KLF6 negatively regulates HIF-1α in extravillous trophoblasts under hypoxia.

Introduction: HIF-1α, the master regulator of hypoxia cellular response, is stabilized under low oxygen levels and degraded in the presence of oxygen but its transcription, translation, and degradation are tightly regulated by numerous pathways. KLF6 is a transcription factor involved in proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis in several cell systems. Under hypoxia it is upregulated in a HIF-1α-dependent manner in extravillous trophoblasts.

Krüppel-like factor 6 involvement in the endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis of extravillous trophoblasts.

Introduction: Trophoblast homeostasis and differentiation require a proper endoplasmic reticulum (ER) function. The Krüppel-like factor-6 (KLF6) transcription factor modulates trophoblast migration, differentiation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Since ROS may impact on ER homeostasis, we assessed whether downregulation of KLF6 altered the unfolded protein response (UPR) and cellular process associated with ER homeostasis.

Optimized sperm selection: a highly efficient device for the isolation of progressive motile sperm with low DNA fragmentation index.

Purpose: To identify the sperm preparation procedure that selects the best sperm population for medically assisted reproduction.

Methods: Prospective observational study comparing the effect of four different sperm selection procedures on various semen parameters. Unused raw semen after routine diagnostic analysis was split in four fractions and processed by four different methods: (1) density gradient centrifugation (DGC), (2) sperm wash (SW), (3) DGC followed by magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS), and (4) using a sperm separation device (SSD).

Double versus single stimulation in young low prognosis patients followed by a fresh embryo transfer: a randomized controlled trial (DUOSTIM-fresh).

Study Question: Does double stimulation, followed by a fresh embryo transfer (DUOSTIM fresh) give a higher number of good-quality blastocysts as compared with a single stimulation in young low prognosis patients?

Summary Answer: Compared to single stimulation, DUOSTIM fresh leads to a significantly higher number of good quality blastocysts, without hindering fresh embryo transfer outcomes.

What Is Known Already: DUOSTIM (ovarian stimulation both in the follicular and luteal phase of the same cycle) is an innovative strategy to retrieve a higher number of oocytes in a shorter time frame, thus it is particularly appealing for poor ovarian responders. Three current limitations of dual stimulation are: (i) it is unclear whether outcomes of the second (luteal) wave result from the second stimulation, or a carry-over effect from previous follicular stimulation; (ii) the desynchronization between endometrium and ovaries and, (iii) lack of robust evidence.