background: a major hurdle to improved in vitro fertilization (ivf) success rate is defective endometrial receptivity and implantation. various techniques have been advocated to increase implantation while reducing side effects. currently, embryo transfer (et) is performed blindly without direct visualization. as such, we sought to develop a technique utilizing a flexible minihysteroscope with ...

The present study was done to uncover the possible beneficial and/or detrimental effect(s) of nano-micelle curcumin (NMC) on oocyte in-vitro maturation and pre-implantation embryo development. Forty-eight mature female Wistar rats were assigned to control, 7.5, 15, and 30 mg/kg-1 NMC-receiving (orally, for 48 days) groups. To assess the cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), the ovaries were stimulat...

A prospective, randomized study of 158 patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer was conducted to evaluate whether a shortened exposure of oocytes to spermatozoa enhances oocyte development, and subsequently influences the IVF outcome. A comparison was made between conventional treatment time and shorter exposure of retrieved oocytes to spermatozoa. Fertilization and ...

The process of human embryo implantation is mediated not only by evolutionarily conserved mechanisms but by activities unique to humans. Among the latter, evidence suggests that the cell adhesion molecule trophinin plays a unique role in human embryo implantation. Here, we describe characteristics of trophinin protein and of the trophinin-associated proteins bystin and tastin. We then describe ...

Molecular events involved in successful embryo implantation are not well understood. In this study, we used MALDI imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) technologies to characterize the spatial and temporal distribution of phospholipid species associated with mouse embryo implantation. Molecular images showing phospholipid distribution within implantation sites changed markedly between distinct cellul...

As part of successful human reproduction, the Fallopian tube must provide a suitable environment for pre-implantation development of the embryo and for efficient transport of the embryo to the uterus for implantation. These functions are coordinated by paracrine interactions between tubal epithelial, smooth muscle and immune cells and the cells of the developing embryo. Alterations in these sig...

Assisted human reproduction is characterized by a high variability in results regarding pregnancy and birth rates. In fact, in a cohort of fertilized oocytes from the same stimulation cycle, the development rate varies drastically, even though produced at the same time and under similar conditions. This variability results in large differences in implantation potential of human embryos develope...

The prevalence of diabetes is increasing worldwide with the trend of patients being young and creating a significant burden on health systems, including reproductiveproblems,but theeffectsofdiabeteson embryo implantation are still poorly understood. Our study was to examine effects of diabetes on mouse embryo implantation, providing experimental basis for treating diabetes and its complications...

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is essential for embryo implantation in mice and plays an important role in other mammals including humans. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections with anti-LIF antibody (7.5 µg/g body weight, 3 times) between D3 (D1 = day of vaginal plug detection) and D4 effectively blocked embryo implantation; complete inhibition was achieved in C57BL/6J mice, and implantation was...