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Tikhonov AV, Krapivin MI, Malysheva OV, Komarova EM, Golubeva AV, Efimova OA, Pendina AA. Re-Examination of PGT-A Detected Genetic Pathology in Compartments of Human Blastocysts: A Series of 23 Cases. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3289. [PMID: 38893001 PMCID: PMC11172919 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: In recent years, preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) has become widespread in assisted reproduction. However, contrary to expectations, PGT-A does not significantly improve the clinical outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies. One of the underlying reasons is the discordance between the PGT-A results and the true chromosomal constitution of the blastocyst. In this case series, we re-examined the PGT-A results in trophectoderm (TE) re-biopsies and in the two isolated blastocyst compartments-the TE and the inner cell mass (ICM). Methods: This study enrolled 23 human blastocysts from 17 couples who were referred for assisted reproduction. The blastocysts were unsuitable for uterine transfer due to the chromosomal imbalance revealed by PGT-A using array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) (n = 11) or next-generation sequencing (NGS) (n = 12). The re-examination of the PGT results involved two steps: (1) a TE re-biopsy with subsequent aCGH and (2) blastocyst separation into the TE and the ICM with a subsequent cell-by-cell analysis of each isolated compartment by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with the DNA probes to chromosomes 13, 16, 18, 21, and 22 as well as to the PGT-A detected imbalanced chromosomes. Results: In 8 out of 23 cases, the PGT-A results were concordant with both the re-biopsy and the isolated TE and ICM analyses. The latter included the diagnoses of full non-mosaic aneuploidies (five cases of trisomies and two cases of monosomies). In one case, the results of PGT-A, aCGH on the TE re-biopsy, and FISH on the isolated TE showed Xp tetrasomy, which contrasted with the FISH results on the isolated ICM, where this chromosomal pathology was not detected. This case was classified as a confined mosaicism. In 4 out of 23 cases, the results were partially discordant. The latter included one case of trisomy 12, which was detected as non-mosaic by PGT-A and the re-biopsy and as mosaic by FISH on the isolated TE and ICM. This case was classified as a true mosaicism with a false negative PGT-A result. In 11 out of 23 cases, the re-examination results were not concordant with the PGT-A results. In one of these discordant cases, non-mosaic tetraploidy was detected by FISH in the isolated TE and ICM, whereas the PGT-A and the TE re-biopsy failed to detect any abnormality, which advocated for their false negative result. In two cases, the re-examination did not confirm full aneuploidies. In eight cases, full or partial mosaic aneuploidies as well as chaotic mosacism were not confirmed in the isolated TE nor the isolated ICM. Thus, in 47.8% of cases, the PGT-A results did not reflect the true chromosomal constitution of a blastocyst. Conclusions: The PGT results may have different prognostic value in the characterization of the chromosomal constitution of a blastocyst. The detected non-mosaic aneuploidies have the highest prognostic value. In stark contrast, most PGT-identified mosaic aneuploidies fail to characterize the true chromosomal constitution of a blastocyst. Once detected, a differential diagnosis is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei V. Tikhonov
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology, Mendeleevskaya Line 3, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
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Zhang X, Zheng PS. Mechanism of chromosomal mosaicism in preimplantation embryos and its effect on embryo development. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1127-1141. [PMID: 38386118 PMCID: PMC11143108 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03048-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Aneuploidy is one of the main causes of miscarriage and in vitro fertilization failure. Mitotic abnormalities in preimplantation embryos are the main cause of mosaicism, which may be influenced by several endogenous factors such as relaxation of cell cycle control mechanisms, defects in chromosome cohesion, centrosome aberrations and abnormal spindle assembly, and DNA replication stress. In addition, incomplete trisomy rescue is a rare cause of mosaicism. However, there may be a self-correcting mechanism in mosaic embryos, which allows some mosaicisms to potentially develop into normal embryos. At present, it is difficult to accurately diagnose mosaicism using preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy. Therefore, in clinical practice, embryos diagnosed as mosaic should be considered comprehensively based on the specific situation of the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University of Medical School, Xi'an, 710061, Shanxi, P.R. China
| | - Peng-Sheng Zheng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University of Medical School, Xi'an, 710061, Shanxi, P.R. China.
- Section of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education of People's Republic of China, Xi'an, 710061, Shanxi, P.R. China.
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Martín Á, Mercader A, Beltrán D, Mifsud A, Nohales M, Pardiñas ML, Ortega-Jaén D, de Los Santos MJ. Trophectoderm cells of human mosaic embryos display increased apoptotic levels and impaired differentiation capacity: a molecular clue regarding their reproductive fate? Hum Reprod 2024; 39:709-723. [PMID: 38308811 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae009] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are there cell lineage-related differences in the apoptotic rates and differentiation capacity of human blastocysts diagnosed as euploid, mosaic, and aneuploid after preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) based on concurrent copy number and genotyping analysis? SUMMARY ANSWER Trophectoderm (TE) cells of mosaic and aneuploid blastocysts exhibit significantly higher levels of apoptosis and significantly reduced differentiation capacity compared to those of euploid blastocysts. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Embryos diagnosed as mosaic after PGT-A can develop into healthy infants, yet understanding the reasons behind their reproductive potential requires further research. One hypothesis suggests that mosaicism can be normalized through selective apoptosis and reduced proliferation of aneuploid cells, but direct evidence of these mechanisms in human embryos is lacking. Additionally, data interpretation from studies involving mosaic embryos has been hampered by retrospective analysis methods and the high incidence of false-positive mosaic diagnoses stemming from the use of poorly specific PGT-A platforms. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Prospective cohort study performing colocalization of cell-lineage and apoptotic markers by immunofluorescence (IF). We included a total of 64 human blastocysts donated to research on Day 5 or 6 post-fertilization (dpf) by 43 couples who underwent in vitro fertilization treatment with PGT-A at IVI-RMA Valencia between September 2019 and October 2022. A total of 27 mosaic blastocysts were analyzed. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The study consisted of two phases: Phase I (caspase-3, n = 53 blastocysts): n = 13 euploid, n = 22 mosaic, n = 18 aneuploid. Phase II (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL), n = 11 blastocysts): n = 2 euploid, n = 5 mosaic, n = 4 aneuploid. Following donation for research, vitrified blastocysts were warmed, cultured until re-expansion, fixed, processed for IF, and imaged using confocal microscopy. For each blastocyst, the following cell counts were conducted: total cells (DAPI+), TE cells (GATA3+), inner cell mass (ICM) cells (GATA3-/NANOG+), and apoptotic cells (caspase-3+ or TUNEL+). The incidence of apoptosis was calculated for each blastocyst by dividing the number of caspase-3+ cells (Phase I) or TUNEL+ cells (Phase II) by the number of TE or ICM cells. Statistical analysis was performed according to data type and distribution (P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Phase I: Mosaic blastocysts displayed a similar number of total cells (49.6 ± 15 cells at 5 dpf; 58.8 ± 16.9 cells at 6 dpf), TE cells (38.8 ± 13.7 cells at 5 dpf; 49.2 ± 16.2 cells at 6 dpf), and ICM cells (10.9 ± 4.2 cells at 5 dpf; 9.7 ± 7.1 cells at 6 dpf) compared to euploid and aneuploid blastocysts (P > 0.05). The proportion of TE cells retaining NANOG expression increased gradually from euploid blastocysts (9.7% = 63/651 cells at 5 dpf; 0% = 0/157 cells at 6 dpf) to mosaic blastocysts (13.1% = 104/794 cells at 5 dpf; 3.4% = 12/353 cells at 6 dpf) and aneuploid blastocysts (27.9% = 149/534 cells at 5 dpf; 4.6% = 19/417 cells at 6 dpf) (P < 0.05). At the TE level, caspase-3+ cells were frequently observed (39% = 901/2310 cells). The proportion of caspase-3+ TE cells was significantly higher in mosaic blastocysts (44.1% ± 19.6 at 5 dpf; 43% ± 16.8 at 6 dpf) and aneuploid blastocysts (45.9% ± 16.1 at 5 dpf; 49% ± 15.1 at 6 dpf) compared to euploid blastocysts (26.6% ± 16.6 at 5 dpf; 17.5% ± 14.8 at 6 dpf) (P < 0.05). In contrast, at the ICM level, caspase-3+ cells were rarely observed (1.9% = 11/596 cells), and only detected in mosaic blastocysts (2.6% = 6/232 cells) and aneuploid blastocysts (2.5% = 5/197 cells) (P > 0.05). Phase II: Consistently, TUNEL+ cells were only observed in TE cells (32.4% = 124/383 cells). An increasing trend was identified toward a higher proportion of TUNEL+ cells in the TE of mosaic blastocysts (37.2% ± 21.9) and aneuploid blastocysts (39% ± 41.7), compared to euploid blastocysts (23% ± 32.5), although these differences did not reach statistical significance (P > 0.05). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The observed effects on apoptosis and differentiation may not be exclusive to aneuploid cells. Additionally, variations in aneuploidies and unexplored factors related to blastocyst development and karyotype concordance may introduce potential biases and uncertainties in the results. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings demonstrate a cell lineage-specific effect of aneuploidy on the apoptotic levels and differentiation capacity of human blastocysts. This contributes to unravelling the biological characteristics of mosaic blastocysts and supports the concept of clonal depletion of aneuploid cells in explaining their reproductive potential. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was funded by grants from Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico Industrial (CDTI) (20190022) and Generalitat Valenciana (APOTIP/2019/009). None of the authors has any conflict of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Martín
- Department of Innovation, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Amparo Mercader
- Department of Innovation, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Research, IVF Laboratory, IVIRMA Global, Valencia, Spain
| | - Diana Beltrán
- Department of Research, IVF Laboratory, IVIRMA Global, Valencia, Spain
| | - Amparo Mifsud
- Department of Research, IVF Laboratory, IVIRMA Global, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mar Nohales
- Department of Research, IVF Laboratory, IVIRMA Global, Valencia, Spain
| | - María Luisa Pardiñas
- Department of Innovation, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - David Ortega-Jaén
- Department of Innovation, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - María José de Los Santos
- Department of Innovation, IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Research, IVF Laboratory, IVIRMA Global, Valencia, Spain
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Khorshid A, Bavan B, Chung EH, Lathi RB. Mosaic embryo transfer versus additional IVF with PGT-A Cycle: a decision model comparing live birth rate and cost. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:635-641. [PMID: 38231287 PMCID: PMC10957802 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03027-7] [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: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the relative live birth rate and net cost difference between mosaic embryo transfer and an additional cycle of IVF with PGT-A for patients whose only remaining embryos are non-euploid. METHODS A decision analytic model was designed with model parameters varying based on discrete age cutoffs (<35, 35-37, 38-39, 40-42, 43-44, >44). Model inputs included probabilities of successful IVF, clinical pregnancy, and live birth as well as costs of IVF with PGT-A, embryo transfer, live birth, amniocentesis, and dilation and curettage. All costs were modeled from the healthcare system perspective and adjusted for inflation to 2023 $USD. Model outcomes were sub-stratified by degree and type of mosaicism. RESULTS For patients younger than 43, an additional cycle of IVF with PGT-A resulted in a higher relative live birth rate (<35, +20%; 35-37, +15%; 38-39, +17%; 40-42, +6%; average, +14.5%) compared to mosaic embryo transfer with an average additional cost of $16,633. For patients older than 42, mosaic embryo transfer resulted in a higher live birth rate (43-44, +5%; >44, +3%; average, +4%) while on average costing $9572 less than an additional cycle of IVF with PGT-A. CONCLUSION Mosaic embryo transfers are a superior alternative to an additional cycle of IVF with PGT-A for patients older than 42 whose only remaining embryos are non-euploid. Mosaic embryo transfers also should be considered for patients younger than 42 who are unable to pursue additional autologous IVF cycles. Counseling and care should be personalized to individual patients and embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arian Khorshid
- Stanford Fertility and Reproductive Health, 1195 W. Fremont Avenue, MC 7717, Sunnyvale, CA, 94087, USA.
| | - Brindha Bavan
- Stanford Fertility and Reproductive Health, 1195 W. Fremont Avenue, MC 7717, Sunnyvale, CA, 94087, USA
| | - Esther H Chung
- Stanford Fertility and Reproductive Health, 1195 W. Fremont Avenue, MC 7717, Sunnyvale, CA, 94087, USA
| | - Ruth B Lathi
- Stanford Fertility and Reproductive Health, 1195 W. Fremont Avenue, MC 7717, Sunnyvale, CA, 94087, USA
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Muñoz E, Bronet F, Lledo B, Palacios-Verdú G, Martinez-Rocca L, Altmäe S, Pla J. To transfer or not to transfer: the dilemma of mosaic embryos - a narrative review. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 48:103664. [PMID: 38408811 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
A frequent finding after preimplantation genetic diagnostic testing for aneuploidies using next-generation sequencing is an embryo that is putatively mosaic. The prevalence of this outcome remains unclear and varies with technical and external factors. Mosaic embryos can be classified by the percentage of cells affected, type of chromosome involvement (whole or segmental), number of affected chromosomes or affected cell type (inner mass cell, trophectoderm or both). The origin of mosaicism seems to be intrinsic as a post-zygotic mitotic error, but some external factors can play a role. As experience has increased with the transfer of mosaic embryos, clinical practice has gradually become more flexible in recent years. Nevertheless, clinical results show lower implantation, pregnancy and clinical pregnancy rates and higher miscarriage rates with mosaic embryo transfer when compared with the transfer of euploid embryos. Prenatal diagnosis is highly recommended after the transfer of mosaic embryos. This narrative review is intended to serve as reference material for practitioners in reproductive medicine who must manage a mosaic embryo result after preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elkin Muñoz
- Reproductive Medicine, IVIRMA Vigo, Vigo, Spain; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cauca, Popayan, Colombia
| | | | | | - Gabriela Palacios-Verdú
- Unit of Genomic Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Institut Universitari Quirón Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Signe Altmäe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs, Granada, Granada, Spain; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Josep Pla
- Reproductive Genetics Unit, IVIRMA Global, Barcelona, Spain.
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Hentschke MR, Petzold AP, Badalotti-Teloken I, Dornelles VC, Wingert FM, Azambuja R, Sanseverino MTV, Petracco A, Badalotti M. Birth after low-level +20 Aneuploid Mosaic Embryo Transfer: A Case Report. JBRA Assist Reprod 2024; 28:203-205. [PMID: 38381775 PMCID: PMC10936912 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20230055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recently, it has been discussed whether or not mosaic embryo transfers should be performed since they might result in viable pregnancies, although they often end up being discarded. We report a case of successful pregnancy, after a mosaic embryo transfer from an in vitro matured egg and frozen PESA sperm. CASE DESCRIPTION Tests performed on a female aged 40 years and a male aged 37 years seeking fertility treatment found she had an adequate ovarian reserve and patent fallopian tubes. He had a history of cryptorchidism and inguinal hernia repair. The spermogram showed azoospermia, and testicular ultrasound showed an atrophic left testicle and a normal right testis. The vas deferens was palpated during physical examination. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection with percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) was indicated. Two cycles of IVF after controlled ovarian stimulation with follitropin delta was performed. In the first cycle, seven mature eggs were inseminated, two fertilized normally, resulting in one blastocyst biopsied and analyzed by NGS with complex aneuploid results. In the second cycle, frozen sperm from PESA was used. Three eggs were inseminated on the day of the procedure (resulting in 2 blastocysts), and three in vitro matured eggs were inseminated after 24 hours (resulting in 1 blastocyst). NGS analysis showed two complex aneuploid embryos and one 40% low-level trisomy 20 aneuploid mosaicism (+20) for the post 24-hour embryo. A mosaic embryo transfer was performed, resulting in clinical pregnancy and birth of a healthy baby girl with a normal blood karyotype. DISCUSSION Mosaic embryo transfer is a topic for discussion. Certain levels of mosaicism do not seem to pose risks to the development of the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Ribeiro Hentschke
- Fertilitat - Reproductive Medicine Center, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Ricardo Azambuja
- Fertilitat - Reproductive Medicine Center, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria Teresa Vieira Sanseverino
- Fertilitat - Reproductive Medicine Center, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | - Alvaro Petracco
- Fertilitat - Reproductive Medicine Center, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Mariangela Badalotti
- Fertilitat - Reproductive Medicine Center, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, RS, Brazil
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Greco E, Greco PF, Listorti I, Ronsini C, Cucinelli F, Biricik A, Viotti M, Meschino N, Spinella F. The mosaic embryo: what it means for the doctor and the patient. Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2024; 76:89-101. [PMID: 37427860 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.23.05281-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mosaic embryos are embryos that on preimplantation genetic analysis are found to be composed of euploid and aneuploid cells. Although most of these embryos do not implant when transferred into the uterus following IVF treatment, some may implant and are capable of giving rise to babies. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION There is currently an increasing number of reports of live births following the transfer of mosaic embryos. Compared to euploid, mosaic embryos have lower implantation rates and higher rates of miscarriage, and occasionally aneuploid component persists. However, their outcome is better than that obtained after the transfer of embryos consisting entirely of aneuploid cells. After implantation, the ability to develop into a full-term pregnancy is influenced by the amount and type of chromosomal mosaicism present in a mosaic embryo. Nowadays many experts in the reproductive field consider mosaic transfers as an option when no euploid embryos are available. Genetic counseling is an important part of educating patients about the likelihood of having a pregnancy with healthy baby but also on the risk that mosaicism could persist and result in liveborn with chromosomal abnormality. Each situation needs to be assessed on a case-by-case basis and counseled accordingly. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS So far, the transfers of 2155 mosaic embryos have been documented and 440 live births resulting in healthy babies have been reported. In addition, in the literature to date, there are 6 cases in which embryonic mosaicism persisted. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the available data indicate that mosaic embryos have the potential to implant and develop into healthy babies, albeit with lower success rates than euploids. Further clinical outcomes should be collected to better establish a refined ranking of embryos to transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ermanno Greco
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UniCamillus International University, Rome, Italy
- Villa Mafalda, Centre For Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Pier F Greco
- Villa Mafalda, Centre For Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Listorti
- Villa Mafalda, Centre For Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Ronsini
- Department of Women and Children, Luigi Vanvitelli University of Campania, Naples, Italy
- Department of General and Specialist Surgery, Luigi Vanvitelli University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Cucinelli
- Reproductive Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Manuel Viotti
- Kindlabs, Kindbody, New York, NY, USA
- Zouves Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, Foster City, CA, USA
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Zou Y, Sui Y, Fu J, Ge N, Sun X, Sun Y. The morphokinetic signature of human blastocysts with mosaicism and the clinical outcomes following transfer of embryos with low-level mosaicism. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:10. [PMID: 38195558 PMCID: PMC10775590 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01324-w] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic mosaicism is commonly observed in human blastocysts. Embryos' morphokinetic feature observed from time-lapse monitoring (TLM) is helpful to predict the embryos' ploidy status in a non-invasive way. However, morphokinetic research on mosaic embryos is extremely limited. Moreover, transfer of mosaic embryos is a new attempt in reproductive medicine, while studies regarding the clinical and neonatal outcomes following transfer of embryos with different levels and types of mosaicism are needed. This study aimed to investigate the morphokinetic characteristics of mosaic blastocysts, uncover clinical outcomes of mosaic embryos, and evaluate the effect of level and type of mosaicism on transfer outcomes. RESULTS A total of 923 blastocysts from 229 preimplantation genetic testing cycles were cultured in TLM incubators in a single fertilization center between July 2016 and July 2021. Multivariate logistic regression models showed mosaic embryos had significantly shorter time to reach morula when compared with euploid (P = 0.002), mosaic with aneuploid (P = 0.005), and aneuploid (P = 0.005) embryos after adjusting the potential confounders. KIDScore is an artificial intelligence scoring program from time lapse incubation system to predict embryo implantation potential. Mosaic with aneuploid embryos had significantly lower KIDScore than euploid (P = 6.47e-4), mosaic (P = 0.005), and aneuploid (P = 0.004) embryos after adjustment. Meanwhile, we compared the clinical outcomes following transfer of low-level (< 50%) mosaic embryos (N = 60) with euploid embryos (N = 1301) matched using propensity scoring collected from September 2020 to January 2023. Mosaic embryos had significantly lower clinical pregnancy rate (41.67% vs. 57.65%, P = 0.015) and live birth rate (38.33% vs. 51.35%, P = 0.048) than the euploid embryos. Subgroup analyses showed the whole, segmental, and complex chromosome mosaic embryos had the similar clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The shortened time to reach morula in mosaic embryos and the low KIDScore in mosaic with aneuploid embryos revealed innovative clues to embryo selection with the non-invasive TLM and provided new insights into biological mechanism of chromosomal abnormality. The analyses of overall and subgroups of mosaic embryo transfer outcomes helped to optimize embryo transfer scheme for in-vitro fertilization procedures. Multi-center prospective studies with large sample sizes are warranted to validate our results in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyu Zou
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Dalin Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yilun Sui
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Dalin Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Jing Fu
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Dalin Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Naidong Ge
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Dalin Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xiaoxi Sun
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Dalin Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Yijuan Sun
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Dalin Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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Popovic M, Borot L, Lorenzon AR, Lopes ALRDC, Sakkas D, Lledó B, Morales R, Ortiz JA, Polyzos NP, Parriego M, Azpiroz F, Galain M, Pujol A, Menten B, Dhaenens L, Vanden Meerschaut F, Stoop D, Rodriguez M, de la Blanca EP, Rodríguez A, Vassena R. Implicit bias in diagnosing mosaicism amongst preimplantation genetic testing providers: results from a multicenter study of 36 395 blastocysts. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:258-274. [PMID: 37873575 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does the diagnosis of mosaicism affect ploidy rates across different providers offering preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A)? SUMMARY ANSWER Our analysis of 36 395 blastocyst biopsies across eight genetic testing laboratories revealed that euploidy rates were significantly higher in providers reporting low rates of mosaicism. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Diagnoses consistent with chromosomal mosaicism have emerged as a third category of possible embryo ploidy outcomes following PGT-A. However, in the era of mosaicism, embryo selection has become increasingly complex. Biological, technical, analytical, and clinical complexities in interpreting such results have led to substantial variability in mosaicism rates across PGT-A providers and clinics. Critically, it remains unknown whether these differences impact the number of euploid embryos available for transfer. Ultimately, this may significantly affect clinical outcomes, with important implications for PGT-A patients. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION In this international, multicenter cohort study, we reviewed 36 395 consecutive PGT-A results, obtained from 10 035 patients across 11 867 treatment cycles, conducted between October 2015 and October 2021. A total of 17 IVF centers, across eight PGT-A providers, five countries and three continents participated in the study. All blastocysts were tested using trophectoderm biopsy and next-generation sequencing. Both autologous and donation cycles were assessed. Cycles using preimplantation genetic testing for structural rearrangements were excluded from the analysis. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The PGT-A providers were randomly categorized (A to H). Providers B, C, D, E, F, G, and H all reported mosaicism, whereas Provider A reported embryos as either euploid or aneuploid. Ploidy rates were analyzed using multilevel mixed linear regression. Analyses were adjusted for maternal age, paternal age, oocyte source, number of embryos biopsied, day of biopsy, and PGT-A provider, as appropriate. We compared associations between genetic testing providers and PGT-A outcomes, including the number of chromosomally normal (euploid) embryos determined to be suitable for transfer. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The mean maternal age (±SD) across all providers was 36.2 (±5.2). Our findings reveal a strong association between PGT-A provider and the diagnosis of euploidy and mosaicism. Amongst the seven providers that reported mosaicism, the rates varied from 3.1% to 25.0%. After adjusting for confounders, we observed a significant difference in the likelihood of diagnosing mosaicism across providers (P < 0.001), ranging from 6.5% (95% CI: 5.2-7.4%) for Provider B to 35.6% (95% CI: 32.6-38.7%) for Provider E. Notably, adjusted euploidy rates were highest for providers that reported the lowest rates of mosaicism (Provider B: euploidy, 55.7% (95% CI: 54.1-57.4%), mosaicism, 6.5% (95% CI: 5.2-7.4%); Provider H: euploidy, 44.5% (95% CI: 43.6-45.4%), mosaicism, 9.9% (95% CI: 9.2-10.6%)); and Provider D: euploidy, 43.8% (95% CI: 39.2-48.4%), mosaicism, 11.0% (95% CI: 7.5-14.5%)). Moreover, the overall chance of having at least one euploid blastocyst available for transfer was significantly higher when mosaicism was not reported, when we compared Provider A to all other providers (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.13-1.50). Differences in diagnosing and interpreting mosaic results across PGT-A laboratories raise further concerns regarding the accuracy and relevance of mosaicism predictions. While we confirmed equivalent clinical outcomes following the transfer of mosaic and euploid blastocysts, we found that a significant proportion of mosaic embryos are not used for IVF treatment. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Due to the retrospective nature of the study, associations can be ascertained, however, causality cannot be established. Certain parameters such as blastocyst grade were not available in the dataset. Furthermore, certain platform-related and clinic-specific factors may not be readily quantifiable or explicitly captured in our dataset. As such, a full elucidation of all potential confounders accounting for variability may not be possible. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings highlight the strong need for standardization and quality assurance in the industry. The decision not to transfer mosaic embryos may ultimately reduce the chance of success of a PGT-A cycle by limiting the pool of available embryos. Until we can be certain that mosaic diagnoses accurately reflect biological variability, reporting mosaicism warrants utmost caution. A prudent approach is imperative, as it may determine the difference between success or failure for some patients. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Torres Quevedo Grant, awarded to M.P. (PTQ2019-010494) by the Spanish State Research Agency, Ministry of Science and Innovation, Spain. M.P., L.B., A.R.L., A.L.R.d.C.L., N.P.P., M.P., D.S., F.A., A.P., B.M., L.D., F.V.M., D.S., M.R., E.P.d.l.B., A.R., and R.V. have no competing interests to declare. B.L., R.M., and J.A.O. are full time employees of IB Biotech, the genetics company of the Instituto Bernabeu group, which performs preimplantation genetic testing. M.G. is a full time employee of Novagen, the genetics company of Cegyr, which performs preimplantation genetic testing. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Popovic
- Research and Development, Eugin Group, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lorena Borot
- Research and Development, Eugin Group, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Nikolaos P Polyzos
- Clínica Dexeus Mujer, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mónica Parriego
- Clínica Dexeus Mujer, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Felicitas Azpiroz
- Research and Development, Eugin Group, Barcelona, Spain
- Cegyr-Medicina y Genética Reproductiva-Eugin Group, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Micaela Galain
- Cegyr-Medicina y Genética Reproductiva-Eugin Group, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Aïda Pujol
- Center for Infertility and Human Reproduction, CIRH-Eugin Group, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Björn Menten
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lien Dhaenens
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Dominic Stoop
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Rita Vassena
- Research and Development, Eugin Group, Barcelona, Spain
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Morales C. Current Applications and Controversies in Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies (PGT-A) in In Vitro Fertilization. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:66-80. [PMID: 37515717 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01301-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) has evolved over recent years, including improvements in embryo culture, biopsy, transfer, and genetic testing. The application of new comprehensive chromosome screening analysis has improved the accuracy in determining the chromosomal status of the analyzed sample, but it has brought new challenges such as the management of partial aneuploidies and mosaicisms. For the past two decades, PGT-A has been involved in a controversy regarding its efficiency in improving IVF outcomes, despite its widespread worldwide implementation. Understanding the impact of embryo aneuploidy in IVF (in vitro fertilization) should theoretically allow improving reproductive outcomes. This review of the literature aims to describe the impact of aneuploidy in human reproduction and how PGT-A was introduced to overcome this obstacle in IVF (in vitro fertilization). The article will try to analyze and summarize the evolution of the PGT-A in the recent years, and its current applications and limitations, as well as the controversy it generates. Conflicting published data could indicate the lacking value of a single biopsied sample to determine embryo chromosomal status and/or the lack of standardized methods for embryo culture and management and genetic analysis among other factors. It has to be considered that PGT-A may not be a universal test to improve the reproductive potential in IVF patients, rather each clinic should evaluate the efficacy of PGT-A in their IVF program based on their population, skills, and limitations.
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11
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Campos G. PGT-A mosaicism based on NGS intermediate copy numbers: is it time to stop reporting them? J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2925-2932. [PMID: 37735311 PMCID: PMC10656405 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02936-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosaicism represents a genuine real phenomenon, but its high prevalence and undisclosed clinical significance, stress the burden on genetic counseling and the management of PGT-A results. Even though the assumption of mosaicism from NGS intermediate chromosome copy number profiles may represent a reasonable interpretation, other potential technical reasons, including amplification bias, contamination, biopsy technique, or the analysis algorithms, may constitute alternative explanations. Thresholds confining mosaicism ranges are established according to models employing mixtures of normal and abnormal cells with steady conditions of quantity and quality which are unable to reflect the full extent of variability present in a trophectoderm (TE) biopsy specimen. When the concordance of TE with the ICM is considered, mosaic TE biopsies poorly correlate with the chromosomal status of the remaining embryo, displaying mostly ICM aneuploidy in cases of TE high-range mosaics diagnosis and euploidy when mosaicism grade in TE is less than 50% (low-mid range mosaicism), which implies an evident overestimation of mosaicism results. Indeed, a binary classification of NGS profiles that excludes mosaic ranges, including only euploid and aneuploid diagnosis, provides higher specificity and accuracy in identifying abnormal embryos and discarding them. As intermediate copy number profiles do not represent strong evidence of mosaicism but only an inaccurate and misleading assumption, and considering that no increased risk has been reported in the offspring, until diagnosis specificity is improved and its clinical implications are determined, laboratories should consider limiting predictions to euploid and aneuploid and stop reporting mosaicism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Campos
- Geisinger Medical Center, Women's Health Fertility Clinic, Danville, PA, USA.
- GIREXX Fertility Clinics, Barcelona, Spain.
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Cascante SD, Besser A, Lee HL, Wang F, McCaffrey C, Grifo JA. Blinded rebiopsy and analysis of noneuploid embryos with 2 distinct preimplantation genetic testing platforms for aneuploidy. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:1161-1169. [PMID: 37574001 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine how often a noneuploid result from a single trophectoderm (TE) biopsy tested with the next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is concordant with rebiopsies tested with a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array-based PGT-A platform. DESIGN Blinded prospective cohort study. SETTING University-affiliated fertility center. PATIENT(S) One hundred blastocysts were chosen from donated samples; on TE biopsy with NGS-based PGT-A, 40 had at least one whole chromosome full copy number aneuploidy alone, 20 had a single whole chromosome intermediate copy number ("whole chromosome mosaic"), 20 had a single full segmental aneuploidy (segA), and 20 had a single segmental intermediate copy number ("segmental mosaic"). INTERVENTIONS Four rebiopsies were collected from each embryo: 3 TE biopsies and the remaining embryo. Each rebiopsy was randomized, blinded, and assessed with an SNP array-based PGT-A platform that combines copy number and allele ratio analyses, without mosaicism reporting. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Concordance between the NGS result and rebiopsy results and within each embryo's blinded rebiopsy results. RESULT(S) Next-generation sequencing-diagnosed whole chromosome aneuploidy (WCA) was reconfirmed in 95% (95% confidence interval [CI], 83%-99%) of embryos; 2 embryos with NGS-diagnosed WCA were called euploid on all conclusive rebiopsies. Among embryos with NGS-diagnosed whole chromosome mosaicism, 35% (95% CI, 15%-59%) were called euploid and 15% (95% CI, 3%-38%) were called whole chromosome aneuploid on all conclusive rebiopsies. A total of 30% (95% CI, 12%-54%) of embryos with NGS-diagnosed segA and 65% (95% CI, 41%-85%) of embryos with NGS-diagnosed segmental mosaicism were called euploid on all conclusive rebiopsies. In total, 13% (95% CI, 6%-25%) of embryos with NGS-diagnosed full copy number aneuploidy and 50% (95% CI, 34%-66%) of embryos with NGS-diagnosed mosaicism had uniformly euploid SNP results. Conversely, all embryos with at least one noneuploid SNP result (n = 72) either had SNP-diagnosed aneuploidy on another rebiopsy from the same embryo or NGS-diagnosed aneuploidy/mosaicism involving the same chromosome. CONCLUSION(S) Next-generation sequencing-diagnosed WCA is highly concordant with rebiopsies tested with an SNP array-based PGT-A; however, whole chromosome mosaicism, segA, and segmental mosaicism are less concordant, reinforcing that embryos with these results may have reproductive potential and be suitable for transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Druckenmiller Cascante
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, New York University Langone Prelude Fertility Center, New York, New York.
| | - Andria Besser
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, New York University Langone Prelude Fertility Center, New York, New York
| | - Hsiao-Ling Lee
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, New York University Langone Prelude Fertility Center, New York, New York
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, New York University Langone Prelude Fertility Center, New York, New York
| | - Caroline McCaffrey
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, New York University Langone Prelude Fertility Center, New York, New York
| | - James A Grifo
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, New York University Langone Prelude Fertility Center, New York, New York
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Kutteh WH, Papas RS, Maisenbacher MK, Dahdouh EM. Role of genetic analysis of products of conception and PGT in managing early pregnancy loss. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 49:103738. [PMID: 38701633 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103738] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
This article considers the addition of comprehensive 24-chromosomal microarray (CMA) analysis of products of conception (POC) to a standard evaluation for recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) to help direct treatment towards expectant management versus IVF with preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A). The review included retrospective data from 65,333 miscarriages, a prospective evaluation of 378 couples with RPL who had CMA testing of POC and the standard workup, and data from an additional 1020 couples who were evaluated for RPL but did not undergo CMA testing of POC. Aneuploidy in POC explained the pregnancy loss in 57.7% (218/378) of cases. In contrast, the full RPL evaluation recommended by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine identified a potential cause in only 42.9% (600/1398). Combining the data from the RPL evaluation and the results of genetic testing of POC provides a probable explanation for the loss in over 90% (347/378) of women. Couples with an unexplained loss after the standard evaluation with POC aneuploidy accounted for 41% of cases; PGT-A may be considered after expectant management. Conversely, PGT-A would have a limited role in those with a euploid loss and a possible explanation after the standard workup. Categorizing a pregnancy loss as an explained versus unexplained loss after the standard evaluation combined with the results of CMA testing of POC may help identify patients who would benefit from expectant management versus PGT-A.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H Kutteh
- Natera, Inc., San Carlos, CA, USA.; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA..
| | - Ralph S Papas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Elias M Dahdouh
- ART Center, CHU Sainte-Justine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
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Liu Y, Hao S, Guo X, Fan L, Qiao Z, Wang Y, Wang X, Man J, Wang L, Wei X, Peng H, Peng Z, Sun Y, Song L. Accuracy and depth evaluation of clinical low pass genome sequencing in the detection of mosaic aneuploidies and CNVs. BMC Med Genomics 2023; 16:294. [PMID: 37978521 PMCID: PMC10656965 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-023-01703-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low-pass genome sequencing (LP GS) has shown distinct advantages over traditional methods for the detection of mosaicism. However, no study has systematically evaluated the accuracy of LP GS in the detection of mosaic aneuploidies and copy number variants (CNVs) in prenatal diagnosis. Moreover, the influence of sequencing depth on mosaicism detection of LP GS has not been fully evaluated. METHODS To evaluate the accuracy of LP GS in the detection of mosaic aneuploidies and mosaic CNVs, 27 samples with known aneuploidies and CNVs and 1 negative female sample were used to generate 6 simulated samples and 21 virtual samples, each sample contained 9 different mosaic levels. Mosaic levels were simulated by pooling reads or DNA from each positive sample and the negative sample according to a series of percentages (ranging from 3 to 40%). Then, the influence of sequencing depth on LP GS in the detection of mosaic aneuploidies and CNVs was evaluated by downsampling. RESULTS To evaluate the accuracy of LP GS in the detection of mosaic aneuploidies and CNVs, a comparative analysis of mosaic levels was performed using 6 simulated samples and 21 virtual samples with 35 M million (M) uniquely aligned high-quality reads (UAHRs). For mosaic levels > 30%, the average difference (detected mosaic levels vs. theoretical mosaic levels) of 6 mosaic CNVs in simulated samples was 4.0%, and the average difference (detected mosaic levels vs. mosaic levels of Y chromosome) of 6 mosaic aneuploidies and 15 mosaic CNVs in virtual samples was 2.7%. Furthermore, LP GS had a higher detection rate and accuracy for the detection of mosaic aneuploidies and CNVs of larger sizes, especially mosaic aneuploidies. For depth evaluation, the results of LP GS in downsampling samples were compared with those of LP GS using 35 M UAHRs. The detection sensitivity of LP GS for 6 mosaic aneuploidies and 15 mosaic CNVs in virtual samples increased with UAHR. For mosaic levels > 30%, the total detection sensitivity reached a plateau at 30 M UAHRs. With 30 M UAHRs, the total detection sensitivity was 99.2% for virtual samples. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated the accuracy of LP GS in mosaicism detection using simulated data and virtual samples, respectively. Thirty M UAHRs (single-end 35 bp) were optimal for LP GS in the detection of mosaic aneuploidies and most mosaic CNVs larger than 1.48 Mb (Megabases) with mosaic levels > 30%. These results could provide a reference for laboratories that perform clinical LP GS in the detection of mosaic aneuploidies and CNVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanqiu Liu
- Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, 33000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Shengju Hao
- Medical Genetics Center, Gansu Provincial Clinical Research Center for Birth Defects and Rare Diseases, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-care Hospital, Lanzhou, 730050, China
| | - Xueqin Guo
- Clin Lab, BGI Genomics, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Linlin Fan
- Clin Lab, BGI Genomics, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | | | | | - Xiaoli Wang
- Clin Lab, BGI Genomics, Shenzhen, 518083, China
| | - Jianfen Man
- Clin Lab, BGI Genomics, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Lina Wang
- Clin Lab, BGI Genomics, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | | | | | | | - Yan Sun
- BGI Genomics, Shenzhen, 518083, China.
| | - Lijie Song
- Clin Lab, BGI Genomics, Tianjin, 300308, China.
- DTU Bioengineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, 2800, Denmark.
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Zhong W, Shen K, Xue X, Wang W, Wang W, Zuo H, Guo Y, Yao S, Sun M, Song C, Wang Q, Ruan Z, Yao X, Shang W. Single-cell multi-omics sequencing reveals chromosome copy number inconsistency between trophectoderm and inner cell mass in human reconstituted embryos after spindle transfer. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2137-2153. [PMID: 37766497 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead186] [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: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is the chromosome copy number of the trophectoderm (TE) of a human reconstituted embryos after spindle transfer (ST) representative of the inner cell mass (ICM)? SUMMARY ANSWER Single-cell multi-omics sequencing revealed that ST blastocysts have a higher proportion of cell lineages exhibiting intermediate mosaicism than conventional ICSI blastocysts, and that the TE of ST blastocysts does not represent the chromosome copy number of ICM. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) assumes that TE biopsies are representative of the ICM, but the TE and ICM originate from different cell lineages, and concordance between TE and ICM is not well-studied, especially in ST embryos. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We recruited 30 infertile women who received treatment at our clinic and obtained 45 usable blastocysts (22 from conventional ICSI and 23 reconstituted embryos after ST). We performed single-cell multi-omics sequencing on all blastocysts to predict and verify copy number variations (CNVs) in each cell. We determined the chromosome copy number of each embryo by analysing the proportion of abnormal cells in each blastocyst. We used the Bland-Altman concordance and the Kappa test to evaluate the concordance between TE and ICM in the both groups. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The study was conducted at a public tertiary hospital in China, where all the embryo operations, including oocytes retrieval, ST, and ICSI, were performed in the embryo laboratory. We utilized single-cell multi-omics sequencing technology at the Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, to analyse the blastocysts. Transcriptome sequencing was used to predict the CNV of each cell through bioinformatics analysis, and the results were validated using the DNA methylation library of each cell to confirm chromosomal normalcy. We conducted statistical analysis and graphical plotting using R 4.2.1, SPSS 27, and GraphPad Prism 9.3. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Mean age of the volunteers, the blastocyst morphology, and the developmental ratewere similar in ST and ICSI groups. The blastocysts in the ST group had some additional chromosomal types that were prone to variations beyond those enriched in the blastocysts of the ICSI group. Finally, both Bland-Altman concordance test and kappa concordancetest showed good chromosomal concordance between TE and ICM in the ICSI blastocysts (kappa = 0.659, P < 0.05), but not in ST blastocysts (P = 1.000), suggesting that the TE in reconstituted embryos is not representative of ICM. Gene functional annotation (GO and KEGG analyses) suggests that there may be new or additional pathways for CNV generation in ST embryos compared to ICSI embryos. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study was mainly limited by the small sample size and the limitations of single-cell multi-omics sequencing technology. To select eligible single cells, some cells of the embryos were eliminated or not labelled, resulting in a loss of information about them. The findings of this study are innovative and exploratory. A larger sample size of human embryos (especially ST embryos) and more accurate molecular genetics techniques for detecting CNV in single cells are needed to validate our results. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our study justifies the routine clinical use of PGT-A in ICSI blastocysts, as we found that the TE is a good substitute for ICM in predicting chromosomal abnormalities. While PGT-A is not entirely accurate, our data demonstrate good clinical feasibility. This trial was able to provide correct genetic counselling to patients regarding the reliability of PGT-A. Regarding ST blastocysts, the increased mosaicism rate and the inability of the TE to represent the chromosomal copy number of the ICM are both biological characteristics that differentiate them from ICSI blastocysts. Currently, ST is not used clinically on a large scale to produce blastocysts. However, if ST becomes more widely used in the future, our study will be the first to demonstrate that the use of PGT-A in ST blastocysts may not be as accurate as PGT-A for ICSI blastocysts. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by grants from the National Key R&D Program of China (2018YFA0107601) and the National Key R&D Program of China (2018YFC1003003). The authors declare no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhong
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital of Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Kexin Shen
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital of Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohui Xue
- Peking University-Tsinghua University-National Institute of Biological Sciences Joint Graduate Program, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Weizhou Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital of Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Haiyang Zuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital of Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Yiming Guo
- Department of Biological Science, Dietrich School Of Art and Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shun Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital of Beijing, Beijing, China
- Navy Clinical Medical School, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Mingyue Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital of Beijing, Beijing, China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Chunlan Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital of Beijing, Beijing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qihang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuolin Ruan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyi Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Shang
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital of Beijing, Beijing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Clarke EA, Dahiya AK, Cascante SD, Blakemore JK. Evaluation of pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy outcomes in patients without infertility undergoing in vitro fertilization compared to infertile controls. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2697-2704. [PMID: 37715872 PMCID: PMC10643703 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02941-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) outcomes in patients without infertility compared to infertile patients. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients without an infertility diagnosis ("fertile" patients) who utilized PGT-A at a large university-affiliated fertility center between 2016 and 2021. Fertile patients were 1-to-3 matched to infertile controls by age and number of oocytes retrieved. The primary outcome was blastocyst aneuploidy rate. Secondary outcomes included ovarian reserve markers, laboratory outcomes, and other PGT-A outcomes [rates of euploidy, mosaicism, and potentially transferrable (euploid + mosaic) embryos]. RESULTS 283 fertile and 849 infertile patients were included. Median age, anti-Mullerian hormone, and day 2 estradiol levels were equivalent among groups; day 2 follicle-stimulating hormone levels were higher in fertile patients (6.9 vs. 6.5 IU/mL, p < 0.01). The aneuploidy rate was similar among fertile and infertile patients (33.7% vs. 31.8%, p = 0.11); the euploidy rate was higher (50.8% vs. 47.0%, p < 0.01), and the mosaicism rate was lower in fertile patients (13.3% vs. 19.2%, p < 0.01). The rate of transferrable embryos was similar among groups (64.0% vs. 66.3%, p = 0.07), as was the percentage of patients yielding ≥ 1 euploid embryo (90.1% vs. 87.3%, p = 0.25). When controlling for significant covariates, multiple linear regression showed that aneuploidy rate was equivalent in both cohorts. CONCLUSION Aneuploidy rate was similar in fertile and infertile patients. Fertile patients had slightly higher euploidy and lower mosaicism than infertile patients. Still, compared to fertile patients, infertile patients had equivalent rates of transferrable embryos and were just as likely to yield ≥ 1 euploid embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Clarke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| | - Asha K Dahiya
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Sarah D Cascante
- New York University Langone Fertility Center, 159 East 53rd Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Jennifer K Blakemore
- New York University Langone Fertility Center, 159 East 53rd Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY, 10016, USA
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17
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Clinical management of mosaic results from preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy of blastocysts: a committee opinion. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:973-982. [PMID: 37678731 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.08.969] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
This revised document incorporates a growing number of published studies about mosaic embryo transfer and provides current evidence-based considerations for the clinical management of embryos with mosaic results on preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy. This document replaces the document titled "Clinical management of mosaic results from preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) of blastocysts: a committee opinion," published in 2020 (Fertil Steril 2020;114:246-54).
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18
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Viotti M, Greco E, Grifo JA, Madjunkov M, Librach C, Cetinkaya M, Kahraman S, Yakovlev P, Kornilov N, Corti L, Biricik A, Cheng EH, Su CY, Lee MS, Bonifacio MD, Cooper AR, Griffin DK, Tran DY, Kaur P, Barnes FL, Zouves CG, Victor AR, Besser AG, Madjunkova S, Spinella F. Chromosomal, gestational, and neonatal outcomes of embryos classified as a mosaic by preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:957-966. [PMID: 37532168 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand the clinical risks associated with the transfer of embryos classified as a mosaic using preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy. DESIGN Analysis of data collected between 2017 and 2023. SETTING Multicenter. PATIENTS Patients of infertility treatment. INTERVENTION Comparison of pregnancies resulting from embryos classified as euploid or mosaic using the 20%-80% interval in chromosomal intermediate copy numbers to define a mosaic result. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Rates of spontaneous abortion, birth weight, length of gestation, incidence of birth defects, and chromosomal status during gestation. RESULTS Implanted euploid embryos had a significantly lower risk of spontaneous abortion compared with mosaic embryos (8.9% [n = 8,672; 95% confidence interval {CI95} 8.3, 9.5] vs. 22.2% [n = 914; CI95 19.6, 25.0]). Embryos with mosaicism affecting whole chromosomes (not segmental) had the highest risk of spontaneous abortion (27.6% [n = 395; CI95 23.2, 32.3]). Infants born from euploid, mosaic, and whole chromosome mosaic embryos had average birth weights and lengths of gestation that were not statistically different (3,118 g and 267 days [n = 488; CI95 3,067, 3,169, and 266, 268], 3052 g and 265 days [n = 488; CI95 2,993, 3,112, and 264,267], 3,159 g and 268 days [n = 194; CI95 3,070, 3,249, and 266,270], respectively). Out of 488 infants from mosaic embryo transfers (ETs), one had overt gross abnormalities as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most prenatal tests performed on pregnancies from mosaic ETs had normal results, and only three pregnancies produced prenatal test results reflecting the mosaicism detected at the embryonic stage (3 out of 250, 1.2%; CI95 0.25, 3.5). CONCLUSION Although embryos classified as mosaic experience higher rates of miscarriage than euploid embryos (with a particularly high frequency shortly after implantation), infants born of mosaic ETs are similar to infants of euploid ETs. Prenatal testing indicates that mosaicism resolves during most pregnancies, although this process is not perfectly efficient. In a small percentage of cases, the mosaicism persists through gestation. These findings can serve as risk-benefit considerations for mosaic ETs in the fertility clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Viotti
- Zouves Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, Foster City, California; Kindlabs, Kindbody, New York, New York.
| | - Ermanno Greco
- Villa Mafalda, Center For Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - James A Grifo
- New York University Langone Fertility Center, New York, New York
| | - Mitko Madjunkov
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Clifford Librach
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Sciences and Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | - Pavel Yakovlev
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Co.Ltd. "Next Generation Clinic," Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikolay Kornilov
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Co.Ltd. "Next Generation Clinic," Moscow, Russia; Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Co.Ltd. "Next Generation Clinic," St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Laura Corti
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Anil Biricik
- Eurofins Genoma Group, Molecular Genetics Laboratories, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Maw-Sheng Lee
- Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | | | - Darren K Griffin
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Diane Y Tran
- Zouves Fertility Center, Foster City, California
| | - Purvi Kaur
- Zouves Fertility Center, Foster City, California
| | - Frank L Barnes
- Zouves Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, Foster City, California; Zouves Fertility Center, Foster City, California
| | - Christo G Zouves
- Zouves Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, Foster City, California; Zouves Fertility Center, Foster City, California
| | - Andrea R Victor
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom; Zouves Fertility Center, Foster City, California; Reproductive Medicine Associates of Long Island, Melville, New York
| | - Andria G Besser
- New York University Langone Fertility Center, New York, New York
| | - Svetlana Madjunkova
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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19
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Benn P, Cuckle H. Overview of Noninvasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) for the Detection of Fetal Chromosome Abnormalities; Differences in Laboratory Methods and Scope of Testing. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2023; 66:536-556. [PMID: 37650667 DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Although nearly all noninvasive prenatal testing is currently based on analyzing circulating maternal cell-free DNA, the technical methods usedvary considerably. We review the different methods. Based on validation trials and clinical experience, there are mostly relatively small differences in screening performance for trisomies 21, 18, and 13 in singleton pregnancies. Recent reports show low no-call rates for all methods, diminishing its importance when choosing a laboratory. However, method can be an important consideration for twin pregnancies, screening for sex chromosome abnormalities, microdeletion syndromes, triploidy, molar pregnancies, rare autosomal trisomies, and segmental imbalances, and detecting maternal chromosome abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Benn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Howard Cuckle
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
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20
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Domingo-Muelas A, Skory RM, Moverley AA, Ardestani G, Pomp O, Rubio C, Tetlak P, Hernandez B, Rhon-Calderon EA, Navarro-Sánchez L, García-Pascual CM, Bissiere S, Bartolomei MS, Sakkas D, Simón C, Plachta N. Human embryo live imaging reveals nuclear DNA shedding during blastocyst expansion and biopsy. Cell 2023; 186:3166-3181.e18. [PMID: 37413989 PMCID: PMC11170958 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Proper preimplantation development is essential to assemble a blastocyst capable of implantation. Live imaging has uncovered major events driving early development in mouse embryos; yet, studies in humans have been limited by restrictions on genetic manipulation and lack of imaging approaches. We have overcome this barrier by combining fluorescent dyes with live imaging to reveal the dynamics of chromosome segregation, compaction, polarization, blastocyst formation, and hatching in the human embryo. We also show that blastocyst expansion mechanically constrains trophectoderm cells, causing nuclear budding and DNA shedding into the cytoplasm. Furthermore, cells with lower perinuclear keratin levels are more prone to undergo DNA loss. Moreover, applying trophectoderm biopsy, a mechanical procedure performed clinically for genetic testing, increases DNA shedding. Thus, our work reveals distinct processes underlying human development compared with mouse and suggests that aneuploidies in human embryos may not only originate from chromosome segregation errors during mitosis but also from nuclear DNA shedding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Domingo-Muelas
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Igenomix Foundation and Carlos Simon Foundation, Spain
| | - Robin M Skory
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Adam A Moverley
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | | | - Oz Pomp
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Piotr Tetlak
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Blake Hernandez
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Eric A Rhon-Calderon
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | | | - Stephanie Bissiere
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Marisa S Bartolomei
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Carlos Simón
- Igenomix Foundation and Carlos Simon Foundation, Spain; Department of Pediatrics Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Valencia, Valencia 46010, Spain; INCLIVA Health Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Nicolas Plachta
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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21
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Ivanova AD, Semenova ML. Chromosomal Aberrations As a Biological Phenomenon in Human Embryonic Development. Acta Naturae 2023; 15:27-36. [PMID: 37908766 PMCID: PMC10615189 DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.25255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Frequent chromosomal abnormalities are a distinctive feature of early embryonic development in mammals, especially humans. Aneuploidy is considered as a contributing factor to failed embryo implantation and spontaneous abortions. In the case of chromosomal mosaicism, its effect on the potency of embryos to normally develop has not been sufficiently studied. Although, a significant percentage of chromosomal defects in early human embryos are currently believed to be associated with the features of clinical and laboratory protocols, in this review, we focus on the biological mechanisms associated with chromosomal abnormalities. In particular, we address the main events in oocyte meiosis that affects not only the genetic status of an unfertilized oocyte, but also further embryo viability, and analyze the features of first cleavage divisions and the causes of frequent chromosomal errors in early embryonic development. In addition, we discuss current data on self-correction of the chromosomal status in early embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. D. Ivanova
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Biological Faculty, Moscow, 119991 Russian Federation
| | - M. L. Semenova
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Biological Faculty, Moscow, 119991 Russian Federation
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22
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Gleicher N, Mochizuki L, Barad DH, Patrizio P, Orvieto R. A review of the 2021/2022 PGDIS Position Statement on the transfer of mosaic embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:817-826. [PMID: 36892704 PMCID: PMC10224891 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02763-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The practice of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) in association with in vitro fertilization (IVF) since 2016 has been mostly directed by three highly controversial guidance documents issued by the Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis International Society (PGDIS). Because these documents are so influential on worldwide IVF practice, the most recent one is here the subject of a detailed review, again revealing important misrepresentations and internal contradictions. Most importantly, however, this most recent guidance document still does not prevent the non-use and/or disposal of large numbers of embryos with substantial pregnancy and live-birth potential and, therefore, continues to propagate an IVF practice harmful to many infertile women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Gleicher
- The Center for Human Reproduction, New York, NY, USA.
- Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Stem Cell Biology and Molecular Embryology Laboratory, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | | | - David H Barad
- The Center for Human Reproduction, New York, NY, USA
- Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pasquale Patrizio
- The Center for Human Reproduction, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Raoul Orvieto
- Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Infertility and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tel Aviv University, Sackler Medical Faculty, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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23
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Seckin S, Forman EJ. Does PGT-A affect cumulative live birth rate? Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2023; 35:216-223. [PMID: 37185353 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Preimplantation genetic testing for the purpose of aneuploidy screening (PGT-A) has increased in use over the last decade. RECENT FINDINGS Whether PGT-A benefits all of the patients that choose to employ it has been a concern, as recent studies have highlighted a potential decrease in cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) for younger patients undergoing embryo transfer. However, there are limitations to many of these studies and the intended benefit of PGT-A, which is to aid as a selection tool, thus increasing the live birth rate per transfer, must not be ignored. SUMMARY PGT-A was never intended to increase CLBR. The purpose of PGT-A is to maximize the chance at live birth per transfer while minimizing the risk of clinical miscarriage, ongoing aneuploid pregnancy and futile transfers. However, if it harms CLBR in the process that has to be taken into consideration. This review will discuss PGT-A in terms of its benefits, risks, and how it has been shown to affect the cumulative live birth rate within in-vitro fertilization cycles.
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24
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Gleicher N, Patrizio P, Mochizuki L, Barad DH. Previously reported and here added cases demonstrate euploid pregnancies followed by PGT-A as "mosaic" as well as "aneuploid" designated embryos. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:25. [PMID: 36890559 PMCID: PMC9993652 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01077-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND After the longest time opposing all transfers of embryos by preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) diagnosed as "chromosomal-abnormal," the field has over recent years slowly been moving toward selective transfers of by PGT-A as "mosaic" diagnosed embryos, but is still rejecting transfers of embryos by PGT-A defined as "aneuploid." METHODS Upon review of the literature, we report published cases of euploid pregnancies following transfers of PGT-A as "aneuploid" diagnosed embryos and add several additional, ongoing cases at our center. RESULTS Among the published cases from our center, we identified seven euploid pregnancies from "aneuploid" embryos, four of which preceded the PGT-A industry's 2016 switch from binary "euploid" - "aneuploid" reporting to "euploid," "mosaic," and "aneuploid" reporting. That those four cases post 2016 PGT-A definition involving "mosaic" embryos, therefore, cannot be ruled out. Since then, we recently established three additional ongoing pregnancies from transfers of "aneuploid" embryos which still await confirmation of euploidy after delivery. A recent fourth pregnancy from the transfer of a trisomy 9 embryo miscarried before a fetal heart. Outside our own center's experience, the literature revealed only one additional such transfer, involving PGT-A as a "chaotic-aneuploid" diagnosed embryo with six abnormalities, leading to normal euploid delivery. In reviewing the literature, we furthermore demonstrate why current PGT-A reporting that differentiates between "mosaic" and "aneuploid" embryos based on relative percentages of euploid and aneuploid DNA in a single trophectoderm biopsy of on average 5-6 cells, is biologically non-sensical. CONCLUSION Basic biological evidence and a clinically still very limited experience with transfers of PGT-A as "aneuploid" labeled embryos demonstrate beyond reasonable doubt that at least some "aneuploid" embryos can lead to healthy euploid births. Therefore, this observation establishes beyond reasonable doubt that the rejection of all "aneuploid" embryos from transfer reduces pregnancy and live birth chances for IVF patients. Whether (and to what possible degree) pregnancy and live birth chances differ between "mosaic" and "aneuploid" embryos, remains to be determined. The answer will likely depend on the aneuploidy(ies) of an embryo and to what degree percentages of "mosaicism" in a single, on average 5/6-cell trophectoderm biopsy can reflect the ploidy-status of a complete embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Gleicher
- The Center for Human Reproduction, New York, NY, USA.
- The Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Stem Cell Biology and Molecular Embryology Laboratory, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vienna University School of Medicine, 1009, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Pasquale Patrizio
- The Center for Human Reproduction, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - David H Barad
- The Center for Human Reproduction, New York, NY, USA
- The Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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25
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Xu CL, Wei YQ, Tan QY, Huang Y, Wu JJ, Li CY, Ma YF, Zhou L, Liang B, Kong LY, Xu RX, Wang YY. Concordance of PGT for aneuploidies between blastocyst biopsies and spent blastocyst culture medium. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 46:483-490. [PMID: 36642559 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Non-invasive preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (niPGT-A) avoids the possible detrimental impact of invasive PGT-A on embryo development and clinical outcomes. Does cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from spent blastocyst culture medium (BCM) reflect embryonic chromosome status better than trophectoderm (TE) biopsy? DESIGN In this study, 35 donated embryos were used for research and the BCM, TE biopsy, inner cell mass (ICM) and residual blastocyst (RB) were individually picked up from these embryos. Whole genome amplification (WGA) was performed and amplified DNA was subject to next-generation sequencing. Chromosome status concordance was compared among the groups of samples. RESULTS The WGA success rates were 97.0% (TE biopsy), 100% (ICM), 97.0% (RB) and 88.6% (BCM). Using ICM as the gold standard, the chromosomal ploidy concordance rates for BCM, TE biopsy and RB were 58.33% (14/24), 68.75% (22/32) and 78.57% (22/28); the diagnostic concordance rates were 83.33% (20/24), 87.50% (28/32) and 92.86% (26/28); and the sex concordance rates were 92.31% (24/26), 100% (32/32) and 100% (28/28), respectively. Considering RB the gold standard, the chromosome ploidy concordance rates for BCM and TE biopsy were 61.90% (13/21) and 81.48% (22/27); the diagnostic concordance rates were 71.43% (15/21) and 88.89% (24/27); and the sex concordance rates were 91.30% (21/23) and 100% (27/27), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The results of niPGT-A of cfDNA of spent BCM are comparable to those of invasive PGT-A of TE biopsies. Modifications of embryo culture conditions and testing methods will help reduce maternal DNA contamination and improve the reliability of niPGT-A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Long Xu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Nanning Second People's Hospital, No. 13 Dancun Road, Nanning 530031, China.
| | - Yong Quan Wei
- Reproductive Medical Center, Nanning Second People's Hospital, No. 13 Dancun Road, Nanning 530031, China
| | - Qing Ying Tan
- Reproductive Medical Center, Nanning Second People's Hospital, No. 13 Dancun Road, Nanning 530031, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Nanning Second People's Hospital, No. 13 Dancun Road, Nanning 530031, China
| | - Jing Jing Wu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Nanning Second People's Hospital, No. 13 Dancun Road, Nanning 530031, China
| | - Chun Yuan Li
- Reproductive Medical Center, Nanning Second People's Hospital, No. 13 Dancun Road, Nanning 530031, China
| | - Ya Feng Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wuxiang Hospital, Nanning Second People's Hospital, No. 13 Dancun Road, Nanning 530031, China
| | - Ling Zhou
- Reproductive Medical Center, Nanning Second People's Hospital, No. 13 Dancun Road, Nanning 530031, China
| | - Bo Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Ling Yin Kong
- Basecare Medical Device Co., Ltd, Suzhou Jiangsu 215125, China
| | - Rui Xia Xu
- Basecare Medical Device Co., Ltd, Suzhou Jiangsu 215125, China
| | - Ying Ying Wang
- Basecare Medical Device Co., Ltd, Suzhou Jiangsu 215125, China
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26
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Greco E, Yakovlev P, Kornilov N, Vyatkina S, Bogdanova D, Ermakova M, Tarasova Y, Tikhonov A, Pendina A, Biricik A, Sessa MT, Listorti I, Ronsini C, Greco PF, Victor A, Barnes F, Zouves C, Spinella F, Viotti M. Two clinical case reports of embryonic mosaicism identified with PGT-A persisting during pregnancy as true fetal mosaicism. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:315-323. [PMID: 36610460 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The health risks associated with transferring embryos classified as mosaic by preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) are currently unknown. Such embryos produce PGT-A results indicating the presence of both euploid and aneuploid cells and have historically been deselected from transfer and grouped with uniformly aneuploid embryos as 'abnormal'. In recent years, numerous groups have reported the intentional transfer of mosaic embryos in the absence of uniformly euploid embryos, largely observing births of seemingly healthy babies. However, it remains to be understood whether the embryonic mosaicism invariably becomes resolved during the ensuing pregnancy, or whether the placenta and/or fetal tissues retain aneuploid cells, and if so to what potential clinical effect. Here, we report two cases of mosaicism persisting from the embryonic stage to the established pregnancy. Case 1 involved an embryonic low-level segmental mosaic loss in Chromosome (Chr) 1, which was confirmed in amniocentesis as well as in brain tissue of the products of conception. This pregnancy was terminated due to the chromosomal pathologies associated with 1p36 deletion syndrome, such as severe intellectual disability. Case 2 involved a low-level mosaic Chr 21 trisomy, which was confirmed with chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis. The ensuing pregnancy was terminated after ultrasound identification of severe abnormalities in the placenta and fetus. Together, these two cases should be taken into account for risk-benefit assessments of prospective mosaic embryo transfers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ermanno Greco
- Villa Mafalda, Centre For Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UniCamillus International University, Rome, Italy
| | - Pavel Yakovlev
- Next Generation Clinic, Centre For Reproductive Medicine, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikolay Kornilov
- Next Generation Clinic, Centre For Reproductive Medicine, Moscow, Russia.,Next Generation Clinic, Centre For Reproductive Medicine, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Svetlana Vyatkina
- Next Generation Clinic, Centre For Reproductive Medicine, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Daria Bogdanova
- Next Generation Clinic, Centre For Reproductive Medicine, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina Ermakova
- Medical Genetic Center of the Group of companies "Mother and Child", Moscow, Russia
| | - Yulia Tarasova
- Medical Genetic Center of the Group of companies "Mother and Child", Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrei Tikhonov
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna Pendina
- D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anil Biricik
- Eurofins Genoma Group, Molecular Genetics Laboratories, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Ilaria Listorti
- Villa Mafalda, Centre For Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Ronsini
- Dipartimento della Donna, del Bambino e di Chirurgia Generale e Specialistica, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Manuel Viotti
- Zouves Fertility Center, Foster City, CA, USA.,Zouves Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, Foster City, CA, USA
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Martin A, Mercader A, Dominguez F, Quiñonero A, Perez M, Gonzalez-Martin R, Delgado A, Mifsud A, Pellicer A, De Los Santos MJ. Mosaic results after preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy may be accompanied by changes in global gene expression. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1180689. [PMID: 37122560 PMCID: PMC10140421 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1180689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Aneuploidy in preimplantation embryos is a major cause of human reproductive failure. Unlike uniformly aneuploid embryos, embryos diagnosed as diploid-aneuploid mosaics after preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) can develop into healthy infants. However, the reason why these embryos achieve full reproductive competence needs further research. Current RNA sequencing techniques allow for the investigation of the human preimplantation transcriptome, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms of embryo development. In this prospective study, using euploid embryo gene expression as a control, we compared the transcriptome profiles of inner cell mass and trophectoderm samples from blastocysts with different levels of chromosomal mosaicism. A total of 25 samples were analyzed from 14 blastocysts with previous PGT-A diagnosis, including five low-level mosaic embryos and four high-level mosaic embryos. Global gene expression profiles visualized in cluster heatmaps were correlated with the original PGT-A diagnosis. In addition, gene expression distance based on the number of differentially expressed genes increased with the mosaic level, compared to euploid controls. Pathways involving apoptosis, mitosis, protein degradation, metabolism, and mitochondrial energy production were among the most deregulated within mosaic embryos. Retrospective analysis of the duration of blastomere cell cycles in mosaic embryos revealed several mitotic delays compared to euploid controls, providing additional evidence of the mosaic status. Overall, these findings suggest that embryos with mosaic results are not simply a misdiagnosis by-product, but may also have a genuine molecular identity that is compatible with their reproductive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Martin
- IVI-RMA Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - A. Mercader
- IVI-RMA Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- IVI-RMA Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - F. Dominguez
- IVI-RMA Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - A. Quiñonero
- IVI-RMA Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - M. Perez
- IVI-RMA Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | | | - A. Pellicer
- IVI-RMA Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- IVI-RMA Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - M. J. De Los Santos
- IVI-RMA Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- IVI-RMA Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- *Correspondence: M. J. De Los Santos,
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Coll L, Parriego M, Palacios G, Garcia S, Boada M, Coroleu B, Polyzos NP, Vidal F, Veiga A. Do reproductive history and information given through genetic counselling influence patients' decisions on mosaic embryo transfer? Prenat Diagn 2022; 42:1650-1657. [PMID: 36371619 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess patients' and embryonic characteristics that may have an influence on the decision to transfer a mosaic embryo. METHOD Single centre retrospective cohort study including 1247 PGT-A cycles. Demographic and clinical factors associated with a decision to transfer a mosaic embryo were studied. Female age, number of previous cycles, previous availability of euploid embryos, history of miscarriages and parity as well as percentage of mosaicism, type of anomaly and chromosome risk were studied in relation to decision-making. Outcomes after mosaic embryo transfer were assessed. RESULTS To date, in 7.9% of cycles (99/1247), patients have had to make a decision on the fate of their mosaic embryos. In 23.2% of cycles (23/99), patients decided to transfer. In most cases (79.8%; 79/99), patients underwent genetic counselling before the decision. None of the variables analysed were associated with the patients' decision, although parity and the high-degree mosaicism (>50%) seemed to be negatively associated with the decision to transfer (18.2% vs. 29.8%, p = 0.294; 10% vs. 32.2%, p = 0.052). CONCLUSIONS Neither reproductive history nor information on mosaic embryo characteristics through counselling seems to be determinative for patients when deciding to transfer a mosaic embryo. Promising and increasing data on clinical outcomes after mosaic embryo transfer will be of utmost importance to soften risk perception regarding mosaic embryos and give a better, simplified and more evidence-based counselling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lluc Coll
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Dexeus Mujer, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mònica Parriego
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Dexeus Mujer, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gabriela Palacios
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Dexeus Mujer, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Garcia
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Dexeus Mujer, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Boada
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Dexeus Mujer, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Buenaventura Coroleu
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Dexeus Mujer, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nikolaos P Polyzos
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Dexeus Mujer, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University (UZ Gent), Gent, Belgium
| | - Francesca Vidal
- Unitat de Biologia Cel·lular, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Anna Veiga
- Stem Cell Bank, Centre of Regenerative Medicine in Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
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Scriven PN. Elucidating the PGT-A paradox: marginalising the detriment relegates the benefit. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:2475-2481. [PMID: 36282412 PMCID: PMC9723032 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02640-8] [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: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothetical analysis presented offers insight into the effect of maternal age and protocol on the cost-effectiveness of PGT-A to reduce the risk of clinical miscarriage without materially jeopardising the chance of a first live birth when attempting to transfer every suitable embryo one at a time. Reflecting current practices, the diagnostic accuracy of PGT-A is sensitive to the prevalence of embryos with chromosome aneuploidy which increases with advancing maternal age, and the power of the test to discern a non-viable embryo is higher for older women and sensitive to protocol. PGT-A is effective to mitigate (reduce not eliminate) the risk of clinical miscarriage; however, excluding embryos with intermediate copy number results from transfer is detrimental to accomplishing a first live birth from a full cycle. Paradoxically, the number of blastocysts needed to marginalise the detriment is achieved only for some younger women (≤ 40 years) who are less likely to benefit by avoiding pregnancy loss; this also makes PGT-A an expensive adjuvant. The paradox can be avoided by excluding from transfer only embryos with a 'uniform' aneuploid test result, which mitigates the risk of miscarriage for all women with the potential to be cost-effective for those > 40 years.
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Cai L, Zeng Q, Gao C, Wu W, Shen J, Wu BL, Wang DW, Cui Y, Liu J. Majority of transferred mosaic embryos developed healthy live births revealed by a preclinical study using embryonic morphology assessment and noninvasive PGT-A on cell-free DNA in blastocoel fluid. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:2483-2504. [PMID: 36422765 PMCID: PMC9723046 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02651-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This preclinical study aimed to evaluate whether using transferred mosaic embryos (primarily selected by embryonic morphology assessment (EMA) and compared by the noninvasive preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (niPGT-A) on cell-free DNA in blastocoel fluid (BF)) increases the rates of clinical pregnancies (CPs) and healthy live births (HLBs) and to investigate whether niPGT-A could provide valuable genetic information for the EMA-selected transferred mosaic embryos. METHODS This study collected 215 blastocyst culture samples and 182 BF samples. Cell-free DNA from the BF was amplified and examined by next-generation sequencing-based niPGT-A. All 182 patients underwent EMA. However, only 147 underwent in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, and only 113 clinical outcomes were followed up. Comprehensive chromosome screening for the chorionic villus sampling of spontaneous miscarriages and noninvasive prenatal testing for ongoing pregnancies were also performed. RESULTS The implantation rate was 77.55% in 147 transferred high-quality embryos selected by EMA. Among 113 CPs, 16 led to spontaneous miscarriage (14.16%), and 97 resulted in HLBs (85.84%). According to the niPGT-A results for 113 patients with clinical outcomes, 80.4% had CP (euploid, 20.54%; single aneuploid, 1.79%; mosaic chromosome aneuploid and/or segmental aneuploid, 58.04%). Of all the mosaic aneuploids, 90.76% were false positive, transforming to euploid. CONCLUSIONS Transferred EMA-selected embryos showed higher implantation rates. The niPGT-A of BF provided valuable genetic status ("-ploid") information, which helped reduce aneuploid-induced implantation failure and miscarriage, thereby increasing the CP and HLB rates. Additionally, majority of the transferred embryos with complex/chaotic mosaic aneuploid would likely develop HLBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingbo Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Qiao Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Chao Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Wei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, China.
| | - Jiandong Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Bai-Lin Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, Children's Hospital and Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 2100032, China
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Dao Wu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Genetic Laboratory, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, China.
| | - Yugui Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Jiayin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The Center for Clinical Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, China.
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Murtinger M, Schuff M, Wirleitner B, Miglar S, Spitzer D. Comment on the recent PGDIS Position Statement on the Transfer of Mosaic Embryos 2021. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:2563-2570. [PMID: 36149614 PMCID: PMC9723048 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02620-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The worldwide demand of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is still growing. However, chromosomal mosaic results greatly challenge the clinical practice. The recently published PGDIS Position Statement on the Transfer of Mosaic Embryos is the third PGDIS position statement on how to deal with embryos diagnosed as chromosomal mosaics (CM) and, one of many attempts of different societies and working groups to provide a guideline for clinicians, laboratories, clinics, and genetic counselors. But still, as in previous statements, many issues remained unresolved. Moreover, from our point of view, the question how to deal with embryos diagnosed as CM, consisting of two or more karyological cell lines cannot be separated from all the other aspects of PGT-A including its accuracy. The paucity of clearcut indications for PGT-A and evidence of benefit as well as an overall cost-benefit assessment is given below.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Susanna Miglar
- Next Fertility IVF Prof. Zech - Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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Tong J, Jiang J, Niu Y, Zhang T. Do chromosomal inversion carriers really need preimplantation genetic testing? J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:2573-2579. [PMID: 36367623 PMCID: PMC9723079 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02654-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to evaluate the rates of euploidy, aneuploidy, and mosaicism in preimplantation genetic testing for structural rearrangements (PGT-SR) cycles from chromosomal inversion carriers. In addition, this work also focused on assessing the impact of some contributors on the incidence of parental originating aneuploidy and mosaicism. METHODS This retrospective review enrolled chromosomal inversion carrier couples of whom the females were under 38 years old undergoing PGT-SR at a single academic reproductive center. Subgroups were divided according to the gender of carriers, the inversion type, and the semen parameters of male carriers (male factor infertility (MF) or non-MF). Patient demographics, cycle characteristics, and PGT-SR outcomes were compared among subgroups. RESULTS A total of 71 PGT-SR cycles from 57 inversion carrier couples were included for analysis. Among the 283 blastocysts, 48.4% were identified as euploidy, 27.9% as aneuploidy, and the remaining 23.7% as mosaicism. Only 32.9% of aneuploid embryos and 1.5% of mosaic embryos involved the parental inversion chromosomes. Notably, the female inversion carriers seemed to produce more parental originating aneuploid embryos than male inversion carriers (45.5% vs 23.9%, p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS The type of inversion and sperm parameters of male chromosomal inversion carriers did not affect the ploidy status of embryos. The incidence of parental originating aneuploidy in inversion carrier couples is lower than expected. For male chromosomal inversion carriers with normal sperm condition whose female partners are under 38 years old, natural conception combined with prenatal diagnosis could be provided as an option during fertility counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Tong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200135, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, 200135, China
| | - Jianwei Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200135, China
| | - Yichao Niu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200135, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, 200135, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200135, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, 200135, China.
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Chen CP, Lin SY, Tzeng CR, Wang LK, Chern SR, Chen SW, Wu FT, Wang W. Late amniocentesis with uniparental disomy testing following successful in vitro fertilization and transfer of three mosaic embryos in a pregnancy with a favorable outcome. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 61:1037-1038. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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De Rycke M, Capalbo A, Coonen E, Coticchio G, Fiorentino F, Goossens V, Mcheik S, Rubio C, Sermon K, Sfontouris I, Spits C, Vermeesch JR, Vermeulen N, Wells D, Zambelli F, Kakourou G. ESHRE survey results and good practice recommendations on managing chromosomal mosaicism. Hum Reprod Open 2022; 2022:hoac044. [PMCID: PMC9637425 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoac044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION
How should ART/preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) centres manage the detection of chromosomal mosaicism following PGT?
SUMMARY ANSWER
Thirty good practice recommendations were formulated that can be used by ART/PGT centres as a basis for their own policy with regards to the management of ‘mosaic’ embryos.
WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
The use of comprehensive chromosome screening technologies has provided a variety of data on the incidence of chromosomal mosaicism at the preimplantation stage of development and evidence is accumulating that clarifies the clinical outcomes after transfer of embryos with putative mosaic results, with regards to implantation, miscarriage and live birth rates, and neonatal outcomes.
STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
This document was developed according to a predefined methodology for ESHRE good practice recommendations. Recommendations are supported by data from the literature, a large survey evaluating current practice and published guidance documents. The literature search was performed using PubMed and focused on studies published between 2010 and 2022. The survey was performed through a web-based questionnaire distributed to members of the ESHRE special interest groups (SIG) Reproductive Genetics and Embryology, and the ESHRE PGT Consortium members. It included questions on ART and PGT, reporting, embryo transfer policy and follow-up of transfers. The final dataset represents 239 centres.
PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
The working group (WG) included 16 members with expertise on the ART/PGT process and chromosomal mosaicism. The recommendations for clinical practice were formulated based on the expert opinion of the WG, while taking into consideration the published data and results of the survey.
MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
Eighty percent of centres that biopsy three or more cells report mosaicism, even though only 66.9% of all centres have validated their technology and only 61.8% of these have validated specifically for the calling of chromosomal mosaicism. The criteria for designating mosaicism, reporting and transfer policies vary significantly across the centres replying to the survey. The WG formulated recommendations on how to manage the detection of chromosomal mosaicism in clinical practice, considering validation, risk assessment, designating and reporting mosaicism, embryo transfer policies, prenatal testing and follow-up. Guidance is also provided on the essential elements that should constitute the consent forms and the genetic report, and that should be covered in genetic counselling. As there are several unknowns in chromosomal mosaicism, it is recommended that PGT centres monitor emerging data on the topic and adapt or refine their policy whenever new insights are available from evidence.
LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
Rather than providing instant standardized advice, the recommendations should help ART/PGT centres in developing their own policy towards the management of putative mosaic embryos in clinical practice.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
This document will help facilitate a more knowledge-based approach for dealing with chromosomal mosaicism in different centres. In addition to recommendations for clinical practice, recommendations for future research were formulated. Following up on these will direct research towards existing research gaps with direct translation to clinical practice. Emerging data will help in improving guidance, and a more evidence-based approach of managing chromosomal mosaicism.
STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
The WG received technical support from ESHRE. M.D.R. participated in the EQA special advisory group, outside the submitted work, and is the chair of the PGT WG of the Belgian society for human genetics. D.W. declared receiving salary from Juno Genetics, UK. A.C. is an employee of Igenomix, Italy and C.R. is an employee of Igenomix, Spain. C.S. received a research grant from FWO, Belgium, not related to the submitted work. I.S. declared being a Co-founder of IVFvision Ltd, UK. J.R.V. declared patents related to ‘Methods for haplotyping single-cells’ and ‘Haplotyping and copy number typing using polymorphic variant allelic frequencies’, and being a board member of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis International Society (PGDIS) and International Society for Prenatal Diagnosis (ISPD). K.S. reported being Chair-elect of ESHRE. The other authors had nothing to disclose.
DISCLAIMER
This Good Practice Recommendations (GPR) document represents the views of ESHRE, which are the result of consensus between the relevant ESHRE stakeholders and are based on the scientific evidence available at the time of preparation.
ESHRE GPRs should be used for information and educational purposes. They should not be interpreted as setting a standard of care or be deemed inclusive of all proper methods of care, or be exclusive of other methods of care reasonably directed to obtaining the same results. They do not replace the need for application of clinical judgement to each individual presentation, or variations based on locality and facility type.
Furthermore, ESHRE GPRs do not constitute or imply the endorsement, or favouring, of any of the included technologies by ESHRE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martine De Rycke
- Centre for Medical Genetics, UZ Brussel, Reproduction and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Edith Coonen
- Departments of Clinical Genetics and Reproductive Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre , Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Maastricht University Medical Centre GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, , Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Karen Sermon
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Claudia Spits
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joris Robert Vermeesch
- Laboratory for Cytogenetics and Genome Research, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven , Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Dagan Wells
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford , Oxford, UK
- Juno Genetics , Oxford, UK
| | | | - Georgia Kakourou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Choremio Research Laboratory, “Aghia Sophia” Children's Hospital, 11527 Athens , Greece
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Yu EJ, Kim MJ, Park EA, Kang IS. Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy: The management of mosaic embryos. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2022; 49:159-167. [PMID: 36097731 PMCID: PMC9468697 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2022.05393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
As the resolution and accuracy of diagnostic techniques for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) are improving, more mosaic embryos are being identified. Several studies have provided evidence that mosaic embryos have reproductive potential for implantation and healthy live birth. Notably, mosaic embryos with less than 50% aneuploidy have yielded a live birth rate similar to euploid embryos. This concept has led to a major shift in current PGT-A practice, but further evidence and theoretically relevant data are required. Proper guidelines for selecting mosaic embryos suitable for transfer will reduce the number of discarded embryos and increase the chances of successful embryo transfer. We present an updated review of clinical outcomes and practice recommendations for the transfer of mosaic embryos using PGT-A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Jeong Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Jee Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, CHA University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, CHA Biotech, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun A Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, CHA University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Fertility Research Lab, CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Inn Soo Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Fertility Center Daegu, CHA University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Corresponding author: Inn Soo Kang Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CHA Fertility Center Daegu, CHA University School of Medicine, 2095 Dalgubeol-daero, Jung-gu, Daegu 41936, Korea Tel: +82-53-222-4200, Fax: +82-53-214-6611 E-mail:
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Franasiak JM. Mosaic embryo transfer: a cautionary tale. F S Rep 2022; 3:179-180. [PMID: 36212562 PMCID: PMC9532881 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2022.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jason M Franasiak
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Marlton, New Jersey
- Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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