OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of warming acupuncture on uterine blood perfusion in the patients with failed high-quality freeze-thawed embryo transfer (FET) and explore its effect mechanism on the improvement of clinical pregnancy rate after re-tranfer. METHODS: A total of 72 patients of failed high-quality FET were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 36 cases in each one. In the observation group, after the menstrual period ended, warming acupuncture started at the acupoints located on the abdomen, e.g. Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongji (CV 3) and Qugu (CV 2) and those on the lumbar sacral region, e.g. Shenshu (BL 23), Mingmen (GV 4) and Yaoyangguan (GV 3), 50 min in each treatment, once daily, at the interval of 1 day after 4-day treatment. The treatment was discontinued till the patients were at the ovulatory stage. In the control group, capsules were taken orally and continuously after the end of menstrual period, 3 capsules each time, three times a day and stopped at the ovulatory stage. The treatment of one menstrual cycle was taken as one course and the treatment for 3 menstrual cycles was required. Before and after treatment, the uterine artery pulsation index (PI), endometrial thickness, endometrial type, uterine blood perfusion, the recovery time of sufficient uterine blood flow, the endomentrial receptivity (ER) during the implantation window period and the clinical pregnancy rate were observed in the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the endometrial thickness was increased and PI decreased obviously in the two groups (<0.05) and PI in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (<0.05). After treatment, the proportion of type a and type A of endometrium was increased markedly in the two groups (<0.05) and the proportion in the observation group was higher than the control group (<0.05). After treatment, the case proportion of sufficient uterine blood flow was increased obviously in the two groups (<0.05) and the value in the observation group was higher than the control group [83.3% (30/36) vs 69.4% (25/36), <0.05]. After treatment, the proportion of ER during the implantation window period was increased remarkably in the two groups (<0.05) and the value in the observation group was higher than the control group [72.2% (26/36) vs 50.0% (18/36), <0.05]. The recovery time of sufficient uterine blood flow in the observation group was shorter than the control group (<0.05) and the clinical pregnancy rate was higher than the control group [47.2% (17/36) vs 33.3% (12/36), <0.05]. CONCLUSION Warming acupuncture enhances uterine blood perfusion and improves uterine endometrial receptivity so that the clinical pregnancy rate is increased after re-transfer in the patients with failed high-quality freeze-thawed embryo transfer.
Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Embryo Transfer ; Endometrium ; Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Rate ; Uterus ; blood supply

The uterine tetanic contraction and uterine artery blood flow reduction are possible reasons for primary dysmenorrhea (PD). In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the uterine relaxant effect and the influence on uterine artery blood velocity of Ge-Gen Decoction (GGD), a well-known Chinese herbal formula. In female ICR mice, uterine contraction was induced by oxytocin exposure following estradiol benzoate pretreatment, and the uterine artery blood velocity was detected by Doppler ultrasound. Histopathological examination of the uterine tissue samples were performed by H&E staining. Ex vivo studies demonstrated that oxytocin, posterior pituitary, or acetylcholine induced contractions in isolated mouse uterus. GGD inhibited both spontaneous and stimulated contractions. In vivo study demonstrated that GGD significantly reduced oxytocin-induced writhing responses with a maximal inhibition of 87%. Further study demonstrated that GGD normalized oxytocin-induced abnormalities of prostaglandins F2 alpha (PGF2α) and Ca(2+) in mice. In addition, injection of oxytocin induced a decrease in uterine artery blood flow velocity. Pretreatment with GGD reversed the oxytocin response on blood flow velocity. Histopathological examination showed pretreatment with GGD alleviated inflammation and edema in the uterus when compared with the model group. Both ex vivo and in vivo results indicated that GGD possessed a significant spasmolytic effect on uterine tetanic contraction as well as improvement on uterine artery blood velocity which may involve PGF2α and Ca(2+) signaling, suggesting that GGD may have a clinic potential in PD therapy.
Animals ; Blood Flow Velocity ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Dysmenorrhea ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Female ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Oxytocin ; adverse effects ; Uterine Contraction ; drug effects ; Uterus ; blood supply ; drug effects ; physiopathology

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for the formation of aberrant artery collaterals in the uterus during uterine artery embolization (UAE).
 METHODS: The data of 144 women with scar in the uterus due to cesarean were retrospectively analyzed. They underwent UAE in the period of 2009-2014 and were divided into two groups according to a standard with or without the aberrant artery collaterals in the uterus. The risk factors were analyzed.
 RESULTS: Aberrant artery collaterals were found in thirty-four patients. According to multiple logistic regression analysis, the presence of placenta previa (RR=78.556, 95% CI: 2.869-2 150.651, P=0.010), pelvic inflammatory disease (RR=6.633, 95% CI: 1.595-27.592, P=0.009), pregnancy complications (RR=7.264, 95% CI: 1.622-32.531, P=0.010), abortions (RR=18.381, 95% CI: 1.683-200.752, P=0.017) and uterine fibroids or adenomyosis (RR=12.580, 95% CI: 1.004-157.550, P=0.050) were the factors for the presence of aberrant artery collaterals.
 CONCLUSION Aberrant artery collaterals were more frequent in patients with pelvic inflammatory disease, pregnancy complications, abortions and uterine fibroids or adenomyosis.
Arteries ; pathology ; Cesarean Section ; adverse effects ; Cicatrix ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Uterine Artery Embolization ; Uterus ; blood supply ; pathology

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of transcatheter uterine artery embolization (UAE) for post-myomectomy hemorrhage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified eight female patients (age ranged from 29 to 51 years and with a median age of 37) in two regional hospitals who suffered from post-myomectomy hemorrhage requiring UAE during the time period from 2004 to 2012. A retrospective review of the patients' clinical data, uterine artery angiographic findings, embolization details, and clinical outcomes was conducted. RESULTS: The pelvic angiography findings were as follows: hypervascular staining without bleeding focus (n = 5); active contrast extravasation from the uterine artery (n = 2); and pseudoaneurysm in the uterus (n = 1). Gelatin sponge particle was used in bilateral uterine arteries of all eight patients, acting as an empirical or therapeutic embolization agent for the various angiographic findings. N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate was administered to the target bleeding uterine arteries in the two patients with active contrast extravasation. Technical and clinical success were achieved in all patients (100%) with bleeding cessation and no further related surgical intervention or embolization procedure was required for hemorrhage control. Uterine artery dissection occurred in one patient as a minor complication. Normal menstrual cycles were restored in all patients. CONCLUSION: Uterine artery embolization is a safe, minimally invasive, and effective management option for controlling post-myomectomy hemorrhage without the need for hysterectomy.
Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Hysterectomy ; Leiomyoma/blood supply/*surgery ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Hemorrhage/*therapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Uterine Artery Embolization/adverse effects/*methods ; Uterine Neoplasms/blood supply/*surgery ; Uterus/blood supply/surgery

Transrectal Doppler sonography was used to evaluate uterine blood flow during the first two weeks after parturition in six primiparous Simmental cows. The uterine blood flow was evaluated on the day of parturition (Day 0), once daily from Days 1 to 8 and then every other day until Day 14. Blood flow was quantified by determining the diameter (D), the time-averaged maximum velocity (TAMV), the pulsatility index (PI) and the blood flow volume (BFV) of the uterine arteries ipsilateral and contralateral to the formerly pregnant uterine horn. During the first four days after calving D, TAMV and BFV declined (ipsilateral: TAMV 70%, BFV 87%, contralateral: D 47%, BFV 84%; p < 0.05), while PI increased (ipsilateral 158%, contralateral 100%; p < 0.05) distinctly. Between Days 4 and 14 only the ipsilateral D (12%) and the BFV of both arteries (ipsilateral 5%, contralateral 8%) decreased (p < 0.05). Blood flow variables were very strongly correlated with each other (r > +/-0.75, p < 0.05), with negative correlations with PI and positive correlations with all other investigated factors. Overall, this study revealed characteristic changes in uterine perfusion during the first two weeks after parturition in cows that were pronounced during the first four days postpartum.
Animals ; Blood Flow Velocity/veterinary ; Cattle ; Female ; Parturition ; *Postpartum Period ; Pulse Wave Analysis/veterinary ; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color/*methods/veterinary ; Uterine Artery/anatomy & histology/*ultrasonography ; Uterus/*blood supply/*ultrasonography

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Taohong Siwu decoction (THSWD) on micro-vascular density (MVD) in rat uterus, the content of angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) in serum, and the expression of tyrosine kinasa receptor (Tie-2) in uterus.

METHODEarly pregnancy rats were intragastrically administrated with misoprostol (100 microg x kg(-1)) and mifepristong (8.3 mg x kg(-1)) to established the incomplete-abortion model. The incomplete-abortion rats were randomly divided into the model group (the same volume of distilled water), the positive control group (at the daily dose of 4.3 g x kg(-1) Motherwort Particles), and THSWD-treated groups (at the daily dose of 18.0, 9.0 and 4.5 g x kg(-1)). Pregnant rats were taken as the control group (the same volume of distilled water). After the successive oral administration for 7 days, blood was collected from aorta abdominalis, and rat uterine tissues were collected. The content of serum Ang-1 and Ang-2 were detected by ELISA; And the levels of Tie-2 and MVD in uterine tissues were detected by SP immunohistochemistry.

RESULTTHSWD remarkably increased the levels of MVD in uterus of medicine-induced abortion rats, the content of Ang-1 and Ang-2 in serum, and the expression of Tie-2 in uterine tissues.

CONCLUSIONTHSWD has the effect in markedly promoting angiogenesis in incomplete-abortion rats. Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of concentrations of Ang-1 and Ang-2 in serum and Tie-2 in uterine tissues.

Abortion, Incomplete ; blood ; drug therapy ; genetics ; Angiopoietin-1 ; blood ; genetics ; Angiopoietin-2 ; blood ; genetics ; Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptor, TIE-2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Uterus ; blood supply ; drug effects ; metabolism

Diagnostic Errors ; Female ; Humans ; Hysterectomy ; Leiomyoma ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Middle Aged ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Ultrasonography ; Uterine Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; surgery ; Uterus ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; Venous Thrombosis ; diagnosis ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo observe the curative effect of massage in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea (PD), and its effect on hemodynamics parameters of uterine artery and serum prostaglandins.

METHODS60 PD patients were randomly assigned to the massage group and the control group, 30 in each. Patients in the massage group received massage, while those in the control group orally took ibuprofen sustained release capsule, both for three menstrual cycles. The pain degree was assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS). The hemodynamics parameters of uterine artery [including pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), systolic to diastolic peak ratio (S/D)], the serum levels of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) and PGE2 in the menstruation were detected in the two groups before and after treatment.

RESULTSThere was no statistical difference in each index before treatment between the two groups (P>0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, the scores of VAS (mm, 33. 17+/-7.93 vs 63.53+/-9.48), PI (2.18+/-0.18 vs 2.74+/-0.23), RI (0.67+/-0.09 vs 0. 86+/-0.27), S/D (5.44+/-0.47 vs 7.56+/-0.28), and serum PGF2a level (ng/L, 28. 10+/-2.41 vs 37.68+/-2.16) were lower and serum PGE, level (ng/L, 29.82+/-2.13 vs 26.43+/-1.42) higher in the massage group, showing statistical difference (P<0.05, P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSMassage had favorable therapeutic effect on PD. Its effect might be achieved through improving the blood circulation of uterus, adjusting the abnormal levels of PGF2a and PGE2, thus exerting pain relief effect.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Blood Flow Velocity ; Dysmenorrhea ; blood ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Female ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Ibuprofen ; therapeutic use ; Massage ; Pain Measurement ; Prostaglandins ; blood ; Uterus ; blood supply ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of Shenghua decoction on hemorheology, thrombosis and microcirculation, and explore its approach and mechanism.

METHODThe main hemorheological indexes and endothelial function were detected in acute stress blood stasis rats. The thrombus wet weight and thrombus dry weight were measured in the rat model of venous thrombosis, and the inhibitory rates in the formation of venous thrombosis were calculated. The number of paralysis or dead after 1-15 min was calculated in mice, induced by tail intravenous injection of a mixture of collagen and Epinephrine. Blood flow and the across netting were also determined on capillary vessel of uterus microcirculation.

RESULTShenghua decoction reduce blood viscidity of the rats, reduce the thrombosis of the murine, and promote the microcirculation of the uterus in rats.

CONCLUSIONShenghua decoction has the ability of blood-activating and stasis-eliminating. It also has an anti-thrombotic effect and can promote microcirculation.

Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Female ; Hemorheology ; drug effects ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Microcirculation ; drug effects ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Thrombosis ; prevention & control ; Uterus ; blood supply

OBJECTIVE: We retrospectively assessed the results of performing ethanol embolization for pelvis arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the past 10 years, eight patients (8 females, age range: 27-52 years) with AVMs in the pelvic wall (n = 3) and uterus (n = 5) underwent staged ethanol embolizations (range: 1-5, mean: 2.5) under general anesthesia. Ethanol embolization was performed by the use of the transcatheter and/or direct puncture techniques. Clinical follow-up was performed for all of the patients, and imaging follow-up was available for seven patients. The therapeutic outcomes were established by evaluating the clinical outcome of the signs and symptoms, as well as the degree of devascularization observed on post-procedural angiography. RESULTS: During the 20 sessions of ethanol embolization, the solitary transarterial approach was used 14 times, the transvenous approach was used three times and direct puncture was used once. For two patients, the transarterial and transvenous or direct puncture approaches were used together in one session. For four patients, ethanol and coils were used as embolic agents, and n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) and ethanol were used in one patient. Seven (88%) of eight patients were cured of their AVMs and one patient (12%) displayed improvement. Major complications were seen in two patients (25%). CONCLUSION: Ethanol embolization is effective for the treatment of pelvic arteriovenous malformations, though there is a chance of a major complication.
Adult ; Arteriovenous Malformations/*therapy ; Embolization, Therapeutic/adverse effects/*methods ; Enbucrilate/administration & dosage ; Ethanol/administration & dosage ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Pelvis/*blood supply ; Retrospective Studies ; Solvents/administration & dosage ; Tissue Adhesives/administration & dosage ; Uterus/*blood supply