1
|
Bhushan V, Nita-Lazar A. Recent Advancements in Subcellular Proteomics: Growing Impact of Organellar Protein Niches on the Understanding of Cell Biology. J Proteome Res 2024; 23:2700-2722. [PMID: 38451675 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00839] [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] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
The mammalian cell is a complex entity, with membrane-bound and membrane-less organelles playing vital roles in regulating cellular homeostasis. Organellar protein niches drive discrete biological processes and cell functions, thus maintaining cell equilibrium. Cellular processes such as signaling, growth, proliferation, motility, and programmed cell death require dynamic protein movements between cell compartments. Aberrant protein localization is associated with a wide range of diseases. Therefore, analyzing the subcellular proteome of the cell can provide a comprehensive overview of cellular biology. With recent advancements in mass spectrometry, imaging technology, computational tools, and deep machine learning algorithms, studies pertaining to subcellular protein localization and their dynamic distributions are gaining momentum. These studies reveal changing interaction networks because of "moonlighting proteins" and serve as a discovery tool for disease network mechanisms. Consequently, this review aims to provide a comprehensive repository for recent advancements in subcellular proteomics subcontexting methods, challenges, and future perspectives for method developers. In summary, subcellular proteomics is crucial to the understanding of the fundamental cellular mechanisms and the associated diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vanya Bhushan
- Functional Cellular Networks Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Aleksandra Nita-Lazar
- Functional Cellular Networks Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lebovitz O, Noach-Hirsh M, Taieb S, Haas J, Zilberberg E, Nahum R, Orvieto R, Aizer A. Embryos derived from single pronucleus are suitable for preimplantation genetic testing. Fertil Steril 2024:S0015-0282(24)00462-X. [PMID: 38788891 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.05.152] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study and compare the preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) results, and to evaluate the treatment cycle outcomes of embryos derived from a single pronucleus (1PN) vs. two pronuclei (2PN). DESIGN A retrospective cohort study from January 2018 to December 2022 involving in vitro fertilization (IVF)-PGT-M treatment cycles. SETTING Single, academically affiliated fertility center. PATIENTS A total of 244 patients underwent 351 IVF-PGT-M treatment cycles. INTERVENTION Embryo biopsy with molecular testing for a monogenic disorder. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The molecular diagnosis results and clinical outcomes after the transfer of embryos derived from 1PN and 2PN in IVF-PGT-M treatment cycles. RESULTS Embryos derived from 1PN have a significantly low developmental potential with a lower rate of embryos that underwent biopsy compared with 2PN-derived embryos; 1PN-derived embryos demonstrated a significantly lower number of blastocysts (24% vs. 37.9%) and top-quality blastocysts (22.3% vs. 48.1%) compared with 2PN-derived embryos. Lower successfully completed and unaffected PGT-M results were achieved in 1PN compared with 2PN-derived embryos (47.1% vs. 65.5% and 18.7% vs. 31.6%, respectively), with significantly higher abnormal molecular results (39.6% vs. 22.7%). The embryo transfer of 24 1PN-derived embryos with no affected genetic disorder resulted in 5 (20.8%) clinical pregnancies and 4 (16.7%) live births (LBs). CONCLUSIONS Within the limits of fewer embryos derived from 1PN that yielded unaffected embryos suitable for transfer, the clinical pregnancy and LB rate of 1PN embryos undergoing PGT-M are reassuring. We, therefore, suggest applying PGT-M to embryos derived from 1PN embryos to improve the cumulative clinical pregnancy and LB rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oshrit Lebovitz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IVF Unit, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel- Hashomer, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Meirav Noach-Hirsh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IVF Unit, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel- Hashomer, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sarah Taieb
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IVF Unit, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel- Hashomer, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jigal Haas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IVF Unit, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel- Hashomer, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eran Zilberberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IVF Unit, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel- Hashomer, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ravit Nahum
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IVF Unit, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel- Hashomer, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Raoul Orvieto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IVF Unit, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel- Hashomer, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; The Tarnesby-Tarnowski Chair for Family Planning and Fertility Regulation at the Tel Aviv Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Adva Aizer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IVF Unit, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel- Hashomer, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cupino-Arcinue D, Seeber B, Montag M, Toth B. Does endometriosis inflict harm on embryos? A systematic review of embryo morphokinetics analysed by time lapse monitoring in women with endometriosis. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:1191-1203. [PMID: 38063893 PMCID: PMC10894102 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07293-1] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Endometriosis has been shown to be associated with unfavorable development and maturation of oocytes, as well as aberrancies in embryonal development, including arrest after fertilization, following in vitro fertilization (IVF). Time-lapse monitoring (TLM) enables continuous and non-invasive monitoring of embryo morphokinetics during the IVF process and might be useful in the assessment of embryos from women with endometriosis. In this review, five eligible studies were evaluated to determine if embryo morphokinetics assessed under TLM differ in patients with endometriosis and subsequently predict blastocyst quality, implantation and success of pregnancy. The studies showed overall inferior morphokinetic parameters of embryos from endometriosis patients when compared to controls, independent of the severity of endometriosis. Embryos with optimal early morphokinetic parameters (t2, s2, t5, tSB, tEB) and late developmental events (compaction, morulation, and blastulation) had better implantation rates than those who had suboptimal ranges. However, due to few studies available with mostly retrospective data, the validity of these findings and their generalizability for clinical practice needs to be further assessed. Prospective studies with larger sample sizes are needed to determine whether using TLM for embryo selection in endometriosis improves pregnancy and live birth outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Cupino-Arcinue
- Department of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
- Ilabcomm GmbH, St. Augustin, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Paulino J. Garcia Memorial and Research Medical Center, Nueva Ecija, Cabanatuan City, Philippines
| | - Beata Seeber
- Department of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | | | - Bettina Toth
- Department of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tvrdonova K, Belaskova S, Rumpikova T, Rumpik D, Myslivcova Fucikova A, Malir F. Prediction of live birth - selection of embryos using morphokinetic parameters. Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub 2024; 168:74-80. [PMID: 36622075 DOI: 10.5507/bp.2022.052] [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: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKROUND The goal of assisted reproduction is for a couple treated with IVF techniques to end the treatment by giving birth to a healthy baby. A neccessary presumption for success is the identification of the best embryo with high implantation and developmental potential. One option is to select an euploid embryo by invasive preimplantaion genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) or it is possible to select the best embryo by non-invasive time-lapse monitoring (TLM), specifically based on morphokinetic parameters and morphological markers that are able to identify an embryo with high developmental potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study involved a total of 1060 embryos (585 euploid and 475 aneuploid embryos after PGT-A) with good morphology from 329 patients in the period 01/2016-10/2021. All embryos were cultured in a time-lapse incubator, trophectoderm (TE) cells biopsies for PGT-A examination were performed on day 5 (D5) or day 6 (D6) of culture. During the study period, 225 frozen embryo transfers (FET) of one euploid embryo were performed. Based on the treatment outcome, the embryos were divided into 2 groups - euploid embryos, which led to the birth of a healthy child, and euploid embryos that did not show fetal heartbeat (FHB) after FET. RESULTS Based on the statistical analysis of the embryos without implantation and the embryos with live birth, it is clear that the morphokinetic parameters t5 (time of division into 5 cells) and tSB (time of start of blastulation) are significantly different. CONCLUSION The results suggest that of the morphokinetic parameters tSB and t5 are predictive indicators for selecting an embryo with high developmental potential and with a high probability of achieving the birth of a healthy child.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Tvrdonova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University Hradec Kralove, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology Zlin, U Lomu 638, 760 01 Zlin, Czech Republic
| | - Silvie Belaskova
- Institute of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 611 37 Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tatana Rumpikova
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology Zlin, U Lomu 638, 760 01 Zlin, Czech Republic
| | - David Rumpik
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecology Zlin, U Lomu 638, 760 01 Zlin, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Myslivcova Fucikova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University Hradec Kralove, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Frantisek Malir
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University Hradec Kralove, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Garcia-Belda A, Cairó O, Martínez-Moro Á, Cuadros M, Pons MC, de Mendoza MVH, Delgado A, Rives N, Carrasco B, Cabello Y, Figueroa MJ, Cascales-Romero L, González-Soto B, Cuevas-Saiz I. Considerations for future modification of The Association for the Study of Reproductive Biology embryo grading system incorporating time-lapse observations. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 48:103570. [PMID: 37952277 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
The Association for the Study of Reproductive Biology (ASEBIR) Interest Group in Embryology (in Spanish 'Grupo de Interés de Embriología') reviewed key morphokinetic parameters to assess the contribution of time-lapse technology (TLT) to the ASEBIR grading system. Embryo grading based on morphological characteristics is the most widely used method in human assisted reproduction laboratories. The introduction and implementation of TLT has provided a large amount of information that can be used as a complementary tool for morphological embryo evaluation and selection. As part of IVF treatments, embryologists grade embryos to decide which embryos to transfer or freeze. At the present, the embryo grading system developed by ASEBIR does not consider dynamic events observed through TLT. Laboratories that are using TLT consider those parameters as complementary data for embryo selection. The aim of this review was to evaluate review time-specific morphological changes during embryo development that are not included in the ASEBIR scoring system, and to consider them as candidates to add to the scoring system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Álvaro Martínez-Moro
- IVF Spain Madrid, Madrid, Spain.; Animal Reproduction Department, INIA-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Jiang Y, Wang L, Wang S, Shen H, Wang B, Zheng J, Yang J, Ma B, Zhang X. The effect of embryo selection using time-lapse monitoring on IVF/ICSI outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2023; 49:2792-2803. [PMID: 37778750 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15797] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
AIM To explore the effect of embryo selection using the time-lapse monitoring (TLM) system compared with conventional morphological selection (CMS) on in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) outcomes. METHODS We searched PubMed, Ovid-Embase, and The Cochrane Library for the following studies: At Comparison 1, embryo selection using TLM images in a TLM incubator based on morphology versus embryo selection using CMS in a conventional incubator based on morphology; at Comparison 2, embryo selection using TLM based on morphokinetics versus embryo selection using CMS based on morphology. The primary outcomes were the live birth rate (LBR), ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), and implantation rate (IR), and the secondary outcome was the miscarriage rate (MR). RESULTS A total of 14 randomized control trials (RCTs) were included. Both based on morphology, TLM incubators increased the IR (risk ratio [RR]: 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01, 1.18; I2 = 0%, moderate-quality evidence) compared to conventional incubators. Low- to moderate-quality evidence suggests that TLM incubators did not improve LBR, OPR, CPR, and MR compared to conventional incubators. In addition, low- to moderate-quality evidence indicates that embryo selection using TLM based on morphokinetics did not improve LBR, OPR, CPR, IR, or MR compared to CMS based on morphology. CONCLUSIONS Low- to moderate-quality evidence suggests that neither TLM incubators nor embryo selection using TLM based on morphokinetics improved clinical outcomes (LBR, OPR, CPR, and MR) compared with CMS based on morphology. TLM is still an investigational procedure for IVF/ICSI practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanbiao Jiang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Liyan Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Sha Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Haofei Shen
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianxiu Zheng
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinwei Yang
- Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital (Gansu Province Central Hospital), Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Ma
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuehong Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kieslinger DC, Vergouw CG, Ramos L, Arends B, Curfs MHJM, Slappendel E, Kostelijk EH, Pieters MHEC, Consten D, Verhoeven MO, Besselink DE, Broekmans F, Cohlen BJ, Smeenk JMJ, Mastenbroek S, de Koning CH, van Kasteren YM, Moll E, van Disseldorp J, Brinkhuis EA, Kuijper EAM, van Baal WM, van Weering HGI, van der Linden PJQ, Gerards MH, Bossuyt PM, van Wely M, Lambalk CB. Clinical outcomes of uninterrupted embryo culture with or without time-lapse-based embryo selection versus interrupted standard culture (SelecTIMO): a three-armed, multicentre, double-blind, randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2023; 401:1438-1446. [PMID: 37004670 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)00168-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Time-lapse monitoring is increasingly used in fertility laboratories to culture and select embryos for transfer. This method is offered to couples with the promise of improving pregnancy chances, even though there is currently insufficient evidence for superior clinical results. We aimed to evaluate whether a potential improvement by time-lapse monitoring is caused by the time-lapse-based embryo selection method itself or the uninterrupted culture environment that is part of the system. METHODS In this three-armed, multicentre, double-blind, randomised controlled trial, couples undergoing in-vitro fertilisation or intracytoplasmic sperm injection were recruited from 15 fertility clinics in the Netherlands and randomly assigned using a web-based, computerised randomisation service to one of three groups. Couples and physicians were masked to treatment group, but embryologists and laboratory technicians could not be. The time-lapse early embryo viability assessment (EEVA; TLE) group received embryo selection based on the EEVA time-lapse selection method and uninterrupted culture. The time-lapse routine (TLR) group received routine embryo selection and uninterrupted culture. The control group received routine embryo selection and interrupted culture. The co-primary endpoints were the cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate within 12 months in all women and the ongoing pregnancy rate after fresh single embryo transfer in a good prognosis population. Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial is registered on the ICTRP Search Portal, NTR5423, and is closed to new participants. FINDINGS 1731 couples were randomly assigned between June 15, 2017, and March 31, 2020 (577 to the TLE group, 579 to the TLR group, and 575 to the control group). The 12-month cumulative ongoing pregnancy rate did not differ significantly between the three groups: 50·8% (293 of 577) in the TLE group, 50·9% (295 of 579) in the TLR group, and 49·4% (284 of 575) in the control group (p=0·85). The ongoing pregnancy rates after fresh single embryo transfer in a good prognosis population were 38·2% (125 of 327) in the TLE group, 36·8% (119 of 323) in the TLR group, and 37·8% (123 of 325) in the control group (p=0·90). Ten serious adverse events were reported (five TLE, four TLR, and one in the control group), which were not related to study procedures. INTERPRETATION Neither time-lapse-based embryo selection using the EEVA test nor uninterrupted culture conditions in a time-lapse incubator improved clinical outcomes compared with routine methods. Widespread application of time-lapse monitoring for fertility treatments with the promise of improved results should be questioned. FUNDING Health Care Efficiency Research programme from Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development and Merck.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D C Kieslinger
- IVF Center, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - C G Vergouw
- IVF Center, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - L Ramos
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - B Arends
- IVF Center, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - E Slappendel
- Center for Fertility, Nij Geertgen, Elsendorp, Netherlands
| | - E H Kostelijk
- IVF Center, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - D Consten
- IVF Center, Elisabeth-TweeSteden Ziekenhuis Tilburg, Netherlands
| | - M O Verhoeven
- IVF Center, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - D E Besselink
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - F Broekmans
- IVF Center, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - B J Cohlen
- Isala Fertility Center, Isala, Zwolle, Netherlands
| | - J M J Smeenk
- IVF Center, Elisabeth-TweeSteden Ziekenhuis Tilburg, Netherlands
| | - S Mastenbroek
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Preconception and Conception, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - C H de Koning
- Center for Fertility, Tergooi Medical Centre, Blaricum, Netherlands
| | - Y M van Kasteren
- Center for Fertility, Noordwest Ziekenhuisgroep, Alkmaar, Netherlands
| | - E Moll
- Center for Fertility, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - J van Disseldorp
- Center for Fertility, Saint Antonius Ziekenhuis, Nieuwegein, Netherlands
| | - E A Brinkhuis
- Center for Fertility, Meander Medical Centre, Amersfoort, Netherlands
| | - E A M Kuijper
- Center for Fertility, Spaarne Gasthuis, Haarlem, Netherlands
| | - W M van Baal
- Center for Fertility, Flevo Hospital, Almere, Netherlands
| | | | - P J Q van der Linden
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Deventer Ziekenhuis, Deventer, Netherlands
| | - M H Gerards
- Center for Fertility, Diakonessenhuis, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - P M Bossuyt
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - M van Wely
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - C B Lambalk
- IVF Center, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Geampana A, Perrotta M. Predicting Success in the Embryology Lab: The Use of Algorithmic Technologies in Knowledge Production. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & HUMAN VALUES 2023; 48:212-233. [PMID: 36504522 PMCID: PMC9727110 DOI: 10.1177/01622439211057105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This article analyzes local algorithmic practices resulting from the increased use of time-lapse (TL) imaging in fertility treatment. The data produced by TL technologies are expected to help professionals pick the best embryo for implantation. The emergence of TL has been characterized by promissory discourses of deeper embryo knowledge and expanded selection standardization, despite professionals having no conclusive evidence that TL improves pregnancy rates. Our research explores the use of TL tools in embryology labs. We pay special attention to standardization efforts and knowledge-creation facilitated through TL and its incorporated algorithms. Using ethnographic data from five UK clinical sites, we argue that knowledge generated through TL is contingent upon complex human-machine interactions that produce local uncertainties. Thus, algorithms do not simply add medical knowledge. Rather, they rearrange professional practice and expertise. Firstly, we show how TL changes lab routines and training needs. Secondly, we show that the human input TL requires renders the algorithm itself an uncertain and situated practice. This, in turn, raises professional questions about the algorithm's authority in embryo selection. The article demonstrates the embedded nature of algorithmic knowledge production, thus pointing to the need for STS scholarship to further explore the locality of algorithms and AI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alina Geampana
- Department of Sociology and Policy, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Manuela Perrotta
- Department of People and Organisations, School of Business and Management, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Meng Q, Xu Y, Zheng A, Li H, Ding J, Xu Y, Pu Y, Wang W, Wu H. Noninvasive embryo evaluation and selection by time-lapse monitoring vs. conventional morphologic assessment in women undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a single-center randomized controlled study. Fertil Steril 2022; 117:1203-1212. [PMID: 35367059 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether time-lapse monitoring (TLM) for cleavage-stage embryo selection improves reproductive outcomes in comparison with conventional morphological assessment (CMA) selection. DESIGN Prospective randomized controlled trial. SETTING Single academic center. PATIENTS We randomly assigned 139 women who were undergoing their first in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle to undergo either fresh embryo transfer or first frozen embryo transfer (FET). Only 1 cleavage-stage embryo was transferred to each participant. INTERVENTIONS The patients were randomly assigned to either the CMA or the TLM group. In the CMA group, day 2 and day 3 embryos were observed. A good-quality cleavage-stage embryo was selected for transfer or freezing in both groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary and secondary outcomes were the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and the live birth rate (LBR), respectively, after the first embryo transfer (fresh embryo transfer or FET). RESULTS The CPR and LBR were significantly lower in the TLM group than in the CMA group (CPR: 49.18% vs. 70.42%; relative risk, 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.52-0.94; LBR: 45.90% vs. 64.79%; relative risk, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.51-0.98). The CPR with fresh embryo transfer or FET did not significantly differ between the TLM and the CMA groups (fresh embryo transfer: 44.44% vs. 70.0%, relative risk, 0.63, 95% CI, 0.39-1.03; FET: 52.94% vs. 70.73%, relative risk, 0.75, 95% CI, 0.52-1.09). There was a significant difference in the LBR with fresh embryo transfer between the TLM and the CMA groups (40.74% vs. 66.67%; relative risk, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.36-1.03). The LBRs with FET were similar in the TLM and the CMA groups (50.0% vs. 63.41%; relative risk, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.52-1.19). The rates of early spontaneous abortion and ectopic pregnancy did not differ between the TLM and the CMA groups. CONCLUSIONS Elective single cleavage-stage embryo transfer with TLM-based selection did not have any advantages over CMA when day 2 and day 3 embryo morphology was combined in young women with a good ovarian reserve. Because of these results, we conclude that TLM remains an investigational procedure for in vitro fertilization practice. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR1900021981.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingxia Meng
- Center of Reproduction and Genetics, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunyu Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center of Reproduction and Genetics, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Aiyan Zheng
- Center of Reproduction and Genetics, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Li
- Center of Reproduction and Genetics, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jie Ding
- Center of Reproduction and Genetics, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongle Xu
- Center of Reproduction and Genetics, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Pu
- Center of Reproduction and Genetics, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wang
- Center of Reproduction and Genetics, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Huihua Wu
- Center of Reproduction and Genetics, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
A time-lapse monitoring system provides a complete picture of the dynamic embryonic development process and simultaneously supplies extensive morphokinetic data. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the use of the morphokinetic parameter of time of starting blastulation (tSB) can improve the implantation rate of day-5 transferred blastocyst selected based on morphological parameters. In this retrospective study we analyzed the morphokinetics of 196 day-5 transferred blastocysts, selected solely based on morphological parameters. The interval time from intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to time of starting blastocyst formation (tSB) was calculated for each embryo. The overall implantation rate of transferred blastocyst, selected based only on morphological parameters, was 49.2%. Implantation rate, determined retrospectively, was significantly higher (58.8% versus 42.6%, P = 0.02) for embryos with a short interval time to tSB (78-95.9 h) compared with embryos with a longer timeframe (96-114 h). Time of expanded blastocyst (tEB) post-ICSI was also significantly associated with implantation; however, this parameter was not available for all the embryos at time of transfer. When we tested only high ranked KIDScore day-3 sub-group embryos, the implantation rate was significantly higher in short interval time embryos compared with longer interval time embryos (62.2% vs. 45.5%, respectively, P = 0.02).These observations emphasize the importance of the timing of starting blastulation over blastocyst morphological parameters and may provide a preferable criterion for good morphology day-5 blastocyst selection.
Collapse
|
11
|
Peer A, Atzmon Y, Aslih N, Bilgory A, Estrada D, Raya YSA, Shalom-Paz E. Male genome influences embryonic development as early as pronuclear stage. Andrology 2021; 10:525-533. [PMID: 34842361 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13133] [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: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impaired paternal genome expression may cause poor embryonic development after in vitro fertilization (IVF). OBJECTIVE To evaluate the expression of male infertility on embryo morphokinetics using a time-lapse incubator and its impact on IVF cycles. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective cohort study followed patients from January 2017 to August 2019. Patients were divided according to the cause of infertility to male factor (study group) and unexplained infertility (control group) and further subdivided according to the severity of male infertility. RESULTS A cohort of 462 patients who underwent IVF cycles, with a total of 3,252 embryos was evaluated. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was conducted more often in the study group compared to the control group (94% vs. 47%, p < 0.0001) and more embryos were discarded (47% vs. 43%, p = 0.016). Treatment outcomes were comparable in both groups regardless of the severity of male infertility. T3-T5 had a significant impact on embryo quality and more transfer and freeze compared to discard. Maternal age, number of aspirated oocytes, BMI, protocol used, and faster time to T3, T6 were significant in increasing chances of achieving pregnancy. CONCLUSION The paternal genome may have an earlier impact on embryo development than previously surmised and may also account for faster morphokinetics. Faster embryo cleavage in male infertility IVF-ICSI cycles may contribute to outcomes comparable to other causes of infertility, in terms of embryo quality and clinical pregnancy rate, despite lower sperm quality, even in cases of severe Oligo-terato-Astheno spermia (OTA).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aviv Peer
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, IVF Unit, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel.,Ruth and Bruce Rappaport School of Medicine, The Technion-Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yuval Atzmon
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, IVF Unit, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel
| | - Nardin Aslih
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, IVF Unit, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel
| | - Asaf Bilgory
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, IVF Unit, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel
| | - Daniela Estrada
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, IVF Unit, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel
| | - Yasmin Shibli Abu Raya
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, IVF Unit, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel
| | - Einat Shalom-Paz
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, IVF Unit, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel.,Ruth and Bruce Rappaport School of Medicine, The Technion-Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Differences in Morphokinetic Parameters and Incidence of Multinucleations in Human Embryos of Genetically Normal, Abnormal and Euploid Embryos Leading to Clinical Pregnancy. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10215173. [PMID: 34768693 PMCID: PMC8584289 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10215173] [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: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The selection of the best embryo for embryo transfer (ET) is one of the most important steps in IVF (in vitro fertilisation) treatment. Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is an invasive method that can greatly facilitate the decision about the best embryo. An alternative way to select the embryo with the greatest implantation potential is by cultivation in a time-lapse system, which can offer several predictive factors. Non-invasive time-lapse monitoring can be used to select quality embryos with high implantation potential under stable culture conditions. The embryo for ET can then be selected based on the determined morphokinetic parameters and morphological features, which according to our results predict a higher implantation potential. This study included a total of 1027 morphologically high-quality embryos (552 normal and 475 abnormal PGT-tested embryos) from 296 patients (01/2016-06/2021). All embryos were cultivated in a time-lapse incubator and PGT biopsy of trophectoderm cells on D5 or D6 was performed. Significant differences were found in the morphological parameters cc2, t5 and tSB and the occurrence of multinucleations in the stage of two-cell and four-cell embryos between the group of genetically normal embryos and abnormal embryos. At the same time, significant differences in the morphological parameters cc2, t5 and tSB and the occurrence of multinucleations in the two-cell and four-cell embryo stage were found between the group of genetically normal embryos that led to clinical pregnancy after ET and the group of abnormal embryos. From the morphokinetic data found in the PGT-A group of normal embryos leading to clinical pregnancy, time intervals were determined based on statistical analysis, which should predict embryos with high implantation potential. Out of a total of 218 euploid embryos, which were transferred into the uterus after thawing (single frozen embryo transfer), clinical pregnancy was confirmed in 119 embryos (54.6%). Our results show that according to the morphokinetic parameters (cc2, t5, tSB) and the occurrence of multinucleations during the first two cell divisions, the best euploid embryo for ET can be selected with high probability.
Collapse
|
13
|
Thirumalaraju P, Kanakasabapathy MK, Bormann CL, Gupta R, Pooniwala R, Kandula H, Souter I, Dimitriadis I, Shafiee H. Evaluation of deep convolutional neural networks in classifying human embryo images based on their morphological quality. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06298. [PMID: 33665450 PMCID: PMC7907476 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
A critical factor that influences the success of an in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment cycle is the quality of the transferred embryo. Embryo morphology assessments, conventionally performed through manual microscopic analysis suffer from disparities in practice, selection criteria, and subjectivity due to the experience of the embryologist. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are powerful, promising algorithms with significant potential for accurate classifications across many object categories. Network architectures and hyper-parameters affect the efficiency of CNNs for any given task. Here, we evaluate multi-layered CNNs developed from scratch and popular deep-learning architectures such as Inception v3, ResNET-50, Inception-ResNET-v2, NASNetLarge, ResNeXt-101, ResNeXt-50, and Xception in differentiating between embryos based on their morphological quality at 113 h post insemination (hpi). Xception performed the best in differentiating between the embryos based on their morphological quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prudhvi Thirumalaraju
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Manoj Kumar Kanakasabapathy
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Charles L Bormann
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Raghav Gupta
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rohan Pooniwala
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hemanth Kandula
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Irene Souter
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Irene Dimitriadis
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hadi Shafiee
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lebovitz O, Michaeli M, Aslih N, Poltov D, Estrada D, Atzmon Y, Shalom-Paz E. Embryonic Development in Relation to Maternal Age and Conception Probability. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:2292-2300. [PMID: 33591563 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00488-4] [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: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Data regarding association between early embryo development and maternal age is limited and inconclusive. This study has two aims: to evaluate differences in the cleavage stage of embryos in young versus advanced maternal age (AMA) women. To compare the early embryonic development of embryos that result in pregnancy versus no pregnancy. A retrospective study of early embryonic development which was recorded and analyzed using time-lapse imaging was conducted. The kinetic markers of time to pronuclei fading (tPNf) and appearance of two to eight cells (t2-t8) were assessed. For embryos cultured to blastocyst, times to morula (tM), start of blastulation (tSB) cavitated, and expanded blastocyst (tB, tEB) were also recorded. A total of 2021 oocytes from 364 intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles were evaluated, of which 1223 (60.5%) were derived from young patients and 798 (39.5%) from those of AMA. The mean time points to t3, t4, t5, t6, tSB, tB, and tEB were significantly shorter for embryos derived from younger women, as compared to older women (p < 0.05). Overall, women who conceived presented a faster embryonic development, for both age groups. The mean time points of t2 and t8 were significantly shorter in patients who conceived versus not conceived (p < 0.05). We concluded that older women's age is associated with delayed embryonic development. Embryos that yielded pregnancy cleaved faster compared to those which did not, in both age groups. Thus, when considering which embryo to transfer to women of AMA, selecting the faster-developing embryos may improve the chances of conception.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oshrit Lebovitz
- IVF and Infertility Unit, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel. .,Ruth and Bruce Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel. .,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Mediea Michaeli
- IVF and Infertility Unit, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel
| | - Nardin Aslih
- IVF and Infertility Unit, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel.,Ruth and Bruce Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Diana Poltov
- IVF and Infertility Unit, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel
| | - Daniela Estrada
- IVF and Infertility Unit, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel.,Ruth and Bruce Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yuval Atzmon
- IVF and Infertility Unit, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel.,Ruth and Bruce Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Einat Shalom-Paz
- IVF and Infertility Unit, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel.,Ruth and Bruce Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Doron-Lalehzari A, Wainstock T, Szaingurten-Solodkin I, Richter D, Zeadna A, Harlev A, Lunenfeld E, Levitas E, Har-Vardi I. Are morphokinetic parameters of embryo development associated with adverse perinatal outcomes following fresh blastocyst transfer? Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 42:207-216. [PMID: 33168490 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Are obstetric and perinatal complications associated with morphokinetic parameters of embryo development? DESIGN This proof-of-concept pilot study included a retrospective analysis of embryo morphokinetic parameters of 85 live births following day 5 single blastocyst transfer. Kinetic variables included time interval (hours) from time of pronuclei fading (tPNf) to: time of 2 cells (tPNf-t2), 9 cells (tPNf-t9), morula (tPNf-tM), start of blastulation (tPNf-tSB), full blastocyst (tPNf-tB) and expanded blastocyst (tPNf-tEB). Multivariable logistic models were used to calculate the risk of perinatal complications after adjustment for confounders. RESULTS The mean interval of tPNf-tSB was significantly longer for newborns with congenital anomalies compared with healthy newborns (79.49 ± 5.78 versus 71.7 ± 6.3, respectively, P = 0.01) and for embryos of women who had gestational diabetes mellitus compared with normoglycemic women (76.56 ± 7.55 versus 71.5 ± 6.13, respectively, P = 0.015). The mean interval of tPNf-t9 was significantly longer for low-birthweight newborns compared with normal weight (49.25 ± 5.54 versus 45.47 ± 4.77, respectively, P = 0.01). Preterm delivery was associated with several longer intervals of cell divisions compared with delivery at term (tPNf-t5: 28.76 ± 3.13 versus 26.64 ± 2.40, respectively, P = 0.01; tPNf-t6: 30.10 ± 3.05 versus 27.68 ± 2.30, respectively, P < 0.001; tPNf-t7: 32.08 ± 4.11 versus 28.70 ± 2.67, respectively, P < 0.001; tPNf-t8: 34.75 ± 4.95 versus 30.70 ± 4.10, respectively, P < 0.001; tPNf-t9: 50.23 ± 5.87 versus 45.44 ± 4.67, respectively, P < 0.001). For each of the outcomes, the association remained significant after adjusting for confounders. CONCLUSION This study indicates that there may be a possible association between adverse perinatal outcomes and morphokinetic parameters. Larger studies are needed to establish this association.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tamar Wainstock
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel; School of Public Health, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Irit Szaingurten-Solodkin
- Soroka University Medical Center, Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Dganit Richter
- Soroka University Medical Center, Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Atif Zeadna
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel; Soroka University Medical Center, Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Avi Harlev
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel; Barzilai Medical Center, Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ashkelon, Israel
| | - Eitan Lunenfeld
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel; Soroka University Medical Center, Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Eliahu Levitas
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel; Soroka University Medical Center, Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Iris Har-Vardi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel; Soroka University Medical Center, Fertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Meyers S, Burruel V, Kato M, de la Fuente A, Orellana D, Renaudin C, Dujovne G. Equine non-invasive time-lapse imaging and blastocyst development. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 31:1874-1884. [PMID: 31630727 DOI: 10.1071/rd19260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study we examined the timeline of mitotic events of invitro-produced equine embryos that progressed to blastocyst stage using non-invasive time-lapse microscopy (TLM). Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) embryos were cultured using a self-contained imaging incubator system (Miri®TL; Esco Technologies) that captured brightfield images at 5-min intervals that were then generated into video for retrospective analysis. For all embryos that progressed to the blastocyst stage, the initial event of extrusion of acellular debris preceded all first cleavages and occurred at mean (±s.e.m.) time of 20.0±1.1h after ICSI, whereas 19 of 24 embryos that did not reach the blastocyst stage demonstrated debris extrusion that occurred at 23.8±1.1h, on average 4h longer for this initial premitotic event (P<0.05). Embryos that failed to reach the blastocyst stage demonstrated a 4-h delay compared with those that reached the blastocyst stage to reach the 2-cell stage (P<0.05). All embryos that reached the blastocyst stage expressed pulsation of the blastocyst with visible expansion and contraction at approximate 10-min intervals, or five to six times per hour. Using a logit probability method, we determined that 2- and 8-cell stage embryos could reasonably predict which embryos progressed to the blastocyst stage. Together, the results indicate that TLM for equine embryo development is a dynamic tool with promise for predicting successful embryo development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Meyers
- Departments of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA; and Corresponding author.
| | - V Burruel
- Departments of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - M Kato
- Departments of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - A de la Fuente
- Departments of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - D Orellana
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - C Renaudin
- Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - G Dujovne
- Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Bormann CL, Kanakasabapathy MK, Thirumalaraju P, Gupta R, Pooniwala R, Kandula H, Hariton E, Souter I, Dimitriadis I, Ramirez LB, Curchoe CL, Swain J, Boehnlein LM, Shafiee H. Performance of a deep learning based neural network in the selection of human blastocysts for implantation. eLife 2020; 9:e55301. [PMID: 32930094 PMCID: PMC7527234 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Deep learning in in vitro fertilization is currently being evaluated in the development of assistive tools for the determination of transfer order and implantation potential using time-lapse data collected through expensive imaging hardware. Assistive tools and algorithms that can work with static images, however, can help in improving the access to care by enabling their use with images acquired from traditional microscopes that are available to virtually all fertility centers. Here, we evaluated the use of a deep convolutional neural network (CNN), trained using single timepoint images of embryos collected at 113 hr post-insemination, in embryo selection amongst 97 clinical patient cohorts (742 embryos) and observed an accuracy of 90% in choosing the highest quality embryo available. Furthermore, a CNN trained to assess an embryo's implantation potential directly using a set of 97 euploid embryos capable of implantation outperformed 15 trained embryologists (75.26% vs. 67.35%, p<0.0001) from five different fertility centers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles L Bormann
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Manoj Kumar Kanakasabapathy
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Prudhvi Thirumalaraju
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Raghav Gupta
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Rohan Pooniwala
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Hemanth Kandula
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Eduardo Hariton
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Irene Souter
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Irene Dimitriadis
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | | | - Carol L Curchoe
- San Diego Fertility CenterSan DiegoUnited States
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine IVF Laboratory NetworkEnglewoodUnited States
| | - Jason Swain
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine IVF Laboratory NetworkEnglewoodUnited States
| | - Lynn M Boehnlein
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of WisconsinMadisonUnited States
| | - Hadi Shafiee
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zona pellucida shear modulus, a possible novel non-invasive method to assist in embryo selection during in-vitro fertilization treatment. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14066. [PMID: 32826934 PMCID: PMC7443135 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70739-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the association between oocyte zona pellucida shear modulus (ZPSM) and implantation rate (IR). Ninety-three oocytes collected from 38 in-vitro fertilization patients who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection were included in this case–control study. The ZP was modeled as an isotropic compressible hyperelastic material with parameter \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}$$C_{10}$$\end{document}C10, which represents the ZPSM. Computational methodology was used to calculate the mechanical parameters that govern ZP deformation. Fifty-one developed embryos were transferred and divided into two groups—implanted and not implanted. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the association between ZPSM and IR while controlling for confounders. Maternal age and number of embryos per transfer were significantly associated with implantation. The IR of embryos characterized by \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}$$C_{10}$$\end{document}C10 values in the range of 0.20–0.40 kPa was 66.75%, while outside this range it was 6.70%. This range was significantly associated with implantation (p < 0.001). Geometric properties were not associated with implantation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis that controlled for relevant confounders indicated that this range was independently associated with implantation (adjusted OR 38.03, 95% confidence interval 4.67–309.36, p = 0.001). The present study suggests that ZPSM may improve the classic embryo selection process with the aim of increasing IR.
Collapse
|
19
|
Wei YL, Zhu GJ, Ren XL, Huang B, Jin L. Developmental Potential and Clinical Value of Embryos with Abnormal Cleavage Rate. Curr Med Sci 2019; 39:118-121. [DOI: 10.1007/s11596-019-2008-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
20
|
Casanovas A, Ribas-Maynou J, Lara-Cerrillo S, Jimenez-Macedo AR, Hortal O, Benet J, Carrera J, García-Peiró A. Double-stranded sperm DNA damage is a cause of delay in embryo development and can impair implantation rates. Fertil Steril 2019; 111:699-707.e1. [PMID: 30826116 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the effect of single- and double-stranded sperm DNA fragmentation (ssSDF and dsSDF) on human embryo kinetics monitored under a time-lapse system. DESIGN Observational, double blind, prospective cohort study. SETTING University spin-off and private center. PATIENT(S) One hundred ninety-six embryos from 43 infertile couples were included prospectively. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) SsSDF and dsSDF were analyzed in the same semen sample used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Embryo kinetics was then monitored using time-lapse technology, and the timing of each embryo division was obtained. RESULT(S) When comparing embryos obtained from semen samples with low dsSDF and high dsSDF, splitting data using a statistically significant delay in high dsSDF was observed in second polar body extrusion, T4, T8, morula, and starting blastocyst and embryo implantation rates were impaired. Embryo kinetics and implantation rates are not significantly affected when high values of ssSDF are present. Different patterns of delay in embryo kinetics were observed for these different types of DNA damage: dsSDF caused a delay along all stages of embryo development; however, its major effect was observed at the second polar body extrusion and morula stages, coinciding with embryo DNA damage checkpoint activation as described before; ssSDF had its major effect at the pronucleus stage, but embryo kinetics was then restored at all following stages. The results show that dsSDF could be the main type of DNA damage that affects embryo development in intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles, probably due to motility-based sperm selection in this assisted reproduction procedure. CONCLUSION(S) Double-stranded sperm DNA damage caused a delay in embryo development and impaired implantation, while single-stranded DNA damage did not significantly affect embryo kinetics and implantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jordi Ribas-Maynou
- Centro de Infertilidad Masculina y Análisis de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Olga Hortal
- Unitat d'Endocrinologia Ginecològica, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Benet
- Unitat de Biologia Cellular i Genètica Mèdica, Departament de Biologia Cellular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus de la UAB, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Carrera
- Unitat d'Endocrinologia Ginecològica, Barcelona, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Boynukalin FK, Serdarogullari M, Gultomruk M, Coban O, Findikli N, Bahceci M. The impact of endometriosis on early embryo morphokinetics: a case-control study. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2019; 65:250-257. [DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2019.1573275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Meral Gultomruk
- Genetics Laboratory, Bahceci Fulya IVF Centre, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Onder Coban
- Embryology Laboratory, British Cyprus IVF Hospital, Nicosia, USA
| | - Necati Findikli
- Embryology Laboratory, Bahceci Fulya IVF Centre, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Bahceci
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Bahceci Fulya IVF Centre, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Buran A, Tulay P, Dayıoğlu N, Bakircioglu ME, Bahceci M, İrez T. Evaluation of the morphokinetic parameters and development of pre‐implantation embryos obtained by testicular, epididymal and ejaculate spermatozoa using time‐lapse imaging system. Andrologia 2018; 51:e13217. [DOI: 10.1111/and.13217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Buran
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine Yeni Yuzyil University Istanbul Turkey
| | - Pinar Tulay
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine Near East University Nicosia North Cyprus
| | - Nurten Dayıoğlu
- Department of Medical Statistics, Faculty of Medicine Yeni Yuzyil University Istanbul Turkey
| | | | | | - Tulay İrez
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine Biruni University Istanbul Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Gouveia Nogueira MF, Bertogna Guilherme V, Pronunciate M, Dos Santos PH, Lima Bezerra da Silva D, Rocha JC. Artificial Intelligence-Based Grading Quality of Bovine Blastocyst Digital Images: Direct Capture with Juxtaposed Lenses of Smartphone Camera and Stereomicroscope Ocular Lens. SENSORS 2018; 18:s18124440. [PMID: 30558278 PMCID: PMC6308431 DOI: 10.3390/s18124440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we developed an online graphical and intuitive interface connected to a server aiming to facilitate professional access worldwide to those facing problems with bovine blastocysts classification. The interface Blasto3Q, where 3Q refers to the three qualities of the blastocyst grading, contains a description of 24 variables that were extracted from the image of the blastocyst and analyzed by three Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) that classify the same loaded image. The same embryo (i.e., the biological specimen) was submitted to digital image capture by the control group (inverted microscope with 40× magnification) and the experimental group (stereomicroscope with maximum of magnification plus 4× zoom from the cell phone camera). The images obtained from the control and experimental groups were uploaded on Blasto3Q. Each image from both sources was evaluated for segmentation and submitted (only if it could be properly or partially segmented) for automatic quality grade classification by the three ANNs of the Blasto3Q program. Adjustments on the software program through the use of scaling algorithm software were performed to ensure the proper search and segmentation of the embryo in the raw images when they were captured by the smartphone, since this source produced small embryo images compared with those from the inverted microscope. With this new program, 77.8% of the images from smartphones were successfully segmented and from those, 85.7% were evaluated by the Blasto3Q in agreement with the control group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Fábio Gouveia Nogueira
- Laboratory of Embryonic Micromanipulation, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Sciences and Languages, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Assis, São Paulo 19.806-900, Brazil.
- Multiuser Facility (FitoFarmaTec), Department of Pharmacology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo 18.618-689, Brazil.
| | - Vitória Bertogna Guilherme
- Laboratory of Embryonic Micromanipulation, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Sciences and Languages, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Assis, São Paulo 19.806-900, Brazil.
| | - Micheli Pronunciate
- Laboratory of Embryonic Micromanipulation, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Sciences and Languages, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Assis, São Paulo 19.806-900, Brazil.
- Multiuser Facility (FitoFarmaTec), Department of Pharmacology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo 18.618-689, Brazil.
| | - Priscila Helena Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Embryonic Micromanipulation, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Sciences and Languages, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Assis, São Paulo 19.806-900, Brazil.
- Multiuser Facility (FitoFarmaTec), Department of Pharmacology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, São Paulo 18.618-689, Brazil.
| | - Diogo Lima Bezerra da Silva
- Laboratory of Applied Mathematics, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Sciences and Languages, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Assis, São Paulo 19.806-900, Brazil.
| | - José Celso Rocha
- Laboratory of Applied Mathematics, Department of Biological Sciences, School of Sciences and Languages, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Assis, São Paulo 19.806-900, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Amir H, Barbash-Hazan S, Kalma Y, Frumkin T, Malcov M, Samara N, Hasson J, Reches A, Azem F, Ben-Yosef D. Time-lapse imaging reveals delayed development of embryos carrying unbalanced chromosomal translocations. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018; 36:315-324. [PMID: 30421343 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1361-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to compare the morphokinetic parameters of embryos carrying balanced chromosomal translocations with those carrying unbalanced chromosomal translocations using time-lapse microscopy. METHODS The study group included 270 embryos that underwent biopsies on day 3 for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for chromosomal translocations in our unit between 2013 and 2015. All embryos were incubated under time-lapse microscopy and evaluated for timing of developmental events up to day 5. The timing of these events was compared between balanced and unbalanced embryos, potentially viable and nonviable variants, and maternal versus paternal inheritance of the translocation. RESULTS The PGD analysis found that 209 (77%) of the 270 biopsied embryos carried an unbalanced translocation. Embryos carrying unbalanced translocations, which are expected to lead to implantation failure or miscarriage, cleaved less synchronously and were delayed in time of cleavage to the 4-cell stage (t4) and in time of start of blastulation (tSB) compared with balanced embryos (P < 0.05). Furthermore, embryos carrying nonviable translocations demonstrated a significant delay at the time of pronuclei fading (tPNf) compared with those carrying potentially viable translocations (P < 0.05). Embryos whose unbalanced translocations were of maternal origin were significantly delayed in most of the morphokinetic parameters (including tPNf, t2, t3, t4, t6, t7, t8, cc2, s2, and tSB) compared with embryos carrying balanced translocations (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Embryos carrying unbalanced chromosomal translocations mainly of maternal origin undergo delayed development and asynchronous cleavage that may lead to implantation failure or miscarriage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hadar Amir
- IVF Lab & Wolfe PGD-Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6 Weizman Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shiri Barbash-Hazan
- IVF Lab & Wolfe PGD-Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6 Weizman Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yael Kalma
- IVF Lab & Wolfe PGD-Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6 Weizman Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tsvia Frumkin
- IVF Lab & Wolfe PGD-Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6 Weizman Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Mira Malcov
- IVF Lab & Wolfe PGD-Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6 Weizman Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Nivin Samara
- IVF Lab & Wolfe PGD-Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6 Weizman Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Joseph Hasson
- IVF Lab & Wolfe PGD-Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6 Weizman Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Adi Reches
- IVF Lab & Wolfe PGD-Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6 Weizman Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Foad Azem
- IVF Lab & Wolfe PGD-Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6 Weizman Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dalit Ben-Yosef
- IVF Lab & Wolfe PGD-Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6 Weizman Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel. .,Department of Cell Biology and Development, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Esbert M, Pacheco A, Soares SR, Amorós D, Florensa M, Ballesteros A, Meseguer M. High sperm DNA fragmentation delays human embryo kinetics when oocytes from young and healthy donors are microinjected. Andrology 2018; 6:697-706. [PMID: 30259705 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Time-lapse monitoring (TLM) technology has been implemented in the clinical setting for the culture and selection of human embryos. Many studies have assessed the association between sperm DNA fragmentation (sDNAf) and clinical outcomes after ART, but little is known about the influence of sDNA on embryo morphokinetics. OBJECTIVES The objective of this retrospective study, which includes 971 embryos from 135 consecutive ICSI cycles (56 cases with own oocytes, 79 with oocytes from young and healthy donors), was to assess if sDNAf has an impact on embryo morphokinetics. MATERIALS AND METHODS Samples used to perform ICSI were analyzed by the flow cytometry TUNEL assay, and embryo development was assessed through an EmbyoScope® system. The association between sDNAf and the timings of cell cleavage was analyzed by categorizing the first variable into quartiles: ≤6.50%; 6.51-10.70%; 10.71-20.15%; >20.15%. RESULTS In cases where sDNAf was above 20.15% (the upper quartile), embryos derived from donated oocytes (n = 644) showed significantly slower divisions. Such association was not observed in embryos obtained from the patients' own oocytes (n = 327). The embryo cleavage pattern (either normal, direct from 1 to 3 blastomeres, direct from 1 to 4 blastomeres, incomplete, reversed or asynchronous) was independent of the sDNAf level. Blastocyst arrival rate was 63.0% and the rate of good quality embryos (transferred and frozen embryos divided by the number of zygotes) was 45.49%. Neither parameter was related to the levels of sDNAf. DISCUSSION According to our results, the association between high sDNAf and donated oocytes led to delayed cell division. To our knowledge, this is the first study suggesting that sDNAf can delay human embryo cleavage timings when oocytes from donors are inseminated. CONCLUSIONS This finding may indicate that, in the presence of increased DNA damage, time is needed before the first embryonic cell division for the activation of the optimal DNA repairing machinery in higher quality oocytes.
Collapse
|
26
|
Lindgren KE, Gülen Yaldir F, Hreinsson J, Holte J, Kårehed K, Sundström-Poromaa I, Kaihola H, Åkerud H. Differences in secretome in culture media when comparing blastocysts and arrested embryos using multiplex proximity assay. Ups J Med Sci 2018; 123:143-152. [PMID: 30282508 PMCID: PMC6198226 DOI: 10.1080/03009734.2018.1490830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess different patterns of the human embryo secretome analysed as protein levels in culture media. Furthermore, analyses to correlate protein levels with quality and timing to development of human embryos were performed. MATERIAL AND METHODS Human day-2 cryopreserved embryos were cultured for four days in an EmbryoScope® with a time-lapse camera, and embryo quality was evaluated retrospectively. After culture, the media were collected and relative levels of secreted proteins were analysed using Proseek Multiplex Assays. Protein levels were evaluated in relation to timing to development and the ability to form a blastocyst. RESULTS Specific patterns of timing of development of blastocysts were found, where a difference in time to start of cavitation was found between high- and low-quality blastocysts. There appeared to be a correlation between specific protein patterns and successful formation of morulae and blastocysts. Embryos developing into blastocysts had higher levels of EMMPRIN than arrested embryos, and levels of caspase-3 were lower in high- versus low-quality blastocysts. Also, higher levels of VEGF-A, IL-6, and EMMPRIN correlated with shorter times to morula formation. CONCLUSIONS The secretome and timing to development differ in embryos forming blastocysts and those that become arrested, and in high- versus low-quality blastocysts. The levels of certain proteins also correlate to specific times to development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karin E. Lindgren
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, SE-751 85Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fatma Gülen Yaldir
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, SE-751 85Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Julius Hreinsson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, SE-751 85Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute and Unit for Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan Holte
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, SE-751 85Uppsala, Sweden
- Carl von Linné Clinic, SE-751 83Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Kårehed
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, SE-751 85Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Helena Kaihola
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, SE-751 85Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Helena Åkerud
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, SE-751 85Uppsala, Sweden
- CONTACT Helena Åkerud Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 20, SE-751 85Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Liu Z, Speroni L, Quinn KP, Alonzo C, Pouli D, Zhang Y, Stuntz E, Sonnenschein C, Soto AM, Georgakoudi I. 3D organizational mapping of collagen fibers elucidates matrix remodeling in a hormone-sensitive 3D breast tissue model. Biomaterials 2018; 179:96-108. [PMID: 29980078 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.06.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hormones play an important role in normal and diseased breast tissue development. However, they can also disrupt cell-matrix interactions and their role in extracellular matrix reorganization during epithelial morphogenesis remains poorly understood, partly due to a lack of sensitive approaches for matrix characterization. Here, we assess the hormonal regulation of matrix reorganization in a three-dimensional (3D) breast tissue culture model using a novel metric, i.e., 3D directional variance, to characterize the 3D organization of collagen fibers visualized via high-resolution, second harmonic generation imaging. This metric enables resolving and quantifying patterns of spatial organization throughout the matrix surrounding epithelial structures treated with 17β-estradiol (E2) alone, and E2 in combination with either promegestone, a progestogen, or prolactin. Addition of promegestone results in the most disorganized fibers, while the E2 alone treatment leads to the most organized ones. Location-dependent organization mapping indicates that only the prolactin treatment leads to significant heterogeneities in the regional organization of collagen fibers, with higher levels of alignment observed at the end of the elongated epithelial structures. The observed collagen organization patterns for all groups persist for tens of micrometers. In addition, a comparison between 3D directional variance and typical 2D analysis approaches reveals an improved sensitivity of the 3D metric to identify organizational heterogeneities and differences among treatment groups. These results demonstrate that 3D directional variance is sensitive to subtle changes in the extracellular micro-environment and has the potential to elucidate reciprocal cell-matrix interactions in the context of numerous applications involving the study of normal and diseased tissue morphogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyi Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Lucia Speroni
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Pathobiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Kyle P Quinn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Carlo Alonzo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Dimitra Pouli
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Emily Stuntz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Carlos Sonnenschein
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Pathobiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Ana M Soto
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Pathobiology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Irene Georgakoudi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Podgornaya OI, Ostromyshenskii DI, Enukashvily NI. Who Needs This Junk, or Genomic Dark Matter. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2018; 83:450-466. [PMID: 29626931 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297918040156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Centromeres (CEN), pericentromeric regions (periCEN), and subtelomeric regions (subTel) comprise the areas of constitutive heterochromatin (HChr). Tandem repeats (TRs or satellite DNA) are the main components of HChr forming no less than 10% of the mouse and human genome. HChr is assembled within distinct structures in the interphase nuclei of many species - chromocenters. In this review, the main classes of HChr repeat sequences are considered in the order of their number increase in the sequencing reads of the mouse chromocenters (ChrmC). TRs comprise ~70% of ChrmC occupying the first place. Non-LTR (-long terminal repeat) retroposons (mainly LINE, long interspersed nuclear element) are the next (~11%), and endogenous retroviruses (ERV; LTR-containing) are in the third position (~9%). HChr is not enriched with ERV in comparison with the whole genome, but there are differences in distribution of certain elements: while MaLR-like elements (ERV3) are dominant in the whole genome, intracisternal A-particles and corresponding LTR (ERV2) are prevalent in HChr. Most of LINE in ChrmC is represented by the 2-kb fragment at the end of the 2nd open reading frame and its flanking regions. Almost all tandem repeats classified as CEN or periCEN are contained in ChrmC. Our previous classification revealed 60 new mouse TR families with 29 of them being absent in ChrmC, which indicates their location on chromosome arms. TR transcription is necessary for maintenance of heterochromatic status of the HChr genome part. A burst of TR transcription is especially important in embryogenesis and other cases of radical changes in the cell program, including carcinogenesis. The recently discovered mechanism of epigenetic regulation with noncoding sequences transcripts, long noncoding RNA, and its role in embryogenesis and pluripotency maintenance is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O I Podgornaya
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, 194064, Russia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
|
30
|
Martínez M, Santaló J, Rodríguez A, Vassena R. High reliability of morphokinetic annotations among embryologists. Hum Reprod Open 2018; 2018:hoy009. [PMID: 30895250 PMCID: PMC6276644 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoy009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are morphokinetic measurements of time lapse-videos of human embryos comparable among operators? SUMMARY ANSWER There is little variation among morphokinetic measurements taken by different operators when analyzing the same time lapse-videos of human embryos. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Morphokinetic analysis of preimplantation embryo development is a complementary method of embryo assessment increasingly used in IVF laboratories. Time-lapse videos of embryo development are normally viewed by trained embryologists and annotated with the times when specific developmental events occur. Such annotations form the basis of embryo selection algorithms, used to rank the embryos for transfer. It is unknown whether the reliability of morphokinetic annotations is related to the morphological characteristics of the analyzed embryo or to the ability of the embryologists performing the annotation. One study so far reported the reliability of morphokinetic annotations among three embryologists using the time-lapse system (TLS), but larger studies with different setups are needed to address this issue further. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION A prospective study was carried out between October 2015 and June 2016. Six embryologists with various degrees of experience in static, morphology-based evaluation, individually annotated the same 93 videos of preimplantation development, corresponding to 18 IVF/ICSI cycles, recorded with a TLS. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS Times of second polar body extrusion, appearance and disappearance of pronuclei, and embryo cleavages (times from 2-cell to 5-cell stage: t2, t3, t4, t5) were annotated. Each embryologist was blinded to the annotations of the others. Intra- and inter-observer agreement was evaluated by computing intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In the inter-observer analysis, most ICCs obtained were higher than 0.80, indicating a high level of agreement: t2: 0.93; t3: 0.80; t4: 0.89; t5: 0.89; disappearance of two pronuclei: 0.98. However, the ICCs obtained for second polar body extrusion and the appearance of two pronuclei annotations was lower: 0.51 and 0.63, respectively, indicating an average level of agreement. The ICCs obtained from the intra-observer analysis were also higher than 0.80 (t2: 0.96; t3: 0.89; t4: 0.88; t5: 0.86; disappearance of two pronuclei: 0.96). The ICCs obtained from second polar body extrusion and the appearance of two pronuclei annotations were 0.77 and 0.66, respectively. These results indicate that developmental timings, annotated in time-lapse videos, are highly reliable both within and among observers. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION The events at the developmental stages from 6-cells to blastocyst were not evaluated; since some morphokinetic algorithms use times past the 6-cell stage in their calculations, further studies should be carried out to understand the variations among observers in these cases. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Time-lapse measurement should be as objective as possible, especially for the first embryo cleavages, because they are often measured to define algorithms to assess the embryonic implantation potential. Our results show that measurements using this particular TLS are consistent and reliable both within and among operators. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS None. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Martínez
- Clínica Eugin, Travessera de les Corts 322, Barcelona 08029, Spain
| | - J Santaló
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología en Inmunología, Facultad de Biociencias, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra 08193, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona
| | - A Rodríguez
- Clínica Eugin, Travessera de les Corts 322, Barcelona 08029, Spain
| | - R Vassena
- Clínica Eugin, Travessera de les Corts 322, Barcelona 08029, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Pribenszky C, Nilselid AM, Montag M. Time-lapse culture with morphokinetic embryo selection improves pregnancy and live birth chances and reduces early pregnancy loss: a meta-analysis. Reprod Biomed Online 2017; 35:511-520. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2017.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
32
|
Sutton-McDowall ML, Gosnell M, Anwer AG, White M, Purdey M, Abell AD, Goldys EM, Thompson JG. Hyperspectral microscopy can detect metabolic heterogeneity within bovine post-compaction embryos incubated under two oxygen concentrations (7% versus 20%). Hum Reprod 2017; 32:2016-2025. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie L. Sutton-McDowall
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics
- Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Martin Gosnell
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics
- Quantitative Pty Ltd, Mount Victoria, New South Wales 2786, Australia
| | - Ayad G. Anwer
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics
- Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Melissa White
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Malcolm Purdey
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics
- Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Andrew D. Abell
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics
- Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Ewa M. Goldys
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics
| | - Jeremy G. Thompson
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics
- Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Lin T, Lee JE, Oqani RK, Kim SY, Cho ES, Jeong YD, Baek JJ, Jin DI. Delayed blastocyst formation or an extra day culture increases apoptosis in pig blastocysts. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 185:128-139. [PMID: 28844338 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, the timing was examined of blastocyst collection/formation or of how the duration of post-blastulation culture affected the quality and developmental competence of in vitro-produced pig parthenogenetic embryos. The earliest apoptotic signals were observed at the morula stage while the earliest cytoplasmic fragmentation was observed before the 4- to 8-cell stage of embryo development. Nuclear condensation was detected in morulae and blastocysts, but not all condensed nuclei were positive for the apoptotic signal (TUNEL staining). The mean blastocyst diameter increased with delayed blastocyst collection or extended post-blastulation culture, but decreased with delayed blastocyst formation. Delayed blastocyst collection/formation or an additional day of post-blastulation culture increased the frequencies of apoptosis, condensed nuclei, and low quality blastocysts (those showing a nuclear destruction that negated counting of the nuclei); increased the expression of the pro-apoptotic BAX gene; and reduced the ratio of ICM (inner cell mass) cells to TE (trophectoderm) cells. In addition, delayed blastocyst formation decreased POU5F1 gene expression. These results suggest that a delay in blastocyst collection/formation or an additional day of culture could increase the incidence of apoptosis, decrease the ICM:TE cell ratio, and influence the gene expression and diameter of blastocysts derived from in vitro-produced pig embryos. These findings provide a useful reference for improving the quality of in vitro-produced embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Lin
- Department of Animal Science & Biotechnology, Research Center for Transgenic Cloned Pigs, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Eun Lee
- Department of Animal Science & Biotechnology, Research Center for Transgenic Cloned Pigs, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Reza K Oqani
- Department of Animal Science & Biotechnology, Research Center for Transgenic Cloned Pigs, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - So Yeon Kim
- Department of Animal Science & Biotechnology, Research Center for Transgenic Cloned Pigs, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Seok Cho
- Department of Animal Resource Development, National Institute of Animal Science, Cheonan, 31001, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Dae Jeong
- Department of Animal Resource Development, National Institute of Animal Science, Cheonan, 31001, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Jong Baek
- Department of Animal Improvement, Chungnam Livestock Institute, Cheongyang-gun, Chungman, 33350, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Il Jin
- Department of Animal Science & Biotechnology, Research Center for Transgenic Cloned Pigs, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Ascione F, Caserta S, Guido S. The wound healing assay revisited: A transport phenomena approach. Chem Eng Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2016.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
35
|
Predicting pregnancy rate following multiple embryo transfers using algorithms developed through static image analysis. Reprod Biomed Online 2017; 34:473-479. [PMID: 28236600 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Single-embryo image assessment involves a high degree of inaccuracy because of the imprecise labelling of the transferred embryo images. In this study, we considered the entire transfer cycle to predict the implantation potential of embryos, and propose a novel algorithm based on a combination of local binary pattern texture feature and Adaboost classifiers to predict pregnancy rate. The first step of the proposed method was to extract the features of the embryo images using the local binary pattern operator. After this, multiple embryo images in a transfer cycle were considered as one entity, and the pregnancy rate was predicted using three classifiers: the Real Adaboost, Gentle Adaboost, and Modest Adaboost. Finally, the pregnancy rate was determined via the majority vote rule based on classification results of the three Adaboost classifiers. The proposed algorithm was verified to have a good predictive performance and may assist the embryologist and clinician to select embryos to transfer and in turn improve pregnancy rate.
Collapse
|
36
|
A novel approach to quantify the wound closure dynamic. Exp Cell Res 2017; 352:175-183. [PMID: 28137539 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2017.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The Wound Healing (WH) assay is widely used to investigate cell migration in vitro, in order to reach a better understanding of many physiological and pathological phenomena. Several experimental factors, such as uneven cell density among different samples, can affect the reproducibility and reliability of this assay, leading to a discrepancy in the wound closure kinetics among data sets corresponding to the same cell sample. We observed a linear relationship between the wound closure velocity and cell density, and suggested a novel methodological approach, based on transport phenomena concepts, to overcome this source of error on the analysis of the Wound Healing assay. In particular, we propose a simple scaling of the experimental data, based on the interpretation of the wound closure as a diffusion-reaction process. We applied our methodology to the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, whose motility was perturbed by silencing or over-expressing genes involved in the control of cell migration. Our methodological approach leads to a significant improvement in the reproducibility and reliability in the in vitro WH assay.
Collapse
|
37
|
Munevver S, Findikli N, Bahceci M. New Horizons/Developments in Time-Lapse Morphokinetic Analysis of Mammalian Embryos. Hum Reprod 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/9781118849613.ch8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
|
38
|
Time-lapse embryo imaging and morphokinetic profiling: Towards a general characterisation of embryogenesis. Anim Reprod Sci 2016; 174:2-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2016.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
39
|
DRÁBKOVÁ P, ANDRLOVÁ L, HAMPL R, KANĎÁR R. Amino Acid Metabolism in Human Embryos. Physiol Res 2016; 65:823-832. [DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.933240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to find some relationship between amino acid metabolism and the embryo morphokinetic parameters studied via time-lapse analysis. Study included 48 human embryo samples and their culture media. Two groups of embryos were identified: embryos reached the 8-cell stage on day 3 (n=34) and embryos failed to develop at any point during the incubation (n=14). Amino acids levels were measured on day 3 of embryo development; using time-lapse analysis, the precise timing of embryo cleavage, synchrony of division, grade of fragmentation etc. were established. No statistically significant differences between dividing and arresting embryos were observed in terms of amino acids production/consumption and turnover. Amino acids which were part of the culture medium did not exhibit any statistically significant correlation with kinetic parameters with the exception of the grade of fragmentation on day 3; there were negative correlation with glutamate, and positive with glutamine, glycine and taurine. In some dividing and in some arresting embryos appeared new amino acids which strongly correlated with each other, with methionine, but not with any other amino acid that is a regular part of the culture medium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - R. KANĎÁR
- Department of Biological and Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Pardubice, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Kieslinger DC, De Gheselle S, Lambalk CB, De Sutter P, Kostelijk EH, Twisk JW, van Rijswijk J, Van den Abbeel E, Vergouw CG. Embryo selection using time-lapse analysis (Early Embryo Viability Assessment) in conjunction with standard morphology: a prospective two-center pilot study. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:2450-2457. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
|
41
|
Ascione F, Vasaturo A, Caserta S, D'Esposito V, Formisano P, Guido S. Comparison between fibroblast wound healing and cell random migration assays in vitro. Exp Cell Res 2016; 347:123-132. [PMID: 27475838 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2016.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cell migration plays a key role in many biological processes, including cancer growth and invasion, embryogenesis, angiogenesis, inflammatory response, and tissue repair. In this work, we compare two well-established experimental approaches for the investigation of cell motility in vitro: the cell random migration (CRM) and the wound healing (WH) assay. In the former, extensive tracking of individual live cells trajectories by time-lapse microscopy and elaborate data processing are used to calculate two intrinsic motility parameters of the cell population under investigation, i.e. the diffusion coefficient and the persistence time. In the WH assay, a scratch is made in a confluent cell monolayer and the closure time of the exposed area is taken as an easy-to-measure, empirical estimate of cell migration. To compare WH and CRM we applied the two assays to investigate the motility of skin fibroblasts isolated from wild type and transgenic mice (TgPED) overexpressing the protein PED/PEA-15, which is highly expressed in patients with type 2 diabetes. Our main result is that the cell motility parameters derived from CRM can be also estimated from a time-resolved analysis of the WH assay, thus showing that the latter is also amenable to a quantitative analysis for the characterization of cell migration. To our knowledge this is the first quantitative comparison of these two widely used techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flora Ascione
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale (DICMAPI), Università di Napoli Federico II, P.le Tecchio, 80, 80125 Napoli, Italy
| | - Angela Vasaturo
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale (DICMAPI), Università di Napoli Federico II, P.le Tecchio, 80, 80125 Napoli, Italy
| | - Sergio Caserta
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale (DICMAPI), Università di Napoli Federico II, P.le Tecchio, 80, 80125 Napoli, Italy; CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale per la Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali (INSTM), UdR INSTM Napoli Federico II, P.le Tecchio, 80, 80125 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Vittoria D'Esposito
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali (DISMET), Università di Napoli Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Pietro Formisano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali (DISMET), Università di Napoli Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy; Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale del CNR, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Stefano Guido
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale (DICMAPI), Università di Napoli Federico II, P.le Tecchio, 80, 80125 Napoli, Italy; CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale per la Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali (INSTM), UdR INSTM Napoli Federico II, P.le Tecchio, 80, 80125 Napoli, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Swain JE, Carrell D, Cobo A, Meseguer M, Rubio C, Smith GD. Optimizing the culture environment and embryo manipulation to help maintain embryo developmental potential. Fertil Steril 2016; 105:571-587. [PMID: 26851765 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
With increased use of comprehensive chromosome screening (CCS), the question remains as to why some practices do not experience the same high levels of clinical success after implementation of the approach. Indeed, the debate surrounding the efficacy and usefulness of blastocyst biopsy and CCS continues. Importantly, several variables impact the success of an assisted reproductive technology cycle. Transfer of a euploid embryo is but one factor in an intricate system that requires numerous steps to occur successfully. Certainly, the culture environment and the manipulations of the embryo during its time in the laboratory can impact its reproductive potential. Environmental stressors ranging from culture media to culture conditions and even culture platform can impact biochemical, metabolic, and epigenetic patterns that can affect the developing cell independent of chromosome number. Furthermore, accompanying procedures, such as biopsy and vitrification, are complex and, when performed improperly, can negatively impact embryo quality. These are areas that likely still carry room for improvement within the IVF laboratory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Doug Carrell
- Department of Surgery (Urology) and Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Ana Cobo
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | - Gary D Smith
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Ob/Gyn, Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Motato Y, de los Santos MJ, Escriba MJ, Ruiz BA, Remohí J, Meseguer M. Morphokinetic analysis and embryonic prediction for blastocyst formation through an integrated time-lapse system. Fertil Steril 2015; 105:376-84.e9. [PMID: 26598211 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Revised: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the events associated with the blastocyst formation and implantation that occur in embryos during preimplantation development based on the largest sample size ever described with time-lapse monitoring. DESIGN Observational, retrospective, single-center clinical study. SETTING University-affiliated private IVF center. PATIENT(S) A total of 7,483 zygotes from 990 first treatments of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI; 627 of oocyte donor vs. 363 autologous oocyte cycles), of which 832 blastocysts were transferred. INTERVENTION(S) No patient intervention. Embryos were cultured in a time-lapse monitoring system, and the embryos were transferred on day 5 after ICSI. Embryo selection was based on the multivariable model previously developed and on blastocyst morphology. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Using a time-lapse system, embryo images were acquired every 15 minutes for 120 hours. Embryos cleavage time points up to the 9-cell stage (t2-t9) as well as to the morula stage (tM) and blastocyst formation (tB) were registered in hours after ICSI. Additionally, duration of the cell cycle and synchrony of the second and third cell cycles were defined. As a result, we have monitored the embryonic development of a total of 3,215 blastocysts, of which 832 were transferred. Finally, we analyzed the characteristics of embryonic development of blastocyst (phase 1) and of implanted and not implanted (phase 2) embryos as finally validated in an independent data set (phase 3). RESULT(S) A detailed retrospective analysis of cleavage times was made for 7,483 zygotes. We analyzed 17 parameters and found several significantly correlated with subsequent blastocyst formation and implantation. The most predictive parameters for blastocyst formation were time of morula formation, tM (81.28-96.0 hours after ICSI), and t8-t5 (≤8.78 hours) or time of transition of 5-blastomere embryos to 8-blastomere embryos with a receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) value = 0.849 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.835-0.854; phase 1). These parameters were less predictive of implantation, with a ROC value = 0.546 (95% CI, 0.507-0.585). We also observed that time for expansion blastocyst, tEB (107.9-112.9 hours after ICSI), and t8-t5 (≤5.67 hours after ICSI) predict blastocyst implantation, with a ROC value = 0.591 (95% CI, 0.552-0.630; phase 2). The model was validated on an independent data set and gave a ROC of 0.596 (0.526-0.666; phase 3). CONCLUSION(S) The inclusion of kinetic parameters into score evaluation may improve blastocyst selection criteria and can predict blastocyst formation with high accuracy. We propose two multivariable models based on our findings to classify embryos according to their probabilities of blastocyst stage and implantation in the largest data set ever reported of human blastocysts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yamileth Motato
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - María José Escriba
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Belén Aparicio Ruiz
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - José Remohí
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marcos Meseguer
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Wang Z, Zhu J, Xue Y, Song C, Bi N. Cell recognition based on topological sparse coding for microscopy imaging of focused ultrasound treatment. BMC Med Imaging 2015; 15:46. [PMID: 26498225 PMCID: PMC4620025 DOI: 10.1186/s12880-015-0087-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ultrasound is considered a reliable, widely available, non-invasive, and inexpensive imaging technique for assessing and detecting the development phases of cancer; both in vivo and ex vivo, and for understanding the effects on cell cycle and viability after ultrasound treatment. METHODS Based on the topological continuity characteristics, and that adjacent points or areas represent similar features, we propose a topological penalized convex objective function of sparse coding, to recognize similar cell phases. RESULTS This method introduces new features using a deep learning method of sparse coding with topological continuity characteristics. Large-scale comparison tests demonstrate that the RAW can outperform SIFT GIST and HoG as the input features with this method, achieving higher sensitivity, specificity, F1 score, and accuracy. CONCLUSIONS Experimental results show that the proposed topological sparse coding technique is valid and effective for extracting new features, and the proposed system was effective for cell recognition of microscopy images of theMDA-MB-231 cell line. This method allows features from sparse coding learning methods to have topological continuity characteristics, and the RAW features are more applicable for the deep learning of the topological sparse coding method than SIFT GIST and HoG.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyou Wang
- School of Mathematics and Computational Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China. .,Faculty of Applied Mathematics, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, P.R. China.
| | - Jiang Zhu
- Department of Ultrasound, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine ZheJiang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China.
| | - Yanmei Xue
- The School of Mathematics & Statistics, Nanjing University of Information Science Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China.
| | - Changxiu Song
- Faculty of Applied Mathematics, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, P.R. China.
| | - Ning Bi
- School of Mathematics and Computational Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Lundin K, Ahlström A. Quality control and standardization of embryo morphology scoring and viability markers. Reprod Biomed Online 2015; 31:459-71. [PMID: 26277586 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Revised: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
A so-called 'good-quality embryo' may be defined as an embryo that has the potential to implant into the uterine endometrium and give rise to the birth of a healthy child. A standardized and objective scoring of embryo 'quality' is therefore crucial in the classification and selection of embryos. However, embryo scoring is still being performed mainly via ocular evaluation, which often results in different interpretations of embryo quality. The addition of viability markers, such as measuring gene expression or the uptake/release of metabolites, proteins or RNA/DNA molecules in the culture media, would increase the possibility of standardized measurements. However, no single biomarker has yet been introduced into standard clinical practice, mainly due to the complexity of the techniques and the influence of biological variations and differences in culture conditions. In this paper different methods for the scoring of embryos and the possibility of standardizing and implementing quality control systems are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kersti Lundin
- Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg 413 45, Sweden.
| | - Aisling Ahlström
- Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg 413 45, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Finger BJ, Harvey AJ, Green MP, Gardner DK. Combined parental obesity negatively impacts preimplantation mouse embryo development, kinetics, morphology and metabolism. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:2084-96. [PMID: 26089300 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev142] [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: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does combined parental obesity, both an obese mother and father, have a greater effect on mouse preimplantation embryo development and quality than single-parent obesity? SUMMARY ANSWER Combined parental obesity causes a greater reduction in the blastocyst rate and a greater delay to the timing of key embryonic developmental events than single-parental obesity, as well as altering embryonic characteristics, such as zona pellucida width. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Maternal or paternal obesity alone are known to have significant and detrimental impacts on preimplantation embryo development. Furthermore, these early embryonic perturbations can have long-term impacts on both offspring health and further generations. This is one of the first studies to examine the effects of having both an obese mother and an obese father. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A cross-sectional control versus treatment mouse study of diet-induced obesity was employed, in which 300 embryos per group were generated and studied from reciprocal matings: (i) control female and control male (Lean Parented Embryos); (ii) control female and obese male (Paternal Obese Parented Embryos); (iii) obese female and control male (Maternal Obese Parented Embryos) and (iv) obese female and obese male (Combined Obese Parented embryos). Assessments of the embryonic development rate, timing of development, morphological characteristics, metabolic gene expression, metabolism and cell lineage allocation were made at selected time points and analysed in relation to parental obesity status. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Three-week-old C57BL6 male and female mice were fed control (7% total fat) or high fat (21% total fat) diets for a minimum of 8 weeks. Females were superovulated, mated, fertilized zygotes recovered and standard mouse in vitro embryo culture performed. Time-lapse monitoring was undertaken to compare developmental timings and morphological characteristics (embryonic area and zona pellucida width) for embryos from all four reciprocal matings. Differential staining identified cell lineage allocation. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and microfluorescence were used to measure gene expression and metabolism (glucose consumption and lactate production), respectively, in embryos from Lean Parented and Combined Obese Parented matings. This research was completed in a University research laboratory. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Blastocyst rate was reduced in Combined Obese Parented embryos when compared with both Single Obese (11% decrease for Maternal Obese Parented, P < 0.05; 15% for Paternal Obese Parented, P < 0.05) and Lean Parented embryos (25% decrease, P < 0.01). Time-lapse analysis of developmental kinetics highlighted a delay of 1 h at the 2-3 cell division, extending to 6 h delay by the blastocyst stage for Combined Obese Parented embryos (P < 0.05). A reduction in the total cell number of Combined Obese Parented blastocysts was a further manifestation of this developmental delay (P < 0.05). Zona pellucida width was reduced in Combined Obese Parented embryos (P < 0.05). Glucose consumption was increased in Combined Obese Parented embryos (P < 0.05), which was associated with the up-regulation of Glucose transporter 1 expression (P < 0.05). LIMITATIONS AND REASON FOR CAUTION This study was completed in fertile C57BL/6 mice using a well-defined model of diet-induced obesity in which embryos were fertilized in vivo. Human obesity is complex, with many causes and co-morbidities, and therefore, the impact of combined obesity would require further investigation in human settings. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study demonstrates that combined parental obesity has a detrimental impact on mouse embryo development, a finding consistent with previous studies on individual parent obesity. Of note, the effect of combined parental obesity upon embryo development markers was greater than that of individual parental obesity. Plausibly, human embryos will be similarly impacted. The reduction in the blastocyst rate and delayed time to developmental events confirms that embryos of obese parents differ from those of lean parents. Allowance for this should therefore be incorporated into clinical practice when selecting the best embryo for the transfer of an obese couple. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS Funding was provided by University of Melbourne research monies. M.P.G. currently holds the position of Merck Serono Lecturer of Reproductive Biology. D.K.G. received research funds from Vitrolife AB Sweden. The other authors of this manuscript have nothing to declare and no conflicts of interest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bethany J Finger
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Alexandra J Harvey
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Mark P Green
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Unaltered timing of embryo development in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): a time-lapse study. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 32:1031-42. [PMID: 25925351 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-015-0488-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of female infertility. Factors other than anovulation, such as low embryo quality have been suggested to contribute to the infertility in these women. This 2-year retrospective study used timelapse technology to investigate the PCOS-influence on timing of development in the pre-implantation embryo (primary endpoint). The secondary outcome measure was live birth rates after elective single-embryo transfer. METHODS In total, 313 embryos from 43 PCOS women, and 1075 embryos from 174 non-PCOS women undergoing assisted reproduction were included. All embryos were monitored until day 6. Differences in embryo kinetics were tested in a covariance regression model to account for potential confounding variables: female age, BMI, fertilization method and male infertility. RESULTS Time to initiate compaction and reach the morula stage as well as the duration of the 4th cleavage division was significantly shorter in PCOS embryos compared with non-PCOS embryos. No other kinetic differences were found at any time-points annotated. The proportion of multi-nucleated cells at the 2-cell stage was significantly higher in PCOS embryos compared with non-PCOS embryos. The live birth rates were comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that the causative factor for subfertility in PCOS is not related to timing of development in the pre-implantation embryo.
Collapse
|
49
|
Intrinsic retroviral reactivation in human preimplantation embryos and pluripotent cells. Nature 2015; 522:221-5. [PMID: 25896322 PMCID: PMC4503379 DOI: 10.1038/nature14308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 409] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are remnants of ancient retroviral infections, which comprise nearly 8% of the human genome1. The most recently acquired human ERV is HERV-K (HML-2), which repeatedly infected the primate lineage both before and after the divergence of humans and chimpanzees2,3. Unlike most other human ERVs, HERV-K retained multiple copies of intact open reading frames (ORFs) encoding retroviral proteins4. However, HERV-K is transcriptionally silenced by the host with exception of certain pathological contexts, such as germ cell tumors, melanoma, or HIV infection5–7. Here we demonstrate that DNA hypomethylation at LTR elements representing the most recent genomic integrations, together with transactivation by OCT4, synergistically facilitate HERV-K expression. Consequently, HERV-K is transcribed during normal human embryogenesis beginning with embryonic genome activation (EGA) at the 8-cell stage, continuing through the emergence of epiblast cells in pre-implantation blastocysts, and ceasing during hESC derivation from blastocyst outgrowths. Remarkably, HERV-K viral-like particles and Gag proteins are detected in human blastocysts, indicating that early human development proceeds in the presence of retroviral products. We further show that overexpression of one such product, HERV-K accessory protein Rec, in a pluripotent cell line is sufficient to increase IFITM1 levels on the cell surface and inhibit viral infection, suggesting at least one mechanism through which HERV-K can induce viral restriction pathways in early embryonic cells. Moreover, Rec directly binds a subset of cellular RNAs and modulates their ribosome occupancy, arguing that complex interactions between retroviral proteins and host factors can fine-tune regulatory properties of early human development.
Collapse
|
50
|
De Munck N, Petrussa L, Verheyen G, Staessen C, Vandeskelde Y, Sterckx J, Bocken G, Jacobs K, Stoop D, De Rycke M, Van de Velde H. Chromosomal meiotic segregation, embryonic developmental kinetics and DNA (hydroxy)methylation analysis consolidate the safety of human oocyte vitrification. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 21:535-44. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gav013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
|