1
|
Montjean D, Godin Pagé MH, Pacios C, Calvé A, Hamiche G, Benkhalifa M, Miron P. Automated Single-Sperm Selection Software (SiD) during ICSI: A Prospective Sibling Oocyte Evaluation. Med Sci (Basel) 2024; 12:19. [PMID: 38651413 PMCID: PMC11036211 DOI: 10.3390/medsci12020019] [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: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The computer-assisted program SiD was developed to assess and select sperm in real time based on motility characteristics. To date, there are limited studies examining the correlation between AI-assisted sperm selection and ICSI outcomes. To address this limit, a total of 646 sibling MII oocytes were randomly divided into two groups as follows: the ICSI group (n = 320): ICSI performed with sperm selected by the embryologist and the ICSI-SiD group (n = 326): ICSI performed with sperm selected using SiD software. Our results show a non-significant trend towards improved outcomes in the ICSI-SiD group across various biological parameters, including fertilization, cleavage, day 3 embryo development, blastocyst development, and quality on day 5. Similarly, we observed a non-significant increase in these outcomes when comparing both groups with sperm selection performed by a junior embryologist. Embryo development was monitored using a timelapse system. Some fertilization events happen significantly earlier when SiD is used for ICSI, but no significant difference was observed in the ICSI-SiD group for other timepoints. We observed comparable cumulative early and clinical pregnancy rates after ICSI-SiD. This preliminary investigation illustrated that employing the automated sperm selection software SiD leads to comparable biological outcomes, suggesting its efficacy in sperm selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debbie Montjean
- Centre d’aide médicale à la procréation Fertilys, 1950 Maurice-Gauvin Street, Laval, QC H7S 1Z5, Canada; (M.-H.G.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Marie-Hélène Godin Pagé
- Centre d’aide médicale à la procréation Fertilys, 1950 Maurice-Gauvin Street, Laval, QC H7S 1Z5, Canada; (M.-H.G.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Carmen Pacios
- Centre d’aide médicale à la procréation Fertilys, 1950 Maurice-Gauvin Street, Laval, QC H7S 1Z5, Canada; (M.-H.G.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Annabelle Calvé
- Centre d’aide médicale à la procréation Fertilys, 1950 Maurice-Gauvin Street, Laval, QC H7S 1Z5, Canada; (M.-H.G.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Ghenima Hamiche
- Centre d’aide médicale à la procréation Fertilys, 1950 Maurice-Gauvin Street, Laval, QC H7S 1Z5, Canada; (M.-H.G.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Moncef Benkhalifa
- Centre d’aide médicale à la procréation Fertilys, 1950 Maurice-Gauvin Street, Laval, QC H7S 1Z5, Canada; (M.-H.G.P.); (C.P.)
- Médecine et Biologie de la Reproduction, CECOS de Picardie et Laboratoire PERITOX, Université Picardie Jules Verne, CBH-CHU Amiens Picardie, 1 Rond-Point du Professeur Christian Cabrol, 80054 Amiens, France
| | - Pierre Miron
- Centre d’aide médicale à la procréation Fertilys, 1950 Maurice-Gauvin Street, Laval, QC H7S 1Z5, Canada; (M.-H.G.P.); (C.P.)
- Médecine et Biologie de la Reproduction, CECOS de Picardie et Laboratoire PERITOX, Université Picardie Jules Verne, CBH-CHU Amiens Picardie, 1 Rond-Point du Professeur Christian Cabrol, 80054 Amiens, France
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xue X, Li W, Li M. Optimal number of high-quality cleavage-stage embryos for extended culture to blastocyst-stage for transfer in women 38 years and older. Gynecol Endocrinol 2023; 39:2181642. [PMID: 36822231 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2023.2181642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to evaluate the pregnancy outcomes of cleavage-stage embryo transfers (ETs) for the first time and explore optimal number of high-quality cleavage-stage embryos for extended culture to blastocyst-stage in women of advanced maternal age (AMA). METHODS We retrospectively identified 1646 AMA women ≥ age 38 years for the first fresh ETs between January 2014 and December 2020 at our hospital. Double ETs were divided into three groups as follows: DET-HH (two high-quality embryos), DET-HL (one high-quality and one low-quality embryo), and DET-LL (two low-quality embryos) groups. We mainly analyzed the pregnancy outcomes of double cleavage-stage ETs with different embryo grades and blastocyst-stage ETs with different number of high-quality cleavage-stage embryos on day 3. RESULTS Our data indicated that the DET-HH group had significantly higher clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, and live birth rates than DET-HL and DET-LL groups (p < .05). For extended culture to blastocyst-stage with 2 (D3-2H), 3 (D3-3H), and 4 (D3-≥4H) high-quality cleavage-stage embryos, the D3-≥ 4H group had significantly higher ongoing pregnancy and live birth rates than D3-2H and D3-3H groups (p < .05). We observed that the number of high-quality embryos on day 3 was independently associated with live birth rate for blastocyst transfers (OR: 1.133, 95% CI 1.023-1.256, p = .017). There were no significant differences in the clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy and live birth rates among DET-HH, D3-2H and D3-3H groups (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS Extended culture to blastocyst-stage for transfer was safe and recommended for AMA women with ≥ 4 high-quality embryos on day 3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xia Xue
- The ART Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Wei Li
- The ART Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Mingzhao Li
- The ART Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Havrljenko J, Kopitovic V, Pjevic AT, Milatovic S, Pavlica T, Andric N, Pogrmic-Majkic K. The Prediction of IVF Outcomes with Autologous Oocytes and the Optimal MII Oocyte/Embryo Number for Live Birth at Advanced Maternal Age. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1799. [PMID: 37893517 PMCID: PMC10608663 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59101799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Delayed childbearing in advanced age might be associated with a low prognosis for achieving pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to establish a predictive tool that will optimize the likelihood of a live birth at advanced age. Material and Methods: The retrospective study was conducted at the Ferona Fertility Clinic in Novi Sad (Republic of Serbia), between January 2020 and May 2021. The survey included 491 women aged ≥35 who met the inclusion criteria and who were subjected to an IVF (in vitro fertilization) treatment cycle. Results: The average number of retrieved oocytes, MII (metaphase II) oocytes, and developed embryos significantly decreased in advanced age. Age was also found to have a significant adverse effect on pregnancy and live birth rates. In women aged ≥35, 10/12 MII oocytes or 10/11 embryos are required for reaching an optimal live birth rate/cumulative live birth rate. Optimal CLBR (cumulative live birth rate) per one oocyte was achieved when 9 MII oocyte were retrieved. Conclusions: The study indicates that the cut-off for increased risk is ≥42 year. However, despite low live birth rates, autologous IVF for these women is not futile. An increase in the number of retrieved mature oocytes and a generation of surplus cryopreserved embryos could reinforce LBR (live birth rate) and CLBR. Clinicians should be very cautious in counseling, as autologous IVF may only be applicable to women with good ovarian reserve.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Havrljenko
- Ferona Fertility Clinic, Sarplaninska 19, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia or (J.H.); (V.K.); (A.T.P.)
- Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 2, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (N.A.); (K.P.-M.)
| | - Vesna Kopitovic
- Ferona Fertility Clinic, Sarplaninska 19, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia or (J.H.); (V.K.); (A.T.P.)
| | | | - Stevan Milatovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Tatjana Pavlica
- Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 2, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (N.A.); (K.P.-M.)
| | - Nebojsa Andric
- Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 2, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (N.A.); (K.P.-M.)
| | - Kristina Pogrmic-Majkic
- Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology and Ecology, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 2, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (N.A.); (K.P.-M.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Saito S, Yamada M, Yano R, Takahashi K, Ebara A, Sakanaka H, Matsumoto M, Ishimaru T, Utsuno H, Matsuzawa Y, Ooka R, Fukuoka M, Akashi K, Kamijo S, Hamatani T, Tanaka M. Fertility preservation after gonadotoxic treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:159. [PMID: 37563616 PMCID: PMC10416401 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01250-x] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The indications for fertility preservation (FP) have expanded. A few patients who underwent gonadotoxic treatment did not have the opportunity to receive FP, leading to concerns that these patients may develop premature ovarian insufficiency. However, the usefulness of FP in women with reduced ovarian reserve has also been questioned. Progestin-primed ovarian stimulation can improve the controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) protocol, but there is limited data on the efficacy of FP with progestin-primed ovarian stimulation. METHODS We conducted a prospective study of 43 women with cancer or autoimmune diseases before and after gonadotoxic treatment at the reproductive unit of Keio University Hospital, counselled between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2021. After counselling, informed consent was obtained for FP from 43 patients, with those who underwent gonadotoxic treatment of the primary disease being prioritised. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue or progestin was used to suppress luteinising hormone in COS before or after gonadotoxic treatment. The number of cryopreserved mature oocytes was the primary outcome. RESULTS Forty-three patients and 67 assisted reproductive technology cycles were included in the analysis. The median age at entry was 32 [inter quartile range (IQR), 29-37] years. All patients in the post-gonadotoxic treatment group had their oocytes frozen. Gonadotoxic treatment resulted in fewer oocytes [median 3 (IQR 1-4); pre-gonadotoxic treatment group: five patients, 13 cycles] vs. median 9 (IQR 5-14; pre-gonadotoxic treatment group: 38 patients, 54 cycles; P < 0.001). Although anti-Müllerian hormone levels were lower in the post-gonadotoxic treatment group (n = 5, 13 cycles, median 0.29 (IQR 0.15-1.04) pg/mL) than in the pre-gonadotoxic treatment group (n = 38, 54 cycles, median 1.89 (IQR 1.15-4.08) pg/mL) (P = 0.004), oocyte maturation rates were higher in the post-gonadotoxic treatment group [median 100 (IQR 77.5-100) %] than in the pre-gonadotoxic group [median 90.3 (IQR 75.0-100) %; P = 0.039]. Five patients in the pre-gonadotoxic treatment group had their cryopreserved embryos thawed, of which three had live births. CONCLUSIONS Oocytes obtained for FP from women with cancer or autoimmune disease for FP are of satisfactory quality, regardless of whether they are obtained post-gonadotoxic treatment or COS protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saki Saito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Mitsutoshi Yamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Rika Yano
- Department of Nursing, Keio University Hospital, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kazuko Takahashi
- Department of Nursing, Keio University Hospital, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Akiko Ebara
- Department of Nursing, Keio University Hospital, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hiroe Sakanaka
- Department of Nursing, Keio University Hospital, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Miho Matsumoto
- Clinical Laboratory, Keio University Hospital, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Tomoko Ishimaru
- Clinical Laboratory, Keio University Hospital, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hiroki Utsuno
- Clinical Laboratory, Keio University Hospital, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yuichi Matsuzawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Reina Ooka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Mio Fukuoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Akashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Shintaro Kamijo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Toshio Hamatani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Mamoru Tanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zabari N, Kan-Tor Y, Or Y, Shoham Z, Shufaro Y, Richter D, Har-Vardi I, Ben-Meir A, Srebnik N, Buxboim A. Delineating the heterogeneity of embryo preimplantation development using automated and accurate morphokinetic annotation. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023:10.1007/s10815-023-02806-y. [PMID: 37300648 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02806-y] [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: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Our objective was to design an automated deep learning model that extracts the morphokinetic events of embryos that were recorded by time-lapse incubators. Using automated annotation, we set out to characterize the temporal heterogeneity of preimplantation development across a large number of embryos. METHODS To perform a retrospective study, we used a dataset of video files of 67,707 embryos from four IVF clinics. A convolutional neural network (CNN) model was trained to assess the developmental states that appear in single frames from 20,253 manually-annotated embryos. Probability-weighted superposition of multiple predicted states was permitted, thus accounting for visual uncertainties. Superimposed embryo states were collapsed onto discrete series of morphokinetic events via monotonic regression of whole-embryo profiles. Unsupervised K-means clustering was applied to define subpopulations of embryos of distinctive morphokinetic profiles. RESULTS We perform automated assessment of single-frame embryo states with 97% accuracy and demonstrate whole-embryo morphokinetic annotation with R-square 0.994. High quality embryos that had been valid candidates for transfer were clustered into nine subpopulations, as characterized by distinctive developmental dynamics. Retrospective comparative analysis of transfer versus implantation rates reveals differences between embryo clusters as marked by poor synchronization of the third mitotic cell-cleavage cycle. CONCLUSIONS By demonstrating fully automated, accurate, and standardized morphokinetic annotation of time-lapse embryo recordings from IVF clinics, we provide practical means to overcome current limitations that hinder the implementation of morphokinetic decision-support tools within clinical IVF settings due to inter-observer and intra-observer manual annotation variations and workload constrains. Furthermore, our work provides a platform to address embryo heterogeneity using dimensionality-reduced morphokinetic descriptions of preimplantation development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nir Zabari
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, 9190416, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yoav Kan-Tor
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, 9190416, Jerusalem, Israel
- The Center for Interdisciplinary Data Science Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yuval Or
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Kaplan Hospital, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Zeev Shoham
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Kaplan Hospital, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yoel Shufaro
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Dganit Richter
- The IVF Unit Gyn/Obs, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Iris Har-Vardi
- The IVF Unit Gyn/Obs, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Assaf Ben-Meir
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Medical Center - Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Naama Srebnik
- The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus - Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel
- In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Amnon Buxboim
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, 9190416, Jerusalem, Israel.
- The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus - Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel.
- The Alexender Grass Center for Bioengineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shi X, Ren MQ, Wang LT, Chan CPS, Chan DYL, Quan S, Li TC. Blood metal/metalloid concentration of male subjects undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment outcomes: A prospective cohort study. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2023; 78:127196. [PMID: 37209528 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2023.127196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous epidemiology studies reported that heavy metal/metalloid exposure is associated with the impairment of semen quality. However, it is still not clear whether the in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment outcome will be affected after the heavy metal/metalloid exposure of the male partners. METHODS A prospective cohort study with a 2-year followed-up was conducted in a tertiary IVF center. A total of 111 couples undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment were initially recruited from November 2015 to November 2016. Male blood concentrations of heavy metal/metalloid including Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Cd, Hg, and Pb were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the lab and pregnancy outcome data were followed up. The associations between male blood heavy metal/metalloid concentration and the clinical outcomes were analyzed by Poisson regression analysis. RESULTS Our results showed that none of the heavy metal/metalloid of male partners we investigated are significantly associated with the oocyte fertilization and good embryo (P ≥ 0.05); however, antral follicle count (AFC) was a protective factor for the oocyte fertilization (RR: 1.07, 95 % CI: 1.04-1.10). The blood Fe concentration of the male partner was positively associated (P < 0.05) with pregnancy in the first fresh cycle (RR:170.93, 95 % CI: 4.13-7082.04), cumulative pregnancy (RR: 23.61, 95 % CI: 3.25-171.64) and cumulative live birth (RR: 36.42, 95 % CI: 1.21-1092.54). In the first frozen embryo cycles, pregnancy was significantly associated (P < 0.05) with the blood Mn (RR: 0.01, 95 % CI:0.00-0.11) and Se concentration (RR: 0.01, 95 % CI:8.25 E-5-0.47) and female age (RR: 0.86, 95 % CI:0.75-0.99); live birth was significantly associated (P < 0.05) with the blood Mn concentration (RR: 0.00, 95 % CI: 1.14E-7-0.51). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggested that the higher male blood Fe concentration was positively associated with pregnancy in the fresh embryo transfer cycle, cumulative pregnancy, and cumulative live birth, whereas the higher male blood Mn and Se concentration were associated with lower chance of pregnancy and live birth in the frozen embryo transfer cycle. However, the underline mechanism of this finding still needs further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Shi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mei Qi Ren
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lian Tong Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Carol Pui Shan Chan
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - David Yiu Leung Chan
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Song Quan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Tin-Chiu Li
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ezoe K, Miki T, Akaike H, Shimazaki K, Takahashi T, Tanimura Y, Amagai A, Sawado A, Mogi M, Kaneko S, Ueno S, Coticchio G, Cimadomo D, Borini A, Rienzi L, Kato K. Maternal age affects pronuclear and chromatin dynamics, morula compaction and cell polarity, and blastulation of human embryos. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:387-399. [PMID: 36644923 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does maternal ageing impact early and late morphokinetic and cellular processes of human blastocyst formation? SUMMARY ANSWER Maternal ageing significantly affects pronuclear size and intra- and extra-nuclear dynamics during fertilization, dysregulates cell polarity during compaction, and reduces blastocoel expansion. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In ART, advanced maternal age (AMA) affects oocyte yield, fertilization, and overall developmental competence. However, with the exception of chromosome segregation errors occurring during oocyte meiosis, the molecular and biochemical mechanisms responsible for AMA-related subfertility and reduced embryo developmental competence remain unclear. In particular, studies reporting morphokinetics and cellular alterations during the fertilization and pre-implantation period in women of AMA remain limited. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A total of 2058 fertilized oocytes were stratified by maternal age according to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology classification (<35, 35-37, 38-40, 41-42, and >42 years) and retrospectively analysed. AMA effects were assessed in relation to: embryo morphokinetics and morphological alterations; and the presence and distribution of cell polarity markers-Yes-associated protein (YAP) and protein kinase C-ζ (PKC-ζ)-involved in blastocyst morphogenesis. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A total of 1050 cycles from 1050 patients met the inclusion criteria and were analysed. Microinjected oocytes were assessed using a time-lapse culture system. Immature oocytes at oocyte retrieval and mature oocytes not suitable for time-lapse monitoring, owing to an excess of residual corona cells or inadequate orientation for correct observation, were not analysed. Phenomena relevant to meiotic resumption, pronuclear dynamics, cytoplasmic/cortical modifications, cleavage patterns and embryo quality were annotated and compared among groups. Furthermore, 20 human embryos donated for research by consenting couples were used for immunofluorescence. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Static microscopic observation revealed that blastocyst formation and expansion were impaired in the 41-42 and >42-year groups (P < 0.0001). The morphological grades of the inner cell mass and trophectoderm were poorer in the >42-year group than those in the <35-year group (P = 0.0022 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Time-lapse microscopic observation revealed a reduction in nucleolus precursor body alignment in female pronuclei in the 41-42 and >42-year groups (P = 0.0010). Female pronuclear area decreased and asynchronous pronuclear breakdown increased in the >42-year group (P = 0.0027 and P < 0.0122, respectively). Developmental speed at cleavage stage, incidence of irregularity of first cleavage, type and duration of blastomere movement, and number of multinucleated cells were comparable among age groups. Delayed embryonic compaction and an increased number of extruded blastomeres were observed in the >42-year group (P = 0.0002 and P = 0.0047, respectively). Blastulation and blastocyst expansion were also delayed in the 41-42 and >42-year groups (P < 0.0001 for both). YAP positivity rate in the outer cells of morulae and embryo PKC-ζ immunoflourescence decreased in the >42-year group (P < 0.0001 for both). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION At the cellular level, the investigation was limited to cell polarity markers. Cell components of other developmental pathways should be studied in relation to AMA. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The study indicates that maternal ageing affects the key functions of embryo morphogenesis, irrespective of the well-established influence on the fidelity of oocyte meiosis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by the participating institutions. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mai Mogi
- Kato Ladies Clinic, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Laura Rienzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hu D, Huang B, Xiong M, Yao J, Yang S, Wu R, Zhang H, Zhao Y. Impact of elevated body mass index on cumulative live birth rate and obstetric safety in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18858. [PMID: 36344718 PMCID: PMC9640544 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23576-0] [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: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the impact of elevated body mass index (BMI) on short- and long-term outcomes of in-vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatments. A total of 7229 patients undergoing IVF/ICSI fresh cycles and subsequent frozen embryo transfer cycles from 2014 to 2020 were divided into normal (18.5-24.9 kg/m2) and high BMI (≥ 25 kg/m2) groups. Ovarian response, pregnancy outcomes, and safety of both mother and fetus were the main outcome measures. Furthermore, multivariate analysis was used to determine whether BMI was associated with cumulative live birth rate (CLBR). Results showed that for younger women (< 38 year), CLBR was significantly reduced in the high BMI group compared with the normal BMI control and was accompanied by fewer retrieved oocytes and available embryos. Additionally, the incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, fetal macrosomia, and cleft lip and palate birth defects resulting from cumulative live births was significantly higher compared with the normal BMI group. No differences were observed among older women (≥ 38 year). Multivariate analysis revealed that high BMI was a risk factor for CLBR. Our study suggested that elevated BMI has a greater adverse impact on younger women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Hu
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 JieFang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030 People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo Huang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 JieFang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030 People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Xiong
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 JieFang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030 People’s Republic of China
| | - Junning Yao
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 JieFang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shulin Yang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 JieFang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruxing Wu
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 JieFang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030 People’s Republic of China
| | - Hanwang Zhang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 JieFang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yiqing Zhao
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 JieFang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030 People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dvoran M, Nemcova L, Kalous J. An Interplay between Epigenetics and Translation in Oocyte Maturation and Embryo Development: Assisted Reproduction Perspective. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071689. [PMID: 35884994 PMCID: PMC9313063 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Germ cell quality is a key prerequisite for successful fertilization and early embryo development. The quality is determined by the fine regulation of transcriptomic and proteomic profiles, which are prone to alteration by assisted reproduction technology (ART)-introduced in vitro methods. Gaining evidence shows the ART can influence preset epigenetic modifications within cultured oocytes or early embryos and affect their developmental competency. The aim of this review is to describe ART-determined epigenetic changes related to the oogenesis, early embryogenesis, and further in utero development. We confront the latest epigenetic, related epitranscriptomic, and translational regulation findings with the processes of meiotic maturation, fertilization, and early embryogenesis that impact the developmental competency and embryo quality. Post-ART embryo transfer, in utero implantation, and development (placentation, fetal development) are influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors. The review is emphasizing their epigenetic and ART contribution to fetal development. An epigenetic parallel among mouse, porcine, and bovine animal models and human ART is drawn to illustrate possible future mechanisms of infertility management as well as increase the awareness of the underlying mechanisms governing oocyte and embryo developmental complexity under ART conditions.
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
The metaphase II (MII) oocyte is the mature female gamete, produced from a complex maturation process called oogenesis that starts in the first weeks of embryogenesis in the female embryo tract, continues during puberty, and is completed at fertilization with the spermatozoon. Oogenesis is closely related to folliculogenesis. In assisted reproduction techniques, oocytes are retrieved in cumulus-oocyte complexes after ovarian stimulation. Before being used for in vitro fertilization or cryopreservation, the metaphase (MII) oocytes can be classified according to different morphological traits and by the presence/absence of the meiotic spindle. Except for a few and rare morphological characteristics that make the oocyte discarded, none of the morphological characteristics is predictive of oocyte competence in giving a viable embryo. On the other side, specific key performance indicators based on MII oocytes test the efficacy of in vitro treatments. Molecular, cellular, or genetic abnormalities in the oocytes have observable consequences on the embryo development dynamics and its genetic content. Besides what can be seen in vitro, several intrinsic and extrinsic factors related to the patient are responsible for the oocyte quality. The clinician and the patient herself must be aware of these factors to preserve the reproductive functions as much as possible. In the present review, we have revised oogenesis and the role of mature oocytes in supporting the fertilization process and early embryo development; we have also listed the oocyte morphological traits and key performance indicators related to the oocyte quality and studied the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that irreversibly impact female fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine Chamayou
- Unit of Reproductive Medicine, HERA Center, Sant'Agata Li Battiati, Catania, Italy -
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lane SL, Reed L, Schoolcraft WB, Katz-Jaffe MG. Euploid day 7 blastocysts of infertility patients with only slow embryo development have reduced implantation potential. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 44:858-865. [PMID: 35337737 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What is the reproductive potential of embryos that achieve blastulation on day 7 followed by preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) for infertility patients with slow embryo development? DESIGN This was a retrospective cohort study in a private IVF clinic of consecutive female infertility patients (n = 2966) aged 24-48 (36.3 ± 3.8) years who underwent frozen embryo transfer (FET) of a single euploid blastocyst. RESULTS The women underwent single euploid FET of an embryo that achieved blastulation on day 5 (n = 1880), day 6 (n = 986) or day 7 (n = 100). Day 7 embryos resulted in lower implantation and live birth rates compared with both day 5 and day 6 embryos (P < 0.001). The day 5, day 6 and day 7 groups had 68.5%, 55.2% and 36.0% live birth rates, respectively. The day 7 group was older than the day 5 group (P < 0.001); comparing age-matched cohorts, the day 7 group still had lower implantation and live birth rates (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Embryo grade was unrelated to live birth rates. Day 7 embryos of expansion grade 5 or 6 or trophectoderm grade A were more likely to be euploid compared with expansion grade 3 or trophectoderm grade B. CONCLUSIONS Euploid day 7 embryos represented reduced implantation potential, even when controlling for maternal age. Of all day 7 embryos that underwent PGT-A, euploidy was associated with expansion grade 5 or 6 and trophectoderm grade A. These results can help providers manage patient expectations in cases where infertile women have slow embryo development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sydney L Lane
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree CO, USA
| | - Laura Reed
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree CO, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|