Previous studies indicate that autoimmune antibodies may have an impact on implantation failure in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles. A recent observational, case-controlled clinical trial highlights that high circulating anti-placenta-specific 1 (PLAC1) antibody levels could be associated with an increased likelihood of repeated IVF-ET implantation failure.
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Recurrent implantation failure post in vitro fertilization (IVF) therapy has been attributed to numerous maternal and embryonic factors. A recent study, published in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, indicates that fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) may play a crucial role as a maternal factor influencing implantation.
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Various factors influence the success of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles. A recent prospective observational study indicates that the depth of embryo transfer into the uterine cavity should be regarded as a vital factor that affects treatment success.
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Reduced endometrial receptivity has been implicated as one of the causes for repeated implantation failures in assisted reproduction technology (ART) cycles. Previous studies have indicated that the chances of implantation can be improved by an intentional endometrial injury, either in the form of a curettage or biopsy, before embryo transfer. A recent prospective randomized controlled trial, published in the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, further substantiates that a single endometrial biopsy regimen (S-EBR) performed during hysteroscopy significantly increases the rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth when compared to hysteroscopy, sans endometrial scraping. Continue Reading

Preimplantation factor (PIF), a 15 amino acid peptide that is secreted only by viable mammalian embryos shortly post-fertilization, is detected as early as the two-cell stage and is present until term in maternal circulation. Synthetic PIF analog (sPIF), whose structure is similar to native PIF, replicates its action and conditions uterine environment for implantation. A recent study reports that PIF has a major role in modulating maternal uterine environment post-fertilization and promotes major peri-implantation events in an evolving coordinated manner favoring embryo implantation.
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The selection of blastocysts with the highest implantation potential usually involves the assessment of the appearance of trophectoderm (TE) and inner cell mass (ICM), and the degree of blastocele expansion, as per the morphological grading system developed by Gardner and Schoolcraft. The greatest scores of all these parameters indicate a blastocyst with high implantation rate; however, the independent predictive ability of each parameter is not very clear. A recent and unique retrospective trial has suggested the superiority of TE over ICM as a more significant independent predictor of live birth outcome in blastocyst transfer cycles. Although the assessment of ICM is critical, the researchers concluded on the importance of a strong TE layer for successful hatching and implantation. Continue Reading

Endometrial receptivity plays a crucial role in embryo implantation and successful pregnancy; however, the key molecules or mechanisms associated with it are still unclear. Various methods used to identify biomarkers of endometrial receptivity include blood and uterine fluid analysis, endometrial ultrasonography, and biopsy examination. Now, in a genome-wide observational study, researchers have highlighted the potential of micro-ribonucleic acid (miRNA) as biomarker of endometrial receptivity in natural and stimulated cycles. Continue Reading

Conventionally used measures to determine embryo quality, such as morphology and cleavage rate, have limited ability to predict successful outcome. A recent prospective laboratory study suggests that the evaluation of the oxidative status of an early embryo in the culture media may serve as a novel technique for improving embryo selection in IVF-ET cycles. The results of the study are published in the journal, Fertility and Sterility. Continue Reading

The results of a recent randomized, prospective, controlled study published in the journal, Human Reproduction, adds credence to the potential of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation in enhancing IVF treatment outcomes in poor responders. Continue Reading

Several trials have suggested a correlation between high concentrations of anti-ovarian antibodies (AOA) in women with low estradiol response to gonadotropin hormone stimulation, reduced pregnancy rate, and repeated IVF failure. A new study, reiterating this correlation, has suggested that including AOA evaluation in the array of tests used for diagnosing and treating infertility may be useful. The study findings are published in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics. Continue Reading