New insights into the mechanisms underlying hydrosalpinx fluid formation and its adverse effect on IVF outcome

The adverse effects of hydrosalpinx on the outcome of IVF have been well documented; however, the causes for impaired implantation in patients with hydrosalpinx are poorly understood. Hydrosalpinx fluid has been shown to be toxic to mouse embryos but not human embryos, and this has become a topic of...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Human reproduction update 2002-05, Vol.8 (3), p.255-264
Main Authors: Ajonuma, Louis Chukwuemeka, Ng, Ernest Hung Yu, Chan, Hsiao Chang
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
CFTR
Chlamydia Infections - complications
Chlamydia Infections - physiopathology
chlamydial infection
Fallopian Tube Diseases - physiopathology
Female
Fertilization in Vitro - adverse effects
Fertilization in Vitro - methods
Humans
hydrosalpinx
IVF
Male
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Outcome
Citations: Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The adverse effects of hydrosalpinx on the outcome of IVF have been well documented; however, the causes for impaired implantation in patients with hydrosalpinx are poorly understood. Hydrosalpinx fluid has been shown to be toxic to mouse embryos but not human embryos, and this has become a topic of intense debate. An understanding of the mechanisms underlying hydrosalpinx formation following pelvic inflammatory disease appears to be essential in elucidating the causes for reduced implantation in hydrosalpinx patients and providing more rational treatments. This review discusses the mechanisms underlying hydrosalpinx formation and its adverse effect on IVF outcome, with new insights into possible involvement of Fallopian tube epithelial transporters and ion channels, particularly the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Possible links between Chlamydia trachomatis in pelvic inflammatory disease and the subsequent CFTR-mediated events in hydrosalpinx formation leading to infertility in hydrosalpinx are proposed. The causes of reduced implantation, particularly in patients with visible hydrosalpinges shown on ultrasound scanning, are re-examined in light of these possible mechanisms.
ISSN:1355-4786
1460-2369
DOI:10.1093/humupd/8.3.255