Use of FTA® classic cards for epigenetic analysis of sperm DNA.

FTA® technologies provide the most reliable method for DNA extraction. Although FTA technologies have been widely used for genetic analysis, there is no literature on their use for epigenetic analysis yet. We present for the first time, a simple method for quantitative methylation assessment based on sperm cells stored on Whatman FTA classic cards.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists increase follicular fluid insulin-like growth factor-I and vascular endothelial growth factor during ovarian stimulation cycles.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists (GnRH-ant) on follicular fluid (FF) insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and FF vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels. Sixty women undergoing assisted reproduction were randomized and assigned to two different GnRH analog regimens: GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) and GnRH-ant. FF VEGF and FF IGF-I concentrations were significantly increased in the patients treated with GnRH-ant (p < 0.

Follicular fluid levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and early corpus luteum function during assisted reproductive technology cycles.

Background: The relation between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and early luteal function has rarely been proven in humans. The purpose of this study was to define the relation between follicular fluid concentrations of VEGF (FF VEGF) and early luteal function at the preimplantation stage during assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles.

Methods: 71 women were divided into two groups, based on reproductive outcome: women who became pregnant after embryo transfer (ET) (n = 18, Group A) and non-pregnant women (n = 53, Group B).

Follicular fluid vascular endothelial growth factor concentrations are increased during GnRH antagonist/FSH ovarian stimulation cycles.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of GnRH antagonists (GnRH-ant) on follicular fluid vascular endothelial growth factor (FF VEGF).

Methods: Sixty women undergoing assisted reproduction were randomised (computer-generated randomisation list) and assigned to two different GnRH analogue regimens: GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) (Group A; n = 30) and GnRH-ant (Group B; n = 30).

Results: Mean (+/-S.