An Evaluation of Mobile Applications for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Providers.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and rate reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) mobile applications (apps) targeted toward REI providers. DESIGN: A list of REI apps was found in both the Apple iTunes and Google Play stores using the following seven MeSH terms: reproductive endocrinology, REI, infertility, fertility, In Vitro Fertilization, IVF, and embryology. Patient-centered apps were excluded. The remaining apps were then evaluated for accuracy using reliable references. SETTING: Mobile technology. PATIENTS/INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Accurate apps were evaluated for comprehensiveness (the extent of the ability to aid in clinical decision-making) and rated with objective and subjective components using the APPLICATIONS scoring system. RESULTS: Using the seven REI-related MeSH terms, 985 apps and 1,194 apps were identified in the Apple iTunes and Google Play stores, respectively. Of these unique apps, only 20 remained after excluding patient-centered apps. Upon further review for applicability to REI specifically and content accuracy, only seven apps remained. These seven apps were then rated using the APPLICATIONS scoring system. CONCLUSION: Only 0.32% of 2,179 apps reviewed for this study were useful to REI providers. There is potential for further mobile resource development in the area of REI, given the limited number and varying comprehensiveness and quality of available apps.

Reproductive Functions of the Mitochondrial Progesterone Receptor (PR-M).

Classic transcriptional regulation by progesterone via the nuclear progesterone receptors A and B (PR-A, PR-B) has been recognized for decades. Less attention has been given to a mitochondrial progesterone receptor (PR-M) responsible for non-nuclear activities. PR-M is derived from the progesterone receptor (PR) gene from an alternate promoter with the cDNA encoding a unique 5' membrane binding domain followed by the same hinge and hormone-binding domain of the nPR. The protein binds to the mitochondrial outer membrane and functions to increase cellular respiration via increased beta-oxidation and oxidative phosphorylation with resulting adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. Physiologic activities of PR-M have been studied in cardiac function, spermatozoa activation, and myometrial growth, all known to respond to progesterone. Progesterone via PR-M increases cardiomyocyte cellular respiration to meet the metabolic demands of pregnancy with increased contractility. Consequential gene changes associated with PR-M activation include production of proteins for sarcomere development and for fatty acid oxidation. Regarding spermatozoa function, progesterone via PR-M increases cellular energy production necessary for progesterone-dependent hyperactivation. A role of progesterone in myometrial and leiomyomata growth may also be explained by the increase in necessary cellular energy for proliferation. Lastly, the multi-organ increase in cellular respiration may contribute to the progesterone-dependent increase in metabolic rate reflected by an increase in body temperature through compensatory non-shivering thermogenesis. An evolutionary comparison shows PR-M expressed in humans, apes, and Old World monkeys, but the necessary gene sequence is absent in New World monkeys and lower species. The evolutionary advantage to PR-M remains to be defined, but its presence may enhance catabolism to support the extended gestation and brain development found in these primates.

Total follicle stimulating hormone dose is negatively correlated with live births in a donor/recipient model with fresh transfer: an analysis of 8,627 cycles from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Registry.

OBJECTIVE: Oocyte donation has optimized our understanding of ovarian stimulation. Increasing the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) dose has been shown to adversely affect live birth rates in autologous cycles. Our objective is to assess whether this relationship holds true within the donor/recipient population. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Not applicable. PATIENTS: Data from 2014-2016 included 8,627 fresh donor cycles. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Live birth, clinical pregnancy, and miscarriage rates. RESULTS: The mean donor age ± standard deviation (SD) was 25.8 ± 2.8 years. Donors underwent a median of 16 days (interquartile range [IQR] 12, 19) of stimulation with a median (IQR) total FSH dose and daily dose of 2,350.0 (1,800.0, 3,025.0) and 153.8 (113.2, 205.0) IU, respectively. The live birth rate was 56.7% per transfer. For every 500-unit increase in FSH dose, there was a 3% reduction in the odds of a live birth (odds ratio [OR] 0.97; 95% confidence interval 0.95, 0.99), and a 3% reduction in the odds of a clinical pregnancy (OR 0.97; 95% confidence interval 0.95, 0.99). Days of stimulation and average daily dose were not significantly associated with live birth or clinical pregnancy. No significant association was found between miscarriage rates and total FSH dose, days of stimulation, or average daily dose. CONCLUSION: This is a novel report of a negative association of total FSH dosage on fresh IVF live births, performed in the donor population to control for oocyte source and endometrial receptivity.