Testing for clomiphene in keratinous matrices using LC-MS/MS in doping purpose: Is a single intake of clomiphene detectable in hair and nail clippings?

Clomiphene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator. It is indicated for the treatment of female infertility issues but in sport, it can be misused to stimulate endogenous testosterone secretion in men. Therefore, it has been prohibited at all times by the World Anti-doping Agency. The aim of this study was to get data to be able to interpret concentrations in athletes. A healthy volunteer (male, 62 years-old) ingested a single therapeutic dose of clomiphene (Clomid™, 50 mg). Strands of hair (blond, 4 cm) were collected one month after the ingestion. Body hair (beard, axillary, pubic and chest hair), and finger and toenails were collected over 4-5 months. A previous method was modified to identify and quantify clomiphene in keratinous matrices. 30 mg of specimen were sonicated and incubated in 1 mL of methanol, in presence of 200 pg of clomiphene-D5 (internal standard). After centrifugation and evaporation of the organic phase, the samples were analyzed using LC-MS/MS. Linearity was verified in hair and nail clippings between 1 and 500 pg/mg. The limits of detection and quantification were determined at 0.3 and 1 pg/mg respectively. The study demonstrated that clomiphene tested positive in all the analyzed specimens at 9 pg/mg in head hair, from 28 to 486 pg/mg (body hair) and from 4 to 57 pg/mg (nails). Clomiphene was identified for the first time in multiple keratinous matrices. This study demonstrated that a single oral therapeutic dose is detectable in keratinous matrices over a long period of time.

Drug repurposing for the identification of new Bcl-2 inhibitors: In vitro, STD-NMR, molecular docking, and dynamic simulation studies

BACKGROUND

The anti-apoptotic protein B-Cell Lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) is a key target for the development of anti-cancer agents, as its overexpression can render cancer cells resistant to chemotherapeutic treatments.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The current study has systematically evaluated a library of FDA-approved drugs for Bcl-2 inhibition using a drug repurposing strategy via in vitro, biophysical, and in-silico techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vitro anticancer activity was performed, followed by apoptosis assay. The selected compounds were subjected to Saturation Transfer Difference Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (STD-NMR) spectroscopy, molecular docking, and molecular dynamic simulation for ligand-protein interactions.

KEY FINDINGS

In the initial screening, seventy-five (75) drugs were evaluated against the HL-60 (human blood promyelocytic leukemia) cancer cell line. Among them, paroxetine HCl, carvedilol, clomipramine HCl, and clomifene citrate showed significant anti-proliferative activity (IC50 = 9.733 ± 0.524, 11.940 ± 0.079, 12.376 ± 1.242, and 6.155 ± 0.363 μM, respectively), in comparison to the reference drug venetoclax (IC50 = 7.086 ± 0.041 μM). This indicated that the test drugs have comparable IC50 values to the standard drug. Furthermore, the drugs were able to induce apoptosis in HL-60 cells. These drugs showed interactions with Bcl-2 protein in STD-NMR analysis. Docking and MD simulation studies further supported the interaction of these drugs with Bcl-2 protein, mainly via hydrophobic contacts leading to stable drug-Bcl-2 complexes.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study, identifies paroxetine HCl, carvedilol, clomipramine HCl, and clomifene citrate as significant Bcl-2 inhibitors and needs further pre-clinical and clinical studies for potential anti-cancer agents' evaluation.

Association between follicle size, endometrial thickness, and types of ovarian stimulation (Clomiphene citrate and Letrozole) with biochemical pregnancy rate in women undergone intrauterine insemination

OBJECTIVE

There was also a lack of data regarding the effect of follicle size, endometrial thickness, and ovarian stimulation as predictors of intrauterine insemination (IUI) success rate in Indonesia, especially in the Aster Clinic and Bandung Fertility Centre. This study was performed to explore the relationship between follicle size, endometrial thickness, and types of ovarian stimulation (Clomiphene citrate/CC vs Letrozole) with biochemical pregnancy rate in women undergone IUI. We performed a case-control study in 122 women aged 20-40 years with unexplained infertility who had completed the IUI program for a maximum of three cycles. Data were extracted from medical records. Independent T-test and multivariate analyses were used to analyse the difference between variables using IBM SPSS 24.0. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULT

Follicle sizes of 18-22 mm in both Clomiphene citrate (CC) and Letrozole groups were shown to increase biochemical pregnancy rate (P = 0.001). There is no relationship between endometrial thickness and pregnancy rate. Biochemical pregnancy rate in women using Letrozole was 1.513 times higher than women using CC. The follicle size of 18-22 mm and using Letrozole rather than CC as ovarian stimulators are predictive factors associated with a higher pregnancy rate in women undergone IUI.

The effects of first-line pharmacological treatments for reproductive outcomes in infertile women with PCOS: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of infertility in reproductive-age women. However, the efficacy and optimal therapeutic strategy for reproductive outcomes are still under debate. We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of different first-line pharmacological therapies in terms of reproductive outcomes for women with PCOS and infertility.

METHODS

A systematic retrieval of databases was conducted, and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of pharmacological interventions for infertile PCOS women were included. The primary outcomes were clinical pregnancy and live birth, and the secondary outcomes were miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and multiple pregnancy. A network meta-analysis based on a Bayesian model was performed to compare the effects of the pharmacological strategies.

RESULTS

A total of 27 RCTs with 12 interventions were included, and all therapies tended to increase clinical pregnancy, especially pioglitazone (PIO) (log OR 3.14, 95% CI 1.56 ~ 4.70, moderate confidence), clomiphene citrate (CC) + exenatide (EXE) (2.96, 1.07 ~ 4.82, moderate confidence) and CC + metformin (MET) + PIO (2.82, 0.99 ~ 4.60, moderate confidence). Moreover, CC + MET + PIO (2.8, -0.25 ~ 6.06, very low confidence) could increase live birth most when compared to placebo, even without a significant difference. For secondary outcomes, PIO showed a tendency to increase miscarriage (1.44, -1.69 ~ 5.28, very low confidence). MET (-11.25, -33.7 ~ 0.57, low confidence) and LZ + MET (-10.44, -59.56 ~ 42.11, very low confidence) were beneficial for decreasing ectopic pregnancy. MET (0.07, -4.26 ~ 4.34, low confidence) showed a neutral effect in multiple pregnancy. Subgroup analysis demonstrated no significant difference between these medications and placebo in obese participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Most first-line pharmacological treatments were effective in improving clinical pregnancy. CC + MET + PIO should be recommended as the optimal therapeutic strategy to improve pregnancy outcomes. However, none of the above treatments had a beneficial effect on clinical pregnancy in obese PCOS.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

CRD42020183541; 05 July 2020.

Assessing the Hepatic Safety of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) in Reproductive-Aged Women

A similar abstract of the interim analysis was previously published in Fertility and Sterility. EPIGALLOCATECHIN GALLATE (EGCG) FOR TREATMENT OF UNEXPLAINED INFERTILITY ASSOCIATED WITH UTERINE FIBROIDS (PRE-FRIEND TRIAL): EARLY SAFETY ASSESSMENT. Uterine fibroids are the most common cause of unexplained infertility in reproductive-aged women. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a green tea catechin, has demonstrated its ability to shrink uterine fibroids in prior preclinical and clinical studies. Hence, we developed an NICHD Confirm-funded trial to evaluate the use of EGCG for treating women with fibroids and unexplained infertility (FRIEND trial). Prior to embarking on that trial, we here conducted the pre-FRIEND study (NCT04177693) to evaluate the safety of EGCG in premenopausal women. Specifically, our aim was to assess any adverse effects of EGCG alone or in combination with an ovarian stimulator on serum liver function tests (LFTs) and folate level. In this randomized, open-label prospective cohort, participants were recruited from the FRIEND-collaborative clinical sites: Johns Hopkins University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago, and Yale University. Thirty-nine women, ages ≥18 to ≤40 years, with/without uterine fibroids, were enrolled and randomized to one of three treatment arms: 800 mg of EGCG daily alone, 800 mg of EGCG daily with clomiphene citrate 100 mg for 5 days, or 800 mg of EGCG daily with Letrozole 5 mg for 5 days. No subject demonstrated signs of drug induced liver injury and no subject showed serum folate level outside the normal range. Hence, our data suggests that a daily dose of 800 mg of EGCG alone or in combination with clomiphene citrate or letrozole (for 5 days) is well-tolerated and is not associated with liver toxicity or folate deficiency in reproductive-aged women.

Clomifene and Assisted Reproductive Technology in Humans Are Associated with Sex-Specific Offspring Epigenetic Alterations in Imprinted Control Regions

Children conceived with assisted reproductive technology (ART) have an increased risk of adverse outcomes, including congenital malformations and imprinted gene disorders. In a retrospective North Carolina-based-birth-cohort, we examined the effect of ovulation drugs and ART on CpG methylation in differentially methylated CpGs in known imprint control regions (ICRs). Nine ICRs containing 48 CpGs were assessed for methylation status by pyrosequencing in mixed leukocytes from cord blood. After restricting to non-smoking, college-educated participants who agreed to follow-up, ART-exposed (n = 27), clomifene-only-exposed (n = 22), and non-exposed (n = 516) groups were defined. Associations of clomifene and ART with ICR CpG methylation were assessed with linear regression and stratifying by offspring sex. In males, ART was associated with hypomethylation of the PEG3 ICR [β(95% CI) = -1.46 (-2.81, -0.12)] and hypermethylation of the MEG3 ICR [3.71 (0.01, 7.40)]; clomifene-only was associated with hypomethylation of the NNAT ICR [-5.25 (-10.12, -0.38)]. In female offspring, ART was associated with hypomethylation of the IGF2 ICR [-3.67 (-6.79, -0.55)]. Aberrant methylation of these ICRs has been associated with cardiovascular disease and metabolic and behavioral outcomes in children. The results suggest that the increased risk of adverse outcomes in offspring conceived through ART may be due in part to altered methylation of ICRs. Larger studies utilizing epigenome-wide interrogation are warranted.

A Randomized Cohort Study: Is It Worth the Time to Receive Antiandrogenic Pretreatment Before Ovulation Induction for Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of antiandrogenic pretreatment using combined oral contraceptives (COCs) before ovulation induction in infertile patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with hyperandrogenism.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized open-labeled cohort study.

SETTING

Multicenter.

PATIENTS

PCOS patients with hyperandrogenism and requiring infertility treatments.

INTERVENTIONS

Randomization to direct ovulation induction of letrozole (letrozole group) or ethinylestradiol/cyproterone acetate (EE/CPA) for 3 months and subsequent letrozole-induced ovulation (EE/CPA+ letrozole group). The maximum number of ovulation induction cycle was three to four.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Ovulation rate, conception rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, and live birth rate were the main outcomes of the study.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the cumulative ovulation, conception, ongoing pregnancy, and live birth rates between the letrozole and EE/CPA+ letrozole groups (cumulative ovulation: 206/254 [81.10%] vs. 169/205 [82.44%], risk ratio [RR]= 1.09 [0.68,1.76], P=0.713; conception: 44/90 [48.89%] vs. 42/76 [55.26%], RR= 1.29 [0.70,2.38], P=0.413; ongoing pregnancy: 33/90 [36.67%] vs. 33/76 [43.42%], RR=1.33 [0.71,2.47], P=0.376; and live birth: 32/90 [35.56%] vs. 31/76 [40.79%], RR=1.25 [0.67, 2.34], P=0.489).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study showed that COC pretreatment was not superior to direct letrozole-induced ovulation therapy in improving ovulation and pregnancy results in women with PCOS. There is no benefit to perform antiandrogenic therapy before ovulation induction in patients with PCOS in clinical practice.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier ChiCTR1900022839.

Association between fertility treatments and breast cancer risk in women with a family history or BRCA mutations: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Women with hereditary breast cancer factors are more likely to be infertile and tend to receive fertility treatments. The safety of fertility treatments that contain hormone-related medications for ovarian stimulation has gained wide attention; however, evidence of the safety of fertility treatments is limited. This study aims to assess the association between fertility treatments and the incidence rate of breast cancer in women with a family history of breast cancer or BRCA mutations. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase. Studies concerning the effect of fertility treatments on breast cancer risk in genetically susceptible women were included. The fixed and random effects models were used to estimate the summary effects. Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions instrument was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. A total of 5,282 studies were screened. Five cohort studies and three case-control studies were included. Breast cancer risk was not significantly increased by fertility treatments in general genetically susceptible women [pooled odds ratio (OR) 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96-1.45], women with a family history of breast cancer (pooled OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.97-1.89), or women with BRCA mutations (pooled OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.74-1.4). In subgroup analyses, there was no significant increase in breast cancer risk whether in BRCA1 mutation carriers (pooled OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.81-1.72), BRCA2 mutation carriers (pooled OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.09-3.34), or in the women treated with in vitro fertilization (pooled OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.51-1.1), clomiphene citrate (pooled OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.78-1.45) or gonadotropins (pooled OR 1.32, 95% CI 0.8-2.18). This is the first meta-analysis concerning the impact of fertility treatments on breast cancer risk in genetically susceptible women. Despite the finding that fertility treatment did not significantly increase breast cancer risk in genetically susceptible women, large prospective cohorts with more detailed information are required. Further investigations are needed to explore subtypes of breast cancer, genetic background of hormone-related breast cancer, and the association between BRCA mutations and the incidence of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO(CRD42021281336).

Endocrine disorders and fertility and pregnancy: An update

It is estimated that more and more couples suffer from fertility and pregnancy maintenance disorders. It is associated with impaired androgen secretion, which is influenced by many factors, ranging from genetic to environmental. It is also important to remember that fertility disorders can also result from abnormal anatomy of the reproductive male and female organ (congenital uterine anomalies - septate, unicornuate, bicornuate uterus; acquired defects of the uterus structure - fibroids, polyps, hypertrophy), disturbed hormonal cycle and obstruction of the fallopian tubes resulting from the presence of adhesions due to inflammation, endometriosis, and surgery, abnormal rhythm of menstrual bleeding, the abnormal concentration of hormones. There are many relationships between the endocrine organs, leading to a chain reaction when one of them fails to function properly. Conditions in which the immune system is involved, including infections and autoimmune diseases, also affect fertility. The form of treatment depends on infertility duration and the patient's age. It includes ovulation stimulation with clomiphene citrate or gonadotropins, metformin use, and weight loss interventions. Since so many different factors affect fertility, it is important to correctly diagnose what is causing the problem and to modify the treatment regimen if necessary. This review describes disturbances in the hormone secretion of individual endocrine organs in the context of fertility and the maintenance of pregnancy.

Effect of different timing of letrozole initiation on pregnancy outcome in polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of oral letrozole (LE) starting on day 3 or 5 of the menstrual cycle in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Reproductive Endocrinology Department of Hangzhou Women's Hospital.

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis, we analyzed patients who received oral LE for ovulation induction (OI) at the Hangzhou Women's Hospital from January 2016 to January 2021. In total, 539 PCOS patients with fertility requirements were classified into the D3 group and D5 group according to the different starting times of oral LE, that is, from the 3rd or 5th day of the menstrual cycle or LE is taken orally for 5 days starting on day 3 or 5 of progesterone withdrawal bleeding. Treatment started with one tablet (LE 2.5 mg), continue the regimen from the previous cycle in non-responders and continued until pregnancy or for up to three ovulatory cycles, with visits to determine ovulation and pregnancy, followed by tracking of pregnancies. The primary outcome was to compare ovulation rates, conception rates, live birth rates, pregnancy complications, and pregnancy outcomes at different initiation times.

RESULTS

Women who started LE on the 5th day of their menstrual cycle had more cumulative conception rates than those who started LE on the 3rd day(173 of 228[75.9%]vs. 201 of 311[64.6%], P= 0.005; rate ratio for conception, 1.174; 95% confidence interval,1.052 to 1.311) without significant differences in overall live birth rate, though there were 142 of 228[62.3%] in the D5 group versus 172 of 311[55.3%] in the D3 group (P= 0.105). The median (IQR) endometrial thickness was significantly (P = 0.013) greater during the D5 group treatment compared to the D3 group, which may be related to higher conception and clinical pregnancy rates. The median (IQR) maximum follicle diameter was not statistically (P = 0.073) different between the two groups. The cumulative ovulation per cycle rate was higher with D5 than with D3 (287 of 405 treatment cycles [70.9%] vs. 388 of 640 treatment cycles [60.6%], P=0.001). There were no significant between-group differences in pregnancy loss (31 of 173 conceptions in the D5 group [17.9%] and 29 of 201 conceptions in the D3 group [14.4%]) or multiples pregnancy (8.2% and 10.5%, respectively). Rates of other adverse events during pregnancy were similar in the two treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

As compared with D3 group, D5 group was associated with higher ovulation and conception rates, shorter time-to-pregnancy among infertile women with the PCOS.

The efficacy and safety of luteal phase support with progesterone following ovarian stimulation and intrauterine insemination: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to update the current evidence for the efficacy and safety of progesterone luteal phase support (LPS) following ovarian stimulation and intrauterine insemination treatment (OS-IUI) for unexplained or mild male infertility. Four additional studies were identified compared to the previous review in 2017. Twelve RCTs (2631 patients, 3262 cycles) met full inclusion criteria. Results from quantitative synthesis suggest that progesterone LPS after OS-IUI leads to higher live birth (RR 1.38, 95%CI [1.09, 1.74]; 7 RCTs, n=1748) and clinical pregnancy rates (RR 1.38, 95% CI [1.21, 1.59]; 11 RCTs, n=2163) than no LPS or placebo. This effect is specifically present in protocols using gonadotropins for OS-IUI (RR 1.41, 95%CI [1.17, 1.71]; 7 RCTs, n=1114), and unclear in protocols involving clomiphene citrate (RR 1.01, 95% CI [0.05, 18.94]; 2 RCTs, n=138). We found no effect of progesterone LPS on multiple pregnancy or miscarriage rates. No correlation between drug-dosage or duration of treatment and effect size was seen. Though our results suggest both benefit and safety of progesterone LPS in OS-IUI, evidence is of low to moderate quality and additional well-powered trials are still mandatory to confirm our findings and justify implementation in daily practice.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=292325, identifier CRD42021292325.

Insights for applying erythrosine B as a green fluorescence probe for estimation of anticancer tamoxifen and its analog; clomiphene in nanogram concentration

The growth of tumor tissue is extremely pervasive among post-menopausal women. Commonly, from the clinical application, adjuvant selective estrogen receptor modulators such as tamoxifen are prescribed for prohibiting metastatic breast cancer, while its analog, clomiphene, is used to treat infertility in women. Lately, the significance of green chemistry on our environment was through reducing the influence of hazardous chemicals. Consequently, efforts were screened to perform a fast and simple eco-friendly green method for the determination of two aromatase inhibitors. In this study, a sensitive green spectrofluorimetric approach was developed to detect and characterize tamoxifen citrate (TAM) and clomiphene citrate (CLO) via complex formation with erythrosine B. The reaction between erythrosine B dye (EB) and the two aromatase inhibitors results in quenching the fluorescence activity of the dye by the formation of ion-pair in Britton-Robinson buffer (BRB) solution (pH 4.3) at 554 nm (λ_ex = 527 nm). The approach outcome confirmed that the solvent's inherent nature has a critical impact on the approachs' sensitivity and reproducibility. An approved linear correlation was achieved between the reduction in the emission value of EB's fluorescence and the concentration in the ranges of 40.0-600.0 ng/mL for both TAM and CLO with mean % recoveries 100.20 ± 0.93 and 100.07 ± 1.09, respectively. The approach was validated regarding ICH protocols, and the outcomes were acceptable. The changes in Gibb's free energy (ΔG°) by the obtained ion-pair between EB and TAM or CLO were -36.65 or -37.03 kJ mol^-1, respectively, which indicates the reaction feasibility at ambient temperature. Commercial dosage forms for TAM and CLO were simply analyzed, and good recoveries were achieved within the range. The National Environmental Methods Index, Analytical Eco-Scale, and Green Analytical Procedure Index applications to our illustrated approach present additional eligibility to this study.

Differences in the individual curative effect of acupuncture for obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome based on metagenomic analysis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common cause of infertility and shows a high incidence in women of reproductive age. Acupuncture is an appropriate adjunctive treatment for PCOS. However, the add-on effect of acupuncture as an adjunctive treatment for obese women with PCOS has not been studied, and previous studies indicate that there are individual differences in the curative effect of acupuncture, while deeper research on the mechanism of differences in the individual curative effect of acupuncture for obese women with PCOS is still lacking. This trial aims to assess the add-on treatment efficacy of acupuncture for obese women with PCOS and to explore the role of the gut microbiome on the differences in the individual curative effect of acupuncture based on metagenomic analysis.

METHODS/DESIGN

This is an open-label, randomized, controlled trial. A total of 86 obese women with PCOS will be recruited. Subjects will be randomly assigned to a study group and a control group in a 1:1 ratio, with 43 subjects in each group (10 patients from each group who meet the study criteria will participate in the metagenomic analysis). An additional 10 subjects who meet the study criteria will be recruited to a healthy control group. The study group will receive acupuncture and clomiphene citrate treatment; the control group will only receive clomiphene citrate. Acupuncture treatment will be conducted three times a week from the fifth day of menstruation or withdrawal bleeding until the start of the next menstruation, for up to three menstrual cycles. The primary outcome will be LH/FSH. The secondary outcomes will comprise biometric features, hormone biomarkers, metabolic biomarkers, inflammatory biomarkers, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale, and metagenomic analysis. The outcomes will be measured at baseline and post-intervention. Data will be analyzed using SPSS 19.0, and the gut microbiome will be analyzed using metagenomic analysis.

DISCUSSION

In this study, we are evaluating the add-on effects of acupuncture and exploring the mechanism of the differences in the individual curative effect of acupuncture based on the gut microbiome, which may provide evidence to explain the different outcomes of different trials on acupuncture for PCOS and hopefully to provide a new aspect to study the mechanism of acupuncture's treatment effect.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000029882 . Registered on 16 February 2020.

Fertility Issues in Polycystic Ovarian Disease: A Systematic Approach

The triad of hirsutism, amenorrhea, and enlarged polycystic ovaries first was described in 1935 and later become known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS are more likely to have cardiometabolic challenges that also have an indirect relationship to their fertility and fertility outcomes. Despite these challenges, their fertile life span appears to be longer. Ovulation induction is considered first-line management of infertility in women with PCOS, with letrozole superior to clomiphene. Women with PCOS undergoing in vitro fertilization are high risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome but also have a higher live birth rate compared with controls.

Use of clomiphene citrate protocol for controlled ovarian stimulation impairs endometrial maturity

INTRODUCTION

Despite recent advances in assisted reproduction techniques and recent knowledge regarding embryo and endometrium quality, implantation and birth rates remain low. The objective of this study was to investigate whether clomiphene citrate alters endometrial maturation in infertile patients.

METHODS

In a prospective self-matched cohort study, we assessed the ovulation of women in spontaneous and stimulated cycles (with clomiphene citrate). We determined the ovulation day by ultrasound scanning. In both cycles, we took four blood samples (BS1 - at early proliferative phase, BS2 - at mid proliferative phase, BS3 - after ovulation and BS4 - at mid luteal phase) to determine the serum concentrations of FSH, LH, estradiol and progesterone. We retrieved an endometrial biopsy five days after ovulation, followed by blinded analysis and classification according to Noyes criteria, in both cycles.

RESULTS

Twenty-two participants completed the study. There were significant differences in FSH BS3 (p=0.001), in LH BS3 and BS4 (p<0.001 and p=0.049, respectively), in estradiol BS2, BS3 and BS4 (p<0.001, p=0.024 and p<0.001, respectively) and in progesterone BS3 and BS4 (p=0.028 and p<0.001, respectively). Considering Noyes criteria, there was a one-day delay when comparing the stimulated cycle with the spontaneous cycle (p=0.004), and a two-day delay when comparing the stimulated cycle with the biopsy day.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that ovarian stimulation with clomiphene citrate delays the endometrial maturity, and could possibly impair the implantation process due to asynchrony.

A comparison of oral versus injectable ovarian stimulation in IUI in women ≥38 years of age with decreased ovarian reserve

PURPOSE

To compare pregnancy rates of oral ovarian hyperstimulation agents (clomiphene citrate (CC) and letrozole) versus injectable agents (gonadotropins) in intrauterine insemination (IUI) in the older reproductive age group with diminished ovarian reserve.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed among 210 women 38-43 years of age undergoing IUI with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) at a single academic institution between 2009 and 2018.

RESULTS

A total of 335 IUI cycles met inclusion criteria. Gonadotropins were the most frequently used ovarian hyperstimulation agent (n = 264), followed by CC (n = 38) and letrozole (n = 33). Mean age of the cohort was 40.5 (±1.6) years (range 38-43) did not differ significantly among groups (p = 0.41). Mean AFC and number of mature follicles on day of ovulation trigger also did not differ among groups (p = 0.98, p = 0.10). Overall clinical pregnancy rate was 7.5% per cycle, and rates for CC, letrozole, and gonadotropins respectively were 5.3%, 9.1%, 7.5% per cycle (p = 0.347). There was one multiple gestation pregnancy (twins), which was in a patient stimulated with gonadotropins.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to compare CC, letrozole, and gonadotropins in older reproductive age women with decreased ovarian reserve. The findings reveal that COH/IUI in older women with decreased ovarian reserve is a viable option (clinical pregnancy rate of 7.5% per cycle), and suggest that oral stimulation agents may be the first-line option, with letrozole having conferred the highest clinical pregnancy rate, 9.1%, which is notable given the typical poor fecundability of this population. However, larger population studies are needed to support this.

Evaluation of tumor necrosis factor alpha serum level in obese and lean women with clomiphene citrate-resistant polycystic ovary disease

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this work was to investigate the level of the serum level of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) as an inflammatory biomarker in lean and obese women with polycystic ovary disease (PCOD), who are resistant to clomiphene citrate (CCR-PCOD).

PATIENTS AND DESIGN

It is a case-controlled study, where 150 (n = 150) PCOD women (study group), who are resistant to clomiphene citrate (CCR-PCOD) had been recruited, in addition to 100 (n = 100) women with PCOD, who are not resistant to clomiphene citrate (NCCR-PCOD) as the first control group, and another 100 women (n = 100) fertile women with normal reproductive health, as the second control group. All the recruited subjects had been divided into subgroups according to the BMI: One obese group with BMI ≥ 27 and the second lean group with BMI < 27. TNF-α had been measured in all women groups recruited, in addition to the other essential, basic and PCOD-relevant biochemical and hormonal tests.

RESULTS

TNF-α level was found to be higher in all PCOD women, either the study or control PCOD groups, than the fertile control group (49.93 ± 3.39 versus 35.83 ± 2.47 pg/ml, p < 0.001). The level of TNF-α has come highest in the obese clomiphene citrate-resistant PCOD women (obese CCR-PCOD), while the lowest has come in the lean PCOD women, who are not resistant to clomiphene citrate (NCCR-PCOD). Free Androgen Index (FAI) and androgenic obesity with higher W/H ratio were clearly going with TNF-α pattern and have come higher in all PCOD compared to the fertile control group. Insulin resistance (IR) shows a positive correlation with BMI regardless off PCOD status and androgen level as well. The level of other basic and PCOD-relevant hormones like FSH, TSH and prolactin have never shown statistically significant differences between all the study and control groups, except LH serum level which has shown a nonsignificant higher level in all PCOD women included either resistant to CC or not.

CONCLUSION

TNF-α serum level has come significantly higher in all women with PCOD, especially in those resistant to CC. Androgenic obesity with higher W/H ratio has shown a positive correlation with TNF-α level, which could consider it a good severity index of PCOD status and an informative predictor of CCR before its use.

Cycle regimens for frozen-thawed embryo transfer

BACKGROUND

Among subfertile couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART), pregnancy rates following frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) treatment cycles have historically been found to be lower than following embryo transfer undertaken two to five days following oocyte retrieval. Nevertheless, FET increases the cumulative pregnancy rate, reduces cost, is relatively simple to undertake and can be accomplished in a shorter time period than repeated in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles with fresh embryo transfer. FET is performed using different cycle regimens: spontaneous ovulatory (natural) cycles; cycles in which the endometrium is artificially prepared by oestrogen and progesterone hormones, commonly known as hormone therapy (HT) FET cycles; and cycles in which ovulation is induced by drugs (ovulation induction FET cycles). HT can be used with or without a gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa). This is an update of a Cochrane review; the first version was published in 2008.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effectiveness and safety of natural cycle FET, HT cycle FET and ovulation induction cycle FET, and compare subtypes of these regimens.

SEARCH METHODS

On 13 December 2016 we searched databases including Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility's Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and CINAHL. Other search sources were trials registers and reference lists of included studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the various cycle regimens and different methods used to prepare the endometrium during FET.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures recommended by Cochrane. Our primary outcomes were live birth rates and miscarriage.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 18 RCTs comparing different cycle regimens for FET in 3815 women. The quality of the evidence was low or very low. The main limitations were failure to report important clinical outcomes, poor reporting of study methods and imprecision due to low event rates. We found no data specific to non-ovulatory women. 1. Natural cycle FET comparisons Natural cycle FET versus HT FETNo study reported live birth rates, miscarriage or ongoing pregnancy.There was no evidence of a difference in multiple pregnancy rates between women in natural cycles and those in HT FET cycle (odds ratio (OR) 2.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.09 to 68.14, 1 RCT, n = 21, very low-quality evidence). Natural cycle FET versus HT plus GnRHa suppressionThere was no evidence of a difference in rates of live birth (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.53, 1 RCT, n = 159, low-quality evidence) or multiple pregnancy (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.13 to 2.50, 1 RCT, n = 159, low-quality evidence) between women who had natural cycle FET and those who had HT FET cycles with GnRHa suppression. No study reported miscarriage or ongoing pregnancy. Natural cycle FET versus modified natural cycle FET (human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) trigger)There was no evidence of a difference in rates of live birth (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.16 to 1.93, 1 RCT, n = 60, very low-quality evidence) or miscarriage (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.01 to 4.13, 1 RCT, n = 168, very low-quality evidence) between women in natural cycles and women in natural cycles with HCG trigger. However, very low-quality evidence suggested that women in natural cycles (without HCG trigger) may have higher ongoing pregnancy rates (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.03 to 5.76, 1 RCT, n = 168). There were no data on multiple pregnancy. 2. Modified natural cycle FET comparisons Modified natural cycle FET (HCG trigger) versus HT FETThere was no evidence of a difference in rates of live birth (OR 1.34, 95% CI 0.88 to 2.05, 1 RCT, n = 959, low-quality evidence) or ongoing pregnancy (OR 1.21, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.83, 1 RCT, n = 959, low-quality evidence) between women in modified natural cycles and those who received HT. There were no data on miscarriage or multiple pregnancy. Modified natural cycle FET (HCG trigger) versus HT plus GnRHa suppressionThere was no evidence of a difference between the two groups in rates of live birth (OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.87, 1 RCT, n = 236, low-quality evidence) or miscarriage (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.25 to 2.19, 1 RCT, n = 236, low-quality evidence) rates. There were no data on ongoing pregnancy or multiple pregnancy. 3. HT FET comparisons HT FET versus HT plus GnRHa suppressionHT alone was associated with a lower live birth rate than HT with GnRHa suppression (OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.30, 1 RCT, n = 75, low-quality evidence). There was no evidence of a difference between the groups in either miscarriage (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.37 to 1.12, 6 RCTs, n = 991, I² = 0%, low-quality evidence) or ongoing pregnancy (OR 1.72, 95% CI 0.61 to 4.85, 1 RCT, n = 106, very low-quality evidence).There were no data on multiple pregnancy. 4. Comparison of subtypes of ovulation induction FET Human menopausal gonadotrophin(HMG) versus clomiphene plus HMG HMG alone was associated with a higher live birth rate than clomiphene combined with HMG (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.07 to 5.80, 1 RCT, n = 209, very low-quality evidence). There was no evidence of a difference between the groups in either miscarriage (OR 1.33, 95% CI 0.35 to 5.09,1 RCT, n = 209, very low-quality evidence) or multiple pregnancy (OR 1.41, 95% CI 0.31 to 6.48, 1 RCT, n = 209, very low-quality evidence).There were no data on ongoing pregnancy.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This review did not find sufficient evidence to support the use of one cycle regimen in preference to another in preparation for FET in subfertile women with regular ovulatory cycles. The most common modalities for FET are natural cycle with or without HCG trigger or endometrial preparation with HT, with or without GnRHa suppression. We identified only four direct comparisons of these two modalities and there was insufficient evidence to support the use of either one in preference to the other.

Letrozole combined with low dose highly purified HMG for ovulation induction in clomiphene citrate-resistant infertile Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a prospective study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

There are still open questions about ovulation induction in clomiphene citrate-(CC)-resistant infertile women. Especially little is known about efficacy and safety of letrozole (LTZ) combined with low-dose highly purified human menopausal gonadotropin (Hp-HMG) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

METHODS

Prospective, single-arm single-center trial in 200 infertile PCOS patients refractory for at least three CC-treatment cycles. Women with hyperandrogenism took Diane-35 for at least 3 months. All patients got LTZ on day 3 for 5 d in combination with Hp-HMG, starting with 75 IU from cycle day 7 and maintained for up to 3 d. The maximum dose was 150 IU. Primary end-points were ongoing and clinical pregnancy rate, secondary end-points mono-follicular development, ovulation rate, OHSS, multiple pregnancy and early pregnancy loss. Major safety end-point was the incidence of adverse events.

RESULTS

Within 395 cycles the ongoing pregnancy rate was 28.24%, for cycles 35.23%, for patients 68%. The rate of ovulation per cycle was 97.7%, percentage of mono-follicular development 70.9%. No severe OHSS, multiple pregnancy, local or systemic side effects were seen.

CONCLUSIONS

LTZ combined with low-dose Hp-HMG is an effective and safe choice for reducing hyperstimulation and increasing pregnancy rate in CC-resistant women with PCOS.

Short gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist versus flexible antagonist versus clomiphene citrate regimens in poor responders undergoing in vitro fertilization: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Poor responders represent a frustrating condition for couples undergoing IVF and clinicians, and their treatment remains disputed. To assess the efficacy and the most suitable protocol, we conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing three different protocols of ovarian stimulation in poor responder women: clomiphene citrate (CC) plus a high dose of gonadotropins and GnRH antagonist, flexible GnRH antagonist protocol and a short GnRH agonist protocol.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between July 2014 and December 2015 we enrolled 250 poor responders in a previous IVF cycle at least 3 months before. We divided into three groups: group A, 68 women treated with clomiphene citrate and FSH plus antagonist; Group B, 71 patients treated with FSH plus antagonist; Group C, 75 patients treated with FSH plus GnRH agonist.

RESULTS

The GnRH agonist protocol showed a significantly higher pregnancy rate (29.3% vs. 5.9% vs. 14.1% respectively) than the clomiphene and the GnRH antagonist protocol, number of mature oocytes collected, estradiol levels and endometrial thickness. The cost of medications for each baby born was lower for the GnRH agonist protocol than for the others; the implantation rate was significantly lower in the clomiphene group (4.8%) than in the GnRH antagonist group (9.3%) and the GnRH agonist groups (19.2%). No significant differences emerged for total FSH administered, days of stimulation, numbers of oocytes retrieved and embryos transferred.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that short GnRH agonist protocol should be the first choice in poor responders; instead, clomiphene citrate should be avoided due to its very low success rate and high costs.

Subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with metabolic syndrome and clomiphene citrate resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the possible relationship between subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and metabolic syndrome (MS) and the response to clomiphene citrate (CC) stimulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

METHODS

One hundred and ninety-six women with PCOS were divided into two groups: (1) the SCH group with 92 patients; (2) the euthyroid (EU) group with 104 patients. Physical characteristics and metabolic parameters as well as the reaction to CC stimulating test were compared between these two groups.

RESULTS

(1) In the SCH group, significantly higher body mass index, Ferriman-Gallwey score, serum triglyceride, insulin and glucose of oral glucose tolerance test, homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and significantly lower serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was observed in comparison with those in the EU group (p < 0.05). (2) The prevalence of CC resistance (30.4%), IR (43.5%) and MS (34.8%) in the SCH group was significantly higher than that in the EU group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

SCH was found associated with IR, MS and CC resistance in women with PCOS. PCOS patients with SCH may have a poorer treatment response to ovulation induction with CC.

[Treatment of Anovulatory Infertility with Shen Deficiency Syndrome by ZHU's Tiaojing Cuyun Recipe: a Clinical Evaluation]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the molecular biological mechanism of ZHU's Tiaojing Cuyun Recipe (TCR) for treating anovulatory infertility patients with Shen deficiency syndrome (SDS) by observing its clinical efficacy.

METHODS

Using randomized blocking methods, 80 patients were assigned to the treatment group (40 cases) and the control group (40 cases). Patients with regular menstrual cycle started medication from the 5th day of menstruation. Those with irregular menstrual cycle first took progesterone till withdrawal bleeding ,and then started medication from the 5th day of vaginal bleeding. Patients in the treatment group took ZHU's TCR, one dose per day, while those in the control group took Clomifene Citrate (CC), 50 mg per day. Three menstrual cycles consisted of one therapeutic course, a total of 2 courses. Clinical efficacy such as pregnancy rates and abortion rates were observed. Ovulation indices (the maximal diameter of mature follicles, luteinized follicles, ovulational follicles, and the endometrial thickness on the ovulation day), SDS, and integrals of menstrual symptoms were monitored before and after treatment. Serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) , and estradiol (E2) were determined using chemiluminescent immunoassay before treatment and after on therapeutic course. Serum levels of activin A (ACTA), inhibin B (INHB), and follistatin (FS) were detected using double antibody sandwich ELISA.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the pregnancy rate was obviously elevated and the abortion rate was obviously lowered in the treatment group (P <0. 05). Ovulation rates of mature follicles and luteinizing follicles decreased more in the treatment group (P < 0.05). Compared with before treatment, integrals for SDS were lower, the maximal diameter of pre-ovulational follicles was increased, and integrals for menstrual symptoms in non-pregnant patients of the two groups were obviously lowered. Meanwhile, the endometrial thickness on the ovulation day was increased in the treatment group after treatment, but reduced in the control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, integrals for SDS were decreased, and the maximal diameter of pre-ovulational follicles was lowered in the treatment group after treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Integrals for SDS and the difference in the endometrial thickness on the ovulation day were increased, but the difference in the maximal diameter of pre-ovulational follicles were reduced (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). In the treatment group serum levels of E2 and ACTA increased more after one therapeutic course than before treatment (P < 0.01), but serum levels of INHB and FS decreased more after one therapeutic course than before treatment (P < 0.05). In the control group serum levels of FSH and ACTA increased more, and the serum level of FS decreased more after one therapeutic course than before treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, serum levels of FSH and ACTA increased more, and serum levels of INHB decreased more in the treatment group after one therapeutic course than before treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

ZHU'sTCR could improve SDS of anovulatory infertility patients, regulate the follicular development, and elevate the pregnancy rate. Its actions might be associated with regulating their sex hormones, expressions of ovary local factors such as INHB, ACTA, and FS.

[Effect of modified cangfu daotan decoction in improving endometrial receptivity in infertility patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect and potential mechanism of Modified Cangfu Daotan Decoction (MCDD) on endometrial receptivity in infertility patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

METHODS

Totally 298 women having normal ovulation who underwent artificial insemination were recruited as the control group, and they received no drug therapy. Another 355 infertility patients with PCOS who received ovarian stimulation therapy were recruited as the treatment group. Then they were further assigned to the treatment group I (195 cases) and the treatment group II (160 cases) according to random digit table. Patients in the treatment group I received clomiphene (CC) + human menopause gonadotropin (HMG) +human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), while those in the treatment group II received CC + HMG + HCG and additionally took modified MCDD. The therapeutic course for all was three menstrual cycles. The pregnancy ratio, the endometrial thickness, and spiral artery pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were measured. Furthermore, the uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) level was tested by Western blot.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the endometrial thickness decreased and PI and RI increased in the treatment group I (all P < 0.05). Compared with the treatment group I , the endometrial thickness increased and PI and RI decreased in the treatment group II (all P < 0.05). Compared with before treatment, HOMA-IR levels were significantly decreased in the treatment group II after treatment (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group before treatment, the HOMA-IR level increased in the treatment group I and the treatment group II before treatment (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, the HOMA-IR level increased in the treatment group I (P < 0.05). But there was no statistical difference in the post-treatment HOMA-IR level between the control group and the treatment group II (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the post-treatment UCP2 level was increased in the treatment group II (P < 0.05). After one year follow-up, the pregnancy rate was 16.1% (48/298) in the control group, 23.1% (37/160) in the treatment group I, and 33.8% (66/195) in the treatment group II. Compared with the control group, the pregnancy rate was significantly increased in the treatment group II (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

MCDD was found to be capable of increasing the pregnancy rate of infertility patients with PCOS, which might be associated with improving endometrial blood flow and insulin resistance, increasing the UCP2 expression, and finally improving the endometrial receptivity.

Role of luteal phase support on gonadotropin ovulation induction cycles in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of luteal phase progesterone support on pregnancy rates in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who were treated for clomiphene citrate-resistant anovulatory infertility with ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination (OI/ IUI).

STUDY DESIGN

This randomized study included 110 clomiphene citrate-resistant PCOS patients. All patients underwent ovulation induction with recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone and intrauterine insemination, up to 3 cycles, and were randomized into 2 groups: (1) luteal support with progesterone or (2) a control group. The main outcomes were clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates per cycle.

RESULTS

Demographic data were not different between the study and control groups. Cycle characteristics were found to be homogeneous between groups. A total of 38 pregnancies were achieved (15.5% pregnancy rate per cycle). The clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate per cycle in progesterone supported cycles were 18.9% and 16.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

There might be a clinical benefit of luteal progesterone supplementation on OI/IUI cycles for women with PCOS. Although we did not reach a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups, luteal-supported cycles demonstrated a 6.7% higher clinical pregnancy rate and 6.1% higher live birth rate.

Metformin in the treatment of clomiphene citrate-resistant women with high BMI and primary infertility: Clinical results and reproductive outcome

The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and reproductive outcome in clomiphene-citrate (CC)-resistant women with high body mass index (BMI) and primary infertility. This was a case series based at the King Hussein Medical center, Amman, Jordan. Nineteen CC-resistant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who had high BMI and primary infertility were studied. All women received metformin monotherapy; 850 mg twice daily for a period of 6 months. If pregnancy occurred, metformin was continued for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The main outcome measures were a reduction in the BMI, resumption of regular menses, ovulation and pregnancy rates. Resumption of regular cycles was observed in 13 of 19 (68.4%) women. Ovulation and pregnancy were achieved in 9 (47.4%) and 6 (31.6%) of the 19 women, respectively. A significant reduction in the body weight after treatment reflected by a significant reduction in the BMI was noted. Metformin monotherapy is effective in CC-resistant women with morbid obesity and primary infertility and should be considered as first-line treatment in these patients.

Ovarian stromal blood flow following clomiphene citrate challenge test in infertile women

PURPOSE

To compare ovarian stromal blood flow indices in the follicular phase and after clomiphene citrate (CC) in infertile women.

METHODS

Pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), and peak systolic blood flow velocity (PSV) of ovarian stromal vessels were determined by spectral Doppler analysis in the early follicular phase and on day 10 after CC. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol concentrations were determined.

RESULTS

A total of 69 infertile women were included in the analysis. No significant differences in the average PI, RI, and PSV of ovarian stromal blood flow were demonstrated in the follicular phase and after CC despite a significant increase in serum estradiol concentration after CC. Serum FSH concentration was similar in the follicular phase and after CC, while serum LH concentration was significantly higher after CC. In the right ovary, ovarian stromal blood flow was absent in 13 (18.8%) patients in the follicular phase and in 6 (8.7%) patients after CC, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. In the left ovary, ovarian stromal blood flow was absent in 13 (18.8%) and 12 (17.4%) patients in the follicular phase and after CC, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Ovarian stromal blood flow indices were similar in the follicular phase and after CC.

Ovarian reserve screening: what the general gynecologist should know

Ovarian reserve tests are an indirect measurement of a woman's remaining follicular pool and give an estimate of her sensitivity to ovarian stimulation and her prognosis for success with fertility treatments. They cannot be used to predict future fertility or the exact timing of the decline or cessation of fertility. It is important to become familiar with these tests and understand their correct performance and interpretation, including their limitations. We review the correct timing and interpretation of the most commonly accepted tests of ovarian reserve, and suggest which patient populations will benefit most from screening. Discussed in detail are the natural age-related decline in fecundity, basal follicle stimulating hormone and estradiol levels, the clomiphene citrate challenge test, and use of transvaginal ultrasound for antral follicle counts. Other tests, such as for ovarian volume, anti-Müllerian hormone, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist and exogenous follicle-stimulating hormone, are discussed briefly.

Cycle regimens for frozen-thawed embryo transfer

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy rates following frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) treatment have always been found to be lower than following embryo transfer using fresh embryos. Nevertheless, FET increases the (cumulative) pregnancy rate, reduces cost, is relatively simple to undertake and can be accomplished in a shorter time period compared to repeated 'fresh' cycles. FET is performed using different cycle regimens: spontaneous ovulatory cycles, cycles in which ovulation is induced by drugs and cycles in which the endometrium is artificially prepared by oestrogen (O) and progesterone (P) hormones, with or without a gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa).

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether there is a difference in outcome between natural cycle FET, artificial cycle FET and ovulation induction cycle FET.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Our search included CENTRAL,DARE, MEDLINE (1950 to 2007), EMBASE (1980 to 2007) and CINAHL (1982 to 2007).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the various cycle regimens and different methods used to prepare the endometrium during FET in assisted reproductive technology (ART).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The two authors independently extracted data. Dichotomous outcomes results (e.g. clinical pregnancy rate) were expressed as an odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each study. Continuous outcome results (endometrial thickness) were expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD). Where suitable, results were combined for meta-analysis with RevMan software using the Peto-modified Mantel-Haenszel method.

MAIN RESULTS

Seven randomised controlled studies assessing six comparisons and including 1120 women in total were included in this review.1) O + P FET versus natural cycle FET: this comparison demonstrated no significant differences in outcomes but confidence intervals remain wide, and therefore moderate differences in either direction remain possible (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.40 to 2.80, P 0.91).2) GnRHa + O + P FET versus O + P FET: this comparison showed that the live birth rate per woman was significantly higher in the former group (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.84, P 0.02). The clinical pregnancy rate was also higher but not significantly so (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.10, P 0.14).3) O + P FET versus follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) FET, 4) O + P FET versus clomiphene FET and 5) GnRHa + O + P FET versus clomiphene FET: there were no differences in the outcomes in the comparison of these cycle regimens.6) Clomiphene + human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) FET versus HMG FET: in a comparison of two ovulation induction regimes the pregnancy rate was found to be significantly higher in the HMG group (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.92). There were also fewer cycle cancellations and a lower multiple pregnancy rate when HMG was used without clomiphene but these did not reach statistical significance.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

At the present time there is insufficient evidence to support the use of one intervention in preference to another.

Male hypogonadism

The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis regulates the development, endocrine and reproductive function of the gonads throughout all phases of life. Male hypogonadism is defined an inadequate gonadal function, as manifested by deficiency in gametogenesis and/or secretion of gonadal hormones. In most cases, male hypogonadism is diagnosed through detailed history, physical examination and a few basic hormonal evaluations. In selected cases, however, additional tests are needed to define the aetiology and the extent of HPG axis dysfunction. These include semen analysis, pituitary imaging studies, genetic studies, bone densitometry, testicular ultrasonography, testicular biopsy and hormonal dynamic testing. The stimulation tests of the HPG are of particular importance in the differential diagnosis of congenital delayed puberty versus pre-pubertal hypogonadism in children. This review will focus on the methods, indications and limitations of endocrine testing in the characterisation and differential diagnosis of male hypogonadism at various ages. A practical hands-on guide on how to perform these tests is also provided.

Clomiphene citrate challenge test and serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels in women with menstrual irregularities and/or infertility

AIM

Evaluation of CCCT results and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) plasma levels in women with menstrual cycle irregularities and/or infertility.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

70 patients with menstrual cycle disturbances were recruited to the study. Clomiphene citrate challenge test (CCCT) was carried out in each patient enrolled. At day 3 of the cycle plasma basic levels of FSH, estradiol, progesterone, IGFBP-1, TSH, prolactin, DHEAS and anti-Müllerian hormone were measured. At day 10 of the cycle plasma levels of FSH and estradiol were evaluated. Plasma levels of hormones were measured by commercially available ELISA kits.

RESULTS

50 women with normal result of CCCT (group A) had higher mean plasma level of AMH compared to 20 women with abnormal result of CCCT (group B). Mean plasma FSH level at day 3 of the cycle was lower in group A compared to group B. There were no other statistically significant differences in mean values of assessed parameters between groups A and B. Taking into account all patients enrolled to the study AMH correlated significantly with patients' age and plasma levels of FSH at day 3 and day 10 of the cycle). Basic AMH plasma levels in group A correlated negatively with plasma levels of FSH at day 3 and day 10. In group B plasma levels of FSH at day 10 of the cycle also correlated with basic AMH plasma levels. Plasma levels of estradiol at day 10 of the cycle were related inversely with basic AMH plasma levels in group A, but directly in group B.

CONCLUSION

It should be recommended to perform the CCCT before infertility treatment. Evaluation of the anti-Müllerian hormone plasma level reflects the results of the CCCT.

The clomiphene citrate challenge test for the prediction of poor ovarian response and nonpregnancy in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the value of the clomiphene citrate challenge test (CCCT) in the prediction of poor ovarian response and pregnancy in IVF.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

SETTING

All studies that evaluated the CCCT in the prediction of poor ovarian response or pregnancy after IVF.

PATIENT(S)

Infertility population undergoing an IVF treatment.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Poor ovarian response, nonpregnancy.

RESULT(S)

From the literature we identified and analyzed 12 studies on the CCCT according to preset criteria. In predicting poor response, the sensitivity and specificity of the CCCT varied from 35% to 93% and 47% to 98%, respectively. In predicting nonpregnancy, the sensitivity and specificity varied from 13% to 66% and 73% to 97%, respectively. Because of heterogeneity among studies, a summary receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve could not be estimated. Back-to-back comparison of the CCCT with basal FSH was possible in six studies. In predicting poor response, the sensitivity of the CCCT increased to some extent, whereas specificity did not increase or even diminished. In predicting nonpregnancy, the CCCT also showed an increase in sensitivity, counteracted by a decrease in specificity.

CONCLUSION(S)

Summary estimates of test accuracy for the CCCT in IVF are not possible, because of heterogeneity among individual studies. A subanalysis of studies comparing basal FSH and the full CCCT showed that the CCCT has hardly any additional value.

[Ovarian reserve tests and oocyte quality]

The decline in fecundity with female age is a well-known phenomenon for clinicians dealing with subfertility patients. Diminishing ovarian reserve seems to be the reason for declining fecundity. Since age is only a rough estimate of ovarian reserve, many tests have been developed to predict ovarian reserve more precisely. This review focuses on these ovarian reserve tests and their clinical role in predicting response to ovarian stimulation and pregnancy chances.

Efficacy of laparoscopic ovarian diathermy in clomiphene citrate-resistant women with polycystic ovary syndrome: relationships with chronological and ovarian age

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic ovarian diathermy (LOD) has been used successfully as a first-, second- and third-line treatment for ovulation induction in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, little is known about the predictors for LOD efficacy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate reproductive outcomes in clomiphene citrate (CC)-resistant PCOS patients treated with LOD according to ovarian and chronological age.

METHOD

A total of 60 non-obese, primary infertile, CC-resistant women with PCOS were enrolled and treated with LOD. During the following 6 months, all patients underwent ovulation monitoring and timed intercourse. If spontaneous ovulation did not occur within 3 months from surgery, CC (100 mg/day) was administered for 5 days from day 3 of the remaining cycles. The ovulation, abortion and pregnancy rates were assessed and analyzed with patients categorized according to chronological age (group A, <25 years; group B, 25-30 years; group C, 30-35 years; group D, >35 years) and ovarian age (group 1, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) < 10 mIU/ml; group 2, FSH > 10 mIU/ml).

RESULTS

At the end of the study, total ovulation, pregnancy and abortion rates were 57.1, 13.0 and 18.2%, respectively. No difference in all reproductive outcomes was observed between groups A, B and C, whereas the efficacy of LOD was significantly lower in group D. A significant difference in all clinical endpoints was detected between groups 1 and 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that chronological age >35 years and basal FSH value > 10 mIU/ml are related to poor reproductive prognosis in CC-resistant PCOS patients treated with LOD.

The science behind 25 years of ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization

To allow selection of embryos for transfer after in vitro fertilization, ovarian stimulation is usually carried out with exogenous gonadotropins. To compensate for changes induced by stimulation, GnRH analog cotreatment, oral contraceptive pretreatment, late follicular phase human chorionic gonadotropin, and luteal phase progesterone supplementation are usually added. These approaches render ovarian stimulation complex and costly. The stimulation of multiple follicular development disrupts the physiology of follicular development, with consequences for the oocyte, embryo, and endometrium. In recent years, recombinant gonadotropin preparations have become available, and novel stimulation protocols with less detrimental effects have been developed. In this article, the scientific background to current approaches to ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization is reviewed. After a brief discussion of the relevant aspect of ovarian physiology, the development, application, and consequences of ovarian stimulation strategies are reviewed in detail.

Fertility and a woman's age

Women show a progressive decline in fecundity as they pass through the reproductive years. The decline in fecundity can be attributed to numerous potential causes, including changes in oocyte quality, the frequency and efficiency of ovulation, sexual function, the health of the uterus and the risk of pregnancy complications. Screening women for their ovarian reserve uses a number of biochemical and imaging strategies that have a limited ability to predict the likelihood of pregnancy with or without fertility treatment. Consideration of the decline infertility as a woman ages is an important and integral part of health care for women. Physicians and other caregivers must continue to counsel women about their potential fertility as they age, whether or not they are actively seeking pregnancy.

Obesity and Clomiphene Challenge Test as Predictors of Outcome of in vitro Fertilization and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection

One hundred and sixty-two consecutive patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) or IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were studied to determine the effect of obesity on the outcome of this treatment and to evaluate the prognostic value of the Clomiphene Challenge Test (CCT) in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. In this prospective clinical study, we assessed the mean number of stimulation days, the mean gonadotropin level/day, cancellation rate, the mean thickness of the endometrium, the mean number of oocytes retrieved, the fertilization rate, the clinical pregnancy rate/embryo transfer and the abortion rate. Obese women had a doubled risk of cancellation due to poor response, although this was not statistically significant. Furthermore, they showed up to 45% lower fertilization rates compared to women of normal weight. The CCT was a good predictor of IVF and IVF/ICSI outcome. Women with an abnormal CCT needed more days of stimulation and higher doses of gonadotropins to reach an adequate stimulation, but still overall results were less than in women with a normal CCT. We conclude that obesity negatively affects IVF and IVF/ICSI outcome, and that CCT is a useful prognosticator of response to ovarian stimulation. Obese patients show a tendency to experience more cancellation due to poor response and lower fertilization rates. Obese women should be counseled on their possible poor performance in IVF and IVF/ICSI programs.

[Controlled study on acupuncture for treatment of endocrine dysfunctional infertility]

OBJECTIVE

To compare therapeutic effects of acupuncture and Western medicine for promoting ovalation on endocrine dysfunctional infertility.

METHODS

Two hundred and forty cases of infertility were randomly divided into an acupuncture group (n = 160) and a Western medicine group (n = 80). They were treated with acupuncture and clomiphene respectively and their therapeutic effects were compared.

RESULTS

The pregnancy rate was 65.0% in the acupuncture group and 45.0% in the Western medicine group with a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Acupuncture can cure endocrine dysfunctional infertility.

Laparoscopic ovarian drilling in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome: How many punctures per ovary are needed to improve the reproductive outcome?

AIM

To evaluate the biochemical, clinical and reproductive results after laparoscopic ovarian drilling that carried out a different number of punctures in the ovaries.

METHODS

Sixty-three clomiphene-citrate-resistant women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) underwent laparoscopic ovarian drilling using insulated needle cautery. Patients were allocated to two groups: group I (n = 26) had five punctures per ovary, and group II (n = 37) had 10 punctures per ovary. Biochemical and clinical data, before and after the procedure along with the reproductive outcome, were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in terms of body mass index, and insulin and glucose levels before and after the procedure between the two groups. Androgen levels and luteinizing hormone concentrations showed a statistically significant decrease after the treatment. The clinical and reproductive outcome, including menses cyclicity, ovulation, and pregnancy rates were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic ovarian drilling is an effective treatment in clomiphene-citrate-resistant women with PCOS. Five, instead of > or = 10, punctures per ovary are sufficient to ameliorate the hyperandrogenic status in these women, improving their clinical and reproductive outcome.

Prognostic value of some ovarian reserve tests in poor responders

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to determine the prognostic value of the basal estradiol (E2) and inhibin-B levels, the antral follicle count (AFC), and the clomiphene citrate challenge test (CCCT) of ovarian response in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH), in an outcome with normal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration in the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.

METHODS

Fifty-two patients undergoing IVF treatment were included in the study. Blood samples were collected for assessment of basal E2, FSH, and inhibin-B levels. Transvaginal ultrasound of an unstimulated cycle was performed to determine the mean antral follicle count (AFC). Serum FSH concentration was measured again on day 10 for CCCT performance.

RESULTS

The mean values of women's age, and basal and day 10 FSH levels were significantly higher in cancelled cycles than in the control group, whereas basal inhibin-B and AFC were significantly higher in the latter. The mean basal E2 concentration was similar in both groups. The results from the logistic regression analysis show that CCCT (cut-off point FSH > 12.5 mIU/ml; AUCROC = 0.90) was a better single predictor of poor ovarian response than AFC (AUCROC = 0.85) and inhibin-B (AUCROC = 0.79) with a correct prediction for CCCT (86.5%), antral follicle count (84.6%), and for inhibin-B (82.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

In women with normal basal FSH level, the determination of E2 has no prognostic value for the outcome of poor responders. However, CCCT, AFC, and inhibin-B tests, when applied separately, produce good prognostic values. CCCT is the best single predictor of poor ovarian response, followed by antral follicle count and basal inhibin-B values. In spite of that, CCCT does not add significantly to the simpler AFC ultrasound test in the prediction of poor ovarian response.

A randomised prospective trial of intrauterine insemination versus timed intercourse in superovulated cycles with clomiphene

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Despite its wide use, the benefits of intrauterine insemination (IUI), its over timed intercourse (TI) in couples with unexplained infertility is a matter of debate. Studies in Indian couples with unexplained infertility showing benefit of IUI over TI are not available. The present study was done with the objective of comparing TI and IUI with husband's sperm in couples with unexplained infertility undergoing superovulation with clomiphene.

METHODS

A total of 140 couples with unexplained infertility were subjected to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) with clomiphene and prospectively randomized to receive either TI (group A) or IUI (group B). Complete follow up was available for 113 couples only.

RESULTS

The pregnancy rate and cycle fecundity rate after COH/TI was 41 and 8.8 per cent and after COH/IUI 18 and 3.4 per cent respectively. The difference was statistically not significant.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study showed that in women with unexplained infertility addition of IUI to ovulation induction does not improve conception rates. COH/TI can help to achieve good results and save the expense and discomfort due to a invasive procedure.

Comparison of basal follicle-stimulating hormone versus the clomiphene citrate challenge test for ovarian reserve screening

OBJECTIVE

To compare the value of basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) measurement vs. the clomiphene citrate challenge test (CCCT) in predicting the ability to achieve a pregnancy in women who are undergoing infertility treatment.

DESIGN

Meta-analysis.

SETTING

All studies that evaluated either basal FSH or the CCCT for determining the likelihood of pregnancy.

PATIENT(S)

Infertility population undergoing treatment, which was defined as patients undergoing ovulation induction, IUI, or in vitro fertilization (IVF).

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Diagnostic test characteristics were calculated and pooled using standard methods. Inability to achieve a pregnancy with treatment was considered as the "disease."

RESULT(S)

Twelve studies on basal FSH (with 6296 patients, mean age 33.8) and seven studies on the CCCT (with 1352 patients, mean age 34.5) fit our criteria and were analyzed. For basal FSH and the CCCT, the sensitivities were 6.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.9, 7.3%) and 25.9% (95% CI 23.0, 29.0%), respectively, and specificities were 99.6% (95% CI 99.1, 99.9%) and 98.1% (95% CI 96.5, 99.1%), respectively. For "disease" prevalence ranging from 40%-100%, for basal FSH and the CCCT, the positive predictive values ranged from 91.7%-100% and 90.1%-100%, respectively, and negative predictive values ranged from 61.5%-0.0% and 66.5%-0.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSION(S)

Basal FSH and the CCCT are similar in predicting the ability to achieve a clinical pregnancy in women undergoing infertility treatment. With either test, a normal result is not useful, but an abnormal result virtually confirms that pregnancy will not occur with treatment.

An economic comparison of a laparoscopic electrocautery strategy and ovulation induction with recombinant FSH in women with clomiphene citrate-resistant polycystic ovary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Recombinant FSH (rFSH) is the current standard treatment for ovulation induction in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that do not respond to clomiphene citrate. Ovulation induction with rFSH is known to be costly due to the necessity of daily injections and intensive monitoring. An alternative strategy, starting with electrocautery of the ovaries, may be a less costly option.

METHODS

An economic evaluation was set up alongside a multicentre randomized clinical trial comparing laparoscopic electrocautery of the ovaries, followed by clomiphene citrate and rFSH when anovulation persisted, and treatment with rFSH in 168 women with clomiphene citrate-resistant PCOS. Data on resources used for treatment and productivity loss were collected prospectively up to an eventual ongoing pregnancy with a time horizon of 12 months.

RESULTS

At 12 months the ongoing pregnancy rates were 67% for both the electrocautery strategy and rFSH treatment. Mean total costs per woman were 5308 euros for the electrocautery strategy and 5925 euros for treatment with rFSH, resulting in a mean difference of 617 (95% CI: -382 euros to 1614 euros).

CONCLUSIONS

The total treatment costs up to an ongoing pregnancy are comparable for rFSH treatment and an alternative strategy starting with electrocautery. Due to a lower number of multiple pregnancies, the electrocautery strategy can be expected to result in lower total costs when costs of the delivery are included.

Gonadotropin response to clomiphene and plasma leptin levels in weight recovered but amenorrhoeic patients with anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a state of leptin and gonadotropin deficiency. Leptin levels are decreased in normal weight women with hypothalamic amenorrhea and leptin may be a sensitive marker of overall nutritional status. The aim of the study is to provide additional information on plasma leptin levels and on gonadotropin responses after clomiphene testing in patients with AN who recovered weight but were still amenorrheic. We evaluated 17 patients with AN, female age 20+/-1.2 yr who reached goal weight [body mass index (BMI) 14.9+/-0.5 to 19.3+/-0.4 kg/m2]. At diagnosis serum leptin levels were 2.2+/-0.1 microg/l while after behavioural therapy and hypercaloric diet for 6-12 months serum leptin levels rose to 6.4+/-1.4 microg/l significantly lower compared with those in the control (no.=10, age 28+/-6.2 yr, BMI 21.1+/-0.3 kg/m2, leptin 9.3+/-0.7 pg/l; p<0.05). None of the patients resumed spontaneous menstrual cycles after weight gain. They were tested with a 10-day administration of clomiphene citrate. All had a significant rise in LH secretion (from 1.7+/-0.3 IU/l to 8.3+/-0.9 IU/l, p<0.01) and serum estradiol levels (from 19.0+/-5.4 to 937.7+/-241.2 pg/ml, p<0.03). Nine out of 17 patients menstruated after clomiphene. Serum leptin levels were not different in those who menstruated from those who did not (6.4+/-1.4 to 6.8+/-1.4 microg/l, p>0.05). Body compositon was studied in 12 additional carefully matched patients with AN who recovered weight. Six of them resumed spontaneous menstrual cycles. Neither BMI, body fat, nor leptin appeared as significant determinants of menstrual status. In conclusion, relative hypoleptinemia persists, independent of fat mass, in weight recovered patients with AN. A normal response to clomiphene in weight-recovered yet still amenorrhoeic patients with AN, offers reassurance that the axis is intact and that the problem lies in the hypothalamus. It is reasonable to believe that nutritional disturbances, fat intake and persisting psychological factors still affect plasma leptin levels and reproductive functions in weight-recovered patients with amenorrhea.