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Marin L, Sabbadin C, Faggin G, Radu CM, Armanini D, Paccagnella M, Salata C, Bordin L, Ragazzi E, Ambrosini G, Andrisani A. Endometriotic Follicular Fluid Affects Granulosa Cells' Morphology and Increases Duplication Rate and Connexin-43 Expression. Biomolecules 2025; 15:561. [PMID: 40305294 PMCID: PMC12024943 DOI: 10.3390/biom15040561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2025] [Revised: 04/03/2025] [Accepted: 04/07/2025] [Indexed: 05/02/2025] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a complicated condition characterized by inflammation, low oocyte quality, and decreased uterus receptivity, associated with fertility issues. This study aims to better understand the reduced pregnancy outcome in endometriosis by analyzing both the granulosa cells (GCs) and the follicular fluids (FFs) obtained during the assisted reproductive technology (ART)-related oocyte pick-up. Seventy patients, approaching our ART Center with the diagnosis of infertility for Age-Idiopathic Factor (AIF) (n = 36), endometriosis (ENDO) (n = 23), or male factor (MF) (n = 11), were enrolled in this study. GCs from each group were separately analyzed for morphology, replication, and expression of Connexin-43 and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor (FSHR) by microscopy, flow cytometry, and immunocytochemistry. Results show that FF in a culture medium allowed GCs to survive and replicate. Upon culturing GCs from each group with ENDO follicular fluid, increases were observed in both population doublings and in the development of fibroblast-like and muscle-like morphologies. Despite undergoing morphological changes, GCs consistently expressed FSHR. However, exposure to ENDO follicular fluid led to an upregulation of Connexin-43 expression across all GC groups. These findings suggest that in endometriosis, FF contains unidentified factors that can induce aberrant replication, morphological differentiation, and overexpression of Connexin-43, potentially contributing to follicular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loris Marin
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.M.); (G.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Chiara Sabbadin
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (C.S.)
| | - Giovanni Faggin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (G.F.); (M.P.); (C.S.)
| | - Claudia Maria Radu
- Thrombotic and Haemorrhagic Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy;
| | - Decio Armanini
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (C.S.)
- Studium Patavinum, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy;
| | - Michele Paccagnella
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (G.F.); (M.P.); (C.S.)
| | - Cristiano Salata
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (G.F.); (M.P.); (C.S.)
| | - Luciana Bordin
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.M.); (G.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Eugenio Ragazzi
- Studium Patavinum, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy;
| | - Guido Ambrosini
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.M.); (G.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Alessandra Andrisani
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (L.M.); (G.A.); (A.A.)
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Qin D, Zheng Y, Wang L, Lin Z, Yao Y, Fei W, Zheng C. Unraveling shared diagnostic genes and cellular microenvironmental changes in endometriosis and recurrent implantation failure through multi-omics analysis. Sci Rep 2025; 15:9110. [PMID: 40097519 PMCID: PMC11914081 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-93146-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2025] [Indexed: 03/19/2025] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis and Recurrent Implantation Failure (RIF) are both pivotal clinical issues within the realm of reproductive medicine, sharing significant overlap in their pathophysiological mechanisms. However, research exploring the commonalities between these two conditions remains relatively scarce, and reliable shared diagnostic biomarkers have yet to be identified. In this study, we integrated transcriptomic and single-cell sequencing data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to identify shared diagnostic genes and alterations in the cellular microenvironment between EMs and RIF. Differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were employed to identify key genes. Machine learning algorithms, including Random Forest (RF) and XGBoost, were utilized to screen for shared diagnostic genes, which were subsequently validated through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and clinical prediction models. Single-cell analysis was conducted to investigate the expression patterns of these diagnostic genes across various cellular subpopulations. Additionally, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network analysis were employed to further elucidate the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of these genes. A total of 16 key genes were identified, which were predominantly expressed in fibroblasts. Through machine learning, the optimal model combining RF and XGBoost was selected to identify the shared diagnostic genes PDIA4 and PGBD5. Single-cell analysis revealed significant differences in the expression of these diagnostic genes in fibroblasts between normal and disease states. ROC analysis showed that the Area Under the Curve (AUC) values for individual genes in disease diagnosis were all above 0.7. The constructed clinical prediction model demonstrated robust predictive capacity for the disease. Immune infiltration analysis indicated that M2 macrophages and γδ T cells play important roles in the pathogenesis of EMs and RIF. GSEA revealed that these genes are involved in immune responses, vascular function, and hormone regulation, and are regulated by miR-3121-3p. This study provides comprehensive insights into the shared cellular microenvironmental alterations and molecular mechanisms underlying EMs and RIF. The identification of PDIA4 and PGBD5 as shared diagnostic biomarkers offers new avenues for early diagnosis and targeted treatment of EMs-related RIF. Future work will focus on validating these findings in larger cohorts and exploring their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxu Qin
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
| | - Yongquan Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
| | - Libo Wang
- Department of pharmacy, Affiliated Xianju's Hospital, XianJu People's Hospital, Zhejiang Southeast Campus of Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Xianju, 317300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhenyi Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Yao Yao
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Weidong Fei
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Caihong Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
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Busnelli A, Di Simone N, Somigliana E, Greppi D, Cirillo F, Bulfoni A, Inversetti A, Levi-Setti PE. Untangling the independent effect of endometriosis, adenomyosis, and ART-related factors on maternal, placental, fetal, and neonatal adverse outcomes: results from a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:751-788. [PMID: 39049473 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmae024] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women with endometriosis may constitute a group at a particularly increased risk of pregnancy-related complications. Furthermore, women selected for assisted reproductive technology (ART) are exposed to additional endocrinological and embryological factors that have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This study aimed to investigate the independent effect of endometriosis, adenomyosis, and various ART-related factors on adverse maternal, placental, fetal, and neonatal outcomes. SEARCH METHODS Published randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case-control studies were considered eligible. PubMed, MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov, Embase, and Scopus were systematically searched up to 1 March 2024. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed in line with the PRISMA and the MOOSE reporting guidelines. To thoroughly investigate the association between endometriosis/adenomyosis and adverse pregnancy outcomes, sub-analyses were conducted, whenever possible, according to: the method of conception (i.e. ART and non-ART conception), the endometriosis stage/phenotype, the coexistence of endometriosis and adenomyosis, any pre-pregnancy surgical treatment of endometriosis, and the form of adenomyosis. The odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI was used as effect measure. The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. OUTCOMES We showed a higher risk of placenta previa in women with endometriosis compared to controls (34 studies, OR 2.84; 95% CI: 2.47, 3.26; I2 = 83%, moderate quality). The association was observed regardless of the method of conception and was particularly strong in the most severe forms of endometriosis (i.e. rASRM stage III-IV endometriosis and deep endometriosis (DE)) (OR 6.61; 95% CI: 2.08, 20.98; I2 = 66% and OR 14.54; 95% CI: 3.67, 57.67; I2 = 54%, respectively). We also showed an association, regardless of the method of conception, between endometriosis and: (i) preterm birth (PTB) (43 studies, OR 1.43; 95% CI: 1.32, 1.56; I2 = 89%, low quality) and (ii) cesarean section (29 studies, OR 1.52; 95% CI: 1.41, 1.63; I2 = 93%, low quality). The most severe forms of endometriosis were strongly associated with PTB. Two outcomes were associated with adenomyosis both in the main analysis and in the sub-analysis that included only ART pregnancies: (i) miscarriage (14 studies, OR 1.83; 95% CI: 1.53, 2.18; I2 = 72%, low quality) and (ii) pre-eclampsia (7 studies, OR 1.70; 95% CI: 1.16, 2.48; I2 = 77%, low quality). Regarding ART-related factors, the following associations were observed in the main analysis and confirmed in all sub-analyses conducted by pooling only risk estimates adjusted for covariates: (i) blastocyst stage embryo transfer (ET) and monozygotic twinning (28 studies, OR 2.05; 95% CI, 1.72, 2.45; I2 = 72%, low quality), (ii) frozen embryo transfer (FET) and (reduced risk of) small for gestational age (21 studies, OR 0.59; 95% CI, 0.57, 0.61; P < 0.00001; I2 = 17%, very low quality) and (increased risk of) large for gestational age (16 studies, OR 1.70; 95% CI, 1.60, 1.80; P < 0.00001; I2 = 55%, very low quality), (iii) artificial cycle (AC)-FET and pre-eclampsia (12 studies, OR 2.14; 95% CI: 1.91-2.39; I2 = 9%, low quality), PTB (21 studies, OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.15, 1.34; P < 0.0001; I2 = 50%, low quality), cesarean section (15 studies, OR 1.59; 95% CI 1.49, 1.70; P < 0.00001; I2 = 67%, very low quality) and post-partum hemorrhage (6 studies, OR 2.43; 95% CI 2.11, 2.81; P < 0.00001; I2 = 15%, very low quality). WIDER IMPLICATIONS Severe endometriosis (i.e. rASRM stage III-IV endometriosis, DE) constitutes a considerable risk factor for placenta previa and PTB. Herein, we recommend against superimposing on this condition other exposure factors that have a strong association with the same obstetric adverse outcome or with different outcomes which, if coexisting, could determine the onset of an ominous obstetric syndrome. Specifically, we strongly discourage the use of AC regimens for FET in ovulatory women with rASRM stage III-IV endometriosis or DE. We also recommend single ET at the blastocyst stage in this high-risk population. REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42023401428.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Busnelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology, Fertility Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Di Simone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology, Fertility Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Edgardo Somigliana
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi, Milano, Italy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Dalia Greppi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Cirillo
- Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology, Fertility Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bulfoni
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Humanitas S. Pio X Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa Inversetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Humanitas S. Pio X Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Emanuele Levi-Setti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology, Fertility Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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Wu HM, Tsai TC, Liu SM, Pai AHY, Chen LH. The Current Understanding of Molecular Mechanisms in Adenomyosis-Associated Infertility and the Treatment Strategy for Assisted Reproductive Technology. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8937. [PMID: 39201621 PMCID: PMC11354813 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Adenomyosis, endometriosis of the uterus, is associated with an increased likelihood of abnormal endometrial molecular expressions thought to impair implantation and early embryo development, resulting in disrupted fertility, including the local effects of sex steroid and pituitary hormones, immune responses, inflammatory factors, and neuroangiogenic mediators. In the recent literature, all of the proposed pathogenetic mechanisms of adenomyosis reduce endometrial receptivity and alter the adhesion molecule expression necessary for embryo implantation. The evidence so far has shown that adenomyosis causes lower pregnancy and live birth rates, higher miscarriage rates, as well as adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Both pharmaceutical and surgical treatments for adenomyosis seem to have a positive impact on reproductive outcomes, leading to improved pregnancy and live birth rates. In addition, adenomyosis has negative impacts on reproductive outcomes in patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology. This association appears less significant after patients follow a long gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) protocol, which improves implantation rates. The pre-treatment of GnRHa can also be beneficial before engaging in natural conception attempts. This review aims to discover adenomyosis-associated infertility and to provide patient-specific treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsien-Ming Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (H.-M.W.); (T.-C.T.); (S.-M.L.); (A.H.-Y.P.)
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Tian-Chi Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (H.-M.W.); (T.-C.T.); (S.-M.L.); (A.H.-Y.P.)
| | - Shang-Min Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (H.-M.W.); (T.-C.T.); (S.-M.L.); (A.H.-Y.P.)
| | - Angel Hsin-Yu Pai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (H.-M.W.); (T.-C.T.); (S.-M.L.); (A.H.-Y.P.)
| | - Liang-Hsuan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (H.-M.W.); (T.-C.T.); (S.-M.L.); (A.H.-Y.P.)
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
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Alson S, Henic E, Jokubkiene L, Sladkevicius P. Endometriosis diagnosed by ultrasound is associated with lower live birth rates in women undergoing their first in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment. Fertil Steril 2024; 121:832-841. [PMID: 38246403 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.01.023] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) after the first in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment in women with or without deep-infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) and/or endometrioma diagnosed by transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS), using the International Deep Endometriosis Analysis (IDEA) group definitions. DESIGN Prospective observational cohort study at a university hospital. PATIENTS(S) In total, 1,040 women with subfertility aged 25 to ≤39 years were undergoing their first IVF/ICSI treatment between January 2019 and October 2022. Of these, 234 (22.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 20.0-25.0) women were diagnosed with DIE and/or endometrioma at systematic TVUS before starting their treatment. INTERVENTION(S) All women underwent their first IVF or ICSI treatment. Fresh and/or frozen embryos from the first cycle were used until pregnancy was achieved or no embryos remained. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Cumulative live birth rate after the first IVF/ICSI cycle in women with or without DIE and/or endometrioma. RESULT(S) The CLBR after the first IVF/ICSI treatment in the total cohort of women was 426/1,040 (41.0%; 95% CI, 38.0-44.0). Women with DIE and/or endometrioma had a lower CLBR (78/234, 33.3%; 95% CI, 27.3-39.4) than women without the disease (348/806, 43.2%; 95% CI, 39.8-46.6). The crude relative risk (RR) for cumulative live birth for women with DIE and/or endometrioma was 0.77; 95% CI, 0.63-0.94, and after adjustments were made for age, body mass index, s-antimüllerian hormone, stimulation protocol, and day for embryo transfer, the adjusted RR was 0.63; 95% CI, 0.48-0.82. There was no difference in the number of retrieved mature oocytes, fertilization rate, or good quality embryos between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION The presence of DIE and/or endometrioma diagnosed by TVUS lowers the chance of live birth in women undergoing their first IVF/ICSI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Alson
- Obstetric, Gynecological and Prenatal Ultrasound research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Lund University, Sweden; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden; Reproductive Medicine Center, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Emir Henic
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden; Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Ligita Jokubkiene
- Obstetric, Gynecological and Prenatal Ultrasound research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Lund University, Sweden; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Povilas Sladkevicius
- Obstetric, Gynecological and Prenatal Ultrasound research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Lund University, Sweden; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
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Raperport C, Desai J, Qureshi D, Rustin E, Balaji A, Chronopoulou E, Homburg R, Khan KS, Bhide P. The definition of unexplained infertility: A systematic review. BJOG 2023. [PMID: 37957032 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no consensus on tests required to either diagnose unexplained infertility or use for research inclusion criteria. This leads to heterogeneity and bias affecting meta-analysis and best practice advice. OBJECTIVES This systematic review analyses the variability of inclusion criteria applied to couples with unexplained infertility. We propose standardised criteria for use both in future research studies and clinical diagnosis. SEARCH STRATEGY CINAHL and MEDLINE online databases were searched up to November 2022 for all published studies recruiting couples with unexplained infertility, available in full text in the English language. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data were collected in an Excel spreadsheet. Results were analysed per category and methodology or reference range. MAIN RESULTS Of 375 relevant studies, only 258 defined their inclusion criteria. The most commonly applied inclusion criteria were semen analysis, tubal patency and assessment of ovulation in 220 (85%), 232 (90%), 205 (79.5%) respectively. Only 87/220 (39.5%) studies reporting semen analysis used the World Health Organization (WHO) limits. Tubal patency was accepted if bilateral in 145/232 (62.5%) and if unilateral in 24/232 (10.3%). Ovulation was assessed using mid-luteal serum progesterone in 115/205 (56.1%) and by a history of regular cycles in 87/205 (42.4%). Other criteria, including uterine cavity assessment and hormone profile, were applied in less than 50% of included studies. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights the heterogeneity among studied populations with unexplained infertility. Development and application of internationally accepted criteria will improve the quality of research and future clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Raperport
- Women's Health Research Unit, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Jessica Desai
- Queen Mary University of London Medical School, London, UK
| | | | | | - Aparna Balaji
- Women's Health Research Unit, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, Peterborough, UK
| | | | - Roy Homburg
- Hewitt Fertility Centre, Liverpool Women's Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - Khalid Saeed Khan
- Department of Preventative Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Priya Bhide
- Women's Health Research Unit, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Davoodi Asl F, Sahraei SS, Kalhor N, Fazaeli H, Sheykhhasan M, Soleimani Moud S, Naserpour L, Sheikholeslami A. Promising effects of exosomes from menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells on endometriosis. Reprod Biol 2023; 23:100788. [PMID: 37542905 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2023.100788] [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: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis as a non-malignant gynecological disease leads to dysregulation of numerous cellular functions including apoptosis, angiogenesis, migration, proliferation, and inflammation. Accumulating evidence has shed light on the importance of endometrial stem cells within the menstrual blood which are involved in the establishment and progression of endometriotic lesions in a retrograde manner. According to the fact that the therapeutic benefits of mesenchymal stem cells are provided through paracrine functions, we used exosomes from menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs) for treating endometriotic stem cells to inhibit their lesion formation tendency. Menstrual blood samples from healthy and endometriosis women were collected. Isolated MenSCs by the density-gradient centrifugation method were characterized by flow cytometry. Secreted exosomes were isolated from healthy MenSCs (NE-MenSCs) and used to treat endometriotic cells (E-MenSCs). 72 h after treatment, different mechanisms and pathways including inflammation, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and angiogenesis were analyzed using Real-Time PCR, ELISA, immunocytochemistry, annexin V/PI, and scratching assay. Exosome treatment significantly reduce the expression level of markers related to inflammation, proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis in E-MenSCs which are aberrantly expressed in endometriosis. Moreover, apoptosis was induced in E-MenSCs after treatment which was evaluated in both gene and protein levels. In this study, we give preliminary evidence for the potential of MenSCs-Exo in ameliorating endometriosis. Regarding our results, we suggest that after relevant clinical trial, MenSCs-derived exosomes can be considered as a better treatment option to improve endometriosis compared to common and conventional treatments and show their potential as a cell-free product in endometriosis repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faezeh Davoodi Asl
- Department of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom Branch, Qom, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Saeideh Sahraei
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom Branch, Qom, Iran
| | - Naser Kalhor
- Department of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom Branch, Qom, Iran
| | - Hoda Fazaeli
- Department of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom Branch, Qom, Iran
| | - Mohsen Sheykhhasan
- Department of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom Branch, Qom, Iran
| | - Sanaz Soleimani Moud
- Midwifery ward, Infertility treatment center, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom Branch, Qom, Iran
| | - Leila Naserpour
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom Branch, Qom, Iran
| | - Azar Sheikholeslami
- Department of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Qom Branch, Qom, Iran.
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Bonavina G, Taylor HS. Endometriosis-associated infertility: From pathophysiology to tailored treatment. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1020827. [PMID: 36387918 PMCID: PMC9643365 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1020827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the clinically recognized association between endometriosis and infertility, the mechanisms implicated in endometriosis-associated infertility are not fully understood. Endometriosis is a multifactorial and systemic disease that has pleiotropic direct and indirect effects on reproduction. A complex interaction between endometriosis subtype, pain, inflammation, altered pelvic anatomy, adhesions, disrupted ovarian reserve/function, and compromised endometrial receptivity as well as systemic effects of the disease define endometriosis-associated infertility. The population of infertile women with endometriosis is heterogeneous, and diverse patients' phenotypes can be observed in the clinical setting, thus making difficult to establish a precise diagnosis and a single mechanism of endometriosis related infertility. Moreover, clinical management of infertility associated with endometriosis can be challenging due to this heterogeneity. Innovative non-invasive diagnostic tools are on the horizon that may allow us to target the specific dysfunctional alteration in the reproduction process. Currently the treatment should be individualized according to the clinical situation and to the suspected level of impairment. Here we review the etiology of endometriosis related infertility as well as current treatment options, including the roles of surgery and assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hugh S. Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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Implantation Failure in Endometriosis Patients: Etiopathogenesis. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11185366. [PMID: 36143011 PMCID: PMC9505862 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11185366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation requires adequate dialogue between a good quality embryo and a receptive endometrium. This implantation is still considered as the black box of reproductive medicine. Endometriosis is a highly prevalent chronic inflammatory disease, concerning about 10% of women of reproductive age and is one of the major causes of female infertility. The mechanisms involved in endometriosis-related infertility, an event not yet completely understood, are multifactorial and include anatomical changes, reduction in ovarian reserve, endocrine abnormalities, genetic profile, immunity markers, inflammatory mediators, or altered endometrial receptivity. In this article, we will focus on the impact of endometriosis on embryo quality and on endometrial receptivity. Results: Poor oocyte and embryo quality seem to promote a lower pregnancy rate, more than the endometrium itself in women with endometriosis. Other studies report the contrary. In addition, hormonal imbalance observed in the endometrium could also alter the embryo implantation. Conclusions: Controversial results in the literature add difficulties to the understanding of the mechanisms that lead to embryo implantation disorders. Furthermore, either oocyte/embryo impairment, altered endometrium, or both may cause impaired implantation. New prospective, randomized, and controlled studies are necessary to determine the origin of the defects that make conception more difficult in the case of endometriosis and adenomyosis.
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Epigenetic Factors in Eutopic Endometrium in Women with Endometriosis and Infertility. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073804. [PMID: 35409163 PMCID: PMC8998720 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Eutopic endometrium in patients with endometriosis is characterized by aberrant expression of essential genes during the implantation window. It predisposes to disturbance of endometrial receptivity. The pathomechanism of implantation failures in women with endometriosis remains unclear. This paper aims to summarize the knowledge on epigenetic mechanisms in eutopic endometrium in the group of patients with both endometriosis and infertility. The impaired DNA methylation patterns of gene promoter regions in eutopic tissue was established. The global profile of histone acetylation and methylation and the analysis of selected histone modifications showed significant differences in the endometrium of women with endometriosis. Aberrant expression of the proposed candidate genes may promote an unfavorable embryonic implantation environment of the endometrium due to an immunological dysfunction, inflammatory reaction, and apoptotic response in women with endometriosis. The role of the newly discovered proteins regulating gene expression, i.e., TET proteins, in endometrial pathology is not yet completely known. The cells of the eutopic endometrium in women with endometriosis contain a stable, impaired methylation pattern and a histone code. Medication targeting critical genes responsible for the aberrant gene expression pattern in eutopic endometrium may help treat infertility in women with endometriosis.
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Effects of ovarian endometrioma aspiration on in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2021; 306:17-28. [PMID: 34746993 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-021-06278-2] [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: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of ovarian endometrioma aspiration on IVF/ICSI outcomes. METHODS The PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases were searched to identify studies related to the treatment of endometrioma up to October 1, 2020, and the data of 1207 patients from 10 studies were analyzed using STATA. RESULTS The 10 studies in our analysis included 7 comparing aspiration and surgery and 6 comparing aspiration with no intervention. In the aspiration versus surgery groups, live birth rate [OR 0.97 (95% CI 0.51, 1.85), P = 0.925] and clinical pregnancy rate [OR 1.30 (95% CI 0.95, 1.80), P = 0.105] showed no significant difference between the two groups. Abortion rate [OR 4.26 (95% CI 1.38, 13.08), P = 0.011], the number of oocytes retrieved [mean difference 1.95 (95% CI 0.10, 3.81), P = 0.039], and the estradiol peak on hCG day [mean difference 392.16 (95% CI 230.14, 554.18), P < 0.001] were significantly higher in the aspiration group compared to the surgical group. In the aspiration versus the no intervention group, live birth rate [OR 0.84 (95% CI 0.45, 1.59), P = 0.602] and clinical pregnancy rate [OR 1.25 (95% CI 0.88, 1.77), P = 0.206] were not significantly different between the two groups. The abortion rate [OR 0.31 (95% CI 0.11, 0.88), P = 0.028] and the number of gonadotropin ampoules [mean difference - 3.13 ampoules (95% CI - 4.90, - 1.37), P < 0.001] were significantly lower in the aspiration group compared to the no intervention group. CONCLUSION Compared with surgical treatment or no intervention treatment, aspiration has less effect on ovarian response, ovarian reserve, and pregnancy outcomes.
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Pirtea P, Cicinelli E, De Nola R, de Ziegler D, Ayoubi JM. Endometrial causes of recurrent pregnancy losses: endometriosis, adenomyosis, and chronic endometritis. Fertil Steril 2021; 115:546-560. [PMID: 33581856 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory processes affecting the endometrium, as encountered in endometriosis, adenomyosis, and chronic endometritis, alter endometrial receptivity. These disorders are associated with early pregnancy losses and possibly recurrent pregnancy losses (RPL). In the cases of endometriosis, other factors associated with the disease also are susceptible of causing miscarriages and possibly RPL, such as an impact of intrapelvic inflammatory processes affecting the oocyte and embryo in case of natural conception. Conversely these latter effects obviously are bypassed in case of assisted reproductive technology. Chronic inflammation of the endometrium in the condition known as chronic endometritis also causes early pregnancy losses and RPL with beneficial effects achieved when specific treatment is undertaken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Pirtea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hopital Foch - Faculté de Medicine Paris Ouest, Suresnes, France.
| | - Ettore Cicinelli
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical and Human Oncologic Science, University of Bari, Bari, Italy; Piazza Giulio Cesare, Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - Rosalba De Nola
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical and Human Oncologic Science, University of Bari, Bari, Italy; Piazza Giulio Cesare, Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - Dominique de Ziegler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hopital Foch - Faculté de Medicine Paris Ouest, Suresnes, France
| | - Jean Marc Ayoubi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hopital Foch - Faculté de Medicine Paris Ouest, Suresnes, France
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Rungsiwiwut R, Virutamasen P, Pruksananonda K. Mesenchymal stem cells for restoring endometrial function: An infertility perspective. Reprod Med Biol 2021; 20:13-19. [PMID: 33488279 PMCID: PMC7812475 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be derived from several tissues such as bone marrow, placenta, adipose tissue, or endometrial tissue. MSCs gain a lot of attention for cell-based therapy due to their characteristics including differentiation ability and immunomodulatory effect. Preclinical and clinical studies demonstrated that MSCs can be applied to treat female infertility by improving of the functions of ovary and uterus. This mini- review focuses on the current study of treatment of endometrial infertility by using MSCs. METHODS The present study performed a literature review focusing on the effect of MSCs for treatment of women infertility caused by endometrial dysfunction. RESULTS Bone marrow-, umbilical cord-, adipose-, amniotic-, and menstruation-derived MSCs enhance endometrial cell proliferation, injury repairs as well as reducing scar formation. The beneficial mechanism probably via immunomodulatory, cell differentiation, stimulates endometrial cell proliferation and down-regulation of fibrosis genes. The major advantage of using MSCs is to improve endometrial functions resulting in increased implantation and pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS MSCs exhibit a potential for endometrial infertility treatment. Adipose- and menstruation-derived stem cells show advantages over other sources because the cells can be derived easily and do not causes graft rejection after autologous transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pramuan Virutamasen
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyFaculty of MedicineChulalongkorn UniversityBangkokThailand
| | - Kamthorn Pruksananonda
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyFaculty of MedicineChulalongkorn UniversityBangkokThailand
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Miscarriage on Endometriosis and Adenomyosis in Women by Assisted Reproductive Technology or with Spontaneous Conception: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:4381346. [PMID: 33490243 PMCID: PMC7787757 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4381346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background In the past several years, there has been an increasing concern on miscarriage caused by endometriosis or adenomyosis. However, the results reported by different studies remain controversial. The present study is aimed at assessing the impact of endometriosis and adenomyosis on miscarriage. Materials and Methods Searches were carried out in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library for studies published from inception until February 29, 2020. The investigators included studies that evaluated miscarriage risk in pregnant women with endometriosis or adenomyosis by assisted reproductive technology (ART), or with spontaneous conception (SC). Miscarriage (<28 weeks) was the primary outcome. The secondary outcomes were antepartum hemorrhage (APH), postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), preterm birth, low birthweight, placenta praevia, placental abruption, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Endnote was used for the study collection, and the data analyses were carried out by two authors using Review Manager version 5.2. Results Thirty-nine studies, which is comprised of 697,984 women, were included in the present study. Miscarriage risk increased in women with endometriosis in SC (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.44-2.28, I2 = 96%) compared with those without endometriosis, while women with endometriosis who underwent ART had a similar miscarriage risk, when compared to those with tubal infertility (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.92-1.14, I2 = 0%). Compared with those without adenomyosis, women with adenomyosis had an augmented miscarriage risk in ART (OR: 2.81, 95% CI: 1.44-5.47, I2 = 64%). Compared with those without endometriosis, women with endometriosis had higher odds of APH, PPH, preterm birth, stillbirth, and placenta praevia. No difference was observed in the incidence of ectopic pregnancy, placental abruption, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, low birthweight, and IUGR. Conclusion Women with endometriosis had an augmented miscarriage risk in SC and a similar miscarriage risk during ART. Adenomyosis was associated with miscarriage in pregnant women using ART.
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Fukui A, Mai C, Saeki S, Yamamoto M, Takeyama R, Kato T, Ukita Y, Wakimoto Y, Yamaya A, Shibahara H. Pelvic endometriosis and natural killer cell immunity. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 85:e13342. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.13342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Fukui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hyogo College of Medicine Hyogo Japan
| | - Chuxian Mai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hyogo College of Medicine Hyogo Japan
| | - Shinichiro Saeki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hyogo College of Medicine Hyogo Japan
| | - Mayu Yamamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hyogo College of Medicine Hyogo Japan
| | - Ryu Takeyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hyogo College of Medicine Hyogo Japan
| | - Toru Kato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hyogo College of Medicine Hyogo Japan
| | - Yuji Ukita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hyogo College of Medicine Hyogo Japan
| | - Yu Wakimoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hyogo College of Medicine Hyogo Japan
| | - Ayano Yamaya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hyogo College of Medicine Hyogo Japan
| | - Hiroaki Shibahara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Hyogo College of Medicine Hyogo Japan
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Horton J, Sterrenburg M, Lane S, Maheshwari A, Li TC, Cheong Y. Reproductive, obstetric, and perinatal outcomes of women with adenomyosis and endometriosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 25:592-632. [PMID: 31318420 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The reproductive impact of adenomyosis and endometriosis is widely researched but the extent of these impacts remains elusive. It has been demonstrated that endometriosis, in particular, is known to result in subfertility but endometriosis and adenomyosis are increasingly linked to late pregnancy complications such as those caused by placental insufficiency. At the molecular level, the presence of ectopic endometrium perturbs the endometrial hormonal, cellular, and immunological milieu, negatively influencing decidualization, placentation, and developmental programming of the embryo. It is unclear if and how such early aberrant reproductive development relates to pregnancy outcomes in endometriosis and adenomyosis. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to (i) investigate the association of adenomyosis and endometriosis with fertility, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes of women through both assisted reproduction and natural conception and (ii) determine whether endometriosis disease subtypes have specific impacts on different stages of the reproductive process. SEARCH METHODS A systematic literature review of NHS evidence electronic databases and the Cochrane database identified all comparative and observational studies between 1980 and December 2018 in any language on adenomyosis and endometriosis with fertility, obstetric, and neonatal outcomes (23 search terms used). A total of 104 papers were selected for data extraction and meta-analysis, with use of Downs and Black standardized checklist to evaluate quality and bias. OUTCOMES We found that endometriosis consistently leads to reduced oocyte yield and a reduced fertilization rate (FR), in line with current evidence. Milder forms of endometriosis were most likely to affect the fertilization (FR OR 0.77, CI 0.63-0.93) and earlier implantation processes (implantation rate OR 0.76, CI 0.62-0.93). The more severe disease by American Society for Reproductive Medicine staging (ASRM III and IV) influenced all stages of reproduction. Ovarian endometriosis negatively affects the oocyte yield (MD -1.22, CI -1.96, -0.49) and number of mature oocytes (MD -2.24, CI -3.4, -1.09). We found an increased risk of miscarriage in both adenomyosis and endometriosis (OR 3.40, CI 1.41-8.65 and OR 1.30, CI 1.25-1.35, respectively), and endometriosis can be associated with a range of obstetric and fetal complications including preterm delivery (OR 1.38, CI 1.01-1.89), caesarean section delivery (OR 1.98 CI 1.64-2.38), and neonatal unit admission following delivery (OR 1.29, CI 1.07-1.55). WIDER IMPLICATIONS Adenomyosis and the subtypes of endometriosis may have specific complication profiles though further evidence is needed to be able to draw conclusions. Several known pregnancy complications are likely to be associated with these conditions. The complications are possibly caused by dysfunctional uterine changes leading to implantation and placentation issues and therefore could potentially have far-reaching consequences as suggested by Barker's hypothesis. Our findings would suggest that women with these conditions should ideally receive pre-natal counselling and should be considered higher risk in pregnancy and at delivery, until evidence to the contrary is available. In order to expand our knowledge of these conditions and better advise on future management of these patients in reproductive and maternal medicine, a more unified approach to studying fertility and reproductive outcomes with longer term follow-up of the offspring and attention to the subtype of disease is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Horton
- University of Southampton, Human Development and Health, Southampton, UK.,University of Southampton, Complete Fertility, Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - Monique Sterrenburg
- University of Sheffield, Academic Unit of Medical, Sheffield, UK.,University of Sheffield, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sheffield, UK
| | - Simon Lane
- University of Southampton, Institute for Life Sciences, Southampton, UK
| | - Abha Maheshwari
- University of Aberdeen, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Tin Chiu Li
- Chinese University of Hong Kong, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Ying Cheong
- University of Southampton, Human Development and Health, Southampton, UK.,University of Southampton, Complete Fertility, Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton, UK
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Georgiou EX, Melo P, Baker PE, Sallam HN, Arici A, Garcia‐Velasco JA, Abou‐Setta AM, Becker C, Granne IE, Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group. Long-term GnRH agonist therapy before in vitro fertilisation (IVF) for improving fertility outcomes in women with endometriosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 2019:CD013240. [PMID: 31747470 PMCID: PMC6867786 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013240.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is known to have an impact on fertility and it is common for women affected by endometriosis to require fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), to improve the chance of pregnancy. It has been postulated that long-term gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist therapy prior to IVF or ICSI can improve pregnancy outcomes. This systematic review supersedes the previous Cochrane Review on this topic (Sallam 2006). OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness and safety of long-term gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist therapy (minimum 3 months) versus no pretreatment or other pretreatment modalities, such as long-term continuous combined oral contraception (COC) or surgical therapy of endometrioma, before standard in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in women with endometriosis. SEARCH METHODS We searched the following electronic databases from their inception to 8 January 2019: Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Specialised Register of Controlled Trials, CENTRAL via the Cochrane CENTRAL Register of Studies ONLINE (CRSO), MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). We searched trial registries to identify unpublished and ongoing trials. We also searched DARE (Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects), Web of Knowledge, OpenGrey, Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Information Database (LILACS), PubMed, Google and reference lists from relevant papers for any other relevant trials. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving women with surgically diagnosed endometriosis that compared use of any type of GnRH agonist for at least three months before an IVF/ICSI protocol to no pretreatment or other pretreatment modalities, specifically use of long-term continuous COC (minimum of 6 weeks) or surgical excision of endometrioma within six months prior to standard IVF/ICSI. The primary outcomes were live birth rate and complication rate per woman randomised. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two independent review authors assessed studies against the inclusion criteria, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. A third review author was consulted, if required. We contacted the study authors, as required. We analysed dichotomous outcomes using Mantel-Haenszel risk ratios (RRs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and a fixed-effect model. For small numbers of events, we used a Peto odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI instead. We analysed continuous outcomes using the mean difference (MD) between groups and presented with 95% CIs. We studied heterogeneity of the studies via the I2 statistic. We assessed the quality of evidence using GRADE criteria. MAIN RESULTS We included eight parallel-design RCTs, involving a total of 640 participants. We did not assess any of the studies as being at low risk of bias across all domains, with the main limitation being lack of blinding. Using GRADE methodology, the quality of the evidence ranged from very low to low quality. Long-term GnRH agonist therapy versus no pretreatment We are uncertain whether long-term GnRH agonist therapy affects the live birth rate (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.87; 1 RCT, n = 147; I2 not calculable; very low-quality evidence) or the overall complication rate (Peto OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.37; to 4.14; 3 RCTs, n = 318; I2 = 73%; very low-quality evidence) compared to standard IVF/ICSI. Further, we are uncertain whether this intervention affects the clinical pregnancy rate (RR 1.13, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.41; 6 RCTs, n = 552, I2 = 66%; very low-quality evidence), multiple pregnancy rate (Peto OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.56; 2 RCTs, n = 208, I2 = 0%; very low-quality evidence), miscarriage rate (Peto OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.10 to 2.00; 2 RCTs, n = 208; I2 = 0%; very low-quality evidence), mean number of oocytes (MD 0.72, 95% CI 0.06 to 1.38; 4 RCTs, n = 385; I2 = 81%; very low-quality evidence) or mean number of embryos (MD -0.76, 95% CI -1.33 to -0.19; 2 RCTs, n = 267; I2 = 0%; very low-quality evidence). Long-term GnRH agonist therapy versus long-term continuous COC No studies reported on this comparison. Long-term GnRH agonist therapy versus surgical therapy of endometrioma No studies reported on this comparison. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This review raises important questions regarding the merit of long-term GnRH agonist therapy compared to no pretreatment prior to standard IVF/ICSI in women with endometriosis. Contrary to previous findings, we are uncertain as to whether long-term GnRH agonist therapy impacts on the live birth rate or indeed the complication rate compared to standard IVF/ICSI. Further, we are uncertain whether this intervention impacts on the clinical pregnancy rate, multiple pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, mean number of oocytes and mean number of embryos. In light of the paucity and very low quality of existing data, particularly for the primary outcomes examined, further high-quality trials are required to definitively determine the impact of long-term GnRH agonist therapy on IVF/ICSI outcomes, not only compared to no pretreatment, but also compared to other proposed alternatives to endometriosis management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pedro Melo
- Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS TrustAylesburyUK
| | - Philip E Baker
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS TrustAcademic CentreJohn Radcliffe HospitalHeadley Way, HeadingtonOxfordUKOX3 9DU
| | - Hassan N Sallam
- Alexandria UniversityObstetrics and Gynaecology22 Victor Emanuel SquareSmouhaAlexandriaEgypt21615
| | - Aydin Arici
- Yale UniversityReproductive Endocrinology Section333 Cedar StNew HavenConnecticutUSA06520‐8063
| | - Juan A Garcia‐Velasco
- IVI MadridInstituto Valenciano de Infertilidad Madridc/o Santiago de Compostela 88MadridSpain28025
| | - Ahmed M Abou‐Setta
- University of ManitobaKnowledge Synthesis Platform, George and Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare InnovationChown Building367‐753 McDermot AveWinnipegMBCanadaR3E 0W3
| | - Christian Becker
- University of OxfordNuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive HealthJohn Radcliffe HospitalWomen's CentreOxfordOxonUKOX3 9DU
| | - Ingrid E Granne
- University of OxfordNuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive HealthJohn Radcliffe HospitalWomen's CentreOxfordOxonUKOX3 9DU
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Jaafar SH, Sallam HN, Arici A, Garcia-Velasco JA, Abou-Setta AM. Long-term GnRH agonist therapy before in vitro fertilization (IVF) for improving fertility outcomes in women with endometriosis. Hippokratia 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sharifah Halimah Jaafar
- Regency Specialist Hospital; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; No 1 Jalan Suria, Bandar Seri Alam Johor Bahru Johor Malaysia 81750
| | - Hassan N Sallam
- Alexandria University; Obstetrics and Gynaecology; 22 Victor Emanuel Square Smouha Alexandria Egypt 21615
| | - Aydin Arici
- Yale University; Reproductive Endocrinology Section; 333 Cedar St New Haven Connecticut USA 06520-8063
| | - Juan A Garcia-Velasco
- IVI Madrid; Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad Madrid; c/o Santiago de Compostela 88 Madrid Spain 28025
| | - Ahmed M Abou-Setta
- University of Manitoba; Knowledge Synthesis Platform, George and Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation; Chown Building 367-753 McDermot Ave Winnipeg MB Canada R3E 0W3
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Radzinsky VY, Orazov MR, Ivanov II, Khamoshina MB, Kostin IN, Kavteladze EV, Shustova VB. Implantation failures in women with infertility associated endometriosis. Gynecol Endocrinol 2019; 35:27-30. [PMID: 31532313 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2019.1632089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is currently considered as one of the most common diseases associated with infertility. A controversial issue is whether endometriosis per se exerts a detrimental effect on IVF outcomes. Failure of implantation due to endometriosis-associated infertility is a contradictory and widely discussed burden nowadays. The purpose of the study is to assess the quality of embryos and implantation rate in women with infertility associated with endometriosis. The study included infertile reproductive aged women, between 26 and 40 years who underwent IVF and ICSI procedures. The patients were divided into two groups: group I (n = 70) involved 70 patients with recurrent unilateral endometriomas, II control group (n = 50) with tubal factor infertility. The quality of the retrieved embryos was assessed according to the generally accepted classification of Gardner, indicating the rate of implantation in each group. Embryo transfer was performed in case of high quality embryos. Assessing the ovarian reserve indicators, in the group I patients with recurrent unilateral endometriomas the serum level of AMH was significantly lower (2.1 ± 1.75 vs. 3.2 ± 1.4, p < .005), as well as the number of retrieved oocytes (8.1 ± 3.9 and 10.1 ± 6.8, p < .005). The analysis of the results demonstrated that the duration of stimulation in the group patients with recurrent unilateral endometriomas was significantly higher in comparison with the group II (12.2 ± 1.8 and 10.2 ± 1.6 days, p < .001). Nevertheless, the number of good quality embryos retrieved was comparable in both groups (2.2 ± 1.5 and 2.8 ± 1.8). In the group I patients with recurrent unilateral endometriomas, there was a statistically significant decrease of implantation rate (17.1% vs. 24% p < .005). The results of the study revealed no statistical difference in embryo quality in the study cohort. However, it is important to note that a statistically significant difference in implantation rate in the group of endometriosis-associated infertility compared was obtained 1.5 times lower than in the control group (15.8% vs. 24.0% p < .005). The achieved results demonstrated an adverse IVF outcome in infertile women with recurrent endometrioma compared to the control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Yevseyevich Radzinsky
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology with Course of Perinatology of the Medical Faculty, Medical Institute of the Russian University of Friendship of Peoples , Moscow , Russian Federation
| | - Mekan Rakhimberdievich Orazov
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology with Course of Perinatology of the Medical Faculty, Medical Institute of the Russian University of Friendship of Peoples , Moscow , Russian Federation
| | - Igor Isaakovich Ivanov
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Academy Named S. I. Georgievskiy of Vernadsky Crimean Federal University , Simferopol , Republic of Crimea, Russian Federation
| | - Marina Borisovna Khamoshina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology with Course of Perinatology of the Medical Faculty, Medical Institute of the Russian University of Friendship of Peoples , Moscow , Russian Federation
| | - Igor Nikolaevich Kostin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology with Course of Perinatology of the Medical Faculty, Medical Institute of the Russian University of Friendship of Peoples , Moscow , Russian Federation
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Maged AM, Rashwan H, Mahmoud M, El-Mazny A, Farouk M, Belal DS, Marie HM. Effect of Prolonged GnRH Agonist Downregulation on ICSI Outcome in Patients With Endometriomas of Less Than 5 cm: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Reprod Sci 2018; 25:1509-1514. [PMID: 29439618 DOI: 10.1177/1933719118756753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2025]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of prolonged Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist downregulation in patients with endometriomas of less than 5 cm on the outcome of the proceeding Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) trial. METHODS In a randomized controlled trial at a university teaching hospital, 90 patients indicated for ICSI and having unilateral single endometrioma of less than 5 cm in diameter were randomized into 2 groups. Group A (45 patients) received the standard long protocol; whereas group B (45 patients) received 3 consecutive Intramuscular (IM) injections of triptorelin 3.75 mg 28 days apart followed by the standard long protocol 28 days after the last injection. RESULTS There were no significant differences in the clinical and hormonal characteristics between the 2 groups. All ICSI cycle characteristics including number of retrieved oocytes, fertilized oocytes, and transferred embryos were also not significantly different. However, patients who received prolonged GnRH agonist therapy showed significantly higher chemical ( P = .011), clinical ( P = .018), and ongoing ( P = .028) pregnancy rates. CONCLUSION Prolonged GnRH agonist downregulation improves the pregnancy rates in patients with small endometriomas undergoing ICSI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hamsa Rashwan
- 1 Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Maryam Mahmoud
- 1 Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Akmal El-Mazny
- 1 Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Mona Farouk
- 1 Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Doaa S Belal
- 1 Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Heba M Marie
- 1 Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cairo University, Egypt
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Chronic Niche Inflammation in Endometriosis-Associated Infertility: Current Understanding and Future Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19082385. [PMID: 30104541 PMCID: PMC6121292 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19082385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease that affects up to 10% of women of reproductive age and accounts for up to 50% of female infertility cases. It has been highly associated with poorer outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART), including decreased oocyte retrieval, lower implantation, and pregnancy rates. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of endometriosis-associated infertility is crucial for improving infertility treatment outcomes. Current theories regarding how endometriosis reduces fertility include anatomical distortion, ovulatory dysfunction, and niche inflammation-associated peritoneal or implantation defects. This review will survey the latest evidence on the role of inflammatory niche in the peritoneal cavity, ovaries, and uterus of endometriosis patients. Nonhormone treatment strategies that target these inflammation processes are also included. Furthermore, mesenchymal stem cell-based therapies are highlighted for potential endometriosis treatment because of their immunomodulatory effects and tropism toward inflamed lesion foci. Potential applications of stem cell therapy in treatment of endometriosis-associated infertility in particular for safety and efficacy are discussed.
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Yang X, Huang R, Cai M, Liang X. Endometriosis has no negative impact on outcomes of in vitro fertilisation in women with poor ovarian response. BJOG 2018; 123 Suppl 3:76-81. [PMID: 27627604 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.14018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the in vitro fertilisation (IVF) outcomes of poor ovarian responders among women with laparoscopically diagnosed minimal-mild endometriosis (Group A), moderate-severe endometriosis (Group B) and those without endometriosis (Group C). The comparisons were made separately for age groups younger than 35 years and 35 years or older. DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING A university-affiliated hospital in Guangzhou, China. POPULATION 495 women younger than 35 years old and 543 women aged 35 or older who had poor ovarian response with or without laparoscopically diagnosed endometriosis. METHODS Poor ovarian response (POR) was diagnosed using the Bologna criteria. First cycle parameters were analysed over the same period of time from January 2011 to October 2014. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary endpoint was the live birth rate per embryo transfer cycle. Secondary outcome measures were clinical pregnancy rate, cycle cancellation rate and miscarriage rate. RESULTS In women aged 35 or older no differences were found among the three subgroups in terms of live birth rate, clinical pregnancy rate, cycle cancellation rate or miscarriage rate; in women aged younger than 35 years, the clinical pregnancy rates were 62.96, 45.45 and 43.27% for Groups A, B and C, respectively (P = 0.028). The live birth rate, cycle cancellation rate and miscarriage rate were not significantly different. Compared with the older group of women, the younger women had a significantly higher live birth rate (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS A woman's age is the most important factor governing the live birth rate with IVF. Endometriosis has no consistent impact on IVF outcomes in women with POR. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Endometriosis has no negative impact on IVF outcomes in women with poor ovarian response.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - R Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - M Cai
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - X Liang
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Kasapoglu I, Kuspinar G, Saribal S, Turk P, Avcı B, Uncu G. Detrimental effects of endometriosis on oocyte morphology in intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles: a retrospective cohort study. Gynecol Endocrinol 2018; 34:206-211. [PMID: 29057690 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2017.1391203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
While an association can be addressed among endometriosis and subfertility, the causal relationship has not been elucidated yet. Impaired oocyte quality in endometriosis patients has been accused for the unsuccessful outcomes of assisted reproductive techniques. There are limited studies in literature evaluated association between endometriosis and oocyte morphology. We conducted this retrospective study to evaluate whether morphological abnormalities of oocytes are more common in women with endometriosis than women with diagnosis of male factor infertility as a source of healthy oocytes. Totally 1568 oocytes, 775 (49.4%) in endometriosis groups and 793 (50.6%) in control group were evaluated for morphological parameters before ICSI cycles. Abnormal oocyte morphology was detected in 352 (22.4%) of 1568 oocytes. Of the abnormal oocytes, 208 (59.1%) were in endometriosis group and 144 (40.9%) in control group (p < .001). The following dysmorphisms were significantly higher in oocytes retrieved from endometriosis group: dark cytoplasm; dark, large or thin zona pellucida; and flat or fragmented polar body (p < .05 for all). When morphological parameters for oocytes of endometriosis patients evaluated, the oocyte defects has increased significantly in endometriosis patients. These findings are thought to be useful to clarify the subfertility in endometriosis patient, which needs to be confirmed with further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isil Kasapoglu
- a Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics ART Center , Uludag University School of Medicine , Bursa , Turkey
| | - Göktan Kuspinar
- b Department of Histology and Embryology , Uludag University School of Medicine , Bursa , Turkey
| | - Seda Saribal
- b Department of Histology and Embryology , Uludag University School of Medicine , Bursa , Turkey
| | - Pinar Turk
- a Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics ART Center , Uludag University School of Medicine , Bursa , Turkey
| | - Berrin Avcı
- b Department of Histology and Embryology , Uludag University School of Medicine , Bursa , Turkey
| | - Gürkan Uncu
- a Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics ART Center , Uludag University School of Medicine , Bursa , Turkey
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Garcia-Velasco JA, Motta L, Rodriguez S, Toribio M, Martinez-Salazar J, Pacheco A. Decreased Concentrations of AMH in Follicular Fluid of Women with Endometriosis: A Hypothetical New Marker of Oocyte Quality. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/228402650900100108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) has been recently introduced as a new marker of ovarian reserve with a high sensitivity and with the added value of being independent of cycle day. Some authors have claimed that it may also provide information regarding oocyte quality. As endometriosis is a disease that mainly affects the ovary and thus, egg quality, we decided to evaluate AMH follicular fluid concentrations in three clinical groups: a) women with endometriosis and a visible endometrioma at ultrasound in one of the ovaries, b) same women with endometrioma-free contralateral ovary, and c) women without endometriosis. Material and Methods From August to December 2007, 28 women undergoing an IVF/ICSI cycle in whom an endometrioma > 2cm was clearly visible at ultrasound in one of the ovaries and not in the other, and 28 fertile egg donors as controls entered the study. Follicular fluid from the largest follicle of each ovary (with endometrioma and without endometrioma) was individually collected prior to the rest of the follicular aspiration at the time of egg retrieval, and similarly in the control group. After cumulus identification and short centrifugation to remove cells, fluids were stored at -80°C until assayed. AMH was evaluated by a commercially available ELISA. Kolmorov-Smirnov test was performed to test for normality, as well as a one-way ANOVA with Tukey test to evaluate differences among groups. Significance was set at 0.05. Results AMH follicular fluid concentrations were significantly lower in women with endometriosis versus control (4.5 ± 2.6 vs 6.2 ± 3.0 ng/mL, p=0.02). Interestingly, when the three groups were evaluated individually, the concentration of AMH in follicular fluid obtained from the ovaries where a large endometrioma was present was significantly lower than in the other two groups – a) 4.1 ± 2.7 ng/mL in the ovaries with the endometrioma, b) 4.9 ± 2.6 ng/mL in the contralateral ovary in the same patients, and c) 6.2 ± 3.0 ng/mL in control patients; (p=0.039). Conclusions AMH concentration in follicular fluid is diminished in women with endometriosis. The presence of the endometrioma itself may reduce even further AMH concentration in the surrounding follicles. These results may reflect oocyte quality and could be useful when counselling patients regarding their reproductive outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Motta
- IVI-Madrid Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid - Spain
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Pazhohan A, Amidi F, Akbari-Asbagh F, Seyedrezazadeh E, Farzadi L, Khodarahmin M, Mehdinejadiani S, Sobhani A. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling in endometriosis, the expression of total and active forms of β-catenin, total and inactive forms of glycogen synthase kinase-3β, WNT7a and DICKKOPF-1. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2017; 220:1-5. [PMID: 29107840 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2017.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The cyclical changes in proliferation and differentiation of endometrial cells are regulated by estrogen and progesterone via modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Imbalance in the expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors causes progesterone resistance in endometriosis patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of some main components of Wnt/β-catenin signaling including WNT7a, DKK-1, β-catenin, and GSK-3β in eutopic endometrium and peritoneal endometriotic lesions of endometriosis patients compared to healthy endometrium in the mid-secretory phase of menstrual cycle. STUDY DESIGN This prospective study was performed, during a 12 months period from December 2015 to November 2016, on healthy women as the control group (n=14) and endometriosis patients (n=34). We used real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot techniques. RESULTS Protein and mRNA expression of DKK-1 were significantly down-regulated in both endometriotic lesions and eutopic endometrium of endometriosis group. We also demonstrated that the expression of non-phosphorylated β-catenin (active form) and phosphorylated GSK-3β (inactive form) were up-regulated in endometriosis patients. The mRNA levels of β-catenin, GSK-3β, and WNT7a, as well as the protein levels of total β-catenin, total GSK-3β, and WNT7a in endometriosis group, were not significantly different with those in control group. The patterns of mRNA and protein expression of all interested factors in the lesions were similar to those in the eutopic endometrium of same patients. CONCLUSIONS It seems that the aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle in endometriosis has two essential elements: excessive inactivation of GSK-3β and suppression of the expression of Wnt signaling inhibitor DKK-1. Interventions in this signaling pathway may allow for the exploration of potential new targets for the control of development and progression of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azar Pazhohan
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fardin Amidi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Firoozeh Akbari-Asbagh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ensiyeh Seyedrezazadeh
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Laya Farzadi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahshad Khodarahmin
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Aligholi Sobhani
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Endometrial receptivity in eutopic endometrium in patients with endometriosis: it is not affected, and let me show you why. Fertil Steril 2017; 108:28-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Juneau C, Kraus E, Werner M, Franasiak J, Morin S, Patounakis G, Molinaro T, de Ziegler D, Scott RT. Patients with endometriosis have aneuploidy rates equivalent to their age-matched peers in the in vitro fertilization population. Fertil Steril 2017; 108:284-288. [PMID: 28651959 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether endometriosis ultimately results in an increased risk of embryonic aneuploidy. DESIGN Retrospective cohort. SETTING Infertility clinic. PATIENT(S) Patients participating in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle from 2009-2015 using preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) who had endometriosis identified by surgical diagnosis or by ultrasound findings consistent with a persistent space-occupying disease whose sonographic appearance was consistent with endometriosis. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Rate of aneuploidy in endometriosis patients undergoing IVF compared to controls without endometriosis undergoing IVF. RESULT(S) There were 305 patients with endometriosis who produced 1,880 blastocysts that met the criteria for inclusion in the endometriosis group. The mean age of the patients with endometriosis was 36.1 ± 3.9 years. When the aneuploidy rates in patients with endometriosis and aneuploidy rates in patients without endometriosis were stratified by Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology age groups and compared, there were no statistically significant differences in the rate of aneuploidy (odds ratio 0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.84-0.85). CONCLUSION(S) Patients with endometriosis undergoing IVF have aneuploidy rates equivalent to their age-matched peers in IVF population who do not have endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Juneau
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, New Jersey; Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Emily Kraus
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Marie Werner
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
| | - Jason Franasiak
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, New Jersey; Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Scott Morin
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, New Jersey; Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Thomas Molinaro
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
| | | | - Richard T Scott
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, New Jersey; Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Effect of Endometriosis on IVF Outcomes in Cases of Single Embryo Transfer for first IVF Attempt in Patients under 35. JOURNAL OF ENDOMETRIOSIS AND PELVIC PAIN DISORDERS 2016. [DOI: 10.5301/je.5000230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Implantation disorders are regarded differently in different groups undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) because of heterogeneous patient populations. To avoid this problem, this study was based solely on the first attempts of a single embryo transfer in patients under the age of 35. Methods This was a retrospective comparative study with 2 groups of patients: a group with endometriosis (n = 288) and a group without endometriosis (n = 1,368), registered from January 2010 to December 2013 in the IVF center of the University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand. This study compared the 2 groups and subgroups according to ovarian response and embryo quality, and analyzed oocyte number, embryo number, transfer rate, implantation rate and delivery rate per ovum pick-up and per transfer. Results In the cases of endometriosis, the number of collected oocytes (8.37 ± 7.01 vs. 10.13 ± 6.53 p<0.001), the transfer rate (81.4% vs. 86.1%, p = 0. 045) and the rate of cycles with a frozen embryo (48.9% vs. 57.3%, p<0.01) were lower. The probability of a satisfactory response to stimulation (70.7% vs. 81.0%, p<0.001) and of a good quality embryo cohort (45% vs. 52%, p = 0.003) was lower. However, the implantation and delivery rates per transfer were not distorted in the cases of endometriosis, either in the total group or in any subgroup. The cumulative live birth rate per attempt was similar (29.2% vs. 29.5%). Conclusions Endometriosis has no impact on the embryo transfer in IVF, particularly when the embryo quality is satisfactory.
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Altmäe S, Aghajanova L. What do we know about endometrial receptivity in women with endometriosis? A molecular perspective. Reprod Biomed Online 2015; 31:581-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Garcia-Velasco JA, Fassbender A, Ruiz-Alonso M, Blesa D, D‘Hooghe T, Simon C. Is endometrial receptivity transcriptomics affected in women with endometriosis? A pilot study. Reprod Biomed Online 2015; 31:647-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Revised: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Polat M, Yaralı İ, Boynukalın K, Yaralı H. In vitro fertilization for endometriosis-associated infertility. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 11:633-41. [PMID: 26395161 DOI: 10.2217/whe.15.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is an enigmatic disease affecting 10-15% of reproductive aged women and is encountered in 25-35% of women suffering from infertility. IVF is an effective tool to overcome endometriosis-associated infertility when expectant management or surgery fails. Direct IVF should be envisioned if the female age is greater than 38 year and infertility is long lasting. Likewise, semen characteristics or tubal status that is incompatible with natural conception mandates going straight to IVF. IVF, not only bypasses the distortion of pelvic anatomy associated with advanced stage endometriosis, but also removes gametes from a hostile peritoneal environment. In this article, we address the impact, if any, of endometriosis and endometriomason IVF outcome, whether surgical treatment of early-stage disease, endometriomas or deep infiltrating endometriosis would enhance pregnancy rates in IVF, which protocol to employ for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for IVF and finally the impact, if any, of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for IVF on progression of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehtap Polat
- Anatolia IVF & Women's Health Center, Ankara, Turkey
| | - İrem Yaralı
- Anatolia IVF & Women's Health Center, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Hakan Yaralı
- Anatolia IVF & Women's Health Center, Ankara, Turkey.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, School of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Turkey
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Pop-Trajkovic S, Popović J, Antić V, Radović D, Stefanović M, Stavanovic M, Vukomanović P. Stages of endometriosis: does it affect in vitro fertilization outcome. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2015; 53:224-6. [PMID: 25017272 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2013.10.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Women with endometriosis often need in vitro fertilization (IVF) to conceive. There are conflicting data on the results of IVF in patients with endometriosis. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether or not the stage of endometriosis affects the IVF outcome in order to give the best patient counseling MATERIALS AND METHODS We compared IVF outcome measures between 40 patients with surgically confirmed minimal and mild endometriosis (American Society for Reproductive Medicine Stage I/II) and 38 patients with moderate and severe endometriosis (Stage III/IV). Each group was also compared with a control group of 157 patients with tubal factor infertility. Outcome measures included number of follicles, number of oocytes, mean number of ampoules of gonadotropins, cumulative pregnancy, and live birth rates RESULTS Higher cancelation rates, higher total gonadotropin requirements, and lower oocyte yield were found in women with endometriosis Stage III and IV compared with both the Stage I/II and control groups. The fertilization rate was higher in Stage III/IV endometriosis compared to Stage I/II. Clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were comparable between patients with endometriosis Stage I/II and control group, whereas they were significantly lower in patients with endometriosis Stage III/IV compared to other two groups. CONCLUSION The American Society for Reproductive Medicine classification of endometriosis is useful in predicting IVF outcome. Advanced endometriosis means a worse prognosis for IVF treatment compared to milder stages or tubal factor infertility. The decreased fertilization rate in Stage I/II endometriosis might be a cause of subfertility in these women, as a result of a hostile environment caused by the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jasmina Popović
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Center of Niš, Niš, Serbia
| | - Vladimir Antić
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Center of Niš, Niš, Serbia
| | - Dragana Radović
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Center of Niš, Niš, Serbia
| | - Milan Stefanović
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Center of Niš, Niš, Serbia
| | - Milan Stavanovic
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Center of Niš, Niš, Serbia
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Barbosa MAP, Teixeira DM, Navarro PAAS, Ferriani RA, Nastri CO, Martins WP. Impact of endometriosis and its staging on assisted reproduction outcome: systematic review and meta-analysis. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2014; 44:261-278. [PMID: 24639087 DOI: 10.1002/uog.13366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2013] [Revised: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether the presence or severity of endometriosis affects the outcome of assisted reproductive techniques (ART). METHODS In this systematic review, all studies comparing the outcome of ART in women with and those without endometriosis, or at different stages of the disease, were considered eligible. We used either risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD) and their 95%CIs for comparisons. The primary outcome was live birth; the secondary outcome was clinical pregnancy. Miscarriage and the number of oocytes retrieved were examined as additional outcomes. RESULTS We included 92 studies in the review and 78 in the meta-analysis: 20,167 women with endometriosis were compared with 121,931 women without endometriosis, and 1703 women with Stage-III/IV endometriosis were compared with 2227 women with Stage-I/II endometriosis. The following results were observed for the comparison of women with endometriosis vs women without endometriosis: live birth, RR = 0.99 (95%CI, 0.92-1.06); clinical pregnancy, RR = 0.95 (95%CI, 0.89-1.02); miscarriage, RR = 1.31 (95%CI, 1.07-1.59); number of oocytes retrieved, MD = -1.56 (95%CI, -2.05 to -1.08). The following results were observed for the comparison of women with Stage-III/IV vs Stage-I/II endometriosis: live birth, RR = 0.94 (95%CI, 0.80-1.11); clinical pregnancy, RR = 0.90 (95%CI, 0.82-1.00); miscarriage, RR = 0.99 (95%CI, 0.73-1.36); number of oocytes retrieved, MD = -1.03 (95%CI, -1.67 to -0.39). CONCLUSIONS Women with endometriosis undergoing ART have practically the same chance of achieving clinical pregnancy and live birth as do women with other causes of infertility. No relevant difference was observed in the chance of achieving clinical pregnancy and live birth following ART when comparing Stage-III/IV with Stage-I/II endometriosis. The quality of the evidence for the additional examined outcomes was very low, not allowing meaningful conclusions to be drawn.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A P Barbosa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
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Shen F, Yan C, Liu M, Feng Y, Chen Y. Decreased expression of mucin-1 in endometriosis endometrium correlated with progesterone receptor B involved in infertility. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2014; 291:439-45. [PMID: 25155819 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-014-3419-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mucin-1(MUC1), a type of glucoprotein, has various expression statuses on the endometrium at different menstrual phases. Normal expression of MCU1 is closely related to successful blastocyst implantation. MUC1 was synthesized and secreted by the glandular epithelium of the endometrium, which acts as a barrier to foreign bodies. The endometrium was able to recognize and accept the blastocyst implantation. Endometriosis has lower rates of successful implantation with in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, which may involve the altered expression of MUC1 on eutopic endometrium. In vitro studies demonstrated that progesterone and its receptors affected MUC1 expression under different physiopathology conditions. Our study was designed to explore whether progesterone receptors alteration contributed to MUC1 varied expression on endometriosis endometrium. METHODS A total of 54 patients with different infertility reason were selected retrospectively from the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University and Kowloon Hospital, Suzhou, China. Endometrium samples were collected under operative procedures. The samples were assigned to two groups: endometriosis (n = 28) and oviduct block (control group, n = 26), on which we examined the expression of progesterone receptor B (PR-B) and MUC1, respectively, using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the expression of MUC1 was significantly decreased in the mid-secretory phase of the menstrual cycle in endometriosis. There was relatively lower expression of MUC1 in different phases of the cycle in comparison with the control group. The varied expression of MUC1 was significantly related to PR-B variation in endometriosis endometrium (r = 0.763, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Decreased expression of MUC1 may attribute to PR-B variation in the mid-secretory phase of endometriosis endometrium. It might be one of the factors resulted in infertility in endometriosis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangrong Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu Province, China
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Wand S, Weissman A, Sagiv R, Schreiber L, Boaz M, Horowitz E, Ravhon A, Seadia S, Barkat J, Golan A, Lavran D. Endometrial nerve fibre density in patients undergoing IVF: a pilot study. Reprod Biomed Online 2014; 28:761-5. [PMID: 24745833 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2014.02.007] [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: 09/22/2013] [Revised: 12/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The presence of nerve fibres in the functional layer of the endometrium has been strongly associated with endometriosis. Presence of nerve fibres in the endometrium of women undergoing IVF has not been previously assessed. This prospective pilot study assessed the presence of nerve fibres in endometrium of women undergoing IVF due to various causes and examined the correlation between the presence of nerve fibres and IVF success. A total of 32 IVF patients underwent endometrial biopsy during days 21-23 of the menstrual cycle. Nerve fibres were identified by immunohistochemical staining. Correlations between the presence and density of nerve fibres and aetiology of infertility and IVF success were measured. Nerve fibres were identified in the endometrium of 10/31 (32.3%) women with a satisfactory biopsy. Presence of nerve fibres was not correlated with cause of infertility. Clinical pregnancy was achieved in 12/32 (37.5%) patients, without correlation to presence of nerve fibres in the endometrium. Nerve fibres were identified in a substantial percentage of women undergoing IVF, possibly reflecting underdiagnosis of endometriosis in this population. The presence of nerve fibres does not appear to interfere with implantation. The significance of nerve fibres in the endometrium of IVF patients warrants further research. The presence of nerve fibres in the functional layer of the endometrium has been strongly associated with endometriosis. The presence of nerve fibres in the endometrium of women undergoing IVF has not been previously assessed. Our aim was to assess the presence of nerve fibres in endometrium of women with various causes of infertility undergoing IVF and to examine the association between the presence of nerve fibres in the endometrium and IVF success. In a prospective study, 32 IVF patients underwent endometrial biopsy during days 21-23 of the menstrual cycle. Nerve fibres were identified by immunohistochemical staining. Associations between the presence and density of nerve fibres and the aetiology of infertility and IVF success were measured. Nerve fibres were identified in the endometrium of 10/31 (32.3%) women with a satisfactory biopsy. No association was found between the presence of nerve fibres and the cause of infertility. Clinical pregnancy was achieved in 12/32 (37.5%) patients, without association with the presence of nerve fibres in the endometrium. Nerve fibres can be identified in a substantial percentage of women undergoing IVF, possibly reflecting underdiagnosis of endometriosis in this population. Their presence does not interfere with embryo implantation. The significance of nerve fibres in the endometrium of IVF patients warrants further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanna Wand
- IVF Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ariel Weissman
- IVF Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Ron Sagiv
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Letizia Schreiber
- Department of Pathology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Mona Boaz
- Epidemiology and Research Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eran Horowitz
- IVF Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Amir Ravhon
- IVF Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sarit Seadia
- IVF Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jonathan Barkat
- IVF Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Abraham Golan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - David Lavran
- IVF Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Harb HM, Gallos ID, Chu J, Harb M, Coomarasamy A. The effect of endometriosis on in vitro fertilisation outcome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BJOG 2013; 120:1308-20. [PMID: 23834505 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.12366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is found in 0.5-5% of fertile women and 25-40% of infertile women. It is known that endometriosis is associated with infertility, but there is uncertainty whether women with endometriosis have adverse pregnancy outcomes in in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment. OBJECTIVES To explore the association between endometriosis and IVF outcome. SEARCH STRATEGY Searches were conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science (inception, December 2012) in all languages, together with reference lists of retrieved papers. SELECTION CRITERIA Studies comparing IVF outcome in women with endometriosis with women without endometriosis. Patients were classified by stage of endometriosis. The outcomes were fertilisation, implantation, clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. Study selection was conducted independently by two reviewers. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale was used for quality assessment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data extraction was conducted independently by two reviewers. Relative risks from individual studies were meta-analysed. MAIN RESULTS Twenty-seven observational studies were included, comprising 8984 women. Meta-analysis of these studies showed that fertilisation rates were reduced in stage I/II of endometriosis (relative risk [RR] = 0.93, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.87-0.99, P = 0.03). There was a decrease in the implantation rate (RR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.67-0.93, P = 0.006) and clinical pregnancy rate (RR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.69-0.91, P = 0.0008) in women with stage III/IV endometriosis undergoing IVF treatment. CONCLUSION The presence of severe endometriosis (stage III/IV) is associated with poor implantation and clinical pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M Harb
- School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Birmingham, Birmingham Women's Hospital Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
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Kim JY, Jee BC, Suh CS, Kim SH. Preoperative serum anti-mullerian hormone level in women with ovarian endometrioma and mature cystic teratoma. Yonsei Med J 2013; 54:921-6. [PMID: 23709427 PMCID: PMC3663244 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2013.54.4.921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate whether preoperative serum anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels are lower in women with ovarian endometrioma and in women with mature cystic teratoma of the ovaries. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a tertiary university hospital, a retrospective case-control study was performed. Serum AMH levels between an advanced (stage III and IV) endometrioma group (n=102) and an age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched control group were compared. Serum AMH levels between an ovarian mature cystic teratoma group (n=48) and age- and BMI-matched controls were also compared. RESULTS Absolute serum AMH and multiples of the median for AMH (AMH-MoM) relevant to Korean standards were lower in the endometrioma group than controls, but this was not statistically significant (mean±SEM, 2.9±0.3 ng/mL vs. 3.3±0.3 ng/mL, p=0.28 and 1.3±0.1 vs. 1.6±0.1, p=0.29, respectively). Specifically, the stage IV endometriosis group (n=51) exhibited significantly lower serum AMH and AMH-MoM (2.1±0.3 vs. 3.1±0.4 ng/mL, p=0.02 and 1.1±0.1 vs. 1.7±0.2, p=0.03, respectively). Serum AMH and AMH-MoM levels were similar between stage III endometriosis and controls (3.7±0.5 vs. 3.4±0.5 ng/mL and 1.6±0.2 vs. 1.5±0.2, respectively), as well as between the mature cystic teratoma group and controls (4.0±0.5 ng/mL vs. 4.0±0.5 ng/mL and 1.6±0.2 vs. 1.6±0.3, respectively). Interestingly, AMH-MoM level was negatively correlated with endometriosis score with statistical significance (r²=0.13, p<0.01). CONCLUSION In women with advanced ovarian endometrioma, preoperative serum AMH values tended to be lower than those for age and BMI-matched controls. Notably, stage IV endometrioma appeared to be closely associated with decreased ovarian reserve, even before operation. Clinicians should keep this information in mind before undertaking surgery of ovarian endometrioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Yeong Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Byung Chul Jee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chang Suk Suh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seok Hyun Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Population, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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Stilley JAW, Birt JA, Sharpe-Timms KL. Cellular and molecular basis for endometriosis-associated infertility. Cell Tissue Res 2013; 349:849-62. [PMID: 22298022 PMCID: PMC3429772 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-011-1309-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Accepted: 12/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a gynecological disease characterized by the presence of endometrial glandular epithelial and stromal cells growing in the extra-uterine environment. The disease afflicts 10%–15% of menstruating women causing debilitating pain and infertility. Endometriosis appears to affect every part of a woman’s reproductive system including ovarian function, oocyte quality, embryo development and implantation, uterine function and the endocrine system choreographing the reproductive process and results in infertility or spontaneous pregnancy loss. Current treatments are laden with menopausal-like side effects and many cause cessation or chemical alteration of the reproductive cycle, neither of which is conducive to achieving a pregnancy. However, despite the prevalence, physical and psychological tolls and health care costs, a cure for endometriosis has not yet been found. We hypothesize that endometriosis causes infertility via multifaceted mechanisms that are intricately interwoven thereby contributing to our lack of understanding of this disease process. Identifying and understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for endometriosis-associated infertility might help unravel the confounding multiplicities of infertility and provide insights into novel therapeutic approaches and potentially curative treatments for endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A W Stilley
- Division of Reproductive and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, The University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, 65212, USA
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Prapas Y, Goudakou M, Matalliotakis I, Kalogeraki A, Matalliotaki C, Panagiotidis Y, Ravanos K, Prapas N. History of endometriosis may adversely affect the outcome in menopausal recipients of sibling oocytes. Reprod Biomed Online 2012; 25:543-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2012.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2012] [Revised: 07/08/2012] [Accepted: 07/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Gauché-Cazalis C, Koskas M, Cohen Scali S, Luton D, Yazbeck C. Endometriosis and implantation: Myths and facts. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mefs.2012.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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Pabona JMP, Simmen FA, Nikiforov MA, Zhuang D, Shankar K, Velarde MC, Zelenko Z, Giudice LC, Simmen RCM. Krüppel-like factor 9 and progesterone receptor coregulation of decidualizing endometrial stromal cells: implications for the pathogenesis of endometriosis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2012; 97:E376-92. [PMID: 22259059 PMCID: PMC3319212 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2011-2562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Endometriosis is characterized by progesterone resistance and associated with infertility. Krüppel-like factor 9 (KLF9) is a progesterone receptor (PGR)-interacting protein, and mice null for Klf9 are subfertile. Whether loss of KLF9 expression contributes to progesterone resistance of eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis is unknown. OBJECTIVE The aims were to investigate 1) KLF9 expression in eutopic endometrium of women with and without endometriosis, 2) effects of attenuated KLF9 expression on WNT-signaling component expression and on WNT inhibitor Dickkopf-1 promoter activity in human endometrial stromal cells (HESC), and 3) PGR and KLF9 coregulation of the stromal transcriptome network. METHODS Transcript levels of KLF9, PGR, and WNT signaling components were measured in eutopic endometrium of women with and without endometriosis. Transcript and protein levels of WNT signaling components in HESC transfected with KLF9 and/or PGR small interfering RNA were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot. KLF9 and PGR coregulation of Dickkopf-1 promoter activity was evaluated using human Dickkopf-1-luciferase promoter/reporter constructs and by chromatin immunoprecipitation. KLF9 and PGR signaling networks were analyzed by gene expression array profiling. RESULTS Eutopic endometrium from women with endometriosis had reduced expression of KLF9 mRNA together with those of PGR-B, WNT4, WNT2, and DKK1. KLF9 and PGR were recruited to the DKK1 promoter and modified each other's transactivity. In HESC, KLF9 and PGR coregulated components of the WNT, cytokine, and IGF gene networks that are implicated in endometriosis and infertility. CONCLUSION Loss of KLF9 coregulation of endometrial stromal PGR-responsive gene networks may underlie progesterone resistance in endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Mark P Pabona
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and the Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, 15 Children's Way, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202, USA
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Opøien HK, Fedorcsak P, Omland AK, Abyholm T, Bjercke S, Ertzeid G, Oldereid N, Mellembakken JR, Tanbo T. In vitro fertilization is a successful treatment in endometriosis-associated infertility. Fertil Steril 2012; 97:912-8. [PMID: 22341637 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.01.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2011] [Revised: 01/09/2012] [Accepted: 01/19/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess success rates of IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection in women with various stages of endometriosis. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Reproductive medicine unit in a university hospital. PATIENT(S) Infertile women (n = 2,245) with various stages of endometriosis or tubal factor infertility. INTERVENTION(S) IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Dose of FSH, number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, implantation rate, pregnancy rate (PR), live birth/ongoing PR. RESULT(S) Women with endometriosis had similar pregnancy and live birth/ongoing PR as did women with tubal factor infertility, but the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) stage I and II endometriosis patients had a lower fertilization rate, and stage III and IV patients required more FSH and had fewer oocytes retrieved. Splitting the stage III and IV groups into patients with and without endometriomas showed that the endometrioma group required more FSH and had a significantly lower pregnancy and live birth/ongoing PR. CONCLUSION(S) With the exception of patients with endometrioma, infertile women with various stages of endometriosis have the same success rates with IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection as patients with tubal factor. This contrasts with the systematic review on which the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology bases its recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Kristian Opøien
- Section for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynaecology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.
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Implantation Rate Remains Unaffected in Women with Endometriosis Compared to Tubal Factor Infertility. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.5301/je.2011.8528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To reconsider the implantation and delivery rates which occurred six years later in women with endometriosis from the Yale IVF Programme. Methods Five hundred and ninety-seven consecutive IVF and ICSI treatment cycles were analyzed retrospectively. Patients with endometriosis (n=130; 258 cycles) were compared with an age-matched control group with tubal infertility (n=104; 206 cycles) and also with a group with male infertility (n=59; 133 cycles). Data from the endometriosis group were analyzed further in minimal-mild (144 cycles) and moderate-severe (114 cycles) subgroups. All the patients underwent laparoscopy prior to IVF treatment. Results Fewer oocytes were retrieved and similar fertilization (59% vs. 61%), implantation (12.3% vs. 16%), and delivery (23.7% vs. 26.3%) rates were found in patients with endometriosis compared to tubal infertility. A trend towards reduced pregnancy rate per transfer (17.5%) in the male infertility vs. endometriosis or tubal infertility groups (34% and 37.8% respectively) was observed. The number of embryos transferred in each group was comparable. Analysis of first cycles only across all groups revealed that the implantation rate did not have any statistically significant differences in the endometriosis versus the tubal or male infertility groups. Within the endometriosis group, the implantation, pregnancy, and delivery rates were similar in subgroups. Conclusions We conclude that in patients with endometriosis, implantation, pregnancy, and delivery rates are similar with tubal factor infertility, and higher compared to male infertility. Our results suggest that embryo quality and uterine receptivity remain unaffected in women with endometriosis.
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Maybin JA, Critchley HOD, Jabbour HN. Inflammatory pathways in endometrial disorders. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2011; 335:42-51. [PMID: 20723578 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2010.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2009] [Revised: 08/11/2010] [Accepted: 08/11/2010] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Complex interactions between the endocrine and immune systems govern the key endometrial events of implantation and menstruation. In contrast to other tissue sites, cyclical endometrial inflammation is physiological. However, dysregulation of this inflammatory response can lead to endometrial disorders. This review examines the inflammatory processes occurring in the normal endometrium during menstruation and implantation, highlighting recent advances in our understanding and gaps in current knowledge. Subsequently, the role of inflammatory pathways in the pathology of various common endometrial conditions is discussed, including heavy menstrual bleeding, dysmenorrhoea (painful periods), uterine fibroids, endometriosis and recurrent miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline A Maybin
- University of Edinburgh Centre for Reproductive Biology, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
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Karita M, Yamashita Y, Hayashi A, Yoshida Y, Hayashi M, Yamamoto H, Tanabe A, Terai Y, Ohmichi M. Does advanced-stage endometriosis affect the gene expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors in granulosa cells? Fertil Steril 2011; 95:889-94. [PMID: 21269613 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2010] [Revised: 10/16/2010] [Accepted: 12/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate how endometriosis affects the expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors mRNA in granulosa cells. DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING IVF-ET program at Osaka Medical College. PATIENT(S) Eighteen patients with revised American Fertility Society stage IV endometriosis and 23 patients with tubal infertility without endometriosis. INTERVENTION(S) Granulosa cells obtained from patients with endometriosis were examined for estrogen (ER-β, ER-α) and progesterone (PR-A, PR-B) receptor mRNA expression ratio against GAPDH. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Hormonal environment and clinical outcome were investigated. Expression of ER and PR mRNA were evaluated by StepOne real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. RESULT(S) Total hMG/FSH levels were statistically higher in patients with endometriosis; however, high-quality embryo rates and pregnancy rates were lower in patients with endometriosis than in patients with tubal infertility. Expression of PR-A and ER-α in patients with endometriosis was statistically higher than in patients with tubal infertility. The expression of PRs and ERs in patients with tubal infertility showed a positive correlation; however, it was not identified in the endometriosis group. CONCLUSION(S) The higher PR-A and ER-α gene expression in granulosa cells in patients with endometriosis, compared with patients with tubal infertility, might be a leading cause of ovarian dysfunction due to endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masako Karita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka Medical College, Takatsuki, Osaka, Japan
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Inagaki J, Hao L, Nakatsuka M, Yasuda T, Hiramatsu Y, Shoenfeld Y, Matsuura E. A possible mechanism of autoimmune-mediated infertility in women with endometriosis. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66:90-9. [PMID: 21223425 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2010.00956.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Endometriosis has been proposed to be an autoimmune disease because of the presence of a variety of autoantibodies specific for endometrial or ovarian antigens. The object of the present study is to characterize binding specificity of anti-laminin-111 autoantibodies in infertile patients with endometriosis and to investigate whether these autoantibodies affect the in vitro embryo development. METHOD OF STUDY An ELISA analysis using overlapping synthesized peptides that covered the entire G domain of laminin-α1 chain was performed in infertile patients with endometriosis (n = 45). Mouse blastocysts were cultured in media containing the purified IgG from one antibody-positive serum on laminin-111-coated dishes. RESULTS Anti-laminin-111 autoantibodies were directed to several particular biologically functional peptide sequences in laminin-α 1 chain G domain. The tested IgG significantly inhibited the extent of in vitro trophoblast outgrowth. CONCLUSION Anti-laminin-111 autoantibodies may have major pathogenic roles on early reproductive failure including endometriosis-associated infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junko Inagaki
- Department of Cell Chemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, Japan
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Perino A, Giovannelli L, Schillaci R, Ruvolo G, Fiorentino FP, Alimondi P, Cefalù E, Ammatuna P. Human papillomavirus infection in couples undergoing in vitro fertilization procedures: impact on reproductive outcomes. Fertil Steril 2010; 95:1845-8. [PMID: 21167483 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.11.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2010] [Revised: 10/05/2010] [Accepted: 11/16/2010] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
A prospective study was performed to assess the relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in 199 infertile couples and outcome of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). A highly statistically significant correlation between pregnancy loss rate (proportion of pregnancies detected by β-hCG that did not progress beyond 20 weeks) and positive HPV DNA testing in the male partner of infertile couples, compared with HPV negatives, was observed (66.7% vs. 15%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Perino
- Dipartimento Materno Infantile, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Zanatta A, Rocha AM, Carvalho FM, Pereira RMA, Taylor HS, Motta ELA, Baracat EC, Serafini PC. The role of the Hoxa10/HOXA10 gene in the etiology of endometriosis and its related infertility: a review. J Assist Reprod Genet 2010; 27:701-10. [PMID: 20821045 PMCID: PMC2997955 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-010-9471-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2010] [Accepted: 08/12/2010] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE endometriosis and its associated infertility have been the object of continuous research for over a century. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease, it has become necessary to determine the aspects of its etiology that are not explained by the retrograde menstruation theory. This could in turn elucidate how various clinical and surgical treatments might affect the evolution and remission of the disease. METHODS this review is focused on the most recent clinical and laboratory findings regarding the association of HOXA10 with endometriosis and infertility. RESULT the homebox (Hox/HOX) proteins are highly conserved transcription factors that determine segmental body identities in multiple species, including humans. Hoxa10/HOXA10 is directly involved in the embryogenesis of the uterus and embryo implantation via regulation of downstream genes. Cyclical endometrial expression of Hoxa10/HOXA10, with a peak of expression occurring during the window of implantation, is observed in the adult in response to estrogen and progesterone. Women with endometriosis do not demonstrate the expected mid-luteal rise of HOXA10 expression, which might partially explain the infertility observed in many of these patients. Recent studies also demonstrated HOXA10 expression in endometriotic foci outside the Müllerian tract. CONCLUSIONS multiple lines of evidence suggest that the actions of the homeobox A10 (Hoxa10/HOXA10) gene could account for some aspects of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alysson Zanatta
- Huntington Medicina Reprodutiva, Av. República do Líbano, 529-Ibirapuera, 04501-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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