Actively Recruiting
Fertility: Infection and Inflammation
Led by Medical University of Graz · Updated on 2025-02-14
800
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
511 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The investigators explore whether inflammatory factors and infections in collected samples are altered in fertility issues and if they can predict pregnancy outcomes. The investigators focus on pro- and anti-inflammatory markers, such as cytokines, metabolic parameters (e.g., blood lipids, hormones, bile acids), and viral infections (e.g., HPV, herpesviruses). A standard blood panel is also performed. Fertility issues are rising due to aging, infections, environmental toxins, and lifestyle factors (e.g., BMI, diabetes). Fertilization and implantation involve complex interactions between the egg, sperm, embryo, and endometrium, which can be disrupted by inflammatory processes from infections, metabolic imbalances, or environmental toxins. IVF allows access to unique samples that help identify these processes and their impact on fertility. 1. Sample Collection \& Analysis * Diagnostic Cycle: Blood samples (early/late follicular phase), endometrial sample (7 days post-ovulation), and body composition analysis (BOD POD). * Oocyte Retrieval: Blood, follicular fluid, vaginal swab, and another body composition analysis (BOD POD). The male partner provides blood and an ejaculate sample. * After IVF: The culture medium where the fertilized egg grows is collected. Samples are analyzed for hormones, cytokines, metabolites, nucleic acids, proteins, and immune cells. Some granulosa cells are isolated and cultured. 2. Clinical \& Fertility Parameters The main outcome is a clinical pregnancy, but additional factors are examined: * Patient: IVF reason, AMH levels, pre-existing conditions, medications, smoking, pregnancy duration. * IVF parameters: Follicle counts, retrieved oocytes, fertilization method (IVF/ICSI), embryo quality, implantation rate, miscarriage rate, and live birth rate. * Newborn: Birth weight, length, sex. 3. Control Groups \& Data Management Control groups consist of couples where infertility is attributed to only one partner. All samples are pseudonymized before analysis to ensure data privacy.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Fertility: Infection and Inflammation
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Women aged 18 years or older with written consent to participate
- Male partners may optionally participate
You will not qualify if you...
- Minors (under 18 years old)
- Patients unable to provide consent
- Any condition or circumstance that the investigator or physician believes may interfere with the study
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Medical University of Graz
Graz, Austria, 8036
Actively Recruiting
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
1
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