Although the efficacy of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as a marker in IVF cycles has been established in various studies, there is insufficient evidence about its usefulness in oocyte donors. Now, a study has reported that AMH assessment in oocyte donors has the potential to ascertain the gonadotropin sensitivity and reduce/prevent the occurrence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). The findings, indicating the benefits of testing AMH for individualizing stimulation protocols, have been published in the online issue of the journal, Reproductive BioMedicine Online. Continue Reading

In 2000, a study conducted by Japanese researchers on quail brains reported the existence of a gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), the first hypothalamic peptide noted in a vertebrate that directly blocks the synthesis and release of gonadotropins from the pituitary gland. Although several subsequent studies have identified the presence of the hormone in mice and sheep models, the existence of a similar hypothalamic gonadotropin-inhibiting system in humans was unclear. Now, in a groundbreaking study published in the recent issue of the journal PLoS One, researchers report the identification of human homologs of the GnIH hormone: RFamide-related peptide-1 (RFRP-1) and RFRP-3, in the human hypothalamus. The discovery of the new reproductive hormone mandates the revision of our current understanding of the central control mechanisms that regulate human reproductive functions. Continue Reading

In order to reduce complications associated with the conventional IVF procedure, modified natural cycle IVF (mnc-IVF) and mild IVF (m-IVF) cycles have been adopted. However, there is speculation that the pregnancy and live birth rates may be lower with both these approaches compared to conventional cycles, probably due to the lower use of medicines and shorter treatment duration. Now, a 10-year Swedish study published in the journal, Reproductive BioMedicine Online highlights that mnc-IVF and m-IVF have comparable pregnancy rates to conventional cycles. Continue Reading

A group of Danish researchers have reported that drugs commonly administered to treat infertility, such as gonadotropins, clomiphene citrate and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), may increase the long term risk of uterine cancer; with greater risk associated with higher doses and longer use. The findings of the study have been published in the recent issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology. Continue Reading

Previous studies have provided substantial evidence to directly correlate thyroid auto-immunity (TAI) with the etiology of diverse reproductive disorders, including recurrent miscarriage and unexplained infertility. Also, the presence of antithyroid antibodies (ATA), particularly anti-thyroid peroxidase and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies, is significant in causing adverse IVF outcome even in euthyroid patients. Now, a retrospective analysis published in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology reports that the outcome of IVF treatment in ATA+ euthyroid patients could be improved with levothyroxine (LT), acetyl-salicylic acid (ASA), and prednisolone (P) adjuvant treatment. Continue Reading

The success of any IVF cycle is known to be multifactorial, although there is no consensus about the factors that influence the outcome. Now, a new retrospective study elucidates the negative effect of certain key recipient-related parameters, such as increased body mass index (BMI >30 kg/m²), endometrial thickness (<8 mm), and pituitary down-regulation, on IVF outcome in donor oocyte cycles, independent of the age of the recipient. The study results have been published in the current issue of Human Reproduction. Continue Reading

The role of androgen in regulating the expression of male phenotype, and the onset and maintenance of spermatogenesis has been well established through several studies. However, there persists uncertainty regarding the cell types mediating the androgen regulation of spermatogenesis. A recent study published in The FASEB Journal reports that androgen exerts its action via peritubular myoid (PTM) cells in order to regulate the normal spermatogenesis and male fertility. The study, claiming to provide the first direct evidence on the significance of stromal-epithelial interactions driven by androgen, holds great implications in developing strategies for male contraception, as well as treatment of male infertility. Continue Reading

Introduction

Endometriosis, a common gynecological condition and a leading cause of infertility, affects around 2-10% of reproductive-aged women in the US, with a global prevalence of 0.5-5% and 25-40% in fertile and infertile women, respectively.1 Although most studies have established the association between endometriosis and infertility, there is a lack of sufficient understanding regarding a direct cause-and-effect link, particularly in early disease, when the pelvic anatomy is not disrupted. Hence, there also remains some ambiguity about the optimal management strategy for endometriosis-associated infertility. Continue Reading

Written by Professor Semra Kahraman

The ability to cryopreserve oocytes is of importance in certain clinical and social situations. However, an effective oocyte cryopreservation programme is yet to be developed. In contrast to unsatisfactory results of slow freezing, vitrification of oocytes has yielded comparable pregnancy rates with fresh oocyte retrieval treatments. However, vitrification has not been applied to immature germinal vesicle (GV)-stage oocytes, which are theoretically more resistant to the cryo-damage. In a recent study, researchers investigated whether immature and in vitro matured human oocytes can be successfully vitrified by comparing oocyte survival rates, fertilization, and embryonic development when oocytes are vitrified before and after in vitro maturation (IVM). Continue Reading