Reproductive biology and endocrinology
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Serum trace and heavy metal exposure and IVF/ICSI outcomes: modifying effects of maternal diet in a prospective cohort

May 9, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the associations between serum concentrations of ten trace and heavy metals and outcomes of IVF/ICSI, while also examining how maternal dietary patterns might modify these relationships. The study found that higher levels of magnesium and calcium were linked to improved embryo quality, whereas elevated lead levels negatively impacted embryo rates. Additionally, dietary habits, particularly high caffeine consumption, influenced these associations, suggesting that optimizing maternal diet could enhance resilience against metal-related reproductive risks.

SPATA22 heterozygous variants drive premature ovarian insufficiency: mechanism of granulosa cells dysfunction and therapeutic potential of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment

May 7, 2026

This study investigates the role of SPATA22 heterozygous variants in driving premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and explores the underlying mechanisms of granulosa cell dysfunction. The authors identify SPATA22 as a causative gene for POI, demonstrating that its defects lead to granulosa cell dysfunction and impaired fertility, while also showing that N-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment can mitigate these effects and restore some ovarian function.

Diverging guidelines and consensus statements on preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy: indications and strategies reviewed

May 7, 2026

The authors aim to assess the consistency and standardization of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) practices by comparing recommendations from various authoritative guidelines and position statements. They identify both areas of consensus, such as advanced maternal age as a primary indication for PGT-A, and significant divergences in other indications and methodologies, highlighting the challenges posed by the rapid evolution of medical knowledge and the lack of robust evidence-based recommendations.

Clinical use of recombinant human luteinizing hormone beyond hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: a multicenter descriptive analysis from five Italian fertility centers

May 7, 2026

This multicenter observational study aimed to characterize the in vitro fertilization (IVF) population receiving a fixed combination of recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (rFSH) and luteinizing hormone (rLH) and to analyze the associated clinical outcomes. The findings indicate that this combination is primarily used in women of advanced maternal age with poor prognosis, and baseline serum LH levels do not significantly affect live birth rates or clinical pregnancy rates during controlled ovarian stimulation. The authors suggest the need for further research to validate these results through well-designed comparative studies.

Real-time intrauterine dissolved oxygen dynamics across the luteal phase: a potential non-invasive functional biomarker of endometrial status

May 1, 2026

The authors investigate whether real-time measurements of intrauterine dissolved oxygen (pO₂) during the luteal phase could serve as a non-invasive biomarker for assessing endometrial readiness in women undergoing assisted reproduction. Their pilot study identifies distinct oxygenation patterns, with some participants exhibiting a mid-luteal peak in pO₂, which may correlate with endometrial function. The findings suggest that further research is needed to validate the predictive value of intrauterine oxygen profiling for implantation success and live birth outcomes.

Endometriosis, subclinical cardiac remodeling, and cardiovascular risk: mechanistic insights from cardiac magnetic resonance and mediation analysis

May 1, 2026

This study investigates the association between endometriosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, exploring the underlying mechanisms through cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and mediation analysis. The authors found that women with endometriosis have a significantly increased risk of CVD and early subclinical cardiac remodeling, primarily mediated by metabolic dysfunction and inflammation. These findings highlight the importance of cardiovascular risk assessment and metabolic monitoring in women diagnosed with endometriosis.

HFTMSCs alleviate uterine fibrosis and restore fertility in intrauterine adhesion models

Apr 14, 2026

The authors investigate the potential of human fallopian tube-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HFTMSCs) in treating intrauterine adhesions (IUA) to alleviate uterine fibrosis and restore fertility. Their findings indicate that the combination of HFTMSCs and estradiol significantly enhances endometrial regeneration, improves structural integrity, and recovers fertility in IUA mouse models, outperforming individual treatments. This study highlights the synergistic effects of HFTMSCs and estradiol in addressing the challenges posed by IUA.

In vitro differentiation of the hypothalamic KNDy neuron, a master regulator for reproduction, from mouse embryonic stem cells

Feb 24, 2026

The authors aimed to establish a method for differentiating hypothalamic KNDy neurons from mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) to create cellular models for studying reproductive disorders linked to KNDy peptide deficiencies. They successfully generated kisspeptin-expressing cells and demonstrated their functionality through kisspeptin secretion, providing a foundation for future research into the mechanisms regulating reproduction and potential therapeutic interventions. This study represents the first successful differentiation of KNDy neurons from pluripotent stem cells.

Management of infertility in women with hypothalamic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: an expert opinion

Feb 20, 2026

The authors aim to provide expert recommendations for managing infertility in women with hypothalamic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) when pulsatile GnRH therapy is unavailable. They emphasize the importance of optimizing stimulation with exogenous gonadotropins based on the underlying cause of HH and highlight the necessity of luteal phase support to enhance corpus luteum function, thereby improving fertility outcomes.

Impact of state insurance mandates on in vitro fertilization utilization among patients with recurrent pregnancy loss

Feb 19, 2026

The authors aimed to determine whether state insurance mandates for in vitro fertilization (IVF) that include patients with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) lead to increased utilization of IVF for this condition. Their findings indicate that states with inclusive mandates saw a 53% higher proportion of IVF cycles for RPL compared to states with exclusive mandates or no mandates, suggesting that inclusive policies may enhance access to fertility treatments for affected patients. The study highlights the importance of maintaining inclusive definitions in insurance mandates to ensure broader access to reproductive care as medical understanding evolves.