Medline Abstracts on IVF, fertility (male/female) & potency

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Hi All,

 

FEMALE INFERTILITY:

 

Du Y, Zhao Y, Ma Y, Bai H, Li X. Clinical observation on treatment of 2, 062

cases of immune infertility with integration of TCM and western medicine. J

Tradit Chin Med. 2005 Dec;25(4):278-81. Cellular and Molecular

Immunology Lab, Henan Univ, Kaifeng Henan, China. To study the

therapeutic effect of integrated TCM and western medicine on female

immune infertility. 3, 496 women suffering from primary or secondary

infertility had their ASAb, EMAb, AOAb and ACAb level tested, with the

positive rate of 23.11%, 34.95%, 20.77% and 30.41% respectively. 2, 062

positive cases were periodically treated with the Chinese drug Xiao Kang

Wan + dexamethasone, Vit E and Vit C for 2 periods as a course of

treatment. At the end of a treatment course, the rate for the antibodies to

turn negative reached over 85% and the average pregnant rate reached

36.66%. The treatment of immune infertility with the integrated approach

can reduce or eliminate the influence of antibodies in the serum of patients

on various links of pregnancy, thus reaching the goal of curing infertility.

PMID: 16447671 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

[' Note: Xiao Kang Wan has 15 Hbs, incl Danshen,

Huangqi, Honghua, Danggui, Huangqin, Yimucao, Chaihu, Xiangfu, etc; it is

used to Tx immuno-mediated male/female infertility dt antisperm antibodies;

Chinese claim success rates of 90% with the formula]

 

Huang BM, Hsiao KY, Chuang PC, Wu MH, Pan HA, Tsai SJ. Upregulation

of steroidogenic enzymes and ovarian 17beta-estradiol in human granulosa-

lutein cells by Cordyceps sinensis mycelium. Biol Reprod. 2004

May;70(5):1358-64. Epub 2004 Jan 7. Dept of Cell Biology and Anatomy,

The Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung Univ Medical

College, Tainan, Taiwan, Republic of China. There is increasing evidence

that 17beta-estradiol (E2) directly influences the quality of maturing oocytes

and thus the outcome of assisted reproduction treatment. Although

Cordyceps sinensis (CS) mycelium, a Chinese herbal medicine, is believed

to enhance libido and fertility in both sexes, the mechanism of its effect in

women has not been determined. The aim of the present study was to

evaluate the effects of CS on steroidogenic enzyme expression and E2

biosynthesis in human granulosa-lutein cells (GLC). We found that CS

induced E2 production by GLC in a dose- and time-dependent manner and

that a 3-h treatment with CS induced increased levels of mRNAs coding for

the P450 side chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), 3beta-hydroxysteroid

dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD), and aromatase. Western blot analysis

demonstrated that, after treatment with CS for 3 h, protein levels of

steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and aromatase were

upregulated while P450scc and 3beta-HSD levels showed no substantial

change. New protein synthesis was required for CS-induced E2 production

because it was abrogated by cycloheximide pretreatment. Addition of 22®-

hydroxycholesterol, thus bypassing the need for StAR protein, did not

induce as much E2 production as CS treatment, indicating that upregulation

of StAR protein was not the only factor contributing to CS-induced

steroidogenesis. Cotreatment of GLCs with CS and aminoglutethimide, an

aromatase inhibitor, completely abolished CS-induced E2 production. In

conclusion, treatment of GLCs with CS results in increased E2 production

due, at least in part, to increased StAR and aromatase expression. These

data may help in the development of treatment regimens to improve the

success rate of in vitro fertilization. PMID: 14711788 [PubMed - indexed for

MEDLINE]

 

[' Note: Cordyceps sinensis mycelium is the TCM remedy

Dongchongxiacao ]

 

Huang J. External application of Chinese drugs on acupoint Shenque

(CV08) combined with salpingostomy for treatment of sterility caused by

obstruction of the fallopian tube--a clinical report of 45 cases. J Tradit Chin

Med. 2005 Sep;25(3):174-6. Shenzhen Municipal Hospital of TCM,

Guangdong 518033, China. OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect

of external application of Chinese drugs on acupoint Shenque (CV08)

combined with salpingostomy for treatment of sterility caused by obstruction

of the fallopian tube. METHOD: 75 cases were randomly divided into the

following 2 groups. 45 patients in the treatment group were treated with

external application of Chinese drugs on acupoint Shenque (CV08)

combined with salpingostomy, while 30 patients in the control group were

treated with salpingostomy only. RESULTS: The results showed that in the

treatment group, 26 cases were cured, 11 cases improved, and 8 cases

failed, with a total effective rate of 82.22%; while in the control group, 14

cases were cured, 7 cases improved, and 9 cases failed, with a total

effective rate of 70.00%. There is a significant difference in the total

effective rate between the two groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The

therapeutic effect of external application of Chinese drugs on acupoint

Shenque combined with salpingostomy is better than that of salpingostomy

only. PMID: 16334717 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

[' Note: Consider moxa or other methods of warming the lower

abdomen in the area CV08 to CV02 as an aid to release abdominal

adhesions, including blocked fallopian tubes; however, this paper used

herbal plasters AFTER salpingostomy, and not as a substitute for it]

 

Liu Y, Wu JZ. Effect of Gutai Tang on the Abortion Rate of in vitro

Fertilization and Embryo Transfer. Chin J Integr Med. 2006 Sep;12(3):189-

93. Genetics and IVF Center of Guangdong Women and Children's

Hospital, Guangzhou (510010). E-mail: ly1232005 OBJECTIVE:

To study the effect of Chinese herbal medicine Gutai Decoction (GTD) on

the abortion rate of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET).

METHODS: Observed were two hundred and forty-seven women having

received IVF-ET and with beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-HCG) >

25 IU/L on the 14th day after transferring. All were treated conventionally

with progesterone 20 - 80 mg per day after transferring and if necessary the

treatment was supplemented with Progynova 2 - 4 mg per day, with the

medication withdrawn gradually from the 9th week of pregnancy till stopped

completely. Among them 131 cases received GTD medication additionally,

for 109 cases of whom the medication started from the 2nd day of

transferring (taken as Group A) and for the other 22 cases from the 14th

day after transferring (taken as Group B), the other 116 cases with no

additional GTD treatment given were taken as the control group, with the

medication lasting to the 12th week. The abortion rate in them was

observed. RESULTS: The abortion rate in Group A, Group B and the control

group was 12.84%, 13.64% and 23.28%, respectively, the difference

between the GTD treated groups and the control group was significant (P <

0.05). CONCLUSION: Chinese medicine GTD could reduce abortion rate in

women receiving IVF-ET. PMID: 17005079 [PubMed - in process]

 

[' Note: Gutai Tang () has Dangshen, Shudihuang,

Baizhu, Shanyao, Shanzhuyu, Xuduan, Duzhong, Tusizi, Gouqizi, Baishao,

etc.]

 

Sun WS, Imai A, Tagami K, Sugiyama M, Furui T, Tamaya T. In vitro

stimulation of granulosa cells by a combination of different active

ingredients of Unkei-To. Am J Chin Med. 2004;32(4):569-78. Dept of

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gifu Univ School of Medicine Gifu 500-8705,

Japan. Unkei-to (Wen Jing Tang, Warm Menses Dec) is widely used in

traditional Japanese herbal medicine for its ovulation-inducing effect. In the

present study, we investigated the in vivo effects of unkei-to and its

compounds on the steroidogenesis and cytokine secretion in human

granulosa cells. Unkei-to stimulated the secretions of 17beta-estradiol and

progesterone from highly luteinized granulosa cells obtained from in vitro

fertilization patients; the stimulated effect on estradiol secretion occurred

with 0.3 microg/ml, while a significant effect on progesterone secretion was

obtained at 10 microg/ml. The unkei-to stimulation of estradiol secretion

could be accounted for by the effects of its ingredients, Shakuyaku

(Baishao, Rx Paeoniae lactiflorae) and Keihi (Rougui/Guizhi, Cx/Rml

Cinnamomi cassiae); while dose response curves for unkei-to and Keihi to

induce progesterone production were superimposable. Exposure of the

cells to unkei-to caused dose-dependent increases in the concentrations of

interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6 and IL-8 in the culture medium. Similar results

were obtained when cells were incubated with the ingredient Ninjin

(Renshen, Rx Ginseng), but not Shakuyaku and Keihi. These results

indicate that unkei-to has direct stimulatory effects on human granulosa

cells to stimulate the steroidogenesis and secretion of cytokines (IL-1, IL-6

and IL-8). The various beneficial actions of unkei-to on the ovary may result

from a combination of different ingredient herbs with different stimulatory

effects on both steroidogenesis and the ovulatory process within the ovary,

as well as stimulatory effect on the hypothalamus-pituitary axis. PMID:

15481646 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

[' Note: Wen Jing Tang (Warm Menses Dec) contains:

Wuzhuyu, Banxia, Maimendong, Danggui, Baishao (Jiuchao), Renshen,

Shudihuang, Gancao, Mudanpi, Shengjiang, Chuanxiong, Guizhi]

 

Yang GY, Wang PJ, Jia XB. [Effect of Bushen Huoxue Tang on in vitro

fertilization and early embryonic development in mice][Article in Chinese]

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2001 Jul;21(7):522-4. Jiangsu

Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Nanjing

210028. OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of Bushen Huoxue Tang

(BSHX) on female reproduction and elucidate its therapeutic mechanism to

infertility. METHODS: The BSHX medicated serum of rabbit, as a

supplement, was co-cultured with the sperm and ovum of non-copulated

mice, and the 2-cell embryos of copulated female mice separately, to

observe the changes of in vitro fertilization rate (IVF) and early

embryogenesis rate. RESULTS: By co-cultured with BSHX medicated

serum, IVF rate was increased obviously (P < 0.01), and the follow-up early

embryogenesis rate at various period was promoted, particularly that of the

4-cell and 8-cell embryos (P < 0.05). No influence on developmental rate of

in vitro 4-cell embryos obtained from the in vivo 2-cell embryos. But the

development of the 8-cell embryos, morula, blastula and hatching were

promoted significantly. CONCLUSION: BSHX could raise the fertilization

rate and promote the early embryonic development. PMID: 12575399

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

[' Note: Bushen Huoxue Tang () contains:

Shengdihuang, Shudihuang, Shanyao, Gegen, Tianhuafen, Taizishen 15g

each, Shanzhuyu, Gouqizi, Tusizi 10g each, Huangqi, Danshen 30g each,

Shuizhifen (Leech Powder) 3g ]

 

MALE INFERTILITY / Erectile DysFx

 

Fu B, Lun X, Gong Y. Effects of the combined therapy of acupuncture with

herbal drugs on male immune infertility--a clinical report of 50 cases. J

Tradit Chin Med. 2005 Sep;25(3):186-9. Dept of Acupuncture, Second

Guangdong Provincial Worker's Hospital, Guangzhou 510720, China. To

study the clinical effects of the combined therapy of acupuncture with herbal

drugs on male immune infertility and on antisperm antibody (AsAb), 100

male cases of infertility with positive AsAb were divided randomly into two

groups, each consisting of 50 cases. The acupuncture-drug group was

treated with acupuncture on Ganshu (BL18), Shenshu (BL23), Taichong

(LV03), Taixi (KI03), Xinshu (BL15), Geshu (BL17), Shenmen (HT07), and

Xuehai (SP10), combined with oral medication of Liuwei Dihuang Wan

(Bolus of the Six Drugs Including Rehmanniae). The control group was

treated with oral prednisone. The clinical therapeutic effects and the impact

on AsAb were observed in the two groups. The results showed that the total

effective rate in the acupuncture-drug group was 90%; while that of the

control group was 64%, the comparison showing a statistically significant

difference (P<0.05). The positive rate of blood serum and/or AsAb in both

the two groups decreased in varying degrees, but the negative-turning rate

of AsAb in the acupuncture-drug group was more obvious, the comparison

showing also a significant difference (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The

combined therapy of acupuncture with herbal drugs has definite therapeutic

effects on male immune infertility, which can regulate AsAb and raise the

immunity of the patients. PMID: 16334720 [PubMed - indexed for

MEDLINE]

 

[' Note: Liuwei Dihuang Wan contains Shudihuang 24g,

Shanzhuyu 12g, Shanyao 12g, Zexie 9g, Mudanpi 9g, Fuling 9g]

 

 

Hu L, Xiong CL. [The influence of medicated serum with root of Crataegus

cuneata on human sperm motility parameters in vitro][Article in Chinese]

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2006 Feb;31(4):333-5. Family Planning

Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong Univ of Science &

Technology, Wuhan 430030, China. OBJECTIVE: To study the influence of

root of medicated serum with Crataegus cuneata Rx on human sperm

motility in vitro. METHOD: Sperm specimens of 16 asthenospermia patients

were co-incubated with the medicated serum in vitro. The sperm motility

characteristics were evaluated by computer-assisted semen analysis

(CASA) at 5, 15, 30, 60 min and 120 min. RESULT: Compared with the

control group, the medicated serum significantly increased the sperm

progressive motility in 5 and 15 min (P < 0.05), and the motility and

progressive motility were both increased significantly in 60 and 120 min (P <

0.01). The excitatory effect of the medicated serum on the sperm motility

exhibited in a time-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Root of C. cuneata

medicated serum can improve sperm motility of asthenospermia patients in

vitro. PMID: 16706029 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

[' Note: Rx Crataegi cuneatae is TCM Hb Shanzhagen (),

Sweet; Neutral; Non-TOXIC; ST; LU; Actions; Lessen

Indigestion/Accumulation; Haemostat, Dispel Wind; Free Collaterals;

Antiinflammation; Dyspepsia, indigestion, dysentery, arthralgia,

haemoptysis, haematemesis, Dose: As Dec: 3-5qian]

 

Luo Q, Li Z, Huang X, Yan J, Zhang S, Cai YZ. Lycium barbarum

polysaccharides: Protective effects against heat-induced damage of rat

testes and H2O2-induced DNA damage in mouse testicular cells and

beneficial effect on sexual behavior and reproductive function of

hemicastrated rats. Life Sci. 2006 Jul 10;79(7):613-21. Epub 2006 Mar 6.

College of Public Health, Wuhan Univ, Wuhan 430071, Hubei, PR China.

Lycium barbarum, a famous TCM herb, has a long history of use as a

traditional remedy for male infertility. Polysaccharides are the most

important functional constituent in L. barbarum fruits. We systematically

investigated the effect of L. barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) on rat testis

damage induced by a physical factor (43 degrees C heat exposure), on

DNA damage of mouse testicular cells induced by a chemical factor

(H2O2), and on sexual behavior and reproductive function of hemicastrated

male rats. The results showed that LBP provided a protective effect against

the testicular tissue damage induced by heat exposure. When compared

with negative control, a suitable concentration of LBP significantly increased

testis and epididymis weights, improved superoxide dismutase (SOD)

activity, and raised sexual hormone levels in the damaged rat testes. LBP

had a dose-dependent protective effect against DNA oxidative damage of

mouse testicular cells induced by H2O2. LBP improved the copulatory

performance and reproductive function of hemicastrated male rats, such as

shortened penis erection latency and mount latency, regulated secretion of

sexual hormones and increased hormone levels, raised accessory sexual

organ weights, and improved sperm quantity and quality. The present

findings support the folk reputation of L. barbarum fruits as an aphrodisiac

and fertility-facilitating agent, and provide scientific evidence for a basis

for

the extensive use of L. barbarum fruits as a traditional remedy for male

infertility in China. PMID: 16563441 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

[' Note: Fr Lycii barbari/chinensis is TCM Hb Gouqizi]

 

Park SW, Lee CH, Shin DH, Bang NS, Lee SM. Effect of SA1, a herbal

formulation, on sexual behavior and penile erection. Biol Pharm Bull. 2006

Jul;29(7):1383-6. College of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan Univ, Suwon, South

Korea. SA1 is a mixture of 9 Oriental herbs (Korean red ginseng, fermented

soybean, Fr Tribuli terrestris, Fr Rubi, Fr Lycii, S Cuscutae, Rz Dioscoreae,

Fr Corni and Fr Crataegi) that are widely used as energizers and vitalizers in

the indigenous system of medicine and have been alleged to improve the

sexual functions in men. This study evaluated SA1 using both in vitro and in

vivo experiments on Lab animals in order to determine its effect on the

sexual behavior and penile erection. The male rats used to examine the

copulatory behavior were administered either the vehicle or SA1 (30, 100,

300, 600 mg/kg) orally for 2 weeks. The intracavernous pressure and

systemic blood pressure were recorded in anesthetized rats. The responses

to acetylcholine and SA1 of rabbit corpus cavernosum strips were also

examined. There was an overall increase in the copulatory behavior

parameters in the SA1-treated rats, which was reflected by a decrease in

the mount and intromission latencies and an increase in the ejaculation

latency and mount frequency. SA1 significantly increased the ratio of the

intracavernous pressure to mean arterial pressure. In vitro, SA1 significantly

enhanced the relaxation responses to acetylcholine. These results suggest

that SA1 improves the sexual activity and erectile function. PMID: 16819173

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

[' Note: Hongshen = Korean red ginseng; Dandouchi =

fermented soybean; Baijili = Fr Tribuli terrestris; Fupenzi = Fr Rubi; Gouqizi

= Fr Lycii; Tusizi = S Cuscutae; Shanyao = Rz Dioscoreae; Shanzhuyu = Fr

Corni; Shanzha = Fr Crataegi)

 

Sun Z, Bao Y. TCM treatment of male immune infertility--a report of 100

cases. J Tradit Chin Med. 2006 Mar;26(1):36-8. Dept of Reproduction,

Zhejiang Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hangzhou

310003, China. OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect of Yikang

Tang (Yikang Decoction) for male immune infertility. METHODS: 100 cases

of male immune infertility in the treatment group were treated with Yikang

Decoction, while 100 cases treated with prednisone as the controls.

Physical exam, routine semen and prostate exams, and exams for

presence of anti-sperm antibody (AsAb) and mycoplasma in the serum or

seminal plasma were carried out. RESULTS: 1) The serum and seminal

plasma AsAb levels decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in both the groups

after treatment, with a more remarkable effect in the treatment group. 2)

The sperm density and percentage of motile spermatozoa increased

significantly in the two groups, but more significantly in the treatment group

after treatment. The pregnancy rate of their wives was higher in the

treatment group than that in the control group (P < 0.01). 3) The sperm

agglutination rate in the two groups decreased, but more significantly in the

treatment group after treatment. 4) The improvement rate of the symptoms

and the stability of the therapeutic effect were more dramatic in the

treatment group than that in the control group (P < 0.01) after termination of

drug administration. CONCLUSION: The Yikang Decoction has a more

stable effect for male immune infertility than prednisone. PMID: 16705853

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

[' Note: I cannot find ingredients of Yikang Tang (Yikang

Decoction, ? / ?) on WWW]

 

Wang Q, Ni P, Wu WP, Xia ZY. [study of Shugan Yiyang capsule on

erectile dysfunction][Article in Chinese] Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2005

Jan;30(1):58-63. School of Basic Medicine, Beijing Univ of TCM, Beijing

100029, China. qifang251 OBJECTIVE: To study the

pharmacological effect of Shugan Yiyang(SGYY) capsule. METHOD:

kongming mice and Wistar rats were used to observe the effects of SGYY

capsule on sexual desire, erection, ejaculation and fatigue. The weight of

prostate, seminal vesicle, testes, levators and thymus and serum

testosterone level were also measured. Furthermore, Rhesus monkey were

used to construct animal model of erectile dysfunction. Effects of SGYY

capsule on sexual behavior, penile blood flow and electromyogram were

observed. RESULT: SGYY capsule can remarkably reduce the incubation

period of erection, ejaculation and innovate the sexual desire, erection,

ejaculation both on rats and rhesus monkeys. The weight of prostate,

seminal vesicle, testes, levators in mice and serum testosterone level of

rats increased while the weight of thymus decreased. It can also diminish

the luminar of vein and reduce the venous outflow while the transmission of

peripheral nervous system remained stable. CONCLUSION: SGYY capsule

can remarkably improve the erectile activity, sexual desire and ejaculatory

activity. The mechanism of SGYY capsule may be related to the increase of

androgen and adrenocorticohormone levels. as well as the reduction of

penile venous outflow. PMID: 15714804 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

[' Note: Shugan Yiyang Jiaonang (Disperse LV Aid Yang

Capsule, ) has Li 725g, Chaihu 45g, Fengfang 46g, Dilong

45g, Shuizhi 30g, Jiuxiangchong 25g, Zishaohua 10g,

Shechuangzi 160g, Yuanzhi 75g, Roucongrong 50g, Tusizi 50g, Wuweizi

30g, Bajitian 20g, Wugong 30g, Shichangpu 30g]

 

Yang X, Ding CF, Zhang YH, Yan ZZ, Du J. [Protection of extract from

Cuscuta japonica on human sperm acrosome and ultrastructure][Article in

Chinese] Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2006 Mar;31(5):422-5. Zhejiang

Province Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Hangzhou,

China. OBJECTIVE: To study the oxidation damage of active oxygen (ROS)

to human sperm acrosome and ultrastructure, and study the function

mechanism about Cuscuta japonica treating male's infertility and

asthenoospermia. METHOD: By using the Percoll gradient centrifugation,

the sperm with normal physiological function were selected for the normal

sperm model, and the sperm suspension were divided into the normal

group, the model group, the positive control group (Vitamin C group), and

the lugh, the median and the low dose gvoups of C. japonica. The ROS

made from hypoxanthine-xanzine xanzine(HX-XO) and different content

(0.125, 0.25, 0.5 g x mL(-1)) of extract were incubated with sperm in the

oxygen environment. The acrosomic integrity rate were calculated and the

sperm acrosome and ultrastructure were observed. RESULT: The content

(0.125, 0.5 g x mL(-1)) of extract had no obvious difference as compared

with Vitamin C (0.25 mg x mL(-1)) in protecting the acrosome and

ultrastructure, but the content (0.25 mg x mL(-1)) of extract was significantly

better than Vit C (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The suitable content of extract

from C. japonica can significantly protect the sperm membrane, the

acosomic structure and the mitochondrion function from the damage

caused by ROS. PMID: 16711433 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

[' Note: Cuscuta is Tusizi]

 

Best regards,