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Massarotti C, Cimadomo D, Spadoni V, Conforti A, Zacà C, Carosso AR, Vaiarelli A, Venturella R, Vitagliano A, Busnelli A, Cozzolino M, Borini A. Female fertility preservation for family planning: a position statement of the Italian Society of Fertility and Sterility and Reproductive Medicine (SIFES-MR). J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:2521-2535. [PMID: 39030346 PMCID: PMC11405660 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03197-4] [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: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This position statement by the Italian Society of Fertility and Sterility and Reproductive Medicine (SIFES-MR) aims to establish an optimal framework for fertility preservation outside the standard before oncological therapies. Key topics include the role of fertility units in comprehensive fertility assessment, factors impacting ovarian potential, available preservation methods, and appropriate criteria for offering such interventions. METHODS The SIFES-MR writing group comprises Italian reproductive physicians, embryologists, and scientists. The consensus emerged after a six-month period of meetings, including extensive literature review, dialogue among authors and input from society members. Final approval was granted by the SIFES-MR governing council. RESULTS Fertility counselling transitions from urgent to long-term care, emphasizing family planning. Age, along with ovarian reserve markers, is the primary predictor of female fertility. Various factors, including gynecological conditions, autoimmune disorders, and prior gonadotoxic therapies, may impact ovarian reserve. Oocyte cryopreservation should be the preferred method. Women 30-34 years old and 35-39 years old, without known pathologies impacting the ovarian reserve, should cryopreserve at least 12-13 and 15-20 oocytes to achieve the same chance of a spontaneous live birth they would have if they tried to conceive at the age of cryopreservation (63% and 52%, respectively in the two age groups). CONCLUSIONS Optimal fertility counselling necessitates a long-term approach, that nurtures an understanding of fertility, facilitates timely evaluation of factors that may affect fertility, and explores fertility preservation choices at opportune intervals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Massarotti
- Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo R. Benzi, 10, 16132, Genova, Italy.
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI Department), University of Genova, Genova, Italy.
| | - Danilo Cimadomo
- IVIRMA Global Reseach Alliance, Genera, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Conforti
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlotta Zacà
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, 9.Baby, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Roberto Carosso
- Obstetrics and Gynecology 1U, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Sant'Anna Hospital Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Alberto Vaiarelli
- IVIRMA Global Reseach Alliance, Genera, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Venturella
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Catanzaro "Magna Grecia", Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Amerigo Vitagliano
- First Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Andrea Busnelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Cozzolino
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Roma, Rome, Italy
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Fundación IVI-IIS la Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Andrea Borini
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, 9.Baby, Bologna, Italy
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2
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Gayete-Lafuente S, Vilà Famada A, Albayrak N, Espinós Gómez JJ, Checa Vizcaíno MÁ, Moreno-Sepulveda J. Indirect markers of oocyte quality in patients with ovarian endometriosis undergoing IVF/ICSI: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 49:104075. [PMID: 38943812 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2024.104075] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of ovarian endometriomas (OMA) on indirect markers of oocyte quality in patients undergoing IVF, compared with women without anatomical or functional ovarian abnormalities. The search spanned original randomized controlled trials, case-control studies and cohort studies published in MEDLINE, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and the ClinicalTrials.gov database up to October 2023. Thirty-one studies were included in the meta-analysis, showing no significant differences in fertilization (OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.94-1.30), blastulation (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.64-1.14) and cancellation (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.78-1.44) rates. However, patients with OMA exhibited significantly lower numbers of total and mature (metaphase II) oocytes retrieved (mean difference -1.59, 95% CI -2.25 to -0.94; mean difference -1.86, 95% CI -2.46 to -1.26, respectively), and lower numbers of top-quality embryos (mean difference -0.49, 95% CI -0.92 to -0.06). The Ovarian Sensitivity Index was similar between the groups (mean difference -1.55, 95% CI -3.27 to 0.18). The lack of data published to date prevented meta-analysis on euploidy rate. In conclusion, although the presence of OMA could decrease the oocyte yield in patients undergoing IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection, it does not appear to have an adverse impact on oocyte quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Gayete-Lafuente
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Anna Vilà Famada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Catalan Health Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nazli Albayrak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Acibadem University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Juan José Espinós Gómez
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Fertty Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Checa Vizcaíno
- Fertty Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
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Somigliana E, Piani LL, Paffoni A, Salmeri N, Orsi M, Benaglia L, Vercellini P, Vigano' P. Endometriosis and IVF treatment outcomes: unpacking the process. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:107. [PMID: 37936154 PMCID: PMC10629090 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01157-8] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced endometriosis is associated with a reduction of IVF success. Surgical damage to the ovarian reserve following the excision of endometriomas has been claimed as a critical factor in the explanation of this detrimental effect. However, it is generally inferred that other mechanisms might also hamper IVF success in affected women. They include diminished responsiveness to ovarian stimulation, altered steroidogenesis, a decline in oocyte quality, reduced fertilization and embryo development, and impaired implantation. To navigate these limitations, we scrutinized available literature for studies specifically designed to address distinct phases of the IVF process. Utmost consideration was given to intra-patient ovarian response comparisons in women with unilateral endometriomas and to studies applying a meticulous matching to control confounders. The following observations have been drawn: 1) endometriosis has a negligible impact on ovarian response. A slight reduction in stimulation response can only be observed for endometriomas larger than 4 cm. Follicular steroidogenesis is unaffected; 2) oocyte quality is not hampered. Fertilization rates are similar, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is not justified. Embryonic development is uncompromised, with no increase in aneuploidy rate; 3) endometrial receptivity is either unaffected or only slightly impacted. In conclusion, our study suggests that, aside from the well-known negative effect on ovarian reserve from excisional endometrioma surgeries, endometriosis does not significantly affect IVF outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgardo Somigliana
- Academic Center for Research on Adenomyosis and Endometriosis, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento Area Materno Infantile, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Letizia Li Piani
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Noemi Salmeri
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Orsi
- Dipartimento Area Materno Infantile, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Benaglia
- Dipartimento Area Materno Infantile, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Vercellini
- Academic Center for Research on Adenomyosis and Endometriosis, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento Area Materno Infantile, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Vigano'
- Dipartimento Area Materno Infantile, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
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Cimadomo D, Rienzi L, Conforti A, Forman E, Canosa S, Innocenti F, Poli M, Hynes J, Gemmell L, Vaiarelli A, Alviggi C, Ubaldi FM, Capalbo A. Opening the black box: why do euploid blastocysts fail to implant? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:570-633. [PMID: 37192834 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A normal chromosomal constitution defined through PGT-A assessing all chromosomes on trophectoderm (TE) biopsies represents the strongest predictor of embryo implantation. Yet, its positive predictive value is not higher than 50-60%. This gap of knowledge on the causes of euploid blastocysts' reproductive failure is known as 'the black box of implantation'. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Several embryonic, maternal, paternal, clinical, and IVF laboratory features were scrutinized for their putative association with reproductive success or implantation failure of euploid blastocysts. SEARCH METHODS A systematic bibliographical search was conducted without temporal limits up to August 2021. The keywords were '(blastocyst OR day5 embryo OR day6 embryo OR day7 embryo) AND (euploid OR chromosomally normal OR preimplantation genetic testing) AND (implantation OR implantation failure OR miscarriage OR abortion OR live birth OR biochemical pregnancy OR recurrent implantation failure)'. Overall, 1608 items were identified and screened. We included all prospective or retrospective clinical studies and randomized-controlled-trials (RCTs) that assessed any feature associated with live-birth rates (LBR) and/or miscarriage rates (MR) among non-mosaic euploid blastocyst transfer after TE biopsy and PGT-A. In total, 41 reviews and 372 papers were selected, clustered according to a common focus, and thoroughly reviewed. The PRISMA guideline was followed, the PICO model was adopted, and ROBINS-I and ROB 2.0 scoring were used to assess putative bias. Bias across studies regarding the LBR was also assessed using visual inspection of funnel plots and the trim and fill method. Categorical data were combined with a pooled-OR. The random-effect model was used to conduct the meta-analysis. Between-study heterogeneity was addressed using I2. Whenever not suitable for the meta-analysis, the included studies were simply described for their results. The study protocol was registered at http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ (registration number CRD42021275329). OUTCOMES We included 372 original papers (335 retrospective studies, 30 prospective studies and 7 RCTs) and 41 reviews. However, most of the studies were retrospective, or characterized by small sample sizes, thus prone to bias, which reduces the quality of the evidence to low or very low. Reduced inner cell mass (7 studies, OR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.27-0.52, I2 = 53%), or TE quality (9 studies, OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.43-0.67, I2 = 70%), overall blastocyst quality worse than Gardner's BB-grade (8 studies, OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.24-0.67, I2 = 83%), developmental delay (18 studies, OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.49-0.63, I2 = 47%), and (by qualitative analysis) some morphodynamic abnormalities pinpointed through time-lapse microscopy (abnormal cleavage patterns, spontaneous blastocyst collapse, longer time of morula formation I, time of blastulation (tB), and duration of blastulation) were all associated with poorer reproductive outcomes. Slightly lower LBR, even in the context of PGT-A, was reported among women ≥38 years (7 studies, OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.75-1.00, I2 = 31%), while obesity was associated with both lower LBR (2 studies, OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.55-0.79, I2 = 0%) and higher MR (2 studies, OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.08-2.99, I2 = 52%). The experience of previous repeated implantation failures (RIF) was also associated with lower LBR (3 studies, OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.55-0.93, I2 = 0%). By qualitative analysis, among hormonal assessments, only abnormal progesterone levels prior to transfer were associated with LBR and MR after PGT-A. Among the clinical protocols used, vitrified-warmed embryo transfer was more effective than fresh transfer (2 studies, OR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.05-2.33, I2 = 23%) after PGT-A. Lastly, multiple vitrification-warming cycles (2 studies, OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.22-0.77, I2 = 50%) or (by qualitative analysis) a high number of cells biopsied may slightly reduce the LBR, while simultaneous zona-pellucida opening and TE biopsy allowed better results than the Day 3 hatching-based protocol (3 studies, OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.18-1.69, I2 = 0%). WIDER IMPLICATIONS Embryo selection aims at shortening the time-to-pregnancy, while minimizing the reproductive risks. Knowing which features are associated with the reproductive competence of euploid blastocysts is therefore critical to define, implement, and validate safer and more efficient clinical workflows. Future research should be directed towards: (i) systematic investigations of the mechanisms involved in reproductive aging beyond de novo chromosomal abnormalities, and how lifestyle and nutrition may accelerate or exacerbate their consequences; (ii) improved evaluation of the uterine and blastocyst-endometrial dialogue, both of which represent black boxes themselves; (iii) standardization/automation of embryo assessment and IVF protocols; (iv) additional invasive or preferably non-invasive tools for embryo selection. Only by filling these gaps we may finally crack the riddle behind 'the black box of implantation'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Cimadomo
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Alessandro Conforti
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Eric Forman
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Centre, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Federica Innocenti
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Poli
- Centrum voor Kinderwens, Dijklander Hospital, Purmerend, The Netherlands
- Juno Genetics, Rome, Italy
| | - Jenna Hynes
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Centre, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura Gemmell
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Centre, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alberto Vaiarelli
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Alviggi
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
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5
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Fiorentino G, Cimadomo D, Innocenti F, Soscia D, Vaiarelli A, Ubaldi FM, Gennarelli G, Garagna S, Rienzi L, Zuccotti M. Biomechanical forces and signals operating in the ovary during folliculogenesis and their dysregulation: implications for fertility. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:1-23. [PMID: 35856663 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Folliculogenesis occurs in the highly dynamic environment of the ovary. Follicle cyclic recruitment, neo-angiogenesis, spatial displacement, follicle atresia and ovulation stand out as major events resulting from the interplay between mechanical forces and molecular signals. Morphological and functional changes to the growing follicle and to the surrounding tissue are required to produce oocytes capable of supporting preimplantation development to the blastocyst stage. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review will summarize the ovarian morphological and functional context that contributes to follicle recruitment, growth and ovulation, as well as to the acquisition of oocyte developmental competence. We will describe the changes occurring during folliculogenesis to the ovarian extracellular matrix (ECM) and to the vasculature, their influence on the mechanical properties of the ovarian tissue, and, in turn, their influence on the regulation of signal transduction. Also, we will outline how their dysregulation might be associated with pathologies such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Finally, for each of these three pathologies, we will highlight therapeutic strategies attempting to correct the altered biomechanical context in order to restore fertility. SEARCH METHODS For each area discussed, a systematic bibliographical search was performed, without temporal limits, using PubMed Central, Web of Science and Scopus search engines employing the keywords extracellular matrix, mechanobiology, biomechanics, vasculature, angiogenesis or signalling pathway in combination with: ovary, oogenesis, oocyte, folliculogenesis, ovarian follicle, theca, granulosa, cumulus, follicular fluid, corpus luteum, meiosis, oocyte developmental competence, preimplantation, polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian insufficiency or endometriosis. OUTCOMES Through search engines queries, we yielded a total of 37 368 papers that were further selected based on our focus on mammals and, specifically, on rodents, bovine, equine, ovine, primates and human, and also were trimmed around each specific topic of the review. After the elimination of duplicates, this selection process resulted in 628 papers, of which 287 were cited in the manuscript. Among these, 89.2% were published in the past 22 years, while the remaining 8.0%, 2.4% or 0.3% were published during the 1990s, 1980s or before, respectively. During folliculogenesis, changes occur to the ovarian ECM composition and organization that, together with vasculature modelling around the growing follicle, are aimed to sustain its recruitment and growth, and the maturation of the enclosed oocyte. These events define the scenario in which mechanical forces are key to the regulation of cascades of molecular signals. Alterations to this context determine impaired folliculogenesis and decreased oocyte developmental potential, as observed in pathological conditions which are causes of infertility, such as PCOS, endometriosis or POI. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The knowledge of these mechanisms and the rules that govern them lay a sound basis to explain how follicles recruitment and growth are modulated, and stimulate insights to develop, in clinical practice, strategies to improve follicular recruitment and oocyte competence, particularly for pathologies like PCOS, endometriosis and POI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Fiorentino
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Center for Health Technologies, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | - Daria Soscia
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Gianluca Gennarelli
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Sant'Anna Hospital, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.,Livet, GeneraLife IVF, Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Garagna
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Center for Health Technologies, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Maurizio Zuccotti
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Center for Health Technologies, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Cimadomo D, Marconetto A, Trio S, Chiappetta V, Innocenti F, Albricci L, Erlich I, Ben-Meir A, Har-Vardi I, Kantor B, Sakov A, Coticchio G, Borini A, Ubaldi FM, Rienzi L. Human blastocyst spontaneous collapse is associated with worse morphological quality and higher degeneration and aneuploidy rates: a comprehensive analysis standardized through artificial intelligence. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:2291-2306. [PMID: 35939563 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the factors associated with human blastocyst spontaneous collapse and the consequences of this event? SUMMARY ANSWER Approximately 50% of blastocysts collapsed, especially when non-viable, morphologically poor and/or aneuploid. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Time-lapse microscopy (TLM) is a powerful tool to observe preimplantation development dynamics. Lately, artificial intelligence (AI) has been harnessed to automate and standardize such observations. Here, we adopted AI to comprehensively portray blastocyst spontaneous collapse, namely the phenomenon of reduction in size of the embryo accompanied by efflux of blastocoel fluid and the detachment of the trophectoderm (TE) from the zona pellucida (ZP). Although the underlying causes are unknown, blastocyst spontaneous collapse deserves attention as a possible marker of reduced competence. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION An observational study was carried out, including 2348 TLM videos recorded during preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A, n = 720) cycles performed between January 2013 and December 2020. All embryos in the analysis at least reached the time of starting blastulation (tSB), 1943 of them reached full expansion, and were biopsied and then vitrified. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS ICSI, blastocyst culture, TE biopsy without Day 3 ZP drilling, comprehensive chromosome testing and vitrification were performed. The AI software automatically registered tSB and time of expanding blastocyst (tEB), start and end time of each collapse, time between consecutive collapses, embryo proper area, percentage of shrinkage, embryo:ZP ratio at embryo collapse, time of biopsy (t-biopsy) and related area of the fully (re-)expanded blastocyst before biopsy, time between the last collapse and biopsy. Blastocyst morphological quality was defined according to both Gardner's criteria and an AI-generated implantation score. Euploidy rate per biopsied blastocyst and live birth rate (LBR) per euploid single embryo transfer (SET) were the main outcomes. All significant associations were confirmed through regression analyses. All couple, cycle and embryo main features were also investigated for possible associations with blastocyst spontaneous collapse. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE At least one collapsing embryo (either viable or subsequently undergoing degeneration) was recorded in 559 cycles (77.6%) and in 498 cycles (69.2%) if considering only viable blastocysts. The prevalence of blastocyst spontaneous collapse after the tSB, but before the achievement of full expansion, was 50% (N = 1168/2348), irrespective of cycle and/or couple characteristics. Blastocyst degeneration was 13% among non-collapsing embryos, while it was 18%, 20%, 26% and 39% among embryos collapsing once, twice, three times or ≥4 times, respectively. The results showed that 47.3% (N = 918/1943) of the viable blastocysts experienced at least one spontaneous collapse (ranging from 1 up to 9). Although starting from similar tSB, the number of spontaneous collapses was associated with a delay in both tEB and time of biopsy. Of note, the worse the quality of a blastocyst, the more and the longer its spontaneous collapses. Blastocyst spontaneous collapse was significantly associated with lower euploidy rates (47% in non-collapsing and 38%, 32%, 31% and 20% in blastocysts collapsing once, twice, three times or ≥4 times, respectively; multivariate odds ratio 0.78, 95%CI 0.62-0.98, adjusted P = 0.03). The difference in the LBR after euploid vitrified-warmed SET was not significant (46% and 39% in non-collapsing and collapsing blastocysts, respectively). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION An association between chromosomal mosaicism and blastocyst collapse cannot be reliably assessed on a single TE biopsy. Gestational and perinatal outcomes were not evaluated. Other culture strategies and media should be tested for their association with blastocyst spontaneous collapse. Future studies with a larger sample size are needed to investigate putative impacts on clinical outcomes after euploid transfers. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These results demonstrate the synergistic power of TLM and AI to increase the throughput of embryo preimplantation development observation. They also highlight the transition from compaction to full blastocyst as a delicate morphogenetic process. Blastocyst spontaneous collapse is common and associates with inherently lower competence, but additional data are required to deepen our knowledge on its causes and consequences. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) There is no external funding to report. I.E., A.B.-M., I.H.-V. and B.K. are Fairtility employees. I.E. and B.K. also have stock or stock options of Fairtility. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anabella Marconetto
- University Institute of Reproductive Medicine, National University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Assaf Ben-Meir
- Fairtilty Ltd, Tel Aviv, Israel.,IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Iris Har-Vardi
- Fairtilty Ltd, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Fertility and IVF unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center and the Faculty of Health Sciences Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Laura Rienzi
- GeneraLife IVF, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
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7
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Endometriosis is associated with a lowered cumulative live birth rate: A retrospective matched cohort study including 3071 in vitro fertilization cycles. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 151:103631. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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8
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Conforti A, Carbone L, Simeon V, Chiodini P, Marrone V, Bagnulo F, Cariati F, Strina I, Alviggi C. Unravelling the link between phthalate exposure and endometriosis in humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2543-2557. [PMID: 34227050 PMCID: PMC8581146 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02265-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Endometriosis is a chronic debilitating inflammatory pathology which interests females in their reproductive age. Its pathogenesis has not yet been clearly defined. Recent evidence linked chemical agents as endocrine-disrupting chemicals to endometriosis. Phthalates are a widely used class of such compounds. This study aimed to summarize the current literature evaluating the link between exposure to phthalates and occurrence of endometriosis. METHODS A systematic review of literature and meta-analysis has been carried out following PRISMA guidelines to assess such link. Fourteen studies have been included in the review. Risk of bias has been assessed through the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. RESULTS We observed association between endometriosis and increased urinary levels of MBP/MnBP, MEOHP, and MEHHP, but not for others. Blood-derived analysis showed statistically significant link between endometriosis and BBP, DEHP, DnBP, and MEHP. CONCLUSION Given the wide heterogeneity of included studies, results should be taken with caution. Further studies with more rigorous methodology are encouraged to unravel the true link between this class of toxic compounds and manifestation of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Conforti
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini no. 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Carbone
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini no. 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Vittorio Simeon
- Medical Statistic Unit, Luigi Vanvitelli University, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Chiodini
- Medical Statistic Unit, Luigi Vanvitelli University, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Marrone
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini no. 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Bagnulo
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini no. 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Cariati
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini no. 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Ida Strina
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini no. 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Alviggi
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Via Sergio Pansini no. 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
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