1
|
Boylan CF, Sambo KM, Neal-Perry G, Brayboy LM. Ex ovo omnia-why don't we know more about egg quality via imaging? Biol Reprod 2024; 110:1201-1212. [PMID: 38767842 PMCID: PMC11180616 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae080] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Determining egg quality is the foremost challenge in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Although extensive advances have been made in multiple areas of ART over the last 40 years, oocyte quality assessment tools have not much evolved beyond standard morphological observation. The oocyte not only delivers half of the nuclear genetic material and all of the mitochondrial DNA to an embryo but also provides complete developmental support during embryonic growth. Oocyte mitochondrial numbers far exceed those of any somatic cell, yet little work has been done to evaluate the mitochondrial bioenergetics of an oocyte. Current standard oocyte assessment in in vitro fertilization (IVF) centers include the observation of oocytes and their surrounding cell complex (cumulus cells) via stereomicroscope or inverted microscope, which is largely primitive. Additional oocyte assessments include polar body grading and polarized light meiotic spindle imaging. However, the evidence regarding the aforementioned methods of oocyte quality assessment and IVF outcomes is contradictory and non-reproducible. High-resolution microscopy techniques have also been implemented in animal and human models with promising outcomes. The current era of oocyte imaging continues to evolve with discoveries in artificial intelligence models of oocyte morphology selection albeit at a slow rate. In this review, the past, current, and future oocyte imaging techniques will be examined with the goal of drawing attention to the gap which limits our ability to assess oocytes in real time. The implications of improved oocyte imaging techniques on patients undergoing IVF will be discussed as well as the need to develop point of care oocyte assessment testing in IVF labs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin F Boylan
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Keshia M Sambo
- Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | | | - Lynae M Brayboy
- Department of Neuropediatrics Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Klinik für Pädiatrie m. S. Neurologie, Charité Campus Virchow Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Bedford Research Foundation, Bedford, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zacà C, Coticchio G, Calesini C, Vigiliano V, Tarozzi N, Lagalla C, Borini A. Towards a more sustainable balance between optimal live birth rate and supernumerary embryos in ART treatments. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:939-946. [PMID: 38321266 PMCID: PMC11052976 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03043-7] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the relation between number of inseminated oocytes and cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) in order to provide guidance for limiting the number of surplus blastocysts. METHODS The study was a retrospective, single-center cohort analysis of 1223 ART complete cycles. Cycles were stratified according to female age (≤ 34, 35-38, and 39-42 years) and number of inseminated oocytes (1-5, 6-10, and > 10). Inclusion criteria were indication for IVF/ICSI with own spermatozoa and blastocyst culture up to day 6 of all embryos. RESULTS In patients younger than 35 years, insemination of more than ten oocytes produced an increase in overall blastocyst number, CLBR (40.3%, 54.3%, and 75.8%, respectively, for each oocyte group) and surplus embryo rate (12.9%, 27.8%, and 49.7% of cases for each group). Instead, in the middle age group, the use of more than ten oocytes was solely associated with an increase in the rate of surplus embryos (1.25%, 21.33%, and 28.68% of cases after stratification for oocyte number). In older patients, neither CLBR (9.1%, 23.9%, and 24.7%, respectively) nor rate of surplus embryos (2.0%, 7.1%, and 13.4% of cases for each group) were higher in cycles with more than ten inseminated oocytes. CONCLUSION In women up to 38 years, sustainable CLBR are achieved while limiting the number of inseminated oocytes and the resulting blastocysts remaining unused. Based on this notion, novel treatment strategies could pursue high outcome rates, while alleviating the problems derived from surplus stored embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Zacà
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, 9.Baby, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Coticchio
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, 9.Baby, Bologna, Italy.
- ART Italian National Register, National Centre for Diseases Prevention and Health Promotion, National Health Institute, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Vincenzo Vigiliano
- ART Italian National Register, National Centre for Diseases Prevention and Health Promotion, National Health Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Andrea Borini
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, 9.Baby, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Vishwakarma N, Pareek C, Nair N, Badge A, Bawaskar PA, Kalbande A. SERa-Positive Oocyte Intracytoplasmic Injection and Its Outcome: A Case Report. Cureus 2024; 16:e58836. [PMID: 38784363 PMCID: PMC11112545 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This case report describes the use of smooth endoplasmic reticulum aggregates-positive (SERa+) oocytes along with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), supplemented with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), aiming to enhance fertilization rates and reproductive outcomes. A 39-year-old woman, facing primary infertility for the past seven years, received assisted reproductive treatment (ART), which included adding GM-CSF to the culture medium and culture SERa+ oocytes before ICSI. Clinical results, embryo quality, fertilization rates, and other fertility parameters were used to track the patient's progress toward this individualized approach that led to a positive twin pregnancy and healthy twin babies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neeraj Vishwakarma
- Clinical Embryology, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Wardha, IND
| | - Charu Pareek
- Clinical Embryology, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Wardha, IND
| | - Nancy Nair
- Clinical Embryology, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Wardha, IND
| | - Ankit Badge
- Microbiology, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Wardha, IND
| | - Pranita A Bawaskar
- Clinical Embryology, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Wardha, IND
| | - Avanti Kalbande
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Wardha, IND
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shalinitai Meghe Hospital & Research Centre, Nagpur, IND
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Raad G, Tanios J, Serdarogullari M, Bazzi M, Mourad Y, Azoury J, Yarkiner Z, Liperis G, Fakih F, Fakih C. Mature oocyte dysmorphisms may be associated with progesterone levels, mitochondrial DNA content, and vitality in luteal granulosa cells. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:795-813. [PMID: 38363455 PMCID: PMC10957819 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03053-5] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify whether follicular environment parameters are associated with mature oocyte quality, embryological and clinical outcomes. METHODS This retrospective study examined 303 mature oocytes from 51 infertile women undergoing ICSI cycles between May 2018 and June 2021. Exclusion criteria consisted of advanced maternal age (> 36 years old), premature ovarian failure, obesity in women, or use of frozen gametes. Luteal granulosa cells (LGCs) were analyzed for mitochondrial DNA/genomic (g) DNA ratio and vitality. The relationships between hormone levels in the follicular fluid and oocyte features were assessed. Quantitative morphometric measurements of mature oocytes were assessed, and the association of LGC parameters and oocyte features on live birth rate after single embryo transfer was examined. RESULTS Results indicated an inverse correlation between the mtDNA/gDNA ratio of LGCs and the size of polar body I (PBI). A 4.0% decrease in PBI size was observed with each one-unit increase in the ratio (p = 0.04). Furthermore, a 1% increase in LGC vitality was linked to a 1.3% decrease in fragmented PBI (p = 0.03), and a 1 ng/mL increase in progesterone levels was associated with a 0.1% rise in oocytes with small inclusions (p = 0.015). Associations were drawn among LGC characteristics, perivitelline space (PVS) debris, cytoplasmic inclusions, PBI integrity, and progesterone levels. Certain dysmorphisms in mature oocytes were associated with embryo morphokinetics; however, live birth rates were not associated with follicular parameters and oocyte quality characteristics. CONCLUSION Follicular markers may be associated with mature oocyte quality features.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georges Raad
- Al Hadi Laboratory and Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
| | | | - Munevver Serdarogullari
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Cyprus International University, Northern Cyprus Via Mersin 10, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Marwa Bazzi
- Al Hadi Laboratory and Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Youmna Mourad
- Al Hadi Laboratory and Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Joseph Azoury
- Azoury IVF Clinic, ObGyn and Infertility, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Zalihe Yarkiner
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences-Department of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Cyprus International University, Northern Cyprus Via Mersin 10, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Georgios Liperis
- Westmead Fertility Centre, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.
| | - Fadi Fakih
- Al Hadi Laboratory and Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Chadi Fakih
- Al Hadi Laboratory and Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- Faculty of Medicine, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fang J, Sun H, Chen L, Wang J, Lin F, Xu Z, Zhu L, Wang S. Embryological characteristics and clinical outcomes of oocytes with different degrees of abnormal zona pellucida during assisted reproductive treatment. ZYGOTE 2024; 32:7-13. [PMID: 38018399 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199423000515] [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: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Abnormalities in the zona pellucida (ZP) adversely affect oocyte maturation, embryo development and pregnancy outcomes. However, the assessment of severity is challenging. To evaluate the effects of different degrees of ZP abnormalities on embryo development and clinical outcomes, in total, 590 retrieval cycles were scored and divided into four categories (control, mild, moderate and severe) based on three parameters: perivitelline space, percentage of immature oocytes and percentage of oocytes with abnormal morphology. As the severity of abnormal ZP increased, both the number of retrieved oocytes and mature oocytes decreased. The fertilization rate did not differ significantly among groups. The rates of embryo cleavage and day-3 high-quality embryos in the mild group and the moderate group did not vary significantly between the two groups but were significantly higher than those in the severe group. The blastulation rates of the abnormal ZP groups were similar; however, they were lower than those of the control group. Moreover, the cycle cancellation rate of the severe abnormal ZP group was as high as 66.20%, which was significantly higher than that of the other three groups. Although the rates of cumulative clinical pregnancy and live births were lower than those in the control group, they were comparable among the abnormal ZP groups. There were no differences in the neonatal outcomes of the different groups. Together, ZP abnormalities show various degrees of severity, and in all patients regardless of the degree of ZP abnormalities who achieve available embryos, there will be an opportunity to eventually give birth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junshun Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
| | - Hua Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
| | - Linjun Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
| | - Fei Lin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
| | - Zhipeng Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
| | - Lihua Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
- Center for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing210008, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cimadomo D, Cobo A, Galliano D, Fiorentino G, Marconetto A, Zuccotti M, Rienzi L. Oocyte vitrification for fertility preservation is an evolving practice requiring a new mindset: societal, technical, clinical, and basic science-driven evolutions. Fertil Steril 2024:S0015-0282(24)00004-9. [PMID: 38185200 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.01.003] [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: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Infertility is a condition with profound social implications. Indeed, it is not surprising that evolutions in both medicine and society affect the way in vitro fertilization is practiced. The keywords in modern medicine are the four principles, which implicitly involve a constant update of our knowledge and our technologies to fulfill the "prediction" and "personalization" tasks, and a continuous reshaping of our mindset in view of all relevant societal changes to fulfill the "prevention" and "participation" tasks. A worldwide aging population whose life priorities are changing requires that we invest in fertility education, spreading actionable information to allow women and men to make meaningful reproductive choices. Fertility preservation for both medical and nonmedical reasons is still very much overlooked in many countries worldwide, demanding a comprehensive update of our approach, starting from academia and in vitro fertilization laboratories, passing through medical offices, and reaching out to social media. Reproduction medicine should evolve from being a clinical practice to treat a condition to being a holistic approach to guarantee patients' reproductive health and well-being. Oocyte vitrification for fertility preservation is the perfect use case for this transition. This tool is acquiring a new identity to comply with novel indications and social needs, persisting technical challenges, brand-new clinical technologies, and novel revolutions coming from academia. This "views and reviews" piece aims at outlining the advancement of oocyte vitrification from all these tightly connected perspectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Cimadomo
- Clinica Valle Giulia, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Genera, Rome, Italy
| | - Ana Cobo
- IVI, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Giulia Fiorentino
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anabella Marconetto
- University Institute of Reproductive Medicine, National University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Maurizio Zuccotti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Genera, Rome, Italy; Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Xin X, Chang HM, Leung PCK, Dong L, Li J, Lian F, Wu H. Bone morphogenetic protein 6 induces downregulation of pentraxin 3 expression in human granulosa lutein cells in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:31-48. [PMID: 37930517 PMCID: PMC10789681 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02972-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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate whether PTX3 is differentially expressed in the granulosa lutein cells derived from women with PCOS and whether BMP6 can regulate the expression of PTX3 in hGL cells. METHODS The expression levels of BMP6 and PTX3 in granulosa lutein cells were evaluated by RT-qPCR. The correlation between the expression levels of BMP6 /PTX3 and oocyte quality indexes were analyzed using clinical samples. The cells were incubated with BMP6 at different concentrations and times to check the expression of PTX3 in KGN cells. TGF-β type I inhibitors and small interfering RNA targeting ALK2/3/6,SMAD1/5/8 and SMAD4 were used to study the involvement of SMAD dependent pathways in KGN cells. RESULTS The levels of BMP6 in hGL cells were negatively correlated with the corresponding oocyte maturation rate and high-quality embryo rate, whereas the levels of PTX3 were positively correlated with the corresponding oocyte maturation rate in PCOS. Additionally, the in vitro cell cultured results showed BMP6 significantly inhibited the expression of PTX3 in KGN cells. Furthermore, using a dual inhibition approach (kinase inhibitors and small interfering RNAs), we identified the ALK2/ALK3 type I receptors and BMPR2/ACVR2A type II receptors and the downstream SMAD1/SMAD5-SMAD4 signaling pathway were responsible for the BMP6-induced cellular activities in KGN cells. CONCLUSIONS The suppressive effect of BMP6 on PTX3 was mediated by ALK2/ALK3 type I receptors and BMPR2/ACVR2A type II receptors in granulosa cells through the SMAD1/5-SMAD4 dependent signaling pathway in PCOS.Our findings provides new insights into the understanding of the pathogenesis of PCOS-related ovulatory disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xin
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250011, China
| | - Hsun-Ming Chang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Peter C K Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Li Dong
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250011, China
| | - Jiaxi Li
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250011, China
| | - Fang Lian
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China.
| | - Haicui Wu
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250014, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Liu L, Jiang X, Liu Z, Chen J, Yang C, Chen K, Yang X, Cai J, Ren J. Oocyte degeneration in a cohort adversely affects clinical outcomes in conventional IVF cycles: a propensity score matching study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1164371. [PMID: 37274329 PMCID: PMC10235780 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1164371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Oocyte degeneration was mostly described in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles; there is no report showing the relationship between oocyte degeneration and clinical outcomes in conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. This retrospective study using the propensity score (PS) matching method aimed to explore whether the presence of oocyte degeneration in conventional IVF cycles would affect the sibling embryo development potential and clinical outcomes. Methods Patients with at least one oocyte degenerated after short-term insemination and stripping were defined as the degeneration (DEG) group, while patients with no oocyte degenerated were defined as the non-degeneration (NONDEG) group. The PS matching method was used to control for potential confounding factors, and a multivariate logistic regression analysis was made to evaluate whether the presence of oocyte degeneration would affect the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR). Results After PS matching, basic characteristics were similar between the two groups, oocyte yield was significantly higher in the DEG group than the NON-DEG group (P < 0.05), mature oocyte number, 2 pronuclear (2PN) embryo number, 2PN embryo clearage rate, "slow" embryo number, "accelerated" embryo number, rate of cycles with total day 3 embryo extended culture, number of frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles, transferred embryo stage, transferred embryo number, and live birth rate in fresh embryo transfer cycles were all similar between the two groups (P > 0.05), but the 2PN fertilization rate, available embryo number, high-quality embryo number, "normal" embryo number, frozen embryo number, blastocyst formation rate, and no available embryo cycle rate were all significantly lower in the DEG group than the NON-DEG group (P < 0.05). The cumulative live birth rate was also significantly lower in the DEG group than in the NON-DEG group (70.2% vs. 74.0%, P = 0.0019). Multivariate logistic regression analysis further demonstrated that the presence of oocyte degeneration in conventional IVF cycles adversely affects the CLBR both before (OR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.75-0.92) and after (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.72-0.93) PS matching. Conclusion Our findings together revealed that the presence of oocyte degeneration in a cohort of oocytes may adversely affect subsequent embryo development potential and clinical outcomes in conventional IVF cycles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Chenggong Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaoming Jiang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Chenggong Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhenfang Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Chenggong Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jinghua Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Chenggong Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Chenggong Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Kaijie Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Chenggong Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaolian Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Chenggong Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jiali Cai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Chenggong Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jianzhi Ren
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Chenggong Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abdul Rahman NS, Mohamed Noor Khan NA, Eshak Z, Sarbandi MS, Mohammad Kamal AA, Abd Malek M, Abdullah F, Abdullah MA, Othman F. Exogenous L-Glutathione Improves Vitrification Outcomes in Murine Preimplantation Embryos. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11112100. [PMID: 36358471 PMCID: PMC9686984 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11112100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitrification is an important tool to store surplus embryos in assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, vitrification increases oxidative damage and results in decreased viability. Studies have reported that L-glutathione (GSH) supplementation improves the preimplantation development of murine embryos. Glutathione constitutes the major non-protein sulphydryl compound in mammalian cells, which confers protection against oxidative damage. However, the effect of GSH supplementation on embryonic vitrification outcomes has yet to be reported. This study aims to determine whether GSH supplementation in culture media improves in vitro culture and vitrification outcomes, as observed through embryo morphology and preimplantation development. Female BALB/c mice aged 6−8 weeks were superovulated through an intraperitoneal injection of 10 IU of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG), followed by 10 IU of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) 48 h later. The mated mice were euthanized by cervical dislocation 48 h after hCG to harvest embryos. Two-cell embryos were randomly assigned to be cultured in either Group 1 (GSH-free medium), Group 2 (GSH-free medium with vitrification), Group 3 (0.01 mM GSH-supplemented medium), or Group 4 (0.01 mM GSH-supplemented medium with vitrification). Non-vitrified (Groups 1 and 3) and vitrified (Groups 2 and 4) embryos were observed for morphological quality and preimplantation development at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. In the non-vitrified groups, there were significant increases in the number of Grade-1 blastocysts in GSH cultures (p < 0.05). Similarly, in the vitrified groups, GSH supplementation was also seen to significantly increase blastocyst formation. Exogenous GSH supplementation resulted in a significant increase in intracellular GSH, a release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, and a parallel decrease in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in vitrified eight-cell embryos (p < 0.05). GSH supplementation was shown to upregulate Bcl2 expression and downregulate Bax expression in the vitrified preimplantation embryo group. The action of exogenous GSH was concomitant with an increase in the relative abundance of Gpx1 and Sod1. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the novel use and practical applicability of GSH supplementation for improving embryonic cryotolerance via a decrease in ROS levels and the inhibition of apoptotic events by improvement in oxidative status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nor-Shahida Abdul Rahman
- Maternofetal and Embryo Research Group (MatE), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nor-Ashikin Mohamed Noor Khan
- Maternofetal and Embryo Research Group (MatE), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
- Correspondence:
| | - Zolkapli Eshak
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam Campus, Bandar Puncak Alam 42300, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mimi-Sophia Sarbandi
- Maternofetal and Embryo Research Group (MatE), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, Tapah Campus, Tapah Road 35400, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Aqila-Akmal Mohammad Kamal
- Maternofetal and Embryo Research Group (MatE), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mastura Abd Malek
- Maternofetal and Embryo Research Group (MatE), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Fathiah Abdullah
- Maternofetal and Embryo Research Group (MatE), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, Tapah Campus, Tapah Road 35400, Perak, Malaysia
| | | | - Fezah Othman
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Unique Deep Radiomic Signature Shows NMN Treatment Reverses Morphology of Oocytes from Aged Mice. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071544. [PMID: 35884850 PMCID: PMC9313081 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to develop a deep radiomic signature based on an artificial intelligence (AI) model. This radiomic signature identifies oocyte morphological changes corresponding to reproductive aging in bright field images captured by optical light microscopy. Oocytes were collected from three mice groups: young (4- to 5-week-old) C57BL/6J female mice, aged (12-month-old) mice, and aged mice treated with the NAD+ precursor nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a treatment recently shown to rejuvenate aspects of fertility in aged mice. We applied deep learning, swarm intelligence, and discriminative analysis to images of mouse oocytes taken by bright field microscopy to identify a highly informative deep radiomic signature (DRS) of oocyte morphology. Predictive DRS accuracy was determined by evaluating sensitivity, specificity, and cross-validation, and was visualized using scatter plots of the data associated with three groups: Young, old and Old + NMN. DRS could successfully distinguish morphological changes in oocytes associated with maternal age with 92% accuracy (AUC~1), reflecting this decline in oocyte quality. We then employed the DRS to evaluate the impact of the treatment of reproductively aged mice with NMN. The DRS signature classified 60% of oocytes from NMN-treated aged mice as having a ‘young’ morphology. In conclusion, the DRS signature developed in this study was successfully able to detect aging-related oocyte morphological changes. The significance of our approach is that DRS applied to bright field oocyte images will allow us to distinguish and select oocytes originally affected by reproductive aging and whose quality has been successfully restored by the NMN therapy.
Collapse
|