Development and application of haploid embryonic stem cells.

Haploid cells are a kind of cells with only one set of chromosomes. Compared with traditional diploid cells, haploid cells have unique advantages in gene screening and drug-targeted therapy, due to their phenotype being equal to the genotype. Embryonic stem cells are a kind of cells with strong differentiation potential that can differentiate into various types of cells under specific conditions in vitro. Therefore, haploid embryonic stem cells have the characteristics of both haploid cells and embryonic stem cells, which makes them have significant advantages in many aspects, such as reproductive developmental mechanism research, genetic screening, and drug-targeted therapy. Consequently, establishing haploid embryonic stem cell lines is of great significance. This paper reviews the progress of haploid embryonic stem cell research and briefly discusses the applications of haploid embryonic stem cells.

Widowed status predicts poor overall survival of Chinese patients with prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the influence of marital status on Chinese prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Marital status may have an impact on overall survival in Chinese men with prostate cancer. METHODS: We identified 4,208 Chinese patients diagnosed with PCa between 2004 and 2015 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the impact of marital status on the overall survival (OS) of Chinese PCa patients. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Smoothing function and threshold effect analysis were performed to determine the turning points of variables. RESULTS: Univariate analysis demonstrated that marital status, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) category, surgery status, T stage, N stage, and M stage were associated with OS. Multivariate analysis further indicated that marital status, PSA category, surgery status, T stage, and M stage were independent risk factors of OS. Survival analysis demonstrated that the nonwidowed group had a better OS than the widowed group. The risk of poor OS increased rapidly with the PSA level up to the turning point 15.6 and 45.4 ng/mL in the nonwidowed group (HR =1.089; 95% CI: 1.064-1.115; P<0.0001) and the widowed group (HR =1.056; 95% CI: 1.028-1.084; P<0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this study demonstrated that widowed status greatly affects the OS of Chinese PCa patients. Altogether, this study highlights the importance of psychological intervention, especially for widowed Chinese PCa patients. Timely psychological intervention for widowed Chinese PCa patients might improve the survival outcomes of PCa.

sRAGE plays a role as a protective factor in the development of PCOS by inhibiting inflammation.

This study determined the effect of exogenous soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) on the pro-inflammatory activities that occur during polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in human follicular cells and explored a potential mechanism for preventing the development of inflammation. Follicular fluid was allocated into one of three treatment groups (0, 0.6, and 1.2 µg mL-1 of sRAGE). Collectively, these results indicate that exogenous sRAGE supplementation alleviates inflammation in ovarian follicular granulosa cells by regulating p-ERK and AP-1 signaling.

Factors predicting clinical pregnancy rate of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (a STROBE-compliant article).

The aim of this study was to investigate the factors predicting clinical pregnancy rate of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET).The data of 9960 patients receiving IVF-ET fresh cycle at our Reproductive Center from January 2009 to December 2017 were first divided into pregnant group and non-pregnant group to find the clinical pregnancy rate-related factors. According to the serum HCG levels at 36 hours and 12 hours after HCG trigger, all patients were divided into 4 groups including <50 mIU/ml, ≥50 and <100 mIU/ml, ≥100 and <200 mIU/ml, and ≥200 mIU/ml groups to know whether the HCG levels at 36 hours and 12 hours affect the pregnancy rate. According to the serum HCG ratio at 36 hours to 12 hours (36 h/12 h) after HCG trigger, all patients were divided into three groups including <0.88, 0.88-1.06 and >1.06 groups to observe whether the serum HCG ratio (36 h/12 h) affects the clinical pregnancy rate. According to different assisted pregnancy modes, all patients were divided into 3 groups including IVF, ICSI, and IVF/ICSI groups to observe whether the assisted pregnancy mode affects the clinical pregnancy rate. The correlation of the clinical pregnancy rate with pregnancy rate-related factors obtained above was analyzed using logistic regression analysis model.The clinical pregnancy rate significantly increased (P < .01) in the HCG ratio (36 h/12 h) >1.06 group as compared with the HCG ratio (36 h/12 h) < 0.88 and 0.88-1.06 groups. The serum estrogen (E2) level at 36 hours was significantly lower and the number of retrieved oocytes was significantly higher in the HCG ratio (36 h/12 h) >1.06 group than in the HCG ratio (36 h/12 h) <0.88 and 0.88-1.06 groups (P = .000).The serum HCG ratio (36 h/12 h) may be used as a predictor of IVF-ET clinical pregnancy rate. High clinical pregnancy rate is probably associated with E2 down-regulation in the HCG ratio (36 h/12 h) >1.06 group.

Impact of Female Obesity on Cumulative Live Birth Rates in the First Complete Ovarian Stimulation Cycle.

Background: Female overweight/obesity has been reported to be associated with compromised pregnancy outcomes in fresh embryo transfer cycles. It is unclear whether the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) is adversely affected after all viable embryos are transferred from the first ovarian stimulation cycle. Objectives: To investigate whether the CLBR was compromised in obese women. Method: A total of 9,772 young women underwent their first IVF/ICSI cycles from January 2012 to October 2017. Pregnancy outcomes were compared according to female BMI. Results: Among 1,671 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), those with a BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2 had a lower cumulative clinical pregnancy rate (CCPR) and CLBR during the first complete ovarian stimulation cycle. Additionally, the pregnancy loss rate was increased in this group, although the difference was not significant. Among the 8,101 women without PCOS, the CCPR and CLBR of obese patients was also significantly decreased, and this group also showed increased pregnancy loss rates. Moreover, overweight women also had a decreased CLBR. Conclusions: Female obesity adversely affected the CLBR after utilizing the viable embryos from first oocytes retrieval.

[Strategies of preserving urinary continence in transurethral plasmakinetic enucleation of the prostate for benign prostate hyperplasia].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the strategies of preserving urinary continence in transurethral plasmakinetic enucleation of the prostate (PKEP) for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: We treated 65 BPH patients by PKEP with preservation of urinary continence (UC-PKEP), which involved protection of the external urethral sphincter in the beginning of surgery, proper preservation of the anterior lobe of the prostate to protect the internal urethral sphincter in the middle, and preservation of the integrity of the bladder neck towards the end. We compared the postoperative status of urinary continence of the patients with that of the 54 BPH cases treated by complete plasmakinetic enucleation of the prostate (Com-PKEP). RESULTS: All the operations were performed successfully with the urinary catheters removed at 5 days after surgery. In comparison with Com-PKEP, UC-PKEP achieved evidently lower incidence rates of urinary incontinence at 24 hours (31.49% vs 13.85%, P <0.05), 1 week (18.52% vs 4.62%, P <0.05), 2 weeks (14.81% vs 3.08%, P <0.05), 1 month (3.70% vs 1.54%, P >0.05), and 3 months (3.70% vs 0%, P >0.05) after catheter removal. Compared with the baseline, the maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) was significantly improved postoperatively in both the Com-PKEP (ï¼»7.43 ± 3.26ï¼½ vs ï¼»20.58 ± 3.22ï¼½ ml, P <0.05) and the UC-PKEP group (ï¼»8.04 ± 2.28ï¼½ vs ï¼»20.66 ± 3.08ï¼½ ml, P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Transurethral PKEP is a safe and effective method for the management of BPH, during which the strategies of avoiding blunt or sharp damage to the external urethral sphincter in the beginning, properly preserving the anterior lobe of the prostate in the middle and preserving the integrity of the bladder neck towards the end may help to achieve rapid recovery of urinary continence.

Correlation between SHBG gene polymorphism and male infertility in Han population of Henan province of China: A STROBE-compliant article.

Human sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) level alteration and SHBG gene mutations, especially in rs6259 and rs727428 loci, are associated with male infertility. In this study, the rs6259 and rs727428 loci in SHBG gene were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) to explore the direct relation between these 2 loci and male infertility in Han population of Henan province and to provide information for the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of male infertility.A total of 366 male Han individuals in Henan province were enrolled in this study. Of the 366 male individuals, 183 infertility patients were served as infertility group and other 183 normal individuals as a control group. SHBG gene rs6259 and rs727428 locus polymorphisms were detected by PCR-RFLP in all patients. Also, genotype frequencies, allele frequency, and haplotype were all analyzed in both groups.There were statistical differences in A allele frequency (P = .017) and GA genotype frequency (P = .016) of SHBG gene rs6259 locus and in CC genotype frequency of SHBG gene rs727428 locus (P = .034) between the 2 groups.Male infertility is associated with GA genotype and A allele of rs6259 locus, as well as CC genotype of rs727428 locus in SHBG gene.

The role of AMH and its receptor SNP in the pathogenesis of PCOS.

The etiology of polycystic ovaries syndrome (PCOS) is unknown. Studies probing the role of genetic variants of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and its type II receptor (AMHR2) in the pathogenesis of PCOS have yielded inconsistent results. Thus, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the role of genetic variants of AMH/AMHR2 in the pathogenesis of PCOS. A systematic search of electronic databases was performed. Statistical analysis was performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (Version 3). Pooled Odds Ratios (OR) (95% confidence intervals) were determined to assess the association between genetic variants of AMH/AMHR2 and PCOS. Five studies, involving a total of 2042 PCOS cases and 1071 controls, were included in the meta-analysis. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of AMH and AMHR2 did not appear to confer a heightened risk for PCOS (OR: 0.954, 95% CI: 0.848-1.073; P = 0.435; and OR: 1.074, 95% CI: 0.875-1.318; P = 0.494, respectively). In this study, genetic variants of AMH or AMHR2 were not found to be associated with a higher risk for PCOS.

Involvement of P2X7 receptor signaling on regulating the differentiation of Th17 cells and type II collagen-induced arthritis in mice.

Interleukin (IL)-17 producing T helper (Th17) cells are major effector cells in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) has emerged as a potential site in the regulation of inflammation in RA but little is known of its functional role on the differentiation of Th17 cells. This study investigates the in vitro and in vivo effects of P2X7R on Th17 cell differentiation during type II collagen (CII) induced experimental arthritis model. In CII-treated dendritic cells (DCs) and DC/CD4+ T coculture system, pretreatment with pharmacological antagonists of P2X7R (Suramin and A-438079) caused strong inhibition of production of Th17-promoting cytokines (IL-1ß, TGF-ß1, IL-23p19 and IL-6). Exposure to CII induced the elevation of mRNAs encoding retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor α and γt, which were abolished by pretreatment with P2X7R antagonists. Furthermore, blocking P2X7R signaling abolished the CII-mediated increase in IL-17A. Blockade of P2X7R remarkably inhibited hind paw swelling and ameliorated pathological changes in ankle joint of the collagen-induced arthritis mice. Thus, we demonstrated a novel function for P2X7R signaling in regulating CII-induced differentiation of Th17 cells. P2X7R signaling facilitates the development of the sophisticated network of DC-derived cytokines that favors a Th17 phenotype.

Analyses of optimal body mass index for infertile patients with either polycystic or non-polycystic ovary syndrome during assisted reproductive treatment in China.

We observed the effect of body mass index (BMI) on pregnancy outcomes in Chinese patients undergoing assisted reproductive treatment (ART). All the patients were divided into polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) group and non-PCOS group, and then according to BMI, each group was subdivided into 6 subgroups: group 1 (BMI < 18 kg/m2), group 2 (18-20 kg/m2), group 3 (20-22 kg/m2), group 4 (22-24 kg/m2), group 5 (24-26 kg/m2) and group 6 (BMI > 26.0 kg/m2). We found that in 20 to 25-year-old patients, the pregnancy rate was not significantly correlated with BMI in PCOS patients; while in non-POCS patients, the pregnancy rate significantly decreased at the BMI cut-off point value of 24-26 kg/m2. The pregnancy rate significantly declined at the BMI cut-off point values of 22-24 kg/m2 and 18-20 kg/m2, respectively in 25 to 35-year-old and in over 35-year-old PCOS patients; while in over 25-year-old non-PCOS patients, no significant correlation between pregnancy rate and BMI was observed. We conclude that for under 25-year-old non-PCOS patients, ART should be performed after BMI is controlled under 26 kg/m2. For PCOS patients, if age is 25 to 35 years or over 35 years, BMI should be controlled below 24 kg/m2 or below 20 kg/m2, respectively.

Growth hormone co-treatment within a GnRH agonist long protocol improves implantation and pregnancy rates in patients undergoing IVF-ET.

OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of growth hormone (GH) co-treatment within a GnRH agonist long regimen, in women with a normal ovarian response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH), for IVF was assessed. METHODS: This retrospective clinical trial was performed in a private-assisted reproduction centre. The study involved 1114 patients who responded normally to high-dose gonadotropin treatment. The study group of 556 patients was given in a daily subcutaneous injection of 4.5 IU of GH co-treatment, starting from the initial day of gonadotropin treatment and lasting for 5 days. The control group of 558 patients received the same treatment protocol without the GH co-treatment. The participants were further divided into two subgroups: age ≥35 years and age <35 years. The primary endpoint of the study was IVF-ET outcomes. RESULTS: The demographic characteristics did not significantly differ between the groups. The implantation rate (36.7 vs. 20.4 %, P < 0.05) and clinical pregnancy rate (57.3 vs. 30.1 %, P < 0.05) were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group. An analysis using a multivariate logistic regression model showed that GH was a significant factor for predicting pregnancy outcomes (OR 3.125, 95 % CI 2.441-4.000). Furthermore, for the ≥35-year-old group, the endometrial thickness was significantly greater (11.99 ± 2.21 vs. 11.62 ± 2.45, P < 0.05) in the study group than in the control group; in contrast, for the <35-year-old group, the high-quality embryo rate was significantly higher (71.7 vs. 68.3 %, P < 0.05) in the study group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that co-treatment with GH in a GnRH agonist long protocol in patients who responded normally while undergoing IVF-ET could increase the implantation and pregnancy rates.

STAT4 rs7574865 G/T and PTPN22 rs2488457 G/C polymorphisms influence the risk of developing juvenile idiopathic arthritis in Han Chinese patients.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a common autoimmune disease characterized by environmental influences along with several predisposing genes in the pathogenesis. The protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor 22 (PTPN22) and signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 4 (STAT4) have been recognized as susceptibility genes for numerous autoimmune diseases. Associations of STAT4 rs7574865 G/T and PTPN22 (rs2488457 G/C and rs2476601 C/T) polymorphisms with JIA have repeatedly been replicated in several Caucasian populations. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of three polymorphisms mentioned above on the risk of developing JIA in Han Chinese patients. Genotyping was performed on a total of 137 Chinese patients with JIA (JIA group) and 150 sex and age frequency-matched healthy volunteers (Control group). The single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were determined by using direct sequencing of PCR-amplified products. There were significant differences of PTPN22 rs2488457 G/C and STAT4 rs7574865 G/T polymorphisms between both groups. However, no significant difference was observed in distribution frequencies of PTPN22 rs2476601 polymorphism. The association with the PTPN22 rs2488457 G/C polymorphism remained significant in the stratifications by age at onset, ANA status, splenomegaly, lymphadenectasis and involvement joints. As with the STAT4 rs7574865 G/T polymorphisms, the enthesitis-related arthritis and presence of hepatomegaly had strong effect on the association. Our data strengthen STAT4 rs7574865 G/T and PTPN22 rs2488457 G/C polymorphisms as susceptibility factors for JIA.

Effects of the distance between small intramural uterine fibroids and the endometrium on the pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.

AIM: To explore the effects of the distance between small intramural uterine fibroids (≤4 cm) and the endometrium on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). METHODS: We prospectively analyzed pregnancy outcomes in 117 infertile women with small intramural uterine fibroids and 117 infertile women without uterine fibroids who all underwent IVF-ET. The size and number of small intramural uterine fibroids and the shortest distance between the small intramural uterine fibroids and the endometrium were measured by transvaginal three-dimensional ultrasound. The endometrial and subendometrial blood flow parameters, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate and live birth rate were compared between the women with and without small uterine fibroids and among the different shortest distances (≤1, 1-3 and >3 mm). The effects of the size and number of small intramural uterine fibroids on IVF-ET outcomes were observed. RESULTS: The endometrial volume on ET day, the implantation rate and the live birth rate were significantly lower, but the abortion rate was significantly higher, in the women with small intramural uterine fibroids than in those without uterine fibroids (p < 0.05). The endometrial flow index was higher in the shortest distance ≤1-mm group than in the groups with 1-3 and >3 mm, and the implantation rate was higher in ≤1-mm group than in the >3-mm group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes between different sizes and numbers of small intramural uterine fibroids. CONCLUSION: Small intramural uterine fibroids can affect IVF-ET outcomes. Compared with other shortest distances (1-3 and >3 mm), the shortest distance of ≤1 mm has a higher implantation rate.

B7-H4 expression in bladder urothelial carcinoma and immune escape mechanisms.

B7-H4 is a recently identified member of the B7 family considered to negatively regulate the immune response, and has been associated with the occurrence and development of certain types of tumor. However, little is known regarding the importance of human B7-H4 expression in bladder urothelial carcinoma. In the present study, B7-H4 expression in the tissues and sera of patients with bladder urothelial carcinoma was investigated, along with the clinical significance. In addition, the effects of activated T-lymphocyte in vitro cytotoxicity in the BIU-87 bladder cancer cell line following the blockade of the B7-H4 signaling pathway were also analyzed. The results showed that in normal bladder tissues, B7-H4 was not detected, but in the bladder urothelial carcinoma tissue samples, B7-H4 was detected in 24/49 (49.0%) specimens. Additionally, positive B7-H4 expression was significantly associated with increased TNM stage and pathological grade (P<0.05). Compared with the healthy control group, the serum-B7-H4 (sB7-H4) concentrations in the patients were also significantly increased (P<0.05). The sB7-H4 concentrations in cases with high-grade histology were significantly higher than those in patients with low-grade histology (P<0.05). Following the blockade of the B7-H4 antigen in BIU-87 cells, the cytotoxic activity of activated T cells against such BIU-87 cells was significantly enhanced compared with that against the control BIU-87 cells. This occurred in a T cell density-dependent and blocking antibody dose-dependent manner. These observations suggest that B7-H4 is involved in tumor occurrence, and the development and immune escape of bladder urothelial carcinoma cells. Therefore, B7-H4 may be an important target in the diagnosis and/or treatment of bladder urothelial carcinoma.

An research on the isolation methods of frozen-thawed human ovarian preantral follicles.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effective isolation method for preantral follicles from human frozen-thawed ovarian tissue. METHODS: The ovarian cortical tissue was frozen by direct cover vitrification (DCV). The frozen-thawed ovarian tissue was used for isolation of preantral follicles with collagenase combined with mechanical method and mechanical method alone, respectively. RESULTS: 1. There was no statistical difference in the survival rates of follicles in various stages between before and after freezing (P > 0.05). 2. The survival rate of secondary follicles was higher, but the survival rate of primordial follicles was lower in mechanical method alone than in collagenase combined with mechanical method (all P < 0.05). 3. The diameters of follicles were larger and E2 levels were higher in mecha-nical method alone than that in collagenase combined with mechanical method (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: After the frozen-thawed ovarian tissue was cultured for 6 days, compared with collagenase combined with mechanical method, mechanical method alone can obtain higher survival rate of secondary follicles, greater follicular diameter and higher E2 level, which are conducive to follicular subsequent development.

Comparative study of pregnancy outcomes between day 3 embryo transfer and day 5 blastocyst transfer in patients with progesterone elevation.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of progesterone (P) elevation on pregnancy outcomes of day 3 embryo and day 5 blastocyst transfer. METHODS: Clinical outcomes (pregnancy and ectopic pregnancy rates) following day 3 embryo and day 5 blastocyst transfer cycles were retrospectively analysed. Day 3 embryo and day 5 blastocyst transfer cycles were divided into normal P level (P ≤ 1.5 ng/ml) and P elevation group (P > 1.5 ng/ml), based on the serum P level on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration. RESULTS: A total of 2868 cycles were analysed. In day 3 embryo transfer cycles (n = 2345), the clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the normal P level group compared with the P elevation group (55.4% versus 46.7%, respectively) and the ectopic pregnancy rate was significantly lower in the normal P level group compared with the P elevation group (2.8% versus 7.9%, respectively). In day 5 blastocyst transfer cycles (n = 523), there were no significant differences in the clinical pregnancy and ectopic pregnancy rates between the two groups, based on the P level. CONCLUSION: These preliminary findings suggest that day 5 blastocyst transfer should be adopted for patients with P elevation on the day of hCG administration.

Follow-up of children born after intracytoplasmic sperm injection with epididymal and testicular spermatozoa.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the safety of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with epididymal or testicular sperm, this study compared children born after ICSI treatment with epididymal or testicular sperm with children conceived after ICSI with ejaculated sperm. METHODS: This retrospective study included 317 children born after ICSI with percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA), 103 children born after ICSI with testicular sperm aspiration (TESA), and a control group of 1008 children born after ICSI with ejaculated sperm. All of the patients received their assisted reproductive treatment in the Reproductive Medicine Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2004 to December 2011. Data, such as the rate of stillbirths, perinatal mortality, gestational age, birth weight, and the rate of congenital malformations of the three groups, were compared. RESULTS: PESA and TESA children were not different from ICSI children in the rate of stillbirths, perinatal mortality, infant mortality rate, gestational age, the rate of prematurity, and the rate of malformations (P > 0.05). A slight increase in birth defects was reported in the TESA group compared with those in the control group, but there was no significant difference between the groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: ICSI with epididymal or testicular sperm does not lead to more stillbirths or congenital malformations compared with ICSI using ejaculated sperm.

Ectopic pregnancy in frozen-thawed embryo transfer: a retrospective analysis of 4,034 cycles and related factors.

We analyzed the incidence of ectopic pregnancy in frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) as a function of natural and hormone replacement cycles and ectopic pregnancy-related factors. In this study, there were 4,034 FET cycles performed in our center between January 2005 and December 2010, and the rates of ectopic pregnancy were compared between natural and hormone replacement cycles. The analysis of ectopic pregnancy-related factors in FET was performed with 1:4 age-matched chi-square tests. The rate of ectopic pregnancy was lower in natural FET cycles (1.46%) than in hormone replacement FET cycles (3.31%) with a statistical significance (P < 0.05). Many factors were associated with ectopic pregnancy in FET, but only treatment protocols were considered as a controllable factor. We conclude that the incidence of ectopic pregnancy is significantly lower in natural FET cycles than in hormone replacement FET cycles. The application of exogenous sex hormones in assisted reproductive cycles may be an important factor to cause ectopic pregnancy in FET. This suggests that care should be taken when selecting the treatment protocol in order to avoid ectopic pregnancy.

Molecular karyotype single nucleotide polymorphism analysis of early fetal demise.

We explored the application of single nucleotide polymorphism microarray (SNP array) in molecular karyotype analysis for early spontaneous abortion detection in assisted reproductive technology (ART). SNP array was performed in 81 cases. Of the 81 cases, 16 experienced natural conception (NC) and 65 were pregnant by ART. Of the 65 cases, 4 underwent artificial insemination (AI), 32 fresh in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), 9 fresh intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and 20 thawed embryo transfer. In the 81 cases examined 69.1% displayed an abnormal molecular karyotype. In the subjects greater than 35 years of age, the abnormal molecular karyotype rate was 87.5% higher compared to 61.4% in younger individuals (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the abnormal molecular karyotype rate or type between ART (64.6%) and NC (87.5%). Compared with traditional cytogenetic diagnosis, the SNP array can identify a greater number of abnormal karyotypes.

[Study on the incidence and influences on ectopic pregnancy from embryo transfer of fresh cycles and frozen-thawed cycles].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate ectopic pregnancy from embryo transfer (ET)of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle and frozen-thawed (FET) cycle. METHODS: From Jan.2005 to Dec. 2010, a total of 9037 IVF-ET or ICSI-ET cycles and 4034 FET cycles were performed in our reproductive medicine center, Affiliated First Hospital of Zhengzhou University. The incidence of ectopic pregnancy rate was studied in fresh cycles IVF-ET (5998) and ICSI-ET (3039) cycles, and natural FET (2198) and hormone replacement (E-P) FET (1836) cycles. RESULTS: Of 4034 FET cycles, 1090 clinical pregnancies and 26 ectopic pregnancies were observed, the incidence of ectopic pregnancy was 2.38% (26/1090). Of 9037 fresh cycles, 3602 cycles were clinical pregnancy, and 133 cycles were ectopic pregnancy, and the incidence of ectopic pregnancy was 3.69% (133/3602). The ectopic pregnancy rate in FET cycles was lower than in fresh cycles significantly (P < 0.05). Of 3039 fresh ICSI-ET cycles, the incidence of ectopic pregnancy was 2.62% (34/1298) in 1298 clinical pregnancies. Of 5998 IVF-ET cycles, 2304 clinical pregnancies were observed, the incidence of ectopic pregnancy was 4.30% (99/2304). Ectopic pregnancy rate in the fresh ICSI-ET cycles was lower than that of IVF-ET group significantly (P < 0.01). The ectopic pregnancy rate in the natural FET cycles was 1.46% (8/547), which was significantly lower than 3.31% (18/543) in E-P group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of ectopic pregnancy of FET cycles was significantly lower than that of fresh embryo transfer cycles. The application of exogenous sex hormones in assisted reproductive cycles might increase occurrence of ectopic pregnancy.