The Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily comprises highly conserved cytokines that orchestrate key cellular functions, including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Within the ovary, TGF-β family members serve as pivo…
Organoids are 3D structures in which stem, progenitor and differentiated cells spontaneously assemble into structures resembling the original tissue. Endometrial organoids, developed from tissue fragments, are genetically stable and respons…
Abstract Study question Are progesterone levels lower in women with endometriosis or adenomyosis undergoing an embryo transfer compared to unaffected? Summary answer Progesterone levels before embryo transfer in women with adenomyosis and e…
Evaluation of the optimal number of embryos, their quality, and the precise timing for transfer are critical determinants in reproductive success, although still remaining one of the main challenges in assisted reproduction technologies (AR…
PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between progesterone (P) level on the day of trigger and time to blastulation in IVF cycles. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study with autologous IVF cycles performed at our Institution from J…
PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between serum progesterone (P) at the day of ovulation trigger and neonatal birthweight in singletons born after frozen-thawed embryo transfer in segmented ART cycles. METHODS: A retrospective multicent…
Male infertility is a serious concern for public health, and the possible role of exposure to plasticizers such as phthalates and bisphenol A in contributing to the condition is widely debated. We have herein enrolled 155 infertility cases …
BACKGROUND: Ultrasound-guided embryo transfer (US-GET) is a widely performed procedure, but standards for the best practice are not available. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE: This document aims to provide an overview of technical aspects of US-GE…
Phthalates are substances used as plasticizing agents and solvents that can increase the risk of infertility and that appear to induce oxidative stress. The aim of the study was to show the possible relationship between urinary concentratio…
The xenoestrogenicity of some plasticisers (phthalates and bisphenol A) is documented in the literature and may pose a risk to female reproductive health. The aim of this study was to assess exposure to six phthalates. This was achieved by …
Endometriosis is a gynecological disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial stroma and glands outside the uterine cavity. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to clarify, starting from environmental exposure data, …
INTRODUCTION: Recent data suggest a higher clinical pregnancy rate performing assisted hatching (AH) on previously cryopreserved embryos but fail to demonstrate significant effects on live birth rate. However, current evidence is based on s…
In vitro fertilization can be an effective tool to manage the endometriosis-associated infertility, which accounts for 10% of the strategy indications. Nevertheless, a negative effect of endometriosis on IVF outcomes has been suggested. The…
Zona pellucida (ZP) manipulation, termed "assisted hatching" (AH), has been introduced in order to favor embryo hatching and ultimately improve assisted reproductive technology success but with poor proofs of safety and biological plausibil…
Growing evidence supports a role of vitamin D (VD) in reproductive health. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is expressed in the ovary, endometrium, and myometrium. The biological actions of VD in fertility and reproductive tissues have been investi…