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Pantos K, Maziotis E, Trypidi A, Grigoriadis S, Agapitou K, Pantou A, Nikolettos K, Kokkini G, Sfakianoudis K, Pomeroy KO, Simopoulou M. The Effect of Open and Closed Oocyte Vitrification Systems on Embryo Development: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2651. [PMID: 38731179 PMCID: PMC11084263 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13092651] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Open and closed vitrification systems are commonly employed in oocyte cryopreservation; however, there is limited evidence regarding a comparison of their separate impact on oocyte competence. This study uniquely brings to the literature, data on the effect of open versus closed vitrification systems on laboratory and clinical outcomes, and the effect of cooling and warming rates. Methods: A systematic search of the literature was performed using the databases PubMed/MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Library, limited to articles published in English up to January 2023. A network meta-analysis was conducted comparing each vitrification system versus fresh oocytes. Results: Twenty-three studies were included. When compared to fresh oocytes, both vitrification devices resulted in lower fertilization rates per MII oocyte retrieved. When comparing the two systems in terms of survival rates, no statistically significant difference was observed. However, interestingly open systems resulted in lower cleavage and blastocyst formation rates per 2 pronuclear (2PN) oocyte compared to fresh controls, while at the same time no statistically significant difference was detected when comparing closed devices with fresh oocytes. Conclusions: In conclusion, closed vitrification systems appear to exert a less detrimental impact on the oocytes' competence, which is reflected in the blastocyst formation rates. Proof of superiority of one system versus the other may lead to standardization, helping to ultimately determine optimal practice in oocyte vitrification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Pantos
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece (A.P.)
| | - Evangelos Maziotis
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece (A.P.)
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Trypidi
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Sokratis Grigoriadis
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece (A.P.)
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Kristi Agapitou
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece (A.P.)
| | - Agni Pantou
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece (A.P.)
| | - Konstantinos Nikolettos
- Obstetric-Gynecologic Clinic, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece;
| | - Georgia Kokkini
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Mara Simopoulou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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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.
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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
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3
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Casciani V, Monseur B, Cimadomo D, Alvero R, Rienzi L. Oocyte and embryo cryopreservation in assisted reproductive technology: past achievements and current challenges. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:506-520. [PMID: 37290552 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.06.005] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cryopreservation has revolutionized the treatment of infertility and fertility preservation. This review summarizes the milestones that paved the way to the current routinary clinical implementation of this game-changing practice in assisted reproductive technology. Still, evidence to support "the best practice" in cryopreservation is controversial and several protocol adaptations exist that were described and compared here, such as cumulus-intact vs. cumulus-free oocyte cryopreservation, artificial collapse, assisted hatching, closed vs. open carriers, and others. A last matter of concern is whether cryostorage duration may impact oocyte/embryo competence, but the current body of evidence in this regard is reassuring. From social and clinical perspectives, oocyte and embryo cryopreservation has evolved from an afterthought when assisted reproduction was intended for immediate pregnancy with supernumerary embryos of secondary interest to its current purpose, which primarily is to preserve fertility long-term and more comprehensively allow for family planning. However, the initial consenting process, which still is geared to short-term fertility care, may no longer be relevant when the individuals that initially preserved the tissues have completed their reproductive journey. A more encompassing counseling model is required to address changing patient values over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Casciani
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Brent Monseur
- Stanford Fertility and Reproductive Health, Stanford University, Sunnyvale, California
| | - Danilo Cimadomo
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Ruben Alvero
- Stanford Fertility and Reproductive Health, Stanford University, Sunnyvale, California
| | - Laura Rienzi
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy; Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy.
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4
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Canosa S, Maggiulli R, Cimadomo D, Innocenti F, Fabozzi G, Gennarelli G, Revelli A, Bongioanni F, Vaiarelli A, Ubaldi FM, Rienzi L, Palmer GA, Nijs M. Cryostorage management of reproductive cells and tissues in ART: status, needs, opportunities and potential new challenges. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103252. [PMID: 37451970 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.06.007] [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: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Among the wide range of procedures performed by clinical embryologists, the cryopreservation of reproductive cells and tissues represents a fundamental task in the daily routine. Indeed, cryopreservation procedures can be considered a subspecialty of medically assisted reproductive technology (ART), having the same relevance as sperm injection or embryo biopsy for preimplantation genetic testing. However, although a great deal of care has been devoted to optimizing cryopreservation protocols, the same energy has only recently been spent on developing and implementing strategies for the safe and reliable storage and transport of reproductive specimens. Herein, we have summarized the content of the available guidelines, the risks, the needs and the future perspectives regarding the management of cryopreservation biorepositories used in ART.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Danilo Cimadomo
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Gemma Fabozzi
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Flippo M Ubaldi
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy; Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino 'Carlo Bo', Urbino, Italy
| | - Giles A Palmer
- International IVF Initiative Inc, New York, NY, USA; Institute of Life, IASO Hospital, Athens, Greece; IVF 2.0 Ltd, London, UK
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Pourmasumi S, Kounis NG, Naderi M, Hosseinisadat R, Khoradmehr A, Fagheirelahee N, Kouni SN, de Gregorio C, Dousdampanis P, Mplani V, Michalaki MA, Plotas P, Assimakopoulos S, Gogos C, Aidonidis G, Roditis P, Matsas N, Velissaris D, Calogiuri G, Hung MY, Koniari I. Effects of COVID-19 Infection and Vaccination on the Female Reproductive System: A Narrative Review. Balkan Med J 2023; 40:153-164. [PMID: 37114907 PMCID: PMC10175880 DOI: 10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2023.2023-3-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies and research papers have been published to elucidate and understand the mechanism of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its long-term effects on the human body. COVID-19 affects a number of organs, including the female reproductive system. However, less attention has been given to the effects of COVID-19 on the female reproductive system due to their low morbidity. The results of studies investigating the relationship between COVID-19 infection and ovarian function in women of reproductive age have shown the harmless involvement of COVID-19 infection. Several studies have reported the involvement of COVID-19 infection in oocyte quality, ovarian function, and dysfunctions in the uterine endometrium and the menstrual cycle. The findings of these studies indicate that COVID-19 infection negatively affects the follicular microenvironment and dysregulate ovarian function. Although the COVID-19 pandemic and female reproductive health have been studied in humans and animals, very few studies have examined how COVID-19 affects the female reproductive system. The objective of this review is to summarize the current literature and categorize the effects of COVID-19 on the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, and hormonal profiles. The effects on oocyte maturation, oxidative stress, which causes chromosomal instability and apoptosis in ovaries, in vitro fertilization cycle, high-quality embryos, premature ovarian insufficiency, ovarian vein thrombosis, hypercoagulable state, women’s menstrual cycle, the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis, and sex hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and the anti-Müllerian hormone, are discussed in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Pourmasumi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
- Clinical Research Development Unit, Ali-Ibn Abi-Talib Hospital, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Nicholas G. Kounis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece
| | - Monavar Naderi
- Knowledge and Information Science, Vice Chancellor for Science and Technology, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Robabe Hosseinisadat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Arezoo Khoradmehr
- The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Niloofar Fagheirelahee
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | | | - Cesare de Gregorio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina Medical School, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Virginia Mplani
- Intensive Care Unit, Patras University Hospital, Patras, Greece
| | - Marina A. Michalaki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Fculty of Health Sciences, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | | | - Stelios Assimakopoulos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece
| | - Christos Gogos
- COVID-19 Unit, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Pavlos Roditis
- Department of Cardiology, Mamatsio Kozanis General Hospital, Kozani, Greece
| | | | | | - Gianfranco Calogiuri
- Pneumonology Department, Civil Hospital “Ninetto Melli”, Pietro Vernoti, Brindisi, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Section of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Ming-Yow Hung
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Taipei Heart Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ioanna Koniari
- Departmentof Cardiology, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Liverpool, UK
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6
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Antonouli S, Di Nisio V, Messini C, Daponte A, Rajender S, Anifandis G. A comprehensive review and update on human fertility cryopreservation methods and tools. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1151254. [PMID: 37143497 PMCID: PMC10151698 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1151254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The broad conceptualization of fertility preservation and restoration has become already a major concern in the modern western world since a large number of individuals often face it in the everyday life. Driven by different health conditions and/or social reasons, a variety of patients currently rely on routinely and non-routinely applied assisted reproductive technologies, and mostly on the possibility to cryopreserve gametes and/or gonadal tissues for expanding their reproductive lifespan. This review embraces the data present in human-focused literature regarding the up-to-date methodologies and tools contemporarily applied in IVF laboratories' clinical setting of the oocyte, sperm, and embryo cryopreservation and explores the latest news and issues related to the optimization of methods used in ovarian and testicular tissue cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevastiani Antonouli
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Valentina Di Nisio
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christina Messini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece
| | - Alexandros Daponte
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece
| | - Singh Rajender
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - George Anifandis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece
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Zheng Q, Mo M, Zhang H, Xu S, Xu F, Wang S, Zeng Y. Prolong cryopreservation duration negatively affects pregnancy outcomes of vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfers using an open-device system: A retrospective cohort study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 281:68-75. [PMID: 36566684 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2022.12.012] [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: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of cryopreservation (CP) duration on pregnancy outcomes of vitrified-warmed blastocysts transfers using an open-device liquid-nitrogen (LN2) system. METHODS This retrospective cohort study was conducted on 6327 first vitrified-warmed single blastocyst transfer cycles with autologous oocytes from January 2015 to December 2020. The CP duration was initially divided into six groups: Group I: 0-3 months (n = 4309); Group II: 4-6 months (n = 1061); Group III: 7-12 months (n = 304); Group IV: 13-24 months (n = 113); Group V: 25-72 months (n = 466); Group VI: 73-120 months (n = 74). Multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate the independent effect of CP duration on pregnancy outcomes. To further examine the time limit of vitrification, propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to compare pregnancy outcome of patients with storage duration of 25-120 months to those of 0-24 months. After that, pregnancy outcomes were compared among the subgroups of Group I': 0-24 months, Group II': 25-48 months, Group III': 49-72 months, Group IV': 73-120 months. Stratification analysis based on embryo quality was also performed. Primary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate. Secondary outcomes were implantation, biochemical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate and early miscarriage rate. RESULTS Logistic regression demonstrated that the odds of pregnancy outcomes were similar across Group I to IV. However, the implantation rate, chances of biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, and live birth significantly decreased as the storage duration increased up to 25 months, while miscarriage rate did not significantly differ between groups. Subgroup analysis confirmed a dramatical decrease of clinical pregnancy and live birth rate when cryopreserved for more than 24 months. After that, the slope was relatively steady between 25 and 72 months, then steeply decreased again as CP reached 73-120 months. In addition, there was a more remarkable decline of pregnancy outcomes in the average quality embryo transfers than in the high quality embryo transfers as cryopreservation storage increased. CONCLUSION Prolonged cryopreservation of vitrified blastocysts in an open-device LN2 system up to 24 months might negatively affect pregnancy outcomes. This negative impact progresses as storage duration increases, especially when exceeds 72 months. Average quality embryo appears to be less sustainable with long-term cryo-storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qizhen Zheng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-Implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen 518045, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Meilan Mo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-Implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen 518045, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongzhan Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-Implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen 518045, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiru Xu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-Implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen 518045, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Fen Xu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-Implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen 518045, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Sisi Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-Implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen 518045, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-Implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen 518045, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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8
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Porcu E, Cipriani L, Dirodi M, De Iaco P, Perrone AM, Zinzani PL, Taffurelli M, Zamagni C, Ciotti PM, Notarangelo L, Calza N, Damiano G. Successful Pregnancies, Births, and Child Development Following Oocyte Cryostorage in Female Cancer Patients During 25 Years of Fertility Preservation. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061429. [PMID: 35326578 PMCID: PMC8946047 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The study goal is to demonstrate that oocyte cryopreservation is a feasible and efficient option for fertility preservation in cancer patients through the comparison of in vitro fertilization treatments in nononcological patients. Abstract The preservation of fertility in cancer patients is a crucial aspect of modern reproductive medicine. Amenorrhea and infertility often occur after cancer therapy, worsening the quality of life. Cryopreservation of oocytes in young cancer patients is a therapeutic option for preserving fertility. A prospective study was conducted on 508 cancer patients who underwent oocyte cryopreservation to preserve fertility between 1996 and 2021 including the COVID-19 pandemic period. Patients underwent ovarian stimulation, followed by egg retrieval, and oocytes were cryopreserved by slow freezing or vitrification. Sixty-four thawing/warming cycles were performed. Survival, fertilization, pregnancy, and birth rate over the thawing/warming cycles were obtained. The data were compared with those from a group of 1042 nononcological patients who cryopreserved supernumerary oocytes. An average of 8.8 ± 6.9 oocytes were retrieved per cycle, and 6.1 ± 4.2 oocytes were cryopreserved. With their own stored oocytes, 44 patients returned to attempt pregnancy. From a total of 194 thawed/warmed oocytes, 157 survived (80%). In total, 100 embryos were transferred in 57 transfer/cycles, and 18 pregnancies were achieved. The pregnancy rate per transfer and pregnancy rate per patient were 31% and 41%, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed between oncological patients and nononcological patients. A total of 15 babies were born from oncological patients. Children born showed normal growth and development. One minor malformation was detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Porcu
- Infertility and IVF Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.C.); (M.D.); (P.M.C.); (L.N.); (N.C.); (G.D.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0512144364
| | - Linda Cipriani
- Infertility and IVF Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.C.); (M.D.); (P.M.C.); (L.N.); (N.C.); (G.D.)
| | - Maria Dirodi
- Infertility and IVF Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.C.); (M.D.); (P.M.C.); (L.N.); (N.C.); (G.D.)
| | - Pierandrea De Iaco
- Division of Oncologic Gynecology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (P.D.I.); (A.M.P.)
- Centro di Studio e Ricerca delle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Myriam Perrone
- Division of Oncologic Gynecology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (P.D.I.); (A.M.P.)
- Centro di Studio e Ricerca delle Neoplasie Ginecologiche (CSR), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Zinzani
- Institute of Haematology “Seragnoli”, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Mario Taffurelli
- Breast Unit, Department of Woman and Child, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Claudio Zamagni
- “Addari” Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Maria Ciotti
- Infertility and IVF Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.C.); (M.D.); (P.M.C.); (L.N.); (N.C.); (G.D.)
| | - Leonardo Notarangelo
- Infertility and IVF Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.C.); (M.D.); (P.M.C.); (L.N.); (N.C.); (G.D.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Nilla Calza
- Infertility and IVF Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.C.); (M.D.); (P.M.C.); (L.N.); (N.C.); (G.D.)
| | - Giuseppe Damiano
- Infertility and IVF Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.C.); (M.D.); (P.M.C.); (L.N.); (N.C.); (G.D.)
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9
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Varlas VN, Borș RG, Pop AL, Năsui BA, Bacalbasa N, Bohîlțea R, Vlădăreanu R, Manolea C. Oncofertility and COVID-19: At the Crossroads between Two Time-Sensitive Fields. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11051221. [PMID: 35268312 PMCID: PMC8911324 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11051221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 infection has dominated our lives and left its mark on it. The impact on fertility is major, and the long-term consequences may be disastrous. When we talk about oncofertility, we are talking about those patients worried about the delay in receiving medical services (possible cancelation of surgery, decreased availability of medical services, reorientation of medical resources) due to COVID-19. Finally, patients’ worsening biological and reproductive statuses, associated with high levels of anxiety and depression, are closely related to social restrictions, economic impact, reorientation of medical resources, health policies, and fears of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Aim: We reviewed the current literature on fertility during the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on cancer patients. Specifically, how cancer treatment can affect fertility, the options to maintain fertility potential, and the recovery options available after treatment are increasingly common concerns among cancer patients. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using two main central databases (PubMed®/MEDLINE, and Web of Science) to identify relevant studies using keywords SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, oncofertility, young cancer patient, cryopreservation, assisted reproductive techniques (ART), psychosocial, telemedicine. Results: In the present study, 45 papers were included, centered on the six main topics related to COVID-19. Conclusions: Fertility preservation (FP) should not be discontinued, but instead practiced with adjustments to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission. The increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in cancer patients requires screening for COVID-19 before FP procedures, among both patients and medical staff in FP clinics, to prevent infection that would rapidly worsen the condition and lead to severe complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Nicolae Varlas
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd., 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (V.N.V.); (A.L.P.); (N.B.); (R.V.); (C.M.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Filantropia Clinical Hospital, 011171 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Roxana Georgiana Borș
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Filantropia Clinical Hospital, 011171 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (R.G.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Anca Lucia Pop
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd., 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (V.N.V.); (A.L.P.); (N.B.); (R.V.); (C.M.)
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Food Safety, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Traian Vuia Street, 020945 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdana Adriana Năsui
- Department of Community Health, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Louis Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Nicolae Bacalbasa
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd., 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (V.N.V.); (A.L.P.); (N.B.); (R.V.); (C.M.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cantacuzino Clinical Hospital, 030167 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Roxana Bohîlțea
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd., 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (V.N.V.); (A.L.P.); (N.B.); (R.V.); (C.M.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Filantropia Clinical Hospital, 011171 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence: (R.G.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Radu Vlădăreanu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd., 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (V.N.V.); (A.L.P.); (N.B.); (R.V.); (C.M.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Elias Clinical Hospital, 17 Mărăști Blvd., 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Corina Manolea
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd., 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (V.N.V.); (A.L.P.); (N.B.); (R.V.); (C.M.)
- Assisted Reproduction Department, Columna Medical Center, 021522 Bucharest, Romania
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Tharasanit T, Thuwanut P. Oocyte Cryopreservation in Domestic Animals and Humans: Principles, Techniques and Updated Outcomes. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11102949. [PMID: 34679970 PMCID: PMC8533007 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte cryopreservation plays important roles in basic research and the application of models for genetic preservation and in clinical situations. This technology provides long-term storage of gametes for genetic banking and subsequent use with other assisted reproductive technologies. Until recently, oocytes have remained the most difficult cell type to freeze, as the oocytes per se are large with limited surface area to cytoplasm ratio. They are also highly sensitive to damage during cryopreservation, and therefore the success rate of oocyte cryopreservation is generally poor when compared to noncryopreserved oocytes. Although advancement in oocyte cryopreservation has progressed rapidly for decades, the improvement of cryosurvival and clinical outcomes is still required. This review focuses on the principles, techniques, outcomes and prospects of oocyte cryopreservation in domestic animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theerawat Tharasanit
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Veterinary Clinical Stem Cells and Bioengineering Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Correspondence:
| | - Paweena Thuwanut
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
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Markiewicz-Gospodarek A, Wdowiak P, Czeczelewski M, Forma A, Flieger J, Januszewski J, Radzikowska-Büchner E, Baj J. The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on Fertility and Female and Male Reproductive Systems. J Clin Med 2021; 10:4520. [PMID: 34640536 PMCID: PMC8509208 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10194520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection remains a huge challenge for contemporary healthcare systems. Apart from widely reported acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), the virus affects many other systems inducing a vast number of symptoms such as gastrointestinal, neurological, dermatological, cardiovascular, and many more. Currently it has also been hypothesized that the virus might affect female and male reproductive systems; SARS-CoV-2 infection could also have a role in potential disturbances to human fertility. In this article, we aimed to review the latest literature regarding the potential effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on female and male reproductive systems as well as fertility, in general.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paulina Wdowiak
- Chair and Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (A.M.-G.); (P.W.); (M.C.)
| | - Marcin Czeczelewski
- Chair and Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (A.M.-G.); (P.W.); (M.C.)
| | - Alicja Forma
- Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Jolanta Flieger
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Jacek Januszewski
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Maxillary Surgery, Central Clinical Hospital MSWiA, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland; (J.J.); (E.R.-B.)
| | - Elżbieta Radzikowska-Büchner
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Maxillary Surgery, Central Clinical Hospital MSWiA, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland; (J.J.); (E.R.-B.)
| | - Jacek Baj
- Chair and Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (A.M.-G.); (P.W.); (M.C.)
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