{"title":"Separation of sperm based on rheotaxis mechanism using a microfluidic device.","authors":"Hossein Torkashvand, Shamim Pilehvari, Ronak Shabani, Rana Mehdizade, Leila Torkashvand, Mahdi Moghimi, Roya Derakhshan, Mehdi Mehdizadeh","doi":"10.5653/cerm.2024.07304","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5653/cerm.2024.07304","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>In the application of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), selection of the optimal sperm presents a challenge. This study introduces an innovative microfluidic device that utilizes rheotaxis to efficiently sort sperm, offering superior selection of high-quality sperm compared to conventional methods.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We analyzed 30 normal samples from couples undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles at the Infertility Center of Fatemieh Hospital in Hamadan, Iran. Each sample was divided into three groups: the initial sample, representing the control group; direct swim-up sperm selection; and sperm selection using rheotaxis. A syringe pump connected to the microfluidic device generated optimal flow conditions. Spermatozoa were evaluated regarding concentration, motility, morphology, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI). Statistical significance was determined using one-way analysis of variance and the Student t-test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The concentration (7.46±2.84 million cells/mL vs. 56.67±18.27 million cells/mL, p<0.0001) and DFI (2.93±2.70 vs. 21.13±5.27, p<0.0001) were significantly lower in the sperm selected using the rheotaxis microfluidic device than in the control sperm. Progressive motility (98.10%±2.41% vs. 44.13%±7.06%, p<0.0001), normal morphology (8.36%±1.47% vs. 5.20%±1.15%, p<0.0001), and MMP (99.63%±0.71% vs. 81.13%±9.19%, p<0.0001) were significantly higher with the device than in the control group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The use of a rheotaxis-based microfluidic device appeared effective in selecting high-quality sperm, demonstrating improvements in motility, morphology, and MMP and a reduction in DFI. This advancement has the potential to improve the outcomes of ART.</p>","PeriodicalId":46409,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine-CERM","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144162752","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maroua Ben Rhouma, Hatem Bahri, Mustapha Ben Khalifa, Mohsen Sakly, Khémais Ben Rhouma, Moncef Benkhalifa, Olfa Tebourbi
{"title":"Oxidative stress and its correlation with sperm parameters in different semen quality groups.","authors":"Maroua Ben Rhouma, Hatem Bahri, Mustapha Ben Khalifa, Mohsen Sakly, Khémais Ben Rhouma, Moncef Benkhalifa, Olfa Tebourbi","doi":"10.5653/cerm.2024.07668","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5653/cerm.2024.07668","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study investigated oxidative stress and its impact on sperm quality in men with infertility, focusing on lipid peroxidation and the activity of antioxidant enzymes-catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-in seminal fluid.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study was conducted from January 2021 to January 2023 and involved 163 male patients who had been experiencing infertility for over a year. The participants were categorized according to semen quality. Semen samples were analyzed for sperm concentration, motility, and morphology following the World Health Organization guidelines. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), an indicator of lipid peroxidation, as well as the activity of CAT, SOD, and GPx. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained from all participants.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Semen quality and oxidative stress were evaluated in cases of male infertility, with patients categorized into five groups: normozoospermia, oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia, and oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia. The pathological groups exhibited significant reductions in sperm count, motility, and morphology. Additionally, lipid peroxidation, as shown by increased MDA levels, was significantly elevated in all pathological groups. The activities of CAT, SOD, and GPx were significantly diminished in these groups, with the most substantial declines noted in the oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Oxidative stress, indicated by elevated MDA levels, was correlated with poor sperm quality. The decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes in pathological semen implies that a weakened antioxidant defense contributes to sperm dysfunction. These findings suggest that antioxidant interventions could improve sperm quality in men experiencing infertility, though additional research is required.</p>","PeriodicalId":46409,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine-CERM","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144112133","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ahmed A Morsy, Nagwa A Sabri, Abdelrehim M Mourad, Eman M Mojahed, Sarah F Fahmy
{"title":"New insights into pentoxifylline and α-lipoic acid: Co-administration with clomiphene citrate for ovulation induction in anovulatory women with polycystic ovary syndrome.","authors":"Ahmed A Morsy, Nagwa A Sabri, Abdelrehim M Mourad, Eman M Mojahed, Sarah F Fahmy","doi":"10.5653/cerm.2024.07346","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5653/cerm.2024.07346","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study investigated the effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) and α-lipoic acid (ALA) on ovulation and pregnancy rates in women with clomiphene citrate (CC) resistant polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A prospective, randomized, controlled, open-label study was conducted on women with CC-resistant PCOS. In total, 120 PCOS patients were randomly assigned to four groups of 30 patients each, as follows: group 1 was the control group; group 2 received 400 mg of PTX twice daily; group 3 received 600 mg of ALA twice daily; and group 4 received a combination of PTX and ALA, following the same regimen as the previous groups. All groups were administered 150 mg of CC, the standard therapy for ovulation induction (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05231980).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The cumulative ovulation rate was highest in the combined PTX-ALA group at 77% (23 cases), followed by the PTX group at 70% (n=21), the ALA group at 40% (n=12), and the control group at 30% (n=9) (p=0.0003). The cumulative pregnancy rates were 40% (n=12), 37% (n=11), 10% (n=3), and 3% (n=1) for the PTX-ALA, PTX, ALA, and control groups, respectively (p=0.0005). Endometrial thickness (ET) was significantly greater in the PTX group than in the control group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Co-administration of PTX with CC significantly improved the ovulation rate, pregnancy rate, ET, and ovarian response to stimulation in patients with anovulatory PCOS. This combination may provide an effective, affordable, and safe treatment protocol for women with CC-resistant PCOS.</p>","PeriodicalId":46409,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine-CERM","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144112065","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"WT1 pathogenic variant in azoospermic infertile men with an isolated undescended testis.","authors":"Neda Sharifi, Parnaz Borjian Boroujeni, Kaveh Haratian, Marjan Sabbaghian, Anahita Mohseni Meybodi","doi":"10.5653/cerm.2024.07584","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5653/cerm.2024.07584","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>An undescended testis (UDT) is a testicle that has not moved into the scrotum before birth. UDTs are linked to reduced fertility, primarily due to compromised semen quality and potential dysfunction in Sertoli and Leydig cells. Additionally, the Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) gene is crucial for spermatogenesis, as it regulates the polarity of Sertoli cells and the steroidogenesis in Leydig cells. Our study aimed to identify novel UDT-causing WT1 variants within a cohort of 60 unrelated men with infertile hypergonadotropic hypogonadism.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this case-control study, the coding regions and the intronic boundaries of the second and ninth exon of WT1 were sequenced using Sanger sequencing. DNA from 60 fertile men served as the control group. In silico analysis of the variants was also conducted.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study identified multiple intronic and exonic variations in both the patient and control groups. Notably, a haplotype consisting of two heterozygous C>T variations in the intronic region of the splice donor site of exon 9 was observed in 11 patients but was absent in the control group. Of these variations, only one has been previously reported in Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Database (dbSNP) as rs587776576 (NC_000011.10: g.32391967C>T; NM_000378.4:c.1372+14G>A).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The rs587776576 mutation is pathogenic. It exhibited a significant association (p=0.022), indicating its association with infertility and UDT in the Iranian population. This research could broaden the spectrum of WT1 variations and underscore the importance of these variants in the genetic etiology of UDT and infertility. These findings provide a foundation for clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling.</p>","PeriodicalId":46409,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine-CERM","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144112157","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fakhredin Aqajanpor, Bahman Jalali Kondori, Mohammad Hossein Asadi, Mehdi Raei, Maryam Ghasem Nezhadian, Hossein Bahadoran
{"title":"Photobiomodulation is more effective than long-term scrotal hyperthermia in improving testis tissue and spermatogenesis in mice with busulfan-induced azoospermia.","authors":"Fakhredin Aqajanpor, Bahman Jalali Kondori, Mohammad Hossein Asadi, Mehdi Raei, Maryam Ghasem Nezhadian, Hossein Bahadoran","doi":"10.5653/cerm.2024.07430","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5653/cerm.2024.07430","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The use of photobiomodulation (PBM) for tissue repair has gained acceptance. This study investigated and compared the effects of PBM on mice exposed to scrotal hyperthermia and busulfan.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Forty 8-week-old adult mice were divided into five groups: I) control, II) hyperthermia, III) busulfan, IV) hyperthermia+PBM, and V) busulfan+PBM. To induce azoospermia in groups II and IV, the scrotum of the mice was exposed to water at 43 °C every other day for 5 weeks. In groups III and V, a single dose of busulfan (45 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally. Mice in groups IV and V received laser irradiation (0.03 J/cm2/sec) every other day for 35 days.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Molecular data analysis revealed that the levels of glutathione and the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Pcna) and stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (Stra8) genes were significantly higher in the busulfan+PBM group than in the hyperthermia+PBM group. Additionally, the number of testicular cells, tissue volume, and sperm parameters were also markedly higher in the busulfan+PBM group. Furthermore, this group exhibited a notable increase in serum testosterone levels.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results demonstrated that laser therapy enhances testicular function and spermatogenesis by reducing the formation of reactive oxygen species and increasing the expression of mitotic genes following the induction of scrotal hyperthermia and busulfan injection. However, the effectiveness of PBM was greater in the busulfan+PBM group.</p>","PeriodicalId":46409,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine-CERM","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144040519","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aamir Javed, Sanaz A Movassagh, Shilpa Doultani, Tulsi Kumari, Rishish Sharma, Md Kashif Zeya, Syed Waseem Andrabi, Kamal Saba
{"title":"The relationship between vitamin D levels and erectile dysfunction: A mini-review.","authors":"Aamir Javed, Sanaz A Movassagh, Shilpa Doultani, Tulsi Kumari, Rishish Sharma, Md Kashif Zeya, Syed Waseem Andrabi, Kamal Saba","doi":"10.5653/cerm.2024.07402","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5653/cerm.2024.07402","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The importance of maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D for optimal male sexual health is highlighted by recent evidence suggesting a link between vitamin D insufficiency and erectile dysfunction (ED). This review examines current research that indicates an association between decreased serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), specifically levels below 20 ng/mL, and a higher prevalence of ED, including severe cases. Studies have shown a significant correlation between a decrease of 10 ng/mL in 25(OH)D levels and a 12% increase in the prevalence of ED. The active form of vitamin D, calcitriol, facilitates the synthesis of nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator crucial for penile erection. Additionally, vitamin D supplementation has been shown to improve erectile function by enhancing endothelial vasodilation and arterial blood flow. It is essential to maintain serum 25(OH)D levels within the recommended range of 20 to 50 ng/mL, given the connection between vascular disorders and ED. A comprehensive approach, including dietary changes, consistent physical activity, and lifestyle modifications, is necessary to prevent ED. While vitamin D deficiency may contribute to ED, it is crucial to recognize that ED is multifactorial and should be addressed by considering all underlying causes. Individuals consistently experiencing symptoms of ED are advised to consult healthcare professionals for appropriate therapeutic interventions. This review emphasizes the importance of considering serum vitamin D levels when assessing male sexual health and calls for further research to clarify the role of vitamin D in the etiology and treatment of ED.</p>","PeriodicalId":46409,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine-CERM","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143671517","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Recent trends in polycystic ovary syndrome treatment based on adult stem cell therapies.","authors":"Hyeri Park, Ji Woong Han, Gi Jin Kim","doi":"10.5653/cerm.2024.07248","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5653/cerm.2024.07248","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Adult stem cell therapy has emerged as a prominent area of interest in regenerative medicine, drawing attention from numerous researchers who are investigating its potential for treating degenerative diseases, especially those affecting the reproductive system. Despite the growing focus, critical elements such as the optimization of treatment parameters (e.g., transplantation [Tx] route, cell dosage) and enhancement of therapeutic efficacy are still areas of uncertainty. This review paper presents a thorough analysis of recent preclinical and clinical studies on adult stem cell therapy for ovarian dysfunction, specifically targeting conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). By examining these studies, the review seeks to clarify the current state of knowledge and pinpoint gaps in understanding, thereby establishing a robust foundation for future advancements in adult stem cell therapies aimed at ovarian dysfunction. Ultimately, this paper aims to offer valuable insights that could lead to improved treatment strategies in the field of reproductive system diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":46409,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine-CERM","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143671507","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Long-term use of dutasteride to treat androgenic alopecia in young men may lead to persistent abnormalities in semen parameters.","authors":"Young Jae Kim, Seoung Ryeol Lee, Young Dong Yu","doi":"10.5653/cerm.2024.07675","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5653/cerm.2024.07675","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the long-term effects of dutasteride on male fertility and determine the cutoff treatment duration that causes significant and persistent decreases in semen parameters.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a single-center, randomized, controlled study that evaluated 200 men (ages 28 to 39 years). Forty men were allocated to each study group, divided according to the duration of dutasteride treatment, as follows: <6 months (group 1), 6-12 months (group 2), 13-18 months (group 3), 19-24 months (group 4), and >24 months (group 5). All subjects received dutasteride 0.5 mg/day for management of androgenetic alopecia then discontinued dutasteride for 6 months.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The baseline mean testosterone level in the study subjects was 4.8 ng/mL. No significant differences were found between study groups in sperm concentration, normal morphology, and vitality. Semen volume and sperm total/progressive motility were significantly reduced as the duration of dutasteride treatment increased. All study groups showed an increase in total sperm motility and semen volume after discontinuation of dutasteride. Compared with group 1, groups 2-5 showed significant decreases in semen volume and sperm total motility, with the odds ratios becoming smaller as the duration of dutasteride treatment increased. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed the cutoff values for persistent impairment of semen volume and total sperm motility to be 17.8 and 20.3 months, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Long-term use of dutasteride may lead to male infertility by persistently impairing semen volume and sperm motility.</p>","PeriodicalId":46409,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine-CERM","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143671387","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Various aspects of cryopreservation of small numbers of sperm in assisted reproductive technology.","authors":"Keivan Lorian, Azam Agha-Rahimi, Behnam Maleki","doi":"10.5653/cerm.2024.07241","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5653/cerm.2024.07241","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In cases of severe oligospermia and non-obstructive azoospermia, few spermatozoa with appropriate motility and viability are detected in epididymal and testicular samples. Sperm cryopreservation is performed to avoid multiple testis biopsies and to maintain samples. Consequently, various sperm retrieval methods are employed together with intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Common cryopreservation techniques are not ideal if there are few spermatozoa because sperm may be lost during the freezing and thawing procedures. Single sperm cryopreservation was first developed in 1997 and has since evolved in various aspects, including cryo-devices, freezing methods, cryoprotectants, and clinical and neonatal outcomes, as discussed in this comprehensive review. The CENTRAL, Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant studies published during 1997-2023. Single sperm cryopreservation has been applied successfully for individuals with a limited number of spermatozoa. First, cryo-devices and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Furthermore, different aspects of this technique-including the use of testicular sperm rather than ejaculated sperm, proper cryoprotectants with ideal freezing outcomes, optimal cooling and warming rates, and testicular sperm selection prior to freezing-require more attention. This technique has been applied in clinical settings, and clinical outcomes have been reported using various carriers such as empty zonae pellucidae, straws, cell sleepers, cryotops, cryopieces, the sperm vitrification device (Sperm VD), and stripper tips. Furthermore, delivery rates have also been reported using this method. Nonetheless, more clinical trials are required to facilitate biological offspring through a practical platform.</p>","PeriodicalId":46409,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine-CERM","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143671531","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Clinical pregnancy rates after two different methods of laser-assisted hatching applied to vitrified-warmed day-3 embryos or day-5 blastocysts.","authors":"Woo Jeong Kim, Byung Chul Jee","doi":"10.5653/cerm.2024.07073","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5653/cerm.2024.07073","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Laser-assisted hatching (LAH) employs two distinct techniques: thinning and breaching. This study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of combined thinning and breaching versus breaching alone in vitrified-warmed embryo or blastocyst transfer cycles.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In total, 110 vitrified-warmed day-3 embryo transfer cycles and 50 vitrified-warmed day-5 blastocyst transfer cycles were retrospectively selected. All transfers were performed between 2021 and 2022 at a university-based infertility center. Combined thinning and breaching involved thinning either one-quarter or one-sixth of the zona pellucida circumference combined with breaching at a single point.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In vitrified-warmed day-3 embryo transfer cycles, the 'thinning and breaching' and 'breaching only' groups were similar regarding the median age of the woman (36 years vs. 37 years, respectively), number of embryos transferred (2 vs. 2), and embryo score (89 vs. 31.5). The clinical pregnancy rate (PR) (23.5% vs. 21.1%), embryo implantation rate (IR) (11.4% vs. 11.3%), and clinical miscarriage rate (25% vs. 37.5%) were also comparable between the two LAH groups. In vitrified-warmed day-5 blastocyst transfer cycles, the combination and breaching-only groups were similar in the median age of the woman (36 years vs. 36.5 years, respectively), number of blastocysts transferred (1 vs. 1), and blastocyst score (45 vs. 31.5). The clinical PR (45.5% vs. 42.9%), IR (35.4% vs. 33.3%), and clinical miscarriage rate (20% vs. 33.3%) were also similar between groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Breaching alone displayed similar efficacy to combined thinning and breaching in terms of clinical PR, IR, and miscarriage rate. Thus, breaching alone appears sufficient to achieve favorable pregnancy outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":46409,"journal":{"name":"Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine-CERM","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143567681","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}