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Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate microRNAs (miRNAs) related to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) responsiveness using miRNA microarrays and to identify their target genes to determine the molecular regulatory pathways involved in FSH signaling in KGN cells.Methods: To change the cellular responsiveness to FSH, KGN cells were treated with FSH receptor (FSHR)-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) followed by FSH. miRNA expression profiles were determined through miRNA microarray analysis. Potential target genes of selected miRNAs were predicted using bioinformatics tools, and their regulatory function was confirmed in KGN cells.Results: We found that six miRNAs (miR-1261, miR-130a-3p, miR-329-3p, miR-185-5p, miR-144-5p and miR-4463) were differentially expressed after FSHR siRNA treatment in KGN cells. Through a bioinformatics analysis, we showed that these miRNAs were predicted to regulate a large number of genes, which we narrowed down to cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1 (CYP19A1) and estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) as the main targets for miR-4463. Functional analysis revealed that miR-4463 is a regulatory factor for aromatase expression and function in KGN cells.Conclusion: In this study, we identified differentially expressed miRNAs related to FSH responsiveness. In particular, upregulation of miR-4463 expression by FSHR deficiency in human granulosa cells impaired 17β-estradiol synthesis by targeting CYP19A1 and ESR1. Therefore, our data might provide novel candidates for molecular biomarkers for use in research into poor responders.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to analyze women’s opinions and their decision making processes regarding elective oocyte cryopreservation (OC). METHODS: One hundred twenty-four women who had elective OC counseling at the CHA Seoul Fertility Center were asked to complete a survey after their first visit. Data collection regarding age, marital status, monthly income, occupation, religion, reproductive history, questions about the participant’s view on their own fecundity, and future parenthood were included. The modified Reproductive Concerns After Cancer scale and the Decisional Conflict Scale were used for analysis. RESULTS: The participants’ mean age was 37.1 ± 4.8 years old. Eighty-six percent of the participants had regular periods. Ninety-two percent thought it was important to have their own biological offspring, and 86% were willing to pursue OC. Forty-nine percent appeared to have high DCS scores regarding making a decision of OC. Sixty-eight percent pursued OC, and the mean number of oocytes cryopreserved per patient was 10.5 ± 8.3. Multivariate analysis revealed that age was the only factor associated with high DCS scores (P = 0.002). Feeling less fertile than other women of same age and low DCS scores were the factors associated with pursuing OC (P = 0.02 and 0.004, respectively) after adjusting for possible confounding factors, including age. CONCLUSIONS: Older women had more difficulties in making decisions about OC. Adjusting for age, women who thought that they were less fertile than other women of same age and those with lower decisional conflict were more likely to pursue OC. Further studies should focus on the validation of older women’s decisional conflicts regarding OC. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s10815-018-1255-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Objective To compare the IVF outcomes of mild ovarian stimulation with conventional ovarian stimulation in poor responders. Methods From 2004 to 2009, 389 IVF cycles in 285 women showed poor responses (defined as either a basal FSH level ≥12 mIU/mL, or the number of retrieved oocytes ≤3, or serum E2 level on hCG day

Peritoneal pregnancy is an implantation in the peritoneal cavity exclusive of tubal, ovarian, or intra-ligamentary implantations. This is a rare obstetric complication with high maternal mortality and even higher perinatal mortality, and secondary type was most common. Risk factors for peritoneal pregnancy are previous history of extrauterine pregnancy or tubal surgery pelvic post-inflammatory status or presence of an intra-uterine device. As it is a life-threatening condition, expectant management carries a risk of sudden life-threatening intra-abdominal bleeding and a generally poor fetal prognosis. So, when it is recognized, immediate termination of pregnancy is usually recommended. Early diagnosis of peritoneal pregnancy is difficult, but is important by their life threatening progress course to patients. Recently, we experienced primary peritoneal pregnancy which meets both the original and modified criteria. In this paper, we reported the case of early diagnosed and successfully treated peritoneal pregnancy despite of their diagnosis was incidentally.

To evaluate whether periconceptional exposure to oral contraceptives (OCs) increased adverse pregnancy outcomes, 136 pregnant women taking OCs within the periconceptional period were identified at the Korean Motherisk Program. Of them, 120 pregnant women accepted to participate in their study and were followed up until completion of the pregnancy. A control group of 240 age- and gravidity-matched pregnant women exposed to non-teratogen drugs for at least 1 month before pregnancy was also included. The median gestational age at delivery was 39.1 (27.0–41.0) weeks in the exposed group and 39.3 (27.4–42.0) weeks in the control group ( P = 0.19). In the exposed group, 7.1% of babies were born with low birth weight versus 2.6% in the control group ( P = 0.068). The number of preterm deliveries or babies born large for gestational age did not differ between the two groups. In the exposed group, the rate of birth defects was 3.2% ( n = 3/99) versus 3.6% ( n = 7/193) in the control group ( P = 1.0). There were 15 women who took high doses of progesterone (emergency contraception) and no adverse fetal outcomes were observed. In conclusion, periconceptional exposure to OCs does not appear to increase the risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Because very little information exists on the fetal safety of roxithromycin, we aimed to extend the knowledge on fetal outcome in pregnant women who were exposed to roxithromycin in early pregnancy.Twenty pregnant women inadvertently exposed to roxithromycin during early pregnancy were identified and prospectively followed-up. For comparison, 170 pregnant women matched by age and gravidity, not being exposed to any potential teratogenic agent during pregnancy, were recruited as controls. All gestations were confirmed by ultrasound examination, and participants were followed-up until delivery. Newborns were examined by a neonatologist.Of 20 pregnant women exposed to roxithromycin during early pregnancy, information was obtained from 17 cases. The median dose of roxithromycin to which pregnant women were exposed was 300 mg/day (range 300-450 mg/day) and exposure occurred at a mean of 4.0 (range 2.8-17.6) weeks. Mean gestational age at delivery was 39.2 weeks in the exposed group and 39.4 in the controls (p = 0.6). Birth weight of babies exposed in utero to roxithromycin was not different to controls. We did not observe any major malformation in the exposed group whereas three (1.8%) occurred in the control group.. Despite the limitations of the study due to the small sample size, roxithromycin appears not to be a major teratogen.

No information is currently available on the safety of the aminoglycoside ribostamycin in pregnancy. We aimed to study the pregnancy outcome of women inadvertently exposed to ribostamycin during the first trimester of pregnancy. In a prospective cohort study, 102 women inadvertently exposed to ribostamycin during the first trimester of pregnancy and an age- and gravidity-matched control group, were enrolled. Study outcomes were gestational age at birth, major and minor malformations, and birth weight. Fetal outcomes were evaluated in 85 women inadvertently exposed to ribostamycin during the first-trimester of pregnancy and in 170 control subjects. Newborns were clinically examined at birth by a neonatologist and by imaging studies if any suspicious abnormalities were noted. There were 4/85 (4.9%) babies born with major malformations in the exposed group and 3/170 (1.8%) in the control group (P = 0.7). Gestational age at delivery, rate of minor anomalies, rate of preterm births, and birth weight were not different between groups. In conclusion, similar to what is reported for other aminoglycoside, exposure to ribostamycin during the first-trimester of pregnancy does not appear to increase the risk of adverse fetal outcomes.

PROBLEM: To determine the expression of vimentin and cytokeratin in eutopic and ectopic endometrium of women with both adenomyosis and ovarian endometrioma and to evaluate their cyclic changes during the menstrual cycle. METHOD OF STUDY: Twenty patients requiring hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy were studied by immunohistochemistry according to their menstrual cycles. RESULTS: Cyclic expression of vimentin was noted in eutopic endometrium and adenomyosis, but not in endometrioma. Cytokeratin expression did not change during the menstrual cycles. The mean intensities of epithelial vimentin were significantly different from each other, being the lowest in endometrioma, intermediate in adenomyosis, and the highest in eutopic endometrium. There was no significant difference in intensities of cytokeratin between adenomyosis and endometrioma, but these intensities were significantly lower than that of eutopic endometrium. CONCLUSIONS: Lower intensities of cytokeratin in adenomyosis and endometrioma than in eutopic endometrium suggest that the ectopic endometria may have a lower degree of differentiation regardless of the site. The lower intensity of epithelial vimentin in endometrioma than in adenomyosis during the proliferative phase may reflect decreased functional activity, probably because of a pressure effect on the lining epithelium within the endometrioma

Objective To evaluate the ability of serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), FSH, and age to clinically predict ovarian response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) in IVF patients with endometriosis. Methods We evaluated 91 COH cycles, including 43 cycles with endometriosis (group I) and 48 cycles with male factor infertility (group II) from January to December, 2010. Patients were classified into study groups based on their surgical history of endometriosis-group Ia (without surgical history, n=16), group Ib (with a surgical history, n=27). Results The mean age was not significantly different between group I and group II. However, AMH and FSH were significantly different between group I and group II (1.9±1.9 ng/mL vs. 4.1±2.9 ng/mL, p

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate whether anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels could be predict ovarian poor/hyper response and IVF cycle outcome. Methods Between May 2010 and January 2011, serum AMH levels were evaluated with retrospective analysis. Three hundred seventy infertile women undergoing 461 IVF cycles between the ages of 20 and 42 were studied. We defined the poor response as the number of oocytes retrieved was equal or less than 3, and the hyper response as more than 25 oocytes retrieved. Serum AMH was measured by commercial enzyme-linked immunoassay. Results The number of oocytes retrieved was more correlated with the serum AMH level (r=0.781, p3.55 ng/mL), the groups showed no statistical differences in mature oocyte rates (71.6% vs. 76.5% vs. 74.8%) or fertilization rates (76.9% vs. 76.6% vs. 73.8%), but showed significant differences in clinical pregnancy rates (21.7% vs. 24.1% vs. 40.8%, p=0.017). Conclusion The serum AMH level can be used to predict the number of oocytes retrieved in patients, distinguishing poor and high responders.

OBJECTIVE To examine the association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism and hyperhomocysteinemia in women with unexplained recurrent miscarriages (RM) and to investigate the association between MTHFR genotype variants and alloimmune activation, proportion of peripheral blood natural killer (pbNK) cells. METHODS A total of 39 patients with a history of two or more unexplained miscarriages were recruited to this study. The controls were women who had a live birth without a history of RM (n=50). The proportion of pbNK cells was measured by flow cytometry. Plasma homocysteine levels and the incidence of the MTHFR variant of the RM and control groups were compared. The proportion of pbNK cells was compared to the MTHFR variants in the RM group. RESULTS No differences were found between the two groups' mean plasma homocysteine levels (7.6±1.5 µmol/L vs. 7.1±2.1 µmol/L) or incidence of the MTHFR genotype variant (CC, 35% vs. 33%; CT, 40% vs. 53%; and TT, 25% vs. 14%). In the RM group, individuals with the TT variant (7.7±1.1 µmol/L) had higher homocysteine levels than those with the CC and CT variants (7.4±1.9 µmol/L and 7.4±1.2 µmol/L) and those with the CT variant (19.2±8.1%) had a higher proportion of CD3-/CD56+ pbNK cells than those with the CC and TT variants (17.7±6.6% and 17.9±7. 0%), but the results of both comparisons were statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION These preliminary results show no difference in plasma homocysteine levels between the RM and control groups or among MTHFR genotype variants in the RM group, which may suggest that the plasma homocysteine level is difficult to use as a predictive marker of RM in the Korean population. A study of a larger number of patients is needed.

Balanced reciprocal translocation is the most common chromosome rearrangement, with an incidence of 1 out of 625 newborns. In reciprocal translocation carriers, genetically unbalanced gametes can be produced through three principal modes of segregation: adjacent-1, adjacent-2 and 3:1. In this study, we reviewed 133 cycles of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for 65 couples with reciprocal translocation and analyzed pregnancy outcomes and the meiotic segregation mode of gametes of the translocation carriers using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). We found that 285 of 1,508 embryos (18.9%) were normal or balanced. Thirty-three clinical pregnancies, including eight spontaneous abortions (21.6% per couple), were established. According to the meiotic segregation analysis, the frequencies of 3:1 and 4:0 segregation modes were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in female carriers, and the frequencies of adjacent-1 and chaotic segregation modes were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in male carriers. Our results indicate that meiotic segregation might be affected by the carrier's sex but not by the carrier's age or breakpoints.

Context: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by chronic oligo/anovulation, hyperandrogenemia, infertility, and metabolic alterations related to insulin resistance. These abnormalities in PCOS may have complex effects on pathophysiology of the endometrium, contributing to infertility and endometrial disorders. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine dysregulated signaling pathways in the endometrium of patients with PCOS (PCOSE) by analyzing expression profiles with a pathway-oriented method. Design: Microarrays, RT-PCR, laser capture microdissection, and immunohistochemistry were performed with endometrial tissues. Setting: This study was performed at a university hospital laboratory. Patients: This study comprised 12 regularly cycling women and 12 PCOS patients. Main Outcome Measure: Dysregulated signaling pathways in PCOSE were identified as a gene set. Results: Hierarchical clustering revealed distinct expression profiles for PCOSE and the endomet...

The dose-related effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone on placental prostanoids was studied with a perifusion system. Villous tissues were perifused with medium 199 (1 ml/hr) and at the beginning of the fifth hour, either 0, 10(-10), 10(-9), 10(-8), 10(-7), or 10(-6) mol/L gonadotropin-releasing hormone was added to the medium of triplicate chambers. The concentration of prostaglandin E, prostaglandin F, 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2 alpha, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, and thromboxane B2 in the effluent medium, collected every hour, was determined by specific radioimmunoassay. The cumulative release after gonadotropin-releasing hormone treatment for each chamber was calculated, and replicate chambers were averaged. Linear regression analysis of the average for each dose from three different placentas was used to determine the dose-response relationship. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone significantly inhibited the release of placental prostaglandin E, prostaglandin F, and thromboxane B2 in a dose-dependent fashion. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone had no significant effect on 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2 alpha and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, although there was an apparent increase in 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2 alpha. These data support the hypothesis that chorionic gonadotropin-releasing hormone inhibits prostanoid production from the placenta, which in turn may regulate various functions of prostanoids during pregnancy.

Hyperprolactinemia, a known modulator of reproductive function, occurs commonly in women undergoing ovarian stimulation with human menopausal gonadotropins (hMG). Clomiphene citrate (CC) and gonadotropin releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa), when administered during the luteal phase, attenuate the hyperprolactinemic response to hMG. We asked whether follicular-phase administration of CC and GnRHa, as employed clinically in women undergoing ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization or gamete intrafallopian transfer, would alter the incidence and severity of hMG-induced luteal-phase hyperprolactinemia. Seventy-five percent of all patients had at least one luteal prolactin level greater than 25 ng/ml, and 40% had mean luteal-phase prolactin levels greater than 25 ng/ml. The incidence of hyperprolactinemia was similar in pregnant and nonpregnant cycles. The incidence of hyperprolactinemia was similar for both the GnRH agonist-treated group and those given clomiphene citrate. The increase in mean luteal prolactin levels over the follicular-phase baseline level was significantly greater in the CC-treated group (P = 0.03). This was due to the significant suppression of follicular-phase baseline prolactin levels in patients receiving CC. We conclude that neither CC nor GnRHa administration in the follicular phase prevents luteal-phase hyperprolactinemia in women undergoing ovarian stimulation with hMG.

Objective To evaluate objectively whether poor sperm quality affects sequential events from fertilization to delivery in fresh intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and subsequent frozen–thawed embryo transfer (ET) cycles. Design Retrospective study. Setting University-based centers for reproductive medicine. Patient(s) For unbiased comparison, 206 cycles were chosen from 1,999 cycles of patients who underwent ICSI-ET and/or subsequent frozen–thawed ET. Cycles met the following criteria: day 3 ET; female age, Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) The rates of fertilization, embryo implantation, clinical pregnancy, and delivery and sequential embryonic score (SES) were compared between normal-spermatogenesis patients (NSPs) and defective-spermatogenesis patients (DSPs). Result(s) Although sum SES, mean SES, and top SES of transferred embryos on day 3 were similar between NSPs and DSPs, the rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy, and delivery of NSPs were significantly higher than those of DSPs. Furthermore, subsequent ET cycles with frozen–thawed embryos in NSPs and DSPs who failed to achieve pregnancy in their fresh cycles showed that rates of implantation and clinical pregnancy also were significantly lower in DSPs. Conclusion(s) Quality of sperm may influence embryo implantation and subsequent pregnancy outcomes without impairment of embryo quality.

To assess the fetal outcome of three hypertensive women exposed to amlodipine. 5 mg/day, in the first trimester of pregnancy. CASE 1: The patient was treated with amlodipine until 7 weeks of gestation. She was also exposed to levosulpiride, aluminum hydroxide gel, magnesium carbonate, and Ginkgo biloba. At 38(+3) weeks of pregnancy, she delivered a 3750 g healthy female baby, and restarted taking amlodipine, 5 mg/day, while exclusively breastfeeding her daughter. At three months of age, the infant was healthy. CASE 2: The patient was treated with amlodipine from 2(+2) to 3(+4) weeks of pregnancy. Her treatment was modified to atenolol until the week 6(+4 weeks), when she declined any antihypertensive treatment. At 39(+4) weeks of pregnancy, the patient delivered a 2600 g baby. At 20 months old, the baby presented with intellectual delay and weakness in the left arm and hand grasp. These neurological alterations were not attributed to her exposure to amlodipine early in utero. CASE 3: The patient was treated with amlodipine from 7(+6) to 12 weeks of pregnancy. She was also taking sucralfate and lorazepam. At 12 weeks of amenorrhea, ultrasound revealed a 15.3 mm, single fetal pole in the gestational sac without cardiac activity. She underwent dilatation and evacuation of a dead embryo.As reported with other calcium-channel blockers, amlodipine does not appear to be teratogenic and it appears to be compatible with breastfeeding.

To understand the pathogenetic mechanisms of endometriosis by examining the expression of adhesion molecules (CD44s), angiogenic factor (VEGF) and matrix protease and to perform Ki-67 labeling for evaluation of proliferative activity.Twenty-nine peritoneal endometriosis lesions (9 red, 12 black and 8 white), 11 rectovaginal and 22 ovarian were obtained. Immunohistochemical staining was performed with antibodies for CD44, VEGF, MMP-2 and Ki-67.CD44s were expressed mainly in stroma and showed higher expression in glandular epithelium of peritoneal endometriosis than in rectovaginal and ovarian endometriosis. The stroma in red and white lesions showed higher MMP-2 expression than in black lesions. The stromal cells in rectovaginal endometriosis showed significantly lower expression of Ki-67 (p = 0.002) than in peritoneal and ovarian endometriosis. When endometriosis was analyzed according to the revised American Fertility Society classification, Ki-67 expression was high in glandular epithelium in stages I and II (p = 0.025), whereas MMP-2 expression in stromal cells was significantly high (p0.001) in stages III and IV.CD44, VEGF and MMP-2 were consistently expressed in endometriotic epithelial and stromal cells. White lesions of peritoneal endometriosis should not be regarded as an inactive state, and MMP-2 in stromal cells may be responsible for the progression of endometriosis. The macroscopic appearance of endometriotic lesions should not be used as a criterion to define the degree of activity.

Objective: To investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms and its haplotypes of gene encoding CYP1B1 are associated with the risk of advanced endometriosis in Korean women. Methods: We investigated 221 patients with histopathologically confirmed endometriosis rAFS stage III/IV and 188 control group women who were surgically proven to have no endometriosis. The genetic distribution of four different CYP1B1 polymorphisms at Ala119Ser, Leu432Val, Asp449(C>T), Asn453Ser were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism of PCR products. Haplotype analysis was also performed. Results: We found no overall association between each individual CYP1B1 genotype or haplotype and the risk of endometriosis. Also, the odds ratio of each haplotypes of CYP1B1 showed no association with the risk of endometriosis. Conclusions: These results suggest that CYP1B1 genetic polymorphism may not be associated with development of advanced endometriosis in Korean women.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of earlier oocyte retrieval in IVF patients with a premature LH surge on hCG day. Methods: One hundred forty IVF patients (164 cycles) with premature LH surge on hCG day were included, retrospectively. We divided them into 2 study groups: LH surge with timed ovum pick-up (OPU) 36 hours after hCG injection (group B, 129 premature cycles), and LH surge with earlier OPU within 36 hours after hCG injection (group C, 35 cycles). Control groups were tubal factor infertility without premature LH surge (group A, 143 cycles). Results: The mean age (year) was statistically higher in group C than in groups A or B (38.2 ± 5.4 vs. 36.2 ± 4.2 vs. 36.8 ± 4.9, respectively; p = 0.012). The serum LH levels (mIU/mL) on hCG day were significantly higher in group B and C than in group A (22.7 ± 14.9 vs. 30.3 ± 15.9 vs. 3.2 ± 2.9, respectively; p > 0.001). Among groups A, B, and C, 4.9%, 31.7%, and 51.4% of the cycles, respectively, had no oocytes, and the overall rates of cycle cancellation (OPU cancellation, no oocyte, or no embryos transferrable) were 15.4%, 65.9%, and 74.3%, respectively. The fertilization rate (%) was significantly higher in group B than in group C (73.2 ± 38.9 vs. 47.8 ± 42.9, p = 0.024). The clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in group C than in groups A and B (44.4% vs. 27.3% vs. 9.1%, respectively, p = 0.021). However, the miscarriage rate was also higher in group C than in group B (22% vs. 0%, respectively, p = 0.026). Conclusion: Earlier OPU may not be effective in reducing the risk of cycle cancellation in patients with premature LH surge on hCG day. A larger scale study will be required to reveal the effectiveness of earlier ovum retrieval with premature LH surge.

�Objective: It is well known that fresh blastocyst transfer results in better pregnancy outcomes with a smaller number of transferred embryos compared with cleavage stage embryo transfer. However, in terms of frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer, only a few studies are available. We aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) with blastocysts. Methods: Retrospective analysis of FET cycles with blastocysts (B-FET) between Jan 2007 and June 2009 was performed. Age-matched FET cycles with cleavage stage embryos (C-FET) during the same period were collected as controls. A total of 58 B-FET cycles were compared with 172 C-FET cycles and also compared with those of post-thaw extended culture blastocysts from frozen pronuclear stage embryos (22 cycles). Results: There was no difference in the patient characteristics of each group. The embryos’ survival rates after thawing were comparable ( > 90%) and there was no difference in the implantation rate or clinical and ongoing pregnancy rate among the three groups. Conclusion: In FET, blastocyst transfers may not present better pregnancy outcomes than cleavage stage embryo transfers. A further large-scale prospective study is needed.

Objective We compared the assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes among infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) treated with IVM, conventional IVF, GnRH agonist, and GnRH antagonist cycles. Methods The prospective study included a total of 67 cycles in 61 infertile women with PCOS. The women with PCOS were randomized into three IVF protocols: IVM/IVF with FSH and hCG priming with immature oocyte retrieval 38 hours later (group A, 14 cycles), GnRH agonist long protocol (group B, 14 cycles), and GnRH antagonist multi-dose flexible protocol (group C, 39 cycles). IVF outcomes, such as clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), implantation rate (IR), miscarriage rate (MR), and live birth rate (LBR), were compared among the three groups. Results Age, BMI, and basal FSH and LH levels did not differ among the three groups. The number of retrieved oocytes and 2 pronucleus embryos was significantly lower in group A compared with groups B and C. The CPR, IR, MR, and LBR per embryo transfer showed no differences among the three groups. There was no incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in group A. Conclusion The IR, MR, and LBR in the IVM cycles were comparable to those of the GnRH agonist and GnRH antagonist cycles. The IVM protocol, FSH and hCG priming with oocyte retrieval 38 hours later, is an effective ART option that is comparable with conventional IVF for infertile women with PCOS.

목적 난소 자궁내막증으로 인해 수술적 치료를 받은 여성군의 혈중 anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH)를 대조군과 비교 분석하고자 하였다. 연구방법 2010년 3월부터 2011년 1월까지 본원에서 AMH를 검사 받은 26-40세의 여성 환자 217명을 대상으로 후향적으로 연구하였다. 그 중 난소 자궁내막증으로 난소 낭종제거술을 시행받았던 연구군은 105명이었고, 과거의 난소종양이나 기타 다른 부인과 수술 병력이 없는 대조군은 112명이었다. 생리불순, 다낭성 난소증후군, 체질량지수 ＞30 kg/m2, 다른 내분비 질환을 가진 환자는 연구대상에서 제외되었다. 결과 평균 연령은 연구군과 대조군간 차이는 없었으나(32.5±3.6세 vs. 33.0 ± 3.8세), 혈중 AMH는 연구군이 대조군에 비해 통계적으로 유의하게 낮았다(2.82 ± 2.4 ng/mL vs. 3.83 ± 2.8 ng/mL; P = 0.005). 연령군에 따라 분류하였을 때, 31세 이상의 연구군에서 혈중 AMH가 유의하게 더 낮음을 알 수 있었다(31-35세, 2.41±1.7 vs. 3.84 ± 2.6 ng/mL, P = 0.005; 36-40세, 1.36 ± 2.0 ng/mL vs. 2.68 ± 2.7 ng/mL,P = 0.018). 그러나 난소 자궁내막증의 양측성, 낭종의 크기(6 cm 기준), 자궁내막증 병기에 따른 혈중 AMH의 차이는 없었다. 결론 난소 자궁내막증으로 수술적 치료를 받은 환자는 같은 연령대의 수술 받지 않은 정상 여성보다 혈중 AMH가 낮음을 고려해야 한다.

A 35-year-old man with infertility was referred for chromosomal analysis. In routine cytogenetic analysis, the patient was seen to have additional material of unknown origin on the terminal region of the short arm of chromosome 4. To determine the origin of the unknown material, we carried out high-resolution banding, comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), and FISH. CGH showed a gain of signal on the region of 4q32→q35. FISH using whole chromosome painting and subtelomeric region probes for chromosome 4 confirmed the aberrant chromosome as an intrachromosomal insertion duplication of 4q32→q35. Duplication often leads to some phenotypic abnormalities; however, our patient showed an almost normal phenotype except for congenital dysfunction in spermatogenesis.

Objective To determine whether the serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) profile following preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is lower than that of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. Methods A total of 129 PGD cycles and 1,161 age-matched ICSI cycles, which resulted in pregnancy (serum β-hCG≥5 mIU/mL) on post-ovulation day (POD) 12 were included. We compared the mean serum β-hCG levels on POD 12, 14, 21, and 28, doubling time of serum hCG, and created a cut-off value for predicting a singleton pregnancy in each group. Results The mean serum β-hCG concentration of the PGD group was significantly lower than that of the control group on POD 12, 14, and 21. The doubling time of serum β-hCG at each time interval showed no significant difference. The cut-off-value of serum β-hCG for predicting a single viable pregnancy was 32.5 mIU/mL on POD 12 and 113.5 mIU/mL on POD 14 for the PGD group, which was lower than that for the control group. Conclusion Blastomere biopsy may decrease the β-hCG-producing activity of the trophoblasts, especially in early pregnancy. Setting a lower cut-off value of serum β-hCG for predicting pregnancy outcomes in PGD may be needed.

Objective To determine the age specific serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) reference values in Korean women with regular menstruation. Methods Between May, 2010 and January, 2011, the serum AMH levels were evaluated in a total of 1,298 women who have regular menstrual cycles aged between 20 and 50 years. Women were classified into 6 categories by age: 20-31 years, 32-34 years, 35-37 years, 38-40 years, 41-43 years, above 43 years. Measurement of serum AMH was measured by commercial enzyme-linked immunoassay. Results The serum AMH levels correlated negatively with age. The median AMH level of each age group was 4.20 ng/mL, 3.70 ng/mL, 2.60 ng/mL, 1.50 ng/mL, 1.30 ng/mL, and 0.60 ng/mL, respectively. The AMH values in the lower 5th percentile of each age group were 1.19 ng/mL, 0.60 ng/mL, 0.42 ng/mL, 0.27 ng/mL, 0.14 ng/mL, and 0.10 ng/mL, respectively. Conclusion This study determined reference values of serum AMH in Korean women with regular menstruation. These values can be applied to clinical evaluation and treatment of infertile women.

목적: 중증 자궁내막증 환자에서 수술적 처치가 체외수정 결과에 미치는 영향을 평가하고, 특히 난소 자궁내막증과 복막 자궁내막증 환자의 수술적 처치 후 체외수정시술의 척도들을 비교해 보고자 한다. 연구방법: 1997년에서 2004년까지, 복강경검사로 중증 자궁내막증을 진단 받고 체외수정을 시행한 506주기를 대상으로 후향적 연구를 하였다. 170주기는 수술받지 않았고, 336주기는 수술적 치료(151주기는 난소 자궁내막증, 185 주기는 복막 자궁내막증) 후 체외수정시술을 받았다. 대조군은 동일 기간 내에 난관요인에 의해 체외수정시술을 받은 313주기를 대상으로 하였다. 결과: 자궁내막증의 수술적 처치를 한 그룹과 수술을 받지 않은 그룹에서, 채취된 난자 수(9.6 ± 7.3 vs. 11.2 ± 7.5 vs. 14.8 ± 7.0, P ＜0.0001) 와 이식된 배아 수(3.5 ± 1.4 vs. 3.5 ± 1.4 vs. 3.9±0.9, P = 0.001)가 유의하게 대조군 보다 낮았다. 하지만, 착상률(17.2% vs. 15.2% vs. 15.9%)과 임신율(36.9% vs. 35.9% vs. 39.6%), 태아생존율(32.1% vs. 28.2% vs. 29.7%)은 유사하였다. 수술받은 복막 자궁내막증 그룹의 체외수정에서는 채취된 난자 수(9.6 ± 7.9 vs. 9.8 ± 6.5), 이식된 배아수(3.4 ± 1.4 vs. 3.7 ± 1.3), 착상률 (15.5% vs. 18.0%), 임신율(34.6% vs. 39.7%), 태아생존율(29.2% vs. 35.8%)이 수술받은 난소 자궁내막증 그룹과 유의한 차이를 보이지 않았다. 결론: 자궁내막증 환자는 과거의 수술적 치료 유무와 상관없이 체외수정시술 척도가 낮았으나, 임신율에는 차이가 없었다. 수술적 치료를 받은 복막 자궁내막증 그룹은 난소 자궁내막증과 유사하게 낮은 체외수정시술 척도를 보였다. 따라서, 난소 자궁내막증 수술 여부와 관계없이 자궁내막증 자체만으로 체외수정시술 척도에 안 좋은 영향을 미치는 것으로 생각된다.

Objective To determine whether characteristics of sperm motility obtained by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) could predict pregnancy after intrauterine insemination (IUI) in couples with unexplained infertility. Methods Three hundred eighty-three cycles of intrauterine insemination with superovulation were retrospectively analyzed. Semen analysis was performed with CASA before and after swim-up and the parameters were compared between pregnant and non-pregnant women. Results The pregnancy rate per cycle was 14.1%. Pregnant and non-pregnant women were comparable in terms of age, infertility duration, the number of dominant follicles. While sperm concentration, motility, and parameters such as average path velocity (VAP) and percentage rapid (RAPID) before semen preparation were significantly different between the pregnancy and non-pregnancy groups, there were no differences in sperm parameters when comparing the two groups after preparation. Using a receiver operating characteristic curve to measure sensitivity and specificity, the optimal threshold value for the predictors of pregnancy was revealed to be a concentration of ≥111×10(6)/mL, a motility of ≥51.4%, and RAPID ≥30.1% before preparation for IUI. Conclusion Sperm parameters including concentration, motility, and RAPID before sperm preparation could have predictive value for pregnancy outcome after intrauterine insemination with superovulation in couples with unexplained infertility, and would be helpful when counseling patients before they make the decision to proceed with IVF/ICSI-ET.

Results In cycles with OCP pretreated group, the total used dosage of gonadotropin (3019.38±1379.00 IU) were higher than that of no pretreatment group (2551.52 ± 1157.05 IU, P = 0.054). The duration of ovarian stimulation in OCP pretreated group (11.5 ± 2.0) was signifi cantly longer than that of control group (9.5 ± 1.9, P = 0.000). The number of gained total embryo (2.8±0.9 vs. 2.5±1.0, P = 0.055) and fertilization rate (77.2% vs. 65.5%, P = 0.017) were significantly higher in OCP pretreated group. There is no signifi cant difference in pregnancy rate between two groups (39.4% vs. 30.0%, P = 0.304).

Objective To investigate adverse pregnancy outcomes in non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared with obese-PCOS and control groups. Methods Women with PCOS who underwent assisted reproductive technology (ART) from August, 2003 to December, 2007, were considered. A total of 336 women with PCOS were included in the study group and 1,003 infertile women who had tubal factor as an indication for ART were collected as controls. They were divided into four groups: a non-obese PCOS group, obese-PCOS group, non-obese tubal factor group, and obese tubal factor group, with obesity defined by a body mass index over 25 kg/m2, and reviewed focusing on the basal characteristics, ART outcomes, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Results There was no difference among the groups' the clinical pregnancy rate or live birth rate. Regarding adverse pregnancy outcomes, the miscarriage rate, multiple pregnancy rate, and prevalence of preterm delivery and pregnancy induced hypertension were not different among the four groups. The incidence of small for gestational age infant was higher in the PCOS groups than the tubal factor groups (p

Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency is an X-linked co-dominant disorder. A couple, with a previous history of a neonatal death and a therapeutical termination due to OTC deficiency, was referred to our center for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). The female partner has a nonsense mutation in the exon 9 of the OTC gene (R320X). We carried out nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for R320X mutation and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for aneuploidy screening. Among a total of 11 embryos, two blastomeres per embryo from 9 embryos were biopsied and analyzed by duplex-nested PCR and FISH, and one blastomere per embryo from 2 embryos by only duplex-nested PCR. As a result of PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis, four embryos were diagnosed as unaffected embryos having the normal OTC gene. Among these embryos, only one embryo was confirmed as euploidy for chromosome X, Y and 18 by FISH analysis. A single normal embryo was transferred to the mother, yielding an unaffected pregnancy and birth of a healthy boy. Based on our results, PCR for mutation loci and FISH for aneuploidy screening with two blastomeres from an embryo could provide higher accuracy for the selection of genetically and chromosomally normal embryos in the PGD for single gene defects.

Rosiglitazone is a thiazolidinedione oral hypoglycemic drug that seems to be a promising alternative not only as an oral hypoglycemic agent but also for women with polycystic ovary syndrome. However, information regarding exposure to rosiglitazone in pregnancy is limited to two previous case reports. In the first case, a 35-year-old woman was exposed until the 8th week of pregnancy to 4 mg/day rosiglitazone and to glicazide, acarbose, atorvastatin, spironolactone, hydrochlorothiazide, carbamazepine, thiridazine, amitryptiline, chlordiazepoxide, and pipenzolate bromide (1). The second case was a woman exposed to 4 mg/day rosiglitazone between gestational weeks 13 and 17 (2). The two cases delivered normal babies at gestational weeks 36 and 37, …