Pof

The efficiency of oocyte in-vitro maturation (IVM) and vitrification procedures after ex-vivo collection from ovarian tissue were assessed according to patient age, number of retrieved oocytes and tissue transport conditions. The combined procedure was performed in 136 patients: 130 adults (mean 27.6 ± 5.6 years) and six prepubertal girls (mean 8.7 ± 2.3 years). A higher mean number of oocytes were collected in girls compared with adults (11.5 ± 8.0 versus 3.8 ± 4.2, respectively, P < 0.001) but the percentage of degenerated oocytes was significantly higher in girls (35...

PURPOSE: Determine the outcome of embryo cryopreservation in female oncology patients METHODS: The outcomes of IVF/ICSI cycles in oncology patients over 15 years in a University Teaching Hospital. RESULTS: Forty-two oncology patients (mean 31.9 ± 3.9 years) underwent embryo cryopreservation treatment (n = 33 IVF, n = 6 ICSI). Controlled ovarian stimulation with GnRH antagonist protocol (n = 34; 81 %) yielded fewer oocytes than GnRH agonist protocol (n = 8; 19 %) (9...

BACKGROUND: The role of temporary ovarian suppression with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists (LHRHa) in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced premature ovarian failure (POF) is still controversial. Our meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) investigates whether the use of LHRHa during chemotherapy in premenopausal breast cancer patients reduces treatment-related POF rate, increases pregnancy rate, and impacts disease-free survival (DFS). METHODS: A literature search using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, and the proceedings of major conferences, was conducted up to 30 April 2015...

As treatment paradigms improve and young women live longer after a breast cancer diagnosis, there is an increasing need to define the fertility-related problems that premenopausal women with breast cancer face, and, more importantly, to find solutions. This article discusses what is known regarding fertility risks associated with standard breast cancer treatment regimens and limitations of that information. We outline established and emerging techniques for fertility preservation, including recent developments surrounding the controversial utility of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists through chemotherapy, and review available data on the safety of pregnancy in breast cancer survivors...

The increase in cancer incidence in younger people and the significant improvement in long and permanent remission have brought concern about their reproductive future and quality of life. Up to two-thirds of adult female patients undergoing chemotherapy for malignancies eventually develop premature ovarian failure. This condition is related to many complaints including vasomotor symptoms, osteoporosis, increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, sexual dysfunction, and infertility. Therefore, protection against iatrogenic infertility and loss of endocrine ovarian function caused by chemotherapy is currently of high priority...

IMPORTANCE: Chemotherapy may result in a detrimental effect on ovarian function and fertility in premenopausal women undergoing treatment for early-stage breast cancer (EBC). To minimize risk of harm to ovarian function and fertility for patients in this setting, careful considerations should be made. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) have been suggested as an alternative to prevent the loss of ovarian function due to exposure to cytotoxic agents, but GnRHa use for ovarian protection in EBC patients is not fully resolved...

Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) and polycystic ovarian syndrome are ovarian diseases causing infertility. Although there is no effective treatment for POI, therapies for polycystic ovarian syndrome include ovarian wedge resection or laser drilling to induce follicle growth. Underlying mechanisms for these disruptive procedures are unclear. Here, we explored the role of the conserved Hippo signaling pathway that serves to maintain optimal size across organs and species. We found that fragmentation of murine ovaries promoted actin polymerization and disrupted ovarian Hippo signaling, leading to increased expression of downstream growth factors, promotion of follicle growth, and the generation of mature oocytes...

STUDY QUESTION: Is ovarian tissue cryopreservation using vitrification followed by in vitro activation (IVA) of dormant follicles a potential approach for infertility treatment of patients with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)? SUMMARY ANSWER: Our vitrification approach followed by IVA treatment is a potential infertility therapy for POI patients whose ovaries contain residual follicles. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Akt (protein kinase B) stimulators [PTEN (phosphatase with TENsin homology deleted in chromosome 10) inhibitor and phosphatidyinositol-3-kinase (PI3 kinase) stimulator] activate dormant primordial follicles in vitro and ovarian fragmentation disrupts the Hippo signaling pathway, leading to the promotion of follicle growth...

Premature ovarian failure (POF) causing hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism occurs in 1% of women. In majority of cases the underlying cause is not identified. The known causes include: (a) Genetic aberrations, which could involve the X chromosome or autosomes. A large number of genes have been screened as candidates for causing POF; however, few clear causal mutations have been identified. (b) Autoimmune ovarian damage, as suggested by the observed association of POF with other autoimmune disorders. Anti-ovarian antibodies are reported in POF by several studies, but their specificity and pathogenic role are questionable...