title: Use of pentoxifylline in assisted reproductive technology.
abstract: Methods for improving the fertilizing potential of the spermatozoa in human in-vitro fertilization (IVF) include the stimulation of sperm function in vitro. Metabolic stimulation in vitro has become a major issue in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Here, we review our research on the unselective use of pentoxifylline in IVF for male-factor infertility. Data from our controlled studies indicate that an indiscriminate use of 3.6 mM pentoxifylline, alone or in combination with 3.0 mM 2-deoxyadenosine, is not beneficial in enhancing fertilization rates in zero and poor in-vitro fertilizers or in the presence of antisperm antibodies. An assessment of the effects of pentoxifylline on sperm function prior to IVF may ensure a more rational use of these compounds in selected cases undergoing ART. At present, however, controlled studies in subgroups of patients selected by functional testing are still lacking.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital, Dutch-speaking Brussels Free University (Vrije Universiteit Brussel), Belgium.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tournaye
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Devroey
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Camus
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Van der Linden
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Janssens
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Van Steirteghem
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000187:drug effects; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice / Q000196:embryology; D010431:Pentoxifylline / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012099:Reproductive Techniques
chemical_list: D010431:Pentoxifylline