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Mendola RJ, Biswas L, Schindler K, Walmsley RH, Russell H, Angle M, Garrisi GJ. Influx of zwitterionic buffer after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) membrane piercing alters the transcriptome of human oocytes. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1341-1356. [PMID: 38436798 PMCID: PMC11143126 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03064-2] [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] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE/STUDY QUESTION Does piercing oocyte membranes during ICSI allow the influx of surrounding zwitterionic buffer into human oocytes and result in altered developmental competence? METHODS Human oocytes directed to IRB-approved research were used to determine the unrestricted influx of surrounding buffer into the oocyte after piercing of membranes via confocal fluorescence microscopy (n = 80 human MII oocytes) and the influence of the select buffer influx of HEPES, MOPS, and bicarbonate buffer on the oocyte transcriptome using ultra-low input RNA sequencing (n = 40 human MII oocytes). RESULTS Piercing membranes of human MII oocytes during sham-ICSI resulted in the unrestricted influx of surrounding culture buffer into the oocyte that was beyond technician control. Transcriptome analysis revealed statistically significant decreased cytoskeletal transcripts in the pierced buffer cohorts, higher levels of embryo competency transcripts (IGF2 and G6PD) in the bicarbonate buffer cohort, higher levels of stress-induced transcriptional repressor transcripts (MAF1) in the HEPES and MOPS cohorts, and decreased levels of numerous chromosomal maintenance transcripts (SMC3) in the HEPES buffer cohort. The HEPES buffer cohort also revealed higher levels of transcripts suggesting increased oxidative (GPX1) and lysosomal stress (LAMP1). CONCLUSION The influence of zwitterionic buffer on intrinsic cellular mechanisms provides numerous concerns for their use in IVF clinical applications. The primary concern is the ICSI procedure, in which the surrounding buffer is allowed influx into the oocytes after membrane piercing. Selecting a physiological bicarbonate buffer may reduce imposed stress on oocytes, resulting in improved embryo development and clinical results because intracellular MOPS, and especially HEPES, may negatively impact intrinsic biological mechanisms, as revealed by transcriptome changes. These findings further support the utilization of bicarbonate buffer as the oocyte-holding medium during ICSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Mendola
- Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Science (IRMS) at Saint Barnabas, Livingston, NJ, USA.
| | - Leelabati Biswas
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Karen Schindler
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Renee H Walmsley
- Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Science (IRMS) at Saint Barnabas, Livingston, NJ, USA
| | - Helena Russell
- Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Marlane Angle
- Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - G John Garrisi
- Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Science (IRMS) at Saint Barnabas, Livingston, NJ, USA
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Anagnostopoulou C, Rosas IM, Gugnani N, Desai D, Manoharan M, Singh N, Leonardi Diaz SI, Singh K, Wirka KA, Gupta S, Darbandi S, Chockalingam A, Darbandi M, Boitrelle F, Finelli R, Sallam HN, Agarwal A. An expert commentary on essential equipment, supplies and culture media in the ART laboratory. Panminerva Med 2022; 64:140-155. [PMID: 35146990 DOI: 10.23736/s0031-0808.22.04671-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The ART laboratory is a complex system designed to sustain the fertilization, survival, and culture of the preimplantation embryo to the blastocyst stage. ART outcomes depend on numerous factors, among which are the equipment, supplies and culture media used. The number and type of incubators also may affect ART results. While large incubators may be more suitable for media equilibration, bench-top incubators may provide better embryo culture conditions in separate or smaller chambers and may be coupled with time-lapse systems that allow continuous embryo monitoring. Microscopes are essential for observation, assessment, and micromanipulation. Workstations provide a controlled environment for gamete and embryo handling and their quantity should be adjusted according to the number of ART cycles treated in order to provide a steady and efficient workflow. Continuous maintenance, quality control and monitoring of equipment is essential and quality control devices such as the thermometer, and pH-meter are necessary to maintain optimal culture conditions. Tracking, appropriate delivery and storage conditions, and quality control of all consumables is recommended so that the adequate quantity and quality is available for use. Embryo culture media have evolved: preimplantation embryos are cultured either by sequential media or single-step media that can be used for interrupted or uninterrupted culture. There is currently no sufficient evidence that any individual commercially-available culture system is better than others in terms of embryo viability. In this review, we aim to analyse the various parameters that should be taken into account when choosing the essential equipment, consumables and culture media systems that will create optimal culture conditions and provide the most effective patient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Israel M Rosas
- Citmer Reproductive Medicine, IVF LAB, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nivita Gugnani
- BabySoon Fertility and IVF Center, New Delhi, India India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India
| | - Dimple Desai
- DPU IVF & ENDOSCOPY CENTER, Dr. D. Y. Patil Hospital & Research Centre, Pune, India
| | | | | | | | - Keerti Singh
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados
| | - Kelly A Wirka
- Fertility & Endocrinology, Medical Affairs, EMD Serono, USA
| | - Sajal Gupta
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Sara Darbandi
- Fetal Health Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran.,Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mahsa Darbandi
- Fetal Health Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran.,Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, Poissy, France.,Department of Biology, Reproduction, Epigenetics, Environment and Development, Paris Saclay University, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Renata Finelli
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Hassan N Sallam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Alexandria University Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA -
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Uppangala S, Dhiman S, Salian SR, Singh VJ, Kalthur G, Adiga SK. In vitro matured oocytes are more susceptible than in vivo matured oocytes to mock ICSI induced functional and genetic changes. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119735. [PMID: 25786120 PMCID: PMC4364773 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Concerns regarding the safety of ICSI have been intensified recently due to increased risk of birth defects in ICSI born children. Although fertilization rate is significantly higher in ICSI cycles, studies have failed to demonstrate the benefits of ICSI in improving the pregnancy rate. Poor technical skill, and suboptimal in vitro conditions may account for the ICSI results however, there is no report on the effects of oocyte manipulations on the ICSI outcome. Objective The present study elucidates the influence of mock ICSI on the functional and genetic integrity of the mouse oocytes. Methods Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) level, mitochondrial status, and phosphorylation of H2AX were assessed in the in vivo matured and IVM oocytes subjected to mock ICSI. Results A significant increase in ROS level was observed in both in vivo matured and IVM oocytes subjected to mock ICSI (P<0.05-0.001) whereas unique mitochondrial distribution pattern was found only in IVM oocytes (P<0.01-0.001). Importantly, differential H2AX phosphorylation was observed in both in vivo matured and IVM oocytes subjected to mock ICSI (P <0.001). Conclusion The data from this study suggests that mock ICSI can alter genetic and functional integrity in oocytes and IVM oocytes are more vulnerable to mock ICSI induced changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhashree Uppangala
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal-576 104, India
| | - Shilly Dhiman
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal-576 104, India
| | - Sujit Raj Salian
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal-576 104, India
| | - Vikram Jeet Singh
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal-576 104, India
| | - Guruprasad Kalthur
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal-576 104, India
| | - Satish Kumar Adiga
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal-576 104, India
- * E-mail:
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Will MA, Clark NA, Swain JE. Biological pH buffers in IVF: help or hindrance to success. J Assist Reprod Genet 2011; 28:711-24. [PMID: 21614519 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-011-9582-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2011] [Accepted: 05/13/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Minimizing environmental stress helps maintain cellular homeostasis and is a crucial component in optimizing embryo development in vitro and resulting ART success. One stressor of particular interest is pH. Biologic buffers, such as HEPES and MOPS, are valuable tools for stabilizing pH. The objective of this manuscript is to summarize efficacy and impact of various pH buffers used during IVF lab procedures METHODS Keyword searches were performed using Pubmed and Medline and relevant literature reviewed. RESULTS Various pH buffers have been used with varying degrees of success for gamete and embryo processing in a variety of animal species, as well as in human. CONCLUSION Though biologic buffers off a means to improve pH stability, not all buffers may be appropriate for use with gametes and embryos. Specific buffers may have undesired effects, and these may be buffer, species, cell type or concentration dependent. Continued research is needed to further refine and improve the use of biologic buffers for use in human ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Will
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
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Zwitterionic buffers preserve ram semen quality more efficiently than TRIS during storage at 15°C. Small Rumin Res 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2010.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Swain JE. Optimizing the culture environment in the IVF laboratory: impact of pH and buffer capacity on gamete and embryo quality. Reprod Biomed Online 2010; 21:6-16. [PMID: 20570214 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2010.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2009] [Revised: 03/09/2010] [Accepted: 03/12/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Supplying and maintaining appropriate culture conditions is critical to minimize stress imposed upon gametes and embryos and to optimize the in-vitro environment. One parameter that requires close scrutiny in this endeavour is pH. Though embryos have a limited ability to regulate their internal pH (pH(i)), oocytes lack robust mechanisms. Thus, careful attention to external pH (pH(e)) of culture media is imperative in IVF. Ability to withstand deviations in hydrogen ion concentration varies depending on culture conditions, as well as laboratory procedures. Cryopreserved--thaw--thawed embryos, as well as denuded oocytes, are especially susceptible to perturbations in pH(e). Therefore, proper setting, monitoring and stabilizing of pH(e) during IVF laboratory procedures is a crucial component of a rigorous quality control programme. Here, importance of both pH(i) and pH(e) in respect to gamete and embryo quality are discussed. Furthermore, factors influencing selection of pH(e), as well as emerging methods to stabilize pH(e) in the IVF laboratory are detailed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason E Swain
- University of Michigan, OB GYN, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA.
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Swain JE, Pool TB. New pH-buffering system for media utilized during gamete and embryo manipulations for assisted reproduction. Reprod Biomed Online 2009; 18:799-810. [PMID: 19490784 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60029-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Maintenance of stable pH is important for optimizing gamete and embryo culture. One method to stabilize pH entails using zwitterionic buffers in IVF handling media used outside the laboratory incubator. Current handling media utilize single buffers, such as MOPS or HEPES. However, the use of a single buffer limits the ability to adjust the range of buffering capacity. Furthermore, changes in temperature alter buffering of these compounds. Therefore, traditional IVF handling media utilizing a single buffer may not provide ideal pH buffering. This study reports that combining multiple buffers, such as HEPES, MOPS and DIPSO, into a single medium in various ratios gives the ability to shift the effective buffering range to cover a specific pH. Additionally, by combining various buffers, it is possible to expand pH buffering over a range of temperatures, while simultaneously reducing the absolute concentration of individual buffers, thereby reducing or alleviating toxicity concerns. This report verifies that DIPSO, MOPS and HEPES, and their combinations, support embryo development. Therefore, utilization of bi- and tri-buffered media, containing a mixture of HEPES, MOPS or DIPSO, offers advantages compared with media containing HEPES or MOPS alone, and may be used for procedures such as oocyte retrieval, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, embryo transfer and cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason E Swain
- Fertility Center of San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
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Palasz AT, Breña PB, De la Fuente J, Gutiérrez-Adán A. The effect of different zwitterionic buffers and PBS used for out-of-incubator procedures during standard in vitro embryo production on development, morphology and gene expression of bovine embryos. Theriogenology 2009; 70:1461-70. [PMID: 18675448 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.06.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2007] [Revised: 06/11/2008] [Accepted: 06/18/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The effect of the zwitterionic buffers HEPES, TES and MOPS and of PBS used for out-of-incubator procedures during standard in vitro embryo production on bovine oocytes and embryo development, morphology and on the expression patterns of eight selected genes: Fgf-4, Lama1, Ube2a, Gsta4, Il6, Sod1, Prss11 and Hspb1, was evaluated. All buffers were prepared at a concentration of 10 mM in TALP medium, with the exception of PBS. The total time of oocyte/embryo exposure to each buffer was approximately 41 min. The cleavage rates and number of embryos that developed to > or =8 cells at day 4 were no different among the buffers tested, however, more blastocysts developed at day 7, 8 and 9 in HEPES and MOPS treatments than in PBS and TES (P<0.05). No difference between buffers in total and apoptotic cell number was found. Except for Hspb1 and Ube2a genes, the levels of expression of the six remaining transcripts were higher in in vivo than in in vitro embryos irrespective of buffer used (P<0.05). In addition, higher expression of Hspb1 and lower expression of Ube2a and Lama1 were observed in PBS and TES than in MOPS and HEPES treatments (P<0.05). Expression of Fgf-4 and Gsta4 in the in vitro embryos was lower in PBS than in the remaining three buffers (P<0.05) and the level of expression of the Il6 gene was not affected by any buffer tested but was lower in in vitro than in in vivo derived embryos. Expression of both Sod1 and Prss11 genes in MOPS were at the level of the in vivo embryos. These results showed that the choice of buffer and short exposure time of approximately 41 min, affects mRNA expression of in vitro produced bovine embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- A T Palasz
- Ministry of Science and Innovation, Department of Animal Reproduction, INIA, Madrid, Spain.
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Bibliography. Current world literature. Minimally invasive gynecologic procedures. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2007; 19:402-5. [PMID: 17625426 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0b013e3282ca75fc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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de Moraes LM. Controlled studies of the variables involved in culture media for intracytoplasmicsperm injection are needed. Fertil Steril 2007; 87:451; author reply 451. [PMID: 17276155 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.11.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Reply of the authors:. Fertil Steril 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.11.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Pool TB. Culture media: the devil is in the details. Fertil Steril 2006; 86:1804; author reply 1804-5. [PMID: 17055500 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.08.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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