Clinical Research Directory

Biomarkers of Endometrial Receptivity

Analysis of proteins from cervical mucus will be done in patients undergoing infertility treatment (fresh or frozen embryo transfer). Cervical mucus will be analysed for potential new biomarkers of endometrium receptivity. Comparison of the peptide spectrum will be done for the pregnant and not pregnant patients.

Performance Assessment of the MAGENTA Blast Algorithm for Embryo Prediction

This is a retrospective, observational, single-arm, multi-center study to evaluate the predictive performance of MAGENTA BLAST, an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled software application, when used as analytical, adjunctive information to support Day 3 cleavage stage embryo predictions of blastocyst formation by Day 5.

Effect of a Probiotic on the Female Genital Tract Microbiota of Participants With Fertility Disorders.

In the last decades, numerous publications have broken the old paradigm that considered the urogenital tracts as sterile, demonstrating that microorganisms present in the urogenital tract represent the 9% of the whole human microbiome. Healthy urogenital microbiome improves implantation rate and pregnancy outcomes, whereas 40% of dysbiosis prevalence is observed in women under assisted reproductive treatment (ART). Infertility causes are associated with male, female, or combined failure. It has been shown that oral probiotic treatment, mainly with Lactobacillus, recovers a healthy vaginal microbiota without safety concerns. An interventional, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study will be conducted to confirm the positive effect of the commercial probiotic product Fertibiome® on the vaginal dysbiosis of couples or women with fertility disorders. The duration of the study will be of 6 months approximately, including 6 months of product intake. In case of pregnancy during intervention, women will continue their participation until week 12 of gestation. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two study groups: control group with placebo administration or probiotic administration group. Women will take 1 capsule every 12 hours and men 1 per day. In case of women participating alone they will take 1 capsule every 12 hours. In case of pregnancy, only women will continue taking 1 capsule per day for the first 12 weeks.

Cryopreservation of Prepubertal Testicular Tissue for Preservation of Fertility in Young Boys With Cancer

Prepubertal boys treated for cancer are at risk of infertility as a result of their treatment. At present there are no options to preserve fertility in these boys. With informed consent, the investigators aim to cryopreserve (freeze) testis tissue biopsies taken from boys undergoing cancer therapy with a high risk of infertility. A portion of cryopreserved tissue will be securely stored, which in the future may be used to restore fertility in the patients. A second portion of the tissue will be used for laboratory work aimed at understanding the conditions required for development of the germ cells. Patients will be recruited from the Oncology Department at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) in Edinburgh. Tissue will be obtained from prepubertal patients with cancer who are about to undergo treatment with a high risk (\>80%) of infertility. Informed consent will be obtained from the patients legal guardian (and patient if applicable) for the procedure and subsequent use of tissue. A testis biopsy from one testis will be performed and if possible will coincide with a planned routine procedure requiring general anaesthetic in order to avoid the need for additional anaesthesia. The procedure will take place at RHCYP during the initial assessment and prior to the commencement of cancer treatment and will not result in delay of treatment. Tissue will be assessed for the presence of sperm for storage using existing methods. In addition, tissue will be cryopreserved by Tissue and Cells Directorate, SNBTS in Edinburgh. The tissue will be stored for up to 55 years in accordance with current legislation (HFEA Act as amended 2005). Research will be carried out at the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health in accordance with Human Tissue (Scotland) Act 2006.

Data Collection Protocol for the Development of CHLOE-OQ, an AI Model for Assessing Oocytes Quality.

This data collection protocol is aimed to allow the reliable and robust development (training, verification, and validations) of CHLOE technology-based applications as well as improve the machine learning stage of released devices/applications. Additionally, a simulated use assessments will be conducted to ensure the correct and easy use of the CHLOE applications.

Data Collection and Professional Simulated Use Study to Develop an Embryo Quality Artificial Intelligence (AI) Model

This protocol supports the reliable development and improvement of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based applications by enabling training, verification, and validation using high-quality real clinical data. It also aims to enhance machine learning in developmental-use AI software. In addition, the professional user simulated use will ensure correct and easy use of the AI applications.

Menopur And Rekovelle Combination Study Version 2.0

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a personalized ovarian stimulation regimen in women aged 18 to 40 undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). The main question it aims to answer is: \- Does personalizing the starting doses of follitropin delta (REKOVELLE) and HP-hMG (MENOPUR) based on both age and body lead to similar results as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and weight based dosing ? Researchers will compare the new dosing regimen to the MARCS study results to see if this new approach leads to similar outcomes Participants will: * Receive ovarian stimulation using a personalized dose of REKOVELLE aND MENOPUR based on age and weight * Be monitored through ultrasound imaging and blood tests to measure estradiol (E2) levels * Undergo standard IVF procedures including egg retrieval and embryo assessment

Medically Assisted Fertilization Techniques in Systemic Immunoreumatologic Diseases

Systemic rheumatological diseases often occur in young women of childbearing age and can therefore impact fertility. There are diseases, such as arthritis, which present no contraindication to assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs), because there is no influence on the disease itself if the disease activity at conception is stable. On the other hand, patients suffering from connective tissue diseases, primarily Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and patients suffering from primary or SLE-related Anti-Phospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS), deserve more targeted therapies both in the context of ARTs and in the ensuing pregnancy. To evaluate the response to ARTs in patients with systemic rheumatological diseases, both in terms of reactivation of the underlying pathology and in terms of ARTs outcome.

TRAP Study: Testosterone for Androgen Receptor Polymorphism

To determine whether pretreatment with transdermal testosterone increases the number of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) obtained after ovarian stimulation by more than 1.5 in patients with low ovarian reserve and androgen receptor polymorphism undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Strategies for Pregnancy Achievement

The purpose of pilot study application is to build on the investigators' previous work that established the prospective association between stress and infertility. Specifically, the investigators hope to collect the preliminary data necessary to make them competitive to submit a R01 application to NIH for funding of a full-scale randomized controlled trial of an internet-based stress management program to examine its efficacy in decreasing stress and increasing pregnancy rates among women who have tried to get pregnant for 6-12 months without success. The program called Stress Free Now (SFN) was developed at the Cleveland Clinic and has been shown to be effective in lowering stress in a variety of populations. The program introduces concepts of mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy to assist individuals in managing their stress levels. The intervention includes Internet-based interaction, daily emails and recommended relaxation practice of at least four days per week. Using targeted Facebook Ads and other recruitment modalities, the investigators will randomize 40 women ages 18-34 who have been trying to conceive for 6-12 months without success. The PI has been enrolling women in a similar study using this mechanism and has found it to be an efficient and cost-effective method of identifying potentially eligible individuals. Women will be randomized to SFN or a wait list control condition and will be followed for up to three months post-randomization with weekly journals as they try to conceive. The primary outcome of this randomized controlled trial is stress level, as measured by salivary alpha-amylase, while the secondary outcome will be pregnancy rate at the end of the three-month follow-up period.

Intranasal Nafarelin For Triggering Oocyte Maturation

This is a non-inferiority randomised, controlled clinical trial comparing subcutaneous triptorelin to intranasal nafarelin for the final maturation of oocytes in oocyte donors undergoing ovarian stimulation.

The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Lifestyle Support Program on Infertile Women

This randomized controlled trial aimed to determine whether a mindfulness-based lifestyle support program would improve quality of life, lifestyle, mindfulness, attention and meditation level and treatment outcomes in women undergoing IVF treatment.

Reproductive Hormones During Sustained Administration of Kisspeptin

We want to find out what happens to reproductive hormone levels; Luteinising Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), testosterone and oestradiol when kisspeptin is administered to people for a period of 8 days each month, using either placebo (saline) or kisspeptin in doses of 0.1, 0.3 or 1.0 nmol/kg/hour.

Investigating the Role of Genetics in Disease Predisposition

Gametogenesis is the production of sperm and eggs; it takes place through the process of meiosis. Gametogenesis is subject to the acquisition of mutations as with other processes in the body. Many of these mutations are somatic, meaning that they occur during life as part of the process of cell division rather than being passed down from parents. When somatic mutations take place during gametogenesis, there is the potential for hereditary genetic consequences. However, the processes that cause the mutations during gametogenesis and the implications they have for heritability and disease predisposition are poorly understood. The goal of this research is to provide a detailed description of the genetic changes in gonadal tissues, and to understand how mutations acquired during the production of germ cells (sperm and eggs) contribute to the predisposition to a wide range of rare diseases and cancer predisposition in future offspring.

Comparison of Two PPOS Models for Pituitary Suppression

The scarcity of evidence regarding the interchangeable use of different progestogens poses challenges, particularly in international egg donation and fertility preservation programs where standardizing protocols is crucial for achieving consistent efficacy, efficiency, and safety outcomes. Consequently, there's a pressing need for clinical studies to assess the effects of various progestogens on clinical outcomes in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation cycles. This study, a pioneering effort, aims to compare the effects of two progestogens on oocyte performance, safety, and efficiency in an egg donation program involving young, healthy, normo-responding patients.

The Danish TURNER Cryopreservation Study

The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate if cryopreservation of ovarian tissue in girls with Turner syndrome can improve their fertility and lead to increased number of liveborn babies of Turner syndrome mothers. Women with Turner syndrome suffer from premature ovarian insufficiency which leads to infertility and lack of estrogen. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does the number of pregnancies and liveborn children increase after cryopreservation of ovarian tissue in turner syndrome? * Is the possible to predict when a girl with Turner syndrome reach menopause using monitoring of sex hormones? * Is it possible to identify any genes causing ovarian failure in Turner syndrome females? Participants between 2-18 years old will be asked to participate in a laparoscopic surgery and removal of one ovary in order to cryopreserve the tissue until adulthood. The the cortical tissue will be autotransplanted in order to preserve fertility. The participant will during the study period be monitored using sex hormones. Furthermore, the investigators wish to investigate the ovarian tissue using RNA sequencing and DNA methylation analysis. No comparison group is present.

Prednisolone Administration in Patients With Unexplained REcurrent MIscarriages

Recurrent miscarriages (RM) affects 3% of all fertile couples, but remains unexplained in most cases, limiting therapeutic options. Possibly the maternal immune system plays a role in recurrent miscarriage. Prednisolone suppresses the immune system and might enable development of normal pregnancy. In this randomized controlled clinical trial the investigators will study the effect of prednisolone on the live birth rate in patients with RM. Secondary, the tolerability and safety for mother and child and the cost-effectiveness is investigated. In the study one group of pregnant women with RM and gestational age \<7 weeks will receive prednisolone, the other group will receive a placebo. Total use of the medicine during this study is 8 weeks, further care during the study is routinely antenatal care. Subjects will be asked to fill in 4 short questionnaires and will have contact with a research nurse at different time points to gain information on the course of the pregnancy and possible side effects. Results of the study will be implemented in (inter) national guidelines, to effect everyday practice.

Fertility and Pregnancy After Surgery IBD Audit

Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis are chronic disease that are usually diagnosed at young age. The diseases and the associated treatment can impact on patient's sexual function, fertility, pregnancy, and delivery. This study aims to assess the impact of inflammatory bowel diseases on these aspects in female patients.

Live Birth Rate After Sperm Selection Using ZyMōt Multi (850µL) Device for Intra Uterine Insemination

This single centre interventional pilot randomized control study intends to compare two methods of sperm preparation for couples referred for Intra Uterine Insemination (IUI) procedure. Couples will be randomly allocated to one of the two sperm selection methods: Density Gradient Centrifugation (DGC, standard) or ZyMōt Multi (850µL) device (treatment) groups. The study will compare the live birth rate (number of live births per number of IUI procedures) between the treatment and standard groups.

Male Fertility Preservation Using Cryopreservation of Testicular Tissue Before Highly Gonadotoxic Cancer Treatment

Background: Due to the remarkable improvement in treatments these last decades, long term survival can be expected in more than 80% of childhood cancer patients. Unfortunately, cancer treatments can be harmful to the gonads and can affect reproductive and endocrine functions. While loss of fertility is a major concern for most patients, sperm cryopreservation should be offered to all pubertal male patients. For prepubertal boys, only the experimental option of testicular biopsy in order to cryopreserve testicular stem cells can be proposed. Primary aims \- To cryopreserve testicular tissue of prepubertal patient receiving highly gonadotoxic oncological treatment. Secondary aims * To cryopreserve testicular tissue after failure of sperm cryopreservation in pubertal patient with high risk of infertility * To create a database in order to record clinical and biological follow-up data * To create a research biobank for future research projects Multicentric study: HUG, CHUV, UKBB

Female Fertility Preservation Using Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation Before Highly Gonadotoxic Cancer Treatment

Background: Due to the remarkable improvement in treatments these last decades, long term survival can be expected in more than 80% of childhood cancer patients. Unfortunately, cancer treatments can be harmful to the gonads and can affect reproductive and endocrine functions. While loss of fertility is a major concern for most patients, only the experimental option of ovarian tissue cryopreservation can be proposed to prepubertal girls with a high risk of infertility. For pubertal patient, cryopreservation of mature oocytes after ovarian stimulation can be offered if oncological treatment debut can be delayed. As it is often not possible, ovarian tissue cryopreservation can also be offered. Primary aims \- To cryopreserve ovarian tissue of pre or peripubertal patient who will be receiving highly gonadotoxic oncological treatment. Secondary aims * To create a database in order to record clinical and biological follow-up data * To pool resources with Fertisave Registry * To create a research biobank for future research projects Multicentric study: HUG, CHUV