1
|
Lundin K, Bentzen JG, Bozdag G, Ebner T, Harper J, Le Clef N, Moffett A, Norcross S, Polyzos NP, Rautakallio-Hokkanen S, Sfontouris I, Sermon K, Vermeulen N, Pinborg A. Good practice recommendations on add-ons in reproductive medicine†. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2062-2104. [PMID: 37747409 PMCID: PMC10628516 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Which add-ons are safe and effective to be used in ART treatment? SUMMARY ANSWER Forty-two recommendations were formulated on the use of add-ons in the diagnosis of fertility problems, the IVF laboratory and clinical management of IVF treatment. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The innovative nature of ART combined with the extremely high motivation of the patients has opened the door to the wide application of what has become known as 'add-ons' in reproductive medicine. These supplementary options are available to patients in addition to standard fertility procedures, typically incurring an additional cost. A diverse array of supplementary options is made available, encompassing tests, drugs, equipment, complementary or alternative therapies, laboratory procedures, and surgical interventions. These options share the common aim of stating to enhance pregnancy or live birth rates, mitigate the risk of miscarriage, or expedite the time to achieving pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION ESHRE aimed to develop clinically relevant and evidence-based recommendations focusing on the safety and efficacy of add-ons currently used in fertility procedures in order to improve the quality of care for patients with infertility. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS ESHRE appointed a European multidisciplinary working group consisting of practising clinicians, embryologists, and researchers who have demonstrated leadership and expertise in the care and research of infertility. Patient representatives were included in the working group. To ensure that the guidelines are evidence-based, the literature identified from a systematic search was reviewed and critically appraised. In the absence of any clear scientific evidence, recommendations were based on the professional experience and consensus of the working group. The guidelines are thus based on the best available evidence and expert agreement. Prior to publication, the guidelines were reviewed by 46 independent international reviewers. A total of 272 comments were received and incorporated where relevant. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The multidisciplinary working group formulated 42 recommendations in three sections; diagnosis and diagnostic tests, laboratory tests and interventions, and clinical management. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Of the 42 recommendations, none could be based on high-quality evidence and only four could be based on moderate-quality evidence, implicating that 95% of the recommendations are supported only by low-quality randomized controlled trials, observational data, professional experience, or consensus of the development group. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These guidelines offer valuable direction for healthcare professionals who are responsible for the care of patients undergoing ART treatment for infertility. Their purpose is to promote safe and effective ART treatment, enabling patients to make informed decisions based on realistic expectations. The guidelines aim to ensure that patients are fully informed about the various treatment options available to them and the likelihood of any additional treatment or test to improve the chance of achieving a live birth. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) All costs relating to the development process were covered from ESHRE funds. There was no external funding of the development process or manuscript production. K.L. reports speakers fees from Merck and was part of a research study by Vitrolife (unpaid). T.E. reports consulting fees from Gynemed, speakers fees from Gynemed and is part of the scientific advisory board of Hamilton Thorne. N.P.P. reports grants from Merck Serono, Ferring Pharmaceutical, Theramex, Gedeon Richter, Organon, Roche, IBSA and Besins Healthcare, speakers fees from Merck Serono, Ferring Pharmaceutical, Theramex, Gedeon Richter, Organon, Roche, IBSA and Besins Healthcare. S.R.H. declares being managing director of Fertility Europe, a not-for-profit organization receiving financial support from ESHRE. I.S. is a scientific advisor for and has stock options from Alife Health, is co-founder of IVFvision LTD (unpaid) and received speakers' fee from the 2023 ART Young Leader Prestige workshop in China. A.P. reports grants from Gedeon Richter, Ferring Pharmaceuticals and Merck A/S, consulting fees from Preglem, Novo Nordisk, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Gedeon Richter, Cryos and Merck A/S, speakers fees from Gedeon Richter, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Merck A/S, Theramex and Organon, travel fees from Gedeon Richter. The other authors disclosed no conflicts of interest. DISCLAIMER This Good Practice Recommendations (GPRs) document represents the views of ESHRE, which are the result of consensus between the relevant ESHRE stakeholders and are based on the scientific evidence available at the time of preparation.ESHRE GPRs should be used for information and educational purposes. They should not be interpreted as setting a standard of care or bedeemedinclusive of all proper methods of care, or be exclusive of other methods of care reasonably directed to obtaining the same results.Theydo not replace the need for application of clinical judgement to each individual presentation, or variations based on locality and facility type.Furthermore, ESHRE GPRs do not constitute or imply the endorsement, or favouring, of any of the included technologies by ESHRE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - K Lundin
- Department Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - J G Bentzen
- The Fertility Department, Rigshospitalet Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - G Bozdag
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - T Ebner
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Gynecological Endocrinology, Kepler University, MedCampus IV, Linz, Austria
| | - J Harper
- Institute for Women’s Health, London, UK
| | - N Le Clef
- European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - A Moffett
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - N P Polyzos
- Department Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - K Sermon
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - N Vermeulen
- European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - A Pinborg
- The Fertility Department, Rigshospitalet Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu L, Zhou K, Song Y, Liu X. CCDC40 mutation as a cause of infertility in a Chinese family with primary ciliary dyskinesia. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e28275. [PMID: 34941110 PMCID: PMC8702141 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000028275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
TRIAL DESIGN Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetical disease that inherited in an autosomal-recessive way. Its clinical manifestations (such as male infertility) are mainly caused by defects of motion-related cilia that encoded by mutated genes. Although some mutation has been verified, a number of mutations of PCD remain elusive. The main purpose of this study is to identify mutant genes in a Chinese family with PCD, and to verify the safety and effectiveness of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of infertility caused by PCD. METHODS Imaging examination was used to exclude pulmonary inflammation and visceral translocation. Semen analysis was used to assess the quality of the proband's sperm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was conducted to assess the ultrastructure of flagella and cilia. Targeted next generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing and qPCR (real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction detecting system) were applied to identified mutation of Chinese Family suspected of having PCD. Viable sperm were selected by hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) for ICSI. RESULTS We report 2 novel mutations in CCDC40 gene (c.1259delA and EX17_20 deletion) resulted in immobility of sperm and infertility of the proband. These mutations were confirmed in the proband's sister (heterozygous) and his parents (recessive carrier) by Sanger sequencing and qPCR. All the spermatozoa from the proband were immotile. Ultrastructural defects were found in flagella and cilia of proband and his sister. Viable sperms were selected by HOST for ICSI and fertilized 9 of 21 eggs. Two frozen embryos were transplanted and a healthy 3500 g boy was delivered at 40 + 4 weeks' gestation. And then, we summarized the genes related to PCD and the mutant sites of CCDC40 gene. CONCLUSION We reported 2 novel mutants in CCDC40 gene (c.1259delA and EX17_20 deletion), which could be candidates for genetic diagnosis in PCD patients. The combination of targeted next generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing may be a useful tool to diagnose PCD. ICSI is a considerable method in treatment of infertility caused by PCD.
Collapse
|
3
|
Double ionophore application in cases with previous failed/low fertilization or poor embryo development. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 44:829-837. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
4
|
Diagnostics and Management of Male Infertility in Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11091550. [PMID: 34573892 PMCID: PMC8467018 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11091550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), a disease caused by the malfunction of motile cilia, manifests mainly with chronic recurrent respiratory infections. In men, PCD is also often associated with infertility due to immotile sperm. Since causative mutations for PCD were identified in over 50 genes, the role of these genes in sperm development should be investigated in order to understand the effect of PCD mutations on male fertility. Previous studies showed that different dynein arm heavy chains are present in respiratory cilia and sperm flagellum, which may partially explain the variable effects of mutations on airways and fertility. Furthermore, recent studies showed that male reproductive tract motile cilia may play an important part in sperm maturation and transport. In some PCD patients, extremely low sperm counts were reported, which may be due to motile cilia dysfunction in the reproductive tract rather than problems with sperm development. However, the exact roles of PCD genes in male fertility require additional studies, as do the treatment options. In this review, we discuss the diagnostic and treatment options for men with PCD based on the current knowledge.
Collapse
|
5
|
Holubcová Z, Otevřel P, Koudelka M, Kloudová S. Live birth achieved despite the absence of ejaculated spermatozoa and mature oocytes retrieved: a case report. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:925-929. [PMID: 33474690 PMCID: PMC8079486 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02070-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common reason for in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle cancelation is a lack of quality gametes available for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Here we present the successful fertility treatment of the couple affected by obstructive azoospermia combined with suboptimal response to controlled ovarian stimulation. Since the conventional approach appeared ineffective to overcome both partnersˈ specific problems, the targeted interventions, namely, (1) pharmacological enhancement of sperm motility and (2) polarized light microscopy (PLM)-guided optimization of ICSI time, were applied to rescue the cycle with only immature oocytes and immotile testicular sperm retrieved. The treatment with theophylline aided the selection of viable spermatozoa derived from cryopreserved testicular tissue. When the traditional stimulation protocol failed to produce mature eggs, non-invasive spindle imaging was employed to adjust the sperm injection time to the maturational stage of oocytes extruding a polar body in vitro. The fertilization of 12 late-maturing oocytes yielded 5 zygotes, which all developed into blastocysts. One embryo was transferred into the uterus on day 5 post-fertilization, and another 3 good quality blastocysts were vitrified for later use. The pregnancy resulted in a full-term delivery of a healthy child. This case demonstrates that the individualization beyond the standard IVF protocols should be considered to maximize the chance of poor-prognosis patients to achieve pregnancy with their own gametes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Holubcová
- Reprofit International, Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Hlinky 122, 60300, Brno, Czech Republic. .,Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Masaryk University Campus - building A1, Kamenice 3, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Pavel Otevřel
- Reprofit International, Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Hlinky 122, 60300, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Koudelka
- Reprofit International, Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Hlinky 122, 60300, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Soňa Kloudová
- Reprofit International, Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Hlinky 122, 60300, Brno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sandi-Monroy NL, Musanovic S, Zhu D, Szabó Z, Vogl A, Reeka N, Eibner K, Bundschu K, Gagsteiger F. Use of dimethylxanthine theophylline (SpermMobil ®) does not affect clinical, obstetric or perinatal outcomes. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2019; 300:1435-1443. [PMID: 31599349 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-019-05312-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate whether the use of a commercially available dimethylxanthine theophylline compound (SpermMobil®) for artificial sperm activation would negatively affect clinical, obstetric and perinatal outcomes. METHODS Artificial sperm activation (ASA) was used when sperm motility after preparation was low or absent in our clinical standard procedure practice. ICSI cycles using either testicular or ejaculated sperm with concentration smaller than 5 million/ml from August 2012 to January 2018 were retrospectively analyzed (n = 815) and divided into two groups, a control group where no ASA was needed and the SpermMobil® group with ASA. RESULTS The fertilization rate was significantly higher in the control group, but pregnancy and implantation rates did not differ significantly. Number of embryos transferred, good quality embryos for ET and number of frozen blastocysts were similar in both groups. Clinical pregnancy loss was significantly reduced in the SpermMobil® group, which was reflected in slightly better live birth rates than in the control group. Furthermore, there were no significant differences regarding gestational age, weight, height and z score for singletons or multiples in the SpermMobil® (n = 27 and n = 10) or control (n = 144 and n = 67) groups. There were no reports of malformation, perinatal mortality or intensive therapy in the SpermMobil® group, whereas in the control group, 12 babies needed intensive care, besides one intrauterine death. CONCLUSION The use of SpermMobil® in samples with mostly immotile sperm not only facilitates the embryologists work but also optimizes the treatment outcomes for those patients with a bad prognosis. This is the first report of obstetric and perinatal outcomes after applying a theophylline derivative in human clinical use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathallie Louise Sandi-Monroy
- IVF Laboratory, Kinderwunsch MVZ Ulm GmbH, Einsteinstrasse 59, 89077, Ulm, Germany. .,NextClinics International GmbH, NextClinics, Josef-Mörtl-Straße 23, 86482, Aystetten, Germany.
| | - Spomenka Musanovic
- IVF Laboratory, Kinderwunsch MVZ Ulm GmbH, Einsteinstrasse 59, 89077, Ulm, Germany.,NextClinics International GmbH, NextClinics, Josef-Mörtl-Straße 23, 86482, Aystetten, Germany
| | - Dan Zhu
- IVF Laboratory, Kinderwunsch MVZ Ulm GmbH, Einsteinstrasse 59, 89077, Ulm, Germany.,NextClinics International GmbH, NextClinics, Josef-Mörtl-Straße 23, 86482, Aystetten, Germany
| | - Zsuzsanna Szabó
- IVF Laboratory, Kinderwunsch MVZ Ulm GmbH, Einsteinstrasse 59, 89077, Ulm, Germany.,NextClinics International GmbH, NextClinics, Josef-Mörtl-Straße 23, 86482, Aystetten, Germany
| | - Alexander Vogl
- IVF Laboratory, Kinderwunsch MVZ Ulm GmbH, Einsteinstrasse 59, 89077, Ulm, Germany.,NextClinics International GmbH, NextClinics, Josef-Mörtl-Straße 23, 86482, Aystetten, Germany
| | - Natalie Reeka
- Medical Department, Kinderwunsch MVZ Ulm GmbH, Einsteinstrasse 59, 89077, Ulm, Germany.,NextClinics International GmbH, NextClinics, Josef-Mörtl-Straße 23, 86482, Aystetten, Germany
| | - Kerstin Eibner
- Medical Department, Kinderwunsch MVZ Ulm GmbH, Einsteinstrasse 59, 89077, Ulm, Germany.,NextClinics International GmbH, NextClinics, Josef-Mörtl-Straße 23, 86482, Aystetten, Germany
| | - Karin Bundschu
- Medical Department, Kinderwunsch MVZ Ulm GmbH, Einsteinstrasse 59, 89077, Ulm, Germany.,Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe, Prittwitzstrasse 43, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Friedrich Gagsteiger
- Medical Department, Kinderwunsch MVZ Ulm GmbH, Einsteinstrasse 59, 89077, Ulm, Germany.,NextClinics International GmbH, NextClinics, Josef-Mörtl-Straße 23, 86482, Aystetten, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mortimer D. The functional anatomy of the human spermatozoon: relating ultrastructure and function. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 24:567-592. [PMID: 30215807 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gay040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Internet, magazine articles, and even biomedical journal articles, are full of cartoons of spermatozoa that bear minimal resemblance to real spermatozoa, especially human spermatozoa, and this had led to many misconceptions about what spermatozoa look like and how they are constituted. This review summarizes the historical and current state of knowledge of mammalian sperm ultrastructure, with particular emphasis on and relevance to human spermatozoa, combining information obtained from a variety of electron microscopic (EM) techniques. Available information on the composition and configuration of the various ultrastructural components of the spermatozoon has been related to their mechanistic purpose and roles in the primary aspects of sperm function and fertilization: motility, hyperactivation, capacitation, the acrosome reaction and sperm-oocyte fusion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Mortimer
- Oozoa Biomedical Inc., Caulfeild Village, West Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ozkavukcu S, Celik-Ozenci C, Konuk E, Atabekoglu C. Live birth after Laser Assisted Viability Assessment (LAVA) to detect pentoxifylline resistant ejaculated immotile spermatozoa during ICSI in a couple with male Kartagener's syndrome. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:10. [PMID: 29402277 PMCID: PMC5800064 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0321-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare, autosomal recessive disease with abnormalities in the structure of cilia, causing impairment of muco-ciliary clearance with respiratory tract infections, heterotaxia and abnormal sperm motility with male infertility. Here, with a comprehensive literature review, we report a couple with an infertility history of 9 years and three unsuccessful IVF treatments, where male partner has Kartagener's Syndrome, a subtype of PCD, displaying recurrent respiratory infections, dextrocardia and total asthenozoospermia. His diagnosis was verified with transmission electron microscopy and genetic mutation screening, revealing total absence of dynein arms in sperm tails and homozygous mutation in the ZMYND10, heterozygous mutations in the ARMC4 and DNAH5 genes. Laser assisted viability assay (LAVA) was performed by shooting the sperm tails during sperm retrieval for microinjection, following detection of pentoxifylline resistant immotile sperm. Live births of healthy triplets, one boy and two monozygotic girls, was achieved after double blastocyst transfer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sinan Ozkavukcu
- 0000000109409118grid.7256.6Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Center for Assisted Reproduction, Ankara Universitesi Tip Fakultesi Cebeci Hastanesi, Kadin Hastaliklari ve Dogum AD, ÜYTE Merkezi, Dikimevi-Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ciler Celik-Ozenci
- 0000 0001 0428 6825grid.29906.34Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Akdeniz Universitesi Tip Fakultesi Histoloji ve Embriyoloji AD, Konyaaltı-Antalya, Turkey
| | - Esma Konuk
- 0000 0001 0428 6825grid.29906.34Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Akdeniz Universitesi Tip Fakultesi Histoloji ve Embriyoloji AD, Konyaaltı-Antalya, Turkey
| | - Cem Atabekoglu
- 0000000109409118grid.7256.6Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Center for Assisted Reproduction, Ankara Universitesi Tip Fakultesi Cebeci Hastanesi, Kadin Hastaliklari ve Dogum AD, ÜYTE Merkezi, Dikimevi-Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Economou KA, Christopikou D, Tsorva E, Davies S, Mastrominas M, Cazlaris H, Koutsilieris M, Angelogianni P, Loutradis D. The combination of calcium ionophore A23187 and GM-CSF can safely salvage aged human unfertilized oocytes after ICSI. J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 34:33-41. [PMID: 27743290 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0823-0] [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] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Artificial oocyte activation using calcium ionophores and enhancement of embryonic developmental potential by the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) have already been reported. In this study, we evaluated the synergistic effect of these two methods on aged human unfertilized oocytes after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Then, we cultured the resulting embryos to the blastocyst stage and screened them for chromosomal abnormalities, to assess the safety of this protocol. METHODS Aged human oocytes deemed unfertilized after ICSI were activated, either by briefly applying the calcium ionophore A23187 alone (group A) or by briefly applying the ionophore and then supplementing the culture medium with recombinant human GM-CSF (rhGM-CSF) (group B). Next, the development was monitored in a time-lapse incubator system, and ploidy was analyzed by array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), after whole embryo biopsy and whole genome amplification. Differences between oocytes and resulting embryos in both groups were evaluated statistically. RESULTS Oocytes unfertilized after ICSI can be activated with the calcium ionophore A23187 to show two pronuclei and two polar bodies. Addition of rhGM-CSF in the culture medium of A23187-activated oocytes enhances their cleaving and blastulation potential and results in more euploid blastocysts compared to the culture medium alone. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that activating post-ICSI aged human unfertilized oocytes with a combination of a calcium ionophore and a cytokine can produce good-morphology euploid blastocysts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos A Economou
- Embryogenesis, Assisted Reproduction Unit, 49 Kifissias Avenue and Ziridi Street, 151 23 Maroussi, Athens, Greece.
| | - Dimitra Christopikou
- Embryogenesis, Assisted Reproduction Unit, 49 Kifissias Avenue and Ziridi Street, 151 23 Maroussi, Athens, Greece
| | - Erika Tsorva
- Embryogenesis, Assisted Reproduction Unit, 49 Kifissias Avenue and Ziridi Street, 151 23 Maroussi, Athens, Greece
| | - Stephen Davies
- Embryogenesis, Assisted Reproduction Unit, 49 Kifissias Avenue and Ziridi Street, 151 23 Maroussi, Athens, Greece
| | - Minas Mastrominas
- Embryogenesis, Assisted Reproduction Unit, 49 Kifissias Avenue and Ziridi Street, 151 23 Maroussi, Athens, Greece
| | - Haris Cazlaris
- Embryogenesis, Assisted Reproduction Unit, 49 Kifissias Avenue and Ziridi Street, 151 23 Maroussi, Athens, Greece
| | - Michael Koutsilieris
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagoula Angelogianni
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Loutradis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Alexandra University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tosti E, Ménézo Y. Gamete activation: basic knowledge and clinical applications. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 22:420-39. [PMID: 27278231 PMCID: PMC4917743 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmw014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The first clues to the process of gamete activation date back to nearly 60 years ago. The mutual activation of gametes is a crucial event during fertilization. In the testis and ovaries, spermatozoa and oocytes are in a state of meiotic and metabolic quiescence and require reciprocal signals in order to undergo functional changes that lead to competence for fertilization. First, the oocyte activates sperm by triggering motility, chemoattraction, binding and the acrosome reaction, culminating with the fusion of the two plasma membranes. At the end of this cascade of events, collectively known as sperm capacitation, sperm-induced oocyte activation occurs, generating electrical, morphological and metabolic modifications in the oocyte. Objective and rationale The aim of this review is to provide the current state of knowledge regarding the entire process of gamete activation in selected specific animal models that have contributed to our understanding of fertilization in mammals, including humans. Here we describe in detail the reciprocal induction of the two activation processes, the molecules involved and the mechanisms of cell interaction and signal transduction that ultimately result in successful embryo development and creation of a new individual. Search methods We carried out a literature survey with no restrictions on publication date (from the early 1950s to March 2016) using PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar and Web of Knowledge by utilizing common keywords applied in the field of fertilization and embryo development. We also screened the complete list of references published in the most recent research articles and relevant reviews published in English (both animal and human studies) on the topics investigated. Outcomes Literature on the principal animal models demonstrates that gamete activation is a pre-requisite for successful fertilization, and is a process common to all species studied to date. We provide a detailed description of the dramatic changes in gamete morphology and behavior, the regulatory molecules triggering gamete activation and the intracellular ions and second messengers involved in active metabolic pathways in different species. Recent scientific advances suggest that artificial gamete activation may represent a novel technique to improve human IVF outcomes, but this approach requires caution. Wider implications Although controversial, manipulation of gamete activation represents a promising tool for ameliorating the fertilization rate in assisted reproductive technologies. A better knowledge of mechanisms that transform the quiescent oocyte into a pluripotent cell may also provide new insights for the clinical use of stem cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Tosti
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Naples 80121, Italy
| | - Yves Ménézo
- London Fertility Associates, 104 Harley Street, London WIG7JD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Nikiforaki D, Vanden Meerschaut F, de Roo C, Lu Y, Ferrer-Buitrago M, de Sutter P, Heindryckx B. Effect of two assisted oocyte activation protocols used to overcome fertilization failure on the activation potential and calcium releasing pattern. Fertil Steril 2016; 105:798-806.e2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|