Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Manizha Shekibi, Sophea Heng, Guiying Nie
Summary: The development of endometrial receptivity is crucial for successful embryo implantation and pregnancy initiation. Recent studies have focused on the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the regulation of endometrial receptivity. This review provides an up-to-date knowledge of the miRNAs identified in humans and mice that may play a functional role in the establishment of receptivity. The findings suggest that miRNAs could be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for improving endometrial receptivity in human fertility treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
N. E. van Hoogenhuijze, F. Mol, J. S. E. Laven, E. R. Groenewoud, M. A. F. Traas, C. A. H. Janssen, G. Teklenburg, J. P. de Bruin, R. H. F. van Oppenraaij, J. W. M. Maas, E. Moll, K. Fleischer, M. H. A. van Hooff, C. H. de Koning, A. E. P. Cantineau, C. B. Lambalk, M. Verberg, A. M. van Heusden, A. P. Manger, M. M. E. van Rumste, L. F. van der Voet, Q. D. Pieterse, J. Visser, E. A. Brinkhuis, J. E. den Hartog, M. W. Glas, N. F. Klijn, S. van der meer, M. L. Bandell, J. C. Boxmeer, J. van Disseldorp, J. Smeenk, M. van Wely, M. J. C. Eijkemans, H. L. Torrance, F. J. M. Broekmans
Summary: The study found that endometrial scratching in women with one failed IVF/ICSI treatment resulted in 4.6% more live births in the scratch group compared to the control group, with a likely certainty range between -0.7% and +9.9%. Larger studies are needed to further assess the efficacy and clinical implications of endometrial scratching.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Nienke E. van Hoogenhuijze, Gemma Lahoz Casarramona, Sarah Lensen, Cindy Farquhar, Mohan S. Kamath, Aleyamma T. Kunjummen, Nick Raine-Fenning, Sine Berntsen, Anja Pinborg, Shari Mackens, Zeynep Ozturk Inal, Ernest H. Y. Ng, Jennifer S. M. Mak, Sachin A. Narvekar, Wellington P. Martins, Mia Steengaard Olesen, Helen L. Torrance, Ben W. Mol, Marinus J. C. Eijkemans, Rui Wang, Frank J. M. Broekmans
Summary: This meta-analysis based on individual participant data suggests that endometrial scratching may improve live birth rates in women undergoing IVF/ICSI. However, the effectiveness of scratching may vary in different subgroups, and the timing of the procedure may also play a role. Therefore, the use of endometrial scratching in clinical practice should be done cautiously and patients should be informed about the level of evidence and uncertainties.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION UPDATE
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Sophea Heng, Nirukshi Samarajeewa, Asma Aberkane, Wafaa Essahib, Hilde Van de Velde, Maxine Scelwyn, M. Louise Hull, Beverley Vollenhoven, Luk J. Rombauts, Guiying Nie
Summary: This study found that PCX inhibits embryo implantation in vitro and in IVF patients. High levels of PCX significantly inhibited blastocyst attachment and penetration. The presence of PCX in the luminal epithelium was negatively associated with the success rate of clinical pregnancy.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Iwona Scheliga, Dunja M. Baston-Buest, Gereon Poschmann, Kai Stuehler, Jan-Steffen Kruessel, Alexandra P. Bielfeld
Summary: Endometrial scratching has been widely used in assisted reproductive technology to improve pregnancy rates, but its mechanism and benefits are still not fully understood or investigated. Proteomic analysis suggests that the scratching procedure may impact proteins involved in immune response pathways and cytoskeleton formation, potentially increasing endometrial receptivity and enhancing embryo implantation. This pilot study provides data that explain the possible benefits of endometrial scratching for patients in infertility treatment and highlights potential changes in the endometrium due to the procedure.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Yifan Chu, Luyao Wang, Jiaxin Xie, Shulin Yang, Si Liu, Dan Hu, Jing Yue
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the impact of growth hormone (GH) on IVF/ICSI outcomes and endometrial receptivity in patients undergoing GnRH-ant protocol with fresh embryo transfer. It will also explore the possible mechanism of GH in improving pregnancy outcomes.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Hon Yeung Chan, Ha M. Tran, James Breen, John E. Schjenken, Sarah A. Robertson
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive profile of the endometrial transcriptome in the peri-ovulatory and peri-implantation states, identifying genes, regulatory pathways, and upstream drivers involved in the transition to uterine receptivity that were not previously associated with implantation. Several upstream regulators, including cytokines, ovarian steroid hormones, prostaglandin E2, and vascular endothelial growth factor A, were found to be activated during this transition. The findings of this study will contribute to further research on the molecular mechanisms of uterine receptivity.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Paul Pirtea, Dominique de Ziegler, Jean Marc Ayoubi
Summary: A review found that assessing endometrial receptivity is difficult in natural conception due to adenomyosis and endometriosis affecting fertility. However, recent data from assisted reproductive technology has allowed the study of endometrial receptivity in affected women, challenging previous beliefs about the disorders' effects on embryo implantation. The existence of altered receptivity in assisted reproductive technology is now being questioned, as frozen euploid blastocyst transfers in estradiol and progesterone cycles have shown unchanged outcomes in both disorders.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Carrie Riestenberg, Lindsay Kroener, Molly Quinn, Kaycee Ching, Gayane Ambartsumyan
Summary: The study aimed to compare the live birth rate between patients undergoing ERA/pET and standard timing FET in first autologous single euploid programmed embryo transfer cycles. The findings do not support the routine use of ERA in an unselected patient population undergoing their first autologous single euploid programmed embryo transfer.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Alexandra Izquierdo, Laura de la Fuente, Katharina Spies, David Lora, Alberto Galindo
Summary: This study analyzed the results of 352 patients undergoing egg-donor IVF cycles and found that patients with at least two previous failed implantations showed improved pregnancy rates after ES. However, there was no statistically significant difference in clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates among different groups, leading to the conclusion that there is no evidence to recommend ES in egg-donor IVF cycles regardless of the number of previous failed cycles.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Danbi Lee, Yu-Gyeong Lee, Jieun Won, Seon-Hwa Hong, Jee Hyun Kim, Youn-Jung Kang
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the optimal timing of hCG administration to enhance embryo implantation rates. The results showed that hCG administration induced a significant increase in endometrial receptivity and angiogenesis-related gene expression levels within 72 hours, and promoted the stability of embryo attachment in an in vitro model.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiao Ma, Jing Wang, Likai Wang, Laiqing Yan, Yunjie Liu, Wenkui Ma, Pengyun Ji, Lu Zhang, Guoshi Liu
Summary: Using Aanat and Mt2 KO mice, this study found that the melatonergic system plays a crucial role in early pregnancy in mice. The deficiency of AANAT and MT2 resulted in reduced implantation sites and abnormal endometrium morphology. Mechanistically, the melatonergic system is essential for normal endometrial receptivity and functions by activating the STAT signaling pathway. Melatonin production reduction and signal transduction impairment led to hyperproliferative endometrium and increased local immunoinflammatory reaction, causing early abortion in Mt2 KO mice. These findings might have implications in other animals, including humans.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Sarah G. Paule, Sophea Heng, Nirukshi Samarajeewa, Ying Li, Mary Mansilla, Andrew Webb, Thomas Nebl, Steven L. Young, Bruce A. Lessey, M. Louise Hull, Maxine Scelwyn, Rebecca Lim, Beverley Vollenhoven, Luk J. Rombauts, Guiying Nie
Summary: This study identified PODX as a key negative regulator of endometrial receptivity, with its specific downregulation in the mid-secretory phase likely mediated by progesterone. Overexpression of PODX inhibited human embryo attachment and invasion in functional models, highlighting its role as a negative regulator of epithelial receptivity for implantation.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuxiang Liang, Qizhi Shuai, Ying Wang, Shanshan Jin, Zihan Feng, Binghong Chen, Ting Liang, Zhizhen Liu, Hong Zhao, Zhaoyang Chen, Chunfang Wang, Jun Xie
Summary: The study reveals that 1-NP has adverse effects on embryo implantation in mice and endometrial receptivity in humans, possibly achieved through inhibition of signaling pathways, receptor expression, and cell proliferation.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Jigal Haas, Robert F. Casper
Summary: This brief review examines the investigation of the endometrial cavity before embryo transfer using various techniques, including hysteroscopy, endometrial biopsy, and ultrasound imaging. These investigative tools are currently controversial and require large prospective controlled trials for validation. Retained embryos during embryo transfer do not appear to have a negative impact on pregnancy outcome, and physical activity immediately after embryo transfer has no impact on pregnancy outcome, according to consistent data.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Shari Mackens, Panagiotis Drakopoulos, Margot Fauve Moeykens, Linde Mostinckx, Liese Boudry, Ingrid Segers, Herman Tournaye, Christophe Blockeel, Michel De Vos
Summary: This study aimed to investigate whether there are differences in cumulative live birth rates (CLBR) between different phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) after a freeze-all strategy is used to prevent OHSS. The results showed that the CLBR in women with PCOS was around 70% regardless of phenotype when a freeze-all strategy was used.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Ileana Mateizel, Samuel Santos-Ribeiro, Ingrid Segers, Koen Wouters, Shari Mackens, Greta Verheyen
Summary: The study results indicate that the use of CultActive does not improve embryo development outcomes in patients with a history of embryo developmental problems.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2022)
Letter
Genetics & Heredity
Ileana Mateizel, Samuel Santos-Ribeiro, Ingrid Segers, Koen Wouters, Shari Mackens, Greta Verheyen
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Federica Di Guardo, A. Racca, G. Coticchio, A. Borini, P. Drakopoulos, S. Mackens, H. Tournaye, G. Verheyen, C. Blockeel, L. Van Landuyt
Summary: This retrospective analysis examines the impact of cell loss after vitrification and warming on live birth rate and neonatal outcomes. The study finds that transferring intact embryos significantly increases the live birth rate, while neonatal outcomes are comparable between intact and damaged embryos.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Ezgi Darici, Christophe Blockeel, Shari Mackens
Summary: Chronic endometritis is an infectious or inflammatory process that disrupts the correct implantation of embryos. Its prevalence ranges from 2% to almost 60%, with a higher suspicion in women with recurrent early pregnancy loss and recurrent implantation failure. The impact of chronic endometritis on reproductive outcomes following IVF is uncertain due to the lack of convincing data showing improvement after diagnosis and treatment. This article critically evaluates current diagnostic methods, treatments, and patient populations for chronic endometritis.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Panagiotis Drakopoulos, Yakoub Khalaf, Sandro C. Esteves, Nikolaos P. Polyzos, Sesh K. Sunkara, Daniel Shapiro, Botros Rizk, Hong Ye, Michael Costello, Yulia Koloda, Bruno Salle, Monica Lispi, Thomas D'Hooghe, Antonio La Marca
Summary: A high ovarian response refers to a greater number of follicles and/or oocytes compared to a normal response. It can be diagnosed before oocyte pick-up when there are >18-20 follicles ≥11-12 mm, or after oocyte pick-up when >18-20 oocytes have been retrieved. Women with a high response are at high risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Appropriate management strategies, such as individualized gonadotropin dosing, monitoring, and choice of protocols, can greatly reduce the risk of high response.
BEST PRACTICE & RESEARCH CLINICAL OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Filipa Rafael, Maria Dias Rodrigues, Jose Bellver, Mariana Canelas-Pais, Nicolas Garrido, Juan A. Garcia-Velasco, Sergio Reis Soares, Samuel Santos-Ribeiro
Summary: For women with infertility and overweight/obesity, delaying infertility treatment to promote weight loss should consider female age. Substantial weight loss in a short period of time (3 months) seems to provide any benefit, particularly for women over 38 years old.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
F. Blavier, D. Grobet, C. Duflos, R. Rayssiguier, N. Ranisavljevic, M. Duport Percier, A. Rodriguez, C. Blockeel, S. Santos-Ribeiro, G. Faron, L. Gucciardo, F. Fuchs
Summary: Compared to the standard clinical approach, retrospective implementation of the new medical software in a gynaecological emergency unit was correlated with more accurate diagnosis and more cost-effective management.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Shari Mackens, Francisca Pais, Panagiotis Drakopoulos, Samah Amghizar, Caroline Roelens, Lisbet Van Landuyt, Herman Tournaye, Michel De Vos, Christophe Blockeel
Summary: This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate whether additional oral dydrogesterone supplementation improves reproductive outcomes in patients with low serum progesterone concentrations during frozen embryo transfer (FET) after artificial endometrial preparation. The study found that the live birth rate was comparable between patients who received additional oral dydrogesterone supplementation and those who continued with the routine protocol.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
P. Verdyck, G. Altarescu, S. Santos-Ribeiro, C. Vrettou, U. Koehler, G. Griesinger, V Goossens, C. Magli, C. Albanese, M. Parriego, L. Coll, R. Ron-El, K. Sermon, J. Traeger-Synodinos
Summary: The study found that known chromosome segregation errors accounted for 90.4% of abnormal chromosome copy numbers in polar bodies of oocytes from women of advanced maternal age. These errors were associated with impaired embryo development.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Antonio Quartucci, Luca Pagliardini, Paolo Ivo Cavoretto, Alessandra Alteri, Edgardo Somigliana, Chiara Dallagiovanna, Paola Vigano, Annalisa Racca, Christophe Blockeel, Massimo Candiani, Enrico Papaleo, Valeria Stella Vanni
Summary: The study examined the association between serum progesterone levels at the day of ovulation trigger and neonatal birthweight in frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles. The results showed an inverse correlation between serum progesterone levels and birthweight z-score of neonates. This study has important implications for guiding the embryo transfer process in assisted reproductive technology.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Samuel Santos-Ribeiro, Catarina M. Godinho, Sergio Reis-Soares
Summary: Frozen embryo transfers (FET) are gaining popularity in assisted reproductive technology (ART) due to advancements in cryopreservation techniques and the 'freeze-all' strategy. The debate between artificial or natural cycles for FET preparation continues, but natural cycle FETs offer promising outcomes and increased convenience for patients.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Obstetrics & Gynecology
R. Vanstokstraeten, T. Demuyser, C. Ellen, C. Blockeel, H. Tournaye, D. De Geyter, A. Muyldermans, I. Wybo, D. Pierard, S. Mackens
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Caroline Roelens, Annalisa Racca, Shari Mackens, Lisbet Van Landuyt, Laura Buelinckx, Leonardo Gucciardo, Herman Tournaye, Michel De Vos, Christophe Blockeel
Summary: This study found that the incidence of pre-eclampsia was significantly higher in artificial cycle frozen embryo transfer (AC-FET) compared to natural cycle frozen embryo transfer (NC-FET). After adjusting for other factors, artificial endometrial preparation and oocyte recipient cycles were significantly associated with the risk of developing pre-eclampsia. These findings may lead to a change in clinical practice, favoring the use of NC-FET in ovulatory patients.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2022)