Electroacupuncture Enhances Number of Mature Oocytes and Fertility Rates forIn VitroFertilization

Abstract

Objective: The increasing prevalence of infertility every year is in line with the increasing need for in vitro fertilization (IVF) programs. Failure of oocyte maturation is an obstacle that often causes low success in IVF. According to several studies, controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) has been reported to increase the risk of granulosa-cell apoptosis associated with inhibition of oocyte maturation. This study was conducted to determine the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on oocyte maturation; rate of fertilization; granulosa-cell apoptosis; and levels of growth-differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone-morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) an IVF program. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 24 subjects who were in the IVF program. Subjects were randomly allocated into verum-EA (n = 12) and sham-EA groups (n = 12). Microscopic assessment of oocyte maturation and rate of fertilization was performed by embryologists, and examinations of granulosa-cell apoptosis index (Bax/Bcl-2 ratio), GDF9, and BMP15 were performed, using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and messenger-RNA techniques. Results: There were significant differences in oocyte maturation (P = 0.02) and fertilization rates (P = 0.03) between the verum-EA and sham-EA groups. There were differences in granulosa-cell apoptosis index between the verum-EA and sham-EA groups (P < 0.001). There were significant differences in Bax-protein expression (P = 0.04) and Bcl-2 (P = 0.03) granulosa cells between the verum-EA and sham-EA groups. There was no significant difference in GDF9 levels (P = 0.34) and BMP15 (p = 0.47) between the verum-EA and sham-EA groups. Conclusions: EA can enhance oocyte maturation and fertilization rate, and reduce the granulosa-cell apoptosis index in an IVF program.

The Differences of Folliculogenesis between Treated with Letrozole and Letrozole-Electroacupuncture in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

“…Based on the result of a study conducted by Kusuma et al (2019) in Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital Jakarta, the oocyte maturation index in the EA group was significantly higher than the non-EA group (p= 0.002) in patients who were going to do In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). It was evidenced by assessing oocyte maturation which was done microscopically by embryologists.…”

Analysis of fertility clinic marketing of complementary therapy add-ons

“…Concerning improved blood flow, Ho (2009) showed that acupuncture, in general, is able to achieve this. Other studies have found that acupuncture is able to affect the apoptosis rates of granulosa cells in the ovary (Kusuma et al, 2019). For pregnancy symptoms, acupuncture has not been shown to have an impact; for example, breech presentation at term (Sananes et al, 2016).…”

Acupuncture for Female Infertility: Discussion on Action Mechanism and Application

“…ree other RCTs [111][112][113] reported the effect of EA on IVF-ET infertility patients. Kusuma et al [111] showed that EA could improve the number of ova obtained by IVF.…”

“…Three other RCTs [ 111 – 113 ] reported the effect of EA on IVF-ET infertility patients. Kusuma et al [ 111 ] showed that EA could improve the number of ova obtained by IVF. Further testing found that BAX expression decreased, and BCL-2 expression increased in patients with EA treatment, which confirmed that EA could help patients get more follicles by inhibiting granulosa cell apoptosis.…”