Factors affecting occurrence of twin pregnancy after double embryo transfer on day 3.

AIM: The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors of twin gestation in fresh double day-3 embryo transfer cycles. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Out of a total of 386 cycles of fresh double embryo transfers on day 3 between 2006 and 2013 at a single center, 72 women with single intrauterine gestational sac (GS) (single-GS group) and 32 women with double GS (double-GS group) were identified. The patients' clinical characteristics and laboratory results were extracted from electronic medical records and were compared. RESULTS: The double-GS group had a significantly younger age (P = 0.012), and higher bodyweight (P = 0.033) compared with the single-GS group. The total number of blastomeres (P = 0.013) and cumulative embryo score (P = 0.012) were higher in the double-GS group. By receiver-operator curve analysis, maternal age ≤ 35 years, maternal bodyweight > 60 kg, total number of blastomeres > 14, and cumulative embryo score > 49 were the cut-off values to predict twin pregnancy. Among eight women with all four risk factors, the twin pregnancy rate was 87.5%. There was no twin pregnancy among seven women with no risk factors. CONCLUSION: Younger age, higher bodyweight, and better embryo quality are all associated with a higher incidence of twin pregnancy after double embryo transfer on day 3. Single embryo transfer might be advisable for couples with risk factors for twin pregnancy.

Norkurarinol inhibits toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3)-mediated pro-inflammatory signaling pathway and rotavirus replication.

This study examined the effect of norkurarinol on the toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3)-mediated signaling pathways and rotavirus replication. Norkurarinol, a lavandulylated flavanone, was isolated from the roots of Sophora flavescens, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory activity. Norkurarinol suppressed the NF-κB and AP-1 inducible secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) activity induced by poly(I:C), TLR3 ligand, in THP1-Blue-CD14 cells with IC(50) values of 20.9 µM. Norkurarinol also significantly suppressed the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory and adhesive molecules induced by poly(I:C) and rotavirus infection. Pretreatment of norkurarinol blocked the NF-κB and AP-1 signaling pathway and the phosphorylation of MAPKs induced by poly(I:C). On the other hand, norkurarinol increased the level of IRF3 phosphorylation and IFNß expression in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, norkurarinol inhibited the rotavirus-induced cytopathic effects. These results suggest that norkurarinol can modulate the TLR3-mediated inflammatory responses and rotavirus replication.

Manassantin A and B from Saururus chinensis inhibit interleukin-6-induced signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 activation in Hep3B cells.

Inhibition of interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been postulated to be an effective therapy in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory diseases. The current study was performed to examine potential effects of manassantin A and B isolated from Saururus chinensis on the IL-6-induced response to human hepatoma cells. We found that manassantin A and B inhibit signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) activity stimulated by IL-6. We also found that both compounds decreased IL-6-induced Stat3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. Both compounds blocked suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS-3)-mRNA expression induced by IL-6. In addition, we found that Stat3 inhibitory effects of these compounds could be related to protein tyrosine phosphatase. These findings suggest that manassantin A and B could be useful remedies for treatment of inflammatory diseases by inhibiting IL-6 action.

Kansuinine A and Kansuinine B from Euphorbia kansui L. inhibit IL-6-induced Stat3 activation.

The current study was performed to examine the mechanisms underlying the potential effects of E. KANSUI on IL-6-induced cellular signaling in human hepatoma cells. We found that two diterpenoids, kansuinine A and B, from E. KANSUI have an inhibitory effect on IL-6-induced Stat3 activation by activating ERK1/2. Inhibition of MEK significantly blocked the effects of kansuinine A and B on IL-6-induced Stat3 activation and tyrosine phosphorylation. These results suggest that blocking of IL-6-induced signal transduction is partially due to the sustained activation of ERK1/2 by kansuinine A and B, which in turn results in an increase of Stat3 serine phosphorylation and SOCS-3 expression. Treatment with kansuinine A and B represents a novel method to block these IL-6-induced effects.

Mature oocyte retrieval during laparotomic debulking surgery following random-start controlled ovarian stimulation for fertility preservation in a patient with suspected ovarian cancer.

Herein, we report a case of successful mature oocyte retrieval during laparotomy after random-start controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in a 21-year-old nulliparous woman with suspected recurrent ovarian immature teratoma. The patient had been diagnosed with stage IIIC immature teratoma two years earlier following a staging operation, including right oophorectomy and left ovarian cystectomy. And she had subsequently undergone four rounds of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin. Approximately two years after the initial surgery, she was strongly suspected of having recurrent ovarian immature teratoma on radiologic follow-up. We performed random-start COS and in vivo oocyte retrieval during laparotomic debulking surgery including left oophorectomy. Eight mature oocytes were successfully retrieved and vitrified for fertility preservation. The final pathologic diagnosis was mature cystic teratoma of the ovary and peritoneal implants consistent with gliomatosis peritonei. This is the first case report in which random-start COS and in vivo oocyte retrieval were performed.

Embryonic development in human oocytes fertilized by split insemination.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the laboratory outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and conventional insemination using sibling oocytes in poor prognosis IVF cycles where ICSI is not indicated. METHODS: Couples undergoing IVF with following conditions were enrolled: history of more than 3 years of unexplained infertility, history of ≥3 failed intrauterine insemination, leukocytospermia or wide variation in semen analysis, poor oocyte quality, or ≥50% of embryos had poor quality in previous IVF cycle(s). Couples with severe male factor requiring ICSI were excluded. Oocytes were randomly assigned to the conventional insemination (conventional group) or ICSI (ICSI group). Fertilization rate (FR), total fertilization failure, and embryonic development at day 3 and day 5 were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 309 mature oocytes from 37 IVF cycles (32 couples) were obtained: 161 were assigned to conventional group and 148 to ICSI group. FR was significantly higher in the ICSI group compared to the conventional group (90.5% vs. 72.7%, P<0.001). Total fertilization failure occurred in only one cycle in conventional group. On day 3, the percentage of cleavage stage embryos was higher in ICSI group however the difference was marginally significant (P=0.055). In 11 cycles in which day 5 culture was attempted, the percentage of blastocyst (per cleaved embryo) was significantly higher in the ICSI group than the conventional group (55.9% vs. 25.9%, P=0.029). CONCLUSION: Higher FR and more blastocyst could be achieved by ICSI in specific circumstances. Fertilization method can be tailored accordingly to improve IVF outcomes.

Obstetric outcomes after uterine myomectomy: Laparoscopic versus laparotomic approach.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the pregnancy-related complications after laparoscopic and laparotomic uterine myomectomy. METHODS: A retrospective study of 415 women who received laparoscopic (n = 340) or laparotomic (n = 75) resection of uterine leiomyomas in one center. The mean follow-up period was 26.5 months in laparoscopic group and 23.9 months in laparotomic group. RESULTS: Fifty-four and 12 pregnancies occurred in laparoscopic and laparotomic myomectomy group, respectively. The major obstetric outcomes were similar between two groups. There was no ectopic pregnancy or preterm birth. There were two cases of obstetric complication in laparoscopic group only; one experienced neonatal death and postpartum hemorrhage due to placental abruption and the other underwent subtotal hysterectomy due to uterine dehiscence identified during Cesarean section. CONCLUSION: Uterine rupture or dehiscence after laparoscopic myomectomy occurred in 3.7% (2/54) which lead to unfavorable outcome. Appropriate selection of patients and secure suture techniques appears to be important for laparotomic myomectomy in reproductive-aged women.