Objective:To investigate the effects of individual versus connected microdroplet culture modes in time-lapse (TL) incubators on embryo development parameters and pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing whole embryo culture to blastocyst stage.Methods:Using a retrospective cohort study, clinical data from 3 507 fresh blastocyst transfer cycles were analyzed. These cycles involved patients who underwent assisted reproductive technology treatment with whole embryo culture to blastocyst stage at the Reproductive Medical Center of Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital between January 2019 and December 2023. Based on different culture modes, patients were divided into two groups, connected group ( n=2 446, using connected microdroplet culture) and individual group ( n=1 061, using individual microdroplet culture). Baseline characteristics, embryo development parameters, pregnancy outcomes, and neonatal outcomes were compared between the two groups. Generalized linear models (GLM) were used to adjust for confounding factors and analyze the effect of culture mode. Results:Embryo development assessment showed the day 3 (D3) high-quality embryo rate in the connected group [60.12% (12 136/20 187)] was significantly lower than that in the individual group [63.62% (4 705/7 395), P<0.001], whereas the high-quality blastocyst formation rate [34.93% (7 052/20 187)] and the available blastocyst formation rate [56.07% (11 319/20 187)] were both significantly higher than those in the individual group [33.08% (2 446/7 395), P=0.004; 51.45% (3 805/7 395), P<0.001], with statistically significant differences. The implantation rate [67.40% (1 774/2 632)], the clinical pregnancy rate [70.20% (1 717/2 446)], and the live birth rate [60.66% (1 469/2 446)] in the connected group were all significantly higher than those in the individual group [63.40% (724/1 142), P=0.017; 66.73% (708/1 061), P=0.041; 55.89% (593/1 061), P=0.021], with statistically significant differences. Neonatal outcomes showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (all P>0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors using GLM, connected culture was an independent influencing factor for D3 high-quality embryo rate (a MD=-0.017, 95% CI: -0.034-0.000, P=0.046), high-quality blastocyst formation rate (a MD=-0.020, 95% CI: 0.002-0.037, P=0.026), available blastocyst formation rate (a MD=0.032, 95% CI: 0.015-0.048, P<0.001), live birth rate (a OR=1.182, 95% CI: 1.006-1.388, P=0.042). However, it had no effect on D3 available embryo rate, clinical pregnancy rate, or early miscarriage rate (all P>0.05). Conclusion:In TL incubator systems, individual and connected microdroplet culture modes exert different effects at various stages of embryo development. Individual microdroplet culture can significantly enhance cleavage-stage embryo quality, whereas the connected microdroplet culture was more beneficial for enhancing the blastocyst formation rate and quality, ultimately improving the live birth rate without increasing neonatal risks.

Objective:To investigate the effects of individual versus connected microdroplet culture modes in time-lapse (TL) incubators on embryo development parameters and pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing whole embryo culture to blastocyst stage.Methods:Using a retrospective cohort study, clinical data from 3 507 fresh blastocyst transfer cycles were analyzed. These cycles involved patients who underwent assisted reproductive technology treatment with whole embryo culture to blastocyst stage at the Reproductive Medical Center of Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital between January 2019 and December 2023. Based on different culture modes, patients were divided into two groups, connected group ( n=2 446, using connected microdroplet culture) and individual group ( n=1 061, using individual microdroplet culture). Baseline characteristics, embryo development parameters, pregnancy outcomes, and neonatal outcomes were compared between the two groups. Generalized linear models (GLM) were used to adjust for confounding factors and analyze the effect of culture mode. Results:Embryo development assessment showed the day 3 (D3) high-quality embryo rate in the connected group [60.12% (12 136/20 187)] was significantly lower than that in the individual group [63.62% (4 705/7 395), P<0.001], whereas the high-quality blastocyst formation rate [34.93% (7 052/20 187)] and the available blastocyst formation rate [56.07% (11 319/20 187)] were both significantly higher than those in the individual group [33.08% (2 446/7 395), P=0.004; 51.45% (3 805/7 395), P<0.001], with statistically significant differences. The implantation rate [67.40% (1 774/2 632)], the clinical pregnancy rate [70.20% (1 717/2 446)], and the live birth rate [60.66% (1 469/2 446)] in the connected group were all significantly higher than those in the individual group [63.40% (724/1 142), P=0.017; 66.73% (708/1 061), P=0.041; 55.89% (593/1 061), P=0.021], with statistically significant differences. Neonatal outcomes showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (all P>0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors using GLM, connected culture was an independent influencing factor for D3 high-quality embryo rate (a MD=-0.017, 95% CI: -0.034-0.000, P=0.046), high-quality blastocyst formation rate (a MD=-0.020, 95% CI: 0.002-0.037, P=0.026), available blastocyst formation rate (a MD=0.032, 95% CI: 0.015-0.048, P<0.001), live birth rate (a OR=1.182, 95% CI: 1.006-1.388, P=0.042). However, it had no effect on D3 available embryo rate, clinical pregnancy rate, or early miscarriage rate (all P>0.05). Conclusion:In TL incubator systems, individual and connected microdroplet culture modes exert different effects at various stages of embryo development. Individual microdroplet culture can significantly enhance cleavage-stage embryo quality, whereas the connected microdroplet culture was more beneficial for enhancing the blastocyst formation rate and quality, ultimately improving the live birth rate without increasing neonatal risks.

Objective:To investigate the pregnancy outcomes of different intervals between oocyte retrieval and frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) in moderate and severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) patients.Methods:Clinical data of infertile patients who underwent their first in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) and froze all their embryos for moderate or severe OHSS from January 2017 to December 2018 in the ART Center, Northwest Women's & Children's Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. All patients were divided into three groups according to the interval between oocyte retrieval and FET. Group A: one month interval; group B: two months interval; group C: the interval was three months or above. Main outcome was live birth rate; secondary outcomes included biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, preterm birth rate and birth defect rate. Chi square test was performed to compare the differences of the outcomes among the three groups. Results:The live birth rate of group B [70.27% (26/37)] was higher than that of group A [58.62% (17/29)] and group C [52.27% (23/44)], but the difference was not statistically significant ( P=0.667). The miscarriage rate of group A [0% (0/18)] was significantly lower than that of group C [25.81% (8/31), P=0.017]. There were no significant differences among the three groups in biochemical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, preterm birth rate and birth defect rate (all P>0.05). Conclusion:The interval between oocyte retrieval and FET in moderate and severe OHSS patients does not impact pregnancy outcome.

Objective:To investigate the pregnancy outcomes of different intervals between oocyte retrieval and frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) in moderate and severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) patients.Methods:Clinical data of infertile patients who underwent their first in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) and froze all their embryos for moderate or severe OHSS from January 2017 to December 2018 in the ART Center, Northwest Women's & Children's Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. All patients were divided into three groups according to the interval between oocyte retrieval and FET. Group A: one month interval; group B: two months interval; group C: the interval was three months or above. Main outcome was live birth rate; secondary outcomes included biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, preterm birth rate and birth defect rate. Chi square test was performed to compare the differences of the outcomes among the three groups. Results:The live birth rate of group B [70.27% (26/37)] was higher than that of group A [58.62% (17/29)] and group C [52.27% (23/44)], but the difference was not statistically significant ( P=0.667). The miscarriage rate of group A [0% (0/18)] was significantly lower than that of group C [25.81% (8/31), P=0.017]. There were no significant differences among the three groups in biochemical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, preterm birth rate and birth defect rate (all P>0.05). Conclusion:The interval between oocyte retrieval and FET in moderate and severe OHSS patients does not impact pregnancy outcome.

Objective:To investigate the effects of the interval between laparoscopic proximal hydrosalpinx ligation combined with salpingostomy operation and in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) on pregnancy and neonate outcomes. Methods:The data of 274 of infertile patients who underwent IVF-ET after laparoscopic proximal hydrosalpinx ligation combined with salpingostomy operation from January 2017 to September 2018 were analyzed by a cohort respective study. All patients were divided into three groups according to the interval between operation and embryo transfer, group A: one month interval ( n=114); group B: two months interval ( n=92); group C: the interval was three months or above ( n=68). Main outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate; secondary outcomes included human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) positive rate, implantation rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, abortion rate and neonate outcomes (birth weight, gestational age of delivery and birth defect rate). Cleavage embryo transfer outcomes and blastocyst transfer outcomes were analyzed retrospectively. Results:There were no significant differences among the three groups in clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate after cleavage embryo transfer or blastocyst transfer. In addition, there were no significant differences among the three groups in hCG positive rate, implantation rate, ectopic pregnancy rate and abortion rate. In cleavage embryo transfer cycles, twin birth weight of group B was heavier than that of group C [(3.61±0.31) kg vs. (3.25±0.60) kg, P=0.014]. In blastocyst transfer cycles, twin gestational age of delivery in group C was elder than that of group B [(36.22±1.44) weeks vs. (34.14±3.11) weeks, P=0.012]. Conclusion:The interval between laparoscopic proximal hydrosalpinx ligation combined with salpingostomy operation and IVF-ET does not affect pregnancy outcome, but it may affect neonate outcome to some extent.

Objective:To investigate the effects of the interval between laparoscopic proximal hydrosalpinx ligation combined with salpingostomy operation and in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) on pregnancy and neonate outcomes. Methods:The data of 274 of infertile patients who underwent IVF-ET after laparoscopic proximal hydrosalpinx ligation combined with salpingostomy operation from January 2017 to September 2018 were analyzed by a cohort respective study. All patients were divided into three groups according to the interval between operation and embryo transfer, group A: one month interval ( n=114); group B: two months interval ( n=92); group C: the interval was three months or above ( n=68). Main outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate; secondary outcomes included human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) positive rate, implantation rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, abortion rate and neonate outcomes (birth weight, gestational age of delivery and birth defect rate). Cleavage embryo transfer outcomes and blastocyst transfer outcomes were analyzed retrospectively. Results:There were no significant differences among the three groups in clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate after cleavage embryo transfer or blastocyst transfer. In addition, there were no significant differences among the three groups in hCG positive rate, implantation rate, ectopic pregnancy rate and abortion rate. In cleavage embryo transfer cycles, twin birth weight of group B was heavier than that of group C [(3.61±0.31) kg vs. (3.25±0.60) kg, P=0.014]. In blastocyst transfer cycles, twin gestational age of delivery in group C was elder than that of group B [(36.22±1.44) weeks vs. (34.14±3.11) weeks, P=0.012]. Conclusion:The interval between laparoscopic proximal hydrosalpinx ligation combined with salpingostomy operation and IVF-ET does not affect pregnancy outcome, but it may affect neonate outcome to some extent.

Animals ; Cdc20 Proteins/metabolism* ; Cell Line ; Embryo, Mammalian/embryology* ; Embryonic Development ; Female ; Infertility, Female/metabolism* ; Mice ; Mutation ; Oocytes/metabolism*

Objective:To evaluate the effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-A) protocol on in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Methods:A retrospective cohort study was performed to analyze the clinical data of the DOR patients who received IVF-ET treatment for the first time at the Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital Reproductive Center during January 2015 to December 2016. They were divided into a GnRH-A protocol group and an gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) short protocol group according to different ovulation induction protocols. The general conditions, clinical and laboratory indicators, and pregnancy outcomes of the two groups were compared.Results:There was no statistically significant difference in live birth rate, clinical pregnancy rate and implantation rate between the two groups ( P>0.05). The dosage of gonadotropin (Gn) used in GnRH-A protocol group [(3 082.04±1 004.40) IU] was less than that in GnRH-a short protocol group [(3 510.05±1 119.09) IU], P<0.001], the duration of Gn used [(9.66±2.13) d] was shorter than that in GnRH-a short protocol group [(10.63±2.27) d, P<0.001], the number of eggs (4.54±2.97) was less than that in GnRH-a short protocol group (5.54±3.54, P<0.001). Conclusion:DOR patients using GnRH-A protocol for hyperovulation therapy have similar outcomes to GnRH-a short protocol pregnancy, with less Gn used dosage and shorter Gn used duration. Therefore, the GnRH-A protocol is also one of the suitable ovulation induction for DOR patients.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-A) protocol on in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). Methods:A retrospective cohort study was performed to analyze the clinical data of the DOR patients who received IVF-ET treatment for the first time at the Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital Reproductive Center during January 2015 to December 2016. They were divided into a GnRH-A protocol group and an gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) short protocol group according to different ovulation induction protocols. The general conditions, clinical and laboratory indicators, and pregnancy outcomes of the two groups were compared.Results:There was no statistically significant difference in live birth rate, clinical pregnancy rate and implantation rate between the two groups ( P>0.05). The dosage of gonadotropin (Gn) used in GnRH-A protocol group [(3 082.04±1 004.40) IU] was less than that in GnRH-a short protocol group [(3 510.05±1 119.09) IU], P<0.001], the duration of Gn used [(9.66±2.13) d] was shorter than that in GnRH-a short protocol group [(10.63±2.27) d, P<0.001], the number of eggs (4.54±2.97) was less than that in GnRH-a short protocol group (5.54±3.54, P<0.001). Conclusion:DOR patients using GnRH-A protocol for hyperovulation therapy have similar outcomes to GnRH-a short protocol pregnancy, with less Gn used dosage and shorter Gn used duration. Therefore, the GnRH-A protocol is also one of the suitable ovulation induction for DOR patients.

Objective To clone the genes related to pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) for the study of PIH pathogenesis. Methods The differential expressed cDNA of PIH and normal pregnant placenta were cloned using modified polymerase chain reaction based subtractive hybridization. The differential cDNA were sequenced. Results Ammong 86 clones from subtractive hybridization, 14 clones containing differential expressed gene fragments in PIH and normal placenta were identified, and these might be the genes associated with PIH. Compared with the expressed sequence tags (EST) in dbEST of National Center for Biotechnology Information, it showed that 11 of them were known gene fragments, and three were unknown. The three unknown gene fragments were registered in GenBank, the accession number is AF 232216, AF 232217, AF 233648 respectively. Conclusions Fourteen PIH related genes were cloned with subtractive hybridization. A new approach to study on the pathogenesis of PIH is presented.