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Ovarian reserve is an important determinant of a woman’s reproductive potential, and women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) often seek in vitro fertilization (IVF). The underlying etiology of DOR is unknown, but follicular fluid cytokine concentrations likely play a role in follicular development and maturation. The present study seeks to investigate the expression of cytokines in follicular fluid (FF) of women with DOR undergoing IVF and explore correlated functional pathways. One hundred ninety-four women undergoing ovarian stimulation were recruited at the time of oocyte retrieval. Women were classified as having DOR if they met one or more of the following criteria: AMH 10 mIU/ml, and/or AFC

Objective To describe the trends and characteristics of oocyte cryopreservation (OC) cycles stratified by self-reported race/ethnicity in the United States Design Retrospective cohort analysis using the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinical Outcome Reporting System Setting US fertility clinics Patients All patients undergoing OC from 2012 through 2016 Interventions None Main Outcome Measures The OC cycle trends were analyzed on the basis of race/ethnicity: non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, Asian/Pacific islander, Hispanic, and other (American Indian, Alaskan native, or mixed race). Results Between 2012 and 2016, there was a total of 29,631 OC cycles; the total number of cycles increased yearly from 2,925 in 2012 to 8,828 in 2016. When compared with the demographics of the United States, OC was underused by some minority patient groups because majority of the cycles (66.5%) were performed in white patients. The total number of OC cycles increased annually among all the ethnic groups, most notably among Asian patients. The patients of all the ethnic backgrounds were most commonly under 35 years of age and underwent 1 OC cycle, except for Asian patients, who most frequently underwent OC between the ages of 35 and 37 years and were more likely to have undergone ≥2 cycles than patients of other minority groups. After adjustment for cofounders, there were no clinically significant differences in oocyte yield and the percentage of maturation across the racial/ethnic groups. Conclusions Nationally, OC cycles have been increasing in number, most often in patients under the age of 35 years, with similar proportions of patients of minority groups pursuing OC over time. The oocyte yield was comparable across the ethnic groups. Future research regarding subsequent thawing outcomes is warranted.

Objective To summarize current understanding of the effects of novel and prior coronaviruses on human reproduction, specifically male and female gametes, and in pregnancy. Design Review of English publications in PubMed and Embase to April 6, 2020. Method(s) Articles were screened for reports including coronavirus, reproduction, pathophysiology, and pregnancy. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Reproductive outcomes, effects on gametes, pregnancy outcomes, and neonatal complications. Result(s) Seventy-nine reports formed the basis of the review. Coronavirus binding to cells involves the S1 domain of the spike protein to receptors present in reproductive tissues, including angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), CD26, Ezrin, and cyclophilins. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 1 (SARS–CoV-1) may cause severe orchitis leading to germ cell destruction in males. Reports indicate decreased sperm concentration and motility for 72–90 days following Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Gonadotropin-dependent expression of ACE2 was found in human ovaries, but it is unclear whether SARS–Coronavirus 2 (CoV-2) adversely affects female gametogenesis. Evidence suggests that COVID-19 infection has a lower maternal case fatality rate than SARS or Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), but anecdotal reports suggest that infected, asymptomatic women may develop respiratory symptoms postpartum. Coronavirus Disease 2019 infections in pregnancy are associated with preterm delivery. Postpartum neonatal transmission from mother to child has been reported. Conclusion(s) Coronavirus Disease 2019 infection may affect adversely some pregnant women and their offspring. Additional studies are needed to assess effects of SARS–CoV-2 infection on male and female fertility.