Relationship between granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, embryo quality, and pregnancy outcomes in women of different ages in fresh transfer cycles: a retrospective study

The role of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in female assisted reproductive technology treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The objective of this study is to explore the impact of the use of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in female undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) on reproductive outcomes. A literature search was performed using electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang data, Geen Medical, and Cochrane Library). Risk ratio (RR), odds ratio (OR), and mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for various outcomes were presented. The publication bias and heterogeneity were determined using funnel plot symmetry and I2 test separately. The combined results of the RCT studies did not reveal statistical differences between the GM-CSF group and the control group for any outcome indicators. However, our pooling of results showed that after meta-analysis of non-RCT studies, GM-CSF had a positive effect on implantation rate (OR 1.90; 95% CI 1.11-3.24), clinical pregnancy rate (OR 1.54; 95% CI 1.21-1.95), live birth rate (OR 1.43; 95% CI 1.04-1.98), and available embryo rate (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.10-1.46). In conclusion, these results suggest that for a subset of women undergoing ART, GM-CSF may favorably affect CPR, LBR, IR, and available embryo rate (AER). TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number CRD42022322778.

Impact of culture media pre-equilibration methods on embryo development

This study investigates the influence of four culture media pre-equilibration methods on embryo development and clinical pregnancy outcomes. The methods are as follows: Method A involved covering media with fresh mineral oil in humid-type incubators for 24 h. Method B replicated Method A in dry-type incubators. Method C utilized pre-equilibrated (humidified) mineral oil to cover the media, also in humid-type incubators for 24 h. Method D followed the same process as Method C but in dry-type incubators. Subsequently, media from all groups were transferred to dry-type incubators for 72 h. Osmolality was measured at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. For G1 PLUS, no significant differences were observed among groups at 24, 48, and 72 h. However, at 96 h, Groups B and D exhibited significantly higher osmolality than Groups A and C (A vs B, p = 0.043; A vs D: p = 0.046; B vs C, p = 0.043; C vs D, p = 0.046). No significant variations were found between Groups A and C or B and D. Similar results were obtained for G2 PLUS. A retrospective analysis of embryo development and clinical outcomes using Methods A revealed significant improvements in good blastocysts and available embryos compared with Method B for all (p = 0.005 and 0.004) and IVF cycles (p = 0.025 and 0.017). Method A also enhanced blastocyst formation in ICSI cycles (p = 0.017). However, clinical pregnancy outcomes did not significantly differ between Methods A and B. Pre-equilibrating culture media overnight in humid-type incubators, even when covered with fresh mineral oil, significantly mitigates osmolality rise and improves embryo development potential during embryo culture in dry-type incubators.

Serum Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Relates to the Severity and the Pregnancy Outcomes in Hypertensive Disorders Complicating Pregnancy

PURPOSE

This study aimed to assess the predictive value of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) in the first trimester for hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy (HDCP) and its association with disease severity and adverse pregnancy outcomes. HDCP pose significant risks to both maternal health and fetal health. M-CSF is implicated in the pathogenesis of HDCP by promoting inflammation and endothelial damage.

METHODS

Serum levels of M-CSF were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and clinical characteristics and pregnancy outcomes were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Pregnant women with HDCP had significantly higher levels of proteinuria, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure compared to those with normal pregnancy. Among patients with HDCP, the severity of disease correlated positively with serum levels of M-CSF. Furthermore, M-CSF levels in the first trimester were significantly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. The findings suggest that M-CSF may serve as a potential biomarker for predicting HDCP and its severity, as well as adverse pregnancy outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Early detection and monitoring of M-CSF levels could aid in identifying high-risk pregnancies and implementing appropriate interventions to improve maternal and fetal outcomes.

Effects of Melatonin, GM-CSF, IGF-1, and LIF in Culture Media on Embryonic Development: Potential Benefits of Individualization

The implantation of good-quality embryos to the receptive endometrium is essential for successful live birth through in vitro fertilization (IVF). The higher the quality of embryos, the higher the live birth rate per cycle, and so efforts have been made to obtain as many high-quality embryos as possible after fertilization. In addition to an effective controlled ovarian stimulation process to obtain high-quality embryos, the composition of the embryo culture medium in direct contact with embryos in vitro is also important. During embryonic development, under the control of female sex hormones, the fallopian tubes and endometrium create a microenvironment that supplies the nutrients and substances necessary for embryos at each stage. During this process, the development of the embryo is finely regulated by signaling molecules, such as growth factors and cytokines secreted from the epithelial cells of the fallopian tube and uterine endometrium. The development of embryo culture media has continued since the first successful human birth through IVF in 1978. However, there are still limitations to mimicking a microenvironment similar to the reproductive organs of women suitable for embryo development in vitro. Efforts have been made to overcome the harsh in vitro culture environment and obtain high-quality embryos by adding various supplements, such as antioxidants and growth factors, to the embryo culture medium. Recently, there has been an increase in the number of studies on the effect of supplementation in different clinical situations such as old age, recurrent implantation failure (RIF), and unexplained infertility; in addition, anticipation of the potential benefits from individuation is rising. This article reviews the effects of representative supplements in culture media on embryo development.

Mammalian embryo culture media: now and into the future

For over 70years, since the culture of the first mammalian embryo in vitro , scientists have undertaken studies to devise and optimise media to support the manipulation and culture of gametes and embryos. This area of research became especially active in the late 1970s onwards following the successful birth of the first human in vitro fertilised embryo. This review summarises some of the key advances in mammalian embryo culture media over time based on a greater understanding of the biochemical milieu of the reproductive tract. It highlights how learnings from studies in mice and agricultural species have informed human culture media compositions, in particular the inclusion of albumin, growth factors, cytokines, and antioxidants into contemporary culture media formulations, and how these advances may then in turn help to inform and guide development of in vitro culture systems used in other arenas, in particular agriculture. Additionally, it will highlight how the introduction of new technologies, such as timelapse, can influence current trends in media composition and usage that may see a return to a single step medium.

Neuregulin-1 signaling regulates cytokines and chemokines expression and secretion in granulosa cell

BACKGROUND

Granulosa cells (GCs) are multilayered somatic cells within the follicle that provide physical support and microenvironment for the developing oocyte. In recent years, the role of Neuregulin-1 (NRG1), a member of the EGF-like factor family, has received considerable attention due to its neurodevelopmental and cardiac function. However, the exact physiological role of NRG1 in GC is mainly unknown. In order to confirm that NRG1 plays a regulatory role in rat GC functions, endogenous NRG1-knockdown studies were carried out in GCs using RNA interference methodology.

RESULTS

Knockdown of NRG1 in GCs resulted in the enhanced expression and secretion of the cytokines and chemokines. In addition, the phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt/ERK1/2 was significantly low in GCs under these experimental conditions. Moreover, in vitro experimental studies suggest that tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) treatment causes the physical destruction of GCs by activating caspase-3/7 activity. In contrast, exogenous NRG1 co-treatment of GCs delayed the onset of TNFα-induced apoptosis and inhibited the activation of caspase-3/7 activity. Furthermore, current experimental studies suggest that gonadotropins promote differential expression of NRG1 and ErbB3 receptors in GCs of the antral follicle. Interestingly, NRG1 and ErbB3 were intensely co-localized in the mural and cumulus GCs and cumulus-oocyte complex of pre-ovulatory follicles in the estrus stage.

CONCLUSIONS

The present studies suggest that gonadotropins-dependent NRG1-signaling in GCs may require the balance of the cytokines and chemokines expression and secretion, ultimately which may be supporting the follicular maturation and oocyte competence for ovulation and preventing follicular atresia.

The impact of using culture media containing granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor on live birth rates in patients with a history of embryonic developmental arrest in previous in vitro fertilization cycles

Objective:

To investigate the effect of using culture media containing granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) on embryological data and reproductive outcomes in patients with early embryonic developmental arrest.

Material and Methods:

Retrospective case-control study. A total of 39 patients, whose embryos were incubated with culture media containing GM-CSF due to embryonic developmental arrest in two previous in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles in-between January 2016 and November 2017 at Hacettepe University IVF Center, were enrolled. Control group was generated among patients with first IVF attempts due to tubal factor in the same time period. All embryos in the control group were incubated with single step culture medium (without GM-CSF). For the control group selection, matching was done 1:2 ratio considering female age, body mass index, number of M-II oocyte retrieved, and number of embryo transferred (n=80).

Results:

Demographic features and embryological data were comparable between two groups. Number of fertilized oocytes (2-pronuclear) was 3.7±2.0 in GM-CSF group and 3.9±2.5 in the control (p=0.576). Overall, number of embryos transferred (1.3±0.5 vs 1.3±0.5, respectively) and blastocyst transfer rate (67.6% vs 59.2%, respectively; p=0.401) were similar. For the reproductive outcomes, implantation rate (32.3% vs 33.1%, respectively; p=0.937), clinical pregnancy rate (33.3% vs 32.5%, respectively; p=0.770), and live birth rate (25.2% vs 26.2%, respectively; p=0.943) were similar.

Conclusion:

Using GM-CSF-containing culture media in patients with two previous failed IVF attempts due to embryonic developmental arrest might rectify embryological data and reproductive outcomes. To make solid conclusion further randomized controlled trials are warranted.

Cytokines That Serve as Embryokines in Cattle

Simple Summary

This review will explore how some cytokines also influence early embryonic development. We term these types of molecules as embryokines. Understanding how cytokines serve as embryokines could offer new opportunities to improve embryo development and the overall health of the embryo so that pregnancies will be retained after embryo transfer and so that viable offspring are produced. At least two cytokines may offer these benefits to bovine embryos produced in vitro. Additional cytokines also are identified in this review that may contain beneficial activities on bovine embryos.

Abstract

The term “embryokine” has been used to denote molecules produced by the endometrium, oviduct, or by embryo itself that will influence embryo development. Several cytokines have been identified as embryokines in cattle and other mammals. This review will describe how these cytokines function as embryokines, with special emphasis being placed on their actions on in vitro produced (IVP) bovine embryos. Embryokines are being explored for their ability to overcome the poor development rates of IVP embryos and to limit post-transfer pregnancy retention efficiencies that exist in IVP embryos. This review will focus on describing two of the best-characterized cytokines, colony-stimulating factor 2 and interleukin 6, for their ability to modify bovine embryo quality and confirmation, promote normal fetal development, and generate healthy calves. Additional cytokines will also be discussed for their potential to serve as embryokines.

Regulation of gene expression in the bovine blastocyst by colony-stimulating factor 2 is disrupted by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of CSF2RA

Colony-stimulating factor 2 (CSF2) functions in the reproductive tract to modulate the function of the preimplantation embryo. The β subunit of the CSF2 receptor (CSF2RB) is not expressed in the embryo, and signal transduction is therefore different than for myeloid cells where the receptor is composed of α (CSF2RA) and β subunits. Here, we produced embryos in which exons 5 and 6 of CSF2RA were disrupted using the CRISPR/Cas 9 system to test whether CSF2RA signaling was essential for actions of CSF2 in the bovine embryo. Wild-type and CSF2RA knockout embryos were treated with 10 ng/mL CSF2 or vehicle at day 5 of development. Blastocysts were harvested at day 8 to determine transcript abundance of 90 genes by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Responses in female blastocysts were examined separately from male blastocysts because actions of CSF2 are sex-dependent. For wild-type embryos, CSF2 altered expression of 10 genes in females and 20 in males. Only three genes were affected by CSF2 in a similar manner for both sexes. Disruption of CSF2RA prevented the effect of CSF2 on expression for 9 of 10 CSF2-regulated genes in females and 19 of 20 genes in males. The results confirm the importance of CSF2RA for regulation of gene expression by CSF2 in the blastocyst.