• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제43권2호
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• pp.112-118
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• 2016

Objective: Ovarian reserve tests are commonly used to predict ovarian response in infertile patients undergoing ovarian stimulation. Although serum markers such as basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or random $anti-M{\ddot{u}}llerian$ hormone (AMH) level and ultrasonographic markers (antral follicle count, AFC) are good predictors, no single test has proven to be the best predictor. In this study, we developed appropriate equations and novel nomograms to predict the number of oocytes that will be retrieved using patients' age, serum levels of basal FSH and AMH, and AFC. Methods: We analyzed a database containing clinical and laboratory information of 141 stimulated in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles performed at a university-based hospital between September 2009 and December 2013. We used generalized linear models for prediction of the number of oocytes. Results: Age, basal serum FSH level, serum AMH level, and AFC were significantly related to the number of oocytes retrieved according to the univariate and multivariate analyses. The equations that predicted the number of oocytes retrieved (log scale) were as follows: model (1) $3.21-0.036{\times}(age)+0.089{\times}(AMH)$, model (2) $3.422-0.03{\times}(age)-0.049{\times}(FSH)+0.08{\times}(AMH)$, model (3) $2.32-0.017{\times}(age)+0.039{\times}(AMH)+0.03{\times}(AFC)$, model (4) $2.584-0.015{\times}(age)-0.035{\times}(FSH)+0.038{\times}(AMH)+0.026{\times}(AFC)$. model 4 showed the best performance. On the basis of these variables, we developed nomograms to predict the number of oocytes that can be retrieved. Conclusion: Our nomograms helped predict the number of oocytes retrieved in stimulated IVF cycles.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제45권1호
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• pp.31-37
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• 2018

Objective: To evaluate the pregnancy rate and time to pregnancy after timed coitus with or without superovulation in infertile young women younger than 35 years old with low serum $anti-M{\ddot{u}}llerian$ hormone (AMH) levels ( < 25th percentile). Methods: A total of 202 patients younger than 35 years old were recruited retrospectively between 2010 and 2012. Ninety-eight women had normal serum AMH levels (25-75th percentile), 75 women had low serum AMH levels (5th ${\leq}$ & < 25th percentile) and 29 women had very low serum AMH levels ( < 5th percentile), according to reference values for their age group. Results: The clinical pregnancy rate was positively associated with AMH levels, but this trend did not reach statistical significance (43.9% vs. 41.3% vs. 27.6% in the normal, low, and very low AMH groups, respectively). The time to pregnancy was longer in the very low AMH group than in the normal AMH group ($13.1{\pm}10.9months$ vs. $6.9{\pm}6.1months$, p= 0.030). The cumulative live birth rate over 18 months was lower in the very low AMH group than in the normal AMH group, with marginal significance (20.0% vs. 55.9%, p= 0.051). The duration of infertility was negatively correlated with achieving pregnancy (odds ratio, 0.953; 95% confidence interval, 0.914-0.994; p= 0.026). Conclusion: Conservative management, such as timed coitus with or without superovulation, should be considered in young patients who have low ovarian reserve without any infertility factors. However, for women with a long duration of infertility or very low serum AMH levels, active infertility treatment should be considered.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제43권1호
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• pp.136-153
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• 2022

Objectives: The aim of this study was to find out whether east asian herbal medicine (EAHM) treatment alone is effective in improving pregnancy-related indicators compared to conventional medicine in women with Diminished Ovarian Reserve (DOR). Methods: We searched eligible studies from PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, CiNii, Korean Medical Database, Korean Studies Information Service System, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, ScienceOn. GRADE pro was used to evaluate the current evidence of the study. Result: A total of 5 studies, 325 women with DOR were included. EAHM showed a significant effect on improvement of pregnancy rate (n=270, RR 2.13 [95% CI 1.44 to 3.15], Z=3.78, p=0.0002, I2=0%) and Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) level (n=211, SMD 0.82 [95% CI 0.40 to 1.25], Z=3.80, p=0.0001) compared to conventional medicine. In ovulation rate (n=156, RR 0.86 [95% CI 0.70 to 1.06], Z=1.43, p=0.15, I2=0%), Antral Follicle Count (n=245, SMD 0.27 [95% CI -0.25 to 0.79], Z=1.01, p=0.31), and follicle stimulating hormone (n=245, SMD 0.29 [95% CI -0.13 to 0.70], Z=1.36, p=0.17) level, EAHM showed similar effects to conventional medicine. In this study, the most frequently used herbal medicines were Cuscutae Semen, Dipsaci Radix, and Angelicae Gigantis Radix. Conclusion: This meta-analysis showed that EAHM could improve pregnancy rates and AMH levels in women with DOR. However, more well-designed RCTs will have to be performed further in the future.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제50권1호
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• pp.1-11
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• 2023

In reproduction, mitochondria produce bioenergy, help to synthesize biomolecules, and support the ovaries, oogenesis, and preimplantation embryos, thereby facilitating healthy live births. However, the regulatory mechanism of mitochondria in oocytes and embryos during oogenesis and embryo development has not been clearly elucidated. The functional activity of mitochondria is crucial for determining the quality of oocytes and embryos; therefore, the underlying mechanism must be better understood. In this review, we summarize the specific role of mitochondria in reproduction in oocytes and embryos. We also briefly discuss the recovery of mitochondrial function in gametes and zygotes. First, we introduce the general characteristics of mitochondria in cells, including their roles in adenosine triphosphate and reactive oxygen species production, calcium homeostasis, and programmed cell death. Second, we present the unique characteristics of mitochondria in female reproduction, covering the bottleneck theory, mitochondrial shape, and mitochondrial metabolic pathways during oogenesis and preimplantation embryo development. Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with ovarian aging, a diminished ovarian reserve, a poor ovarian response, and several reproduction problems in gametes and zygotes, such as aneuploidy and genetic disorders. Finally, we briefly describe which factors are involved in mitochondrial dysfunction and how mitochondrial function can be recovered in reproduction. We hope to provide a new viewpoint regarding factors that can overcome mitochondrial dysfunction in the field of reproductive medicine.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제50권4호
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• pp.285-291
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• 2023

Objective: Infertility can result from a diminished ovarian reserve, but a potential remedy exists in the form of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) administration. This treatment involves both biological factors and tissue trauma mechanisms, which stimulate folliculogenesis, making it a promising and effective strategy. We assessed the impact of direct PRP injections into the ovaries on the fertility outcomes of women classified as poor responders. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted from April 2021 to December 2022, focusing on patients classified as POSEIDON grade 3 or 4. PRP injections were administered into both ovaries. After 3 months, data were collected on anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) level, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) level, and the numbers of oocytes, mature oocytes, and good-quality embryos following ovarian stimulation. We then compared the data from before and after PRP injection. Results: This study included 50 women, with a mean of 39 years (interquartile range [IQR], 35 to 43) and 4 years (IQR, 2 to 6) for age and infertility duration, respectively. FSH levels decreased after treatment, while AMH levels and the numbers of oocytes, metaphase II oocytes, and high-quality embryos increased. However, only the increase in high-quality embryos was significant. The pregnancy and spontaneous pregnancy rates were 20% and 14%, respectively. Notably, women with secondary infertility exhibited a significantly higher pregnancy rate than those with primary infertility. Conclusion: Ample evidence suggests that PRP can enhance ovarian function. However, further studies are needed to identify the appropriate candidates for this procedure, establish the optimal PRP preparation method, and standardize the procedure for its adjuvant use in assisted reproductive technology cycles.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제23권3호
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• pp.283-292
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• 1996

Objective: To determine the cutoff value of clomiphene citrate challenge test(CCCT) that can predict the normal and abnormal(diminished) ovarian response group and to assess the usefulness of CCCT as a predictor of ovarian reserve. Materials and Methods: From March 1994 to Februry 1996, CCCT was performed to 129 infertile patients and among them, 20 patients whose basal FSH on the third day of menstrual cycle was more than 20 mIU/ml were excluded. At the same time, the same CCCT was performed to the fifteen healthy volunteers with proven fertility to determine the cutoff value of CCCT. Results; 1) A FSH value higher than 23.4 mIU/ml, measured on the 10th day of menstrual cycle, was defined as a abnormal ovarian response. The cutoff value of 23.4 mIU/ml is more than 2 standard deviations(SD) above the mean value of 15 healthy women after CCCT. 2) The abnormal CCCT group, the subpopulation with a FSH value of 23.4 mIU/ml or more, was 7.3%(8/109) and their mean age was higher than the normal CCCT group($36.5{\pm}4.5$ vs. $32.9{\pm}4.8$, P = 0.059). And the percentage of the patients older than 35 years of the abnormal CCCT group was significantly higher than that of the normal CCCT group(62.5% vs. 38.6%, p <0.05). 3) There was no correlation between the hormone values of the third day and the 10th day of menstrual cycle before and after CCCT except between FSH of the third day and the 10th day. Conclusion: The CCCT is a good method to predict the individual ovarian response to COH for ART, especially in the patients who has no other abnormal findings that predict poor prognosis. And it is neccessary to determine the cutoff value of CCCT by the large numbers of randomized study, and combining the previously proven prognostic factors, it can be applicated in many individual centers for evaluate the ovarian response before ART program.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제26권2호
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• pp.163-170
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• 1999

Objectives: The aims of this study are 1) to determine if GAST is a better indicator in predicting ovarian response to COH compared with patient's age or basal FSH level and 2) to evaluate its role in detecting abnormal ovarian response. Design: Prospective study in 118 patients undergoing IVF-ET using GnRH-a short protocol during May-September 1995. Materials and Methods: After blood sampling for basal FSH and estradiol $(E_2)$ on cycle day two, 0.5ml (0.525mg) GnRH agonist ($Suprefact^{(r)}$, Hoechst) was injected subcutaneously. Serum $E_2$ was measured 24 hours later. Initial $E_2$ difference $({\Delta}E_2)$ was defined as the change in $E_2$ on day 3 over the baseline day 2 value. Sixteen patients with ovarian cyst or single ovary or incorrect blood collection time were excluded from the analysis. The patients were divided into three groups by ${\Delta}E_2$; group A (n=30):${\Delta}E_2$<40 pg/ml, group B (n=52): 40 pg/ml${\leq}{\Delta}E_2$<100 pg/ml, group C (n=20): ${\Delta}E_2{\leq}100$ pg/ml. COH was done by GnRH agonist/HMG/hCG and IVF-ET was followed. Ratio of $E_2$ on day of hCG injection over the number of ampules of gonadotropins used ($E_2hCGday$/Amp) was regarded as ovarian responsiveness. Poor ovarian response and overstimulation were defined as $E_2$ hCGday less than 600 pg/ml and greater than 5000 pg/ml, respectively. Results: Mean age $({\pm}SEM)$ in group A, B and C were $33.7{\pm}0.8^*,\;31.5{\pm}0.6\;and\;30.6{\pm}0.5^*$, respectively ($^*$: p<0.05). Mean basal FSH level of group $A(11.1{\pm}1.1mlU/ml)$ was significantly higher than those of $B(7.4{\pm}0.2mIU/ml)$ and C $(6.8{\pm}0.4mIU/ml)$ (p<0.001). Mean $E_2hCGday$ of group A was significantly lower than those of group B or C, i.e., $1402.1{\pm}187.7pg/ml,\;3153.2{\pm}240.0pg/ml,\;4078.8{\pm}306.4pg/ml$ respectively (p<0.0001). The number of ampules of gonadotropins used in group A was significantly greater than those in group B or C: $38.6{\pm}2.3,\;24.2{\pm}1.1\;and\;18.5{\pm}1.0$ (p<0.0001). The number of oocytes retrieved in group A was significantly smaller than those in group B or C: $6.4{\pm}1.1,\;15.5{\pm}1.1\;and\;18.6{\pm}1.6$, respectively (p<0.0001). By stepwise multiple regression, only ${\Delta}E_2$ showed a significant correlation (r=0.68, p<0.0001) with $E_2HCGday$/Amp, while age or basal FSH level were not significant. Likewise, only ${\Delta}E_2$ correlated significantly with the number of oocytes retrieved (r=0.57, p<0.001). All four patients whose COH was canceled due to poor ovarian response belonged to group A only (Fisher's exact test, p<0.01). Whereas none of 30 patients in group A (0%) had overstimulation, 14 patients among 72 patients (19.4%) in group B and C had overstimulation (Fisher's exact test, p<0.01). Conclusions: These data suggest that initial $E_2$ difference after GAST may be a better prognostic indicator of ovarian response to COH than age or basal FSH level. Since initial $E_2$ difference demonstrates significant association with abnormal ovarian response such as poor ovarian response necessitating cycle cancellation or overstimulation, GAST may be helpful in monitoring and consultation of patients during COH in IVF-ET cycle.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제35권3호
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• pp.213-221
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• 2008

목 적: 난소기능이 저하된 저반응군 불임 여성에서 한 개의 배아를 이식할 때 임신율에 영향을 주는 요인에 대해 알아보고자 한다. 연구방법: 본원에서 1996년 6월부터 2006년 4월까지 시험관 시술을 받은 환자 중, basal FSH가 12 mIU/mL 이상, 획득된 난자가 4개 이하, hCG 투여일에 혈청 $E_2$가 500 pg/ml 미만인 저반응군 총 919주기에서 한 개의 배아만을 이식한 235주기를 대상으로 하였다. 여성의 연령, hCG 투여일에 혈청 $E_2$, basal FSH, 3일째 배아 이식 시 할구수, 과배란 유도 방법, 이식 횟수에 따른 임신율과 생존아 출생률을 비교하였으며, 통계학적인 방법은 Chi-square를 이용하여 p-value 0.05 이하인 경우를 유의하게 평가하였다. 결 과: 총 919주기 중 난자채취 취소율은 25.6% (235주기), 난자채취 실패율은 18.5% (170주기), 배아 이식 취소율은 14.0% (129주기)였다. 한 개의 배아를 이식한 군의 전체 임신율은 8.1% (19주기), 생존아 출생률은 4.7% (11주기)였고, 35세 미만의 여성에서 35세 이상의 여성보다 임신율과 생존아 출생률이 통계적으로 유의하게 높았다 (20% vs. 3.5% p<0.0001, 12.3% vs. 1.8%, p=0.002). hCG 투여일에 혈청 $E_2$, basal FSH, 3일째 배아 이식 시 할구수, 과배란 유도 방법에 따른 임신율과 생존아 출생률은 차이가 없었다. 이식 횟수에 따른 누적 임신율은 1회에 8.1%, 2회에 9.2%, 3회에 9.7%, 4회에 9.0%, 5회에 9.5%였다. 결 론: 저반응군의 체외수정에서 한 개의 배아를 이식할 때, 불임 여성의 연령이 35세 미만에서 임신율과 생존아출생률이 유의하게 증가함을 확인하였고, 이식 횟수에 따른 누적 임신율은 차이가 없었다. 이는 체외수정을 시도하려고 하는 난소기능 저하의 불임 여성에서 구체적인 상담 자료로 사용할 수 있겠다.

• 대한한방부인과학회지
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• 제28권2호
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• pp.174-182
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• 2015

Objectives : AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) is considered a sensitive marker of ovarian reserve, and it tends to be included among basic fertility tests. This paper is to report four pregnancies which were achieved by subfertile women with low AMH level after Korean medical treatments. Methods : Four cases of pregnancy by subfertile women, aged 34 to 37, with low AMH level (0.04 to 0.76 ng/mL), after Korean medical treatments between July 2012 and May 2015, were analysed. The patients were diagnosed as Kidney deficiency (腎虛), Blood extravasation (瘀血) and/or Liver Qi stagnation (肝氣 鬱結). Herbal medicine, acupuncture, pharmacopuncture and moxibustion treatments were applied. Results : The four subfertile women with low AMH level achieved pregnancy after Korean medical treatments. Conclusions : The case report suggests that Korean medical treatment can be an effective option for subfertile women with low AMH level before Assisted Reproductive Technology.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제34권3호
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• pp.189-196
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• 2007

목 적: 본 연구의 목적은 난소기능이 저하된 불임 환자에서 체외수정시술 시 그 결과의 예측인자로서 환자의 연령과 혈중 FSH 수치의 중요성 및 그 임상적인 의미를 알아보고자 하였다. 연구방법: 2000년 1월부터 2004년 12월까지 본원 불임센터에서 체외수정시술을 시행받은 환자 중 이전 체외수정시술주기에서 획득된 난자 수가 5개 이하이며 FSH 농도가 15 mIU/ml 이상 25 mIU/ml 이하로 그 연령이 42세 이하인 난소기능이 저하된 불임 환자 85명의 85 체외수정시술 주기를 연구대상으로 하였다. 남성요인의 불임이나 착상 전 유전진단인 경우는 제외시켰다. 과배란유도의 방법은 단기요법 (flare-up protocol)을 사용한 경우로 제한하였다. 결 과: 대상군을 환자의 나이에 따라 분류하여 분석하였을 때 환자의 연령이 낮은 군 (age < 35, n=35)에서 고령환자 군 (age $\geq$ 35, n=50)에 비해 통계적으로 의미 있게 높은 착상률 (19.0% versus 4.0%, p<0.05)과 높은 지속임신율(100% versus 14.3%, p<0.05)을 보였으며, 연구대상 군을 기저 혈중 FSH농도에 의해 두 군으로 비교하였을 때 낮은 기저 혈중 FSH를 가진 군 (basal serum FSH < 20 mIU/ml, n=58)에서 기저혈중 FSH가 높았던 군 (basal serum FSH $geq$ 20 mIU/ml, n=27)에 비해 획득된 난자 숫자는 통계적으로 의미 있게 높은 반면 (4.6$\pm$0.7 versus 2.2$\pm$0.5, p<0.05)주기 취소율은 의미 있게 낮은 (19.0% versus 55.6%, p<0.05) 결과를 보였다. 결 론: 난소반응이 저하된 불임 환자의 체외수정시술 시 그 예후에 관련된 인자로서 환자의 연령은 해당 주기의 임신성공 및 임신 지속여부에 대한 예후를 예측할 수 있는 인자로서 의미가 있는 반면 기저 혈중 FSH농도는 해당 주기에서의 난소의 반응에 대한 예측인자로써 활용이 가능 할 것으로 사료된다.