Does Endometriosis Impact the Composition of Follicular Fluid in IL6 and AMH? A Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare follicular liquid levels of IL6 and AMH in women with and without endometriosis and to evaluate their potential impact on ICSI outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is a prospective case-control study conducted on 25 women with proven endometriosis and 50 patients diagnosed with other causes of infertility. All these patients were candidates for ICSI cycles. Their follicular fluid was collected at the time of oocyte retrieval and used to evaluate IL-6 and AMH titers by electro-chemiluminescent immunoassay (Cobas e411-Roche). RESULTS: The IL-6 levels in follicular fluid were higher in the endometriosis group than in the control group (152.3 vs. 19.9 pg/mL; p = 0.02). The median level for AMH was 2.2 ± 1.88 ng/mL with no statistical difference between the two groups (2.2 vs. 2.7 ng/mL, p = 0.41). No significant correlation between the follicular IL6 and AMH levels was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The oocyte quality seems to be preserved in patients with endometriosis with the adequate response to ovarian stimulation. High levels of follicular IL6 are in accordance with the inflammatory phenomenon of the disease; however, this increase has no impact on ICSI outcomes.

Longitudinal and Comparative Analysis of Gut Microbiota of Tunisian Newborns According to Delivery Mode.

Microbiota colonization is a dynamic process that impacts the health status during an individual's lifetime. The composition of the gut microbiota of newborns is conditioned by multiple factors, including the delivery mode (DM). Nonetheless, the DM's influence remains uncertain and is still the subject of debate. In this context, the medical indication and the emergency of a cesarean delivery might have led to confounding conclusions regarding the composition and diversity of the neonatal microbiome. Herein, we used high-resolution shotgun sequencing to decipher the composition and dynamics of the gut microbiota composition of Tunisian newborns. Stool samples were collected from 5 elective cesarean section (ECS) and 5 vaginally delivered (VD) newborns at the following time points: Day 0, Day 15, and Day 30. The ECS and VD newborns showed the same level of bacterial richness and diversity. In addition, our data pointed to a shift in microbiota community composition during the first 2 weeks, regardless of the DM. Both ECS and VD showed a profile dominated by Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes. However, ECS showed an underrepresentation of Bacteroides and an enrichment of opportunistic pathogenic species of the ESKAPE group, starting from the second week. Besides revealing the intestinal microbiota of Tunisian newborns, this study provides novel insights into the microbiota perturbations caused by ECS.

Effects of lead, cadmium, copper and zinc levels on the male reproductive function.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of heavy metals on measures of male fertility. One hundred and two infertile men with occupational exposure and thirty fertile men were included in this study. Blood and urinary levels of lead, cadmium, zinc and copper were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Semen parameters and a motile sperm organelle morphology examination were also performed. Measures of hormonal levels, oxidation-reduction potential, DNA fragmentation index and chromatin condensation were assessed for all participants. Heavy metals levels, oxidative stress and DNA quality were significantly higher in the infertile group compared to controls. FSH and testosterone levels were lower in the infertile group. A urinary cadmium level was positively associated with abnormal sperm morphology (r = .225, p < .05). Normal morphology was inversely correlated with the duration of the exposure (r = -.227, p = .022). The blood lead level was positively related to the level of testosterone (r = .223, p = .031). Cadmium and lead blood levels were positively correlated with the level of chromatin decondensation (r = .528, p < .001; r = .280, p = .017). Our study showed that occupational exposure to heavy metals is very harmful to reproductive health. DNA quality and oxidative stress investigations must be recommended for reprotoxic exposed patients prior to in vitro fertilisation treatment.

Evaluation of ovarian reserve before and after chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Progress in oncology has improved patient survival. However, cancer chemotherapy can be gonadotoxic and affect their fertility. Recourse to fertility preservation before starting these treatments is therefore necessary in order to allow a better life quality after survival. The aim of this work was to study the impact of chemotherapy on ovarian reserve by AMH measurement. METHODS: This is a descriptive and longitudinal study from 2015 to 2018 carried out at Aziza Othmana hospital ART center in Tunis on patient aged less than 41 years who were candidates for fertility preservation. Patients included had AMH measurement prior to cancer treatment. We called them back to follow up the AMH level after chemotherapy. The AMH assay was performed by electrochemilumiescence technique. At the end, only 66 patients met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: The most frequent pathologies were Hodgkin's lymphoma and breast cancer. The mean age of patients was 26.7 ± 6.8. The most used chemotherapy protocols were BEACOPP, ABVD or the combination of both in lymphoma and FEC + TXT for breast cancer treatment. A significant difference between AMH before and after chemotherapy was found for BEACOPP and FEC + TXT protocols (p < 10 3). The patient's age was correlated with the AMH decrease after chemotherapy (r = 0.577, p < 10 3). CONCLUSION: Our results showed that the high risk gonadotoxicity protocols were BEACOPP for lymphoma treatment and FEC + TXT for breast cancer treatment. However, studies with a larger sample and more time extended monitoring are necessary for a better gonadotoxicity understanding of the cancer treatments available today.

Y chromosome microdeletions screening in Tunisian infertile men.

The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities and microdeletions on the Y chromosome in Tunisian infertile men with severe oligozoospermia or non-obstructive azoospermia. In cases of azoospermia, we aimed also to correlate histological results after negative testicular sperm extraction with the type of Y chromosome microdeletion. 84 infertile patients and 52 controls were screened for karyotypic abnormalities using G-banding and Yq chromosome microdeletions using multiplex PCR. 7 infertile males (8.3%) carried chromosomal abnormalities and 8 (9.5%) presented Y chromosome microdeletions. The frequency of chromosome abnormalities in azoospermic patients was 11.1% vs 3.3% in the severe oligozoospermic group. Klinefelter syndrome was the most frequent chromosomal abnormalities in 85.7% of cases. Only one patient had a 46,X,del Y/45,X karyotype. The frequency of microdeletions was 11.1% in the azoospermic group and 6.7% in the severe oligozoospermic group. Six out of 84 (7.14%) of the infertile patients had microdeletions in the AZFc region, one azoospermic male had microdeletion in the AZFbc regions and one in the AZFb region, no deletions in the AZFa region. Among the 6 azoospermic patients with microdeletions: 4 had Sertoly cell only syndrome (SCOS) and 2 had maturation arrest (MA). Genetic abnormalities in infertile Tunisian patients are similar to those reported in other countries. The knowledge of the existence of genetic abnormalities and microdeletions is useful to provide a correct diagnosis and it allows the clinician to refer the patient to adequate assisted reproduction technique and examine the value of testicular biopsy pertinence.

Perurethral transvesical route for oocytes retrieval: an old technique for a new indication in oncofertility.

We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficiency of the peruretheral transvesical oocyte retrieval in oncofertility. We conducted a retrospective comparative study in our assisted reproductive technologies center. STUDY GROUP: 28 pubertal young women affected by malignancies, referred for fertility preservation and refusing transvaginal (TV) procedure. CONTROL GROUP: 28 infertile patients, aged less than 25 years, who have undergone in vitro fertilization with TV oocyte retrieval. The ovarian stimulation was significantly longer on the study group. There was no difference between the two groups regarding mean number of collected metaphase II oocytes. One patient of the study group had a transient dysuria. These preliminary data suggest that, in oncofertility, peruretheral transvesical oocyte retrieval is an alternative when the TV route is refused or not feasible.

Corrigendum to "Extensive Thrombosis of the Inferior Vena Cava and Left Renal Vein in a Neonate".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2015/569797.].

Laparoscopic double sacrocolpopexy : a failure for the posterior compartment?

AIM: To evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy using an anterior and a posterior prolen mesh, for the cure of genital prolapse. STUDY METHODS: This is a consecutive five year prospective observational study in which 80 patients presented with at least a Stage 2 apical prolapsed (Baden and Walker), with an anterior or a posterior vaginal wall prolapse, who underwent a double sacrocolpopexy. Two prolen prosthesis (Pro-swing® - Textile Hi-Tec™, Fr) were used for this technique. Pre- and post-operative data referring to prolapse quantitation (Baden and Walker classification), scores of quality of life and sexuality (French equivalent of the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI), Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ) and Pelvic organ prolapse-urinary Incontinence-Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12) were compared. Peri and postoperative complications constituted the secondary outcome measures. RESULTS: At 2 years after surgery, all patients were accessible for evaluation. For these patients, the anatomical success rates (Stage 0 or 1) on the apical, anterior or posterior compartments were respectively 100%, 97.5% and 89.3%. On the functional level, all the scores of quality of life and sexuality were significantly improved except anorectal scores CRADI and CRAIQ. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that PFC is an effective technique for the treatment of the urogenital prolapsed. On the anatomical levelresults are less good for the posterior compartment. On the functional level, our results do not plead in favour of an improvement of anorectal disorders.

Basal follicle stimulating hormone level correlated to age is a good prognostic criterion for the outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm microinjection.

BACKGROUND: Age and increased FSH serum level in women are prognosis criteriae associated with decreased fertility. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether age-specific FSH concentration can be a predictor of the outcome of ovarian stimulation in women undergoing IVF. METHODS: A total of 676 women undergoing their first IVF cycle over a 3-year period were included in this retrospective cohort study. Patients were grouped according to age (< or ≥  38 years), and within each age range, patients were grouped into bFSH quartiles (< or ≥  9.6 mUI/L). We have considered four study groups: group A (Age < 38 years and FSH < 9.6 m UI/l), group B (Age < 38 years and FSH ≥ 9.6 m UI/l), group C (Age ≥ 38 years and FSH < 9.6 m UI/l), group D (Age ≥ 38 years and FSH ≥ 9.6 m UI/l). The outcome measures in each group included: consumed quantity of gonadotrophin, poor response, cycle cancellation, oocyte yield, number of embryos obtained, embryonic quality (grade 1 embryo), as well as, fertilization, implantation, clinical pregnancy and childbirth rates. Analysis of the Results compares laboratory parameters and ICSI Results, based on a statistical analysis that is essentially descriptive. RESULTS: High bFSH levels in young patients (< 38 years) predicts a higher poor response (p < 0.0001), higher stopped cycles (p < 0.0001), lower oocyte yield (p < 0.0001) and lower embryos obtained (p < 0.0001) in IVF cycles but does not translate to either lower pregnancy, childbirth or implantation rates. In old women high FSH level does not influence ICSI outcome but may increase poor response (p <0.01) and stopped cycles (p < 0.0001). In each age group, the rate of spontaneous miscarriage does not increase according to FSH level. The pregnancy rate and child birth rate are better in young women with high FSH levels than in older women with normal FSH levels (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that basal FSH concentrations when correlated to age is a good predictive factor of ovarian response for assisted reproductive treatment. In young women a high FSH level may affect laboratary parametres but not pregnancy rate. In old women normal FSH level does not improve ICSI outcome but may increase "avorted" cycles. Pregnancy rate and child birth rate are better in young women with high FSH levels than in older women with normal FSH levels.

Progesterone for Luteal Phase Support in In Vitro Fertilization: Comparison of Vaginal and Rectal Pessaries to Vaginal Capsules: A Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: In IVF, Luteal phase support is usually performed using vaginal progesterone. A part of patients using this route reports being uncomfortable with this route. We tried to study whether the rectal route could be an effective alternative and associated with less discomfort. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled study. All patient were eligible for IVF treatment for infertility. After oocyte pickup, 186 patients were allocated to one the following protocols for luteal phase support: (i) rectal pessaries group: natural progesterone pessaries administered rectally 200 mg three times a day, (ii) vaginal pessaries group: natural progesterone pessaries administered vaginally 200 mg three times a day), and (iii) vaginal capsules group: natural micronized progesterone capsules administered vaginally 200 mg three times a day. On the day of pregnancy test, patients were asked to fill in a questionnaire conducted by an investigator in order to assess the tolerability and side effects of the LPS treatment taken. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of perineal irritation. RESULTS: Fifty eight patients were assigned to the rectal pessaries group, 68 patients to the vaginal pessaries group, and 60 patients to the vaginal capsules group. All patients adhered to their allocated treatment. Implantation and clinical pregnancy rates per transfer did not differ between the three groups. Perineal irritation, which was our primary endpoint, was the same for all the three groups (respectively 1.7 % versus 5.9 % versus 11.7%). Regarding the other side effects, more patients experienced constipation and flatulence with the rectal route, whereas more patients reported vaginal discharge in the vaginal capsules group. CONCLUSION: Rectal administration for luteal phase support is effective and well accepted alternative to vaginal route.

Extensive Thrombosis of the Inferior Vena Cava and Left Renal Vein in a Neonate.

Antenatal renal vein thrombosis is a rarely described diagnostic finding, with variable consequences on kidney function. We present the case of an affected fetus, born at 35-week gestation, with intrauterine oligohydramnios and two small kidneys. A renal ultrasound carried out after birth confirmed the presence of prenatal abnormalities. Renal vein thrombosis was not diagnosed at the time. The baby died 20 days later of kidney failure, metabolic acidosis, and polypnea with severe hypotrophy. Autopsy revealed atrophied kidneys and adrenal glands. The vena cava had thrombosis occupying most of its length. The right renal vein was normal, while the left renal vein was threadlike and not permeable. Histologically, there was necrosis of the left adrenal gland with asymmetrical bilateral renal impairment and signs of ischemic and hemorrhagic lesions. A review of thrombophilia was carried out and a heterozygous mutation in Factor V was found in both the mother and the child.

Failure of in vitro fertilization: prognosis criteriae.

BACKGROUND: age, obesity and increased FSH serum level in women are prognosis criteriae associated with decreased fertility and adverse Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of age, FSH and BMI on pregnancy rate in ICSI. METHODS: A retrospective and comparative study of 500 women who underwent ICSI cycle during the study period from January 2004 to December 2005. Age, FSH and BMI were compared in two groups of patients: Those achieving a pregnancy: The "pregnancy+" group and those failing to have a pregnancy: The "pregnancy-"group. For each of previous parameters ROC curve and logistic regression study were performed. RESULTS: age was significantly lower in "pregnancy+" group (32,4±3,9 years vs 33,7±4,8 ans ; p=0,005). Analysis of ROC curve and logistic regression study show that for age, the most discriminative cut-off for predicting pregnancy is 38 years (Se=7,5%, Sp=75,6%) (AUC=0,572; p=0,02) (OR=2,1 ; LR+=6,7 ;IC[1 ;1,4] ; p0,009). FSH was significantly lower in "pregnancy+" group (5,5±1,8UI /L vs 6,2±3UI/L, p=0,003). Analysis of ROC curve and logistic regression study show that for FSH, the most discriminative cut-off for predicting pregnancy is 9UI/L (Se=3,7%, Sp=85.2%) (AUC=0,539 ; p=0,03) (OR=3,6; IC[1,4 ;9,3]; LR+ =10,1; p=0,003). BMI was also significantly lower in "pregnancy+" group (24,7± 3,6 kgm-2 vs 27,1±4,5 kgm-2 ; p<10-3). The most discriminative cut-off for predicting pregnancy is 25,4 kgm- 2 (Se=31,7%, Sp=33,3%) (AUC=0,663 ; p<10-3) (OR=4; IC[2,1 ;7,7]; LR+ =19,38; p<10-3). CONCLUSION: age, FSH and BMI affect markedly the prognosis of ICSI. We found significantly lower Pregnancy rates in older women (> 38 years), in women with elevated FSH (> 9UI/L) or elevated BMI (> 25,4 kgm-2). Our results can be used when counseling and before including patients in an IVF program, to give them probability of success and weight loss required to optimize chances of pregnancy.

Cytogenetic abnormalities in Tunisian women with premature ovarian failure.

To identify the distribution of chromosome abnormalities among Tunisian women with premature ovarian failure (POF) referred to the department of Cytogenetic at the Pasteur Institute of Tunis (Tunisia), standard cytogenetic analysis was carried out in a total of 100 women younger than 40 affected with premature ovarian failure. We identified 18 chromosomal abnormalities, including seven X-numerical anomalies in mosaic and non-mosaic state (45,X; 47,XXX), four sex reversal, three X-structural abnormalities (terminal deletion and isochromosomes), one autosomal translocation and one supernumerary marker. The overall prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities was 18% in our cohort. X chromosome aneuploidy was the most frequent aberration. This finding confirms the essential role of X chromosome in ovarian function and underlies the importance of cytogenetic investigations in the routine management of POF.

Prevalence of Y chromosome microdeletions in infertile Tunisian men.

Yq microdeletions are the leading genetic cause of male infertility and its detection in clinically relevant for appropriate genetic counseling. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of Y microdeletion in a group of Tunisian infertile men and to compare the prevalence of these abnormalities with other countries and other Tunisian reported series. Totally, 105 Tunisian idiopathic infertile men (74 azoospermic and 31 severe oligozoospermic) were screened for the presence of Y chromosome microdeletions. The screening of Yq microdeletions was performed by two multiplex PCRs using six STS markers recommended by the EAA/EMQN. No microdeletions were detected in the men with severe oligozoospermia. In the azoospermic group, 2/74 (2.7%) patients showed Y chromosome microdeletions. Both had complete deletion of the AZFc region. No microdeletion was identified in the AZFa region or in the AZFb region. The estimated frequency of Y chromosome microdeletions in the present survey was similar to some other reports but lower than that of previous reports in Tunisian populations.

Seminal vesicle agenesis: An uncommon cause of azoospermia.

Seminal vesicle malformations are a rare cause of obstructive azoospermia, often associated with other internal genitalia and upper urinary tract birth defects. We report 5 new cases of seminal vesicle agenesis in men presenting with hypospermia and azoospermia. Imaging showed seminal vesicle unilateral agenesis in all patients. The remaining seminal vesicle was hypoplastic in 3 cases, dilated in 1 case and with abnormally thick content in another case. Vas deferens agenesis was observed unilaterally in 2 patients and bilaterally in 2 other patients. No renal malformations were detected. Genetic study showed in all cases a 46 XY karyotype without any microdeletions. A single heterozygous cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator gene mutation was diagnosed in 1 man, but not found in his partner. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection using sperm from a testicular biopsy was performed in 3 couples, without success.

Chromosomal evaluation in a group of Tunisian patients with non-obstructive azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia attending a Tunisian cytogenetic department.

Male infertility is the cause in half of all childless partnerships. Numerous factors contribute to male infertility, including chromosomal aberrations and gene defects. Few data exist regarding the association of these chromosomal aberrations with male infertility in Arab and North African populations. We therefore aimed to evaluate the frequency of chromosomal aberrations in a sample of 476 infertile men with non-obstructive azoospermia (n=328) or severe oligozoospermia (n=148) referred for routine cytogenetic analysis to the department of cytogenetics of the Pasteur Institute of Tunis. The overall incidence of chromosomal abnormalities was about 10.9%. Out of the 52 patients with abnormal cytogenetic findings, sex chromosome abnormalities were observed in 42 (80.7%) including Klinefelter syndrome in 37 (71%). Structural chromosome abnormalities involving autosomes (19.2%) and sex chromosomes were detected in 11 infertile men. Abnormal findings were more prevalent in the azoospermia group (14.02%) than in the severe oligozoospermia group (4.05%). The high frequency of chromosomal alterations in our series highlights the need for efficient genetic testing in infertile men, as results may help to determine the prognosis, as well as the choice of an assisted reproduction technique. Moreover, a genetic investigation could minimize the risk of transmitting genetic abnormalities to future generations.

3-year results of transvaginal cystocele repair with transobturator four-arm mesh: A prospective study of 105 patients.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of transobturator four-arm mesh for treating cystoceles. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 105 patients had a cystocele corrected between January 2004 and December 2008. All patients had a symptomatic cystocele of stage ⩾2 according to the Baden-Walker halfway stratification. We used only the transobturator four-arm mesh kit (Surgimesh®, Aspide Medical, France). All surgical procedures were carried out by the same experienced surgeon. The patients' characteristics and surgical variables were recorded prospectively. The anatomical outcome, as measured by a physical examination and postoperative stratification of prolapse, and functional outcome, as assessed by a questionnaire derived from the French equivalents of the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory, Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Urinary Incontinence-Sexual Questionnaire, were considered as the primary outcome measures. Peri- and postoperative complications constituted the secondary outcome measures. RESULTS: At 36 months after surgery the anatomical success rate (stage 0 or 1) was 93%. On a functional level, all the scores of quality of life and sexuality were improved. The overall satisfaction score (visual analogue scale) was 71.4%. There were no perioperative adverse events. Mesh erosion was reported in 7.6% and mesh retraction in 5.7% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: If the guidelines and precautions are followed, vaginal prosthetic surgery for genitourinary prolapse has shown long-term benefits. It provides excellent results both anatomically and functionally. However, complications are not negligible and some are specific to prosthetic surgery.

[Short vs long agonist protocols in poor responders undergoing IVF]. / Résultats de I'ICSI chex les mauvaises répondeuses : protocole court vs protocole long.

AIM: Compare among poor responders: stimulation results, laboratory parameters and the final IVF results by assessing 2 different stimulation protocols: the long agonist protocol and the short agonist protocol. METHODS: An analytical retrospective study carried out over of period of 2 years: January 2006 and December 2007. During this period, a total of 1192 IVF cycles of ICSI type were performed in 892 patients. INCLUSION CRITERIA: short agonist or antagonist stimulated patients protocols and presenting two of the three following criteria: 1- Patients aged more than 38 years with an FSH plasmatic rate on the 3rd day of the cycle 9.5 UI/ml. 2- Antral follicle count (AFC) 5 for both ovaries. 3- Failure of anterior ovary stimulation: abandonment of cycle or 3 oocytes at data collection in a previous cycle. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: PCOS or single ovary. RESULTS: 65 patients, undergoing 92 attempts of ICSI cycles have been included in this study. Long agonist protocol was performed in 48 cases and Short agonist protocol was performed in 44 cycles. Both groups were comparable as to age (40,09 ± 6, 59 vs 41, 04 ± 1,71 years; NS), BMI (25,2±3,92 vs 25,35±4,09 Kgm-2 ; NS), infertility type (primary 41% vs 59%;NS ; ou secondary 58% vs 40,9% ; NS), FSH (9,98±2,42 vs 10,01±2,75 ; NS) and antral follicle count on day 3 (4,13±1,12 vs 3,8±1,16 FA ; NS). The estradiol rate, dosed on the onset day was significantly higher in the short protocol group (1534,27±1034,34 vs 1133,31±1053,58 pg/ml; p=0.034). However, the consumed quantity of gonadotrophins was lower in the short protocol group (1550±235,45 vs 1725,55±450,35 UI, p=0.01). A total of 13 cycles was stopped: 9 times for the long protocol (18.75 %) and 4 times for the short protocol (9.09 %) with statistically significant difference. The number of collected oocytes was significantly higher in the short protocol (7,64±3,70 vs 4,55±2,01, P<0.001). We significantly obtained more embryos in the short protocol (4,31±2,9 vs 2,16±2,2 embryos ; p<0,001). With higher number of grade 1 embryos (2,61 vs 1,14 embryons; p<0.001).The results in terms of pregnancy and living births show no significant difference between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: The short protocol is more suited to the profile of ovarian poor responders. The long protocol standard has no place in poor responders. However, the long micro dose protocol and the long degressed micro dose protocol yield results at least equivalent to the short protocol.