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Zhang Y, Sun Q, Mustieles V, Martin L, Sun Y, Bibi Z, Torres N, Coburn-Sanderson A, First O, Souter I, Petrozza JC, Botelho JC, Calafat AM, Wang YX, Messerlian C. Predictors of Serum Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Concentrations among U.S. Couples Attending a Fertility Clinic. Environ Sci Technol 2024; 58:5685-5694. [PMID: 38502775 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Previous studies have examined the predictors of PFAS concentrations among pregnant women and children. However, no study has explored the predictors of preconception PFAS concentrations among couples in the United States. This study included 572 females and 279 males (249 couples) who attended a U.S. fertility clinic between 2005 and 2019. Questionnaire information on demographics, reproductive history, and lifestyles and serum samples quantified for PFAS concentrations were collected at study enrollment. We examined the PFAS distribution and correlation within couples. We used Ridge regressions to predict the serum concentration of each PFAS in females and males using data of (1) socio-demographic and reproductive history, (2) diet, (3) behavioral factors, and (4) all factors included in (1) to (3) after accounting for temporal exposure trends. We used general linear models for univariate association of each factor with the PFAS concentration. We found moderate to high correlations for PFAS concentrations within couples. Among all examined factors, diet explained more of the variation in PFAS concentrations (1-48%), while behavioral factors explained the least (0-4%). Individuals reporting White race, with a higher body mass index, and nulliparous women had higher PFAS concentrations than others. Fish and shellfish consumption was positively associated with PFAS concentrations among both females and males, while intake of beans (females), peas (male), kale (females), and tortilla (both) was inversely associated with PFAS concentrations. Our findings provide important data for identifying sources of couples' PFAS exposure and informing interventions to reduce PFAS exposure in the preconception period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Qi Sun
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Vicente Mustieles
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs GRANADA, Granada 18012, Spain
- University of Granada, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), Spain. Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Leah Martin
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Zainab Bibi
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Nicole Torres
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Ayanna Coburn-Sanderson
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Olivia First
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Irene Souter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02113, United States
| | - John C Petrozza
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02113, United States
| | - Julianne C Botelho
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, United States
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, United States
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Carmen Messerlian
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02113, United States
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Zhang Y, Mustieles V, Korevaar T, Martin L, Sun Y, Bibi Z, Torres N, Coburn-Sanderson A, First O, Souter I, Petrozza JC, Broeren MAC, Botelho JC, Calafat AM, Wang YX, Messerlian C. Association between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposure and thyroid function biomarkers among females attending a fertility clinic. Environ Pollut 2024; 346:123513. [PMID: 38350534 PMCID: PMC10950513 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure was associated with changes in thyroid function in pregnant mothers and the general population. Limited such evidence exists in other susceptible populations such as females with fertility problems. This cross-sectional study included 287 females seeking medically assisted reproduction at a fertility clinic in Massachusetts, United States, between 2005 and 2019. Six long-alkyl chain PFAS, thyroid hormones, and autoimmune antibodies were quantified in baseline serum samples. We used generalized linear models and quantile g-computation to evaluate associations of individual PFAS and their total mixture with thyroid biomarkers. Most females were White individuals (82.7%), had graduate degrees (57.8%), and nearly half had unexplained subfertility (45.9%). Serum concentrations of all examined PFAS and their mixture were significantly associated with 2.6%-5.6% lower total triiodothyronine (TT3) concentrations. Serum concentrations of perfluorononanoate (PFNA), perfluorodecanoate (PFDA), and perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnDA), and of the total mixture were associated with higher ratios of free thyroxine (FT4) to free triiodothyronine (FT3). No associations were found for PFAS and TSH or autoimmune antibodies. Our findings support the thyroid-disrupting effect of long alkyl-chain PFAS among a vulnerable population of subfertile females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vicente Mustieles
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Ibs GRANADA, Spain. University of Granada, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), Spain. Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
| | - T.I.M. Korevaar
- Department of Internal Medicine and Academic Center for Thyroid Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leah Martin
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zainab Bibi
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicole Torres
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ayanna Coburn-Sanderson
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Olivia First
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Irene Souter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John C. Petrozza
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maarten A. C. Broeren
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, Máxima Medical Centre, Veldhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Julianne C. Botelho
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Antonia M. Calafat
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carmen Messerlian
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Wise J. Fertility clinic in east London has licence suspended over "significant concerns". BMJ 2024; 384:q621. [PMID: 38471718 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.q621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
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Sharma VK, Kandel P, Baidya S, Rajkarnikar S, Niraula A, Tuladhar ET, Bhattarai A, Raut M, Dubey RK, Koirala P. High Serum Homocysteine among Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Visiting an Infertility Clinic of a Tertiary Care Centre. JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc 2024; 62:82-84. [PMID: 38409992 PMCID: PMC10924529 DOI: 10.31729/jnma.8411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age which is characterized by hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovarian morphology, ovarian dysfunction, and hyperinsulinemia. Increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease and higher cardiovascular morbidity is seen in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of high serum homocysteine levels among women with polycystic ovarian syndrome visiting an infertility clinic of a tertiary care centre. Methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among women with polycystic ovarian syndrome visiting an infertility clinic at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of a tertiary care centre from 1 June 2023 to 1 September 2023. The study was conducted after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. Biochemical analysis of gonadal hormones, serum homocysteine and lipid profile was done. A convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% confidence interval. Results Among 76 women, the prevalence of high serum homocysteine level was found in 54 (71.05%) (60.86-81.25, 95% Confidence Interval). The mean age of patients was 27.46±6.18 years. Conclusions The prevalence of high homocysteine levels among women with polycystic ovarian syndrome is higher than other studies done in similar settings. Keywords body mass index; homocysteine; polycystic ovary syndrome; prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kumar Sharma
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Pratibha Kandel
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sujata Baidya
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Smrity Rajkarnikar
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Apeksha Niraula
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Eans Tara Tuladhar
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Aseem Bhattarai
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Mithileshwer Raut
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Raju Kumar Dubey
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Poonam Koirala
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Li Y, Zheng Z, Luo D, Liu C, Yang S, Chen Y, Hu Q, Lu W, Wang Y, Mei S. Reproductive hormones, organophosphate esters and semen quality: Exploring associations and mediation effects among men from an infertility clinic. Environ Res 2024; 240:117458. [PMID: 37884071 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that organophosphate esters (OPEs) exposure may affect semen quality. As a crucial factor in male reproduction, reproductive hormones might be linked organophosphate esters (OPEs) exposure and semen quality. This study aimed to explore the mediating role of reproductive hormones on the association between OPEs exposure and semen quality. Five serum reproductive hormones, semen quality, and 16 urinary OPE metabolites were measured among 491 reproductive-aged men from a reproductive center. The associations of urinary OPE metabolites with reproductive hormones and semen quality were assessed using multivariable linear regression models, and the mediating role of reproductive hormones was evaluated by mediation analyses. We found that follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) was positively associated with diphenyl phosphate (DPHP) that in turn was negatively associated with sperm total count. In addition, inverse associations were exhibited between serum FSH and sperm concentration, sperm total count, total motility, and progressive motility (all Ptrend <0.05). Mediation analysis further showed that FSH mediated 13.7% of the inverse association of DPHP and sperm total count. Although further investigations are required, our results suggest that FSH was an intermediate mechanism in the associations between OPEs exposure and impaired semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Ministry of Environmental Protection, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, #13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Zhiyi Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Ministry of Environmental Protection, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, #13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Chong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Ministry of Environmental Protection, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, #13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Sijie Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Ministry of Environmental Protection, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, #13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Yingjun Chen
- Southern Medical University Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qian Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Ministry of Environmental Protection, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, #13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Wenqing Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Ministry of Environmental Protection, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, #13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yixin Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 227 South Chongqing Rd, Shanghai 200025, China; Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA.
| | - Surong Mei
- State Key Laboratory of Environment Health (Incubation), Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health (Wuhan), Ministry of Environmental Protection, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, #13 Hangkong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
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Gica S, Demirkol MK, Yildirim A, Temiz Dogan N, Resim S. Evening type negatively affects semen quality by deteriorating sperm morphology: Results from an infertility clinic. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 291:190-195. [PMID: 38353088 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The effect of sleep-related variables on the reproductive system has garnered attention in recent years. One of the mediators that reportedly plays an important role in the relationship between sleep disorders and the reproductive system is a disruption of the circadian rhythm. The aim of curent study is to investigate the effect of chronotype on morning semen quality. STUDY DESIGN Three-hundred and fourteen patients who applied to the infertility clinic were included in the study. The patients filled a socio-demographic data form. The "Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to evaluate the sleep quality while the chronotypes of the patients were evaluated with the "Morningness -Eveningness-Questionnaire (MEQ)". Semen analyses and biochemical analysis for testosterone serum plasma level of all patients were performed. RESULTS Twenty-one patients were assigned as evening, 187 patients were assigned as intermediate, and 106 were assigned as morning chronotype. No statistically significant difference was identified in the comparison of the mean MEQ scores between patients with low and normal sperm concentrations(p = 0.884). A correlation analysis indicated the presence of a significant positive correlation between normal morphology and MEQ scores (r = 0.13, p < 0.05) and a negative corelation between the hours spent in bed and sperm concentration (r = -0.13, p < 0.05). A general linear model created with independent variables suggested that the presence of varicocele and MEQ scores had a significant effect on normal morphology. CONCLUSION The results of present study support that evening type could negatively affect sperm morphology; additionally, the time spent in bed also negatively affected sperm concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakir Gica
- Department of Psychiatry, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey.
| | - Mehmet Kutlu Demirkol
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkey.
| | - Abdullah Yildirim
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkey.
| | - Neslihan Temiz Dogan
- Andrology Laboratory, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkey.
| | - Sefa Resim
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkey.
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Sharma VK, Baidya S, Kandel P, Rajkarnikar S, Niraula A, Dubey RK, Raut M, Bhattarai A, Tuladhar ET, Koirala P. Positive Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody among Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Visiting an Infertility Clinic at a Tertiary Care Centre. JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc 2023; 61:941-944. [PMID: 38289756 PMCID: PMC10792722 DOI: 10.31729/jnma.8366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Polycystic ovarian syndrome is the most common endocrine-metabolic disorder, affecting women of reproductive age groups, which shares various symptoms with thyroid dysfunctions. Despite it predisposition of aforesaid cohorts to autoimmunity, these etiologies have not adequately been studied in them. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of positive thyroid peroxidase antibodies among women with polycystic ovarian syndrome visiting an infertility clinic at a tertiary care centre. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care centre among patients visiting the infertility clinic at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology from 21 September 2022 to 21 February 2023. Biochemical analysis of thyroid hormones, gonadal hormones, anti-mullerian hormone and thyroid peroxidase antibody were done in Abbott ARCHITECT ci4100 and SNIBE Maglumi 800 autoanalyzer. A convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval. Results Among 70 participants, thyroid peroxidase antibody was positive in 16 (22.86%) (13.02-32.69, 95% Confidence Interval). The mean age of the patients was 28.25±5.26 years. In the individuals with thyroid-stimulating hormone below 2.5 mIU/l, 5 (31.25%) had positive thyroid peroxidase antibody titre. Conclusions The prevalence of positive thyroid peroxidase antibodies among women with polycystic ovarian syndrome is similar to other studies done in similar settings. Regular monitoring of thyroid peroxidase antibodies is recommended in these women to guide conception in order to evade inevitable adverse pregnancy outcomes. Keywords anti-thyroid autoantibodies; autoimmunity; infertility; prevalence; polycystic ovary syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kumar Sharma
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sujata Baidya
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Pratibha Kandel
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Smrity Rajkarnikar
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Apeksha Niraula
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Raju Kumar Dubey
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Mithileshwer Raut
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Aseem Bhattarai
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Eans Tara Tuladhar
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Poonam Koirala
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Cirkovic S, Wilkinson J, Lensen S, Jackson E, Harper J, Lindemann K, Costa-Font J. Is the use of IVF add-on treatments driven by patients or clinics? Findings from a UK patient survey. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:365-372. [PMID: 37063051 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2197628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
There are conflicting narratives over what drives demand for add-ons. We undertook an online survey of IVF patients to determine whether patients perceive that use of IVF add-ons is driven by patients or practitioners. People who underwent IVF in the UK in the previous five years were recruited via social media Survey questions focussed on the roles of clinician offer and patient request, including who first suggested use of add-ons in IVF consultations, where patients first heard about them, and which information sources they trusted. From a total of 261 responses, 224 met the inclusion criteria. Overall, 67% of respondents had used one or more IVF add-ons, most commonly: time-lapse imaging (27%), EmbryoGlue (27%), and endometrial scratching (26%). Overall, 81% of the add-ons used were offered to participants by clinicians (compared to 19% requested by themselves). Half (54%) reported being offered add-ons during consultations, compared to 24% who initiated discussion about add-ons. Higher proportions of private patients reported being offered (90%), requesting (47%) and using (74%) add-ons than those with NHS funding (74%, 29%, 52%, respectively). The main limitations of this study are the small sample size, recruitment via a convenience sample, and the self-reported data capture which is subject to recall bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stevan Cirkovic
- Law School, London School for Economics and Political Science (LSE), London, UK
- Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), London, UK
| | - Jack Wilkinson
- Centre for Biostatistics, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Sarah Lensen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Emily Jackson
- Law School, London School for Economics and Political Science (LSE), London, UK
| | - Joyce Harper
- Institute of Women's Health, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | | | - Joan Costa-Font
- Department of Health Policy and Ageing and Health Incentives Lab (AHIL), London School for Economics and Political Science (LSE), London, UK
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9
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Medicines conviction for fertility clinic worker. Vet Rec 2023; 193:392. [PMID: 37975454 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.3681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
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10
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Génard-Walton M, McGee G, Williams PL, Souter I, Ford JB, Chavarro JE, Calafat AM, Hauser R, Mínguez-Alarcón L. Mixtures of urinary concentrations of phenols and phthalate biomarkers in relation to the ovarian reserve among women attending a fertility clinic. Sci Total Environ 2023; 898:165536. [PMID: 37453702 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Although prior studies have found associations of the ovarian reserve with urinary concentrations of some individual phenols and phthalate metabolites, little is known about the potential associations of these chemicals as a mixture with the ovarian reserve. We investigated whether mixtures of four urinary phenols (bisphenol A, butylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben) and eight metabolites of five phthalate diesters including di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate were associated with markers of the ovarian reserve among 271 women attending a fertility center who enrolled in the Environment and Reproductive Health study (2004-2017). The analysis was restricted to one outcome per study participant using the earliest outcome after the last exposure assessment. Ovarian reserve markers included lower antral follicle count (AFC) defined as AFC < 7, circulating serum levels of day 3 follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) assessed by immunoassays, and diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) defined as either AFC < 7, FSH > 10 UI/L or primary infertility diagnosis of DOR. We applied Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) and quantile g-computation to estimate the joint associations and assess the interactions between chemical exposure biomarkers on the markers of the ovarian reserve while adjusting for confounders. Among all 271 women, 738 urine samples were collected. In quantile g-computation models, a quartile increase in the exposure biomarkers mixture was not significantly associated with lower AFC (OR = 1.10, 95 % CI = 0.52, 2.30), day 3 FSH levels (Beta = 0.30, 95 % CI = -0.32, 0.93) or DOR (OR = 1.02, 95 % CI = 0.52, 2.05). Similarly, BKMR did not show any evidence of associations between the mixture and any of the studied outcomes, or interactions between chemicals. Despite the lack of associations, these results need to be explored among women in other study cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilien Génard-Walton
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France.
| | - Glen McGee
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Paige L Williams
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA; Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Irene Souter
- Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer B Ford
- Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Jorge E Chavarro
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA; Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA; Channing Division of Network Medicine, Harvard Medical School & Brigham and Women's Hospital, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA; Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón
- Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA; Channing Division of Network Medicine, Harvard Medical School & Brigham and Women's Hospital, USA
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11
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Choucair F, Atilan O, Almohammadi A, Younis N, Al Hourani A, Curchoe CL, Raad G. Low E-visibility of embryologists on fertility clinic websites: a web-based cross-sectional study. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2619-2626. [PMID: 37715874 PMCID: PMC10643726 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02938-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study assessed the visibility of embryologists on fertility clinic websites among Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) member clinics. METHODS During a 1-month interval (March 2022), all Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) member fertility clinic websites were evaluated. The professional representation of the primary care team was examined including specialties, the presence of headshots, and biographies. RESULTS A total of 446 fertility clinic websites were scanned in the search. The embryology team has the least common professional identification by their names (53.58%) compared to gynecology clinicians (96.21%, p < 0.001) and nurses (55.58%, p < 0.001). This trend also applies to other types of professional identifiers, such as headshots and biographies. Professional headshots of embryologists (50.34%) were less prominent than those of gynecology clinicians (93.51%, p < 0.001). A similar trend was observed in the biographies of the embryology team (47.20%) compared to gynecology clinicians (95.08%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The present study revealed that embryologists have low professional visibility on fertility clinic websites. Fertility clinics may prioritize enhancing the online visibility of their embryology laboratory team. This approach could potentially enhance the recognition of their team, foster transparency, and provide accessible information about the skills and expertise of healthcare professionals involved in the treatment process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadi Choucair
- Middle East Fertility Society Embryology Special Interest Group, Beirut, Lebanon
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Okan Atilan
- Middle East Fertility Society Embryology Special Interest Group, Beirut, Lebanon
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdulla Almohammadi
- Middle East Fertility Society Embryology Special Interest Group, Beirut, Lebanon
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nagham Younis
- Middle East Fertility Society Embryology Special Interest Group, Beirut, Lebanon
- Ovation Fertility, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Alia Al Hourani
- Middle East Fertility Society Embryology Special Interest Group, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of IVF and Fertility, International Hospital, Al Salmiya, Kuwait
| | - Carol Lynn Curchoe
- Middle East Fertility Society Embryology Special Interest Group, Beirut, Lebanon.
- ART Compass, Newport Beach, CA, USA.
| | - Georges Raad
- Middle East Fertility Society Embryology Special Interest Group, Beirut, Lebanon
- IVF Department, Al Hadi Laboratory and Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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12
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Magee B, Smith KR. In fertility clinics and acupuncture: a qualitative web-based study. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2367-2373. [PMID: 37526808 PMCID: PMC10504127 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02898-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing demand for fertility treatments has led to the rise of private clinics offering complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments. The most frequently offered CAM infertility treatment is acupuncture. However, there is no good evidence to support the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating infertility. This study evaluates the scope of information provided by CAM fertility clinics in the UK. A content analysis was conducted on 200 websites of CAM fertility clinics in the UK that offer acupuncture as a treatment for infertility. Of the 48 clinics that met the eligibility criteria, the majority of the websites did not provide sufficient information on the efficacy, risks and success rates of acupuncture for infertility. This has the potential to infringe on patient autonomy, provide false hope and reduce the chances of pregnancy ever being achieved as fertility declines during the time course of ineffective acupuncture treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Magee
- Division of Health Science, School of Applied Sciences, Abertay University, Dundee, DD1 1HG, UK
| | - Kevin Richard Smith
- Division of Health Science, School of Applied Sciences, Abertay University, Dundee, DD1 1HG, UK.
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13
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Kim AE, Anderson-Bialis J, Citro L, Gracia CR. Patient satisfaction with telemedicine and in-person visits in reproductive endocrinology and in fertility clinics. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103286. [PMID: 37619518 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Is patient satisfaction higher with telemedicine visits or in-person visits for an initial consultation in the ambulatory fertility setting? DESIGN A survey study of fertility patients who had an initial consultation visit between January 2018 and September 2022 was conducted using a nationally distributed survey. Patient satisfaction and other outcomes pertaining to patient experience were compared between telemedicine and in-person visits. RESULTS In total, 682 participants completed the survey nationwide; of these, 425 respondents had an in-person visit and 257 respondents had a telemedicine visit. Age, geographic region, race, education level, employment status, income level and marital status did not differ between the groups. Overall, 69.6% of participants were satisfied with telemedicine visits, with improvement in partner participation. More patients were satisfied with in-person visits compared with telemedicine visits (82.6% versus 69.6%, P<0.001), and more patients preferred in-person visits to telemedicine visits regardless of the type of appointment they had for their initial visit. In a subgroup analysis of patients seen during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, patients who had telemedicine visits were younger, more likely to be White, more educated and had a higher income compared with patients who had in-person visits. CONCLUSIONS Previously, the impact of telemedicine in the fertility setting was largely unknown. This study demonstrated that the majority of patients were satisfied with health care through telemedicine visits. However, patients were more satisfied with in-person visits, and preferred in-person visits to telemedicine visits. Further studies are needed to help clarify the differences in patient satisfaction with visit type, and to assess the role of telemedicine in future fertility care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne E Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | | | - Lauren Citro
- FertilityIQ, 2443 Fillmore Street #133, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Clarisa R Gracia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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14
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Coons LM, Loucks J. Role and impact of a clinical pharmacist in an ambulatory reproductive endocrinology and infertility clinic. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2023; 80:1206-1212. [PMID: 37306035 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxad133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Leslie M Coons
- The University of Kansas Health System Kansas City, KS, USA
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15
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Boedt T, Dancet E, Speelman N, Spiessens C, Matthys C, Lie Fong S. Belgian Fertility Clinic Staff Value Healthy Lifestyle Promotion but Lack Access to a Structured Lifestyle Modification Programme: An Observational Study. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2023; 88:278-285. [PMID: 37552964 PMCID: PMC10659001 DOI: 10.1159/000531139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Guidelines advise promoting a healthy lifestyle among patients with fertility problems as the lifestyle of women and men proved to be associated with their fertility. Australian fertility nurses were shown to lack access to structured lifestyle modification programmes, although they value healthy lifestyle promotion. This study aimed to examine whether gynaecologists also value promoting a healthy lifestyle and whether structured lifestyle modification programmes are available in Belgian fertility clinics. DESIGN An observational study was conducted among health care professionals (HCPs) working in Belgian fertility clinics. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS An Australian questionnaire on attitudes and practices related to promoting a healthy lifestyle among patients with fertility problems was reciprocally back-to-back translated and three open-ended questions were added. All HCPs of Belgian fertility clinics, including gynaecologists, fertility nurses/midwives, psychologists, and embryologists, were invited by e-mail to complete the questionnaire online. Responses to closed and open-ended questions were analysed with, respectively, descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis. Finally, differences in perspectives between different groups of HCPs were explored. RESULTS A total of 50 fertility nurses/midwives, 42 gynaecologists, and 19 other HCPs completed the survey (n = 111). Regarding attitudes, all respondents valued informing patients about the impact of lifestyle on fertility. The vast majority of HCPs (n = 96; 86%) stated that fertility clinics have the responsibility to address unhealthy lifestyles prior to offering fertility treatment. Fertility nurses/midwives were significantly more likely than gynaecologists to state that fertility clinics have this responsibility (p = 0.040). Regarding practices, the patient's lifestyle was most commonly discussed by the gynaecologist (n = 107; 96%) during the first appointment (n = 105; 95%). The lifestyle factors that were being addressed, according to the vast majority of respondents, were smoking, weight, age, alcohol, and recreational drugs. Only three HCPs (from three different clinics) stated that their clinic offered a structured lifestyle modification programme. HCPs explained that they lacked the resources and expertise for offering a structured lifestyle modification programme. LIMITATIONS Response rates were limited, but the responding Belgian gynaecologists and fertility nurses/midwives confirmed the findings of the previous study in Australian fertility nurses. CONCLUSIONS HCPs working in Belgian fertility clinics value healthy lifestyle promotion but lack access to structured lifestyle modification programmes to implement in their daily clinical practice. Future studies should focus on developing and evaluating structured lifestyle modification programmes for patients with fertility problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessy Boedt
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium,
| | - Eline Dancet
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Naomi Speelman
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carl Spiessens
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christophe Matthys
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sharon Lie Fong
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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16
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Cai XF, Zhao JM, Yang YS, Wang CY, Nian MX, Huang JF, Wang BY. Self-reported sleep quality and oligo/astheno/teratozoospermia among men attending an infertility clinic: a longitudinal study. Sleep Breath 2023; 27:1465-1471. [PMID: 36474109 DOI: 10.1007/s11325-022-02756-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to examine the influence of sleep disturbances on the risk of oligo/astheno/teratozoospermia (OAT) in men attending an infertility clinic. METHODS We consecutively enrolled men attending an infertility clinic from July 2020 to June 2021. Semen parameters were obtained at initial presentation, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale score, and the STOP-BANG Questionnair were completed to assess sleep quality. Embryo outcomes were evaluated after infertility treatment. RESULTS Of 466 men enrolled, 119 had OAT (OAT group) and 347 had normozoospermia (NS group). There were no differences between the two groups regarding Epworth Sleepiness Scale and STOP-BANG Questionnaire scores. The prevalence of poor sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score ≥ 5) in the OAT group was significantly higher than that in the NS group (42% vs. 29%, p = 0.009). A higher rate of poor subjective sleep quality was observed in the OAT group compared with the NS group (p = 0.005) and Pearson's correlations revealed a negative relationship between subjective sleep quality and semen quality. Logistic regression found that subjective sleep quality was independently associated with an increased risk of OAT (adjusted odds ratio = 0.610, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS Men with OAT attending an infertility clinic exhibited poor subjective sleep quality. Improving sleep disturbances may be a target intervention to reduce the risk of OAT. This possibility warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Fen Cai
- Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jian-Ming Zhao
- Fujian Provincial Sleep-Disordered Breathing Clinic Center, NO 20, Chazhong Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Song Yang
- Fujian Provincial Sleep-Disordered Breathing Clinic Center, NO 20, Chazhong Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Cai-Yun Wang
- Fujian Provincial Sleep-Disordered Breathing Clinic Center, NO 20, Chazhong Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Mei-Xin Nian
- Fujian Provincial Sleep-Disordered Breathing Clinic Center, NO 20, Chazhong Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie-Feng Huang
- Fujian Provincial Sleep-Disordered Breathing Clinic Center, NO 20, Chazhong Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of Respiratory Disease, Fujian Medical University, NO 20, Chazhong Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, NO 20, Chazhong Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bi-Ying Wang
- Fujian Provincial Sleep-Disordered Breathing Clinic Center, NO 20, Chazhong Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of Respiratory Disease, Fujian Medical University, NO 20, Chazhong Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, NO 20, Chazhong Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.
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17
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Patel R. Entering the "Field": Challenges of conducting fieldwork in an infertility clinic. Indian J Med Ethics 2023; VIII:195-202. [PMID: 36880464 DOI: 10.20529/ijme.2022.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Carrying out fieldwork in private infertility clinics poses its own specific set of challenges. Gaining access to these field sites not only obliges researchers to negotiate with gatekeepers but also to deal with structures of hierarchy and power. Based on my preliminary fieldwork in Lucknow city of Uttar Pradesh, I discuss the challenges of conducting fieldwork in infertility clinics and how methodological challenges push the researcher to question the academically established notions of the "field", "fieldwork" and "research ethics". The paper stresses the importance of discussing the challenges of doing fieldwork in private health setups and is an attempt to answer vital questions about the nature of fieldwork, how the fieldwork was conducted, and the need to include questions and dilemmas that anthropologists might face in the process of making decisions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Patel
- Senior Research Fellow, Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, INDIA
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18
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Zhang N, Zhao Y, Zhai L, Bai Y, Jia L. Urinary bisphenol A and S are associated with diminished ovarian reserve in women from an infertility clinic in Northern China. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2023; 256:114867. [PMID: 37027940 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) has been demonstrated to cause ovarian toxicity including disruption of steroidogenesis and inhibition of follicle growth. Still, human evidence is lacking on its analogs such as bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS). In this study, we aimed to investigate the associations between exposure to BPA, BPF, and BPS with ovarian reserve in women of childbearing age. We recruited 111 women from an infertility clinic in Shenyang, North China between September 2020 and February 2021. Anti-müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol (E2) were measured as indicators of ovarian reserve. Urinary BPA, BPF, and BPS concentrations were quantified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadruple mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Linear and logistic regression models were applied to assess the associations between urinary BPA, BPF, and BPS levels and indicators of ovarian reserve and DOR, respectively. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were further utilized to explore potential non-linear associations. Our results showed that urinary BPS concentrations were negatively associated with AMH (β = - 0.287, 95 %CI: - 0.505, - 0.070, P = 0.010) and this inverse relationship was further confirmed in the RCS model. In addition, higher levels of BPA and BPS exposure were associated with increased DOR risk (BPA: OR = 7.112, 95 %CI: 1.247, 40.588, P = 0.027; BPS: OR = 6.851, 95 %CI: 1.241, 37.818, P = 0.027). No significant associations of BPF exposure with ovarian reserve. Our findings implied that higher BPA and BPS exposure may be related to decreased ovarian reserve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningxin Zhang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Yannan Zhao
- The Center of Reproductive Medicine Clinical Research, Shenyang Women's and Children's Hospital, PR China
| | - Lingling Zhai
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Yinglong Bai
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, PR China
| | - Lihong Jia
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, PR China.
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19
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Rowlinson E, Da Silva SM, Olisa NP, Campo-Engelstein L. Should patients pay for sperm given for free? Results from a pilot study on fertility clinics' views on the charging for altruistically donated sperm. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:1063-1070. [PMID: 36943574 PMCID: PMC10239429 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02776-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Many countries prohibit payment for gamete donation, which means fertility clinics do not have to compensate donors. However, acquiring and utilizing donor sperm can still be expensive for fertility clinics. This study evaluates international fertility workers' views on charging patients for altruistically donated sperm. METHODS Using social media and email, we disseminated a SurveyMonkey survey with a question that was specifically focused on opinions about charging patients for altruistically donated sperm. Clinicians were able to select multiple pre-populated answer choices as well as write answers that reflected their views as an open-ended response. Snowball sampling was utilized to reach international fertility clinicians. RESULTS Of 112 respondents from 14 countries, 88% believe it is acceptable to charge for altruistically donated sperm based on one or more of four different assenting categories: so patients appreciate that sperm is valuable, because it generates funds for the running of the clinic, to cover specific costs associated with sperm, and to make a profit for the clinic. CONCLUSIONS The consensus that charging for altruistically donated sperm is acceptable was not surprising since recruiting and processing donor sperm can be expensive for clinics. However, there were geographical differences for specific assenting answer choices which may be based on countries' income, and healthcare system, as well as religious and cultural beliefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Rowlinson
- The University of Texas Medical Branch John Sealy School of Medicine, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77550, USA.
| | | | | | - Lisa Campo-Engelstein
- The University of Texas Medical Branch Institute for Bioethics & Health Humanities, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX, 77550, USA
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20
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Radwan P, Wielgomas B, Radwan M, Krasiński R, Bujak-Pietrek S, Polańska K, Kilanowicz A, Jurewicz J. Urinary concentration of selected nonpersistent endocrine disrupting chemicals-reproductive outcomes among women from a fertility clinic. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:45088-45096. [PMID: 36701050 PMCID: PMC10076394 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25355-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Parabens and benzophenones are compounds widely used in cosmetics and personal care products. Although human exposure is widespread there is a limited number of epidemiological studies assessing the relationship between exposure to these chemicals and female reproductive health. The aim of the study is to explore the relationship between paraben and benzophenone concentrations and reproductive outcomes among women attending a fertility center. This prospective cohort included 450 women undergoing in vitro treatment (IVF) at fertility clinic in Poland. The validated gas chromatography ion-tap mass spectrometry to assess concentrations of parabens in urine (methyl (MP), ethyl (EP), propyl (PP), butyl paraben (BP)) and benzophenone-3 (BP-3) was used. To explore the relationship between concentrations of examined chemicals and reproductive outcomes (methaphase II (MII) oocyte yield, total oocyte yield, implantation rate, fertilization rate, clinical pregnancy, live births), multivariable generalized linear mixed model was used for the analysis. Increased exposure to butyl paraben was associated with a significant decrease in MII oocyte count (p = 0.007) when exposure to BP was treated as the continuous variable. Additionally, the exposure to BP in the highest quartile of exposure also decreases MII oocyte count (p = 0.02) compared to the lowest quartile. Urinary concentrations of BP were not related to total oocyte count, fertilization and implantation rate, clinical pregnancy, and live birth when the exposure variable was continuous variable or in the quartiles of exposure. Exposure to MP, EP, PP, the sum of examined parabens, and benzophenone-3 were not related to any of the examined reproductive outcomes. Exposure to butyl paraben was associated with a decrease in MII oocyte count among women attending fertility clinic rinsing concerns that exposure may have a potential adverse impact on embryological outcomes. The results emphasize the importance to reduce chemicals in the environment in order to minimize exposure. As this is the first study showing such an association, further research is needed to confirm these novel results in other populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Radwan
- Department of Gynecology and Reproduction, “Gameta” Health Centre, 7 Cybernetyki St, 02-677 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Gynecology and Reproduction, “Gameta” Clinic, Kielce-Regional Science –Technology Centre, 45 Podzamcze St, 26-060 Chęciny, Poland
| | - Bartosz Wielgomas
- Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 107 Hallera St., 80-416, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Michał Radwan
- Department of Gynecology and Reproduction, “Gameta” Hospital, 34/36 Rudzka St., 95-030 Rzgów, Poland
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Mazovian State University in Płock, 2 Dabrowskiego Sq., 09-402 Plock, Poland
| | - Rafał Krasiński
- Department of Gynecology and Reproduction, “Gameta” Hospital, 34/36 Rudzka St., 95-030 Rzgów, Poland
| | - Stella Bujak-Pietrek
- Department of Chemical Safety, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, 8 Teresy St; 91-348, Łódź, Poland
| | - Kinga Polańska
- Department of Paediatrics and Allergy, Copernicus Memorial Hospital, Medical University of Lodz, Piłsudskiego 71; 90-329, Łódź, Poland
| | - Anna Kilanowicz
- Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Lodz, Muszynskiego 1; 90-151, Łódź, Poland
| | - Joanna Jurewicz
- Department of Chemical Safety, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, 8 Teresy St; 91-348, Łódź, Poland
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Abdo NM, Ahmad H, Loney T, Zarmakoupis PN, Aslam I, Irfan S, Grivna M, Ahmed LA, Al-Rifai RH. Characterization of Fertility Clinic Attendees in the Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:ijerph20031692. [PMID: 36767058 PMCID: PMC9914043 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
This study describes the primary and secondary infertility in patients attending fertility clinics and reports factors associated with primary infertility. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in two fertility clinics in Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates (UAE) between December 2020 and May 2021. The collected information covered sociodemographic, lifestyle, medical, and fertility-related characteristics. The mean age and age at marriage (±SD) of the 928 patients were 35.7 (±6.7) and 25.2 (±6.3) years, respectively. Of the total, 72.0% were obese and overweight, 26.6% reported a consanguineous marriage, and 12.5% were smokers. Secondary infertility (62.5%) was more frequent than primary infertility (37.5%). Primary infertility was inversely associated with age (aOR, 0.94, 95% CI: 0.91-0.98) and not being overweight (aOR, 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4-0.9) while positively associated with a nationality other than Middle Eastern nationality (aOR, 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1-3.3), married for ≤5 years (aOR, 6.0, 95% CI: 3.9-9.3), in a nonconsanguineous marriage (aOR, 2.4, 95% CI: 1.5-3.9), having a respiratory disease (aOR, 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1-4.6), an increased age at puberty (aOR, 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0-1.3), and self-reported 6-<12 months (aOR, 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2-5.1) and ≥12 months (aOR, 3.4, 95% CI: 1.8-6.4) infertility. Patients with primary infertility were more likely to be diagnosed with infertility of an ovulation, tubal, or uterine origin (aOR, 3.9, 95% CI: 1.9-7.9). Secondary infertility was more common than primary infertility. Several preventable fertility-related risk factors including overweight, smoking, and diabetes were found to be common among the fertility clinic attendees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Motea Abdo
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hafiz Ahmad
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, RAK College of Medical Sciences, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates
- Molecular Division, RAK Hospital, Ras al Khaimah P.O. Box 11393, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tom Loney
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai P.O. Box 505055, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Irfan Aslam
- HealthPlus Fertility Center, HealthPlus Network of Specialty Centers, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shazia Irfan
- HealthPlus Fertility Center, HealthPlus Network of Specialty Centers, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Michal Grivna
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, V Úvalu 84, 150 06 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Luai A. Ahmed
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rami H. Al-Rifai
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence:
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22
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Deng YL, Yang P, Wang YX, Liu C, Luo Q, Shi T, Zeng JY, Lu TT, Chen PP, Miao Y, Zhang M, Cui FP, Lu WQ, Zeng Q. Urinary concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and phthalate metabolite mixtures in relation to semen quality among men attending an infertility clinic. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2022; 29:81749-81759. [PMID: 35737263 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21525-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have reported that exposure to phthalates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is individually associated with altered semen quality, but no human studies have evaluated their joint effects of exposure mixtures, a more real-world scenario. We aimed to explore urinary metabolite mixtures of phthalates and PAHs in associations with semen quality. Repeated spot-urine samples gathered from 695 men attending a fertility clinic were analyzed for urinary metabolites of eight phthalates and ten monohydroxylated-PAHs (OH-PAHs). Principal component analysis (PCA)-multivariable linear regression (MLR) model, quantile g-computation (qg-comp), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were applied to estimate the associations of urinary mixtures of phthalate and OH-PAH metabolites with semen quality. The overall effects of urinary mixtures of phthalate and PAH metabolites on semen quality were not statistically significant. However, hydroxynaphthalene (OHNa) factor identified from PCA was monotonically associated with decreased total sperm count and sperm concentration, whereas di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) factor was non-monotonically related to increased progressive sperm motility and total sperm motility. Qg-comp and BKMR models confirmed these findings and identified 2-OHNa and 2-OHFlu as the primary negative contributors, whereas MEOHP and MEHP as the primary positive contributors. Our findings suggest that exposure to mixtures of naphthalene and DEHP is associated with altered semen quality. The finding is warranted to confirm in further well-designed epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ling Deng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Pan Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiong Luo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian Shi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Yue Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting-Ting Lu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Pan-Pan Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Miao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei-Peng Cui
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Qing Lu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
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Lazzari E, Baffour B, Chambers GM. Residential proximity to a fertility clinic is independently associated with likelihood of women having ART and IUI treatment. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:2662-2671. [PMID: 36112009 PMCID: PMC9627258 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is geographic proximity to a fertility clinic associated with the likelihood of women of reproductive age undertaking different forms of medically assisted fertility treatment? SUMMARY ANSWER After adjusting for socioeconomic status (SES) and other confounders including a proxy for the need for infertility treatment, women who lived within 15 km of a fertility clinic were 21% more likely to undergo ART treatment and 68% more likely to undergo IUI treatment than those who lived further than 60 km away. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In most countries, patients living outside of metropolitan areas are more likely to be more socio-economically disadvantaged and to have less equitable access to healthcare. However, how a woman's residential proximity to fertility clinics predicts utilization of high-cost/high-technology treatment (ART) and low-cost/low-technology treatment (IUI) is limited, and whether socio-economic disadvantage explains much of the hypothesized lower utilization is unknown. Australia's universal insurance scheme provides supportive reimbursement for almost all ART and IUI treatment regardless of age or number of cycles, providing a unique setting to investigate disparities in access to infertility treatment. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION National population-based observation study of ART and IUI treatment utilization by women across socio-economic gradients and Australian residential locations between August 2015 and December 2017. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Universal insurance claims information on female patients who underwent ART or IUI were provided by Services Australia, comprising 67 670 female patients who accessed 162 795 ART treatments, and 10 211 female patients who accessed 19 615 IUI treatments over a 29-month period. Incidence rates by SES and proximity to fertility clinics were calculated to describe the number of women undergoing at least one ART or IUI treatment cycle per 1000 women of reproductive age (25-44). Treatment frequencies were calculated to describe the average number of ART or IUI treatment cycles per woman of reproductive age who had undergone at least one ART or IUI treatment during the study period. Poisson regression analyses were used to estimate the independent effect on accessibility to infertility treatment by geographic proximity (based on small area locations) to the closest fertility clinic after adjusting for SES, childbearing delay, remoteness area, and marital status. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE On average, 19.1 women per 1000 women of reproductive age underwent at least one fresh or frozen ART cycle, with an average 2.3 ART cycles each, while 3.0 women per 1000 women of reproductive age received at least one IUI cycle, with an average of 1.6 IUI cycles each. After adjusting for SES and other confounders including a proxy for the need for infertility treatment, women who lived within 15 km of a fertility clinic were 21% more likely to undergo ART treatment and 68% more likely to undergo IUI than those who lived over 60 km away. Regardless of geographic location, there was a steady and independent gradient in access to ART treatment based on increasing SES, with women residing in the most advantaged residential quartile having a 37% higher rate of receiving ART treatment compared to those in the most disadvantaged quartile. The negative effect of social disadvantage on ART use became more pronounced as distance from a fertility clinic grew, indicating that the barriers to access to ART care caused by distance were further compounded by the level of socioeconomic advantage of the women's residential location. In contrast, socioeconomic status did not modify the likelihood of using IUI over and above the distance from a fertility clinic. In relation to IUI treatment, differences in utilization by SES disappeared after adjusting for geographic proximity to a fertility clinic, childbearing delay, remoteness area, and marital status. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Information is aggregated by small geographic areas and it therefore may not reflect individual characteristics. Australia provides partial but comparably supportive reimbursement for both ART and IUI through its universal healthcare system and thus the results may not be fully generalizable to other settings. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Residential proximity to a fertility clinic is a persistent barrier to accessing ART and IUI treatment, regardless of SES, even in countries characterized by supportive public funding, such as Australia. SES is less of a barrier to accessing IUI than ART, presumably driven by the lower cost and fewer clinic visits required with IUI treatment. Safe and effective fertility treatment should be available to all women regardless of where they live. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Australian National University Research scholarship and by the Higher Degree Research Fee Merit Scholarship. The authors have no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Lazzari
- Department of Demography, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernard Baffour
- School of Demography, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Georgina M Chambers
- National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit (NPESU), Centre or Big Data Research in Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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24
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Miao Y, Zeng JY, Rong M, Li M, Zhang L, Liu C, Tian KM, Yang KD, Liu CJ, Zeng Q. Organochlorine pesticide exposures, metabolic enzyme genetic polymorphisms and semen quality parameters among men attending an infertility clinic. Chemosphere 2022; 303:135010. [PMID: 35605733 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The associations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) with semen quality from human studies are conflicting, and also it is largely unknown whether the associations are modified by genetic polymorphisms. We aimed to evaluate the associations between serum concentrations of 18 OCPs and semen quality among 387 Chinese men, and further to examine the modifying effects by genetic polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 (CYP2E1) and glutathione S-transferase (GSTT1). Multivariable linear regressions were used to evaluate the relationships between serum OCP concentrations and semen quality, and the role of CYP2E1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms in modifying the associations were assessed. Multiple testing was adjusted using the false discovery rate (FDR). We observed that men with detectable concentrations of serum ɤ-HCH had a decrease in sperm motility of 7.07% (95% CI: -10.9%, -3.24%) compared to those with undetectable concentrations (FDR-P value = 0.02). Men with TT of CYP2E1 rs 915906 genotypes had higher median concentrations of serum dieldrin compared with those with CT/CC of CYP2E1 rs 915906 genotypes. There were interactions between CYP2E1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms and certain OCPs namely ɤ-HCH, δ-HCH, dieldrin, endosulfan I, and endrin aldehyde on semen quality. For example, elevated dieldrin levels in relation to decreased sperm concentration, sperm count, and sperm motility were only observed among men with CC of CYP2E1 rs2031920 genotypes (all Pinteraction < 0.05). However, these interactions were not statistically significant after the FDR adjustment. Our results suggested that CYP2E1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms may modify the effects of OCP exposures on semen quality. Due to the relatively small size samples, further investigation is warranted to confirm the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Miao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Jia-Yue Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Mao Rong
- Hubei Provincial Institute for Food Supervision and Test, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Hubei Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center for Food Quality and Safety Test, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Min Li
- Hubei Provincial Institute for Food Supervision and Test, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Hubei Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center for Food Quality and Safety Test, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Li Zhang
- Hubei Provincial Institute for Food Supervision and Test, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Hubei Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center for Food Quality and Safety Test, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Kun-Ming Tian
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Ke-Di Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Chang-Jiang Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute, Chongqing, PR China.
| | - Qiang Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China.
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25
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Zeng JY, Miao Y, Liu C, Deng YL, Chen PP, Zhang M, Cui FP, Shi T, Lu TT, Liu CJ, Zeng Q. Serum multiple organochlorine pesticides in relation to testosterone concentrations among Chinese men from an infertility clinic. Chemosphere 2022; 299:134469. [PMID: 35367495 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals and may alter male reproductive hormone concentrations. OBJECTIVE To explore the associations between multiple OCP exposures and serum testosterone concentrations among Chinese men. METHODS We investigated 421 men who provided serum samples from an infertility clinic in Wuhan, China. Each man completed a questionnaire concerning demographic characteristics and lifestyle habits. Serum concentrations of 18 OCPs and total testosterone were measured. Linear regression models were used to explore whether serum OCP levels were associated with altered testosterone concentrations, and potential effect modifications by age and body mass index (BMI) were also examined. RESULTS After adjusting for potential confounders, elevated dieldrin and p,p'-DDD levels had monotonically negative and positive exposure-response associations with testosterone concentrations, respectively (-30.98 ng/dL, 95% CI: -72.34, 10.37; P for trend = 0.12 and 41.31 ng/dL, 95% CI: -0.32, 82.93; P for trend = 0.06 for the highest vs. non-detectable exposure category, respectively). After stratification by age and BMI, dieldrin in relation to decreased testosterone concentrations was more pronounced among men aged <30 years old, and p,p'-DDD in relation to increased testosterone concentrations was stronger among men aged ≥30 years old and among men with a BMI <24 kg/m2, though the differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION The study found evidence that serum dieldrin and p,p'-DDD concentrations might be associated with altered serum testosterone concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Yue Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yu Miao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yan-Ling Deng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Pan-Pan Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Fei-Peng Cui
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Tian Shi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Ting-Ting Lu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Chang-Jiang Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute, Chongqing, PR China.
| | - Qiang Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China.
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Radwan P, Wielgomas B, Radwan M, Krasiński R, Kilanowicz-Sapota A, Banaszczyk R, Jurewicz J. Synthetic Pyrethroids Exposure and Embryological Outcomes: A Cohort Study in Women from Fertility Clinic. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19095117. [PMID: 35564520 PMCID: PMC9100335 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Pyrethroids exposure has been associated with adverse reproductive outcome. However, there is no study that explores the effect of environmental exposure and embryological outcomes. This question was addressed in a prospective cohort of couples undergoing fertility treatment. The study aims to assess the association between urinary metabolites of synthetic pyrethroids and embryological outcomes (MII oocyte count, top quality embryo, fertilization and implantation rate). We included 450 women aged 25−45 undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle at Infertility Clinic in Poland. Urine samples were collected at the time of fertility procedure(s) to assess four urinary synthetic pyrethroids concentrations (3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3PBA), cis-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (cis-DCCA), trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid (trans-DCCA), cis-2,2-dibromovinyl-2,2-dimethylocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (DBCA)) using validated gas chromatography ion-tap mass spectrometry and calculated for each cycle-specific metabolite. To evaluate the effect of environmental exposure to synthetic pyrethroids and embryological outcomes (methaphase II (MII) oocyte yield, top quality embryo, fertilization rate, implantation rate), multivariable generalized linear mixed analyses with random intercepts were prepared. Urinary 3-PBA concentrations decrease MII oocyte count (p = 0.007) in the fourth quartile (>75 percentile) compared to women in the first quartile (≤25 percentile). Additionally, when 3-PBA was treated as continuous variable, the negative association between exposure to pyrethroids and MII oocyte count was also observed (p = 0.012). Exposure to other pyrethroid metabolities (CDCCA, TDCCA, DBCA) was not related to any of the examined embryological outcomes. Exposure to synthetic pyrethroids may be associated with poorer embryological outcome among couples seeking fertility treatments. As this is the first study on this topic, the results need to be confirmed in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Radwan
- Gameta Health Centre, 7 Cybernetyki St., 02-677 Warsaw, Poland;
- Gameta, Kielce-Regional Science-Technology Centre, 45 Podzamcze St., Chęciny, 26-060 Kielce, Poland
| | - Bartosz Wielgomas
- Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 107 Hallera St., 80-416 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Michał Radwan
- Department of Gynecology and Reproduction, Gameta Hospital, 34/36 Rudzka St., 95-030 Rzgow, Poland; (M.R.); (R.K.); (R.B.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Mazovian State University in Plock, 2 Dabrowskiego Sq., 09-402 Plock, Poland
| | - Rafał Krasiński
- Department of Gynecology and Reproduction, Gameta Hospital, 34/36 Rudzka St., 95-030 Rzgow, Poland; (M.R.); (R.K.); (R.B.)
| | - Anna Kilanowicz-Sapota
- Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Lodz, Muszyńskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Renata Banaszczyk
- Department of Gynecology and Reproduction, Gameta Hospital, 34/36 Rudzka St., 95-030 Rzgow, Poland; (M.R.); (R.K.); (R.B.)
| | - Joanna Jurewicz
- Department of Chemical Safety, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, 8 Teresy St., 91-348 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence:
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Adhikary P, Roy N, Mburu G, Kabra R, Habib NA, Kiarie J, Dhabhai N, Chowdhury R, Mazumder S. Characteristics, experiences and actions taken by women to address delayed conception: A mixed-methods cross-sectional study protocol. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264777. [PMID: 35275948 PMCID: PMC8916660 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The impact of infertility on mental, emotional, physical and sexual health is grave, particularly in a pronatalist society. Literature is replete with evidence of wide ranging psychosocial consequences of infertility in women, indicating the need for identifying the gaps and designing appropriate context specific interventions to improve access and utilization of services. Data that are accessible, primarily from infertility clinics and women visiting hospitals for infertility treatment; information from community settings is rare. This is a protocol paper for a study to understand women’s experiences and actions taken by them to cope with delayed conception. Methods Mixed-methods cross-sectional design is used to obtain deep insights into the experiences of delayed conception, coping mechanisms, medical assistance and other help sought. Information is also being obtained on socio-demographic profile, fertility intentions, fertility quality of life, general medical history, obstetric, gynecological and sexual history, substance use and mental health status. A sample of 1530 women will be administered 4 modules of a quantitative survey. Focus group discussions, about four or till saturation point, will be conducted using purposive sampling. The study is recruiting from a population of women who previously participated in the ‘Women and Infants Integrated Interventions for Growth Study (WINGS) and failed to conceive during 18 months follow up period. Data collected through questionnaire will be assembled, cleaned, analyzed and reported. The findings will be disseminated through reports with the ethics review committee, government entities, academic and research publications. Discussion This study will provide insights on the experiences and coping strategies of women with delayed conception in the study community. Results will assist in designing appropriate interventions to meet the holistic health and psychosocial needs of women with delayed conception and promote sexual and reproductive health within the broader framework of Sustainable Development Goals and Universal health coverage. Trial registration Trial registration number: CTRI/2020/03/023955.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Adhikary
- Centre for Health Research and Development, Society for Applied Studies, New Delhi, India
| | - Nivedita Roy
- Centre for Health Research and Development, Society for Applied Studies, New Delhi, India
| | - Gitau Mburu
- UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rita Kabra
- UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ndema Abu Habib
- UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - James Kiarie
- UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Neeta Dhabhai
- Centre for Health Research and Development, Society for Applied Studies, New Delhi, India
| | - Ranadip Chowdhury
- Centre for Health Research and Development, Society for Applied Studies, New Delhi, India
| | - Sarmila Mazumder
- Centre for Health Research and Development, Society for Applied Studies, New Delhi, India
- * E-mail:
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Chen PP, Liu C, Zhang M, Miao Y, Cui FP, Deng YL, Luo Q, Zeng JY, Shi T, Lu TT, Yin WJ, Lu WQ, Yi GL, Qiu G, Zeng Q. Associations between urinary bisphenol A and its analogues and semen quality: A cross-sectional study among Chinese men from an infertility clinic. Environ Int 2022; 161:107132. [PMID: 35149449 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Human studies on association between bisphenol A (BPA) exposure and semen quality, mostly based on single urinary measurement, are inconsistent. There is limited human evidence on BPA analogues such as bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS), and little is known on potential effects of bisphenol mixtures. We aimed to explore whether individual or mixtures of BPA, BPS and BPF assessed in repeated urinary measurements were associated with semen quality among 984 Chinese men from an infertility clinic. We found that higher BPA exposure was associated with increased odds ratios (ORs) of having below-reference sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility and total motility (all P for trends < 0.05). Higher BPS exposure was associated with increased ORs of having below-reference progressive motility and total motility (both P for trends = 0.02); the ORs comparing extreme quartiles were 1.62 (95% CI: 1.07, 2.43) and 1.57 (95% CI: 1.06, 2.33), respectively. Elevated risks for each outcome were also observed when bisphenol mixtures were at ≥ 55th percentiles. For semen quality parameters modeled as continuous outcomes, inverse associations with individual BPA and BPS and bisphenol mixtures were still estimated. Our results suggested that higher exposure to individual BPA and BPS and bisphenol mixtures were associated with impaired semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan-Pan Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yu Miao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Fei-Peng Cui
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yan-Ling Deng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Qiong Luo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Jia-Yue Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Tian Shi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Ting-Ting Lu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Wen-Jun Yin
- Wuhan Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Wen-Qing Lu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Gui-Lin Yi
- Wuhan Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - GaoKun Qiu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Qiang Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China.
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Nwosu IA, Njemanze VC, Ekpechu JO, Eteng MJ, Ukah JA, Eyisi EC, Ohuruogu B, Alo CA, Ordu GEO, Ezeali TC. Prevalence and determinants of use of traditional methods of infertility treatment among women attending infertility clinic in Southeast Nigeria. Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26:63-73. [PMID: 37585113 DOI: 10.29063/ajrh2022/v26i3.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Infertility, an obstacle to healthy living, makes its victims patronize traditional methods of infertility treatment (TMIT) in spite of associated complications. They turn to hospitals when this method fails. This is actually a serious issue because the presence of contaminated herbal products and the relationship between the use of TMIT and noncompliance with biomedical treatment regimens constitutes a major concern in medical practice. And the use of traditional methods of infertility treatment has been correlated with severe and fatal consequences. Therefore, the study assessed prevalence/determinants of TMIT use among patients visiting the gynaecology clinic at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA). Descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted for the research. Only 263 women took part in the study. The research instrument was questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that 95.4% of these women have used traditional methods for infertility treatment and factors influencing infertile women's use of TMIT are demographic characteristics, infertility duration, husbands' relatives' pressure and cheap cost of traditional medical treatment. Again, inability of infertile women to disclose TMIT use to healthcare providers makes effective treatment difficult. Therefore, these impediments expose infertile women to use TMIT. The result is a guide to healthcare providers who are expected to know the extent of their parents' use of TMIT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Innocent A Nwosu
- Department of Sociology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Nigeria
| | - Vivian C Njemanze
- Department of Sociology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Nigeria
| | - Joseph O Ekpechu
- Department of Sociology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Nigeria
| | - Mary J Eteng
- Department of Sociology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Nigeria
| | - Jonathan A Ukah
- Department of Sociology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel C Eyisi
- Department of Sociology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Nigeria
| | - Ben Ohuruogu
- Department of Health Education, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Chinyere A Alo
- Department of Physical & Health Education, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Nigeria
| | - Gilbert E O Ordu
- Department of Criminology & Security Studies, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike, Ikwo Nigeria
| | - Thonia C Ezeali
- Department of Mass Communication, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike, Ikwo, Nigeria
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Cui FP, Liu C, Deng YL, Chen PP, Miao Y, Luo Q, Zhang M, Yang P, Wang YX, Lu WQ, Zeng Q. Urinary and seminal plasma concentrations of phthalate metabolites in relation to spermatogenesis-related miRNA106a among men from an infertility clinic. Chemosphere 2022; 288:132464. [PMID: 34619260 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Studies indicate that phthalates can disrupt spermatogenesis and lead to the reduction of semen quality. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the associations of phthalate exposures as individual chemicals and mixtures with spermatogenesis-related miRNA106a. We detected eight phthalate metabolites in repeated urine samples and a single seminal plasma specimen among 111 men from an infertility clinic in Wuhan, China. Spermatogenesis-related miRNA106a was measured in seminal plasma. We used multivariable linear regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models to separately evaluate the associations of phthalate metabolites as individual chemicals and mixtures with spermatogenesis-related miRNA106a. Elevated tertiles of urinary mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) was associated with decreased miRNA106a (-61.71%; 95%CI: 81.92, -18.93% for the highest vs. lowest tertile; P for trend = 0.01). Similarly, an inverse exposure-response relationship between seminal plasma MEHP concentrations and miRNA106a was also observed (-59.44%; 95%CI: 79.19, -20.95% for the highest vs. lowest tertile; P for trend = 0.01). The BKMR models showed that the mixtures of seminal plasma phthalate metabolites were associated with decreased miRNA106a when the chemical mixtures were ≥35th percentile compared to their medians. Nonlinear associations with miRNA106a were estimated for urinary and seminal plasma MEHP while fixing other phthalate metabolites at their medians. Our findings suggest that mixtures of phthalate metabolites in seminal plasma were negatively associated with spermatogenesis-related miRNA106a, and individual MEHP was the major contributor to the adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei-Peng Cui
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yan-Ling Deng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Pan-Pan Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yu Miao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Qiong Luo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Pan Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Basic Medicine and Public Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wen-Qing Lu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Qiang Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China.
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Copp T, Nickel B, Lensen S, Hammarberg K, Lieberman D, Doust J, Mol BW, McCaffery K. Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) test information on Australian and New Zealand fertility clinic websites: a content analysis. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e046927. [PMID: 34233986 PMCID: PMC8264877 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) test has been promoted as a way to inform women about their future fertility. However, data consistently show the test is a poor predictor of natural fertility potential for an individual woman. As fertility centre websites are often a primary source of information for reproductive information, it is essential the information provided is accurate and reflects the available evidence. We aimed to systematically record and categorise information about the AMH test found on Australian and New Zealand fertility clinic websites. DESIGN Content analysis of online written information about the AMH test on fertility clinic websites. SETTING Accredited Australian and New Zealand fertility clinic websites. METHODS Data were extracted between April and June 2020. Any webpage that mentioned the AMH test, including blogs specifically about the AMH test posted since 2015, was analysed and the content categorised. RESULTS Of the 39 active accredited fertility clinics' websites, 25 included information about the AMH test. The amount of information varied widely, and embodied four overarching categories; (1) the utility of the AMH test, (2) who the test is suitable for, (3) possible actions in response to the test and (4) caveats and limitations of the test. Eight specific statements about the utility of the test were identified, many of which are not evidence-based. While some websites were transparent regarding the test's limitations, others mentioned no caveats or included persuasive statements actively promoting the test as empowering for a range of women in different circumstances. CONCLUSIONS Several websites had statements about the utility of the AMH test that are not supported by the evidence. This highlights the need for higher standards for information provided on fertility clinic websites to prevent women being misled to believe the test can reliably predict their fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Copp
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Wiser Healthcare, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Health Literacy Lab, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brooke Nickel
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Wiser Healthcare, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Health Literacy Lab, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Lensen
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karin Hammarberg
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Devora Lieberman
- City Fertility Centre Pty Ltd, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jenny Doust
- Centre of Longitudinal and Life Course Research, School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ben W Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kirsten McCaffery
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Wiser Healthcare, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Health Literacy Lab, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Zhang M, Liu C, Cui FP, Chen PP, Deng YL, Luo Q, Miao Y, Sun SZ, Li YF, Lu WQ, Zeng Q. The role of oxidative stress in association between disinfection by-products exposure and semen quality: A mediation analysis among men from an infertility clinic. Chemosphere 2021; 268:128856. [PMID: 33189401 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Toxicological and epidemiologic evidence has suggested that exposure to disinfection by-products (DBPs) impairs semen quality, while the underlying biological mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of oxidative stress in association between DBP exposure and semen quality. We measured a urinary biomarker of DBP exposure [trichloroacetic acid (TCAA)] and three urinary biomarkers of oxidative stress [8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-isoPGF2α) and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-mercapturic acid (HNE-MA)] among men from an infertility clinic (n = 299). The associations of oxidative stress biomarkers with urinary TCAA and semen quality were evaluated using multivariable linear regression models, and the mediating role of oxidative stress biomarkers was assessed by a mediation analysis. Urinary TCAA was positively associated with urinary 8-OHdG and 8-isoPGF2α in a dose-response manner (both P for trend < 0.001). Significantly inverse dose-response associations were observed between urinary 8-isoPGF2α and sperm concentration and between urinary 8-OHdG and sperm motility (both P for trend < 0.05). The mediation analysis indicated a significant indirect effect of urinary 8-isoPGF2α in the association between urinary TCAA and decreased sperm concentration (P = 0.01). Our results suggest that lipid peroxidation may be an intermediate mechanism by which DBP exposure impairs semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Fei-Peng Cui
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Pan-Pan Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yan-Ling Deng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Qiong Luo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yu Miao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Sheng-Zhi Sun
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yu-Feng Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Wen-Qing Lu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Qiang Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
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Tyagi P, James-Todd T, Mínguez-Alarcón L, Ford JB, Keller M, Petrozza J, Calafat AM, Hauser R, Williams PL, Bellavia A. Identifying windows of susceptibility to endocrine disrupting chemicals in relation to gestational weight gain among pregnant women attending a fertility clinic. Environ Res 2021; 194:110638. [PMID: 33359703 PMCID: PMC7946748 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC), such as phthalates and phenols, during pregnancy may be associated with excessive gestational weight gain (GWG), an important predictor of future health of the mother and the offspring. There is however a paucity of literature examining this association, and no study has accounted for the complex nature of EDCs exposure as a time-varying mixture of chemicals. OBJECTIVE We examined the association between trimester-specific EDCs mixture and GWG in pregnant women attending a fertility clinic, to identify windows of susceptibility to such exposures, and assess the individual contribution of each chemical over pregnancy. METHODS We included 243 pregnant women from the Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) Study, who provided up to 3 urine samples (one per trimester), and with available data on GWG. Urinary concentrations of 7 phthalate metabolites, bisphenol A, and 2 parabens, corrected for specific gravity, were included in the analysis. The association between trimester-specific EDCs mixture and GWG was evaluated using multiple regression models - categorizing exposures into concentration quartiles- and with Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR), while adjusting for potential confounders. Hierarchical BKMR (hBKMR) was used to account for the time-varying nature of chemical concentrations over pregnancy, identifying the most important trimester and most important EDC within each trimester. RESULTS During 1st trimester, higher GWG was observed at higher sum of metabolites of di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (ΣDEHP) from both multiple regression (e.g. comparing the 4th quartile with the 1st: β = 2.36 kg, 95% CI: 0.47, 5.19) and BKMR. During 2nd and 3rd trimesters, positive associations with mono-n-butyl phthalate and propylparaben, and negative with ΣDEHP and methylparaben were observed. When evaluating exposures as a time-varying mixture with hBKMR, 1st trimester was the most important exposure window when evaluating prenatal urinary EDCs in relation to GWG. Within the 1st trimester, urinary ΣDEHP, mono-isobutyl phthalate and propylparaben had the highest contribution in the positive association between the mixture and GWG. CONCLUSION We observed positive associations between urinary EDCs during pregnancy, especially DEHP metabolites, and GWG. Our results suggest the 1st trimester of pregnancy as the time window of highest susceptibility to the effects of EDCs on GWG, with potential indication for the design of public health interventions, informing prevention strategies for reducing sources of exposure at specific time points.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Tyagi
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Tamarra James-Todd
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jennifer B Ford
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Myra Keller
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - John Petrozza
- Vincent Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Vincent Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Paige L Williams
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Andrea Bellavia
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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Miao Y, Liu L, Liu C, Deng YL, Chen PP, Luo Q, Cui FP, Zhang M, Lu WQ, Zeng Q. Urinary biomarker of strontium exposure is positively associated with semen quality among men from an infertility clinic. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2021; 208:111694. [PMID: 33396025 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Experimental studies have shown that nonradioactive strontium (Sr), in the form of Sr2+, have a positive effect on semen quality, but human evidence is lacking. This study aimed to examine the associations between nonradioactive Sr exposure and semen quality in Chinese men (n = 394). We recruited men who presented at an infertility clinic in Wuhan, China to seek for semen parameter analyses. Urinary Sr concentration as an exposure biomarker was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. We estimated the associations between urinary Sr concentrations and semen parameters using multivariable logistic and linear regression models. In multivariable linear regressions models, positive dose-response associations were estimated for sperm concentration, motility, and count across increasing urinary Sr quartiles (all p for trends<0.05), and the consistent positive associations were also observed for urinary Sr concentration modeled as a continuous exposure. In multivariable logistic models, decreased risks of below-reference sperm concentration, motility, and count were also estimated across increasing urinary Sr quartiles (all p for trends<0.05). Our results suggest that nonradioactive Sr exposure may have a beneficial effect on semen quality, but more investigations are warranted to confirm the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Miao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yan-Ling Deng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Pan-Pan Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Qiong Luo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Fei-Peng Cui
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Wen-Qing Lu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Qiang Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China.
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Makwe CC, Ugwu AO, Sunmonu OH, Yusuf-Awesu SA, Ani-Ugwu NK, Olumakinwa OE. Hysterosalpigography findings of female partners of infertile couple attending fertility clinic at Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Pan Afr Med J 2021; 40:223. [PMID: 35145585 PMCID: PMC8797044 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2021.40.223.29890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is an outpatient fluoroscopic method for the evaluation of the uterine cavity, fallopian tubes, and the surrounding peritoneal cavity. Female fertility depends greatly on normal female reproductive organs; hence tubal abnormalities may contribute significantly to female infertility. HSG is an invaluable screening tool in the evaluation of women with suspected tubal factor infertility. This study aims to review the HSG findings of women who sought fertility treatment at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos (LUTH). Methods this was a retrospective study of the pattern of HSG findings among female partners of infertile couples seeking fertility treatment at the LUTH, over a 2-year period, from January 2018 to December 2019. Results a total of 266 medical records and HSG results were reviewed and included in the data analysis. The mean age (± standard deviation) was 38.4 (± 0.3) years with a range of 24 to 50 years. Most (80.5%) of the participants have secondary infertility and majority (65.4%) were nulliparous. Tubal pathology was the commonest abnormality detected on HSG in 54.9% of women. About one-third (30.8%) of women had bilateral tubal occlusion on HSG. With regards to the right fallopian tube, 43.2% of the participants had tubal occlusion, which differs from 41.7% on the left fallopian tube. Similarly, 10.2% of the women had hydrosalpinx on the left tube when compared with 9% on the right tube. Age (OR 1.055; 95% CI: 1.006, 1.106, p-value 0.028), and previous salpingectomy [OR 6.151; 95% CI: 1.335, 28.349] and myomectomy [OR 4.6; 95% CI: 1.814, 11.67] were identified as risk factors for tubal pathologies on HSG. Conclusion tubal abnormalities are common findings on HSG and the identifiable risk factors for tubal pathologies include age, salpingectomy, and myomectomy. HSG remains a vital screening tool in the evaluation of tubal-factor infertility in Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Chigozie Makwe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Aloy Okechukwu Ugwu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
- Corresponding author: Aloy Okechukwu Ugwu, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria.
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Elenis E, Skoog Svanberg A, Leandersson P, Lind J, Sydsjö G. Access to infertility evaluation and treatment in two public fertility clinics and the reasons for withholding it: a prospective survey cohort study of healthcare professionals. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e041538. [PMID: 33310805 PMCID: PMC7735088 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Study the proportion of patients affected by involuntary childlessness who are denied fertility treatment and the reasons behind this in a publicly funded healthcare system. DESIGN Survey study using prospectively collected information by healthcare professionals. SETTING Two university-affiliated fertility clinics in Sweden. PARTICIPANTS Single women and couples in heterosexual and homosexual relationships seeking fertility evaluation and treatment between November 2017 and April 2018 (943 individual cases). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Number and proportion of individuals who were either denied, delayed or granted fertility treatment directly. Furthermore, the reasons behind delaying or completely withholding treatment. RESULTS The majority of those seeking evaluation were heterosexual couples (75%), while 14% were single women and 7.5% were same-sex couples. The great majority of those undergoing evaluation were granted treatment either directly (85%) or after in-depth evaluation (7.5%), while 7.5% were denied treatment. Among those who were denied treatment, there were a greater proportion of single women and couples seeking treatment with donated gametes. Among heterosexual couples, gamete origin was not associated with treatment refusal. Although age did not differ between those granted and denied treatment, a higher body mass index (in both recipient and partner, when applicable) was observed among those being refused treatment. Fertility specialists in Sweden focused their assessment on parental factors that may indirectly entail a risk of harm to the future child, such as medical and psychiatric conditions of the individuals involved, their financial constraints and other social reasons, substance abuse and female obesity. CONCLUSION Being single or receiving treatment with donated gametes can both be reasons for withholding fertility treatment. Although difficult to operationalise, parenting assessment in Sweden is employed interchangeably in treatments with donated gametes (legally mandated assessment) and even autologous gametes (non-legally mandated assessment)-making evident a need for clear official policy guidelines regulating these assessments and the provision of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Elenis
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Pia Leandersson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Judith Lind
- Department of Thematic Studies-Child Studies, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Gunilla Sydsjö
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital in Linköping, Linköping, Sweden
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Gleicher N. The COVID-19 pandemic through eyes of a NYC fertility center: a unique learning experience with often unexpected results. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2020; 18:105. [PMID: 33148264 PMCID: PMC7609825 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-020-00663-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Affecting basic tenets of human existence such as health, economic as well as personal security and, of course, reproduction, the COVID-19 pandemic transcended medical specialties and professional disciplines. Yet, six months into the pandemic, there still exists no consensus on how to combat the virus in absence of a vaccine. Facing unprecedented circumstances, and in absence of real evidence on how to proceed, our organization early in the pandemic decided to act independently from often seemingly irrational guidance and, instead, to carefully follow a quickly evolving COVID-19 literature. Here described is the, likely, unique journey of a fertility center that maintained services during peaks of COVID-19 and political unrest that followed. Closely following publicly available data, we recognized relatively early that New York City and other East Coast regions, which during the initial COVID-19 wave between March and May represented the hardest-hit areas in the country, during the second wave, beginning in June and still in progress, remained almost completely unaffected. In contrast, south western regions, almost completely unaffected by the initial wave, were severely affected in the second wave. These two distinctively different infectious phenotypes suggested two likely explanations: The country was witnessing infections with two different SARS-CoV-2 viruses and NYC (along with the East Coast) acquired during the first wave much better immunity to the virus than south western regions. Both hypotheses since have been confirmed: East and West Coasts, indeed, were initially infected by two distinctively different lineages of the virus, with the East Coast lineage being 10-times more infectious. In addition, immunologists discovered an up to this point unknown long-term anti-viral innate (cellular) immune response which offers additional and much broader anti-viral immunity than the classical adaptive immunity via immobilizing antibodies that has been known for decades. Consequently, we predict that in the U.S., even in absence of an available vaccine, COVID-19, by September-October, will be at similarly low levels as are currently seen in NYC and other East Coast regions (generally < 1% test-positivity). We, furthermore, predict that, if current mitigation measures are maintained and no newly aggressive mutation of the virus enters the country, a significant fall-wave of COVID-19, in combination with the usual fall wave of influenza, appears unlikely. To continue serving patients uninterrupted throughout the pandemic, turned for all of our center's staff into a highly rewarding experience, garnered respect and appreciation from patients, and turned into an absolutely unique learning experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Gleicher
- The Center for Human Reproduction, 21 East 69th Street, New York, N.Y, 10021, USA.
- The Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, New York, N.Y, USA.
- Stem Cell Biology and Molecular Embryology Laboratory, The Rockefeller University, New York, N.Y, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Sigman
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and the Miriam and Rhode Island Hospitals, Providence, Rhode Island
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Requena A, Cruz M, Vergara V, Prados N, Galliano D, Pellicer A. A picture of the covid-19 impact on IVIRMA fertility treatment clinics in Spain and Italy. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 41:1-5. [PMID: 32451301 PMCID: PMC7194545 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of the novel coronavirus infection that arose in Wuhan, China in December 2019 has resulted in an epidemic that has quickly expanded to become one of the most significant public health threats in recent times. Unfortunately, the disease has spread globally. On March 11th (2020) World Health Organization (WHO) declared Covid-19 a pandemic and has called governments to take urgent and aggressive action to change the course of the outbreak. Within the context of Assisted Reproduction, both reproductive medicine professionals and patients are also fighting against this unprecedented viral pandemic. In view of events, most of us had to make serious decisions, some of them with a lack of scientific evidence due to the circumstances and with the only objective of ensuring the safe care of our patients, reduce non-essential contacts and prevent possible maternal and fetal complications in future pregnancies. Pregnant women should not be considered at high risk for developing severe infection. Up to date, there are no reported deaths in pregnant women with Covid-19, while in the cases that have presented pneumonia because of Covid-19, the symptoms have been moderate and with a good prognosis in recovery.
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Wang Z, Mínguez-Alarcón L, Williams PL, Bellavia A, Ford JB, Keller M, Petrozza JC, Calafat AM, Hauser R, James-Todd T. Perinatal urinary benzophenone-3 concentrations and glucose levels among women from a fertility clinic. Environ Health 2020; 19:45. [PMID: 32345324 PMCID: PMC7189447 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-020-00598-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Subfertile women have higher risk of glucose intolerance during pregnancy. Studies suggest associations between several endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and pregnancy glucose levels. However, the association between benzophenone-3 (BP-3), an EDC widely found in sunscreen, and pregnancy glucose levels remains unclear. We aimed to assess the association between perinatal exposures to BP-3 and pregnancy glucose levels in subfertile women. METHODS We evaluated 217 women from a prospective cohort based at a fertility clinic who had urinary BP-3 concentrations measured during 3-month preconception, first and/or second trimesters, and blood glucose measured at glucose load tests (GLTs) during late pregnancy. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used to assess associations between time-specific BP-3 in quartiles (Q1 - Q4) and mean glucose levels, as well as odds of abnormal GLT (glucose level ≥ 140 mg/dL), adjusting for potential confounders. Effect modification was assessed by age, season, BMI, infertility diagnosis, sex of fetus (es) and physical activity. RESULTS Women with higher first trimester BP-3 concentrations had lower mean glucose levels [mean glucose (95% CI) for Q4 vs Q1 = 103.4 (95.0, 112.5) vs. 114.6 (105.8, 124.2) mg/dL]. Women with higher second trimester BP-3 concentrations had lower odds of abnormal GLT [OR (95% CI) for Q3 vs. Q1 = 0.12 (0.01, 0.94)]. The associations between BP-3 and glucose levels were modified by several factors: women with female-factor infertility, urine collected during summer, older age, lower BMI, or carried female fetus (es) had the strongest inverse associations between BP-3 and glucose levels, while no associations were observed in the remaining subgroups. CONCLUSIONS Time-specific inverse associations between BP-3 and pregnancy glucose levels existed in subfertile women, and especially among certain subgroups of this high-risk-population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zifan Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paige L Williams
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrea Bellavia
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer B Ford
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Myra Keller
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John C Petrozza
- Vincent Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Vincent Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tamarra James-Todd
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Yang P, Chen D, Wang YX, Zhang L, Huang LL, Lu WQ, Zeng Q. Mediation of association between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure and semen quality by spermatogenesis-related microRNAs: A pilot study in an infertility clinic. J Hazard Mater 2020; 384:121431. [PMID: 31672436 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis-related microRNAs (miRNAs) are vulnerable to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Changes in spermatogenesis-related miRNAs may be biological intermedia in mechanisms linking PAHs and semen quality. This study aimed to investigate whether spermatogenesis-related microRNAs mediate the associations between PAHs and semen quality. We measured 10 monohydroxylated PAHs (OH-PAHs) in repeated urine samples and three candidate spermatogenesis-related miRNAs (miRNA106a, miRNA21, and miRNA34c) in seminal plasma from men attending an infertility clinic (n = 111). Mediation analysis was applied to determine the mediating role of spermatogenesis-related miRNAs in the association of PAH exposure with semen quality. Urinary 2-OHFlu and 2-OHPh were related to reduced seminal plasma miRNA34c (p for trend = 0.05 and 0.03, respectively). Urinary 9-OHPh was related to reduced seminal plasma miR106a (p for trend = 0.02), which in turn, was positively associated with sperm concentration, sperm count, sperm total motility, and progressive motility (all p for trends<0.05). Up to 43.8% of the eff ;ect of urinary 9-OHPh on decreased sperm concentration was mediated by seminal plasma miR106a. Our results suggested that certain PAH exposure was associated with reduced spermatogenesis-related miRNAs and such alterations might be an intermediate mechanism by which PAHs exert its adverse effects on semen quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Yang
- School of Environment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Da Chen
- School of Environment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Li Zhang
- Hubei Provincial Institute for Food Supervision and Test, Wuhan, 430075, Hubei, PR China; Hubei Provincial Engineering and Technology Research Center for Food Quality and Safety Test, Wuhan, 430075, Hubei, PR China
| | - Li-Li Huang
- School of Environment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Wen-Qing Lu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Qiang Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China.
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Alksere B, Grinfelde I, Kornejeva L, Dzalbs A, Vedmedovska N, Kovalova I, Conka U, Andersone S, Krasucka S, Blumberga A, Berzina D, Fodina V. The outcomes after transfers of embryos with chromosomal mosaicism: a single reproductive medicine center experience at iVF Riga clinic. Gynecol Endocrinol 2020; 36:53-57. [PMID: 33305664 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2020.1816719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study is to summarize the outcomes of transfers of mosaic embryos, which were classified according to guidelines and in strong collaboration of reproductologists, clinical geneticists and patients approved as suitable for transfer. Material and Methods: Retrospective data were collected from 70 patients from a private IVF center to whom embryos with mosaic changes in chromosomal material were transferred from 2015 to 2019. Results and Conclusion: Implantation outcomes and continuing pregnancies showed slight differences, when compared to fully normal embryos. Artifacts have to be differentiated from undeniable aberrations, and correct interpretation of results must be done with following patient counselling and prenatal testing if necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ieva Grinfelde
- Clinic 'iVF-Riga', Riga, Latvia
- Children's Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | | | - Aigars Dzalbs
- Clinic 'iVF-Riga', Riga, Latvia
- Children's Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
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Kelly F, Dempsey D, Frew C. The Donor-Linking Practices of Australian Fertility Clinics. J Law Med 2019; 27:355-368. [PMID: 32129041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
While Australia is a world leader in providing statutory donor-linking services - the practice whereby individuals connected through donor conception seek access to information about each other - there has been only limited exploration of how fertility clinics respond when approached with donor-linking requests. This article reports on 19 qualitative interviews conducted with Australian fertility clinic staff that explored how clinics manage requests to share identifying and non-identifying information about parties involved in donor conception. Our findings indicate that fertility clinics have experienced an increase in donor-linking requests in recent years, but that they are typically dealt with on an ad hoc basis. Two approaches to donor linking were identified: (1) an "active" approach where clinics supported donor linking and were willing to engage in outreach to see if the other party was open to information exchange; and (2) a "passive" approach whereby clinics were reluctant to facilitate linking and were unwilling to outreach to other parties. The variety of responses to donor-linking requests highlight the ways in which donor-conceived adults, parents and donors can have dramatically different access to information, depending on the clinic that provided treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Deborah Dempsey
- School of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, Swinburne University of Technology
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44
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Nassan FL, Mínguez-Alarcón L, Williams PL, Dadd R, Petrozza JC, Ford JB, Calafat AM, Hauser R. Urinary triclosan concentrations and semen quality among men from a fertility clinic. Environ Res 2019; 177:108633. [PMID: 31421444 PMCID: PMC6717534 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triclosan, a widely-used antimicrobial in personal care products, has shown endocrine disrupting activity in experimental studies. However, there is limited evidence from epidemiologic studies on health effects. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between urinary triclosan concentrations and semen quality. METHODS A total of 262 men enrolled in the Environmental and Reproductive Health (EARTH) Study provided 581 paired urine and semen samples (2009-2017). Urinary triclosan concentrations were quantified and semen analysis was evaluated according to WHO guidelines. We used linear mixed regression models to estimate the associations between specific gravity-adjusted urinary triclosan concentrations with semen parameters, with a random intercept to account for multiple samples per man and adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, physical activity, sexual abstinence time, and season and year of samples' collection. RESULTS Men had a mean (standard deviation) age of 36.6 (5.24) years and BMI of 27.9 (5.94) kg/m2. Seventy four percent of the samples had detectable (>2.3 μg/L) concentrations. We did not observe significant dose response trends between SG-adjusted urinary triclosan concentrations and semen parameters. However, in the adjusted analysis, compared to men with non-detectable triclosan concentrations in the lowest quartile, those in the second, third, and fourth quartiles had -1.32% (95%CI: -2.04, -0.59), -0.91% (95%CI: -1.63, -0.18), and -0.46% (95%CI: -1.25, 0.33) lower percent morphologically normal sperm, respectively. Similarly, a lower percentage of morphologically normal sperm was found among men with detectable triclosan concentrations, compared to men with non-detectable triclosan [-0.96% (95% CI: -1.57, -0.35)]. In sensitivity analyses, there was stronger negative associations on the percent morphologically normal sperm in the earlier time period due to the significant negative trend in detectable triclosan concentrations over time. CONCLUSION Despite the lack of observed dose response relationship, we found consistent patterns of lower percent morphologically normal sperm for men with urinary triclosan in the 2nd or 3rd quartile compared to undetectable concentrations.This association was stronger for samples obtained prior to 2013 when triclosan was more often detectable in urine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiby L Nassan
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Nutrition, Boston, MA, USA.
| | | | - Paige L Williams
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ramace Dadd
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John C Petrozza
- Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Antonia M Calafat
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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45
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Martin-Palomino Olid N, García D, Rodríguez A, Vassena R. Could fertility clinics offer a sizable improvement of live birth rates by maturing post-GVBD oocytes in vitro? J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:1927-1934. [PMID: 31376102 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01540-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of this study is to analyze the potential of immature, denuded, post-GVBD (germinal vesicle breakdown) oocytes (including prometaphase I, metaphase I, and prometaphase II stages) to result live birth after in vitro maturation. Furthermore, we compared two culture media to identify which of them provides better reproductive outcomes when used for in vitro maturation. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study including 4022 IVF-ICSI (in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection) cycles between 2011 and 2015. A total of 4450 immature post-GVBD oocytes from 1442 cycles were cultured in vitro; of these, 2364 oocytes reached MII (metaphase II) stage (IVMC oocytes, in vitro meiotic completion) and were fertilized. Overall, 3933 embryo transfers were performed: 3579 were embryos derived from MII oocytes (ET-MII); 264 were embryos derived from MII + IVMC oocytes (ET-MIX), and 90 embryos from IVMC oocytes (ET-IVMC). In total, 399 IVMC embryos were transferred. RESULTS Maturation rate for immature post-GVBD oocytes was 54.1%. G-2™PLUS (Vitrolife) medium provided significantly higher maturation rate (p < 0.001) than G-IVF™PLUS (Vitrolife) (65.7% vs. 42.5%, p < 0.001). Embryos in ET-IVMC in cleavage stage had an average morphological score of 6.8/10 (7.7 in ET-MII; p < 0.001). Regarding reproductive outcomes, ET-IVMC gave 11.1% biochemical pregnancy rate, 10.0% clinical pregnancy rate, 7.8% ongoing pregnancy rate, and 5.6% live birth rate. CONCLUSIONS Embryos arising from IVMC oocytes resulted in a live birth rate of 5.6%. We suggest that in vitro maturation of denuded immature post-GVBD oocytes should be performed at the very least when few MII are collected, and likely in all patients, as they provide acceptable maturation and fertilization rates, and a sizeable increase in live birth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - D García
- Clínica EUGIN, Travessera de les Corts 322, 08029, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Rodríguez
- Clínica EUGIN, Travessera de les Corts 322, 08029, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rita Vassena
- Clínica EUGIN, Travessera de les Corts 322, 08029, Barcelona, Spain.
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