients who benefit from the addition of LH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy volunteers for antagonist protocol in IVF cycle were enrolled in this prospective cross-sectional study. The study was carried out in Reproductive Health Research Center, University of Medical Sciences between July 2016 and February 2016. Serum LH level was estimated 24 h before and after the first (GnRH) antagonist injection. The primary outcome was the serum level of LH and its change in the three groups and the secondary outcome was Egg and Embryo quality. RESULTS: LH changes above or below 50% had no effect on the number of follicle, the number of oocyte, Germinal vesicle oocyte, metaphase 1 oocyte, metaphase 2 oocyte, endometrial thickness, and chemical and clinical pregnancy. CONCLUSION: We evaluated the changes of serum LH in the patients who were entered in the antagonist protocol. Our study showed no significant difference in LH levels 24 h before and after the injection of the antagonist between the three groups, and LH changes did not affect the outcome of pregnancy.

Comparing the Impact of Autologous Platelet-rich Plasma and Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor on Pregnancy Outcome in Patients with Repeated Implantation Failure.

BACKGROUND: Despite the advancements in assisted reproductive technologies, repeated implantation failure (RIF) still remains a challenging problem for patients and clinicians. The aim of the present study was to compare the impact of intrauterine infusion of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and systemic administration of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF) on pregnancy outcome in patients with repeated implantation failure. METHODS: The present retrospective cohort study included 123 patients with history of more than two repeated failed embryo transfers. Cycles were divided into two groups of intrauterine infusion of PRP (n=67) and systemic administration of GCSF (n=56). Pregnancy outcome was compared between two groups. The p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in PRP group than GCSF group (40.3% versus 21.4%, p=0.025). The crud and adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval (CI)) were 2.5 and 2.6 (p=0.025, CI: 1.11-5.53 and p=0.03, CI: 1.10-6.15), respectively. CONCLUSION: It seems that intrauterine infusion of PRP can positively affect pregnancy outcome in RIF patients in comparison with systemic administration of GCSF and more studies need to be designed to conclude the effectiveness of this method.