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Effects of acupuncture on ovarian blood supply and pregnancy outcomes in patients receiving assisted reproduction
Abstract
Objective
To observe the effects of acupuncture at the follicular phase on ovarian blood supply and pregnancy outcomes in patients who received in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection-embry transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET) of assisted reproductive technology (ART).
Methods
A total of 169 IVF/ICSI-ET female recipients from the Reproductive Center of Xiehe Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology were randomized into an observation group (57 cases), a placebo group (54 cases) and a control group (58 cases). The observation group received acupuncture during the follicular phase, meanwhile the placebo group received placebo-acupuncture, and the control group did not receive acupuncture. The hemodynamic index, biochemical pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy rate of each group were observed, respectively.
Results
As to the ovarian arterial hemodynamic index, the pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), and the systolic-to-diastolic peak velocity ratio (S/D) of the observation group were (0.819±0.131), (0.552±0.055) and (2.306±0.512), respectively, obviously lower than those in the placebo group and the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05), but there were no statistically significant differences between the placebo group and the control group (all P>0.05). As to the biochemical pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy rate, the biochemical pregnancy rate in the observation group was 64.9% and the clinical pregnancy rate was 52.6%, which were significantly higher than those in the placebo group and the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05), while there were no significant differences between the placebo group and the control group (both P>0.05).
Conclusion
Acupuncture treatment during the follicular phase can improve ovarian blood supply and pregnancy rate in those receiving IVF/ICSI-ET.
... Based on the title and abstract, 101 articles were further detailed evaluated. Then 52 articles were excluded and 49 RCTs (9422 participants) with 29 published in English (7, and 20 in Chinese (58)(59)(60)(61)(62)(63)(64)(65)(66)(67)(68)(69)(70)(71)(72)(73)(74)(75)(76)(77) were included in the final review ( Table S2 ). ...
... As shown in Table S3 andFigure S2 , there were no specific descriptions about random sequence generation in nine studies (31,48,50,60,65,72,74,77) and they were determined to be "unclear". There were 5 studies with both a sham group and a no treatment control (35,40,64,74,77) which were defined as unclear risk for blinding of participants. However, studies with no treatment control were scored as high risk of bias. ...
... Only sham or placebo acupuncture was administered in 11 studies (30,33,38,41,43,44,46,51,53,54,70), and 24 studies used only a no treatment control (7, 25, 31, 32, 34, 39, 45, 47, 49, 50, 52, 58-63, 65, 66, 71-73, 75, 76 ). Ten trials included three arms (31,40,41,48,52,54,63,64,74,77) and 4 trials were four-arms (34,35,37,67). Among them, both sham control and no treatment control were used in 5 trials (35,40,64,74,77). ...
Background: The evidence of acupuncture for in vitro fertilization (IVF) remains debatable. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture on embryo transfer in women undergoing IVF. Search Strategy: PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Wanfang, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP were searched up to 6 September 2021. Selection Criteria: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture evaluating IVF’s effects were included. Data Collection and Analysis: Clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR) were quantitatively summarized by the random-effect model. Variations in pooled estimates were examined by subgroup analyses and I2 was measured to quantify statistical heterogeneity. Main Results: Forty-nine eligible RCTs representing 9422 women undergoing IVF for pregnant success were identified. Pooled CPR and LBR showed a significant difference between acupuncture and control groups (odds ratio [OR]=1.65, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.45 to 1.88; OR=1.34, 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.66). Subgroup analysis showed a benefit of traditional acupuncture for women aged < 35 years (CPR: OR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.23 to 2.03; LBR: OR=1.34, 95% CI:1.23 to 1.48), treatment with 3 sessions (CPR: OR=2.37, 95% CI: 1.46 to 3.85; LBR: OR=1.99, 95% CI:1.52 to 2.60), and lower baseline control group rates of CPR (CPR: OR=2.14, 95% CI: 1.22 to 2.13; LBR: OR=2.23, 95% CI:1.07 to 4.62). Heterogeneity across studies were found (CPR: I2=47.4, p <0.001; LBR: I2=62.9, p <0.001). Conclusions: Although benefits of acupuncture in CPR and LBR among IVF women existed, no robust associations were found and which might be limited by the heterogeneity of current evidence
... Most up-todate reports recommend the use of acupuncture before and after IVF-ET, as there is evidence that acupuncture improves the outcome of IVF-ET. 4,5 A clinical trial published in 2018 6 focused on the effect of acupuncture for promoting ovarian development. Acupuncture treatment was applied during the ovarianstimulating stage of IVF or introcytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI cycle). ...
Background: Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is the routine treatment for infertility. The success rate for individual sessions is generally not high, and many patients need to undergo several cycles. To increase their chances of success, many patients turn to acupuncture to complement ART. Many clinical trials of acupuncture helping in vitro fertilization (IVF) have focused only on IVF-embryo transfer (ET). In some difficult cases, when even IVF cannot be offered, acupuncture and Chinese herbs can improve the patients' conditions to reach a level at which ART can be successful. Cases: Six cases showed how acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), using Chinese herbs, can make IVF possible in difficult cases and how they can also help prevent miscarriage afterward. The cases included patients with amenorrhea, sperm disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome, diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), tubal blockage, premenopause, and premature ovarian insufficiency. Results: Acupuncture and Chinese herbs worked together to help make ART possible or easier. The ART used for these patients included intrauterine insemination, IVF, IVF with a donor egg, and introcytoplasmic sperm injection. In 3 cases, IVF was not initially successful but was successful after TCM treatment. Conclusions: These 6 cases demonstrated the positive effect of a combined approach, using acupuncture and herbs to reduce DOR and regulate hormonal disorders, creating sustainable environments for conceiving and maintaining pregnancy, thus, translating into clinical success. Clinical observation of these cases sheds new light on designing future clinical trials and practice of TCM for practitioners who provide infertility treatments.
Currently, more and more infertility couples are opting for combined acupuncture to improve success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, evidence from acupuncture for improving IVF pregnancy outcomes remains a matter of debate.
To quantitatively summarized the evidence of the efficacy of acupuncture among women undergoing IVF by means of systematic review and meta-analysis.
Four English (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Register of Controlled Clinical Trials) and Four Chinese databases (Wanfang Databases, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, and SinoMed) were searched from database inception until July 2, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the acupuncture’s effects for women undergoing IVF were included. The subgroup analysis was conducted with respect to the age of participants, different acupuncture types, type of control, acupuncture timing, geographical origin of the study, whether or not repeated IVF failure, and acupuncture sessions. Sensitivity analyses were predefifined to explore the robustness of results. The primary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR), and the secondary outcomes were ongoing pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate. Random effects model with I2 statistics were used to quantify heterogeneity. Publication bias was estimated by funnel plots and Egger’s tests.
A total of 58 eligible RCTs representing 10,968 women undergoing IVF for pregnant success were identifified. Pooled CPR and LBR showed a signifificant difference between acupuncture and control groups [69 comparisons, relative risk (RR) 1.19, 95% confifidence intervals (CI) 1.12 to 1.25, I2=0], extremely low evidence; 23 comparisons, RR 1.11, 95%CI 1.02 to 1.21, I2=14.6, low evidence, respectively). Only transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation showed a positive effect on both CPR (16 comparisons, RR 1.17, 95%CI 1.06 to 1.29; I2=0, moderate evidence) and LBR (9 comparisons, RR 1.20, 95%CI 1.04 to 1.37; I2=8.5, extremely low evidence). Heterogeneity across studies was found and no studies were graded as high-quality evidence.
Results showed that the convincing evidence levels on the associations between acupuncture and IVF pregnant outcomes were relatively low, and the varied methodological design and heterogeneity might inflfluence the fifindings. (Registration No. PROSPERO CRD42021232430)
Background: This study reviewed published evidence of the efficacy of acupuncture among women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Methods: The database included PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Wanfang, CNKI, VIP were searched up to May 24, 2022. The primary outcomes for clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR) were quantitatively summarized by the random-effect model with I2 statistics to quantify heterogeneity.
Results: Forty-nine eligible randomized clinical trials (RCTs)representing 9422 women undergoing IVF for pregnant success were identified. The results indicated that pooled CPR and LBR showed a significant difference between acupuncture and control groups [53 trials, odds ratio (OR)1.68, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.47 to 1.92, I²=47.4], extremely low evidence; 20 trials, OR1.37, 95%CI 1.11 to 1.69, I²=62.6, low evidence, respectively). Only transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) was found to be a positive effect on both CPR (10 trials, OR1.73, 95%CI 1.35 to 2.23; I²=28.1, moderate evidence) and LBR (7 trials, OR 1.74, 95%CI 1.23 to 2.46; I²=47.6, extremely low evidence). Heterogeneity across studies was found and no studies were graded as high quality of evidence.
Conclusions: Our results showed that the association between acupuncture use and IVF pregnant outcomes were not supported by robust evidence and the varied methodological design and heterogeneity might influence the findings in a relevant way.
Registration: PROSPERO CRD42021232430.
Objective
To analyze the meridian and acupoint-selection patterns in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) by data mining technique, for exploring acupoints that could be effective for PCOS and providing suggestion and reference in selecting acupoints for the acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of PCOS.
Methods
Literatures related to the acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of PCOS published before April 2018 were collected. By a self-made data mining program developed using Microsoft Excel 2007, a database of acupuncturemoxibustion treatment of PCOS was then established. The correlation analysis was performed for the frequency of use of acupoints and acupoint groups. Cluster analysis was also conducted.
Results
A total of 92 articles were recruited finally. Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Conception Vessel and chest-abdomen region ranked the top on the list of the most frequently used acupoints, meridians and regions, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that the acupoint group with the highest confidence was Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Zusanli (ST 36), and the group with the highest support was Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Guanyuan (CV 4). Cluster analysis revealed five effective clusters: Guanyuan (CV 4) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6); Zhongwan (CV 12) and Tianshu (ST 25); Zhongji (CV 3), Zusanli (ST 36) and Qihai (CV 6); Xuehai (SP 10), Shenshu (BL 23), Taichong (LR 3) and Guilai (ST 29); Ganshu (BL 18), Taixi (KI 3), Yinlingquan (SP 9) and Pishu (BL 20).
Conclusion
According to the confidence and support report, Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) or Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Guanyuan (CV 4) are recommended in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of PCOS, with adjunct points selected for different patterns, e.g. Zhongwan (CV 12) and Tianshu (ST 25) for tonifying spleen and expelling dampness; Zhongji (CV 3) and Qihai (CV 6) for supplementing qi and cultivating blood; Xuehai (SP 10), Shenshu (BL 23), Taichong (LR 3) and Guilai (ST 29) for tonifying kidney and dissolving stasis; Ganshu (BL 18), Taixi (KI 3), Yinlingquan (SP 9) and Pishu (BL 20) for tonifying kidney and spleen and regulating liver.
The prerequisite of successful implantation depends on achieving the appropriate embryo development to the blastocyst stage and at the same time the development of an endometrium that is receptive to the embryo. Implantation is a very intricate process, which is controlled by a number of complex molecules like hormones, cytokines, and growth factors and their cross talk. A network of these molecules plays a crucial role in preparing receptive endometrium and blastocyst. Furthermore, timely regulation of the expression of embryonic and maternal endometrial growth factors and cytokines plays a major role in determining the fate of embryo. Most of the existing data comes from animal studies due to ethical issues. In this study, we comprehend the data from both animal models and humans for better understanding of implantation and positive outcomes of pregnancy. The purpose of this review is to describe the potential roles of embryonic and uterine factors in implantation process such as prostaglandins, cyclooxygenases, leukemia inhibitory factor, interleukin (IL) 6, IL11, transforming growth factor-β, IGF, activins, NODAL, epidermal growth factor (EGF), and heparin binding-EGF. Understanding the function of these players will help us to address the reasons of implantation failure and infertility.
The aim of this study was to elucidate possible relationships between ultrasound indices of follicular blood flow, oocyte recovery and the subsequent production and morphological quality of preimplantation embryos. A total of 27 women with bilateral tubal occlusion, undergoing treatment for infertility by in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, contributed data from 29 cycles. Transvaginal ultrasonography with colour Doppler imaging and pulsed Doppler spectral analysis was used to obtain indices of blood flow for each follicle immediately before it was aspirated. The main outcome measures for each follicle were the pulsatility index, peak systolic velocity, recovery or non-recovery of an oocyte and the subsequent production or non-production of an embryo. A total of 126 follicles were studied, 102 oocytes were recovered and 58 embryos (49 at grades I or II) were produced. There were six clinical pregnancies (pregnancy rate 27.3% per embryo transfer, 22.2% per patient). There was a significant correlation (P < 0.0001, chi2 test) between whether or not follicular blood flow was detected and whether or not an oocyte was recovered. The sensitivity of a test based on the presence of detectable blood flow and the subsequent recovery of an oocyte was 74% and the positive predictive value was 93%. The peak systolic velocity (PSV, measured in cm/s, mean +/- SD) in follicles with detectable blood flow was significantly higher in follicles that were associated with the production of a preimplantation embryo (19.7 +/- 10.8) compared with those that were not (9.9 +/- 5.3, P < 0.0001, Student's t-test). There was a 70% chance of producing a grade I or II embryo if the follicular blood velocity was >/=10 cm/s, compared with 14% if the PSV was <10 cm/s, or 18% if no blood flow was detected. We conclude that there is a physiological relationship between follicular blood velocity, oocyte recovery and the production of a high-grade preimplantation embryo, which may form the basis of a useful clinical test.
Peak systolic velocity (PSV) of individual follicles has been correlated with oocyte recovery, fertilization rate and embryo quality [in women undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer]. The present study assessed the role of quantitative and qualitative indices of follicular vascularity in predicting pregnancy after IVF and embryo transfer. A total of 106 women undergoing IVF treatment for infertility who were considered to be at risk of failure (>37 years of age, history of low response to gonadotrophin stimulation, or multiple failed IVF cycles) constituted the study group. PSV was measured from the three largest follicles on both the right and left ovaries on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) administration using an Acuson Sequoia with a 4-8 MHz transvaginal probe. The quality of follicular flow was graded from 1 to 4 according to the amount of visible colour flow around the follicle (grade 1 when one-quarter of the follicle, grade 2 when one-half, grade 3 when three-quarters, and grade 4 when the entire follicle was surrounded by colour). Clinical pregnancies resulted in 11 (10%) of the 106 high-risk women. Women who had PSV >/= 10 cm/s in at least one follicle on the day of HCG administration more often became pregnant than those with PSV <10 cm/s (P = 0.05). All pregnancies occurred in women with grade 3 or 4 follicular blood flow. Qualitative as well as quantitative measurements of follicular flow predict pregnancy after IVF and embryo transfer.
Diameter deviation during a follicular wave is characterized by the continued growth of the developing dominant follicle and reduced growth and regression of the subordinate follicles. This study considered the hypothesis that reduced blood flow in the future largest subordinate follicle precedes the beginning of diameter deviation. The hypothesis was tested by quantifying the daily changes in blood-flow velocities and blood-flow area within the wall of follicles before and during diameter deviation in mares (n = 7). The blood-flow end points were quantified daily by transrectal color Doppler ultrasonography. Follicles were identified retrospectively by rank as F1 (largest) and F2 according to the maximum attained diameter. Follicles were grouped into nine F1 diameter ranges of 3.0 mm each (equivalent to 1 day's growth) centered on 6.5, 9.5, 12.5, 15.5, 18.5, 21.5, 24.5, 27.5, and 30.5 mm. Diameter deviation began in the 24.5-mm group, as indicated by a smaller (P < 0.05) difference between F1 and F2 in the 24.5-mm group than in the 27.5-mm group. Based on a similar approach, peak systolic velocity and time-averaged maximum velocity of blood flow began to deviate between F1 and F2 in the 18.5-mm group (P < 0.04) and blood flow area began to deviate in the 21.5-mm group (P < 0.009). Thus, differential blood flow area between F1 and F2 began an average of 3.0 mm (equivalent to 1 day) and differential blood-flow velocities began an average of 6.0 mm before the beginning of diameter deviation. The results demonstrated that deviation between F1 and F2 in the blood flow of the follicle walls occurred 1 or 2 days before deviation in follicle diameter during follicle selection in mares.
This longitudinal study aimed to compare ovarian perifollicular and endometrial blood flow (PFBF and EBF, respectively) during the follicular phase in pregnant and non-pregnant IVF cycles.
Serial transvaginal scans were performed in 15 subjects undergoing IVF treatment. Both PFBF and EBF were subjectively graded (grades 0-4 for PFBF and grades 1-3 for EBF). After confirmation of clinical pregnancy, the treatment cycles were grouped into 'Pregnant' and 'Non-pregnant' cycles. Ovarian PFBF and EBF were retrospectively compared between the two groups.
In pregnant cycles, the proportion of large (> or = 15 mm) follicles with high (24) grade PFBF increased with time throughout the follicular phase, and the proportion of large follicles with poor (0-1) grade PFBF decreased. In non-pregnant cycles these trends were reversed. There was no difference in EBF between the two groups.
The pattern of ovarian PFBF but not EBF may be predictive of treatment outcome.
Objective: To study the relationship between perifollicular blood flow and follicle development, oocyte maturing rate, fertilizing rate, cleavaging rate, embryo quality and the outcomes of embryo transfer in vitro fertilization (IVF-ET). Methods: The samples were selected from 66 suffers who underwent IVF or ICSI. Every perifollicular blood flow (diameter≥12 mm) was estimated on the day of HCG administration. Results: Among 66 cycles, 26 (39. 4%) cycles resulted in pregnancy. Perifollicular blood flow RI and S/D of non-pregnant group was significantly higher than that of the pregnant group (both P<0. 01). When RI<0. 49, the pregnancy rates, fecundation rates, fertilization rates, numbers of metaphase of second meiosis oocytes increased evidently (all P<0. 05), but no statistical difference was found between different RI groups in gonadotropin dosage, cycle frequency, infertility years, ages, E2 on the day of HCG administration and numbers of oocyet retrieved and high-quality embryo rates (all P>0. 05). Also no statistical difference was found between non-pregnant group and pregnant group in S and D velocity (P>0. 05). There was no correlation between perifollicular blood flow RI and follicular diameter by linear regression analysis. Conclusion: Perifollicular blood flow RI and S/D are effective indices of predicting the pregnancy outcome of IVF-ET.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on ovarian reserve in patients with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.
Material and methods:
A total of 240 patients were randomly divided into the Han's acupoint nerve stimulator TEAS treatment (TES), comforting false Han's placebo (FHP), artificial endometrial cycle treatment (AEC), and control (CON) groups.
Results:
Fifty-six patients in TES, 56 in FHP, 54 in AEC, and 60 in CON fulfilled the study, respectively. Antral follicle count and anti-Müllerian hormone levels were increased, whereas the estradiol level, follicle-stimulating hormone level, and follicle-stimulating hormone/luteinizing hormone ratio were significantly decreased after treatment in the TES and AEC groups. After treatment, the number of oocytes retrieved and average number of embryos transferred were higher in the TES and AEC than in the CON and FHP groups. Clinical pregnancy rate in the TES group was markedly higher than values obtained for the other three groups.
Conclusion:
TEAS and AEC treatments could improve basal endocrine levels in patients, and increase the number of oocytes retrieved and high-quality embryos. TEAS treatment could improve the clinical pregnancy rate in patients with decreased ovarian reserve during in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer cycles.
The messenger RNA of the DNA methyltransferases DNMT3a and DNMT3b are expressed temporally in the endometrium across the menstrual cycle, as is the steroid hormone regulation of DNMT1, DNMT3a, and DNMT3b. This suggests that DNA methylation in endometrium is changeable during the menstrual cycle and potentially alters gene expression.
To investigate the relationship between follicular blood flow and the follicular fluid vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nitric oxide (NO) concentrations and to determine which factor might be a better predictor of the outcome of IVF-ET.
Prospective study.
Academic research laboratory.
Forty-seven cycles of IVF (tubal factor, 25 cycles; male factor, 22 cycles) at the infertility clinic of Pusan National University Hospital from February 2002 to June 2002.
Follicular blood flow was estimated on the day of hCG administration. Each follicular fluid sample was collected at oocyte retrieval, and follicular fluid VEGF and NO concentrations were assessed.
Follicular blood flow and follicular fluid VEGF and NO concentrations according to the age of patients, the cause of infertility, and pregnancy rate.
Of 47 cycles, 18 (38.3%) cycles resulted in a pregnancy. Follicular blood flow was significantly higher in the pregnant group compared with the nonpregnant group, but there was no statistically significant difference in age and infertility cause. Follicular fluid concentrations of VEGF and NO did not show statistically significant differences in age, infertility cause, or pregnancy outcome. As the follicle size increases, the follicular blood flow and follicular fluid VEGF concentrations increased significantly but the follicular fluid NO concentrations decreased. There was no correlation between VEGF and NO concentrations in the follicular fluid by linear regression analysis.
Our study showed that follicular blood flow was positively associated with the outcome of pregnancy. This is the first study to investigate the direct association of the follicular blood flow with pregnancy outcome after IVF-ET. These results suggest that follicular blood flow might be a more effective prognostic marker of the pregnancy outcome of IVF than follicular fluid VEGF or NO concentrations.
We studied single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes in the urotensin-II (UTS2) and urotensin-II receptor gene (UTS2R) in Hong Kong Chinese (224 hypertensive and 306 normotensive unrelated subjects) and their relation to hypertension and the metabolic syndrome. For UTS2, the GGT haplotype (-605G, 143G and 3836T) was associated with higher plasma level of U-II and insulin, and higher homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index and beta-cell function. For UTS2R, the AC haplotype (-11640A and -8515C) was associated with higher 2 h plasma glucose after a 75 g oral glucose load. Therefore, U-II and its receptor may play a role in insulin resistance.
To determine the effect of luteal-phase acupuncture on the outcome of IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Randomized, prospective, controlled clinical study.
University IVF center.
Two hundred twenty-five infertile patients undergoing IVF/ICSI.
In group I, 116 patients received luteal-phase acupuncture according to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. In group II, 109 patients received placebo acupuncture.
Clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates.
In group I, the clinical pregnancy rate and ongoing pregnancy rate (33.6% and 28.4%, respectively) were significantly higher than in group II (15.6% and 13.8%).
Luteal-phase acupuncture has a positive effect on the outcome of IVF/ICSI.
To evaluate the importance of adiponectin and insulin resistance in early- and late-onset pre-eclampsia.
A nested case-control study in 72 pregnant women who participated in the first-trimester Down-syndrome-screening programme and who delivered at our hospital.
University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Pregnant women: 36 women with pre-eclampsia of which 20 late onset and 16 early onset were compared with 36 uncomplicated pregnancies who delivered at term.
In all the women, insulin resistance was calculated by the homeostasis model assessment ratio (HOMA-IR) and plasma adiponectin was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Insulin resistance and adiponectin concentration.
First-trimester plasma adiponectin mean levels in the whole pre-eclampsia group were significantly lower than that in the control group (8.4 +/- 3.3 versus 14.8 +/- 4.6 microgram/ml; P < 0.001), whereas first-trimester mean HOMA-IR values were significantly higher in the pre-eclampsia group than that in the control group (2.0 +/- 1.1 versus 1.0 +/- 0.4; P= 0.01). Plasma adiponectin concentrations at delivery in the pre-eclampsia group were significantly higher than that in the control group (9.2 +/- 3.7 versus 7.8 +/- 2.6 microgram/ml; P= 0.04). First-trimester plasma adiponectin mean concentrations in the late-onset subgroup were significantly lower compared with the concentrations in early-onset subgroup (6.2 +/- 1.4 microgram/ml versus 11.1 +/- 3.2 microgram/ml; P < 0.001), and there was a significant difference in adiponectin plasma values only between women in the late-onset pre-eclampsia group versus those in the control group (P < 0.001). First-trimester mean HOMA-IR values were significantly higher in the late-onset subgroup compared with that of the early-onset subgroup (2.5 +/- 1.3 versus 1.3 +/- 0.3; P= 0.02), and there was a significant difference only between the control group versus the late-onset subgroup (P= 0.001).
First-trimester adiponectin and HOMA-IR values seem to select two completely different populations: early- and late-onset pre-eclampsia, which might suggest a different pathogenesis.
Relationship between hemodynamic changes of ovarian stromal and ovary response during in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer
- L M Li
- H B Wu
- H Yuan
- M J Li
- LM Li
The biochemical mechanism of electroacupuncture regulation of dysfunctional hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis in ovariectomized rats
- L N Cheng
- G Z Du
- B Y Chen
- LN Cheng
Effects of combined acupuncture and intracavitary short-wave physiotherapy on endometrial receptivity in IVF-ET
- Z G Sun
- F Lian
- J W Zhang
- H C Wu
- Z M Zhang
- Y Guo
- M Y Xue
- N Zhang
- Q Meng
- S Zhao
- ZG Sun
A review in research on the effect of acupuncture in the regulation of endocrine hormones
- X Gong
- Y J Wang
Clinical efficacy analysis on 83 cases of electro-acupuncture in promoting ovulation
- M Yan
- Y Q Huang
Treatment of 106 cases of infertility due to anovulation by acupuncture
- B Z Pang
- H Y Zhao
- BZ Pang
Observation on curative effect of ovulatory disorder infertility treated by Chinese medicinal combined with acupuncture
- R F Ma
- H J Lu
- X W Shi
- RF Ma
Clinical observation of ovulatory disorder treated by moxibustion
- X Q Li
- X L Shi
- XQ Li
Normal ovarian artery circulation during menstrual cycle examined by transvaginal color Doppler sonography
- A H Li
- Q H Yang
- L L Gao
- X H Bai
- Y X Peng
- AH Li
Clinical observation of 30 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome ovulating failure treated with eletronic-acupuncture
- Y J Fei
- X B Wang
- H F Cong
- YJ Fei
Relationship between hemodynamic changes of ovarian stromal and ovary response during in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Guangxi Yixue
- L M Li
- H B Wu
- H Yuan
- M J Li