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Abdelhady AW, Mittan-Moreau DW, Crane PL, McLeod MJ, Cheong SH, Thorne RE. Ice formation and its elimination in cryopreservation of oocytes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18809. [PMID: 39138273 PMCID: PMC11322307 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69528-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Damage from ice and potential toxicity of ice-inhibiting cryoprotective agents (CPAs) are key issues in assisted reproduction of humans, domestic and research animals, and endangered species using cryopreserved oocytes and embryos. The nature of ice formed in bovine oocytes (similar in size to oocytes of humans and most other mammals) after rapid cooling and during rapid warming was examined using synchrotron-based time-resolved x-ray diffraction. Using cooling rates, warming rates and CPA concentrations of current practice, oocytes show no ice after cooling but always develop large ice fractions-consistent with crystallization of most free water-during warming, so most ice-related damage must occur during warming. The detailed behavior of ice at warming depended on the nature of ice formed during cooling. Increasing cooling rates allows oocytes soaked as in current practice to remain essentially ice free during both cooling and warming. Much larger convective warming rates are demonstrated and will allow routine ice-free cryopreservation with smaller CPA concentrations. These results clarify the roles of cooling, warming, and CPA concentration in generating ice in oocytes and establish the structure and grain size of ice formed. Ice formation can be eliminated as a factor affecting post-warming oocyte viability and development in many species, improving outcomes and allowing other deleterious effects of the cryopreservation cycle to be independently studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah W Abdelhady
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - David W Mittan-Moreau
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Patrick L Crane
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | | | - Soon Hon Cheong
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
| | - Robert E Thorne
- Physics Department, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
- MiTeGen, LLC, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA.
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Abdelhady AW, Mittan-Moreau DW, Crane PL, McLeod MJ, Cheong SH, Thorne RE. Ice formation and its elimination in cryopreservation of bovine oocytes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.15.567270. [PMID: 38014098 PMCID: PMC10680738 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.15.567270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Damage from ice and potential toxicity of ice-inhibiting cryoprotective agents (CPAs) are key issues in assisted reproduction using cryopreserved oocytes and embryos. We use synchrotron-based time-resolved x-ray diffraction and tools from protein cryocrystallography to characterize ice formation within bovine oocytes after cooling at rates between ∼1000 °C/min and ∼600,000°C /min and during warming at rates between 20,000 and 150,000 °C /min. Maximum crystalline ice diffraction intensity, maximum ice volume, and maximum ice grain size are always observed during warming. All decrease with increasing CPA concentration, consistent with the decreasing free water fraction. With the cooling rates, warming rates and CPA concentrations of current practice, oocytes may show no ice after cooling but always develop substantial ice fractions on warming, and modestly reducing CPA concentrations causes substantial ice to form during cooling. With much larger cooling and warming rates achieved using cryocrystallography tools, oocytes soaked as in current practice remain essentially ice free during both cooling and warming, and when soaked in half-strength CPA solution oocytes remain ice free after cooling and develop small grain ice during warming. These results clarify the roles of cooling, warming, and CPA concentration in generating ice in oocytes, establish the character of ice formed, and suggest that substantial further improvements in warming rates are feasible. Ice formation can be eliminated as a factor affecting post-thaw oocyte viability and development, allowing other deleterious effects of the cryopreservation cycle to be studied, and osmotic stress and CPA toxicity reduced. Significance Statement Cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos is critical in assisted reproduction of humans and domestic animals and in preservation of endangered species. Success rates are limited by damage from crystalline ice, toxicity of cryoprotective agents (CPAs), and damage from osmotic stress. Time-resolved x-ray diffraction of bovine oocytes shows that ice forms much more readily during warming than during cooling, that maximum ice fractions always occur during warming, and that the tools and large CPA concentrations of current protocols can at best only prevent ice formation during cooling. Using tools from cryocrystallography that give dramatically larger cooling and warming rates, ice formation can be completely eliminated and required CPA concentrations substantially reduced, expanding the scope for species-specific optimization of post-thaw reproductive outcomes.
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Shah SAH, Haider MS, Ahmed H, Fayyaz MH, Andrabi SMH. Validation of double freezing protocol for Beetal buck (Capra hircus) spermatozoa. Reprod Domest Anim 2022; 57:1615-1622. [PMID: 36017761 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The study aimed to validate the double versus single freezing protocol for Beetal buck (Capra hircus) spermatozoa in tris-citric acid (TCA) based extender both in terms of quality and fertilization potential. Computer-assisted sperm motion and kinematic (CASA) variables i.e., total (%), and progressive motilities (TM and PM, %), and rapid velocity (RV, %), average path (VAP, μm/s), straight line (VSL, μm/s), and curved line velocities (VCL, μm/s), straightness, (VSL/VAP, %), and linearity, (VSL/VCL, %) as well as supra-vital plasma membrane integrity (SV-PMI, %), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP, %), viable / intact acrosome (V-IACR, %) and DNA integrity (DNA-I, %) had significantly greater values (P<0.05) during single freeze-thawing as compared to the double freeze-thawing at 0, 30, 90, 150 and 210 days, respectively. All CASA and other assays alone did not show significant differences (P>0.05) between both freeze-thaw cycles at all treatment durations, respectively. No statistical significance (P>0.05) was observed for the in vivo fertility between single (n = 84/141 = 59.72%) and double freeze-thawing (n =72/136 = 52.90%) cycles, respectively. In conclusion, sperm motion, kinematics, plasma membrane, acrosome, mitochondria and DNA integrities and in vivo fertility are acceptable after the double freezing protocol despite being lower than after one freeze cycle in Beetal buck (Capra hircus).
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Aftab Hussain Shah
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Animal Sciences Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shafiq Haider
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Animal Sciences Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Hussain Ahmed
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Animal Sciences Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Hammad Fayyaz
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Animal Sciences Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Animal Sciences Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan
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4
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Arav A. Cryopreservation by Directional Freezing and Vitrification Focusing on Large Tissues and Organs. Cells 2022; 11:1072. [PMID: 35406636 PMCID: PMC8997870 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The cryopreservation of cells has been in routine use for decades. However, despite the extensive research in the field, cryopreservation of large tissues and organs is still experimental. The present review highlights the major studies of directional freezing and vitrification of large tissues and whole organs and describes the different parameters that impact the success rate of large tissue and organ cryopreservation. Key factors, such as mass and heat transfer, cryoprotectant toxicity, nucleation, crystal growth, and chilling injury, which all have a significant influence on whole-organ cryopreservation outcomes, are reviewed. In addition, an overview of the principles of directional freezing and vitrification is given and the manners in which cryopreservation impacts large tissues and organs are described in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Arav
- A.A Cash Technology, 59 Shlomzion Hamalca, Tel Aviv 62266, Israel
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5
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Oocyte vitrification for elective fertility preservation: a SWOT analysis. Reprod Biomed Online 2022; 44:1005-1014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Arayatham S, Buntasana S, Padungros P, Tharasanit T. Membrane-permeable trehalose improves the freezing ability and developmental competence of in-vitro matured feline oocytes. Theriogenology 2022; 181:16-23. [PMID: 35007820 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Oocytes are highly sensitive to cryopreservation, which frequently results in an irreversible loss of developmental competence. We examined the effect of membrane-permeable trehalose on the freezing ability of feline oocytes matured in vitro. In Experiment 1, intracellular trehalose (trehalose hexaacetate; Tre-(OAc)6) was synthesized from trehalose precursor and subjected to spectroscopic characterization. The membrane permeability of the Tre-(OAc)6 was investigated by incubating oocytes with different concentrations of Tre-(OAc)6 (3, 15, and 30 mM). Optimum concentration and the toxicity of Tre-(OAc)6 were assessed in Experiment 2. The effects of Tre-(OAc)6 on freezing ability in terms of apoptotic gene expression and developmental competence of in-vitro matured oocytes were examined in Experiments 3 and 4, respectively. The Tre-(OAc)6 permeated into the ooplasm of cat oocytes in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The highest concentration of intracellular trehalose was detected when the oocytes were incubated for 24 h with 30 mM Tre-(OAc)6. For the toxicity test, incubation of oocytes with 3 mM Tre-(OAc)6 for 24 h did not affect maturation rate and embryo development. However, high doses of Tre-(OAc)6 (15 and 30 mM) significantly reduced maturation and fertilization rates (p < 0.05). In addition, frozen-thawed oocytes treated with 3 mM Tre-(OAc)6 significantly upregulated anti-apoptotic (BCL-2) gene expression compared with the control (0 mM) and other Tre-(OAc)6 concentrations (15 and 30 mM). Oocyte maturation in the presence of 3 mM Tre-(OAc)6 prior to cryopreservation significantly improved oocyte developmental competence in terms of cleavage and blastocyst rates when compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Our results lead us to infer that increasing the levels of intracellular trehalose by Tre-(OAc)6 during oocyte maturation improves the freezing ability of feline oocytes, albeit at specific concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saengtawan Arayatham
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Supanat Buntasana
- Green Chemistry for Fine Chemical Productions STAR, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Panuwat Padungros
- Green Chemistry for Fine Chemical Productions STAR, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Theerawat Tharasanit
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand; Veterinary Clinical Stem Cells and Bioengineering Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
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7
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Amstislavsky SY, Mokrousova VI, Okotrub SV, Brusentsev EY, Naprimerov VA. Application of the Cryobank Concept to Wild and Endangered Carnivora Species. Russ J Dev Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360421040020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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8
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Tharasanit T, Thuwanut P. Oocyte Cryopreservation in Domestic Animals and Humans: Principles, Techniques and Updated Outcomes. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11102949. [PMID: 34679970 PMCID: PMC8533007 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte cryopreservation plays important roles in basic research and the application of models for genetic preservation and in clinical situations. This technology provides long-term storage of gametes for genetic banking and subsequent use with other assisted reproductive technologies. Until recently, oocytes have remained the most difficult cell type to freeze, as the oocytes per se are large with limited surface area to cytoplasm ratio. They are also highly sensitive to damage during cryopreservation, and therefore the success rate of oocyte cryopreservation is generally poor when compared to noncryopreserved oocytes. Although advancement in oocyte cryopreservation has progressed rapidly for decades, the improvement of cryosurvival and clinical outcomes is still required. This review focuses on the principles, techniques, outcomes and prospects of oocyte cryopreservation in domestic animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theerawat Tharasanit
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Veterinary Clinical Stem Cells and Bioengineering Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Correspondence:
| | - Paweena Thuwanut
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
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Belli M, Palmerini MG, Bianchi S, Bernardi S, Khalili MA, Nottola SA, Macchiarelli G. Ultrastructure of mitochondria of human oocytes in different clinical conditions during assisted reproduction. Arch Biochem Biophys 2021; 703:108854. [PMID: 33794190 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2021.108854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Infertility affects around 8% of couples with a slight change in percentage in the last years. Despite the significant efforts made in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in handling this disorder, oocyte quality remains a crucial factor for a positive outcome. A better understanding of the dynamics underlying oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo development remains one of the main areas for progress in the ARTs field. Mitochondria are believed to play an essential role in these processes. Mitochondria have a crucial part in producing energy for oocyte maturation and embryo development throughout precise cellular functions comprising Ca2+ homeostasis regulation, glycolysis, amino acid and fatty acid metabolism, and regulation of apoptosis. Recent studies suggest that mitochondrial structure, content, and function may be related to oocyte competence, embryo viability, and implantation success during ARTs. Their defects could lead to low fertilization rates and embryonic development failure. This review aimed to provide an overview of the available literature data surrounding the correlation between changes at ultrastructural level of mitochondria or correlated-mitochondrial aggregates and oocyte quality and ARTs treatments. Our reported data demonstrated that oocyte mitochondrial ultrastructural alterations could be partial or complete recovery during the early embryo stages. However, these changes could persist as quiescent during the pre-implantation embryo development, causing abnormalities that become evident only during fetal and postnatal life. These factors led to consider the mitochondria as a crucial marker of oocyte and embryo quality, as well as a strategic target for further prospective therapeutical approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Belli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Maria Grazia Palmerini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Serena Bianchi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Sara Bernardi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Mohammad Ali Khalili
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
| | - Stefania Annarita Nottola
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, La Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Guido Macchiarelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
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Aseptic Cryoprotectant-Free Vitrification of Human Spermatozoa by Direct Dropping into a Cooling Agent. Methods Mol Biol 2020. [PMID: 32797425 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0783-1_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Spermatozoa cryopreservation is used for the management of infertility and some other medical conditions. Routinely applied cryopreservation techniques depend on permeating cryoprotectants and relatively slow freezing rates. Cryoprotectant-free vitrification is an alternative and cost-effective method that is based on rapid cooling of spermatozoa by direct plunging into a cooling agent to prevent lethal intracellular ice crystallization and the detrimental effects of high salt concentrations. One of the problems with this technique is that full sterilization of commercially produced liquid nitrogen, which could be contaminated with different pathogens, is not possible. Here we use a benchtop device for the production of sterile liquid air with the same temperature as liquid nitrogen (-195.7 °C). This has been used to develop aseptic technology for cryoprotectant-free vitrification of human spermatozoa.
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Arav A, Natan Y. The Near Future of Vitrification of Oocytes and Embryos: Looking into Past Experience and Planning into the Future. Transfus Med Hemother 2019; 46:182-187. [PMID: 31244586 DOI: 10.1159/000497749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently vitrification is the method of choice for low-temperature preservation of oocytes and embryos. However, that was not the case until about 10 years ago when freezing methods were used relatively successfully for embryos and investigated (unsuccessfully) for oocyte preservation. In this paper we will review the history of oocyte and embryo cryopreservation and look into ways and methods for overcoming and improving the vitrification method since it suffers from inherent disadvantages since it is a cumbersome, time-consuming and costly procedure.
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Arayatham S, Tiptanavattana N, Tharasanit T. Effects of vitrification and a Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 inhibitor on the meiotic and developmental competence of feline oocytes. J Reprod Dev 2017; 63:511-517. [PMID: 28804108 PMCID: PMC5649101 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2017-004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Oocyte cryopreservation is the technique of choice for the long-term storage of female gametes. However, it induces an irreversible loss of oocyte viability and function. We examined the effects of vitrification and a
Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) inhibitor (ROCKi) on the meiotic and developmental competence of feline oocytes. We examined the expression of LIM kinase (LIMK) 1 and 2, with and
without ROCKi treatment. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in vitro with 0, 10, 20, and 40 µM ROCKi. The oocytes were subsequently assessed for maturation rate and embryo development following
in vitro fertilization. We repeated the COC experiment, but vitrified and warmed the COCs prior to culture. We detected LIMK1 and LIMK2 expression in feline oocytes, which could
be downregulated by ROCKi treatment. The ROCKi at 10 µM affected neither meiotic nor developmental competence (P > 0.05, versus control). However, high concentrations of ROCKi during maturation induced meiotic arrest at
metaphase I. Appropriate concentrations of ROCKi significantly improved the normal fertilization rate of vitrified warmed oocytes (49.4 ± 3.4%) compared with that of the control (42.8 ± 8.6%, P < 0.05). The ROCKi also
significantly improved the embryo cleavage rate (36.1 ± 3.8%) as compared with the non-treated control (27.4 ± 2.5%, P < 0.05). Thus, this study revealed that the main mediators of the ROCK cascade (LIM kinases) are expressed
in feline oocytes. The ROCKi (10 µM) did not compromise the meiotic or developmental competence of feline oocytes. In addition, 10 µM ROCKi improved the cytoplasmic maturation of vitrified–warmed oocytes as indicated by their
fertilization competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saengtawan Arayatham
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Narong Tiptanavattana
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Theerawat Tharasanit
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Levi-Setti PE, Patrizio P, Scaravelli G. Evolution of human oocyte cryopreservation: slow freezing versus vitrification. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2016; 23:445-450. [PMID: 27653002 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose is to determine the efficiency and efficacy of oocyte cryopreservation by slow freezing versus vitrification, recent data collected from the Italian National Assisted Reproductive Technology Register during the period 2009-2014 will be presented and reviewed. The data on oocyte cryopreservation were also compared with the results obtained with embryo cryopreservation and relative IVF with fresh oocytes. RECENT FINDINGS During the period 2009-2014 preservation of oocytes by vitrification had a significantly higher survival rate, implantation, and pregnancy rate than slow freezing; however, there are still large variations in success rates among centers in relation to the number of procedures performed. SUMMARY Vitrification has now become the method of choice for oocyte cryopreservation because of better results than slow freezing, but still requires a more standardized utilization. The transfer of fresh or cryopreserved embryo still shows a statistically significant better performance than transfers with embryos obtained with cryopreserved oocytes. Only in a few centers with much experience in cryopreservation are the results between transfers of frozen embryos or embryos obtained from oocyte cryopreservation comparable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Emanuele Levi-Setti
- aDivision of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynaecology, Humanitas Fertility Center, Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy bDepartment of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA cART Italian National Register, National Centre for Epidemiology, Surveillance and Health Promotion, National Health Institute, Rome, Italy
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Arav A, Natan Y, Levi-Setti PE, Menduni F, Patrizio P. New methods for cooling and storing oocytes and embryos in a clean environment of -196°C. Reprod Biomed Online 2016; 33:71-8. [PMID: 27131833 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2016.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
It is well documented that oocyte vitrification using open systems provides better results than closed systems. However, its use is limited owing to risks of contamination posed by direct exposure to liquid nitrogen and cross-contamination when stored in liquid nitrogen tanks. A device that produces clean liquid air (CLAir) having similar a temperature as liquid nitrogen and a sterile storage canister device (Esther) that keeps samples sealed in their own compartment while in regular liquid nitrogen tanks were developed. The following experiments were performed: temperature measurements, bioburden tests, vitrification and storage experiments with mice embryos and human oocytes. Results showed similar cooling rates for liquid nitrogen and liquid air. Bioburden tests of CLAir and Esther showed no contamination, while massive contamination was found in "commercial" liquid nitrogen and storage canisters. Mice blastocysts had a survival rate of over 90%, with 80% hatching rate after vitirification in CLAir and 1 week storage in Esther, similar to the fresh (control) results. Human oocytes vitrified in CLAir and in liquid nitrogen for three consecutive vitrification/warming cycles showed 100% survival, seen as re-expansion in both groups. These new systems represent a breakthrough for safe vitrification using open systems and a safe storage process generally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Arav
- FertileSafe Ltd, 11 HaHarash St, Nes-Ziona 7403118, Israel.
| | - Yehudit Natan
- FertileSafe Ltd, 11 HaHarash St, Nes-Ziona 7403118, Israel
| | | | - Francesca Menduni
- Unita' Operativa di Medicina della Riproduzione, Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Pasquale Patrizio
- Dept. Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University Fertility Center, New Haven, CT, USA
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Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the safety and risk of cryopreservation in female fertility preservation. Data sources: The data analyzed in this review were the English articles from 1980 to 2013 from journal databases, primarily PubMed and Google scholar. The criteria used in the literature search show as following: (1) human; embryo; cryopreservation/freezing/vitrification, (2) human; oocyte/immature oocyte; cryopreservation/ freezing/vitrification, (3) human; ovarian tissue transplantation; cryopreservation/freezing/vitrification, (4) human; aneuploidy/DNA damage/epigenetic; cryopreservation/freezing/vitrification, and (5) human; fertility preservation; maternal age. Study selection: The risk ratios based on survival rate, maturation rate, fertilization rate, cleavage rate, implantation rate, pregnancy rate, and clinical risk rate were acquired from relevant meta-analysis studies. These studies included randomized controlled trials or studies with one of the primary outcome measures covering cryopreservation of human mature oocytes, embryos, and ovarian tissues within the last 7 years (from 2006 to 2013, since the pregnancy rates of oocyte vitrification were significantly increased due to the improved techniques). The data involving immature oocyte cryopreservation obtained from individual studies was also reviewed by the authors. Results: Vitrifications of mature oocytes and embryos obtained better clinical outcomes and did not increase the risks of DNA damage, spindle configuration, embryonic aneuploidy, and genomic imprinting as compared with fresh and slow-freezing procedures, respectively. Conclusions: Both embryo and oocyte vitrifications are safe applications in female fertility preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jie Qiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction, Beijing 100191, China
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16
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Hennes A, Gucciardo L, Zia S, Lesage F, Lefèvre N, Lewi L, Vorsselmans A, Cos T, Lories R, Deprest J, Toelen J. Safe and effective cryopreservation methods for long-term storage of human-amniotic-fluid-derived stem cells. Prenat Diagn 2015; 35:456-62. [DOI: 10.1002/pd.4556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Revised: 12/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Hennes
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ System Cluster, Group Biomedical Sciences; KU; Leuven Belgium
| | - Léonardo Gucciardo
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ System Cluster, Group Biomedical Sciences; KU; Leuven Belgium
- Departments of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital Brussels; Vrije Universiteit Brussel; Brussels Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; University Hospital Brugmann; Brussels Belgium
| | - Silvia Zia
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ System Cluster, Group Biomedical Sciences; KU; Leuven Belgium
| | - Flore Lesage
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ System Cluster, Group Biomedical Sciences; KU; Leuven Belgium
| | - Nicolas Lefèvre
- Department of Pulmonology, Allergology and Cystic Fibrosis; Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola; Brussels Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Lewi
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ System Cluster, Group Biomedical Sciences; KU; Leuven Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fetal Medicine Unit; University Hospitals Leuven; Leuven Belgium
| | - Annick Vorsselmans
- Departments of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital Brussels; Vrije Universiteit Brussel; Brussels Belgium
| | - Teresa Cos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; University Hospital Brugmann; Brussels Belgium
| | - Rik Lories
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ System Cluster, Group Biomedical Sciences; KU; Leuven Belgium
- Department of Rheumatology; University Hospitals Leuven; Leuven Belgium
| | - Jan Deprest
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ System Cluster, Group Biomedical Sciences; KU; Leuven Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fetal Medicine Unit; University Hospitals Leuven; Leuven Belgium
| | - Jaan Toelen
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Organ System Cluster, Group Biomedical Sciences; KU; Leuven Belgium
- Department of Pediatrics; University Hospitals Leuven; Leuven Belgium
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Open versus closed systems for vitrification of human oocytes and embryos. Reprod Biomed Online 2015; 30:325-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2014.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Revised: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Bianchi V, Macchiarelli G, Borini A, Lappi M, Cecconi S, Miglietta S, Familiari G, Nottola SA. Fine morphological assessment of quality of human mature oocytes after slow freezing or vitrification with a closed device: a comparative analysis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2014; 12:110. [PMID: 25421073 PMCID: PMC4255960 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-12-110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human mature oocytes are very susceptible to cryodamage. Several reports demonstrated that vitrification might preserve oocyte better than slow freezing. However, this is still controversial. Thus, larger clinical, biological and experimental trials to confirm this concept are necessary. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare fine morphological features in human mature oocytes cryopreserved with either slow freezing or vitrification. METHODS We used 47 supernumerary human mature (metaphase II) oocytes donated by consenting patients, aged 27-32 years, enrolled in an IVF program. Thirtyfive oocytes were cryopreserved using slow freezing with 1.5 M propanediol +0.2 M sucrose concentration (20 oocytes) or a closed vitrification system (CryoTip Irvine Scientific CA) (15 oocytes). Twelve fresh oocytes were used as controls. All samples were prepared for light and transmission electron microscopy evaluation. RESULTS Control, slow frozen/thawed and vitrified/warmed oocytes (CO, SFO and VO, respectively) were rounded, 90-100 μm in diameter, with normal ooplasm showing uniform distribution of organelles. Mitochondria-smooth endoplasmic reticulum (M-SER) aggregates and small mitochondria-vesicle (MV) complexes were the most numerous structures found in all CO, SFO and VO cultured for 3-4 hours. M-SER aggregates decreased, and large MV complexes increased in those SFO and VO maintained in culture for a prolonged period of time (8-9 hours). A slight to moderate vacuolization was present in the cytoplasm of SFO. Only a slight vacuolization was present in VO, whereas vacuoles were almost completely absent in CO. Amount and density of cortical granules (CG) appeared abnormally reduced in SFO and VO, irrespective of the protocol applied. CONCLUSIONS Even though, both slow freezing and vitrification ensured a good overall preservation of the oocyte, we found that: 1) prolonged culture activates an intracellular membrane "recycling" that causes the abnormal transformation of the membranes of the small MV complexes and of SER into larger rounded vesicles; 2) vacuolization appears as a recurrent form of cell damage during slow freezing and, at a lesser extent, during vitrification using a closed device; 3) premature CG exocytosis was present in both SFO and VO and may cause zona pellucida hardening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Bianchi
- Casa di Cura Città di Udine, Udine, Italy, affiliated to Tecnobios Procreazione, Centre for Reproductive Health, Bologna, Italy
| | - Guido Macchiarelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L´Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Andrea Borini
- Casa di Cura Città di Udine, Udine, Italy, affiliated to Tecnobios Procreazione, Centre for Reproductive Health, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michela Lappi
- Casa di Cura Città di Udine, Udine, Italy, affiliated to Tecnobios Procreazione, Centre for Reproductive Health, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sandra Cecconi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L´Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Selenia Miglietta
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Familiari
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania A Nottola
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Bogliolo L, Murrone O, Piccinini M, Ariu F, Ledda S, Tilocca S, Albertini DF. Evaluation of the impact of vitrification on the actin cytoskeleton of in vitro matured ovine oocytes by means of Raman microspectroscopy. J Assist Reprod Genet 2014; 32:185-93. [PMID: 25399064 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0389-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Investigation of the changes induced by vitrification on the cortical F-actin of in vitro matured ovine oocytes by Raman microspectroscopy (RMS). METHODS Cumulus-oocyte complexes, recovered from the ovaries of slaughtered sheep, were matured in vitro and vitrified following the Minimum Essential Volume method using cryotops. The cortical region of metaphase II (MII) oocytes (1) exposed to vitrification solutions but not cryopreserved (CPA-exp), (2) vitrified/warmed (VITRI), and (3) untreated (CTR) was analyzed by RMS. A chemical map of one quadrant of single CPA-exp, VITRI and CTR oocytes was, also, performed. In order to identify the region of Raman spectra representative of the cortical F-actin modification, a group of in vitro matured oocytes were incubated with latrunculin-A (LATA), a specific F-actin destabilizing drug, and processed for RMS analysis. Thereafter, all the oocytes were stained with rhodamine phalloidin and evaluated by fluorescence confocal microscopy. Raman spectra of the oocytes were, statistically, analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). RESULTS The PCA score plots showed a marked discrimination between CTR oocytes and CPA-exp/ VITRI groups. The main differences, highlighted by PCA loadings, were referable to proteins (1657, 1440 and 1300 cm(-1)) and, as indicated by LATA experiments, also included the changes of the F-actin. Analysis by confocal microscopy revealed a clear alteration of the cortical F-actin of CPA-exp and VITRI oocytes confirming RMS results. CONCLUSIONS Raman microspectroscopy may represent an alternative analytical tool for investigating the biochemical modification of the oocyte cortex, including the F-actin cytoskeleton, during vitrification of in vitro matured ovine oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Bogliolo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100, Sassari, Sardegna, Italy,
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