Clinical utility of the endometrial receptivity analysis in women with prior failed transfers.

Purpose: To determine the utility of the endometrial receptivity analysis (ERA) in women with prior failed embryo transfers (ET).

Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients who underwent an ERA test with a subsequent frozen ET. Women were classified based on their indication for an ERA test: (1) ≥ 1 prior failed ET (cases), or (2) as a prophylactic measure (controls).

Hyperandrogenism Accompanies Increased Intra-Abdominal Fat Storage in Normal Weight Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Women.

Context: Normal weight polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women may have altered adipose structure-function underlying metabolic dysfunction.

Objective: This study examines whether adipose structure-functional changes exist in normal weight PCOS women and correlate with hyperandrogenism and/or hyperinsulinemia.

Design: This is a prospective cohort study.

The Role of Inflammatory Pathways in Implantation Failure: Chronic Endometritis and Hydrosalpinges.

The process of implantation is highly complex and involves a delicate interplay between the embryo and the appropriate maternal environment. The failure to implant is thought to be due to maternal factors or embryonic factors. Inflammation can be a part of the normal physiologic process during implantation; however, there are also pathologic entities that adversely affect uterine receptivity.

Vulvodynia: The Role of Inflammation in the Etiology of Localized Provoked Pain of the Vulvar Vestibule (Vestibulodynia).

Vulvar pain affecting the vestibule (vestibulodynia) is an enigmatic pain disorder that greatly affects quality of life and sexual functioning. The most common form of the disorder (localized provoked vulvodynia) is initiated by genital contact but is otherwise asymptomatic. Findings on examination are limited to excessive tenderness of the vestibule with light touch with cotton swab but may also include localized erythema and pelvic floor muscle tightness and tenderness.

Pathophysiology of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder are triggered by hormonal events ensuing after ovulation. The symptoms can begin in the early, mid or late luteal phase and are not associated with defined concentrations of any specific gonadal or non-gonadal hormone. Although evidence for a hormonal abnormality has not been established, the symptoms of the premenstrual disorders are related to the production of progesterone by the ovary.

Contribution of the Reelin signaling pathways to nociceptive processing.

The reeler gene encodes Reelin, a secreted glycoprotein that binds to the very-low-density lipoprotein receptor (Vldlr) and apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (Apoer 2), and induces Src- and Fyn-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of the intracellular adaptor protein Disabled-1 (Dab1). This Reelin-Dab1 signaling pathway regulates neuronal positioning during development. A second Reelin pathway acts through Apoer 2-exon 19 to modulate synaptic plasticity in adult mice.