Perifollicular blood flow and its relationship with endometrial vascularity, follicular fluid EG-VEGF, IGF-1, and inhibin-a levels and IVF outcomes

Advanced strategies for single embryo selection in assisted human reproduction: A review of clinical practice and research methods

Among the primary objectives of contemporary assisted reproductive technology research are achieving the births of healthy singletons and improving overall fertility outcomes. Substantial advances have been made in refining the selection of single embryos for transfer, with the aim of maximizing the likelihood of successful implantation. The principal criterion for this selection is embryo morphology. Morphological evaluation systems are based on traditional parameters, including cell count and fragmentation, pronuclear morphology, cleavage rate, blastocyst formation, and various sequential embryonic assessments. To reduce the incidence of multiple pregnancies and to identify the single embryo with the highest potential for growth, invasive techniques such as preimplantation genetic screening are employed in in vitro fertilization clinics. However, new approaches have been suggested for clinical application that do not harm the embryo and that provide consistent, accurate results. Noninvasive technologies, such as time-lapse imaging and omics, leverage morphokinetic parameters and the byproducts of embryo metabolism, respectively, to identify noninvasive prognostic markers for competent single embryo selection. While these technologies have garnered considerable interest in the research community, they are not incorporated into routine clinical practice and still have substantial room for improvement. Currently, the most promising strategies involve integrating multiple methodologies, which together are anticipated to increase the likelihood of successful pregnancy.

Predicting ART outcomes: The role of ovarian RAS and VEGF in follicular fluid of dominant follicles

As tissue and intracellular RAS have been reported in different organs and systems. there is local RAS in the ovary, called the ovarian renin-angiotensin system (OVRAS). In this study, we investigated the correlation between RAS (total renin, AngII, Ang1-7), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and E2 in dominant follicular fluid and ovarian reserve capacity and patient age. Moreover, we analyzed its predictive value for assisted reproductive technology (ART) related outcomes. We observed that the concentrations of VEGF in the follicular fluid of dominant follicles in the ≥ 38 year old group were markedly higher than those in the < 30 year old group (P < 0.05). Total renin and AngII levels were positively correlated with normal fertilization rate (P < 0.05). Ang1-7 levels were positively correlated with the number of mature oocytes, oocyte maturation rate and number of 2PN fertilized cells (P < 0.05). Expressions of VEGF were negatively correlated with number of 2PN fertilized cells, number of D3 embryos for blastocyst culture, number of blastocysts formed, number of available embryos and number of high-quality embryos (P < 0.05). Thus, the expressions of OVRAS (total renin, AngII, Ang1-7 and VEGF) in dominant follicular fluid are correlated with ART outcomes.

An Approach to Improve Endometrial Receptivity: Is It Beneficial to Flush The Uterine Cavity with Follicular Fluid and Granulosa Cells? A Phase III Randomised Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

The follicular fluid (FF) of mature oocytes contains a high concentration of growth factors and cytokines that have the potential to influence implantation in either a paracrine or autocrine manner. During the physiological processes of ovulation, FF enters the fallopian tubes in conjunction with the oocyte. The purpose of this study is to evaluate implantation and clinical pregnancy rates following uterine flushing with FF and granulosa cells in infertile women with moderate male factor infertility after ovum retrieval for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This phase III randomised clinical trial enrolled 140 women with moderate male factor infertility who intended to undergo ICSI at Royan Infertility Clinic (Tehran, Iran). A computer-generated program and opaque sealed envelopes were used to randomly allocate patients to either an intervention group (n=70) or a control group (n=70). Participants in the intervention group received 2 ml of clear FF (without blood contamination) from 2 to 3 dominant follicles after oocyte retrieval. The control group only underwent uterine cavity catheterisation.

RESULTS

The intervention group had a clinical pregnancy rate of 38.5% (25/65) compared to the control group [42.9% (27/63); P=0.719] and an implantation rate of 24.1% compared to the control group (27%; P=0.408). These rates did not differ between the groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the intervention and control groups in terms of pregnancy-related complications-ectopic pregnancy, blighted ovum or anembryonic pregnancy, and abortion.

CONCLUSION

Uterine cavity flushing with FF from mature follicles following oocyte retrieval had no effect, either positively or negatively, on clinical pregnancy or implantation rates in women with moderate male factor infertility (registration number: NCT04077970).

Comparison of orthotopic and heterotopic autologous ovarian tissue transplantation outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To compare the outcomes of orthotopic and heterotopic ovarian tissue transplantation (OTT) techniques.

DESIGN

Mixed prospective-retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Academic hospital.

PATIENTS

A total of 14 recipients of autologous OTT.

INTERVENTIONS

Of the 14 women, 12 who received orthotopic (n = 6) or heterotopic (n = 6) transplants met the inclusion criteria. All orthotopic transplants and one heterotopic ovarian tissue transplant were performed laparoscopically. Although 5 of the 6 remaining heterotopic transplants were performed subcutaneously under local anesthesia or intravenous sedation, one was performed with robotic assistance. With the exception of one recipient who solely desired restoration of endocrine function, all underwent oocyte retrieval either to cryopreserve oocytes and embryos before the graft function ceased or because they could not otherwise conceive (hysterectomy, radiation damage, and heterotopic transplant).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome measures were graft function and longevity, and the number of embryos generated per retrieval.

RESULTS

The mean age at ovarian tissue harvesting and transplantation was lower in patients with orthotopic vs. heterotopic transplants, although the proportion of transplanted ovarian cortex was lower in heterotopic transplant cases. All grafts restored ovarian endocrine function. Fertilization rates, the number of embryos generated per retrieval, and the mean number of nonarrested embryos were significantly lower in heterotopic OTT. However, time to function and graft longevity were similar between the groups. Although 4 of the 6 women conceived and delivered 7 children among orthotopic ovarian tissue recipients, one recipient had 3 spontaneous live births after heterotopic OTT, presumably because of the induction of function in the remaining menopausal ovary.

CONCLUSIONS

It appears that orthotopic OTT results in higher gamete and embryo quality. However, the endocrine function restoration rate and longevity are similar between the 2 approaches. When feasible, orthotopic OTT should be preferred for those who intend to conceive, although a less invasive heterotopic OTT can be performed for those who primarily desire ovarian endocrine function.

Follicular fluid biomarkers for prediction of human IVF outcome in women with poor ovarian response

Background

The aim of controlled ovarian stimulation is to achieve an optimal number of mature oocytes to obtain good-quality embryos. High follicular fluid (FF) concentrations of FSH, hCG, and LH promote oocyte maturation and are associated with a higher probability of fertilization. LH concentrations in FF are consistently higher in follicles that will lead to a successful IVF outcome. The levels of some of these FF biomarkers may vary among different ovarian stimulation schemes; however, the effects of corifollitropin alfa, recombinant FSH (rFSH), LH (rLH), and highly purified urinary menotropins uhMG on these biomarkers are still unknown. The objective of this study was to characterize the profile of FF biomarkers (leptin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), metalloproteinases (MMPs), and NO2−/NO3−) according to three different protocols of controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in poor ovarian responders (POR) and to evaluate the association between these profiles and clinical outcomes. Three groups of POR patients were examined according to the protocols used.

Results

Group C showed significant higher levels in all biomarkers (p < 0001). FF samples from Group B had the lowest levels of VEGF and Pro-MMP-9. Group A showed the lowest concentration of pro-MMP-2. The VEGF level and number of captured oocytes were positively correlated in Group C (r = 0.534, p = 0.01). MMP-9 and fertilization rate were negatively correlated in Group C (r = −0.476, p = 0.02). We found negative correlations between proMMP-2 and serum estradiol levels on the day of rhCG administration.

Conclusion

We found significant variations in the biomarker concentrations between the different controlled ovarian stimulation schemes used in POR patients. These differences can be potentially explained by the nature and composition of the gonadotropins. Our results support the hypothesis that some of these molecules should be thoroughly investigated as noninvasive predictors of egg quality.

VEGF Concentration in a Preovulatory Leading Follicle Relates to Ovarian Reserve and Oocyte Maturation during Ovarian Stimulation with GnRH Antagonist Protocol in In Vitro Fertilization Cycle

Serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is involved in follicular vascularization, oxygenation, and consequently in oocyte maturation and embryo development. Unanswered questions remain regarding the relationship of intrafollicular VEGF level in preovulatory leading follicles to oocyte maturation and ovarian reserve during ovarian stimulation. We conducted this study to investigate the relationship of intrafollicular VEGF level in the fluid of single preovulatory leading follicles to ovarian reserve and oocyte maturation in patients receiving GnRH antagonist in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocol treatment. One hundred and eighty-five patients receiving IVF treatment were recruited and assigned to low-, normal-, and high-ovarian-reserve groups according to their serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level. Follicular fluid (FF) in preovulatory leading follicles, serum profiles, and clinical variables were collected for analysis. The result disclosed a significant among-group difference in FF VEGF concentration. Moreover, the serum AMH level was also negatively correlated with FF VEGF level. The oocyte maturation rate tended to be increased at higher AMH levels. FF VEGF concentration was significantly positively correlated with basal FSH level. In conclusion, FF VEGF concentration has a negative association with ovarian reserve level and oocyte maturation rate in patients undergoing GnRH antagonist IVF protocols.

Reduced response to controlled ovarian stimulation after radical trachelectomy: A pitfall of fertility-sparing surgery for cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the decrease in response to controlled ovarian stimulation in patients who receive in vitro fertilization treatment after radical trachelectomy.

METHODS

The outcomes of ovarian stimulation were retrospectively evaluated and compared between patients who have undergone radical trachelectomy and control patients who had male factor infertility or unexplained infertility.

RESULTS

A total of 30 ovarian stimulation cycles in 14 radical trachelectomy patients and 54 cycles in 30 control patients were reviewed. The median age at ovarian stimulation was 34.8 years in the radical trachelectomy group and 36.5 years in the control group. Compared with the control group, the radical trachelectomy group had significantly lower mean estradiol concentration (1461.7 pg/ml, SD 775.0 vs. 1950.9 pg/ml, SD 1057.3, P = 0.029) during controlled ovarian stimulation cycle and smaller median number of retrieved oocytes (5, range 1-14 vs. 8, range 1-19, P = 0.007), despite the higher use of gonadotropin (3527.5 IU, SD 1313.4 vs. 2670.8 IU, SD 905.1, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The response to controlled ovarian stimulation decreased after radical trachelectomy.

Investigating apoptotic, inflammatory, and growth markers in poor responders undergoing natural in vitro fertilization cycles: a pilot study

This study investigates follicular fluid (FF) from patients with poor and normal ovarian response undergoing natural assisted reproductive technology cycles. We report about (1) cell-free DNA (cfDNA), which reflects apoptosis; (2) corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH); (3) interleukin (IL)-15, which reflects inflammation; (4) granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF); (5) vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); and (6) insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), which reflects follicular growth. Forty-four poor responders and 44 normal responders-according to the Bologna criteria-were recruited. FF samples were prepared for cfDNA quantification employing Q-PCR and for CRH, IL-15, G-CSF, VEGF, and IGF-I quantification employing ELISA. Statistically nonsignificant different levels of FF cfDNA, CRH, IL-15, VEGF, and IGF-I were observed. Interestingly, statistically significant higher G-CSF levels were observed in normal responders (302.48 ± 474.36 versus 200.10 ± 426.79 pg/mL, P = 0.003). Lower cfDNA integrity was observed in cycles resulting in clinical pregnancy for both groups (normal: 0.07 ± 0.04 versus 0.25 ± 0.17 ng/μL, P < 0.001; poor: 0.10 ± 0.06 versus 0.26 ± 0.12 ng/μL, P < 0.001). The results predominantly showcase similarities between normal and poor responders pertaining to inflammatory, apoptotic, and growth factors. This may be attributed to the employment of natural cycles in order to exclude controlled ovarian stimulation as a factor-indicating its detrimental effect. As G-CSF levels presented significantly higher in normal responders, its vital role in understanding a compromised ovarian response is highlighted.

Follicular fluid estradiol is an improved predictor of fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer outcomes

The present study is a clinical trial analyzing follicular fluid. The current study aimed to assess whether a correlation exists among estradiol (E2), anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and prokineticin 1 (PROK1) levels in the follicular fluid. A total of 81 infertile patients (53 with primary infertility and 28 with secondary infertility) who received routine in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer (ET) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection at Yuhuangding Hospital (Yantai, China) were included in the present study. On the day of egg retrieval, follicular puncture and follicular fluid extraction were performed on patients using double lumen needles under the guidance of a vaginal ultrasound. In 77 cases, follicular fluid was collected from the follicle with the largest diameter. A total of 53 cases underwent ET and subsequent pregnancy outcomes were traced. Concentrations of E2, AMH and PROK1 in the single follicular fluid specimens were determined. The concentration of E2 in follicular fluid from the largest follicles in absolute pregnancy group was significantly lower than that in absolute non-pregnancy group. The concentrations of PROK1 and AMH in follicular fluid from the largest follicles in absolute pregnancy group were not significantly different from those in absolute non-pregnancy group. The concentration of E2 was associated with the dosage of gonadotropin, but was not associated with age, AMH and PROK1 levels in follicular fluid, fertilization rate or number of usable blastocysts. The area under curve revealed that E2 level in the follicular fluid exhibited a low predictive value for pregnancy outcome. The present study demonstrated that E2 level is a better predictor for the outcome of IVF-ET than AMH or PROK1 levels in the follicular fluid.

The role of color Doppler in assisted reproduction: A narrative review

Color Doppler of perifollicular vascularity is a useful assessment tool to predict the growth potential and maturity of Graafian follicles. Power Angio is independent of the angle of insonation and morphometry and provides reliable clues to predict the implantation window of the endometrium. Color Doppler can be used for the prediction of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. It can also be used to identify the hyper responder and gonadotropin-resistant type of polycystic ovaries. The secretory scan of corpus luteum can accurately predict its vascularity and functional status. A corpus luteum with decreased blood flow is a very sensitive and specific indicator of threatened and missed abortions. Color Doppler and Power Angio need to be standardized and identical settings should be maintained if different patients, or if changes over time within the same patient are to be compared.

Correlation between aneuploidy pregnancy and the concentration of various hormones and vascular endothelial factor in follicular fluid as well as the number of acquired oocytes

Objective To investigate the correlation between aneuploidy pregnancy and the concentration of various hormones and vascular endothelial factor in follicular fluid as well as the number of acquired oocytes and to provide a scientific basis for improving ovulation induction programs. Methods In total, we collected 277 follicular fluid specimens from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment in our hospital. Eighteen cases of aneuploidy embryos were identified. The follicular fluid of these aneuploidy embryos was used for the study. According to the case and control 1:5 paired design, we selected five age-matched controls with healthy births following IVF for each aneuploidy case. Concentrations of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen (E2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the follicular fluid were measured. Conditional logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between aneuploidy pregnancy and the concentrations of various hormones and VEGF in the follicular fluid as well as the number of acquired oocytes. Results Multivariate conditional logistic regression showed that of all the factors analyzed, only FSH [odds ratio (OR) = 1.300, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.091-1.548, P = 0.003] level in the follicular fluid and the number of acquired oocytes (OR = 1.179, 95% CI, 1.070-1.299, P = 0.001) were closely related to aneuploidy pregnancy. No other factors were found to be associated with aneuploidy pregnancy. Conclusion FSH concentrations in the follicular fluid are risk factors for aneuploidy pregnancies. The higher the number of eggs, the higher the risk of aneuploidy. These findings may help improve ovulation induction programs.

Insulin-like growth factor-1 and soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1 prospectively predict cancelled IVF cycles

PURPOSE

To identify biomarkers that prospectively predict IVF cycle cancellation.

METHODS

In this prospective study, sera were obtained prior to any intervention, from women about to undergo an IVF cycle. The sera were assayed by ELISA for levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, IGF-2, IGF binding protein (BP)-1, and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFLT-1). The cancellation or progression of the IVF cycle was subsequently obtained by chart review. Associations between serum components and outcome were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney test. Receiver operator curves were constructed to evaluate the strength of the correlations between biomarkers and cycle cancellation, as assessed from the area under the curve (AUC).

RESULTS

A total of 205 women were included. Twenty-seven (13.2%) cycle cancellations due to poor response were recorded. Women with a cancelled cycle had reduced anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) values (p < 0.001) and antral follicle count (p = 0.003). There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to age and BMI. Median concentrations of IGF-1 and sFLT-1 were elevated in sera from women whose IVF cycles were cancelled as compared to those with ongoing cycles (p = 0.015 and p < 0.001, respectively); AUC for IGF-1 and sFLT-1 were 0.67 and 0.75, respectively. Concentrations of sFLT-1 remained significantly higher in patients with cancelled cycles even after controlling for AMH levels. There were no differences in IGF-2 and IGFBP-1 levels between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Measurement of circulating IGF-1 and sFLT-1 levels prior to initiation of an IVF cycle has the potential to identify women whose cycles have an increased likelihood to be subsequently cancelled.

In ovaries with high or low variation in follicle size, granulosa cells of antral follicles exhibit distinct size-related processes

Antral follicle size might be a valuable additive predictive marker for IVF outcome. To better understand consequences of antral follicle size as a marker for reproductive outcome, we aimed to obtain insight in follicle size-related granulosa cell processes, as granulosa cells play an essential role in follicular development via the production of growth factors, steroids and metabolic intermediates. Using the pig as a model, we compared gene expression in granulosa cells of smaller and larger follicles in the healthy antral follicle pool of sows, which had a high variation versus low variation in follicle size. Selected gene expression was confirmed at the protein level. Granulosa cells of smaller antral follicles showed increased cell proliferation, which was accompanied by a metabolic shift towards aerobic glycolysis (i.e. the Warburg effect), similar to other highly proliferating cells. High granulosa cell proliferation rates in smaller follicles might be regulated via increased granulosa cell expression of the androgen receptor and the epidermal growth factor receptor, which are activated in response to locally produced mitogens. While granulosa cells of smaller follicles in the pool are more proliferative, granulosa cells of larger follicles express more maturation markers such as insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) and angiopoietin 1 (ANGPT1) and are therefore more differentiated. As both higher IGF1 and ANGPT1 have been associated with better IVF outcomes, the results of our study imply that including smaller follicles for oocyte aspiration might have negative consequences for IVF outcome.

Influence of follicular fluid and cumulus cells on oocyte quality: clinical implications

An equilibrium needs to be established by the cellular and acellular components of the ovarian follicle if developmental competence is to be acquired by the oocyte. Both cumulus cells (CCs) and follicular fluid (FF) are critical determinants for oocyte quality. Understanding how CCs and FF influence oocyte quality in the presence of deleterious systemic or pelvic conditions may impact clinical decisions in the course of managing infertility. Given that the functional integrities of FF and CCs are susceptible to concurrent pathological conditions, it is important to understand how pathophysiological factors influence natural fertility and the outcomes of pregnancy arising from the use of assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs). Accordingly, this review discusses the roles of CCs and FF in ensuring oocyte competence and present new insights on pathological conditions that may interfere with oocyte quality by altering the intrafollicular environment.

The prognostic value of perifollicular blood flow in the outcome after assisted reproduction: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The overall final outcome of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) is still more often a failure than a success. Assessing perifollicular blood flow (PFBF) is one technique to predict and possibly improve this outcome. The aim was to provide a structured review of studies concerning PFBF and its prognostic value in patients undergoing ART, including IUI (intrauterine insemination).

METHODS

PUBMED, EMBASE and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched for relevant studies published until December 2016. As key words 'Perifollicular blood flow', 'IUI', 'IVF' and 'ICSI' were used.

RESULTS

A total of 14 articles were included in the current review. The results are very heterogeneous, though there is evidence that measuring PFBF could be a good prognostic marker for oocyte and embryo quality, but even more for pregnancy rate after IVF/ICSI. This finding is not observed in studies concerning IUI.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results highlight an urgent need to investigate the role for PFBF assessment by Power Doppler in ART in randomised controlled trials.

Endocrine Gland-Derived Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor/Prokineticin-1 in Cancer Development and Tumor Angiogenesis

A lot of data suggests endocrine gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factor (EG-VEGF) to be restricted to endocrine glands and to some endocrine-dependent organs. Many evidences show that EG-VEGF stimulates angiogenesis and cell proliferation, although it is not a member of the VEGF family. At the time, a lot of data regarding the role of this growth factor in normal development are available. However, controversial results have been published in the case of pathological conditions and particularly in malignant tumors. Thus, our present paper has been focused on the role of EG-VEGF in normal tissues and various malignant tumors and their angiogenic processes.