scholarly journals Glucocorticoid therapy in assisted reproduction

Author(s):  
Yong Jin Kim

As glucocorticoids are well-known as important regulators of stress and the immune system, their function and clinical use have elicited substantial interest in the field of reproduction. In particular, the effect of glucocorticoid therapy on endometrial receptivity during assisted reproduction, including in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles, has led to a great deal of interest and controversy. However, previous studies have not been able to provide consistent and reliable evidence due to their small, non-controlled designs and use of different criteria. Considering the potential risk of exposure to glucocorticoids for mothers and fetuses in early pregnancy, the use of glucocorticoids in IVF cycles should be carefully evaluated, including the balance between risk and benefit. To date, there is no conclusive evidence that the use of glucocorticoids improves the pregnancy rate in IVF cycles with unselected subjects, and a further investigation should be considered with a proper study design.

Author(s):  
Antonio Palagiano ◽  
Mauro Cozzolino ◽  
Filippo Maria Ubaldi ◽  
Chiara Palagiano ◽  
Maria Elisabetta Coccia

AbstractHydrosalpinx is a disease characterized by the obstruction of the salpinx, with progressive accumulation in the shape of a fluid-filled sac at the distal part of the tuba uterina, and closed to the ovary. Women with hydrosalpinges have lower implantation and pregnancy rates due to a combination of mechanical and chemical factors thought to disrupt the endometrial environment. Evidence suggests that the presence of hydrosalpinx reduces the rate of pregnancy with assisted reproductive technology. The main aim of the present is review to make an overview of the possible effects of hydrosalpinx on in vitro fertilization (IVF). We conducted a literature search on the PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Google Scholar data bases regarding hydrosalpinx and IVF outcomes. Hydrosalpinx probably has a direct toxic effect on sperm motility and on the embryos. In addition, the increasing liquid inside the salpinges could alter the mechanisms of endometrial receptivity. The window of endometrial receptivity is essential in the implantation of blastocysts, and it triggers multiple reactions arising from the endometrium as well as the blastocysts. Hydrosalpinx could influence the expression of homeobox A10 (HOXA10) gene, which plays an essential role in directing embryonic development and implantation. Salpingectomy restores the endometrial expression of HOXA10; therefore, it may be one mechanism by which tubal removal could result in improved implantation rates in IVF. In addition, salpingectomy does not affect the ovarian response, nor reduces the antral follicle count. Further studies are needed to establish the therapeutic value of fluid aspiration under ultrasonographic guidance, during or after oocyte retrieval, in terms of pregnancy rate and ongoing pregnancy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Li ◽  
Huabo Jiang ◽  
Xuecong Wei ◽  
Dandan Geng ◽  
Ming He ◽  
...  

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) regulates the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway and plays an important role in angiogenesis. Bu Shen Zhu Yun decoction (BSZYD) can improve endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation rates in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization. However, whether BSZYD improves endometrial receptivity via angiogenesis remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of BSZYD on the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of human endometrial microvascular endothelial cells (HEMECs) and found that BSZYD upregulated the expression of cyclin D1, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in HEMECs. Cell Counting Kit 8 assay, scratch-wound assay, and Tube Formation Assay results showed that BSZYD promoted the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of HEMECs. Western blot analysis results revealed the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway by BSZYD through the upregulation of VEGF and VEGFR-2 expression. Together, these findings highlight the novel mechanism underlying BSZYD-mediated improvement in endometrial receptivity through the MAPK signaling pathway.


Author(s):  
E. López-Pérez ◽  
F. Cortés-Villavicencio ◽  
C. Muñoz-García ◽  
J. Gallegos-Sánchez ◽  
Alejandro Ávalos-Rodríguez

Objective: To describe the anatomy, morphology and physiology of the reproductive system of male jaguars, as well as assisted reproduction techniques. Methodology: A literature review on the anatomy and morphology of the jaguar´s reproductive system, its physiological characteristics and assisted reproduction techniques were carried out to document relevant information on the topic. Results: With this review, basic aspects of the morphology of the reproductive system of the jaguars are disclosed, although scarce knowledge is available on their reproduction. The advances in the collection, evaluation and cryopreservation of semen of this feline are shown, in addition to assisted reproduction techniques such as artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization, which have a great potential to safeguard the species. Study limitations: The jaguar, an emblematic species of Latinamerica, is an endangered species, like other wild felids species as ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) and margay (Leopardus wiedii), which makes it necessary to have a national assisted reproduction program. However, for this to be possible, information about their reproductive physiology is necessary, which is complicated in wild animals and even more so because the reproductive mechanisms greatly differ between felids species. There is scarce information in this regard from its free-living or Mexican zoos, it is for this reason necessary to generate such information. Conclusions: It is necessary to continue working on designing protocols for artificial insemination and other assisted reproduction techniques such as in-vitro fertilization specifically for male Panthera onca.


2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (79) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Kroløkke ◽  
Janne Rothmar Herrmann

Involuntary childlessness is a well-known phenomenon, and in Denmark, every twelfth child is born through the use of assisted reproduction. Denmark is currently positioned as one of the key global actors both as far as the use of in-vitro ­fertilization (IVF) is concerned as well as within the global ­market in sperm and reproductive technologies. In this article, the authors develop a feminist legal rhetorical framework to discuss how the Danish law and ethical guidelines on adoption and assisted reproduction rhetorically produce different master plots on “natural,” “artificial,” and “monstrous” forms of kinship. The authors conclude with a discussion of the potential that a feminist legal rhetorical framework holds, including its ability to analyze how rhetorical figures and metaphors legitimize certain types of kinship as well as the ability to raise new and provo­cative questions related to gender equality within the law


Author(s):  
Herman J. Tournaye

Anamnesis, physical examination, and additional tests may reveal a specific cause of reproductive failure in infertile men. Whenever this is found, a specific treatment or cure should be applied. When no such treatment is available, or when specific treatment has failed, techniques of assisted reproduction may be proposed to couples suffering from long-standing male infertility. The rationale behind these is to bring the spermatozoa closer to the oocyte in an attempt to enhance the fertilization process. In recent years the role of assisted reproduction has become more important, and it has often been stated that these techniques have made clinical work-up or specific treatment of the male partner pointless. However, this is far from true. Not only may correction of a specific dysfunction in the male avoid the use of assisted reproductive techniques, but careful work-up and treatment may also enhance the outcome of these treatments. Assisted reproductive techniques should not be viewed as a primary treatment option, but rather as a complementary treatment when other treatments have failed, or have been judged inadequate after a complete work-up.


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