We encourage you to check out our YouTube channel and take a look at some of the interviews.

O-2      A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL TO DETERMINE OPTIMAL INFERTILITY THERAPY IN COUPLES WHEN THE FEMALE PARTNER IS 38-42 YEARS: PRELIMINARY RESULTS FROM THE FORTY AND OVER INFERTILITY TREATMENT TRIAL (FORT-T).
R. H. Reindollar1, K. L. Thornton2, D. Ryley2, M. M. Alper2, J. L. Fung1, M. B. Goldman1. 1Obstetrics & Gynecology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH; 2Boston IVF, Waltham, MA. 

O-116  AGE RELATED DECLINE IN EMBRYO DEVELOPMENT CAN BE REVERSED BY ACTIVATION OF MITOCHONDRIAL METABOLISM IN A MOUSE MODEL.
M. Lane1,2, N. O. Palmer1. 1Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; 2Repromed, Dulwich, SA, Australia.

And the Prize Posters:

First Prize:  P-16 EFFECT OF RESVERATROL ON PROLIFERATION AND STEROIDOGENESIS OF RAT OVARIAN THECA-INTERSTITIAL CELLS.
I. Ortega1,2, D. H. Wong1, A. B. Cress1, A. Sokalska1,3, S. D. Stanley4, A. J. Duleba1. 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA; 2IVI Madrid, Madrid, Spain; 3Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecological Oncology, Karol Marcinkowski, Poznan, Poland; 4Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA.

Second Prize:  P-73 ADIPOSITY, INSULIN INDICES, AND ADIPOKINE PROFILE THROUGH THE PUBERTAL TRANSITION IN OVERWEIGHT LATINA ADOLESCENTS WITH AND WITHOUT POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS).
B. J. Rudick1, G. Wen2, F. Stanczyk1, M. J. Weigensberg2, M. I. Goran2, J. N. Davis2. 1Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA; 2Department of Preventative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.

Third Prize: P-86 MACROPHAGE MIGRATION INHIBITORY FACTOR STIMULATES THE EXPRESSION OF MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASES 2 AND 9 IN ENDOMETRIOTIC CELLS AND UP-REGULATES THEIR ACTIVATION LEVEL.
M. Al-Akoum, A. Akoum. Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, QC, Canada.

Kwang-Yul Cha, MD, has given $1.3 million to support an annual symposium on stem cell research and allow ASRM to give grants for stem cell research. 

Camran Nezhat, MD provided a $250,000 gift to endow a named lectureship to be given by an internationally prominent investigator to discuss an innovative breakthrough that will lead to improved patient care.

Cappy Rothman, MD and Charles A. Sims, MD gave a gift of $100,000 to endow one scholar each year to participate in the Society for Male Reproduction and Urology’s travelling scholar program.

These awards follow on the heels of the previously announced gifts of Rosemary and David Adamson to support ASRM’s patient education website – Reproductivefacts.org, of Suheil J. Muasher, MD to support the ASRM Distinguished Service Award and of Zev Rosenwaks, MD to support the Ira and Ester Rosenwaks New Investigator Award.

ASRM began its fundraising activities in earnest less than two years ago, and has already collected more than $3.6 million in pledges.  In addition to the large gifts, many individuals are making significant gifts. Participation includes 100% of the members of the ASRM Board of Directors, the Fund Development Committee, ASRM staff and more than 6000 donations from individual ASRM members.

Steve Ory, MD a former ASRM President and Co-Chair of the Development Committee said, “We are gratified that so many members of the ASRM have been so generous. For ASRM to continue to do all its members expect, and to do even more to enhance the field, will require additional resources.  We knew that, if asked, our members would respond, and they have done just that.  At a time when we can expect less from traditional sources of support, it is clear it will be up to us to ensure the next generation of professionals can enjoy a robust professional organization.”

Dr. Lamb is Director of the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Professor, Scott Department of Urology and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, the Lester and Sue Smith Chair in Basic Urologic Research, Vice Chair for Research, Director, Laboratory for Male Reproductive Research and testing and Director, Special Procedures Laboratory at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. 

As the first basic scientist to head the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Dr. Lamb is hoping to highlight the critical importance of basic and translational research, as well as clinical research, in reproductive medicine.

“The molecular revolution in medicine today has made it even more critical for scientists in all research disciplines to talk to one another, understand each other’s work, and collaborate,” said Dr. Lamb.  “While there are tremendous opportunities for rapid advancement, scientists and clinicians sometimes have trouble communicating because their work speaks in different technological languages. I hope to be able to help bridge that gap between them.  Advances in scientific research provide clinicians with new tools for patient diagnosis and treatment, and I will do whatever I can do as ASRM president to help make that transition happen in the most expeditious manner possible.”

Lamb says that since a significant portion of the ASRM membership is made up of research scientists, she wants to enhance the visibility of laboratory professionals, including those directing and working in the clinical IVF and andrology labs.

“Every day, these laboratory professionals are engaged in assisted reproductive technologies – whether it’s pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, in vitro fertilization, or semen analysis – and I want to make sure their contributions to advances in our field are recognized.”

Lamb believes that tremendous strides are being made in the field of reproductive medicine in basic and translational research because of technological advances that allow us not only to sequence the entire genome of an individual to look for mutations, but also to rapidly visualize and define the proteins that change a cell’s function, or to use metabolomics to learn more about blood and other body fluids.  She believes these technologies greatly influence both diagnosis and therapy, allowing those in the field to realize the promise of personalized medicine.

“As we advance our knowledge of reproductive-based diseases, we can better understand why patients have a reproductive defect on a molecular basis.  This ultimately helps with counseling, diagnosis, and treatment.  Patients can make better educated and more informed decisions based on the knowledge we give them at a much more detailed level,” Lamb added.

Lamb believes that communication and education will be a big focus of her term as ASRM president.  She indicated that it is important to break down the barriers among basic, translational, and clinical researchers and members of  the clinical community so that they can better inform one another and work collaboratively toward common goals.  Lamb says researchers benefit from having clinical partners in their work.  Successful translational research   requires very consistent patient diagnostic information to provide the molecular-level information critical not only to solving current problems, but also to contributing to future discoveries.

Lamb thinks ASRM does a great job of bringing together everyone in reproductive medicine, giving professionals at all stages of their careers opportunities to work together to advance the field.  She is impressed with the education and outreach efforts of the Society, particularly as they relate to educating the public.  She cites ReproductiveFacts.org as a success story in compelling, powerful education for the entire community.

What role will ASRM play in reproductive medicine in the future?  Lamb is optimistic about continued global outreach and collaboration, particularly in the areas of contraception and infertility.  She is concerned, however, about the poor funding of grants supported by the National Institutes of Health for research and about the possibility that American researchers are losing important ground in embryonic stem cell research. She hopes the regulatory climate in the U.S. will stabilize so that new research can move forward.  She is also concerned that while 40% of research trainees go on to academic careers in reproductive biology and medicine, there is a continuing need for a cadre of strong, forward-thinking physician-scientists.  Lamb believes there is a “huge need for academic, intellectually engaged physicians – people who are technically superb, but also who can and will think creatively.”

Lamb is proud of ASRM’s leadership role around the world in reproductive medicine, and hopes the Society can continue to set the tone for academic and clinical research advances and performance in the field.  She has a vision of advancing the concept of personalized medicine in diagnosing and treating reproductive diseases, augmented by basic and translational research advancements that will set the standard for optimal patient care.

Lamb received her B.S., Molloy College, Rockville Centre, NY, her M.S. from Adelphi University, Garden City, NY, and her Ph.D. from University of Texas Health Science Center Graduate School in Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX.

Dr. Lamb is an award winning scientist with an international reputation in male reproduction and urology. In addition to the usual vast array of papers, presentations and grants that mark the career of a successful scientist, Dr. Lamb has received scientific awards from the ASRM, the American Urological Association, and the American Society of Andrology.  She has a long history of leadership in scientific organizations, including serving on the Board of the ASRM and as President of the Society for Male Reproduction and Urology, of the American Society of Andrology, and of the Society for the Study of Basic Urological Research.

Historically, IVF required the use of multiple embryos in order to maximize the prospects of a successful live birth. However, by the late 1990’s it became clear that the number of high-order multiple gestations following IVF was unacceptably high. Embryology techniques had also improved, allowing the ASRM to develop guidelines limiting the number of embryos to transfer. First published in 1998 and revised several times in the subsequent years, these guidelines have led to a dramatic reduction in the number of embryos transferred and a subsequent reduction in high-order multiple births. 

The committee examined a variety of studies, including randomized controlled trials and controlled studies to evaluate single vs. double embryo transfers, and concluded that in good prognosis patients SET could dramatically reduce multiple gestation rates while maintaining high pregnancy rates.

Among the factors the committee cited in determining whether a patient was a good candidate for SET included: patient under age 35, more than one high quality embryo available for transfer, those in their first or second IVF treatment cycle, those with prior successful IVF cycles, and recipient of donated eggs.

The committee cited several non-medical factors that had prevented wide-spread adoption of SET in the USA.  Economic factors loomed large. Because a majority of patients pay for their medical treatments themselves, they have a strong financial, as well as, emotional interest in achieving a pregnancy in just one cycle. The committee recommends strong education programs for clinicians and patients on the advantages of SET. ASRM and SART have long called for better access to infertility care for patients; that call is now renewed in the context of increasing SET use.

“The clinical data now make it clear that in good prognosis patients, only one embryo should be transferred,” said Eric Widra, MD, Chair of the SART Practice Committee.

Roger Lobo, MD, President of the ASRM stated, “ASRM and its members are committed to the safest, best outcomes for patients. The work of our Practice Committee is an essential part of that commitment.”

The Committee Opinion on Elective Single Embryo Transfer can be found here.

ASRM’s Practice Committee recommends: increased use of Single Embryo Transfer (SET) in IVF cycles, increased use of low dose gonadatropins in ovulation induction insemination cycles,  moving patients directly from low dose ovulation induction drugs to IVF cycles more quickly, rather than going through repeated or higher dose cycles, and extensive and improved patient education and counseling on the dangers for multiple gestations pregnancies. 

Multiple births account for 3% of all births in the USA, and have been on the rise since 1980. From 1998 to 2008 the rate of high order multiple births has decreased, but the twin rate has continued to rise. While precise data is hard to come by, it is estimated that the majority of twin births result from natural conception, but that the rate of twins following medically assisted conceptions is much higher than it is following natural conception.

Multiple gestational pregnancies are dangerous for the mother and the children, with increased rates of maternal morbidity and fetal and neo-natal morbidity and mortality. Pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm labor and delivery resulting in low birth rate, and the complications that it can lead to are the main risks of multiple gestational pregnancies.

Significant economic costs are associated with multiple gestations. Maternal hospitalization, neo-natal intensive care, and lifetime costs associated with care for chronic illness and rehabilitation add to the costs.  Economic factors may also contribute to multiple gestations. Lack of insurance coverage for infertility therapy may cause patients to seek more aggressive treatment, resulting in increased multiple gestations.

Samantha Pfeifer, MD, Chair of the ASRM Practice Committee said, “The risks of multiple gestations are well known, and yet underappreciated. All of us: physicians, patients, insurers, and policy makers, have a stake in reducing their number. With the publication of this report, America’s reproductive medical specialists are again leading the way in the fight to help our patients have healthy children, one at a time.”

The Committee Opinion on Multiple Gestation Associated with Infertility Therapy can be found here.

11:15 am
Thalidomide Reduces Ovarian Microvasculature and Protects Ovarian Follicles from Chemotherapy Damage

Lead Author:  Melanie Ochalski, MD, 3rd year fellow, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC)- Magee Women’s Hospital & Magee Women’s Research Institute
Coauthor:  K.E. Orwig 

11:30 am
Informatics-Based Molecular Karyotyping of Products of Conception (POC) With Maternal Cell Contamination (MCC) Detection:  Report on 344 Consecutive Analyses

Lead  Author:  Ruth Lathi, MD, Assistant Professor Obstetrics & Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Division, Director, Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Program, Associate Director, REI Fellowship Program
Stanford University School of Medicine
Coauthors:  S. Sigurjonsson, J. Keller, M. Maisenbacher, Z. Demko, M. Rabinowitz

11:45 am
Intrauterine Injection of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Before Embryo Transfer Significantly Improves the Implantation and Pregnancy Rates in IVF/ICSI

Lead Author:  Ragaa Mansour, MD, PhD, Director, The Egyptian IVF Center
Coauthors:  N. Tawab, O. Kamal, Y. El-faissal, A. Serour, M. Aboulghar

12:00 pm
Application of a Ready-to-Use Ionophore Increases Rates of Fertilization and Pregnancy in Severe Male Factor Infertility

Lead Author:  Thomas Ebner, PhD,  Kinderwunsch Zentrum at the Landes- Frauen- und Kinderklinik in Linz, Upper Austria, Austria
Coauthor:  M. Montag

12:15 pm
Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Accelerates Neoangiogenesis, Reduces Hypoxia, and Improves Primordial Follicle Survival in Human Ovarian Xenografts: A Prelude to Improving Ovarian Transplantation Outcomes

Senior Author:  Kutluk Oktay, MD, Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Cell Biology & Anatomy, and Medicine Director, Division of Reproductive Medicine, Laboratory of Molecular Reproduction & Fertility Preservation, New York Medical College
Coauthors:  R. Soleimani, E.Heytens

12:30 pm
FSH Receptor Polymorphism Predicts Outcome of Ovulation Induction in WHO-II Anolulatory Subfertility

Lead Author:  Olivier Valkenburg, MD, Resident-in-Training, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Coauthors:  N.B. Lambalk, E.J.P. van Santbrink, A.G. Uitterlinden, B.C.J. M. Fauser, J.S.E. Laven

12:45 pm
Age Related Decline in Embryo Development Can Be Reversed by Activation of Mitochondrial Metabolism in a Mouse Model

Lead Author: Michelle Lane, PhD, Senior Research Fellow, Head, Gamete and Embryo Biology Laboratory, University of Adelaide
Coauthor:  N.O. Palmer

The first male across the finish line was Thomas Chang of Springfield, UT, with a time of 19:24. The first female across the finish line was Karen Lee of Dallas, TX, with a time of 22:06. Congratulations, Thomas and Karen!

The first ASRM past President across the finish line (and winning for his age group, too) was Dale McClure of Mercer Island, WA, with a time of 25:12. Way to go Dr. McClure!

The first ASRM staff member across the finish line was Eric Steinmehl with a time of 22:53. Way to represent Birmingham!

The first woman across the finish line in the 1 mile walk was Tamara Frankenberg of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, with a time of 13:32 and the first male across the finish line was Eyup Duran of Iowa City, IA, with a time of 14:38.

Thank you to all runners and walkers for getting up early to participate in this fun event benefiting the ASRM Fund Development Program. Totals raised as part of the event help to underwrite ASRM’s Education, Research and Advocacy Programs. We hope this was a positive start to your productive day here in Orlando.