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Xi H, Huang L, Qiu L, Li S, Yan Y, Ding Y, Zhu Y, Wu F, Shi X, Zhao J, Chen R, Yao Q, Kou L. Enhancing oocyte in vitro maturation and quality by melatonin/bilirubin cationic nanoparticles: A promising strategy for assisted reproduction techniques. Int J Pharm X 2024; 8:100268. [PMID: 39070171 PMCID: PMC11278021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpx.2024.100268] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
In assisted reproduction techniques, oocytes encounter elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during in vitro maturation (IVM). Oxidative stress adversely affects oocyte quality, hampering their maturation, growth, and subsequent development. Thus, mitigating excessive ROS to safeguard less viable oocytes during IVM stands as a viable strategy. Numerous antioxidants have been explored for oocyte IVM, yielding considerable effects; however, several aspects, including solubility, stability, and safety, demand attention and resolution. In this study, we developed nanoparticles by self-assembling endogenous bilirubin and melatonin hormone coated with bilirubin-conjugated glycol chitosan (MB@GBn) to alleviate oxidative stress and enhance oocyte maturation. The optimized MB@GBn exhibited a uniform spherical shape, measuring 128 nm in particle size, with a PDI value of 0.1807 and a surface potential of +11.35 mV. The positively charged potential facilitated nanoparticle adherence to the oocyte surface through electrostatic interaction, allowing for functional action. In vitro studies demonstrated that MB@GB significantly enhanced the maturation of compromised oocytes. Further investigation revealed MB@GB's effectiveness in scavenging ROS, reducing intracellular calcium levels, and suppressing mitochondrial polarization. This study not only offers a novel perspective on nano drug delivery systems for biomedical applications but also presents an innovative strategy for enhancing oocyte IVM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Xi
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Lihui Huang
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Lin Qiu
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Shize Li
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325027, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yuqi Yan
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Yang Ding
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Yuhao Zhu
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Fugen Wu
- Department of Pediatric, The First People's Hospital of Wenling, Taizhou, China
| | - Xianbao Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Junzhao Zhao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Ruijie Chen
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Qing Yao
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Longfa Kou
- Wenzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Pediatric Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325027, China
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Dvoran M, Iyyappan R, Masek T, Pospisek M, Kubelka M, Susor A. Assessment of active translation in cumulus-enclosed and denuded oocytes during standard in vitro maturation and early embryo development. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:1752-1766. [PMID: 38876973 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae126] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Which actively translated maternal transcripts are differentially regulated between clinically relevant in vitro and in vivo maturation (IVM) conditions in mouse oocytes and zygotes? SUMMARY ANSWER Our findings uncovered significant differences in the global transcriptome as well as alterations in the translation of specific transcripts encoding components of energy production, cell cycle regulation, and protein synthesis in oocytes and RNA metabolism in zygotes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Properly regulated translation of stored maternal transcripts is a crucial factor for successful development of oocytes and early embryos, particularly due to the transcriptionally silent phase of meiosis. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is a basic science study utilizing an ICR mouse model, best suited for studying in vivo maturation. In the treatment group, fully grown germinal vesicle oocytes from stimulated ovaries were in vitro matured to the metaphase II (MII) stage either as denuded without gonadotropins (IVM DO), or as cumulus-oocyte complexes (IVM COC) in the presence of 0.075 IU/ml recombinant FSH (rFSH) and 0.075 IU/ml recombinant hCG (rhCG). To account for changes in developmental competence, IVM COC from non-stimulated ovaries (IVM COC-) were included. In vivo matured MII oocytes (IVO) from stimulated ovaries were used as a control after ovulation triggering with rhCG. To simulate standard IVM conditions, we supplemented media with amino acids, vitamins, and bovine serum albumin. Accordingly, in vitro pronuclear zygotes (IMZ) were generated by IVF from IVM DO, and were compared to in vivo pronuclear zygotes (IVZ). All experiments were performed in quadruplicates with samples collected for both polyribosome fractionation and total transcriptome analysis. Samples were collected over three consecutive months. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS All ICR mice were bred under legal permission for animal experimentation (no. MZE-24154/2021-18134) obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic. Actively translated (polyribosome occupied) maternal transcripts were detected in in vitro and in vivo matured mouse oocytes and zygotes by density gradient ultracentrifugation, followed by RNA isolation and high-throughput RNA sequencing. Bioinformatic analysis was performed and subsequent data validation was done by western blotting, radioactive isotope, and mitotracker dye labelling. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Gene expression analysis of acquired polysome-derived high-throughput RNA sequencing data revealed significant changes (RPKM ≥ 0.2; P ≤ 0.005) in translation between in vitro and in vivo matured oocytes and respectively produced pronuclear zygotes. Surprisingly, the comparison between IVM DO and IVM COC RNA-seq data of both fractionated and total transcriptome showed very few transcripts with more than a 2-fold difference. Data validation by radioactive isotope labelling revealed a decrease in global translation bof20% in IVM DO and COC samples in comparison to IVO samples. Moreover, IVM conditions compromised oocyte energy metabolism, which was demonstrated by both changes in polysome recruitment of each of 13 mt-protein-coding transcripts as well as by validation using mitotracker red staining. LARGE SCALE DATA The data discussed in this publication have been deposited in NCBI's Gene Expression Omnibus and are accessible through GEO Series accession number GSE241633 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE241633). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION It is extremely complicated to achieve in vivo consistency in animal model systems such as porcine or bovine. To achieve a high reproducibility of in vivo stimulations, the ICR mouse model was selected. However, careful interpretation of our findings with regard to assisted reproductive techniques has to be made by taking into consideration intra-species differences between the mouse model and humans. Also, the sole effect of the cumulus cells' contribution could not be adequately addressed by comparing IVM COC and IVM DO, because the IVM DO were matured without gonadotropin supplementation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings confirmed the inferiority of standard IVM technology compared with the in vivo approach. It also pointed at compromised biological processes employed in the critical translational regulation of in vitro matured MII oocytes and pronuclear zygotes. By highlighting the importance of proper translational regulation during in vitro oocyte maturation, this study should prompt further clinical investigations in the context of translation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Czech Grant Agency (22-27301S), Charles University Grant Agency (372621), Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (EXCELLENCE CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/15_003/0000460 OP RDE), and Institutional Research Concept RVO67985904. No competing interest is declared.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dvoran
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Germ Cells, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Libechov, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of RNA Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Praha 2, Czech Republic
| | - R Iyyappan
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Germ Cells, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - T Masek
- Laboratory of RNA Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Praha 2, Czech Republic
| | - M Pospisek
- Laboratory of RNA Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Praha 2, Czech Republic
| | - M Kubelka
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Germ Cells, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - A Susor
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Germ Cells, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Libechov, Czech Republic
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Bartolacci A, Busnelli A, Pagliardini L, de Girolamo S, De Santis L, Esposito S, Alteri A, Setti PEL, Papaleo E. Assessing the developmental competence of oocytes matured following rescue in vitro maturation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1939-1950. [PMID: 39046561 PMCID: PMC11339015 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03211-9] [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: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the developmental competence of oocytes matured following rescue in vitro maturation (IVM). METHODS PubMed, EmBASE, and SCOPUS were systematically searched for peer-reviewed original papers using relevant keywords and Medical Subject Heading terms. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval were calculated by applying a random effects model. The primary outcomes were fertilization and blastulation rates. Secondary outcomes included abnormal fertilization, cleavage, euploidy, clinical pregnancy, and live-birth rates. RESULT Twenty-four studies were included in the meta-analysis. The oocytes matured following rescue IVM showed significantly reduced fertilization, cleavage, blastulation, and clinical pregnancy rates compared to sibling in vivo-matured oocytes. No significant differences were found for the euploidy and live-birth rates in euploid blastocyst transfer. In poor responders, a reduced fertilization rate was observed using in vitro-matured GV but not with in vitro-matured MI. A reduced cleavage rate in MI matured overnight compared to < 6 incubation hours was found. CONCLUSION Our results showed compromised developmental competence in oocytes matured following rescue IVM. However, in poor responders, rescue IVM could maximize the efficiency of the treatment. Notably, our data suggests using in vitro MI matured within 6 incubation hours. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42023467232.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Bartolacci
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy.
| | - Andrea Busnelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology, Fertility Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Pagliardini
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Sofia de Girolamo
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia De Santis
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Esposito
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Alteri
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Emanuele Levi Setti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
- Division of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology, Fertility Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Papaleo
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
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Albertini DF. Histories and mysteries underlying meiotic maturation failure in human oocytes. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1937-1938. [PMID: 39136903 PMCID: PMC11339244 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03221-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
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Petrogiannis N, Chatzovoulou K, Filippa M, Grimbizis G, Kolibianakis E, Chatzimeletiou K. In vitro maturation of oocytes in light of ovarian mitochondrial improvement: effectiveness and safety. ZYGOTE 2024:1-7. [PMID: 38953841 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199424000182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
In vitro maturation of oocytes (IVM) represents an assisted reproductive technique that involves the minimal or absence of ovarian stimulation and is beneficial to specific groups of patients. These may include women with polycystic ovarian syndrome and/or patients who need a fertility preservation option before undergoing gonadotoxic treatment. However, when IVM is applied in cases where it is not recommended, it can be considered as an add-on technique, as described by the ESHRE Guideline Group on Female Fertility Preservation. Interestingly, IVM has not been proven yet to be as effective as conventional IVF in the laboratory, in terms of clinical pregnancy and live birth rates, while concerns have been raised for its long-term safety. As a result, both safety and efficacy of IVM remain still questionable and additional data are needed to draw conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Grigoris Grimbizis
- Unit for Human Reproduction, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aristotle University Medical School, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Efstratios Kolibianakis
- Unit for Human Reproduction, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aristotle University Medical School, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Katerina Chatzimeletiou
- Unit for Human Reproduction, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aristotle University Medical School, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
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6
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Vos MD, Segers I, Yuan Y, Gilchrist RB, Kramme CC. Clinical procedures for in vitro maturation treatment. Fertil Steril 2024:S0015-0282(24)00513-2. [PMID: 38838807 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.05.164] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To demonstrate clinical techniques for in vitro maturation (IVM) treatment, including stimulation recommendations, small follicle pick-up procedures, and compact cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) search practice. DESIGN This video utilizes live-action footage from surgery and embryology practice for a representative IVM treatment cycle, with step-by-step instructions and recommendations for practice procedures. SETTING In vitro fertilization (IVF) clinic. PATIENT(S) Patients undergoing IVM treatment. The patient(s) included in this video gave consent for publication of the video and posting of the video online, including on social media, the journal website, scientific literature websites, and other applicable sites. INTERVENTION(S) Identification of treatment cohorts, IVM definitions, and recommendations for stimulation treatments. A visual demonstration of COC extraction techniques from small antral follicles includes tubing, needle types, considerations when using double lumen or sheath needles, needle pressure, ultrasound, needle flushing, and aspiration technique. Visual demonstration of oocyte search and IVM preparation, including filtering follicular aspirate, prevention of COC cooling, identification of compact COCs, and general parameters of different IVM approaches. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Clinical techniques for small follicle ovum pick up and compact COC identification for IVM treatment. RESULTS Successful IVM treatment of patients can be achieved using minimal ovarian stimulation, effective small follicle retrieval, and efficient compact COC identification with flexibility in approach depending on clinical constraints and preference. CONCLUSION(S) In vitro maturation treatment is an efficacious and safe treatment for high ovarian reserve and hyper-responding patients undergoing IVF treatment, in which the retrieval of multiple immature COCs and their ex vivo maturation can be achieved with little to no in vivo stimulation. Practice procedures vary between treatment centers and IVM techniques. This video provides practice recommendations paired with a visual demonstration of techniques to assist in standardizing the approach and expanding the practice to more centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel De Vos
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ingrid Segers
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ye Yuan
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, Colorado
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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7
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Marchante M, Barrachina F, Piechota S, Fernandez-González M, Giovannini A, Smith T, Kats S, Paulsen B, González E, Calvente V, Silvan A, Abittan B, Klein J, Klatsky P, Ordonez D, Kramme CC. Donor side effects experienced under minimal controlled ovarian stimulation with in vitro maturation vs. conventional controlled ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization treatment. F&S SCIENCE 2024:S2666-335X(24)00029-6. [PMID: 38838957 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2024.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate oocyte retrieval experiences and side effects under minimally controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) treatment for in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes compared with conventional COS treatment. DESIGN A retrospective survey study. SETTING Clinical in vitro fertilization treatment center. PATIENT(S) Data were collected from subjects undergoing minimal COS treatment (n = 110; 600-800 IU follicle-stimulating hormone) for IVM of oocytes and conventional COS treatment for egg donation (n = 48; 1,800-2,600 IU follicle-stimulating hormone) from April 2022 to November 2023. INTERVENTION(S) Minimal and conventional COS treatments. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The most common side effects experienced during ovarian stimulation and after oocyte pick-up, satisfaction level, and the likelihood of recommending or repeating minimal or conventional COS. Statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney U test and χ2 tests, with a significance level. RESULT(S) During minimal COS treatment, most subjects did not experience breast swelling (86%), pelvic or abdominal pain (76%), nausea or vomiting (96%), and bleeding (96%). After oocyte pick-up, the majority (75%) reported no pelvic or abdominal pain. The most common side effect was abdominal swelling (52%). Compared with conventional COS cycles, minimal COS subjects reported significantly less postretrieval pain, with 33% experiencing no pain (vs. 6%) and with a reduced severe level of pain (5% vs. 19%), leading to fewer subjects requiring pain medication (25% vs. 54%). Additionally, 85% of women were very satisfied with minimal stimulation treatment and would recommend or repeat the treatment. CONCLUSION(S) Reducing the hormonal dose for ovarian stimulation has a beneficial effect on subjects, suggesting the combination of minimal COS treatment with IVM techniques is a well-tolerated alternative for women who cannot or do not wish to undergo conventionally controlled ovarian hyperstimulation treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Eva González
- Ruber Juan Bravo University Hospital, Eugin Group, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ana Silvan
- Ruber Juan Bravo University Hospital, Eugin Group, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Daniel Ordonez
- Ruber Juan Bravo University Hospital, Eugin Group, Madrid, Spain
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8
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Ho VNA, Ho TM, Vuong LN, García-Velasco J. An update on the current indications for in vitro maturation. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2024; 36:173-180. [PMID: 38295060 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In vitro maturation has become a significant component of modern assisted reproductive techniques. Published data have been supported for the safety and effectiveness of in vitro maturation treatment. In recent years, potential indications for in vitro maturation (IVM) have been a topic of interest and investigation. RECENT FINDINGS Significant improvements in technique enhancement and data publication for evaluating the efficacy of IVM have been achieved. Recent studies have shown that IVM could offer several advantages over in vitro fertilization. Currently, there are growing indications for IVM beyond the commonly mentioned indication of infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Additionally, some potential candidates might have significant advantages for IVM, such as women diagnosed with gonadotropin resistance ovary syndrome or those seeking fertility preservation. With a better understanding of IVM, from basic science to clinical practice, it can be applied safely, effectively, and affordably to a broader range of patients, making it a more accessible and patient-friendly option. SUMMARY Despite the possibly acknowledged limitations, the potential of in vitro maturation cannot be denied. As this technique becomes increasingly accessible to patients and more continuous efforts are dedicated to advancing this technique, the impact of in vitro maturation is expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vu N-A Ho
- IVFMD and HOPE research center, My Duc Hospital
| | - Tuong M Ho
- IVFMD and HOPE research center, My Duc Hospital
| | - Lan N Vuong
- IVFMD and HOPE research center, My Duc Hospital
- Department of obstetrics and gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Juan García-Velasco
- IVIRMA Global and IVI Madrid, Madrid
- IVI Foundation, IIS La Fe, Valencia
- Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
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9
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Silber SJ, Goldsmith S, Castleman L, Hayashi K. In Vitro Maturation, In Vitro Oogenesis, and Ovarian Longevity. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1234-1245. [PMID: 38160209 PMCID: PMC11090930 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01427-1] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
This paper will review a remarkable new approach to in vitro maturation "IVM" of oocytes from ovarian tissue, based on our results with in vitro oogenesis from somatic cells. As an aside benefit we also have derived a better understanding of ovarian longevity from ovary transplant. We have found that primordial follicle recruitment is triggered by tissue pressure gradients. Increased pressure holds the follicle in meiotic arrest and prevents recruitment. Therefore recruitment occurs first in the least dense inner tissue of the cortico-medullary junction. Many oocytes can be obtained from human ovarian tissue and mature to metaphase 2 in vitro with no need for ovarian stimulation. Ovarian stimulation may only be necessary for removing the oocyte from the ovary, but this can also be accomplished by simple dissection at the time of ovary tissue cryopreservation. By using surgical dissection of the removed ovary, rather than a needle stick, we can obtain many oocytes from very small follicles not visible with ultrasound. A clearer understanding of ovarian function has come from in vitro oogenesis experiments, and that explains why IVM has now become so simple and robust. Tissue pressure (and just a few "core genes" in the mouse) direct primordial follicle recruitment and development to mature oocyte, and therefore also control ovarian longevity. There are three distinct phases to oocyte development both in vitro and in vivo: in vitro differentiation "IVD" which is not gonadotropin sensitive (the longest phase), in vitro gonadotropin sensitivity "IVG" which is the phase of gonadotropin stimulation to prepare for meiotic competence, and IVM to metaphase II. On any given day 35% of GVs in ovarian tissue have already undergone "IVD" and "IVG" in vivo, and therefore are ready for IVM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherman J Silber
- Infertility Center of St. Louis at St. Luke's Hospital, St. Louis, MO, 63017, USA.
| | - Sierra Goldsmith
- Infertility Center of St. Louis at St. Luke's Hospital, St. Louis, MO, 63017, USA.
| | - Leilani Castleman
- Infertility Center of St. Louis at St. Luke's Hospital, St. Louis, MO, 63017, USA
| | - Katsuhiko Hayashi
- Department of Genome Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
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Song J, Guo X, Zhang B, Zhang Q, Han Y, Cao D, Yao Y. Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived Exosomes Improved The Aged Mouse IVM Oocytes Quality. Reprod Sci 2024:10.1007/s43032-024-01566-z. [PMID: 38689080 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01566-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
During assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment, the aged women, especially those over 35 years old, have fewer mature oocytes and poorer quality of the oocytes comparing with the young women. In vitro maturation (IVM) technology facilitates the usage of immature oocytes, which is clinically important for the aged women. However, the maturation rate is low for the oocytes from the aged women. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells derived exosomes (HUCMSCs-exosomes), as important mediators of intercellular communication, have been widely used to restore ovarian function and improve female fertility. In this study, we isolated HUCMSCs-exosomes and collected the immature germinal vesicle oocytes from the naturally aged mouse model. And we added these HUCMSCs-exosomes to the conventional IVM culture system. The effects of HUCMSCs-exosomes on IVM oocytes were observed and analyzed from multiple aspects including maturation rate, spindle morphology, mitochondria function, and development potential. We found the quality of oocytes was improved by HUCMSCs-exosomes. Based on the results, we propose that HUCMSCs-exosomes may provide a novel and cell free strategy in the improvement of the IVM in elderly infertile women in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangnan Song
- Medical School of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), Beijing, China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinmeng Guo
- College of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Bolun Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- College of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- College of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | | | - Dandan Cao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Yuanqing Yao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
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11
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Lee SH, Li XH, Lu QY, Zhan CL, Kim JD, Lee GH, Sim JM, Cui XS. Nobiletin enhances mitochondrial function by regulating SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling in porcine oocytes during in vitro maturation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 706:149747. [PMID: 38479243 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Nobiletin is a natural flavonoid found in citrus fruits with beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-oxidation effects. The aim of this study was to investigate whether nobiletin improves mitochondrial function in porcine oocytes and examine the underlying mechanism. Oocytes enclosed by cumulus cells were cultured in TCM-199 for 44 h with 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide (control), or supplemented with 5, 10, 25, and 50 μM of nobiletin (Nob5, Nob10, Nob25, and Nob50, respectively). Oocyte maturation rate was significantly enhanced in Nob10 (70.26 ± 0.45%) compared to the other groups (control: 60.12 ± 0.47%; Nob5: 59.44 ± 1.63%; Nob25: 63.15 ± 1.38%; Nob50: 46.57 ± 1.19%). The addition of nobiletin reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species and increased glutathione levels. Moreover, Nob10 promoted mitochondrial biogenesis by upregulating the protein levels of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α). This resulted in an increase in the number of active mitochondria, mitochondrial DNA copy number, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP production, thereby enhancing mitochondrial function. The protein level of p53 decreased, followed by the phosphorylation of B-cell lymphoma 2, suggesting a reduction in mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in the Nob10 group. Additionally, the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria was significantly diminished along with a decrease in the protein expression of caspase 3. Thus, nobiletin has a great potential to promote the in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes by suppressing oxidative stress and promoting mitochondrial function through the upregulation of the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song-Hee Lee
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Xiao-Han Li
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Qin-Yue Lu
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheng-Lin Zhan
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Dam Kim
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyu-Hyun Lee
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Min Sim
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Xiang-Shun Cui
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28644, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Martin JH, Bernstein IR, Lyons JM, Brady AR, Mabotuwana NS, Stanger SJ, De Oliveira CS, Damyanova KB, Nixon B, Lord T. EPAS1 expression contributes to maintenance of the primordial follicle pool in the mouse ovary. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8770. [PMID: 38627575 PMCID: PMC11021563 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59382-z] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Oxygen availability can have profound effects on cell fate decisions and survival, in part by regulating expression of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs). In the ovary, HIF expression has been characterised in granulosa cells, however, any requirement in oocytes remains relatively undefined. Here we developed a Hif2a/Epas1 germline-specific knockout mouse line in which females were fertile, however produced 40% fewer pups than controls. No defects in follicle development were detected, and quality of MII oocytes was normal, as per assessments of viability, intracellular reactive oxygen species, and spindle parameters. However, a significant diminishment of the primordial follicle pool was evident in cKO females that was attributed to accelerated follicle loss from postnatal day 6 onwards, potentially via disruption of the autophagy pathway. These data demonstrate the importance of HIF signalling in oocytes, particularly at the primordial follicle stage, and lend to the importance of controlling oxygen tension in the development of in vitro growth and maturation approaches for assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinta H Martin
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Infertility and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Ilana R Bernstein
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Jess M Lyons
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Ariel R Brady
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Nishani S Mabotuwana
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Simone J Stanger
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Camila Salum De Oliveira
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Katerina B Damyanova
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Infertility and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia
| | - Tessa Lord
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Infertility and Reproduction Program, New Lambton Heights, NSW, 2305, Australia.
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13
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Li Z, Zhang Y, Cao J, Xing X, Liang Y, Zhang Y, Tang X, Lin S, Wu Z, Li Z, Huang S. Supplementation of SkQ1 Increases Mouse In Vitro Oocyte Maturation and Subsequent Embryonic Development by Reducing Oxidative Stress. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:455. [PMID: 38675415 PMCID: PMC11054663 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In vitro oocyte maturation (IVM) technology is important for assisted animal and human reproduction. However, the maturation rates and developmental potential of in vitro-matured oocytes are usually lower than those of in vivo-matured oocytes. Oxidative stress is a main factor that causes the lower maturation rates and quality of in vitro-matured oocytes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of treatment with SkQ1, a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, on mouse IVM and subsequent embryonic development. The results demonstrated that the supplementation of SkQ1 during IVM improves the maturation rates of mouse oocytes and the subsequent developmental competence of in vitro-fertilized embryos. The addition of SkQ1 to the IVM medium also decreased oxidative stress and apoptosis, and increased mitochondrial membrane potential in matured mouse oocytes. This study provides a new method through which to enhance the maturation rates and the quality of in vitro-matured mouse oocytes, thus promoting the application and development of assisted animal and human reproductive technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Z.L.); zyqhah-@stu.scau.edu.cn (Y.Z.); (J.C.); (X.X.); (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.T.); (S.L.); (Z.W.)
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Livestock and Poultry Breeding Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Gene Bank of Guangdong Local Livestock and Poultry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yiqian Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Z.L.); zyqhah-@stu.scau.edu.cn (Y.Z.); (J.C.); (X.X.); (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.T.); (S.L.); (Z.W.)
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Livestock and Poultry Breeding Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Gene Bank of Guangdong Local Livestock and Poultry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jinping Cao
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Z.L.); zyqhah-@stu.scau.edu.cn (Y.Z.); (J.C.); (X.X.); (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.T.); (S.L.); (Z.W.)
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Livestock and Poultry Breeding Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Gene Bank of Guangdong Local Livestock and Poultry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xupeng Xing
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Z.L.); zyqhah-@stu.scau.edu.cn (Y.Z.); (J.C.); (X.X.); (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.T.); (S.L.); (Z.W.)
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Livestock and Poultry Breeding Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Gene Bank of Guangdong Local Livestock and Poultry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yalin Liang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Z.L.); zyqhah-@stu.scau.edu.cn (Y.Z.); (J.C.); (X.X.); (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.T.); (S.L.); (Z.W.)
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Livestock and Poultry Breeding Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Gene Bank of Guangdong Local Livestock and Poultry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yuxing Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Z.L.); zyqhah-@stu.scau.edu.cn (Y.Z.); (J.C.); (X.X.); (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.T.); (S.L.); (Z.W.)
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Livestock and Poultry Breeding Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Gene Bank of Guangdong Local Livestock and Poultry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xiaopeng Tang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Z.L.); zyqhah-@stu.scau.edu.cn (Y.Z.); (J.C.); (X.X.); (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.T.); (S.L.); (Z.W.)
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Livestock and Poultry Breeding Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Gene Bank of Guangdong Local Livestock and Poultry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Shengyi Lin
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Z.L.); zyqhah-@stu.scau.edu.cn (Y.Z.); (J.C.); (X.X.); (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.T.); (S.L.); (Z.W.)
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Livestock and Poultry Breeding Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Gene Bank of Guangdong Local Livestock and Poultry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Z.L.); zyqhah-@stu.scau.edu.cn (Y.Z.); (J.C.); (X.X.); (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.T.); (S.L.); (Z.W.)
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Livestock and Poultry Breeding Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Gene Bank of Guangdong Local Livestock and Poultry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zicong Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Z.L.); zyqhah-@stu.scau.edu.cn (Y.Z.); (J.C.); (X.X.); (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.T.); (S.L.); (Z.W.)
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Livestock and Poultry Breeding Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Gene Bank of Guangdong Local Livestock and Poultry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Sixiu Huang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Z.L.); zyqhah-@stu.scau.edu.cn (Y.Z.); (J.C.); (X.X.); (Y.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.T.); (S.L.); (Z.W.)
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Livestock and Poultry Breeding Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Gene Bank of Guangdong Local Livestock and Poultry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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14
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Boumerdassi Y, Labrosse J, Hammami F, Dahoun M, Bouyer J, O'Neill L, Sarandi S, Peigné M, Cedrin I, Grynberg M, Sifer C. Impact of oxygen tension during in vitro maturation: a sibling-oocyte prospective double-blinded study. Fertil Steril 2024; 121:615-621. [PMID: 38103883 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.12.014] [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: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether oxygen (O2) tension (20% vs. 5%) has an impact on oocyte maturation rates and morphology during in vitro maturation (IVM). DESIGN A prospective, observational, monocentric, sibling-oocyte study. SETTING University Hospital. PATIENTS A total of 143 patients who underwent IVM for fertility preservation purposes from November 2016 to April 2021 were analyzed. Patients were included when ≥2 cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were retrieved. The cohort of COCs obtained for each patient was randomly split into two groups: group 20% O2 and group 5% O2. INTERVENTION Cumulus-oocyte complexes were incubated for 48 hours either under 5% O2 or 20% O2. After 24 and 48 hours of culture, every oocyte was assessed for maturity and morphology, to estimate oocyte quality. Morphology was evaluated considering six parameters (shape, size, ooplasm, perivitelline space, zona pellucida, and polar body characteristics), giving a total oocyte score ranging from -6 to +6. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Maturation rates and total oocyte scores were compared using paired-sample analysis between group 20% O2 and group 5% O2. RESULTS Patient median age was 31.4 [28.1-35.2] years-old. The mean serum antimüllerian hormone levels and antral follicle count were 3.2 ± 2.3 ng/mL and 27.2 ± 16.0 follicles, respectively. A mean of 10.7 COCs per cycle were retrieved, leading to 6.1 ± 2.4 metaphase II oocytes vitrified (total maturation rate = 57.3%; 991 metaphase II oocytes/1,728 COCs). A total of 864 COCs were included in each group. Oocyte maturation rates were not different between the two groups (group 20% O2: 56.82% vs. group 5% O2: 57.87%, respectively). Regarding oocyte morphology, the mean total oocyte score was significantly higher in group 5% O2 compared with group 20% O2 (3.44 ± 1.26 vs. 3.16 ± 1.32, P=.014). CONCLUSION As culture under low O2 tension (5% O2) improves oocyte morphology IVM, our results suggest that culture under hypoxia should be standardized. Additional studies are warranted to assess the impact of O2 tension on oocyte maturation and the benefit of IVM under low O2 tension for embryo culture after utilization of frozen material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine Boumerdassi
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Bondy, France; Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Villetaneuse, France
| | - Julie Labrosse
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Bondy, France
| | - Fatma Hammami
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Bondy, France
| | - Mehdi Dahoun
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Bondy, France
| | - Jean Bouyer
- Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health, Université Paris Saclay, France
| | - Louis O'Neill
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Bondy, France
| | - Solmaz Sarandi
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Bondy, France
| | - Maeliss Peigné
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Bondy, France
| | - Isabelle Cedrin
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Bondy, France
| | - Michael Grynberg
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Bondy, France; Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart, France; Université Paris Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France; Université Paris-Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Sifer
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Bondy, France; Équipe RHuMA, UMR-BREED, UFR Simone Veil Santé, Montigny le Bretonneux, France.
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15
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Mostinckx L, Goyens E, Mackens S, Roelens C, Boudry L, Uvin V, Segers I, Schoemans C, Drakopoulos P, Blockeel C, De Vos M. Clinical outcomes from ART in predicted hyperresponders: in vitro maturation of oocytes versus conventional ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:586-594. [PMID: 38177084 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead273] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do ongoing pregnancy rates (OPRs) differ in predicted hyperresponders undergoing ART after IVM of oocytes compared with conventional ovarian stimulation (OS) for IVF/ICSI? SUMMARY ANSWER One cycle of IVM is non-inferior to one cycle of OS in women with serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels ≥10 ng/ml. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Women with high antral follicle count and elevated serum AMH levels, indicating an increased functional ovarian reserve, are prone to hyperresponse during ART treatment. To avoid iatrogenic complications of OS, IVM has been proposed as a mild-approach alternative treatment in predicted hyperresponders, including women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who are eligible for ART. To date, inferior pregnancy rates from IVM compared to OS have hampered the uptake of IVM by ART clinics. However, it is unclear whether the efficiency gap between IVM and OS may differ depending on the extent of AMH elevation. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study is a retrospective cohort analysis of clinical and laboratory data from the first completed highly purified hMG (HP-hMG) primed, non-hCG-triggered IVM or OS (FSH or HP-hMG stimulation in a GnRH antagonist protocol) cycle with ICSI in predicted hyperresponders ≤36 years of age at a tertiary referral university hospital. A total of 1707 cycles were included between January 2016 and June 2022. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Predicted hyperresponse was defined as a serum AMH level ≥3.25 ng/ml (Elecsys® AMH, Roche Diagnostics). The primary outcome was cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate assessed 10-11 weeks after embryo transfer (ET). The predefined non-inferiority limit was -10.0%. The analysis was adjusted for AMH strata. Time-to-pregnancy, defined as the number of ET cycles until ongoing pregnancy was achieved, was a secondary outcome. Statistical analysis was performed using a multivariable regression model controlling for potential confounders. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Data from 463 IVM cycles were compared with those from 1244 OS cycles. Women in the IVM group more often had a diagnosis of Rotterdam PCOS (434/463, 93.7%) compared to those undergoing OS (522/1193, 43.8%), were significantly younger (29.5 years versus 30.5 years, P ≤ 0.001), had a higher BMI (25.7 kg/m2 versus 25.1 kg/m2, P ≤ 0.01) and higher AMH (11.6 ng/ml versus 5.3 ng/ml, P ≤ 0.001). Although IVM cycles yielded more cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) (24.5 versus 15.0 COC, P ≤ 0.001), both groups had similar numbers of mature oocytes (metaphase II (MII)) (11.9 MII versus 10.6 MII, P = 0.9). In the entire cohort, non-adjusted cumulative OPR from IVM was significantly lower (198/463, 42.8%) compared to OS (794/1244, 63.8%), P ≤ 0.001. When analysing OPR across different serum AMH strata, cumulative OPR in both groups converged with increasing serum AMH, and OPR from IVM was non-inferior compared to OS from serum AMH levels >10 ng/ml onwards (113/221, 51.1% (IVM); 29/48, 60.4% (OS)). The number of ETs needed to reach an ongoing pregnancy was comparable in both the IVM and the OS group (1.6 versus 1.5 ET's, P = 0.44). Multivariable regression analysis adjusting for ART type, age, BMI, oocyte number, and PCOS phenotype showed that the number of COCs was the only parameter associated with OPR in predicted hyperresponders with a serum AMH >10 ng/ml. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION These data should be interpreted with caution as the retrospective nature of the study holds the possibility of unmeasured confounding factors. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Among subfertile women who are eligible for ART, IVM, and OS resulted in comparable reproductive outcomes in a subset of women with a serum AMH ≥10 ng/ml. These findings should be corroborated by a randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing both treatments in selected patients with elevated AMH. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) There was no external funding for this study. P.D. has been consultant to Merck Healthcare KGaA (Darmstadt, Germany) from April 2021 till June 2023 and is a Merck employee (Medical Director, Global Medical Affairs Fertility) with Merck Healthcare KGAaA (Darmstadt, Germany) since July 2023. He declares honoraria for lecturing from Merck KGaA, MSD, Organon, and Ferring. The remaining authors declared no conflict of interest pertaining to this study. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Mostinckx
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - E Goyens
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - S Mackens
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - C Roelens
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - L Boudry
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - V Uvin
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - I Segers
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - C Schoemans
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - P Drakopoulos
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- IVF Greece, Athens, Greece
| | - C Blockeel
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - M De Vos
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Sun Z, Jiao A, Zhao Y, Han T, Zhang H, Gao Q. Isoliquiritin can cause mitochondrial dysfunction and regulate Nrf2 to affect the development of mouse oocytes. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 185:114445. [PMID: 38311047 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114445] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
IsoliQuirtigenin (ILG) has been widely studied in somatic cells and tissues, but less in reproductive development. It is a kind of widely used food additive. In this study, it was found that ILG could significantly increase the levels of ROS,GSH and MMP in mouse oocytes (P < 0.01). In order to explore the cause of this phenomenon, it was found that the abnormal distribution of mitochondria and ATP synthesis levels were significantly increased (P < 0.05). At this time, we made a reasonable hypothesis that ILG affected mitochondrial function. In subsequent studies, it was found that the endogenous ROS accumulation level in mitochondria was significantly increased. After continuous RT-PCR screening, it was found that the expression of Nrf2 was significantly inhibited (P < 0.01). Its upstream and downstream FOXO3 GPX1, CAT, SOD2, SIRT1 gene also appear different degree of significant change (P < 0.05), in which the lower expression of NADP + (P < 0.05) illustrates the mitochondrial ATP synthesis electronic chain were suppressed, it also has the reason, By inhibiting electron chain and ATP synthesis, ILG leads to oocyte apoptosis and initiation of autophagy, reducing oocyte and its subsequent developmental potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyang Sun
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, China; College of Agriculture, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center of Yanbian Yellow Cattle Resources Reservation, Yanji, 133002, China
| | - Anhui Jiao
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, China; College of Agriculture, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center of Yanbian Yellow Cattle Resources Reservation, Yanji, 133002, China
| | - Yuhan Zhao
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, China; College of Agriculture, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center of Yanbian Yellow Cattle Resources Reservation, Yanji, 133002, China
| | - Tiancang Han
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, China; College of Agriculture, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center of Yanbian Yellow Cattle Resources Reservation, Yanji, 133002, China
| | - Hongbo Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, China; College of Agriculture, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center of Yanbian Yellow Cattle Resources Reservation, Yanji, 133002, China
| | - Qingshan Gao
- Engineering Research Center of North-East Cold Region Beef Cattle Science & Technology Innovation, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, China; College of Agriculture, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, China; Jilin Engineering Research Center of Yanbian Yellow Cattle Resources Reservation, Yanji, 133002, China.
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Gilchrist RB, Ho TM, De Vos M, Sanchez F, Romero S, Ledger WL, Anckaert E, Vuong LN, Smitz J. A fresh start for IVM: capacitating the oocyte for development using pre-IVM. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:3-25. [PMID: 37639630 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While oocyte IVM is practiced sporadically it has not achieved widespread clinical practice globally. However, recently there have been some seminal advances in our understanding of basic aspects of oocyte biology and ovulation from animal studies that have led to novel approaches to IVM. A significant recent advance in IVM technology is the use of biphasic IVM approaches. These involve the collection of immature oocytes from small antral follicles from minimally stimulated patients/animals (without hCG-priming) and an ∼24 h pre-culture of oocytes in an advanced culture system ('pre-IVM') prior to IVM, followed by routine IVF procedures. If safe and efficacious, this novel procedure may stand to make a significant impact on human ART practices. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The objectives of this review are to examine the major scientific advances in ovarian biology with a unique focus on the development of pre-IVM methodologies, to provide an insight into biphasic IVM procedures, and to report on outcomes from animal and clinical human data, including safety data. The potential future impact of biphasic IVM on ART practice is discussed. SEARCH METHODS Peer review original and review articles were selected from PubMed and Web of Science searches for this narrative review. Searches were performed using the following keywords: oocyte IVM, pre-IVM, biphasic IVM, CAPA-IVM, hCG-triggered/primed IVM, natural cycle IVF/M, ex-vivo IVM, OTO-IVM, oocyte maturation, meiotic competence, oocyte developmental competence, oocyte capacitation, follicle size, cumulus cell (CC), granulosa cell, COC, gap-junction communication, trans-zonal process, cAMP and IVM, cGMP and IVM, CNP and IVM, EGF-like peptide and IVM, minimal stimulation ART, PCOS. OUTCOMES Minimizing gonadotrophin use means IVM oocytes will be collected from small antral (pre-dominant) follicles containing oocytes that are still developing. Standard IVM yields suboptimal clinical outcomes using such oocytes, whereas pre-IVM aims to continue the oocyte's development ex vivo, prior to IVM. Pre-IVM achieves this by eliciting profound cellular changes in the oocyte's CCs, which continue to meet the oocyte's developmental needs during the pre-IVM phase. The literature contains 25 years of animal research on various pre-IVM and biphasic IVM procedures, which serves as a large knowledge base for new approaches to human IVM. A pre-IVM procedure based on c-type natriuretic peptide (named 'capacitation-IVM' (CAPA-IVM)) has undergone pre-clinical human safety and efficacy trials and its adoption into clinical practice resulted in healthy live birth rates not different from conventional IVF. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Over many decades, improvements in clinical IVM have been gradual and incremental but there has likely been a turning of the tide in the past few years, with landmark discoveries in animal oocyte biology finally making their way into clinical practice leading to improved outcomes for patients. Demonstration of favorable clinical results with CAPA-IVM, as the first clinically tested biphasic IVM system, has led to renewed interest in IVM as an alternative, low-intervention, low-cost, safe, patient-friendly ART approach, and especially for patients with PCOS. The same new approach is being used as part of fertility preservation in patients with cancer and holds promise for social oocyte freezing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B Gilchrist
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tuong M Ho
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Michel De Vos
- Brussels IVF, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Flor Sanchez
- Centro de Estudios e Investigaciones en Biología y Medicina Reproductiva, Lima, Peru
| | - Sergio Romero
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology and Fertility Preservation, Cayetano Heredia University (UPCH), Lima, Peru
- Centro de Fertilidad y Reproducción Asistida, Lima, Peru
| | - William L Ledger
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
- City Fertility, Global CHA IVF Partners, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ellen Anckaert
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lan N Vuong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Johan Smitz
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Yuan Y, Reed L, Swain JE, Schoolcraft WB, Katz-Jaffe MG. Rescue in vitro maturation and the transfer of a euploid blastocyst provided improved chances for patients with poor prognosis to conceive. Fertil Steril 2024; 121:121-122. [PMID: 38178586 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Yuan
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, Colorado.
| | - Laura Reed
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, Colorado
| | - Jason E Swain
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, Colorado
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Verpoest W, Okutman Ö, Van Der Kelen A, Sermon K, Viville S. Genetics of infertility: a paradigm shift for medically assisted reproduction. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2289-2295. [PMID: 37801292 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead199] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The field of reproductive genetics has undergone significant advancements with the completion of the Human Genome Project and the development of high-throughput sequencing techniques. This has led to the identification of numerous genes involved in both male and female infertility, revolutionizing the diagnosis and management of infertility patients. Genetic investigations, including karyotyping, specific genetic tests, and high-throughput sequencing, have become essential in determining the genetic causes of infertility. Moreover, the integration of genetics into reproductive medicine has expanded the scope of care to include not only affected individuals or couples but also their family members. Genetic consultations and counselling play a crucial role in identifying potentially affected relatives and offering tailored therapy and the possibility of fertility preservation. Despite the current limited therapeutic options, an increasing understanding of genotype-phenotype correlations in infertility genes holds promise for improved treatment outcomes. The availability of genetic diagnostic tools has reduced the number of idiopathic infertility cases by providing accurate aetiological diagnoses. The transition from research to clinical practice in reproductive genetics requires the establishment of genetic consultations and data warehousing systems to provide up-to-date information on gene-disease relationships. Overall, the integration of genetics into reproductive medicine has brought about a paradigm shift, emphasizing the familial dimension of infertility and offering new possibilities for personalized care and family planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willem Verpoest
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Clinical Sciences, Research Group Genetics of Reproduction and Development, Brussels IVF Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Özlem Okutman
- Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (H.U.B), Hôpital Erasme, Service de Gynécologie-Obstetrique, Clinique de Fertilité, Route de Lennik, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Annelore Van Der Kelen
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Clinical Sciences, Research Group Genetics of Reproduction and Development, Centre for Medical Genetics, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karen Sermon
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Research Group Genetics of Reproduction and Development, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stéphane Viville
- Laboratoire de Génétique Médicale LGM, Institut de Génétique Médicale d'Alsace IGMA, INSERM UMR 1112, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Laboratoire de Diagnostic Génétique, Unité de Génétique de l'infertilité (UF3472), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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Piechota S, Marchante M, Giovannini A, Paulsen B, Potts KS, Rockwell G, Aschenberger C, Noblett AD, Figueroa AB, Sanchez M, Barrachina F, Wiemer K, Guzman L, Belchin P, Pierson Smela M, Fortuna PRJ, Chatterjee P, Tran ND, Kelk DA, Forti M, Marcinyshyn S, Smith T, McCulloh DH, Fernandez-Gonzalez MJ, Abittan B, Ortiz S, Klein JU, Klatsky P, Ordonez-Perez D, Kramme CC. Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived ovarian support cell co-culture improves oocyte maturation in vitro after abbreviated gonadotropin stimulation. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2456-2469. [PMID: 37815487 PMCID: PMC10694404 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can in vitro maturation (IVM) and developmental competence of human oocytes be improved by co-culture with ovarian support cells (OSCs) derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)? SUMMARY ANSWER OSC-IVM significantly improves the rates of metaphase II (MII) formation and euploid Day 5 or 6 blastocyst formation, when compared to a commercially available IVM system. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY IVM has historically shown highly variable performance in maturing oocytes and generating oocytes with strong developmental capacity, while limited studies have shown a positive benefit of primary granulosa cell co-culture for IVM. We recently reported the development of OSCs generated from hiPSCs that recapitulate dynamic ovarian function in vitro. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The study was designed as a basic science study, using randomized sibling oocyte specimen allocation. Using pilot study data, a prospective sample size of 20 donors or at least 65 oocytes per condition were used for subsequent experiments. A total of 67 oocyte donors were recruited to undergo abbreviated gonadotropin stimulation with or without hCG triggers and retrieved cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were allocated between the OSC-IVM or control conditions (fetal-like OSC (FOSC)-IVM or media-only IVM) in three independent experimental design formats. The total study duration was 1 April 2022 to 1 July 2023. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Oocyte donors between the ages of 19 and 37 years were recruited for retrieval after informed consent, with assessment of anti-Mullerian hormone, antral follicle count, age, BMI and ovarian pathology used for inclusion and exclusion criteria. In experiment 1, 27 oocyte donors were recruited, in experiment 2, 23 oocyte donors were recruited, and in experiment 3, 17 oocyte donors and 3 sperm donors were recruited. The OSC-IVM culture condition was composed of 100 000 OSCs in suspension culture with hCG, recombinant FSH, androstenedione, and doxycycline supplementation. IVM controls lacked OSCs and contained either the same supplementation, FSH and hCG only (a commercial IVM control), or FOSCs with the same supplementation (Media control). Experiment 1 compared OSC-IVM, FOSC-IVM, and a Media control, while experiments 2 and 3 compared OSC-IVM and a commercial IVM control. Primary endpoints in the first two experiments were the MII formation (i.e. maturation) rate and morphological quality assessment. In the third experiment, the fertilization and embryo formation rates were assessed with genetic testing for aneuploidy and epigenetic quality in blastocysts. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We observed a statistically significant improvement (∼1.5×) in maturation outcomes for oocytes that underwent IVM with OSCs compared to control Media-IVM and FOSC-IVM in experiment 1. More specifically, the OSC-IVM group yielded a MII formation rate of 68% ± 6.83% SEM versus 46% ± 8.51% SEM in the Media control (P = 0.02592, unpaired t-test). FOSC-IVM yielded a 51% ± 9.23% SEM MII formation rate which did not significantly differ from the media control (P = 0.77 unpaired t-test). Additionally, OSC-IVM yielded a statistically significant ∼1.6× higher average MII formation rate at 68% ± 6.74% when compared to 43% ± 7.90% in the commercially available IVM control condition (P = 0.0349, paired t-test) in experiment 2. Oocyte morphological quality between OSC-IVM and the controls did not significantly differ. In experiment 3, OSC-IVM oocytes demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in Day 5 or 6 euploid blastocyst formation per COC compared to the commercial IVM control (25% ± 7.47% vs 11% ± 3.82%, P = 0.0349 logistic regression). Also in experiment 3, the OSC-treated oocytes generated blastocysts with similar global and germline differentially methylated region epigenetic profiles compared commercial IVM controls or blastocysts after either conventional ovarian stimulation. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION While the findings of this study are compelling, the cohort size remains limited and was powered on preliminary pilot studies, and the basic research nature of the study limits generalizability compared to randomized control trials. Additionally, use of hCG-triggered cycles results in a heterogenous oocyte cohort, and potential differences in the underlying maturation state of oocytes pre-IVM may limit or bias findings. Further research is needed to clarify and characterize the precise mechanism of action of the OSC-IVM system. Further research is also needed to establish whether these embryos are capable of implantation and further development, a key indication of their clinical utility. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Together, these findings demonstrate a novel approach to IVM with broad applicability to modern ART practice. The controls used in this study are in line with and have produced similar to findings to those in the literature, and the outcome of this study supports findings from previous co-culture studies that found benefits of primary granulosa cells on IVM outcomes. The OSC-IVM system shows promise as a highly flexible IVM approach that can complement a broad range of stimulation styles and patient populations. Particularly for patients who cannot or prefer not to undergo conventional gonadotropin stimulation, OSC-IVM may present a viable path for obtaining developmentally competent, mature oocytes. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) A.D.N., A.B.F., A.G., B.P., C.A., C.C.K., F.B., G.R., K.S.P., K.W., M.M., P.C., S.P., and M.-J.F.-G. are shareholders in the for-profit biotechnology company Gameto Inc. P.R.J.F. declares paid consultancy for Gameto Inc. P.C. also declares paid consultancy for the Scientific Advisory Board for Gameto Inc. D.H.M. has received consulting services from Granata Bio, Sanford Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, Gameto, and Buffalo IVF, and travel support from the Upper Egypt Assisted Reproduction Society. C.C.K., S.P., M.M., A.G., B.P., K.S.P., G.R., and A.D.N. are listed on a patent covering the use of OSCs for IVM: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/492,210. Additionally, C.C.K. and K.W. are listed on three patents covering the use of OSCs for IVM: U.S. Patent Application No. 17/846,725, U.S Patent Application No. 17/846,845, and International Patent Application No.: PCT/US2023/026012. C.C.K., M.P.S., and P.C. additionally are listed on three patents for the transcription factor-directed production of granulosa-like cells from stem cells: International Patent Application No.: PCT/US2023/065140, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/326,640, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/444,108. The remaining authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Marta Sanchez
- Ruber Juan Bravo University Hospital, Eugin Group, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Pedro Belchin
- Ruber Juan Bravo University Hospital, Eugin Group, Madrid, Spain
| | - Merrick Pierson Smela
- Wyss Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrick R J Fortuna
- Wyss Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pranam Chatterjee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - David H McCulloh
- Gameto Inc., New York, NY, USA
- Biogenetics Corporation, Mountainside, NJ, USA
- Sperm and Embryo Bank of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Biogenetics Laboratory, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- ReproART, Georgian American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tbilisi, GA, USA
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Henry L, Berek JS, Diaz I, Feldberg D, Mocanu E, Niederberger CC, Ohlander S, Purandare N, Rosenwaks Z, Tulandi T, Wasson M, Wilailak S, Malhotra J. FIGO statement: Fertility preservation. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2023; 163:790-794. [PMID: 37807831 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15187] [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] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Fertility preservation is a growing field in reproductive medicine that may raise ethical questions. Preservation of fertility must be discussed with the patient if gonadotoxic treatment is required, whether in the case of benign or malignant pathology, or in the management of transgender identity. As a result, surgery or chemotherapy that has fewer adverse impacts on fertility should be proposed if this does not alter the prognosis of the disease. If the risk of infertility persists, then fertility cryopreservation should be proposed for children and adults of reproductive age. Sperm, oocytes, and gonadal tissue can be cryopreserved for many years. FIGO wishes to emphasize the importance of fertility preservation in the medical and surgical management of patients, and the importance of a specialized, multidisciplinary approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie Henry
- ART Center of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHU of Liège-Citadelle Site, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Jonathan S Berek
- Stanford Women's Cancer Center, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Ivonne Diaz
- Nueva Granada and Unisanitas University, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Dov Feldberg
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Edgar Mocanu
- RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - C Craig Niederberger
- Department of Urology, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Engineering, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Samuel Ohlander
- Department of Urology, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Nikhil Purandare
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Galway University Hospital, Galway, Ireland
| | - Zev Rosenwaks
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Togas Tulandi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Megan Wasson
- Department of Medical and Surgical Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Sarikapan Wilailak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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22
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Das M, Son WY. In vitro maturation (IVM) of human immature oocytes: is it still relevant? Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:110. [PMID: 37993914 PMCID: PMC10664544 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01162-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro maturation (IVM) of human immature oocytes has been shown to be a viable option for patients at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), those seeking urgent fertility preservation and in circumstances where controlled ovarian stimulation is not feasible. Moreover, IVM techniques can be combined with ovarian tissue cryobanking to increase the chances of conception in cancer survivors. The clinical applications of IVM in the field of reproductive medicine are rapidly expanding and the technique is now classified as non-experimental. In contrast to conventional IVF (in vitro fertilization), IVM offers several advantages, such as reduced gonadotropin stimulation, minimal risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), reduced treatment times and lower costs. However, the technical expertise involved in performing IVM and its lower success rates compared to traditional IVF cycles, still pose significant challenges. Despite recent advances, such as innovative biphasic IVM systems, IVM is still an evolving technique and research is ongoing to refine protocols and identify techniques to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. A comprehensive understanding of the distinct mechanisms of oocyte maturation is crucial for obtaining more viable oocytes through in vitro methods, which will in turn lead to significantly improved success rates. In this review, the present state of human IVM programs and future research directions will be discussed, aiming to promote a better understanding of IVM and identify potential strategies to improve the overall efficiency and success rates of IVM programs, which will in turn lead to better clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mausumi Das
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Queen Charlotte and Hammersmith Hospitals, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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23
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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.
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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
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Asama H, Kamibayashi D, Hashizume A, Michikura Y, Otsuki J. Focusing on the accumulation of chromatin/chromosomes around nucleoli and optimizing the timing of ICSI to facilitate the rescue in vitro maturation of denuded GV stage oocytes. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2557-2564. [PMID: 37725177 PMCID: PMC10643760 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02921-w] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to achieve the methodological improvement of rescue IVM by predicting germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and optimizing the timing of ICSI. METHODS Time lapse analysis was performed retrospectively to evaluated the relationship between the presence of AC around the nucleoli and GVBD. To find the optimal timing of ICSI, the time from the initiation of the first polar body extrusion to ICSI were measured, and the rates of fertilization at each point were calculated. RESULTS The GVBD rate of GV stage oocytes with AC around the nucleoli was significantly higher than that of GV stage oocytes without AC. The GV stage oocytes required more time for nuclear maturation after polar body extrusion than MI oocytes, with GV stage oocytes taking 400-600 min from polar body extrusion to the optimal timing of ICSI, while the MI stage oocytes took 200-400 min. The GV stage oocytes resulted in the birth of healthy babies with the appropriate timing of ICSI. CONCLUSION It was found that GV stage oocytes with AC around nucleoli can initiate GVBD and reach the MII stage with a high rate, and that GV stage oocytes required more time than MI stage oocytes to reach the optimal timing of ICSI. Considering these factors, ART laboratories may employ immature GV stage oocytes in routine ART procedures rather than discarding them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayato Asama
- Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Kita, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
- Kanazawa Tamago Clinic, 327-1 Nakachou, Moroemachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-0016, Japan
| | - Daigaku Kamibayashi
- Kanazawa Tamago Clinic, 327-1 Nakachou, Moroemachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-0016, Japan
| | - Atsuko Hashizume
- Kanazawa Tamago Clinic, 327-1 Nakachou, Moroemachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-0016, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Michikura
- Kanazawa Tamago Clinic, 327-1 Nakachou, Moroemachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, 920-0016, Japan
| | - Junko Otsuki
- Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Kita, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan.
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Center, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushimanaka, Kita, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan.
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25
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Antunes MB, Cardeal SP, Magalhães M, Vale-Fernandes E, Barreiro M, Sá R, Sousa M. Preservation of fertility in female patients with hematologic diseases. Blood Rev 2023; 62:101115. [PMID: 37562987 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2023.101115] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Recent developments of assisted reproduction techniques turned possible to avoid the infertility consequences of oncologic treatments, but fertility preservation (FP) has been somewhat neglected in women with hematologic diseases undergoing gonadotoxic treatments. For these specific cases, the current options for FP include the cryopreservation of embryos, mature oocytes and ovarian tissue, and oocyte in-vitro maturation. We intend to make patients and clinicians aware of this important and relevant issue, and provide hematologists, assisted reproduction physicians and patients, with updated tools to guide decisions for FP. The physicians of the units responsible for female FP should always be available to decide on the best-individualized FP option in strict collaboration with hematologists. With a wide range of options for FP tailored to each case, a greater level of training and information is needed among clinicians, so that patients proposed to gonadotoxic treatments can be previously advised for FP techniques in hematological conditions. ABBREVIATED ABSTRACT: Recent developments of assisted reproduction techniques turned possible to preserve the fertility of women with hematologic diseases undergoing gonadotoxic treatments. Current options for fertility preservation in women with hematologic diseases are presented. It is imperative to offer fertility preservation to all women before starting any gonadotoxic treatment and in some cases after treatment. Fertility preservation methods enable to later achieve the desired pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Bini Antunes
- Department of Clinical Hematology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Largo do Professor Abel Salazar, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal; UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine/ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Sara Pinto Cardeal
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Manuel Magalhães
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine/ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal; Department of Oncology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Largo do Professor Abel Salazar, 4099-001 Porto, Portugal
| | - Emídio Vale-Fernandes
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine/ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal; Centro de Procriação Medicamente Assistida, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Largo da Maternidade, 4050-371, Porto, Portugal
| | - Márcia Barreiro
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine/ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal; Centro de Procriação Medicamente Assistida, Centro Materno-Infantil do Norte, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Largo da Maternidade, 4050-371, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Rosália Sá
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine/ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal; Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Mário Sousa
- UMIB-Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine/ITR-Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health, Porto, Portugal; Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Microscopy, ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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26
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Tutt DAR, Guven-Ates G, Kwong WY, Simmons R, Sang F, Silvestri G, Canedo-Ribeiro C, Handyside AH, Labrecque R, Sirard MA, Emes RD, Griffin DK, Sinclair KD. Developmental, cytogenetic and epigenetic consequences of removing complex proteins and adding melatonin during in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1280847. [PMID: 38027209 PMCID: PMC10647927 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1280847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In vitro maturation (IVM) of germinal vesicle intact oocytes prior to in vitro fertilization (IVF) is practiced widely in animals. In human assisted reproduction it is generally reserved for fertility preservation or where ovarian stimulation is contraindicated. Standard practice incorporates complex proteins (CP), in the form of serum and/or albumin, into IVM media to mimic the ovarian follicle environment. However, the undefined nature of CP, together with batch variation and ethical concerns regarding their origin, necessitate the development of more defined formulations. A known component of follicular fluid, melatonin, has multifaceted roles including that of a metabolic regulator and antioxidant. In certain circumstances it can enhance oocyte maturation. At this stage in development, the germinal-vesicle intact oocyte is prone to aneuploidy and epigenetic dysregulation. Objectives To determine the developmental, cytogenetic and epigenetic consequences of removing CP and including melatonin during bovine IVM. Materials and methods The study comprised a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement comparing (i) the inclusion or exclusion of CP, and (ii) the addition (100 nM) or omission of melatonin, during IVM. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were retrieved from stimulated cycles. Following IVM and IVF, putative zygotes were cultured to Day 8 in standard media. RNAseq was performed on isolated cumulus cells, cytogenetic analyses (SNP-based algorithms) on isolated trophectoderm cells, and DNA methylation analysis (reduced representation bisulfite sequencing) on isolated cells of the inner-cell mass. Results Removal of CP during IVM led to modest reductions in blastocyst development, whilst added melatonin was beneficial in the presence but detrimental in the absence of CP. The composition of IVM media did not affect the nature or incidence of chromosomal abnormalities but cumulus-cell transcript expression indicated altered metabolism (primarily lipid) in COCs. These effects preceded the establishment of distinct metabolic and epigenetic signatures several days later in expanded and hatching blastocysts. Conclusions These findings highlight the importance of lipid, particularly sterol, metabolism by the COC during IVM. They lay the foundation for future studies that seek to develop chemically defined systems of IVM for the generation of transferrable embryos that are both cytogenetically and epigenetically normal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desmond A. R. Tutt
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
| | - Gizem Guven-Ates
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
| | - Wing Yee Kwong
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
| | - Rob Simmons
- Paragon Veterinary Group, Carlisle, United Kingdom
| | - Fei Sang
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Alan H. Handyside
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | | | - Marc-André Sirard
- CRDSI, Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des sciences de l’agriculture et de l’alimentation, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Richard D. Emes
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
| | - Darren K. Griffin
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin D. Sinclair
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
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27
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Telfer EE, Grosbois J, Odey YL, Rosario R, Anderson RA. Making a good egg: human oocyte health, aging, and in vitro development. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:2623-2677. [PMID: 37171807 PMCID: PMC10625843 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00032.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian eggs (oocytes) are formed during fetal life and establish associations with somatic cells to form primordial follicles that create a store of germ cells (the primordial pool). The size of this pool is influenced by key events during the formation of germ cells and by factors that influence the subsequent activation of follicle growth. These regulatory pathways must ensure that the reserve of oocytes within primordial follicles in humans lasts for up to 50 years, yet only approximately 0.1% will ever be ovulated with the rest undergoing degeneration. This review outlines the mechanisms and regulatory pathways that govern the processes of oocyte and follicle formation and later growth, within the ovarian stroma, through to ovulation with particular reference to human oocytes/follicles. In addition, the effects of aging on female reproductive capacity through changes in oocyte number and quality are emphasized, with both the cellular mechanisms and clinical implications discussed. Finally, the details of current developments in culture systems that support all stages of follicle growth to generate mature oocytes in vitro and emerging prospects for making new oocytes from stem cells are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn E Telfer
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Johanne Grosbois
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Yvonne L Odey
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Roseanne Rosario
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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28
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Deng K, Du D, Fan D, Pei Z, Zhang S, Xu C. Growth Hormone Promotes Oocyte Maturation In Vitro by Protecting Mitochondrial Function and Reducing Apoptosis. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:2219-2230. [PMID: 36694082 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01147-y] [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: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Some studies have been conducted to explore the influence of growth hormone (GH) on oocytes in in vitro maturation (IVM); however, previous studies reporting showed different results, and the specific mechanisms were not clear. In the present study, GH supplementation improved oocyte maturation rate. The rate of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) in the GH group was 83.9%, which was significantly higher than that (72.1%) in the control group (p = 0.001). The maturation rate of the GH group (79.2%) was significantly higher than that (65.4%) of the control group (p = 0.000). The fertilization (68.6 vs. 59.3%) and blastocyst (30 vs. 25.3%) rates showed an increasing trend in the GH group compared to those in controls. The dynamic parameters of nuclear maturation of oocytes were recorded by time-lapse monitoring system; oocytes in the GH group completed nuclear maturation earlier than did those in the control group. GH reduced cAMP levels to promote oocyte maturation. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis revealed that the majority of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation was upregulated in the GH group. Furthermore, the mitochondrial membrane potential of oocytes significantly increased, and the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca2+ largely decreased in the GH group. Finally, single-oocyte transcriptome analysis indicated that GH decreased the expression of apoptosis-related genes in oocytes. GH treatment reduced the expression of γH2AX and caspase-3. Therefore, GH improves the developmental potential of immature oocytes by reducing cAMP levels more rapidly within 0.5 h, protecting mitochondrial function, and reducing DNA damage and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Deng
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Danfeng Du
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Dengxuan Fan
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Zhenle Pei
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Congjian Xu
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics and IVF Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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29
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Ahmad MF, Elias MH, Mat Jin N, Abu MA, Syafruddin SE, Zainuddin AA, Suzuki N, Abdul Karim AK. The spectrum of in vitro maturation in clinical practice: the current insight. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1192180. [PMID: 37455921 PMCID: PMC10338224 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1192180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro oocyte maturation (IVM) has been used worldwide. Despite the long-term implementation, the uptake of this procedure to complement current in vitro fertilization (IVF) remains low. The main reason is likely due to the non-synchronization of protocol and definition criteria, leading to difficulty in collective proper outcome data worldwide and, thus, lack of understanding of the exact IVM procedure. The review aims to consolidate the current clinical practice of IVM by dissecting relevant publications to be tailored for a current spectrum of clinical practice. Nevertheless, the background theories of oocyte maturation were also explored to provide a comprehensive understanding of the basis of IVM theories. Additional discussion of other potential uses of IVM in the future, such as in ovarian tissue cryopreservation known as OTO-IVM for fertility preservation and among women with diminished ovarian reserve, was also explored. Otherwise, future collaboration among all IVM centers is paramount for better collection of clinical data to provide valid recommendations for IVM in clinical practice, especially in molecular integrity and possible DNA alteration if present for IVM offspring outcome safety purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Faizal Ahmad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Marjanu Hikmah Elias
- Faculty of Medicine Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai, Malaysia
| | - Norazilah Mat Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Jalan Hospital, Sungai Buloh Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Azrai Abu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Ani Amelia Zainuddin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nao Suzuki
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology, St Marianna School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Abdul Kadir Abdul Karim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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30
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Rodriguez-Wallberg KA, Jiang Y, Lekberg T, Nilsson HP. The Late Effects of Cancer Treatment on Female Fertility and the Current Status of Fertility Preservation-A Narrative Review. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1195. [PMID: 37240840 PMCID: PMC10224240 DOI: 10.3390/life13051195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertility counseling should be offered to all individuals of young reproductive age early in the patient's trajectory following a cancer diagnosis. Systemic cancer treatment and radiotherapy often have an inherent gonadotoxic effect with the potential to induce permanent infertility and premature ovarian failure. For the best chances to preserve a patient's fertility potential and to improve future quality of life, fertility preservation methods should be applied before cancer treatment initiation, thus multidisciplinary team-work and timely referral to reproductive medicine centers specialized in fertility preservation is recommended. We aim to review the current clinical possibilities for fertility preservation and summarize how infertility, as a late effect of gonadotoxic treatment, affects the growing population of young female cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenny A. Rodriguez-Wallberg
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Laboratory of translational Fertility Preservation, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden; (Y.J.); (T.L.); (H.P.N.)
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Division of Gynecology and Reproduction, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yanyu Jiang
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Laboratory of translational Fertility Preservation, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden; (Y.J.); (T.L.); (H.P.N.)
| | - Tobias Lekberg
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Laboratory of translational Fertility Preservation, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden; (Y.J.); (T.L.); (H.P.N.)
- Breast, Endocrine tumors and Sarcoma Cancer Theme, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hanna P. Nilsson
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Laboratory of translational Fertility Preservation, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden; (Y.J.); (T.L.); (H.P.N.)
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31
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Rodrigues P, Marques M, Manero JA, Marujo MD, Carvalho MJ, Plancha CE. In vitro maturation of oocytes as a laboratory approach to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): From oocyte to embryo. WIREs Mech Dis 2023; 15:e1600. [PMID: 36781832 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1600] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, which in some case leads to infertility. This disorder is characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction and polycystic ovarian morphology. Infertile PCOS women that need in vitro fertilization (IVF) have greater risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) if conventional ovarian stimulation is used. In vitro oocyte maturation (IVM) is an alternative technique that prevents OHSS in infertile PCOS women. In the last decade, IVM protocols have improved, particularly with the development of biphasic IVM culture accounting for better pregnancy and live birth rates. This technique has been extended to other treatments like, fertility preservation, when patients have no time, or a contra-indication for ovarian stimulation, and poor responders. In this review, we will discuss IVM as a viable option for PCOS infertile patients. This article is categorized under: Reproductive System Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology Reproductive System Diseases > Environmental Factors Reproductive System Diseases > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Rodrigues
- Centro Médico de Assistência à Reprodução - CEMEARE, Lisbon, Portugal
- Escola de Psicologia e Ciências da Vida, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidade e Tecnologia de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Monica Marques
- Centro Médico de Assistência à Reprodução - CEMEARE, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Juan Aibar Manero
- Centro Médico de Assistência à Reprodução - CEMEARE, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria D Marujo
- Centro Médico de Assistência à Reprodução - CEMEARE, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Carlos E Plancha
- Centro Médico de Assistência à Reprodução - CEMEARE, Lisbon, Portugal
- Inst. Histologia e Biol. Desenvolvimento, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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32
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Effect of carvacrol antioxidant capacity on oocyte maturation and embryo production in cattle. ZYGOTE 2023; 31:173-179. [PMID: 36804925 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199422000673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Carvacrol (C10H14O), an efficient phenolic antioxidant substance for several cell types, may become a useful antioxidant for female germ cells and embryo culture. This study investigates the effects of carvacrol supplementation on bovine oocytes in in vitro maturation (IVM) and embryo production. In total, 1222 cumulus-oocyte complexes were cultured in TCM-199+ alone (control treatment) or supplemented with carvacrol at the concentrations of 3 µM (Carv-3), 12.5 µM (Carv-12.5), or 25 µM (Carv-25). After IVM, the oocytes were subjected to in vitro fertilization and embryo production, and the spent medium post-IVM was used for evaluating the levels of reactive oxygen species and the antioxidant capacity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate and 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethyl-benzothiozoline-6-sulphonic acid quantification). A greater (P < 0.05) antioxidant potential was observed in the spent medium of all carvacrol-treated groups compared with the control medium. Moreover, the addition of carvacrol to the maturation medium did not affect (P > 0.05) blastocyst production on days 7 and 10 of culture; however, the total number of cells per blastocyst was reduced (P < 0.05) in two carvacrol-treated groups (Carv-3 and Carv-25). In conclusion, carvacrol demonstrated a high antioxidant capacity in the spent medium after oocyte maturation; however, although embryo production was not affected, in general, carvacrol addition to IVM medium reduced the total number of cells per blastocyst. Therefore, due to the high antioxidant capacity of carvacrol, new experiments are warranted to investigate the beneficial effects of lower concentrations of carvacrol on embryo production in cattle and other species.
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All that glitters is not gold: a stereological study of human donor oocytes. ZYGOTE 2023; 31:253-265. [PMID: 36938666 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199423000114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
Here we report a quantitative analysis of human metaphase II (MII) oocytes from a 22-year-old oocyte donor, retrieved after ovarian-controlled hyperstimulation. Five surplus donor oocytes were processed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and a stereological analysis was used to quantify the distribution of organelles, using the point-counting technique with an adequate stereological grid. Comparisons between means of the relative volumes (Vv) occupied by organelles in the three oocyte regions, cortex (C), subcortex (SC) and inner cytoplasm (IC), followed the Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U-test with Bonferroni correction. Life cell imaging and TEM analysis confirmed donor oocyte nuclear maturity. Results showed that the most abundant organelles were smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) elements (26.8%) and mitochondria (5.49%). Significant differences between oocyte regions were found for lysosomes (P = 0.003), cortical vesicles (P = 0.002) and large SER vesicles (P = 0.009). These results were quantitatively compared with previous results using prophase I (GV) and metaphase I (MI) immature oocytes. In donor MII oocytes there was a normal presence of cortical vesicles, SER tubules, SER small, medium and large vesicles, lysosomes and mitochondria. However, donor MII oocytes displayed signs of cytoplasmic immaturity, namely the presence of dictyosomes, present in GV oocytes and rare in MI oocytes, of SER very large vesicles, characteristic of GV oocytes, and the rarity of SER tubular aggregates. Results therefore indicate that the criterion of nuclear maturity used for donor oocyte selection does not always correspond to cytoplasmic maturity, which can partially explain implantation failures with the use of donor oocytes.
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The Effect of In Vitro Maturation (IVM) Protocol Changes on Measures of Oocyte/Embryo Competence. REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/reprodmed4010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: In vitro maturation (IVM) continues its evolution as new ideas are introduced with the objective of making the IVM procedure easier and more effective. This study combines ideas believed likely to improve the IVM outcome or make the IVM oocyte identification process easier. Methods: A cohort of 45 women underwent an IVM cycle in which letrozole was used with the theoretical objective of improving the competence of small antral follicles, the oocyte aspiration technique was modified to minimize the time between oocyte aspiration and oocyte identification, and blastocysts were transferred during a subsequent cycle with controlled endometrial development. Results: Measures of oocyte competence used for these prospectively followed cycles were as follows: the maturation rate was 90.5%, the fertilization rate was 92.4%, the cleavage rate was 94.6%, the usable blastulation rate per zygote was 50.2%, and the implantation rate was 34.2%. Per transfer, the biochemical pregnancy rate was 63.2%, the clinical pregnancy rate was 55.3% and the ongoing/delivered pregnancy rate at the end of the first trimester was 47.4%. The miscarriage rate for clinical pregnancies in the first trimester was 14.3% and the ongoing twinning rate was 11.1%.
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Effectiveness, Flexibility and Safety of Switching IVF to IVM as a Rescue Strategy in Unexpected Poor Ovarian Response for PCOS Infertility Patients. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12051978. [PMID: 36902766 PMCID: PMC10003962 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12051978] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND According to the latest practice committee document, in vitro maturation (IVM) is a simple and safe procedure, especially in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Does switching from in vitro fertilization (IVF) to IVM (IVF/M) help as a rescue infertility treatment for PCOS patients with an unexpected poor ovarian response (UPOR) tendency? METHODS This retrospective cohort study included 531 women with PCOS who had undergone 588 natural IVM cycles or had switched to IVF/M cycles from 2008 to 2017. Natural IVM was performed in 377 cycles, and switching IVF/M was performed in 211 cycles. The primary outcome measure was the cumulative live birth rates (cLBRs), and the secondary outcomes included laboratory and clinical outcomes, maternal safety, and obstetric and perinatal complications. RESULTS No significant difference was found in the cLBRs between the natural IVM and switching IVF/M groups (23.6% vs. 17.4%, p = 0.05). Meanwhile, the natural IVM group had a higher cumulative clinical pregnancy rate (36.0% vs. 26.0%, p = 0.01), and a decrease in the number of oocytes was obtained in the switching IVF/M group (13.5 vs. 12.0, p < 0.01). The number of good quality embryos in the natural IVM group was 2.2 ± 2.5, and 2.1 ± 2.3 (p = 0.64) in the switching IVF/M group. No statistically significant differences were observed in the number of 2 pronuclear (2PN) and available embryos. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) did not occur in the switching IVF/M and natural IVM groups, indicating a highly favorable outcome. CONCLUSION In PCOS infertile women with UPOR, timely switching IVF/M is a viable option that markedly reduces the canceled cycle, results in reasonable oocyte retrieval, and leads to live births.
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Goetten ALF, Koch J, Rocha CC, Mezzalira A, Price CA, Portela VM, Barreta MH. Expression profile of key genes involved in DNA repair mechanisms in bovine cumulus cells cultured with bovine serum albumin or fetal calf serum. Reprod Biol 2023; 23:100709. [PMID: 36403532 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2022.100709] [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: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Cumulus cells from cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) matured in vitro in serum-free medium show high incidence of apoptosis and DNA double-strand breaks (DSB). This study aimed to characterize the transcript expression profile of selected genes involved in DNA repair mechanisms in bovine cumulus cells cultured with bovine serum albumin (BSA) or fetal calf serum (FCS). Briefly, bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes were in vitro matured with either, 0.4% BSA or 10% FCS for 3, 6, 12 or 24 h. The total RNA of cumulus cells was used for real-time PCR analysis. Transcript abundance of XRCC6, XRCC5, DNAPK, GAAD45B, TP53BP1, RAD50, RAD52, ATM and BRCA2 target genes changed as the IVM proceeded (P < 0.05). However, an interaction between protein source (FCS or BSA) and time was not detected (P ≥ 0.05). Cumulus cells from COCs matured with BSA presented higher mRNA expression of two genes compared to FCS group: TP53BP1 at 6 h and BRCA1 at 3, 6, 12 and 24 h (P < 0.05). In summary, our results showed for the first time the expression profile of the key genes involved in DSB repair mechanisms in cumulus cells obtained from bovine COCs matured with FCS or BSA. The higher mRNA expression of BRCA1 and TP53BP1 and lower mRNA expression of TNFAIP6 suggests an increase in apoptosis rate and DNA damage in cumulus cells cultured in BSA-supplemented medium and may explain, at least to some extent, the reduced developmental potential of bovine oocytes matured in serum-free medium.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Júlia Koch
- Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Curitibanos, SC, Brazil
| | | | - Alceu Mezzalira
- Laboratório de Reprodução Animal Assis Roberto de Bem, Centro de Ciências Agroveterinárias (CAV), Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC), Lages, SC, Brazil
| | - Christopher Allan Price
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Animale, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - Valério Marques Portela
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia e Reprodução Animal (BIOREP), Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Marcos Henrique Barreta
- Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Curitibanos, SC, Brazil.
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Resolving the challenge of insoluble production of mature human growth differentiation factor 9 protein (GDF9) in E. coli using bicistronic expression with thioredoxin. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 230:123225. [PMID: 36649874 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123225] [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: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) is an oocyte-derived protein with fundamental functions in folliculogenesis. While the crucial contributions of GDF9 in follicular survival have been revealed, crystallographic studies of GDF9 structure have not yet been carried out, essentially due to the insoluble expression of GDF9 in E. coli and lack of appropriate source for structural studies. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the impact of different expression rate of bacterial thioredoxin (TrxA) using bicistronic expression constructs to induce the soluble expression of mature human GDF9 (hGDF9) driven by T7 promoter in E. coli. Our findings revealed that in BL21(DE3), the high rate of TrxA co-expression at 30 °C was sufficiently potent for the soluble expression of hGDF9 and reduction of inclusion body formation by 4 fold. We also successfully confirmed the bioactivity of the purified soluble hGDF9 protein by evaluation of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor gene expression in bovine cumulus cells derived from small follicles. This study is the first to present an effective approach for expression of bioactive form of hGDF9 using TrxA co-expression in E. coli, which may unravel the current issues regarding structural analysis of hGDF9 protein and consequently provide a better insight into hGDF9 functions and interactions.
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Sellami I, Mayeur A, Benoit A, Zeghari F, Peigné M, Roufael J, Grynberg M, Sonigo C. Oocyte vitrification for fertility preservation following COS does not delay the initiation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer compared to IVM. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:473-480. [PMID: 36752941 PMCID: PMC10033766 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02739-6] [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: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether oocyte vitrification following controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for fertility preservation (FP) delays the initiation of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for breast cancer (BC) as compared to in vitro maturation (IVM). METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study including all BC patients eligible for oocyte vitrification following COS or in vitro maturation (IVM) before initiation of NAC between January 2016 and December 2020. The inclusion criteria were female patients aged between 18 and 40, with confirmed non metastatic BC, with indication of NAC, who have had oocyte retrieval for FP after COS, or IVM + / - cryopreservation of ovarian tissue (OTC). Various time points related to cancer diagnosis, FP, or chemotherapy were obtained from a medical record review. RESULTS A total of 197 patients with confirmed BC who had oocyte retrieval following COS (n = 57) or IVM + / - OTC (n = 140) for FP prior to NAC were included. Overall, the average time from cancer diagnosis to chemotherapy start was similar between patients having undergone COS or IVM before oocyte vitrification (37.3 ± 13.8 vs. 36. 8 ± 13.5 days; p = 0.89). CONCLUSIONS The indication of NAC for BC should not be considered as an impediment to urgent COS for oocyte vitrification for FP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Sellami
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Antoine Béclère Hospital, APHP, Paris-Saclay University, 92140, Clamart, France.
| | - Anne Mayeur
- Reproductive Biology Unit CECOS, Antoine Béclère Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Saclay University, 92140, Clamart, France
| | - Alexandra Benoit
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Antoine Béclère Hospital, APHP, Paris-Saclay University, 92140, Clamart, France
| | - Fayçal Zeghari
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Antoine Béclère Hospital, APHP, Paris-Saclay University, 92140, Clamart, France
| | - Maeliss Peigné
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Jean Verdier Hospital, APHP, 93140, Bondy, France
- University Paris XIII, 93000, Bobigny, France
| | - Jad Roufael
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Antoine Béclère Hospital, APHP, Paris-Saclay University, 92140, Clamart, France
| | - Michaël Grynberg
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Antoine Béclère Hospital, APHP, Paris-Saclay University, 92140, Clamart, France
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Jean Verdier Hospital, APHP, 93140, Bondy, France
- University Paris XIII, 93000, Bobigny, France
- BFA-Unite de Biologie Fonctionnelle Et Adaptative, UMR 8251, CNRS, ERL U1133 Inserm, Universite de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Charlotte Sonigo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Preservation, Antoine Béclère Hospital, APHP, Paris-Saclay University, 92140, Clamart, France
- Inserm U1185, Physiologie Et Physiopathologie Endocrinienne, Université Paris Saclay, 94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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Vuong LN, Pham TD, Ho TM, De Vos M. Outcomes of clinical in vitro maturation programs for treating infertility in hyper responders: a systematic review. Fertil Steril 2023; 119:540-549. [PMID: 36754159 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.01.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) has been proposed as an alternative to conventional ovarian stimulation (COS) in subfertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of IVM compared with COS in women with predicted hyperresponse to gonadotropins, we searched the published literature for relevant studies comparing any IVM protocol with any COS protocol followed by in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. A systematic review was undertaken on 3 eligible prospective studies. Live birth rate was not significantly lower after IVM vs. COS (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] of 0.56 [0.32-1.01] overall, 0.83 [0.63-1.10] for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-triggered IVM [hCG-IVM] and 0.45 [0.18-1.13] for non-hCG-triggered IVM [non-hCG-IVM]), irrespective of the stage of transferred embryos. Data from nonrandomized studies generally showed either significantly low or statistically comparable rates of live birth with IVM vs. COS. Most studies have not identified any significant difference between IVM and COS with respect to the rates of obstetric or perinatal complications, apart from a potentially higher rate of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. The development of offspring from IVM and COS with in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection appears to be similar. Additional research is needed to identify which patient populations will benefit most from IVM, to define the appropriate clinical protocol, and to develop the optimal culture system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan N Vuong
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; IVF My Duc, My Duc Hospital and HOPE Research Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Toan D Pham
- IVF My Duc, My Duc Hospital and HOPE Research Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tuong M Ho
- IVF My Duc, My Duc Hospital and HOPE Research Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Michel De Vos
- Brussels IVF, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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Norman RJ. In vitro egg maturation and in vitro fertilization-an idea whose time has come? Fertil Steril 2023; 119:522-523. [PMID: 36736554 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In vitro maturation of oocytes before their use in assisted reproduction has proved to be difficult and relatively unsuccessful despite a long history of attempts. Recent understanding of natural oocyte maturation, advances in culture media, and improved clinical approaches offer opportunities for a wider use of this technology in human in vitro fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Norman
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia.
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In vivo and in vitro matured bovine oocytes present a distinct pattern of single-cell gene expression. ZYGOTE 2023; 31:31-43. [PMID: 36263617 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199422000478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Oocyte gene expression is a well controlled event that promotes gamete competence to undergo maturation, fertilization, and to support early embryo development, directly affecting reproductive outcomes. Considering that in vivo controlled ovarian stimulation or in vitro maturation (IVM) for the acquisition of mature oocytes has distinct implications for gene expression, we sought to evaluate the effects of these procedures on the expression of competence-related genes in single-cell oocytes. Healthy Nelore cows of reproductive age were synchronized to harvest in vivo matured oocytes; ovaries from slaughtered animals were used to obtain cumulus-oocyte complexes that were in vitro matured. Single-cell gene expression was performed using TaqMan Low-Density Arrays and 42 genes were evaluated. In silico analysis of protein interactions and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was performed. Reduced gene expression was observed for 24 targets in IVM oocytes when compared with those of in vivo matured oocytes (P < 0.05). Differences ranged from 1.5-fold to 4.8-fold higher in in vivo oocytes and the BMP15 (5.28), GDF9 (6.23), NOBOX (7.25), HSPA8 (7.85) and MSX1 (11.00) showed the greatest fold increases. The strongest score of functional interactions was observed between the CDC20 and CKS2, with the differentially expressed gene CDC20 being the main marker behind GO enrichment. IVM negatively affected the expression of important genes related to oocyte competency, and showed higher expression levels in in vivo matured oocytes. In vivo controlled ovarian stimulation may be a better strategy to achieve proper oocyte competence and increase the success of assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia A Stuenkel
- From the Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla (C.A.S.); Unite de Gynecologie Medicale, Port Royal-Cochin, Universite de Paris Cité, Paris (A.G.)
| | - Anne Gompel
- From the Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla (C.A.S.); Unite de Gynecologie Medicale, Port Royal-Cochin, Universite de Paris Cité, Paris (A.G.)
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Chian R, Li J, Lim J, Yoshida H. IVM of human immature oocytes for infertility treatment and fertility preservation. Reprod Med Biol 2023; 22:e12524. [PMID: 37441160 PMCID: PMC10335168 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12524] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Thousands of healthy babies are born from in vitro maturation (IVM) procedures, but the rate of efficiency differs with the source of immature oocytes obtained. Recently, there are different IVM protocols proposed for infertility treatment and fertility preservation. Methods Based on the literature, the clinical application for IVM of immature oocytes was summarized. Main findings Results Immature oocytes may be retrieved from women after priming with or without the use of follicular stimulation hormone (FSH), human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) or a combination of both FSH and hCG. Successful pregnancy rates with IVM technology seem to be correlated with the number of immature oocytes obtained. With the source and culture course of immature oocytes, there are various IVM protocols. IVM of immature oocytes is profoundly affected by the culture conditions, but no breakthrough has been made by improving the IVM medium itself. Thus, the clinical application of IVM technology continues to evolve. Conclusion IVM technology is a useful technique for infertile women and fertility preservation. Mild stimulation IVF combined with IVM of immature oocytes is a viable alternative to the conventional stimulation IVF cycle treatment as it may prove to be an optimal first-line treatment approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ri‐Cheng Chian
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShanghai 10th People's Hospital of Tongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jian‐Hua Li
- Reproductive Medical Center, Senior Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Seventh Medical Center of PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
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Jeong JY, Cai L, Kim M, Choi H, Oh D, Jawad A, Kim S, Zheng H, Lee E, Lee J, Hyun SH. Antioxidant effect of ergothioneine on in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes. J Vet Sci 2023; 24:e24. [PMID: 37012032 PMCID: PMC10071278 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.22204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ergothioneine (EGT) is a natural amino acid derivative in various animal organs and is a bioactive compound recognized as a food and medicine. OBJECTIVES This study examined the effects of EGT supplementation during the in vitro maturation (IVM) period on porcine oocyte maturation and subsequent embryonic development competence after in vitro fertilization (IVF). METHODS Each EGT concentration (0, 10, 50, and 100 µM) was supplemented in the maturation medium during IVM. After IVM, nuclear maturation, intracellular glutathione (GSH), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of oocytes were investigated. In addition, the genes related to cumulus function and antioxidant pathways in oocytes or cumulus cells were investigated. Finally, this study examined whether EGT could affect embryonic development after IVF. RESULTS After IVM, the EGT supplementation group showed significantly higher intracellular GSH levels and significantly lower intracellular ROS levels than the control group. Moreover, the expression levels of hyaluronan synthase 2 and Connexin 43 were significantly higher in the 10 µM EGT group than in the control group. The expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) were significantly higher in the oocytes of the 10 µM EGT group than in the control group. In the assessment of subsequent embryonic development after IVF, the 10 µM EGT treatment group improved the cleavage and blastocyst rate significantly than the control group. CONCLUSIONS Supplementation of EGT improved oocyte maturation and embryonic development by reducing oxidative stress in IVM oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Young Jeong
- Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Lian Cai
- Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
- Graduate School of Veterinary Biosecurity and Protection, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Mirae Kim
- Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Hyerin Choi
- Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Dongjin Oh
- Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Ali Jawad
- Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Sohee Kim
- Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Haomiao Zheng
- Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Eunsong Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | - Joohyeong Lee
- Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Sang-Hwan Hyun
- Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
- Graduate School of Veterinary Biosecurity and Protection, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
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Yang LL, Li YC, Xia TJ, Li S, Feng X, Li C, Xie FY, Ou XH, Ma JY. Dynamic of centromere associated RNAs and the centromere loading of DNA repair proteins in growing oocytes. Front Genet 2023; 14:1131698. [PMID: 37035744 PMCID: PMC10080056 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1131698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian centromeres are generally composed of dispersed repeats and the satellites such as α-satellites in human and major/minor satellites in mouse. Transcription of centromeres by RNA polymerase II is evolutionary conserved and critical for kinetochore assembly. In addition, it has been found that the transcribed satellite RNAs can bind DNA repair proteins such as MRE11 and PRKDC, and excessively expressed satellite RNAs could induce genome instability and facilitate tumorigenesis. During the maturation of female oocyte, centromeres are critical for accurate segregation of homologous chromosomes and sister chromatids. However, the dynamics of oocyte centromere transcription and whether it associated with DNA repair proteins are unknown. In this study, we found the transcription of centromeres is active in growing oocytes but it is silenced when oocytes are fully grown. DNA repair proteins like Mlh1, Mre11 and Prkdc are found associated with the minor satellites and this association can be interfered by RNA polymerase II inhibitor α-amanitin. When the growing oocyte is in vitro matured, Mlh1/Mre11/Prkdc foci would release from centromeres to the ooplasm. If the oocytes are treated with Mre11 inhibitor Mirin, the meiosis resumption of growing oocytes with Mre11 foci can be suppressed. These data revealed the dynamic of centromeric transcription in oocytes and its potential association with DNA repair proteins, which provide clues about how oocytes maintain centromere stability and assemble kinetochores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Li Yang
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Fertilization Preservation Lab, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism and Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Chu Li
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Fertilization Preservation Lab, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism and Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tian-Jin Xia
- Fertilization Preservation Lab, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism and Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Sen Li
- Fertilization Preservation Lab, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism and Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xie Feng
- Fertilization Preservation Lab, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism and Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao Li
- Fertilization Preservation Lab, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism and Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Feng-Yun Xie
- Fertilization Preservation Lab, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism and Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang-Hong Ou
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Fertilization Preservation Lab, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism and Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiang-Hong Ou, ; Jun-Yu Ma,
| | - Jun-Yu Ma
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Fertilization Preservation Lab, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism and Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiang-Hong Ou, ; Jun-Yu Ma,
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Mastrorocco A, Cacopardo L, Temerario L, Martino NA, Tridente F, Rizzo A, Lacalandra GM, Robbe D, Carluccio A, Dell’Aquila ME. Investigating and Modelling an Engineered Millifluidic In Vitro Oocyte Maturation System Reproducing the Physiological Ovary Environment in the Sheep Model. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223611. [PMID: 36429039 PMCID: PMC9688735 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In conventional assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), oocytes are in vitro cultured in static conditions. Instead, dynamic systems could better mimic the physiological in vivo environment. In this study, a millifluidic in vitro oocyte maturation (mIVM) system, in a transparent bioreactor integrated with 3D printed supports, was investigated and modeled thanks to computational fluid dynamic (CFD) and oxygen convection-reaction-diffusion (CRD) models. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from slaughtered lambs were cultured for 24 h under static (controls) or dynamic IVM in absence (native) or presence of 3D-printed devices with different shapes and assembly modes, with/without alginate filling. Nuclear chromatin configuration, mitochondria distribution patterns, and activity of in vitro matured oocytes were assessed. The native dynamic mIVM significantly reduced the maturation rate compared to the static group (p < 0.001) and metaphase II (MII) oocytes showed impaired mitochondria distribution (p < 0.05) and activity (p < 0.001). When COCs were included in a combination of concave+ring support, particularly with alginate filling, oocyte maturation and mitochondria pattern were preserved, and bioenergetic/oxidative status was improved (p < 0.05) compared to controls. Results were supported by computational models demonstrating that, in mIVM in biocompatible inserts, COCs were protected from shear stresses while ensuring physiological oxygen diffusion replicating the one occurring in vivo from capillaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Mastrorocco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Ludovica Cacopardo
- Research Centre E. Piaggio, University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino 1, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Letizia Temerario
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Antonio Martino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Federico Tridente
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Annalisa Rizzo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. Prov. Casamassima Km. 3, 70010 Valenzano, Italy
| | - Giovanni Michele Lacalandra
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. Prov. Casamassima Km. 3, 70010 Valenzano, Italy
| | - Domenico Robbe
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Augusto Carluccio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Dell’Aquila
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies & Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona, 70125 Bari, Italy
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Yang Q, Xi Q, Wang M, Liu J, Li Z, Hu J, Jin L, Zhu L. Rapamycin improves the developmental competence of human oocytes by alleviating DNA damage during IVM. Hum Reprod Open 2022; 2022:hoac050. [PMID: 36518986 PMCID: PMC9731209 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoac050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can rapamycin improve the developmental competence of human oocytes during the IVM process? SUMMARY ANSWER Rapamycin at 10 nM could markedly improve the developmental competence of human oocytes undergoing IVM. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Embryos derived from oocytes that mature in vitro have lower developmental competence than sibling embryos derived from oocytes matured in vivo. Rapamycin was shown to effectively improve IVM outcomes in mammalian oocytes; however, its effects on IVM of human oocytes have not been investigated. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION In 2021, donated immature oocytes (n = 202) from 80 infertile couples receiving ICSI were included in a control group, and 156 oocytes from 72 couples were included in a rapamycin group. The oocytes underwent IVM with 10 nM rapamycin or without (control) rapamycin, followed by insemination by ICSI and embryo culture. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS The germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), maturation, normal fertilization, high-quality embryo (HQE) and blastocyst formation rates were calculated to evaluate the developmental competence of IVM oocytes, and fluorescence staining was used to assess DNA damage levels of oocytes in both groups. Whole-genome amplification and DNA sequencing were performed to analyze chromosome euploidy in embryos derived from the rapamycin group. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The baseline characteristics of patients who donated oocytes for the two experimental groups were similar. In the control group, GVBD happened in 135 (66.8%) oocytes, and the maturation rate reached 52.5% at 24 h and 63.4% at 48 h. In the rapamycin group, 143 (91.7%) oocytes underwent GVBD, and the maturation rate reached 60.3% at 24 h and 82.7% at 48 h. Following ICSI, more HQEs were obtained in the rapamycin group versus control (34.2% versus 22.1%, respectively, P = 0.040), although with comparable fertilization rates in the two groups. In addition, the levels of histone γH2AX in oocytes cultured with 10 nM rapamycin were markedly decreased, compared with those in the control group (0.3 ± 0.0 versus 0.6 ± 0.1, respectively, P = 0.048). Embryos with normal karyotype could be obtained from oocytes cultured with rapamycin. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION Our preliminary results indicated that the addition of rapamycin during human oocyte IVM did not cause extra aneuploidy. However, this safety evaluation of rapamycin treatment was based on limited samples and more data are needed before possible application in the clinic. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS In the current study, 10 nM rapamycin was applied in the IVM process of human oocytes for the first time and showed positive effects, providing new insights for potentially improving IVM outcomes in the clinic. There were subtle differences between the results presented here on human oocytes and our previous studies on mouse oocytes, indicating the necessity of more research on human samples. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported by the research grants from National Key Research and Development Project (2018YFC1002103) and Health Commission of Hubei Province scientific research project (WJ2021M110). All authors declared no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyu Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qingsong Xi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhou Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Juan Hu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lixia Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Abstract
The prevalence of breast cancer currently ranks first among Chinese women with malignant tumors, occurring during premenopausal childbearing age in more than 60% of patients. With the increasing age of women at childbirth, the wide application of assisted reproductive technology (ART) and the rejuvenation of tumor patients, the prevalence of breast cancer occurring during pregnancy (PrBC) is gradually increasing. There are many domestic and foreign expert consensus articles and guidelines on fertility preservation for children and patients of childbearing age with malignant tumors, but there is a lack of expert consensus or guidelines on fertility preservation for patients with PrBC. Considering the uniqueness of PrBC patients, there is an urgent need for a standardized suggestion regarding their fertility preservation. The Committee of Fertility Protection and Preservation of China Association for the Promotion of Health Science and Technology together with the Chinese Society of Gynecological Endocrinology affiliated with the International Society of Gynecological Endocrinology (CSGE-ISGE) organized relevant experts from different disciplines to formulate this consensus to guide fertility preservation of PrBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyan Ruan
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Women's Health, University of Tuebingen, University Women's Hospital and Research Centre for Women's Health, Tuebingen, Germany
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Resveratrol Protects against Zearalenone-Induced Mitochondrial Defects during Porcine Oocyte Maturation via PINK1/Parkin-Mediated Mitophagy. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14090641. [PMID: 36136579 PMCID: PMC9503427 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14090641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria hold redox homeostasis and energy metabolism as a crucial factor during oocyte maturation, while the exposure of estrogenic mycotoxin zearalenone causes developmental incapacity in porcine oocyte. This study aimed to reveal a potential resistance of phytoalexin resveratrol against zearalenone during porcine oocyte maturation and whether its mechanism was related with PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin-mediated mitophagy. Porcine oocytes were exposed to 20 μM zearalenone with or without 2 μM resveratrol during in vitro maturation. As for the results, zearalenone impaired ultrastructure of mitochondria, causing mitochondrial depolarization, oxidative stress, apoptosis and embryonic developmental incapacity, in which mitophagy was induced in response to mitochondrial dysfunction. Phytoalexin resveratrol enhanced mitophagy through PINK1/Parkin in zearalenone-exposed oocytes, manifesting as enhanced mitophagy flux, upregulated PINK1, Parkin, microtubule-associated protein light-chain 3 beta-II (LC3B-II) and downregulated substrates mitofusin 2 (MFN2), voltage-dependent anion channels 1 (VDAC1) and p62 expressions. Resveratrol redressed zearalenone-induced mitochondrial depolarization, oxidative stress and apoptosis, and accelerated mitochondrial DNA copy during maturation, which improved embryonic development. This study offered an antitoxin solution during porcine oocyte maturation and revealed the involvement of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy, in which resveratrol mitigated zearalenone-induced embryonic developmental incapacity.
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Fluks M, Tamborski S, Szkulmowski M, Ajduk A. Optical coherence microscopy allows for quality assessment of immature mouse oocytes. Reproduction 2022; 164:83-95. [PMID: 35900349 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In brief Optical coherence microscopy is a label-free and non-invasive imaging technique capable of 3D subcellular structure visualization. Here we show that this method allows for quality assessment of immature mouse oocytes based on their chromatin conformation and can be a valuable addition to the toolkit used in assisted reproduction procedures. Abstract The success of assisted reproductive technologies, and particularly in vitro maturation, is tightly linked to the quality of oocytes. Therefore, there is a need for robust, reliable, and easy-to-assess biomarkers of oocyte developmental competence. Microscopy techniques visualizing oocyte intracellular structure could provide such biomarkers. However, fluorescence imaging methods, applied frequently in biology and allowing for detailed structural and dynamic studies of single cells, require fluorescent tags to visualize cellular architecture and may cause short- and long-term photo-damage. On the other hand, traditional light microscopy, although relatively non-invasive, does not provide detailed structural information. Optical coherence microscopy (OCM) is a promising alternative, as it does not require sample pre-processing or labelling and can provide 3D images of intracellular structures. Here we applied OCM to assess the chromatin conformation of immature mouse oocytes, a feature that corresponds with their transcriptional status and developmental competence and cannot be examined by traditional light microscopy. We showed that OCM distinguished oocytes with so-called non-surrounded nucleoli (NSN) and surrounded nucleoli (SN) chromatin conformation with very high sensitivity and specificity and that OCM scanning did not decrease the quality of oocytes. Finally, we cross-referenced OCM data with the oocyte ability to undergo normal nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation and proven that indeed oocytes scored with OCM as NSN mature less effectively than oocytes scored as SN. Our results suggest that OCM may be a valuable addition to the imaging toolkit used in assisted reproduction procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Fluks
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Szymon Tamborski
- Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland
| | - Maciej Szkulmowski
- Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland
| | - Anna Ajduk
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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