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A Prospective Study of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between genetic and environmental factors that may explain PCOS. We will use information collected during visits to our PCOS clinic and the family history of PCOS patients to learn about the causes and effects of PCOS.
Differences in Response to Infertility Treatments in Asians and Caucasians: Dr. Victor Fujimoto, Dr. Heather Huddleston This study explores differences in response to infertility treatment between Asians and Caucasians and seeks to understand whether ethnicity has an impact on the success of standard infertility treatment. We are seeking Asian and Caucasian patients who are going through IVF to participate in this study.
Protocol Evaluation for Improved IVF Outcomes in Expected Poor Responders Dr. Marcelle Cedars, Dr. Karen Purcell, Dr. Wendy Closshey This is a study to determine which of the three protocols used for ovarian stimulation result in the best pregnancy rates for women expected to respond poorly (<10 eggs). One of three different protocols currently used in IVF treatment will be chosen randomly for a patient enrolling in the study. Each of these protocols are commonly used to treat patients that have a decreased response to the medication, but no studies have shown one protocol to be better at increasing the pregnancy rate over the other. The purpose of this study is to determine if one of the protocols is more successful in achieving pregnancy and to understand the hormonal changes during stimulation
The Role of Oxidative Stress in Ovarian Aging Dr. Wendy Closshey, Dr. Marcelle Cedars, Dr. Synthia Mellon The purpose of this study is to learn if biochemical markers of aging are different in women of different ages and in women with diminished ovarian reserve. We will look at hormones and chemicals that are markers of aging in both the blood and in the cells and fluid that surround a mature egg.
The Study of Heavy Metals in Assisted Reproductive Technology (SMART): Heavy metal exposure and IVF outcomes Dr. Victor Fujimoto, Dr. Mary Croughan, Nancy Chamberlain The purpose of this study is to learn about the potential role of heavy metal environmental contaminants (mercury-Hg, lead-Pb, and cadmium-Cd) in blood, semen, and follicular fluid (fluid that surrounds the human egg) might influence the ability to create an embryo or a pregnancy through in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Dr. Linda Giudice The purpose of this study is to identify what regulates estrogen production by the ovary and how the ovarian follicles (sacs containing eggs) develop during a women’s menstrual cycle. This study involves the study of cells from the ovaries, but not the eggs. During a standard egg retrieval performed during an IVF cycle, fluid and cells are collected from the ovarian follicles using an ultrasound-guided, transvaginal approach. After the egg has been isolated, the excess fluid and cells are usually discarded. If you choose to participate in this study, we will save the fluid that is normally discarded after the eggs have been collected for your treatment.
The Effects of Secreted Embryonic Factors on Human Endometrium Dr. Linda Giudice The purpose of this study is to examine the possible importance of factors secreted (released by) from human embryos during the process of implantation. We hope to learn if these factors are secreted into the culture medium (culture medium is the fluid that we place around the developing embryos when we do IVF) of human eggs outside of the human body, and if so, how these factors affect the lining of the uterus. Once the eggs are collected at the time of egg retrieval, they are placed in a dish and mixed with sperm. When fertilization takes place, they are grown in that dish for several days with fluid culture medium bathing the embryos. Then the embryos are either transferred to the uterus or frozen and culture media is routinely discarded. For this study, we request your permission to collect this culture media for research study. We will test the media for any substance secreted by the embryos, and if so, how that substance may affect the lining of the uterus using cells (endometrial cells).
California law requires that all individuals and couples undergoing In Vitro Fertilization be offered the opportunity to participate in research. Prior to an IVF treatment cycle all patients will receive an informational and consent packet specifically addressing this research. The UCSF IVF Tissue Bank, located at the University of California, San Francisco, has been established to provide researchers with the reproductive materials needed to perform several types of infertility, genetic, and general health research. These researchers will use the donated materials to improve understanding of human development, reproduction, and infertility with a goal of improving current treatment options. If tissue donors specifically agree, embryos and gametes (eggs and sperm) may also be used to derive stem cells. This may ultimately lead to the development of treatments that may help those with life-threatening or chronic illnesses overcome their illness or improve their quality of life. Reproductive materials (eggs, sperm, and/or embryos) donated to the UCSF IVF Tissue Bank will never be donated to another couple. They will be used for research purposes only.
Other Research Links: http://www.keepsstudy.com/ The Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS) is designed to address questions left unanswered by the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI). Specifically, this study is evaluating the impact of low dose estrogen in newly menopausal women. Cardiovascular and cognitive endpoints will be evaluated. Subject will be randomized to oral estrogen, transdermal estrogen or a placebo (sugar pill). Impact of Oxidative Stress on Embryo Quality The purpose of this study is to identify the presence of particular antioxidant enzymes (traditionally linked to cardiovascular disease) in the fluid that surrounds developing eggs within the ovaries. We hope to learn how the presence of these enzymes may effect embryo development and quality. We are seeking subjects who are going through an IVF cycle. UCSF PCOS Multidisciplinary Clinic This is a multi-disciplinary clinic to treat and study women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. The UCSF Women’s Health Clinical Research Center
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