How phytochemicals influence reproductive outcomes in women receiving assisted reproductive techniques: a systematic review.

CONTEXT: Over the past few years, there has been an increasing amount of scholarly literature suggesting a connection between the nutritional status of pregnant mothers and early fetal development, as well as the long-term health consequences of their offspring. Multiple studies have documented that alterations in dietary patterns prior to conception have the potential to affect the initial stages of embryonic development. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive review of the research pertaining to the correlation between phytochemicals ( specifically, polyphenols, carotenoids and phytoestrogens) and assisted reproductive technology (ART). DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Clinical Trials databases were searched from January 1978 to March 2023. STUDY SELECTION: This study comprised observational, randomized controlled, and cohort studies that examined the effects of phytochemicals on ART results. The study's outcomes encompass live birth rate, clinical pregnancy, and ongoing pregnancy. DATA EXTRACTION: The assessment of study quality was conducted by 2 researchers, independently, using the Quality Criteria Checklist for Primary Research. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies were included, of which there were 5 randomized controlled studies, 1 nonrandomized controlled study, 6 prospective cohort studies, and 1 retrospective cohort study. CONCLUSION: This research focused on investigating the impact of phytochemicals on ART and has highlighted a dearth of articles addressing that topic. Collaboration among patients, physicians, and nutritionists is crucial for doing novel research. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023426332.

Demographic distributions and clinical results of assisted reproduction techniques in Turkey in 2019: a descriptive survey.

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe characteristics and outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles performed in 2019 in Turkey. Material and Methods: One-hundred and sixty-five ART centers in Turkey were invited to submit data. The survey was sent to center directors via e-mail with anonymous links by Qualtrics™. The survey involved questions about their patient characteristics, clinical practices, and outcomes. Results: Forty-one (24.8%) centers responded to e-mails, and data gathered from 25 centers was included in the analyses. In 25 centers, 18,127 fresh or frozen transfers were carried out during the study period, of which 7796 (43.0%) were fresh and the rest were either frozen (45.2%) or embryo transfers (ET) with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) (11.8%). The live birth rate per ET was as 30.6%, 40.1%, and 50.7% in fresh, frozen and PGT cycles, respectively. A single embryo was transferred in 65.3% of all transfers and singleton live births comprised 86.1% of all deliveries. For cycles with intrauterine insemination, 1407 were started in 2019, and 195 clinical pregnancies, 150 live births with 19 multiple pregnancies occurred. A total of 1513 ART cycles were initiated for foreign patients. Russia (29.6%), Germany (7.4%), Iraq (4.6%), Uzbekistan (3.1%), and Syria (1.4%) were the top five countries with most patients coming to Turkey for ART. Conclusion: The survey results are in parallel with the reports of international institutions and organizations. With repeated editions, the data collected with annual surveys can be used to inform ART practices in the coming years.

Is endometriosis due to evolutionary maladaptation?

Similar to diabetes and unlike many pathogen-induced diseases, endometriosis is likely a result of maladaptation to the evolutionary heritage of humans. The objective of this article is to review the literature and improve understanding of the evolutionary factors behind endometriosis, leading to more effective prevention and treatment approaches. In primates, spontaneous decidualization of the endometrium evolved to ensure optimal implantation of a limited number of early embryos, unlike many non-primates which depend on early embryos to induce decidualization and subsequent pregnancy. Spontaneous decidualization results in menstrual bleeding when embryo implantation does not occur, and endometriosis is commonly believed to be caused by retrograde menstruation. Although direct evidence is lacking, it is likely that hunter-gatherer women experienced fewer menstrual periods due to pregnancy shortly after menarche, followed by repeated pregnancies and lactation. However, the mismatch between the evolved uterine physiology and rapid societal changes has led to modern women delaying pregnancy and experiencing numerous menstrual periods, potentially increasing the incidence of endometriosis. The symptoms of endometriosis are often managed by suppressing menstruation through systemic hormonal treatments, but these may have side effects. For patients with a family history of endometriosis or in the early stages of the disease, intrauterine devices releasing progesterone locally could prevent uterine bleeding and the development of endometriosis while preserving fertility and minimizing side effects.

The true natural cycle frozen embryo transfer - impact of patient and follicular phase characteristics on serum progesterone levels one day prior to warmed blastocyst transfer.

BACKGROUND: In a true-natural cycle (t-NC), optimal progesterone (P4) output from the corpus luteum is crucial for establishing and maintaining an intrauterine pregnancy. In a previous retrospective study, low P4 levels (< 10 ng/mL) measured one day before warmed blastocyst transfer in t-NC were associated with significantly lower live-birth rates. In the current study, we aim to examine the relationship between patient, follicular-phase endocrine and ultrasonographic characteristics, and serum P4 levels one day prior to warmed blastocyst transfer in t-NC. METHOD: 178 consecutive women undergoing their first t-NC frozen embryo transfer (FET) between July 2017-August 2022 were included. Following serial ultrasonographic and endocrine monitoring, ovulation was documented by follicular collapse. Luteinized unruptured follicle (LUF) was diagnosed when there was no follicular collapse despite luteinizing-hormone surge (> 17 IU/L) and increased serum P4 (> 1.5 ng/mL). FET was scheduled on follicular collapse + 5 or LH surge + 6 in LUF cycles. Primary outcome was serum P4 on FET - 1. RESULTS: Among the 178 patients, 86% (n = 153) experienced follicular collapse, while 14% (n = 25) had LUF. On FET-1, the median serum luteal P4 level was 12.9 ng/mL (IQR: 9.3-17.2), ranging from 1.8 to 34.4 ng/mL. Linear stepwise regression revealed a negative correlation between body mass index (BMI) and LUF, and a positive correlation between follicular phase peak-E2 and peak-P4 levels with P4 levels on FET-1. The ROC curve analyses to predict < 9.3 ng/mL (< 25th percentile) P4 levels on FET-1 day showed AUC of 0.70 (95%CI 0.61-0.79) for BMI (cut-off: 23.85 kg/m2), 0.71 (95%CI 0.61-0.80) for follicular phase peak-P4 levels (cut-off: 0.87 ng/mL), and 0.68 (95%CI 0.59-0.77) for follicular phase peak-E2 levels (cut-off: 290.5 pg/mL). Combining all four independent parameters yielded an AUC of 0.80 (95%CI 0.72-0.88). The adjusted-odds ratio for having < 9.3 ng/mL P4 levels on FET-1 day for patients with LUF compared to those with follicle collapse was 4.97 (95%CI 1.66-14.94). CONCLUSION: The BMI, LUF, peak-E2, and peak-P4 levels are independent predictors of low serum P4 levels on FET-1 (< 25th percentile; <9.3 ng/ml) in t-NC FET cycles. Recognition of risk factors for low serum P4 on FET-1 may permit a personalized approach for LPS in t-NC FET to maximize reproductive outcomes.

Comparison of the efficacy of subcutaneous versus vaginal progesterone using a rescue protocol in vitrified blastocyst transfer cycles.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Does administration of subcutaneous (s.c.) progesterone support ongoing pregnancy rates (OPR) similar to vaginal progesterone using a rescue protocol in hormone replacement therapy frozen embryo transfer cycles? DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. Two sequential cohorts - vaginal progesterone gel (December 2019-October 2021; n=474) and s.c. progesterone (November 2021-November 2022; n=249) -were compared. Following oestrogen priming, s.c. progesterone 25 mg twice daily (b.d.) or vaginal progesterone gel 90 mg b.d. was administered. Serum progesterone was measured 1 day prior to warmed blastocyst transfer (i.e. day 5 of progesterone administration). In patients with serum progesterone concentrations <8.75 ng/ml, additional s.c. progesterone (rescue protocol; 25 mg) was provided. RESULTS: In the vaginal progesterone gel group, 15.8% of patients had serum progesterone <8.75 ng/ml and received the rescue protocol, whereas no patients in the s.c. progesterone group received the rescue protocol. OPR, along with positive pregnancy and clinical pregnancy rates, were comparable between the s.c. progesterone group without the rescue protocol and the vaginal progesterone gel group with the rescue protocol. After the rescue protocol, the route of progesterone administration was not a significant predictor of ongoing pregnancy. The impact of different serum progesterone concentrations on reproductive outcomes was evaluated by percentile (<10th, 10-49th, 50-90th and >90th percentiles), taking the >90th percentile as the reference subgroup. In both the vaginal progesterone gel group and the s.c. progesterone group, all serum progesterone percentile subgroups had similar OPR. CONCLUSIONS: Subcutaneous progesterone 25 mg b.d. secures serum progesterone >8.75 ng/ml, whereas additional exogenous progesterone (rescue protocol) was needed in 15.8% of patients who received vaginal progesterone. The s.c. and vaginal progesterone routes, with the rescue protocol if needed, yield comparable OPR.

The effect of ≤6 cm sized noncavity-distorting intramural fibroids on in vitro fertilization outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

IMPORTANCE: The potential detrimental effects of fibroids on natural fecundity and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes may be influenced by their size, location, and number. The impact of small noncavity-distorting intramural fibroids on reproductive outcomes in IVF is still controversial, with conflicting results. OBJECTIVE(S): To determine whether women with noncavity-distorting intramural fibroids of ≤6 cm size have lower live birth rates (LBRs) in IVF than female age-matched controls with no fibroids. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception until July 1, 2022. STUDY SELECTION AND SYNTHESIS: Women undergoing IVF with noncavity-distorting intramural fibroids ≤6 cm constituted the study group (n = 520), whereas women with no fibroid formed the controls (n = 1392). Female age-matched subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of different cut-offs for size (≤6, ≤4, and ≤2 cm), location (the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics [FIGO] type-3), and the number of fibroids on reproductive outcomes. Mantel-Haenszel odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used for outcome measures. All statistical analyses were performed using RevMan 5.4.1 MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The primary outcome measure was LBR. Secondary outcome measures were clinical pregnancy, implantation, and miscarriage rates. RESULT(S): After adopting the eligibility criteria, 5 studies were included in the final analysis. Women with ≤6 cm noncavity-distorting intramural fibroids had significantly lower LBRs (OR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.36-0.65, 3 studies, I2=0; low-certainty evidence) compared with women with no fibroids. A significant reduction in LBRs was noted in ≤4 cm but not in the ≤2 cm subgroups. The FIGO type-3 fibroids of 2-6 cm size were associated with significantly lower LBRs. Owing to a lack of studies, the impact of the number of noncavity-distorting intramural fibroids (single vs. multiple) on IVF outcomes could not be assessed. CONCLUSION(S): We conclude that 2-6 cm sized noncavity-distorting intramural fibroids have a deleterious effect on LBRs in IVF. The presence of FIGO type-3 fibroids of 2-6 cm size is associated with significantly lower LBRs. Conclusive evidence from high-quality randomized controlled trials, the reference standard study design for studies of health care interventions, is needed before myomectomy might be offered in daily clinical practice to women with such small fibroids before undergoing IVF treatment.

A drop in serum progesterone from oocyte pick-up +3 days to +5 days in fresh blastocyst transfer, using hCG-trigger and standard luteal support, is associated with lower ongoing pregnancy rates.

STUDY QUESTION: Do early- and mid-luteal serum progesterone (P4) levels impact ongoing pregnancy rates (OPRs) in fresh blastocyst transfer cycles using standard luteal phase support (LPS)? SUMMARY ANSWER: A drop in serum P4 level from oocyte pick-up (OPU) + 3 days to OPU + 5 days (negative ΔP4) is associated with a ∼2-fold decrease in OPRs. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: In fresh embryo transfer cycles, significant inter-individual variation occurs in serum P4 levels during the luteal phase, possibly due to differences in endogenous P4 production after hCG trigger and/or differences in bioavailability of exogenously administered progesterone (P) via different routes. Although exogenous P may alleviate this drop in serum P4 in fresh transfer cycles, there is a paucity of data exploring the possible impact on reproductive outcomes of a reduction in serum P4 levels. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Using a prospective cohort study design, following the initial enrollment of 558 consecutive patients, 340 fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. The inclusion criteria were: (i) female age ≤40 years, (ii) BMI ≤35 kg/m2, (iii) retrieval of ≥3 oocytes irrespective of ovarian reserve, (iv) the use of a GnRH-agonist or GnRH-antagonist protocol with recombinant hCG triggering (6500 IU), (v) standard LPS and (vi) fresh blastocyst transfer. The exclusion criteria were: (i) triggering with GnRH-agonist or GnRH-agonist plus recombinant hCG (dual trigger), (ii) circulating P4 >1.5 ng/ml on the day of trigger and (iii) cleavage stage embryo transfer. Each patient was included only once. The primary outcome was ongoing pregnancy (OP), as defined by pregnancy ≥12 weeks of gestational age. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: A GnRH-agonist (n = 53) or GnRH-antagonist (n = 287) protocol was used for ovarian stimulation. Vaginal progesterone gel (Crinone, 90 mg, 8%, Merck) once daily was used for LPS. Serum P4 levels were measured in all patients on five occasions: on the day of ovulation trigger, the day of OPU, OPU + 3 days, OPU + 5 days and OPU + 14 days; timing of blood sampling was standardized to be 3-5 h after the morning administration of vaginal progesterone gel. The delta P4 (ΔP4) level was calculated by subtracting the P4 level on the OPU + 3 days from the P4 level on the OPU + 5 days, resulting in either a positive or negative ΔP4. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The median P4 (min-max) on the day of triggering, day of OPU, OPU + 3 days, OPU + 5 days and OPU + 14 days were 0.83 ng/ml (0.18-1.42), 5.81 ng/ml (0.80-22.72), 80.00 ng/ml (22.91-161.05), 85.91 ng/ml (15.66-171.78) and 13.46 ng/ml (0.18-185.00), respectively. Serum P4 levels uniformly increased from the day of OPU to OPU + 3 days in all patients; however, from OPU + 3 days to OPU + 5 days, some patients had a decrease (negative ΔP4; n = 116; 34.1%), whereas others had an increase (positive ΔP4; n = 220; 64.7%), in circulating P4 levels. Although the median (min-max) P4 levels on the day of triggering, the day of OPU, and OPU + 3 days were comparable between the negative ΔP4 and positive ΔP4 groups, patients in the former group had significantly lower P4 levels on OPU + 5 days [69.67 ng/ml (15.66-150.02) versus 100.51 ng/ml (26.41-171.78); P < 0.001] and OPU + 14 days [8.28 ng/ml (0.28-157.00) versus 19.01 ng/ml (0.18-185.00), respectively; P < 0.001]. A drop in P4 level from OPU + 3 days to OPU + 5 days (negative ΔP4) was seen in approximately one-third of patients and was associated with a significantly lower OPR when compared with positive ΔP4 counterparts [33.6% versus 49.1%, odds ratio (OR); 0.53, 95% CI; 0.33-0.84; P = 0.008]; this decrease in OPR was due to lower initial pregnancy rates rather than increased overall pregnancy loss rates. For negative ΔP4 patients, the magnitude of ΔP4 was a significant predictor of OP (adjusted AUC = 0.65; 95% CI; 0.59-0.71), with an optimum threshold of -8.73 ng/ml, sensitivity and specificity were 48.7% and 79.2%, respectively. BMI (OR; 1.128, 95% CI; 1.064-1.197) was the only significant predictor of having a negative ΔP4; the higher the BMI, the higher the risk of having a negative ΔP4. Among positive ΔP4 patients, the magnitude of ΔP4 was a weak predictor of OP (AUC = 0.56, 95% CI; 0.48-0.64). Logistic regression analysis showed that blastocyst morphology (OR; 5.686, 95% CI; 1.433-22.565; P = 0.013) and ΔP4 (OR; 1.013, 95% CI; 0.1001-1.024; P = 0.031), but not the serum P4 level on OPU + 5 days, were the independent predictors of OP. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The physiological circadian pulsatile secretion of P4 during the mid-luteal phase is a limitation; however, blood sampling was standardized to reduce the impact of timing. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Two measurements (OPU + 3 days and OPU + 5 days) of serum P4 may identify those patients with a drop in P4 (approximately one-third of patients) associated with ∼2-fold lower OPRs. Rescuing these IVF cycles with additional P supplementation or adopting a blastocyst freeze-all policy should be tested in future randomized controlled trials. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): None. S.C.E. declares receipt of unrestricted research grants from Merck and lecture fees from Merck and Med.E.A. P.H. has received unrestricted research grants from MSD and Merck, as well as honoraria for lectures from MSD, Merck, Gedeon-Richter, Theramex, and IBSA. H.Y. declares receipt of honorarium for lectures from Merck, IBSA and research grants from Merck and Ferring. The remaining authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: The study was registered at clinical trials.gov (NCT04128436).

Vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer timing related to LH surge in true natural cycle and its impact on ongoing pregnancy rates.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Does the timing of warmed blastocyst transfer in true natural cycle (tNC) differ according to six different commonly used definitions of LH surge, and do differences in timing have any impact on ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR)? DESIGN: Prospective monitoring, including repeated blood sampling and ultrasound analyses of 115 warmed blastocyst transfer cycles performed using tNC between January 2017 and October 2021. RESULTS: The reference timing of follicular collapse +5 days would be equivalent to LH surge +6 days in only 5.2-41.2% of the cycles employing the six different definitions of the LH surge. In contrast, the reference timing was equivalent to LH surge +7 days in the majority of cycles (46.1-69.5%) and less commonly to LH surge +8 days (1.8-38.3%) and +9 days (0-10.4%). For each definition of the LH surge, the OPR were comparable among the different warmed blastocyst transfer timings related to the LH surge (LH surge +6/+7/+8/+9 days). When logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the independent effect of variation of warmed blastocyst transfer timing (LH surge +6/+7/+8/+9 days) on OPR and taking LH surge +6 days as the reference, change in timing was not an independent predictor of OPR for any of the definitions of the LH surge. CONCLUSIONS: Employing a policy of performing warmed blastocyst transfer on follicular collapse +5 days and using six different definitions of the LH surge, vitrified-warmed embryo transfer timing is indeed equivalent to LH surge +7/+8 and even +9 days in a significant proportion of tNC with comparable reproductive outcomes.

The LH surge and ovulation re-visited: a systematic review and meta-analysis and implications for true natural cycle frozen thawed embryo transfer.

BACKGROUND: Efficient and safe embryo vitrification techniques have contributed to a marked worldwide increase in the use of elective frozen embryo transfer (FET). Pinpointing the day of ovulation, more commonly by documentation of the LH surge and less commonly by ultrasonography, is crucial for timing of FET in a true natural cycle (t-NC) to maximize the reproductive outcome. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE: The definition of the onset of the LH surge should be standardized in t-NC FET cycles; however, a clear definition is lacking in the available literature. The first search question concerns the definition of the onset of the LH surge in a natural cycle. The second search question relates to the duration between the onset of the LH surge and ovulation. SEARCH METHODS: We searched PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases for two search questions from inception until 31 August 2021. 'Luteinizing hormone'[MeSH] OR 'LH' AND 'surge' terms were used to identify eligible articles to answer the first question, whereas 'Luteinizing hormone'[MeSH] OR 'LH' AND 'surge' OR 'rise' AND 'ovulation'[MeSH] OR 'follicular rupture' OR 'follicular collapse' were the terms used regarding the second question. The included publications were all written in the English language, conducted in women of reproductive age with regular ovulatory cycles and in whom serial serum or urine LH measurement was performed. For the quality and risk of bias assessment of the included studies, the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology and modified Newcastle Ottawa Scale were used. OUTCOMES: A total of 10 and 8 studies were included for search Questions 1 and 2, respectively. Over the years, through different studies and set-ups, testing in either serum or urine, different definitions for the onset of the LH surge have been developed without a consensus. An increase in LH level varying from 1.8- to 6-fold above the baseline LH level was used in seven studies and an increase of at least two or three standard deviations above the mean of the preceding LH measurements was used in two studies. An LH level exceeding the 30% of the amplitude (peak-baseline LH level) of the LH surge was defined as the onset day by one study. A marked inter-personal variation in the time interval between the onset of the LH surge and ovulation was seen, ranging from 22 to 56 h. When meta-analysis was performed, the mean duration in hours between the onset of the LH surge and ovulation was 33.91 (95% CI = 30.79-37.03: six studies, 187 cycles). WIDER IMPLICATIONS: The definition of the onset of the LH surge should be precisely defined in future well-designed studies employing state-of-art laboratory and ultrasonographic equipment. The window of implantation in a natural cycle is still a black box, and future research is warranted to delineate the optimal interval to time the embryo transfer in t-NC FET cycles. Randomized controlled trials employing different precise endocrine and/or ultrasonographic criteria for timing of FET in a t-NC are urgently required.

Preparation of the Endometrium for Frozen Embryo Transfer: A Systematic Review.

Despite the worldwide increase in frozen embryo transfer, the search for the best protocol to prime endometrium continues. Well-designed trials comparing various frozen embryo transfer protocols in terms of live birth rates, maternal, obstetric and neonatal outcome are urgently required. Currently, low-quality evidence indicates that, natural cycle, either true natural cycle or modified natural cycle, is superior to hormone replacement treatment protocol. Regarding warmed blastocyst transfer and frozen embryo transfer timing, the evidence suggests the 6th day of progesterone start, LH surge+6 day and hCG+7 day in hormone replacement treatment, true natural cycle and modified natural cycle protocols, respectively. Time corrections, due to inter-personal differences in the window of implantation or day of vitrification (day 5 or 6), should be explored further. Recently available evidence clearly indicates that, in hormone replacement treatment and natural cycles, there might be marked inter-personal variation in serum progesterone levels with an impact on reproductive outcomes, despite the use of the same dose and route of progesterone administration. The place of progesterone rescue protocols in patients with low serum progesterone levels one day prior to warmed blastocyst transfer in hormone replacement treatment and natural cycles is likely to be intensively explored in near future.

Double or dual stimulation in poor ovarian responders: where do we stand?

Recent advances in our recognition of two to three follicular waves of development in a single menstrual cycle has challenged the dogmatic approach of ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization starting in the early follicular phase. First shown in veterinary medicine and thereafter in women, luteal phase stimulation-derived oocytes are at least as competent as those retrieved following follicular phase stimulation. Poor ovarian responders still remain a challenge for many decades simply because they do not respond to ovarian stimulation. Performing follicular phase stimulation and luteal phase stimulation in the same menstrual cycle, named as double stimulation/dual stimulation, clearly increases the number of oocytes, which is a robust surrogate marker of live birth rate in in vitro fertilization across all female ages. Of interest, apart from one study, the bulk of evidence reports significantly higher number of oocytes following luteal phase stimulation when compared with follicular phase stimulation; hence, performing double stimulation/dual stimulation doubles the number of oocytes leading to a marked decrease in patient drop-out rate which is one of the major factors limiting cumulative live birth rates in such poor prognosis patients. The limited data with double stimulation/dual stimulation-derived embryos is reassuring for obstetric and neonatal outcome. The mandatory requirement of freeze-all and lack of cost-effectiveness data are limitations of this novel approach. Double stimulation/dual stimulation is an effective strategy when the need to obtain oocytes is urgent, including patients with malignant diseases undergoing oocyte cryopreservation and patients of advanced maternal age or with reduced ovarian reserve.

A kaleidoscopic view of ovarian genes associated with premature ovarian insufficiency and senescence.

Ovarian infertility and subfertility presenting with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and diminished ovarian reserve are major issues facing the developed world due to the trend of delaying childbirth. Ovarian senescence and POI represent a continuum of physiological/pathophysiological changes in ovarian follicle functions. Based on advances in whole exome sequencing, evaluation of gene copy variants, together with family-based and genome-wide association studies, we discussed genes responsible for POI and ovarian senescence. We used a gene-centric approach to sort out literature deposited in the Ovarian Kaleidoscope database (http://okdb.appliedbioinfo.net) by sub-categorizing candidate genes as ligand-receptor signaling, meiosis and DNA repair, transcriptional factors, RNA metabolism, enzymes, and others. We discussed individual gene mutations found in POI patients and verification of gene functions in gene-deleted model organisms. Decreased expression of some of the POI genes could be responsible for ovarian senescence, especially those essential for DNA repair, meiosis and mitochondrial functions. We propose to set up a candidate gene panel for targeted sequencing in POI patients together with studies on mitochondria-associated genes in middle-aged subfertile patients.

Subcutaneous luteal phase progesterone rescue rectifies ongoing pregnancy rates in hormone replacement therapy vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer cycles.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Will luteal phase rescue with additional progesterone increase serum progesterone concentrations and improve reproductive outcomes in patients with low serum progesterone concentrations undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) cycles? DESIGN: Case-control study including 40 consecutive patients with serum progesterone concentrations <8.75 ng/ml on the 5th day of progesterone supplementation who underwent rescue with a daily bolus of 25 mg s.c. progesterone, starting on the afternoon of the 5th day of progesterone administration. For every patient who underwent progesterone rescue, three patients matched by age, body mass index, number of previous attempts and number of blastocysts transferred, with serum progesterone concentration >8.75 ng/ml on the 5th day of progesterone administration served as controls (n = 120). The main outcome measure was ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR). RESULTS: Baseline demographic features and embryological data of the rescue and control groups were comparable. As expected, the mean serum progesterone concentration was lower in the rescue group on the 5th day of progesterone administration (7.84 ± 0.92 versus 15.32 ± 5.02 ng/ml; P < 0.001). Following rescue, the mean serum progesterone concentration on the day of vitrified-warmed embryo transfer (6th day of progesterone administration) was 33.43 ± 10.83 ng/ml (range 14.61-82.64 ng/ml), and the OPR of the rescue and control groups were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing HRT vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer with serum progesterone concentrations lower than 8.75 ng/ml 1 day prior to the scheduled embryo transfer (6th day of progesterone administration), additional supplementation with a 25 mg s.c. daily progesterone dose seems to rescue the cycle, resulting in OPR comparable to those of patients with serum progesterone >8.75 ng/ml.

Comparison of single euploid blastocyst transfer cycle outcome derived from embryos with normal or abnormal cleavage patterns.

RESEARCH QUESTION: To assess incidence of abnormal cleavage among biopsied blastocysts; to compare euploidy rates of the blastocysts with abnormal and normal cleavage; and to compare single euploid blastocyst transfer (SEBT) outcome derived from embryos with normal or abnormal cleavage. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data in a private IVF clinic. Consecutive 554 patients (749 cycles) undergoing preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (n = 497; 671 cycles) or monogenic diseases (n = 57; 78 cycles) were included. All assessments for abnormal cleavage were carried out retrospectively; presence of abnormal cleavage was not a factor in deciding which euploid embryo to transfer. A total of 1015 blastocysts were biopsied and 295 SEBT procedures were carried out. Main outcome measure was live birth rate (LBR). RESULTS: Incidence of reverse cleavage, direct cleavage, and reverse plus direct cleavage, were 7.7%, 6.4% and 2.3%, respectively. Of the 1015 biopsied blastocysts, 35.0% were euploid. Blastocysts with abnormal cleavage, in total, had a significantly higher euploidy rate compared with blastocysts with normal cleavage (44.6% [74/166] versus 33.1% [281/849]; P = 0.017). The LBR after SEBT with normal, reverse and direct cleavage, and direct cleavage plus reverse cleavage, was 133/238 (55.9%), 6/26 (23.1%), 8/24 (33.3%) and 0/3 (0.0%) (P < 0.001). Generalized estimating equation analysis showed that the presence of abnormal cleavage pattern was the only independent predictor of LBR (OR 0.316; 95% CI 0.115 to 0.867; P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Blastocysts with direct or reverse cleavage should be biopsied in preimplantation genetic testing cycles if they are morphologically eligible. Euploid blastocysts with abnormal cleavage, however, have approximately half the LBR of those euploid blastocyst with normal cleavage, hence, blastocysts with abnormal cleavage should have lower priority for transfer.

The impact of using culture media containing granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor on live birth rates in patients with a history of embryonic developmental arrest in previous in vitro fertilization cycles

Objective: To investigate the effect of using culture media containing granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) on embryological data and reproductive outcomes in patients with early embryonic developmental arrest. Material and Methods: Retrospective case-control study. A total of 39 patients, whose embryos were incubated with culture media containing GM-CSF due to embryonic developmental arrest in two previous in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles in-between January 2016 and November 2017 at Hacettepe University IVF Center, were enrolled. Control group was generated among patients with first IVF attempts due to tubal factor in the same time period. All embryos in the control group were incubated with single step culture medium (without GM-CSF). For the control group selection, matching was done 1:2 ratio considering female age, body mass index, number of M-II oocyte retrieved, and number of embryo transferred (n=80). Results: Demographic features and embryological data were comparable between two groups. Number of fertilized oocytes (2-pronuclear) was 3.7±2.0 in GM-CSF group and 3.9±2.5 in the control (p=0.576). Overall, number of embryos transferred (1.3±0.5 vs 1.3±0.5, respectively) and blastocyst transfer rate (67.6% vs 59.2%, respectively; p=0.401) were similar. For the reproductive outcomes, implantation rate (32.3% vs 33.1%, respectively; p=0.937), clinical pregnancy rate (33.3% vs 32.5%, respectively; p=0.770), and live birth rate (25.2% vs 26.2%, respectively; p=0.943) were similar. Conclusion: Using GM-CSF-containing culture media in patients with two previous failed IVF attempts due to embryonic developmental arrest might rectify embryological data and reproductive outcomes. To make solid conclusion further randomized controlled trials are warranted.

Addition of intramuscular progesterone to vaginal progesterone in hormone replacement therapy in vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer cycles.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Does intramuscular progesterone supplementation ensure ongoing pregnancy rates (OPR) comparable with vaginal progesterone only in hormone replacement therapy cycles for vitrified-warmed embryo transfer; and is there a window of serum progesterone concentration out of which reproductive outcomes may be negatively affected? DESIGN: Retrospective longitudinal cohort study carried out at a single IVF clinic. In total, 475 consecutive, day-5 to day-6 vitrified-warmed embryo transfer cycles using hormone replacement therapy regimen were included. Vaginal progesterone only was given to 143 patients; supplementation of vaginal progesterone only with intramuscular progesterone supplementation every third day was given to 332 patients. On the sixth day of progesterone administration, immediately before frozen-thawed embryo transfer, circulating progesterone levels were measured. Main outcome measure was OPR. RESULTS: The baseline demographic features and embryological data of the vaginal progesterone only and intramuscular progesterone supplementation groups were comparable. The OPR were 48.3% and 51.8%, respectively (P = 0.477). Neither the circulating progesterone level nor the type of progesterone administration were independent predictors of OPR. The effect of serum progesterone levels on OPR was evaluated by percentiles (<10%, 10-49%, 50-90% and >90%), taking 50-90% as the reference sub-group. All percentiles in the intramuscular progesterone supplementation group and in the vaginal progesterone only group had similar OPR. CONCLUSIONS: Intramuscular progesterone supplementation every third day, overall, does not enhance OPR compared with vaginal progesterone only.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome presenting with isolated unilateral right-side hydrothorax: A report of two cases and systematic review of the literature.

Although hydrothorax may accompany abdominal ascites in women with severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), there are few cases reported with isolated pleural effusion. Herein, we report two patients with isolated hydrothorax without any significant abdominal fluid following infertility treatment, along with a systematic review of the literature to describe risk factors for this rare entity. Two women with isolated pleural effusion without significant abdominal ascites were reported. The available literature was screened from Ovid-SP and PubMed to review OHSS cases with isolated hydrothorax. Two women aged 28 and 31 years were admitted to hospital with chest pain, tachypnea, and tachycardia after infertility treatment. They had right pleural effusion without abdominal fluid and the symptoms relieved after thoracentesis. Similar to our cases, we identified 24 case reports (n=41 women) in the literature according to eligible criteria. On the day of triggering, estradiol (E2) level was <4000 pg/mL in 81% of reported cases and hematocrit (HCT) was <45% in 44% of cases at the time of diagnosis. Isolated hydrothorax is an unpredictable event, which may even complicate women with low E2 levels or HCT concentrations. Physicians should keep in mind the possibility of isolated hydrothorax when respiratory symptoms are significant but abdominal ascites is not evident.

Fetal Cell Microchimerism; Normal and Immunocompromised Gestations in Mice.

Objective: To compare fetal cell microchimerism in normal and immunocompromised gestations. Materials and methods: The study consists of two groups of mature female mice. In the control group and the immunocompromised study group, 5 mg of saline and cyclosporine were injected intraperitoneally, respectively. In the second step, all female mice were mated with "Actine-Luc (+) green fluorescent protein (GFP)" transgenic male mice. Immunohistochemical studies (ALPL-antiluciferase, cytokeratin-antiluciferase, and CD 105-antiluciferase) were carried out on maternal liver, skin, and lung tissues at 6-7th and 14-15th gestational days, and postpartum 3-4th, 12th, and 18-24 months. Results: GFP (+) cells were detected in maternal liver and skin but not in lung tissue. Liver was the most affected tissue. GFP was found to be more intense in the immunocompromised group. Conclusion: Fetal microchimerism was demonstrated in maternal liver and skin and found to be more intensive in the immunocompromised group.

Antenatal hydronephrosis and fetal urine sampling.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the significance of renal pelvis aspiration (RPA) in the management of antenatal hydronephrosis (AHN). This study enrolled 15 AHN cases (one twin pregnancy) that necessitated RPA for AHN. Chromosomal abnormalities, gene disorders, and additional life-threatening congenital abnormalities were eliminated prior to intrauterine interventions. Urine analysis were performed for the evaluation of renal function. Normal renal function was observed in six neonates/infants (40%) (group 1), whereas impaired renal function and various type of urinary system anomalies were observed in 9 neonates/infants (60%) (group 2) during the short-term and longitudinal follow-up periods. There were statistically significant differences in the oligohydroamniosis rate, mean fetal urine sodium value, mean fetal urine ß2-microglobulin, mean gestational week at birth, and mean birthweight values between the groups (P = 0.007, P < 0.001, P = 0.035, P < 0.001, and P = 0.001, respectively). Renal pelvis aspiration and urine analysis were substantial for the management of AHN in necessary cases. ß2-microglobulin and sodium are clinically useful markers to detect the presence of severe renal damage due to obstructive uropathy and thus, important adjuvants in the proper selection of fetuses for further antenatal interventions.