[Effect of electroacupuncture on oocyte quality and pregnancy for patients with PCOS undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfervitro fertilization and embryo transfer]

Abstract

Objective: To observe the impacts of electroacupuncture (EA) on oocyte quality and pregnant outcome for the patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) and explore its potential mechanism.

Methods: Sixty-six patients with PCOS and undergoing IVF-ET were divided into two groups randomly, including an observation group (34 cases) and a control group (32 cases). Ethinylestradiol and cyproterone acetate tablets and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist were administered for long-program superovulation in either group. In observation group, the intervention of EA was applied to Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongji (CV 3), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zigong (EX-CA 1) and Taixi (KI 3) additionally. The pregnant outcome and the levels of stem cell factor (SCF) in the serum and follicular fluid on the day of egg collection were compared between two groups.

Results: The score of kidney deficiency symptoms reduced remarkably after treatment in either group and the improvement in observation group was superior to that in control group (P < 0.01). The fertilization rate [(76.25 +/- 20.33)% vs (66.34 +/- 15.44)%], cleavage rate [(98.66 +/- 3.70)% vs (94.47 +/- 9.45)%] and the rate of high-quality embryos [(60.20 +/- 22.20)% vs (50.55 +/- 16.15)%] in observation group were all superior to those in control group separately (all P < 0.05). Clinical pregnancy rate (46.67%, 14/30) in observation group was higher than that (37.93%, 11/29) in control group, but without statistical difference (P > 0.05). SCF levels in the serum and follicular fluid on the day of ovary collection were higher obviously than those in control group (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Electroacupuncture plays an active role in the pregnant outcomes of PCOS patients undergoing IVF-ET and it can relieve the symptoms of kidney deficiency in terms of TCM and improve clinical pregnant rate. The results are relevant with the overall adjustment of organic endocrinal system and the local micro-environment of ovary and the improvement of oocyte quality through the up-regulation of SCF level in mechanism.