Natalie A. Clark

Biological pH buffers in IVF: help or hindrance to success

PurposeMinimizing environmental stress helps maintain cellular homeostasis and is a crucial component in optimizing embryo development in vitro and resulting ART success. One stressor of particular interest is pH. Biologic buffers, such as HEPES and MOPS, are valuable tools for stabilizing pH. The objective of this manuscript is to summarize efficacy and impact of various pH buffers used during IVF lab proceduresMethodsKeyword searches were performed using Pubmed and Medline and relevant literature reviewed.ResultsVarious pH buffers have been used with varying degrees of success for gamete and embryo processing in a variety of animal species, as well as in human.ConclusionThough biologic buffers off a means to improve pH stability, not all buffers may be appropriate for use with gametes and embryos. Specific buffers may have undesired effects, and these may be buffer, species, cell type or concentration dependent. Continued research is needed to further refine and improve the use of biologic buffers for use in human ART.

Reproductive impact of MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery for fibroids: a systematic review of the evidence

Purpose of review Magnetic-resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) is a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of uterine fibroids. The purpose of this review is to highlight the impact of MRgFUS on fertility and reproductive outcomes. Recent findings The role of MRgFUS in the treatment of fibroids has been evolving since its introduction in 2004. Several new devices and techniques including location-specific treatment, volumetric therapy, and vessel-targeted therapy have been introduced over the last few years. Several case series report uncomplicated pregnancy following MRgFUS; however, results of the ongoing studies will further elucidate the utility of MRgFUS in patients planning future fertility. A systematic review of the literature was completed and studies that reported quality of life at baseline and after 6 months were included in a meta-analysis. Summary MRgFUS represents a minimally invasive treatment for uterine fibroids that is able to improve the quality of life and fibroid size with durability. It is possible that MRgFUS could be the treatment of choice for patients desiring future fertility; however, further investigation is needed.

Microbiota and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Female genital tract microbiota play a crucial role in maintaining health. Disequilibrium of the microbiota has been associated with increased risk of pelvic infections. In recent years, culture-independent molecular techniques have expanded understanding of the composition of genital microbiota and the dynamic nature of the microbiota. There is evidence that upper genital tract may not be sterile and may harbor microflora in the physiologic state. The isolation of bacterial vaginosis-associated organisms in women with genital infections establishes a link between pelvic infections and abnormal vaginal flora. With the understanding of the composition of the microbiota in healthy and diseased states, the next logical step is to identify the function of the newly identified microbes. This knowledge will further expand our understanding of the causation of pelvic infections, which may lead to more effective prevention and treatment strategies.

A systematic review of the evidence for complementary and alternative medicine in infertility

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by patients and physicians has increased markedly in recent years. Many case reports, case series, and uncontrolled trials of varying quality have been completed; however, there is now a slowly increasing number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the use of CAM.

Levator defects affect perineal position independently of prolapse status

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of levator defects on perineal position and movement irrespective of prolapse status. STUDY DESIGN Forty women from an ongoing study were divided into 2 groups of 20 women with and without severe levator defects. Prolapse status was matched between groups, with 50% of the women having stage III or greater anterior wall prolapse. Perineal structure locations were measured against standard axes on magnetic resonance scans at rest, maximum contraction (Kegel), and maximum Valsalva maneuver. Differences in location were calculated and compared. RESULTS In women with levator defects, independently of prolapse status: (1) At rest, the perineal body was 1.3 cm, and the anal sphincter was 1.0 cm more caudal (P ≤ .01); at maximum contraction, the perineal body and the anal sphincter were both 1.2 cm more caudal (P ≤ .01); with maximum Valsalva maneuver, the perineal body was 1.3 cm more caudal, and the anal sphincter was 1.2 cm more caudal (P ≤ .01). (2) At rest, the levator hiatus was 0.8 cm larger, and the urogenital hiatus was 1.0 cm larger (P ≤ .01). (3) At rest, the bladder was 0.07 cm more posterior (P ≤ .02); with maximum contraction, it was 1.9 cm lower (P ≤ .02). (4) With maximum Valsalva maneuver, the bladder was 1.5 cm lower and displaced further caudally (P ≤ .03). CONCLUSION When we controlled for prolapse, the women with levator defects had a more caudal location of their perineal structures and larger hiatuses at rest, maximum contraction, and maximum Valsalva maneuver.

Oocyte cryopreservation: searching for novel improvement strategies

PurposeTo highlight emerging techniques aimed at improving oocyte cryopreservation.MethodsReview of available and relevant literature through Pubmed and Medline searches.ResultsOocyte cryopreservation is an increasingly common procedure utilized for assisted reproduction and may benefit several patient populations. Therefore, improving efficiency is paramount in realizing the tremendous promise of this approach. However, in addition to numerous studies looking to improve oocyte cryopreservation efficacy via examination of variables involved with protocol methodology, such as type/concentration of cryoprotectant (CPA), type of storage device, or cooling/warming rates, there are more novel approaches for improvement. These alternate approaches include utilizing different the stages of oocytes, examining alteration of basal media and buffer composition, optimizing CPA exchange protocols and device loading through use of automated technology, as well as examination/manipulation of oocyte cellular composition to improve cryotolerance. Finally, elucidating more accurate or insightful indicators of “success” is crucial for continued improvement of oocyte cryopreservation.ConclusionOocyte cryopreservation has improved dramatically in recent years and is receiving widespread clinical use. Novel approaches to further improve success, as well as improved methods to assess this success will aid in continued improvement.

TC10 Is Regulated by Caveolin in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Background TC10 is a small GTPase found in lipid raft microdomains of adipocytes. The protein undergoes activation in response to insulin, and plays a key role in the regulation of glucose uptake by the hormone. Methodology/Principal Findings TC10 requires high concentrations of magnesium in order to stabilize guanine nucleotide binding. Kinetic analysis of this process revealed that magnesium acutely decreased the nucleotide release and exchange rates of TC10, suggesting that the G protein may behave as a rapidly exchanging, and therefore active protein in vivo. However, in adipocytes, the activity of TC10 is not constitutive, indicating that mechanisms must exist to maintain the G protein in a low activity state in untreated cells. Thus, we searched for proteins that might bind to and stabilize TC10 in the inactive state. We found that Caveolin interacts with TC10 only when GDP-bound and stabilizes GDP binding. Moreover, knockdown of Caveolin 1 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes increased the basal activity state of TC10. Conclusions/Significance Together these data suggest that TC10 is intrinsically active in vivo, but is maintained in the inactive state by binding to Caveolin 1 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes under basal conditions, permitting its activation by insulin.

Physician and patient use of and attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of infertility.

To determine use of and attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among infertility patients and subspecialty physicians.