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The endometrium, the inner mucosal lining of the uterus, undergoes complex molecular and cellular changes across the menstrual cycle in preparation for embryo implantation. Transcriptome-wide analyses have mainly been utilized to study endometrial receptivity, the prerequisite for successful implantation, with most studies, so far, comparing the endometrial transcriptomes between (i) secretory and proliferative endometrium or (ii) mid-secretory and early secretory endometrium. In the current study, we provide a complete transcriptome description of the endometrium across the entire menstrual cycle and, for the first time, comprehensively characterize the proliferative phase of the endometrium. Our temporal transcriptome analysis includes five time points including the mid-proliferative, late proliferative (peri-ovulatory phase), early secretory, mid-secretory, and late secretory phases. Thus, we unveil exhaustively the transitions between the consecutive proliferative and secretory phases, highlighting their unique gene expression profiles and possible distinct biological functions. The transcriptome analysis reveals many differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across the menstrual cycle, most of which are phase-specific. As an example of coordinated gene activity, the expression profile of histone-encoding genes within the HIST cluster on chromosome 6 shows an increase in cluster activity during the late proliferative and a decline during the mid-secretory phase. Moreover, numerous DEGs are shared among all phases. In conclusion, in the current study, we delineate the endometrial proliferative phase-centered view of transcriptome dynamics across the menstrual cycle. Our data analysis highlights significant transcriptomic and functional changes occurring during the late proliferative phase—an essential transition point from the proliferative phase to the secretory phase. Future studies should explore how the biology of the late proliferative phase endometrium impacts the achievement of mid-secretory endometrial receptivity or contributes to molecular aberrations leading to embryo implantation failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate if there are natural killer (NK) cells in endometrial fluid (EF) and their relationship with the endometrial cycle and reproductive parameters. Methods: The population under study consisted of 43 women aged 18–40 undergoing infertility workup at our University Hospital in 2021–2022. The EF samples were obtained at the first visit to our unit, on occasion of the mock embryo transfer. The day of the cycle was considered only in cycles of 27–29 days. An immunophenotype study of NK in EF was performed by flow cytometry analysis. In a subgroup of women, on the same day, NK was studied in EF and peripheral blood. Results: Our study is the first to evidence NK cells in EF. None of the NK cells observed corresponded to a mature peripheral blood NK cell population (stages 4–5), and neither endometrial nor decidual uNK cells were detected. Nevertheless, we found 2 patient groups with an NK cell subset with a higher expression of CD16+, which could belong to an intermediate or transient stage between the uNK and pbNK NK cell population in the EF. We found that CD16 was significantly increased in the mid-late luteal phase and its correlation with the day of the cycle. The NK immunophenotype was different in EF and peripheral blood. Conclusion: We described a new component of the EF, the NK cells, whose CD16 activity is closely correlated with the day of the cycle. These cells could play a role in implantation/implantation failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: An accurate staging of sexual cycle is essential for the optimum timing of medical interventions. Aims: Here, an updated insight into clinical, endocrinological and vagino-cytological parameters, and their correlation with histomorphology of ovarian and uterine tissue samples is presented. Methods: Samples from 39 dogs were collected at various stages of the oestrous cycle: pro-oestrus (n = 8), oestrus (n = 12), dioestrus (n = 9) (luteal phase) and anoestrus (n = 10), according to clinical observations. Final allocation of samples was done after histomorphological evaluation of all tissues. Peripheral oestradiol-17ß (E2) and progesterone (P4) concentrations were measured, P4 by both chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) and radioimmunoassay (RIA). Key results: Differences were observed between determination of the stage of the oestrous cycle, either by clinical, endocrinological or histomorphological evaluation. Individuals considered to be in clinical and endocrinological oestrus, had entered the luteal phase according to histomorphology. P4 concentrations measured by two different assays differed, underlying the importance to understand that absolute P4 concentrations may deviate depending on the used assay. Comparison of E2 and P4 concentrations is suggested to be useful when defining the transition from early follicular phase to the time of ovulation. Conclusions and implications: Based on parallel histomorphological observations, combined with clinical and endocrinological findings on the same individuals, the present study emphasises that an accurate classification of the stage of the cycle in female dogs based solely on clinical and endocrinological assessments can be difficult. The histomorphological findings presented herein provide new insights into the transitional phases between the different stages of the oestrous cycle in the dog. In clinical practice, the stage of the oestrous cycle is based on clinical examination involving examination of the external genitalia, amount of vulval discharge, vaginal cytology and determination of progesterone concentration. Here, we report a revised comparison of histomorphology of ovarian and uterine tissues with clinical, endocrinological and vagino-cytological parameters. The results show that, given the histomorphological characteristics of reproductive tissues displaying great individual variations, the determination of oestrous stage must be interpreted with caution, if based solely on clinical evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dexamethasone is frequently used by oral and maxillofacial surgeons to control postoperative oedema and pain in minor oral surgery procedures. Intravenous administration of dexamethasone may result in perineal pruritus i.e., perineal itching, pain and burning sensation. Different studies previously have reported these symptoms in patients. The incidence of these symptoms can vary between 25-100% depending on the dose of dexamethasone administered. Aim: To evaluate the relationship between intravenous administration of dexamethasone and perineal pruritus in patients requiring minor oral surgical procedures; and its association with the phase of the menstrual cycle in female patients. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in the Department of Dentistry, Apollo Hospitals, Secunderabad, Telangana, India, which included 81 patients (43 females and 38 males) between October 2020 to March 2021. All patients included in the study were given preoperative 2 mL (8 mg) of intravenous dexamethasone, 30 minutes before commencing the minor oral surgical procedures and patients were enquired about symptoms of perineal pruritus. Female patients were asked about the phase of the menstrual cycle. All observations recorded were analysed using the Chi-square test and Spearman's analysis. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 software was used for statistical analysis and p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 81 patients (aged 19-52 years) were assessed, with the mean age of male patients being 29.3 years, and the mean age of female patients being 28.7 years. Most patients (female 82% and male 35%) experienced symptoms of itching and burning sensation for 60-90 seconds, which subsided without any further treatment. Female patients out numbered the male patients in experiencing the symptoms of perineal pruritus significantly (p-value <0.001). Correlation coefficient was 0.234 (p-value=0.037) which showed a weakly but positive correlation which was statistically significant between the phase of the menstrual cycle and symptoms experienced. Conclusion: The study established a relation between the administration of i.v. dexamethasone and perineal pruritus. The symptoms were found to be more evident in females and the intensity of the symptoms varied with phases of the menstrual cycle. Females in the postovulatory phase and postmenopausal phase had experienced it more than others. Hence, the knowledge of such incidence and prior education of the patient would reduce the unpleasant experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study was aimed to assess the effect of endometrial movements on pregnancy achievement in intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles. Materials and Methods: The population of this observational study was composed of unexplained infertility couples undergoing first-time IUI with clomiphene citrate between September 2010 and October 2011. Not only endometrial movements, but also thickness, volume, pattern, and echogenic change of endometrium were analyzed prospectively in prediction of pregnancy. Results: The total number of 241 cycles of IUI with 49 intrauterine pregnancies (20.3%) was analyzed. Pregnancy was not related to endometrial thickness and endometrial volume, but significantly related to endometrial movements associated with the number of contraction, strong movement, cervicofundal direction, and hyperechoic change (p<0.05). Pregnant group showed higher cervicofundal movement rate (89.8 vs. 75.5%). Conclusion: For IUI cycles stimulated by clomiphene citrate in unexplained infertility women, endometrial movements on the day of IUI could be a predictor of pregnancy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To prospectively compare the prognosis of IVF-ET cycles using oocyte sharing vs. cycles using altruistic donors.Design: Prospective cohort prognostic study.Setting: University teaching hospital.Patient(s): A total of 353 consecutive infertile women with premature ovarian failure or diminished ovarian function.Intervention(s): After receipt of institutional ethics approval, IVF-ET was performed with the use of either oocyte sharing (n = 220) or altruistic donors (n = 133). Continuous data (mean + SD [95% confidence interval]) were compared with Student's t test or Mann-Whitney test as appropriate; categoric data were compared with Fisher's exact test, odds ratios (OR), and relative risk (RR). Two-tailed P<.05 was considered significant. Logistic regression was used to adjust for confounding variables.Main Outcome Measure(s): The primary endpoint was clinical pregnancy. The secondary endpoints were E(2) dosage, endometrial thickness, fertilization, embryo quality, and rates of embryo cleavage, transfer, and implantation, positive beta-hCG, and biochemical, ectopic, and multiple pregnancy.Result(s): There was no statistically significant difference in clinical pregnancy rates (28.18% vs. 30.08%; OR 0.91 [0.49-1.67]; RR 1.07 [0.69-1.65]; adjusted OR 0.95 [0.51-1.78]). The mean E(2) dosage, endometrial thickness, fertilization rate, embryo score, embryo cleavage, number of embryos transferred, and rates of implantation, positive beta-hCG, and biochemical, ectopic, and multiple pregnancy were similar.Conclusion(s): The prognosis with use of shared oocytes is similar to that with altruistic donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]