1
|
Lopes ÉPF, Tetaping GM, Novaes MAS, dos Santos RR, Rodrigues APR. Systematic review and meta-analysis on patented and non-patented vitrification processes to ovarian tissue reported between 2000 and 2021. Anim Reprod 2023; 20:e20230065. [PMID: 38026005 PMCID: PMC10681131 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the great interest in ovarian cryopreservation and, consequently conservation and restoration of female fertility in the last decades, different vitrification procedures (vitrification devices or solutions) have been developed, patented, and used both for academic research purposes and for clinical use. Therefore, the present study aimed to provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of data obtained from the application of different patented and non-patented vitrification devices and solutions in different countries. For this purpose, relevant observational studies published between the years 2000 to 2021 were selected to verify the efficiency of ovarian vitrification processes on parameters such as morphology, viability, and apoptosis in preantral ovarian follicles after transplantation or in vitro culture. Our research revealed that, although several countries were considered in the study, the United States and Japan were the countries that registered the most processes, and 22 and 16 vitrification devices and solutions out of a total of 51, respectively were patented. Sixty-two non-patented processes were also considered in the study in all countries. We also observed that transplantation and in vitro ovarian culture were the techniques predominantly used to evaluate the efficiency of the devices and vitrification solutions, respectively. In conclusion, this review showed that patented or non-patented protocols available in the literature are able to successfully preserve preantral follicles present in ovarian tissue. Despite the satisfactory results reported so far, adjustments in ovarian vitrification protocols in order to minimize cryoinjuries to the follicles remain one of the goals of cryopreservation and preservation of the female reproductive function. We found that vitrification alters the morphology and viability, and offers risks leading in some cases to follicular apoptosis. However, adjustments to current protocols to develop an optimal procedure can minimize damage by not compromising follicular development after vitrification/warming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Éverton Pimentel Ferreira Lopes
- Laboratório de Manipulação de Oócitos e Folículos Ovarianos Pré-Antrais (LAMOFOPA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil
| | - Gildas Mbemya Tetaping
- Laboratório de Manipulação de Oócitos e Folículos Ovarianos Pré-Antrais (LAMOFOPA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil
| | - Marco Aurélio Schiavo Novaes
- Laboratório de Manipulação de Oócitos e Folículos Ovarianos Pré-Antrais (LAMOFOPA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil
| | | | - Ana Paula Ribeiro Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Manipulação de Oócitos e Folículos Ovarianos Pré-Antrais (LAMOFOPA), Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Barbato V, Genovese V, De Gregorio V, Di Nardo M, Travaglione A, De Napoli L, Fragomeni G, Zanetti EM, Adiga SK, Mondrone G, D'Hooghe T, Zheng W, Longobardi S, Catapano G, Gualtieri R, Talevi R. Dynamic in vitro culture of bovine and human ovarian tissue enhances follicle progression and health. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11773. [PMID: 37479791 PMCID: PMC10361967 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37086-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro ovarian cortical tissue culture, followed by culture of isolated secondary follicles, is a promising future option for production of mature oocytes. Although efforts have been made to improve the culture outcome by changing the medium composition, so far, most studies used static culture systems. Here we describe the outcome of 7 days cultures of bovine and human ovarian cortical tissue in a dynamic system using a novel perifusion bioreactor in comparison to static culture in conventional and/or gas permeable dishes. Findings show that dynamic culture significantly improves follicle quality and viability, percentage and health of secondary follicles, overall tissue health, and steroid secretion in both species. Model predictions suggest that such amelioration can be mediated by an enhanced oxygen availability and/or by fluid-mechanical shear stresses and solid compressive strains exerted on the tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenza Barbato
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Genovese
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
- IVF Research, Education, Development S.R.L., Via Josemaria Escrivà, 68, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Vincenza De Gregorio
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Maddalena Di Nardo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies ITB, National Research Council CNR, Via Moruzzi, 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Angela Travaglione
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi De Napoli
- Department of Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87030, Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Gionata Fragomeni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Viale Europa - Loc. Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Satish K Adiga
- Centre of Excellence in Clinical Embryology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576 104, India
| | - Giuseppe Mondrone
- IVF Research, Education, Development S.R.L., Via Josemaria Escrivà, 68, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Global Medical Unit Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven (Leuven University), Gasthuisberg Campus, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wengijng Zheng
- Global Medical Unit Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Salvatore Longobardi
- Global Medical Unit Fertility, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Gerardo Catapano
- Department of Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87030, Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Roberto Gualtieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Talevi
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dalman A, Adib S, Amorim CA, Pirjani R, Totonchi M, Valojerdi MR. Co-culture of human cryopreserved fragmented ovarian tissue with theca progenitor cells derived from theca stem cells. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:1611-1622. [PMID: 37079226 PMCID: PMC10352475 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02799-8] [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: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite the significant advances in the in vitro development of human primordial follicles, it is still a challenging approach with great potential for improvements. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of a feeder layer of human theca progenitor cells (hTPCs) on the development of primordial follicles embedded in human ovarian tissue. METHODS Fragments of frozen-thawed ovarian tissue were activated using the vanadate-derivative dipotassium bisperoxo (5-hydroxy-pyridine-2-carboxylic) oxovanadate (V) and kit ligand for 24 h. Then, the specimens were divided into the co-culture and mono-culture groups and were cultured with and without a hTPC feeder layer for 6 days, respectively. Afterward, the follicles were counted and classified, and the hormone levels and expression levels of apoptosis- and folliculogenesis-related genes were assessed. RESULTS Both culture groups showed significant follicle growth (P < 0.05). However, the co-culture group had a significantly higher number of growing follicles compared to the other group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the expression levels of ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, BMP-7, AMH, and GDF9 were significantly higher in the co-culture group compared to the other group (P < 0.05), while the expression levels of P53 and CASP3 were significantly lower (P < 0.05). Also, the concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and androstenedione were significantly higher in the co-culture group compared to the other group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The present study results provided novel evidence on the direct role of hTPCs in the growth and development of human primordial follicles. However, there is a need for future studies to illustrate the underlying mechanisms. Schematic summary of the results. According to our results, the expression of ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, and GDF9 in the oocytes, AMH in the granulosa cells, and BMP4 in the theca cells of the co-culture group were significantly higher than those of the mono-culture and non-culture groups, while the expression of apoptotic genes (BAX, CASP3, and P53) was significantly lower. Moreover, the co-culture group showed significantly increased levels of estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and androstenedione in its culture media compared to the mono-culture groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Azam Dalman
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Banihashem Avenue, Resalat Highway, PO Box 19395- 4644, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Samane Adib
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomical Sciences & Cognitive Neuroscience, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Christiani A Amorim
- Pôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale Et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 55, Bte. B1.55.03, 1200, Bruxelles, Belgique
| | - Reihaneh Pirjani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arash Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Totonchi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Rezazadeh Valojerdi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal-Ale-Ahmad Street, P.O.Box:14115-111, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bolton RL, Mooney A, Pettit MT, Bolton AE, Morgan L, Drake GJ, Appeltant R, Walker SL, Gillis JD, Hvilsom C. Resurrecting biodiversity: advanced assisted reproductive technologies and biobanking. REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY 2022; 3:R121-R146. [PMID: 35928671 PMCID: PMC9346332 DOI: 10.1530/raf-22-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Biodiversity is defined as the presence of a variety of living organisms on the Earth that is essential for human survival. However, anthropogenic activities are causing the sixth mass extinction, threatening even our own species. For many animals, dwindling numbers are becoming fragmented populations with low genetic diversity, threatening long-term species viability. With extinction rates 1000-10,000 times greater than natural, ex situ and in situ conservation programmes need additional support to save species. The indefinite storage of cryopreserved (-196°C) viable cells and tissues (cryobanking), followed by assisted or advanced assisted reproductive technology (ART: utilisation of oocytes and spermatozoa to generate offspring; aART: utilisation of somatic cell genetic material to generate offspring), may be the only hope for species' long-term survival. As such, cryobanking should be considered a necessity for all future conservation strategies. Following cryopreservation, ART/aART can be used to reinstate lost genetics back into a population, resurrecting biodiversity. However, for this to be successful, species-specific protocol optimisation and increased knowledge of basic biology for many taxa are required. Current ART/aART is primarily focused on mammalian taxa; however, this needs to be extended to all, including to some of the most endangered species: amphibians. Gamete, reproductive tissue and somatic cell cryobanking can fill the gap between losing genetic diversity today and future technological developments. This review explores species prioritisation for cryobanking and the successes and challenges of cryopreservation and multiple ARTs/aARTs. We here discuss the value of cryobanking before more species are lost and the potential of advanced reproductive technologies not only to halt but also to reverse biodiversity loss. Lay summary The world is undergoing its sixth mass extinction; however, unlike previous events, the latest is caused by human activities and is resulting in the largest loss of biodiversity (all living things on Earth) for 65 million years. With an extinction rate 1000-10,000-fold greater than natural, this catastrophic decline in biodiversity is threatening our own survival. As the number of individuals within a species declines, genetic diversity reduces, threatening their long-term existence. In this review, the authors summarise approaches to indefinitely preserve living cells and tissues at low temperatures (cryobanking) and the technologies required to resurrect biodiversity. In the future when appropriate techniques become available, these living samples can be thawed and used to reinstate genetic diversity and produce live young ones of endangered species, enabling their long-term survival. The successes and challenges of genome resource cryopreservation are discussed to enable a move towards a future of stable biodiversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rhiannon L Bolton
- Nature’s SAFE, Chapel Field Stud, Ash Lane, Whitchurch, Shropshire, UK
| | | | - Matt T Pettit
- Nature’s SAFE, Chapel Field Stud, Ash Lane, Whitchurch, Shropshire, UK
- IMT International Limited, Tattenhall, Chester, UK
| | - Anthony E Bolton
- Nature’s SAFE, Chapel Field Stud, Ash Lane, Whitchurch, Shropshire, UK
| | - Lucy Morgan
- Gemini Genetics, Chapel Field Stud, Ash Lane, Whitchurch, UK
| | | | - Ruth Appeltant
- Nuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Women’s Centre, Level 3, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Susan L Walker
- Nature’s SAFE, Chapel Field Stud, Ash Lane, Whitchurch, Shropshire, UK
- Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, UK
| | - James D Gillis
- South-East Zoo Alliance for Reproduction & Conservation, Yulee, Florida, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bahroudi Z, Zarnaghi MR, Izadpanah M, Abedelahi A, Niknafs B, Nasrabadi HT, Seghinsara AM. Review of ovarian tissue cryopreservation techniques for fertility preservation. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod 2021; 51:102290. [PMID: 34906692 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2021.102290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian failure and ovarian malfunction are among major fertility problems in women of reproductive age (18-35 years). It is known that various diseases, such as ovarian cancer and premature ovarian failure, besides certain treatments, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy of other organs, can affect the normal process of folliculogenesis and cause infertility. In recent years, various procedures have been proposed for the treatment of infertility. One of the newest methods is the use of cryopreservation ovarian fragments after cancer treatment. According to some studies, this method yields very satisfactory results. Although ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) is an accepted technique of fertility preservation, the relative efficacy of cryopreservation protocols remains controversial. Considering the controversies about these methods and their results, in this study, we aimed to compare different techniques of ovarian cryopreservation and investigate their advantages and disadvantages. Reviewing the published articles may be possible to identify appropriate strategies and improve infertility treatment in these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Bahroudi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahsa Rezaei Zarnaghi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Melika Izadpanah
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Abedelahi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behrooz Niknafs
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamid Tayefi Nasrabadi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Abbas Majdi Seghinsara
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Costa FDC, Vasconcelos EM, Nunes Azevedo VA, Feitosa Melo Paulino LR, Soares MD, Viana Silva JR, Barbalho Silva AW, Paz Souza AL. Aloe vera increases mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes in cryopreserved bovine ovarian tissue and promotes follicular growth and survival after in vitro culture. Cryobiology 2021; 102:104-113. [PMID: 34270982 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2021.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The aims of the present study were to evaluate the effects of Aloe vera extract on expression of mRNA for antioxidant enzymes in bovine ovarian tissue after vitrification, as well as on follicular morphology, viability, activation and extracellular matrix in cultured ovarian tissues that had been previously vitrified. Fragments from bovine ovarian cortical tissue were cryopreserved in a vitrification solution alone or supplemented with two concentrations of Aloe vera (10 or 50%). After thawing, the cryopreserved tissues were analyzed by histological techniques, as well as the levels of mRNA for SOD, CAT, PRDX6 and GPX1 were investigated. Furthermore, cryopreserved fragments were then culture in vitro in α-MEM for 6 days. Histological evaluation of cultured tissues was performed to determine the percentages of normal and developing follicles. The results showed that, after vitrification, the presence of Aloe vera in both concentrations was able to maintain percentages of collagen fibers similar to fresh tissues (P < 0.05). Aloe vera in both concentrations significantly increased mRNA levels for PRDX6 and GPX1 in cryopreserved tissues, while 10% Aloe vera increased mRNA levels for SOD (P < 0.05). In parallel, after in vitro culture, fragments vitrified in the presence of 10% Aloe vera had significantly higher levels of morphologically healthy follicles when compared to tissue that were vitrified without Aloe vera. In fragments vitrified with Aloe vera, the rate of developing follicles was significantly higher than in tissues vitrified without Aloe vera. Tissues vitrified with 10% Aloe vera and cultured in vitro maintained percentages of collagen fibers similar to fresh tissues. In conclusion, 10% Aloe vera increases the expression of mRNA for PRDX6, GPX1 and SOD in vitrified ovarian tissues, maintains follicular survival and promotes activation and development of follicles after in vitro culture of vitrified bovine ovarian tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco das Chagas Costa
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction (LABIREP), Federal University of Ceará, Sobral, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Erlândia Márcia Vasconcelos
- Graduate Program in Science and Biotechnology. Institute of Biology. Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Venância Antônia Nunes Azevedo
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction (LABIREP), Federal University of Ceará, Sobral, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | - Mônica Dias Soares
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction (LABIREP), Federal University of Ceará, Sobral, Ceará, Brazil
| | - José Roberto Viana Silva
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction (LABIREP), Federal University of Ceará, Sobral, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Anderson Weiny Barbalho Silva
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction (LABIREP), Federal University of Ceará, Sobral, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Ana Liza Paz Souza
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction (LABIREP), Federal University of Ceará, Sobral, Ceará, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chen J, Todorov P, Isachenko E, Rahimi G, Mallmann P, Isachenko V. Construction and cryopreservation of an artificial ovary in cancer patients as an element of cancer therapy and a promising approach to fertility restoration. HUM FERTIL 2021; 25:651-661. [PMID: 33648431 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2021.1885756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The proportion of cancer patients that survive is increasing because of improvements in cancer therapy. However, some cancer treatments, such as chemo- and radio-therapies, can cause considerable damage to reproductive function. The issue of fertility is paramount for women of childbearing age once they are cured from cancer. For those patients with prepubertal or haematogenous cancer, the possibilities of conventional fertility treatments, such as oocyte or embryo cryopreservation and transplantation, are limited. Moreover, ovarian tissue cryopreservation as an alternative to fertility preservation has limitations, with a risk of re-implanting malignant cells in patients who have recovered from potentially fatal malignant disease. One possible way to restore fertility in these patients is to mimic artificially the function of the natural organ, the ovary, by grafting isolated follicles embedded in a biological scaffold to their native environment. Construction and cryopreservation of an artificial ovary might offer a safer alternative option to restore fertility for those who cannot benefit from traditional fertility preservation techniques. This review considers the protocols for constructing an artificial ovary, summarises advances in the field with potential clinical application, and discusses future trends for cryopreservation of these artificial constructions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- University Maternal Hospital, Research Group for Reproductive Medicine and IVF-Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cologne University, Cologne, Germany
| | - Plamen Todorov
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Evgenia Isachenko
- University Maternal Hospital, Research Group for Reproductive Medicine and IVF-Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cologne University, Cologne, Germany
| | - Gohar Rahimi
- University Maternal Hospital, Research Group for Reproductive Medicine and IVF-Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cologne University, Cologne, Germany
| | - Peter Mallmann
- University Maternal Hospital, Research Group for Reproductive Medicine and IVF-Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cologne University, Cologne, Germany
| | - Vladimir Isachenko
- University Maternal Hospital, Research Group for Reproductive Medicine and IVF-Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cologne University, Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Davis AC, Richards EG, Arian SE, Falcone T, Desai N, Yao M, Chiesa-Vottero A, Flyckt R. Diverse Approaches to Ovarian Tissue Cryopreservation Have Equivalent Outcomes in Markers of Tissue Viability. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:2129-2135. [PMID: 33599949 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00486-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) is an accepted method of fertility preservation. However, OTC is not standardized and many variations exist in the freezing strategy, tissue processing, and surgical approach. In this pilot study, we used a sheep model to compare slow freezing versus vitrification techniques, as well as the feasibility of processing ovarian tissue into a hyaluronan suspension of small ovarian units. Twelve ovaries were harvested from six female ewes. Paired tissues from each animal were assigned to different treatments and underwent freezing, thawing, autotransplantation, and second-look surgery, for a total of 18 surgical procedures and 3 measured time points. Treatments included whole tissue strips versus gel suspension and slow freezing versus vitrification. At each of the time points, tissue viability was measured by immunohistochemical analysis of CD31 and cleaved caspase-3 (CCASP3). CD31 and CCASP3 expression levels were equivalent between slow freezing and vitrification, and between whole ovarian tissue strips and gel suspension of fragmented ovarian tissue, at all time points. These preliminary data using a sheep model suggest that ovarian tissue is robust and likely to be minimally affected by aggressive fragmentation using a hyaluronan suspension. Furthermore, we provide evidence in support of vitrification as a viable option in OTC. Hyaluronan suspension of ovarian cortical fragments is novel and may represent a desirable method for reimplantation of frozen-thawed ovarian tissue in patients where occult malignant cells are a concern.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Cashmore Davis
- Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA
| | - Elliott G Richards
- Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA.
| | - Sara E Arian
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Tommaso Falcone
- Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA
| | - Nina Desai
- Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA
| | - Meng Yao
- Department of Qualitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Andres Chiesa-Vottero
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Rebecca Flyckt
- Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA.,Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University Hospitals, 1000 Auburn Dr., Suite 310, Beachwood, OH, 44122, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Slow Freezing Versus Vitrification of Mouse Ovaries: from Ex Vivo Analyses to Successful Pregnancies after Auto-Transplantation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19668. [PMID: 31873164 PMCID: PMC6928220 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56182-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Slow freezing (SF) is the reference method for ovarian tissue cryopreservation. Vitrification (VT) constitutes an alternative but controversial method. This study compares SF and VT (open [VTo] and closed [VTc] systems) in terms of freezing damage and fertility restoration ability. In vitro analyses of C57Bl/6 SF or VTo-ovaries, immediately after thawing/warming or after culture (cult), revealed that event though follicular density was similar between all groups, nuclear density was decreased in VTo-ovaries compared to CT-ovaries (CT = 0.50 ± 0.012, SF = 0.41 ± 0.03 and VTo = 0.29 ± 0.044, p < 0.01). Apoptosis was higher in VTo-cult ovaries compared to SF-cult ovaries (p < 0.001) whereas follicular Bmp15 and Amh gene expression levels were decreased in the ovaries after culture, mostly after VTo (p < 0.001). Natural mating after auto-transplantation of SF, VTo and VTc-ovaries revealed that most mice recovered their oestrous cycle. Fertility was only restored with SF and VTo ovaries (SF: 68%; VTo: 63%; VTc: 0%; p < 0.001). Mice auto-transplanted with SF and VTo-ovaries achieved the highest number of pregnancies. In conclusion, in vitro, no differences between SF and VTo were evident immediately after thawing/warming but VTo ovaries displayed alterations in apoptosis and follicular specific proteins after culture. In vivo, SF and VTo ovary auto-transplantation fully restored fertility whereas with VTc-ovary auto-transplantation no pregnancies were achieved.
Collapse
|