| 1. |
- Akhi, Shamima N, et al.
(author)
-
Uterine rejection after allogeneic uterus transplantation in the rat is effectively suppressed by tacrolimus.
- 2013
-
In: Fertility and sterility. - : Elsevier BV. - 1556-5653 .- 0015-0282. ; 99:3, s. 862-870
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of the immunosuppressant tacrolimus on rejection of a transplanted uterus and on uterine expression of markers of inflammation and implantation. DESIGN: Experimental study. SETTING: University laboratory. ANIMAL(S): Female rats. INTERVENTION(S): Uteri from brown Norway rats were transplanted to Lewis rats, receiving either tacrolimus or no treatment. Sham groups underwent either hemihysterectomy or tacrolimus treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Gross morphology, histology, density of T-lymphocytes by immunohistochemistry, and mRNA levels of interleukin (IL)-1α, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), galectin-1, CD200, IL-15, interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) at 14 days' post-transplantation. RESULT(S): Nontreated uterine grafts showed rejection with necrosis. Sham groups and the tacrolimus-treated transplanted group exhibited normal uterine morphology with low numbers of T-lymphocytes in all uteri except in two out of seven uteri of the tacrolimus-treated transplant group. Uteri of the nontreated transplanted group showed elevated mRNA expression of IL-1α and IP-10 and reduced galectin-1, compared with the tacrolimus-treated transplanted group. There was no difference between any groups concerning uterine expression of LIF, NF-κB, IL-15, and CD200. CONCLUSION(S): Tacrolimus monotherapy suppresses rejection of an allotransplanted uterus and normalizes the expression of IL-1α and IP-10 and prevents T-lymphocyte infiltration.
|
|
| 2. |
- Broecker, Verena, et al.
(author)
-
Uterus transplantation: Histological findings in explants at elective hysterectomy
- 2021
-
In: American Journal of Transplantation. - : Elsevier BV. - 1600-6135. ; 21:2, s. 798-808
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Uterus transplantation has enabled women with absolute uterine factor infertility to carry a pregnancy. The first human uterus transplantation trial was initiated in 2013 in Gothenburg, Sweden. It was completed with 7 transplantations with long-term allograft survival and 9 children born from 6 women. In the present study we describe the histopathology of these 7 allografts, which were removed at 22-83 months after transplantation, and compare findings to control cases. Morphological findings in a subset of explants included linear subepithelial inflammation and perivascular stromal inflammation in the cervix, small inflammatory foci in the myometrium, and intimal inflammation in larger arteries. The average number of T cells, B cells, and macrophages was higher in transplants compared to normal controls, but variability was high among transplants. Chronic-active vascular rejection was seen in 2 of 7 transplants, both showed also inflammation in the cervix. Further, the inflammation seen in the cervix reflected the inflammation in the myometrium, suggesting that cervical biopsies are suitable to monitor rejection. However, the degree of inflammation and signs of rejection in explants did not reflect on the possibility to become pregnant in this limited series.
|
|
| 3. |
- Brännström, Mats, 1958, et al.
(author)
-
Live birth after robotic-assisted live donor uterus transplantation.
- 2020
-
In: Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica. - : Wiley. - 1600-0412 .- 0001-6349. ; 99:9, s. 1222-1229
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The proof-of-concept of uterus transplantation, as a treatment for absolute uterine factor infertility, came with the first live birth after uterus transplantation, which took place in Sweden in 2014. This was after a live donor procedure, with laparotomy in both donor and recipient. In our second, ongoing trial we introduced a robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery of the donor to develop minimal invasive surgery for this procedure. Here, we report the surgery and pregnancy behind the first live birth from that trial.In the present study, within a prospective observational study, a 62-year-old mother was the uterus donor and her 33-year-old daughter with uterine absence as part of the Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome, was the recipient. Donor surgery was mainly done by robotic-assisted laparoscopy, involving dissections of the utero-vaginal fossa, arteries and ureters. The last part of surgery was by laparotomy. Recipient laparotomy included vascular anastomoses to the external iliac vessels. Data relating to in vitro fertilization, surgery, follow up, obstetrics and postnatal growth are presented.Three in vitro fertilization cycles prior to transplantation gave 12 cryopreserved embryos. The surgical time of the donor in the robot was 360minutes, according to protocol. The durations for robotic surgery for dissections of the utero-vaginal fossa, arteries and ureters were 30, 160 and 84minutes, respectively. The remainder of donor surgery was by laparotomy. Recipient surgery included preparations of the vaginal vault, three end-to-side anastomoses (one arterial, two venous) on each side to the external iliacs and fixation of the uterus. Ten months after transplantation, one blastocyst was transferred and resulted in pregnancy, which proceeded uneventfully until elective cesarean section in week 36+1 . A healthy boy (Apgar 9-10-10) was delivered. Follow up of child has been uneventful for 12months.This is the first report of a live birth after use of robotic-assisted laparoscopy in uterus transplantation and is thereby a proof-of-concept of use of minimal invasive surgery in this new type of transplantation.
|
|
| 4. |
- Brännström, Mats, 1958, et al.
(author)
-
Livebirth after uterus transplantation.
- 2015
-
In: Lancet. - 1474-547X. ; 385:9968, s. 607-616
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Uterus transplantation is the first available treatment for absolute uterine infertility, which is caused by absence of the uterus or the presence of a non-functional uterus. Eleven human uterus transplantation attempts have been done worldwide but no livebirth has yet been reported.
|
|
| 5. |
- Brännström, Mats, 1958, et al.
(author)
-
One uterus bridging three generations: first live birth after mother-to-daughter uterus transplantation
- 2016
-
In: Fertility and Sterility. - : Elsevier BV. - 0015-0282 .- 1556-5653. ; 106:2, s. 261-266
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To determine whether a uterus from the mother of a woman with absolute uterine factor infertility can be transplanted to daughter and carry a pregnancy with delivery of a healthy child. Patient(s): Twenty eight-year-old woman with uterine agenesis, her male partner, and her 50-year-old mother. Intervention(s): In vitro fertilization with embryo cryopreservation before live donor uterus transplantation (UTx). Induction immunosuppression. Embryo transfer 12 months after UTx, pregnancy controls, delivery, and hysterectomy. Main Outcome Measure(s): Results of IVF-ET, parameters of pregnancy/birth, and surgical data of transplantation/cesarean section/hysterectomy. Result(s): Two IVF cycles before UTx resulted in 10 cryopreserved embryos. Donor surgery included hysterectomy with vascular pedicles of uterine vessels and proximal vessels up to and including parts of internal iliacs. Recipient surgery was by bilateral vascular connections to external iliacs, vaginal-vaginal anastomosis, and uterine fixation. Pregnancy occurred at the first single ET, and the pregnancy proceeded uneventfully until gestational week 34, when the patient developed cholestasis with intense pruritus. Cesarean section was performed at 34+6, with delivery of a healthy boy (weight 2,335 g). Hysterectomy was performed 3.5 months after delivery. The weight of the healthy child at 12 months was 9.3 kg. Grandmother (uterus donor) and mother are in good health 3 years after UTx. Conclusion(s): This is the first report of a live birth after mother-to-daughter UTx, and it also represents the second birth ever after human UTx. (C) 2016 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
|
|
| 6. |
- Brännström, Mats, 1958, et al.
(author)
-
Outcome of Recipient Surgery and 6-Month Follow-Up of the Swedish Live Donor Robotic Uterus Transplantation Trial.
- 2020
-
In: Journal of clinical medicine. - : MDPI AG. - 2077-0383. ; 9:8
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Uterus transplantation has proved to be a feasible treatment for uterine factor infertility. Herein, we report on recipient outcome in the robotic uterus transplantation trial of 2017-2019. The eight recipients had congenital uterine aplasia. The donors were six mothers, one sister, and one family friend. Donor surgery was by robotic-assisted laparoscopy. Recipient surgery was by laparotomy and vascular anastomoses to the external iliacs. The duration (median (ranges)) of recipient surgery, blood loss, measured (left/right) uterine artery blood flow after reperfusion, and length of hospital stay were 5.15 h (4.5-6.6), 300 mL (150-600), 43.5 mL/min (20-125)/37.5 mL/min (10-98), and 6 days (5-9), respectively. Postoperative uterine perfusion evaluated by color Doppler showed open anastomoses but restricted blood distribution in two cases. Repeated cervical biopsies in these two cases initially showed ischemia and, later, necrosis. Endometrial growth was not seen, and hysterectomy was later performed, with pathology showing partly viable myometrium and fibrosis but necrosis towards the cavity. The other six patients acquired regular menstrual cyclicity. Surgery was performed in two patients to correct vaginal stenosis. Reversible rejection episodes were seen in two patients. In conclusion, the rate of viable uterine grafts during the initial 6-months of the present study (75%) leaves room for improvement in the inclusion/exclusion criteria of donors and in surgical techniques. Initial low blood flow may indicate subsequent graft failure.
|
|
| 7. |
- Brännström, Mats, 1958, et al.
(author)
-
Reproductive, obstetric, and long-term health outcome after uterus transplantation: results of the first clinical trial
- 2022
-
In: Fertility and Sterility. - : Elsevier BV. - 0015-0282 .- 1556-5653. ; 118:3, s. 576-585
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: To evaluate reproductive, obstetric, and long-term health of the first completed study of uterus transplantation (UTx). Design: Prospective. Setting: University hospital. Patient(s): Nine live donor UTx procedures were conducted and seven were successful. Donors, recipients, and children born were observed. Intervention(s): In vitro fertilization was performed with embryo transfer (ET) of day 2 or day 5 embryos in natural cycles. Pregnancies and growth trajectory of the children born were observed. Health-related quality of life, psychosocial outcome, and medical health of donors and recipients were evaluated by questionnaires. Main Outcome Measure(s): The results of in vitro fertilization, pregnancies, growth of children, and long-term health of patients were reported. Result(s): Six women delivered nine infants, with three women giving birth twice (cumulative birth rates of 86% and 67% in surgically successful and performed transplants, respectively). The overall clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR) per ET were 32.6% and 19.6%, respectively. For day 2 embryos, the CPR and LBR per ET were 12.5% and 8.6%, respectively. For day 5 embryos, the CPR and LBR per ET were 81.8% and 45.4%, respectively. Fetal growth and blood flow were normal in all pregnancies. Time of delivery (median in full pregnancy weeks + days [ranges]) by cesarean section and weight deviations was 35 + 3 (31 + 6 to 38 + 0) and -1% (-13% to 23%), respectively. Three women developed preeclampsia and four neonates acquired respiratory distress syndrome. All children were healthy and followed a normal growth trajectory. Measures of long-term health in both donors and recipients were noted to be favorable. When UTx resulted in a birth, scores for anxiety, depression, and relationship satisfaction were reassuring for both the donors and recipients. Conclusion(s): The results of this first complete UTx trial show that this is an effective infertility treatment, resulting in births of healthy children and associated with only minor psychological and medical long-term effects for donors and recipients. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT02987023.
|
|
| 8. |
- Brännström, Mats, 1958, et al.
(author)
-
The first clinical uterus transplantation trial: a six-month report.
- 2014
-
In: Fertility and sterility. - : Elsevier BV. - 1556-5653 .- 0015-0282. ; 101:5, s. 1228-1236
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To report the 6-month results of the first clinical uterus transplantation (UTx) trial. This type of transplantation may become a treatment of absolute uterine-factor infertility (AUFI).
|
|
| 9. |
- Brännström, Mats, 1958, et al.
(author)
-
Uterus transplantation: A Rapidly Expanding Field
- 2018
-
In: Transplantation. - 0041-1337 .- 1534-6080. ; 102:4, s. 569-577
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Uterus transplantation (UTx) has been successfully introduced as a treatment option for women with absolute uterine factor infertility (AUFI). AUFI representing approximately 3% to 5% of the female general population is linked to either congenital uterine agenesis (Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome), major congenital uterine malformation (hypoplastic uterus, fraction of bicornuate/unicornuate uterus), a surgically absent uterus, or an acquired condition (intrauterine adhesions, leiomyoma) linked to uterine malfunction that causes implantation failure or defect placentation. The world's first clinical uterus transplant was performed in 2000. However, a hysterectomy became necessary shortly after the surgery due to uterine necrosis. In 2011, a group in Turkey reported on a surgically successful deceased donor transplant; however, this procedure has, to date, not resulted in a healthy live birth, the ultimate goal of UTx. Building on an extensive experimental background in various animal models, including primates, the Gothenburg group led by Brannstrom reported on the first delivery of a healthy baby in a recipient of a live donor UTx in 2014. This event did not only show the feasibility of UTx, it also helped defining relevant areas of clinical and basic research. Use of a gestational surrogate carrier, is, at least in theory, an alternative for a woman with AUFI seeking genetic motherhood. However, in the clear majority of countries worldwide, gestational surrogacy is not practiced based on legal, ethical, or religious concerns. Of note, the overwhelming majority of surveyed women in the United Kingdom, a country which permits surrogacy, preferred UTx over gestational surrogacy and adoption. Moreover, randomly selected women of fertile age in Sweden preferred UTx over gestational surrogacy. A recent large survey in Japan with more than 3000 participants revealed that UTx had a twofold higher acceptance rate compared with gestational surrogacy. In a recent US survey exploring the potential of donating vascularized composite allografts, uterus donation achieved the highest priority. Thus, the acceptance of UTx as infertility treatment for women with AUFI is high, although the procedure remains in its infancy. Here, we provide an update of clinical activities, summarize achievements and challenges, and submit areas of research interests.
|
|
| 10. |
- Dahm-Kähler, Pernilla, 1964, et al.
(author)
-
Transplantation of the uterus in sheep: methodology and early reperfusion events.
- 2008
-
In: The journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research. - : Wiley. - 1341-8076 .- 1447-0756. ; 34:5, s. 784-93
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AIM: Uterine transplantation is developing into a clinical treatment for uterine factor infertility. An animal model with a similar uterus size and vessels to humans and with pregnancy extending over several months would be beneficial for research on uterine transplantation. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate autotransplantation of the sheep uterus to an orthotopic position in the pelvis. METHODS: Female sheep (n=7) were subjected to laparotomy with the uterus and its vascular supply and drainage being surgically isolated. The excised uterus was kept ex vivo at +4 degrees C for 60 min and then autotransplanted with vascular end-to-side anastomoses to the external iliac vessels. The effects of uterine blood-reperfusion were assessed by measurements of pCO(2), pO(2), lactate and pH in uterine venous blood. Uterine contractility and histology was assessed after 3 h of reperfusion. RESULTS: Reperfusion of blood was observed in five out of seven transplanted uteri. The pCO(2)/pO(2)-ratio and the lactate level were initially elevated but decreased and became normal after 60 min. After 3 h of reperfusion there was a visible tissue blood flow and spontaneous uterine contractions were seen. Histological analysis revealed a mild inflammation, but no edema or stasis. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the sheep uterus can successfully be autotransplanted to an orthotopic position with novel vascular connections. This model is suitable for future experiments studying long-term results concerning uterine viability and pregnancy using a transplanted uterus of similar size to the human uterus.
|
|
