126 results on '"Yuh-Ming Hwu"'
Search Results
2. Comparison of clinical outcomes between conventional in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection in poor responders with only single oocyte retrieved
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Chao-Yun Wu, Tian-Jeau Huang, Yuh-Ming Hwu, Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, and Ming-Huei Lin
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Infertility ,In vitro fertilization ,Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) ,Male factor ,Pregnancy outcomes ,Gynecology and obstetrics ,RG1-991 - Abstract
Objective: To compare the clinical outcomes between conventional insemination (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in poor responders with only a single oocyte retrieved. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective case–control study. Couples who were treated with assisted reproductive technology (ART) with a single oocyte retrieved in Mackay Memorial Hospital from 1996 to 2016 were recruited. All data were categorized into three groups, according to their fertilization method and semen quality: group A, conventional insemination with non-male factor (IVF-NMF, n = 115), group B, ICSI with male factor (ICSI-MF, n = 30), and group C, ICSI with non-male factor (ICSI-NMF, n = 49). Results: No statistically significant difference was observed between IVF and ICSI groups in pregnancy outcomes, including the chemical or clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, and live birth rate. Similar fertilization rates per oocyte obtained were observed in IVF and ICSI patients, but significantly lower per mature oocyte in the ICSI group (IVF: 91.5%, ICSI-MF: 75.0%, ICSI-NMF: 77.8%). Although there is no statistical significance, the lower live birth rate is observed in group C than others (A:11.5%, B:25%, C:5%, p = 0.187). Conclusion: In this study, pregnancy outcomes of conventional in vitro fertilization and ICSI in poor responders with only a single oocyte retrieved were similar. However, the fertilization rate of matured oocytes in ICSI groups is significantly lower than that in the IVF group, indicating that ICSI procedures might cause oocyte damage. Therefore, the choice of fertilization method should be based on semen quality. A randomized controlled trial should be performed to confirm our findings.
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- 2023
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3. Metaphase II (MII) human oocytes with smooth endoplasmic reticulum clusters do not affect blastocyst euploid rate
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Christine Shan-Chi Chiu, Tzu-Yu Hung, Ming-Huei Lin, Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, Yu-Wen Weng, and Yuh-Ming Hwu
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Oocyte morphology ,Smooth endoplasmic reticulum clusters ,Blastocyst ,Embryonic development ,Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) ,Gynecology and obstetrics ,RG1-991 - Abstract
Objective: To investigate whether the rate of euploidy and pregnancy outcomes are affected by smooth endoplasmic reticulum clusters (SERc) and other metaphase II human oocyte dysmorphisms. Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis of the morphologies of metaphase II (MII) human oocytes, which had developed into 590 biopsied blastocysts derived from 109 patients that received preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) cycles between March 2013 and December 2017. The euploid rate of blastocysts that originated from morphologically abnormal or normal oocytes were analyzed. The chromosome status of the blastocysts was determined and analyzed by array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) or next generation sequencing (NGS) following trophectoderm biopsy. Results: According to the odds ratios obtained for each oocyte morphotype, no statistically significant relationship was found between oocyte dysmorphisms and euploid rate. Specifically, although SERc-positive oocytes had a higher rate of arrest at two pronuclei, or 2 PN (26.7% vs. 19.4%, p > 0.05), the blastocyst formation rate was not affected as compared with SERc-negative oocytes (40.0% vs. 38.6%, p > 0.05). Among nine euploid embryos derived from oocytes with SERc, three single euploid embryo transfers were performed, of which one resulted in blighted ovum, and two resulted in the births of two healthy, singleton term babies. Conclusion: The results presented here suggest that oocyte dysmorphisms do not affect the euploidy rate of the blastocyst. The occurrence of SERc in the oocyte does not seem to impair the developing blastocyst nor does it interfere with good embryo formation rate and euploid rate. Thus, the embryos derived from SERc-positive oocytes could still be considered for embryo transfer if there are no other embryos available.
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- 2022
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4. Intrauterine adhesion prevention with Malecot catheter after hysteroscopic myomectomy: A novel approach
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Christine Shan-Chi Chiu, Yuh-Ming Hwu, Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, and Ming-Huei Lin
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Gynecology and obstetrics ,RG1-991 - Abstract
Objective: Intrauterine adhesion after hysteroscopic myomectomy contributes to infertility, recurrent miscarriages, menstrual irregularities, and hinders pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study was to apply the indwelling Malecot catheter in prevention of intrauterine adhesion after hysteroscopic myomectomy and to further evaluate the effectiveness of this approach with reported live birth rates in infertile patients who underwent subsequent infertility treatment. Materials and methods: Seventeen patients with FIGO Classification System PALM-COIEN Type 0 or 1 submucous myoma that received hysteroscopic myomectomy were recruited in this retrospective analysis. Post-operative insertion of the Malecot catheter via the aid of the uterine sound was performed and the catheter was left in place for seven days. Results: The mean duration of TTP (time to pregnancy) was 15.6 months after hysteroscopy. Within three years after the operation, 10 out of 17 infertility patients achieved ongoing pregnancy over 12 weeks. Ongoing pregnancy rate was 58.8% (10/17). Eight patients achieved live birth (seven singletons, one twin pregnancy) with mean gestational age of 38 weeks. Live birth rate was 47.1% (8/17). Conclusion: The Malecot catheter is an inexpensive, easy-to-operate, and effective physical barrier method for preventing IUA in infertile patients undergoing hysteroscopic myomectomy with high live birth rate and no obvious visible post-operative adhesions. Keywords: Hysteroscopic myomectomy, Intrauterine adhesion, Malecot catheter
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- 2020
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5. Dual trigger with gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist and human chorionic gonadotropin significantly improves live birth rate for women with diminished ovarian reserve
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Ming-Huei Lin, Frank Shao-Ying Wu, Yuh-Ming Hwu, Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, Ryh-Sheng Li, and Sheng-Hsiang Li
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Dual trigger ,Diminished ovarian reserve ,IVF ,GnRH agonist ,Gynecology and obstetrics ,RG1-991 ,Reproduction ,QH471-489 - Abstract
Abstract Background Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) remains one of the greatest obstacles affecting the chance of a successful live birth after fertility treatment. The present study was set to investigate whether using a “dual trigger” consisted of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) plus gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) for final oocyte maturation could improve the IVF cycle outcomes for patients with diminished ovarian reserve. Methods A total of 427 completed GnRH-antagonist downregulated IVF cycles with fresh embryo transfer (ET) were included in this retrospective analysis. DOR was defined as antral follicle count ≤5 and serum anti-Müllerian hormone level ≤ 1.1 ng/mL. The control group (n = 130) used a 6500 IU of recombinant hCG for trigger, and the study group (n = 297) used 0.2 mg of triptorelin plus 6500 IU of recombinant hCG for trigger. Results The dual-trigger group had significantly higher oocyte fertilization rate (73.1% vs. 58.6%), clinical pregnancy rate (33.0% vs. 20.7%) and live birth rate (26.9% vs. 14.5%) when compared to the hCG trigger group. In addition, the abortion rate (17.4% vs. 37.0%) and embryo transfer cancellation rate (6.1% vs. 15.4%) were both significantly lower in the dual trigger group. The primary outcome measure was the live birth rate per oocyte retrieval cycle. Secondary outcome measures were embryo transfer cancellation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, chemical pregnancy rate and abortion rate per oocyte retrieval cycle. Conclusions Dual triggering the final oocyte maturation with GnRH-a and standard dose of hCG can significantly improve the live birth rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and fertilization rate in women with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing GnRH antagonist down-regulated IVF-ICSI cycles.
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- 2019
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6. Early blastulation of day 4 embryo correlates with the increased euploid rate of preimplantation genetic screening cycles
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Tzu-Yu Hung, Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, Yuh-Ming Hwu, Ming-Huei Lin, Ryh-Sheng Li, and Yu-Wen Weng
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Gynecology and obstetrics ,RG1-991 - Abstract
Objective: It is known that embryos with faster growing potential, especially in blastocyst development, correlate with the increased euploid rate. Our study investigated the preimplantation genetic screening cycle to analyze the correlation between early blastulation (EB) on day 4 embryo and the euploid rate. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study examining 273 biopsied blastocysts after preimplantation genetic screening obtained from 54 patients from March 2013 to March 2017. Of the 273 biopsied embryos, 81 had early blastulation on day 4 and were classified as the EB (+) group, while the other 192 had no early blastulation and were classified as the EB (−) group. Euploid rates were compared between the two groups. A total of 34 single euploid embryos were transferred, with 14 from the EB (+) group and 20 from the EB (−) group. Clinical pregnancy was compared between the groups. Results: There is a statistically significant increase in the euploid rate in the EB (+) group (49.4% vs. 34.4%, p = 0.02). The clinical pregnancy rate was also increased in the single euploid embryo transfer group with early blastulation, but did not reach statistical significance (71.4% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.211). Conclusions: Early blastulation of day 4 embryo correlates significantly with the euploid rate. Early blastulation of day 4 embryo may serve as a potential aid for embryo selection for transfer in preimplantation genetic screening cycles. Keywords: Blastocyst, Embryonic development, Preimplantation genetic screening, Pregnancy rate, Single embryo transfer
- Published
- 2018
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7. Early blastulation (EB) of day 4 embryo is predictive of outcomes in single embryo transfer (SET) cycles
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Cheng-En Hsieh, Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, Fang-Ju Sun, Ryh-Sheng Li, Shyr-Yeu Lin, Ming-Huei Lin, and Yuh-Ming Hwu
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Gynecology and obstetrics ,RG1-991 - Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess whether the early blastulation (EB) of day 4 embryo is a useful predictor for outcomes in fresh elective single embryo transfer (eSET) cycles. Materials and methods: We retrospectively enrolled patients undergoing fresh SET cycles in our hospital from April 2014 to September 2016 and met with the following criteria: 1) age
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- 2018
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8. Day 4 good morula embryo transfer provided compatible live birth rate with day 5 blastocyst embryo in fresh IVF/ET cycles
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Ryh-Sheng Li, Yuh-Ming Hwu, Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, Sheng-Hsiang Li, and Ming-Huei Lin
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Day 4 embryo transfer ,IVF ,Live birth rate ,Morula embryo transfer ,Gynecology and obstetrics ,RG1-991 - Abstract
Objective: Embryo transfers during cleavage stage (day 2 or day 3) and blastocyst stages (day 5 or day 6) are common in current daily practice in fresh IVF/ET cycles. Data regarding transferring day 4 embryos, morula/compact stage, is still restricted and the grading system is also inconsistent, as between IVF clinics. This study provided a new detailed classification system for morula/compact stage embryos and compared successes rates between day 4 and day 5 ET. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective study. A review of medical records from January 1st, 2013, to December 31st 2015, performed for all conventional insemination and ICSI cycles with a GnRH-antagonist protocol at the Infertility Division of MacKay Memorial Hospital in Taipei City, Taiwan. Results: There were 427 cycles included in our study, 107 in study group (day 4 MET) and 320 in control group (day 5 BET). Pregnancy rates and live birth rate were compatible, as between morula embryo transfer (MET) and blastocyst embryo transfer (BET). The implantation rate (36.3% vs. 39.6%, respectively, p = 0.500), clinical pregnancy rate (49.5% vs. 51.9%, respectively, p = 0.737), and live birth rate (42.1% vs. 45.6%, respectively, p = 0.574) were statistically insignificant between groups. The term birth rate was statistically higher in the MET group than in the BET group (95.7% vs. 79.5%, respectively, p = 0.006). When the clinical outcomes between day 4 good MET and day 5 good BET were compared, the results were compatible. The implantation rate (48.8% vs. 41.1%, respectively, p = 0.335), clinical pregnancy rate (55.0% vs. 53.2%, respectively, p = 0.867), and live birth rate (47.5% vs. 47.1%, respectively, p = 1.000) showed no significant difference. The term birth rate was also higher in day 4 good MET group than in day 5 good BET group (100% vs. 78.3%, respectively, p = 0.025). Conclusion: In this study, we performed day 4 MET avoid BET on Sunday. The grading system we provided was more detailed for embryo selection and it was easier to remember. Our data showed that morula embryo transfer might be a flexible, easier and applicable method for embryo transfer in daily routine.
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- 2018
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9. Expression of cystatin C in the female reproductive tract and its effect on human sperm capacitation
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Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, Huan-Chin Tseng, Yuh-Ming Hwu, Chi-Chen Fan, Ming-Huei Lin, Jhih-Jie Yu, Ling-Yu Yeh, and Sheng-Hsiang Li
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Gynecology and obstetrics ,RG1-991 ,Reproduction ,QH471-489 - Abstract
Abstract Background Cystatin C (CST3), a cysteine protease inhibitor in seminal plasma, is expressed in animal uteri. However, its expression in the human female reproductive tract and its effect on human sperm capacitation are unclear. Methods The cellular localization of CST3 was observed using immunohistochemistry. The binding of CST3 to sperm was examined using immunocytochemistry. Sperm motility parameters were analyzed using computer-assisted sperm analysis. Sperm capacitation was evaluated by analyzing cholesterol content, protein tyrosine phosphorylation levels, and the acrosome reaction. Results Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that CST3 is prominently expressed in the female reproductive tract, including the epithelial lining and cervix and endometrium fluids, particularly at times near ovulation. It can bind to human sperm on the post-acrosomal head region and the mid and principal piece of the tail. CST3 enhances sperm motility and inhibits the signal initiating sperm capacitation, i.e., efflux of cholesterol from the sperm plasma membrane and a late sperm capacitation event, i.e., the increase in the sperm protein tyrosine phosphorylation. The suppressive trend on sperm acrosome reaction further supports CST3’s ability to inhibit sperm capacitation. Conclusions These findings suggest that cervical CST3 may prevent precocious capacitation and acrosome reaction, thus preserving sperm fertilizing ability before it reaches the fallopian tube. Additionally, CST3 may help sperm enter the upper reproductive tract by enhancing sperm motility.
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- 2018
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10. Live birth after perimortem cesarean delivery in a 36-year-old out-of-hospital cardiac arrest nulliparous woman
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Szu-Hsin Wu, Ryh-Sheng Li, and Yuh-Ming Hwu
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Gynecology and obstetrics ,RG1-991 - Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study is to share a valuable experience of perimortem Cesarean delivery (PMCD) when no signs of spontaneous circulation were detected after 4 min of resuscitation. The time interval between maternal cardiac arrest and neonatal delivery was evaluated and reviewed. Case report: We present the case of an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in a nulliparous woman who survived a car accident with only seatbelt injuries. The term infant was delivered by PMCD at our emergency department at least 43 min after maternal cardiac arrest. The mother only had concussion and was healthy at the time of discharge. The infant survived but had moderate neurological growth impairment (cerebral palsy) at the age of 7 months. Conclusion: Contrary to previous studies and case reports, maternal and neonatal outcomes seem to be better when performing PMCD within 10 min. Multidisciplinary teamwork is the key for optimal outcomes in such situations. Keywords: Cardiac arrest, Perimortem cesarean section, Pregnancy, Resuscitation
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- 2019
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11. Outcomes of anti-Müllerian hormone-tailored ovarian stimulation protocols in in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles in women of advanced age
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Chi-Chun Liao, Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, Shyr-Yeu Lin, Ming-Huei Lin, and Yuh-Ming Hwu
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anti-Müllerian hormone ,controlled ovarian stimulation ,advanced age ,in vitro fertilization ,Gynecology and obstetrics ,RG1-991 - Abstract
Objective: We aimed to compare the outcomes of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) treatments in women of advanced age (>40 years) using anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)-tailored ovarian stimulation protocols versus conventional protocols based on antral follicle count (AFC). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 210 women who underwent IVF/ICSI cycles: 116 women underwent stimulation protocols that were tailored to their AMH levels, whereas 94 women received treatment using conventional stimulation protocols based on AFC as the ovarian reserve marker. Results: The following parameters were significantly higher in the AMH-tailored group than in the conventional group: initial and total doses (IU) of recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (rFSH) used for stimulation (514.2 ± 137.9 vs. 452.3 ± 135.3, p = 0.001; 4713.8 ± 1618.8 vs. 4047.2 ± 1366.0, p = 0.007, respectively), ovum pick-up rate (OPU; 88.8% vs. 75.5%, p = 0.016), serum estradiol (E2) level on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration (1818.5 ± 1422.4 vs. 1394.0 ± 929.0 pg/mL, p = 0.028), number of oocytes retrieved (7.4 ± 5.1 vs. 5.5 ± 3.4, p = 0.007), number of embryos per case (4.2 ± 3.2 vs. 3.3 ± 2.5, p = 0.048), clinical pregnancy rates (22.4% vs. 8.5%, p = 0.008), implantation rates (13.1% vs. 3.9%, p = 0.001), and live birth rates per cycle (15.5% vs. 6.4%, p = 0.049). Conclusion: Individualized controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocols tailored to patients' AMH levels may improve the pregnancy rate, implantation rate, and live birth rate in women of advanced age undergoing IVF/ICSI compared with those receiving conventional stimulation protocols.
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- 2016
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12. Simultaneous cul-de-sac and tubal pregnancy following in vitro fertilization
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Cheng-En Hsieh, Yuh-Ming Hwu, Sheng-Hsiang Li, and Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee
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abdominal pregnancy ,heterotopic pregnancy ,in vitro fertilization ,tubal pregnancy ,tubal reanastomosis ,Gynecology and obstetrics ,RG1-991 - Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study is to share a valuable experience of heterotopic pregnancy following in vitro fertilization. Case report: A 37-year-old, gravida 3, para 2 (cesarean section 2 times), woman underwent in vitro fertilization with three embryos transferred. On Day 23 after the embryo transfer, right tubal pregnancy with a 0.7-cm gestational sac was found by ultrasound, and her serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin level was 81,388 mIU/mL. She underwent a laparotomy with right salpingectomy. On Day 43 after the embryo transfer, intermittent abdominal pains developed. A live fetus with a crown–rump length of 2.0 cm was found in the cul-de-sac. Under the diagnosis of abdominal pregnancy, she was admitted for sona-guided KCl and methotrexate injections. She received four units of packed red blood cells due to a drop in hemoglobin level from 12.5 g/dL to 8.6 g/dL. The patient recovered well, and the serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin declined to
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- 2017
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13. Survival Motor Neuron Protein Participates in Mouse Germ Cell Development and Spermatogonium Maintenance
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Wei-Fang Chang, Jie Xu, Tzu-Ying Lin, Jing Hsu, Hsiu-Mei Hsieh-Li, Yuh-Ming Hwu, Ji-Long Liu, Chung-Hao Lu, and Li-Ying Sung
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smn ,gametogenesis ,spermatogonium ,Biology (General) ,QH301-705.5 ,Chemistry ,QD1-999 - Abstract
The defective human survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene leads to spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the most common genetic cause of infant mortality. We previously reported that loss of SMN results in rapid differentiation of Drosophila germline stem cells and mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs), indicating that SMN also plays important roles in germ cell development and stem cell biology. Here, we show that in healthy mice, SMN is highly expressed in the gonadal tissues, prepubertal spermatogonia, and adult spermatocytes, whereas low SMN expression is found in differentiated spermatid and sperm. In SMA-like mice, the growth of testis tissues is retarded, accompanied with gamete development abnormalities and loss of the spermatogonia-specific marker. Consistently, knockdown of Smn1 in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) leads to a compromised regeneration capacity in vitro and in vivo in transplantation experiments. In SMA-like mice, apoptosis and accumulation of the R-loop structure were significantly elevated, indicating that SMN plays a critical role in the survival of male germ cells. The present work demonstrates that SMN, in addition to its critical roles in neuronal development, participates in mouse germ cell and spermatogonium maintenance.
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- 2020
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14. The efficiency of conventional microscopic selection is comparable to the hyaluronic acid binding method in selecting spermatozoa for male infertility patients
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Meng-Ting Huang, Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, Chung-Hao Lu, Ying-Jie Chen, Sheng-Hsiang Li, and Yuh-Ming Hwu
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acridine orange fluorescence test ,hyaluronic acid selection ,PVP-ICSI ,sperm DNA integrity ,sperm selection ,Gynecology and obstetrics ,RG1-991 - Abstract
Objective: To evaluate if hyaluronic acid (HA)-bound spermatozoa surpassed conventional microscopy-selected spermatozoa in the status of sperm DNA integrity by acridine orange (AO) fluorescence staining. Materials and methods: Spermatozoa obtained from couples with indication for the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedure due to male infertility (n = 34) and control males with normal sperm parameters (n = 12) were analyzed using AO fluorescence staining after density-gradient centrifugation (DGC), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-microscopic selection, and HA-binding selection to determine sperm DNA integrity. Results: Percentages of DNA intact spermatozoa with green fluorescence were significantly higher in both PVP-microscopic selected spermatozoa (82.1 ± 24.0%) and HA-bound spermatozoa (83.9 ± 21.1%) than in spermatozoa prepared by DGC (66.8 ± 24.0%). However, there was no significant difference between the PVP-sperm and HA-sperm groups. When the percentage of green fluorescent spermatozoa prepared by DGC fell initially below 68%, both PVP-microscopic and HA-binding selection failed to select over 90% spermatozoa with intact DNA for ICSI in the male infertility group. Compared to control males with normal sperm parameters (99.3 ± 1.8%), the proportion of green fluorescence sperm after HA-binding selection from couples with male infertility (83.9 ± 21.1%) did not reach the range of > 99% reported by Yagci et al. Conclusion: The percentages of DNA intact spermatozoa between the PVP-sperm and HA-sperm groups were not significantly different. In an ICSI procedure, a well-trained embryologist will have the same ability to choose sperm with intact DNA by conventional microscopic selection as with HA-bound spermatozoa selection.
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- 2015
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15. Treatment of infertile women with unilateral tubal occlusion by intrauterine insemination and ovarian stimulation
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Ming-Huei Lin, Yuh-Ming Hwu, Shyr-Yeu Lin, and Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee
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infertility ,intrauterine insemination ,ovarian stimulation ,unilateral tubal occlusion ,Gynecology and obstetrics ,RG1-991 - Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of intrauterine insemination (IUI) combined with ovarian stimulation in women with unilateral tubal occlusion detected on hysterosalpingography (HSG). Materials and Methods: A total of 703 patients undergoing IUI and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation were enrolled in this study. The study group consisted of 133 patients treated for unilateral tubal occlusion diagnosed by HSG during 2005–2011. The control group consisted of 570 patients with unexplained infertility treated during the same period. In all cases of the retrospective study, menstrual cycles were regular, basal serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels and sperm parameters were normal. Results: There were no significant differences in pregnancy rate per cycle between the study (17.3%) and control groups (18.9%). The pregnancy rate was higher in patients with proximal tubal occlusion (21.7%) compared with mid-distal tubal occlusion (12.5%) or unexplained infertility (18.9%), but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Infertile patients with only unilateral proximal tubal occlusion detected on HSG can be treated initially by IUI combined with ovarian stimulation. The cycle outcomes in patients with proximal tubal occlusion are similar to patients with unexplained infertility. However, the stimulated IUI might not be a good choice for patients with unilateral mid-distal tubal occlusion because of a lower success rate, although further evidence is needed.
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- 2013
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16. Derivation of Patient Specific Pluripotent Stem Cells Using Clinically Discarded Cumulus Cells.
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Wei-Fang Chang, Yuh-Ming Hwu, Jie Xu, Chen-Ju Lin, Sheng-Wen Wang, An-Sheng Cheng, Jean Lu, Chung-Hao Lu, and Li-Ying Sung
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Medicine ,Science - Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are powerful tools for basic and translational research, as well as regenerative medicine. In routine human in vitro fertilization (IVF) practices, cumulus cells (CCs) are discarded, representing a potential source of biological materials for regenerative medicine. In this study, we derived patient-specific iPSCs using CCs from human infertility clinics for the first time. The human cumulus cell derived iPSCs (hc-iPSCs) were characterized for growth, karyotype, expression of pluripotency genes, and were subjected to embryoid bodies (EBs) and teratoma assays to evaluate their differentiation capacity. Hc-iPSCs display typical iPSC characteristics, and are capable of differentiating into all germ layers in vitro and in vivo. We further show that putative primordial germ cell like cells (PGCLCs) can be derived using hc-iPSCs. Our data demonstrate the feasibility of deriving patient-specific pluripotent stem cells using CCs.
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- 2016
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17. Encountering premature ovulation during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in IVF/ICSI cycles
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Frank Shao-Ying Wu, Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, and Yuh-Ming Hwu
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ICSI ,pregnancy outcomes ,premature ovulation ,Gynecology and obstetrics ,RG1-991 - Abstract
Objective: To report successful pregnancy outcomes in three cases of documented premature ovulation in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. Case Report: Three cases of premature ovulation were noted during the oocyte retrieval procedures in in vitro fertilization (IVF)/ICSI cycles with gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist protocol. Immature oocytes were aspirated from the remaining small and medium-sized follicles with in vitro maturation performed in two cases. All three cases achieved successful pregnancy with documented live birth after ICSI. Conclusion: This is the first ever report of successful pregnancy outcome after documented premature ovulation. Fertilizable oocytes and successful pregnancies can still be obtained from the remaining small and medium-sized follicles after premature ovulation and used for ICSI.
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- 2012
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18. Molecular cytogenetic characterization of mosaicism for a small supernumerary marker chromosome derived from chromosome 7 in the male partner of a phenotypically normal couple with repeated spontaneous abortions
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Chih-Ping Chen, Ming Chen, Yuh-Ming Hwu, Shun-Ping Chang, Shin-Wen Chen, Shih-Ting Lai, Chen-Chi Lee, and Wayseen Wang
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Gynecology and obstetrics ,RG1-991 - Published
- 2017
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19. Outcomes of High Initial Daily Doses of Gonadotropin in Patients With Poor Ovarian Reserve
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Li-Ling Chou, Yuh-Ming Hwu, Ming-Huei Lin, Shyr-Yeu Lin, and Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee
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gonadotropin ,poor ovarian reserve ,poor responder ,pregnancy ,Gynecology and obstetrics ,RG1-991 - Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes after high initial doses of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in patients with poor ovarian reserve. Materials and Methods: For in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection patients younger than 40 years of age, 345 cycles were examined from April 2003 to April 2007. As a control, 218 cycles received gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist and regular initial doses of FSH from day 3 of the treated cycle. The remaining 127 cycles were treated with high initial doses of FSH with an antagonist or low doses of gonadotropin-releasing hormone because of poor ovarian reserve. Results: When higher initial doses of FSH were used, lower estradiol levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin injection and less mature oocytes were retrieved from the group with poor ovarian reserve. Clinical pregnancy rates per embryo transfer were similar (45.7% vs. 48.2%, p = 0.686). There was a trend of lower ongoing pregnancy rate per cycle (28.3% vs. 38.5%, p = 0.05) in the study compared with the control group. In the subgroups with high doses of FSH, neither protocol was superior in terms of clinical (45.5% vs. 46.2%, p=0.952) or ongoing pregnancy rates per embryo transfer (37.9% vs. 42.3%, p=0.695). Conclusion: There was no significant difference in clinical pregnancy rate of the two groups when good embryos were obtained. The group with poor ovarian reserve had lower ongoing pregnancy rates per cycle. For patients with expected poor ovarian response, treatment with high doses of FSH initially is an option.
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- 2010
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20. Mosaic Trisomy 7 at Amniocentesis: Prenatal Diagnosis and Molecular Genetic Analyses
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Chih-Ping Chen, Yi-Ning Su, Schu-Rern Chern, Yuh-Ming Hwu, Shuan-Pei Lin, Chyong-Hsin Hsu, Fuu-Jen Tsai, Tao-Yeuan Wang, Pei-Chen Wu, Chen-Chi Lee, Yu-Ting Chen, Li-Feng Chen, and Wayseen Wang
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amniocentesis ,mosaicism ,mosaic trisomy 7 ,trisomy 7 ,uniparental disomy for chromosome 7 ,Gynecology and obstetrics ,RG1-991 - Abstract
Objective: To present prenatal diagnosis and molecular genetic analyses of mosaic trisomy 7. Materials, Methods and Results: A 38-year-old primigravid woman underwent amniocentesis at 19 weeks of gestation because of her advanced maternal age. Amniocentesis revealed a karyotype of 47,XY,+7[26]/46, XY[16]. Repeated amniocentesis at 21 weeks of gestation revealed a karyotype of 47,XY,+7[20]/46,XY[17]. Simultaneous cordocentesis revealed a karyotype of 46,XY in 100/100 cultured lymphocytes. Polymorphic DNA marker analyses of uncultured amniocytes and cord blood revealed a diallelic pattern with seemingly equal biparental inheritance of chromosome 7. Repeated cordocentesis and chorionic villus sampling at 23 weeks of gestation revealed a karyotype of 47,XY,+7[2]/46,XY[66] in cord blood and a karyotype of 47,XY,+7 in 24/24 cultured chorionic villi cells. Level II ultrasonography was normal. At 40 weeks of gestation, a 2,708 g normal male baby was delivered. The peripheral blood had a karyotype of 46,XY in 100/100 lymphocytes. Molecular analyses of placenta, urine, buccal swab, and peripheral blood revealed a diallelic pattern and seemingly equal biparental inheritance of chromosome 7 in all tissues. At 3 months of age, he manifested hypopigmented skin and inguinal hernia, but showed normal growth and mental development. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of inguinal hernia sac tissue revealed that 19/100 (19%) of nuclei had three chromosome 7 signals. Conclusion: Mosaic trisomy 7 at amniocentesis may be derived from a cell culture artifact from an undetected low level of trisomy 7 mosaicism in uncultured amniocytes, and can be associated with favorable fetal outcome if the blood has a normal karyotype or a very low level of mosaicism and if uniparental disomy for chromosome 7 is excluded.
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- 2010
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21. Relationship of Follicular Size to the Development of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection-derived Human Embryos
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Tsai-Fang Lee, Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, Yuh-Ming Hwu, Yu-Fen Chih, Yi-Chun Tsai, and Jin-Tsung Su
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assisted reproduction ,embryo quality ,follicular size ,intracytoplasmic sperm injection ,oocytes ,Gynecology and obstetrics ,RG1-991 - Abstract
Objective: To compare the embryonic development of oocytes obtained from follicles of different sizes. Materials and Methods: Oocytes (n = 819) were retrieved from women at 40 years of age or younger during 86 in vitro fertilization cycles and categorized as small, medium, or large based on the estimated volume of follicular fluid at the time of retrieval. Results: The rates of good quality embryos from the large, medium, and small groups on days 2 and 3 were 76.85% and 66.20%, 74.00% and 61.33%, and 69.81% and 58.49%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the rates of good quality embryos between the three follicular volume groups. Conclusion: Even though fewer oocytes completed maturation in the small follicle group than in the other two groups, the quality of the embryos in all three groups was the same on days 2 and 3. These findings suggest that follicles of all sizes should be aspirated during the intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle as follicles of every size were a good source of embryos.
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- 2010
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22. Uterine Position Change Between Mock and Real Embryo Transfers
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Wen-Jui Yang, Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, Jin-Tsung Su, Ming-Huei Lin, and Yuh-Ming Hwu
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mock embryo transfer ,retroverted uterus ,uterine position ,Gynecology and obstetrics ,RG1-991 - Abstract
Objective: This study was designed to assess the change in uterine position between mock and real embryo transfers. Materials and Methods: A total of 386 embryo transfer cycles were reviewed, and the uterine position was recorded at the time of mock embryo transfer and then again at the time of real embryo transfer. Results: Of 254 patients with an anteverted uterus at mock transfer, only 3 (1.2%) were found to have a retroverted uterus at actual embryo transfer. Of 132 patients with a retroverted uterus at mock transfer, 24 (18%) had an anteverted uterus at actual embryo transfer (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Routine ultrasound-guided embryo transfer is suggested when a retroverted uterus is found at mock embryo transfer, as there is a significant chance that the uterine position will change.
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- 2007
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23. The Safety and Efficacy of Microwave Endometrial Ablation After Endometrial Curettage Without Hormonal Pretreatment
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Ming-Chao Huang, Chih-Ping Chen, Tsung-Hsien Su, Kung-Liahng Wang, Yuh-Cheng Yang, and Yuh-Ming Hwu
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endometrial curettage ,menorrhagia ,microwave endometrial ablation ,pretreatment ,Gynecology and obstetrics ,RG1-991 - Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a microwave endometrial ablation (MEA) procedure to treat patients with menorrhagia after endometrial curettage but without medical pretreatment. Materials and Methods: From February to September 2001, 19 eligible and consenting premenopausal women with menorrhagia underwent endometrial curettage, immediately followed by MEA. No medical pretreatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues or danazol was given for endometrial preparation. The severity of menorrhagia was assessed using the menstrual score. The patients were followed up for at least 3 years. Results: Of the 19 women, 17 had completed at least 3 years' follow-up. Fourteen patients (82%) were satisfied with the posttreatment menstrual status, comparable with those patients receiving medical pretreatment of other studies (78–94%). The mean menstrual score was 11.8 before treatment and 1.95, 2.25, 2.2, 2.1 and 2.1 at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months posttreatment, respectively. Of the 12 patients who complained of dysmenorrhea before surgery, six (50%) showed improvement. Three patients had hysterectomy; they all had adenomyosis and dysmenorrhea which did not respond to medical analgesics. Conclusion: MEA preceded by endometrial curettage instead of hormonal pretreatment had results comparable to those of other studies in which the patients received hormones for 4–6 weeks before MEA. Endometrial curettage is an alternative to drug pretreatment.
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- 2007
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24. Distinction Between Paternal and Maternal Contributions to the Tripronucleus in Human Zygotes Obtained after In Vitro Fertilization
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San-Li Yu, Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, Jin-Tsung Su, Yu-Fen Chih, Yi-Chun Tsai, Ming-Huei Lin, and Yuh-Ming Hwu
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dispermy ,FISH ,fluorescence in situ hybridization ,tripronuclear zygotes ,Gynecology and obstetrics ,RG1-991 - Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the genetic composition of tripronuclear (3PN) zygotes. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to quantify the sperm tails in human 3PN zygotes. Materials and Methods: Ovarian hyperstimulation was performed using a standard long protocol consisting of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) with human menopausal gonadotropins (HMG) and/or recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH). Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was administered when at least two leading follicles reached 18 mm in mean diameter. Oocytes were retrieved from the follicles transvaginally under ultrasound guidance 34-36 hours after administration of hCG. The oocytes were examined 16-18 hours after fertilization for the presence and number of pronuclei. The 3PN zygotes were then fixed and extracted in buffer at 37°C for 60 minutes. After washing in a blocking solution, the 3PN zygotes were prepared for indirect immunofluorescence using monoclonal antibody and Hoechst dye 33342 to visualize the number of pronuclei. Results: Twenty-one 3PN zygotes were randomly collected for evaluation. The number of 3PN zygotes containing one, two or four sperm tails were two (10%), 18 (85%) and one (5%), respectively. Conclusion: Based on our observations, additional pronuclei are mainly of paternal origin.
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- 2006
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25. Comparison of Day 2 Tubal Embryo Transfer with Day 3 Embryo Transfer into the Uterus of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Derived Human Embryos
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Tsai-Fang Lee, Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, Ming-Huei Lin, Yuh-Ming Hwu, Yu-Fen Chih, Yi-Chun Tsai, and Jin-Tsung Su
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clinical pregnancy rate ,embryo transfer ,implantation rate ,intracytoplasmic sperm injection ,Gynecology and obstetrics ,RG1-991 - Abstract
Objective: To compare the results of embryo transfer into the uterus (ET) performed on day 3 vs. tubal embryo transfer (TET) on day 2 in couples diagnosed with male factor infertility. Materials and Methods: We collected data from 34 and 110 patients who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) followed by either TET on day 2 or ET on day 3 (January 2001-June 2005), respectively. All couples were diagnosed with male factor infertility; there were no tubal or uterine factors, diminished ovarian reserve, pelvic adhesions, history of polycystic ovary syndrome or previous ovarian surgery. Results: The clinical pregnancy rates of day 2 TET and day 3 ET following ICSI were 64.71% and 57.27% (p > 0.05), respectively. The corresponding implantation rates were 35.47% and 29.58% (p > 0.05), respectively. Conclusion: The implantation and clinical pregnancy rates of ET on the 3rd day following ICSI were similar to the rates obtained with TET 2 days after ICSI. Therefore, ET performed 3 days after ICSI should be the first choice for couples with male factor infertility, while day 2 TET remains a good alternative, especially for women with normal tubal function and known difficulties of transcervical ET.
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- 2006
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26. Laparoscopic Removal of a Migrated Intrauterine Contraceptive Device With Bladder Penetration
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Yin-Ting Chuang, Wen-Jui Yang, Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, and Yuh-Ming Hwu
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Gynecology and obstetrics ,RG1-991 - Published
- 2010
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27. CUL-DE-SAC Pregnancy Following In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer
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Chuan-Chi Shih, Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, and Yuh-Ming Hwu
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cul-de-sac pregnancy ,IVF-ET ,Gynecology and obstetrics ,RG1-991 - Abstract
Objective: We report a case of cul-de-sac pregnancy following in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in a patient with primary infertility. Case Report: A 33-year-old primigravida woman underwent IVF-ET 4 weeks before her presentation. Serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) on day 20 after embryo transfer was 901 mIU/mL. Ultrasound examination on day 30 after embryo transfer revealed an ectopic gestational sac with fetal heart beat in the left adnexa, without any evidence of intrauterine pregnancy. Laparoscopy was performed and revealed an ectopic mass in the congenital blind pouch that was connected to the posterior cul-de-sac. The gestational tissue was removed by forceps, and electrocauterization was used for hemostasis under laparotomy. Serum β-hCG fell to 7 mIU/mL after surgery. Conclusion: Serum β-hCG combined with ultrasound scanning enables early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.
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- 2007
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28. Involvement of the serine protease inhibitor, SERPINE2, and the urokinase plasminogen activator in cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation.
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Chung-Hao Lu, Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, Yuh-Ming Hwu, Ming-Huei Lin, Ling-Yu Yeh, Ying-Jie Chen, Shau-Ping Lin, and Sheng-Hsiang Li
- Subjects
Medicine ,Science - Abstract
The serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade E, member 2 (SERPINE2) inhibits urokinase-type plasminogen activator (PLAU) and tissue-type plasminogen activator. Higher SERPINE2 expression levels were detected in cumulus cells of human immature oocytes than in those of mature oocytes. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether high SERPINE2 levels in cumulus cells are associated with oocyte immaturity. Using the mouse cumulus-oocyte complex as an experimental model, the effects of elimination and overexpression of SERPINE2 in cumulus cells on cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation were assayed by in vitro maturation. Serpine2 and PLAU transcripts were the most highly expressed serpins and plasminogen activators, respectively. Their expression was coordinately regulated in cumulus cells during gonadotropin-induced oocyte maturation. Silencing of Serpine2 expression using small interfering RNAs or blockage of SERPINE2 protein using a specific antibody had no effect on oocyte maturation. However, overexpression of Serpine2 or exogenous supplementation with high levels of SERPINE2 impaired cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation, probably by decreasing hyaluronan synthase 2 (Has2) and versican (Vcan) mRNA expression. Amiloride, a specific PLAU inhibitor, also suppressed these processes. PLAU supplementation of the oocyte in vitro maturation medium caused earlier and more extensive expansion of cumulus cells and oocyte maturation that may be mediated by increased Has2 mRNA expression. However, these effects were neutralized by coincubation with SERPINE2 or amiloride and PLAU. In conclusion, SERPINE2 and PLAU are involved in cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation. High SERPINE2 levels impair these processes, probably by decreasing cumulus matrix gene expression as well as reducing cumulus hyaluronan contents and inhibiting PLAU activity. These findings may explain why cumulus cells surrounding immature human oocytes express high SERPINE2 levels.
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- 2013
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29. Concordant myelomeningocele in dizygotic twins conceived by intracytoplasmic sperm injection, in vitro fertilization, and embryo transfer
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Chih-Ping Chen, Yuh-Ming Hwu, Chen-Yu Chen, Yi-Ning Su, Tzu-Hung Lin, Yu-Ling Kuo, Schu-Rern Chern, and Wayseen Wang
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Gynecology and obstetrics ,RG1-991 - Published
- 2013
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30. The Outcomes of Vitrified Oocytes Accumulation for Managing Diminished Ovarian Reserve: A retrospective cohort study
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Kuan-Sheng Lee, Ming-Huei Lin, Yuh-Ming Hwu, Jia-Hwa Yang, and Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee
- Abstract
Background: Vitrified M-II oocytes accumulation strategy for later simultaneous insemination has been used for managing POR. Our study aimed to determine whether simulation insemination of vitrified oocytes accumulation strategy improves live birth rate (LBR) for managing diminished ovarian reserve (DOR).Methods: Retrospective study included 440 women with DOR fulfilling Poseidon classification groups 3 and 4, defined as presence of serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) hormone level (COS) using fresh oocytes (DOR-fresh) and ET. Primary outcomes were LBR per ET and cumulative LBR (CLBR) per intention to treat (ITT). Secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and miscarriage rate (MR).Results: 211 patients underwent simultaneous insemination of vitrified oocytes accumulation and ET in DOR-Accu group (maternal age: 39.29 ± 4.23 y, AMH: 0.54 ± 0.35 ng/ml), and 229 patients underwent COS and ET in DOR-fresh group (maternal age: 38.07 ± 3.77 y, AMH: 0.72 ± 0.32 ng/ml). CPR in DOR-Accu group were similar in DOR-fresh group (27.5% vs. 31.0%, p = 0.418). MR was statistically higher (41.4% vs. 14.1%, p = 0.001) while LBR per ET was statistically lower (15.2% vs. 26.2%, p < 0.001) in DOR-Accu group. There is no difference in CLBR per ITT between groups (20.4% vs. 27.5%, p = 0.081). Clinical outcomes were categorized in four groups with regard to patient’s age in secondary analysis. CPR, LBR per ET, and CLBR did not improved in DOR-Accu group. In group of 31 patients, accumulated vitrified metaphase II (M-II) oocytes reach total number ≥15, CPR improved among DOR-Accu group (48.4% vs. 31.0%, p = 0.054); however, higher MR (40.0% vs. 14.1%, p = 0.03) resulted similar LBR per ET (29.0% vs. 26.2%, p = 0.738).Conclusions: Vitrified oocytes accumulation for managing DOR did not improve LBR. Higher MR resulted in lower LBR. Vitrified oocytes accumulation strategy for managing DOR is not clinically practical.Trial registration: The study protocol was retrospectively registered and was approved by Institutional Review Board of Mackay Memorial Hospital (21MMHIS219e) on August 26, 2021
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- 2022
31. Intrauterine adhesion prevention with Malecot catheter after hysteroscopic myomectomy: A novel approach
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Ming-Huei Lin, Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, Yuh-Ming Hwu, and Christine Shan-Chi Chiu
- Subjects
Adult ,Infertility ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Catheters ,Pregnancy Rate ,Tissue Adhesions ,Hysteroscopy ,lcsh:Gynecology and obstetrics ,03 medical and health sciences ,Postoperative Complications ,0302 clinical medicine ,Pregnancy ,Uterine Myomectomy ,medicine ,Humans ,Birth Rate ,Twin Pregnancy ,lcsh:RG1-991 ,Retrospective Studies ,Uterine Diseases ,030219 obstetrics & reproductive medicine ,Intrauterine adhesion ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,Obstetrics ,business.industry ,Obstetrics and Gynecology ,Gestational age ,medicine.disease ,Pregnancy Complications ,Catheter ,Physical Barrier ,Female ,business ,Live birth ,Infertility, Female ,Live Birth - Abstract
Objective: Intrauterine adhesion after hysteroscopic myomectomy contributes to infertility, recurrent miscarriages, menstrual irregularities, and hinders pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study was to apply the indwelling Malecot catheter in prevention of intrauterine adhesion after hysteroscopic myomectomy and to further evaluate the effectiveness of this approach with reported live birth rates in infertile patients who underwent subsequent infertility treatment. Materials and methods: Seventeen patients with FIGO Classification System PALM-COIEN Type 0 or 1 submucous myoma that received hysteroscopic myomectomy were recruited in this retrospective analysis. Post-operative insertion of the Malecot catheter via the aid of the uterine sound was performed and the catheter was left in place for seven days. Results: The mean duration of TTP (time to pregnancy) was 15.6 months after hysteroscopy. Within three years after the operation, 10 out of 17 infertility patients achieved ongoing pregnancy over 12 weeks. Ongoing pregnancy rate was 58.8% (10/17). Eight patients achieved live birth (seven singletons, one twin pregnancy) with mean gestational age of 38 weeks. Live birth rate was 47.1% (8/17). Conclusion: The Malecot catheter is an inexpensive, easy-to-operate, and effective physical barrier method for preventing IUA in infertile patients undergoing hysteroscopic myomectomy with high live birth rate and no obvious visible post-operative adhesions. Keywords: Hysteroscopic myomectomy, Intrauterine adhesion, Malecot catheter
- Published
- 2020
32. Clinical application of immunomagnetic reduction for quantitative analysis of beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin in blastocyst culture media to differentiate embryo quality
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Yuh-Ming Hwu, Chung-Hao Lu, Yu-Wen Weng, Chen-Yu Chen, Fang-Ju Sun, and Ying-Jie Chen
- Subjects
Adult ,0301 basic medicine ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Clinical Biochemistry ,Positive correlation ,Biochemistry ,Human chorionic gonadotropin ,Andrology ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,medicine ,Humans ,Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human ,Blastocyst ,reproductive and urinary physiology ,Immunoassay ,In vitro fertilisation ,biology ,urogenital system ,Biochemistry (medical) ,Curve analysis ,General Medicine ,Embryo transfer ,Culture Media ,030104 developmental biology ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,030220 oncology & carcinogenesis ,embryonic structures ,biology.protein ,Female ,ATP synthase alpha/beta subunits ,Embryo quality - Abstract
Background The most important factor for a successful pregnancy after in vitro fertilization is embryo quality. The aim of this study was to explore the possibility that using the immunomagnetic reduction (IMR) assay to quantitatively measure β-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) in blastocyst culture media to differentiate embryo quality. Methods This was a prospective case-control study including 28 samples of blastocyst culture media. We used single-step blastocyst culture and IMR assay to analyze β-hCG concentrations in culture media. We also explored the relationship between IMR signals of β-hCG and morphological grading of blastocysts. Results β-hCG concentration-dependent IMR signals were highly correlated with blastocyst morphological quality (Spearman correlation coefficient: 0.731). Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis showed a cut-off IMR value to differentiate embryo quality of 0.873%, with an area under the curve of 0.947, sensitivity of 0.882 and specificity of 0.818. Furthermore, subanalysis also revealed a positive correlation between β-hCG concentration-dependent IMR signals and trophectoderm grading, with a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.576. Conclusions An IMR assay can quantitatively measure β-hCG in blastocyst culture media, and may be a potential clinical tool to assist in the assessment of good blastocyst quality before embryo transfer.
- Published
- 2019
33. Dual trigger with gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist and human chorionic gonadotropin significantly improves live birth rate for women with diminished ovarian reserve
- Author
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Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, Sheng-Hsiang Li, Frank Shao-Ying Wu, Ryh-Sheng Li, Yuh-Ming Hwu, and Ming-Huei Lin
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Pregnancy Rate ,Oocyte Retrieval ,Chorionic Gonadotropin ,Human chorionic gonadotropin ,Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone ,0302 clinical medicine ,Endocrinology ,Human fertilization ,Pregnancy ,lcsh:Reproduction ,Birth Rate ,Ovarian Reserve ,GnRH agonist ,030219 obstetrics & reproductive medicine ,Obstetrics and Gynecology ,General Medicine ,Triptorelin ,Embryo transfer ,Diminished ovarian reserve ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,IVF ,Female ,Live birth ,hormones, hormone substitutes, and hormone antagonists ,medicine.drug ,Adult ,endocrine system ,lcsh:QH471-489 ,medicine.drug_class ,lcsh:Gynecology and obstetrics ,Dual trigger ,Andrology ,03 medical and health sciences ,Ovulation Induction ,Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist ,medicine ,Humans ,Embryo Implantation ,Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic ,lcsh:RG1-991 ,Retrospective Studies ,business.industry ,Research ,Oocyte ,Antral follicle ,030104 developmental biology ,Reproductive Medicine ,business ,Developmental Biology - Abstract
Background Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) remains one of the greatest obstacles affecting the chance of a successful live birth after fertility treatment. The present study was set to investigate whether using a “dual trigger” consisted of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) plus gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) for final oocyte maturation could improve the IVF cycle outcomes for patients with diminished ovarian reserve. Methods A total of 427 completed GnRH-antagonist downregulated IVF cycles with fresh embryo transfer (ET) were included in this retrospective analysis. DOR was defined as antral follicle count ≤5 and serum anti-Müllerian hormone level ≤ 1.1 ng/mL. The control group (n = 130) used a 6500 IU of recombinant hCG for trigger, and the study group (n = 297) used 0.2 mg of triptorelin plus 6500 IU of recombinant hCG for trigger. Results The dual-trigger group had significantly higher oocyte fertilization rate (73.1% vs. 58.6%), clinical pregnancy rate (33.0% vs. 20.7%) and live birth rate (26.9% vs. 14.5%) when compared to the hCG trigger group. In addition, the abortion rate (17.4% vs. 37.0%) and embryo transfer cancellation rate (6.1% vs. 15.4%) were both significantly lower in the dual trigger group. The primary outcome measure was the live birth rate per oocyte retrieval cycle. Secondary outcome measures were embryo transfer cancellation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, chemical pregnancy rate and abortion rate per oocyte retrieval cycle. Conclusions Dual triggering the final oocyte maturation with GnRH-a and standard dose of hCG can significantly improve the live birth rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and fertilization rate in women with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing GnRH antagonist down-regulated IVF-ICSI cycles.
- Published
- 2019
34. Early blastulation of day 4 embryo correlates with the increased euploid rate of preimplantation genetic screening cycles
- Author
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Ryh-Sheng Li, Yuh-Ming Hwu, Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, Yu-Wen Weng, Tzu-Yu Hung, and Ming-Huei Lin
- Subjects
Adult ,0301 basic medicine ,Pregnancy Rate ,Embryonic Development ,Single Embryo Transfer ,lcsh:Gynecology and obstetrics ,Embryo Culture Techniques ,Andrology ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Pregnancy ,Statistical significance ,Humans ,Medicine ,Blastocyst ,lcsh:RG1-991 ,Preimplantation Diagnosis ,Retrospective Studies ,030219 obstetrics & reproductive medicine ,business.industry ,Embryogenesis ,Obstetrics and Gynecology ,Embryo ,Aneuploidy ,Embryo Transfer ,Blastula ,Embryo transfer ,Pregnancy rate ,030104 developmental biology ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,embryonic structures ,Female ,business - Abstract
Objective: It is known that embryos with faster growing potential, especially in blastocyst development, correlate with the increased euploid rate. Our study investigated the preimplantation genetic screening cycle to analyze the correlation between early blastulation (EB) on day 4 embryo and the euploid rate. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study examining 273 biopsied blastocysts after preimplantation genetic screening obtained from 54 patients from March 2013 to March 2017. Of the 273 biopsied embryos, 81 had early blastulation on day 4 and were classified as the EB (+) group, while the other 192 had no early blastulation and were classified as the EB (−) group. Euploid rates were compared between the two groups. A total of 34 single euploid embryos were transferred, with 14 from the EB (+) group and 20 from the EB (−) group. Clinical pregnancy was compared between the groups. Results: There is a statistically significant increase in the euploid rate in the EB (+) group (49.4% vs. 34.4%, p = 0.02). The clinical pregnancy rate was also increased in the single euploid embryo transfer group with early blastulation, but did not reach statistical significance (71.4% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.211). Conclusions: Early blastulation of day 4 embryo correlates significantly with the euploid rate. Early blastulation of day 4 embryo may serve as a potential aid for embryo selection for transfer in preimplantation genetic screening cycles. Keywords: Blastocyst, Embryonic development, Preimplantation genetic screening, Pregnancy rate, Single embryo transfer
- Published
- 2018
35. Early blastulation (EB) of day 4 embryo is predictive of outcomes in single embryo transfer (SET) cycles
- Author
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Fang-Ju Sun, Ryh-Sheng Li, Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, Cheng-En Hsieh, Yuh-Ming Hwu, Ming-Huei Lin, and Shyr-Yeu Lin
- Subjects
Adult ,0301 basic medicine ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Time Factors ,Pregnancy Rate ,Clinical pregnancy ,Single Embryo Transfer ,Fertilization in Vitro ,lcsh:Gynecology and obstetrics ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Pregnancy ,medicine ,Humans ,Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic ,Blastocyst ,Trial registration ,lcsh:RG1-991 ,Retrospective Studies ,Gynecology ,030219 obstetrics & reproductive medicine ,business.industry ,Obstetrics and Gynecology ,Embryo ,Blastula ,Institutional review board ,Pregnancy rate ,Treatment Outcome ,030104 developmental biology ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,embryonic structures ,Female ,business - Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess whether the early blastulation (EB) of day 4 embryo is a useful predictor for outcomes in fresh elective single embryo transfer (eSET) cycles. Materials and methods: We retrospectively enrolled patients undergoing fresh SET cycles in our hospital from April 2014 to September 2016 and met with the following criteria: 1) age
- Published
- 2018
36. Metaphase II (MII) human oocytes with smooth endoplasmic reticulum clusters do not affect blastocyst euploid rate
- Author
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Christine Shan-Chi Chiu, Tzu-Yu Hung, Ming-Huei Lin, Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, Yu-Wen Weng, and Yuh-Ming Hwu
- Subjects
Comparative Genomic Hybridization ,Blastocyst ,Pregnancy ,Oocytes ,Obstetrics and Gynecology ,Humans ,Female ,Endoplasmic Reticulum, Smooth ,Metaphase ,Betahistine ,Retrospective Studies - Abstract
To investigate whether the rate of euploidy and pregnancy outcomes are affected by smooth endoplasmic reticulum clusters (SERc) and other metaphase II human oocyte dysmorphisms.Retrospective analysis of the morphologies of metaphase II (MII) human oocytes, which had developed into 590 biopsied blastocysts derived from 109 patients that received preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) cycles between March 2013 and December 2017. The euploid rate of blastocysts that originated from morphologically abnormal or normal oocytes were analyzed. The chromosome status of the blastocysts was determined and analyzed by array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) or next generation sequencing (NGS) following trophectoderm biopsy.According to the odds ratios obtained for each oocyte morphotype, no statistically significant relationship was found between oocyte dysmorphisms and euploid rate. Specifically, although SERc-positive oocytes had a higher rate of arrest at two pronuclei, or 2 PN (26.7% vs. 19.4%, p 0.05), the blastocyst formation rate was not affected as compared with SERc-negative oocytes (40.0% vs. 38.6%, p 0.05). Among nine euploid embryos derived from oocytes with SERc, three single euploid embryo transfers were performed, of which one resulted in blighted ovum, and two resulted in the births of two healthy, singleton term babies.The results presented here suggest that oocyte dysmorphisms do not affect the euploidy rate of the blastocyst. The occurrence of SERc in the oocyte does not seem to impair the developing blastocyst nor does it interfere with good embryo formation rate and euploid rate. Thus, the embryos derived from SERc-positive oocytes could still be considered for embryo transfer if there are no other embryos available.
- Published
- 2021
37. Survival Motor Neuron Protein Participates in Mouse Germ Cell Development and Spermatogonium Maintenance
- Author
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Li-Ying Sung, Wei Fang Chang, Yuh Ming Hwu, Tzu Ying Lin, Jie Xu, Hsiu Mei Hsieh-Li, Chung Hao Lu, Ji-Long Liu, and Jing Hsu
- Subjects
Male ,endocrine system ,Cell Survival ,SMN1 ,Biology ,spermatogonium ,Catalysis ,Germline ,Article ,gametogenesis ,Inorganic Chemistry ,lcsh:Chemistry ,Mice ,Testis ,medicine ,Animals ,Physical and Theoretical Chemistry ,Cell Self Renewal ,Spermatogenesis ,Molecular Biology ,lcsh:QH301-705.5 ,Spectroscopy ,Cells, Cultured ,Spermatogonium ,Spermatid ,Stem Cells ,Organic Chemistry ,Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental ,Cell Differentiation ,General Medicine ,Spinal muscular atrophy ,medicine.disease ,Embryonic stem cell ,Survival of Motor Neuron 1 Protein ,Spermatogonia ,Computer Science Applications ,Cell biology ,nervous system diseases ,SMN ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,lcsh:Biology (General) ,lcsh:QD1-999 ,nervous system ,Stem cell ,Germ cell ,Signal Transduction - Abstract
The defective human survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene leads to spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), the most common genetic cause of infant mortality. We previously reported that loss of SMN results in rapid differentiation of Drosophila germline stem cells and mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs), indicating that SMN also plays important roles in germ cell development and stem cell biology. Here, we show that in healthy mice, SMN is highly expressed in the gonadal tissues, prepubertal spermatogonia, and adult spermatocytes, whereas low SMN expression is found in differentiated spermatid and sperm. In SMA-like mice, the growth of testis tissues is retarded, accompanied with gamete development abnormalities and loss of the spermatogonia-specific marker. Consistently, knockdown of Smn1 in spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) leads to a compromised regeneration capacity in vitro and in vivo in transplantation experiments. In SMA-like mice, apoptosis and accumulation of the R-loop structure were significantly elevated, indicating that SMN plays a critical role in the survival of male germ cells. The present work demonstrates that SMN, in addition to its critical roles in neuronal development, participates in mouse germ cell and spermatogonium maintenance.
- Published
- 2020
38. Day 4 good morula embryo transfer provided compatible live birth rate with day 5 blastocyst embryo in fresh IVF/ET cycles
- Author
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Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, Sheng-Hsiang Li, Ryh-Sheng Li, Yuh-Ming Hwu, and Ming-Huei Lin
- Subjects
Adult ,0301 basic medicine ,Infertility ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Time Factors ,Pregnancy Rate ,Taiwan ,Fertilization in Vitro ,Insemination ,Morula ,lcsh:Gynecology and obstetrics ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Pregnancy ,medicine ,Humans ,Live birth rate ,Blastocyst ,Birth Rate ,lcsh:RG1-991 ,Retrospective Studies ,Gynecology ,030219 obstetrics & reproductive medicine ,business.industry ,Obstetrics and Gynecology ,Embryo ,Embryo Transfer ,medicine.disease ,Embryo transfer ,Morula embryo transfer ,Day 4 embryo transfer ,030104 developmental biology ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,IVF ,embryonic structures ,Term Birth ,Female ,Live birth ,business ,Live Birth - Abstract
Objective Embryo transfers during cleavage stage (day 2 or day 3) and blastocyst stages (day 5 or day 6) are common in current daily practice in fresh IVF/ET cycles. Data regarding transferring day 4 embryos, morula/compact stage, is still restricted and the grading system is also inconsistent, as between IVF clinics. This study provided a new detailed classification system for morula/compact stage embryos and compared successes rates between day 4 and day 5 ET. Materials and methods This was a retrospective study. A review of medical records from January 1st, 2013, to December 31st 2015, performed for all conventional insemination and ICSI cycles with a GnRH-antagonist protocol at the Infertility Division of MacKay Memorial Hospital in Taipei City, Taiwan. Results There were 427 cycles included in our study, 107 in study group (day 4 MET) and 320 in control group (day 5 BET). Pregnancy rates and live birth rate were compatible, as between morula embryo transfer (MET) and blastocyst embryo transfer (BET). The implantation rate (36.3% vs. 39.6%, respectively, p = 0.500), clinical pregnancy rate (49.5% vs. 51.9%, respectively, p = 0.737), and live birth rate (42.1% vs. 45.6%, respectively, p = 0.574) were statistically insignificant between groups. The term birth rate was statistically higher in the MET group than in the BET group (95.7% vs. 79.5%, respectively, p = 0.006). When the clinical outcomes between day 4 good MET and day 5 good BET were compared, the results were compatible. The implantation rate (48.8% vs. 41.1%, respectively, p = 0.335), clinical pregnancy rate (55.0% vs. 53.2%, respectively, p = 0.867), and live birth rate (47.5% vs. 47.1%, respectively, p = 1.000) showed no significant difference. The term birth rate was also higher in day 4 good MET group than in day 5 good BET group (100% vs. 78.3%, respectively, p = 0.025). Conclusion In this study, we performed day 4 MET avoid BET on Sunday. The grading system we provided was more detailed for embryo selection and it was easier to remember. Our data showed that morula embryo transfer might be a flexible, easier and applicable method for embryo transfer in daily routine.
- Published
- 2018
39. Live birth after perimortem cesarean delivery in a 36-year-old out-of-hospital cardiac arrest nulliparous woman
- Author
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Ryh-Sheng Li, Szu-Hsin Wu, and Yuh-Ming Hwu
- Subjects
Adult ,Male ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Resuscitation ,Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular ,lcsh:Gynecology and obstetrics ,Cerebral palsy ,Time-to-Treatment ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Pregnancy ,Concussion ,medicine ,Humans ,lcsh:RG1-991 ,030219 obstetrics & reproductive medicine ,business.industry ,Obstetrics ,Cesarean Section ,Cerebral Palsy ,Accidents, Traffic ,Infant, Newborn ,Obstetrics and Gynecology ,PMCD ,Emergency department ,medicine.disease ,Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ,Term Infant ,Female ,business ,Live birth ,Live Birth ,Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest - Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study is to share a valuable experience of perimortem Cesarean delivery (PMCD) when no signs of spontaneous circulation were detected after 4 min of resuscitation. The time interval between maternal cardiac arrest and neonatal delivery was evaluated and reviewed. Case report: We present the case of an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in a nulliparous woman who survived a car accident with only seatbelt injuries. The term infant was delivered by PMCD at our emergency department at least 43 min after maternal cardiac arrest. The mother only had concussion and was healthy at the time of discharge. The infant survived but had moderate neurological growth impairment (cerebral palsy) at the age of 7 months. Conclusion: Contrary to previous studies and case reports, maternal and neonatal outcomes seem to be better when performing PMCD within 10 min. Multidisciplinary teamwork is the key for optimal outcomes in such situations. Keywords: Cardiac arrest, Perimortem cesarean section, Pregnancy, Resuscitation
- Published
- 2019
40. Expression of cystatin C in the female reproductive tract and its effect on human sperm capacitation
- Author
-
Chi-Chen Fan, Yuh-Ming Hwu, Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, Ling-Yu Yeh, Huan-Chin Tseng, Sheng-Hsiang Li, Ming-Huei Lin, and Jhih-Jie Yu
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Male ,endocrine system ,lcsh:QH471-489 ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Acrosome reaction ,Cervix Uteri ,Biology ,lcsh:Gynecology and obstetrics ,Andrology ,03 medical and health sciences ,Endometrium ,0302 clinical medicine ,Endocrinology ,Capacitation ,lcsh:Reproduction ,Humans ,Cystatin C ,Phosphorylation ,Ovulation ,Cellular localization ,Sperm motility ,lcsh:RG1-991 ,reproductive and urinary physiology ,Sperm plasma membrane ,media_common ,Sperm-Ovum Interactions ,030219 obstetrics & reproductive medicine ,urogenital system ,Acrosome Reaction ,Research ,Uterus ,Obstetrics and Gynecology ,Sperm ,Immunohistochemistry ,030104 developmental biology ,Reproductive Medicine ,Female ,Sperm Capacitation ,Developmental Biology - Abstract
Background Cystatin C (CST3), a cysteine protease inhibitor in seminal plasma, is expressed in animal uteri. However, its expression in the human female reproductive tract and its effect on human sperm capacitation are unclear. Methods The cellular localization of CST3 was observed using immunohistochemistry. The binding of CST3 to sperm was examined using immunocytochemistry. Sperm motility parameters were analyzed using computer-assisted sperm analysis. Sperm capacitation was evaluated by analyzing cholesterol content, protein tyrosine phosphorylation levels, and the acrosome reaction. Results Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that CST3 is prominently expressed in the female reproductive tract, including the epithelial lining and cervix and endometrium fluids, particularly at times near ovulation. It can bind to human sperm on the post-acrosomal head region and the mid and principal piece of the tail. CST3 enhances sperm motility and inhibits the signal initiating sperm capacitation, i.e., efflux of cholesterol from the sperm plasma membrane and a late sperm capacitation event, i.e., the increase in the sperm protein tyrosine phosphorylation. The suppressive trend on sperm acrosome reaction further supports CST3’s ability to inhibit sperm capacitation. Conclusions These findings suggest that cervical CST3 may prevent precocious capacitation and acrosome reaction, thus preserving sperm fertilizing ability before it reaches the fallopian tube. Additionally, CST3 may help sperm enter the upper reproductive tract by enhancing sperm motility.
- Published
- 2017
41. Molecular cytogenetic characterization of mosaicism for a small supernumerary marker chromosome derived from chromosome 7 in the male partner of a phenotypically normal couple with repeated spontaneous abortions
- Author
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Ming Chen, Chen-Chi Lee, Wayseen Wang, Shih-Ting Lai, Yuh-Ming Hwu, Shin-Wen Chen, Chih-Ping Chen, and Shun-Ping Chang
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Infertility ,Adult ,Genetic Markers ,Male ,lcsh:Gynecology and obstetrics ,03 medical and health sciences ,Medicine ,Humans ,Small supernumerary marker chromosome ,lcsh:RG1-991 ,In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ,Infertility, Male ,Genetics ,Chromosome 7 (human) ,business.industry ,Mosaicism ,Obstetrics and Gynecology ,Karyotype ,medicine.disease ,Abortion, Spontaneous ,030104 developmental biology ,Genetic marker ,Karyotyping ,Female ,business ,Chromosomes, Human, Pair 7 - Published
- 2017
42. Treatment of infertile women with unilateral tubal occlusion by intrauterine insemination and ovarian stimulation
- Author
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Shyr-Yeu Lin, Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, Yuh-Ming Hwu, and Ming-Huei Lin
- Subjects
Adult ,Male ,Infertility ,medicine.medical_specialty ,media_common.quotation_subject ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation ,lcsh:Gynecology and obstetrics ,Ovulation Induction ,Pregnancy ,Obstetrics and Gynaecology ,Humans ,Medicine ,Hysterosalpingography ,Insemination, Artificial ,Menstrual Cycle ,lcsh:RG1-991 ,Menstrual cycle ,Retrospective Studies ,intrauterine insemination ,Unexplained infertility ,media_common ,Gynecology ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,unilateral tubal occlusion ,business.industry ,Obstetrics ,Female infertility ,Pregnancy Outcome ,Obstetrics and Gynecology ,Fallopian Tube Diseases ,medicine.disease ,Spermatozoa ,ovarian stimulation ,female genital diseases and pregnancy complications ,Pregnancy rate ,Female ,Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human ,Ovulation induction ,infertility ,business ,Infertility, Female - Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of intrauterine insemination (IUI) combined with ovarian stimulation in women with unilateral tubal occlusion detected on hysterosalpingography (HSG). Materials and Methods A total of 703 patients undergoing IUI and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation were enrolled in this study. The study group consisted of 133 patients treated for unilateral tubal occlusion diagnosed by HSG during 2005–2011. The control group consisted of 570 patients with unexplained infertility treated during the same period. In all cases of the retrospective study, menstrual cycles were regular, basal serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels and sperm parameters were normal. Results There were no significant differences in pregnancy rate per cycle between the study (17.3%) and control groups (18.9%). The pregnancy rate was higher in patients with proximal tubal occlusion (21.7%) compared with mid-distal tubal occlusion (12.5%) or unexplained infertility (18.9%), but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions Infertile patients with only unilateral proximal tubal occlusion detected on HSG can be treated initially by IUI combined with ovarian stimulation. The cycle outcomes in patients with proximal tubal occlusion are similar to patients with unexplained infertility. However, the stimulated IUI might not be a good choice for patients with unilateral mid-distal tubal occlusion because of a lower success rate, although further evidence is needed.
- Published
- 2013
43. VEGF and FGF2 Improve Revascularization, Survival, and Oocyte Quality of Cryopreserved, Subcutaneously-Transplanted Mouse Ovarian Tissues
- Author
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Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, Cheng-En Hsieh, Yuh-Ming Hwu, Sheng-Hsiang Li, Hsiao-Ho Chang, and Chung-Hao Lu
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ,Angiogenesis ,Immunoenzyme Techniques ,angiogenic factor ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Mice ,0302 clinical medicine ,Subcutaneous Tissue ,fertility reservation ,Spectroscopy ,030219 obstetrics & reproductive medicine ,integumentary system ,General Medicine ,Computer Science Applications ,Vascular endothelial growth factor ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,embryonic structures ,Female ,Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 ,Folliculogenesis ,oocyte quality ,Gonadotropin ,medicine.medical_specialty ,medicine.drug_class ,Cell Survival ,Embryonic Development ,Neovascularization, Physiologic ,Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ,Fertilization in Vitro ,Biology ,Transplantation, Autologous ,ovarian cryopreservation ,Catalysis ,Article ,Inorganic Chemistry ,03 medical and health sciences ,Internal medicine ,medicine ,Animals ,Physical and Theoretical Chemistry ,Molecular Biology ,Survival rate ,ovarian transplantation ,Cryopreservation ,Organic Chemistry ,Ovary ,Antral follicle ,Oocyte ,Transplantation ,030104 developmental biology ,Endocrinology ,Blastocyst ,chemistry ,Oocytes - Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the effect of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) on revascularization, survival, and oocyte quality of cryopreserved, subcutaneously-transplanted mouse ovarian tissue. Autologous subcutaneous transplantation of vitrified-thawed mouse ovarian tissues treated with (experimental group) or without (control group) VEGF and FGF2 was performed. After transplantation to the inguinal region for two or three weeks, graft survival, angiogenesis, follicle development, and oocyte quality were examined after gonadotropin administration. VEGF coupled with FGF2 (VEGF/FGF2) promoted revascularization and significantly increased the survival rate of subcutaneously-transplanted cryopreserved ovarian tissues compared with untreated controls. The two growth factors did not show long-term effects on the ovarian grafts. In contrast to the untreated ovarian grafts, active folliculogenesis was revealed as the number of follicles at various stages and of mature oocytes in antral follicles after gonadotropin administration were remarkably higher in the VEGF/FGF2-treated groups. Although the fertilization rate was similar between the VEGF/FGF2 and control groups, the oocyte quality was much better in the VEGF/FGF2-treated grafts as demonstrated by the higher ratio of blastocyst development. Introducing angiogenic factors, such as VEGF and FGF2, may be a promising strategy to improve revascularization, survival, and oocyte quality of cryopreserved, subcutaneously-transplanted mouse ovarian tissue.
- Published
- 2016
44. Derivation of Patient Specific Pluripotent Stem Cells Using Clinically Discarded Cumulus Cells
- Author
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Chen Ju Lin, Yuh Ming Hwu, Jie Xu, An Sheng Cheng, Chung Hao Lu, Wei Fang Chang, Li-Ying Sung, Jean Lu, and Sheng Wen Wang
- Subjects
0301 basic medicine ,Cellular differentiation ,lcsh:Medicine ,Embryoid body ,Regenerative medicine ,Animal Cells ,Immunofluorescence Staining ,Medicine and Health Sciences ,lcsh:Science ,Induced pluripotent stem cell ,Regulation of gene expression ,Staining ,Multidisciplinary ,Cumulus Cells ,Stem Cells ,Cell Differentiation ,Cell biology ,Oncology ,OVA ,Female ,Teratoma ,Cellular Types ,Germ Layers ,Research Article ,Adult ,Pluripotency ,Cell Potency ,Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells ,Germ layer ,Biology ,Research and Analysis Methods ,03 medical and health sciences ,medicine ,Humans ,Chromosomes, Human, X ,business.industry ,lcsh:R ,DAPI staining ,Biology and Life Sciences ,Cancers and Neoplasms ,Cell Biology ,medicine.disease ,In vitro ,Biotechnology ,030104 developmental biology ,Germ Cells ,Gene Expression Regulation ,Specimen Preparation and Treatment ,Nuclear staining ,Oocytes ,lcsh:Q ,Teratomas ,business ,Developmental Biology - Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are powerful tools for basic and translational research, as well as regenerative medicine. In routine human in vitro fertilization (IVF) practices, cumulus cells (CCs) are discarded, representing a potential source of biological materials for regenerative medicine. In this study, we derived patient-specific iPSCs using CCs from human infertility clinics for the first time. The human cumulus cell derived iPSCs (hc-iPSCs) were characterized for growth, karyotype, expression of pluripotency genes, and were subjected to embryoid bodies (EBs) and teratoma assays to evaluate their differentiation capacity. Hc-iPSCs display typical iPSC characteristics, and are capable of differentiating into all germ layers in vitro and in vivo. We further show that putative primordial germ cell like cells (PGCLCs) can be derived using hc-iPSCs. Our data demonstrate the feasibility of deriving patient-specific pluripotent stem cells using CCs.
- Published
- 2016
45. Simultaneous cul-de-sac and tubal pregnancy following in vitro fertilization
- Author
-
Yuh-Ming Hwu, Sheng-Hsiang Li, Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, and Cheng-En Hsieh
- Subjects
Adult ,medicine.medical_specialty ,medicine.drug_class ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Gestational sac ,Fertilization in Vitro ,lcsh:Gynecology and obstetrics ,in vitro fertilization ,Douglas' Pouch ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Pregnancy ,medicine ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,lcsh:RG1-991 ,Pregnancy, Heterotopic ,Ultrasonography ,Gynecology ,030219 obstetrics & reproductive medicine ,In vitro fertilisation ,Heterotopic pregnancy ,Ectopic pregnancy ,abdominal pregnancy ,Obstetrics ,business.industry ,Obstetrics and Gynecology ,medicine.disease ,Embryo transfer ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,heterotopic pregnancy ,tubal reanastomosis ,embryonic structures ,tubal pregnancy ,Abdominal pregnancy ,Female ,Pregnancy, Tubal ,Gonadotropin ,business - Abstract
Objective The aim of this study is to share a valuable experience of heterotopic pregnancy following in vitro fertilization. Case report A 37-year-old, gravida 3, para 2 (cesarean section 2 times), woman underwent in vitro fertilization with three embryos transferred. On Day 23 after the embryo transfer, right tubal pregnancy with a 0.7-cm gestational sac was found by ultrasound, and her serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin level was 81,388 mIU/mL. She underwent a laparotomy with right salpingectomy. On Day 43 after the embryo transfer, intermittent abdominal pains developed. A live fetus with a crown–rump length of 2.0 cm was found in the cul-de-sac. Under the diagnosis of abdominal pregnancy, she was admitted for sona-guided KCl and methotrexate injections. She received four units of packed red blood cells due to a drop in hemoglobin level from 12.5 g/dL to 8.6 g/dL. The patient recovered well, and the serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin declined to Conclusion Various forms of ectopic pregnancy should be kept in mind in early pregnancy following in vitro fertilization.
- Published
- 2016
46. SERPINE2, a Serine Protease Inhibitor Extensively Expressed in Adult Male Mouse Reproductive Tissues, May Serve as a Murine Sperm Decapacitation Factor1
- Author
-
Shau-Ping Lin, Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, Chung Hao Lu, Shian Ling Chu, Sheng Hsiang Li, Yuh Ming Hwu, Ying-Jie Chen, and Wei Chao Chang
- Subjects
endocrine system ,urogenital system ,Acrosome reaction ,Vas deferens ,Cell Biology ,General Medicine ,Biology ,Epididymis ,Sperm ,Decapacitation factor ,Cell biology ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Seminal vesicle ,Reproductive Medicine ,Capacitation ,Immunology ,medicine ,Plasminogen activator ,reproductive and urinary physiology - Abstract
SERPINE2, one of the potent serine protease inhibitors that modulates the activity of plasminogen activator and thrombin, is implicated in many biological processes. In the present study, we purified SERPINE2 from mouse seminal vesicle secretion (SVS), using liquid chromatography and identified it by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry, and it showed potent inhibitory activity against the urokinase-type plasminogen activator. SERPINE2 was expressed predominantly in seminal vesicles among murine male reproductive tissues. It was immunolocalized to the SVS and mucosal epithelium of the seminal vesicle, epididymis, coagulating gland, and vas deferens. In the testes, SERPINE2 was immunostained in spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, Leydig cells, and spermatozoa. SERPINE2 was also detected on the acrosomal cap of testicular and epididymal sperm and was suggested to be an intrinsic sperm surface protein. The purified SERPINE2 protein could bind to epididymal sperm. A prominent amount of SERPINE2 was detected on ejaculated and oviductal spermatozoa. Nevertheless, SERPINE2 was detected predominantly on uncapacitated sperm, indicating that SERPINE2 is lost before initiation of the capacitation process. Moreover, SERPINE2 could inhibit in vitro bovine serum albumin-induced sperm capacitation and prevent sperm binding to the egg, thus blocking fertilization. It acts through preventing cholesterol efflux, one of the initiation events of capacitation, from the sperm. These findings suggest that the SERPINE2 protein may play a role as a sperm decapacitation factor.
- Published
- 2011
47. Relationship of Follicular Size to the Development of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection-derived Human Embryos
- Author
-
Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, Yi-Chun Tsai, Yuh-Ming Hwu, Tsai-Fang Lee, Yu-Fen Chih, and Jin-Tsung Su
- Subjects
Adult ,medicine.medical_treatment ,Embryonic Development ,Oocyte Retrieval ,intracytoplasmic sperm injection ,lcsh:Gynecology and obstetrics ,Intracytoplasmic sperm injection ,Andrology ,Follicle ,Ovarian Follicle ,Obstetrics and Gynaecology ,Follicular phase ,Single Embryo Transfer ,Humans ,oocytes ,Medicine ,Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic ,follicular size ,lcsh:RG1-991 ,In vitro fertilisation ,business.industry ,Embryogenesis ,assisted reproduction ,Obstetrics and Gynecology ,Embryo ,Follicular fluid ,Follicular Fluid ,embryo quality ,Female ,business ,Embryo quality - Abstract
Summary Objective To compare the embryonic development of oocytes obtained from follicles of different sizes. Materials and Methods Oocytes ( n = 819) were retrieved from women at 40 years of age or younger during 86 in vitro fertilization cycles and categorized as small, medium, or large based on the estimated volume of follicular fluid at the time of retrieval. Results The rates of good quality embryos from the large, medium, and small groups on days 2 and 3 were 76.85% and 66.20%, 74.00% and 61.33%, and 69.81% and 58.49%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the rates of good quality embryos between the three follicular volume groups. Conclusion Even though fewer oocytes completed maturation in the small follicle group than in the other two groups, the quality of the embryos in all three groups was the same on days 2 and 3. These findings suggest that follicles of all sizes should be aspirated during the intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle as follicles of every size were a good source of embryos.
- Published
- 2010
48. Serine Protease Inhibitor SERPINE2 Reversibly Modulates Murine Sperm Capacitation
- Author
-
Sheng-Hsiang Li, Robert Kuo-Kuang Lee, Ling-Yu Yeh, Chung-Hao Lu, Ming-Huei Lin, and Yuh-Ming Hwu
- Subjects
Male ,0301 basic medicine ,endocrine system ,Acrosome reaction ,SERPINE2 ,sperm capacitation ,decapacitation factor ,acrosome reaction ,seminal plasma ,Serpin ,Article ,Catalysis ,Decapacitation factor ,Inorganic Chemistry ,Mice ,03 medical and health sciences ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Capacitation ,Serpin E2 ,Animals ,Physical and Theoretical Chemistry ,Molecular Biology ,Incubation ,reproductive and urinary physiology ,Spectroscopy ,Mice, Inbred ICR ,urogenital system ,Acrosome Reaction ,Organic Chemistry ,Tyrosine phosphorylation ,General Medicine ,Sperm ,Computer Science Applications ,Cell biology ,030104 developmental biology ,chemistry ,Oviduct ,Calcium ,Acrosome - Abstract
SERPINE2 (serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade E, member 2), predominantly expressed in the seminal vesicle, can inhibit murine sperm capacitation, suggesting its role as a sperm decapacitation factor (DF). A characteristic of DF is its ability to reverse the capacitation process. Here, we investigated whether SERPINE2 can reversibly modulate sperm capacitation. Immunocytochemical staining revealed that SERPINE2 was bound onto both capacitated and uncapacitated sperm. It reversed the increase in BSA-induced sperm protein tyrosine phosphorylation levels. The effective dose and incubation time were found to be >0.1 mg/mL and >60 min, respectively. Calcium ion levels in the capacitated sperm were reduced to a level similar to that in uncapacitated sperm after 90 min of incubation with SERPINE2. In addition, the acrosome reaction of capacitated sperm was inhibited after 90 min of incubation with SERPINE2. Oviductal sperm was readily induced to undergo the acrosome reaction using the A23187 ionophore; however, the acrosome reaction was significantly reduced after incubation with SERPINE2 for 60 and 120 min. These findings suggested that SERPINE2 prevented as well as reversed sperm capacitation in vitro. It also prevented the acrosome reaction in in vivo-capacitated sperm isolated from the oviduct. Thus, SERPINE2 could reversibly modulate murine sperm capacitation.
- Published
- 2018
49. The autonomous notch signal pathway is activated by baicalin and baicalein but is suppressed by niclosamide in K562 cells
- Author
-
An Ming Wang, Yu Chih Liang, Hung Hai Ku, Yuh Ming Hwu, Yen Chou Chen, and Tien Shun Yeh
- Subjects
Low protein ,Notch ,baicalein ,Notch signaling pathway ,Pharmacology ,Biology ,Biochemistry ,Article ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Humans ,RNA, Messenger ,Enzyme Inhibitors ,Receptor, Notch1 ,baicalin ,Molecular Biology ,Flavonoids ,Reporter gene ,CBF1 ,Leukemia ,Antiparasitic Agents ,Receptors, Notch ,niclosamide ,Cell Differentiation ,Cell Biology ,Articles ,Cell biology ,Baicalein ,chemistry ,Hes3 signaling axis ,Flavanones ,Cyclin-dependent kinase 8 ,Signal transduction ,Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor ,K562 Cells ,Baicalin ,Signal Transduction - Abstract
The Notch signaling pathway plays important roles in a variety of cellular processes. Aberrant transduction of Notch signaling contributes to many diseases and cancers in humans. The Notch receptor intracellular domain, the activated form of Notch receptor, is extremely difficult to detect in normal cells. However, it can activate signaling at very low protein concentration to elicit its biological effects. In the present study, a cell based luciferase reporter gene assay was established in K562 cells to screen drugs which could modulate the endogenous CBF1‐dependent Notch signal pathway. Using this system, we found that the luciferase activity of CBF1‐dependent reporter gene was activated by baicalin and baicalein but suppressed by niclosamide in both dose‐ and time‐dependent manners. Treatment with these drugs modulated endogenous Notch signaling and affected mRNA expression levels of Notch1 receptor and Notch target genes in K562 cells. Additionally, erythroid differentiation of K562 cells was suppressed by baicalin and baicalein yet was promoted by niclosamide. Colony‐forming ability in soft agar was decreased after treatment with baicalin and baicalein, but was not affected in the presence of niclosamide. Thus, modulation of Notch signaling after treatment with any of these three drugs may affect tumorigenesis of K562 cells suggesting that these drugs may have therapeutic potential for those tumors associated with Notch signaling. Taken together, this system could be beneficial for screening of drugs with potential to treat Notch signal pathway‐associated diseases. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 682–692, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
- Published
- 2009
50. Ratio of Wnt3a to BMP4 doses is critical to their synergistic effects on proliferation of differentiating mouse embryonic stem cells
- Author
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C.-L. Chen, Y.-C. Yang, Yuh-Ming Hwu, Y.-L. Wu, and S.-Y. Lin
- Subjects
animal structures ,p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases ,Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 ,Biology ,Bone morphogenetic protein ,p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ,Wnt3 Protein ,Mice ,Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases ,Wnt3A Protein ,Animals ,Cell Lineage ,Noggin ,Protein Kinase Inhibitors ,Embryonic Stem Cells ,Cell Proliferation ,Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 ,Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 ,Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ,Kinase ,JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ,Wnt signaling pathway ,Cell Differentiation ,Drug Synergism ,Original Articles ,Cell Biology ,General Medicine ,Alkaline Phosphatase ,Embryonic stem cell ,Cell biology ,Wnt Proteins ,Bone morphogenetic protein 4 ,Bone Morphogenetic Proteins ,embryonic structures ,Carrier Proteins ,Octamer Transcription Factor-3 ,Signal Transduction - Abstract
Objectives: To investigate potential interactions between bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and Wnt signalling on differentiating mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC). Materials and methods: Mouse embryonic stem cells were cultured with differing combinations of Wnt3a, BMP4 and inhibitors of Wnt, BMP, PI‐3K (phosphoinositide 3‐kinase), p38, ERK1/2 (extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2) and JNK (c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase) pathways. Results: We found that Wnt3a synergized with BMP4 to promote mESC proliferation. Furthermore, the relative ratio of Wnt3a to BMP4 doses was critical to their synergistic effects, which could be abolished by using Dkk‐1, noggin or the inhibitors of PI‐3K, p38, ERK1/2 and JNK pathways. We also demonstrated that combination of Wnt3a and BMP4 could suppress ectodermal differentiation of mESCs. Moreover, inhibitors of PI‐3K, p38, ERK1/2 and JNK pathways could negate this effect. Conclusion: Relative ratio of Wnt3a to BMP4 doses is critical to their synergistic effect on differentiating mESC proliferation, which may work through PI‐3K, p38, ERK1/2 and JNK pathways.
- Published
- 2008
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