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Tanaka A, Nagayoshi M, Yanagihara Y, Tanaka I, Akahoshi T, Araki M, Urabe N, Tanaka A, Sato T. Wisdom of Freezing All Valuable Embryos. FERTILITY & REPRODUCTION 2022. [DOI: 10.1142/s2661318221500201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: It is controversial whether that “Freeze-only” strategy is superior to Fresh embryo transfer in ART patients with normal ovarian response. There are two reasons supporting a “Freeze-only” strategy. One is that frozen-thawed embryos are transferred to a more physiologically receptive endometrium. While fresh embryos are transferred to a badly affected one because of controlled-ovarian stimulations, which cause the discordant development of the endometrium, when thawed-frozen embryos are transferred in a subsequent cycle the endometrium is not affected by high estrogen levels. The other reason is the big difference in cryopreservation and stimulation techniques. Methods: We investigated the annual ART reports in Japan from 1992 to 2018, and our clinical outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfers and fresh embryo transfers from 2015 to 2019. This enabled the assessment of the survival rate of frozen blastocyst by Cryotop safety kit after thawing in four different clinics. We compared the outcomes of frozen embryo transfer (FroET) to fresh embryo transfer. Results: The proportion of birth in Japan in the study interval found that FroET was responsible for 86.7% of births, compared to 13.3% of births resulting from fresh embryo transfers after IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Clinical outcome of FroET in our clinic was significantly higher than that of fresh embryo transfer regardless of maternal age and number of collected oocytes. Average survival rate of frozen blastocyst by Cryotop safety kit after thawing in four clinics was over 95%. Conclusions: We believe that “Freeze-only high-quality blastocysts” is superior to fresh embryo transfer in terms of clinical outcome, at least when compared to historical results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saint Mother Clinic, Kitakyushu, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Motoi Nagayoshi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saint Mother Clinic, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Yasuho Yanagihara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saint Mother Clinic, Kitakyushu, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Izumi Tanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saint Mother Clinic, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Takako Akahoshi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saint Mother Clinic, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Megumi Araki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saint Mother Clinic, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Nao Urabe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saint Mother Clinic, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Akihiro Tanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saint Mother Clinic, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Sato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saint Mother Clinic, Kitakyushu, Japan
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Mizuno S, Matsumoto H, Hashimoto S, Brahmajosyula M, Ohgaki A, Tarui S, Matoba M, Satoh M, Fukuda A, Morimoto Y. A novel embryo quality scoring system to compare groups of embryos at different developmental stages. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:1123-1132. [PMID: 33646470 PMCID: PMC8190420 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02117-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To construct a new embryonic quality scoring system to compare groups of embryos at different developmental stages. METHODS Based on a hypothesis that the implantation potential of any embryo in an ovum pickup (OPU) cycle remains the same at any stage of development, be it day 2, 3, or 5, a new embryo quality scoring (EQS) system was designed. It was based on the analysis of the clinical results of 1610 single embryo transfers. We validated this scoring system in the comparison of embryonic quality between groups by evaluating the mean scores calculated at day 2, day 3, and day 5 for 957 embryos (150 cycles) from 3 different groups. We then compared EQSs of patients with pregnancy favorable factors (group A) such as young age and high AMH levels, with the patients with contra features (group B). RESULTS We confirmed that each mean EQS assessed at different stages of embryonic development within the same group was similar. The mean EQSs on day 3 and day 5 in group A were significantly higher than the mean EQSs on days 2, 3, and 5 in group B. CONCLUSION The novel EQS system proposed by us enables embryonic quality comparison between groups of embryos at different developmental stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Mizuno
- IVF Osaka Clinic, Higashi-Osaka, Osaka, 577-0012, Japan.
| | | | - Shu Hashimoto
- IVF Namba Clinic, Osaka, 550-0015, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan
| | | | - Aya Ohgaki
- IVF Osaka Clinic, Higashi-Osaka, Osaka, 577-0012, Japan
| | - Sachiyo Tarui
- IVF Osaka Clinic, Higashi-Osaka, Osaka, 577-0012, Japan
| | - Mari Matoba
- HORAC Grand Front Osaka Clinic, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
| | | | - Aisaku Fukuda
- IVF Osaka Clinic, Higashi-Osaka, Osaka, 577-0012, Japan
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Increased pregnancy outcome after day 5 versus day 6 transfers of human vitrified-warmed blastocysts. ZYGOTE 2019; 27:279-284. [PMID: 31412960 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199419000273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Vitrification is a highly efficient technique for the cryopreservation of the human embryo. The effect of delayed blastulation may be responsible for implantation failures and negatively affects in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. The current literature displays discordant results; some studies have announced higher pregnancy rates after day 5 (D5) transfer compared with day 6 (D6) transfer, while others have shown equivalent outcomes. In the present study an investigation into the clinical implications of delayed blastulation (D5 versus D6) was carried out. We performed a retrospective study comparing clinical pregnancies and implantation rates following warmed single blastocyst transfer (WSBT). All patients coming for a programmed warmed transfer at Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, were included in this study and divided in two groups according to the day of blastocyst vitrification: D5 (n = 1563) and D6 (n = 517). The overall survival rate was 95.0% (1976/2080) with no significant difference between the D5 and D6 groups: 95.3% (1489/1563) and 94.2% (487/517) respectively. WSBT of D6 blastocysts resulted in a lower implantation and clinical pregnancy compared with D5 embryos. The implantation rate (IPR) and clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) were respectively 49.4% and 42.6% for the D5 and 37.4% and 32.2% for the D6 embryos, which was statistically significant. The multiple pregnancy rate was 1.32% (1.14% for D5 vs 1.84% for D6). Although the transfer of D6 vitrified-warmed blastocyst remains a reasonable option, priority to a D5 embryo would reduce the time to successful pregnancy.
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Momozawa K, Matsuzawa A, Tokunaga Y, Ohi N, Harada M. A new vitrification device that absorbs excess vitrification solution adaptable to a closed system for the cryopreservation of mouse embryos. Cryobiology 2019; 88:9-14. [PMID: 31034811 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Several closed vitrification devices that avoid contact with liquid nitrogen have been reported. Recently, based on the Kitasato Vitrification System (KVS), we developed the Closed-KVS, which is a closed vitrification device. The KVS is an open vitrification device that can absorb excess vitrification solution. In this study, we performed two experiments to evaluate the efficacy of the Closed-KVS as a vitrification device for the cryopreservation of mouse embryos at the blastocyst and two-cell stage. In the first experiment, the blastocysts were vitrified using either the Closed-KVS or the KVS (control device). The survival, re-expansion, and hatching rates were not significantly different between embryos vitrified using the Closed-KVS and those vitrified using the KVS. In the second experiment, we evaluated the embryonic development of the two-cell stage embryos vitrified using the Closed-KVS. There were no significant differences in the survival, blastocyst formation, or hatching rates between vitrified or non-vitrified embryos. Additionally, we evaluated the cooling and warming rates of these devices using a numerical simulation method. The cooling rates of the Closed-KVS were similar regardless of whether the outer cap was pre-cooled and were lower than those of the KVS. However, the warming rates of the Closed-KVS (irrespective of cap pre-cooling) were the same as those of the KVS (612,000 °C/min). In summary, the Closed-KVS is a novel closed vitrification device for the cryopreservation of mouse embryos at the blastocyst and two-cell stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Momozawa
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, 034-8628, Japan.
| | - Atsushi Matsuzawa
- Kyoto R&D Laboratory, Mitsubishi Paper Mills Limited, Kyoto, 617-8666, Japan.
| | - Yukio Tokunaga
- Kyoto R&D Laboratory, Mitsubishi Paper Mills Limited, Kyoto, 617-8666, Japan.
| | - Nagisao Ohi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo University, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
| | - Miyuki Harada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo University, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
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Cai H, Niringiyumukiza JD, Li Y, Lai Q, Jia Y, Su P, Xiang W. Open versus closed vitrification system of human oocytes and embryos: a systematic review and meta-analysis of embryologic and clinical outcomes. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:123. [PMID: 30522492 PMCID: PMC6284284 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0440-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis of embryologic and clinical outcomes following open versus closed vitrification of human oocytes and embryos. METHODS An electronic literature search was conducted in main electronic databases up to June 30, 2018 using the following key terms: 'oocyte', 'embryo', 'blastocyst', 'vitrification', 'cryopreservation', 'device', 'survival rate', 'pregnancy rate', etc. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effect model to estimate the value of risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were carried out to further confirm the results. RESULTS Twelve (Eight prospective and four retrospective) studies comparing open versus closed vitrification of human oocytes or embryos were included. For prospective studies on oocytes, no evidence for a significant difference in cryosurvival rate (RR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.80-1.03, P = 0.14; n = 2048) or clinical pregnancy rate (RR = 1.29, 95% CI: 0.80-2.06, P = 0.30; n = 150) was observed. Additionally, there were no significant differences between the two methods concerning secondary endpoints included positive βHCG rate, implantation rate, miscarriage rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, live birth rate, cancellation rate, babies born per transferred blastocysts, or multiple birth rate (P > 0.05). The results of the retrospective studies were similar as the prospective studies. CONCLUSIONS It is still impossible to conclude that closed vitrification system could be a substitution for open system in human oocyte and embryo cryopreservation based on current evidence. Therefore, more well-designed prospective studies addressing these issues are still warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongcai Cai
- Family Planning Research Institute/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Jean Damascene Niringiyumukiza
- Family Planning Research Institute/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Yamin Li
- Family Planning Research Institute/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Qiaohong Lai
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Yinzhao Jia
- Department of General Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Ping Su
- Family Planning Research Institute/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Wenpei Xiang
- Family Planning Research Institute/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
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Sciorio R, Thong K, Pickering SJ. Single blastocyst transfer (SET) and pregnancy outcome of day 5 and day 6 human blastocysts vitrified using a closed device. Cryobiology 2018; 84:40-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2018.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Youm HS, Choi JR, Oh D, Rho YH. Closed versus open vitrification for human blastocyst cryopreservation: A meta-analysis. Cryobiology 2017; 77:64-70. [PMID: 28522355 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2017.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Closed vitrification can minimize the risk of microbiological transmission through liquid nitrogen during the cooling, storage, and warming procedures. As cooling rates may reduce when closed vitrification is applied, clinical outcomes should be compared between closed and open vitrification in order to justify the use of closed vitrification. This study was conducted to investigate the differences in survival, implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates between closed and open vitrification for human blastocyst cryopreservation. This systematic review and meta-analysis included 7 studies that reported survival, implantation, clinical pregnancy, or live birth rates following closed or open vitrification. There were no statistically significant differences in survival rates (risk ratio [RR]: 1.00, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.98-1.02), implantation rates (RR: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.93-1.11), clinical pregnancy rates (RR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.89-1.10), and live birth rates (RR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.58-1.03) between closed and open vitrification. Although there was no statistical significance, the tendency of lower live birth rates with closed vitrification than with open vitrification could be clearly identified. Therefore, it is not yet possible to conclude that closed vitrification clearly provides an aseptic alternative to open vitrification in human blastocyst cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Sik Youm
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Eroom Women's Clinic, Busan, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jong-Ryeol Choi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Eroom Women's Clinic, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Daesik Oh
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Eroom Women's Clinic, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Ho Rho
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Eroom Women's Clinic, Busan, Republic of Korea
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Appendix E: Rapid-i TM: Closed Vitrification Device by Vitrolife. Methods Mol Biol 2017. [PMID: 28421509 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6828-2_25] [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
Cryopreservation of gametes and embryos is a growing technique in numerous reproductive fields including human-assisted reproduction. With improved understanding of embryo physiology and optimized culture conditions, there are now more embryos than ever to vitrify for potential use in subsequent cycles. Many gametes and embryos have been cryopreserved in open systems, but there are concerns with regard to contamination from the liquid nitrogen and also cross-contamination between patients' germplasm. The development of the Rapid-i™, a closed vitrification device that does not use direct contact with liquid nitrogen during vitrification or subsequent storage, will be discussed as well as clinical protocols for human oocytes and embryos.
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Mandawala A, Harvey S, Roy T, Fowler K. Cryopreservation of animal oocytes and embryos: Current progress and future prospects. Theriogenology 2016; 86:1637-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Closed vitrification of human oocytes and blastocysts: outcomes from a series of clinical cases. J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 33:1247-52. [PMID: 27233650 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0748-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE High survival rates and clinical outcomes similar to those from fresh oocytes and blastocysts have been observed with open oocyte vitrification systems. It has been suggested that the extremely fast cooling rates that are only achieved with open systems are necessary for human oocyte and blastocyst vitrification. However, there is a potential risk of introducing contamination with open systems. The aim of this study was to assess whether similar survival and subsequent implantation rates could be achieved using a closed vitrification system for human oocytes and blastocysts. METHODS Initially, donated immature oocytes that were matured in vitro were vitrified using the cryoprotectants ethylene glycol (EG) + dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) + sucrose and either a closed system (Rapid-i®) or an open system (Cryolock). The closed system was subsequently introduced clinically for mature oocyte cryopreservation cases and blastocyst vitrification. RESULTS Using in vitro matured oocytes, a similar survival was achieved with the open system of 92.4 % (73/79) and with the closed system of 89.7 % (35/39). For clinical oocyte closed vitrification, high survival rate of 90.5 % (374/413) and an implantation rate of 32.7 % (18/55) from the transfer of day 2 embryos was achieved, which is similar to fresh day 2 embryo transfers. Blastocysts have also been successfully cryopreserved using the Rapid-i closed vitrification system with 94 % of blastocysts having an estimated ≥75 % of cells intact and a similar implantation rate (31.5 %) to fresh single blastocyst transfers. CONCLUSION Closed vitrification can achieve high survival and similar implantation rates to fresh for both oocytes and blastocysts.
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Xiong S, Liu JX, Gao Y, Liu WW, Wu LH, Han W, Zhang XD, Han SB, Liu DY, Huang GN. Shortened equilibration time can compromise clinical outcomes in human embryo vitrification. HUM FERTIL 2016; 19:114-9. [PMID: 27218702 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2016.1186848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Vitrification is an important way to cryopreserve human embryos and the recommended time of embryo exposure to the vitrification solution is 1 min. However, practically speaking, the duration of embryos exposure to equilibration solution can vary from 5 to 15 min. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different equilibration times on the outcomes of frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles. The data were collected from our medical records from January 2012 to June 2013 and a total of 517 cycles were included. These cycles were divided into four groups according to the equilibration time: (i) 5-6 min; (ii) 7-8 min; (iii) 9-10 min and (iv) 11-12 min. The results show that there were no differences in terms of survival rate and fully intact embryo rate among the four groups. However, lower clinical pregnancy, embryo implantation and live birth rates were observed in the 5-6 min exposure group (54.6%, 31.9% and 48.2%, respectively) compared with the three other groups. The corresponding rates in the 9-10 min group (73.5%, 47.6% and 64.7%) were the highest. This study indicated that different equilibration times influenced the clinical outcomes of human embryo vitrification and vitrification with shortened equilibration time compromised the clinical outcomes. Appropriate prolongation of the equilibrium time would probably improve the clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Xiong
- a Chongqing Reproductive and Genetics Institute , Chongqing , China
| | - Jun Xia Liu
- b Chongqing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital , Chongqing , China
| | - Yang Gao
- a Chongqing Reproductive and Genetics Institute , Chongqing , China
| | - Wei Wei Liu
- a Chongqing Reproductive and Genetics Institute , Chongqing , China
| | - Li Hong Wu
- a Chongqing Reproductive and Genetics Institute , Chongqing , China
| | - Wei Han
- a Chongqing Reproductive and Genetics Institute , Chongqing , China
| | - Xiao Dong Zhang
- a Chongqing Reproductive and Genetics Institute , Chongqing , China
| | - Shu Biao Han
- a Chongqing Reproductive and Genetics Institute , Chongqing , China
| | - Dong Yun Liu
- a Chongqing Reproductive and Genetics Institute , Chongqing , China
| | - Guo Ning Huang
- a Chongqing Reproductive and Genetics Institute , Chongqing , China
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Kim JC, Kim JM, Seo BB. Effects of various freezing containers for vitrification freezing on mouse oogenesis. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2016; 58:13. [PMID: 26998343 PMCID: PMC4799845 DOI: 10.1186/s40781-016-0094-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background In the present study, various freezing containers were tested for mouse embryos of respective developmental stages; embryos were vitrified and then their survival rate and developmental rate were monitored. Mouse two cell, 8 cell, and blastula stage embryos underwent vitrification freezing-thawing and then their recovery rate, survival rate, development rate, and hatching rate were investigated. Methods EM-grid, OPS, and cryo-loop were utilized for vitrification freezing-thawing of mouse embryos. Results It was found that recovery rate and survival rate were higher in the group of cryo-loop compared to those of EM-grid (p < 0.05). Embryonic development rate, two cell embryos to blastocyst, as well as hatching rate were higher in the control group compared to the EM-grid group and OPS group (p < 0.05), yet no difference was noted between the control group and cryo-loop group. Development rate and hatching rate of eight cell morulae and blastocysts were all lower in the treatment groups than the control group whilst hatching rate of blastocysts was higher in the control group compared to the groups of EM-grid and OPS (p < 0.05); although the cryo-loop group was shown to be slightly higher than other groups, it was not statistically significant. Conclusions In the study, we investigate effects of freezing containers on vitrified embryos of respective developmental stages; it was demonstrated that higher developmental rate was shown in more progressed (or developed) embryos with more blastomeres. There was however, no difference in embryonic development rate was shown amongst containers. Taken together, further additional studies are warranted with regards to 1) manipulation techniques of embryos for various vitrification freezing containers and 2) preventive measures against contamination via liquid nitrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Chul Kim
- Department of Animal Resources, Daegu University, Gyeongbuk, 38453 Korea.,ROSA Infertility Clinics, Daegu, 41238 Korea
| | | | - Byoung Boo Seo
- Department of Animal Resources, Daegu University, Gyeongbuk, 38453 Korea.,Institute of Life and Environment, Daegu University, Gyeongbuk, Korea
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Van Landuyt L, Polyzos N, De Munck N, Blockeel C, Van de Velde H, Verheyen G. A prospective randomized controlled trial investigating the effect of artificial shrinkage (collapse) on the implantation potential of vitrified blastocysts. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:2509-18. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Neonatal outcomes after the implantation of human embryos vitrified using a closed-system device. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 32:521-6. [PMID: 25617086 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-015-0431-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Closed vitrification poses a risk of adversely affecting embryo development, while it may minimize the risk of contamination. We assessed the effects of closed-system human embryo vitrification on fetal development after implantation, neonatal outcome, and clinical safety. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at a private fertility clinic. A total of 875 vitrified-warmed blastocysts that were single-transferred under hormone-replacement cycles between November 2011 and December 2013 were randomly divided into two groups (closed vitrification, n 313; open vitrification, n 562) after receiving the patients' consent forms. Developmental competence after implantation, including gestational age, birth weight, sex, Apgar score, and anomalies of newborns, after the transfer of blastocysts vitrified by closing vitrification was compared with that obtained in the case of open vitrification. RESULTS There were no significant differences between the use of closed and open vitrification systems in embryo development after implantation, gestational age, birth weight, sex ratio, Apgar score, and congenital anomalies of newborns. CONCLUSION Human embryos can be vitrified using a closed vitrification system without impairment of neonatal development.
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Lopes AS, Frederickx V, Van Kerkhoven G, Campo R, Puttemans P, Gordts S. Survival, re-expansion and cell survival of human blastocysts following vitrification and warming using two vitrification systems. J Assist Reprod Genet 2014; 32:83-90. [PMID: 25381622 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0373-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study evaluated and compared survival, re-expansion, and percentage of live cells of individual Days 5 and 6 human blastocysts that were vitrified and warmed with the Vit Kit Freeze/Thaw (Irvine Scientific, CA), or with two protocols using the Global Fast Freeze/Thaw Kits (LifeGlobal, Canada). METHODS Frozen/thawed Day 2-3 or discarded embryos were cultured to blastocyst (culture day 5-6). Group 1 blastocysts were vitrified with the Vit Kit (n = 29) and High Security Vitrification (HSV) devices. Group 2 (n = 47) and Group 3 (n = 48) blastocysts were cryopreserved with the Global Fast Freeze Kit and 0.25 ml straws, using a direct plunge or a -100 °C holding step, respectively. Group 4 (Controls, n = 30) were not vitrified. Blastocysts were subsequently cultured for 24 h, assessed for survival and expansion, and then stained individually with propidium iodide and Hoechst. Live and total cell number was assessed with ImageJ (NIH), and the percentage of live cells calculated for each blastocyst. RESULTS The percentage of live cells was not different between vitrified and control (non-vitrified) blastocysts, thus vitrification did not affect cell survival. Survival (following thawing and after 24 h culture), re-expansion, and percentage of live cells were not different for blastocysts vitrified and warmed between the two vitrification/warming kits, or between the two protocols for the Global Fast Freeze/Thaw Kits. CONCLUSIONS Blastocyst vitrification can be achieved with equal success using simplified protocols and cheaper and easy to load freezing straws, providing simultaneously increased safety, and efficiency with lower cost, when compared with vitrification using specialized embryo vitrification devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana S Lopes
- LIFE-Leuven Institute for Fertility and Embryology, Tiensevest 168, 3000, Leuven, Belgium,
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16
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Larman MG, Hashimoto S, Morimoto Y, Gardner DK. Cryopreservation in ART and concerns with contamination during cryobanking. Reprod Med Biol 2014; 13:107-117. [PMID: 29662371 DOI: 10.1007/s12522-014-0176-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The cryopreservation of gametes and embryos is vital to numerous fields of reproductive biology, including assisted human reproduction. With improved culture conditions, there are an increasing number of embryos to cryopreserve for potential use in subsequent cycles. Many of the gametes and embryos in human IVF are cryopreserved in open systems. Because liquid nitrogen is not sterile, concerns have been raised with regard to contamination from the liquid nitrogen and also cross-contamination between patients' germplasm. Human gamete and embryo cryopreservation are discussed, with recommendations on how to minimize and eliminate contamination, emphasizing the benefits of closed vitrification devices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - David K Gardner
- Department of Zoology University of Melbourne 3010 Melbourne VIC Australia
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Desai NN, Goldberg JM, Austin C, Falcone T. The new Rapid-i carrier is an effective system for human embryo vitrification at both the blastocyst and cleavage stage. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2013; 11:41. [PMID: 23672340 PMCID: PMC3660183 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-11-41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Rapid-i is a new FDA cleared closed carrier for embryo vitrification. The cooling rate of - 1220°C/min is far lower than that reported with open vitrification systems such as the cryoloop (-15,000°C/min). Little published data is currently available on this device. This study presents our initial clinical data, as well as live birth outcomes, with the Rapid-i. The efficacy of this device for the cryopreservation of cleavage, as well as blastocyst stage human embryos is also analyzed. We further compare outcomes to those achieved with the cryoloop, an "open" vitrification system routinely used in our laboratory. METHODS Human embryos were vitrified at either the 8-10 cell stage or else the blastocyst stage. The vitrification protocol was: 7.5% DMSO/7.5% ethylene glycol (EG) (2-3 min) followed by incubation in 15% DMSO /15% EG (45 sec) before loading on the vitrification carrier. Cryoprotectant was removed during warming by sequential washes in 0.25 M and 0.125 M sucrose in culture medium. Clinical outcome data for frozen cycles between January 2011 and August 2012 were stratified according to carrier and cell stage. The student t-test and chi square test were used to compare results. P value of < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS A total of 486 vitrified-warmed embryos were assessed and 92% of them were transferred. The clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and implantation rate (IR) with Rapid-i vitrified blastocysts were 59% and 49%, versus 47% and 37%, respectively for cleavage stage embryos. This was not statistically different from results with the cryoloop vitrified blastocysts (CPR 46%, IR 38%) nor the cleavage stage vitrified embryos (CPR 49%, IR 35%). To date, there have been 31 deliveries of 34 healthy infants from Rapid-i vitrified embryos, with another 12 pregnancies still on-going. CONCLUSIONS The Rapid-i offers an excellent alternative to existing open vitrification devices for embryo cryopreservation at the 8-10 cell stage as well as the blastocyst stage. Use of this type of "closed" sealed system that prevents direct contact between the embryos and liquid nitrogen reduces the potential risk of sample cross-contamination or infection. These preliminary data and live birth outcomes have paved the way toward transitioning to a closed vitrification system in our own IVF program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina N Desai
- Department of OB/GYN/Women’s Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic Fertility Center, Beachwood, OH, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Goldberg
- Department of OB/GYN/Women’s Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic Fertility Center, Beachwood, OH, USA
| | - Cynthia Austin
- Department of OB/GYN/Women’s Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic Fertility Center, Beachwood, OH, USA
| | - Tommaso Falcone
- Department of OB/GYN/Women’s Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic Fertility Center, Beachwood, OH, USA
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