Circulating levels of total angiopoietin-2 and the soluble Tie-2 receptor in women during ovarian stimulation and early gestation.

Circulating levels of Ang-2 and sTie-2 receptor were detectable but invariant in women during COS cycles. During the postimplantation period, the rise in Ang-2 (but not sTie-2) levels probably reflects placental rather than luteal production.

Circulating levels of free and total vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, soluble VEGF receptors-1 and -2, and angiogenin during ovarian stimulation in non-human primates and women.

Background: In a prospective study we measured circulating levels of vasoactive factors and their soluble receptors in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for IVF who were at risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and compared them to those in a primate model, the rhesus monkey.

Methods: A total of 23 women were enrolled in the study and serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A (free and total), soluble (s)VEGF-R1 and -R2, and angiogenin levels were compared in pregnant and non-pregnant women, and in monkeys, during follicular stimulation, the luteal phase and early pregnancy.

Results: VEGF levels were similar during the period of follicular stimulation in pregnant and non-pregnant women, but a significant rise in both free and total VEGF occurred in pregnant women during the luteal phase (P < 0.

Pregnancy outcomes using donor sperm insemination after failed in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles in couples with complex infertility disorders.

Objective: To evaluate alternatives for couples with severe male factor infertility who fail to conceive with IVF-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Design: Outcomes of couples using artificial insemination with donor sperm (AID) after failed IVF-ICSI, assessing multiple risk factors affecting prognosis.

Setting: University infertility service.

Multiple gestations in assisted reproductive technology: can they be avoided with blastocyst transfers?

Objective: Blastocysts are advanced-stage embryos with high implantation potential; theoretically, limited numbers of blastocysts can be used for embryo transfer to achieve good pregnancy rates with low multiple pregnancy rates. Clinical outcomes of a newly implemented blastocyst transfer program were evaluated.

Study Design: This study is a retrospective analysis of 553 blastocyst transfer cycles performed by a university-based in vitro fertilization program; risk factors associated with multiple gestations were analyzed.