The association of higher thyroid stimulating hormone levels in the normal range with unexplained infertility: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Since thyroid hormones have an essential role in energy production, early development of the human placenta, embryo development, and implantation, abnormalities in thyroid function can significantly affect pregnancy outcomes. Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of higher thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in the normal range in euthyroid women with unexplained infertility. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the data for 300 euthyroid women aged between 18 and 39 yr with normal TSH levels ( ≤ 5 mIU/L) referred to Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Yazd, Iran from December 2018-March 2021 in 2 groups: the case group (with unexplained infertility) and the control group (with male factor infertility). Finally, age, body mass index, and serum levels of TSH were extracted from participants' medical records and compared between groups. Results: The mean age and TSH level of participants were 31.52 ± 3.52 yr and 1.24 ± 2.59 mIU/L, respectively. 142 women (47.3%) had TSH < 2.5, and 158 women (52.7%) had TSH ≥ 2.5 mIU/L. The women with unexplained infertility had significantly higher TSH levels than controls in the same normal range (0.62 vs. 0.64 mIU/L, p < 0.001). Although a more significant proportion of women in the case group had TSH levels > 2.5 mIU/L, we did not find a significant association between TSH levels and age or body mass index. Conclusion: Women with unexplained infertility have a higher level of serum TSH in the normal range ( ≥ 2.5 mIU/L) than the control group. So, the effect of TSH treatment on these women should be considered.

Effect of dietary approaches to stop hypertension, and standard diets with and without curcumin on interleukin-1 alpha, 5-alpha reductase gene expressions, and androgenic and glycemic profile in polycystic ovary syndrome women undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment: A study protocol.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine diseases with major reproductive and metabolic complications with an impact on public health. Hyperandrogenism and chronic inflammation have been suggested as the leading cause of pathophysiology and clinical manifestations associated with PCOS. It seems that the altered expression of genes involved in the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokine and androgens contribute to the promotion of PCOS. Objective: This trial aims to determine the effects of dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) and standard diets with and without curcumin supplementation on the gene expression of interleukin -1 alpha(IL1α), 5α reductase and androgenic and glycemic profile among PCOS patients, who are candidates for in vitro fertilization. Materials and Methods: 96 infertile women with PCOS, aged 18-40 yr, will participate in this randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Based on treatment conditions and body mass index, the participants will be randomly divided into 4 equal groups using a randomized block design. They will receive a DASH or standard diet containing 52% carbohydrate, 18% protein, and 30% total fat, with the same prescribed sodium, plus 500 mg twice daily curcumin or placebo for 12 wk. The mRNA expression of IL-1α, 5α reductase, and androgenic and glycemic profiles will be measured at baseline and at the end of the study. Conclusion: Concomitant administration of DASH diet and curcumin supplementation may reduce IL-1α, 5α reductase gene expressions, and improve glycemic and androgenic profiles.

Correction to "Does the repeat dose of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist trigger in polycystic ovarian syndrome improve in vitro fertilization cycles outcome? A clinical trial study" [Int J Reprod BioMed 2020; 18: 485-490].

[This corrects the article on p. 485 in vol. 18 PMCPMC7385917.].

The effect of misoprostol on the removal of endometrial polyps: A pilot clinical trial.

Background: Endometrial polyps are one of the most common gynecological disorders with a high frequency among infertile women. Hysteroscopic polypectomy remains the gold standard for the treatment of endometrial polyps. As alternative treatments, few drugs have been evaluated to date. Objective: To investigate the possible effect of misoprostol on the elimination of endometrial polyps. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial we examined 30 infertile women whose endometrial polyps were confirmed by transvaginal ultrasound with saline injection. All women were administered 400 mg of misoprostol: 200 mg orally and 200 vaginally. 8 hr later, sonography with saline injection was performed again and all women were examined for the presence or absence of endometrial polyps. Finally, the diagnosis was confirmed for all women using hysteroscopy. The main outcome of this study was the elimination of endometrial polyps after misoprostol administration. Results: The average size of the endometrial polyps was 14.33 ± 4.26 mm, with a range of 7-22 mm. After misoprostol administration, in 12 out of the 30 women who had shown endometrial polyps in the initial examination, no polyp was found. At follow-up it was found that the smallest endometrial polyp that had been eliminated was 8 mm and the largest was 22 mm. Conclusion: The findings of our study revealed that misoprostol can remove up to 40% of endometrial polyps. This drug has the potential to be used as a safe and low-cost first-line treatment before performing hysteroscopic polypectomy.

Corrigendum to "Efficacy of 17 α- hydroxy progestrone on decreasing preterm labor in ART pregnancies: A randomized clinical trial" [Iran J Reprod Med 2013; 11: 785-790].

[This corrects the article on p. 785 in vol. 11 PMCPMC3941339.].

Correction to "Effect of vitamin D insufficiency treatment on fertility outcomes in frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles: A randomized clinical trial" [Iran J Reprod Med 2014; 12: 595-600].

[This corrects the article on p. 595 in vol. 12 PMCPMC4248143.].

Corrigendum to "The effect of misoprostol on the removal of endometrial polyps: A pilot clinical trial" [Int J Reprod BioMed 2022; 20: 461-468].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v20i6.11441.].

HOX cluster and their cofactors showed an altered expression pattern in eutopic and ectopic endometriosis tissues.

Endometriosis is major gynecological disease that affects over 10% of women worldwide and 30%-50% of these women have pelvic pain, abnormal uterine bleeding and infertility. The cause of endometriosis is unknown and there is no definite cure mainly because of our limited knowledge about its pathophysiology at the cellular and molecular levels. Therefore, demystifying the molecular mechanisms that underlie endometriosis is essential to develop advanced therapies for this disease. In this regard, HOX genes are remarkable because of their critical role in endometrial development and receptivity during implantation, which is attributed to their ability to mediate some of the sex steroid functions during the reproductive period. Access to the expression profiles of these genes would provide the necessary information to uncover new genes for endometriosis and assist with disease diagnosis and treatment. In this study we demonstrate an altered expression pattern for the HOX clusters (A-D) and their cofactors in both eutopic and ectopic conditions compared to control tissue biopsies. Remarkably, most of the intensive changes occurred in eutopic samples from endometriosis patients compared to control tissue biopsies. Pathway analysis revealed the involvement of differentially expressed genes in cancer that correlate with an association between endometriosis and cancer. Our results suggest critical roles for the HOX cluster and their cofactors in endometriosis pathophysiology.

Corrigendum to "Pregnancy outcome of "delayed start" GnRH antagonist protocol versus GnRH antagonist protocol in poor responders: A clinical trial study" [Int J Reprod BioMed 2017; 15: 231-238].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.29252/ijrm.15.4.231.].

Corrigendum to "Comparison of conventional IVF versus ICSI in non-male factor, normoresponder patients" [Iran J Reprod Med 2012; 10: 131-136].

[This corrects the article on p. 131 in vol. 10, PMID: 25242986.].

Subcutaneous progesterone versus vaginal progesterone for luteal-phase support in frozen-thawed embryo transfer: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Luteal-phase support is a complex and controversial issue in the field of reproductive management. OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and efficacy of low-dose subcutaneous progesterone with the vaginal progesterone for luteal-phase support in patients undergoing rozen-thawed embryo transfer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, information related to 77 women that had frozen-thawed embryo transfer was reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups based on the route of progesterone administration used as a luteal-phase support. When the endometrial thickness reached ≥ 8 mm, in one group progesterone (Prolutex) 25 mg/ daily subcutaneous and in another group, vaginal progesterone (CyclogestⓇ) 400 mg twice or (EndometrinⓇ) 100 mg thrice daily, were administrated and continued until menstruation or in case of clinical pregnancy for 8 wk after the embryo transfer when the fetal heart activity was detected by ultrasonography. RESULTS: The patient's characteristics were matched and there was no significant difference. The chemical and clinical pregnancy rate was higher in the vaginal progesterone group compared to the prolutex group, but statistically unnoticeable, (40% vs. 29.6%, p = 0.367) and (28% vs. 22.2%, p = 0.581), respectively. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study demonstrate that the new subcutaneous progesterone can be a good alternative for intramuscular progesterone in women that dislike and do not accept vaginal formulations as luteal-phase support in assisted reproductive technology.

Effects of Intraovarian Injection of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma on Ovarian Rejuvenation in Poor Responders and Women with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency.

Injection of intraovarian platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was recently presented in terms of improvement ovarian function in women with a poor ovarian response (POR) or primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). In a before and after study, 17 poor responder women and 9 women with the diagnosis of POI were recruited. The multifocal intramedullary infusion of 1.5 ml activated PRP was performed into each ovary. The majority of women in both groups received the second PRP injection with the twofold increase in the dosage to 3ml, 3 months after the first injection. Evaluation of serum anti-mullerian hormone ( AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2) was performed. In addition, all women were followed with regard to pregnancy outcome up to delivery. In the POI group, menstrual restoration was monitored. The significant difference was not detected regarding the hormonal profile between the three time points in both groups. With regard to pregnancy outcome, 8/17 (47%) of PORs had spontaneous pregnancy in response to PRP injection. Of those, three women (37.55%) had abortions, whereas 4 pregnancies (50%) led to healthy live births, and one woman (12.5%) was in the 24th week of her pregnancy. Menstruation recovery occurred among 22.2% of women with POI after the second PRP injection, but no one became pregnant. Intraovarian injection of autologous PRP might be considered an alternative treatment in poor responders. As for women with POI, it is questionable whether PRP could induce menstrual recovery.

Corrigendum to "Comparing the effects of nursing versus peer-based education methods on the preoperative anxiety in infertile women: An RCT" [Int J Reprod BioMed 2019; 17: 883-890].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v17i12.5795.].

Correction to "The effect of endometrial injury on pregnancy rate in frozen-thawed embryo transfer: A randomized control trial" [Int J Reprod BioMed 2016; 14: 453-458].

[This corrects the article on p. 453 in vol. 14 PMCPMC4971562.].

Aspiration versus retention ultrasound-guided ethanol sclerotherapy for treating endometrioma: A retrospective cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Endometrioma is a common high-recurrence gynecological disease that affects infertility. Surgical resection using laparotomy or laparoscopy is applied as a standard treatment. Moreover, sclerotherapy is reported to be effective as a non-invasive method for treating endometrioma. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the ethanol retention or aspiration after sclerotherapy improve pregnancy outcome in infertile women with endometrioma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, hospital records of 43 women with recurrent or bilateral endometrioma who had been undergone transvaginal ultrasound sclerotherapy were reviewed. They were selected to receive either ethanol for 10 min, ethanol injection, irrigation, and then aspiration or total retention without aspiration based on the surgeon's decision. The participants were followed-up for 3, 6 and 12 months for natural or artificial conception as well as for cyst recurrence. RESULTS: Chemical pregnancy was positive in 52% of the women in the aspiration group and 53.8% in the retention group. Ongoing pregnancy (44% vs 46.2%, p = 0.584) and live birth (40% vs 46.2%, p = 0.490) were reported marginally higher in the retention group compared with the aspiration group, and the differences were not statistically significant. Moreover, the recurrence rate were found to be 48.1% and 37.5% in the aspiration and retention groups, respectively (p = 0.542). The cysts size in the retention group was significantly correlated to the recurrence rate. CONCLUSION: Both the aspiration and left in situ of ethanol 95% sclerotherapy have the similar impact on the treatment of ovarian endometrioma regarding pregnancy and recurrence rate. However, larger randomized studies with strict inclusion criteria are needed.

Does the repeat dose of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist trigger in polycystic ovarian syndrome improve in vitro fertilization cycles outcome? A clinical trial study.

BACKGROUND: A repeat dose of Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (GnRH) agonist could provide long duration of luteinizing hormone (LH) surge and amplitude appropriately. OBJECTIVE: Improvement in oocyte maturity could be obtained by a repeat dose of GnRH agonist. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized double-blinded study, 120 women with polycystic ovarian syndrome and serum estradiol level (E2) > 3000 who were candidate for in vitro fertilization with Antagonist protocol were enrolled between July 2018 and July 2019. Participants were randomized in two groups - and final oocyte maturation was triggered with two doses: In group A, a repeat dose of 0.1 mg, 12 hr. after the first dose and in group B, 0.2 mg SC triptorelin (decapeptyl) 35 hr. prior to oocyte retrieval. Serum Estradiol, LH, and progesterone concentration were measured on the trigger day. Serum LH measurement was done three times in both groups. The outcomes were oocyte yield, meiosis (M) I, MII, Maturity rate, germinal vesicle (GV) rate, 2 pronuclear, embryo yield, ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome rates. RESULTS: Maturity rate (p = 0.89), MI (p = 0.38), MII (p = 0.89), and GV oocytes (p = 0.38) were not statistically different between the two study groups. LH levels measured at 12 hr post-trigger did not relate statistically significant with maturity rate in our participants (p = 0.96). No empty follicular syndrome was reported. CONCLUSION: Although, the second dose of GnRH agonist after 12 hr since the first dose could provide duration of LH surge and amplitude and as a result no empty follicular syndrome was seen, the maturity rate, MI, MII, and GV oocytes were not different between the two study groups.

Comparison of Oocyte Maturation Trigger Using Follicle Stimulating Hormone Plus Human Chorionic Gonadotropin versus hCG Alone in Assisted Reproduction Technology Cycles.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to investigate oocyte maturation, fertilization and pregnancy rates among infertile women, by concomitant follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) administration at the time of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger, compared to hCG trigger alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective randomized controlled trial, 109 infertile women between the ages of 20 and 40 years, received gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist and fresh embryo transfer. Following the procedure, the subjects were randomly divided into two groups on the oocyte-triggering day. In the experimental group, final oocyte maturation was achieved by 5000 IU hCG plus 450 IU FSH. In the control group, however, oocyte triggering was performed by 5000 IU hCG, only. The primary outcome was clinical pregnancy and the secondary outcomes included oocyte recovery rate, oocyte maturity rate, fertilization proportion rate, fertilization rate, implantation rate and chemical pregnancy rate. RESULTS: Fifty-four women were appointed to the group with the FSH bolus injection at the time of hCG trigger and 55 women were assigned to the hCG alone group. Women in the FSH group had a significantly higher metaphase II (MII) oocyte (7.17 ± 3.50 vs. 5.87 ± 3.19), 2 pronuclear embryos (2PNs) (5.44 ± 3.20 vs. 3.74 ± 2.30) and total embryos (4.57 ± 2.82 vs. 3.29 ± 2.13) compared to hCG alone group, respectively. Furthermore, fertilization rate (0.75 ± 0.19 vs. 0.68 ± 0.25), implantation rate (14.2 vs. 8.5%) as well as clinical (27.9 vs. 15.9%) and chemical (32.6 vs. 20.5%) pregnancy rates were higher in the FSH group, but no statistically significant difference was found (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Combination of FSH and hCG for oocyte triggering improves oocyte maturity and fertilization proportion rates without increasing the chance of implantation, chemical and clinical pregnancy rates (Registration number: IRCT2017082724512N5).

Association between early embryo morphokinetics plus cumulus cell gene expression and assisted reproduction outcomes in polycystic ovary syndrome women.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Can a combination of time-lapse morphokinetic parameters and cumulus cell gene expression in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women be used to predict assisted reproductive treatment outcome? DESIGN: A total of 547 embryos from 100 intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles were evaluated. Fifty women with PCOS and 50 women who were categorized as tubal factor infertility were recruited. Time-lapse records were annotated for time to pronuclear fading (tPNf), time to 2 to 8 cells (t2-t8), reverse cleavage, direct cleavage and also for the presence of multinucleation. Expression levels of three genes involved in mitotic divisions, diaphanous-related formin 2 (DIAPH2), nibrin (NBN) and NIMA-related protein kinase (NEK4), were measured in 100 associated cumulus cell samples using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Expression of DIAPH2 and NBN was significantly higher in the embryos of PCOS patients that resulted in implantation, biochemical and clinical pregnancies as well as live birth compared with embryos that were negative for these outcomes (P <0.01). However, in the tubal factor group, NBN gene expression was significantly higher in embryos resulting in biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy and live birth (P <0.01) only. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that tPNf together with DIAPH2 gene expression were independent prognostic factors of clinical pregnancy rate and live birth in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Some time-lapse embryo parameters may be related to cumulus gene expression and clinical outcome. Furthermore, the expressions of cumulus cell genes involved in mitotic divisions are significantly associated with ICSI outcome using Day 3 embryo transfer.

Comparing the effects of nursing versus peer-based education methods on the preoperative anxiety in infertile women: An RCT.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative anxiety is a common event in patients expecting surgery. Education can play an important role in reducing the negative effects of anxiety on the response to treatment. Therefore, identifying the appropriate method is important. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was comparing the effects of nursing versus peer-based education on the preoperative anxiety in infertile women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this clinical trial, 198 eligible infertile women were randomized into three groups (n = 66/each): the nurse-educated, peer-educated, and the controls. The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was filled out by all participants for measuring the patient anxiety at the time of hospital admission and prior to surgery. Participants in the nurse-educated and peer-educated groups received a group education program by a nurse or peer, respectively, after the initial completion of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. RESULTS: The mean score anxiety was 44.47, 46.92, and 42.60 at the time of hospital admission and 39.38, 41.06, and 43.42 prior to surgery in nurse-educated, peer-educated, and the control groups, respectively. There was a significant difference in the mean score of anxiety in each group before and after the intervention (p < 0.0001). However, the difference between the groups was not significant. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that nursing and peer education programs both reduce the preoperative anxiety. Hence, optimal use of the peer's potential regarding the compensation for staff shortage for preoperative education as well as investigating the effect of individual education is suggested for further studies.