Clinical Research Directory

Low TGF-β and Embryo Implantation in the Context of Assisted Reproductive Technology: Confirmation of a Biomarker Predictive of Success and Characterization of the Immune Microenvironment.

Infertility affects about one in seven couples in France. Beyond the medical and personal challenges, it has major societal implications. In vitro fertilization (IVF) offers hope to these couples, but success rates remain modest (about 30% per embryo transfer). The failure of embryo implantation is multifactorial. Among the factors involved, immune status at the time of embryo transfer plays a central role. Embryo transfer induces an acute pro-inflammatory immune response, and inadequate regulation of this response could compromise implantation. The investigators have previously identified a promising immune biomarker: TGF-β (Transforming Growth Factor Beta). In a prospective cohort of 255 patients undergoing frozen embryo transfer, the investigators demonstrated that low circulating levels of TGF-β following nonspecific stimulation of immune cells on the day of embryo transfer were associated with a significant increase in the likelihood of implantation and live birth. These results now require independent validation in a new cohort to establish their robustness and explore potential clinical applications. The investigators hypothesize that measuring TGF-β concentration following stimulation can predict the success of embryo implantation.

Oral GnRH Antagonist (Linzagolix) Versus Injectable GnRH Antagonist in Controlled Ovarian Stimulation for In Vitro Fertilization: A Randomized Controlled Non-Inferiority Trial With a Concurrent Comparator Cohort Undergoing Progestin-Primed Ovarian Stimulation (PPOS)

Women undergoing IVF/ICSI who are candidates for a GnRH-antagonist protocol are randomly assigned 1:1 to oral linzagolix or the standard injectable GnRH antagonist (ganirelix or cetrorelix). A third, non-randomized group of women with a clinical indication for progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) - for example, a need for a freeze-all strategy - is enrolled concurrently as a comparator cohort. The randomized comparison (linzagolix vs. injectable antagonist) is the primary, non-inferiority analysis; the PPOS cohort provides an exploratory, non-randomized comparison, analyzed with adjustment for baseline differences.

Half-dose vs Conventional-dose Cetrorelix in ICSI Cycles

This prospective cohort study aims to compare the effectiveness of half-dose (0.125 mg/day) versus conventional-dose (0.25 mg/day) cetrorelix in GnRH antagonist ICSI cycles regarding clinical pregnancy rate in women with BMI ≥25 kg/m².

hCG Priming in Women With Diminished Ovarian Reserve

The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to further examine the possible effects of low dose human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) priming for eight weeks in women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The investigators want to retest the findings of our first study in an identical paired design (NCT04643925), as an increase of 1.5 in mean number of oocytes retrieved is clinically relevant. To incorporate the strengths of a randomized controlled trial design, women will be randomized after their first ICSI treatment to receive either hCG or placebo in a double-blinded design during an eight-week priming period preceding their second ICSI treatment. The primary outcome is the number of oocytes retrieved in the second ICSI treatment.

Artificial Intelligence Into Ultrasound Diagnostics in Reproductive Medicine

The goal of this observational study is to develop and validate artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithms that support ultrasound diagnosis of endometriosis, adenomyosis, myometrial masses, uterine malformations, and impaired endometrial receptivity in women aged 18-45 years. The main questions it aims to answer are: Can AI algorithms, applied to standardized transvaginal ultrasound images, accurately detect and classify endometriosis and adenomyosis in real time during routine examination? Can AI-based ultrasound assessment predict the histological dignity of myometrial masses, and the likelihood of successful assisted reproduction (AR/IVF) outcome from endometrial features? Participants attending the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Semmelweis University, with clinical suspicion of endometriosis or adenomyosis, a confirmed myometrial mass scheduled for surgery, a suspected uterine anomaly, or scheduled IVF treatment, will undergo standardized transvaginal ultrasound examination (following the IDEA, MUSA, and IETA protocols) alongside collection of clinical, questionnaire, and, where surgery is performed, histopathological data. Imaging and clinical data will be used to build a database supporting the development and validation of the AI algorithms.

Effect of ALA Combined With Letrozole on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Clinical Outcome in Infertile Females

This research study aims to investigate the effect of adding Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) supplement to letrozole treatment in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The study will include 150 PCOS participants seeking fertility treatment. They will be randomly divided into two groups - control and intervention. Both groups will receive standard PCOS care including lifestyle counseling. The control group will be treated with letrozole only. The dose will start at (2.5 mg) for 5 days and can increase up to (7.5 mg) based on response. The intervention group will take ALA supplements along with letrozole treatment. ALA tablets (600mg) will be given three times daily starting from day 3 of the menstrual cycle till human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) injection day. Letrozole dose for the intervention group will also follow the same incremental protocol as the control group. Patient monitoring will involve trans-vaginal ultrasound scans on certain cycle days to check follicle growth and the thickness of uterus lining. Once a follicle reaches 18mm in size, an intramuscular HCG injection will be given. Couples will be asked to have intercourse 36 hours after the injection. Pregnancy will be tested two weeks later if menstruation does not occur. Metabolic, hormonal, and ultrasound parameters will be recorded at baseline and follow-ups. All adverse effects of the treatment will be noted. The study period will be a maximum of 3 treatment cycles or untill pregnancy is achieved. Outcome measures include ovulation and pregnancy rates. The effect of ALA on metabolic parameters (fasting glucose, fasting insulin, BMI and HOMA-IR), hormone levels (mid-luteal progesterone and serum estradiol), and follicular growth will also be assessed. Proper sample size and randomization methods will be followed. A Statistical analysis of collected data will help determine if ALA has additional benefits when combined with letrozole for PCOS fertility treatment. Finally, the results will be statistically analyzed. Statistical analysis will be done using the SPSS statistical software package.

Developmental Epidemiological Study of Children Born Through Reproductive Technology

DESCRT will be a long-term study that both looks back in time, at successful pregnancies, and forward in time at early pregnancy and long-term as these children grow. Currently, there are limited data on the long-term effects of infertility and infertility treatments on children. There are some studies to suggest that these children may have altered metabolic profiles, but this study aims to be the largest study to answer this question.

Impact of a Web-Based Mind-Body Awareness Program on Women Undergoing Infertility Treatment

The goal of this two-group parallel randomized controlled study is to determine the effect of a web-based mind-body-based awareness program based on Meleis Transition Theory on fertility awareness and readiness levels in women receiving infertility treatment.

The REBALANCE Study - a Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized, Pivotal Study of the May Health System

A Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized, Pivotal Study of the May Health System in Transvaginal Ablation of Ovarian Tissue under Ultrasound Guidance in Women with Infertility due to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Sex or no Sex: That is the Question.

This study aims to evaluate the impact of sexual intercourse and orgasm in the 72 hrs following embryo transfer of blastocysts on the clinical pregnancy rate. An impact on sexual activity and a decrease in the frequency of intercourse has been observed in infertile couples. In couples who undergo assisted reproductive technology (ART), sexual relations have an additional component that can condition them, such as the fear of influencing the outcome of the cycle. The usual practice in ART cycles has evolved towards a preference for blastocyst-stage embryo transfer, both in fresh in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles and in frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles. The investigators consider it important to elucidate whether coital intercourse after embryo transfer (ET) has an impact on the clinical pregnancy rate after the transfer of blastocyst-stage embryos.

One-shot Ovarian Stimulation Protocol (One-shot)

The current prospective observational pilot study aims to evaluate the endocrine profile of a single-injection protocol (single CFA + daily oral administration of CC).

Multifaceted Benefits of Auricular Point Sticking for IVF Patients: Psychological Well-being, Sleep, and Treatment Outcomes

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether the complementary intervention of auricular point sticking therapy (APST) can improve pregnancy outcomes by ameliorating psychological distress and sleep quality in female patients aged 20-45 years undergoing in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) who also present with anxiety and/or insomnia. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does the addition of APST to standard luteal phase support improve key IVF-ET pregnancy outcomes (embryo implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate)? Does APST effectively reduce anxiety and depression scores (measured by GAD-7 and PHQ-9) and improve sleep quality (measured by PSQI and actigraphy) in this patient population? Are the observed clinical improvements associated with modulation of stress-related biomarkers (e.g., serum cortisol, 5-HT)? Researchers will compare the intervention group (standard care + APST) to the control group (standard care only) to see if the combined therapy leads to superior outcomes in psychological well-being, sleep parameters, and ultimately, reproductive success. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the control group or the intervention group. In the control group, receive standard luteal phase support medication (e.g., progesterone injections or oral dydrogesterone) for 4 weeks post-embryo transfer. In the intervention group, receive the same standard medication plus auricular point sticking therapy. This involves: 1.Having vaccaria seeds attached to specific ear acupoints (Heart, Liver, Endocrine, Shenmen, Subcortex, Sympathetic). 2.Performing self-acupressure on the seeds 3 times daily for 3 minutes each session. 3.Replacing the seeds at a new site every 3 days. 4.Complete psychological (GAD-7, PHQ-9) and sleep quality (PSQI) questionnaires at baseline and 12 weeks post-transfer. 5.Wear an actigraphy device on the wrist for 7 consecutive days to objectively monitor sleep patterns. 6.Provide blood samples for biomarker analysis (cortisol, 5-HT) on specific days post-transfer. 7.Undergo follow-up assessments to determine pregnancy status (β-hCG test, ultrasound).

Evaluation of a Long Versus Short Clomid Protocol for Controlled Ovarian Stimulation

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate a long Clomid protocol as compared to a 5-day Clomid protocol for ovarian stimulation in patients with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing ovarian stimulation for in-vitro fertilization. The aim of the long Clomid protocol is to intensify stimulation of the ovaries and reduce both cost and injection burden for patients. Participants will be randomized to receive the long Clomid protocol vs. the typical protocol involving Clomid only for 5 days followed by growth hormone-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist. The primary outcome the investigators will evaluate will be the number of mature eggs retrieved.

Ovarian Tissue Allo-transplantation

Premature ovarian failure, also known as primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), or premature menopause, affects 1-2% of women under 40. The diagnosis is typically made based on high levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and absent or irregular menstrual periods. It leads to infertility and menopause-like effects (hot flashes and thin bones) due to low estrogen levels. POI can result from various factors such as genetic conditions, autoimmune diseases, or previous medical treatments like chemotherapy. Treatment of POI usually involves hormone replacement therapy and, if pregnancy is desired, assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) using an egg donor. However, IVF may not be an option for everyone due to personal, religious, ethical or financial reasons. Recent advances in medicine have identified ovarian tissue transplantation (OTT) as a potential solution. OTT involves transplanting either fresh or frozen ovarian tissue into the pelvic area, where it can begin functioning again. Studies in animals and humans have shown success in restoring hormonal function and even achieving pregnancies in some cases. Initial human trials of ovarian tissue transplants from another individual began with identical twins and have since expanded to include non-identical siblings with compatible tissue matches using immunosuppression. Success rates of OTT have been promising, with multiple live births reported between identical twins. Long-term studies indicate that transplanted tissue can remain functional for up to eight years. Ovarian tissue transplantation offers a promising avenue for women with POI to help restore fertility and hormonal function. Continued research and refinement of tissue techniques are essential to improve outcomes and expand access to this innovative treatment option. This study will enroll 10 participants who will undergo ovarian tissue transplantation donated by a non-identical sister using an immunosuppression protocol at University Hospitals.

Convergent Mechanisms Underlying Reprometabolic Syndrome in Women

Dr. Nanette Santoro proposes to test the specific question that obesity results in abnormal estradiol response at the level of the pituitary and hypothalamus. This will be shown in diminished pituitary sensitivity to gonadorelin releasing hormone with a reduced estradiol induced luteinizing hormone surge in obese women.

Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Intra-ovarian Infusion in Poor Responders

Autologous PRP intra ovarian infusion may improve ovarian response, patients' hormonal profile as well as fresh embryo transfer (ET)-ICSI cycles' outcome in patients presenting with Poor Ovarian Response (POR).

Autologous PRP Intra Ovarian Infusion to Restore Ovarian Function in Menopausal Women

Autologous PRP intra ovarian infusion may restore ovarian function, may promote folliculogenesis and may improve hormonal profile of women in menopause.

Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma Intraovarian Infusion for Poor Responders

Autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) intraovarian infusion may improve ovarian response to controlled ovarian stimulation as well as the hormonal profile of poor ovarian response infertile women subjected to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment.

Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Intra Ovarian Infusion in Perimenopausal Women

Autologous PRP intra ovarian infusion may improve ovarian response and women's hormonal profile and may promote folliculogenesis in perimenopausal women.

Effects of GLP-1RAs on Fertility Outcomes in Obese Women With PCOS

The goal of this clinical trial is to examine whether GLP1-RA and healthy lifestyle education in women with PCOS and obesity prior to fertility treatment improves live birth rate and other reproductive, maternal and perinatal outcomes compared to metformin plus healthy lifestyle education.

Sleep Length and Euploid Embryo Transfer Prospective Study

Sleep is a critical component of daily life that significantly influences health and well-being. Despite the integral role sleep plays in life, its effect on women's reproductive health, and its subsequent impact on fertility, is largely understudied. The purpose of the SLEEP Study is to investigate the link between sleep and fertility. Participants will use a wireless wearable device mounted on the finger to measure sleep in the weeks preceding and following an embryo transfer during treatment with in vitro fertilization. The investigators hope that these findings will inform future therapies that improve sleep and fertility outcomes.

Descriptive Analysis of Serum Immunological Markers During an Euploid Frozen Embryo Transfer in a Natural Cycle.

To describe the peripheral serum levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 (Interleukin-4), IL-10 (Interleukin-10), TGF-ß1 (Transforming Growth Factor beta1), the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-17 (Interleukin-17), IFγ (Interferon Gamma) and the immune mediator PIBF (Progesterone-Induced Blocking Factor) along a single frozen euploid blastocyst transfer in a natural cycle (NC) or Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

Is Decreased Ovarian Reserve Related to an Increased Number of Previous Early Miscarriages?

This study aims to explore the potential correlation between decreased ovarian reserve and previous history of early miscarriage.

Optimal Timing of Euploid Day 6 Blastocyst Transfer in Frozen HRT Cycles, Day 6 or Day 7 of Progesterone Administration.

The goal of this study is to compare the difference in clinical pregnancy, miscarriage and livebirth rate between day 6 euploid blastocyst transfer on the 6th and the 7th day of progesterone exposure in Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT) FET cycles. This prospective \& randomized study will only include euploid day 6 blastocysts. This will be the first prospective study of euploid day 6 blastocysts thereby excluding aneuploidy as a cause of miscarriage and implantation failure. The point of randomization will occur on the day of progesterone commencement.