Presence of antiphospholipid antibodies is associated with increased implantation failure following in vitro fertilization technique and embryo transfer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted comparing the presence of anti-phospholipid (anti-PL) antibodies between women of reproductive age, without diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome, who experienced at least two implantation failures following in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET), and either women who had a successful implantation after IVF-ET or women with at least one successful spontaneous pregnancy or unselected healthy fertile women with no history of IVF-ET. METHODS: Systematic search of the literature and meta-analysis of the relevant studies studying presence of antiphospholipid antibodies in women experiencing at least two implantation failures in IVF-ET as compared to either women who had a successful implantation after IVF-ET or/and women with at least one successful spontaneous pregnancy or unselected healthy fertile women with no history of IVF-ET. Six hundred ninety-four published reports were retrieved; 17 of them fulfilled the inclusion criteria set. RESULTS: Presence of either any type of anti-phospholipid or anticardiolipin antibodies or lupus-anticoagulant in women experiencing at least two implantation failures in IVF-ET was associated with increased implantation failure compared to women who had a successful implantation after IVF-ET (relative risk, RR: 3.06, 5.06 and 5.81, respectively). Presence of either anticardiolipin or lupus-anticoagulant or anti-beta(2) glycoprotein-I or anti-phosphatidylserine antibodies in women experiencing at least two implantation failures in IVF-EΤ was associated with increased implantation failure compared to unselected healthy fertile women with no history of IVF-ET (RR:13.92, 6.37, 15.04 and 164.58, respectively). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies, particularly that of anti-beta(2) glycoprotein-I and anti-phosphatidylserine antibodies, in women experiencing at least two implantation failures in IVF-ET without diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome is significantly greater than either in women who had a successful implantation after IVF-ET or women with at least one successful spontaneous pregnancy or unselected healthy fertile women with no history of IVF-ET. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO ID: CRD4201808145

Oxidative stress in pregnancy and fertility pathologies

Oxidative stress designates the state of imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant levels. In a healthy placenta, there is an increase in ROS production, due to formation of new tissues and inherent metabolism, but this is balanced by higher levels of antioxidants. However, this balance is lost in some situations, with a consequent increase in oxidative stress levels. Oxidative stress has been implicated in several placental disorders and pregnancy pathologies. The present review intends to summarize what is known about the relationship between oxidative stress and well-known pregnancy disorders

Clinical Syndromes Related to Gastrointestinal Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) comprise a heterogeneous group of tumors derived from multipotent neuroendocrine cells that have the inherent ability to synthesize and secrete a variety of substances (peptides and amines). When these substances are bioactive, NENs can present with a related clinical syndrome (functioning NENs) and/or symptoms of mass effects (functioning and nonfunctioning NENs). NENs differ in their pathogenesis, clinical syndromes produced, aspects of biological behavior and response to certain antitumor treatment. The carcinoid syndrome (CS) is the clinical constellation of secretory diarrhea, flushing, wheezing and dyspnea as a result of serotonin production mainly from small intestinal NENs. Complications of CS are frequent and include extensive mesenteric fibrosis, carcinoid heart disease and the life-threatening carcinoid crisis. A variety of substances (mainly hormones) are produced from NENs originating from the pancreas associated with specific symptoms that can lead to their precise diagnosis. NENs may also secrete substances characteristic of other sites of origin and produce a variety of paraneoplastic syndromes and/or change their secretory status with time. Surgery remains the best option for complete tumor resection and symptom relief. Surgery may also be used when medical treatment fails to obtain control of the symptoms along with cytoreductive techniques. Somatostatin analogs (octreotide and lanreotide) constitute the backbone of medical treatment for the majority of functioning NENs as they can alleviate symptoms, stabilize tumor growth and improve the quality of life. Telotristat etiprate is a novel oral agent that inhibits tryptophan hydroxylase, the key enzyme responsible for serotonin production, and can improve the symptoms of CS. Nonspecific and supportive therapies are also used for refractory cases. In this chapter the clinical features of functioning NENs will be analyzed as well as aspects of their diagnosis based on secretory substances and treatment of the hormonal excess. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel

Common pathophysiological mechanisms involved in luteal phase deficiency and polycystic ovary syndrome. Impact on fertility

Luteal phase deficiency (LPD) is a consequence of the corpus luteum (CL) inability to produce and preserve adequate levels of progesterone. This is clinically manifested by short menstrual cycles and infertility. Abnormal follicular development, defects in neo-angiogenesis or inadequate steroidogenesis in the lutein cells of the CL have been implicated in CL dysfunction and LPD. LPD and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are independent disorders sharing common pathophysiological profiles. Factors such as hyperinsulinemia, AMH excess, and defects in angiogenesis of CL are at the origin of both LPD and PCOS. In PCOS ovulatory cycles, infertility could result from dysfunctional CL. The aim of this review was to investigate common mechanisms of infertility in CL dysfunction and PCOS. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC