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Bao S, Yin T, Liu S. Ovarian aging: energy metabolism of oocytes. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:118. [PMID: 38822408 PMCID: PMC11141068 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01427-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
In women who are getting older, the quantity and quality of their follicles or oocytes and decline. This is characterized by decreased ovarian reserve function (DOR), fewer remaining oocytes, and lower quality oocytes. As more women choose to delay childbirth, the decline in fertility associated with age has become a significant concern for modern women. The decline in oocyte quality is a key indicator of ovarian aging. Many studies suggest that age-related changes in oocyte energy metabolism may impact oocyte quality. Changes in oocyte energy metabolism affect adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) production, but how related products and proteins influence oocyte quality remains largely unknown. This review focuses on oocyte metabolism in age-related ovarian aging and its potential impact on oocyte quality, as well as therapeutic strategies that may partially influence oocyte metabolism. This research aims to enhance our understanding of age-related changes in oocyte energy metabolism, and the identification of biomarkers and treatment methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenglan Bao
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tailang Yin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Su Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-Implantation, , Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital (Formerly Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital), Shenzhen, China.
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Gilchrist RB, Ho TM, De Vos M, Sanchez F, Romero S, Ledger WL, Anckaert E, Vuong LN, Smitz J. A fresh start for IVM: capacitating the oocyte for development using pre-IVM. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:3-25. [PMID: 37639630 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While oocyte IVM is practiced sporadically it has not achieved widespread clinical practice globally. However, recently there have been some seminal advances in our understanding of basic aspects of oocyte biology and ovulation from animal studies that have led to novel approaches to IVM. A significant recent advance in IVM technology is the use of biphasic IVM approaches. These involve the collection of immature oocytes from small antral follicles from minimally stimulated patients/animals (without hCG-priming) and an ∼24 h pre-culture of oocytes in an advanced culture system ('pre-IVM') prior to IVM, followed by routine IVF procedures. If safe and efficacious, this novel procedure may stand to make a significant impact on human ART practices. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The objectives of this review are to examine the major scientific advances in ovarian biology with a unique focus on the development of pre-IVM methodologies, to provide an insight into biphasic IVM procedures, and to report on outcomes from animal and clinical human data, including safety data. The potential future impact of biphasic IVM on ART practice is discussed. SEARCH METHODS Peer review original and review articles were selected from PubMed and Web of Science searches for this narrative review. Searches were performed using the following keywords: oocyte IVM, pre-IVM, biphasic IVM, CAPA-IVM, hCG-triggered/primed IVM, natural cycle IVF/M, ex-vivo IVM, OTO-IVM, oocyte maturation, meiotic competence, oocyte developmental competence, oocyte capacitation, follicle size, cumulus cell (CC), granulosa cell, COC, gap-junction communication, trans-zonal process, cAMP and IVM, cGMP and IVM, CNP and IVM, EGF-like peptide and IVM, minimal stimulation ART, PCOS. OUTCOMES Minimizing gonadotrophin use means IVM oocytes will be collected from small antral (pre-dominant) follicles containing oocytes that are still developing. Standard IVM yields suboptimal clinical outcomes using such oocytes, whereas pre-IVM aims to continue the oocyte's development ex vivo, prior to IVM. Pre-IVM achieves this by eliciting profound cellular changes in the oocyte's CCs, which continue to meet the oocyte's developmental needs during the pre-IVM phase. The literature contains 25 years of animal research on various pre-IVM and biphasic IVM procedures, which serves as a large knowledge base for new approaches to human IVM. A pre-IVM procedure based on c-type natriuretic peptide (named 'capacitation-IVM' (CAPA-IVM)) has undergone pre-clinical human safety and efficacy trials and its adoption into clinical practice resulted in healthy live birth rates not different from conventional IVF. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Over many decades, improvements in clinical IVM have been gradual and incremental but there has likely been a turning of the tide in the past few years, with landmark discoveries in animal oocyte biology finally making their way into clinical practice leading to improved outcomes for patients. Demonstration of favorable clinical results with CAPA-IVM, as the first clinically tested biphasic IVM system, has led to renewed interest in IVM as an alternative, low-intervention, low-cost, safe, patient-friendly ART approach, and especially for patients with PCOS. The same new approach is being used as part of fertility preservation in patients with cancer and holds promise for social oocyte freezing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B Gilchrist
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tuong M Ho
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Michel De Vos
- Brussels IVF, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Flor Sanchez
- Centro de Estudios e Investigaciones en Biología y Medicina Reproductiva, Lima, Peru
| | - Sergio Romero
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology and Fertility Preservation, Cayetano Heredia University (UPCH), Lima, Peru
- Centro de Fertilidad y Reproducción Asistida, Lima, Peru
| | - William L Ledger
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
- City Fertility, Global CHA IVF Partners, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ellen Anckaert
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lan N Vuong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Johan Smitz
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Herta AC, von Mengden L, Akin N, Billooye K, Coucke W, Cava-Cami B, Klamt F, Smitz J, Anckaert E. Glucose and redox metabolism in meiotically blocked in vitro grown mouse antral follicles. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2851-2863. [PMID: 37776437 PMCID: PMC10656403 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02940-7] [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: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Glucose and redox metabolism characterization in mouse antral follicles with meiotically blocked oocytes, after in vitro follicle culture (IFC) from the early secondary stage. METHODS Following IFC (10 days), oocytes, corresponding cumulus (CC), and granulosa cells (GC) were collected from antral follicles: (i) on day 9-immature, germinal vesicle (GV) stage; (ii) on day 10, after hCG/EGF stimulation-mature, metaphase II (MII) stage and meiotically blocked (MB) immature GV stage. The metabolic profiles of all samples (GV, MII, and MB) were compared by measuring changes in metabolites involved in glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), and redox activity via enzymatic spectrophotometric assays in each cell type. RESULTS Within MB follicles, GCs drive higher levels of glycolysis and lactic acid fermentation (LAF) while oocytes exert more PPP activity. MB-oocytes had significantly larger diameters compared to day 9 GVs. MB follicles revealed limited metabolic changes in the somatic compartment compared to their GV counterparts (before stimulation). MB-CCs showed increased aconitase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities with lower malate levels comparted to GV-CCs. MB and MII in vitro grown follicles displayed comparable metabolic profiles, suggesting culture induces metabolic exhaustion regardless of the maturation stage. CONCLUSIONS Current results suggest that in addition to impaired nuclear maturation, metabolic disruption is present in MB follicles. MB follicles either compensate with high levels of TCA cycle and PPP activities in CCs, or are unable to drive proper levels of aerobic metabolism, which might be due to the current culture conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamaria-Cristina Herta
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) Jette Campus, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Lucia von Mengden
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), (RS), Porto Alegre, 90035003, Brazil
| | - Nazli Akin
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) Jette Campus, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Katy Billooye
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) Jette Campus, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wim Coucke
- Freelance statistician, Brugstraat 107, 3001, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Berta Cava-Cami
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) Jette Campus, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fábio Klamt
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), (RS), Porto Alegre, 90035003, Brazil
| | - Johan Smitz
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) Jette Campus, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ellen Anckaert
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) Jette Campus, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
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Hu Y, Zhang R, Zhang S, Ji Y, Zhou Q, Leng L, Meng F, Gong F, Lu G, Lin G, Hu L. Transcriptomic profiles reveal the characteristics of oocytes and cumulus cells at GV, MI, and MII in follicles before ovulation. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:225. [PMID: 37993893 PMCID: PMC10664256 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01291-2] [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: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The oocyte and its surrounding cumulus cells (CCs) exist as an inseparable entity. The maturation of the oocyte relies on communication between the oocyte and the surrounding CCs. However, oocyte evaluation is primarily based on morphological parameters currently, which offer limited insight into the quality and competence of the oocyte. Here, we conducted transcriptomic profiling of oocytes and their CCs from 47 patients undergoing preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A). We aimed to investigate the molecular events occurring between oocytes and CCs at different stages of oocyte maturation (germinal vesicle [GV], metaphase I [MI], and metaphase II [MII]). Our goal is to provide new insights into in vitro oocyte maturation (IVM). RESULTS Our findings indicate that oocyte maturation is a complex and dynamic process and that MI oocytes can be further classified into two distinct subtypes: GV-like-MI oocytes and MII-like-MI oocytes. Human oocytes and cumulus cells at three different stages of maturation were analyzed using RNA-seq, which revealed unique transcriptional machinery, stage-specific genes and pathways, and transcription factor networks that displayed developmental stage-specific expression patterns. We have also identified that both lipid and cholesterol metabolism in cumulus cells is active during the late stage of oocyte maturation. Lipids may serve as a more efficient energy source for oocytes and even embryogenesis. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our study provides a relatively comprehensive overview of the transcriptional characteristics and potential interactions between human oocytes and cumulus cells at various stages of maturation before ovulation. This study may offer novel perspectives on IVM and provide a reliable reference data set for understanding the transcriptional regulation of follicular maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yena Hu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stems Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Xiangya Road 88#, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Ran Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stems Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Xiangya Road 88#, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Shuoping Zhang
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Yaxing Ji
- Institute of Reproductive and Stems Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Xiangya Road 88#, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Qinwei Zhou
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Lizhi Leng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stems Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Xiangya Road 88#, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Fei Meng
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Fei Gong
- Institute of Reproductive and Stems Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Xiangya Road 88#, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stems Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Xiangya Road 88#, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stems Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Xiangya Road 88#, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cells, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
| | - Liang Hu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stems Cell Engineering, NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Xiangya Road 88#, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, ChangshaHunan, 410013, China.
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Akin N, Ates G, von Mengden L, Herta AC, Meriggioli C, Billooye K, Stocker WA, Ghesquiere B, Harrison CA, Cools W, Klamt F, Massie A, Smitz J, Anckaert E. Effects of lactate, super-GDF9, and low oxygen tension during bi-phasic in vitro maturation on the bioenergetic profiles of mouse cumulus-oocyte complex†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:432-449. [PMID: 37531262 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad085] [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: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro maturation (IVM) is an alternative assisted reproductive technology with reduced hormone-related side effects and treatment burden compared to conventional IVF. Capacitation (CAPA)-IVM is a bi-phasic IVM system with improved clinical outcomes compared to standard monophasic IVM. Yet, CAPA-IVM efficiency compared to conventional IVF is still suboptimal in terms of producing utilizable blastocysts. Previously, we have shown that CAPA-IVM leads to a precocious increase in cumulus cell (CC) glycolytic activity during cytoplasmic maturation. In the current study, considering the fundamental importance of CCs for oocyte maturation and cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) microenvironment, we further analyzed the bioenergetic profiles of maturing CAPA-IVM COCs. Through a multi-step approach, we (i) explored mitochondrial function of the in vivo and CAPA-IVM matured COCs through real-time metabolic analysis with Seahorse analyzer, and to improve COC metabolism (ii) supplemented the culture media with lactate and/or super-GDF9 (an engineered form of growth differentiation factor 9) and (iii) reduced culture oxygen tension. Our results indicated that the pre-IVM step is delicate and prone to culture-related disruptions. Lactate and/or super-GDF9 supplementations failed to eliminate pre-IVM-induced stress on COC glucose metabolism and mitochondrial respiration. However, when performing pre-IVM culture under 5% oxygen tension, CAPA-IVM COCs showed similar bioenergetic profiles compared to in vivo matured counterparts. This is the first study providing real-time metabolic analysis of the COCs from a bi-phasic IVM system. The currently used analytical approach provides the quantitative measures and the rational basis to further improve IVM culture requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazli Akin
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gamze Ates
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging and Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lucia von Mengden
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Cecilia Meriggioli
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Katy Billooye
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - William A Stocker
- Department of Physiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Brecht Ghesquiere
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Craig A Harrison
- Department of Physiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Wilfried Cools
- Support for Quantitative and Qualitative Research (SQUARE) Core Facility, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fabio Klamt
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ann Massie
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging and Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Johan Smitz
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ellen Anckaert
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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Bioinformatic Analysis of Human Cumulus Cells to Unravel Cellular's Processes that Could Be Used to Establish Oocyte Quality Biomarkers with Clinical Application. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:642-655. [PMID: 35882717 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01046-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Metadata analysis of public microarray datasets using bioinformatics tools has been successfully used in several biomedical fields in the search for biomarkers. In reproductive science, there is an urgent need for the establishment of oocyte quality biomarkers that could be used in the clinical environment to increase the chances of successful outcomes in treatment cycles. Adaptive cellular processes observed in cumulus oophorus cells reflect the conditions of the follicular microenvironment and may thus bring relevant information of oocyte's conditions. Here we analyzed human cumulus cells gene expression datasets in search of predictors of oocyte quality, a strategy which uncovered several cellular processes positively and negatively associated with embryo development and pregnancy potential. Secondly, the expression levels of genes that were present in the majority of processes observed were validated in house with clinical samples. Our data confirmed the association of the selected biomarkers with blastocyst formation and pregnancy potential rates, independently of patients' clinical characteristics such as diagnosis, age, BMI, and stimulation protocol applied. This study shows that bioinformatic analysis of cellular processes can be successfully used to elucidate possible oocyte quality biomarkers. Our data reinforces the need to consider clinical characteristics of patients when selecting relevant biomarkers to be used in the clinical environment and suggests a combination of positive (PTGS2) and negative (CYPB1) quality biomarkers as a robust strategy for a complementary oocyte selection tool, potentially increasing assisted reproduction success rates. Also, GPX4 expression as pregnancy potential biomarker is indicated here as a possibility for further investigations.
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Shi C, Yan Z, Zhang Y, Qin L, Wu W, Gao C, Gao L, Liu J, Cui Y. Effects of putrescine on the quality and epigenetic modification of mouse oocytes during in vitro maturation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 34:957-970. [PMID: 36031717 DOI: 10.1071/rd22064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Low ovarian putrescine levels and decreased peak values following luteinising hormone peaks are related to poor oocyte quantity and quality in ageing women. AIMS To investigate the effects of putrescine supplementation in in vitro maturation (IVM) medium on oocyte quality and epigenetic modification. METHODS Germinal vesicle oocytes retrieved from the ovaries of 8-week-old and 9-month-old mice were divided into four groups (the young, young+difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), ageing and ageing+putrescine groups) and cultured in IVM medium with or without 1mM putrescine or DFMO for 16h. The first polar body extrusion (PBE), cleavage and embryonic development were evaluated. Spindles, chromosomes, mitochondria and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured. The expression levels of SIRT1, H3K9ac, H3K9me2, H3K9me3, and 5mC levels were evaluated. Sirt1 and imprinted genes were detected. RESULTS The PBE was higher in the ageing+putrescine group than in the ageing group. Putrescine increased the total and inner cell mass cell numbers of blastocysts in ageing oocytes. Putrescine decreased aberrant spindles and chromosome aneuploidy, increased the mitochondrial membrane potential and decreased ROS levels. Putrescine increased SIRT1 expression and attenuated the upregulation of H3K9ac levels in ageing oocytes. Putrescine did not affect 5mC, H3K9me2 or H3K9me3 levels or imprinted gene expression. CONCLUSIONS Putrescine supplementation during IVM improved the maturation and quality of ageing oocytes and promoted embryonic development by decreasing ROS generation, maintaining mitochondrial and spindle function and correcting aberrant epigenetic modification. IMPLICATIONS Putrescine shows application potential for human-assisted reproduction, especially for IVM of oocytes from ageing women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chennan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, China
| | - Zhengjie Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, China
| | - Yuexin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, China
| | - Lianju Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, China
| | - Wei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, China
| | - Chao Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, China
| | - Li Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, China
| | - Jiayin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, China
| | - Yugui Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210029, China
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Dolmans MM, Demeestere I, Anckaert E, De Vos M. Proceedings of the Oncofertility Congress of the "Freezing Ovarian Tissue and Oocytes" (FOTO) Consortium Brussels. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:1715-1725. [PMID: 35751830 PMCID: PMC9428079 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02552-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Madeleine Dolmans
- Gynecology Department, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
- Gynecology Research Laboratory, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale Et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 52, bte B1.52.02, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Demeestere
- Research Laboratory On Human Reproduction, Fertility Clinic, CUB-Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ellen Anckaert
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michel De Vos
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
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9
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Herta AC, Mengden L, Akin N, Billooye K, Coucke W, Leersum J, Cava-Cami B, Saucedo-Cuevas L, Klamt F, Smitz J, Anckaert E. Characterization of carbohydrate metabolism in in vivo and in vitro grown and matured mouse antral follicles. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:998-1013. [PMID: 35717588 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Establishing an ideal human follicle culture system for oncofertility patients relies mainly on animal models since donor tissue is scarce and often of suboptimal quality. The in vitro system developed in our laboratory supports the growth of prepubertal mouse secondary follicles up to mature oocytes. Given the importance of glucose in preparing the oocyte for proper maturation, a baseline characterization of follicle metabolism both in the culture system and in vivo was carried out. Markers of glucose-related pathways (glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), polyol pathway, hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP)) as well as for the antioxidant capacity were measured in the different follicle cell types by both enzymatic activities (spectrophotometric detection) and gene expression (qPCR). This study confirmed that in vivo the somatic cells, mainly granulosa, exhibit intense glycolytic activity, while oocytes perform PPP. Throughout the final maturation step, oocytes in vivo and in vitro showed steady levels for all the key enzymes and metabolites. On the other hand, ovulation triggers a boost of pyruvate and lactate uptake in cumulus cells in vivo, consumes reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) and increases TCA cycle and small molecules antioxidant capacity (SMAC) activities, while in vitro, the metabolic upregulation in all the studied pathways is limited. This altered metabolic pattern might be a consequence of cell exhaustion because of culture conditions, impeding cumulus cells to fulfil their role in providing proper support for acquiring oocyte competence. SUMMARY SENTENCE: In vitro cultured mouse follicles exhibit altered glycolytic activity and redox metabolism in the somatic compartment during meiotic maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamaria-Cristina Herta
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Lucia Mengden
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre (RS), 90035003, Brazil
| | - Nazli Akin
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Katy Billooye
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Wim Coucke
- Freelance statistician, Brugstraat 107, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Julia Leersum
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Berta Cava-Cami
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Laura Saucedo-Cuevas
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Fábio Klamt
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre (RS), 90035003, Brazil
| | - Johan Smitz
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Ellen Anckaert
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, 1090, Belgium
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10
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Zhu S, Wang Q. Metabolic control of oocyte development. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:54-61. [PMID: 35470861 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac082] [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: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Well balanced and timed metabolism is essential for oocyte development. The effects of extrinsic nutrients on oocyte maturation have been widely reported. In contrast, intrinsic control of oogenesis by intracellular metabolites and metabolic enzymes has received little attention. The comprehensive characterization of metabolic patterns could lead to more complete understanding of regulatory mechanisms underlying oocyte development. A cell's metabolic state is integrated with epigenetic regulation. Epigenetic modifications in germ cells are therefore sensitive to parental environmental exposures. Nevertheless, direct genetic evidence for metabolites involvement in epigenetic establishment during oocyte development is still lacking. Moreover, metabolic disorder-induced epigenetic perturbations during oogenesis might mediate the inter/transgenerational effects of environmental insults. The molecular mechanisms responsible for this deserve further investigation. Here, we summarize the findings on metabolic regulation in oocyte maturation, and how it contributes to oocyte epigenetic modification. Finally, we propose a mouse model that metabolic disorder in oocyte serves as a potential factor mediating the maternal environment effects on offspring health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.,Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
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11
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Cumulus cell antioxidant system is modulated by patients' clinical characteristics and correlates with embryo development. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:1277-1295. [PMID: 35469374 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02496-y] [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: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To study whether the cumulus cell antioxidant system varies accordingly to patients clinical characteristics' as age, infertility diagnosis, BMI, and stimulation protocol applied and if the antioxidant profile of cumulus cells could be used as a predictor of embryo development. METHODS A prospective study including 383 human cumulus samples provided by 191 female patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection during in vitro fertilization treatments from a local in vitro fertilization center and processed in university laboratories. Catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzyme activity levels and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were measured in cumulus oophorus cells individually collected from each aspirated cumulus-oocyte complex, and the results of each sample were compared considering the oocytes outcome after ICSI and patients clinical characteristics. A total of 223 other human cumulus samples from previous studies were submitted to a gene expression meta-analysis. RESULTS The antioxidant system changes dramatically depending on patients' age, infertility diagnosis, stimulation protocol applied, and oocyte quality. SOD activity in cumulus cells revealed to be predictive of top-quality blastocysts for young patients with male factor infertility (P < 0.05), while GST levels were shown to be extremely influenced by infertility cause (P < 0.0001) and stimulation protocol applied (P < 0.05), but nonetheless, it can be used as a complementary tool for top-quality blastocyst prediction in patients submitted to intracytoplasmic sperm injection technique (ICSI) by male factor infertility (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Through a simple and non-invasive analysis, the evaluation of redox enzymes in cumulus cells could be used to predict embryo development, in a personalized matter in specific patient groups, indicating top-quality oocytes and improving success rates in in vitro fertilization treatments. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial was registered at UFRGS Research Ethics Committee and Plataforma Brasil under approval number 68081017.2.0000.5347 in June 6, 2019.
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12
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Richer G, Hobbs RM, Loveland KL, Goossens E, Baert Y. Long-Term Maintenance and Meiotic Entry of Early Germ Cells in Murine Testicular Organoids Functionalized by 3D Printed Scaffolds and Air-Medium Interface Cultivation. Front Physiol 2022; 12:757565. [PMID: 35002756 PMCID: PMC8739976 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.757565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Short-term germ cell survival and central tissue degeneration limit organoid cultures. Here, testicular organoids (TOs) were generated from two different mouse strains in 3D printed one-layer scaffolds (1LS) at the air-medium interface displaying tubule-like structures and Leydig cell functionality supporting long-term survival and differentiation of germ cells to the meiotic phase. Chimeric TOs, consisting of a mixture of primary testicular cells and EGFP+ germline stem (GS) cells, were cultured in two-layer scaffolds (2LSs) for better entrapment. They showed an improved spheroidal morphology consisting of one intact tubule-like structure and surrounding interstitium, representing the functional unit of a testis. However, GS cells did not survive long-term culture. Consequently, further optimization of the culture medium is required to enhance the maintenance and differentiation of germ cells. The opportunities TOs offer to manipulate somatic and germ cells are essential for the study of male infertility and the search for potential therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Richer
- Biology of the Testis Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), University Medical Campus, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Katherine L Loveland
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ellen Goossens
- Biology of the Testis Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), University Medical Campus, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yoni Baert
- Biology of the Testis Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), University Medical Campus, Brussels, Belgium
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13
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Effect of cumulin and super-GDF9 in standard and biphasic mouse IVM. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:127-140. [PMID: 34984599 PMCID: PMC8866628 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02382-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In vitro maturation (IVM) is a technology that generates mature oocytes following culture of immature cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) in vitro. IVM is characterized by minimal patient stimulation, making it attractive for certain patient groups. Recently, a biphasic IVM system, capacitation (CAPA)-IVM, has shown improved clinical outcomes relative to standard IVM; however, it remains less efficient than IVF. This study assessed whether supplementation of CAPA-IVM culture media with the novel TGFβ superfamily proteins cumulin and super-GDF9 improves subsequent mouse embryo development. METHODS Immature mouse COCs were cultured by standard IVM or biphasic IVM ± cumulin or super-GDF9. RESULTS Both cumulin and super-GDF9 in standard IVM significantly improved day-6 blastocyst rate (53.9% control, 73.6% cumulin, 70.4% super-GDF9; p = 0.006; n = 382-406 oocytes). Cumulin or super-GDF9 in CAPA-IVM did not alter embryo yield or blastocyst cell allocation in an unstimulated model. Moreover, cumulin did not alter these outcomes in a mild PMSG stimulation model. Cumulin in CAPA-IVM significantly increased cumulus cell expression of cumulus expansion genes (Ptgs2, Ptx3, Adamts1, Gfat2) and decreased Lhr expression relative to control. However, cumulin-induced mRNA expression of cumulus cell (Ptgs2, Ptx3) and oocyte genes (Gdf9, Bmp15, Oct4, Stella) in CAPA-IVM remained significantly lower than that of in vivo matured cells. CONCLUSION Cumulin did not provide an additional beneficial effect in biphasic IVM in terms of blastocyst yield and cell allocation; however in standard IVM, cumulin and super-GDF9 significantly improve oocyte developmental competence.
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14
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Xu J, Zelinski MB. Oocyte quality following in vitro follicle development†. Biol Reprod 2021; 106:291-315. [PMID: 34962509 PMCID: PMC9004734 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro follicle development (IVFD) is an adequate model to obtain basic knowledge of folliculogenesis and provides a tool for ovarian toxicity screening. IVFD yielding competent oocytes may also offer an option for fertility and species preservation. To promote follicle growth and oocyte maturation in vitro, various culture systems are utilized for IVFD in rodents, domestic animals, wild animals, nonhuman primates, and humans. Follicle culture conditions have been improved by optimizing gonadotropin levels, regulatory factors, nutrient supplements, oxygen concentration, and culture matrices. This review summarizes quality assessment of oocytes generated from in vitro-developed antral follicles from the preantral stage, including oocyte epigenetic and genetic profile, cytoplasmic and nuclear maturation, preimplantation embryonic development following in vitro fertilization, as well as pregnancy and live offspring after embryo transfer. The limitations of oocyte quality evaluation following IVFD and the gaps in our knowledge of IVFD to support proper oocyte development are also discussed. The information may advance our understanding of the requirements for IVFD, with a goal of producing competent oocytes with genetic integrity to sustain embryonic development resulting in healthy offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- Correspondence: Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA. Tel: +1 5033465411; Fax: +1 5033465585; E-mail:
| | - Mary B Zelinski
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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15
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Akin N, Le AH, Ha UDT, Romero S, Sanchez F, Pham TD, Nguyen MHN, Anckaert E, Ho TM, Smitz J, Vuong LN. Positive effects of amphiregulin on human oocyte maturation and its molecular drivers in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Hum Reprod 2021; 37:30-43. [PMID: 34741172 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does use of medium containing amphiregulin improve meiotic maturation efficiency in oocytes of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) undergoing in vitro maturation (IVM) preceded by a capacitation culture step capacitation IVM (CAPA-IVM)? SUMMARY ANSWER Use of medium containing amphiregulin significantly increased the maturation rate from oocytes retrieved from follicles with diameters <6 or ≥6 mm pre-cultured in capacitation medium. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Amphiregulin concentration in follicular fluid is correlated with human oocyte developmental competence. Amphiregulin added to the meiotic trigger has been shown to improve outcomes of IVM in a range of mammalian species. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This prospective, randomized cohort study included 30 patients and was conducted at an academic infertility centre in Vietnam from April to December 2019. Patients with PCOS were included. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS In the first stage, sibling oocytes from each patient (671 in total) were allocated in equal numbers to maturation in medium with (CAPA-AREG) or without (CAPA-Control) amphiregulin 100 ng/ml. After a maturation check and fertilization using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), all good quality Day 3 embryos were vitrified. Cumulus cells (CCs) from both groups were collected at the moment of ICSI denudation and underwent a molecular analysis to quantify key transcripts of oocyte maturation and to relate these to early embryo development. On return for frozen embryo transfer (second stage), patients were randomized to have either CAPA-AREG or CAPA-Control embryo(s) implanted. Where no embryo(s) from the randomized group were available, embryo(s) from the other group were transferred. The primary endpoint of the study was meiotic maturation efficiency (proportion of metaphase II [MII] oocytes; maturation rate). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In the per-patient analysis, the number of MII oocytes was significantly higher in the CAPA-AREG group versus the CAPA-Control group (median [interquartile range] 7.0 [5.3, 8.0] versus 6.0 [4.0, 7.0]; P = 0.01). When each oocyte was evaluated, the maturation rate was also significantly higher in the CAPA-AREG group versus the CAPA-Control group (67.6% versus 55.2%; relative risk [RR] 1.22 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08-1.38]; P = 0.001). No other IVM or embryology outcomes differed significantly between the two groups. Rates of clinical pregnancy (66.7% versus 42.9%; RR 1.56 [95% CI 0.77-3.14]), ongoing pregnancy (53.3% versus 28.6%; RR 1.87 [95% CI 0.72-4.85]) and live birth (46.7% versus 28.6%; RR 1.63 [95% CI 0.61-4.39]) were numerically higher in the patients who had CAPA-AREG versus CAPA-Control embryos implanted, but each fertility and obstetric outcome did not differ significantly between the groups. In the CAPA-AREG group, there were significant shifts in CC expression of genes involved in steroidogenesis (STAR, 3BHSD), the ovulatory cascade (DUSP16, EGFR, HAS2, PTGR2, PTGS2, RPS6KA2), redox and glucose metabolism (CAT, GPX1, SOD2, SLC2A1, LDHA) and transcription (NRF2). The expression of three genes (TRPM7, VCAN and JUN) in CCs showed a significant correlation with embryo quality. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study included only Vietnamese women with PCOS, limiting the generalizability. Although 100 ng/ml amphiregulin addition to the maturation culture step significantly improved the MII rate, the sample size in this study was small, meaning that these findings should be considered as exploratory. Therefore, a larger patient cohort is needed to confirm whether the positive effects of amphiregulin translate into improved fertility outcomes in patients undergoing IVM. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Data from this study confirm the beneficial effects of amphiregulin during IVM with respect to the trigger of oocyte maturation. The gene expression findings in cumulus indicate that multiple pathways might contribute to these beneficial effects and confirm the key role of the epidermal growth factor system in the stepwise acquisition of human oocyte competence. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was funded by the Vietnam National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED; grant number FWO.106-YS.2017.02) and by the Fund for Research Flanders (FWO; grant number G.OD97.18N). L.N.V. has received speaker and conference fees from Merck, grants, speaker and conference fees from Merck Sharpe and Dohme, and speaker, conference and scientific board fees from Ferring. T.M.H. has received speaker fees from Merck, Merck Sharp and Dohme and Ferring. J.S. reports speaker fees from Ferring Pharmaceuticals and Biomérieux Diagnostics and grants from FWO Flanders, is co-inventor on granted patents on CAPA-IVM methodologies in USA (US10392601B2), Europe (EP3234112B1) and Japan (JP 6806683 registered 08-12-2020) and is a co-shareholder of Lavima Fertility Inc., a spin-off company of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB, Brussels, Belgium). NA, TDP, AHL, MNHN, SR, FS, EA and UDTH report no financial relationships with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work in the previous three years, and no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03915054.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazli Akin
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Anh H Le
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Uyen D T Ha
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Sergio Romero
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology and Fertility Preservation, Cayetano Heredia University (UPCH), Lima, Peru
| | - Flor Sanchez
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology and Fertility Preservation, Cayetano Heredia University (UPCH), Lima, Peru
| | - Toan D Pham
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Minh H N Nguyen
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Ellen Anckaert
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Tuong M Ho
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Johan Smitz
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Lan N Vuong
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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