Clinical Research Directory

Epigenetic Clock to Predict Ovarian Aging and Live Birth in ART

Epigenetic clocks based on DNA methylation estimate biological age and are associated with age-related conditions, but they have not been validated for female fertility. This prospective, multicenter, observational, non-profit cohort study investigated whether epigenetic age, estimated from peripheral blood DNA methylation, differs between women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF/ICSI) who achieve a live birth and those who do not. In a predefined subgroup of 30 women under 40 years of age, epigenetic age was also assessed after ovarian stimulation. Participation did not change clinical management.

The ROAR Study: Reactive Oxygen Species and Reproduction

This is a prospective cohort study characterizing follicular fluid and serum levels of oxidative stress in women with various infertility diagnoses undergoing in vitro fertilization, and assessing the relationship of oxidative stress to oocyte competence as determined by embryo development outcomes. Furthermore, we will measure oxidative stress in sperm and correlate the overall oxidative stress within the couple with IVF and pregnancy outcomes of the resultant embryos.

Follicular Fluid microRNAs in Ovarian Aging and Reproduction

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) in follicular fluid (FF) as biomarkers of ovarian aging and predictors of in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. The goal is to identify noninvasive molecular markers that correlate with oocyte quality and reproductive potential, particularly in women of advanced maternal age.