Comparison of sample preparation techniques and data analysis for the LC-MS/MS-based identification of proteins in human follicular fluid.

The proteomic analysis of complex body fluids by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis requires the selection of suitable sample preparation techniques and optimal parameter settings in data analysis software packages to obtain reliable results. Proteomic analysis of follicular fluid, as a representative of a complex body fluid similar to serum or plasma, is difficult as it contains a vast amount of high abundant proteins and a variety of proteins with different concentrations. However, the accessibility of this complex body fluid for LC-MS/MS analysis is an opportunity to gain insights into the status, the composition of fertility-relevant proteins including immunological factors or for the discovery of new diagnostic and prognostic markers for, for example, the treatment of infertility.

National German Guideline (S2k): Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Endometriosis: Long Version - AWMF Registry No. 015-045.

In this guideline, recommendations and standards for optimum diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis are presented. They are based on the analysis of the available scientific evidence as published in prospective randomized and retrospective studies as well as in systematic reviews. The guideline working group consisted of experts from Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic.

Serum estradiol and progesterone in the mid-luteal phase predict clinical pregnancy outcome in IVF/ICSI cycles.

In this prospective study, we tested the hypothesis if E2 and P serum levels significantly differ during the luteal phase following in vitro-fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) therapy in conception (CC) versus non-conception (NC) cycles, and their potential in the prediction of pregnancy at the earliest point in time. Serum was sampled from the day of embryo transfer (ET) and throughout the luteal phase until ET + 14 from patients consecutively enrolling for IVF/ICSI therapy. The luteal phase was supported by vaginal P suppositories only, clinical pregnancies were detected by ultrasound and followed up until the 20th week.

Role of the CAG repeat polymorphism of the androgen receptor gene in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a frequent heterogenic disorder with a familial background. Androgenic effects, determining the clinical features of the syndrome, are mediated by the androgen receptor (AR), whose activity is modulated by a genetic polymorphism. We investigated the role of the CAG repeat polymorphism of the androgen receptor in PCOS.