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Lee T, Peirce K, Natalwala J, Chapple V, Mark PJ, Sanders K, Liu Y. Abnormal cleavage up to Day 3 does not compromise live birth and neonatal outcomes of embryos that have achieved full blastulation: a retrospective cohort study. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:955-962. [PMID: 38553025 PMCID: PMC11063553 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae062] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do embryos displaying abnormal cleavage (ABNCL) up to Day 3 have compromised live birth rates and neonatal outcomes if full blastulation has been achieved prior to transfer? SUMMARY ANSWER ABNCL is associated with reduced full blastulation rates but does not impact live birth rates and neonatal outcomes once full blastulation has been achieved. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY? It is widely accepted that ABNCL is associated with reduced implantation rates of embryos when transferred at the cleavage stage. However, evidence is scarce in the literature reporting birth outcomes from blastocysts arising from ABNCL embryos, likely because they are ranked low priority for transfer. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This retrospective cohort study included 1562 consecutive autologous in vitro fertilization cycles (maternal age 35.1 ± 4.7 years) performed at Fertility North, Australia between January 2017 and June 2022. Fresh transfers were performed on Day 3 or 5, with remaining embryos cultured up to Day 6 before vitrification. A total of 6019 embryos were subject to blastocyst culture, and a subset of 664 resulting frozen blastocysts was included for live birth and neonatal outcome analyses following single transfers. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS ABNCL events were annotated from the first mitotic division up to Day 3, including direct cleavage (DC), reverse cleavage (RC) and <6 intercellular contact points at the 4-cell stage (<6ICCP). For DC and RC in combination, the ratios of affected blastomeres over the total number of all blastomeres up to Day 3 were also recorded. All pregnancies were followed up until birth with gestational age, birthweight, and sex of the baby being recorded. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Full blastulation rates for embryos showing DC (19.5%), RC (41.7%), <6ICCP (58.8%), and mixed (≥2) ABNCL types (26.4%) were lower than the rates for those without ABNCL (67.2%, P < 0.01 respectively). Subgroup analysis showed declining full blastulation rates with increasing ratios of combined DC/RC affected blastomeres over all blastomeres up to the 8-cell stage (66.2% when 0 affected, 47.0% when 0.25 affected, 27.4% when 0.5 affected, 14.5% when 0.75 affected, and 7.7% when all affected, P < 0.01). However, once full blastulation had been achieved, no difference was detected between DC, RC, <6ICCP, and no ABNCL blastocysts following single frozen transfers in subsequent live birth rates (25.9%, 33.0%, 36.0% versus 30.8%, P > 0.05, respectively), gestational age (38.7 ± 1.6, 38.5 ± 1.2, 38.3 ± 3.5 versus 38.5 ± 1.8 weeks, P > 0.05, respectively) and birthweight (3343.0 ± 649.1, 3378.2 ± 538.4, 3352.6 ± 841.3 versus 3313.9 ± 509.6 g, P > 0.05, respectively). Multiple regression (logistic or linear as appropriate) confirmed no differences in all of the above measures after accounting for potential confounders. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our study is limited by its retrospective nature, making it impossible to control every known or unknown confounder. Embryos in our dataset, being surplus after selection for fresh transfer, may not represent the general embryo population. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings highlight the incremental impact of ABNCL, depending on the ratio of affected blastomeres up to Day 3, on subsequent full blastulation. The reassuring live birth and neonatal outcomes of ABNCL blastocysts imply a potential self-correction mechanism among those embryos reaching the blastocyst stage, which provides valuable guidance for clinical practice and patient counseling. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETTING INTEREST(S) This research is supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship. All authors report no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammy Lee
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- Fertility North, Joondalup Private Hospital, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Kelli Peirce
- Fertility North, Joondalup Private Hospital, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Jay Natalwala
- Fertility North, Joondalup Private Hospital, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Vincent Chapple
- Fertility North, Joondalup Private Hospital, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Peter J Mark
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Katherine Sanders
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Yanhe Liu
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
- Fertility North, Joondalup Private Hospital, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- School of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD, Australia
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He C, Karpavičiūtė N, Hariharan R, Lees L, Jacques C, Ferrand T, Chambost J, Wouters K, Malmsten J, Miller R, Zaninovic N, Vasconcelos F, Hickman C. Seeking arrangements: cell contact as a cleavage-stage biomarker. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 48:103654. [PMID: 38246064 PMCID: PMC11139661 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103654] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What can three-dimensional cell contact networks tell us about the developmental potential of cleavage-stage human embryos? DESIGN This pilot study was a retrospective analysis of two Embryoscope imaging datasets from two clinics. An artificial intelligence system was used to reconstruct the three-dimensional structure of embryos from 11-plane focal stacks. Networks of cell contacts were extracted from the resulting embryo three-dimensional models and each embryo's mean contacts per cell was computed. Unpaired t-tests and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were used to statistically analyse mean cell contact outcomes. Cell contact networks from different embryos were compared with identical embryos with similar cell arrangements. RESULTS At t4, a higher mean number of contacts per cell was associated with greater rates of blastulation and blastocyst quality. No associations were found with biochemical pregnancy, live birth, miscarriage or ploidy. At t8, a higher mean number of contacts was associated with increased blastocyst quality, biochemical pregnancy and live birth. No associations were found with miscarriage or aneuploidy. Mean contacts at t4 weakly correlated with those at t8. Four-cell embryos fell into nine distinct cell arrangements; the five most common accounted for 97% of embryos. Eight-cell embryos, however, displayed a greater degree of variation with 59 distinct cell arrangements. CONCLUSIONS Evidence is provided for the clinical relevance of cleavage-stage cell arrangement in the human preimplantation embryo beyond the four-cell stage, which may improve selection techniques for day-3 transfers. This pilot study provides a strong case for further investigation into spatial biomarkers and three-dimensional morphokinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe He
- Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional and Surgical Sciences, University College London 43-45 Foley St, London, W1W 7TY, UK.; Department of Computer Science, University College London, 66-72 Gower St, London WC1E 6EA, UK.; AI Team, Apricity, 14 Grays Inn Rd, London WC1 X 8HN, UK..
| | | | | | - Lilly Lees
- AI Team, Apricity, 14 Grays Inn Rd, London WC1 X 8HN, UK
| | | | | | | | - Koen Wouters
- Brussels IVF, University Hospital Brussels, Jette Bldg R, Laarbeeklaan 101 1090 Jette, Belgium, Brussels
| | - Jonas Malmsten
- Ronald O Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1305 York Ave 6th floor, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Ryan Miller
- Ronald O Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1305 York Ave 6th floor, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Nikica Zaninovic
- Ronald O Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1305 York Ave 6th floor, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Francisco Vasconcelos
- Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional and Surgical Sciences, University College London 43-45 Foley St, London, W1W 7TY, UK.; Department of Computer Science, University College London, 66-72 Gower St, London WC1E 6EA, UK
| | - Cristina Hickman
- AI Team, Apricity, 14 Grays Inn Rd, London WC1 X 8HN, UK.; Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, UK
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Kim J, Lee J, Jun JH. Non-invasive evaluation of embryo quality for the selection of transferable embryos in human in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2022; 49:225-238. [PMID: 36482497 PMCID: PMC9732075 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2022.05575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The ultimate goal of human assisted reproductive technology is to achieve a healthy pregnancy and birth, ideally from the selection and transfer of a single competent embryo. Recently, techniques for efficiently evaluating the state and quality of preimplantation embryos using time-lapse imaging systems have been applied. Artificial intelligence programs based on deep learning technology and big data analysis of time-lapse monitoring system during in vitro culture of preimplantation embryos have also been rapidly developed. In addition, several molecular markers of the secretome have been successfully analyzed in spent embryo culture media, which could easily be obtained during in vitro embryo culture. It is also possible to analyze small amounts of cell-free nucleic acids, mitochondrial nucleic acids, miRNA, and long non-coding RNA derived from embryos using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or digital PCR, as well as next-generation sequencing. Various efforts are being made to use non-invasive evaluation of embryo quality (NiEEQ) to select the embryo with the best developmental competence. However, each NiEEQ method has some limitations that should be evaluated case by case. Therefore, an integrated analysis strategy fusing several NiEEQ methods should be urgently developed and confirmed by proper clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihyun Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Seoul Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewang Lee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hyun Jun
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Department of Senior Healthcare, Graduate School, Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
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Song J, Zhang J, Yuan X, Liu B, Tao W, Zhang C, Wu K. Functional substitution of zona pellucida with modified sodium hyaluronate gel in human embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:2669-2676. [PMID: 36094700 PMCID: PMC9723041 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02609-7] [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: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Zona pellucida-free (ZP-free) embryos often fail to achieve good developmental outcomes and are routinely discarded in assisted reproductive laboratories. Existing attempts to rescue ZP-free embryos are not widely used due to operational complexity and high technical requirements. To handle cases with missing ZP, we applied modified sodium hyaluronate gel (MSHG) to embryo culture to determine if it can function as a substitute for human zona pellucida. METHODS The developmental process and the blastocyst formation rate of embryos were analyzed in both mouse and human. The first clinical application of MSHG was reported, and the pregnancy outcome was continuously followed up. RESULTS Human and mouse ZP-free embryos cultured with MSHG showed a blastocyst formation rate similar to ZP-intact embryos. MSHG improves blastocysts formation rate by maintaining blastomere spatial arrangement at early stages. Compared to ZP-free embryos, the proportion of tetrahedrally arranged blastomeres at the 4-cell stage increased significantly in embryos cultured with MSHG in humans. A ZP-free blastocyst cultured in MSHG with the highest score was successfully implanted after day 5 transplantation and developed normally. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate that MSHG can substitute the function of zona pellucida and rescue human ZP-free embryos during assisted reproductive technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinzhu Song
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Jingye Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Xinyi Yuan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Boyang Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Wenrong Tao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Chuanxin Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Keliang Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
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Kljajic M, Saymé N, Krebs T, Wagenpfeil G, Baus S, Solomayer EF, Kasoha M. Zygote Diameter and Total Cytoplasmic Volume as Useful Predictive Tools of Blastocyst Quality. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2022; 83:97-105. [PMID: 36643875 PMCID: PMC9833892 DOI: 10.1055/a-1876-2231] [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: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction According to the Embryo Protection Act, the selection of embryos with the greatest potential for successful implantation in Germany must be performed in the pronucleus stage. The main aim of this study was to identify morphokinetic parameters that could serve as noninvasive biomarkers of blastocyst quality in countries with restrictive reproductive medicine laws. Materials and Methods The sample comprised 191 embryos from 40 patients undergoing antagonist cycles for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Blastocysts were cultured in an EmbryoScope chamber and video records were validated to determine the post-injection timing of various developmental stages, cleavage stages, and blastocyst formation. The Gardner and Schoolcraft scoring system was used to characterize blastocyst quality. Results Morphokinetic data showed that the zygote diameter and total cytoplasmic volume were significantly different between good and poor blastocysts quality groups, where zygotes, which formed better blastocyst quality, had smaller diameter and smaller total cytoplasmic volume. Zygotes with more rapid pronuclear disappearance developed in better-quality blastocysts. Differences between good- and poor-quality blastocysts were also observed for late-stage parameters and for the spatial arrangement of blastomere where tetrahedral embryos more frequently forming good-quality blastocyst compare to the non-tetrahedral. Conclusions The study findings could be used to enhance embryo selection, especially in countries with strict Embryo Law Regulations. Further studies, including those in which the implantation potential and pregnancy rate are considered, are warranted to confirm these preliminary results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Kljajic
- 39072Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg, Saarland, Germany,Korrespondenzadresse Marija Kljajic 39072Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University
HospitalKirrberger Str. 10066421 Homburg,
SaarlandGermany
| | - Nabil Saymé
- Team Kinderwunsch Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Gudrun Wagenpfeil
- 9379Institute of Medical Biometry, Epidemiology and Medical Informatics, Saarland University, Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Simona Baus
- 39072Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg, Saarland, Germany
| | - Erich-Franz Solomayer
- 39072Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg, Saarland, Germany
| | - Mariz Kasoha
- 39072Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg, Saarland, Germany
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Hentschke MR, Azambuja R, Dornelles VC, Cunegatto B, Hickman C, Hariharan R, Telöken IB, Petracco CH, Wingert FM, Petracco A, Badalotti M. Is there a better evolutionary outcome in a 4-cell tetrahedron embryo? JBRA Assist Reprod 2021; 25:640-643. [PMID: 34415118 PMCID: PMC8489823 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20210034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
With the growing understanding of in vitro fertilization and reproductive technology, the magnitude of studies related to embryonic evolution has also increased. The optimization of embryo selection is crucial to minimize the risk of multiple pregnancies and to guarantee successful implantation and pregnancy. On the second day of culture, the four-cell embryo can be shaped into different arrangements, such as tetrahedral and planar. Previous studies have shown that mammalian embryos have a tetrahedral shape and that any deviation from this ideal configuration can negatively affect blastocyst development. A few studies have also found that planar embryos would be linked to negative predictors of success for reaching the blastocyst stage and its good quality. Therefore, it seems that tetrahedral should be preferred over planar-shaped embryos for embryonic transfers, but there is still little understanding and evidence about this subject. Thus, the objective of the present paper was to review the available literature on study tendencies to compare tetrahedral and planar-shaped embryos considering their effect on implantation and pregnancy results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alvaro Petracco
- Fertilitat - Reproductive Medicine Center, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Khalife D, Abu-Musa A, Khalil A, Ghazeeri G. Towards the selection of embryos with the greatest implantation potential. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2021; 41:1010-1015. [PMID: 33432866 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2020.1835842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Choosing the most suitable embryo remains challenging as the standard approach to select top-quality embryos for transfer rely on static morphological assessment. It is completed after fertilisation, on days 3 and 5 post oocyte retrieval and evaluates the size and number of blastomeres, presence of nucleation and percentage of fragmentation for cleavage stage embryos. Because of the limited number of observations during the morphological assessment, morphokinetic development of embryos has been implemented. It shows a broader image of embryo behaviour with precise evaluation of the timing of events. Yet, studies are inconsistent and debatable in predicting the parameters to identify chromosomal abnormalities. Pre-implantation genetic testing detects dysmorphic embryos and correlate their developmental potential to the assessed morphology. However, the clinical utility of PGT-aneuploidy remains controversial. The future relies on newly described scoring systems such as artificial intelligence and non-invasive PGT, yet their application and actual success rate still lacks supportive evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Khalife
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jumeirah American Clinic, Dubai, UAE
| | - Antoine Abu-Musa
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Khalil
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ghina Ghazeeri
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
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Simerly CR, Takahashi D, Jacoby E, Castro C, Hartnett C, Hewitson L, Navara C, Schatten G. Fertilization and Cleavage Axes Differ In Primates Conceived By Conventional (IVF) Versus Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). Sci Rep 2019; 9:15282. [PMID: 31653971 PMCID: PMC6814755 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51815-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
With nearly ten million babies conceived globally, using assisted reproductive technologies, fundamental questions remain; e.g., How do the sperm and egg DNA unite? Does ICSI have consequences that IVF does not? Here, pronuclear and mitotic events in nonhuman primate zygotes leading to the establishment of polarity are investigated by multidimensional time-lapse video microscopy and immunocytochemistry. Multiplane videos after ICSI show atypical sperm head displacement beneath the oocyte cortex and eccentric para-tangential pronuclear alignment compared to IVF zygotes. Neither fertilization procedure generates incorporation cones. At first interphase, apposed pronuclei align obliquely to the animal-vegetal axis after ICSI, with asymmetric furrows assembling from the male pronucleus. Furrows form within 30° of the animal pole, but typically, not through the ICSI injection site. Membrane flow drives polar bodies and the ICSI site into the furrow. Mitotic spindle imaging suggests para-tangential pronuclear orientation, which initiates random spindle axes and minimal spindle:cortex interactions. Parthenogenetic pronuclei drift centripetally and assemble astral spindles lacking cortical interactions, leading to random furrows through the animal pole. Conversely, androgenotes display cortex-only pronuclear interactions mimicking ICSI. First cleavage axis determination in primates involves dynamic cortex-microtubule interactions among male pronuclei, centrosomal microtubules, and the animal pole, but not the ICSI site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin R Simerly
- Pittsburgh Development Center, Division of Developmental & Regenerative Medicine, and Obstetrics-Gynecology-Reproductive Sciences, Cell Biology, and Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 204 Craft Avenue Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, USA
| | - Diana Takahashi
- Division of Cardiometabolic Health, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, 97006, USA
| | - Ethan Jacoby
- CCRM Houston Main Center Memorial City, 929 Gessner Rd, Suite 2300, Houston, Texas, 77024, USA
| | - Carlos Castro
- Pittsburgh Development Center, Division of Developmental & Regenerative Medicine, and Obstetrics-Gynecology-Reproductive Sciences, Cell Biology, and Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 204 Craft Avenue Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, USA
| | - Carrie Hartnett
- Pittsburgh Development Center, Division of Developmental & Regenerative Medicine, and Obstetrics-Gynecology-Reproductive Sciences, Cell Biology, and Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 204 Craft Avenue Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, USA
| | - Laura Hewitson
- The Johnson Center for Child Health and Development, Austin, Texas, 78701, USA
| | - Christopher Navara
- Department of Biology, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Disease, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, 78249, USA
| | - Gerald Schatten
- Pittsburgh Development Center, Division of Developmental & Regenerative Medicine, and Obstetrics-Gynecology-Reproductive Sciences, Cell Biology, and Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 204 Craft Avenue Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, USA.
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9
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Otsuki J, Iwasaki T, Enatsu N, Katada Y, Furuhashi K, Shiotani M. Noninvasive embryo selection: kinetic analysis of female and male pronuclear development to predict embryo quality and potential to produce live birth. Fertil Steril 2019; 112:874-881. [PMID: 31668359 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate a noninvasive method of examining euploid embryos, focusing on kinetic analyses, from second polar body extrusion to pronuclear membrane breakdown (PNMBD). DESIGN Retrospective embryo cohort study. SETTING Private IVF clinic. PATIENT(S) 213 frozen-thawed single blastocyst transfers. INTERVENTION(S) Fertilized oocytes were recorded by means of time-lapse photography, followed by kinetic analysis of female and male pronuclei (PNs). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The differences in size between the 2PNs in embryos resulting in live births compared with those of embryos from failed pregnancies were analyzed according to sequential size from early PN stages to PNMBD. RESULT(S) It was found that the difference in areas between male and female PNs immediately before PNMBD is a better predictor of embryo quality if this difference is below a known cutoff value. The size of male PNs 8 hours before the onset of PNMBD should be larger than female PNs (B). The difference in size between male and female PNs 8 hours before PNMBD should be larger than the difference in their size immediately before PNMBD. When normal embryos were defined using the equation (A∪C)∩B, the birth rates for in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were 68.1% and 50.0%, respectively. For the remaining embryos, defined as abnormal according to the above criteria, birth rates were 9.4% for IVF and 4.2% for ICSI. CONCLUSION(S) We have developed a method for noninvasive embryo evaluation by means of the kinetic analysis of female and male PN growths. This method should enable us to select embryos that have a higher potential for healthy births.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junko Otsuki
- Hanabusa Women's Clinic, Kobe, Okayama, Japan; Okayama University Assisted Reproductive Technology Center, Okayama, Japan.
| | | | | | - Yuya Katada
- Hanabusa Women's Clinic, Kobe, Okayama, Japan
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