Effect of air quality on assisted human reproduction

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Cytokines are potential biomarkers of immune response in the lower female genital tract. This study compares cytokines between the vagina and endometrium, two portals of entry for infectious organisms.DESIGN: Randomized, assessor-blinded cross-over trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen reproductive-aged women underwent follicular phase vaginal lavage (VL) and endometrial lavage (EL) as part of a clinical trial examining the impact of vaginal gels on the vagina and endometrium. Eight pro-inflammatory cytokines (Il-1b, Il-6, Il-8, MCP-1, MIP-1a, MIP-1b, RANTES, and TNF-a and three anti-inflammatory cytokines (Il-1ra, Il-10, Slp-1) were assayed in baseline VL and EL specimens (RayBio Human Cytokines Array). Absolute cytokine levels were compared between VL and EL by signrank tests.RESULTS: Multiple cytokines differed between the vagina and endometrium. Of pro-inflammatory cytokines, Il-1b (p¼0.001) was significantly higher, while RANTES (p<0.001) was significantly lower in the vagina. Of anti-inflammatory markers, Il-1ra (p<0.001) was higher, while Il-10 (p<0.001) and Slp-1 (p<0.001) were significantly lower in the vagina than in the endometrium.CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to compare immune response between the human vagina and endometrium using inflammatory cytokines. Our findings suggest that immune response varies by different sites of the lower reproductive tract. However, we see no common trend in regard to pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines between these sites. It is unknown whether these differences reflect independent immune responses at the two sites, or, alternatively, vaginal immune responses are a product of mixed vaginal and endometrial immune response.

Lack of carbon air filtration impacts early embryo development

“…Legro et al studied the air pollution levels based on US Environmental Protection Agency air quality monitors located around the homes and IVF clinics of 7403 women undergoing their first IVF cycles. The authors concluded that the effects of declining air quality on reproductive outcomes after IVF were variable, cycle dependent and complex, but that increased NO 2 concentration was consistently associated with lower birth rates [10].…”

Donor egg IVF model to assess ecological implications for ART success

“…While presumed differences in population vitamin D status, as hypothesized, may underlie the observed regional differences in LBR's following donor egg IVF, regional differential in environmental pollutants and toxins cannot be dismissed as plausible contributors to the observed differences in donor egg IVF related LBR's, as has been previously suggested [17]. Our study design does not allow for evaluation of potential contributory mechanisms that could explain our findings.…”

“…Ecological factors have been related to a diverse array of disease processes [11][12][13][14][15], and as well are suggested to have an impact on reproductive success [16,17]. In a large crosssectional study, air quality parameters within in clinical laboratories were identified as being of relevance for vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle success [17].…”

“…In a large crosssectional study, air quality parameters within in clinical laboratories were identified as being of relevance for vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle success [17]. Limited epidemiological data suggest a relationship between environmental light exposure and a number of chronic disorders including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancers [18].…”

What are the risks of the assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and how can they be minimized?

“…Legro et al [47] used air quality monitors from the US Environmental Protection Agency to estimate pollutants at addresses of 7,403 women undergoing first-cycle IVF using laboratories in the northeastern United States. Increases in the concentration of nitrogen oxide at the patient's address and at the IVF laboratory lowered chances of pregnancy and live birth.…”