Journal of Basic and Applied Pharmacology

Biomarkers for Successful IVF and ICSI: a Systematic Review

Chanya Pawong — 2025-11-23

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART), including in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), have revolutionized infertility treatment. However, their success remains variable and depends on multiple biological and clinical factors. Biomarkers have emerged as promising tools for predicting, monitoring, and potentially improving ART outcomes. Despite extensive research, no biomarker has been adopted for routine clinical use. This systematic review aims to examine emerging biomarkers identified in serum, follicular fluid, follicular cells, culture medium, endometrial tissue, and cumulus granulosa cells, to provide a comprehensive understanding of their potential impact on ART outcomes. The publications were searched in PubMed and ScienceDirect from inception to May 25, 2024. Inclusion criteria were: (i) patients undergoing ICSI or IVF, (ii) biomarkers related to implantation and/or pregnancy outcomes, (iii) studies primarily focused on biomarkers, and (iv) full-text original articles. Exclusion criteria were: (i) non-English publications, (ii) review articles, (iii) unrelated outcomes, and (iv) studies involving reproductive system diseases or diagnosed reproductive disorders. A total of 47 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed to synthesize current evidence on biomarkers and evaluate their potential relevance to ART outcomes. Numerous biomarkers were identified across various biological samples. Hormonal biomarkers are the most consistently reliable, with follicle-stimulating hormone to luteinizing hormone (FSH/LH) ratios and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels demonstrating utility in assessing ovarian reserve and predicting reproductive potential. In addition to hormonal indicators, molecular signatures (gene and protein expression profiles, cytokines, and other non-traditional biomarkers) have been widely investigated. However, no single biomarker or panel has yet shown sufficient predictive power, sensitivity, or specificity for routine clinical use. Nonetheless, certain biomarkers may offer therapeutic insights and inform novel intervention strategies. These findings underscore the complexity of human reproduction and highlight the need for integrated, large-scale research involving diverse populations to identify reliable biomarkers that can support evidence-based decision-making in reproductive medicine.

Secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor (SLPI) as a Diagnostic Biomarker and Facilitator of Cell Proliferation in Cholangiocarcinoma

Kangsadan Chueajedton — 2025-09-29

Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) is a serine protease inhibitor involved in inflammatory processes and has been implicated in various cancers. However, its role in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate SLPI expression in CCA tissues and serum, and to explore its effect on CCA cell proliferation. Immunohistochemical analysis of 50 CCA samples revealed significantly elevated SLPI expression compared to adjacent normal bile duct (NBD) and hepatocyte tissues (p = 0.00136). High SLPI expression was significantly associated with lymphatic metastasis (p = 0.0312), suggesting its relevance in tumor progression. Serum SLPI levels, measured by ELISA, showed a trend toward increased levels in CCA patients compared to healthy and Opisthorchis viverrini (OV)-infected individuals, with a statistically significant difference between CCA and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients (p < 0.05). Functional analysis using clonogenic assays demonstrated that treatment with recombinant human SLPI (rhSLPI) enhanced KKU-100 CCA cell survival in a dose-dependent manner, with 10 µg/mL rhSLPI significantly increasing the surviving fraction compared to the control group (p = 0.0064). These findings suggest that SLPI not only serves as a potential biomarker for distinguishing CCA from HCC but also contributes to CCA cell proliferation, highlighting its potential diagnostic and therapeutic relevance.

Stability of Bioactive Compounds and Wound Healing Activities of Porcine Placental Extract

Nutthamon Kijchalao — 2025-10-14

Porcine placental extract (PPE) is a biologically active substance enriched with proteins and regenerative mediators, offering therapeutic potential in wound healing applications. However, the long-term stability of PPE under various storage conditions remains unclear. This study investigated the biochemical stability and functional bioactivity of PPE stored at 4 °C and −20 °C for 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Total protein content was quantified using the Bradford assay, while levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Functional assays included endothelial cell proliferation using the MTT assay and migration assessed by scratch wound healing assay on EA.hy926 cells. Results showed that total protein content declined significantly after as early as one month, with more than 50% reduction by 12 months at both temperatures. VEGF-A levels remained stable for one month before decreasing, whereas PDGF-BB levels dropped significantly from the first month. Despite these biochemical losses, PPE maintained stable bioactivity in promoting endothelial cell proliferation and migration throughout the 12-month period, regardless of storage temperature. These findings demonstrate that PPE retains functional efficacy for at least 12 months under refrigerated or frozen storage and support its potential development as a stable, bioactive wound-healing agent. Improved preservation techniques may further enhance its long-term biochemical integrity.

Association Between Long-Term Proton Pump Inhibitor Use and Deficiency of Vitamin B12 and Magnesium in Gharbia, Egypt: a Retrospective Study

Fedaa Kotkata — 2025-11-24

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely prescribed for acid-related disorders, but prolonged use has been implicated in nutrient malabsorption. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association between long-term PPI use and deficiency of vitamin B12 and magnesium. Medical records for 312 adult patients with documented PPI use between January 2020 and January 2025 were reviewed. These patients were recruited from Tanta University Hospital and its affiliated centers in Gharbia Governorate, Egypt. Participants were stratified by PPI duration: <3 months, 3–6 months, 6–12 months, and >1 year. Serum vitamin B12 and magnesium were compared across groups. Multivariate regression was performed, adjusting for age, gender, comorbidities, and concomitant medications. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The results demonstrate that mean age was 58.7±12.4 years; 55% were male. Mean vitamin B12 levels significantly declined with longer PPI use (421.3 pg/mL in <3 months vs. 271.9 pg/mL in >1 year, p<0.001), as did magnesium levels (2.03 mg/dL vs. 1.69 mg/dL, p<0.001). Regression analysis confirmed that age, duration of PPI use, certain concomitant medications, and comorbidities were independent predictors of deficiency. Participants using PPIs for over 1 year had 11.6 times higher odds of B12 deficiency and 12.8 times higher odds of magnesium deficiency, with corresponding 95% CI, after adjustment. Altogether, long-term use of PPIs is significantly associated with deficiencies in both vitamin B12 and magnesium levels among patients in Gharbia Governorate, Egypt. The risk of deficiency increased with age and length of use, regardless of PPI type or sex of user.