Journal of Clinical Medicine

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Nikos Nikolettos

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Guest Editor

Obstetric-Gynecologic Clinic, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
Interests: assisted reproduction; infertility; ovarian stimulation; poor responders; fertility preservation

Dr. Angeliki Tiptiri-Kourpeti

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Guest Editor

1. Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 69100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
2. Embryokosmogenesis, Medically Assisted Reproduction Unit, 4th km Alexandroupolis-Borders, Apalos, 68131 Alexandroupolis, Greece
Interests: ICSI; IVM; assisted reproduction technology; signalling pathways; fertility genetic polymorphisms
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

ART is used extensively as an aid in overcoming infertility problems. Evidence-based research suggests that 8–12% of couples worldwide are trying to conceive spontaneously despite experiencing fertility problems. A remarkable percentage of people turn to assisted reproduction consultation and help from medical solutions to bring about the conception and birth of a baby of their own. Each ART cycle is complex and consists of several steps. Thus, it is crucial that this system is based on sufficient evidence and detailed guidelines. This Special Issue aims to discuss the development of assisted reproduction techniques, including their proper indication. Experimental, innovative and widely used technology supports the inter-professional team disclosure. The contradictions and their subsequent management provide the underlying background for personalised assistance in IVF and associated procedures. The success rate, benefits, risks, cost and ethics of ART are also important parts of in vitro fertilization methods and indicate the essential surveillance and vigilance in quality control. The conclusive aim of this Special Issue is to overview the most up-to-date evidence on ART to optimise guidelines and protocols in order to improve assisted reproduction technology practices and outcomes.

Prof. Dr. Nikos Nikolettos
Dr. Angeliki Tiptiri-Kourpeti
Guest Editors

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Keywords

assisted reproduction technology (ART)
infertility
treatment
reproduction
IVF

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Review

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23 pages, 709 KiB

Open AccessReview

NGF, EPO, and IGF-1 in the Male Reproductive System

by Chryssa Metallinou, Chrysovalanto Staneloudi, Konstantinos Nikolettos and Byron Asimakopoulos

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(10), 2918; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13102918 - 15 May 2024

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Abstract

Several studies have demonstrated interesting results considering the implication of three growth factors (GFs), namely nerve growth factor (NGF), erythropoietin (EPO), and the insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1) in the physiology of male reproductive functions. This review provides insights into the effects of NGF, EPO, and IGF-1 on the male reproductive system, emphasizing mainly their effects on sperm motility and vitality. In the male reproductive system, the expression pattern of the NGF system varies according to the species and testicular development, playing a crucial role in morphogenesis and spermatogenesis. In humans, it seems that NGF positively affects sperm motility parameters and NGF supplementation in cryopreservation media improves post-thaw sperm motility. In animals, EPO is found in various male reproductive tissues, and in humans, the protein is present in seminal plasma and testicular germ cells. EPO receptors have been discovered in the plasma membrane of human spermatozoa, suggesting potential roles in sperm motility and vitality. In humans, IGF-1 is expressed mainly in Sertoli cells and is present in seminal plasma, contributing to cell development and the maturation of spermatozoa. IGF-1 seems to modulate sperm motility, and treatment with IGF-1 has a positive effect on sperm motility and vitality. Furthermore, lower levels of NGF or IGF-1 in seminal plasma are associated with infertility. Understanding the mechanisms of actions of these GFs in the male reproductive system may improve the outcome of sperm processing techniques. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assisted Reproductive Technology and Infertility Treatment: Current Updates and Perspectives)

Other

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19 pages, 3002 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Effect of Open and Closed Oocyte Vitrification Systems on Embryo Development: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

by Konstantinos Pantos, Evangelos Maziotis, Anna Trypidi, Sokratis Grigoriadis, Kristi Agapitou, Agni Pantou, Konstantinos Nikolettos, Georgia Kokkini, Konstantinos Sfakianoudis, Kimball O. Pomeroy and Mara Simopoulou

J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(9), 2651; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13092651 - 30 Apr 2024

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: Open and closed vitrification systems are commonly employed in oocyte cryopreservation; however, there is limited evidence regarding a comparison of their separate impact on oocyte competence. This study uniquely brings to the literature, data on the effect of open versus closed vitrification systems on laboratory and clinical outcomes, and the effect of cooling and warming rates. Methods: A systematic search of the literature was performed using the databases PubMed/MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Library, limited to articles published in English up to January 2023. A network meta-analysis was conducted comparing each vitrification system versus fresh oocytes. Results: Twenty-three studies were included. When compared to fresh oocytes, both vitrification devices resulted in lower fertilization rates per MII oocyte retrieved. When comparing the two systems in terms of survival rates, no statistically significant difference was observed. However, interestingly open systems resulted in lower cleavage and blastocyst formation rates per 2 pronuclear (2PN) oocyte compared to fresh controls, while at the same time no statistically significant difference was detected when comparing closed devices with fresh oocytes. Conclusions: In conclusion, closed vitrification systems appear to exert a less detrimental impact on the oocytes’ competence, which is reflected in the blastocyst formation rates. Proof of superiority of one system versus the other may lead to standardization, helping to ultimately determine optimal practice in oocyte vitrification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assisted Reproductive Technology and Infertility Treatment: Current Updates and Perspectives)

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