Purpose The aim of this study was to determine how female age at the end of the reproductive spectrum effects success of natural cycle intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IUI in combination with ovarian stimulation. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of women 43 years of age and older at the time of IUI in a single academic fertility center between January 2011 and March 2018. Primary

Purpose To determine whether maternal age has an impact on monozygotic twinning (MZT) rates in women undergoing single embryo transfer (SET). Methods This is a retrospective cohort study analyzed for the incidence of MZT of all clinical pregnancies after a single embryo transfer was carried out between 2014 and 2018. The effect of different assisted reproductive technology (ART) parameters on the incidence

Purpose To evaluate the noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) results of 36,913 cases in Jiangxi province of central China and explore its application value in prenatal screening and diagnosis. Methods This retrospective analysis included 36,913 singleton pregnant women who underwent NIPT because of moderate-/high-risk pregnancy or voluntary requirements between January 2017 and December 2019 in our

Purpose To elucidate the genetic cause of intellectual deficiency and/or congenital malformations in two parental reciprocal translocation carriers and provide appropriate strategies of assisted reproductive therapy (ART). Materials and methods Two similar couples having a child with global developmental delay/intellectual disability symptoms attended the Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya

Purpose To compare the racial and ethnic make-up of patients who accessed medically indicated fertility preservation services (MIFP) against the overall racial diversity (including Hispanic origin) across women of reproductive age diagnosed with cancer in New York City (NYC). Methods All patients who completed at least one MIFP between January 2017 and December 2018 were reviewed. Race was self-reported

Purpose This study aimed to determine the effects of drilling and thinning treatment of laser-assisted hatching on the expression and methylation of imprinted gene IGF2/H19 in embryos and offspring. Methods The prehatching blastocysts with treatment of drilling or thinning, or control prehatching blastocysts, were transplanted in surrogate uteri. The DNA methylation of IGF2/H19 imprinting control region

Paternally derived de novo mutations (DNMs) caused by oxidative stress (OS) have been implicated in the development of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Whether preconception antioxidant supplementation can reduce the incidence of ASDs by reducing OS is an area of uncertainty and potentially important future scientific investigation.

Purpose To compare monozygotic twinning (MZT) rates in patients undergoing fresh embryo transfer (ET) and frozen embryo transfer. Methods All clinical pregnancies after single ET carried out in our IVF center between 2014 and 2018 (n = 8459) were retrospectively analyzed for the incidence of MZT. MZT rate was compared in women who underwent fresh ET (n = 3876) and frozen ET (n = 4583). Results There

Purpose We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of available literature to investigate the efficacy of the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in couples with non-male factor with respect to the clinical outcomes. Methods The literature search was based on EMBASE, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library. All studies published after 1992 until February 2020 and written in English addressing

Purpose Laevo (l)-carnitine plays important roles in reducing the cytotoxic effects of free fatty acids by forming acyl-carnitine and promoting beta-oxidation, leading to alleviation of cell damage. Recently, the mitochondrial functions in morula has been shown to decrease with the maternal age. Here, we assessed the effect of l-carnitine on mitochondrial function in human embryos and embryo development

Purpose Oocyte quality and reproductive outcome are negatively affected by advanced maternal age, ovarian stimulation and method of oocyte maturation during assisted reproduction; however, the mechanisms responsible for these associations are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of ageing, ovarian stimulation and in-vitro maturation on the relative levels of transcript

Purpose There is no consensus yet in the literature on an optimal luteinizing hormone (LH) level for human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) trigger timing in patients undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) with modified natural cycles (mNC). The objective of our study was to compare the clinical results of hCG trigger at different LH levels in mNC-FET cases. Methods This retrospective study was

Science, propelled forward by noble aspirations and, at times, human hubris, has the capacity to affect lives and alter the world in unanticipated ways. Even seemingly minor discoveries have repeatedly proven to have far reaching implications that experts within their respective fields could not have predicted. Nuclear technology is both a source of energy and a potential means of annihilation. The

Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency, and safety of a transnational gamete donation (TGD) programme based on the shipping of vitrified donor oocytes. Methods A retro-prospective observational study was conducted in the Assisted Reproductive Technology Center of the University Hospital of Florence, Italy. The study population included 622 consecutive donor oocyte cycles. A mean number of

Purpose This study aimed to determine the role of Wnt pathway in mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) derivation from single blastomeres isolated from eight-cell embryos and in the pluripotency features of the mESC established. Methods Wnt activator CHIR99021, Wnt inhibitor IWR-1-endo, and MEK inhibitor PD0325901 were used alone or in combination during ESC derivation and maintenance from single blastomeres

Purpose To evaluate the effect of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation length and total gonadotropin (GN) dose on recipient live birth rate (LBR) in fresh donor oocyte cycles. Methods Data was obtained from SART CORS on all fresh donor oocyte GnRH antagonist cycles (n = 1049) between 2014 and 2015 which resulted in a single embryo transferred. Donor and recipient demographic information and cycle characteristics

Purpose Patients with single ventricle anatomy palliated with Fontan operation are at risk for thromboembolism, arrhythmia, and heart failure rendering pregnancy high risk or even contraindicated. Infertility and high rates of first trimester miscarriage are not uncommon. In vitro fertilization (IVF) with or without gestational surrogacy can be an option, but poses risks during ovarian stimulation

Purpose To investigate the association of partial-AZFc deletions in Chilean men with primary spermatogenic failure and their testicular histopathological phenotypes, analyzing the contribution of DAZ dosage, CDY1 copies, and Y-chromosome haplogroups. Subjects and methods We studied 479 Chilean men: 334 infertile patients with histological examination (233 cases with spermatogenic defects and 101 normal

Purpose To combine different independent endometrial markers to classify the presence of endometriosis. Methods Endometrial biopsies were obtained from 109 women with endometriosis as well as 110 control women. Nine candidate biomarkers independent of cycle phase were selected from the literature and NanoString was performed. We compared differentially expressed genes between groups and generated generalized

Purpose Endometriosis (EM) is a common gynecological disease affecting 10–15% of women of reproductive age. However, molecular mechanisms and pathogenesis are still not completely understood. Furthermore, due to the absence of a reliable clinical biomarker, the only viable method for the often-delayed definitive diagnosis is laparoscopic surgery. Our objective was to analyze molecular differences of

Purpose To promote nationwide dissemination and implementation of COVID-19 Risk Assessment and Safety Management Operational Guidelines, drawn up by SAMeR Task Force in ART centers in Argentina. Our objective is to prevent and mitigate the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 at an institutional level, while reducing the risk of infection among both physicians and patients in the context of a critical scenario

A recent study published in Human Reproduction claimed that uterine lavage offers a non-surgical, minimally invasive strategy for the recovery of human embryos from fertile women who do not want or need IVF for medical reasons but who desire preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) for embryos. To prove this hypothesis, the researchers recruited dozens of young Mexican women. The prospective oocyte donors

Purpose Chronic endometritis (CE) is a frequent hysteroscopic and histological finding which affects embryo transfer implantation during IVF-ICSI cycles. In particular, CE impairs proper decidualization and, subsequently, implantation. Although this correlation has been clearly clarified, a pathophysiological explanation assembling all the studies performed has not been elucidated yet. For this reason

Purpose The aim of this study was to elucidate whether ovarian tissue is able to withstand a double freezing-thawing procedure. Methods Human ovarian cortical biopsies from 4 thawed whole ovaries were divided into 4 experimental subgroups: (a) frozen-thawed non-grafted group, (b) frozen-thawed xenografted group, (c) refrozen-rethawed non-grafted group, and (d) refrozen-rethawed xenografted group. Xenografting

Purpose To enhance the understanding of the clinical significance of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in follicular fluid, we aimed to determine the variability of AMH concentrations in follicular fluid within and across IVF cycles and whether high follicular fluid AMH concentrations are associated with improved clinical IVF outcomes. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of companion follicular

Purpose Reproductive decline due to parental age has become a major barrier to fertility as couples have delayed having offspring into their thirties and forties. Advanced parental age is also associated with increased incidence of neurological and cardiovascular disease in offspring. Thus, elucidating the etiology of reproductive decline is of clinical importance. Methods Deciphering the underlying

Purpose No educational and decision support tools exist to aid transgender and non-binary (TNB) adolescents and young adults (AYA) in making decisions about fertility preservation in the context of initiating gender-affirming medical care that can impair fertility. This study identified critical content areas and learning objectives to include in a decision aid about fertility preservation targeted

As the worldwide use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) continues to grow, there is a critical need to assess the safety of these treatment parameters and the potential adverse health effects of their use in adults and their offspring. While key elements remain similar across nations, geographic variations both in treatments and populations make generalizability challenging. We describe and

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been proposed as a potential tool to help address many of the existing problems related with empirical or subjective assessments of clinical and embryological decision points during the treatment of infertility. AI technologies are reviewed and potential areas of implementation of algorithms are discussed, highlighting the importance of following a proper path for the

Purpose To compare morphokinetic parameters and quality of embryos derived from GnRH antagonist ICSI cycles triggered either with GnRH agonist or standard hCG between matched groups of patients. Methods Morphokinetic parameters of embryos derived from matched first GnRH antagonist ICSI cycles triggered by GnRH agonist or standard hCG between 2013 and 2016 were compared. Matching was performed for maternal

Purpose To evaluate the clinical usefulness of the endometrial receptivity array (ERA) and the preimplantation genetic test for aneuploidy (PGT-A) in patients with severe and moderate recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Design A retrospective multicenter cohort study was conducted in patients who failed to achieve implantation following transfer of 3 or more or 5 or more embryos in at least three

Purpose To visualize SARS-CoV-2 host receptors ACE2 and CD147 on human oocytes and blastocysts. Methods Immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy on human primary oocytes and pre (5 days post fertilization (dpf5) and (dpf6))- and peri (dpf7)-implantation blastocysts donated to research. Results SARS-CoV-2 host receptors ACE2 and CD147 are present on the membrane of trophectoderm, epiblast and hypoblast

Current research indicates that a sizable number of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) cases arise from de novo mutations (DNMs) occurring within the paternal germline, usually in an age-dependent manner. Andrologists have reported that somatic cells and gametes share the same pathologies that generate these DNMs—specifically, DNA hypomethylation caused by oxidative nucleoside base damage. Because many

Purpose Tubulin beta eight class VIII (TUBB8) is essential for oogenesis, fertilization, and pre-implantation embryo development in human. Although TUBB8 mutations were recently discovered in meiosis-arrested oocytes of infertile females, there is no effective therapy for this gene mutation caused infertility. Our study aims to further reveal the infertility-causing gene mutations in the patient’s

Purpose To investigate if rare gene variants in women with severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) provide clues to the mechanisms involved in the syndrome. Methods Among participants in a prospective randomized study (Toftager et al. 2016), six women with predicted low and six women with predicted high risk of OHSS developing severe OHSS (grades 4 and 5, Golan classification) were selected

Purpose Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed during childbearing age, and fertility preservation is becoming increasingly more essential. However, recent studies indicate a possible poorer response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) in cancer patients than in non-cancer controls and a negative impact of BRCA mutations on female fertility. This study aims to evaluate ovarian response

The COVID-19 pandemic has fueled numerous debates in the field of assisted reproductive technology (ART) as the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on pregnancy and infancy is still considered uncharted territory. Various theses and recommendations on what optimal practice is have emerged, as evidenced by surveys, webinars, and recent publications. ART specialists are faced with dilemmas in light of the lack of concrete

Purpose To determine whether there was a significant impact on using cryopreservation of testicular or epididymal sperm upon the outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in patients with obstructive azoospermia (OA). Method Systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 retrospective studies in databases from January 1, 1995, to June 1, 2020. Result Twenty articles were included in this study

Purpose To utilize a novel mitochondrial function assay with pooled granulosa cells to determine whether mitochondrial function would differ by patient demographics and embryo development. Methods This was a prospective pilot study in a hospital-based assisted reproductive program and public university. Mitochondrial metabolic substrate utilization was assessed in pooled granulosa cells from 40 women

Objective To study the effect of aging on ovarian circadian rhythm. Design Human and animal study. Setting University hospital and research laboratory. Patients/animals Human granulosa cells were obtained by follicular aspiration from women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), and ovarian and liver tissues were obtained from female C57BL/6 mice. Intervention(s) None. Main outcome measure(s) Expression

A published study reported by Munné using uterine lavage to retrieve in vivo blastocysts for preimplantation genetic testing has been the subject of several technical and ethical critiques. None of these critiques has been based on a review of the study’s IRB-approved informed consent. This commentary seeks to do that, examining the Munné (and related Nadal) consent forms for their conformity to existing

Trophectoderm biopsy is increasingly performed for pre-implantation genetic testing of aneuploidies and considered a safe procedure on short-term clinical outcome, without strong assessment of long-term consequences. Poor biological information on human trophectoderm is available due to ethical restrictions. Therefore, most studies have been conducted in vitro (choriocarcinoma cell lines, embryonic

Background Male infertility is currently one of the most common problems faced by couples worldwide. We performed a GWAS on Greek population and gathered statistically significant SNPs in order to investigate whether they lie within or near lncRNA regions. Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate whether polymorphisms on or near lncRNAs affect interactions with miRNAs and can cause male

Research question Does a freeze-all strategy improve live birth rates in women of different age groups? Design Retrospective cohort study of 1882 first embryo transfer cycles, performed between January 2013 and December 2015. Reproductive outcomes between fresh (FRESH) or frozen (FROZEN) embryo transfers were compared in patients stratified by age: < 35, between 35 and 38, or > 38 years. Student’s

Purpose To study the association between paternal age and schizophrenia in offspring. Methods This report describes a nationwide population-based cohort study from 1997 to 2013. Data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database were utilized to answer the research question. A total of 17,649 offspring with schizophrenia were selected from 11 million offspring in the general population

Purpose To screen novel mutations in LHCGR responsible for empty follicle syndrome and explore the pathological mechanism of mutations. Methods Four affected individuals diagnosed with infertility-associated anovulation or oligo-ovulation from three independent families were recruited. Sanger sequencing was used to identify the LHCGR mutations in affected individuals. Western blot was performed to

Objective Telomeres are repetitive sequences localized at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes comprising noncoding DNA and telomere-binding proteins. TRF1 and TRF2 both bind to the double-stranded telomeric DNA to regulate its length throughout the lifespan of eukaryotic cells. POT1 interacts with single-stranded telomeric DNA and contributes to protecting genomic integrity. Previous studies have shown

Purpose This study used noninvasive, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM)-based imaging of NADH and FAD to characterize the metabolic response of mouse embryos to short-term oxygen deprivation. We investigated the response to hypoxia at various preimplantation stages. Methods Mouse oocytes and embryos were exposed to transient hypoxia by dropping the oxygen concentration in media from 5–0%

Purpose To keep and increase spermatogonial stem cell number (SSC) is the only available option for pediatric cancer survivors to maintain fertility. Leptin is secreted by the epididymal white adipose tissue and has receptors on stem/progenitor spermatogonia. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate dose- and time-dependent proliferative effect of leptin on stem/progenitor spermatogonia cultures

Purpose The objective of our meta-analysis was to estimate the effect of VTS on obstetric outcomes of ART singletons. Methods PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched up to January 2019 to find studies reporting the obstetric outcomes of ART singletons with VTS. Dichotomous data were expressed as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Continuous data were expressed

Purpose Mutations in the zona pellucida glycoprotein genes have been reported to be associated with empty follicle syndrome (EFS) and abnormal zona pellucida (ZP). In this study, we performed genetic analysis in the patients with female infertility due to abnormal zona pellucida and empty follicle syndrome to identify the disease-causing gene mutations in these patients. Methods We characterized three

Purpose As obesity becomes increasingly prevalent, its impact on fertility has been a subject of great debate. Nearly all prior research is retrospective and evaluates obesity utilizing body mass index (BMI), which may overestimate adiposity in individuals with a greater amount of lean muscle and underestimate adiposity in those with less muscle mass. Methods We prospectively evaluated 2013 couples

Purpose The objective of the present study was to purify sheep spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) from testicular isolate using combined enrichment methods and to study the effect of growth factors on SSC stemness during culture. Methods The testicular cells from prepubertal male sheep were isolated, and SSCs were purified using Ficoll gradients (10 and 12%) followed by differential plating (laminin

Purpose To assess longitudinal trends in in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients’ choices for disposing of cryopreserved embryos. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of embryo disposition forms submitted between January 2000 and February 2020 at a university-based fertility clinic. Primary outcome was disposition decision. Binary and multivariable logistic regression were performed to determine

Purpose A genome-wide association study conducted in the Han Chinese population identified three single nucleotide variants rs12097821, rs2477686, and rs10842262 as being significantly associated with non-obstructive azoospermia. Our aim was to evaluate the possible association between these susceptibility loci and idiopathic male infertility risk in the Serbian population. Methods A case-control study

Embryo implantation is accompanied by a potent inflammatory response, and a gradient of cytokines and chemokines produced by endometrial cells supports the embryo-endometrial interaction. C-reactive protein (CRP) serves as an early marker of inflammation and recent studies have illustrated that controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) could increase its levels. Interestingly, a high chance of pregnancy

Purpose We aimed to define intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycle characteristics associated with viable birth, identify thresholds below which IUI treatments are consistent with very poor prognosis and futile care, and develop a nomogram for individualized application. Methods This retrospective cohort study evaluated couples using fresh partner ejaculate for IUI from January 2005 to September 2017