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Zhao Y, Yoon T, Miller J, Montville CP, Bowden AK. A rapid and low-cost method to fabricate well of the well (WOW) dishes with arbitrary 3D microwell shapes for improved embryo culture. Sci Rep 2024; 14:19757. [PMID: 39187532 PMCID: PMC11347645 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-70517-0] [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: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite its high cost, the success rate for in vitro fertilization (IVF) remains < 33% in humans, driving the need for new techniques to improve embryo culture outcomes. The well-of-the-well (WOW) culture system is a platform for in-vitro mammalian embryo culture that has been shown to enhance the developmental competence of embryos and clinical pregnancy rates in humans. However, discovery and testing of the best design for optimal embryo culture quality is hindered by the lack of a method to flexibly produce WOW dishes of various designs. Here, we present a low-cost and simple method to fabricate WOW dishes with microwells of arbitrary shapes and dimensions. We use a low-cost 3D printing service to fabricate a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)-based WOW insert that can be paired with a standard in vitro fertilization (IVF) dish to create WOW dishes with new microwell shapes, including pyramidal and hemispherical designs. We validate the fabrication quality of the WOW inserts and demonstrate the utility of the assembled WOW dishes for observation and grading of mouse embryo quality. Moreover, our results indicate that WOW dishes with hemispherical microwells result in better culture outcomes than traditional flat-bottomed IVF dishes and those with other microwell shapes, including the semi-elliptical microwells used in commercial WOW dishes. The proposed fabrication strategy thus provides a way to rapidly fabricate and test new WOW dishes that may bolster IVF success rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunqin Zhao
- Vanderbilt Biophotonics Center and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Taehyung Yoon
- Vanderbilt Biophotonics Center and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | | | | | - Audrey K Bowden
- Vanderbilt Biophotonics Center and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
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2
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Jijo A, Munshi I, Uppangala S, Rajendran R, LakshmiKumar RVP, Kalthur G, Kovacic B, Sachdeva G, Adiga SK. Secretomes from Conventional Insemination and Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection Derived Embryos Differentially Modulate Endometrial Cells In Vitro. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:2080-2091. [PMID: 38472711 PMCID: PMC11217100 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01504-z] [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: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Conventional Insemination (CI) and Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) are routinely used insemination methods in clinical Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) settings. However, the existing data on the developmental competence and implantation potential of CI and ICSI derived embryos are not unequivocal. This prospective study on 23 patients undergoing ART treatment explored whether the secretomes of CI- and ICSI-derived embryo differentially alter the expression of integrins (αv and β3 integrin) and MUCIN-1 (MUC-1) in a human endometrial epithelial cell line (Ishikawa). Immunocytochemical data demonstrated that the secretome of CI-derived top quality (GI) embryos induced higher (p < 0.05) expression of ɑv β3 compared to sibling ICSI derived G1 embryos in Ishikawa cells. Though, relative levels of the transcript for MUC-1, anti-adhesion molecule did not show a significant difference between the study groups, immunocytochemical analysis demonstrated significantly (p < 0.0001) higher expression of MUC-1 in cells treated with ICSI-derived embryo secretome, compared to that treated with CI -derived embryo secretome. These results suggest that secretomes from CI and ICSI embryos differentially modulate the endometrial cells in vitro. This hints at differences in the ability of CI- and ICSI- derived embryos to alter endometrial profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameya Jijo
- Centre of Excellence in Clinical Embryology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576 104, India
| | - Itti Munshi
- Cell Physiology and Pathology Laboratory, Indian Council of Medical Research - National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Shubhashree Uppangala
- Division of Reproductive Genetics, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. Manipal Academy of Higher Education, 576 104, Manipal, India
| | - Rithika Rajendran
- Cell Physiology and Pathology Laboratory, Indian Council of Medical Research - National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India
| | - R Vani Pratap LakshmiKumar
- Department of Data Science, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. Manipal Academy of Higher Education, 576 104, Manipal, India
| | - Guruprasad Kalthur
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. Manipal Academy of Higher Education, 576 104, Manipal, India
| | - Borut Kovacic
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University Medical Centre, Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Geetanjali Sachdeva
- Cell Physiology and Pathology Laboratory, Indian Council of Medical Research - National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, India.
| | - Satish Kumar Adiga
- Centre of Excellence in Clinical Embryology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576 104, India.
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3
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Gualtieri R, De Gregorio V, Candela A, Travaglione A, Genovese V, Barbato V, Talevi R. In Vitro Culture of Mammalian Embryos: Is There Room for Improvement? Cells 2024; 13:996. [PMID: 38920627 PMCID: PMC11202082 DOI: 10.3390/cells13120996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Preimplantation embryo culture, pivotal in assisted reproductive technology (ART), has lagged in innovation compared to embryo selection advancements. This review examines the persisting gap between in vivo and in vitro embryo development, emphasizing the need for improved culture conditions. While in humans this gap is hardly estimated, animal models, particularly bovines, reveal clear disparities in developmental competence, cryotolerance, pregnancy and live birth rates between in vitro-produced (IVP) and in vivo-derived (IVD) embryos. Molecular analyses unveil distinct differences in morphology, metabolism, and genomic stability, underscoring the need for refining culture conditions for better ART outcomes. To this end, a deeper comprehension of oviduct physiology and embryo transport is crucial for grasping embryo-maternal interactions' mechanisms. Research on autocrine and paracrine factors, and extracellular vesicles in embryo-maternal tract interactions, elucidates vital communication networks for successful implantation and pregnancy. In vitro, confinement, and embryo density are key factors to boost embryo development. Advanced dynamic culture systems mimicking fluid mechanical stimulation in the oviduct, through vibration, tilting, and microfluidic methods, and the use of innovative softer substrates, hold promise for optimizing in vitro embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Gualtieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples ‘’Federico II’’, Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy; (V.D.G.); (A.C.); (A.T.); (V.G.); (V.B.); (R.T.)
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Herreros M, Martí L, Díaz N, Tió MC, Rodríguez-Arnedo A, Guerrero J, Ortiz JA, Bernabeu A, Bernabeu R, Ten J. Impact of Group vs Individual Embryo Culture Strategies on Blastocyst and Clinical Outcomes. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1705-1711. [PMID: 38379066 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01480-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Embryo culture is one of the most important steps in an assisted reproduction laboratory. Embryos can be cultured individually, one embryo per media drop, or in groups, culturing several embryos in the same media drop. Due to the controversy generated on this subject, we wondered which embryo culture method would have the best results in terms of quality and blastocyst formation rate. We designed a prospective randomized study comparing two different embryo culture strategies: group and individual embryo culture. The data were obtained from 830 embryos from 103 egg donation treatments. The zygotes were randomized into two groups: individual culture (group 1) or group culture (group 2). The embryos were cultured in 35-µl drops until day 5 when they were classified morphologically. We observed a significant increase in the blastocyst formation rate and in the usable embryo rate in individual culture on day 5 compared to group culture. However, good embryo quality (A/B blastocysts), implantation, and pregnancy rates were similar regardless of the type of embryo-culture. As a conclusion, individual culture may increase blastocyst formation rate and may benefit embryo quality on day 5. Our results support previous reports suggesting that individual culture could improve embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Herreros
- Reproductive Embriology, Instituto Bernabeu, Alicante, Spain.
| | - Laura Martí
- Reproductive Embriology, Instituto Bernabeu, Alicante, Spain
| | - Nerea Díaz
- Reproductive Embriology, Instituto Bernabeu, Alicante, Spain
| | | | | | - Jaime Guerrero
- Reproductive Embriology, Instituto Bernabeu, Alicante, Spain
| | - José A Ortiz
- Molecular Laboratory, Instituto Bernabeu Biotech, Alicante, Spain
| | | | | | - Jorge Ten
- Reproductive Embriology, Instituto Bernabeu, Alicante, Spain
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5
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Travaglione A, Candela A, De Gregorio V, Genovese V, Cimmino M, Barbato V, Talevi R, Gualtieri R. Individually Cultured Bovine Zygotes Successfully Develop to the Blastocyst Stage in an Extremely Confined Environment. Cells 2024; 13:868. [PMID: 38786090 PMCID: PMC11119105 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The possibility of detecting the developmental competence of individually cultured embryos through analysis of spent media is a major current trend in an ART setting. However, individual embryo culture is detrimental compared with high-density group culture due to the reduced concentration of putative embryotropins. The main aim of this study was to identify an individual culture system that is not detrimental over high-density group culture in the bovine model. Blastocyst rates and competence were investigated in a conventional (GC) group, semi-confined group (MG), and individual culture (MS) in a commercial microwell device. Main findings showed that: (1) individual embryos can be continuously cultured for 7 days in ~70 nL microwells (MS) without detrimental effects compared with the GC and MG; (2) MS and MG blastocysts had a reduced number of TUNEL-positive cells compared to GC blastocysts; (3) though blastocyst mean cell numbers, mitochondrial activity, and lipid content were not different among the three culture conditions, MS blastocysts had a higher frequency of small-sized lipid droplets and a reduced mean droplet diameter compared with GC and MG blastocysts. Overall, findings open the way to optimize the development and competence of single embryos in an ART setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Roberto Gualtieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.T.); (A.C.); (V.D.G.); (V.G.); (M.C.); (V.B.); (R.T.)
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6
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Dehghan Z, Rezaee D, Noori E, Pilehchi T, Saberi F, Taheri Z, Darya G, Mehdinejadiani S. Exosomes as modulators of embryo implantation. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:284. [PMID: 38324178 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09282-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Exosomes, known as extracellular vehicles (EVs), are found in biological fluids. They have the capability to carry and transfer signaling molecules, such as nucleic acids and proteins, facilitating intercellular communication and regulating the gene expression profile in target cells. EVs have the potential to be used as biomarkers in diagnosis, prognosis and also as feasible therapeutic targets. The available evidence suggests that exosomes play critical roles in the reproductive system, particularly during implantation, which is widely recognized as a crucial step in early pregnancy. A proper molecular dialogue between a high-quality embryo and a receptive endometrium is essential for the establishment of a normal pregnancy. This review focuses on the key role of exosomes originated from various sources, including the embryo, seminal fluid, and uterus fluid, based on the available evidence. It explores their potential applications as a novel approach in assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Dehghan
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Delsuz Rezaee
- School of Allied Medical Sciences, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Effat Noori
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tayyebeh Pilehchi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Saberi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Taheri
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Pavia University, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gholamhossein Darya
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shayesteh Mehdinejadiani
- Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Tran HP, Diem Tuyet HT, Dang Khoa TQ, Lam Thuy LN, Bao PT, Thanh Sang VN. Microscopic Video-Based Grouped Embryo Segmentation: A Deep Learning Approach. Cureus 2023; 15:e45429. [PMID: 37859886 PMCID: PMC10582205 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45429] [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] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The primary aim of this research is to enhance the utilization of advanced deep learning (DL) techniques in the domain of in vitro fertilization (IVF) by presenting a more refined approach to the segmentation and organization of microscopic embryos. This study also seeks to establish a comprehensive embryo database that can be employed for future research and educational purposes. METHODS This study introduces an advanced methodology for embryo segmentation and organization using DL. The approach comprises three primary steps: Embryo Segmentation Model, Segmented Embryo Image Organization, and Clear and Blur Image Classification. The proposed approach was rigorously evaluated on a sample of 5182 embryos extracted from 362 microscopic embryo videos. RESULTS The study's results show that the proposed method is highly effective in accurately segmenting and organizing embryo images. This is evidenced by the high mean average precision values of 1.0 at an intersection over union threshold of 0.5 and across the range of 0.5 to 0.95, indicating a robust object detection capability that is vital in the IVF process. Segmentation of images based on various factors such as the day of development, patient, growth medium, and embryo facilitates easy comparison and identification of potential issues. Finally, appropriate threshold values for clear and blur image classification are proposed. CONCLUSION The suggested technique represents an indispensable stage of data preparation for IVF training and education. Furthermore, this study provides a solid foundation for future research and adoption of DL in IVF, which is expected to have a significant positive impact on IVF outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huy Phuong Tran
- Department of Infertility, Hung Vuong Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, VNM
| | | | | | - Le Nhi Lam Thuy
- IC-IP Lab, Faculty of Information and Technology, Saigon University, Ho Chi Minh City, VNM
| | - Pham The Bao
- IC-IP Lab, Faculty of Information and Technology, Saigon University, Ho Chi Minh City, VNM
| | - Vu Ngoc Thanh Sang
- IC-IP Lab, Faculty of Information and Technology, Saigon University, Ho Chi Minh City, VNM
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8
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Gonzalez Fernandez J, Moncayo Arlandi J, Ochando A, Simon C, Vilella F. The role of extracellular vesicles in intercellular communication in human reproduction. Clin Sci (Lond) 2023; 137:281-301. [PMID: 36762584 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Embryo-maternal cross-talk has emerged as a vitally important process for embryo development and implantation, which is driven by secreted factors and extracellular vesicles (EVs). The EV cargo of bioactive molecules significantly influences target cells and primes them for critical stages of reproductive biology, including embryo development, adhesion, and implantation. Recent research has suggested that EVs and their cargo represent a powerful non-invasive tool that can be leveraged to assess embryo and maternal tissue quality during assisted reproduction treatments. Here, we review the current scientific literature regarding the intercellular cross-talk between embryos and maternal tissues from fertilization to implantation, focusing on human biology and signaling mechanisms identified in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Gonzalez Fernandez
- Carlos Simon Foundation, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Javier Moncayo Arlandi
- Carlos Simon Foundation, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Ochando
- Carlos Simon Foundation, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos Simon
- Carlos Simon Foundation, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Felipe Vilella
- Carlos Simon Foundation, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
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Improved embryonic development and utilization rates with EmbryoScope: a within-subject comparison versus a benchtop incubator. ZYGOTE 2022; 30:633-637. [PMID: 35674243 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199422000077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate whether, in consecutive intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles, embryonic development in an incubator with a time-lapse imaging (TLI) system is better than the previous one obtained in a benchtop incubator (G-185) with similar cultivation characteristics. The study was of a retrospective within-subject design, in which each cycle served as its own control. Data were obtained via the chart review of patients undergoing ICSI in a private university-affiliated in vitro fertilization (IVF) centre who fulfilled the following criteria: second ICSI attempt in which embryos were cultured in a TLI incubator system (TLI group, n = 71), preceded by a first ICSI attempt in which embryos were cultured in a benchtop incubator (Control group, n = 71). Embryonic development up to the fifth day of development, oocyte utilization rate (OUR; transferred embryos plus frozen embryos per total number of retrieved oocytes) and embryo utilization rate (EUR; transferred embryos plus frozen embryos per normally fertilized oocyte) were compared between the groups. There were significant differences in the day 2 non-cleavage rate, day 5 embryo rate, blastocyst development rate, frozen blastocyst rate, OUR, and EUR, in favour of the TLI group. Embryonic development, frozen blastocyst rate, OUR and EUR in the second ICSI cycle were significantly improved when the culture was performed in the EmbryoScope, compared with those rates obtained with culture in a G-185 in the first ICSI cycle of the same patients. The results may also lead to higher cumulative pregnancy outcomes following embryo thawing and transfer.
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10
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Effects of embryo density on cell number of day 3 embryos cultured in a 30-μl drop: a retrospective cohort study. ZYGOTE 2022; 30:487-494. [PMID: 35293302 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199421000812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
For individual cultures, findings on regulating embryo density by changing the microdrop volume are contradictory. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between embryo density and the developmental outcome of day 3 embryos after adjusting covariates. In total, 1196 embryos from 206 couples who had undergone in vitro fertilization treatment were analyzed retrospectively. Three embryo densities were used routinely, i.e. one embryo in a drop (30 μl/embryo), two embryos in a drop (15 μl/embryo) and three embryos in a drop (10 μl/embryo). Embryo quality on day 3 was evaluated, both the cell number of day 3 embryos and the proportion of successful implantations served as endpoints. Maternal age, paternal age, antral follicles and level of anti-Müllerian hormone, type of infertility, controlled ovarian stimulation protocol, length of stimulation, number of retrieved oocytes, number of zygotes (two pronuclei) and insemination type were covariates and adjusted. After adjusting fully for all covariates, the cell number of day 3 embryos was significantly increased by 0.40 (95% CI 0.00, 0.79; P = 0.048) and 0.78 (95% CI 0.02, 1.54; P = 0.044) in the 15 μl/embryo and 10 μl/embryo group separately, compared with the 30 μl/embryo group. The proportions of implanted embryos were 42.1%, 48.7% and 0.0% in the 30 μl/embryo, 15 μl/embryo and 10 μl/embryo groups respectively. There was no statistical significance (P = 0.22) between the 30 μl/embryo group and the 15 μl/embryo group. After adjusting for confounders that were significant in univariate analysis, embryo density was still not associated with day 3 embryo implantation potential (P > 0.05). In a 30-μl microdrop, culturing embryos with an embryo density of both 15 and 10 μl/embryo increased the cell number of day 3 embryos, which did not benefit embryo implanting potential, compared with individual culture of 30 μl/embryo.
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11
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Fancsovits P, Pribenszky C, Lehner A, Murber A, Kaszas Z, Nemes A, Urbancsek J. Prospective-randomized study comparing clinical outcomes of IVF treatments where embryos were cultured individually or in a microwell group culture dish. Biol Futur 2022; 73:229-236. [PMID: 35278201 DOI: 10.1007/s42977-022-00113-8] [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: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Culturing embryos together in a microdrop of media may improve embryo quality, based on the results of animal studies, however individual identification of the embryos in such a system is not possible. The microwell group culture dish contains 9 or 16 microwells with a minimal well-to-well distance and a specific well morphology that facilitates paracrine and autocrine effects. The microwell group culture dish enables individual identification of the embryos while providing the environment that comes with similar benefits as group culture. Our aim was to investigate whether embryo culture in the microwell group culture dish (Primo Vision Dish, Vitrolife) improves IVF outcomes compared to individual culture in human IVF treatment. Five hundred thirty-two IVF-ET cycles were enrolled in this prospective randomized study in a university hospital. IVF cycles were randomized into microwell group culture and individual culture groups. Primary outcome measure was clinical pregnancy rate and secondary outcome measures were embryo quality, fertilization, implantation, delivery and embryo utilization rates. Fertilization rate in ICSI cycles was significantly higher in the microwell group culture group (70.6% vs. 64.9%, P = 0.001). Clinical pregnancy rate was 50.8% in the group culture and 40.6% in the individual culture (P = 0.022). Live birth rate was 41.5% in microwell and 32.9% in individual culture (P = 0.0496). Embryo utilization rate was higher in microwell group culture than in individual culture (80.6% vs. 75.0%; P < 0.001). Microwell group culture has a beneficial effect on IVF outcome and it also allows following up individual embryo development.ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01774006.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Fancsovits
- Division of Assisted Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, Baross u. 27, Budapest, 1088, Hungary.
| | - Csaba Pribenszky
- Department of Animal Hygiene, Herdhealth and Veterinary Ethology, University of Veterinary Science, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Adam Lehner
- Division of Assisted Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, Baross u. 27, Budapest, 1088, Hungary
| | - Akos Murber
- Division of Assisted Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, Baross u. 27, Budapest, 1088, Hungary
| | - Zita Kaszas
- Division of Assisted Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, Baross u. 27, Budapest, 1088, Hungary
| | - Annamaria Nemes
- Division of Assisted Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, Baross u. 27, Budapest, 1088, Hungary
| | - Janos Urbancsek
- Division of Assisted Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, Baross u. 27, Budapest, 1088, Hungary
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Anagnostopoulou C, Rosas IM, Gugnani N, Desai D, Manoharan M, Singh N, Leonardi Diaz SI, Singh K, Wirka KA, Gupta S, Darbandi S, Chockalingam A, Darbandi M, Boitrelle F, Finelli R, Sallam HN, Agarwal A. An expert commentary on essential equipment, supplies and culture media in the ART laboratory. Panminerva Med 2022; 64:140-155. [PMID: 35146990 DOI: 10.23736/s0031-0808.22.04671-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The ART laboratory is a complex system designed to sustain the fertilization, survival, and culture of the preimplantation embryo to the blastocyst stage. ART outcomes depend on numerous factors, among which are the equipment, supplies and culture media used. The number and type of incubators also may affect ART results. While large incubators may be more suitable for media equilibration, bench-top incubators may provide better embryo culture conditions in separate or smaller chambers and may be coupled with time-lapse systems that allow continuous embryo monitoring. Microscopes are essential for observation, assessment, and micromanipulation. Workstations provide a controlled environment for gamete and embryo handling and their quantity should be adjusted according to the number of ART cycles treated in order to provide a steady and efficient workflow. Continuous maintenance, quality control and monitoring of equipment is essential and quality control devices such as the thermometer, and pH-meter are necessary to maintain optimal culture conditions. Tracking, appropriate delivery and storage conditions, and quality control of all consumables is recommended so that the adequate quantity and quality is available for use. Embryo culture media have evolved: preimplantation embryos are cultured either by sequential media or single-step media that can be used for interrupted or uninterrupted culture. There is currently no sufficient evidence that any individual commercially-available culture system is better than others in terms of embryo viability. In this review, we aim to analyse the various parameters that should be taken into account when choosing the essential equipment, consumables and culture media systems that will create optimal culture conditions and provide the most effective patient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Israel M Rosas
- Citmer Reproductive Medicine, IVF LAB, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nivita Gugnani
- BabySoon Fertility and IVF Center, New Delhi, India India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India
| | - Dimple Desai
- DPU IVF & ENDOSCOPY CENTER, Dr. D. Y. Patil Hospital & Research Centre, Pune, India
| | | | | | | | - Keerti Singh
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados
| | - Kelly A Wirka
- Fertility & Endocrinology, Medical Affairs, EMD Serono, USA
| | - Sajal Gupta
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Sara Darbandi
- Fetal Health Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran.,Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mahsa Darbandi
- Fetal Health Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran.,Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, Poissy, France.,Department of Biology, Reproduction, Epigenetics, Environment and Development, Paris Saclay University, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Renata Finelli
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Hassan N Sallam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Alexandria University Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA -
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13
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Shi C, Sun TC, Meng SH, Wang P, Liang R, Duan SN, Han HJ, Liu YN, Shen H, Chen X. Embryo Density and Its Neutrality in Day-3 Embryo Development: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Int J Endocrinol 2022; 2022:6368678. [PMID: 35313456 PMCID: PMC8934215 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6368678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many studies have shown that embryo density has an impact on day-3 embryo-developmental outcomes; however, embryo density remains controversial in clinical practice. We aimed to evaluate the association between embryo density and day-3 embryo-developmental outcomes in real world with the largest sample size. METHODS In 2018, we identified 10941 day-3 embryos from all female patients (n = 1568) in the study. The embryos were allocated to three embryonic densities: 30 μl/embryo (individual culture), 15 μl/embryo, and 10 μl/embryo (group culture). The primary outcomes were cleaving speed, quality, and proportion of successful implantations. The generalized estimate equation (GEE) model was used both in the univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression analyses to investigate the relationship between embryo density and embryo-developmental outcomes. RESULTS There were 3064, 5695, and 2182 embryos in the 30 μl/embryo group, 15 μl/embryo group, and 10 μl/embryo group, respectively. The proportions of 7-10 cell embryos were 57.2%, 56.1%, and 58.3% in three densities with no statistical significance (P=0.37), respectively. The proportions of morphologically good embryos were 20%, 20.3%, and 20% in three densities with no statistical significance (P=0.85), respectively. Proportions of implanted embryos were 37.7%, 37.1%, and 27.8% with no statistical significance (P=0.36), respectively. After adjustment for confounders, which were significant in the univariate analysis, the embryo density was still not associated with day-3 embryo-cleaving speed, day-3 embryo quality, and day-3 embryo-implanting potential (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION In a 30 μl microdrop, the culturing embryos with embryo densities of 15, 10, and 30 μl/embryo (from zygotes to day 3) had similar developmental outcomes. The embryo density had no impact on day-3 embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Shi
- Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Tie Cheng Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Shi Hui Meng
- Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Rong Liang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Sheng Nan Duan
- Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Hong Jing Han
- Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Ya Nan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Huan Shen
- Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
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14
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Tesfaye D, Menjivar N, Gebremedhn S. Current knowledge and the future potential of extracellular vesicles in mammalian reproduction. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:174-189. [PMID: 35231266 DOI: 10.1071/rd21277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which contain various functional classes of vesicles, namely exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies, represent the major nano-shuttle to transfer bioactive molecules from donor to recipient cells to facilitate cell-to-cell communication in the follicular, oviduct, and uterine microenvironments. In addition to transferring various molecular cargos in the form of miRNAs, mRNAs, proteins, lipids, and DNA molecules, the relative proportion of those molecular cargos in the reproductive fluids can be associated with the physiological and pathological condition of the host animal. Inside the follicle, EV-mediated circulation of miRNAs has been reported to be associated with the growth status of the enclosed oocytes, the metabolic status, and the advanced maternal aging of the animal. Importantly, EVs have the potential to protect their cargo molecules from extracellular degradation or modification while travelling to the recipient cells. This fact together with the enormous availability in almost all biological fluids and spent culture media make them attractive in the search for biomarkers of oocyte/embryo developmental competence, receptive maternal environment and a multitude of reproductive pathophysiological conditions. One of the key factors that have contributed to the lower efficiency of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) is the absence of several maternal in vivo factors in the ART procedures. For this, several studies have been conducted to supplement various components present in the follicular and oviductal fluids into the existing ART procedures and significant positive impacts have been observed in terms of embryo cleavage rate, blastocyst rate, resistance to stress, and survival after cryopreservation. The potential of EVs in shuttling protective messages against environmental and physiological stressors has been evidenced. The effective use of the EV-coupled molecular signals against stress-associated conditions has the potential to pave the path for the application of these protective signals against oxidative stress-associated pathological conditions including PCOS, ageing, and endometritis. In this review, we provide current knowledge and potential future use of EVs as remedies in reproductive pathophysiological conditions, mainly in follicular and oviductal microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawit Tesfaye
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3051 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Nico Menjivar
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3051 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
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15
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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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16
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Vajta G, Parmegiani L, Machaty Z, Chen WB, Yakovenko S. Back to the future: optimised microwell culture of individual human preimplantation stage embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2563-2574. [PMID: 33864207 PMCID: PMC8581087 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02167-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Although in vitro culture of human embryos is a crucial step in assisted reproduction, the lack of focused research hampers worldwide standardisation and consistent outcomes. Only 1.2% of research papers published in five leading journals in human reproduction in 2019 focused on in vitro culture conditions, creating the impression that the optimisation process has approached its limits. On the other hand, in vitro culture of mammalian embryos is based on old principles, while there is no consensus on basic issues as density, time, medium change, gas atmosphere and small technical details including the way of drop preparation. This opinion paper aims to highlight and analyse the slow advancement in this field and stimulate research for simple and affordable solutions to meet the current requirements. A possible way for advancement is discussed in detail. Selection of embryos with the highest developmental competence requires individual culture and modification of the widely used "drop under oil" approach. Current use of three-dimensional surfaces instead of large flat bottoms is restricted to time-lapse systems, but these wells are designed for optical clarity, not for the needs of embryos. The size and shape of the original microwells (Well of the Well; WOW) offer a practical and straightforward solution to combine the benefits of communal and individual incubation and improve the overall quality of cultured embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Vajta
- RVT Australia, Cairns, QLD 4870 Australia
- VitaVitro Biotech Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Zoltan Machaty
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
| | | | - Sergey Yakovenko
- Altravita IVF Clinic, Moscow, Russia
- Biophysics Department, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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17
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Swain JE. Fused blastocysts as a consequence of group embryo culture: observations, complications, and potential solutions. F S Rep 2021; 2:133-135. [PMID: 34223285 PMCID: PMC8244384 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2020.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
How embryos are cultured, in groups or individually, can influence their development and have other unforeseen impacts on subsequent assisted reproductive technologies. Although a group culture of embryos improves the blastocyst formation rates, this can create conditions wherein separate blastocysts may fuse. This fusion of 2 blastocysts can create unique logistic issues for embryo biopsy and genetic analysis. New culture approaches have emerged to facilitate individual embryo culture without losing the benefit of the group culture approach. Unique culture dishes and adjustments of laboratory culture/embryo handling protocols offer possible solutions to minimize or avoid blastocyst fusion.
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18
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Glatthorn HN, Hanson BM, Kim JG, Herlihy NS, Klimczak AM, Hong KH, Seli E, Scott RT. Individual culture leads to decreased blastocyst formation but does not affect pregnancy outcomes in the setting of a single, vitrified-warmed euploid blastocyst transfer. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2157-2164. [PMID: 34086147 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02252-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate embryology and pregnancy outcomes following individual and group embryo culture in the setting of contemporary laboratory practices and freeze-all cycles. METHODS Patients underwent ovarian stimulation followed by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Embryos proceeded through individual culture and then underwent preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) via trophectoderm biopsy. In a subsequent cycle, participants underwent single embryo transfer of a vitrified-warmed, euploid embryo. Outcomes were compared to controls undergoing group culture during the same time frame. The Mann-Whitney U test and logistic regression models were utilized. RESULTS Outcomes were assessed for 144 patients whose embryos underwent individual culture and 449 controls whose embryos underwent group culture. There were no significant differences in fertilization rates between groups (81.7% for individual culture vs. 84.1% for group culture, p = 0.22). However, individual culture was associated with a decreased rate of blastocyst formation compared to group culture (43.5% vs. 48.5%, p < 0.01). Following single, vitrified-warmed euploid blastocyst transfer, there were no significant differences between individual culture and group culture, respectively, in rates of positive βhCG (81.9% vs. 81.5%, p = 0.91), sustained implantation (63.9% vs. 65.0%, p = 0.80), biochemical miscarriage (16.7% vs. 12.3%, p = 0.18), or clinical miscarriage (1.4% vs. 4.2%, p = 0.13). CONCLUSION While individual culture appears to negatively impact the rate of usable blastocyst formation compared to group culture, there were no significant differences in pregnancy outcomes following transfer of a single, vitrified-warmed euploid blastocyst.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley N Glatthorn
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 125 Paterson Street, Suite 2100, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
| | - Brent M Hanson
- IVI-Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Julia G Kim
- IVI-Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nola S Herlihy
- IVI-Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amber M Klimczak
- IVI-Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kathleen H Hong
- IVI-Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA
| | - Emre Seli
- IVI-Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Richard T Scott
- IVI-Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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19
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Cuthbert JM, Russell SJ, Polejaeva IA, Meng Q, White KL, Benninghoff AD. Dynamics of small non-coding RNAs in bovine scNT embryos through the maternal-to-embryonic transition. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:918-933. [PMID: 34086842 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab107] [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] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficiency of somatic cell nuclear transfer (scNT) for production of viable offspring is relatively low as compared to in vitro fertilization (IVF), presumably due to deficiencies in epigenetic reprogramming of the donor cell genome. Such defects may also involve the population of small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs), which are important during early embryonic development. The objective of this study was to examine dynamic changes in relative abundance of sncRNAs during the maternal-to embryonic transition (MET) in bovine embryos produced by scNT as compared to IVF by using RNA sequencing. When comparing populations of miRNA in scNT versus IVF embryos, only miR-2340, miR-345, and miR34a were differentially expressed in morulae, though many more miRNAs were differentially expressed when comparing across developmental stages. Also of interest, distinct populations of piwi-interacting like RNAs (pilRNAs) were identified in bovine embryos prior to and during embryonic genome activation (EGA) as compared bovine embryos post EGA and differentiated cells. Overall, sncRNA sequencing analysis of preimplantation embryos revealed largely similar profiles of sncRNAs for IVF and scNT embryos at the 2-cell, 8-cell, morula and blastocyst stages of development. However, these sncRNA profiles, including miRNA, piRNA and tRNA fragments, were notably distinct prior to and after completion of the MET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn M Cuthbert
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, 4815 Old Main Hill, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322, USA
| | - Stewart J Russell
- CReATe Fertility Centre, 790 Bay St. #1100, Toronto, M5G 1N8, Canada
| | - Irina A Polejaeva
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, 4815 Old Main Hill, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322, USA
| | - Qinggang Meng
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, 4815 Old Main Hill, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322, USA
| | - Kenneth L White
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, 4815 Old Main Hill, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322, USA
| | - Abby D Benninghoff
- Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences, 4815 Old Main Hill, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322, USA
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20
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Vajta G, Parmegiani L, Machaty Z, Chen WB, Yakovenko S. Back to the future: optimised microwell culture of individual human preimplantation stage embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021. [PMID: 33864207 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02167-4.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Although in vitro culture of human embryos is a crucial step in assisted reproduction, the lack of focused research hampers worldwide standardisation and consistent outcomes. Only 1.2% of research papers published in five leading journals in human reproduction in 2019 focused on in vitro culture conditions, creating the impression that the optimisation process has approached its limits. On the other hand, in vitro culture of mammalian embryos is based on old principles, while there is no consensus on basic issues as density, time, medium change, gas atmosphere and small technical details including the way of drop preparation. This opinion paper aims to highlight and analyse the slow advancement in this field and stimulate research for simple and affordable solutions to meet the current requirements. A possible way for advancement is discussed in detail. Selection of embryos with the highest developmental competence requires individual culture and modification of the widely used "drop under oil" approach. Current use of three-dimensional surfaces instead of large flat bottoms is restricted to time-lapse systems, but these wells are designed for optical clarity, not for the needs of embryos. The size and shape of the original microwells (Well of the Well; WOW) offer a practical and straightforward solution to combine the benefits of communal and individual incubation and improve the overall quality of cultured embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Vajta
- RVT Australia, Cairns, QLD, 4870, Australia. .,VitaVitro Biotech Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China.
| | | | - Zoltan Machaty
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | | | - Sergey Yakovenko
- Altravita IVF Clinic, Moscow, Russia.,Biophysics Department, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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21
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Coticchio G, Behr B, Campbell A, Meseguer M, Morbeck DE, Pisaturo V, Plancha CE, Sakkas D, Xu Y, D'Hooghe T, Cottell E, Lundin K. Fertility technologies and how to optimize laboratory performance to support the shortening of time to birth of a healthy singleton: a Delphi consensus. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:1021-1043. [PMID: 33599923 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02077-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore how the assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratories can be optimized and standardized to enhance embryo culture and selection, to bridge the gap between standard practice and the new concept of shortening time to healthy singleton birth. METHODS A Delphi consensus was conducted (January to July 2018) to assess how the ART laboratory could be optimized, in conjunction with existing guidelines, to reduce the time to a healthy singleton birth. Eight experts plus the coordinator discussed and refined statements proposed by the coordinator. The statements were distributed via an online survey to 29 participants (including the eight experts from step 1), who voted on their agreement/disagreement with each statement. Consensus was reached if ≥ 66% of participants agreed/disagreed with a statement. If consensus was not achieved for any statement, that statement was revised and the process repeated until consensus was achieved. Details of statements achieving consensus were communicated to the participants. RESULTS Consensus was achieved for all 13 statements, which underlined the need for professional guidelines and standardization of lab processes to increase laboratory competency and quality. The most important points identified were the improvement of embryo culture and embryo assessment to shorten time to live birth through the availability of more high-quality embryos, priority selection of the most viable embryos and improved cryosurvival. CONCLUSION The efficiency of the ART laboratory can be improved through professional guidelines on standardized practices and optimized embryo culture environment, assessment, selection and cryopreservation methodologies, thereby reducing the time to a healthy singleton delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Coticchio
- 9.baby Family and Fertility Center, Via Dante, 15, 40125, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Barry Behr
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Dean E Morbeck
- Fertility Associates, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Valerio Pisaturo
- Reproductive Medicine Department, International Evangelical Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carlos E Plancha
- Inst. Histologia e Biologia do Desenvolvimento, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa and CEMEARE, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Denny Sakkas
- Boston IVF, Waltham, MA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yanwen Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Thomas D'Hooghe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, R&D Biopharma, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences Group, KU Leuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Evelyn Cottell
- Global Medical Affairs Fertility, R&D Biopharma, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Kersti Lundin
- Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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22
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Luddi A, Pavone V, Governini L, Capaldo A, Landi C, Ietta F, Paccagnini E, Morgante G, De Leo V, Piomboni P. Emerging role of embryo secretome in the paracrine communication at the implantation site: a proof of concept. Fertil Steril 2021; 115:1054-1062. [PMID: 33500140 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.10.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the role of embryo secretome in modifying the molecular profile of glycodelin A (GdA) in endometrial organoids (ORG) mimicking the implantation window. To verify whether the use of embryo-conditioned culture medium at the time of the embryo transfer may increase in vitro fertilization outcome. DESIGN Molecular study with human endometrial ORG and embryo-conditioned culture medium. Retrospective study using prospectively recorded data. SETTING University hospital. PATIENT(S) For isolation and culture of endometrial glandular ORG, endometrial biopsy specimens from five white women of proven fertility undergoing laparoscopy for tubal sterilization. A total of 75 women undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection for tubal and/or male infertility factor. INTERVENTIONS(S) In vitro fertilization. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Pinopodes presence in human endometrial ORG. Glycodelin A expression profile by means of two-dimensional electrophoresis. In vitro fertilization outcome. RESULT(S) This in vitro study demonstrated that the treatment of endometrial ORG with the secretome of medium conditioned by the growing embryo increased the GdA relative abundance and induced a different glycoform pattern. Biochemical and clinical pregnancy rate significantly increased when the spent medium was loaded during the transfer (17.5% vs. 36.6% and 16.5% vs. 35.1%, respectively). CONCLUSION(S) This study demonstrated that the secretome of implanting embryos is able to induce the expression as well as to determine the relative abundance and the glycosilation profile of endometrial GdA, a protein having a key role in the embryo-endometrial cross talk. Moreover, a significant increase in pregnancy rate was observed when the embryo transfer was performed by using the culture medium conditioned by the growing embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Luddi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Valentina Pavone
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Laura Governini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Angela Capaldo
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Claudia Landi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Ietta
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Morgante
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Leo
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Paola Piomboni
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
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23
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Fabozzi G, Albricci L, Cimadomo D, Amendola MG, Sanges F, Maggiulli R, Ubaldi FM, Rienzi L. Blastulation rates of sibling oocytes in two IVF culture media: an evidence-based workflow to implement newly commercialized products. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 42:311-322. [PMID: 33288477 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION An evidence-based novel commercially available continuous IVF culture medium in compliance with an efficient quality-management system is proposed. DESIGN Non-interventional study on sibling oocytes. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles among women aged 42 years or younger that used ejaculated spermatozoa and retrieved four to eight oocytes were included. Sibling oocytes were randomized for culture in the novel Geri-medium or continuous single culture medium (CSCM). Primary outcome measure was blastulation rate per cohort of inseminated oocytes; 1182 oocytes were required to outline down to a 7% difference (power = 80%). RESULTS A total of 181 cohorts of sibling oocytes were included. Geri-medium (n = 631 oocytes) and CSCM (n = 643 oocytes) resulted in similar blastulation rates (mean ± SD: 42.8% ± 30.1% versus 43.1% ± 29.0%; Wilcoxon signed rank test = 0.77). Blastocysts cultured in the former (n = 275 versus n = 277) showed longer timings during preimplantation development (P < 0.01) and were poorer quality (26% versus 18%; P = 0.03). Euploidy rate was no different in cycles that underwent preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (n = 113) (117/237 [49%] versus 117/249 blastocysts [47%]; P = 0.6). Ongoing implantation rate was comparable in the study arms after euploid (29/47 [63%] versus 14/ 34 [41%]; P = 0.1) or untested (12/31 [39%] versus 7/18 [39%]; P = 0.3) transfers. CONCLUSION Blastulation rate among cohorts of sibling oocytes cultured in the same incubator is a fast, reliable and comprehensive performance indicator to validate novel commercially available culture medium. The media tested were considered similarly efficient. The differences in blastocyst morphology and developmental timings warrant further investigation, although euploidy and ongoing implantation rates were similar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Fabozzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, via G de Notaris 2b, Rome 00197, Italy.
| | - Laura Albricci
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, via G de Notaris 2b, Rome 00197, Italy
| | - Danilo Cimadomo
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, via G de Notaris 2b, Rome 00197, Italy
| | - Maria Giulia Amendola
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, via G de Notaris 2b, Rome 00197, Italy
| | - Federica Sanges
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, via G de Notaris 2b, Rome 00197, Italy
| | - Roberta Maggiulli
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, via G de Notaris 2b, Rome 00197, Italy
| | - Filippo Maria Ubaldi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, via G de Notaris 2b, Rome 00197, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, via G de Notaris 2b, Rome 00197, Italy
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24
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Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to assess whether the survival rate of embryos is influenced by the number of embryos/oocytes loaded on a single cryo-carrier during vitrification. METHODS This was a retrospective study that included 974 patients who underwent thawing of 1896 embryo-warming cycles between September 2016 and January 2020. A distinct analysis was made for cleavage stage embryos (2-10-cell stage) and blastocysts. For vitrification, embryos were placed in a Cryotop™ open device using a SAGE vitrification kit following the manufacturer's instructions. Warming was carried using a SAGE warming vitrification kit according the manufacturer's instructions. RESULTS Total post-vitrification survival rates of embryos at the cleavage stage or blastocyst stage was 94.8%. At the cleavage stage, cryo-preserving three embryos per single cryo-carrier gave the highest full intact embryo survival rate (91.5%) compared with one or two embryo(s) per single cryo-carrier (85.7%, P < 0.0002 and 87.3%, P < 0.004). Conversely, post warmed full intact blastocyst survival rate for two blastocysts was significantly lower compared with one blastocyst (76.7% vs. 87.9%, P < 0.0193) per single cryo-carrier. CONCLUSION Post-thawing survival rate following vitrification is affected by the number of embryos per single cryo-carrier undergoing the vitrification equilibration phase, with the optimum number of three cleaved embryos or one blastocyst per single cryo-carrier. Further studies are required to determine the optimum number of cleaved embryos or blastocysts that should be loaded onto a single cryo-carrier vitrification device.
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25
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Dissanayake K, Nõmm M, Lättekivi F, Ressaissi Y, Godakumara K, Lavrits A, Midekessa G, Viil J, Bæk R, Jørgensen MM, Bhattacharjee S, Andronowska A, Salumets A, Jaakma Ü, Fazeli A. Individually cultured bovine embryos produce extracellular vesicles that have the potential to be used as non-invasive embryo quality markers. Theriogenology 2020; 149:104-116. [PMID: 32259747 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound biological nanoparticles (NPs) and have gained wide attention as potential biomarkers. We aimed to isolate and characterize EVs from media conditioned by individually cultured preimplantation bovine embryos and to assess their relationship with embryo quality. Presumptive zygotes were cultured individually in 60 μl droplets of culture media, and 50 μl of media were collected from the droplets either on day 2, 5 or 8 post-fertilization. After sampling, the embryo cultures were continued in the remaining media until day 8, and the embryo development was evaluated at day 2 (cleavage), day 5 (morula stage) and day 8 (blastocyst stage). EVs were isolated using qEVsingle® columns and characterized. Based on EV Array, EVs isolated from embryo conditioned media were strongly positive for EV-markers CD9 and CD81 and weakly positive for CD63 and Alix among others. They had a cup-like shape typical to EVs as analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and spherical shape in scanning electron microscopy, and hence regarded as EVs. However, the NPs isolated from control media were negative for EV markers. Based on nanoparticle tracking analysis, at day 2, the mean concentration of EVs isolated from media conditioned by embryos that degenerated after cleaving (8.25 × 108/ml) was higher compared to that of embryos that prospectively developed to blastocysts (5.86 × 108/ml, p < 0.05). Moreover, at day 8, the concentration of EVs isolated from media conditioned by degenerating embryos (7.17 × 108/ml) was higher compared to that of blastocysts (5.68 × 108/ml, p < 0.05). Furthermore, at day 8, the mean diameter of EVs isolated from media conditioned by degenerating embryos (153.7 nm) was smaller than EVs from media conditioned by blastocysts (163.5 nm, p < 0.05). In conclusion, individually cultured preimplantation bovine embryos secrete EVs in the culture media and their concentration and size are influenced by embryo quality and may indicate their prospective development potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keerthie Dissanayake
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Monika Nõmm
- Chair of Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Freddy Lättekivi
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Yosra Ressaissi
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Italy
| | - Kasun Godakumara
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Arina Lavrits
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Getnet Midekessa
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Janeli Viil
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Rikke Bæk
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Malene Møller Jørgensen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Denmark
| | - Sourav Bhattacharjee
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin (UCD), Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Aneta Andronowska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
| | - Andres Salumets
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia; Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ülle Jaakma
- Chair of Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Alireza Fazeli
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom.
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26
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Walters EA, Brown JL, Krisher R, Voelkel S, Swain JE. Impact of a controlled culture temperature gradient on mouse embryo development and morphokinetics. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 40:494-499. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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27
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Apter S, Ebner T, Freour T, Guns Y, Kovacic B, Le Clef N, Marques M, Meseguer M, Montjean D, Sfontouris I, Sturmey R, Coticchio G. Good practice recommendations for the use of time-lapse technology †. Hum Reprod Open 2020; 2020:hoaa008. [PMID: 32206731 PMCID: PMC7081060 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoaa008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas Ebner
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Gynecological Endocrinology, Kepler Universitätsklinikum, Linz, Austria
| | - Thomas Freour
- Médecine de la Reproduction, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Yves Guns
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Borut Kovacic
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecologic Endocrinology, Univerzitetni klinicni center Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Nathalie Le Clef
- European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, Grimbergen, Belgium
| | | | - Marcos Meseguer
- IVF Laboratory, Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Valencia, Spain
| | - Debbie Montjean
- Médecine et Biologie de la Reproduction, Hopital Saint Joseph, Marseille, France
| | | | - Roger Sturmey
- Centre for Atherothrombosis and Metabolic Disease, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
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28
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Gatimel N, Moreau J, Parinaud J, Léandri RD. Need for choosing the ideal pH value for IVF culture media. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:1019-1028. [PMID: 32124192 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01726-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Monitoring the pH of IVF culture media is a good practice, but the required pH levels have been "arbitrarily" set. Assisted reproductive technology centers around the world are spending time and money on pH monitoring without any consensus to date. The objective of this narrative review was to evaluate the importance of pH monitoring during IVF, discover how the oocyte and embryo regulate their intracellular pH and try to determine the optimal pH to be applied. METHODS A narrative literature review was performed on publications in the PubMed database reporting on the impact of pH on cellular function, oocyte and embryo development, IVF outcomes and pathophysiology, or on physiological pH in the female reproductive tract. RESULTS Intracellular pH regulates many cellular processes such as meiotic spindle stability of the oocyte, cell division and differentiation, embryo enzymatic activities, and blastocoel formation. The internal pH of the human embryo is maintained by regulatory mechanisms (mainly Na+/H+ and HCO3-/Cl- exchangers) that can be exceeded, particularly in the oocyte and early-stage embryos. The opinion that the optimal pH for embryo culture is physiological pH is not correct since several physicochemical parameters specific to IVF culture conditions (temperature, medium composition, duration of culture, or implication of CO2) can modify the intracellular pH of the embryo and change its needs and adaptability. CONCLUSIONS Because correct and stable extracellular pH is essential to embryo health and development, monitoring pH is imperative. However, there is a lack of clinical data on choosing the ideal pH for human IVF culture media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Gatimel
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Paule de Viguier Hospital, Toulouse University Hospitals, 330 avenue de Grande Bretagne, 31059, Toulouse, France. .,EA 3694 Human Fertility Research Group, Paule de Viguier Hospital, Toulouse University Hospitals, 330 avenue de Grande Bretagne, 31059, Toulouse, France.
| | - Jessika Moreau
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Paule de Viguier Hospital, Toulouse University Hospitals, 330 avenue de Grande Bretagne, 31059, Toulouse, France.,EA 3694 Human Fertility Research Group, Paule de Viguier Hospital, Toulouse University Hospitals, 330 avenue de Grande Bretagne, 31059, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean Parinaud
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Paule de Viguier Hospital, Toulouse University Hospitals, 330 avenue de Grande Bretagne, 31059, Toulouse, France.,EA 3694 Human Fertility Research Group, Paule de Viguier Hospital, Toulouse University Hospitals, 330 avenue de Grande Bretagne, 31059, Toulouse, France
| | - Roger D Léandri
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Paule de Viguier Hospital, Toulouse University Hospitals, 330 avenue de Grande Bretagne, 31059, Toulouse, France.,EA 3694 Human Fertility Research Group, Paule de Viguier Hospital, Toulouse University Hospitals, 330 avenue de Grande Bretagne, 31059, Toulouse, France
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29
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Ruíz M, Santamaría-López E, Blasco V, Hernáez MJ, Caligara C, Pellicer A, Fernández-Sánchez M, Prados N. Effect of Group Embryo Culture under Low-Oxygen Tension in Benchtop Incubators on Human Embryo Culture: Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:1522-1533. [PMID: 31994003 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00150-5] [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: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the efficacy of group embryo culture under low-oxygen tension in benchtop incubators on human embryo development in vitro. The study was designed as a prospective, patient blind, randomized, controlled trial of a complex intervention. One hundred forty-eight women undergoing IVF were recruited in our fertility practice and randomized into two groups: intervention group (study culture strategy) or control group (control culture strategy). Intervention group embryos were cultured grouped under low-oxygen tension in benchtop incubators while control group embryos were cultured individually under atmospheric oxygen tension in large-box incubators. Using the study culture strategy, there were a significantly higher implantation rate (65.1% vs 49.2%; RR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.17-1.73) and live birth delivery rate per embryo transfer (52.7% vs 39.5%; RR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.02-1.75) with the first fresh embryo transfer. Cumulative implantation rate (56.7% vs 43.6%; RR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.05-1.62) and cumulative live birth rate per embryo transfer (47.4% vs 36.2%; RR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.01-1.69) were also statistically significantly increased in the study culture strategy. Human embryos exposed to our study culture condition strategy had statistically significant increased cumulative implantation rate and cumulative live birth rate per embryo transferred. Our findings suggest that this strategy specially favours poor quality embryos. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT01904006.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Ruíz
- IVI-RMA Seville, Avda. República Argentina 58, ES-41011, Seville, Spain.,IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), ES-46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - Esther Santamaría-López
- IVI-RMA Seville, Avda. República Argentina 58, ES-41011, Seville, Spain.,IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), ES-46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - Víctor Blasco
- IVI-RMA Seville, Avda. República Argentina 58, ES-41011, Seville, Spain.,IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), ES-46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - María José Hernáez
- IVI-RMA Seville, Avda. República Argentina 58, ES-41011, Seville, Spain.,IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), ES-46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - Cinzia Caligara
- IVI-RMA Seville, Avda. República Argentina 58, ES-41011, Seville, Spain.,IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), ES-46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Pellicer
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), ES-46026, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Valencia University, ES-46010, Valencia, Spain.,IVI-RMA Rome, Largo Ildebrando Pizzetti 1, IT-00197, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuel Fernández-Sánchez
- IVI-RMA Seville, Avda. República Argentina 58, ES-41011, Seville, Spain. .,IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), ES-46026, Valencia, Spain. .,Departamento de Cirugía, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda. Sánchez Pizjuan S/N, ES-41009, Seville, Spain. .,Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, ES-41013, Seville, Spain.
| | - Nicolás Prados
- IVI-RMA Seville, Avda. República Argentina 58, ES-41011, Seville, Spain.,IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), ES-46026, Valencia, Spain.,Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, ES-41013, Seville, Spain
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30
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Hur YH, Cerione RA, Antonyak MA. Extracellular vesicles and their roles in stem cell biology. Stem Cells 2020; 38:469-476. [PMID: 31828924 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells use a variety of mechanisms to help maintain their pluripotency and promote self-renewal, as well as, at the appropriate time, to differentiate into specialized cells. One such mechanism that is attracting significant attention from the stem cell, development, and regenerative medicine research communities involves a form of intercellular communication, specifically, the ability of cells to form and release nontraditional membrane-enclosed structures, referred to as extracellular vesicles (EVs). There are two major classes of EVs, microvesicles (MVs), which are generated through the outward budding and fission of the plasma membrane, and exosomes, which are formed as multivesicular bodies (MVBs) in the endo-lysosomal pathway that fuse with the cell surface to release their contents. Although they differ in how they are formed, both MVs and exosomes have been shown to contain a diverse array of bioactive cargo, such as proteins, RNA transcripts, microRNAs, and even DNA, which can be transferred to other cells and promote phenotypic changes. Here, we will describe what is currently known regarding EVs and the roles they play in stem cell biology and different aspects of early development. We will also highlight how the EVs produced by stem cells are being aggressively pursued for clinical applications, including their potential use as therapeutic delivery systems and for their regenerative capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Ha Hur
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Richard A Cerione
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.,Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Marc A Antonyak
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
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31
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Kelley RL, Gardner DK. Individual culture and atmospheric oxygen during culture affect mouse preimplantation embryo metabolism and post-implantation development. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 39:3-18. [PMID: 31122833 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.03.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does single embryo culture under atmospheric or reduced oxygen alter preimplantation metabolism and post-implantation development compared with culture in groups? DESIGN Mouse embryos were cultured under 5% or 20% oxygen, individually or in groups of 10. Spent media were analysed after 48, 72 and 96 h of culture. Blastocysts were assessed by outgrowth assay or transferred to pseudo-pregnant recipients, and fetal and placental weight, length and morphology were assessed. RESULTS Compared with group culture, individually cultured blastocysts had lower net consumption of glucose and aspartate and higher glutamate production. Atmospheric oxygen reduced uptake of glucose and aspartate and increased production of glutamate and ornithine compared with 5% oxygen. Combining 20% oxygen and single culture resulted in further metabolic changes: decreased leucine, methionine and threonine consumption. Under 5% oxygen, individual culture decreased placental labyrinth area but had no other effects on fetal and placental development or outgrowth size compared with group culture. Under 20% oxygen, however, individual culture reduced outgrowth size and fetal and placental weight compared with group-cultured embryos. CONCLUSIONS Preimplantation metabolism of glucose and amino acids is altered by both oxygen and individual culture, and fetal weight is reduced by individual culture under atmospheric oxygen but not 5% oxygen. This study raises concerns regarding the increasing prevalence of single embryo culture in human IVF and adds to the existing evidence regarding the detrimental effects of atmospheric oxygen during embryo culture. Furthermore, these data demonstrate the cumulative nature of stress during embryo culture and highlight the importance of optimizing each element of the culture system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Kelley
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville Victoria 3010, Australia.
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32
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Ramos-Ibeas P, Heras S, Gómez-Redondo I, Planells B, Fernández-González R, Pericuesta E, Laguna-Barraza R, Pérez-Cerezales S, Gutiérrez-Adán A. Embryo responses to stress induced by assisted reproductive technologies. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1292-1306. [PMID: 30719806 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has led to the birth of millions of babies. In cattle, thousands of embryos are produced annually. However, since the introduction and widespread use of ART, negative effects on embryos and offspring are starting to emerge. Knowledge so far, mostly provided by animal models, indicates that suboptimal conditions during ART can affect embryo viability and quality, and may induce embryonic stress responses. These stress responses take the form of severe gene expression alterations or modifications in critical epigenetic marks established during early developmental stages that can persist after birth. Unfortunately, while developmental plasticity allows the embryo to survive these stressful conditions, such insult may lead to adult health problems and to long-term effects on offspring that could be transmitted to subsequent generations. In this review, we describe how in mice, livestock, and humans, besides affecting the development of the embryo itself, ART stressors may also have significant repercussions on offspring health and physiology. Finally, we argue the case that better control of stressors during ART will help improve embryo quality and offspring health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Ramos-Ibeas
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia Heras
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Gómez-Redondo
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Benjamín Planells
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl Fernández-González
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Pericuesta
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Laguna-Barraza
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Serafín Pérez-Cerezales
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Adán
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
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33
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Krasnopolskaya KV, Beketova AN, Sesina NI, Сhinchenko NK, Badalyan GV, Sudarikova NM, Bocharova TV, Zakharchenko EO. The effect of short-term disturbance of day 3 embryo culture on the development and implantation. Gynecol Endocrinol 2019; 35:1-4. [PMID: 31532309 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2019.1632083] [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: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This study is carried out to estimate the effect on embryo development and implantation potential performed by inevitably occurring short-term 3-day embryo culture condition disorders due to light microscopy applied for morphology parameter assay. One thousand two hundred and fifty-three IVF program results were analyzed to measure the pregnancy rate on embryo transfer and the percentage of embryos reached the blastocyst stage. In 58% of cases, on the 3rd day the quality of embryos was not evaluated (n = 730), while in 42% of cases the evaluation was done on day 3 (n = 523). Embryo development estimation on day 3 affects the pregnancy rate and implantation potential especially in patients of older age group. Additional embryo analysis also affects the number of blastocysts obtained. The pregnancy rate for 3rd and 5th day transfer does not differ. Additional analysis of the 3rd day embryos reduces the PR in patients of the older age group. Embryo culture condition variation has a considerable impact on obtained blastocyst number (i.e blastocyst formation) especially in patients of the older age group.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anastasia Nikolaevna Beketova
- Moscow Regional Research Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Moscow , Russia
- International Clinic "Family" , Moscow , Russia
| | - Nina Igorevna Sesina
- Moscow Regional Research Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Moscow , Russia
- International Clinic "Family" , Moscow , Russia
| | | | | | - Nataliya Mihailovna Sudarikova
- Moscow Regional Research Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Moscow , Russia
- International Clinic "Family" , Moscow , Russia
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34
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Cruz L, Romero JAA, Iglesia RP, Lopes MH. Extracellular Vesicles: Decoding a New Language for Cellular Communication in Early Embryonic Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:94. [PMID: 30211159 PMCID: PMC6121069 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The blastocyst inner cell mass (ICM) that gives rise to a whole embryo in vivo can be derived and cultured in vitro as embryonic stem cells (ESCs), which retain full developmental potential. ICM cells receive, from diverse sources, complex molecular and spatiotemporal signals that orchestrate the finely-tuned processes associated with embryogenesis. Those instructions come, continuously, from themselves and from surrounding cells, such as those present in the trophectoderm and primitive endoderm (PrE). A key component of the ICM niche are the extracellular vesicles (EVs), produced by distinct cell types, that carry and transfer key molecules that regulate target cells and modulate cell renewal or cell fate. A growing number of studies have demonstrated the extracellular circulation of morphogens, a group of classical regulators of embryo development, are carried by EVs. miRNAs are also an important cargo of the EVs that have been implicated in tissue morphogenesis and have gained special attention due to their ability to regulate protein expression through post-transcriptional modulation, thereby influencing cell phenotype. This review explores the emerging evidence supporting the role of EVs as an additional mode of intercellular communication in early embryonic and ESCs differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Cruz
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jenny A A Romero
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rebeca P Iglesia
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marilene H Lopes
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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35
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Good-quality blastocysts derived from vacuolized morulas show reduced viability. Fertil Steril 2018; 109:1025-1029. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.02.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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36
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Exogenous growth factors do not affect the development of individually cultured murine embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2017; 35:523-531. [PMID: 29270871 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-017-1103-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of multiple growth factors on the development of individually cultured murine embryos. METHODS Embryos produced by in vitro fertilization using in vitro (IVM) or in vivo (IVO) matured oocytes from three strains of mice (CF1, Swiss Webster, B6D2F1) were cultured individually (10 μl) in the absence (control) or presence of growth factors (paf, epidermal growth factor [EGF], insulin-like growth factor 1 [IGF-1], and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor [GM-CSF]). Blastocyst formation, hatching, and blastocyst cell numbers (trophectoderm, inner cell mass, and total) were evaluated on days 4 and 5 of culture. Post-hatching development of CF1 IVO embryos was also evaluated in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS The presence of growth factors did not improve the proportion of embryos forming blastocysts or initiating hatching for any of the types of embryos tested. The only significant (P < 0.05) effect of growth factors was a decrease in the proportion of embryos that formed blastocysts by day 5 in CF1 IVM embryos. The presence of growth factors also did not affect blastocyst cell numbers. For CF1 IVO embryos, the presence of growth factors during culture did not affect the proportion of embryos that attached to fibronectin-coated dishes, the size of the resulting outgrowths, or in vivo development following transfer. CONCLUSION Combinations of paf, EGF, GM-CSF, and IGF-1 did not improve development of murine embryos cultured individually in a sequential medium containing a defined protein source.
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Kelley RL, Gardner DK. Addition of interleukin-6 to mouse embryo culture increases blastocyst cell number and influences the inner cell mass to trophectoderm ratio. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2017; 44:119-125. [PMID: 29026717 PMCID: PMC5636923 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2017.44.3.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective In vitro culture of preimplantation embryos is improved by grouping embryos together in a drop of media. Individually cultured embryos are deprived of paracrine factors; with this in mind, we investigated whether the addition of a single embryo-secreted factor, interleukin-6 (IL-6), could improve the development of individually cultured embryos. Methods Mouse embryos were cultured individually in 2 µL of G1/G2 media in 5% oxygen and supplemented with a range of doses of recombinant mouse or human IL-6. Results Mouse IL-6 increased hatching at doses of 0.01 and 10 ng/mL compared to the control (93% and 93% vs. 78%, p<0.05) and increased the total number of cells at a dose of 0.1 ng/mL compared to the control (101.95±3.36 vs. 91.31±3.33, p<0.05). In contrast, the highest dose of 100 ng/mL reduced the total number of cells (79.86±3.29, p<0.05). Supplementation with human IL-6 had a different effect, with no change in hatching or total cell numbers, but an increase in the percentage of inner cell mass per embryo at doses of 0.1, 1, and 100 ng/mL compared to the control (22.9%±1.1%, 23.3%±1.1%, and 23.1%±1.1% vs. 19.5%±1.0%, p<0.05). Conclusion These data show that IL-6 improved mouse embryo development when cultured individually in complex media; however, an excess of IL-6 may be detrimental. Additionally, these data indicate that there is some cross-species benefit of human IL-6 for mouse embryos, but possibly through a different mechanism than for mouse IL-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Kelley
- School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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Pavani KC, Alminana C, Wydooghe E, Catteeuw M, Ramírez MA, Mermillod P, Rizos D, Van Soom A. Emerging role of extracellular vesicles in communication of preimplantation embryos in vitro. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 29:66-83. [PMID: 28278795 DOI: 10.1071/rd16318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro, efficient communication between mammalian embryos in groups or between embryos and cocultured somatic cells implies that there is a sender, a message and a receiver that is able to decode the message. Embryos secrete a variety of autocrine and paracrine factors and, of these, extracellular vesicles have recently been implicated as putative messengers in embryo-embryo communication, as well as in communication of the embryo with the maternal tract. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound vesicles that are found in biofluids and in culture media conditioned by the presence of embryos or cells. EVs carry and transfer regulatory molecules, such as microRNAs, mRNAs, lipids and proteins. We conducted a systematic search of the literature to review and present the currently available evidence regarding the possible roles of EVs in in vitro embryo communication and embryo development. It is important to note that there is limited information available on the molecular mechanisms and many of the biologically plausible functions of EVs in embryo communication have not yet been substantiated by conclusive experimental evidence. However, indirect evidence, such as the use of media conditioned by embryos or by somatic cells with improved embryo development as a result, may indicate that EVs can be an important asset for the development of tailor-made media, allowing better embryo development in vitro, even for single embryo culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna C Pavani
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Carmen Alminana
- INRA, Reproductive Physiology and Behavior, UMR085, INRA, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Eline Wydooghe
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Maaike Catteeuw
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Miguel A Ramírez
- Departamento de Reproduccion Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Pascal Mermillod
- INRA, Reproductive Physiology and Behavior, UMR085, INRA, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Departamento de Reproduccion Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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Secretome of in vitro cultured human embryos contains extracellular vesicles that are uptaken by the maternal side. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5210. [PMID: 28701751 PMCID: PMC5507879 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05549-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Communication between embryo and maternal endometrium occurs during a specific time frame in which implantation is possible. Here we demonstrate for the first time that conditioned media from non-manipulated human embryos cultured in vitro for 3 days or up to the blastocyst stage contain extracellular vesicles (EVs) with a diameter of 50 to 200 nm and bearing the traditional microvesicle and exosome marker proteins CD63, CD9 and ALIX. The embryonic origin of these EVs has been confirmed by the presence of stemness gene transcripts and their enrichment in the non-classical HLA-G protein. NANOG and POU5F1 transcripts were shown to be contained in vesicles deriving from embryos at different stages of development. In line with a higher detection rate of the HLA-G protein in blastocysts compared to cleavage stage embryos, a significantly higher amount of HLA-G was found in vesicles accumulated in spent media from day 3 to day 5 of development compared to those isolated from the earlier stage. Uptake of dye-labeled embryo-derived EVs by human primary endometrial epithelial and stromal cells was also demonstrated with a fluorescence intensity signal significantly higher for cells treated with vesicles derived from blastocysts. Based on these findings, EV exchange may be suggested as an emerging way of communication at the maternal-fetal interface.
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Catteeuw M, Wydooghe E, Mullaart E, Knijn HM, Van Soom A. In vitro production of bovine embryos derived from individual donors in the Corral ® dish. Acta Vet Scand 2017; 59:41. [PMID: 28619101 PMCID: PMC5472863 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-017-0309-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Since the identity of the embryo is of outmost importance during commercial in vitro embryo production, bovine oocytes and embryos have to be cultured strictly per donor. Due to the rather low yield of oocytes collected after ovum pick-up (OPU) per individual cow, oocyte maturation and embryo culture take place in small groups, which is often associated with inferior embryo development. The objective of this study was to improve embryonic development in small donor groups by using the Corral® dish. This commercial dish is designed for human embryo production. It contains two central wells that are divided into quadrants by a semi-permeable wall. In human embryo culture, one embryo is placed per quadrant, allowing individual follow-up while embryos are exposed to a common medium. In our study, small groups of oocytes and subsequently embryos of different bovine donors were placed in the Corral® dish, each donor group in a separate quadrant. Results In two experiments, the Corral® dish was evaluated during in vitro maturation (IVM) and/or in vitro culture (IVC) by grouping oocytes and embryos of individual bovine donors per quadrant. At day 7, a significantly higher blastocyst rate was noted in the Corral® dish used during IVM and IVC than when only used during IVM (12.9% ± 2.10 versus 22.8% ± 2.67) (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences in blastocyst yield were observed anymore between treatment groups at day 8 post insemination. Conclusions In the present study, the Corral® dish was used for in vitro embryo production (IVP) in cattle; allowing to allocate oocytes and/or embryos per donor. As fresh embryo transfers on day 7 have higher pregnancy outcomes, the Corral® dish offers an added value for commercial OPU/IVP, since a higher blastocyst development at day 7 is obtained when the Corral® dish is used during IVM and IVC.
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Abstract
The phenotype of the human embryo conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF), that is its morphology, developmental kinetics, physiology and metabolism, can be affected by numerous components of the laboratory and embryo culture system (which comprise the laboratory environment). The culture media formulation is important in determining embryo phenotype, but this exists within a culture system that includes oxygen, temperature, pH and whether an embryo is cultured individually or in a group, all of which can influence embryo development. Significantly, exposure of an embryo to one suboptimal component of the culture system of laboratory typically predisposes the embryo to become more vulnerable to a second stressor, as has been well documented for atmospheric oxygen and individual culture, as well as for oxygen and ammonium. Furthermore, the inherent viability of the human embryo is derived from the quality of the gametes from which it is created. Patient age, aetiology, genetics, lifestyle (as well as ovarian stimulation in women) are all known to affect the developmental potential of gametes and hence the embryo. Thus, as well as considering the impact of the IVF laboratory environment, one needs to be aware of the status of the infertile couple, as this impacts how their gametes and embryos will respond to an in vitro environment. Although far from straight forward, analysing the interactions that exist between the human embryo and its environment will facilitate the creation of more effective and safer treatments for the infertile couple.
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Embryo density may affect embryo quality during in vitro culture in a microwell group culture dish. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2017; 296:345-353. [PMID: 28551726 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-017-4403-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Culturing embryos in groups is a common practice in mammalian embryology. Since the introduction of different microwell dishes, it is possible to identify oocytes or embryos individually. As embryo density (embryo-to-volume ratio) may affect the development and viability of the embryos, the purpose of this study was to assess the effect of different embryo densities on embryo quality. METHODS Data of 1337 embryos from 228 in vitro fertilization treatment cycles were retrospectively analyzed. Embryos were cultured in a 25 μl microdrop in a microwell group culture dish containing 9 microwells. Three density groups were defined: Group 1 with 2-4 (6.3-12.5 μl/embryo), Group 2 with 5-6 (4.2-5.0 μl/embryo), and Group 3 with 7-9 (2.8-3.6 μl/embryo) embryos. RESULTS Proportion of good quality embryos was higher in Group 2 on both days (D2: 18.9 vs. 31.5 vs. 24.7%; p < 0.001; D3: 19.7 vs. 27.1 vs. 21.2%; p = 0.029; Group 1. vs. Group 2. vs. Group 3). Cell number on Day 3 differed between Groups 1 and 2 (6.8 ± 2.2; 7.3 ± 2.1; p = 0.004) and Groups 2 and 3 (7.3 ± 2.1 vs. 7.0 ± 2.0; p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS Culturing 5-6 embryos together in a culture volume of 25 μl may benefit embryo quality. As low egg number, position, and distance of the embryos may influence embryo quality, results should be interpreted with caution.
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Kelley RL, Gardner DK. In vitro culture of individual mouse preimplantation embryos: the role of embryo density, microwells, oxygen, timing and conditioned media. Reprod Biomed Online 2017; 34:441-454. [PMID: 28268069 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Single embryo culture is suboptimal compared with group culture, but necessary for embryo monitoring, and culture systems should be improved for single embryos. Pronucleate mouse embryos were used to assess the effect of culture conditions on single embryo development. Single culture either before or after compaction reduced cell numbers (112.2 ± 3.1; 110.2 ± 3.5) compared with group culture throughout (127.0 ± 3.4; P < 0.05). Reduction of media volume from 20 µl to 2 µl increased blastocyst cell numbers in single embryos cultured in 5% oxygen (84.4 ± 3.2 versus 97.8 ± 2.8; P < 0.05), but not in 20% oxygen (55.2 ± 2.9 versus 57.1 ± 2.8). Culture in microwell plates for the EmbryoScope and Primo Vision time-lapse systems changed cleavage timings and increased inner cell mass cell number (24.1 ± 1.0; 23.4 ± 1.2) compared with a 2 µl microdrop (18.4 ± 1.0; P < 0.05). Addition of embryo-conditioned media to single embryos increased hatching rate and blastocyst cell number (91.5 ± 4.7 versus 113.1 ± 4.4; P < 0.01). Single culture before or after compaction is therefore detrimental; oxygen, media volume and microwells influence single embryo development; and embryo-conditioned media may substitute for group culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Kelley
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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Wu YG, Lazzaroni-Tealdi E, Wang Q, Zhang L, Barad DH, Kushnir VA, Darmon SK, Albertini DF, Gleicher N. Different effectiveness of closed embryo culture system with time-lapse imaging (EmbryoScope(TM)) in comparison to standard manual embryology in good and poor prognosis patients: a prospectively randomized pilot study. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2016; 14:49. [PMID: 27553622 PMCID: PMC4995783 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-016-0181-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previously manual human embryology in many in vitro fertilization (IVF) centers is rapidly being replaced by closed embryo incubation systems with time-lapse imaging. Whether such systems perform comparably to manual embryology in different IVF patient populations has, however, never before been investigated. We, therefore, prospectively compared embryo quality following closed system culture with time-lapse photography (EmbryoScope™) and standard embryology. We performed a two-part prospectively randomized study in IVF (clinical trial # NCT92256309). Part A involved 31 infertile poor prognosis patients prospectively randomized to EmbryoScope™ and standard embryology. Part B involved embryos from 17 egg donor-recipient cycles resulting in large egg/embryo numbers, thus permitting prospectively alternative embryo assignments to EmbryoScope™ and standard embryology. We then compared pregnancy rates and embryo quality on day-3 after fertilization and embryologist time utilized per processed embryo. RESULTS Part A revealed in poor prognosis patients no differences in day-3 embryo scores, implantation and clinical pregnancy rates between EmbryoScope™ and standard embryology. The EmbryoScope™, however, more than doubled embryology staff time (P < 0.0001). In Part B, embryos grown in the EmbyoScope™ demonstrated significantly poorer day-3 quality (depending on embryo parameter between P = 0.005 and P = 0.01). Suspicion that conical culture dishes of the EmbryoScope™ (EmbryoSlide™) may be the cause was disproven when standard culture dishes demonstrated no outcome difference in standard incubation. CONCLUSIONS Though due to small patient numbers preliminary, this study raises concerns about the mostly uncontrolled introduction of closed incubation systems with time lapse imaging into routine clinical embryology. Appropriately designed and powered prospectively randomized studies appear urgently needed in well-defined patient populations before the uncontrolled utilization of these instruments further expands. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02246309 Registered September 18, 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Guang Wu
- The Center for Human Reproduction, 21 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021 USA
| | | | - Qi Wang
- The Center for Human Reproduction, 21 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021 USA
| | - Lin Zhang
- The Center for Human Reproduction, 21 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021 USA
| | - David H. Barad
- The Center for Human Reproduction, 21 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021 USA
- The Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, New York, NY 10021 USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461 USA
| | - Vitaly A. Kushnir
- The Center for Human Reproduction, 21 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021 USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, NC 27106 USA
| | - Sarah K. Darmon
- The Center for Human Reproduction, 21 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021 USA
| | - David F. Albertini
- The Center for Human Reproduction, 21 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021 USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, The University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita, KS 64109 USA
| | - Norbert Gleicher
- The Center for Human Reproduction, 21 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021 USA
- The Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, New York, NY 10021 USA
- Stem Cell Biology and Molecular Embryology Laboratory, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065 USA
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Kelley RL, Gardner DK. Combined effects of individual culture and atmospheric oxygen on preimplantation mouse embryos in vitro. Reprod Biomed Online 2016; 33:537-549. [PMID: 27569702 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Embryos are routinely cultured individually, although this can reduce blastocyst development. Culture in atmospheric (20%) oxygen is also common, despite multiple detrimental effects on embryos. Although frequently occurring together, the consequences of this combination are unknown. Mouse embryos were cultured individually or grouped, under physiological (5%) or atmospheric (20%) oxygen. Embryos were assessed by time-lapse and blastocyst cell allocation. Compared with the control group (5% oxygen group culture), 5-cell cleavage (t5) was delayed in 5% oxygen individual culture and 20% oxygen group culture (59.91 ± 0.23, 60.70 ± 0.29, 63.06 ± 0.32 h post-HCG respectively, P < 0.05). Embryos in 20% oxygen individual culture were delayed earlier (3-cell cleavage), and at t5 cleaved later than embryos in other treatments (66.01 ± 0.40 h, P < 0.001), this delay persisting to blastocyst hatching. Compared with controls, hatching rate and cells per blastocyst were reduced in 5% oxygen single culture and 20% oxygen group culture (134.1 ± 3.4, 104.5 ± 3.2, 73.4 ± 2.2 cells, P < 0.001), and were further reduced in 20% oxygen individual culture (57.0 ± 2.8 cells, P < 0.001), as was percentage inner cell mass. These data indicate combining individual culture and 20% oxygen is detrimental to embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Kelley
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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Weinerman R, Feng R, Ord TS, Schultz RM, Bartolomei MS, Coutifaris C, Mainigi M. Morphokinetic Evaluation of Embryo Development in a Mouse Model: Functional and Molecular Correlates. Biol Reprod 2016; 94:84. [PMID: 26911427 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.134080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although time-lapse analysis of early embryo cleavage parameters (morphokinetics) predicts blastocyst development, it has not been definitively linked to establishing pregnancy and live birth. For example, a direct comparison of the developmental potential of embryos with optimal kinetic parameters compared to suboptimal kinetics has not been performed with human embryos. To ascertain whether such a linkage exists, we developed a mouse model of morphokinetic analysis of early embryo cleavage using time-lapse microscopy to predict blastocyst formation and tested whether cleavage parameters predict pregnancy outcome by transferring morphokinetically optimal and suboptimal embryos into a single host. Using classification and regression trees, we established that the timing of the second and third mitotic divisions (division from two to three and three to four cells, respectively) predicts blastocyst development in the mouse. Using this prediction model, we found that the incidence of sustained implantation at mid-gestation was significantly higher for the optimal compared to suboptimal embryos. In addition, the incidence of resorption among implanted embryos was significantly higher in the suboptimal compared to the optimal group. Transcript profiling of optimal and suboptimal embryos revealed minimal differences between the two groups, suggesting that time-lapse imaging of early embryo cleavage events provides additional information regarding developmental competence apart from gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Weinerman
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Rui Feng
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Teri S Ord
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Richard M Schultz
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Marisa S Bartolomei
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Christos Coutifaris
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Monica Mainigi
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Wydooghe E, Vandaele L, Heras S, De Sutter P, Deforce D, Peelman L, De Schauwer C, Van Soom A. Autocrine embryotropins revisited: how do embryos communicate with each other in vitro when cultured in groups? Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2015; 92:505-520. [PMID: 26608222 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In the absence of the maternal genital tract, preimplantation embryos can develop in vitro in culture medium where all communication with the oviduct or uterus is absent. In several mammalian species, it has been observed that embryos cultured in groups thrive better than those cultured singly. Here we argue that group-cultured embryos are able to promote their own development in vitro by the production of autocrine embryotropins that putatively serve as a communication tool. The concept of effective communication implies an origin, a signalling agent, and finally a recipient that is able to decode the message. We illustrate this concept by demonstrating that preimplantation embryos are able to secrete autocrine factors in several ways, including active secretion, passive outflow, or as messengers bound to a molecular vehicle or transported within extracellular vesicles. Likewise, we broaden the traditional view that inter-embryo communication is dictated mainly by growth factors, by discussing a wide range of other biochemical messengers including proteins, lipids, neurotransmitters, saccharides, and microRNAs, all of which can be exchanged among embryos cultured in a group. Finally, we describe how different classes of messenger molecules are decoded by the embryo and influence embryo development by triggering different pathways. When autocrine embryotropins such as insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) or platelet activating factor (PAF) bind to their appropriate receptor, the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway will be activated which is important for embryo survival. On the other hand, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is activated when compounds such as hyaluronic acid and serotonin bind to their respective receptors, thereby acting as growth factors. By activating the peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor family (PPAR) pathway, lipophilic autocrine factors such as prostaglandins or fatty acids have both survival and anti-apoptotic functions. In conclusion, considering different types of messenger molecules simultaneously will be crucial to understanding more comprehensively how embryos communicate with each other in group-culture systems. This approach will assist in the development of novel media for single-embryo culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Wydooghe
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Leen Vandaele
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), B-9090, Melle, Belgium
| | - Sonia Heras
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Petra De Sutter
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital, Ghent University, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dieter Deforce
- Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Peelman
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Catharina De Schauwer
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Ebner T, Tritscher K, Mayer RB, Oppelt P, Duba HC, Maurer M, Schappacher-Tilp G, Petek E, Shebl O. Quantitative and qualitative trophectoderm grading allows for prediction of live birth and gender. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 33:49-57. [PMID: 26572782 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-015-0609-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Prolonged in vitro culture is thought to affect pre- and postnatal development of the embryo. This prospective study was set up to determine whether quality/size of inner cell mass (ICM) (from which the fetus ultimately develops) and trophectoderm (TE) (from which the placenta ultimately develops) is reflected in birth and placental weight, healthy live-birth rate, and gender after fresh and frozen single blastocyst transfer. METHODS In 225 patients, qualitative scoring of blastocysts was done according to the criteria expansion, ICM, and TE appearance. In parallel, all three parameters were quantified semi-automatically. RESULTS TE quality and cell number were the only parameters that predicted treatment outcome. In detail, pregnancies that continued on to a live birth could be distinguished from those pregnancies that aborted on the basis of TE grade and cell number. Male blastocysts had a 2.53 higher chance of showing TE of quality A compared to female ones. There was no correlation between the appearance of both cell lineages and birth or placental weight, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The presented correlation of TE with outcome indicates that TE scoring could replace ICM scoring in terms of priority. This would automatically require a rethinking process in terms of blastocyst selection and cryopreservation strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ebner
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Kinderwunsch Zentrum, Landes- Frauen- und Kinderklinik, Krankenhausstr. 26-30, 4020, Linz, Upper Austria, Austria. .,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kepler University Hospital, Krankenhausstr. 26-30, 4020, Linz, Upper Austria, Austria.
| | - Katja Tritscher
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical University, Harrachgasse 21/8, 8010, Graz, Styria, Austria
| | - Richard B Mayer
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Kinderwunsch Zentrum, Landes- Frauen- und Kinderklinik, Krankenhausstr. 26-30, 4020, Linz, Upper Austria, Austria.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kepler University Hospital, Krankenhausstr. 26-30, 4020, Linz, Upper Austria, Austria.,Institute of Human Genetics, Medical University, Harrachgasse 21/8, 8010, Graz, Styria, Austria.,Department of Human Genetics, Landes- Frauen- und Kinderklinik, Krankenhausstr. 26-30, 4020, Linz, Upper Austria, Austria.,Department for Mathematics and Scientific Computing, Karl-Franzens-University Graz, Universitätsstr. 15, 8010, Graz, Styria, Austria
| | - Peter Oppelt
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Kinderwunsch Zentrum, Landes- Frauen- und Kinderklinik, Krankenhausstr. 26-30, 4020, Linz, Upper Austria, Austria.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kepler University Hospital, Krankenhausstr. 26-30, 4020, Linz, Upper Austria, Austria
| | - Hans-Christoph Duba
- Department of Human Genetics, Landes- Frauen- und Kinderklinik, Krankenhausstr. 26-30, 4020, Linz, Upper Austria, Austria
| | - Maria Maurer
- Department of Human Genetics, Landes- Frauen- und Kinderklinik, Krankenhausstr. 26-30, 4020, Linz, Upper Austria, Austria
| | - Gudrun Schappacher-Tilp
- Department for Mathematics and Scientific Computing, Karl-Franzens-University Graz, Universitätsstr. 15, 8010, Graz, Styria, Austria
| | - Erwin Petek
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical University, Harrachgasse 21/8, 8010, Graz, Styria, Austria
| | - Omar Shebl
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Kinderwunsch Zentrum, Landes- Frauen- und Kinderklinik, Krankenhausstr. 26-30, 4020, Linz, Upper Austria, Austria.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kepler University Hospital, Krankenhausstr. 26-30, 4020, Linz, Upper Austria, Austria
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Reduced blastocyst formation in reduced culture volume. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 32:1365-70. [PMID: 26292800 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-015-0541-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this prospective sibling oocyte study was to evaluate whether reduced culture volume improves blastocyst formation. METHODS Twenty-three patients with extended embryo culture until day 5 were selected for the study. After injection, 345 sibling oocytes were individually cultured in either 25 or 7 μl droplets of Origio cleavage medium under oil. On day 3 of development, embryos were transferred to droplets with the corresponding volume of Origio blastocyst culture medium. Fertilization and embryo quality on day 3 and day 5/6 were evaluated. RESULTS No statistically significant difference (p = 0.326) in fertilization rate was observed (81.3 versus 83.0 %). There was no significant difference in terms of the number of excellent and good-quality embryos obtained on day 3 between both groups (p = 0.655). Embryo culture in 25 μl droplets led to more embryos with a higher cell number when compared to 7 μl culture (p = 0.024). On day 3, 132 and 131 embryos were considered for further culture until day 5/6. Blastulation rates were significantly higher in the 25 μl group (75.0 versus 61.6 %; p = 0.017) and significantly more day 5 embryos with excellent and good quality were found in this group (54.5 versus 40.5 %; p = 0.026). Finally, the utilization rates expressed per mature oocyte (41.4 versus 29.8 %; p = 0.043), per fertilized oocyte (50.7 versus 36.6 %; p = 0.023), and per day 3 embryo undergoing extended culture to day 5/6 (54.5 versus 39.7 %; p = 0.019) were all significantly higher in the 25 μl group. CONCLUSION Reduced culture volume (7 μl) negatively impacts early development by reducing the cell number on day 3 and both blastocyst formation and quality.
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