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Thapa P, Bawaskar PA, Badge A, Pareek C, Kalbande A. Successful Fertilization in a Case of Globozoospermia Through Assisted Oocyte Activation With Calcium Ionophores: A Case Report. Cureus 2024; 16:e61065. [PMID: 38916008 PMCID: PMC11195911 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Globozoospermia is a rare sperm morphological abnormality characterized by a lack of acrosomes and post-acrosomal sheaths, defects in the cytoskeleton around the nucleus, and separated nuclear membranes. In this case, the study outlines the treatment of a 32-year-old male patient diagnosed with globozoospermia. The couple, facing primary infertility for seven years, had already undergone unsuccessful assisted reproductive technology treatments, such as two intrauterine inseminations and one in vitro fertilization. They opted for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with assisted oocyte activation (AOA) using a calcium (Ca) ionophore. The semen analysis showed globozoospermia, which indicated that ICSI was required for fertilization. Post-fertilization, embryo quality was assessed; three were in cleavage-stage embryos, and two grade 4AA and 3AA blastocysts and the rest were arrested at 2 pronuclear (2PN) stages, revealing successful embryo development. This case report implies that using AOA with Ca ionophores enhanced the fertilization outcomes and could be a helpful intervention strategy for patients with globozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Thapa
- Clinical Embryology, Datta Meghe Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Nagpur, IND
| | - Pranita A Bawaskar
- Clinical Embryology, Datta Meghe Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Nagpur, IND
| | - Ankit Badge
- Microbiology, Datta Meghe Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Nagpur, IND
| | - Charu Pareek
- Clinical Embryology, Datta Meghe Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Nagpur, IND
| | - Avanti Kalbande
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Wardha, IND
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Lundin K, Bentzen JG, Bozdag G, Ebner T, Harper J, Le Clef N, Moffett A, Norcross S, Polyzos NP, Rautakallio-Hokkanen S, Sfontouris I, Sermon K, Vermeulen N, Pinborg A. Good practice recommendations on add-ons in reproductive medicine†. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2062-2104. [PMID: 37747409 PMCID: PMC10628516 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Which add-ons are safe and effective to be used in ART treatment? SUMMARY ANSWER Forty-two recommendations were formulated on the use of add-ons in the diagnosis of fertility problems, the IVF laboratory and clinical management of IVF treatment. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The innovative nature of ART combined with the extremely high motivation of the patients has opened the door to the wide application of what has become known as 'add-ons' in reproductive medicine. These supplementary options are available to patients in addition to standard fertility procedures, typically incurring an additional cost. A diverse array of supplementary options is made available, encompassing tests, drugs, equipment, complementary or alternative therapies, laboratory procedures, and surgical interventions. These options share the common aim of stating to enhance pregnancy or live birth rates, mitigate the risk of miscarriage, or expedite the time to achieving pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION ESHRE aimed to develop clinically relevant and evidence-based recommendations focusing on the safety and efficacy of add-ons currently used in fertility procedures in order to improve the quality of care for patients with infertility. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS ESHRE appointed a European multidisciplinary working group consisting of practising clinicians, embryologists, and researchers who have demonstrated leadership and expertise in the care and research of infertility. Patient representatives were included in the working group. To ensure that the guidelines are evidence-based, the literature identified from a systematic search was reviewed and critically appraised. In the absence of any clear scientific evidence, recommendations were based on the professional experience and consensus of the working group. The guidelines are thus based on the best available evidence and expert agreement. Prior to publication, the guidelines were reviewed by 46 independent international reviewers. A total of 272 comments were received and incorporated where relevant. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The multidisciplinary working group formulated 42 recommendations in three sections; diagnosis and diagnostic tests, laboratory tests and interventions, and clinical management. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Of the 42 recommendations, none could be based on high-quality evidence and only four could be based on moderate-quality evidence, implicating that 95% of the recommendations are supported only by low-quality randomized controlled trials, observational data, professional experience, or consensus of the development group. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These guidelines offer valuable direction for healthcare professionals who are responsible for the care of patients undergoing ART treatment for infertility. Their purpose is to promote safe and effective ART treatment, enabling patients to make informed decisions based on realistic expectations. The guidelines aim to ensure that patients are fully informed about the various treatment options available to them and the likelihood of any additional treatment or test to improve the chance of achieving a live birth. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) All costs relating to the development process were covered from ESHRE funds. There was no external funding of the development process or manuscript production. K.L. reports speakers fees from Merck and was part of a research study by Vitrolife (unpaid). T.E. reports consulting fees from Gynemed, speakers fees from Gynemed and is part of the scientific advisory board of Hamilton Thorne. N.P.P. reports grants from Merck Serono, Ferring Pharmaceutical, Theramex, Gedeon Richter, Organon, Roche, IBSA and Besins Healthcare, speakers fees from Merck Serono, Ferring Pharmaceutical, Theramex, Gedeon Richter, Organon, Roche, IBSA and Besins Healthcare. S.R.H. declares being managing director of Fertility Europe, a not-for-profit organization receiving financial support from ESHRE. I.S. is a scientific advisor for and has stock options from Alife Health, is co-founder of IVFvision LTD (unpaid) and received speakers' fee from the 2023 ART Young Leader Prestige workshop in China. A.P. reports grants from Gedeon Richter, Ferring Pharmaceuticals and Merck A/S, consulting fees from Preglem, Novo Nordisk, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Gedeon Richter, Cryos and Merck A/S, speakers fees from Gedeon Richter, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Merck A/S, Theramex and Organon, travel fees from Gedeon Richter. The other authors disclosed no conflicts of interest. DISCLAIMER This Good Practice Recommendations (GPRs) document represents the views of ESHRE, which are the result of consensus between the relevant ESHRE stakeholders and are based on the scientific evidence available at the time of preparation.ESHRE GPRs should be used for information and educational purposes. They should not be interpreted as setting a standard of care or bedeemedinclusive of all proper methods of care, or be exclusive of other methods of care reasonably directed to obtaining the same results.Theydo not replace the need for application of clinical judgement to each individual presentation, or variations based on locality and facility type.Furthermore, ESHRE GPRs do not constitute or imply the endorsement, or favouring, of any of the included technologies by ESHRE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - K Lundin
- Department Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - J G Bentzen
- The Fertility Department, Rigshospitalet Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - G Bozdag
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - T Ebner
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Gynecological Endocrinology, Kepler University, MedCampus IV, Linz, Austria
| | - J Harper
- Institute for Women’s Health, London, UK
| | - N Le Clef
- European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - A Moffett
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - N P Polyzos
- Department Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - K Sermon
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - N Vermeulen
- European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - A Pinborg
- The Fertility Department, Rigshospitalet Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Gao Y, Yang D, Fang Y, Wang X, Li D. Live birth following an innovative artificial oocyte activation protocol using double calcium stimulators. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023; 136:2101-2103. [PMID: 36914951 PMCID: PMC10476707 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yingzhuo Gao
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China
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Quintana-Vehí A, Martínez M, Zamora MJ, Rodríguez A, Vassena R, Miguel-Escalada I, Popovic M. Significant differences in efficiency between two commonly used ionophore solutions for assisted oocyte activation (AOA): a prospective comparison of ionomycin and A23187. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:1661-1668. [PMID: 37247099 PMCID: PMC10352473 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02833-9] [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: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite the success of ICSI in treating severe male factor infertile patients, total fertilization failure (FF) still occurs in around 1-3% of ICSI cycles. To overcome FF, the use of calcium ionophores has been proposed to induce oocyte activation and restore fertilization rates. However, assisted oocyte activation (AOA) protocols and ionophores vary between laboratories, and the morphokinetic development underlying AOA remains understudied. METHODS A prospective single-center cohort study involving 81 in vitro matured metaphase-II oocytes from 66 oocyte donation cycles artificially activated by A23187 (GM508 CultActive, Gynemed) (n=42) or ionomycin (n=39). Parthenogenesis was induced, and morphokinetic parameters (tPNa, tPNf, t2-t8, tSB, and tB) were compared between the 2 study groups and a control group comprising 39 2PN-zygotes from standard ICSI cycles. RESULTS Ionomycin treatment resulted in higher activation rates compared to A23187 (38.5% vs 23.8%, p=0.15). Importantly, none of the A23187-activated parthenotes formed blastocysts. When evaluating the morphokinetic dynamics between the two ionophores, we found that tPNa and tPNf were significantly delayed in the group treated by A23187 (11.84 vs 5.31, p=0.002 and 50.15 vs 29.69, p=0.005, respectively). t2 was significantly delayed in A23187-activated parthenotes when compared to the double heterologous control embryo group. In contrast, the morphokinetic development of ionomycin-activated parthenotes was comparable to control embryos (p>0.05). CONCLUSION Our results suggest that A23187 leads to lower oocyte activation rates and profoundly affects morphokinetic timings and preimplantation development in parthenotes. Despite our limited sample size and low parthenote competence, standardization and further optimization of AOA protocols may allow wider use and improved outcomes for FF cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M Martínez
- Clínica EUGIN, C/ Balmes 236, 08006, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M J Zamora
- Clínica EUGIN, C/ Balmes 236, 08006, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - R Vassena
- Eugin Group, 08006, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - M Popovic
- Eugin Group, 08006, Barcelona, Spain
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Zhang X, Hu C, Wu L. Advances in the study of genetic factors and clinical interventions for fertilization failure. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023:10.1007/s10815-023-02810-2. [PMID: 37289376 PMCID: PMC10371943 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02810-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertilization failure refers to the failure in the pronucleus formation, evaluating 16-18 h post in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection. It can be caused by sperm, oocytes, and sperm-oocyte interaction and lead to great financial and physical stress to the patients. Recent advancements in genetics, molecular biology, and clinical-assisted reproductive technology have greatly enhanced research into the causes and treatment of fertilization failure. Here, we review the causes that have been reported to lead to fertilization failure in fertilization processes, including the sperm acrosome reaction, penetration of the cumulus and zona pellucida, recognition and fusion of the sperm and oocyte membranes, oocyte activation, and pronucleus formation. Additionally, we summarize the progress of corresponding treatment methods of fertilization failure. This review will provide the latest research advances in the genetic aspects of fertilization failure and will benefit both researchers and clinical practitioners in reproduction and genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangjun Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Congyuan Hu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China
| | - Limin Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, China.
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Lin Y, Huang Y, Li B, Zhang T, Niu Y, Hu S, Ding Y, Yao G, Wei Z, Yao N, Yao Y, Lu Y, He Y, Zhu Q, Zhang L, Sun Y. Novel mutations in PLCZ1 lead to early embryonic arrest as a male factor. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1193248. [PMID: 37261077 PMCID: PMC10227596 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1193248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Early embryonic arrest is one of the causes of assist reproduction technology (ART) failure. We have previously reported that the first sperm-derived genetic factor, ACTL7a mutations, could lead to early embryonic arrest. However, whether there are other male genetic factors associated with early embryonic arrest remains elusive. Here, we reported bi-allelic mutations in PLCZ1, a well-known causal gene of total fertilization failure, in four infertile males. Among these mutations, p.403_404del, p.I489S, and p.W536X were newly reported in this study. Histological and Western blotting analysis of the patients' sperm indicated these variants as loss-of-function mutations. These patients manifested normal conventional semen parameters and ultra-structures in sperm heads. However, among four in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles, 81.8% (18/22) of the oocytes were polyspermic fertilized, which was rarely reported in PLCZ1-related male patients. In the following six ICSI cycles, artificial oocyte activation (AOA) was applied and successfully rescued the fertilization failure and polyspermy phenotypes, with 31.3% (15/48) of the MII oocytes normally fertilized. However, 60.0% (9/15) of these normally fertilized zygotes were arrested at 2-5-cell stage, with one failing to cleave, indicating that PLCZ1 was not only necessary for fertilization, but also crucial for early embryonic development. However, these rescued zygotes showed a lower potential in developing into blastocysts when cultured in vitro. Thus, fresh cleavage transfer was tried and two live births were successfully achieved thereafter. In conclusion, this study provided novel mutations in PLCZ1 gene to expand the pathogenic mutational spectrum in male infertility and demonstrated that PLCZ1 was a crucial sperm-related genetic factor for early embryonic arrest. We also proposed that cleavage transfer after ICSI and AOA treatment could be a potential treatment method for male patients carrying bi-allelic mutations in PLCZ1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunying Lin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Boyu Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yichao Niu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuanggang Hu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Ding
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangxin Yao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhe Wei
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning Yao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yejie Yao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Lu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaqiong He
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinling Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China
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Zhang J, Yao G, Zhang T, Hu J, Yang G, He J, He Q, Fan H, Bai Y, Sun Y. Effect of calcium ionophore (A23187) on embryo development and its safety in PGT cycles. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 13:979248. [PMID: 36686427 PMCID: PMC9846205 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.979248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has tremendous advantages for resolving the problem of male infertility. However, ICSI fertilization can fail in some patients because of various reasons, primarily because of the failure of oocyte activation. Oocytes have been activated using calcium ionophore (A23187) in previous clinical cases of ICSI fertilization failure. However, studies on the efficiency of calcium ionophore (A23187) activation, its effects on the developmental potential of embryos, and its effects on pregnancy outcomes after embryo transfer are relatively limited. Methods In this study, we investigated the safety and long-term efficacy of calcium ionophore (A23187) by analyzing its effects on fertilization, embryonic development, aneuploidy, and pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) cycles. Results Comparative analyses of the activation followed by PGT (A-PGT) and PGT groups revealed no significant differences between the oocyte cleavage rate and high-quality embryo rate (98.19% vs. 98.63% and 63.13% vs. 68.39%, respectively, p > 0.05). Although the blastocyst formation rate was significantly lower in the A-PGT group than that in the PGT group (52.22% vs. 59.90%, p < 0.05), no significant difference was observed in the blastocyst aneuploidy rates of the two groups (24.49% vs. 24.55%, p > 0.05). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of the live birth rate (43.75% vs. 52.99%), week of delivery, and birth weight of the infants after transfer of euploid blastocysts (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the 2PN rate, oocyte cleavage rate, blastocyst formation rate, and live birth rate were found to be significantly lower in the A-ICSI group than those in the ICSI group (p < 0.01), but there was no significant difference between the two groups in the week of delivery and birth weight of live births (p > 0.05). Discussion These results suggest that the use of calcium ionophore (A23187) activation as an option in cases of ICSI fertilization failure does not affect the ploidy of developing blastocysts and has no significant effects on the week of delivery or birth weight after transfer. Thus, we provide a scientific basis for the clinical safety of oocyte activation using calcium ionophore (A23187).
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Affiliation(s)
- Junya Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guidong Yao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tongwei Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jingyi Hu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiahuan He
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qina He
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huiying Fan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yucheng Bai
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yingpu Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Artificial oocyte activation with ionomycin compared with A23187 among patients at risk of failed or impaired fertilization. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 46:35-45. [PMID: 36379856 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.08.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Do fertilization rates differ between intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles treated with artificial oocyte activation (AOA) using 10 µmol/l ionomycin or commercial A23187 in women at risk of failed or impaired fertilization? DESIGN This single-centre, 7-year retrospective cohort study included 157 couples with a history of total fertilization failure (TFF, 0%) or low fertilization (<30%) after ICSI, or with severe oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia (OAT) in the male partner. Couples and underwent 171 ICSI-AOA cycles using either 10 µmol/l ionomycin or commercial A23187. The embryological and clinical outcomes were compared. RESULTS Fertilization rates in the ionomycin group were significantly higher than those in the A23187 group for all three subgroups (TFF, 46.9% versus 28.4%, P = 0.002; low fertilization, 67.7% versus 49.2%, P < 0.001; severe OAT, 66.4% versus 31.6%, P < 0.001). AOA with ionomycin significantly increased the day 3 cleavage rate (P = 0.009) when compared with A23187 in the low fertilization group, but not in the TFF or severe OAT group (both P > 0.05). The rates of day 3 good-quality embryos, clinical pregnancy, implantation and live birth, and the cumulative live birth, did not differ between the two groups (all P > 0.05). A total of 64 live births resulted in 72 healthy babies born. CONCLUSIONS AOA with 10 µmol/l ionomycin may be more effective than commercial A23187 in improving oocyte activation in patients at risk of failed or impaired fertilization, especially in cases of sperm-related defects.
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Akashi K, Yamada M, Jwa SC, Utsuno H, Kamijo S, Hirota Y, Tanaka M, Osuga Y, Kuji N. Artificial oocyte activation using Ca 2+ ionophores following intracytoplasmic sperm injection for low fertilization rate. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1131808. [PMID: 36967799 PMCID: PMC10034378 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1131808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This large multi-center retrospective study examined whether artificial oocyte activation (AOA) using Ca2+ ionophore following ICSI improves the live birth rate for couples with previous ICSI cycles of unexplained low fertilization rate. In this large-scale multi-center retrospective study conducted in Japan, data were collected from Keio University and 17 collaborating institutions of the Japanese Institution for Standardizing Assisted Reproductive Technology. Between January 2015 and December 2019, 198 couples were included in this study. Oocytes for both the intervention and control groups were procured from the same pool of couples. Oocytes obtained from ICSI cycles with no or low fertilization rate (<50%) with unknown causes were included in the control (conventional ICSI) group while oocytes procured from ICSI cycles followed by performing AOA were assigned to the intervention (ICSI-AOA) group. Those fertilized with surgically retrieved sperm were excluded. ICSI-AOA efficacy and safety were evaluated by comparing these two groups. Live birth rate was the primary outcome. The ICSI-AOA group (2,920 oocytes) showed a significantly higher live birth per embryo transfer rate (18.0% [57/316]) compared to that of the conventional ICSI group with no or low fertilization rate (1,973 oocytes; 4.7% [4/85]) (odds ratio 4.5, 95% confidence interval 1.6-12.6; P<0.05). A higher live birth rate was observed in younger patients without a history of oocyte retrieval. Miscarriage, preterm delivery, and fetal congenital malformation rates were similar between the two groups. ICSI-AOA may reduce fertilization failure without increasing risks during the perinatal period. AOA may be offered to couples with an ICSI fertilization rate < 50%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Akashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsutoshi Yamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Mitsutoshi Yamada,
| | - Seung Chik Jwa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hiroki Utsuno
- Clinical Laboratory, Keio University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shintaro Kamijo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hirota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mamoru Tanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoaki Kuji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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Peng Y, Lin Y, Deng K, Shen J, Cui Y, Liu J, Yang X, Diao F. Mutations in PLCZ1 induce male infertility associated with polyspermy and fertilization failure. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:53-64. [PMID: 36529831 PMCID: PMC9840742 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02670-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the genetic causes of polyspermy and total fertilization failure (TFF) in two independent male patients suffering from male infertility. METHODS Immunofluorescence (IF) staining was used to detect the localization of the PLCζ protein in sperm and the maternal pronucleus in the zygote. Genomic DNA samples were extracted from the peripheral blood of patients and their families. The ExAC database was used to identify the frequency of corresponding mutations. The PLCZ1 mutations were validated by Sanger sequencing. The pathogenicity of the identified mutations and their possible effects on the protein were assessed using in silico tools and molecular modeling. RESULTS We identified a reported homozygous mutation c.588C > A (p.Cys196Ter) and a compound heterozygous mutation c.2 T > C(p.Met1Thr)/c.590G > A (p.Arg197His) with one novel mutation in PLCZ1. The IF results showed that these multipronuclear zygotes formed as a result of polyspermy. In silico analysis predicted that the mutations result in disease-causing proteins. IF staining revealed that PLCζ is abnormally localized in the sperm samples from the two affected patients. Assisted oocyte activation (AOA) successfully rescued polyspermy and TFF and achieved pregnancy in two patients with the PLCZ1 mutation. CONCLUSION We identified a homozygous mutation in PLCZ1 (c.588C > A [p.Cys196Ter]) in a male patient with polyspermy after in vitro fertilization (IVF) as well as a compound heterozygous mutation c.2 T > C(p.Met1Thr)/c.590G > A (p.Arg197His) with one novel mutation in a male patient with fertilization failure after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and we provide evidence that the homozygous mutation can cause polyspermy and the compound heterozygous mutation can cause fertilization failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawen Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuting Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029 People’s Republic of China
| | - Kai Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiandong Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yugui Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiayin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029 People’s Republic of China
| | - Feiyang Diao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029 People’s Republic of China
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11
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Savy V, Stein P, Shi M, Williams CJ. PMCA1 depletion in mouse eggs amplifies calcium signaling and impacts offspring growth†. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:1439-1451. [PMID: 36130203 PMCID: PMC10144700 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Egg activation in mammals is triggered by oscillations in egg intracellular calcium (Ca2+) level. Ca2+ oscillation patterns can be modified in vitro by changing the ionic composition of culture media or in vivo by conditions affecting mitochondrial function, such as obesity and inflammation. In mice, disruption of Ca2+ oscillations in vitro impacts embryo development and offspring growth. Here we tested the hypothesis that, even without in vitro manipulation, abnormal Ca2+ signaling following fertilization impacts offspring growth. Plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPases (PMCA) extrude cytosolic Ca2+ to restore Ca2+ homeostasis. To disrupt Ca2+ signaling in vivo, we conditionally deleted PMCA1 (cKO) in oocytes. As anticipated, in vitro fertilized cKO eggs had increased Ca2+ exposure relative to controls. To assess the impact on offspring growth, cKO females were mated to wild type males to generate pups that had high Ca2+ exposure at fertilization. Because these offspring would be heterozygous, we also tested the impact of global PMCA1 heterozygosity on offspring growth. Control heterozygous pups that had normal Ca2+ at fertilization were generated by mating wild type females to heterozygous males; these control offspring weighed significantly less than their wild type siblings. However, heterozygous offspring from cKO eggs (and high Ca2+ exposure) were larger than heterozygous controls at 12 week-of-age and males had altered body composition. Our results show that global PMCA1 haploinsufficiency impacts growth and support that abnormal Ca2+ signaling after fertilization in vivo has a long-term impact on offspring weight. These findings are relevant for environmental and medical conditions affecting Ca2+ handling and for design of culture conditions and procedures for domestic animal and human assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Savy
- Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Paula Stein
- Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Min Shi
- Biostatistics & Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Carmen J Williams
- Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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12
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Chen X, Zhao H, Lv J, Dong Y, Zhao M, Sui X, Cui R, Liu B, Wu K. Calcium ionophore improves embryonic development and pregnancy outcomes in patients with previous developmental problems in ICSI cycles. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:894. [PMID: 36460987 PMCID: PMC9717248 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-05228-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calcium (Ca2+) ionophores are now mainly considered as efficient treatments for fertilization failure. Recently, its application for rescuing poor embryo development was proposed but still non-routine. This study aimed to explore whether Ca2+ ionophore improves embryo development and pregnancy outcomes in patients with poor embryo development in previous intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. METHODS This study included 97 patients undergoing assisted oocyte activation (AOA) with Ca2+ ionophore (calcimycin, A23187) treatment. Preimplantation embryonic development and clinical outcomes were compared between ICSI-AOA cycles (AOA group) and previous ICSI cycles of the same patients in which poor embryo developmental potential was present (non-AOA group). Subgroups stratified by maternal age (< 35, 35-40, ≥ 40 years, respectively) were analyzed separately. RESULTS A total of 642 MII oocytes were collected in AOA group, and 689 in non-AOA group. Significantly higher day 3 good quality embryo rate (P = 0.034), good quality blastocyst formation rate (P < 0.001), and utilization rate (P < 0.001) were seen in AOA group. Similar results were seen in each subgroup. For pregnancy outcomes, there were significant differences in clinical pregnancy rate (P = 0.039) and live birth rate (P = 0.045) in total group. In subgroup aged < 35 years, biochemical (P = 0.038), clinical (P = 0.041), and ongoing pregnancy rate (P = 0.037) in AOA group were significantly higher than that in non-AOA group. No significant improvement for clinical outcomes for subgroups aged 35-40 and aged ≥40. CONCLUSION The study suggests that calcimycin could improve preimplantation development and pregnancy outcomes in patients aged < 35 years with embryo developmental problems in previous ICSI cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Chen
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
| | - Haibin Zhao
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
| | - Jiale Lv
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
| | - Yi Dong
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
| | - Maoning Zhao
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
| | - Xinlei Sui
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
| | - Ran Cui
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
| | - Boyang Liu
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
| | - Keliang Wu
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
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13
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Attia A, Nicholson C, Martins da Silva SJ. Artificial Egg Activation Using Calcium Ionophore. Semin Reprod Med 2022; 39:e5-e11. [PMID: 35272388 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1742171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Artificial oocyte activation, most commonly using calcium ionophore, is a treatment add-on utilized to avoid recurrence of abnormally low or total failed fertilization following in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection. It aims to modify defective physiological processes, specifically calcium-mediated cell signaling that are critical to events required for fertilization. Routine application of artificial oocyte activation is neither required nor recommended; however, it represents an invaluable intervention for a subgroup of patients affected by sperm-related oocyte activation deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Attia
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Cara Nicholson
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah J Martins da Silva
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
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Shan Y, Zhao H, Zhao D, Wang J, Cui Y, Bao H. Assisted Oocyte Activation With Calcium Ionophore Improves Pregnancy Outcomes and Offspring Safety in Infertile Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Physiol 2022; 12:751905. [PMID: 35140624 PMCID: PMC8819094 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.751905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of calcium ionophore during assisted oocyte activation (AOA). This meta-analysis contained randomized controlled trials and prospective observational and retrospective trials. The summary odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was calculated for clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate. Both fixed and random effects models were applied. A total of 22 studies were included into this meta-analysis. Seventeen of the included studies showed that calcium ionophore increased the clinical pregnancy rate (OR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.38–3.31). Similarly, 14 studies indicated that AOA with calcium ionophore during intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) improved the live birth rate considerably (OR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.53–4.60). Moreover, fertilization, blastocyst formation, and implantation rate were higher after using AOA with calcium ionophore combined with ICSI. In addition, calcium ionophore did not increase top-quality embryo rate, cleavage rate, miscarriage rate, congenital birth defects, and neonatal sex ratio. Therefore, calcium ionophore followed by ICSI not only significantly improved live birth and overall pregnancy, but also did not affect the incidence of miscarriage, congenital birth defects, and neonatal sex ratio. This meta-analysis indicated that using calcium ionophore to activate oocytes was beneficial for couples with poor fertilization rates following ICSI.
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Kashir J, Ganesh D, Jones C, Coward K. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Open 2022; 2022:hoac003. [PMID: 35261925 PMCID: PMC8894871 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoac003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oocyte activation deficiency (OAD) is attributed to the majority of cases underlying failure of ICSI cycles, the standard treatment for male factor infertility. Oocyte activation encompasses a series of concerted events, triggered by sperm-specific phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ), which elicits increases in free cytoplasmic calcium (Ca2+) in spatially and temporally specific oscillations. Defects in this specific pattern of Ca2+ release are directly attributable to most cases of OAD. Ca2+ release can be clinically mediated via assisted oocyte activation (AOA), a combination of mechanical, electrical and/or chemical stimuli which artificially promote an increase in the levels of intra-cytoplasmic Ca2+. However, concerns regarding safety and efficacy underlie potential risks that must be addressed before such methods can be safely widely used. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Recent advances in current AOA techniques warrant a review of the safety and efficacy of these practices, to determine the extent to which AOA may be implemented in the clinic. Importantly, the primary challenges to obtaining data on the safety and efficacy of AOA must be determined. Such questions require urgent attention before widespread clinical utilization of such protocols can be advocated. SEARCH METHODS A literature review was performed using databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, etc. using AOA, OAD, calcium ionophores, ICSI, PLCζ, oocyte activation, failed fertilization and fertilization failure as keywords. Relevant articles published until June 2019 were analysed and included in the review, with an emphasis on studies assessing large-scale efficacy and safety. OUTCOMES Contradictory studies on the safety and efficacy of AOA do not yet allow for the establishment of AOA as standard practice in the clinic. Heterogeneity in study methodology, inconsistent sample inclusion criteria, non-standardized outcome assessments, restricted sample size and animal model limitations render AOA strictly experimental. The main scientific concern impeding AOA utilization in the clinic is the non-physiological method of Ca2+ release mediated by most AOA agents, coupled with a lack of holistic understanding regarding the physiological mechanism(s) underlying Ca2+ release at oocyte activation. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The number of studies with clinical relevance using AOA remains significantly low. A much wider range of studies examining outcomes using multiple AOA agents are required. WIDER IMPLICATIONS In addition to addressing the five main challenges of studies assessing AOA safety and efficacy, more standardized, large-scale, multi-centre studies of AOA, as well as long-term follow-up studies of children born from AOA, would provide evidence for establishing AOA as a treatment for infertility. The delivery of an activating agent that can more accurately recapitulate physiological fertilization, such as recombinant PLCζ, is a promising prospect for the future of AOA. Further to PLCζ, many other avenues of physiological oocyte activation also require urgent investigation to assess other potential physiological avenues of AOA. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS D.G. was supported by Stanford University’s Bing Overseas Study Program. J.K. was supported by a Healthcare Research Fellowship Award (HF-14-16) made by Health and Care Research Wales (HCRW), alongside a National Science, Technology, and Innovation plan (NSTIP) project grant (15-MED4186-20) awarded by the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). The authors have no competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Kevin Coward
- Correspondence address. Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OS3 9DU, UK. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3577-4041
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Double ionophore application in cases with previous failed/low fertilization or poor embryo development. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 44:829-837. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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17
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Shebl O, Trautner PS, Enengl S, Reiter E, Allerstorfer C, Rechberger T, Oppelt P, Ebner T. Ionophore application for artificial oocyte activation and its potential effect on morphokinetics: a sibling oocyte study. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:3125-3133. [PMID: 34642877 PMCID: PMC8666403 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02338-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate whether ionophore application at the oocyte stage changes the morphokinetics of the associated embryos in cases of artificial oocyte activation. METHODS In a prospective sibling oocyte approach, 78 ICSI patients with suspected fertilization problems had half of their MII-oocytes treated with a ready-to-use ionophore (calcimycin) immediately following ICSI (study group). Untreated ICSI eggs served as the control group. Primary analyses focused on morphokinetic behavior and the presence of irregular cleavages. The rates of fertilization, utilization, pregnancy, and live birth rate were also evaluated. RESULTS Ionophore-treated oocytes showed a significantly earlier formation of pronuclei (t2PNa) and a better synchronized third cell cycle (s3) (P < .05). The rate of irregular cleavage was unaffected (P > .05). Ionophore treatment significantly improved the overall rates of fertilization (P < .01) and blastocyst utilization (P < .05). CONCLUSION Ionophore application does not negatively affect cleavage timing nor is it associated with irregular cleavage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Shebl
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Gynecological Endocrinology, Kepler University Hospital, MedCampus IV, Krankenhausstr. 26-30, A-4020, Linz, Upper Austria, Austria
| | - Philip Sebastian Trautner
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Gynecological Endocrinology, Kepler University Hospital, MedCampus IV, Krankenhausstr. 26-30, A-4020, Linz, Upper Austria, Austria
| | - Sabine Enengl
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Gynecological Endocrinology, Kepler University Hospital, MedCampus IV, Krankenhausstr. 26-30, A-4020, Linz, Upper Austria, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Reiter
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Gynecological Endocrinology, Kepler University Hospital, MedCampus IV, Krankenhausstr. 26-30, A-4020, Linz, Upper Austria, Austria
| | - Christina Allerstorfer
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Gynecological Endocrinology, Kepler University Hospital, MedCampus IV, Krankenhausstr. 26-30, A-4020, Linz, Upper Austria, Austria
| | - Tamara Rechberger
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Gynecological Endocrinology, Kepler University Hospital, MedCampus IV, Krankenhausstr. 26-30, A-4020, Linz, Upper Austria, Austria
| | - Peter Oppelt
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Gynecological Endocrinology, Kepler University Hospital, MedCampus IV, Krankenhausstr. 26-30, A-4020, Linz, Upper Austria, Austria
| | - Thomas Ebner
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Gynecological Endocrinology, Kepler University Hospital, MedCampus IV, Krankenhausstr. 26-30, A-4020, Linz, Upper Austria, Austria.
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Ferrer-Buitrago M, Tilleman L, Thys V, Hachem A, Boel A, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Deforce D, Leybaert L, De Sutter P, Parrington J, Heindryckx B. Comparative study of preimplantation development following distinct assisted oocyte activation protocols in a PLC-zeta knockout mouse model. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:801-815. [PMID: 32898251 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa060] [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: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian fertilization encompasses a series of Ca2+ oscillations initiated by the sperm factor phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ). Some studies have shown that altering the Ca2+ oscillatory regime at fertilization affects preimplantation blastocyst development. However, assisted oocyte activation (AOA) protocols can induce oocyte activation in a manner that diverges profoundly from the physiological Ca2+ profiling. In our study, we used the newly developed PLCζ-null sperm to investigate the independent effect of AOA on mouse preimplantation embryogenesis. Based on previous findings, we hypothesized that AOA protocols with Ca2+ oscillatory responses might improve blastocyst formation rates and differing Ca2+ profiles might alter blastocyst transcriptomes. A total of 326 MII B6D2F1-oocytes were used to describe Ca2+ profiles and to compare embryonic development and individual blastocyst transcriptomes between four control conditions: C1 (in-vivo fertilization), C2 (ICSI control sperm), C3 (parthenogenesis) and C4 (ICSI-PLCζ-KO sperm) and four AOA groups: AOA1 (human recombinant PLCζ), AOA2 (Sr2+), AOA3 (ionomycin) and AOA4 (TPEN). All groups revealed remarkable variations in their Ca2+ profiles; however, oocyte activation rates were comparable between the controls (91.1% ± 13.8%) and AOA (86.9% ± 11.1%) groups. AOA methods which enable Ca2+ oscillatory responses (AOA1: 41% and AOA2: 75%) or single Ca2+ transients (AOA3: 50%) showed no significantly different blastocyst rates compared to ICSI control group (C2: 70%). In contrast, we observed a significant decrease in compaction (53% vs. 83%) and blastocyst rates (41% vs. 70%) in the absence of an initial Ca2+ trigger (AOA4) compared with the C2 group. Transcription profiles did not identify significant differences in gene expression levels between the ICSI control group (C2) and the four AOA groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ferrer-Buitrago
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FAST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,CREA. Medicina de la Reproducción S.L. Calle San Martín, 4 - 46003 (Valencia, Spain)
| | - L Tilleman
- Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - V Thys
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FAST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - A Hachem
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK.,Department of Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Diwaniyah City, Iraq
| | - A Boel
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FAST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - F Van Nieuwerburgh
- Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - D Deforce
- Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - L Leybaert
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - P De Sutter
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FAST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - J Parrington
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - B Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FAST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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19
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Lam KKW, Wong JYY, Cheung TM, Li RHW, Ng EHY, Yeung WSB. A retrospective analysis of artificial oocyte activation in patients with low or no fertilisation in intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2021; 42:648-653. [PMID: 34382499 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2021.1922878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is commonly used to treat severe male factor infertility in assisted reproduction. A small percentage of patients face suboptimal fertilisation rate or even fertilisation failure despite having ICSI. Artificial oocyte activation (AOA) has been proposed as a suitable method to overcome their problem. This is a retrospective cohort analysis of ICSI cycles undergoing AOA. Injected metaphase II oocytes were exposed to either calcium ionophore (A23187) after ICSI or injection of calcium chloride during ICSI followed by incubation with A23187 after ICSI. The previous ICSI cycles of the patients formed the historical control group. Thirty-four AOA cycles were analysed. The normal fertilisation rate (52.1%) was significantly improved in the AOA group. The percentage of failed fertilisation cycles (11.8%) were significantly reduced in the AOA group. The cumulative clinical pregnancy rate (47.1%) and live birth rate (29.4%) were significantly increased when compared to the previous cycles. Subgroup analysis revealed that the performance of the A23187 only protocol and the concomitant injection of calcium chloride protocol were comparable in terms of laboratory parameters and pregnancy outcomes. AOA is an effective method to improve the fertilisation rate and pregnancy outcome of infertile couples with previous fertilisation problem after ICSI.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? A failed and low fertilisation rate after ICSI is not uncommon in assisted reproduction. AOA is normally used to improve fertilisation but there are discrepancies in the efficacy of the treatment.What do the results of this study add? AOA improves the fertilisation rate and pregnancy outcomes of couples with suboptimal fertilisation rate and fertilisation failure in previous ICSI cycles. The efficacies of two AOA protocols were comparable. The A23187 only protocol was recommended because of its simplicity.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? AOA should be considered as a routine procedure for infertile couples with compromised fertilisation rates in previous ICSI cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin K W Lam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jacki Y Y Wong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Tak-Ming Cheung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Raymond H W Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ernest H Y Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - William S B Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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20
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Wang M, Zhu L, Liu C, He H, Wang C, Xing C, Liu J, Yang L, Xi Q, Li Z, Jin L. A Novel Assisted Oocyte Activation Method Improves Fertilization in Patients With Recurrent Fertilization Failure. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:672081. [PMID: 34368125 PMCID: PMC8334862 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.672081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Total fertilization failure (TFF) occurs in 1–3% of total intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles and can reoccur in subsequent cycles. Despite the high success rate with the application of assisted oocyte activation (AOA), there is still a small number of couples who cannot obtain fertilized eggs after conventional calcium (Ca2+) ionophores-based ICSI-AOA. Six couples experiencing repeated TFF or low fertilization (<10%) after ICSI and conventional ICSI-AOA were enrolled in this study. Compared with the regular ICSI group and the conventional ICSI-AOA group, the new AOA method, a combination of cycloheximide (CHX) and ionomycin, can significantly increase the fertilization rate from less than 10 up to approximately 50% in most cases. The normal distribution of sperm-related oocyte activation factor phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ1) in the sperms of the cases indicated the absence of an aberrant Ca2+ signaling activation. The results of the whole-embryo aneuploidies analysis indicated that oocytes receiving the novel AOA treatment had the potential to develop into blastocysts with normal karyotypes. Our data demonstrated that CHX combined with ionomycin was able to effectively improve the fertilization rate in the majority of patients suffering from TFF. This novel AOA method had a potential therapeutic effect on those couples experiencing TFF, even after conventional AOA, which may surmount the severe fertilization deficiencies in patients with a repeated low fertilization or TFF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lixia Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui He
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chenxi Xing
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinming Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qingsong Xi
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhou Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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21
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Meng X, Melo P, Jones C, Ross C, Mounce G, Turner K, Child T, Coward K. Use of phospholipase C zeta analysis to identify candidates for artificial oocyte activation: a case series of clinical pregnancies and a proposed algorithm for patient management. Fertil Steril 2021; 114:163-174. [PMID: 32622408 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.02.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the applicability of phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) analysis in assisting the clinical decision-making process when considering artificial oocyte activation (AOA) for infertile males in assisted reproductive technology. DESIGN Fifty-six males (43 infertile/13 fertile) were screened using our PLCζ assay. SETTING Fertility unit/university laboratory. PATIENT(S) Infertile males with abnormal sperm morphology or total fertilization failure, low fertilization rate (<50%), or repeated fertilization failure in assisted reproductive technology. INTERVENTION(S) We analyzed PLCζ levels in sperm from fertile and infertile males. Eligible patients subsequently underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)/artificial oocyte activation (AOA) with calcimycin (GM508). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) PLCζ localization and level and the proportion of sperm expressing PLCζ. Thresholds of PLCζ deficiency, fertilization rates, pregnancy rates, and live birth rates of AOA and non-AOA cycles. RESULT(S) Compared with 13 fertile controls, 34 of the 43 infertile males had significantly lower levels of PLCζ and/or a significantly lower proportion of sperm exhibiting PLCζ. Of these 34 patients, 15 showed a significant PLCζ reduction in both parameters, which we termed "PLCζ deficiency." Five PLCζ-deficient patients opted for AOA; all five achieved fertilization, and four achieved clinical pregnancies and live births. The fertilization rate improved significantly from 18.6% (ICSI) to 56.8% (ICSI/AOA). The clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate with AOA were both 40% per initiated cycle. Youden index analysis revealed that the cutoffs below which infertile males were likely to benefit from AOA were 71% for the proportion of sperm expressing PLCζ and 15.57 arbitrary units for mean PLCζ level. CONCLUSION(S) PLCζ analysis is a useful diagnostic tool to determine patient eligibility for subsequent AOA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Meng
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Pedro Melo
- The Women's Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ginny Mounce
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Turner
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Oxford Fertility, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Child
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Oxford Fertility, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Coward
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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22
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Fazeli E, Hosseini A, Heidari MH, Farifteh-Nobijari F, Salehi M, Abbaszadeh HA, Nazarian H, Shams Mofarahe Z, Ayoubi S, Hosseini S, Shayeghpour M, Bandehpour M, Ghaffari Novin M. Meiosis Resumption of Immature Human Oocytes following Treatment with Calcium Ionophore In Vitro. CELL JOURNAL 2021; 23:109-118. [PMID: 33650827 PMCID: PMC7944122 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2021.7130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Objective: In vitro maturation (IVM) of human oocytes is used to induce meiosis progression in immature retrieved
oocytes. Calcium (Ca2+) has a central role in oocyte physiology. Passage through meiosis phase to another phase
is controlled by increasing intracellular Ca2+. Therefore, the current research was conducted to evaluate the role of
calcium ionophore (CI) on human oocyte IVM. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial study, immature human oocytes were obtained from 216 intracytoplasmic
sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. After ovarian stimulation, germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes were collected and
categorized into two groups: with and without 10 µM CI treatment. Next, oocyte nuclear maturation was assessed after
24–28 hours of culture. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to assess the
transcript profile of several oocyte maturation-related genes (MAPK3, CCNB1, CDK1, and cyclin D1 [CCND1]) and
apoptotic-related genes (BCL-2, BAX, and Caspase-3). Oocyte glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS)
levels were assessed using Cell Tracker Blue and 2’,7’-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA) fluorescent
dye staining. Oocyte spindle configuration and chromosome alignment were analysed by immunocytochemistry. Results: The metaphase II (MII) oocyte rate was higher in CI‐treated oocytes (73.53%) compared to the control
(67.43%) group, but this difference was not statistically significant (P=0.13). The mRNA expression profile of oocyte
maturation-related genes (MAPK3, CCNB1, CDK1, and CCND1) (P<0.05) and the anti-apoptotic BCL-2 gene was
remarkably up-regulated after treatment with CI (P=0.001). The pro-apoptotic BAX and Caspase-3 relative expression
levels did not change significantly. The CI‐treated oocyte cytoplasm had significantly higher GSH and lower ROS
(P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in meiotic spindle assembly and chromosome alignment
between CI treatment and the control group oocytes. Conclusion: The finding of the current study supports the role of CI in meiosis resumption of human oocytes.
(Registration Number: IRCT20140707018381N4)
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Fazeli
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Mehr Fertility Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Ahmad Hosseini
- Mehr Fertility Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Hasan Heidari
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fattaneh Farifteh-Nobijari
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Genetics and In Vitro Assisted Reproductive (GIVAR) Center, Erfan Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Salehi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran Iran
| | - Hojjat-Allah Abbaszadeh
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Nazarian
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Shams Mofarahe
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saman Ayoubi
- Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Centre, Sara Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Hosseini
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona Shayeghpour
- Genetics and In Vitro Assisted Reproductive (GIVAR) Center, Erfan Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojgan Bandehpour
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran Iran
| | - Marefat Ghaffari Novin
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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23
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Christodoulaki A, Boel A, Tang M, De Roo C, Stoop D, Heindryckx B. Prospects of Germline Nuclear Transfer in Women With Diminished Ovarian Reserve. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:635370. [PMID: 33692760 PMCID: PMC7937897 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.635370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is associated with a reduced quantity and quality of the retrieved oocytes, usually leading to poor reproductive outcomes which remain a great challenge for assisted reproduction technology (ART). Women with DOR often have to seek for oocyte donation, precluding genetically related offspring. Germline nuclear transfer (NT) is a novel technology in ART that involves the transfer of the nuclear genome from an affected oocyte/zygote of the patient to the cytoplast of an enucleated donor oocyte/zygote. Therefore, it offers opportunities for the generation of genetically related embryos. Currently, although NT is clinically applied only in women with serious mitochondrial DNA disorders, this technology has also been proposed to overcome certain forms of female infertility, such as advanced maternal age and embryo developmental arrest. In this review, we are proposing the NT technology as a future treatment option for DOR patients. Strikingly, the application of different NT strategies will result in an increase of the total number of available reconstituted embryos for DOR patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Christodoulaki
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annekatrien Boel
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maoxing Tang
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Chloë De Roo
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dominic Stoop
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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24
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Assisted oocyte activation effects on the morphokinetic pattern of derived embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:531-537. [PMID: 33405007 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-02025-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Assisted oocyte activation (AOA) can restore fertilization rates after IVF/ICSI cycles with fertilization failure. AOA is an experimental technique, and its downstream effects remain poorly characterized. Clarifying the relationship between AOA and embryo, morphokinetics could offer complementary insights into the quality and viability of the embryos obtained with this technique. The aim of this study is to compare the preimplantation morphokinetic development of embryos derived from ICSI-AOA (experimental group) vs. ICSI cycles (control group). METHODS A retrospective cohort study was carried out with 141 embryos from fresh oocyte donation cycles performed between 2013 and 2017; 41 embryos were derived from 7 ICSI-AOA cycles and 100 embryos from 18 ICSI cycles. Morphokinetic development of all embryos was followed using a time-lapse system. RESULTS We show that embryos from both groups develop similarly for most milestones, with the exception of the time of second polar body extrusion (tPB2) and the time to second cell division (t3). CONCLUSIONS We conclude that ionomycin mediated AOA does not seem to affect the morphokinetic pattern of preimplantation embryo development, despite the alterations found in tPB2 and t3, which could directly reflect the use of a Ca2+ ionophore as a transient and quick non-physiologic increase of free intracytoplasmic Ca2+.
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25
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Xu Z, Yao G, Niu W, Fan H, Ma X, Shi S, Jin H, Song W, Sun Y. Calcium Ionophore (A23187) Rescues the Activation of Unfertilized Oocytes After Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection and Chromosome Analysis of Blastocyst After Activation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:692082. [PMID: 34335469 PMCID: PMC8320372 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.692082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium is a crucial factor in regulating the biological behavior of cells. The imbalance of calcium homeostasis in cytoplasm will cause abnormal behavior of cells and the occurrence of diseases. In intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle, the dysfunction of oocyte activation caused by insufficient release of Ca2+ from endoplasmic reticulum is one of the main reasons for repeated fertilization failure. Calcium ionophore (A23187) is a highly selective calcium ionophore, which can form stable complex with Ca2+ and pass through the cell membrane at will, effectively increasing intracellular Ca2+ levels. It has been reported that calcium ionophore (A23187) can activate oocytes and obtain normal embryos. However, there are few studies on unfertilized oocytes after calcium ionophore (A23187) rescue activation in ICSI cycle. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of calcium ionophore (A23187) rescue activation on the activation of unfertilized oocytes, embryonic development potential, embryonic development timing and chromosomal aneuploidy, and to compare and analyze the clinical data of patients with calcium ionophore (A23187) activation in clinical application. The results showed that a certain proportion of high-quality blastocysts with normal karyotype could be obtained after calcium ionophore (A23187) rescue activation of unfertilized oocytes, and it did not have a significant effect on the timing of embryo development. In clinical practice, direct activation with calcium ionophore (A23187) after ICSI was better than rescue activation the next day. In conclusions, the studies on the effectiveness and safety of calcium ionophore (A23187) rescue activation for oocytes with ICSI fertilization failure can enable some patients to obtain usable, high-quality embryos during the first ICSI cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwen Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guidong Yao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Guidong Yao, ; Yingpu Sun,
| | - Wenbin Niu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huiying Fan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xueshan Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Senlin Shi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Haixia Jin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenyan Song
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yingpu Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Guidong Yao, ; Yingpu Sun,
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26
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Diagnosis and Treatment of Male Infertility-Related Fertilization Failure. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9123899. [PMID: 33271815 PMCID: PMC7761017 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9123899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects approximately 15% of reproductive-aged couples worldwide, of which up to 30% of the cases are caused by male factors alone. The origin of male infertility is mostly attributed to sperm abnormalities, of which many are caused by genetic defects. The development of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has helped to circumvent most male infertility conditions. However, there is still a challenging group of infertile males whose sperm, although having normal sperm parameters, are unable to activate the oocyte, even after ICSI treatment. While ICSI generally allows fertilization rates of 70 to 80%, total fertilization failure (FF) still occurs in 1 to 3% of ICSI cycles. Phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) has been demonstrated to be a critical sperm oocyte activating factor (SOAF) and the absence, reduced, or altered forms of PLCζ have been shown to cause male infertility-related FF. The purpose of this review is to (i) summarize the current knowledge on PLCζ as the critical sperm factor for successful fertilization, as well as to discuss the existence of alternative sperm-induced oocyte activation mechanisms, (ii) describe the diagnostic tests available to determine the cause of FF, and (iii) summarize the beneficial effect of assisted oocyte activation (AOA) to overcome FF.
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Xi H, Fu Y, Liu C, Lu X, Sui L, Chen Y, Zhao J. Assisted oocyte activation with calcium ionophore 44 hours after intracytoplasmic sperm injection resulting in successful pregnancy. Gynecol Endocrinol 2020; 36:1035-1037. [PMID: 32241192 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2020.1737667] [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: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Assisted Oocyte Activation (AOA) with Calcium Ionophore, is possible to manually activate the oocytes and cure globozoospermia, thus leading to successful pregnancy in 1 h after ICSI. But in this case, we report a case that 44 h after ICSI, the arrest zygotes assisted oocyte activation with calcium ionophore, obtained clinical pregnancy and live birth. Accordingly, AOA may provide us with an immediate treatment for embryonic arrest in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Xi
- Department of Reproduction center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yanghua Fu
- Department of Reproduction center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P.R. China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Reproduction center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xiaosheng Lu
- Department of Reproduction center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P.R. China
| | - Liucai Sui
- Department of Reproduction center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yulu Chen
- Department of Reproduction center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P.R. China
| | - Junzhao Zhao
- Department of Reproduction center, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, P.R. China
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Yuan P, Zheng L, Liang H, Lin Q, Ou S, Zhu Y, Lai L, Zhang Q, He Z, Wang W. Novel mutations in the PLCZ1 gene associated with human low or failed fertilization. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2020; 8:e1470. [PMID: 32840018 PMCID: PMC7549595 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fertilization failure (FF) is a complex reproductive disorder characterized by the failure of pronuclei formation during fertilization. In addition to some cases caused by iatrogenic problems and known genetic factors, there are still many unexplained aspects of FF. Here, we aimed to assess the clinical and genetic characteristics of two families experiencing primary infertility with FF. Methods We have characterized two families from China. All of the infertile couples presented with similar clinical phenotypes, that is, partial or total fertilization failure in repeated cycles. We performed Sanger sequencing of their WEE2, TLE6, and PLCZ1 genes, and further bioinformatics and functional analyses were performed to identify the pathogenic elements of the variants. Results We identified novel compound heterozygous mutations c.1259C>T (p.P420L) and c.1733T>C (p.M578T) in the PLCZ1 gene in a male patient of family 1 with total fertilization failure, and another novel homozygous mutation c.1727T>C (p.L576P) in the same gene in a male patient of family 2 with partial fertilization failure. These three novel mutations were absent in the control cohort and in the databases. The amino acids were conserved at their positions among six different species. All mutant amino acids were located in key domains and were predicted to impair hydrolytic activity and lead to PLCZ1 dysfunction. Further functional detection revealed that the three mutations could significantly impair the catalytic activity of PLCZ1. Conclusions We identified three novel mutations in PLCZ1 associated with partial and total fertilization failure and have provided new evidence about the genetic basis of FF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Yuan
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingyan Zheng
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Liang
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Drug Clinical Trial Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qiyuan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Songbang Ou
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuqin Zhu
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Luhua Lai
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qingxue Zhang
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zuyong He
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Wang
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Calcium Oscillatory Patterns and Oocyte Activation During Fertilization: a Possible Mechanism for Total Fertilization Failure (TFF) in Human In Vitro Fertilization? Reprod Sci 2020; 28:639-648. [PMID: 32813196 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00293-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This paper reviews the effects of calcium oscillatory patterns in oocytes and early embryo development. Total fertilization failure (TFF) is the failure of fertilization in all oocytes in a human IVF cycle, even after treatment with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). It is not well understood and currently attributed to oocyte activation deficiency. Calcium signaling is important in oocyte activation events. Calcium oscillations, in particular, have been reported in animal and human oocytes after fertilization. Abnormal calcium oscillations after fertilization may be the principal mechanism for TFF. While studies also establish strong associations between abnormal calcium oscillatory patterns and suboptimal developmental outcomes, critical basic parameters and their mechanism of action have yet to be identified. Empirical use of artificial oocyte activation (AOA) methods has shown initial success in helping patients overcome TFF. The AOA methods attempt to raise calcium levels after fertilization, but the efficacy and safety of these AOA methods are still in early stages of addressing TFF. Additional information about calcium oscillatory patterns and the effects of AOA in human ART may allow the prevention of TFF or allow treatment of TFF patients effectively and safely.
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Handayani N, Wiweko B, Zakirah SC, Boediono A. In vitro Activation of Mouse Oocytes through Intracellular Ca2+ Regulation. J Hum Reprod Sci 2020; 13:138-144. [PMID: 32792763 PMCID: PMC7394099 DOI: 10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_122_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ca2+ signaling pathway is suggested to play an essential role in mediating oocyte maturation. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate intracellular Ca2+ of resistant immature oocytes that failed to resume meiosis following subsequent in vitro culture reach metaphase II after calcium ionophore A23187 activation. Settings and Design: This in vitro analytical experimental study was conducted at Animal Science Laboratory of Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institute (IMERI), Human Reproductive Infertility and Family Planning of IMERI, and Electrophysiology Imaging of Terpadu Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia. Methods: A total of 308 oocytes classed as resistant immature following in vitro culture were randomly allocated to control (n = 113) and treatment groups (n = 195). The oocyte activation group was exposed to A23187 solution for 15 min and then washed extensively. Maturation was evaluated by observing the first polar body extrusion 20‒24 h after A23187 exposure. Ca2+ imaging was conducted using a confocal laser scanning microscope to identify the dynamic of Ca2+ response. Statistical Analysis: SPSS 20, Chi-square, and Mann–Whitney U-test were used in this study. Results: Activation of resistant immature oocytes with A23187 significantly increased the number of oocyte maturation compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, fluorescent intensity measurements exhibited a significant increase in the germinal vesicle stage when activated (P = 0.005), as well as the metaphase I stage, even though differences were not significant (P = 0.146). Conclusion: Artificial activation of resistant immature oocyte using chemical A23187/calcimycin was adequate to initiate meiosis progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nining Handayani
- Reproductive Science Master Program of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Budi Wiweko
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.,Yasmin IVF Clinic, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia.,Human Reproductive, Infertility, and Family Planning Research Center, Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institutes, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Sarah Chairani Zakirah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia.,Human Reproductive, Infertility, and Family Planning Research Center, Indonesian Medical Education and Research Institutes, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Arief Boediono
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
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Stein P, Savy V, Williams AM, Williams CJ. Modulators of calcium signalling at fertilization. Open Biol 2020; 10:200118. [PMID: 32673518 PMCID: PMC7574550 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium (Ca2+) signals initiate egg activation across the animal kingdom and in at least some plants. These signals are crucial for the success of development and, in the case of mammals, health of the offspring. The mechanisms associated with fertilization that trigger these signals and the molecules that regulate their characteristic patterns vary widely. With few exceptions, a major contributor to fertilization-induced elevation in cytoplasmic Ca2+ is release from endoplasmic reticulum stores through the IP3 receptor. In some cases, Ca2+ influx from the extracellular space and/or release from alternative intracellular stores contribute to the rise in cytoplasmic Ca2+. Following the Ca2+ rise, the reuptake of Ca2+ into intracellular stores or efflux of Ca2+ out of the egg drive the return of cytoplasmic Ca2+ back to baseline levels. The molecular mediators of these Ca2+ fluxes in different organisms include Ca2+ release channels, uptake channels, exchangers and pumps. The functions of these mediators are regulated by their particular activating mechanisms but also by alterations in their expression and spatial organization. We discuss here the molecular basis for modulation of Ca2+ signalling at fertilization, highlighting differences across several animal phyla, and we mention key areas where questions remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Stein
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Virginia Savy
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Audrey M. Williams
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Carmen J. Williams
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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Chen W, Bai MZ, Yang Y, Sun D, Wu S, Sun J, Wu Y, Feng Y, Wei Y, Chen Z, Zhang Z. ART strategies in Klinefelter syndrome. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2053-2079. [PMID: 32562095 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01818-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) who receive assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment often experience poor pregnancy rates due to decreased fertilization, cleavage, and implantation rates and even an increased miscarriage rate. Mounting evidence from recent studies has shown that various technological advances and approaches could facilitate the success of ART treatment for KS patients. In this review, we summarize the methods for guiding KS patients during ART and for developing optimal strategies for preserving fertility, improving pregnancy rate and live birth rate, and avoiding the birth of KS infants. METHODS We searched PubMed and Google Scholar publications related to KS patients on topics of controlled ovarian stimulation protocols, sperm extraction, fertility preservation, gamete artificial activation, round spermatid injection (ROSI), and non-invasive prenatal screening (PGD) methods. RESULTS This review outlines the different ovulation-inducing treatments for female partners according to the individual sperm status in the KS patient. We further summarize the methods of retrieving sperm, storing, and freezing rare sperm. We reviewed different methods of gamete artificial activation and discussed the feasibility of ROSI for sterile KS patients who absolutely lack sperm. The activation of eggs in the process of intracytoplasmic sperm injection and non-invasive PGD are urgently needed to prevent the birth of KS infants. CONCLUSION The integrated strategies will pave the way for the establishment of ART treatment approaches and improve the clinical outcome for KS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Ming Zhu Bai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Yixia Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Di Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Sufang Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Yu Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Youji Feng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Youheng Wei
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Zijiang Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Zhenbo Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China.
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Li B, Zhou Y, Yan Z, Li M, Xue S, Cai R, Fu Y, Hong Q, Long H, Yin M, Du T, Wang Y, Kuang Y, Yan Z, Lyu Q. Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of artificial oocyte activation in patients undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer: a 6-year population-based retrospective study. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2019; 300:1083-1092. [PMID: 31529366 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-019-05298-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the impact of artificial oocyte activation (AOA) in pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in infertile patients undergoing cryopreserved embryo transfer. METHOD This retrospective study included 5686 patients' transferred embryos from routine intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and 194 patients' transferred embryos from ICSI combined with AOA (ICSI-AOA) from January 2011 to December 2016. Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of couples undergoing routine ICSI or ICSI-AOA were analyzed before and after propensity score matching. Artificial oocyte activation was performed with ionomycin. RESULTS The pregnancy outcomes showed no significant difference in the rates of biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, implantation, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, multiple pregnancy, and live births between the routine ICSI and ICSI-AOA groups before and after propensity score matching, respectively. The assessment of neonatal outcomes showed no statistically significant differences in the birth defect rate, birth weight, gestational age, preterm birth rate, early-neonatal death rate, and fetal sex ratio between the two groups, and similar results were also observed in the two matched cohorts. CONCLUSION Artificial oocyte activation with ionomycin does not adversely affect pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in patients undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer, which is beneficial to clinicians counseling patients on the risks of artificial oocyte activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Li
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yiwen Zhou
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Zhiguang Yan
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Menghui Li
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Songguo Xue
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Renfei Cai
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yonglun Fu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Qingqing Hong
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Hui Long
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Mingru Yin
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Tong Du
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yanping Kuang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Zheng Yan
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Qifeng Lyu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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Li J, Zheng X, Lian Y, Li M, Lin S, Zhuang X, Chen L, Liu P, Qiao J. Artificial oocyte activation improves cycles with prospects of ICSI fertilization failure: a sibling oocyte control study. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 39:199-204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.03.216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Bonte D, Ferrer-Buitrago M, Dhaenens L, Popovic M, Thys V, De Croo I, De Gheselle S, Steyaert N, Boel A, Vanden Meerschaut F, De Sutter P, Heindryckx B. Assisted oocyte activation significantly increases fertilization and pregnancy outcome in patients with low and total failed fertilization after intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a 17-year retrospective study. Fertil Steril 2019; 112:266-274. [PMID: 31133387 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the extent to which assisted oocyte activation (AOA) improves clinical outcomes in patients diagnosed with oocyte activation deficiencies (OADs). DESIGN Retrospective cohort study comparing AOA cycles and previous intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles in couples experiencing low or total failed fertilization after ICSI. Importantly, the sperm-related oocyte-activating capacity was examined in all patients before AOA with the use of the mouse oocyte activation test (MOAT). SETTING Infertility center at a university hospital. PATIENT(S) A total of 122 couples with a history of low or total failed fertilization after ICSI. INTERVENTION(S) ICSI, MOAT, AOA, and embryo transfer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Fertilization, pregnancy, and live birth rates. RESULT(S) MOAT revealed 19 patients with a sperm-related OAD (MOAT group 1), 56 patients with a diminished sperm-related oocyte-activating capacity (MOAT group 2), and 47 patients with a suspected oocyte-related OAD (MOAT group 3). AOA (191 cycles) significantly improved fertilization, pregnancy, and live birth rates in all MOAT groups compared with previous ICSI attempts (243 cycles). Fertilization rates after AOA were significantly different among MOAT groups 1 (70.1%), 2 (63.0%), and 3 (57.3%). Between MOAT group 1 and 3, significant differences in pregnancy (49.0% vs. 29.4%) and live birth (41.2% vs. 22.1%) rates were observed. In total, 225 embryo transfers resulted in 60 healthy live births following AOA. CONCLUSION(S) Patients undergoing diagnostic testing before AOA show a significant improvement in clinical outcomes compared with previous cycles. Our findings highlight that AOA should be reserved for patients with clear OADs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davina Bonte
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Minerva Ferrer-Buitrago
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lien Dhaenens
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mina Popovic
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Vanessa Thys
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ilse De Croo
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefanie De Gheselle
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Steyaert
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annekatrien Boel
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frauke Vanden Meerschaut
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Petra De Sutter
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Facilitation of hippocampal long-term potentiation and reactivation of latent HIV-1 via AMPK activation: Common mechanism of action linking learning, memory, and the potential eradication of HIV-1. Med Hypotheses 2018; 116:61-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2018.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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A novel mutation in the TUBB8 gene is associated with complete cleavage failure in fertilized eggs. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018; 35:1349-1356. [PMID: 29704226 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1188-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cleavage of the zygote during human reproduction is a key event of early embryonic development. The genetic events associated with idiopathic embryonic cleavage failure are not certain. Mutations in the tubulin beta 8 class VIII (TUBB8) gene have been reported to be associated with oocyte maturation, fertilization, and developmental arrest. Here, we aimed to assess the clinical and genetic characteristics of complete cleavage failure in fertilized eggs. METHODS We have characterized a patient with a 9-year history of primary infertility in a non-consanguineous family from China. The patient presented complete cleavage failure in all two-pronuclear (2PN) fertilized oocytes after 2 cycles of in vitro fertilization (IVF). We performed Sanger sequencing of the TUBB8 gene in the patient, and further bioinformatics analysis to identify pathogenesis of gene. RESULTS A novel homozygous mutation, c.322G > A (p.Glu108Lys), was detected, and this change was absent from 179 control subjects. Glutamic acid is highly conserved at this position, and replacement by lysine was predicted to be repelled by the α-tubulin positive region, disrupting the α-β tubulin interaction. CONCLUSIONS Our findings presented a homozygous mutation of TUBB8 associated with complete cleavage failure in fertilized eggs and provided new data for the genotype-phenotype of TUBB8-related diseases.
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Lu Y, Reddy R, Ferrer Buitrago M, Vander Jeught M, Neupane J, De Vos WH, Van den Abbeel E, Lierman S, De Sutter P, Heindryckx B. Strontium fails to induce Ca 2+ release and activation in human oocytes despite the presence of functional TRPV3 channels. Hum Reprod Open 2018; 2018:hoy005. [PMID: 30895246 PMCID: PMC6276696 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoy005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are the transient receptor potential cation channels vanilloid 3 (TRPV3) present and able to mediate strontium (Sr2+) induced artificial activation in human oocytes? SUMMARY ANSWER Sr2+ did not induce Ca2+ rises or provoke activation in human oocytes, however, mRNA for the TRPV3 channel was present in metaphase II (MII) human oocytes after IVM and TRPV3 agonists induced Ca2+ rises and oocyte activation, demonstrating the channels were functional. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Selective activation of TRPV3 by agonists induces Ca2+ entry and promotes mouse oocyte activation, and the absence of TRPV3 channels in mouse oocytes prevents Sr2+ mediated artificial activation. Sr2+ is sometimes used to overcome fertilization failure after ICSI in the clinic, but its efficiency is still controversial and the mechanism(s) of how it mediates the Ca2+ flux has not been studied yet in human. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The protein distribution (n = 10) and mRNA expression level (n = 19) of the TRPV3 channels was investigated in human MII oocytes after IVM. The Sr2+ (10 mM) and TRPV3 agonists (200 μM 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate [2-APB] and 200 μM carvacrol)-induced Ca2+ response was analyzed in human (n = 15, n = 16 and n = 16, respectively) and mouse oocytes (n = 15, n = 19 and n = 26, respectively). The subsequent embryonic developmental potential following the parthenogenetic activation using these three agents was recorded in human (n = 10, n = 9 and n = 9, respectively) and mouse (n = 20 per agent) oocytes, by determining pronucleus, or 2-cell and blastocyst formation rates. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS MII oocytes from B6D2F1 mice (6–10 weeks old) as well as human IVM oocytes and IVO oocytes (from patients aged 25–38 years old) with aggregates of smooth endoplasmic reticulum clusters were used. The expression of TRPV3 channels was determined by immunofluorescence staining with confocal microscopy and RT-PCR, and the temporal evolution of intracellular Ca2+ concentration was measured by time-lapse imaging after exposure to Sr2+ and TRPV3 agonists (2-APB and carvacrol). Artificial activation efficiency was assessed using these agents. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Sr2+ did not promote Ca2+ oscillations or provoke activation in human oocytes. Transcripts of TRPV3 channels were present in IVM MII human oocytes. TRPV3 protein was expressed and distributed throughout the ooplasm of human oocytes, rather than particularly concentrated in plasma membrane as observed in mouse MII oocytes. Both agonists of TRPV3 (2-APB and carvacrol), promoted a single Ca2+ transient and activated a comparable percentage of more than half of the exposed human oocytes (P > 0.05). The agonist 2-APB was also efficient in activating mouse oocytes, however, significantly fewer mouse oocytes responded to carvacrol than 2-APB in both the Ca2+ analysis and activation test (P < 0.001). LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION The availability of fresh IVO matured oocytes in human was limited. Data from TRPV3 knockout model are not included. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The benefit of clinical application using Sr2+ to overcome fertilization failure after ICSI requires further validation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by FWO-Vlaanderen, China Scholarship Council and Special Research Fund from Ghent University (Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds, BOF). No competing interests are declared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Lu
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Renmin South Road 20, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - R Reddy
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - M Ferrer Buitrago
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - M Vander Jeught
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - J Neupane
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - W H De Vos
- Cell Systems and Imaging research Group (CSI), Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.,Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - E Van den Abbeel
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - S Lierman
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - P De Sutter
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - B Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Obstetric and neonatal outcome following ICSI with assisted oocyte activation by calcium ionophore treatment. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018; 35:1005-1010. [PMID: 29392515 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1124-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Calcium ionophore treatment is being used in assisted reproductive technology (ART) for cases with previous low fertilization rate or total absence of fertilization after insemination by intracytoplasmic sperm injection or when a specific indication such as globozoospermia is present. As this technique is more invasive and differs from the physiological process of fertilization, a thorough investigation of the health of the children born following this procedure is required. We intent to report the medical outcome of all children conceived following calcium ionophore treatment in our IVF center. METHODS One-armed descriptive study is performed to report the obstetrical and neonatal outcome of children born after using calcium ionophore treatment during the intracytoplasmic sperm injection procedure in our center. RESULTS A number of 237 cycles were included in this study, with 74 pregnancies reported, from which 47 children (31 singletons and 16 twin children) were born. No major malformations were detected in singletons. In twins, three children were diagnosed with major malformations. Minor malformations were present in seven singletons and in one twin. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our results regarding birth characteristics and congenital malformations are within the expected range but, although reassuring, should be interpreted with caution due to the small number of children included.
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Roychoudhury S, Maldonado-Rosas I, Agarwal A, Esteves SC, Henkel R, Sharma R. Human sperm handling in intracytoplasmic sperm injection processes: In vitro studies on mouse oocyte activation, embryo development competence and sperm oxidation-reduction potential. Andrologia 2018; 50:e12943. [PMID: 29315724 DOI: 10.1111/and.12943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) are routinely used in handling spermatozoa for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). As there are still concerns about possible adverse effects on the embryo, this study investigated sperm handling in a mouse ICSI model to (i) evaluate oocyte activation after injection of spermatozoa selected for rotational or linear motion in PVP; (ii) assess the effect of sperm selection in PVP, HA and medium on oocyte activation; (iii) examine the effects of PVP and HA on parthenogenetic oocyte activation and embryo development; and (iv) assess the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of spermatozoa exposed to PVP, HA or medium. Oocyte activation was higher when spermatozoa exhibited rotational motion rather than linear motion (79% vs. 52%; p = .05). There was no difference in oocyte activation and embryo development after parthenogenetic oocyte activation after sperm injection using PVP, HA or medium-incubated spermatozoa. PVP-selected spermatozoa exhibited lower (p < .0001) ORP levels than using HA. Thus, results indicate that the sperm handling method and the type of medium used impact ICSI outcomes. Overall, sperm incubation in PVP, HA and medium yields similar outcomes with regard to oocyte activation and embryo development. However, PVP provides more antioxidative protection than HA and should therefore be preferred for sperm manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Roychoudhury
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar, India
| | | | - A Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - S C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Center for Male Reproduction, Campinas, Brazil
| | - R Henkel
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - R Sharma
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Lu Y, Bonte D, Ferrer-Buitrago M, Popovic M, Neupane J, Van der Jeught M, Leybaert L, De Sutter P, Heindryckx B. Culture conditions affect Ca2+ release in artificially activated mouse and human oocytes. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 30:991-1001. [DOI: 10.1071/rd17145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Inconsistent fertilisation and pregnancy rates have been reported by different laboratories after application of ionomycin as a clinical method of assisted oocyte activation (AOA) to overcome fertilisation failure. Using both mouse and human oocytes, in the present study we investigated the effects of ionomycin and Ca2+ concentrations on the pattern of Ca2+ release and embryonic developmental potential. In the mouse, application of 5 μM ionomycin in potassium simplex optimisation medium (KSOM) or 10 µM ionomycin in Ca2+-free KSOM significantly reduced the Ca2+ flux and resulted in failure of blastocyst formation compared with 10 μM ionomycin in KSOM. Increasing the Ca2+ concentration up to three- or sixfold did not benefit mouse embryonic developmental potential. Similarly, 10 μM ionomycin-induced rise in Ca2+ in human oocytes increased with increasing total calcium concentrations in the commercial medium. Remarkably, we observed significantly reduced mouse embryo development when performing AOA over a period of 10 min in Quinn’s AdvantageTM Fertilisation medium (Cooper Surgical) and IVFTM medium (Vitrolife) compared with Sydney IVF COOK cleavage medium (Cook Ireland), using the same sequential culture system from the post-activation stage to blastocyst formation stage in different AOA groups. In conclusion, concentrations of both ionomycin and Ca2+ in culture media used during AOA can have significant effects on Ca2+ release and further embryonic developmental potential.
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Ferrer-Buitrago M, Bonte D, De Sutter P, Leybaert L, Heindryckx B. Single Ca 2+ transients vs oscillatory Ca 2+ signaling for assisted oocyte activation: limitations and benefits. Reproduction 2017; 155:R105-R119. [PMID: 29122969 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Oocyte activation is a calcium (Ca2+)-dependent process that has been investigated in depth, in particular, regarding its impact on assisted reproduction technology (ART). Following a standard model of signal transduction, Ca2+ drives the meiotic progression upon fertilization in all species studied to date. However, Ca2+ changes during oocyte activation are species specific, and they can be classified in two modalities based on the pattern defined by the Ca2+ signature: a single Ca2+ transient (e.g. amphibians) or repetitive Ca2+ transients called Ca2+ oscillations (e.g. mammals). Interestingly, assisted oocyte activation (AOA) methods have highlighted the ability of mammalian oocytes to respond to single Ca2+ transients with normal embryonic development. In this regard, there is evidence supporting that cellular events during the process of oocyte activation are initiated by different number of Ca2+ oscillations. Moreover, it was proposed that oocyte activation and subsequent embryonic development are dependent on the total summation of the Ca2+ peaks, rather than to a specific frequency pattern of Ca2+ oscillations. The present review aims to demonstrate the complexity of mammalian oocyte activation by describing the series of Ca2+-linked physiological events involved in mediating the egg-to-embryo transition. Furthermore, mechanisms of AOA and the limitations and benefits associated with the application of different activation agents are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minerva Ferrer-Buitrago
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST)Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Davina Bonte
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST)Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Petra De Sutter
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST)Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Physiology GroupDepartment of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST)Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Yamaguchi T, Ito M, Kuroda K, Takeda S, Tanaka A. The establishment of appropriate methods for egg-activation by human PLCZ1 RNA injection into human oocyte. Cell Calcium 2017; 65:22-30. [PMID: 28320563 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Phospholipase C-zeta (PLCZ1), a strong candidate of egg-activating sperm factor, can induce Ca2+ oscillations and cause egg activation. For the application of PLCZ1 to clinical use, we examined the pattern of Ca2+ responses and developmental rate by comparing PLCZ1 RNA injection methods with the other current methods, such as cytosolic aspiration, electrical stimulation and ionomycin treatment in human oocytes. We found that the pattern of Ca2+ oscillations after PLCZ1 RNA injection exhibited similar characteristics to that after ICSI treatment. We also determined the optimal concentration of human PLCZ1 RNA to activate the human oocytes. Our findings suggest that human PLCZ1 RNA is a better therapeutic agent to rescue human oocytes from failed activation, leading to normal and efficient development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yamaguchi
- Saint Mother Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic, Institute for ART, Fukuoka 807-0825, Japan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Masahiko Ito
- Department of Virology and Parasitology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan.
| | - Keiji Kuroda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Satoru Takeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Atsushi Tanaka
- Saint Mother Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic, Institute for ART, Fukuoka 807-0825, Japan
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Zhang Z, Wang T, Hao Y, Panhwar F, Chen Z, Zou W, Ji D, Chen B, Zhou P, Zhao G, Cao Y. Effects of trehalose vitrification and artificial oocyte activation on the development competence of human immature oocytes. Cryobiology 2016; 74:43-49. [PMID: 27956222 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2016.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Sucrose and trehalose are conventional cryoprotectant additives for oocytes and embryos. Ethanol can artificially enhance activation of inseminated mature oocytes. This study aims to investigate whether artificial oocyte activation (AOA) with ethanol can promote the development competence of in vitro matured oocytes. A total of 810 human immature oocytes, obtained from 325 patients undergoing normal stimulated oocyte retrieval cycles, were in vitro maturated (IVM) either immediately after collection (Fresh group n = 291)) or after being vitrified as immature oocytes (Vitrified group n = 519). These groups were arbitrarily assigned. All fresh and vitrified oocytes which matured after a period of IVM then underwent intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Half an hour following ICSI, they were either activated by 7% ethanol (AOA group) or left untreated (Non-AOA group). Fertilization, cleavage rate, blastocyst quality and aneuploidy rate were then evaluated. High-quality blastocysts were only obtained in both the fresh and vitrified groups which had undergone AOA after ICSI. Trehalose vitrification slightly, but not significantly, increased the formation rates of high-quality embryos (21.7% VS 15.4%, P > 0.05) and blastocysts (15.7% VS 7.69%, P > 0.05)) when compared with sucrose vitrification. Aneuploidy was observed in 12 of 24 (50%) of the AOA derived high quality blastocysts. High-quality blastocysts only developed from fresh or vitrified immature oocytes if the ICSI was followed by AOA. This information may be important for human immature oocytes commonly retrieved in normal stimulation cycles and may be particularly important for certain patient groups, such as cancer patients. AOA with an appropriate concentration of ethanol can enhance the developmental competence of embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiguo Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; Insititute of Reproduction and Genetics of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; Biopreservation and Artifical Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Tianjuan Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Yan Hao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Fazil Panhwar
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Electronic Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Zhongrong Chen
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Electronic Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Weiwei Zou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Dongmei Ji
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Beili Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Electronic Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China.
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China.
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Economou KA, Christopikou D, Tsorva E, Davies S, Mastrominas M, Cazlaris H, Koutsilieris M, Angelogianni P, Loutradis D. The combination of calcium ionophore A23187 and GM-CSF can safely salvage aged human unfertilized oocytes after ICSI. J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 34:33-41. [PMID: 27743290 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0823-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Artificial oocyte activation using calcium ionophores and enhancement of embryonic developmental potential by the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) have already been reported. In this study, we evaluated the synergistic effect of these two methods on aged human unfertilized oocytes after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Then, we cultured the resulting embryos to the blastocyst stage and screened them for chromosomal abnormalities, to assess the safety of this protocol. METHODS Aged human oocytes deemed unfertilized after ICSI were activated, either by briefly applying the calcium ionophore A23187 alone (group A) or by briefly applying the ionophore and then supplementing the culture medium with recombinant human GM-CSF (rhGM-CSF) (group B). Next, the development was monitored in a time-lapse incubator system, and ploidy was analyzed by array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), after whole embryo biopsy and whole genome amplification. Differences between oocytes and resulting embryos in both groups were evaluated statistically. RESULTS Oocytes unfertilized after ICSI can be activated with the calcium ionophore A23187 to show two pronuclei and two polar bodies. Addition of rhGM-CSF in the culture medium of A23187-activated oocytes enhances their cleaving and blastulation potential and results in more euploid blastocysts compared to the culture medium alone. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that activating post-ICSI aged human unfertilized oocytes with a combination of a calcium ionophore and a cytokine can produce good-morphology euploid blastocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos A Economou
- Embryogenesis, Assisted Reproduction Unit, 49 Kifissias Avenue and Ziridi Street, 151 23 Maroussi, Athens, Greece.
| | - Dimitra Christopikou
- Embryogenesis, Assisted Reproduction Unit, 49 Kifissias Avenue and Ziridi Street, 151 23 Maroussi, Athens, Greece
| | - Erika Tsorva
- Embryogenesis, Assisted Reproduction Unit, 49 Kifissias Avenue and Ziridi Street, 151 23 Maroussi, Athens, Greece
| | - Stephen Davies
- Embryogenesis, Assisted Reproduction Unit, 49 Kifissias Avenue and Ziridi Street, 151 23 Maroussi, Athens, Greece
| | - Minas Mastrominas
- Embryogenesis, Assisted Reproduction Unit, 49 Kifissias Avenue and Ziridi Street, 151 23 Maroussi, Athens, Greece
| | - Haris Cazlaris
- Embryogenesis, Assisted Reproduction Unit, 49 Kifissias Avenue and Ziridi Street, 151 23 Maroussi, Athens, Greece
| | - Michael Koutsilieris
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagoula Angelogianni
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Loutradis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Alexandra University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Navarrete FA, Alvau A, Lee HC, Levin LR, Buck J, Leon PMD, Santi CM, Krapf D, Mager J, Fissore RA, Salicioni AM, Darszon A, Visconti PE. Transient exposure to calcium ionophore enables in vitro fertilization in sterile mouse models. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33589. [PMID: 27627854 PMCID: PMC5024339 DOI: 10.1038/srep33589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian sperm acquire fertilizing capacity in the female tract in a process called capacitation. At the molecular level, capacitation requires protein kinase A activation, changes in membrane potential and an increase in intracellular calcium. Inhibition of these pathways results in loss of fertilizing ability in vivo and in vitro. We demonstrated that transient incubation of mouse sperm with Ca2+ ionophore accelerated capacitation and rescued fertilizing capacity in sperm with inactivated PKA function. We now show that a pulse of Ca2+ ionophore induces fertilizing capacity in sperm from infertile CatSper1 (Ca2+ channel), Adcy10 (soluble adenylyl cyclase) and Slo3 (K+ channel) KO mice. In contrast, sperm from infertile mice lacking the Ca2+ efflux pump PMACA4 were not rescued. These results indicate that a transient increase in intracellular Ca2+ can overcome genetic infertility in mice and suggest this approach may prove adaptable to rescue sperm function in certain cases of human male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe A Navarrete
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA, USA
| | - Antonio Alvau
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA, USA
| | - Hoi Chang Lee
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA, USA
| | - Lonny R Levin
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jochen Buck
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Celia M Santi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Basic Sciences Division, Washington University School of Medicine. St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Dario Krapf
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario (CONICET-UNR), 2000 Rosario, Argentina
| | - Jesse Mager
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA, USA
| | - Rafael A Fissore
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA, USA
| | - Ana M Salicioni
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA, USA
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, IBT-UNAM, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Pablo E Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst MA, USA
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