Gonadotropin Applications in Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Summary
Gonadotropins, notably follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), constitute the cornerstone of ovarian stimulation protocols in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Administered in purified urinary or highly characterised recombinant forms, these hormones orchestrate follicular recruitment, maturation and ovulation. Exogenous FSH promotes synchronous development of multiple follicles, while LH-activity agents or hCG triggers final oocyte maturation. Recent advances have refined dosing regimens, delivery systems and combination strategies to optimise oocyte yield, embryo quality and live birth rates, while mitigating risks such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Dual-trigger approaches, employing both a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist and hCG, have emerged to harness endogenous surges of LH-activity alongside exogenous hCG support. Continuous innovation in molecular profiling, pharmacokinetics and individualized stimulation protocols underlines the global drive to improve safety, efficacy and patient experience in ART.
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Gonadotropin Applications in Assisted Reproductive Technologies publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in gonadotropin applications in assisted reproductive technologies across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): a glycoprotein that promotes growth and maturation of ovarian follicles.
Luteinizing hormone (LH): a glycoprotein that induces ovulation and supports corpus luteum formation.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): a placental glycoprotein used pharmacologically to trigger final oocyte maturation.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist: a synthetic analogue that induces endogenous LH and FSH surges when administered in a controlled protocol.
Dual trigger: combined administration of a GnRH agonist and hCG to synchronise endogenous and exogenous LH-activity for oocyte maturation.
Controlled ovarian stimulation (COS): an ART regimen using exogenous gonadotropins to induce the development of multiple ovarian follicles.
References
- Analytical Investigation of the Profile of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in Highly Purified Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin Preparations. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2024).
- Reproductive outcomes of dual trigger therapy with GnRH agonist and hCG versus hCG trigger in women with diminished ovarian reserve: a retrospective study. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology (2024).
- The value of LH maximum level in predicting optimal oocyte yield following GnRH agonist trigger. Frontiers in Endocrinology (2023).
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