scholarly journals Men's Intake of Vitamin C and β-Carotene Is Positively Related to Fertilization Rate but Not to Live Birth Rate in Couples Undergoing Infertility Treatment

2019 ◽  
Vol 149 (11) ◽  
pp. 1977-1984 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming-Chieh Li ◽  
Yu-Han Chiu ◽  
Audrey J Gaskins ◽  
Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón ◽  
Feiby L Nassan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin C ◽  
Live Birth ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Massachusetts General Hospital ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Fertilization Rate ◽  
Infertility Treatment ◽  
Primary Study ◽  
Β Carotene

ABSTRACT Background Randomized clinical trials show that men's use of antioxidant supplements during infertility treatment may improve clinical outcomes. However, important limitations in the design of most trials make it difficult to draw firm conclusions on their findings. Objective We examined whether men's intake of antioxidants and biologically related compounds without direct antioxidant capacity is associated with outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study of men in couples who underwent infertility treatment with ART using their own gametes between 2007 and 2017. We followed 171 couples who presented at Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center and underwent 294 autologous ART cycles for infertility treatment. Diet was assessed in both partners using an FFQ. The primary study outcome was the probability of achieving a live birth as a result of infertility treatment. Secondary outcomes were fertilization, implantation, and clinical pregnancy rates. Generalized linear mixed models with random intercepts were fitted to account for multiple ART cycles per woman while adjusting for confounding. Results Men's vitamin C intake was positively associated with fertilization rate. The adjusted fertilization rate (95% CI) for couples in the lowest and highest quartiles of men's vitamin C intake were 69% (61–76%) and 81% (74–86%) (P-trend = 0.02). Men's β-carotene intake was positively associated with fertilization rate in intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles but not in conventional in vitro fertilization cycles (P-interaction = 0.01). Men's α-carotene intake was inversely related to the probability of live birth. The adjusted probabilities of live birth for men in the lowest and highest quartiles of α-carotene intake were 43% (28–60%) and 22% (12–36%), respectively. Conclusions Men's intake of vitamin C and β-carotene is positively related to fertilization rate but this does not translate into higher pregnancy or live birth rates in couples undergoing infertility treatment.

scholarly journals Intake of protein-rich foods in relation to outcomes of infertility treatment with assisted reproductive technologies

2018 ◽  
Vol 108 (5) ◽  
pp. 1104-1112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feiby L Nassan ◽  
Yu-Han Chiu ◽  
Jose C Vanegas ◽  
Audrey J Gaskins ◽  
Paige L Williams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Live Birth ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Massachusetts General Hospital ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Infertility Treatment ◽  
Fish Intake ◽  
Dietary Factors ◽  
Processed Meat ◽  
Meat Intake ◽  
Protein Rich

ABSTRACT Background Some dietary factors have been linked to outcomes of infertility treatment with assisted reproductive technology (ART), but the role of intake of meats and other protein-rich foods remains unclear. Objective The aim of this manuscript was to study the relation between preconception intake of meat and other protein-rich foods and outcomes of infertility treatment with ART. Design A total of 351 women enrolled in a prospective cohort at the Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center and underwent 598 ART cycles for infertility treatment. Meat intake was assessed with a validated food-frequency questionnaire, and ART outcomes were abstracted from electronic medical records. We estimated the associations between intake of protein-rich foods (meats, eggs, beans, nuts, and soy) and the outcome of live birth per initiated cycle using generalized linear mixed models. Results The average total meat intake was 1.2 servings/d, with most coming from poultry (35%), fish (25%), processed meat (22%), and red meat (17%). Fish intake was positively related to the proportion of cycles resulting in live birth. The multivariable-adjusted probabilities of live birth for women in increasing quartiles of fish intake were 34.2% (95% CI: 26.5%, 42.9%), 38.4% (95% CI: 30.3%, 47.3%), 44.7% (95% CI: 36.3%, 53.4%), and 47.7% (95% CI: 38.3%, 57.3%), respectively (P-trend = 0.04). In the estimated substitution analyses, the ORs of live birth associated with increasing fish intake by 2 servings/wk were 1.54 (95% CI: 1.14, 2.07) when fish replaced any other meat, 1.50 (95% CI: 1.13, 1.98) when fish replaced any other protein-rich food, and 1.64 (95% CI: 1.14, 2.35) when fish replaced processed meat. Conclusions Fish consumption is related to a higher probability of live birth following infertility treatment with ART. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00011713.

scholarly journals Marijuana smoking and outcomes of infertility treatment with assisted reproductive technologies

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (9) ◽  
pp. 1818-1829 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feiby L Nassan ◽  
Mariel Arvizu ◽  
Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón ◽  
Audrey J Gaskins ◽  
Paige L Williams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Treatment Outcomes ◽  
Live Birth ◽  
Pregnancy Loss ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Male Partner ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Infertility Treatment ◽  
Marijuana Smoker

Abstract STUDY QUESTION What is the association of female and male partner marijuana smoking with infertility treatment outcomes with ART? SUMMARY ANSWER Women who were marijuana smokers at enrollment had a significantly higher adjusted probability of pregnancy loss during infertility treatment with ART whereas, unexpectedly, there was a suggestion of more favorable treatment outcomes in couples where the man was a marijuana smoker at enrollment. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Data on the relation of female and male partner marijuana use with outcomes of infertility treatment is scarce despite increased use and legalization worldwide. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We followed 421 women who underwent 730 ART cycles while participating in a prospective cohort (the Environment and Reproductive Health Study) at a fertility center between 2004 and 2017. Among them, 200 women (368 cycles) were part of a couple in which their male partner also enrolled in the study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Participants self-reported marijuana smoking at baseline. Clinical endpoints were abstracted from electronic medical records. We used generalized linear mixed models with empirical standard errors to evaluate the association of baseline marijuana smoking with ART outcomes adjusting for participants’ age, race, BMI, tobacco smoking, coffee and alcohol consumption, and cocaine use. We estimated the adjusted probability of implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth per ART cycle, as well as the probability of pregnancy loss among those with a positive B-hCG. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The 44% of the women and 61% of the men had ever smoked marijuana; 3% and 12% were marijuana smokers at enrollment, respectively. Among 317 women (395 cycles) with a positive B-hCG, those who were marijuana smokers at enrollment (N = 9, cycles = 16) had more than double the adjusted probability of pregnancy loss than those who were past marijuana smokers or had never smoked marijuana (N = 308, 379 cycles) (54% vs 26%; P = 0.0003). This estimate was based on sparse data. However, couples in which the male partner was a marijuana smoker at enrollment (N = 23, 41 cycles) had a significantly higher adjusted probability of live birth than couples in which the male partner was a past marijuana smoker or had never smoked marijuana (N= 177, 327 cycles) (48% vs 29%; P = 0.04), independently of the women’s marijuana smoking status. Treatment outcomes of past marijuana smokers, male and female, did not differ significantly from those who had never smoked marijuana. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Marijuana smoking was self-reported with possible exposure misclassification. Chance findings cannot be excluded due to the small number of exposed cases. The results may not be generalizable to couples from the general population. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Even though marijuana smoking has not been found in past studies to impact the ability to become pregnant among pregnancy planners in the general population, it may increase the risk of pregnancy loss among couples undergoing infertility treatment. Marijuana smoking by females and males may have opposing effects on outcomes of infertility treatment with ART. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The project was financed by grants R01ES009718, P30ES000002, and K99ES026648 from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). None of the authors has any conflicts of interest to declare.

The role of the growth hormone in assisted reproductive technologies cycles

GYNECOLOGY ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 6-8
Author(s):  
Andrey Y Romanov ◽  
Anastasiya G Syrkasheva ◽  
Nataliya V Dolgushina ◽  
Elena A Kalinina
Keyword(s):  
Growth Hormone ◽  
Live Birth ◽  
Ovarian Stimulation ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Live Birth Rate ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Poor Ovarian Responders

The paper analyzes the literature data on the use of the growth hormone (GH) in ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Routine use of GH in ovarian stimulation in patients with a normal GH level does not increase pregnancy and childbirth rates in ART. Also, no benefits of using GH have been identified for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, despite the increase in insulin and IGF-1 blood levels. The main research focus is to study the use of GH in patients with poor ovarian response. According to the meta-analysis conducted by X.-L. Li et al. (2017), GH in ovarian stimulation of poor ovarian responders increases the number of received oocytes, mature oocytes number, reduces the embryo transfer cancellation rate and does not affect the fertilization rate. The pregnancy and live birth rates are significantly higher in the group of GH use - by 1.65 (95% CI 1.23-2.22) and 1.73 (95% CI 1.25-2.40) times, respectively. Thus, it is advisable to use GH in ovarian stimulation in poor ovarian responders, since it allows to increases live birth rate in ART. However, further studies should determine the optimal GH dose and assesse it`s safety in ART programs.

scholarly journals Safety of Ovaleap® (Follitropin Alfa) in Infertile Women Undergoing Superovulation for Assisted Reproductive Technologies: A Multinational Comparative, Prospective Cohort Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sigal Kaplan ◽  
Rachel Levy-Toledano ◽  
Miranda Davies ◽  
Debabrata Roy ◽  
Colin M. Howles ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Live Birth ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Follicle Stimulating Hormone ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Birth Rates ◽  
Infertile Women ◽  
Live Birth Rates ◽  
Follitropin Alfa ◽  
Incidence Proportion

BackgroundOvaleap® (follitropin alfa), a recombinant human follicle stimulating hormone, is a biosimilar medicinal product to Gonal-f® and is used for ovarian stimulation. The main objective of this study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of Ovaleap® compared to Gonal-f® in one treatment cycle in routine clinical practice.MethodsSafety of Ovaleap® Follitropin alfa in Infertile women undergoing superovulation for Assisted reproductive technologies (SOFIA) was a prospective cohort study conducted in six European countries. Eligible patients were infertile women undergoing superovulation for assisted reproductive technology, who were administered Ovaleap® or Gonal-f® for ovarian stimulation and were naïve to follicle stimulating hormone treatment. The recruitment ratio was 1:1. The primary endpoint was incidence proportion of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and the secondary endpoint was OHSS severity (Grades I, II, III). The effect of risk factors or potential confounders on the odds ratio for OHSS incidence as well as treatment effect on OHSS incidence was explored using univariate logistic regression. Pregnancy and live birth rates were also assessed.ResultsA total of 408 women who were administered Ovaleap® and 409 women who were administered Gonal-f® were eligible for analysis. The incidence proportion of OHSS was 5.1% (95% CI: 3.4, 7.7) in the Ovaleap® cohort and 3.2% (95% CI: 1.9, 5.4) in the Gonal-f® cohort. This difference in OHSS incidence proportion between the two cohorts was not statistically significant neither before (p = 0.159) nor after univariate adjustment for each potential confounder (p > 0.05). The incidence proportion of OHSS severity grades was similar in the two treatment groups (3.4% versus 2.0% for Grade I, 1.2% versus 1.0% for Grade II, and 0.5% versus 0.2% for Grade III, in the Ovaleap® and Gonal-f® cohorts, respectively), without a significant statistical difference (p = 0.865, for each grade). Among patients who had embryo transfer, clinical pregnancy rates were 33% and 31% and live birth rates were 27% and 26%, in the two cohorts, respectively.ConclusionsFindings from the SOFIA study indicate that the incidence proportions of OHSS and OHSS severity, as well as pregnancy and live birth rates, are similar between Ovaleap® and Gonal-f® treatments and corroborate the safety and effectiveness of Ovaleap® as a biosimilar to Gonal-f®.

scholarly journals How to Achieve High-Quality Oocytes? The Key Role of Myo-Inositol and Melatonin

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvatore Giovanni Vitale ◽  
Paola Rossetti ◽  
Francesco Corrado ◽  
Agnese Maria Chiara Rapisarda ◽  
Sandro La Vignera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Oocyte Quality ◽  
Fertilization Rate ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
The One ◽  
High Level

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have experienced growing interest from infertile patients seeking to become pregnant. The quality of oocytes plays a pivotal role in determining ART outcomes. Although many authors have studied how supplementation therapy may affect this important parameter for both in vivo and in vitro models, data are not yet robust enough to support firm conclusions. Regarding this last point, in this review our objective has been to evaluate the state of the art regarding supplementation with melatonin and myo-inositol in order to improve oocyte quality during ART. On the one hand, the antioxidant effect of melatonin is well known as being useful during ovulation and oocyte incubation, two occasions with a high level of oxidative stress. On the other hand, myo-inositol is important in cellular structure and in cellular signaling pathways. Our analysis suggests that the use of these two molecules may significantly improve the quality of oocytes and the quality of embryos: melatonin seems to raise the fertilization rate, and myo-inositol improves the pregnancy rate, although all published studies do not fully agree with these conclusions. However, previous studies have demonstrated that cotreatment improves these results compared with melatonin alone or myo-inositol alone. We recommend that further studies be performed in order to confirm these positive outcomes in routine ART treatment.

P–716 The relationship of men’s adherence to the Mediterranean diet with sperm parameters and outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Salas-Huetos ◽  
M Mitsunami ◽  
L Mínguez-Alarcón ◽  
M Arvizu ◽  
J Ford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Live Birth ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Clinical Pregnancy ◽  
Sperm Parameters ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Study question Is men’s adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) associated with sperm parameters and couples’ outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies (ART)? Summary answer Higher men’s adherence to the MD was associated with an increased probability of clinical pregnancy and live birth among couples undergoing ART. What is known already There is growing literature supporting the hypothesis that some nutrients, foods, and dietary patterns may be related to sperm quality and fertility. However, no previous studies analyzed the relationship of men’s adherence to the Mediterranean diet with sperm parameters and ART outcomes in the same cohort. Study design, size, duration The Environmental and Reproductive Health (EARTH) Study is a prospective preconception cohort of couples seeking fertility treatment at the Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center (Boston, USA). This analysis includes 314 men and their female partner, who underwent 791 ART cycles (2007–2020). Diet intake was measured by a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire completed prior to ART. Men’s adherence to the MD was estimated using the Trichopoulou score. Participants/materials, setting, methods Primary outcomes included: conventional sperm parameters (volume, sperm count, concentration, motility, and morphology), and ART outcomes (implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth). We estimated the marginal means and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) for semen parameters and the probability of ART (95%CI) by employing generalized linear mixed models while adjusting for several potential confounders. Sensitivity analyses by changing the cut-off points of adherence to the MD were tested. Main results and the role of chance At baseline, men had a median (IQR) age of 35.6 (32.6, 38.8) years and a BMI of 26.7 (24.0, 29.4) kg/m2. Female partner age median (IQR) was 35.0 years (32.0, 38.0) and BMI 23.3 (21.3, 26.6) kg/m2. Couples were mostly white and had never smoked. Men’s adherence to the MD was not associated with seminal parameters in the multivariable-adjusted models but it was related to a higher probability of clinical pregnancy and live birth. The predicted marginal proportions and confidence intervals among men in the lowest compared with the highest quartile of adherence to the MD were 0.25 (0.14, 0.40), 0.55 (0.41, 0.68) for clinical pregnancy (P-trend=0.005), and 0.19 (0.10, 0.32), 0.42 (0.30, 0.55) for live birth (P-trend=0.014). Male partner MD dietary pattern scores were unrelated to the probability of implantation. Sensitivity analyses using tertiles and quintiles of men’s adherence to the MD showed similar associations. Limitations, reasons for caution Although we have adjusted our models by several potential confounding factors, residual confounding cannot be ruled out, and therefore our results should be interpreted with caution. The findings may not be generalizable to other populations or couples attempting conception without ART. Wider implications of the findings: According to our knowledge, this is the first study suggesting that adherence to MD could be suitable dietary guidance for men whose partners are undergoing infertility treatment. Trial registration number Not applicable

scholarly journals Waist circumference in relation to outcomes of infertility treatment with assisted reproductive technologies

2018 ◽  
Vol 110 (4) ◽  
pp. e205
Author(s):  
M. Li ◽  
L. Mínguez-Alarcón ◽  
M. Arvizu ◽  
Y. Chiu ◽  
J.B. Ford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Waist Circumference ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Infertility Treatment

scholarly journals Effects of Inositol(s) in Women with PCOS: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vittorio Unfer ◽  
John E. Nestler ◽  
Zdravko A. Kamenov ◽  
Nikos Prapas ◽  
Fabio Facchinetti
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Pathological Condition ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Industrialized Nations

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder, with complex etiology and pathophysiology, which remains poorly understood. It affects about 5–10% of women of reproductive age who typically suffer from obesity, hyperandrogenism, ovarian dysfunction, and menstrual irregularity. Indeed, PCOS is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility in industrialized nations, and it is associated with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and increased cardiovascular risk. Although insulin resistance is not included as a criterion for diagnosis, it is a critical pathological condition of PCOS. The purpose of this systematic review is the analysis of recent randomized clinical trials of inositol(s) in PCOS, in particular myo- and D-chiro-inositol, in order to better elucidate their physiological involvement in PCOS and potential therapeutic use, alone and in conjunction with assisted reproductive technologies, in the clinical treatment of women with PCOS.

scholarly journals Assisted Reproductive Technologies for Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 1305-1308
Author(s):  
Muhjah Falah Hassan ◽  
Pallav Sengupta ◽  
Sulagna Dutta
Keyword(s):  
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Fetal Loss ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Fertilization Rate ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Reproductive Techniques ◽  
Ovarian Syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of anovulatory fertility problems in women of reproductive age, with a prevalence as high as 40% to 75%. There are different treatment modalities for increasing the chance of pregnancy in PCOS patients. Since most of the PCOS patients suffer from ovulatory problems, therapeutic efforts are focused mainly towards restoring normal ovulation. However, even after pharmacological interventions to ameliorate ovulatory irregularities, women with polycystic ovary are still at high risk of fetal loss. Thus, assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) have become popular approaches which significantly increase the chances of successful pregnancy in these women, bypassing the conditions of PCOS. The present mini-review ‘pinpoints’ on the suitability of ARTs for PCOS patients who fail to ovulate following the conventional infertility treatment. The article also briefly explains how intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), the most effectiveART, correlates with better biological parameters, fertilization rate and better quality of embryos in PCOS women.

scholarly journals The Dynamics of the Vaginal Micro-Ecology During in Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET) Cycles and its Impact on Pregnancy Outcomes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quan Tian ◽  
Yujie Liu ◽  
Jiane Liu ◽  
Jianru Wu ◽  
Jianxin Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Live Birth ◽  
Pregnancy Outcomes ◽  
Evaluation System ◽  
Birth Rate ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Live Birth Rate ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Model ◽  
Hormonal Milieu ◽  
Ivf Et

Abstract BackgroundAbnormal reproductive tract flora may cause infertility, and it may play a key role in the success of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). The obvious short-term changes in estrogen caused by clinical protocols with IVF-ET provide a unique perspective for us to assess the vaginal flora, shifting hormonal condition and investigate the potential associations of the vaginal micro-ecology with cycle outcome of pregnancy. The Vaginal Micro-ecology Evaluation System (VMES) as a tool to analyze the vaginal microbiomes in most areas of China. This study aims to apply the VMES to evaluate the dynamics of vaginal micro-ecology during IVF-ET, and investigate the correlations between vaginal micro-ecology with pregnancy outcome.Methods　150 patients were enrolled who underwent early follicular phase prolonged protocol IVF-ET due to tubal factors. The VMES is used to evaluate vaginal microbiology indicators of vaginal swabs obtained in different hormonal milieu during the IVF-ET cycle. The pregnancy outcomes were observed, if pregnant.Results　In our data, the prevalence of bacterial vaginitis (BV) accounts for 3.3%. During IVF procedure, the vaginal microbiome varied across hormonal milieu in some but not all patients. The proportion of BV, and unidentified dysbiosis were increased significantly on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) administration. The vaginal micro-ecology on the day of HCG administration correlated with outcome (live birth / no live birth). The multivariable logistic regression model showed that the average age, the duration of infertility, and the vaginal micro-ecology after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) were associated with the live birth rate.ConclusionOur retrospective cohort study suggests that the VEMS has enabled discovery of unidentified dysbiosis shift in the vaginal micro-ecology during IVF-ET therapy. More importantly, the vaginal micro-ecology on the day of HCG administration was significantly associated with the live birth rate.

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