Project description:Benzophenone-3 is used in a variety of cosmetic products as a sunscreen, and has shown weak estrogenic and antiandrogenic activity in animal and in vitro studies. Few studies have evaluated whether benzophenone-3 is associated with reproductive outcomes among women. We studied 304 women undergoing infertility treatment (2007-2017) in the prospective Environment and Reproductive Health cohort study and who underwent 449 treatment cycles (n = 788 urines). Generalized linear mixed models were used with random intercepts to account for multiple cycles, and adjusting for confounders including physical activity. Analyses were also stratified by self-reported moderate/heavy outdoor work. The cycle-specific median (IQR) urinary benzophenone-3 concentration was 147 (58, 462) μg/L, and 98% samples had detectable concentrations. Self-reported sunscreen use, physical activity, and time spent on moderate/heavy outdoor work were positively associated with urinary benzophenone-3. Adjusted probabilities of implantation, clinical pregnancy and live birth were higher in increasing quartiles of benzophenone-3, but these associations were restricted to women who reported spending time outdoors performing moderate/heavy work. Specifically, among these women, those in the highest quartile of benzophenone-3 concentrations had 51% higher implantation (p,trend = 0.02), 68% higher clinical pregnancy (p,trend = 0.01) and 75% higher live birth (p,trend = 0.02) adjusted probabilities than women in the lowest quartile. Benzophenone-3 was unrelated to these outcomes among women who did not report doing moderate/heavy work outdoors. These results confirm that sunscreen use is a source of benzophenone-3 exposure, and show positive associations between benzophenone-3 and pregnancy outcomes, especially among women who reported engaging in outdoor work. Since these associations may be subject to important residual confounding by lifestyle factors, further research is needed to confirm these novel results in other populations, and to investigate whether other factors may be affecting the relation of benzophenone-3 with fertility and other health outcomes.
Project description:Study questionDoes endometrial compaction (EC) help predict pregnancy outcomes in those undergoing ART?Summary answerEC is associated with a significantly higher clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR), but this does not translate to live birth rate (LBR).What is known alreadyEC describes the progesterone-induced decrease in endometrial thickness, which may be observed following the end of the proliferative phase, prior to embryo transfer. EC is proposed as a non-invasive tool to help predict pregnancy outcome in those undergoing ART, however, published data is conflicting.Study design size durationA literature search was carried out by two independent authors using PubMed, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception of databases to May 2023. All peer-reviewed studies reporting EC and pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment were included.Participants/materials setting methodsThe primary outcome is LBR. Secondary outcomes included other pregnancy metrics (positive pregnancy test (PPT), CPR, OPR, miscarriage rate (MR)) and rate of EC. Comparative meta-analyses comparing EC and no EC were conducted for each outcome using a random-effects model if I 2 > 50%. The Mantel-Haenszel method was applied for pooling dichotomous data. Results are presented as odds ratios (OR) with 95% CI.Main results and the role of chanceOut of 4030 screened articles, 21 cohort studies were included in the final analysis (n = 27 857). No significant difference was found between LBR in the EC versus the no EC group (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.87-1.04). OPR was significantly higher within the EC group (OR 1.61; 95% CI 1.09-2.38), particularly when EC ≥ 15% compared to no EC (OR 3.52; 95% CI 2.36-5.23). CPR was inconsistently defined across the studies, affecting the findings. When defined as a viable intrauterine pregnancy <12 weeks, the EC group had significantly higher CPR than no EC (OR 1.83; 95% CI 1.15-2.92). No significant differences were found between EC and no EC for PPT (OR 1.54; 95% CI 0.97-2.45) or MR (OR 1.06; 95% CI 0.92-1.56). The pooled weighted incidence of EC across all studies was 32% (95% CI 26-38%).Limitations reasons for cautionHeterogeneity due to differences between reported pregnancy outcomes, definition of EC, method of ultrasound, and cycle protocol may account for the lack of translation between CPR/OPR and LBR findings; thus, all pooled data should be viewed with an element of caution.Wider implications of the findingsIn this dataset, the significantly higher CPR/OPR with EC does not translate to LBR. Although stratification of women according to EC cannot currently be recommended in clinical practice, a large and well-designed clinical trial to rigorously assess EC as a non-invasive predictor of a successful pregnancy is warranted. We urge for consistent outcome reporting to be mandated for ART trials so that data can be pooled, compared, and concluded on.Study funding/competing interestsH.A. was supported by the Hewitt Fertility Centre. S.G.P. and J.W. were supported by the Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. D.K.H. was supported by a Wellbeing of Women project grant (RG2137) and MRC clinical research training fellowship (MR/V007238/1). N.T. was supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research. D.K.H. had received honoraria for consultancy for Theramex and has received payment for presentations from Theramex and Gideon Richter. The remaining authors have no conflicts of interest to report.Registration numberPROSPERO CRD42022378464.
Project description:ObjectivesTo assess trends, predictors, and perinatal outcomes of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles in the United States.DesignRetrospective cohort study using National Assisted Reproductive Technology Surveillance System (NASS) data.SettingNot applicable.Patient(s)Fresh autologous and embryo-banking cycles performed from 2000 to 2015.Interventions(s)None.Main outcome measure(s)OHSS, first-trimester loss, second-trimester loss, stillbirth, low birth weight, and preterm delivery.Result(s)The proportion of IVF cycles complicated by OHSS increased from 10.0 to 14.3 cases per 1,000 from 2000 to 2006, and decreased to 5.3 per 1,000 from 2006 to 2015. The risk of OHSS was highest for cycles with more than 30 oocytes retrieved (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 3.85). OHSS was associated with a diagnosis of ovulatory disorder (aRR 2.61), tubal factor (aRR 1.14), uterine factor (aRR 1.17) and cycles resulting in pregnancy (aRR 3.12). In singleton pregnancies, OHSS was associated with increased risk of low birth weight (aRR 1.29) and preterm delivery (aRR 1.32). In twin pregnancies, OHSS was associated with an increased risk of second-trimester loss (aRR 1.81), low birth weight (aRR 1.06), and preterm delivery (aRR 1.16).Conclusion(s)Modifiable predictive factors for OHSS include number of oocytes retrieved, pregnancy following fresh embryo transfer, and the type of medication used for pituitary suppression during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Patients affected by OHSS had a higher risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight. Clinicians should take measures to reduce the risk of OHSS whenever possible.
Project description:ObjectiveTo study the relation of dietary phytoestrogens intake and clinical outcomes of women undergoing infertility treatment with the use of assisted reproductive technology (ART).DesignProspective cohort study.SettingFertility center.Patient(s)A total of 315 women who collectively underwent 520 ART cycles from 2007 to 2013.Intervention(s)None.Main outcome measure(s)Implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates per initiated cycle.Result(s)Soy isoflavones intake was positively related to live birth rates in ART. Compared with women who did not consume soy isoflavones, the multivariable-adjusted odds ratios of live birth (95% confidence interval) for women in increasing categories of soy isoflavones intake were 1.32 (0.76-2.27) for women consuming 0.54-2.63 mg/d, 1.87 (1.12-3.14) for women consuming 2.64-7.55 mg/d, and 1.77 (1.03-3.03) for women consuming 7.56-27.89 mg/d.Conclusion(s)Dietary soy intake was positively related to the probability of having a live birth during infertility treatment with ART.
Project description:The global outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) led to the suspension of most treatments with assisted reproductive technique (ART). However, with the recent successful control of the pandemic in China, there is an urgent public need to resume full reproductive care. To determine whether the COVID-19 pandemic had any adverse effects on female fertility and the pregnancy outcomes of women undergoing ART, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using the electronic Chinese and English databases. Dichotomous outcomes were summarized as prevalence, and odds ratios (ORs) and continuous outcomes as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). The risk of bias and subgroup analyses were assessed using Stata/SE 15.1 and R 4.1.2. The results showed that compared with women treated by ART in the pre-COVID-19 time frame, women undergoing ART after the COVID-19 pandemic exhibited no significant difference in the clinical pregnancy rate (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.19; I2=0.0%), miscarriage rate (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.14; I2=38.4%), embryo cryopreservation rate (OR 2.90, 95% CI 0.17 to 48.13; I2=85.4%), and oocyte cryopreservation rate (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.03 to 3.65; I2=81.6%). This review provided additional evidence for gynecologists to guide the management of women undergoing ART treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic timeframe.
Project description:The Australian agricultural industry contributes AUD 47 billion to the Australian economy, and Australia is the world's largest exporter of sheep meat and the third largest for beef. Within Australia, sheep meat consumption continues to rise, with beef consumption being amongst the highest in the world; therefore, efficient strategies to increase herd/flock size are integral to the success of these industries. Reproductive management is crucial to increasing the efficiency of Australian breeding programs. The use of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) has the potential to increase efficiency significantly. The implementation of multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) and juvenile in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (JIVET) in combination with genomic selection and natural mating and AI is the most efficient way to increase genetic gain, and thus increase reproductive efficiency within the Australian livestock industries. However, ARTs are costly, and high variation, particularly between embryo transfer recipients in their ability to maintain pregnancy, is a significant constraint to the widespread commercial adoption of ARTs. The use of a phenotypic marker for the selection of recipients, as well as the better management of recipient animals, may be an efficient and cost-effective means to increase the productivity of the Australian livestock industry.
Project description:ObjectiveTo evaluate the relationship between male age and pregnancy outcome in donor oocyte assisted reproductive technology cycles.DesignRetrospective cohort.SettingPrivate IVF center.Patient(s)A total of 1,392 donor cycles from 1,083 female recipients and their male partners.Intervention(s)Oocyte donor cycles.Main outcome measure(s)Live birth.Result(s)Increasing male age was associated with semen parameters including volume and motility; however, male age was not observed to have a statistically significant association with likelihood of live birth in donor cycles after adjustment for female recipient age.Conclusion(s)When treatment cycle number and female recipient age were taken into account, male age had no significant association with pregnancy outcomes in assisted reproductive technology donor cycles in this study population.
Project description:IntroductionUsefulness of hysteroscopy before assisted reproductive technique (ART) was considered debatable. However, over the last decade, several new trials have been added to available literature. We aimed to assess the impact of diagnostic and operative hysteroscopy on reproductive outcomes of infertile women with and without intrauterine abnormalities.Materials and methodsMEDLINE, Scopus, SciELO, Embase, Cochrane Library at CENTRAL, PROSPERO, CINAHL, grey literature, conference proceedings, and international controlled trials registries were searched without temporal, geographical, or language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of infertile women comparing hysteroscopy versus no hysteroscopy prior to the first ART or after at least one failed attempt were included. RCTs of infertile women with intrauterine pathology comparing diagnostic versus operative hysteroscopy were included in separate analysis. Random-effect meta-analysis was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation and Cochrane criteria were used for quality of evidence and risk of bias assessment. Primary outcome was live birth rate (LBR). Secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy (CPR) and pregnancy loss rate.ResultsFifteen studies (5,038 women) were included. Compared to no hysteroscopy before first or after failed ART attempts, moderate-quality evidence showed that hysteroscopy increased the LBR (relative risk [RR] 1.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-1.43, I2 = 21%), confirmed by subgroup analysis for women with failure after one or more ART cycles (RR 1.43, 95% CI: 1.19-1.72, I2 = 0%) but not before the first ART. Moderate-quality evidence showed that it increased the CPR (RR 1.36, 95% CI: 1.18-1.57; I2 = 51%), confirmed in subgroup analysis for both implantation failure (RR 1.40, 95% CI: 1.12-1.74, I2 = 52%) and before first ART (RR 1.32, 95% CI: 1.11-1.57, I2 = 42%). Low-quality data suggest that operative hysteroscopy increases CPR when used to treat intrauterine pathologies (RR 2.13, 95% CI: 1.56-2.92, I2 = 0%).ConclusionsAlthough moderate-quality evidence supports performing hysteroscopy before ART in women with history of implantation failure, hysteroscopic evaluation of uterine cavity should be considered a first-line technique in all infertile women undergoing ART. Additional high-quality RCTs are still needed, particularly to assess yield during couple's initial evaluation even before ART is considered.
Project description:Embryo quality evaluation during in vitro development is a crucial factor for the success of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). However, the subjectivity inherent in the morphological evaluation by embryologists can introduce inconsistencies that impact the optimal embryo choice for transfer. To provide a more comprehensive evaluation of embryo quality, we undertook the integration of embryo metabolomics alongside standardized morphokinetic classification. The culture medium of 55 embryos (derived from 21 couples undergoing ICSI) was collected at two timepoints (days 3 and 5). Samples were split into Good (n = 29), Lagging (n = 19), and Bad (n = 10) according to embryo morphokinetic evaluation. Embryo metabolic performance was assessed by monitoring the variation in specific metabolites (pyruvate, lactate, alanine, glutamine, acetate, formate) using 1H-NMR. Adjusted metabolite differentials were observed during the first 3 days of culture and found to be discriminative of embryo quality at the end of day 5. Pyruvate, alanine, glutamine, and acetate were major contributors to this discrimination. Good and Lagging embryos were found to export and accumulate pyruvate and glutamine in the first 3 days of culture, while Bad embryos consumed them. This suggests that Bad embryos have less active metabolic activity than Good and Lagging embryos, and these two metabolites are putative biomarkers for embryo quality. This study provides a more comprehensive evaluation of embryo quality and can lead to improvements in ARTs by enabling the selection of the best embryos. By combining morphological assessment and metabolomics, the selection of high-quality embryos with the potential to result in successful pregnancies may become more accurate and consistent.