Abstract
Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are vital for the degradation/remodeling of the extra-cellular matrix, and are involved in spiral artery formation and invasion of endometrium during implantation. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1), is expressed in the several tissues of organisms and inhibits MMP activity. The aim of this investigation was to study the association between single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the TIMP1 (rs4898) (372 T/C) with in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) outcome by AS-PCR.
Materials and Methods: A total number of 200 blood samples including 100 IVF negative and 100 IVF positive (control) were collected in this study. DNA was extracted for TIMP1 genotyping. The genotype and allele frequencies of 372T/C polymorphism were examined by Allele-Specific PCR.
Results: The genotype frequencies of CC, CT and TT in 372 T/C polymorphism of TIMP1 gene in IVF- samples were 1%, 98% and 1%, respectively, while for IVF+ group were 7%, 91% and 2%, respectively (p=0.07). The allele frequencies of C and T in the IVF- were 50%, 50%, respectively and in IVF+ were 47.5%, 52.5%, respectively. The genotype and allele frequencies of TIMP1 rs4898 (372 T/C) did not differ between the patients and the control group (p=0.07 and p=0.68, respectively).
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that SNP 372T/C of TIMP1 may not be associated with IVF-ET outcome in this population. Further studies with larger numbers of patients and controls are needed to confirm our results.    
 

Background and Aim: Applying Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) is increasing. A critical step in ART is the frozen embryo transfer, in which the endometrium thickness has great significance in the outcome. In this case, the frozen embryo will be transferred during the next cycle. There are several ways to prepare an endometrium for transmitting embryos; however, choosing the best method remains debated. The present study aimed to evaluate the pregnancy rate of frozen embryo transfer in the presence or absence of GnRH agonists.
Methods & Materials: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 146 consecutive patients attending Qom’s infertility treatment center from 2015 to 2017; these subjects were candidates for the transfer cycle of the frozen-thawed embryo and randomly assigned to receive either protocol with or without GnRH agonist. Clinical features, implantation rate, pregnancy rate (chemical & clinical), and abortion rate were assessed.
Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research of Mashhad University (Code: IR.ACECR.JDM.REC.1398.001).
Results: There was no significant difference in baseline and clinical characteristics, implantation rate, pregnancy rate (chemical & clinical), and abortion rate between the study groups of endometrial preparations with or without GnRH agonist (P<0.05). 
Conclusion: In this study, pregnancy outcome was similar in both study groups; thus, this method is recommended as an endometrial preparation without GnRH agonist.