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Cremonese J, Marcon M, Oppi L, Paletti G, Romolo V, Tozzo P, Caenazzo L. An Update on Planned Oocyte Cryopreservation (POC) in Italy: Medical, Epidemiological and Legal Consideration. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:2371. [PMID: 35206556 PMCID: PMC8872062 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Starting with a brief socioeconomic analysis of the phenomenon of female fertility, this narrative review aims to provide an analysis of the use and possibilities of medically assisted reproductive technology in combating fertility issues, adopting socioeconomic, legal and medical perspectives in Italy. The authors mainly employ data from the annual reports of the National Registry of Medically Assisted Reproduction (PMA Registry) and the Italian Statistical Institute (ISTAT) to understand the evolution of oocyte use in medically assisted reproductive technology in Italy from 2015 to 2018 and in particular to dissect the possibilities of oocyte cryopreservation as a measure to counteract age-related infertility, specifically through Planned Oocyte Cryopreservation (POC), also known as "social freezing". It seems that the best course of action in the context of medically assisted reproduction would be the use of young and healthy cryopreserved oocytes (autologous or donated), preferably before the age of 40, while encouraging donation of oocytes whenever possible. Italy's dependence on foreign biobanks for donated oocytes calls for the institution of a national biobank and further specific regulation of gamete donation. For this reason, it would be useful to encourage the acceptance of Planned Oocyte Cryopreservation to allow greater availability of healthy, younger oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Cremonese
- Galileian School of Higher Education, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (J.C.); (M.M.); (L.O.); (G.P.); (V.R.)
| | - Marianna Marcon
- Galileian School of Higher Education, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (J.C.); (M.M.); (L.O.); (G.P.); (V.R.)
| | - Laura Oppi
- Galileian School of Higher Education, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (J.C.); (M.M.); (L.O.); (G.P.); (V.R.)
| | - Giulia Paletti
- Galileian School of Higher Education, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (J.C.); (M.M.); (L.O.); (G.P.); (V.R.)
| | - Vincenzo Romolo
- Galileian School of Higher Education, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (J.C.); (M.M.); (L.O.); (G.P.); (V.R.)
| | - Pamela Tozzo
- Legal Medicine Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy;
| | - Luciana Caenazzo
- Legal Medicine Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy;
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Kool EM, Bos AME, van der Graaf R, Fauser BCJM, Bredenoord AL. Ethics of oocyte banking for third-party assisted reproduction: a systematic review. Hum Reprod Update 2018; 24:615-635. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmy016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- E M Kool
- Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - A M E Bos
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - R van der Graaf
- Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - B C J M Fauser
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - A L Bredenoord
- Department of Medical Humanities, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Tamura AN, Huang TTF, Marikawa Y. Impact of vitrification on the meiotic spindle and components of the microtubule-organizing center in mouse mature oocytes. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:112. [PMID: 24025740 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.108167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation of oocytes is becoming a valuable method for fertility preservation in women. However, various unphysiological alterations occur in the oocyte during the course of cryopreservation, one of which is the disappearance of the meiotic spindle. Fortunately, the meiotic spindle does regenerate after thawing the frozen oocytes, which enables completion of meiosis and further development after fertilization. Nonetheless, the mechanistic understanding of the meiotic spindle regeneration after cryopreservation is still scarce. Here, to gain insight into the mechanisms of the spindle disappearance and regeneration, we examined the status of spindle microtubules as well as the key components of the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC), specifically gamma-Tubulin, NEDD1, and Pericentrin, in mature (metaphase II) mouse oocytes at different steps of vitrification, a major cryopreservation technique. We found that the configuration of the spindle microtubules dynamically changed during the process of vitrification and that spindle regeneration was preceded by excessive microtubule polymerization, followed by reduction into the normal size and shape. Also, all three MTOC components exhibited disappearance and reappearance during the vitrification process, although Pericentrin appeared to regenerate in earlier steps compared to the other components. Furthermore, we found that the localization of the MTOC components to the spindle poles persisted even after depolymerization of spindle microtubules, suggesting that the MTOC components are impacted by vitrification independently from the integrity of the microtubules. The present study would set the stage for future investigations on the molecular mechanisms of the meiotic spindle regeneration, which may contribute to further improving protocols for oocyte cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen N Tamura
- University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Institute for Biogenesis Research, Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, Honolulu, Hawaii
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Blyth E, Yee S, Lee GL. Freezing the Biological Clock: A Viable Fertility Preservation Option for Young Singaporean Women? ANNALS OF THE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE, SINGAPORE 2013. [DOI: 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.v42n9p472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In March 2012, an article in The Straits Times entitled ‘Freezing eggs could reverse falling birth rate’ suggested that employing the latest oocyte cryopreservation techniques could both foster individual women’s reproductive autonomy and impact Singapore’s fertility rate, which in recent years has consistently been among the world’s lowest. The article cited both local and international fertility specialists’ approval of elective oocyte cryopreservation for young women wishing to protect their reproductive potential against ageing and as a potential antidote to the contemporary ‘delay and defer’ model of family-building. Later in 2012, the Ministry of Health announced a review of oocyte cryopreservation policy taking into account related medical, scientific and ethical issues, while the Singapore College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists endorsed oocyte cryopreservation as an “important, safe and efficient technology”. This paper outlines and analyses the arguments and empirical evidence used both to support and oppose offering elective oocyte cryopreservation as a routine fertility service, before concluding that this remains unjustifiable on the basis of insufficient evidence of its clinical efficacy and safety as regards either pregnancy rates or birth outcomes. If it is to be made available at all for these reasons in Singapore, it should be subjected to rigorous clinic-specific evaluation in accordance with accepted clinical and ethical norms.
Key words: Elective oocyte cryopreservation, Outcomes
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Blyth
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield England, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha Yee
- Centre for Fertility and Reproductive Health, Mount Sinai Hospital Toronto, Canada
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Cholst IN. Oocyte donation and the therapeutic misconception. Fertil Steril 2013; 99:1561-2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/12/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Ignacio JJ, Taylor BJ. Ethical issues in health-care inquiry: a discussion paper. Int J Nurs Pract 2013; 19 Suppl 1:56-61. [PMID: 23425380 DOI: 10.1111/ijn.12017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This paper is a discussion of the possible ethical dilemmas that may arise in both qualitative and quantitative research despite stringent methodological protocols. Three categories of ethical issues will be elaborated on, namely, researcher-participant relations, informed consent and confidentiality and privacy. These are of note because ethical dilemmas most often arise in these areas. Both qualitative and quantitative research types may thus present with problems associated with any, or a combination, of these categories. Methodological rigour will also be discussed as a vital component of any research study. Critics of the qualitative approach have often suggested that the innate lack of methodological rigour has resulted in the preponderance of ethical issues in qualitative studies. Qualitative studies, similar to quantitative studies, have mechanisms that guarantee rigour, quality and trustworthiness. These checks are at par with those of quantitative research but based on different criteria. Both types of research, then, can be considered equal in terms of methodological rigour, regardless of the nature. As no research approach can be perfectly free from threats of ethical issues, it is the researcher's responsibility to address these in ways that will be less harmful to the participants, bearing in mind ethical problems can arise at any time during the research endeavour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette J Ignacio
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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Li DG, Zhu Y, Xing FY, Li SG, Chen XJ, Jiang MX. Microtubule organisation, pronuclear formation and embryonic development of mouse oocytes after intracytoplasmic sperm injection or parthenogenetic activation and then slow-freezing with 1,2-propanediol. Reprod Fertil Dev 2013; 25:609-16. [DOI: 10.1071/rd12124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Accepted: 05/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of cryopreservation on oocytes at different times after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and parthenogenetic activation. The study was performed in mouse oocytes fertilised by ICSI, or in artificially-activated oocytes, which were cryopreserved immediately, one hour or five hours later through slow-freezing. After thawing, the rates of survival, fertilisation–activation, embryonic development of oocytes–zygotes and changes in the cytoskeleton and ploidy were observed. Our results reveal a significant difference in survival rates of 0-, 1- and 5-h cryopreserved oocytes following ICSI and artificial activation. Moreover, significant differences in two pronuclei (PN) development existed between the 0-, 1- and 5-h groups of oocytes frozen after ICSI, while the rates of two-PN development of activated oocytes were different between the 1-h and 5-h groups. Despite these initial differences, there was no difference in the rate of blastocyst formation from two-PN zygotes following ICSI or artificial activation. However, compared with ICSI or artificially-activated oocytes cryopreserved at 5 h, many oocytes from the 0- and 1-h cryopreservation groups developed to zygotes with abnormal ploidy; this suggests that too little time before cryopreservation can result in some activated oocytes forming abnormal ploidy. However, our results also demonstrate that spermatozoa can maintain normal fertilisation capacity in frozen ICSI oocytes and the procedure of freeze–thawing did not affect the later development of zygotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dun-Gao Li
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
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Barritt J, Luna M, Sandler B, Duke M, B. Copperman A. Elective oocyte freezing for the preservation of fertility. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.4236/ojog.2012.21005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Martínez-Burgos M, Herrero L, Megías D, Salvanes R, Montoya MC, Cobo AC, Garcia-Velasco JA. Vitrification versus slow freezing of oocytes: effects on morphologic appearance, meiotic spindle configuration, and DNA damage. Fertil Steril 2011; 95:374-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.07.1089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2010] [Revised: 07/29/2010] [Accepted: 07/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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McGowan ML. Participation in investigational fertility preservation research: a feminist research ethics approach. Cancer Treat Res 2010; 156:209-21. [PMID: 20811836 PMCID: PMC3071553 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-6518-9_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L McGowan
- Department of Bioethics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Liu J, Mullen S, Meng Q, Critser J, Dinnyes A. Determination of oocyte membrane permeability coefficients and their application to cryopreservation in a rabbit model. Cryobiology 2009; 59:127-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2009.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2008] [Revised: 04/22/2009] [Accepted: 06/01/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Bibliography. Current world literature. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2009; 21:296-300. [PMID: 19458522 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0b013e32832c972c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This bibliography is compiled by clinicians from the journals listed at the end of this publication. It is based on literature entered into our database between 1 February 2008 and 31 January 2009 (articles are generally added to the database about two and a half months after publication). In addition, the bibliography contains every paper annotated by reviewers; these references were obtained from a variety of bibliographic databases and published between the beginning of the review period and the time of going to press. The bibliography has been grouped into topics that relate to the reviews in this issue.
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Ezcurra D, Rangnow J, Craig M, Schertz J. The Human Oocyte Preservation Experience (HOPE) a phase IV, prospective, multicenter, observational oocyte cryopreservation registry. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2009; 7:53. [PMID: 19473532 PMCID: PMC2700116 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-7-53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2009] [Accepted: 05/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been recommended by the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine that options to preserve fertility be presented at the outset of treatment for cancer. This recommendation may have arisen, in part, to the increasing survival of patients with cancer and the realization that certain forms of cancer treatment can lead to infertility. One option for these patients, particularly those with ethical or religious objections to freezing embryos is oocyte cryopreservation. However universal acceptance of these procedures has yet to be established, most likely due to a poor history of success and concerns that there has yet to be a comprehensive approach to evaluating these techniques. In light of this, a registry of patients undergoing oocyte cryopreservation, called the HOPE registry, is being implemented. DISCUSSION The intent of the HOPE Registry is to enroll approximately 400 women of reproductive age who will undergo thawing/warming of oocytes and subsequent transfer. Data from the patients enrolled will be collected via a uniform, standardized form and will document important parameters such as demographics, laboratory procedures and outcomes, including following the outcomes of babies born for one year after birth. The results of the registry will be published on a yearly basis. SUMMARY A patient registry has been established in order to systematically document the techniques and outcomes of oocyte cryopreservation procedures. The results will be published in order to provide a widely accessible resource that will allow patients who are considering these procedures validated information in order to make informed decisions as to how their treatment will proceed.
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Current world literature. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2009; 14:211-7. [PMID: 19307967 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0b013e32832ad721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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