Analysis of pregnancy outcomes of single top-quality blastocyst transfer developed from cleavage embryos with different grading / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective:To explore the clinical outcomes of top-quality blastocysts transfer developed from cleavage embryos with different grading and determine whether the cleavage stage embryo morphology grading should be taken into consideration when transferring the embryo at the blastocyst stage.Methods:A number of 3 059 cycles were included with single top-quality blastocyst transfer dating from January 2017 to May 2021 in Henan Provincial People′s Hospital. According to the number of cleavage sphere and degree of fragmentation, all cleavage stage embryos were divided into three groups: top D3 embryo (8 cells, ≤5% fragments)-TB group, suboptimal D3 embryo (8 cells, 5%<fragments≤10%; 7 cells or 9 cells, ≤10%)-TB group, and normal D3 embryo-TB group. Univariate analysis, multivariate logistic regression analysis and threshold effect analysis were performed on the data.Results:The clinical pregnancy rates of top D3 embryo-TB group(1 326 cycles), suboptimal D3 embryo-TB group (830 cycles) and normal D3 embryo-TB group (903 cycles) were 69.53%, 70.12% and 66.67%, respectively ( P>0.05); and the early abortion rate were 10.74%, 12.54% and 12.62%, respectively ( P>0.05). After adjusting for confounders, logistic regression showed that no significant associations were found between cleavage stage embryo morphology grading and clinical pregnancy rate (suboptimal D3 embryo-TB group: OR=1.02, 95% CI: 0.76-1.38, P=0.879; normal D3 embryo-TB group: OR=0.84, 95% CI: 0.61-1.14, P=0.262) and early abortion rate (suboptimal D3 embryo-TB group: OR=1.18, 95% CI: 0.77-1.82, P=0.445; normal D3 embryo-TB group: OR=1.26, 95% CI: 0.81-1.98, P=0.309). The results of threshold effect analysis showed that when a single top-quality blastocysts was transferred, the effect of age on the clinical pregnancy rate showed a curve relationship, when the age was≥33 years old, the clinical pregnancy rate decreased significantly with age increased ( OR=0.89, 95% CI: 0.83-0.95, P=0.007); and there was no significant change in early abortion rate ( OR=1.01, 95% CI: 0.97-1.06, P=0.628). Conclusions:Cleavage stage embryo grading is not found to correlate with clinical outcomes in single top-quality blastcyst tranfer. Therefore, when considering blastocyst transfer, its morphology at blastocyst stage is more relevant. The effect of age on pregnancy outcomes of single blastocyst transfer should be considered.

Expression of S100A8 and S100A9 in oviduct epithelial cells induced by estrogen and their possible role in oviduct / 中国药理学通报

Aim To study whether the genes S100A8 and S100A9 are related to the functional regulation of oviduct by estrogen, and to explore their possible effects on fallopian tubes. Methods The basic expression and distribution of S100A8 and S100A9 in ampullary oviduct tissues of healthy sheep in diestrum were verified by immunohistochemistry. The expressions of S100A8 and S100A9 (mRNA and protein) in oviduct epithelial cells were detected by q-PCR and immunofluorescence, the cells were treated by E2 at different time points and different concentrations. Results S100A8 and S100A9 were highly expressed in mucosal epithelium and glandular epithelium of sheep uterine tubes during the diestrum period, and in blood vessels as well. The expression of S100A8 and S100A9 in tubal epithelial cells changed dynamically at different time ponits under the action of high concentration of E2 in vitro, and reached the peak 6 hours after E2 treatment. At this time, different concentrations of E2 significantly induced the high expression of S100A8 and S100A9, but the expressions of S100A8 and S100A9 were the highest at the concentrations of 10-7 mol • L-1 and 10-8 mol • L-1 , and there was no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusions S100A8 and S100A9 in oviduct epithelial cells are regulated by estrogen. Under the regulation of high concentration estrogen, the high expression of SI00A8 and S100A9 may be related to the natural defense of reproductive tract during mating, and may be involved in the transport of eggs in fallopian tube.

Case reports for embryo banking: for women who want their own

Out of the many challenges in management of female factor infertility, poor responders and low response to stimulation in aged and even younger women, seems to be a common problem. It is very difficult to offer one particular management strategy or treatment protocol for optimum outcome in this group of women of poor responders. In a low resource set up, IVF (In vitro Fertilization) specialist doctors usually face a challenge in treating women with poor/ low ovarian reserve as ovum / gamete donation is considered as a taboo in various sections of society even today. Hence women insist on having an offspring of "their own" and vehemently deny ovum / gamete donations. In this article we discuss 2 cases of poor ovarian reserve retrospectively, who underwent multiple cycles of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for embryo banking and ultimately achieved pregnancy. Both patients achieved pregnancy with the method of embryo banking. Embryo banking should be considered and discussed. Various articles have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of embryo banking or even oocytes accumulation. The advantages of this technique is patients with poor/low ovarian reserve get a chance to be pregnant with their own oocytes and also have a chance for vitrification of residual embryos. Another advantage in such patients is that the embryos can undergo PGS (Preimplantation Genetic Screening) techniques in cases of suspected genetic disorders. The disadvantage in a low resource set up like India is the cost of the treatment. Nevertheless, embryo banking and accumulation of oocytes should be given as an option for treatment of poor/ low ovarian reserve and could be considered as a ray of hope for all future mothers hoping for a child of "their own".

Prevalence of blighted ovum in first trimester of pregnancy: a hospital based study

Background: The aim of this study is to know the prevalence of blighted ovum among pregnant women in 1st trimester attending our hospital during their antenatal visits and to know the fate of blighted ovum either if there is spontaneous expulsion of the sac or need of medical induction or surgical evacuation.Methods: This observational study was conducted at Obstetrics and Genecology Department, Women Health Hospital and Sahel Selim Hospital, Egypt from November 2015 to February 2018. All patients recruited in this study attended the antenatal care clinics for antenatal follow-up during their first-trimester of pregnancies.Results: All cases of the study were less than 14 weeks. The mean gestational age was 8.93±1.01 (7.0-11.0) weeks. In patients less than 20 years old, (73%) there is a significant increase in surgical treatment (dilatation & curettage) after failure of medical treatment, patients more than 40 years old (50.7%) there is a significant increase in medical treatment after success taking misoprostol so there is no need to a surgical treatment by (dilatation & curettage) in the majority of cases.Conclusions: The prevalence of blighted ovum was 15.6%. Also, the prevalence of blighted ovum was statistically significant increased with increase maternal age and also, we noticed that there was a statistically significant association between early pregnancy failure and a history of previous early pregnancy loss.

Hypolipidemic activity of low-cholesterol ovum oil of Rana chensinensis and phytosterol (stigmasterol) in rats / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

The ovum oil of forest frog has various health beneficial functions. In the current research, we evaluated the hypolipidemic effects of the low-cholesterol ovum oil from the forest frog and its combination with stigmasterol in rats.

Effect of single dose follicle stimulating hormone on follicular aspiration, in vitro fertilization and pregnancy rate / Efeito do hormônio folículo estimulante em dose única na aspiração folicular, fertilização in vitro e taxa de prenhez

The present study evaluated Brangus cows treated with single doses of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) subjected to follicular aspiration after 24 h to assess oocyte recovery, in vitro fertilization and pregnancy rate. Follicles exceeding 3 millimeters in diameter were aspirated, 200 mg of FSH was administered 2 days later, and a new ovum pickup was performed 24 h afterward. These methods were performed 3 times every 3 days. In control, follicular aspirations occurred at intervals of 1-week without FSH administration o. The aspirated oocytes were evaluated, submitted to in v itrofertilization and the embryos were transferred to the recipients. The average recovery of oocytes was higher (p<0.05) in control cows (12.4±1.8) than in treated cows (9.4±1.3). There was no difference (p>0.05) in the mean percentage of viable oocytes (52.0±3.9 and 62.7±4.7%) or the mean percentage of embryos (41.4±4.8 and 41.5±4.2%) among control and treated cows, respectively. The mean percentage of pregnancy did not differ (p>0.05) for control cows (43.8±2.7%), and treated cows (40.9±6.8%). In conclusion, FSH treatment did not improve oocyte recovery, in vitro fertilization, and pregnancy percentage. However, there is possibility of several consecutive ovum pickup every t3 days, concentrating the in vitro fertilization and the pregnancy percentage.

O presente estudo avaliou vacas Brangus tratadas com doses únicas de hormônio folículo estimulante (FSH) submetidas a aspiração folicular após vinte e quatro horas, para avaliação da recuperação oocitária, fertilização in vitro e taxa de prenhez. Folículos superiores a três milímetros de diâmetro foram aspirados, 200 mg de FSH foram administrados dois dias depois e uma nova aspiração folicular foi realizada 24 horas após. Esses métodos foram efetivados três vezes a cada três dias. No controle, as aspirações foliculares ocorreram em intervalos de uma semana sem administração de FSH. Os oócitos aspirados foram avaliados, submetidos à fertilização in vitro e os embriões foram transferidos em receptoras. A recuperação média dos oócitos foi superior (p<0,05) nas vacas controle (12,4±1,8) do que nas vacas tratadas (9,4±1,3). Não houve diferença (p>0,05) na porcentagem média de oócitos viáveis (52,0±3,9 e 62,7±4,7%) ou na porcentagem média de embriões (41,4±4,8 e 41,5±4,2%) entre vacas controle e vacas tratadas, respectivamente. A porcentagem média de prenhez não diferiu (p>0,05) para as vacas controle (43,8±2,7%) e as tratadas (40,9±6,8%). Em conclusão, o tratamento com FSH não melhorou a recuperação de oócitos, a fertilização in vitro e o percentual de prenhez. No entanto, existe a possibilidade de várias aspirações foliculares consecutivas a cada três dias, concentrando a fertilização in vitro e o percentual de prenhez.

Analysis of clinical outcomes of different embryo stage biopsy in array comparative genomic hybridization based preimplantation genetic diagnosis and screening / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective To evaluate the efficiency of the application of array comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) in preimplantation genetic diagnosis or screening (PGD/PGS), and compare the clinical outcomes of different stage embryo biopsy. Methods The outcomes of 381 PGD/PGS cycles referred in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from July 2011 to August 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 320 PGD cycles with 156 cleavage-stage-biopsy cycles and 164 trophectoderm-biopsy cycles, 61 PGS cycles with 23 cleavage-stage-biopsy cycles and 38 trophectoderm-biopsy cycles.Chromosomal analysis was performed by array-CGH technology combined with whole genome amplification.Single embryo transfer was performed in all transfer cycles.Live birth rate was calculated as the main clinical outcomes. Results The embryo diagnosis rate of PGD/PGS by array-CGH were 96.9%-99.1%. In PGD biopsy cycles, the live birth rate per embryo transfer cycle and live birth rate per embryo biopsy cycle were 50.0%(58/116) and 37.2%(58/156) in cleavage-stage-biopsy group, 67.5%(85/126) and 51.8%(85/164) in trophectoderm-biopsy group (both P<0.01). In PGS biopsy cycles, the live birth rate per embryo transfer cycle and live birth rate per embryo biopsy cycle were the same as 34.8%(8/23) in cleavage-stage-biopsy group, the same as 42.1%(16/38) in trophectoderm-biopsy group (both P>0.05). Conclusions High diagnosis rate and idea live birth rate are achieved in PGD/PGS cycles based on array-CGH technology.The live birth rate of trophectoderm-biopsy group is significantly higher than that of cleavage-stage-biopsy group in PGD cycles;the efficiency of trophectoderm-biopsy is better.

Biópsia embrionária: qual a melhor escolha? / Embryo biopsy: what is the best choice?

Introdução: a biópsia embrionária tem como objetivo selecionar embriões geneticamente normais. Essa seleção ocorre por meio de testes genéticos pré-implantacionais. Espera-se, com isso, uma diminuição dos riscos de doenças genéticas e um aumento das taxas de implantação em fertilização in vitro. Objetivo: verificar, por meio de revisão bibliográfica, qual técnica de biópsia embrionária é considerada mais apropriada para feitura de testes genéticos pré-implantacionais. Método: pesquisa bibliográfica, na forma de revisão de publicações científicas, por meio das redes US National Library of Medicine (Pubmed), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs), Google Acadêmico e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS). Resultados e conclusão: existem três maneiras de efetuar a biópsia para reprodução humana assistida. A primeira consiste em retirar o primeiro e/ou o segundo corpúsculo polar estruído pelo oócito. Também se pode fazer a biópsia a partir de um blastômero do embrião em estágio de clivagem ou usar cinco a dez células do trofoectoderma de blastocisto. Normalmente as técnicas usadas para o diagnóstico são PCR, Fish, CGH array e SNP array, entre outras. Acredita-se que a biópsia de blastocistos é a melhor técnica para manter o potencial de implantação embrionária. Essa tendência se justifica por causa da maior quantidade de material genético disponível em fase avançada de desenvolvimento embrionário. Admite-se que nessa fase a incidência de mosaicismo seja menor em relação à biópsia de blastômeros, com consequente aumento na eficácia dos testes genéticos. Outra questão importante é que na biópsia de blastocistos as células são retiradas do trofoectoderma, enquanto que na biópsia em estágio de clivagem a remoção de um blastômero pode prejudicar o desenvolvimento embrionário.

Introduction: the embryo biopsy aims to select genetically normal embryos. This selection occurs through pre- implantation genetic testing. It is expected the reduction of risk ofgenetic disorders and increase implantation rates in IVF.Objective: to verify, through bibliographical revision, which embryo biopsy technique is considered more suitable for pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. Method: bibliographical research, in the form of literary review of scientific publications via networks, US National Library of Medicine (Pubmed), Latin-American Literature and Caribbean Health Sciences (Lilacs), Google Scholar and Virtual Health Library. Results and conclusion: there are three ways to perform the biopsy on assisted human reproduction.The first one consists in removing the 1st and/or 2nd polar body (if there wasfertilization). You can also perform the biopsy from the one blastomere of embryo cleavage stage or use 5-10 trophoectoderm cells blastocyst. Usually the techniques used for diagnosticpurpose are PCR, Fish, CGH array, SNP array and others. Nowadays it is believed that blastocyst biopsy is the best technique in order to maintain the embryonic implantation. This tendency is justified by the larger amount of genetic material available in an advancedstage of embryonic development. It is assumed that in this stage the incidence of mosaicism is reduced with the consequent increase in the effectiveness of genetic testing. Another important question is that the blastocyst biopsy cells are removed from the trophoectoderm while inbiopsy incleavage stage, the removal of one blastomere can impair embryonicdevelopment.

Effect of praziquantel on schistosomal ovum granuloma and hepatic fibrosis Ⅱ Effect of praziquantel on cells within pulmonary schistosomal ovum granuloma in mice / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To study the effect of praziquantel on cells within sehistosomal ovum granuloma in the lung of mice.Methods Forty-eight mice were divided into 4 groups.Group A:first,the mice were injected with sehistosomal ova hypodermically in abdomen,and 10 days later,injected with schistosomal ova intravenously in the cauda;Group B:in addition to the injection of schistosomal ova as the same of Group A,the mice were administered with praziquantel[300 mg/(kg·d)]for 3 days,one day before the intravenous injection of the ova;Group C:in addition to the injection of schistosomal ova as the same of Group A,the mice were administered with praziquantel(75 mg/kg,B.i.d.) for 5 days weekly until the mice were sacrificed;Group D:the same as Group C but praziquantel was given to the mice from the 29th after the intravenous injection of the ova.Three mice of each group were sacrificed on the 7th,14th,28th,56th day after the intravenous injection of the ova and the lung tissues were fixed with formalin and the slices were HE stained.Twenty-five to thirty pieces of schistosomal ovum granuloma were examined and the neutrophilic granulocytes,eosinocytes,lymphocytes,fibroblasts and macrophages within the ovum granulomas were counted and the mean numbers of them of each group were calculated and compared.Results Compared with Group A,the mean numbers of neutrophilic granulocytes,eosinocytes and macrophages within the ovum granulomas were decreased significantly,and the extend of the increase of fibroblasts reduced significantly in the three groups administered with praziquantel,and especially in Group C.On the 56th day after the intravenous injection of the ova,the mean numbers of neutrophilic granulocytes,eosinocytes and macrophages decreased by 54.4%、87.0% and 23.1%,and the extend of the increase of fibroblasts reduce by 59.4%,respectively in Group C,compared with Group A.The numbers of lymphocytes did not change very much in 4 groups.Conclusion Praziquantel can restrain inflammatory cells and the hyperplasia of fibroblasts within schistosomal ovum granulomas.

Enterobius vermicularis Ova in a Vaginal Smear

Enterobius vermicularis is one of the most common parasites found in the intestine of humans. The gravid female worms migrate outside the anus to release eggs on the perianal skin. Rarely, they migrate to the genitourinary tract in female patients. We present a case in which pinworm eggs were found in a cervicovaginal smear of a 37-year-old woman. The eggs were elongated oval shaped and flattened on one side. The thick, double contoured birefringent shell stained bright yellow or orange. Some coarsely granular embryos or curved larvae were enclosed in the refractile shell. Empty eggs or wrinkled shells with clumped granular material were also present. Although pinworm eggs are easily identified because of their characteristic morphologic appearance, careful screening is needed due to the frequent masking by inflammatory cells.

Improvement on micro-manipulation of fertilized eggs of mice / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To improve the micro-manipulation of mouse fertilized eggs,promoting its survival rate and productivity in pseudo-pregnant mice. Methods: DNA fragments of definite concentration and size were used for micro-manipulation with conventional and improved methods, then their survival rate of manupulated eggs and productivity of pseudo-pregnant mice were analyzed and compared. Results: With improved methods, the survival rate of eggs increased from 60.3% to 79.5%, the productivity of pseudo-pregnant mice and offspring increased from 35.7% to 56.8% and 10.1% to 14.1% respectively. Conclusion: The improved methods of micro-manipulation can be used in transgenic mouse production.

Effects of cleavage-stage biopsy on in vitro development of human embryos / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective To evaluate the effects of biopsy methods, biopsy timing and the number of cell removed on in vitro development of embryos Methods One hundred and fifty four embryos of good morphology from in vitro fertilization patients were studied Sixty six embryos were allocated to the following three groups: chemical drilling biopsy group (26), mechanical drilling biopsy group (26) and control group (20) One cell was removed from the embryos of the two biopsy groups The remaining 88 embryos were allocated to two groups: biopsy group (44) and control group (44) Two cells were removed from biopsy group by chemical drilling method The stage of the embryo before biopsy, biopsy time, lysed blastomere, growth potential and hatching capacity of the biopsied embryos, total cell number at the blastocyst stage were recorded and evaluated Results The mean time of biopsy in the chemical drilling group (231?20) seconds was significantly shorter than that in the mechanical drilling group (262?23) seconds ( P 0 05) However, the proportion developing to the blastocyst stage was reduced after the removal of two cells from the 6 cell stage in comparison to the control (1/8 versus 5/8, P

Expression of HOXA10 gene in human endometrium and its relationship with unexplained infertility / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective To study the expression of HOXA10 gene in the endometrium of normal fertile women and patients with unexplained infertility during different phases of menstrual cycle. Methods Endometrium samples were obtained by curettage in 52 normal fertile women and 38 patients with unexplained infertility during different phases of menstrual cycle, HOXA10 mRNA expression were detected by in situ hybridization and reverse polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results (1) HOXA10 mRNA were detected in the glandular and stromal cells of endometrium of fertile women during the menstrual cycle. By in situ hybridization (positive unite, PU), HOXA10 mRNA levels were significantly higher in the mid-secretory phase [glandular cells (G) 5.69?0.57,stromal cells (S) 7.48?0.67] and late-secretory phase(G 5.99?0.40,S 7.98?1.08) than those in late proliferative phase (G 3.35?0.20,S 3.20?0.37) and early secretory phase (G 3.07?0.26,S 3.18?0.27)(P

Effects of ovulation induction on expression of integrins ?_4?_1 in endometrium / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective To study the effect of clomiphene citrate (CC) and human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) on the expression of integrins ? 4? 1 during implantation window in endometrium. Methods Endometrium integrin ? 4? 1 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry method in the mid secretory phase of 48 normal natural cycles. CC+hCG or CC+hMG+hCG cycles in 30 polycystic ovary syndrom (PCOS) patients and 48 normal women. Results The expression of endometrial integrin ? 4? 1 was stronger in the natural cycls than those of ovulation induction cycles with CC+hCG or CC+hMG+hCG. So was the pregnancy cycles as compared with the non pregnant cycles. Conclusion The endometrial receptivity in the min luteal phase and pregnant rate declined during ovulation induction by CC+hCG or CC+hMG+hCG in either normal women or PCOS patients.

Comparison of vitrification and slow-freezing of human day 3 cleavage stage embryos:postvitrification development and pregnancy outcomes / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective To compare the effects of vitrification with slow-freezing on the developmental ability of day 3 cleavage stage embryos.Methods Patients who had no less than 4 high quality embryos were included in this study.These embryos were cryopreserved using the methods of vitrification or slow-freezing.In the eryopreserved embryo transfer cycles,the embryos which were cryopreserved using one of the methods were chosen randomly.The developmental ability of embryos was compared between these two groups.Results A total of 80 patients were included in this study with 160 embryos.In the group of slow-freezing,73(91%)embryos were survived and achieved 15(38%)clinical pregnancies.Among these,3 were twins and the implantation rate was 25%(18/73).In the group of vitrification,71(89%)embryos were survived and achieved 19(48%)clinical pregnancies.Among these, 9 were twins and the implantation rate was 39%(28/71),which was significantly higher than the slow- freezing group(P

Establishment of two human embryonic stem cell lines from cleavage arrested embryos / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective To determine whether cleavage developmentally retarded embryos have not cleaved during a 24 hour period could develop into blastocysts and produce hESC cell lines.Methods A total of 120 such embryos were cultured to blastocyst stage by sequential culture.Blastocysts formation rate and quality of blastocyst were detected under microscope.The relation between blastocyst formation rate and blastomere number,the fragment of blastomere and blastomere symmetry were analyzed by stepwise Logistical regression analysis.Inner cell masses(ICMs)were isolated by immunosurgery.Colonies derived from the ICMs were passed every 4-7 days and the derivatives were passaged and identified.Results A total of 22 blastocysts were obtained from 120 embryos.The blastulation rate was 18.7%.Early blatocyst, blastocyst,full blastocyst,expanded blastocyst,hatching blastoeyst and hatched blastocyst accounted for 5.9%,23.5%,35.3%,23.5%,5.9%,and 5.9% respectively.The grade of ICM and trophoblast was mostly scored C or B.Blastocyst formation rate was related to cell number and blastomere symmetry but not fragment.Immunosurgery resulted in the formation of 7 ICMs and 3 primary colonies,which produced 2 cell lines.The cell lines satisfied the criteria that characterize pluripotent hESC cells.Undifferentiated cells were positive for AKP,SSEA-4,TRA-1-60,and TRA-1-81.It could continue to proliferate in vitro and form embryoid bodies when cultured in suspension.It had capability to form teratoma in SCID mice.Both cell lines had normal karyotypes after 45 and 34 passages respectively.Conclusions Our results suggest that a subset of developmentally retarded embryos can form blastocysts and give rise to hESC cell lines.

Cryopreservation of Human Embryos / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Technology for the long-term preservation of gamete and embryo has improved greatly over the past 20 years and currently is used for supporting various assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Recent progress in cryobiology and its related sciences have made it possible to preserve human embryos effectively, and several cryopreservation methods also have been developed. Successful freezing of supernumerary embryos has allowed patients undergoing ART the opportunity to achieve pregnancies from more than one embryo transfer without being subjected to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and oocyte retrieval each time. It also allows a delay in embryo transfer where certain adverse conditions exist for fresh transfer, e.g. when the patient is at risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome or when there is poor endometrial development during the retrieval cycle. Cryopreservation of all available embryos from retrieval is utilized when an oocyte recipient is not properly synchronized with oocyte donor's cycle. In this paper is to review the current status and perspectives of embryo cryopreservation in ART program. Also, briefly discuss the oocyte cryopreservation for the establishment of ovum bank.

Clinical Significance of Endometrial Thickness and Pattern in Ovum Donation and Cryopreserved - Thawed Embryo Transfer Program / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical significance of endometrial thickness and pattan as a predictor of successful implantation of embryos in ovum donation and cryopreserved-thawed embryo transfer program. METHODS: From January, 1996 to March, 1998, 31 cycles of ovum donation and 31 cycles of cryopreserved-thawed embryo transfer were enrolled in this prospective study. Endometrial thickness was measured three times: prior to progesterone administration (P), 1 day and 3 days after P. In cryopreserved-thawed embryo transfer cycles, the measurement at 1 day after P was omitted. Endometrial pattern was observed prior to progesterone, and was considered meaningful when a multi-layered triple-line was seen with prominent outer and central hyperchogenic lines and inner hypoechogenic regions. RESULTS: There were no differences in embryo quality, dose or duration of estrogen, and endometrial thickness or pattern between conception and non-conception cycles in both ovum donation and cryapreserved-thawed embryo transfer pmgram. In ovum donation cycles, no cortelation was observed between estrogen dose and endometrial thickness or pattern. In cryopreserved-thawed embryo transfer cycles, total estrogen dose and endometral thickness at 3 days after P has a inverse correlation, and estrogen dose over 4.3 mg per day can predict expression of a multi-layered triple-line pattern, CONCLUSION: Endometrial thickness or pattern. cannot predict a successful implantaion of embryos in both ovum donation and cryopreserved-thawed embryo transfer cycles.

Evaluation of the role of leukotrienes on ovum implantation in mice.

Prostaglandins are considered to be one of the important mediators of ovum implantation. Various lipoxygenase products also have been implicated along with PGs for this process. A specific rather than preferential inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase is used to investigate the role of leukotrienes in the event of implantation and decidualization process in mice. AA861, a selective inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase is used in different dose levels like 50, 100 and 500 μg in (A) intact pregnant mice (on D1-D4 and D2-D4 and D4); (B) delayed mice on (D3-D8); (C) pseudopregnant traumatized mice (on D1-D4). All the experimental animals of group A were killed on D6. Estrogen injected delayed animals of group  were killed 48 h after the induction of implantation. Implantation sites were counted as blue spot and compared with those of control animals. Traumatized animals of group C were killed 24 h after the mechanical traumatization and uterine weights were compared with those of vehicle treated controls. Results show that AA861 could not inhibit ovum implantation in either intact or ovariectomized delayed animals. It also did not show any adverse effect on tubal transport or development of embryos. AA861 did not have any inhibitory role on decidualization of pseudopregnant uteri also. This experiment shows that a selective inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase enzyme may not impair the implantation in mice indicating a doubt about the involvement of 5-lipoxygenase products in implantation.

Transvaginal Color Doppler Imaging in the Assessment of Utero-placental Blood Flow in Normal and Abnormal Early Pregnany / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Flow velocimetry waveforms of the uterine artery and subtrophoblastic blood flow were analyzed at normal early pregnancy, missed abortion and blighted ovum, by using transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonography. Results show that a progressive fall in S/D ratio and RI with advancing in gestation. Among the three groups, the S/D ratio and RI of both uterine arteries were not a significant difference in all gestational age. Characteristic subtrophoblastic blood flows were obtained in 60.3%, 47.2% and 53.3% of normal pregnancy, missed abortion and blighted ovum, respectively. The S/D ratio and RI of subtrophoblastic blood flow were not a significant difference among the three groups. Although the number of cases studied is small and not prospective study, the further study about this will give us some understanding to the pathophysiology of early pregnancy failure.