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Use of mineral oil in IVF culture systems: physico-chemical aspects, management, and safety. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:883-892. [PMID: 35445905 PMCID: PMC9050982 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02479-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The study aims to summarize current knowledge on the use of oil in embryo culture systems, with a focus on proper management of different types of oil and possible impact on culture systems. METHODS PubMed was used to search the MEDLINE database for peer-reviewed English-language original articles and reviews concerning the use of oil in embryo culture systems. Searches were performed by adopting "embryo," "culture media," "oil," and "contaminants" as main terms. The most relevant publications were assessed and discussed critically. RESULTS Oils used in IVF are complex mixtures of straight-chain hydrocarbons, cyclic and aromatic hydrocarbons, and unsaturated hydrocarbons, whose precise composition influences their chemical and physical properties. Possible presence of contaminants suggests their storage at 4 °C in the dark to prevent peroxidation. Washing, generally performed by manufacturers prior to commercialization, may remove trace chemical contaminants. Oils reduce evaporation from culture media at rates depending on their chemical physical properties, culture system parameters, and incubator atmosphere. Contaminants - mainly metal ion and plastic components derived from refinement processes and storage - can pass to the aqueous phase of culture systems and affect embryo development. CONCLUSIONS Oils are essential components of culture systems. Their original quality and composition, storage, handling, and use can affect embryo development with significant efficiency and safety implications.
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Anagnostopoulou C, Rosas IM, Gugnani N, Desai D, Manoharan M, Singh N, Leonardi Diaz SI, Singh K, Wirka KA, Gupta S, Darbandi S, Chockalingam A, Darbandi M, Boitrelle F, Finelli R, Sallam HN, Agarwal A. An expert commentary on essential equipment, supplies and culture media in the ART laboratory. Panminerva Med 2022; 64:140-155. [PMID: 35146990 DOI: 10.23736/s0031-0808.22.04671-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The ART laboratory is a complex system designed to sustain the fertilization, survival, and culture of the preimplantation embryo to the blastocyst stage. ART outcomes depend on numerous factors, among which are the equipment, supplies and culture media used. The number and type of incubators also may affect ART results. While large incubators may be more suitable for media equilibration, bench-top incubators may provide better embryo culture conditions in separate or smaller chambers and may be coupled with time-lapse systems that allow continuous embryo monitoring. Microscopes are essential for observation, assessment, and micromanipulation. Workstations provide a controlled environment for gamete and embryo handling and their quantity should be adjusted according to the number of ART cycles treated in order to provide a steady and efficient workflow. Continuous maintenance, quality control and monitoring of equipment is essential and quality control devices such as the thermometer, and pH-meter are necessary to maintain optimal culture conditions. Tracking, appropriate delivery and storage conditions, and quality control of all consumables is recommended so that the adequate quantity and quality is available for use. Embryo culture media have evolved: preimplantation embryos are cultured either by sequential media or single-step media that can be used for interrupted or uninterrupted culture. There is currently no sufficient evidence that any individual commercially-available culture system is better than others in terms of embryo viability. In this review, we aim to analyse the various parameters that should be taken into account when choosing the essential equipment, consumables and culture media systems that will create optimal culture conditions and provide the most effective patient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Israel M Rosas
- Citmer Reproductive Medicine, IVF LAB, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nivita Gugnani
- BabySoon Fertility and IVF Center, New Delhi, India India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India
| | - Dimple Desai
- DPU IVF & ENDOSCOPY CENTER, Dr. D. Y. Patil Hospital & Research Centre, Pune, India
| | | | | | | | - Keerti Singh
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados
| | - Kelly A Wirka
- Fertility & Endocrinology, Medical Affairs, EMD Serono, USA
| | - Sajal Gupta
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Sara Darbandi
- Fetal Health Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran.,Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mahsa Darbandi
- Fetal Health Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran.,Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Hope Generation Foundation, Tehran, Iran
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, Poissy, France.,Department of Biology, Reproduction, Epigenetics, Environment and Development, Paris Saclay University, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Renata Finelli
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Hassan N Sallam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Alexandria University Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA -
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Mestres E, Matia-Algué Q, Villamar A, Casals A, Acacio M, García-Jiménez M, Martínez-Casado A, Castelló C, Calderón G, Costa-Borges N. Characterization and comparison of commercial oils used for human embryo culture. Hum Reprod 2021; 37:212-225. [PMID: 34791223 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab245] [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: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are there significant differences between the available commercial oil brands used for human IVF? SUMMARY ANSWER Important differences have been detected among the tested oil brands in their potential to stabilize culture conditions and, more importantly, in their direct effect on embryo development and viability. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Mineral oil is a critical component of the human culture system due to its protective and stabilizing roles during in vitro embryo development. Many different oils are available on the market, with differences in their viscosity, density and overall quality. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Thirteen different commercial oil brands were compared. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Each oil was firstly analyzed to assess its viscosity, density, peroxide value and potential oxidation. Secondly, the capacity of each oil to reduce pH, osmolality and temperature fluctuations during embryo culture and manipulation was compared. Lastly, a sensitive mouse embryo assay (MEA) protocol, previously optimized to detect toxicity in oils samples, was used to compare the overall quality of the different brands in terms of embryo developmental rates up to the blastocyst stage. At the end of the MEAs, a triple labeling protocol was applied to analyze Oct4+ cells, apoptotic cells and total cell counts in the blastocysts obtained by fluorescence microscopy. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Significant divergences were detected in the rise of osmolality and the equilibration and stability of pH between different oils, which could be correlated to their physico-chemical characteristics. In particular, oil samples with a higher viscosity tended to offer an additional protection against fluctuations in the culture conditions, however, the differences in temperature stability between oils were minor. Two out of the 13 oil samples, which were commercially available, were identified as embryo-toxic by applying the MEA protocol with increased sensitivity for toxicity detection. Additionally, substantial differences in the total number of cells and the number of cells in the inner cell mass of the obtained blastocysts were also detected between oil groups. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION A single lot of oil was used for each brand and, thus, lot-to-lot variations in oil quality could not be determined. However, several bottles from the same oil were included to account for potential intra-lot variability. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Commercial oils differ in both their physical characteristics and their performance in maintaining the stability of the culture conditions during in vitro embryo culture. Oil selection is important for embryo culture success. Additionally, the detection of embryo-toxic oils which had already been released to the human IVF market showcases the importance of applying sensitive MEA protocols for a better detection of toxicity in this type of samples. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was privately funded. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Mestres
- Embryotools R&D Center, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Q Matia-Algué
- Embryotools R&D Center, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Villamar
- Embryotools R&D Center, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Casals
- Embryotools R&D Center, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Acacio
- Embryotools R&D Center, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M García-Jiménez
- Embryotools R&D Center, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Martínez-Casado
- Embryotools R&D Center, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Castelló
- Embryotools R&D Center, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - G Calderón
- Embryotools R&D Center, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - N Costa-Borges
- Embryotools R&D Center, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Santos JT, Soobrian L, Kashyap S. Off-gassing plasticware to decrease the toxicity effect in embryo culture. JBRA Assist Reprod 2021; 25:428-433. [PMID: 34286940 PMCID: PMC8312287 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20210005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Methods: Results: Conclusions:
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa Soobrian
- Genesis Fertility Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sonya Kashyap
- Genesis Fertility Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Delaroche L, Oger P, Genauzeau E, Meicler P, Lamazou F, Dupont C, Humaidan P. Embryotoxicity testing of IVF disposables: how do manufacturers test? Hum Reprod 2021; 35:283-292. [PMID: 32053198 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How do manufacturers perform embryotoxicity testing in their quality control programs when validating IVF consumables? SUMMARY ANSWER The Mouse Embryo Assay (MEA) and Human Sperm Survival Assay (HSSA) used for IVF disposables differed from one manufacturer to another. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Many components used in IVF laboratories, such as culture media and disposable consumables, may negatively impact human embryonic development. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Through a questionnaire-based survey, the main manufacturers of IVF disposable devices were contacted during the period November to December 2018 to compare the methodology of the MEA and HSSA. We focused on catheters for embryo transfer, catheters for insemination, straws, serological pipettes, culture dishes and puncture needles used in the ART procedures. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We approached the manufacturers of IVF disposables and asked for details about methodology of the MEA and HSSA performed for toxicity testing of their IVF disposable devices. All specific parameters like mouse strains, number of embryos used, culture conditions (media, temperature, atmosphere), extraction protocol, subcontracting, and thresholds were registered and compared between companies. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Twenty-one companies were approached, of which only 11 answered the questionnaire. Significant differences existed in the methodologies and thresholds of the MEA and HSSA used for toxicity testing of IVF disposables. Importantly, some of these parameters could influence the sensitivity of the tests. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Although we approached the main IVF manufacturers, the response rate was relatively low. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our study confirms the high degree of heterogeneity of the embryotoxicity tests performed by manufacturers when validating their IVF disposable devices. Currently, no regulations exist on this issue. Professionals should call for and request standardization and a future higher degree of transparency as regards embryotoxicity testing from supplying companies; moreover, companies should be urged to provide the users clear and precise information about the results of their tests and how testing was performed. Future recommendations are urgently awaited to improve the sensitivity and reproducibility of embryotoxicity assays over time. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study did not receive any funding. L.D. declares a competing interest with Patrick Choay SAS. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Delaroche
- Centre d'AMP, Ramsay Santé, Hôpital Privé de Parly 2, 21 rue Moxouris, 78150 Le Chesnay, France.,Centre de Biologie Médicale, Hôpital Privé de Parly 2, 21 rue Moxouris, 78150 Le Chesnay, France
| | - P Oger
- Centre d'AMP, Ramsay Santé, Hôpital Privé de Parly 2, 21 rue Moxouris, 78150 Le Chesnay, France
| | - E Genauzeau
- Centre d'AMP, Ramsay Santé, Hôpital Privé de Parly 2, 21 rue Moxouris, 78150 Le Chesnay, France.,Centre de Biologie Médicale, Hôpital Privé de Parly 2, 21 rue Moxouris, 78150 Le Chesnay, France
| | - P Meicler
- Centre d'AMP, Ramsay Santé, Hôpital Privé de Parly 2, 21 rue Moxouris, 78150 Le Chesnay, France
| | - F Lamazou
- Centre d'AMP, Ramsay Santé, Hôpital Privé de Parly 2, 21 rue Moxouris, 78150 Le Chesnay, France
| | - C Dupont
- INSERM équipe Lipodystrophies génétiques et acquises. Service de biologie de la reproduction-CECOS, Sorbonne Université, Saint Antoine Research Center, AP-HP, Hôpital Tenon, F-75020 Paris, France
| | - P Humaidan
- The Fertility Clinic, Skive Regional Hospital, Resenvej 25, 7800 Skive, Denmark.,Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Mestres E, García-Jiménez M, Casals A, Cohen J, Acacio M, Villamar A, Matia-Algué Q, Calderón G, Costa-Borges N. Factors of the human embryo culture system that may affect media evaporation and osmolality. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:605-613. [PMID: 33458748 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Which lab-related factors impact the culture system's capacity to maintain a stable osmolality during human embryo culture? SUMMARY ANSWER Incubator humidity, the volume of mineral oil, the type of culture media and the design of time-lapse dishes have been identified as important parameters that can cause an impact on media evaporation and consequently osmolality during culture. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Culture medium is a critical component in human embryo culture. Minimizing its evaporation during culture is an adequate strategy to stabilize osmolality and, as a result, improving culture conditions and clinical outcomes. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The studied variables included media composition and supplementation; volume of mineral oil; incubator humidification; and the type of dish and incubator used. Additionally, six time-lapse dish models were compared in their ability to prevent evaporation. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Dishes were incubated in parallel to analyze osmolality during culture between groups: synthetic oviductal medium enriched with potassium versus human tubal fluid medium; protein versus no protein supplementation; dry versus humid atmosphere; high versus low volume of mineral oil. Additionally, media evaporation was compared between six models of time-lapse dishes with distinct designs, cultured in a joint incubator. Two of them were retested in their corresponding incubator to analyze the dish-incubator fit. Daily osmolality measurements were compared between groups. Linear regression was performed to analyze evaporation rates. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Protein supplementation did not significantly affect evaporation. Contrarily, humidity levels inside the incubators, the volume of mineral oil and the type of culture media, played an important role in osmolality stabilization. The design of time-lapse dishes and their recommended preparation protocol heavily influenced their evaporation rates, which were further altered by each incubator's characteristics. Media with initially high osmolalities had a bigger risk of reaching hypertonic levels during culture. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION While numerous, the studied variables are limited and therefore other factors could play a role in osmolality dynamics, as well. Incontrollable atmospheric factors could also result in some variation in the observed results between different centers and laboratories. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Published literature has extensively described how hypertonic media may impair embryo development and negatively affect clinical outcomes; therefore, maintaining a stable osmolality during culture should be considered essential. This work is of interest both for embryologists when analyzing their culture system and methodologies, as well as manufacturers in charge of designing IVF consumables. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was privately funded. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Mestres
- Embryotools R&D Center, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M García-Jiménez
- Embryotools R&D Center, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Casals
- Embryotools R&D Center, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Cohen
- ART Institute of Washington, Hudson, NY, USA
| | - M Acacio
- Embryotools R&D Center, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Villamar
- Embryotools R&D Center, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Q Matia-Algué
- Embryotools R&D Center, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - G Calderón
- Embryotools R&D Center, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - N Costa-Borges
- Embryotools R&D Center, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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