Bilateral tubal pregnancy is a rare ectopic pregnancy that occurs in both fallopian tubes. In order to explore the clinical diagnosis and treatment methods, pathological analysis, and treatment outcomes of the disease, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 9 cases of bilateral tubal pregnancy admitted to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University from January 2003 to December 2023. All cases were confirmed as bilateral tubal pregnancy by preoperative ultrasound, and all with a history of embryo transfer, which pregnancy sites distributed in the ampulla and interstitial regions of the fallopian tubes. The treatment method was bilateral salpingectomy. After treatment, there were no cases of secondary surgery, and one case successfully gave birth. In summary, as a rare and atypical type of ectopic pregnancy, bilateral tubal pregnancy should be detected and diagnosed early. Personalized treatment plans should be developed based on the patient's condition and needs. After treatment, changes in blood β-human chorionic gonadotropin should be monitored strictly, and auxiliary examination methods such as Doppler ultrasound should be used to alert to the occurrence of persistent ectopic pregnancy and even trophoblastic diseases

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive endocrine disorder in women of childbearing age, which can cause metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and other complications, seriously endangering the health of the body. China has become one of the countries with the fastest increasing prevalence of PCOS, but its complex pathogenesis leads to highly heterogeneous clinical manifestations, making it difficult to completely cure. Therefore, clarifying the potential pathogenesis of PCOS is of great significance for early clinical screening, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Recent studies have shown that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) plays a dual role in the pathogenesis of PCOS and is a potential novel biomarker and intervention target. The characteristics of multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway action in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are consistent with the biological properties of lncRNA, which have diverse types, dual roles, and diverse locations. However, research on lncRNA mediated PCOS and how TCM can improve PCOS by regulating lncRNA is relatively scattered, which is not conducive to the recognition of its clinical value. Therefore, this article provides a systematic review of the dual regulatory mechanism, clinical value, and TCM intervention research of lncRNA in the occurrence and development of PCOS, aiming to clarify how lncRNA affects the occurrence and development of PCOS and potential treatment strategies, in order to provide new ideas for the clinical prevention and treatment of PCOS.

Objective:To compare the the cultivation effects of human embryos in dry and humid incubators.Methods:A total of 479 infertile patients who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment at Reproductive Center of Guiyang Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital from October 2020 to April 2022. The study was divided into two stages. The first stage of the study was a self-comparative research with 95 cases from the same period and source. The embryos were divided into dry and humid incubator groups to compare the embryo development indicators. In the second stage of the study, the patients were divided into six groups, including 10 μL humid incubator group ( n=64), 20 μL humid incubator group ( n=64), 30 μL humid incubator group ( n=64), 10 μL dry incubator group ( n=64), 20 μL dry incubator group ( n=64), and 30 μL dry incubator group ( n=64). The general clinical data, embryo development indicators, pregnancy outcomes, and the osmotic pressure and pH values of each group at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h were detected and compared. Results:After cultivation of the same patient's embryos in dry and humid incubator, the total blastocyst formation rate [62.3% (162/260)] and high-quality blastocyst rate [24.6% (64/260)] in dry incubator were lower than those in the humid incubator [71.6% (252/352), P=0.015; 32.1% (113/352), P=0.043]. Compared with the other microdroplet groups, the osmotic pressure of cleavage culture medium in 10 μL group of dry incubator at 48 h and 72 h and blastocyst culture medium were significantly increased, the differences among the groups were significant (cleavage culture medium, all P<0.001; blastocyst culture medium, P=0.006, P=0.008). There was no significant difference in pH value among different microdroplet volume groups at the same period (all P>0.05). There were no significant differences in general data among the different microdroplet groups (all P>0.05). Compared with the other microdroplet groups, 10 μL dry incubator group exhibited significantly lower transferable embryo rate (all P<0.001). When compared with 20 μL and 30 μL groups in both dry and humid incubators, 10 μL dry incubator group showed a lower day 5 blastocyst formation rate, lower total blastocyst formation rate, and lower high-quality blastocyst formation rate, the differences among the groups were significant (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the number of transferred embryos, the ratio of cleavage-stage embryos and the ratio of high-quality embryos among different groups (all P>0.05). Compared with the other microdroplet groups, the clinical pregnancy rate, the embryo implantation rate, the live birth rate of fresh transplanted embryos and the cumulative pregnancy rate in 10 μL group in the dry incubator decreased, and the miscarriage rate increased, but all were not significant (all P>0.05). Conclusion:Compared with humid incubators, there are no significant differences in embryo development and pregnancy outcomes for droplet volumes of 20 μL or above in dry incubators. However, the 10 μL microdroplet culture in the dry incubator is not conducive to embryonic development, which may be related to the increased osmotic pressure of the microdroplet.

With the increasing incidence of male reproductive system diseases and reproductive dysfunctions, diagnosis and treatment of male infertility and fertility preservation have become clinical challenges to be overcome. Organoids, a kind of cell product cultured in vitro under different microenvironments by using adult stem cells or embryonic stem cell, can possess histological anatomy and physiological function that are similar to natural tissues. In recent years, technological breakthroughs have been made in testicular organoids in terms of sperm proliferation and differentiation induced in vitro, providing a new idea for solving the above problems. This article briefly introduces common testicular organoid techniques (micropore culture, microfluidics culture method, three-layer gradient system, air-liquid interface culture, extracellular matrix hydrogel scaffold, hanging drop cultures, and 3D printing technology, etc.), including technical features, research conditions, technical bottlenecks and summarizes the application characteristics and situations of some ordinary organoid culture solutions in the field of testicular organoids as well.

Objective:To investigate the reparative effects and underlying mechanisms of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) in conjunction with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on ovarian dysfunction in mice exposed to simulated high-altitude conditions.Methods:A total of 64 six-week-old female C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated according to random number table, assigned to control group, model group, hUCMSCs group and hUCMSCs+HBO group, with 16 mice in each group. Mice in model group, hUCMSCs group and hUCMSCs+HBO group were placed in a hypobaric oxygen chamber to simulate a high-altitude environment at an elevation of 6 500 m for 15 d, thereby establishing a model of ovarian dysfunction. Beginning on the first day following model establishment, the control and model groups received intravenous injections of 0.2 mL saline via the tail vein. In contrast, the hUCMSCs group and the hUCMSCs+HBO group received 0.2 mL hUCMSCs (1×10 6 cells) per mouse through tail vein injection, administered once a week for three weeks, with continuous intervention lasting 15 d. Furthermore, the hUCMSCs+HBO group were subjected to daily hyperbaric oxygen treatment. The recorded variables included general health status, body weight, estrous cycle changes, serum hormone levels, bilateral ovarian wet weight, ovarian index, follicular development assessment, pathological alterations of ovarian tissue, ultrastructural changes, and the expression levels of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and Smad family member 3 (Smad3) detected by Western blotting in ovarian tissue. Additionally, litter size and offspring body weight were measured across all groups to evaluate the reproductive capacity of the mice. Results:1) Compared with the hUCMSCs group, the hUCMSCs+HBO group exhibited no statistically significant differences in estrous cycle, body weight, bilateral ovarian wet weight, or ovarian index (all P>0.05). Furthermore, serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), estradiol, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), as well as counts of various stages of follicles in hUCMSCs+HBO group, did not demonstrate statistically significant differences compared with hUCMSCs group (all P>0.05). Notably, in the hUCMSCs+HBO group, the integrity of the nuclear membrane in granulosa cells of the ovarian tissue was preserved, with only mild swelling observed in individual mitochondria, while no expansion of the rough endoplasmic reticulum or swelling of the Golgi apparatus were noted. Additionally, expression levels of TGF-β1 and Smad3 proteins in the hUCMSCs+HBO group were significantly elevated compared with the hUCMSCs group ( P=0.010, P<0.001). The conditions of the offspring and litter size showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups (all P>0.05). 2)Compared with control group, the hUCMSCs+HBO group had slightly lower values for body weight, bilateral ovarian wet weight, ovarian index, serum levels of AMH, estradiol, and progesterone, while had slightly higher serum levels of FSH and LH without statistically significant differences (all P>0.05). Importantly, the ultrastructural characteristics of granulosa cells in the ovarian tissue of the hUCMSCs+HBO group closely resembled those of control group, displaying intact structures of the nuclear membrane, mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus. There was no significant difference in TGF-β1 protein level between hUCMSCs+HBO group and control group ( P=0.253), but Smad3 protein level in hUCMSCs+HBO group was higher than that in control group ( P<0.001). No statistically significant differences were detected in offspring body weight, litter size, or behavioral tendencies (all P>0.05). Conclusion:Both hUCMSCs and the combination of hUCMSCs with HBO intervention demonstrated a safe and effective promotion of functional repair in damaged ovarian tissue under hypoxic conditions. Notably, the combination treatment of hUCMSCs with HBO exhibited a synergistic effect compared with hUCMSCs alone. The potential mechanism underlying this enhanced functional repair may involve the upregulation of the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway, which could ultimately improve fertility outcomes in mice subjected to hypoxic environments.

Objective:To investigate the impact of vitamin D deficiency on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and normal ovarian reserve (NOR). Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted on infertile women undergoing their first IVF-ET cycle in the Department of Reproductive Genetics, Zhengzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital from January 2018 to December 2023, including 318 PCOS patients (group P) and 528 NOR patients (group N). Each group was divided into three subgroups according to serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels: severe deficiency [25(OH)D<12 μg/L], deficiency [12 μg/L≤25(OH)D<20 μg/L], and non-deficiency [25(OH)D≥20 μg/L]. The impact of vitamin D deficiency on pregnancy outcomes was analyzed in each group. 1∶1 propensity score matching was applied to match the baseline characteristics between group P and group N , resulting in 158 matched cases of PCOS (group P) and NOR (group N). Pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups under the same vitamin D status.Results:1) Among PCOS patients, there were no significant differences in general characteristics and pregnancy outcomes among the three subgroups (all P>0.05). The two pronuclei (2PN) rate in the severe deficiency subgroup [59.93% (721/1 203)] was significantly lower than that in the deficiency subgroup [63.70% (1 032/1 620)], with a statistically significant difference ( P=0.045), and both were lower than that in the non-deficiency subgroup [68.06% (554/814)], with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.001, P=0.037). There were no statistically significant differences in the number of oocytes retrieved and MⅡ oocytes, MⅡ oocyte rate, 2PN number, 2PN rate, cleavage number, cleavage rate, number of available embryos on day 3 (day 3, D3), number of high-quality embryos on D3, D3 high-quality embryo rate, clinical pregnancy rate, embryo implantation rate, early miscarriage rate, live birth rate, and premature birth rate among subgroups (all P>0.05). Female age ( OR=0.930, 95% CI: 0.871-0.992, P=0.028), endometrial thickness on the day of transfer ( OR=0.877, 95% CI: 0.791-0.971, P=0.012), number of D3 high-quality embryos ( OR=1.135, 95% CI: 1.050-1.228, P=0.001), and ovulation stimulating protocol ( OR=2.230, 95% CI: 1.153-4.314, P=0.017) were independent factors influencing clinical pregnancy. 2) Among NOR patients, there were no significant differences in general characteristics, pregnancy outcomes, laboratory parameters, or other outcome-related indices among the three subgroups (all P>0.05). Female age ( OR=0.944, 95% CI: 0.900-0.990, P=0.018), number of D3 high-quality embryos ( OR=1.070, 95% CI: 1.004-2.597, P=0.037), and number of transferred embryos ( OR=1.753, 95% CI: 1.184-2.597, P=0.005) were independent factors influencing clinical pregnancy. 3) After matching, there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics and pregnancy outcomes between group P and group N (all P>0.05). In the severe vitamin D deficiency state, group P had significantly lower MⅡ oocyte rate [76.64% (525/685)], 2PN rate [59.69% (345/578)], embryo implantation rate [35.71% (30/84)], and live birth rate [34.00% (17/50)] compared with group N [81.58% (465/570), P=0.033; 67.00% (335/500), P=0.013; 51.28% (40/78), P=0.046; 55.32% (26/47), P=0.035]. In the vitamin D deficiency state, the 2PN rate in group P [66.50% (532/800)] was significantly lower than that in group N [72.00% (725/1 007), P=0.012]. Conclusion:Vitamin D deficiency may adversely affect IVF-ET outcomes in patients with PCOS, with more pronounced effects in cases of severe deficiency. However, it has no impact on the assisted reproductive outcomes in NOR patients.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into human assisted reproductive technology (ART) represents one of the most promising advancements in modern medicine. ART, which include in vitro fertilization, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, preimplantation genetic testing and embryo freezing, have traditionally relied on the expertise of clinicians and embryologists. The inherent subjectivity and complexity of these processes, coupled with the ever-increasing demand for higher success rates, have prompted researchers and clinicians to explore AI-driven solutions. AI, with its capacity to process vast amounts of data, recognize patterns, and make predictive analyses, offers the potential to revolutionize every aspect of human reproduction, from initial diagnosis and treatment planning to embryo selection and pregnancy monitoring. This summary explores the current landscape of AI applications in ART, reviewing key advancements, challenges, and future prospects.

Regaining offspring is the most common medical demand for families who lost their only-child in China. However, couples who lost their only-child are often unable to have children naturally due to their old age. With the maturity of assisted reproductive technology (ART), embryo donation is a potentially effective method to help families regain their offspring. However, there is still lack of corresponding laws and operating standards in our country. This article reviews the research progress of embryo donation at home and abroad, and the experience of ART in our hospital, and discusses the feasibility of using ART to regain offspring of families who lost their only child, as well as the medical and ethical issues that need to be considered in practical operation, so as to provide reference for relevant departments.

Objective:To assess the efficacy and safety of Gongxuening Capsules in reducing post-abortion bleeding following artificial abortion.Methods:A multicenter, randomized, double-blind study was conducted. From May 31, 2022 to March 31, 2023, 484 women who underwent vacuum aspiration abortion for early intrauterine pregnancy were enrolled in 11 centers and randomly assigned to control group and the study group at a 1∶1 ratio using a center-block randomization method. Control group were administered a placebo of Gongxuening Capsules for 9 d, while the study group received the actual Gongxuening Capsules for the same duration. The outcomes measured included vaginal bleeding volume, duration of vaginal bleeding, endometrial thickness, time to menstrual recovery, and complications.Results:1) A total of 484 subjects were enrolled, and 472 completed the study. Totally 450 subjects were included in the efficacy analysis set, with 224 in control group and 226 in the study group; 468 subjects were included in the safety analysis set, with 236 in control group and 232 in the study group. The baseline characteristics of the two groups were comparable (all P>0.05). 2) The vaginal bleeding volume was lower in the study group [(13.30±12.14) mL] than in control group [(19.00±17.67) mL, P<0.001]. The proportion of subjects in the study group with bleeding days less than 4 d [29.65% (67/226)] was higher than that in control group [19.20% (43/224), P=0.010]. 3) No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of time to menstrual recovery and endometrial thickness (all P>0.05). 4) In the study group, 3 subjects experienced non-therapeutic-related complications, while 11 subjects in control group. The incidence of complications was lower in the study group [1.29% (3/232)] than in control group [4.66% (11/236), P=0.033]. Conclusion:The administration of Gongxuening Capsules to women following artificial abortion significantly reduced vaginal bleeding volume and was associated with good safety, with the treatment being well-tolerated by the subjects.

Objective:To investigate the effect of the embryo cryopreservation duration on pregnancy and obstetric outcome.Methods:A retrospective cohort study of 2 662 frozen-thawed embyro tranfer (FET) cycles was conducted in the Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from January 2016 to December 2020. According to embryo cryopreservation duration, the patients were divided into group A (≤1 year, n=2 115), group B (>1 years and ≤3 years, n=319), group C (>3 years and ≤6 years, n=174), and group D (>6 years, n=54). We used the propensity score matching (PSM) to match the baseline data of oocyte retrieval age of the other three groups according to group D at a ratio of 1∶3. Clinical and obstetric outcomes were compared among the four groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the effect of oocyte retrieval age, embryo transfer age, the duration of embryo cryopreservation, endometrial preparation scheme, endometrial thickness, the number of transferred embryos and the number of high-quality embryos on pregnancy and live birth outcome. Results:1) Before PSM, there were significant differences in the maternal age at oocyte retrieval and embryo transfer and duration of embryo cryopreservation among the four groups(all P<0.001). 2) After PSM, the baseline characteristics of oocyte retrieval age reached a balance among the four groups. There were no statistical differences in the number of embryos transfer, the number of high-quality embryos, the transferred embryo stage, the endometrial regimen among the groups (all P>0.05). The clinical pregnancy rate [37.04% (20/54)] and the live birth rate [33.33% (18/54)] in group D were lower than those in group A [51.57% (82/159), 40.88% (65/159)], group B [50.00% (65/130), 40.77% (53/130)] and group C [49.59% (61/123), 39.02% (48/123)], but the difference was not statistically significant between the four groups ( P=0.310, P=0.781). There were no statistical differences among the four groups in the ratio of male to female newborns, gestational age, birth weight, preterm delivery rate, low birth weight rate, macrosomia rate, birth defects, and premature repture of membranes (all P>0.05). 3) Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the number of high-quality embryos transferred affected the clinical pregnancy outcome (before PSM, OR=2.614, 95% CI: 2.168-3.151, P<0.001; after PSM, OR=1.984, 95% CI: 1.406-2.800, P<0.001) and live birth (before PSM, OR=2.708, 95% CI: 2.198-3.336, P<0.001; after PSM, OR=2.122, 95% CI: 1.474-3.053, P<0.001). The duration of embryo cryopreservation does not affect the clinical outcome and live birth (all P>0.05). Conclusion:The duration of embryo cryopreservation does not affect the clinical outcome and live birth, but large sample data are still needed to support this conclusion in the future.