Endometriosis-Related Impairment in Assisted Reproductive Technologies: Inflammatory Profiles, Oocyte Competence, and...

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Immunology
• Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

Background:

• Endometriosis is linked to infertility and poorer ART outcomes.
• Chronic inflammation in the follicular microenvironment is a suspected cause.
• This study examines inflammatory profiles and their effect on oocyte and embryo quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate systemic and local inflammation in endometriosis patients undergoing ART.
• To assess the impact of inflammation on oocyte and embryo quality using static and dynamic evaluation.
• To correlate inflammatory markers with ART outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study of 47 women (29 endometriosis, 18 controls) undergoing ART.
• Quantification of serum and follicular fluid cytokines (TGF-β1, NF-κB, IL-10, HIF-1α).
• Static morphological assessment and dynamic time-lapse monitoring of embryo development.

Main Results:

• Endometriosis patients showed elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines (TGF-β1, NF-κB) and reduced IL-10 in serum.
• Follicular fluid showed decreased NF-κB in endometriosis patients.
• These changes correlated with diminished ovarian reserve, lower oocyte yield, and fertilization rates.
• Embryos exhibited increased multinucleation and fragmentation, better detected by time-lapse imaging.
• Clinical pregnancy rates were lower in the endometriosis group.

Conclusions:

• Endometriosis creates a pro-inflammatory follicular environment impacting oocyte and embryo quality.
• Dynamic embryo assessment enhances detection of developmental abnormalities.
• Immunomodulatory strategies and advanced embryo monitoring may improve ART success in endometriosis patients.