The actor-partner interdependence model of fertility stress and marital quality among couples undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer: The mediating role of dyadic coping.

To explore the relationships among fertility stress, dyadic coping and marital quality in couples undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Couples receiving IVF-ET treatment at the clinic of the reproductive medicine centre of a hospital in China from February 2023 to October 2023 were selected by convenience sampling. A general information questionnaire, the Infertility Fertility Stress Scale (COMP-FPSS-SF), the dyadic coping inventory, and the marital adjustment test were used to evaluate the results. AMOS24.0 software was used to construct an actor-partner interdependence model that extended to mediation to analyze the relationships among couples' fertility stress, dyadic coping, and marital quality. The fertility stress level of IVF-ET wives was significantly higher than that of their husbands (p < 0.05). Wives' levels of dyadic coping and marital quality were significantly lower than those of husbands (p < 0.05). Fertility stress, dyadic coping, and marital quality were positively correlated between IVF-ET couples (p < 0.01). In terms of the actor effect, the fertility stress of IVF-ET couples had a significant impact on their marital quality through their dyadic coping (ß = -0.188, p < 0.05; ß = -0.109, p < 0.05). In terms of partner effects, wives' fertility stress significantly affected their husbands' marital quality through their own or their husbands' dyadic coping (ß = -0.055, p < 0.01; ß = 0.157, p < 0.01). Dyadic coping mediates the relationship between fertility stress and marital quality in IVF-ET couples. Nurses can use husbands and wives as central individuals and dyadic coping as the starting point to formulate intervention measures to reduce fertility stress and improve marital quality.

Effects of Metabolic Syndrome on Pregnancy Outcomes in Women Without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Context: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic risk factors that predict cardiovascular disease. Previous studies suggested that MetS impaired clinical outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Objective: To evaluate the effects of MetS on IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes in women without PCOS. Methods: This retrospective study collected 8539 eligible women without PCOS who came for their first cycle of IVF/ICSI to the Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, from 2017 to 2020, including 1147 subjects in the MetS group and 7392 in the control group. The primary outcome was live birth. Secondary outcomes included other pregnancy outcomes and the risk of maternal and neonatal complications. Results: Women in the MetS group had a lower live birth rate (50.6% vs 54.9%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.87, 95% CI 0.75-1.00, P = .045) and higher risks of late miscarriage (5.8% vs 3.3%, aOR 1.52, 95% CI 1.02-2.27, P = .041), gestational diabetes mellitus (13.7% vs 7.0%, aOR 1.84, 95% CI 1.30-2.60, P = .001), hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (7.8% vs 3.5%, aOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.14-2.83, P = .012), and preterm birth (9.0% vs 4.4%, aOR 2.03, 95% CI 1.33-3.08, P = .001). Singleton newborns in the MetS group were at higher risk of large for gestational age (33.3% vs 20.5%, aOR 1.66, 95% CI (1.31-2.13), P < .001) but at lower risk of small for gestational age (2.7% vs 6.2%, aOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.25-0.90, P = .023). Conclusion: MetS was associated with adverse IVF/ICSI outcomes in women without PCOS.

Vaginal and endometrial microbiome dysbiosis associated with adverse embryo transfer outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is the most effective method to treat infertility and the pathogenesis of implantation failure after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) is a challenging filed in infertility. Microbes in the female reproductive tract are considered to be associated with gynecological and obstetric diseases. However, its effects on embryo implantation failure are unsured. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate reproductive tract dysbiosis, identify different bacteria in reproductive tract as potential biomarkers of embryo implantation failure and demonstrate the pathogenesis through metabolites analysis. METHODS: We compared the data from 16S rRNA gene and metagenome in reproductive tracts through QIIME2 and HUMAnN2 by the times of embryo implantation failure on 239 infertile patients and 17 healthy women. RESULTS: Our study revealed a strong positive correlation between Lactobacillus abundance and embryo implantation success (IS) after IVF-ET. The microbial community composition and structure in reproductive tract showed substantially difference between the embryo implantation failure (IF) and healthy control. Moreover, we established a diagnostic model through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) with 0.913 area under curve (AUC) in IS and multiple implantation failures (MIF), verified its effectiveness with an AUC = 0.784 demonstrating microbial community alterations could efficiently discriminate MIF patients. Metagenome functional analyses of vaginal samples from another independent infertile patients after IVF-ET revealed the L-lysine synthesis pathway enriched in IF patients, along with ascended vaginal pH and decreased Lactobacillus abundance. CONCLUSIONS: This study clarifies several independent relationships of bacteria in vagina and endometrial fluid on embryo implantation failure and undoubtedly broadens the understanding about female reproductive health.

Oligoasthenospermia is correlated with increased preeclampsia incidence in subfertile couples undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer: a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether intergroup differences in the risk of maternal pregnancy complications after in vitro fertilization (IVF) vary with male factor. DESIGN: A post hoc exploratory secondary analysis of data from a multicenter, randomized, controlled noninferiority trial (NCT03118141). SETTING: Academic fertility centers. PATIENT(S): A total of 1,131 subfertile women with complete recording of their male partner's semen parameters during the trial were enrolled. All participants underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection followed by frozen embryo transfer (ET) as part of their assisted reproductive technology treatment protocol. INTERVENTION(S): Women were divided into the oligoasthenospermia (n = 405) and normospermia (n = 726) groups according to the quality of male sperm. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Pregnancy complications, principally including the incidence of preeclampsia. RESULT(S): Notably, we found that the risk of maternal preeclampsia was significantly higher in the oligoasthenospermia group than in the normospermia group. After adjustments for confounding factors by multivariate logistic regression analysis, the incidence of preeclampsia in the oligoasthenospermia group was still significantly higher than that in the normospermia group (6.55% vs. 3.60%; odds ratio, 0.529; 95% confidence interval, 0.282-0.992). However, there were no significant differences in terms of embryo quality, cumulative live birth rate, other pregnancy complications, or neonatal outcomes between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION(S): Oligoasthenospermia was associated with a higher risk of maternal preeclampsia in subfertile couples undergoing IVF-ET treatment. In clinical practice, it is essential to thoroughly evaluate the sperm quality and quantity of male partners before IVF-ET. Further research is needed to establish the causal relationships between semen quality and adverse pregnancy complications, particularly preeclampsia, and explore potential interventions.

Relationship between marital satisfaction and defeat in IVF-ET: based on actor-partner interdependence model approach.

OBJECTIVE: A person's marital satisfaction is a strong predictor of their own mental health outcomes. However, marital satisfaction results from both spouses' experiences, so a partner's marital satisfaction also affects his or her mental health outcomes. This study adopted the actor-partner interdependence model approach (APIM) to evaluate the relationship between marital satisfaction and sense of defeat in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) couples. METHODS AND MEASURES: In this cross-sectional study, 181 infertile couples undergoing IVF-ET treatment were recruited using the Marital Satisfaction Scale of the ENRICH Marital Quality Questionnaire and Defeat Scale. Through APIM and Pearson analysis, the path relationship between marital satisfaction and defeat was analyzed. RESULTS: The varying degrees of defeat in IVF-ET couples, are closely related to actors' and partners' marital satisfaction. In terms of actor effects, the Marital Satisfaction of both husbands (ß = -0.71, p < 0.001) and wives (ß = -0.46, p = 0.001) have a significant effect on individual Defeat. With regard to partner effects, husbands' Marital Satisfaction (ß = -0.23, p = 0.038) has a significant impact on wives' Defeat and the wives' Marital Satisfaction (ß = -0.45, p = -0.005) has a significant impact on husbands' Defeat. CONCLUSION: IVF-ET couples must be looked at as a whole, and it is critical to include couples and not just men or women when studying infertility. The importance of their interaction is essential to improve the psychosocial adaptation of infertile couples in IVF-ET treatment.

The usefulness of peri-trigger female reproductive hormones (delta-FRH) in predicting oocyte maturation in normal ovarian reserve patients who received in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer: a retrospective study.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of peri-trigger female reproductive hormones (FRHs) in the prediction of oocyte maturation in normal ovarian reserve patients during the in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) procedure. Materials and Methods: A hospital database was used to extract data on IVF-ET cases from January 2020 to September 2021. The levels of female reproductive hormones, including estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone (P), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), were initially evaluated at baseline, the day of the trigger, the day after the trigger, and the day of oocyte retrieval. The relative change in E2, LH, P, FSH between time point 1 (the day of trigger and baseline) and time point 2 (the day after the trigger and day on the trigger) was defined as E2_RoV1/2, LH_RoV1/2, P_RoV1/2, and FSH_RoV1/2, respectively. Univariable and multivariable regression were performed to screen the peri-trigger FRHs for the prediction of oocyte maturation. Results: A total of 118 patients were enrolled in our study. Univariable analysis revealed significant associations between E2_RoV1 and the rate of MII oocytes in the GnRH-agonist protocol group (p < 0.05), but not in the GnRH-antagonist protocol group. Conversely, P_RoV2 emerged as a potential predictor for the rate of MII oocytes in both protocol groups (p < 0.05). Multivariable analysis confirmed the significance of P_RoV2 in predicting oocyte maturation rate in both groups (p < 0.05), while the association of E2_RoV1 was not significant in either group. However, within the subgroup of high P_RoV2 in the GnRH-agonist protocol group, association was not observed to be significant. The C-index was 0.83 (95% CI [0.73-0.92]) for the GnRH-agonist protocol group and 0.77 (95% CI [0.63-0.90]) for the GnRH-antagonist protocol group. The ROC curve analysis further supported the satisfactory performance of the models, with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.79 for the GnRH-agonist protocol group and 0.81 for the GnRH-antagonist protocol group. Conclusions: P_RoV2 showed significant predictive value for oocyte maturation in both GnRH-agonist and GnRH-antagonist protocol groups, which enhances the understanding of evaluating oocyte maturation and inform individualized treatment protocols in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation during IVF-ET for normal ovarian reserve patients.

First-trimester ultrasound diagnosis and risk factor analysis of cesarean scar pregnancy after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.

Background: Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is one of the rarest ectopic pregnancies which may be associated with life-threatening complications. Owing to the rarity of CSP, little is known about it. This study aimed to evaluate the value of the first-trimester transvaginal sonography (TVS) diagnosis and the risk factors of CSP after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Methods: This was a retrospective study of women undergoing IVF-ET between January 2013 and December 2018. Women who were diagnosed with a CSP using TVS and confirmed by surgery and histological examination were included. The clinical data and ultrasound findings were collected and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed for evaluation of possible influence factors. Diagnostic parameters including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of TVS were calculated for the diagnosis of CSP. Results: Overall, 75,438 consecutive women who underwent IVF-ET had received TVS during this period. Of these, 4,817 women (6.4%) had a history of cesarean section and 83 cases were found to have a CSP. Due to the absence of histological data, 19 cases treated conservatively were excluded. Finally, 64 cases were included, among whom 63 cases were correctly diagnosed [including 17 cases of heterotopic CSP (HCSP)] and 1 case was missed using TVS. Another 1 case of inevitable miscarriage was misdiagnosed as a CSP. The maternal age at the initial scan [34.0 (range, 26.0-44.0) years], the infertility duration [4.0 (range, 1-12) years], and the initial diagnostic time after ET [27 (range, 20-50) days] were recorded. A gestational sac (GS) was observed in all 63 cases during ultrasound examinations, including 28 with fetal pole, 25 with a yolk sac only, and 10 with an empty sac. The sensitivity and specificity of first-trimester TVS in diagnosing CSP were 98.44% and 99.98%, respectively; the PPV and NPV were 98.44% and 99.98%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed thinner endometrial thickness (ET) on transfer day [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.83; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.76-0.93, P<0.001] and multiple ET (aOR 53.60, 95% CI: 5.31-1,736.00, P=0.008) were independent risk factors for CSP and HCSP, respectively. Conclusions: First-trimester TVS performed by an experienced sonographer has a high sensitivity for making the correct diagnosis of CSP after IVF-ET, which is helpful for clinical intervention and avoiding severe complications. For patients with a history of cesarean section, thinner ET on the transfer day and bigger body mass index (BMI) seem to be risk factors for CSP; single blastocyst transfer should be recommended to decrease the possibility of HCSP. The clinical significance of this study still needs to be considered.

[Effect of Tiaojing Cuyun acupuncture therapy on pregnancy outcomes in women with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing IVF-ET: a cohort study].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of Tiaojing Cuyun acupuncture therapy (acupuncture for regulating menstruation and promoting pregnancy) on pregnancy outcomes in patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). METHODS: Eighty women with DOR were divided into an observation group (40 cases, 1 case dropped out) and a control group (40 cases, 1 case dropped out) according to whether Tiaojing Cuyun acupuncture therapy was given or not. In the control group, IVF-ET was delivered. In the observation group, before IVF-ET, Tiaojing Cuyun acupuncture therapy was given. Two groups of acupoints were used alternatively, including Baihui (GV 20), Shenting (GV 24), Benshen (GB 13), Zhongwan (CV 12), Guanyuan (CV 4), and bilateral Tianshu (ST 25), Shenshu (BL 23), Ciliao (BL 32), etc. Acupuncture was operated once every other day, three interventions a week, for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was clinical pregnancy rate (CPR). Secondary outcomes included the total days and amount of gonadotropin (Gn) used, the number of oocytes retrieved, the number of oocytes in metaphase of second meiosis (MⅡ), the number of transferable embryos, the number of high-quality embryos, the cycle cancellation rate, the positive rate of human choriogonadotropin (HCG), the embryo implantation rate, live birth rate (LBR), the basal serum levels of sex hormones (follicular stimulating hormone [FSH], estradiol (E2), FSH/luteinizing hormone [LH]) and antral follicle count (AFC). RESULTS: CPR in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (53.8% [21/39] vs. 17.9% [7/39], P<0.05). The results of the number of oocytes retrieved, the number of oocytes in MⅡ, the number of transferable embryos, the number of high-quality embryos, the positive rate of HCG, the embryo implantation rate, and LBR in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The serum level of FSH and FSH/LH in the observation group were lower thau those in the control group (P<0.05). The differences were not significant statistically in the total days and amount of Gn used, the cycle cancellation rate, serum level of E2 and AFC between the two groups (P>0.05). Logic regression analysis showed that CPR increased in the observation group when compared with that of the control group (OR = 5.33, 95%CI: 1.90-14.97, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture can improve the pregnancy outcomes of DOR women undergoing IVF-ET.

Acupuncture combined with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists improves endometrial receptivity and pregnancy outcome in patients with recurrent implantation failure of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.

OBJECTIVE: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa), combined with other auxiliary treatments, can improve pregnancy outcomes in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). This research investigated the effect of acupuncture combined with GnRHa in patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) of IVF-ET. METHODS: A total of 164 patients who intended to undergo frozen-thawed embryo transfer after RIF of IVF-ET were selected for experiments and then divided into the control (received conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for endometrial preparation) and study groups (received a combination of acupuncture, GnRHa, and HRT for endometrial preparation) (n = 82). Endometrial thickness (EMT), endometrial morphological classification, submucosal uterine blood flow classification, clinical pregnancy rate, embryo implantation rate, and early abortion rate for each transfer cycle were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: EMT of the study group was higher than that of the control group 1 day before transfer. There were more patients with linear endometrium (A + B type) in the study group on the day of endometrial transformation than in the control group. The number of patients with type I submucosal uterine blood flow in the study group was decreased and the number of patients with type III was increased compared with the control group on the day of endometrial transformation. The clinical pregnancy rate and embryo implantation rate of the study group were higher than those of the control group. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with GnRHa improves the endometrial receptivity of patients with RIF of IVF-ET, thereby increasing clinical pregnancy rates and improving pregnancy outcomes.

High progesterone levels on the day after HCG injection has no effect on clinical pregnancy outcomes in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.

Background: This study investigates the potential impact of high progesterone (P) level on the day following human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) injection on the clinical pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted on 6418 cycles of IVF-ET performed at Liuzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital between August 2020 to December 2021. Excluding cycles with progesterone levels ≥1.5ng/ml on HCG injection, a total of 781 cycles were identified according to the standard, and they were divided into five groups according to the progesterone level on the day after HCG: Group A: progesterone level < 2.5 ng/ml (n = 128); Group B: 2.5 ng/ml ≤ progesterone level < 3.5 ng/ml (n = 174); Group C: 3.5 ng/ml ≤ progesterone level < 4.5 ng/ml (n = 153); Group D: 4.5 ng/ml ≤ progesterone level < 5.5 ng/ml (n = 132); Group E progesterone level ≥5.5 ng/ml(n=194). Comparative analyses of clinical data, including general clinical data, and clinical pregnancy outcomes such as clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, and live birth rate were performed among these groups. Results: There were significant differences in estradiol levels on HCG injection, but there were no differences in available embryo rate, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, and live birth rate. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that there was no significant correlation between P level on the day after HCG injection and the live birth rate. Conclusion: Under the condition of low P level on HCG injection, high progesterone levels on the day after HCG injection does not affect the clinical pregnancy outcomes of IVF-ET.

Chinese medicine Jianpi Antai formula improves pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer in infertile women. / å¥è„¾å®‰èƒŽæ–¹å¯æ”¹å–„ä¸å­•æ‚£è€ ä½“å¤–å—ç²¾-èƒšèƒŽç§»æ¤çš„å¦Šå¨ ç»“å±€.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Chinese medicine Jianpi Antai formula in infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). METHODS: A total of 300 infertile women who underwent 2 frozen embryo transfer procedures at the Reproductive Medicine Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital were included in the study. The participants were randomly divided into study group and control group. The study group received routine medication plus the Jianpi Antai formula during the period of embryo transfer, while the control group received routine medication only. The general condition, embryo implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, and the blood routine and liver and kidney function were evaluated and compared between two groups. RESULTS: There were 277 cases who completed the study, including 134 in the study group and 143 in the control group. The embryo implantation rate (68.7% vs. 55.9%), the clinical pregnancy rate (56.7% vs. 44.8%) and the live birth rate (50.7% vs. 37.8%) in the study group were all higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed that in patients of advanced age (≥35 years) and those with decreased ovarian reserve function (anti-Müllerian hormone <1.68 ng/mL), the embryo implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate in the study group were all higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05). During the follow-up period, there were no abnormalities in the basic vital signs of both groups, and no adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Jianpi Antai formula can safely improve the embryo implantation rate in infertile women undergoing IVF-ET, reduce the embryo miscarriage rate, increase the live birth rate as well as improve the clinical outcomes.

Pregnancy outcomes of patients with positive anticentromere antibodies receiving in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer. / æŠ—ç€ä¸ç‚¹æŠ—ä½“é˜³æ€§æ‚£è€ ä½“å¤–å—ç²¾ç»“å±€åˆ†æž.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the pregnancy outcomes in patients with positive anti-centromere antibodies (ACA) receiving in vitro fertilization (IVF)-embryo transfer (ET) and natural conception. METHODS: A case-control study was used to retrospectively analyze the clinical data of 3955 patients who received IVF-ET therapy and had the results of antinuclear antibody (ANA) spectrum at Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital from June 2016 to June 2023. Patients with positive ACA and negative ACA were matched at a ratio of 1∶3 using propensity score matching. Embryo outcomes of IVF were compared between the two groups, and the impact of different fertilization methods and the use of immunosuppressants on pregnancy outcomes were analyzed using self-matching. The natural conception and disease progress were followed up for ACA-positive patients after IVF failure. RESULTS: The ACA-positive patients accounted for 0.86% of all IVF patients (34/3955) and 2.51% of total ANA-positive IVF patients. Regardless of whether patients received conventional IVF (c-IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), the ACA-positive group exhibited significant differences in oocyte maturity and fertilization compared to the ACA-negative group (both P<0.01). Moreover, the ACA-positive group had a decreased number of D3 suboptimal embryos and D3 optimal embryos (both P<0.05). In 5 cases of ACA-positive patients who underwent ICSI cycles, the two pronucleus (2PN) rate did not increase compared to c-IVF cycles (P>0.05), and there was a decrease in the number of D3 high-quality embryos and D3 suboptimal embryos (both P<0.05). After 1-2 months of immuno-suppressant treatment, 12 ACA-positive patients underwent c-IVF/ICSI again, and there were no changes in egg retrieval and fertilization before and after medication (both P>0.05), but there was an improvement in the 2PN embryo cleavage rate (P<0.05). The number of embryos transferred was similar between the ACA-positive and negative groups, but the ACA-positive group had significantly lower embryo implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate compared to the ACA-negative group (both P<0.05), with no significant differences in the miscarriage rate between the two groups (P>0.05). Twenty-seven ACA-positive patients attempted natural conception or artificial insemination after IVF failure, resulting in a total of 7 cases of clinical pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Serum ACA positivity may disrupt oocyte maturation and normal fertilization processes, with no improvement observed with ICSI and immunosuppressant use. However, ACA-positive patients may still achieve natural pregnancy.

Effect of diminished ovarian reserve on the outcome of fresh embryo transfer in IVF/ICSI cycles among young women: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the effect of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) on the clinical outcomes and maternal and infant safety of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) procedures in young women aged ≤ 35 years. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed to analyze the clinical data of 4,203 infertile women aged ≤ 35 years who underwent fresh embryo transfer (ET) in IVF/ICSI cycles. The data were collected from their initial visits to Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital between January 2015 and January 2022. Based on their ovarian reserve, the participants were categorized into two groups: DOR group (n = 1,027) and non-DOR group (n = 3,176). A propensity score matching (PSM) method was employed to ensure a relatively balanced distribution of covariates. The primary outcome assessed in this study was the live birth rate, while the secondary observation indicators included rates of high-quality embryo development, blastocyst formation, clinical pregnancy, and miscarriage, along with perinatal complications, neonatal birth weight, and the incidence of low birth weight (LBW). RESULTS: The DOR group showed notably lowered rates of blastocyst formation (59.8% vs. 64.1%), embryo implantation (29.8% vs.33.3%), clinical pregnancy (47.9% vs. 53.6%), and live birth (40.6% vs. 45.7%) compared to the non-DOR group (all P < 0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were observed in the high-quality embryo rate, miscarriage rate, perinatal complications, neonatal birth weight, or LBW incidence in infants between both groups (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: DOR has been found to reduce both clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in young females undergoing fresh ET in IVF/ICSI cycles. However, this reduction does not increase the risk of perinatal complications or LBW of infants through live birth cycles.

Comparison of pregnancy outcomes in women with normal ovarian response to the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist protocol using different trigger methods: a single-center retrospective cohort study based on propensity score matching.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) combined with human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) can improve pregnancy outcomes in patients with normal ovarian response (NOR). METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, data of 404 NOR patients undergoing fresh embryo transfer (ET) from 2018 to 2022 were studied. Patients were divided into HCG group and HCG plus GnRH-a group according to trigger methods. After confounding factors were controlled by propensity score matching, 67 cases were included in HCG group and HCG plus GnRH-a group, respectively, and pregnancy outcomes were assessed. Basal data, ovarian stimulation, embryological data and pregnancy outcomes were compared. The effect of trigger methods on pregnancy outcomes was analyzed by binary logistic regression. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant differences in embryological data, embryo implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate of ET, number of fresh embryos transferred and total number of embryos transferred after one cycle of oocyte retrieval. While, cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) was better in the dual-trigger group than in the HCG group. The binary logistic regression analysis indicated that the trigger methods had an independent influence on embryo implantation and cumulative live birth. CONCLUSIONS: During IVF/ICSI, dual-trigger could potentially play a role in improving oocyte quality, ensuring embryo implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate of ET and cumulative live birth rate at the end of one ovum pick-up (OPU) cycle, and reducing the physical, temporal and financial negative consequences due to repeated OPU cycle.

Metabolomic and microbiome analysis of cervicovaginal mucus in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer: Toward predicting pregnancy success.

Purpose: In the context of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), factors other than egg quality may be key determinants of treatment success, in particular, maternal factors related to uterine endometrial receptivity and unidentified factors. We therefore aimed to analyze the metabolome and microbiome in IVF-ET patients who did and did not achieve pregnancy. Methods: Cervicovaginal mucus was collected from patients undergoing IVF-ET. Metabolite analysis was conducted by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and the microbiota were determined by the polymerase chain reaction using universal 16S-rRNA gene bacterial primers by MiSeq sequencing. Patients were classified as pregnant (N = 10) or nonpregnant (N = 13). Metabolic pathways were examined by MetaboAnalyst. Results: Three metabolic pathways, including alanine-aspartate-glutamate metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, and cysteine-methionine metabolism, were commonly decreased at the time of embryo transfer irrespective pregnant outcomes. Notably, pyruvate was decreased in the pregnant group. Amino acid metabolites showed inverse correlations with the presence of anaerobic microbiota in the nonpregnant group. Conclusions: Metabolism decreased during embryo transplantation, with a notable decrease in pyruvate metabolism, particularly in patients who became pregnant. The behavior of metabolites in the pregnant and nonpregnant groups suggests that metabolome analysis in the cervicovaginal mucus may be a diagnostic marker for predicting pregnancy.

A Case Report of Consecutive Live Birth Twice Through in vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer After Endometrial Carcinoma Fertility Preservation Treatment.

Preserving fertility is a vital concern for young women diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma. The clinical management of such patients is often disappointing. It is rare to have two consecutive successful pregnancies. We present a child-bearing-age woman who underwent fertility preservation therapy due to endometrial carcinoma. Following fertility preservation therapy, she underwent in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. After receiving her first fresh embryo transfer, she successfully conceived and gave birth to a healthy child. Two years after the first embryo transfer and regular follow-up, she had another frozen embryo transfer of two cleavage embryos and successfully gave birth to another healthy baby. After the delivery of her second child, she underwent surgical treatment for endometrial carcinoma. For endometrial carcinoma patients who intend to preserve fertility, high-quality long-term follow-up and personalized treatment are necessary.

In this case report, we share the story of one young woman who had endometrial cancer but desired to have children. She received fertility-sparing treatment and in vitro fertilization to increase her chances of conceiving. She successfully delivered a healthy child after the first embryo transfer. Two years later, she had another healthy child through a second frozen embryo transfer. Rigorous monitoring showed no cancer recurrence throughout the entire treatment. There are currently few reported cases of a patient with endometrial cancer successfully and safely giving birth twice through assisted reproductive technology. This case report emphasizes that, with personalized treatment and monitoring, endometrial cancer patients can have multiple pregnancies safely. In summary, this case report brings hope to young women with early-stage endometrial cancer who aspire to become mothers. With the right support, they can overcome the challenges of cancer and have their own babies.

Efficacy of Dan'e Fukang Soft Extract in Moderate Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome for Concurrent Treatment of Blood and Fluid Guided by the "Triple Prevention" Principle.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of Dan'e Fukang soft extracts in moderate ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) for the simultaneous treatment of blood and fluid, guided by the traditional Chinese medicine principle of "triple prevention". Methods: This study conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical data from outpatients who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection embryo transfer (ICSI-ET). A total of 2245 cases were included and divided into a treatment group (1002 cases) and a control group (1243 cases). Patients in the treatment group were administered Dan'e Fukang soft extracts orally in addition to conventional Western medicine. Comparative assessments were made between the two groups on pelvic ascites volume, maximum ovary diameter, dysmenorrhea incidence post-oocyte retrieval, and safety indicators. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the treatment group and the control group in terms of general characteristics or the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteotropic hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), or progesterone (P) at the time of gonadotropin (Gn) initiation. The groups did not differ significantly when we compared the levels of LH, E2, or P on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection and during ovarian hyperstimulation protocols (P > 0.05 for all indicators). The differences in the volume of pelvic ascites, the maximum ovarian diameter, and the incidence of dysmenorrhea after oocyte retrieval were statistically significant between the treatment group and the control group (P < 0.05 in both). There were no instances of adverse reactions in either group. Conclusion: Based on the traditional Chinese medicine principle of "triple prevention", the use of Dan'e Fukang soft extracts for the simultaneous treatment of blood and fluid in moderate OHSS significantly improved the absorption of pelvic ascites, promoted ovarian recovery, and reduced the incidence of dysmenorrhea after oocyte retrieval.

Network pharmacology analysis of a patented Chinese herbal medicine for alleviating anxiety disorder in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.

Objective: Qu's formula 3 (QUF3) is a patented Chinese herbal medicine used to alleviate anxiety disorders during in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). This study aimed to identify the potential active constituents and molecular mechanisms of action of QUF3 in alleviating anxiety disorders during IVF-ET. Methods: The active constituents of QUF3 were identified from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform and literatures. Potential targets of anxiety disorder and IVF-ET were identified using GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, and the UniProt Database. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, gene ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed to identify the potential mechanisms. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to visualize and verify the results. Results: Quercetin, sophoranol, luteolin, kaempferol, and neurotoxin inhibitors were identified as the TOP 5 active constituents of QUF3. Forty common targets were shared among QUF3, anxiety disorders, and IVF-ET. Tumour necrosis factor, interleukin-6, vascular endothelial growth factor A, epidermal growth factor, interleukin-1B, cellular tumour antigen p53, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and oestrogen receptor were identified as the TOP 8 potential targets through PPI analysis. A total of 697 biological processes, 20 cellular components, and 54 molecular functions were identified. Further, 91 KEGG pathways were revealed to be enriched. The TOP 5 active constituents were verified to have good binding activity with the TOP 8 potential targets using molecular docking and MD simulations. Conclusions: The mechanism of QUF3 in alleviating anxiety disorders in patients undergoing IVF-ET may be related to the interleukin-17 and tumour necrosis factor signalling pathways, inhibiting inflammatory responses and antioxidants, which may provide a solid foundation for the clinical application and further study of QUF3.

Sequential embryo transfer combined with intrauterine perfusion improved pregnancy outcomes in patients with recurrent implantation failure.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the application of sequential embryo transfer, cleavage embryo transfer, and blastocyst transfer combined with intrauterine perfusion in frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles in patients with recurrent implantation failure to provide a reference for reproductive clinicians. METHODS: The 166 patients who underwent frozen-thawed embryo transfer due to recurrent implantation failure in the reproductive center from January 2021 to March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the different embryos transferred, they were divided into cleavage embryo transfer groups (72 cases in Group A), blastocyst transfer group (29 cases in Group B), and sequential transfer group (65 cases in Group C). All three groups were treated with intrauterine perfusion 5 days before embryo transfer. The general data and clinical pregnancy outcome indicators, such as embryo implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, live birth rate, twin rate, were compared among the three groups. RESULTS: The embryo implantation rate (53.1%), clinical pregnancy rate (76.9%), ongoing pregnancy rate (67.7%) and live birth rate(66.15%) in the sequential transfer group were significantly higher than those in the other two groups (P < 0.05), and the ectopic pregnancy rate was lower in the sequential transfer group. CONCLUSION: Sequential transfer combined with intrauterine perfusion partially improves clinical pregnancy outcomes and reduces the risk of ectopic pregnancy in frozen embryo cycle transfers in patients with recurrent implantation failure, which may be a favourable transfer reference strategy for patients with recurrent implantation failure.