Raffaella Depalo - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Raffaella Depalo
Archivio per le scienze mediche, 2005
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 2021
Oocytes and embryos can be vitrified with and without dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Objectives were ... more Oocytes and embryos can be vitrified with and without dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Objectives were to compare no vitrification (No-Vitr), vitrification with DMSO (Vitr + DMSO), and vitrification without DMSO (Vitr - DMSO) on fresh/warmed oocyte survival, induced parthenogenetic activation, parthenogenetic embryo development, and embryonic maternal imprinted gene expression. In this prospective controlled laboratory study, mature B6C3F1 female mouse metaphase II oocytes were treated as: i) No-Vitr, ii) Vitr + DMSO/warmed, and iii) Vitr - DMSO/warmed with subsequent parthenogenetic activation and culture to the blastocyst stage. Oocyte cryo-survival, parthenogenetic activation and embryo development, parthenogenetic embryo maternal imprinted gene expression were outcome measures. Oocyte cryo-survival was significantly improved in Vitr + DMSO versus Vitr - DMSO at initial warming and 2 h after warming. Induced parthenogenetic activation was similar between all three intervention groups. While early preimplantation parthenogenetic embryo development was similar between control, Vitr + DMSO, Vitr - DMSO oocytes, the development to blastocysts was significantly inferior in the Vitr - DMSO oocytes group compared to the control and Vitr + DMSO oocyte groups. Finally, maternal imprinted gene expression was similar between intervention groups at both the 2-cell and blastocyst parthenogenetic embryo stage. Inclusion of DMSO in oocyte vitrification solutions improved cryo-survival and developmental potential of parthenogenetic embryos to the blastocyst stage without significantly altering maternal imprinted gene expression.
Annals of Hematology, 2019
Thanks to the increased number of young survivors of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL), management of the p... more Thanks to the increased number of young survivors of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL), management of the pregnancies of women who have a history of exposure to chemotherapies and radiation therapy is becoming increasingly common. Many patients and clinicians are worried that pregnancy after the diagnosis of HL may increase the risk of relapse, despite a lack of empirical evidence to support such concerns. In the present study, we included 89 women diagnosed with HL between 2006 and 2015 under the age of 50 years, who were in complete remission and alive without relapse > 1 year after treatment. We determined the pregnancy rate, time to pregnancy, and the disease-free survival. We found no evidence of significant impairment of the fertility of female HL long-term survivors and no evidence that a pregnancy increases the relapse rate among women in remission from HL. Survivors of HL need to consider a range of factors when deciding on future reproduction.
International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine, 2018
Background: Luteinizing hormone (LH) is essential for normal follicular development and oocyte ma... more Background: Luteinizing hormone (LH) is essential for normal follicular development and oocyte maturation. In particular, fluctuations of LH during the follicular phase have a significant impact on morphological and functional changes of the oocyte and determine its meiotic status and ability to be fertilized. Objective: This prospective randomized controlled trial examined effects of endogenous follicular phase LH levels on oocyte maturity and IVF outcomes in fixed vs. flexible in vitro fertilization. Materials and Methods: Normo-ovulatory women age <39 yr (n=213) were randomized to fixed or flexible gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocols. Follicular phase LH, estradiol, and progesterone profiles were measured. Oocytes retrieved, implantation rate, and pregnancy rate were compared between the two groups. Results: LH profiles were similar in both protocols. A lower trend of LH values at the end of ovarian stimulation correlated significantly with a higher pregnancy rate, regardless of protocol (p=0.02). Estradiol levels were statistically different with respect to time points within treatment groups (p<0.0001), but not between groups (p=0.43), or pregnancy outcomes (p=0.2595). Progesterone profiles were similar between groups. No differences were found in retrieved oocytes numbers, fertilization rate or embryos obtained. Significantly, younger age and a higher number of antral follicles were correlated with positive results. Conclusion: Fixed and flexible GnRH antagonist protocols did not produce an oscillation of endogenous LH values correlated to the outcome of ovarian stimulation.
Current Medicinal Chemistry, 2019
Background: In the last years, several scientific societies and expert groups focused on the role... more Background: In the last years, several scientific societies and expert groups focused on the role played by nutritional factors, lifestyle and excess of body fat in interfering with female reproduction and fertility. In many studies a confounding factor is represented by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which is one of the major causes of infertility where genetic and family history are certainly playing a role, together with lifestyle and nutritional factors. Methods: In an attempt to define "the optimal fertility diet", we consider the role played by Mediterranean lifestyle and some macronutrients (animal and vegetable proteins) on ovulatory disorders and female fertility also considering some new visions derived from randomized trials of lifestyle programs in obese infertile women asking for in vitro fertilization or alternative assisted reproduction technologies. Results: Several reports are in favor of an increased consumption of either proteins or low-glycemic index ...
Therapeutic Advances in Medical Oncology, 2016
Background: Anticancer treatments can impair male fertility. Cryopreservation of semen is an effi... more Background: Anticancer treatments can impair male fertility. Cryopreservation of semen is an efficient procedure for fertility preservation. The aim of this study was to evaluate pre-freeze semen parameters among the various types of cancer, post-thaw sperm viability and reproductive outcome of samples used for assisted reproductive treatment (ART). Methods: This study included 721 men with cancer that had their semen cryopreserved in our bank in 1999–2015. Semen analysis and cryopreservation were performed before the start of antineoplastic treatment, according to the World Health Organization recommendations, European Commission and Italian law. Results: Among the 721 patient, 196 had seminoma of the testis, 173 Hodgkin’s lymphoma, 108 mixed testicular tumors, 89 germ cell tumors, 67 other tumors, 46 hematological tumors, and 42 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The mean age of patients was significantly lower in Hodgkin’s lymphoma compared to other tumors. Statistically significant lower v...
International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology, 2016
The aim of this study is to evaluate the presence of anti-laminin-1 antibodies (aLN-1) in sera an... more The aim of this study is to evaluate the presence of anti-laminin-1 antibodies (aLN-1) in sera and follicular fluid (FF) of infertile women affected by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and its impact on oocyte maturation and IVF outcome. aLN-1 were measured by a home-made enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in: (1) sera and FF from 44 infertile women affected by HT (HTIW) with tubal factor or male factor as primary cause of infertility; (2) in sera and FF from 28 infertile women without HT, with tubal factor or male factor as cause of infertility (infertile controls-ICTR); and (3) in sera from 50 fertile women (FW). aLN-1 serum levels were significantly higher in HTIW when compared with both fertile women and ICTR ( P <0.001and P <0.01, respectively). Assuming as cutoff the 99th percentile of values obtained in sera of FW, 43.2% of HTIW and 3.6% of ICTR were aLN-1 positive ( P = 0.0001). Also aLN-1 detected in FF from HTIW were signifi...
![Research paper thumbnail of Corrigendum to “Adipose tissue, metabolic syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome: from pathophysiology to treatment” [Reprod. Biomed. Online 19 (2009) 552–563]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/94713849/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 2012
Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 2007
She obtained a specialist degree in obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of Medical Scien... more She obtained a specialist degree in obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of Medical Science of Bari and a PhD at the University 'Cattolica del Sacro Cuore' in Rome. At present, her main interest is ultrasound and she runs the fetal medicine unit at the above-mentioned department. This unit represents a referral centre in the South East of Italy for high-risk pregnancies. She frequently gives oral presentations at medical congresses and has published widely, being author of more than 170 publications.
Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 2009
He is past President of the Italian Society of Perinatal Medicine (1998-2002) and has served on i... more He is past President of the Italian Society of Perinatal Medicine (1998-2002) and has served on its Board of Directors for several years. He has published widely, is an ad-hoc reviewer for various journals and is a member of numerous local and national committees and boards. In 2000, he set up an IVF Unit within his Department that quickly reached high quality standards and now represents a referral centre in this area.
Medical and Pediatric Oncology, 2002
The Journal of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, 2003
We evaluated the efficacy of office hysteroscopic treatment of benign intrauterine pathologies us... more We evaluated the efficacy of office hysteroscopic treatment of benign intrauterine pathologies using 5F mechanical instruments (scissors, grasping forceps). Subjects were 4863 women who underwent the procedure without analgesia or anesthesia. We treated cervical and endometrial polyps (0.2-3.7 cm), intrauterine adhesions, and anatomic impediments. At 3 months postoperatively, pathology persisted in 364 women (5.6%). Many operative procedures may be performed in the office setting with simple instruments, provided that correct indications are observed.
Gynecological Endocrinology, 2008
Our aim was to compare the efficacy and safety of recombinant and urinary human chorionic gonadot... more Our aim was to compare the efficacy and safety of recombinant and urinary human chorionic gonadotropin (rhCG and uhCG, respectively) for the induction of follicle maturation in women undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI). Patients were randomized to receive rhCG or uhCG. IUI was carried out 24 h (day 1) and 48 h (day 2) after hCG administration, except for all cases in which ovulation occurred after 24 h. The two treatments were comparable in terms of progesterone levels on day 7 and day 12. Pregnancy rates were comparable between the treatment groups. Of the 64 women who received rhCG, 29.7% became pregnant; there were 16.7% clinical pregnancies and 3.1% biochemical pregnancies per started cycle, and an ongoing pregnancy rate of 93.7% was reported. Of the 61 patients who received uhCG, 24.6% became pregnant; there were 15.9% clinical pregnancies and 1.1% biochemical pregnancies per started cycle, and ongoing pregnancy rate was 92.9%. No adverse effects were noted in either group. The recombinant products can be effectively used instead of urinary products; moreover, apart from the equivalent efficacy in ovulation induction and safety described in this study, it is necessary to consider the advantages provided by the recombinant form.
Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation, 2002
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have several cardiovascular disease risk factors. Sin... more Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have several cardiovascular disease risk factors. Since hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with early atherosclerosis, it was postulated that the homocysteine levels are higher in PCOS patients than in control subjects which, therefore, may explain the cardiovascular disease risk. Thirty-five women with PCOS and 20 healthy subjects were studied. Endocrine assays, lipid profile, homocysteine and insulin level determinations, and ultrasound evaluation were performed in all subjects. We found significantly higher mean plasma homocysteine concentrations in patients with PCOS as compared with controls (10.4 ± 4.4 vs. 7.2 ± 1.5 ng/dl; p < 0.003). These data show that in PCOS early atherosclerosis is not exclusively dependent on hyperinsulinemia and elevated lipid profile – PCOS patients are exposed to significantly higher homocysteine levels which might increase the cardiovascular disease risk.
Fertility and Sterility, 2005
The use of ultrasound guidance has proven to be a key factor in performing embryo transfer in a g... more The use of ultrasound guidance has proven to be a key factor in performing embryo transfer in a gentle and atraumatic manner. However, despite the lower incidence of brusque maneuvers, bladder distension has not shown any positive impact on the IVF success rate.
Fertility and Sterility, 2003
Fertility and Sterility, 2008
Sonographic measurement of endometrial thickness at embryo transfer is thought to be a good predi... more Sonographic measurement of endometrial thickness at embryo transfer is thought to be a good predictor of the success of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles because the clinical pregnancy rate increases as the endometrium thickens. Nevertheless, a retrospective analysis of a study population of 606 patients showed a decrease of clinical pregnancy rates in the setting of extreme endometrial thicknesses.
Fertility and Sterility, 2001
Archivio per le scienze mediche, 2005
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 2021
Oocytes and embryos can be vitrified with and without dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Objectives were ... more Oocytes and embryos can be vitrified with and without dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Objectives were to compare no vitrification (No-Vitr), vitrification with DMSO (Vitr + DMSO), and vitrification without DMSO (Vitr - DMSO) on fresh/warmed oocyte survival, induced parthenogenetic activation, parthenogenetic embryo development, and embryonic maternal imprinted gene expression. In this prospective controlled laboratory study, mature B6C3F1 female mouse metaphase II oocytes were treated as: i) No-Vitr, ii) Vitr + DMSO/warmed, and iii) Vitr - DMSO/warmed with subsequent parthenogenetic activation and culture to the blastocyst stage. Oocyte cryo-survival, parthenogenetic activation and embryo development, parthenogenetic embryo maternal imprinted gene expression were outcome measures. Oocyte cryo-survival was significantly improved in Vitr + DMSO versus Vitr - DMSO at initial warming and 2 h after warming. Induced parthenogenetic activation was similar between all three intervention groups. While early preimplantation parthenogenetic embryo development was similar between control, Vitr + DMSO, Vitr - DMSO oocytes, the development to blastocysts was significantly inferior in the Vitr - DMSO oocytes group compared to the control and Vitr + DMSO oocyte groups. Finally, maternal imprinted gene expression was similar between intervention groups at both the 2-cell and blastocyst parthenogenetic embryo stage. Inclusion of DMSO in oocyte vitrification solutions improved cryo-survival and developmental potential of parthenogenetic embryos to the blastocyst stage without significantly altering maternal imprinted gene expression.
Annals of Hematology, 2019
Thanks to the increased number of young survivors of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL), management of the p... more Thanks to the increased number of young survivors of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL), management of the pregnancies of women who have a history of exposure to chemotherapies and radiation therapy is becoming increasingly common. Many patients and clinicians are worried that pregnancy after the diagnosis of HL may increase the risk of relapse, despite a lack of empirical evidence to support such concerns. In the present study, we included 89 women diagnosed with HL between 2006 and 2015 under the age of 50 years, who were in complete remission and alive without relapse > 1 year after treatment. We determined the pregnancy rate, time to pregnancy, and the disease-free survival. We found no evidence of significant impairment of the fertility of female HL long-term survivors and no evidence that a pregnancy increases the relapse rate among women in remission from HL. Survivors of HL need to consider a range of factors when deciding on future reproduction.
International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine, 2018
Background: Luteinizing hormone (LH) is essential for normal follicular development and oocyte ma... more Background: Luteinizing hormone (LH) is essential for normal follicular development and oocyte maturation. In particular, fluctuations of LH during the follicular phase have a significant impact on morphological and functional changes of the oocyte and determine its meiotic status and ability to be fertilized. Objective: This prospective randomized controlled trial examined effects of endogenous follicular phase LH levels on oocyte maturity and IVF outcomes in fixed vs. flexible in vitro fertilization. Materials and Methods: Normo-ovulatory women age <39 yr (n=213) were randomized to fixed or flexible gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocols. Follicular phase LH, estradiol, and progesterone profiles were measured. Oocytes retrieved, implantation rate, and pregnancy rate were compared between the two groups. Results: LH profiles were similar in both protocols. A lower trend of LH values at the end of ovarian stimulation correlated significantly with a higher pregnancy rate, regardless of protocol (p=0.02). Estradiol levels were statistically different with respect to time points within treatment groups (p<0.0001), but not between groups (p=0.43), or pregnancy outcomes (p=0.2595). Progesterone profiles were similar between groups. No differences were found in retrieved oocytes numbers, fertilization rate or embryos obtained. Significantly, younger age and a higher number of antral follicles were correlated with positive results. Conclusion: Fixed and flexible GnRH antagonist protocols did not produce an oscillation of endogenous LH values correlated to the outcome of ovarian stimulation.
Current Medicinal Chemistry, 2019
Background: In the last years, several scientific societies and expert groups focused on the role... more Background: In the last years, several scientific societies and expert groups focused on the role played by nutritional factors, lifestyle and excess of body fat in interfering with female reproduction and fertility. In many studies a confounding factor is represented by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which is one of the major causes of infertility where genetic and family history are certainly playing a role, together with lifestyle and nutritional factors. Methods: In an attempt to define "the optimal fertility diet", we consider the role played by Mediterranean lifestyle and some macronutrients (animal and vegetable proteins) on ovulatory disorders and female fertility also considering some new visions derived from randomized trials of lifestyle programs in obese infertile women asking for in vitro fertilization or alternative assisted reproduction technologies. Results: Several reports are in favor of an increased consumption of either proteins or low-glycemic index ...
Therapeutic Advances in Medical Oncology, 2016
Background: Anticancer treatments can impair male fertility. Cryopreservation of semen is an effi... more Background: Anticancer treatments can impair male fertility. Cryopreservation of semen is an efficient procedure for fertility preservation. The aim of this study was to evaluate pre-freeze semen parameters among the various types of cancer, post-thaw sperm viability and reproductive outcome of samples used for assisted reproductive treatment (ART). Methods: This study included 721 men with cancer that had their semen cryopreserved in our bank in 1999–2015. Semen analysis and cryopreservation were performed before the start of antineoplastic treatment, according to the World Health Organization recommendations, European Commission and Italian law. Results: Among the 721 patient, 196 had seminoma of the testis, 173 Hodgkin’s lymphoma, 108 mixed testicular tumors, 89 germ cell tumors, 67 other tumors, 46 hematological tumors, and 42 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The mean age of patients was significantly lower in Hodgkin’s lymphoma compared to other tumors. Statistically significant lower v...
International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology, 2016
The aim of this study is to evaluate the presence of anti-laminin-1 antibodies (aLN-1) in sera an... more The aim of this study is to evaluate the presence of anti-laminin-1 antibodies (aLN-1) in sera and follicular fluid (FF) of infertile women affected by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and its impact on oocyte maturation and IVF outcome. aLN-1 were measured by a home-made enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in: (1) sera and FF from 44 infertile women affected by HT (HTIW) with tubal factor or male factor as primary cause of infertility; (2) in sera and FF from 28 infertile women without HT, with tubal factor or male factor as cause of infertility (infertile controls-ICTR); and (3) in sera from 50 fertile women (FW). aLN-1 serum levels were significantly higher in HTIW when compared with both fertile women and ICTR ( P <0.001and P <0.01, respectively). Assuming as cutoff the 99th percentile of values obtained in sera of FW, 43.2% of HTIW and 3.6% of ICTR were aLN-1 positive ( P = 0.0001). Also aLN-1 detected in FF from HTIW were signifi...
Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 2012
Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 2007
She obtained a specialist degree in obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of Medical Scien... more She obtained a specialist degree in obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of Medical Science of Bari and a PhD at the University 'Cattolica del Sacro Cuore' in Rome. At present, her main interest is ultrasound and she runs the fetal medicine unit at the above-mentioned department. This unit represents a referral centre in the South East of Italy for high-risk pregnancies. She frequently gives oral presentations at medical congresses and has published widely, being author of more than 170 publications.
Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 2009
He is past President of the Italian Society of Perinatal Medicine (1998-2002) and has served on i... more He is past President of the Italian Society of Perinatal Medicine (1998-2002) and has served on its Board of Directors for several years. He has published widely, is an ad-hoc reviewer for various journals and is a member of numerous local and national committees and boards. In 2000, he set up an IVF Unit within his Department that quickly reached high quality standards and now represents a referral centre in this area.
Medical and Pediatric Oncology, 2002
The Journal of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, 2003
We evaluated the efficacy of office hysteroscopic treatment of benign intrauterine pathologies us... more We evaluated the efficacy of office hysteroscopic treatment of benign intrauterine pathologies using 5F mechanical instruments (scissors, grasping forceps). Subjects were 4863 women who underwent the procedure without analgesia or anesthesia. We treated cervical and endometrial polyps (0.2-3.7 cm), intrauterine adhesions, and anatomic impediments. At 3 months postoperatively, pathology persisted in 364 women (5.6%). Many operative procedures may be performed in the office setting with simple instruments, provided that correct indications are observed.
Gynecological Endocrinology, 2008
Our aim was to compare the efficacy and safety of recombinant and urinary human chorionic gonadot... more Our aim was to compare the efficacy and safety of recombinant and urinary human chorionic gonadotropin (rhCG and uhCG, respectively) for the induction of follicle maturation in women undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI). Patients were randomized to receive rhCG or uhCG. IUI was carried out 24 h (day 1) and 48 h (day 2) after hCG administration, except for all cases in which ovulation occurred after 24 h. The two treatments were comparable in terms of progesterone levels on day 7 and day 12. Pregnancy rates were comparable between the treatment groups. Of the 64 women who received rhCG, 29.7% became pregnant; there were 16.7% clinical pregnancies and 3.1% biochemical pregnancies per started cycle, and an ongoing pregnancy rate of 93.7% was reported. Of the 61 patients who received uhCG, 24.6% became pregnant; there were 15.9% clinical pregnancies and 1.1% biochemical pregnancies per started cycle, and ongoing pregnancy rate was 92.9%. No adverse effects were noted in either group. The recombinant products can be effectively used instead of urinary products; moreover, apart from the equivalent efficacy in ovulation induction and safety described in this study, it is necessary to consider the advantages provided by the recombinant form.
Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation, 2002
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have several cardiovascular disease risk factors. Sin... more Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have several cardiovascular disease risk factors. Since hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with early atherosclerosis, it was postulated that the homocysteine levels are higher in PCOS patients than in control subjects which, therefore, may explain the cardiovascular disease risk. Thirty-five women with PCOS and 20 healthy subjects were studied. Endocrine assays, lipid profile, homocysteine and insulin level determinations, and ultrasound evaluation were performed in all subjects. We found significantly higher mean plasma homocysteine concentrations in patients with PCOS as compared with controls (10.4 ± 4.4 vs. 7.2 ± 1.5 ng/dl; p < 0.003). These data show that in PCOS early atherosclerosis is not exclusively dependent on hyperinsulinemia and elevated lipid profile – PCOS patients are exposed to significantly higher homocysteine levels which might increase the cardiovascular disease risk.
Fertility and Sterility, 2005
The use of ultrasound guidance has proven to be a key factor in performing embryo transfer in a g... more The use of ultrasound guidance has proven to be a key factor in performing embryo transfer in a gentle and atraumatic manner. However, despite the lower incidence of brusque maneuvers, bladder distension has not shown any positive impact on the IVF success rate.
Fertility and Sterility, 2003
Fertility and Sterility, 2008
Sonographic measurement of endometrial thickness at embryo transfer is thought to be a good predi... more Sonographic measurement of endometrial thickness at embryo transfer is thought to be a good predictor of the success of in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles because the clinical pregnancy rate increases as the endometrium thickens. Nevertheless, a retrospective analysis of a study population of 606 patients showed a decrease of clinical pregnancy rates in the setting of extreme endometrial thicknesses.
Fertility and Sterility, 2001