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Ebrahimi F, Omidvar-Mehrabadi A, Shahbazi M, Mohammadnia-Afrouzi M. Innate and adaptive immune dysregulation in women with recurrent implantation failure. J Reprod Immunol 2024; 164:104262. [PMID: 38823361 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2024.104262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is a condition where a woman fails to obtain pregnancy after multiple embryo transfer cycles, even with superior-quality blastocysts. There are various factors that can contribute to RIF, including immunologic disturbances. The immune system is extremely important during pregnancy. Immune cells such as T cells, B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and macrophages (MQ) are present in the female reproductive tract and are accountable for regulating the immune response to invading pathogens and maintaining tissue homeostasis. Dysregulation of these immune cells can lead to inflammation, which can impair fertility. One of the most common immunological disturbances observed in RIF is an altered Th1/Th2 ratio, along with changes in NK cell and macrophage numbers. In addition, the presence of some antibodies, such as anti-ovarian antibodies, can also contribute to RIF. Interleukins have been implicated in the development of an inflammatory response that can interfere with successful embryo implantation. As a result, a comprehensive understanding of immunological compartments in RIF women could assist us in determining the immunological origins of this disease. We will discuss immunological factors that might contribute to RIF etiology, including cellular and molecular components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fateme Ebrahimi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | | | - Mehdi Shahbazi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
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Peero EK, Banjar S, Khoudja R, Ton-Leclerc S, Beauchamp C, Benoit J, Beltempo M, Dahan MH, Gold P, Kadoch IJ, Jamal W, Laskin C, Mahutte N, Phillips S, Sylvestre C, Reinblatt S, Mazer BD, Buckett W, Genest G. Intravenous immunoglobulin for patients with unexplained recurrent implantation failure: a 6-year single center retrospective review of clinical outcomes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3876. [PMID: 38365988 PMCID: PMC10873418 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54423-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The effectiveness of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) for patients with unexplained recurrent implantation failure (uRIF) remains debated. We retrospectively analysed outcomes of uRIF patients treated with IVIg compared to a separate control uRIF cohort within our center (01/2014-12/2021). Primary outcomes included live birth, miscarriage, or transfer failure. We documented IVIg side effects and maternal/fetal outcomes. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess for association of IVIg exposure with outcomes and adjust for confounders. The study included 143 patients, with a 2:1 ratio of controls to patients receiving IVIg treatment. Patient characteristics were similar between groups. There was higher live birth rate (LBR) in patients receiving IVIg (32/49; 65.3%) compared to controls (32/94; 34%); p < 0.001). When stratifying patients into moderate and severe uRIF (respectively 3-4 and [Formula: see text] 5 previous good quality blastocyst transfer failures), only patients with severe uRIF benefited from IVIg (LBR (20/29 (69%) versus 5/25 (20%) for controls, p = 0.0004). In the logistic regression analysis, IVIg was associated with higher odds of live birth (OR 3.64; 95% CI 1.78-7.67; p = 0.0004). There were no serious adverse events with IVIg. IVIg can be considered in well selected patients with [Formula: see text] 5 previous unexplained, high quality blastocyst transfer failures. A randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Einav Kadour Peero
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Bnai-Zion Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shorooq Banjar
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rabea Khoudja
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Coralie Beauchamp
- Ovo Clinic, 8000 Boulevard Decarie, Montréal, QC, H4P 2S4, Canada
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, University of Montreal, 2900 Edouard Montpetit Blvd, Montreal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Joanne Benoit
- Ovo Clinic, 8000 Boulevard Decarie, Montréal, QC, H4P 2S4, Canada
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, University of Montreal, 2900 Edouard Montpetit Blvd, Montreal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Marc Beltempo
- Division of Neonatology, Montreal Children's Hospital - McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Michael H Dahan
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Phil Gold
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, Montreal General Hospital, 1650 Cedar Ave. A6-123, Montreal, QC, H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Isaac Jacques Kadoch
- Ovo Clinic, 8000 Boulevard Decarie, Montréal, QC, H4P 2S4, Canada
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, University of Montreal, 2900 Edouard Montpetit Blvd, Montreal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Wael Jamal
- Clinique OVO, 8000 boulevard Décarie, Montréal, QC, H4P 2S4, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Carl Laskin
- TRIO Fertility, 655 Bay St, Toronto, ON, M5G 2K4, Canada
- Deptartments of Medicine and Obstetrics & Gynecology University of Toronto, 27 King's College Cir, Toronto, ON, M5S, Canada
| | - Neal Mahutte
- The Montreal Fertility Centre, 5252 de Maisonneuve Blvd West, Suite 220, Montreal, QC, H4A 3S5, Canada
| | - Simon Phillips
- Clinique OVO, 8000 boulevard Décarie, Montréal, QC, H4P 2S4, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, 2900 Edouard Montpetit Blvd, Montreal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Camille Sylvestre
- Ovo Clinic, 8000 Boulevard Decarie, Montréal, QC, H4P 2S4, Canada
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Montreal, 2900 Edouard Montpetit Blvd, Montreal, QC, H3T1J4, Canada
| | - Shauna Reinblatt
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- McGill University Health Care Reproductive Center, 888 Boul. De Maisonneuve E# 200, Montreal, QC, H2L 4S8, Canada
| | - Bruce D Mazer
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy Immunology and Clinical Dermatology, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Program in Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases, Research Institute of the McGill, University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - William Buckett
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada
- McGill University Health Care Reproductive Center, 888 Boul. De Maisonneuve E# 200, Montreal, QC, H2L 4S8, Canada
| | - Genevieve Genest
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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Zargar M, Ghafourian M, Behrahi F, Nikbakht R, Salehi AM. Association of recurrent implantation failure and recurrent pregnancy loss with peripheral blood natural killer cells and interferon-gamma level. Obstet Gynecol Sci 2024; 67:112-119. [PMID: 37986570 DOI: 10.5468/ogs.23120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fetal uterine survival depends on maintaining an immune balance between the mother and fetus. This study aimed to investigate the correlation of blood peripheral natural killer (NK) cells and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) with recurrent recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). METHODS In this case-control study, peripheral blood samples were obtained from three groups of RPL, RIF, and parous women without a history of abortion or infertility problems and analyzed by lymphocyte-based flow cytometry. Afterward, the levels of NK cells and IFN-γ were determined. All data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS The level of IFN-γ in the RPL group was significantly higher than that in parous women and the RIF group (P<0.05), whereas its level in the RIF group was not significantly different from the control group (P>0.05). A significant correlation was found between the levels of IFN-γ and NK cells in the RPL group (r=0.481; P=0.02). However, no significant correlation was found between the levels of IFN-γ and the active NK cells in the RPL group (P=0.08). Moreover, no significant correlation was found between the levels of NK cells (whether activated or not) and IFN-γ in the RIF patients (P>0.05). CONCLUSION Immune dysfunction may not be involved in implantation failure during IVF but may be involved in recurrent miscarriage, probably by increasing IFN-γ levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahvash Zargar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mehri Ghafourian
- Department of Immunology, Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Farnaz Behrahi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Roshan Nikbakht
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Abdolah Mousavi Salehi
- Department of Immunology, Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Li W, Liu M, Zhou M, Zhou X, Zhang D, Duan J, Zhang A, Xu B. Downregulation of SEPTIN11 inhibits endometrial epithelial cell adhesive function in patients with elevated peripheral blood natural killer cell counts. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103203. [PMID: 37349244 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What is the underlying mechanism of IVF and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) failure in patients with elevated peripheral blood natural killer cell (pNK) counts? DESIGN Patients undergoing IVF-ET cycles for tubal obstruction or pelvic adhesion (n = 486) were assigned to three groups: high (CD56+CD16+pNK >30% [n = 49]); medium (15< CD56+CD16+pNK ≤30% [n = 211]); and normal pNK groups (5≤ CD56+CD16+pNK ≤15% [n = 226]). Their general condition, previous pregnancy history and IVF outcomes were compared. Uterine fluid and endometrial tissue from patients in the high and normal pNK groups were collected during the mid-secretory phase and studied to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying impaired endometrial receptivity. RESULTS The highest incidence of IVF-ET cycles (P < 0.0001) and biochemical pregnancy losses (P < 0.0001), and lowest implantation and clinical pregnancy rates (both P < 0.0001), were observed in patients with pNK over 30%. No significant difference was found in the number of previous miscarriages and rate of spontaneous miscarriage in IVF outcomes. Lower Septin11 (SEPT11) expression in the uterine fluid and endometrial epithelial cells (EEC), and higher endometrial IFN-γ, was observed in patients with high pNK. Ishikawa cell and human endometrial epithelial cell (HEEC) adhesion was inhibited after SEPT11 knock-down. Elevated IFN-γ decreased the SEPT11 protein levels in Ishikawa cells and HEECs. CONCLUSIONS CD56+CD16+pNK above 30% may be a threshold for adverse IVF-ET outcomes. Low SEPT11 expression in EEC inhibits cell adhesion, which may cause impaired endometrial receptivity in patients with elevated pNK. The level of SEPT11 in mid-secretory uterine fluid could serve as a non-invasive marker to assess endometrial receptivity in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhu Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Mengyu Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Mingjuan Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jingru Duan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Aijun Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Bufang Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histoembryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
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Genest G, Banjar S, Almasri W, Beauchamp C, Benoit J, Buckett W, Dzineku F, Gold P, Dahan MH, Jamal W, Jacques Kadoch I, Kadour-Peero E, Lapensée L, Miron P, Shaulov T, Sylvestre C, Tulandi T, Mazer BD, Laskin CA, Mahutte N. Immunomodulation for unexplained recurrent implantation failure: where are we now? Reproduction 2023; 165:R39-R60. [PMID: 36322478 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
In brief Immune dysfunction may contribute to or cause recurrent implantation failure. This article summarizes normal and pathologic immune responses at implantation and critically appraises currently used immunomodulatory therapies. Abstract Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) may be defined as the absence of pregnancy despite the transfer of ≥3 good-quality blastocysts and is unexplained in up to 50% of cases. There are currently no effective treatments for patients with unexplained RIF. Since the maternal immune system is intricately involved in mediating endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation, both insufficient and excessive endometrial inflammatory responses during the window of implantation are proposed to lead to implantation failure. Recent strategies to improve conception rates in RIF patients have focused on modulating maternal immune responses at implantation, through either promoting or suppressing inflammation. Unfortunately, there are no validated, readily available diagnostic tests to confirm immune-mediated RIF. As such, immune therapies are often started empirically without robust evidence as to their efficacy. Like other chronic diseases, patient selection for immunomodulatory therapy is crucial, and personalized medicine for RIF patients is emerging. As the literature on the subject is heterogenous and rapidly evolving, we aim to summarize the potential efficacy, mechanisms of actions and side effects of select therapies for the practicing clinician.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geneviève Genest
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal Quebec, Canada
| | - Shorooq Banjar
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal Quebec, Canada
| | - Walaa Almasri
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal Quebec, Canada
| | - Coralie Beauchamp
- Department of Gynaecology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Joanne Benoit
- Department of Gynaecology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - William Buckett
- McGill University Health Centre Reproductive Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Phil Gold
- Department of Allergy and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal Quebec, Canada
| | - Michael H Dahan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Wael Jamal
- Department of Gynaecology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Einav Kadour-Peero
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Louise Lapensée
- Department of Gynaecology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pierre Miron
- Fertilys Reproductive Center, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Talya Shaulov
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Camille Sylvestre
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Togas Tulandi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bruce D Mazer
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Division of Allergy Immunology and Clinical Dermatology, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Carl A Laskin
- Deptartments of Medicine and Obstetrics & Gynecology University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Neal Mahutte
- The Montreal Fertility Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Xie M, Li Y, Meng YZ, Xu P, Yang YG, Dong S, He J, Hu Z. Uterine Natural Killer Cells: A Rising Star in Human Pregnancy Regulation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:918550. [PMID: 35720413 PMCID: PMC9198966 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.918550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine natural killer (uNK) cells are an immune subset located in the uterus. uNK cells have distinct tissue-specific characteristics compared to their counterparts in peripheral blood and lymphoid organs. Based on their location and the pregnancy status of the host, uNK cells are classified as endometrial NK (eNK) cells or decidua NK (dNK) cells. uNK cells are important in protecting the host from pathogen invasion and contribute to a series of physiological processes that affect successful pregnancy, including uterine spiral artery remodeling, fetal development, and immunity tolerance. Abnormal alterations in uNK cell numbers and/or impaired function may cause pregnancy complications, such as recurrent miscarriage, preeclampsia, or even infertility. In this review, we introduce recent advances in human uNK cell research under normal physiological or pathological conditions, and summarize their unique influences on the process of pregnancy complications or uterine diseases. Finally, we propose the potential clinical use of uNK cells as a novel cellular immunotherapeutic approach for reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Xie
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yi-Zi Meng
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yong-Guang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuai Dong
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jin He
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zheng Hu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Makrigiannakis A, Makrygiannakis F, Vrekoussis T. Approaches to Improve Endometrial Receptivity in Case of Repeated Implantation Failures. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:613277. [PMID: 33796523 PMCID: PMC8007915 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.613277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Repeated implantation failures are a constant challenge in reproductive medicine with a significant impact both on health providers and on infertile couples. Several approaches have been proposed so far as effective; however, accumulative data have clarified that most of the treatment options do not have the evidence base for a generalized application to be suggested by the relevant societies. Implantation failures are attributed to either poor quality embryos or to defected endometrial receptivity. The current review aims to summarize in a systematic way all the new trends in managing RIF via interference with endometrial receptivity. The authors focus mainly, but not exclusively, on endometrial injury prior to embryo transfer and endometrial priming with autologous cells or biological agents. To this direction, a systematic search of the Pubmed database has been conducted taking into account the emerged evidence of the last two decades. All the suggested interventions are herein presented and analyzed in terms of reproductive outcomes. It is evident that properly powered and designed randomized trials are needed to support a new standard approach in RIF treatment that will safely be incorporated in national and international guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonis Makrigiannakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Thomas Vrekoussis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
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