OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of "Zhibian" (BL54)-to-"Shuidao" (ST28) needling technique on the reproductive function of the mice with poor ovarian response (POR) and explore the molecular mechanism of acupuncture on early embryos after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in POR mice. METHODS: Of 70 female C57BL/6 mice, 60 mice with regular estrous cycle were screened and 30 of them were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, and an acupuncture group, 10 mice in each one. Mice in the model and acupuncture groups were administered with tripterygium glycosides suspension (50 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) via gavage for 2 weeks to prepare POR models; while in the blank group, the mice received an equal volume of 0.9% sodium chloride solution via gavage. After successful modeling, mice in the acupuncture group underwent "Zhibian" (BL54)-to-"Shuidao" (ST28) needling technique, once daily, for 20 min each time and lasting 2 consecutive weeks. After intervention completion, subsequently, all the three groups underwent ovulation induction, orbital blood collection, and ovary extraction and fresh denuded oocyte collection. Denuded oocytes, after incubated, together with the sperms from 15 male C57BL/6 mice, were transferred into the oviducts of 30 donor pseudopregnant C57BL/6 female mice via IVF-ET; and the embryonic tissue was collected on day 7 of implantation. After successful modeling and intervention completion, the general conditions of mice in each group were observed, and the estrous cycle disorder rate was compared among the groups. After intervention completion, the numbers of oocyte, ovarian wet weight and ovarian index were recorded in each group; the levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2) in the serum were measured using ELISA; and ovarian morphology and mitochondrial ultrastructure were examined using HE staining and transmission electron microscopy. The transcriptome sequencing technology was employed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in early embryos of each group, followed by bioinformatics analysis; and the reversed DEGs with significant difference were verified using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: After intervention, compared with the blank group, the mice in the model group presented poor spirits and declined water and food intake, reduced activity, the higher rate of estrous cycle disorder (P< 0.01); the decrease of the numbers of oocyte, ovarian wet weight, and ovarian index (P<0.01), reduced AMH and E2 in the serum (P<0.01), elevated FSH and LH in the serum (P<0.01); more atresia follicles in ovarian tissue, disorganized granulosa cells, reduced the numbers of mitochondria, vacuoles appeared and cristae breakage. When compared with the model group, in the acupuncture group, the spirits of mice, food intake and activity were improved, the rate of estrous cycle disorder was reduced (P<0.01); the numbers of oocyte, ovarian wet weight, and ovarian index were higher (P<0.01, P<0.05), the levels of AMH and E2 in the serum increased (P<0.01), the levels of FSH and LH in the serum decreased (P<0.01); the atresia follicles were reduced, the numbers of follicle increased at all levels, the numbers of mitochondria got higher, vacuoles and cristae breakage were declined. In comparison between the blank group and the model group, and between the model group and the acupuncture group, a total of 258 intersecting DEGs were identified, and 194 DEGs of them exhibited a trend of reversion before and after intervention. The top 5 reversed DEGs with significant difference included dexamethasone-induced Ras-related protein 1 (Rasd1), gene regulated by estrogen in breast cancer 1 (Greb1), leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 6 (Lgr6), Fraser syndrome 1 (Fras1), and apolipoprotein D (Apod). Compared with the blank group, the mRNA expression of Rasd1, Greb1, Lgr6, Fras1 and Apod in embryonic tissues decreased in the model group (P<0.01, P<0.05); and when compared with the model group, the mRNA expression of Rasd1, Greb1, Lgr6, Fras1 and Apod in embryonic tissues increased in the acupuncture group (P<0.05, P<0.01). These findings were consistent with the DEGs screening results. Gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed that the reversed genes of co-expression were primarily participated in the biological processes such as myoblast differentiation, endocardial cushion development, and cardiac morphogenesis. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analysis indicated that the reversed genes of co-expression are enriched in the Wnt signaling pathway, and they were associated with various types of cardiac diseases. CONCLUSION The "Zhibian" (BL54)-to-"Shuidao" (ST28) needling technique may ameliorate the decline of ovarian response in mice with POR, promote normal follicle development and ovulation, thereby improve embryo quality and reduce the risk of developmental defects and deformity in the organs such as the embryonic heart. The underlying mechanism may be related to the regulation of the expression pattern of embryonic key genes through the Wnt signaling pathway.
Animals ; Female ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Ovary/physiopathology* ; Humans ; Fertilization in Vitro ; Transcriptome ; Embryo Transfer ; Infertility, Female/physiopathology*

OBJECTIVE: To explore the possible mechanism by which the "Zhibian" (BL54) toward "Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture improves ovarian function in mice with poor ovarian response (POR) by observing its effect on gut microbiota. METHODS: A total of 35 SPF-grade C57BL/6 female mice were screened for normal estrous cycles using vaginal smears, and 30 mice were selected. Ten mice were assigned to the blank group, while the remaining mice were used to establish the POR model by intragastric administration of tripterygium wilfordii suspension. The successfully modeled mice were randomly divided into a model group and an acupuncture group, with 10 mice in each group. After modeling, the acupuncture group received the "Zhibian" (BL54) toward "Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture method once daily for 20 minutes per session. Ovulation induction began the day after the intervention, and samples were collected after ovulation induction. Vaginal cytology was used to observe estrous cycle changes, and the number of oocytes obtained, ovarian wet weight, and ovarian index were recorded. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) were detected using ELISA. HE staining was used to observe ovarian histology. Gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology. Western blot was used to detect the relative protein expression levels of Occludin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in colonic tissue. Correlation analysis was conducted among serum hormone indexes, the number of oocytes obtained, ovarian index and gut microbiota. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, the model group showed a higher estrous cycle disorder rate (P<0.01), increased serum FSH and LH levels, and a higher LH/FSH ratio (P<0.01), while the number of oocytes obtained, ovarian wet weight, ovarian index, and serum E2 and AMH levels were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the acupuncture group showed a lower estrous cycle disorder rate (P<0.01), decreased serum FSH and LH levels, and a lower LH/FSH ratio (P<0.01), along with an increased number of oocytes obtained, higher ovarian wet weight, ovarian index, and elevated serum AMH and E2 levels (P<0.01, P<0.05). The blank group had a large number of well-developed primordial follicles, with abundant and closely arranged follicles at various stages. In the model group, there was a significant increase in the number of atretic follicles, a reduction in the number of follicles at various stages, and loosely arranged ovarian tissue. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed a significant decrease in the number of normal follicles (P<0.01) and an increase in the number of atretic follicles (P<0.01). The acupuncture group showed a reduction in atretic follicles and an increase in the number of follicles at various stages compared with the model group, with a significant increase in normal follicles (P<0.01) and a decrease in atretic follicles (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, the model group exhibited reduced gut microbiota diversity and richness, with significantly lower Chao1 and Shannon indices (P<0.01), and a greater clustering distance from the blank group. The model group also showed an increase in the relative abundance of Firmicutes_D, Verrucomicrobiota, Paramuribaculum, Dubosiella, and Muribaculum (P<0.01, P<0.05), while the relative abundance of Firmicutes_A and the relative protein expression of Occludin and ZO-1 in colonic tissue were decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the acupuncture group showed improved gut microbiota diversity and richness, with increased Chao1 and Shannon indices (P<0.05), and a clustering distance closer to the blank group. The acupuncture group exhibited reduced relative abundance of Firmicutes_D, Verrucomicrobiota, and Muribaculum (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the relative abundance of Firmicutes_A and the relative protein expression of Occludin and ZO-1 were significantly increased (P<0.01, P<0.05). Correlation analysis indicated a relationship between gut microbiota and serum hormone indicators, as well as the ovarian index. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that the metabolic pathways of the intersecting species were related to amino acid biosynthesis and nucleotide metabolism. CONCLUSION The "Zhibian" (BL54) toward "Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture method improves ovarian function in POR mice, and its mechanism may be related to regulating gut microbiota structure and maintaining intestinal barrier homeostasis.
Animals ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Mice ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Humans ; Ovary/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Points ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone/metabolism* ; Luteinizing Hormone/metabolism* ; Estrous Cycle ; Anti-Mullerian Hormone/blood*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical therapeutic effect of Rendu Tongtiao acupuncture (acupuncture for regulating and improving the circulation of the conception and governor vessels) on hyperandrogenism (HA) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with kidney-yin deficiency induced fire hyperactivity. METHODS: A total of 80 PCOS-HA patients were selected and randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 40 cases in each group. In the control group, ethinylestradiol and cyproterone acetate tablets were administered orally,2 mg each time, once daily and for 21 consecutive days as one menstrual cycle. In the observation group, Rendu Tongtiao acupuncture was delivered at Qihai (CV6), Zhongwan (CV12), Guanyuan (CV4), Zhongji (CV3), Mingmen (GV4), Yaoyangguan (GV3), etc. once daily till ovulation, which was taken as the treatment session of one menstrual cycle. The treatment was completed after 3 menstrual cycles in each group. Before and after treatment, the serum levels of testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (PRL), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and the scores of acne and hirsutism were compared in the two groups; besides, menstrual recovery rate, ovulation recovery rate, basic body temperature (BBT) biphasic rate and clinical effect were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared with those before treatment, the levels of T, DHT, LH and PRL, as well as the scores of acne and hirsutism were reduced in the two groups after treatment (P<0.05), and the levels of FSH and SHBG were increased (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of T, DHT, LH and PRL, as well as the scores of acne and hirsutism in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05); and FSH and SHBG were higher (P<0.05). After treatment, the menstrual recovery rate and ovulation recovery rate, as well as BBT biphasic rate in the observation group increased in comparison with the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 97.5% (39/40) in the observation group, which was higher than 82.4% (33/40) of the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Rendu Tongtiao acupuncture can effectively regulate the secretion of hormones, alleviate the clinical symptoms of HA, and accelerate the recovery of menstruation and natural ovulation in patients with PCOS-HA of kidney-yin deficiency induced fire hyperactivity .
Humans ; Female ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/complications* ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Young Adult ; Hyperandrogenism/blood* ; Yin Deficiency/therapy* ; Kidney/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Points ; Testosterone/blood* ; Luteinizing Hormone/blood* ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone/blood* ; Adolescent

In this study, we explored the pharmacological effects of Siwu Decoction in treating premature ovarian insufficiency(POI) and its molecular mechanism based on the mitophagy pathway modulated and mediated by estrogen receptor(ER) subtypes. Female Balb/c mice were divided into a control group, model group, as well as high-dose and low-dose groups of Siwu Decoction. The POI mice model was constructed by intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin. The high-dose and low-dose groups of Siwu Decoction were administered intragastrically with Siwu Decoction each day for 14 days. During this period, we monitored the estrous cycle and body weight of the mice and calculated the ovarian index. The morphology of the ovaries was detected by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, and the number of primordial follicles was counted. The apoptosis of the ovarian tissue was detected by TUNEL staining. The expression levels of anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH), apoptosis-associated and mitophagy-associated proteins, ER subtypes, and the expression levels of key proteins of its mediated molecular pathways were detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. KGN cells were divided into a control group, model group, Siwu Decoction group, and gene silencing group. The apoptosis model was induced by H_2O_2, and PTEN-induced putative kinase 1(PINK1) gene silencing was induced by siRNA transfection. The Siwu Decoction group and gene silencing group were added to the medium containing Siwu Decoction. Cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay. Cell senescence was detected by senescence-associated-β-galactosidase. The expression levels of apoptosis-associated and mitophagy-associated proteins were detected by Western blot. The results of in vivo experiments showed that compared with the model group, the mice in the high-dose and low-dose groups of Siwu Decoction significantly recovered the rhythm of the estrous cycle, and the levels of ovarian index, number of primordial follicles, and expression of AMH, representative indexes of ovarian function, were significantly higher, suggesting that the level of ovarian function was significantly improved. The expression levels of the apoptosis-related proteins, cytochrome C(Cyt C), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 3(caspase 3), B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2)-associated X(Bax), and mitophagy-associated indicator(Beclin 1) were significantly decreased, and the expression levels of Bcl-2 was significantly elevated. The positive area of TUNEL was significantly reduced, suggesting that the apoptosis level of the ovaries was significantly reduced. The expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, and sequestosome 1(p62) were significantly reduced, suggesting that the level of ovarian mitophagy was significantly down-regulated. The expression levels of ERα and ERβ were significantly elevated, and the ratio of ERα/ERβ was significantly reduced. The expression levels of key proteins in the pathway, phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K) and protein kinase B(Akt), were significantly reduced, suggesting that the regulation of ER subtypes and the mediation of PI3K/Akt pathway were the key mechanisms. In vitro experiments showed that compared with the model group, the proportion of senescent cells in the Siwu Decoction group was significantly reduced. Cyt C, caspase 3, Beclin 1, Parkin, and p62 were significantly reduced, which was in line with in vivo experimental results. The proportion of senescent cells and the expression level of the above proteins were further significantly reduced after PINK1 silencing. It can be seen that Siwu Decoction can regulate the expression level and proportion of ER subtypes in KGN cells, then mediate the PI3K/Akt pathway to inhibit excessive mitophagy and apoptosis, and exert therapeutic effects of POI.
Animals ; Female ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Mitophagy/drug effects* ; Primary Ovarian Insufficiency/physiopathology* ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Humans ; Receptors, Estrogen/genetics* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Ovary/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Anti-Mullerian Hormone/genetics*

PANoptosis, a newly defined form of cell death, is characterized by the simultaneous occurrence and crosstalk of apoptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis. It has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for various diseases. Ovarian dysfunction is marked by oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea, elevated gonadotropin levels, and diminished estrogen levels, often accompanying subfertility or infertility. Additionally, it can manifest with perimenopausal syndrome and increase the risks of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive impairments, seriously impacting patients' quality of life. While current studies have reported that ovarian hypofunction is associated with apoptosis, pyroptosis, or necroptosis, a systematic investigation into the relationship between PANoptosis and ovarian hypofunction is still absent. This review aims to elucidate the potential link between these two phenomena, providing new insights into the mechanisms underlying ovarian hypofunction and potential treatment strategies.
Humans ; Female ; Ovary/metabolism* ; Apoptosis ; Animals ; Necroptosis ; Ovarian Diseases/physiopathology*

Tubal ciliary movement is one of the essential transport mechanisms for female fertility, playing a key role in facilitating oocyte pickup and transporting the fertilized ovum. This movement is mediated by multiciliated cells and regulated by specific proteins and hormones that modulate ciliary number, length, polarity, beat frequency, and amplitude to ensure proper function. Genetic mutations, inflammatory stimuli, and hormonal fluctuations can impair ciliary activity or induce ciliary apoptosis, leading to ciliary dysfunction. Disorders of tubal ciliary movement are frequently observed in primary ciliary dyskinesia, pelvic inflammatory disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, and endometriosis, conditions commonly associated with female infertility. These disorders manifest as structural abnormalities of cilia, disrupted polarity, shortened ciliary length, reduced ciliary count, and decreased beat frequency and amplitude. Understanding the role of tubal ciliary movement in female infertility-related diseases, through immunohistochemistry and ultrastructural analysis, helps clarify underlying infertility mechanisms. Identifying abnormal inflammatory factors, hormonal environments, and gene expression, combined with advanced techniques for measuring ciliary protein and beat frequency, may offer novel clinical targets for early prevention and treatment of female infertility.
Humans ; Female ; Infertility, Female/etiology* ; Cilia/physiology* ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/physiopathology* ; Fallopian Tubes/physiopathology* ; Endometriosis/complications* ; Pelvic Inflammatory Disease/complications*

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the predominant cause of subfertility in reproductive-aged women; however, its pathophysiology remains unknown. Neurotensin (NTS) is a member of the gut-brain peptide family and is involved in ovulation; its relationship with PCOS is unclear. Here, we found that NTS expression in ovarian granulosa cells and follicular fluids was markedly decreased in patients with PCOS. In the in vitro culture of cumulus-oocyte complexes, the neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1) antagonist SR48692 blocked cumulus expansion and oocyte meiotic maturation by inhibiting metabolic cooperation and damaging the mitochondrial structure in oocytes and surrounding cumulus cells. Furthermore, the ERK1/2-early growth response 1 pathway was found to be a key downstream mediator of NTS/NTSR1 in the ovulatory process. Animal studies showed that in vivo injection of SR48692 in mice reduced ovulation efficiency and contributed to irregular estrus cycles and polycystic ovary morphology. By contrast, NTS partially ameliorated the ovarian abnormalities in mice with dehydroepiandrosterone-induced PCOS. Our findings highlighted the critical role of NTS reduction and consequent abnormal NTSR1 signaling in the ovulatory dysfunction of PCOS, suggesting a potential strategy for PCOS treatment.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/physiopathology* ; Female ; Animals ; Neurotensin/metabolism* ; Receptors, Neurotensin/antagonists & inhibitors* ; Mice ; Ovulation/drug effects* ; Humans ; Granulosa Cells/metabolism* ; Adult ; Oocytes/metabolism* ; MAP Kinase Signaling System ; Signal Transduction ; Follicular Fluid/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/analogs & derivatives*

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture at acupoints of liver meridian in patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) of liver depression. METHODS: A total of 62 patients with DOR of liver depression were randomly divided into an electroacupuncture group (31 cases, 1 case discontinued) and a western medication group (31 cases, 1 case was eliminated). Electroacupuncture was applied at bilateral Taichong (LR 3), Ligou (LR 5), Ququan (LR 8), Jimai (LR 12) in the electroacupuncture group, with continuous wave, in frequency of 2 Hz and current of 0.5-1.0 mA, 30 min each time, once every other day, 3 times a week. Femoston was taken orally in the western medication group, oral estradiol tablets were taken for the first 14 days, followed by oral estradiol/progesterone complex tablets for the rest 14 days, 1 tablet a day. Both groups were treated for 3 consecutive menstrual cycles. Before and after treatment, the scores of TCM syndrome, self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) were observed, serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) were detected, and antral follicle count (AFC), peak systolic velocity (PSV) and resistance index (RI) of ovarian artery were measured by color Doppler ultrasound in the two groups, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated after treatment. RESULTS: After treatment, the scores of primary symptom and secondary symptom, as well as the total scores of TCM syndrome were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.01), the scores of SAS and SDS, as well as the serum FSH levels and RI of ovarian artery were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.01), while the serum AMH levels, AFC and PSV of ovarian artery were increased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the two groups. After treatment, in the electroacupuncture group, the primary symptom score of TCM syndrome was higher than that in the western medication group (P<0.01), the secondary symptom score of TCM syndrome and the scores of SAS and SDS were lower than those in the western medication group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The total effective rate was 70.0% (21/30) in the electroacupuncture group and 73.3% (22/30) in the western medication group respectively, there was no significant difference in the total effective rate between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION Electroacupuncture at acupoints of liver meridian can effectively improve the clinical symptoms, anxiety and depression, regulate the serum sex hormone levels, increase AFC and improve ovarian blood supply in DOR patients of liver depression.
Humans ; Female ; Electroacupuncture ; Adult ; Acupuncture Points ; Meridians ; Ovarian Reserve ; Young Adult ; Liver Diseases/physiopathology* ; Liver/metabolism* ; Ovary/physiopathology* ; Treatment Outcome ; Depression/therapy*

Fetuin-B (FETUB) is a glycoprotein mainly synthesized and secreted by the liver. It is involved in many physiological and pathological processes including glucose metabolism, inflammatory response, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, myocardial infarction, tumor and so on. In recent years, FETUB has also been confirmed to play roles in the female reproductive system. FETUB may affect follicular development and play an important role in in vivo and in vitro fertilization. In addition, serum FETUB level is elevated significantly during pregnancy and labor. FETUB expression is changed in a variety of reproductive diseases (polycystic ovary syndrome, gestational diabetes mellitus, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy). In this review, we summarize FETUB related studies in female reproduction, and focus on the roles of FETUB in female reproductive physiology and pathology, in order to provide information for the pathogenesis of reproductive disorders.
Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/physiopathology* ; Fetuin-B/physiology* ; Pregnancy Complications/metabolism* ; Animals ; Diabetes, Gestational/physiopathology* ; Cholestasis, Intrahepatic/metabolism* ; Reproduction/physiology* ; Ovarian Follicle/physiology*

OBJECTIVE: To explore the ovarian function and its influencing factors in women of childbearing age with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: A total of 107 female patients diagnosed with SLE at Peking University People' s Hospital from January 2017 to May 2024, aged between 20 and 40 years, were included in the study. At the same time, 40 matched healthy women aged between 20 and 40 years were selected as controls. Serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) were measured using the chemiluminescence method in both the control group and the SLE patients. The general clinical characteristics and medication history (including hormones, immunosuppressants, and biological agents) of the SLE patients were obtained through case retrieval. Changes in serum AMH levels before and after treatment with biological agents in the SLE patients were analyzed. RESULTS: (1) The AMH levels in the SLE patients were significantly lower than those in the healthy control group [1.475 (0.344, 3.030) μg/L vs. 2.934 (1.893, 4.761) μg/L, P < 0.001]. (2) The level of AMH in the SLE patients with normal menstruation was significantly higher than that in the patients with irregular menstruation [1.931 (0.638, 3.414) μg/L vs. 0.335 (0.159, 1.527) μg/L, P=0.004]. No statistical differences were found in clinical characteristics and laboratory indicators between the groups with decreased AMH group and normal AMH group. (3) The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age (OR=1.124, 95%CI: 1.033-1.224, P=0.007) and disease duration (OR=1.100, 95%CI: 1.017-1.190, P=0.018) were identified as significant risk factors for the decline in AMH levels. (4) After 6 months of treatment with telitacicept, the AMH level was significantly higher than that before treatment [2.050 (0.763, 4.259) μg/L vs. 1.988 (0.473, 2.822) μg/L, P=0.043]. There was no significant difference in AMH level between patients receiving rituximab treatment for 6 months [2.026 (0.376, 2.267) μg/L vs. 1.545 (0.503, 3.414) μg/L, P=0.127]. CONCLUSION Ovarian function is decreased in SLE patients of childbearing age, and age and disease duration are the risk factors. The utilization of biological agents demonstrates favorable safety profiles regarding ovarian function in childbearing-age patients with SLE.
Humans ; Female ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/physiopathology* ; Anti-Mullerian Hormone/blood* ; Adult ; Ovary/physiopathology* ; Young Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Menstruation Disturbances/etiology* ; Ovarian Reserve