Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology最新文献

Retraction of scientific papers may occur when the peer-review or publication process is compromised, even in cases where authors have no responsibility for the identified shortcomings. Using a recent case in which a peer-reviewed open-access mega-journal retracted a series of articles due to compromised peer review, also one from our group, this work examines the implications of limited editorial transparency in the retraction process. While failures in peer review can undermine the integrity of the scientific literature, inadequate communication by journal editors may have substantial negative effect on affected authors, particularly early-career researchers, including disorientation, humiliation, and a sense of perceived injustice. This analysis highlights the factors contributing to these outcomes such as the sense of loss associated with the substantial time and effort devoted to the research, as well as the practical impossibility of submitting the retracted article to alternative journals. Transparency represents a frontline defence against research misconduct but the call for increased transparency cannot be one-sided. Transparency needs to be a useful tool for the entire system, for those who report data and for those who publish data.

Background: An increasing body of evidence indicates that exposure to metal elements may adversely affect female fertility. While the association between metal concentrations in the follicular fluid (FF) and fertility is acknowledged, the relationship between metal exposure in FF and the outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART) remains ambiguous.

Methods: We quantified eight metals in FF from 139 reproductive-age women in China using a trace element analyzer. To assess their relationships with critical ART metrics, logistic regression, stratified analysis based on age and body mass index (BMI) were used. Additionally, restricted cubic splines (RCS) were applied to examine potential nonlinear relationships between metal concentrations and outcomes, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) was employed to analyze the joint effects and interactions of mixed metal exposures.

Results: Findings revealed that higher levels of Zn (OR = 2.599, 95% CI: 1.096-6.164) and Fe (OR = 3.080, 95% CI: 1.277-7.431) were positively associated with the production of high-quality embryos, whereas elevated Ca (OR = 0.301, 95% CI: 0.126-0.718) and Cu (OR = 0.402, 95% CI: 0.171-0.949) levels correlated with lower oocyte maturation rates. Exposure to Pb was found to significantly reduce the rate of high-quality embryos (OR = 0.404, 95% CI: 0.170-0.964) and negatively affect clinical pregnancy outcomes (OR = 0.299, 95% CI: 0.123-0.726). Zn exhibited a significant positive correlation with Fe but a negative correlation with Ca, along with a positive association with LH, while lead showed negative correlations with both anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and estradiol (E2).

Conclusions: These findings underscore the critical importance of considering metal exposure in relation to female fertility. Furthermore, additional research is necessary to elucidate the biological mechanisms linking metal elements in FF to the decline in female fertility.

Background: The optimal duration of ovarian stimulation in GnRH antagonist protocols remains insufficiently explored, despite its potential impact on oocyte quality, embryo development, and endometrial receptivity. Identifying an optimal stimulation window may improve success rates in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) while minimizing unnecessary hormonal exposure. The aim of the study was to evaluate if the duration of ovarian stimulation in GnRH antagonist IVF/ICSI protocols influence cumulative ongoing pregnancy rates (COPR).

Methods: This retrospective single-centre study analyzed 1456 IVF/ICSI cycles conducted between 2019 and 2023 in women with normal ovarian reserve using an antagonist protocol. Stimulation duration was classified into three categories: ≤ 8 days, 9-13 days (reference), and ≥ 14 days corresponding to the ≤ 5th, 5th-95th, and ≥ 95th percentiles, respectively. Clinical, biological, and embryological outcomes were compared across groups using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Logistic regression was applied to identify independent predictors of cumulative ongoing pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes.

Results: A total of 1456 cycles were included in the study. At least one embryo was obtained in 95.2% of cycles, with 69.5% proceeding to fresh transfer. Cumulative ongoing pregnancy was assessed for 1339 cycles, among which 36.4% resulted in an ongoing pregnancy. Stimulation duration did not significantly influence COPR: ≤ 8 days (OR = 1.04, 95% CI 0.78-1.39), 9-13 days (reference), ≥ 14 days (OR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.64-1.11). Multivariate analysis identified younger age and higher AMH as independent predictors of COPR.

Conclusions: In women with normal ovarian reserve undergoing IVF/ICSI with a GnRH antagonist protocol, the duration of ovarian stimulation does not significantly impact cumulative pregnancy outcomes. These findings support a personalized approach to trigger timing based on ovarian response independent of stimulation length.