1
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Shi L, Zang C, Liu Z, Zhao G. Molecular mechanisms of natural antifreeze phenomena and their application in cryopreservation. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024. [PMID: 39210560 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28832] [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: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 08/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Cryopreservation presents a critical challenge due to cryo-damage, such as crystallization and osmotic imbalances that compromise the integrity of biological tissues and cells. In contrast, various organisms in nature exhibit remarkable freezing tolerance, leveraging complex molecular mechanisms to survive extreme cold. This review explores the adaptive strategies of freeze-tolerant species, including the regulation of specific genes, proteins, and metabolic pathways, to enhance survival in low-temperature environments. We then discuss recent advancements in cryopreservation technologies that aim to mimic these natural phenomena to preserve cellular and tissue integrity. Special focus is given to the roles of glucose metabolism, microRNA expression, and cryoprotective protein modulation in improving cryopreservation outcomes. The insights gained from studying natural antifreeze mechanisms offer promising directions for advancing cryopreservation techniques, with potential applications in medical, agricultural, and conservation fields. Future research should aim to further elucidate these molecular mechanisms to develop more effective and reliable cryopreservation methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyu Shi
- Department of Electronic Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Chuanbao Zang
- Yinfeng Cryomedicine Technology Co., Ltd., Jinan, China
| | - Zhicheng Liu
- Yinfeng Cryomedicine Technology Co., Ltd., Jinan, China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Department of Electronic Engineering and Information Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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2
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Mashouf P, Tabibzadeh N, Kuraoka S, Oishi H, Morizane R. Cryopreservation of human kidney organoids. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:306. [PMID: 39023560 PMCID: PMC11335230 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05352-7] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Recent advances in stem cell research have led to the creation of organoids, miniature replicas of human organs, offering innovative avenues for studying diseases. Kidney organoids, with their ability to replicate complex renal structures, provide a novel platform for investigating kidney diseases and assessing drug efficacy, albeit hindered by labor-intensive generation and batch variations, highlighting the need for tailored cryopreservation methods to enable widespread utilization. Here, we evaluated cryopreservation strategies for kidney organoids by contrasting slow-freezing and vitrification methods. 118 kidney organoids were categorized into five conditions. Control organoids followed standard culture, while two slow-freezing groups used 10% DMSO (SF1) or commercial freezing media (SF2). Vitrification involved V1 (20% DMSO, 20% Ethylene Glycol with sucrose) and V2 (15% DMSO, 15% Ethylene Glycol). Assessment of viability, functionality, and structural integrity post-thawing revealed notable differences. Vitrification, particularly V1, exhibited superior viability (91% for V1, 26% for V2, 79% for SF1, and 83% for SF2 compared to 99.4% in controls). 3D imaging highlighted distinct nephron segments among groups, emphasizing V1's efficacy in preserving both podocytes and tubules in kidney organoids. Cisplatin-induced injury revealed a significant reduction in regenerative capacities in organoids cryopreserved by flow-freezing methods, while the V1 method did not show statistical significance compared to the unfrozen controls. This study underscores vitrification, especially with high concentrations of cryoprotectants, as an effective approach for maintaining kidney organoid viability and structure during cryopreservation, offering practical approaches for kidney organoid research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parham Mashouf
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nahid Tabibzadeh
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shohei Kuraoka
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Haruka Oishi
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Ryuji Morizane
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 149 13th Street, Boston, MA, 02129, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI), Cambridge, MA, USA.
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3
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Sciorio R, Tramontano L, Campos G, Greco PF, Mondrone G, Surbone A, Greco E, Talevi R, Pluchino N, Fleming S. Vitrification of human blastocysts for couples undergoing assisted reproduction: an updated review. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1398049. [PMID: 38827525 PMCID: PMC11140474 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1398049] [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: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past 40 years there has been a worldwide critical change in the field of assisted reproduction technology (ART), leading to the increased application of single blastocyst transfer, which is extremely important to avoid the risks of multiple pregnancy and associated complications for both mother and babies. Indeed, advancements in ART over the last few decades have been obtained thanks to several improvements, including ovarian stimulation, embryo culture conditions and, of course, progress in cryopreservation methods, especially with the application of vitrification. The ability to cryopreserve human embryos has improved significantly with vitrification compared to the initially adopted slow-freezing procedures. Since the introduction of vitrification, it has become the gold standard method to effectively cryopreserve human blastocysts. However, some new protocols are now being explored, such as the short warming procedure and even shorter exposure to the equilibration solution before vitrification, which seem to provide optimal results. Therefore, the main aim of the current narrative review, will be to illustrate the benefit of vitrification as an effective method to cryopreserve the human blastocyst and to illustrate new protocols and variations which in future may increase the performance of vitrification protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Fertility Medicine and Gynaecological Endocrinology Unit, Department Woman Mother Child, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Luca Tramontano
- Département de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Réseau Hospitalier Neuchâtelois, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Gerard Campos
- Fertility Geisinger Medical Center, Women’s Health Fertility Clinic, Danville, PA, United States
- GIREXX Fertility Clinics, Girona-Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Anna Surbone
- Fertility Medicine and Gynaecological Endocrinology Unit, Department Woman Mother Child, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ermanno Greco
- Villa Mafalda, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UniCamillus, International Medical University, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Talevi
- Dipartimento di Biologia Strutturale e Funzionale, Universita’ di Napoli ‘Federico II’, Complesso Universitario di Monte S, Napoli, Italy
| | - Nicola Pluchino
- Fertility Medicine and Gynaecological Endocrinology Unit, Department Woman Mother Child, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Steven Fleming
- Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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4
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Sciorio R, Campos G, Tramontano L, Bulletti FM, Baldini GM, Vinciguerra M. Exploring the effect of cryopreservation in assisted reproductive technology and potential epigenetic risk. ZYGOTE 2023; 31:420-432. [PMID: 37409505 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199423000345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Since the birth of the first baby by in vitro fertilization in 1978, more than 9 million children have been born worldwide using medically assisted reproductive treatments. Fertilization naturally takes place in the maternal oviduct where unique physiological conditions enable the early healthy development of the embryo. During this dynamic period of early development major waves of epigenetic reprogramming, crucial for the normal fate of the embryo, take place. Increasingly, over the past 20 years concerns relating to the increased incidence of epigenetic anomalies in general, and genomic-imprinting disorders in particular, have been raised following assisted reproduction technology (ART) treatments. Epigenetic reprogramming is particularly susceptible to environmental conditions during the periconceptional period and non-physiological conditions such as ovarian stimulation, in vitro fertilization and embryo culture, as well as cryopreservation procedure, might have the potential to independently or collectively contribute to epigenetic dysregulation. Therefore, this narrative review offers a critical reappraisal of the evidence relating to the association between embryo cryopreservation and potential epigenetic regulation and the consequences on gene expression together with long-term consequences for offspring health and wellbeing. Current literature suggests that epigenetic and transcriptomic profiles are sensitive to the stress induced by vitrification, in terms of osmotic shock, temperature and pH changes, and toxicity of cryoprotectants, it is therefore, critical to have a more comprehensive understanding and recognition of potential unanticipated iatrogenic-induced perturbations of epigenetic modifications that may or may not be a consequence of vitrification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Luca Tramontano
- Department of Women, Infants and Adolescents, Division of Obstetrics, Geneve University Hospitals, Boulevard de la Cluse 30, Geneve 14, Switzerland
| | - Francesco M Bulletti
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Vaud, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Marina Vinciguerra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Section, University of Bari, Italy
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology 'Santa Caterina Novella', Galatina Hospital, Italy
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5
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Casciani V, Monseur B, Cimadomo D, Alvero R, Rienzi L. Oocyte and embryo cryopreservation in assisted reproductive technology: past achievements and current challenges. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:506-520. [PMID: 37290552 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.06.005] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cryopreservation has revolutionized the treatment of infertility and fertility preservation. This review summarizes the milestones that paved the way to the current routinary clinical implementation of this game-changing practice in assisted reproductive technology. Still, evidence to support "the best practice" in cryopreservation is controversial and several protocol adaptations exist that were described and compared here, such as cumulus-intact vs. cumulus-free oocyte cryopreservation, artificial collapse, assisted hatching, closed vs. open carriers, and others. A last matter of concern is whether cryostorage duration may impact oocyte/embryo competence, but the current body of evidence in this regard is reassuring. From social and clinical perspectives, oocyte and embryo cryopreservation has evolved from an afterthought when assisted reproduction was intended for immediate pregnancy with supernumerary embryos of secondary interest to its current purpose, which primarily is to preserve fertility long-term and more comprehensively allow for family planning. However, the initial consenting process, which still is geared to short-term fertility care, may no longer be relevant when the individuals that initially preserved the tissues have completed their reproductive journey. A more encompassing counseling model is required to address changing patient values over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Casciani
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Brent Monseur
- Stanford Fertility and Reproductive Health, Stanford University, Sunnyvale, California
| | - Danilo Cimadomo
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Ruben Alvero
- Stanford Fertility and Reproductive Health, Stanford University, Sunnyvale, California
| | - Laura Rienzi
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy; Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy.
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Sciorio R, Manna C, Fauque P, Rinaudo P. Can Cryopreservation in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Induce Epigenetic Changes to Gametes and Embryos? J Clin Med 2023; 12:4444. [PMID: 37445479 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134444] [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: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the birth of Louise Brown in 1978, more than nine million children have been conceived using assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). While the great majority of children are healthy, there are concerns about the potential epigenetic consequences of gametes and embryo manipulation. In fact, during the preimplantation period, major waves of epigenetic reprogramming occur. Epigenetic reprogramming is susceptible to environmental changes induced by ovarian stimulation, in-vitro fertilization, and embryo culture, as well as cryopreservation procedures. This review summarizes the evidence relating to oocytes and embryo cryopreservation and potential epigenetic regulation. Overall, it appears that the stress induced by vitrification, including osmotic shock, temperature and pH changes, and toxicity of cryoprotectants, might induce epigenetic and transcriptomic changes in oocytes and embryos. It is currently unclear if these changes will have potential consequences for the health of future offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK
| | - Claudio Manna
- Biofertility IVF and Infertility Center, 00198 Rome, Italy
| | - Patricia Fauque
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Development (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, F-21000 Dijon, France
- CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Paolo Rinaudo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 92037, USA
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Heumüller-Klug S, Maurer K, Tapia-Laliena MÁ, Sticht C, Christmann A, Mörz H, Khasanov R, Wink E, Schulte S, Greffrath W, Treede RD, Wessel LM, Schäfer KH. Impact of cryopreservation on viability, gene expression and function of enteric nervous system derived neurospheres. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1196472. [PMID: 37377739 PMCID: PMC10291272 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1196472] [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: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Impairment of both the central and peripheral nervous system is a major cause of mortality and disability. It varies from an affection of the brain to various types of enteric dysganglionosis. Congenital enteric dysganglionosis is characterized by the local absence of intrinsic innervation due to deficits in either migration, proliferation or differentiation of neural stem cells. Despite surgery, children's quality of life is reduced. Neural stem cell transplantation seems a promising therapeutic approach, requiring huge amounts of cells and multiple approaches to fully colonize the diseased areas completely. A combination of successful expansion and storage of neural stem cells is needed until a sufficient amount of cells is generated. This must be combined with suitable cell transplantation strategies, that cover all the area affected. Cryopreservation provides the possibility to store cells for long time, unfortunately with side effects, i.e., upon vitality. Methods: In this study we investigate the impact of different freezing and thawing protocols (M1-M4) upon enteric neural stem cell survival, protein and gene expression, and cell function. Results: Freezing enteric nervous system derived neurospheres (ENSdN) following slow-freezing protocols (M1-3) resulted in higher survival rates than flash-freezing (M4). RNA expression profiles were least affected by freezing protocols M1/2, whereas the protein expression of ENSdN remained unchanged after treatment with protocol M1 only. Cells treated with the most promising freezing protocol (M1, slow freezing in fetal calf serum plus 10% DMSO) were subsequently investigated using single-cell calcium imaging. Freezing of ENSdN did not alter the increase in intracellular calcium in response to a specific set of stimuli. Single cells could be assigned to functional subgroups according to response patterns and a significant shift towards cells responding to nicotine was observed after freezing. Discussion: The results demonstrate that cryopreservation of ENSdN is possible with reduced viability, only slight changes in protein/gene expression patterns and without an impact on the neuronal function of different enteric nervous system cell subtypes, with the exception of a subtle upregulation of cells expressing nicotinergic acetylcholine receptors. In summary, cryopreservation presents a good method to store sufficient amounts of enteric neural stem cells without neuronal impairment, in order to enable subsequent transplantation of cells into compromised tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Heumüller-Klug
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Kristina Maurer
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - María Á. Tapia-Laliena
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Carsten Sticht
- Medical Research Centre Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Anne Christmann
- AGENS, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern Campus Zweibrücken, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Handan Mörz
- Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience (MCTN), Department of Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rasul Khasanov
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Elvira Wink
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Steven Schulte
- AGENS, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern Campus Zweibrücken, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Greffrath
- Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience (MCTN), Department of Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rolf-Detlef Treede
- Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience (MCTN), Department of Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Lucas M. Wessel
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Karl-Herbert Schäfer
- AGENS, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern Campus Zweibrücken, Kaiserslautern, Germany
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8
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Sciorio R, Tramontano L, Rapalini E, Bellaminutti S, Bulletti FM, D'Amato A, Manna C, Palagiano A, Bulletti C, Esteves SC. Risk of genetic and epigenetic alteration in children conceived following ART: Is it time to return to nature whenever possible? Clin Genet 2023; 103:133-145. [PMID: 36109352 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technology may influence epigenetic signature as the procedures coincide with the extensive epigenetic modification occurring from fertilization to embryo implantation. However, it is still unclear to what extent ART alters the embryo epigenome. In vivo fertilization occurs in the fallopian tube, where a specific and natural environment enables the embryo's healthy development. During this dynamic period, major waves of epigenetic reprogramming, crucial for the normal fate of the embryo, take place. Over the past decade, concerns relating to the raised incidence of epigenetic anomalies and imprinting following ART have been raised by several authors. Epigenetic reprogramming is particularly susceptible to environmental conditions during the periconceptional period; therefore, unphysiological conditions, including ovarian stimulation, in vitro fertilization, embryo culture, cryopreservation of gametes and embryos, parental lifestyle, and underlying infertility, have the potential to contribute to epigenetic dysregulation independently or collectively. This review critically appraises the evidence relating to the association between ART and genetic and epigenetic modifications that may be transmitted to the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Luca Tramontano
- Department of Women, Infants and Adolescents, Division of Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Erika Rapalini
- IVF Department, Versilia Hospital Lido di Camaiore, Lucca, Italy
| | - Serena Bellaminutti
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, Lugano, Switzerland
- Gynecology and Fertility Unit, Procrea Institute, Lugano, Switzerland
- Gynecology Unit, Centro Medico, Lugano, Switzerland
| | | | - Antonio D'Amato
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Clinic, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Claudio Manna
- Biofertility IVF and Infertility Center, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Palagiano
- CFA Napoli, Italy, CFA: Centro Fecondazione Assistita Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Bulletti
- Ostetricia e Ginecologia, EXTRA OMNES Medicina e Salute Riproduttiva, Cattolica, Italy
| | - Sandro C Esteves
- Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas, Brazil
- Department of Surgery (Division of Urology), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- Faculty of Health, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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9
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Testicular Tissue Vitrification: a Promising Strategy for Male Fertility Preservation. Reprod Sci 2022; 30:1687-1700. [DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-01113-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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10
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Chen H, Zhang L, Meng L, Liang L, Zhang C. Advantages of vitrification preservation in assisted reproduction and potential influences on imprinted genes. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:141. [PMID: 36324168 PMCID: PMC9632035 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01355-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation has important application in assisted reproductive technology (ART). The vitrification technique has been widely used in the cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos, as a large number of clinical results and experimental studies have shown that vitrification can achieve a higher cell survival rate and preimplantation development rate and better pregnancy outcomes. Ovarian tissue vitrification is an alternative method to slow freezing that causes comparatively less damage to the original follicular DNA. At present, sperm preservation mainly adopts slow freezing or rapid freezing (LN2 vapor method), although the vitrification method can achieve higher sperm motility after warming. However, due to the use of high-concentration cryoprotectants and ultra-rapid cooling, vitrification may cause strong stress to gametes, embryos and tissue cells, resulting in potentially adverse effects. Imprinted genes are regulated by epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, and show single allele expression. Their accurate regulation and correct expression are very important for the placenta, fetal development and offspring health. Considering that genome imprinting is very sensitive to changes in the external environment, we comprehensively summarized the effect of cryopreservation—especially the vitrification method in ART—on imprinted genes. Animal studies have found that the vitrification of oocytes and embryos can have a significant impact on some imprinted genes and DNA methylation, but the few studies in humans have reported almost no influence, which need to be further explored. This review provides useful information for the safety assessment and further optimization of the current cryopreservation techniques in ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Li Meng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Linlin Liang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China. .,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China.
| | - Cuilian Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Provincial People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China. .,Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproductive Bioengineering, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China.
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11
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Abdul Rahman NS, Mohamed Noor Khan NA, Eshak Z, Sarbandi MS, Mohammad Kamal AA, Abd Malek M, Abdullah F, Abdullah MA, Othman F. Exogenous L-Glutathione Improves Vitrification Outcomes in Murine Preimplantation Embryos. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11112100. [PMID: 36358471 PMCID: PMC9686984 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11112100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitrification is an important tool to store surplus embryos in assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, vitrification increases oxidative damage and results in decreased viability. Studies have reported that L-glutathione (GSH) supplementation improves the preimplantation development of murine embryos. Glutathione constitutes the major non-protein sulphydryl compound in mammalian cells, which confers protection against oxidative damage. However, the effect of GSH supplementation on embryonic vitrification outcomes has yet to be reported. This study aims to determine whether GSH supplementation in culture media improves in vitro culture and vitrification outcomes, as observed through embryo morphology and preimplantation development. Female BALB/c mice aged 6−8 weeks were superovulated through an intraperitoneal injection of 10 IU of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG), followed by 10 IU of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) 48 h later. The mated mice were euthanized by cervical dislocation 48 h after hCG to harvest embryos. Two-cell embryos were randomly assigned to be cultured in either Group 1 (GSH-free medium), Group 2 (GSH-free medium with vitrification), Group 3 (0.01 mM GSH-supplemented medium), or Group 4 (0.01 mM GSH-supplemented medium with vitrification). Non-vitrified (Groups 1 and 3) and vitrified (Groups 2 and 4) embryos were observed for morphological quality and preimplantation development at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. In the non-vitrified groups, there were significant increases in the number of Grade-1 blastocysts in GSH cultures (p < 0.05). Similarly, in the vitrified groups, GSH supplementation was also seen to significantly increase blastocyst formation. Exogenous GSH supplementation resulted in a significant increase in intracellular GSH, a release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, and a parallel decrease in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in vitrified eight-cell embryos (p < 0.05). GSH supplementation was shown to upregulate Bcl2 expression and downregulate Bax expression in the vitrified preimplantation embryo group. The action of exogenous GSH was concomitant with an increase in the relative abundance of Gpx1 and Sod1. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the novel use and practical applicability of GSH supplementation for improving embryonic cryotolerance via a decrease in ROS levels and the inhibition of apoptotic events by improvement in oxidative status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nor-Shahida Abdul Rahman
- Maternofetal and Embryo Research Group (MatE), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nor-Ashikin Mohamed Noor Khan
- Maternofetal and Embryo Research Group (MatE), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
- Correspondence:
| | - Zolkapli Eshak
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam Campus, Bandar Puncak Alam 42300, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mimi-Sophia Sarbandi
- Maternofetal and Embryo Research Group (MatE), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, Tapah Campus, Tapah Road 35400, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Aqila-Akmal Mohammad Kamal
- Maternofetal and Embryo Research Group (MatE), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mastura Abd Malek
- Maternofetal and Embryo Research Group (MatE), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Fathiah Abdullah
- Maternofetal and Embryo Research Group (MatE), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, Tapah Campus, Tapah Road 35400, Perak, Malaysia
| | | | - Fezah Othman
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
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Abstract
Metabolomics is a powerful tool that can systematically describe global changes in the metabolome of microbes, thus improving our understanding of the mechanisms of action of antibiotics and facilitating the development of next-generation antibacterial therapies. However, current sample preparation methods are not efficient or reliable for studying the effects of antibiotics on microbes. In the present study, we reported a novel sample preparation approach using cold methanol/ethylene glycol for quenching Escherichia coli, thus overcoming the loss of intracellular metabolites caused by cell membrane damage. After evaluating the extraction efficiency of several extraction methods, we employed the optimized workflow to profile the metabolome of E. coli exposed to cephalexin. In doing so, we proved the utility of the proposed approach and provided insights into the comprehensive metabolic alterations associated with antibiotic treatment. IMPORTANCE The emergence and global spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria and genes are a global problem. It is critical to understand the interactions between antibiotics and bacteria and find alternative treatments for infections when we are moving closer to a postantibiotic era. It has been demonstrated that the bacterial metabolic environment plays an important role in the modulation of antibiotic susceptibility and efficacy. In the present study, we proposed a novel metabolomic approach for intracellular metabolite profiling of E. coli, which can be used to investigate the metabolite alterations of bacteria caused by antibiotic treatment. Further understanding of antibiotic-induced perturbations of bacterial metabolism would facilitate the discovery of new therapeutic targets and pathways.
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Suttirojpattana T, Juanpanich T, Parnpai R, Vutyavanich T. Vitrification of mouse two-cell and blastocyst stage embryos in simplified closed system using either a hemi-straw or a hollow fiber device. Anim Sci J 2021; 92:e13585. [PMID: 34231952 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13585] [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: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Two-cell stage and blastocyst stage mouse embryos were equilibrated in a medium containing 7.5% ethylene glycol (EG) and 7.5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for 8-15 min. Vitrification was performed in a medium containing 0.5 M sucrose and either 15% EG + 15% DMSO, 17.5% EG + 17.5% DMSO, or 20% EG + 20% DMSO for 30 s. They were then placed either on a hemi-straw (HS) or a hollow fiber vitrification (HFV) device and vitrified by cooled air inside a 0.5-ml straw. In two-cell embryos, a 100% survival rate was obtained from all groups except the 20% HS group (P > .05). All vitrified two-cell groups showed similar rates of blastocyst development to that of fresh control group (P > .05), except 17.5% and 20% HFV groups, which were significantly lower than the other groups (P < .05). In the blastocyst embryos, the HFV groups were divided into two subgroups (non-collapsed; HFV-NC and collapsed; HFV-C blastocyst). Re-expansion rate in 15% HFV-NC, 17.5% HFV-NC, and 15% HFV-C groups was reduced (P < .05), whereas the rest were similar to control. In conclusion, we established a simplified, reliable, and closed system for HFV vitrification applying hemi-straw, which does not require skilled practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rangsun Parnpai
- Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - Teraporn Vutyavanich
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Fukuda Y, Higashiya M, Obata T, Basaki K, Yano M, Matsumura K, Ono K, Ohba T, Okamoto Y, Nishijima K, Seki S. Small-volume vitrification and rapid warming yield high survivals of one-cell rat embryos in cryotubes†. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:258-266. [PMID: 33783478 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
To cryopreserve cells, it is essential to avoid intracellular ice formation during cooling and warming. One way to achieve this is to convert the water inside the cells into a non-crystalline glass. It is currently believed that to accomplish this vitrification, the cells must be suspended in a very high concentration (20-40%) of a glass-inducing solute, and subsequently cooled very rapidly. Herein, we report that this belief is erroneous with respect to the vitrification of one-cell rat embryos. In the present study, one-cell rat embryos were vitrified with 5 μL of EFS10 (a mixture of 10% ethylene glycol (EG), 27% Ficoll, and 0.45 M sucrose) in cryotubes at a moderate cooling rate, and warmed at various rates. Survival was assessed according to the ability of the cells to develop into blastocysts and to develop to term. When embryos were vitrified at a 2613 °C/min cooling rate and thawed by adding 1 mL of sucrose solution (0.3 M, 50 °C) at a warming rate of 18 467 °C/min, 58.1 ± 3.5% of the EFS10-vitrified embryos developed into blastocysts, and 50.0 ± 4.7% developed to term. These rates were similar to those of non-treated intact embryos. Using a conventional cryotube, we achieved developmental capabilities in one-cell rat embryos by rapid warming that were comparable to those of intact embryos, even using low concentrations (10%) of cell-permeating cryoprotectant and at low cooling rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyoshi Fukuda
- Experimental Animal Division, Bioscience Education and Research Support Center, Akita University, Akita, Akita, Japan
- Department of Cell Physiology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Akita, Japan
| | - Misako Higashiya
- Experimental Animal Division, Bioscience Education and Research Support Center, Akita University, Akita, Akita, Japan
| | - Takahiro Obata
- Experimental Animal Division, Bioscience Education and Research Support Center, Akita University, Akita, Akita, Japan
| | - Keita Basaki
- Experimental Animal Division, Bioscience Education and Research Support Center, Akita University, Akita, Akita, Japan
| | - Megumi Yano
- Experimental Animal Division, Bioscience Education and Research Support Center, Akita University, Akita, Akita, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Matsumura
- School of Materials Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Nomi, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Kyoichi Ono
- Department of Cell Physiology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Akita, Japan
| | | | - Yosuke Okamoto
- Department of Cell Physiology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Akita, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Nishijima
- Experimental Animal Division, Bioscience Education and Research Support Center, Akita University, Akita, Akita, Japan
- National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
- Center for Experimental Animals, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Seki
- Experimental Animal Division, Bioscience Education and Research Support Center, Akita University, Akita, Akita, Japan
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Ginström Ernstad E, Spangmose AL, Opdahl S, Henningsen AKA, Romundstad LB, Tiitinen A, Gissler M, Wennerholm UB, Pinborg A, Bergh C, Malchau SS. Perinatal and maternal outcome after vitrification of blastocysts: a Nordic study in singletons from the CoNARTaS group. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:2282-2289. [PMID: 31687765 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is transfer of vitrified blastocysts associated with higher perinatal and maternal risks compared with slow-frozen cleavage stage embryos and fresh blastocysts? SUMMARY ANSWER Transfer of vitrified blastocysts is associated with a higher risk of preterm birth (PTB) when compared with slow-frozen cleavage stage embryos and with a higher risk of a large baby, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDPs) and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) but a lower risk of placenta previa when compared with fresh blastocysts. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Transfer of frozen-thawed embryos (FETs) plays a central role in modern fertility treatment, limiting the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and multiple pregnancies. Following FET, several studies report a lower risk of PTB, low birth weight (LBW) and small for gestational age (SGA) yet a higher risk of fetal macrosomia and large for gestational age (LGA) compared with fresh embryos. In recent years, the introduction of new freezing techniques has increased treatment success. The slow-freeze technique combined with cleavage stage transfer has been replaced by vitrification and blastocyst transfer. Only few studies have compared perinatal and maternal outcomes after vitrification and slow-freeze and mainly in cleavage stage embryos, with most studies indicating similar outcomes in the two groups. Studies on perinatal and maternal outcomes following vitrified blastocysts are limited. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This registry-based cohort study includes singletons born after frozen-thawed and fresh transfers following the introduction of vitrification in Sweden and Denmark, in 2002 and 2009, respectively. The study includes 3650 children born after transfer of vitrified blastocysts, 8123 children born after transfer of slow-frozen cleavage stage embryos and 4469 children born after transfer of fresh blastocysts during 2002-2015. Perinatal and maternal outcomes in singletons born after vitrified blastocyst transfer were compared with singletons born after slow-frozen cleavage stage transfer and singletons born after fresh blastocyst transfer. Main outcomes included PTB, LBW, macrosomia, HDP and placenta previa. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Data were obtained from the CoNARTaS (Committee of Nordic ART and Safety) group. Based on national registries in Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Norway, the CoNARTaS cohort includes all children born after ART treatment in public and private clinics 1984-2015. Outcomes were assessed with logistic multivariable regression analysis, adjusting for the country and year of birth, maternal age, body mass index, parity, smoking, parental educational level, fertilisation method (IVF/ICSI), single embryo transfer, number of gestational sacs and the child's sex. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A higher risk of PTB (<37 weeks) was noted in the vitrified blastocyst group compared with the slow-frozen cleavage stage group (adjusted odds ratio, aOR [95% CI], 1.33 [1.09-1.62]). No significant differences were observed for LBW (<2500 g), SGA, macrosomia (≥4500 g) and LGA when comparing the vitrified blastocyst with the slow-frozen cleavage stage group. For maternal outcomes, no significant difference was seen in the risk of HDP, placenta previa, placental abruption and PPH in the vitrified blastocyst versus the slow frozen cleavage stage group, although the precision was limited.When comparing vitrified and fresh blastocysts, we found higher risks of macrosomia (≥4500 g) aOR 1.77 [1.35-2.31] and LGA aOR 1.48 [1.18-1.84]. Further, the risks of HDP aOR 1.47 [1.19-1.81] and PPH aOR 1.68 [1.39-2.03] were higher in singletons born after vitrified compared with fresh blastocyst transfer while the risks of SGA aOR 0.58 [0.44-0.78] and placenta previa aOR 0.35 [0.25-0.48] were lower. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Since vitrification was introduced simultaneously with blastocyst transfer in Sweden and Denmark, it was not possible to explore the effect of vitrification per se in this study. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The results from the change of strategy to vitrification of blastocysts are reassuring, indicating that the freezing technique per se has no major influence on the perinatal and maternal outcomes. The higher risk of PTB may be related to the extended embryo culture rather than vitrification. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study is part of the ReproUnion Collaborative study, co-financed by the European Union, Interreg V ÖKS. The study was also financed by grants from the Swedish state under the agreement between the Swedish government and the county councils, the ALF agreement (LUA/ALF 70940), Hjalmar Svensson Research Foundation and NordForsk (project 71 450). There are no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN11780826.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Ginström Ernstad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, East Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anne Lærke Spangmose
- The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Signe Opdahl
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Liv Bente Romundstad
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Aila Tiitinen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mika Gissler
- THL, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulla-Britt Wennerholm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, East Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anja Pinborg
- The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christina Bergh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sara Sofia Malchau
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, East Hospital, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Bartolucci AF, Peluso JJ. Necessity is the mother of invention and the evolutionary force driving the success of in vitro fertilization. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:255-273. [PMID: 32975285 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa175] [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: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last few decades, millions of healthy children have been born with the aid of in vitro fertilization (IVF). This success belies the fact that IVF treatment is comprised of a complex series of interventions starting with a customized control ovarian stimulation protocol. This is followed by the induction of oocyte maturation, the retrieval of mature oocytes and in vitro fertilization, which often involves the microinjection of a single sperm into the oocyte. After fertilization, the resulting embryos are cultured for up to 7 days. The best embryos are transferred into the uterus where the embryo implants and hopefully develops into a healthy child. However, frequently the best embryos are biopsied and frozen. The biopsied cells are analyzed to identify those embryos without chromosomal abnormalities. These embryos are eventually thawed and transferred with pregnancy rates as good if not better than embryos that are not biopsied and transferred in a fresh cycle. Thus, IVF treatment requires the coordinated efforts of physicians, nurses, molecular biologists and embryologists to conduct each of these multifaceted phases in a seamless and flawless manner. Even though complex, IVF treatment may seem routine today, but it was not always the case. In this review the evolution of human IVF is presented as a series of innovations that resolved a technical hurdle in one component of IVF while creating challenges that eventually lead to the next major advancement. This step-by-step evolution in the treatment of human infertility is recounted in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison F Bartolucci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Connecticut Health Center.,The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - John J Peluso
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Connecticut Health Center.,Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
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17
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Pietrowski D, Mladek R, Frank M, Erber J, Marschalek J, Schneeberger C. Analyses of human granulosa cell vitality by fluorescence activated cell sorting after rapid cooling. HUM FERTIL 2020; 25:478-486. [PMID: 32914641 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2020.1817578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In reproductive medicine, the technique of rapid cooling becomes increasingly important for the preservation of tissue and cells. In order to protect the cells, incubation in different cryopreservation solutions is essential. The speed of the cooling process also makes a pivotal contribution to the success of this method. Using Flourescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS), we investigated the impact of an open rapid and a closed rapid cooling technique on the vitality of human granulosa cells. Furthermore, we examined effects of the different solutions used for rapid cooling and warming before and after rapid cooling. We found a significant lower proportion of vital cells after rapid cooling compared to untreated controls independently of the technique and the tube size. However, we did not find any significant differences between open and closed rapid cooling. In both, a lower proportion of vital granulosa cells were found after incubation in rapid cooling solution only compared to warming solution only. Our results lend support to the conclusion that the difference of cooling-speed between open and closed rapid cooling is, in our settings, not crucial for the success of the procedure and that cryoprotective agents in the rapid cooling solutions have a higher potential to cause severe cell damage than agents used for warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Detlef Pietrowski
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Raphaela Mladek
- FH Campus Wien, University of Applied Science, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Frank
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Erber
- Faculty of Life Science, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julian Marschalek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Sciorio R, Esteves SC. Clinical utility of freeze-all approach in ART treatment: A mini-review. Cryobiology 2019; 92:9-14. [PMID: 31770530 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2019.11.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
A significant proportion of couples at reproductive age rely on assisted reproductive technology to overcome infertility. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) involves typically the use of exogenous gonadotropins to stimulate the ovary to produce oocytes, which are collected surgically. After fertilization by conventional IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), embryos are cultured in the embryology laboratory for a few days before being replaced into the uterus (fresh embryo transfer). Spare embryos can be vitrified and stored in liquid nitrogen to be transferred in a subsequent cycle. Over the years, concerns have arisen about possible adverse outcomes of transferring embryos back to the uterus immediately after controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) as regards to obstetrical and perinatal outcomes. It has been suggested that high hormonal levels during COS could create a relatively hostile environment for embryo implantation whilst increasing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). With the remarkable improvement of vitrification as an alternative to the slow-freezing technique for human embryos, a new strategy the so-called "freeze-all" (FA) or "elective frozen embryo transfer" (eFET) was introduced. This approach involves COS, followed by the elective cryopreservation of the entire cohort of viable embryos to be transferred to the uterus in subsequent cycles in a possibly more physiological environment, thus avoiding the supra-physiologic hormonal levels observed during COS. The initial reports suggested that this policy could lead to improved pregnancy rates and reduced perinatal complications, which resulted in a steady increase and widespread use of FA globally. However, as data accumulated, it became clear that the use of FA to unselected couples undergoing ART offered no additional benefits over the conventional approach. Nonetheless, current evidence based on randomized controlled trials and observational studies indicates that FA might be justified in selected clinical scenarios, such as those involving the risk of OHSS. By contrast, there is a lack of evidence to support the FA policy for other indications, such as implantation failure or high progesterone levels on the trigger day. This review summarizes the clinical effectiveness of FA with the main focus on the health of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH164SA, UK.
| | - Sandro C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas, Brazil; Department of Surgery (Division of Urology), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil; Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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DATTA ANUPAM, MAJUMDER AC, BAG SADHAN, DAS SUKANTA, CHHETRI RAJNI. Evaluation of cryopreservation efficiency on embryo growth after exposing them in intracellular cryoprotectant ethylene glycol or glycerol and replacing them by trehalose. THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v88i11.85026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The present study was conducted to see whether toxicity could be reduced by replacing some of the penetrating cryoprotectant (intracellular cryoprotectant) with a disaccharide as well as finding out the optimum equilibration time in a vitrification solution before rapid cooling. Goat ovaries (1,685) were aspirated and 1,761 culturable oocytes (COC) were recovered. The recovered COCs were matured in maturation medium and evaluated on the basis of cumulus expansion. The matured oocytes were coincubated with fresh semen capacitated in TALP media, for 18 h. The inseminated oocytes were further cultured in mSOF for in vitro embryo development. The cleavage rate was 11.76% and the development rate of embryos to 4–8 and 8–16 cells morulae was 55.6% and 42.4%, respectively. In vitro produced goat embryos (132), 4–16 cell stages, were used for cryopreservation using different protocols. In protocol- 1, 2, 3 and 4, there was no survivability of embryos. In protocol- 5, 6, 7 and 8, the survivability of embryo after freezing was 10, 25, 35.7 and 72.2%, respectively. In protocol- 8, the percentage of live embryos was significantly higher than other protocols. Also it was found that the survivability rate of embryos in protocol 6 and 7 were significantly higher as compared to protocol 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. However, non-significant differences were found among protocol 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, and between 6 and 7. From our results, it can be concluded that cryopreservation using 20% ethylene glycol and 0.9 M trehalose for 30 min gives significantly higher post thaw (72.2%) survivability of embryos.
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20
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Comparison of cryosurvival and spermatogenesis efficiency of cryopreserved neonatal mouse testicular tissue between three vitrification protocols and controlled-rate freezing. Cryobiology 2018; 84:4-9. [PMID: 30195700 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Grafting of cryopreserved testicular tissue is a promising tool for fertility and testicular function preservation in endangered species, mutant animals, or cancer patients for future use. In this study, we aimed to improve the whole neonatal mouse testicular tissue cryopreservation protocols by comparing cryosurvival, spermatogenesis, and androgen production of grafted testicular tissue after cryopreservation with three different vitrification protocols and an automated computed controlled-rate freezing. Whole neonatal mouse testes were vitrified with various vitrification solutions (V1) 40% EG + 18% Ficoll + 0.35 M Sucrose, (V2) DAP 213 (2 M DMSO + 1 M Acetamid + 3 M PG), or (V3) 15% EG + 15% PG + 0.5 M Sucrose (total solute concentration V1:74.34%, V2:44.0%, and V3:49.22% wt/vol). Alternatively, neonatal testicular tissue was also frozen in 0.7 M DMSO +5% fetal bovine serum using controlled-rate freezing and compared to fresh grafted testicular tissue, sham grafted controls, and the vitrification protocol groups. Fresh (n = 4) and frozen-thawed (n = 4) testes tissues were grafted onto the flank of castrated male NCr Nude recipient mouse. The grafts were harvested after three months. Fresh or frozen-thawed grafts with controlled-rate freezing had the highest rate of tissue survival compared to other vitrified protocols after harvesting (p < 0.05). Both controlled-rate freezing and V1 protocol groups displayed the most advanced stages of spermatogenesis with elongated spermatids and spermatozoa in 17.6 ± 1.3% and 16.3 ± 1.9% of seminiferous tubules based on histopathological evaluation, respectively. Hosts of the testicular graft from controlled-rate freezing had higher levels of serum testosterone compared to all other vitrified-thawed graft groups (p < 0.05). This study shows that completed spermatogenesis from whole neonatal mouse testes were obtained when frozen with controlled-rate freezing and V1 vitrification solution and that testicular cryopreservation efficacy vary with the protocol and vitrification technique.
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Inna N, Sanmee U, Saeng-Anan U, Piromlertamorn W, Vutyavanich T. Rapid freezing versus Cryotop vitrification of mouse two-cell embryos. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2018; 45:110-115. [PMID: 30202740 PMCID: PMC6125146 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2018.45.3.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To compare our in-house method of embryo freezing with Cryotop vitrification in terms of immediate survival, subsequent cleavage and blastocyst formation, and cell numbers in blastocysts. Methods Two-cell mouse embryos were randomly allocated into three groups: a non-frozen control group (group 1, n=300), a group that underwent Cryotop vitrification (group 2, n=300), and a group that underwent our in-house freezing method (group 3, n=300). Results There were no significant differences between groups 2 and 3 in the immediate survival rate (96.3% vs. 98.6%, respectively; p=0.085), the further cleavage rate (91.7% vs. 95.0%, respectively; p=0.099), or the blastocyst formation rate (80.7% vs. 78.6%, respectively; p=0.437). The cell numbers in the blastocysts from groups 1, 2, and 3 were comparable (88.99±10.44, 88.29±14.79, and 86.42±15.23, respectively; p=0.228). However, the percentage of good-quality blastocysts in the Cryotop vitrification group was significantly higher than in the group in which our in-house method was performed, but was lower than in the control group (58.0%, 37.0%, and 82.7%, respectively; p<0.001). Conclusion At present, our method is inferior to the commercial Cryotop vitrification system. However, with further improvements, it has the potential to be useful in routine practice, as it is easier to perform than the current vitrification system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namfon Inna
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Usanee Sanmee
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Ubol Saeng-Anan
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Waraporn Piromlertamorn
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Teraporn Vutyavanich
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Fisch B, Abir R. Female fertility preservation: past, present and future. Reproduction 2018; 156:F11-F27. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Anti-cancer therapy, particularly chemotherapy, damages ovarian follicles and promotes ovarian failure. The only pharmacological means for protecting the ovaries from chemotherapy-induced injury is gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist, but its efficiency remains controversial; ovarian transposition is used to shield the ovary from radiation when indicated. Until the late 1990s, the only option for fertility preservation and restoration in women with cancer was embryo cryopreservation. The development of other assisted reproductive technologies such as mature oocyte cryopreservation andin vitromaturation of oocytes has contributed to fertility preservation. Treatment regimens to obtain mature oocytes/embryos have been modified to overcome various limitations of conventional ovarian stimulation protocols. In the last decades, several centres have begun cryopreserving ovarian samples containing primordial follicles from young patients before anti-cancer therapy. The first live birth following implantation of cryopreserved-thawed ovarian tissue was reported in 2004; since then, the number has risen to more than 130. Nowadays, ovarian tissue cryopreservation can be combined within vitromaturation and vitrification of oocytes. The use of cryopreserved oocytes eliminates the risk posed by ovarian implantation of reseeding the cancer. Novel methods for enhancing follicular survival after implantation are presently being studied. In addition, researchers are currently investigating agents for ovarian protection. It is expected that the risk of reimplantation of malignant cells with ovarian grafts will be overcome with the putative development of an artificial ovary and an efficient follicle class- and species-dependentin vitrosystem for culturing primordial follicles.
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23
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Seki S, Basaki K, Komatsu Y, Fukuda Y, Yano M, Matsuo Y, Obata T, Matsuda Y, Nishijima K. Vitrification of one-cell mouse embryos in cryotubes. Cryobiology 2018; 81:132-137. [PMID: 29428531 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2018.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2017] [Revised: 01/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Preventing intracellular ice formation is essential to cryopreserve cells. Prevention can be achieved by converting cell water into a non-crystalline glass, that is, to vitrify. The prevailing belief is that to achieve vitrification, cells must be suspended in a solution containing a high concentration of glass-inducing solutes and cooled rapidly. In this study, we vitrified 1-cell mouse embryos and examined the effect of the cooling rate, the warming rate, and the concentration of cryoprotectant on cell survival. Embryos were vitrified in cryotubes. The vitrification solutions used were EFS20, EFS30, and EFS40, which contained ethylene glycol (20, 30 and 40% v/v, respectively), Ficoll (24%, 21%, and 18% w/v, respectively) and sucrose (0.4 0.35, and 0.3 M, respectively). A 5-μl EFS solution suspended with 1-cell embryos was placed in a cryotube. After 2 min in an EFS solution at 23 °C, embryos were vitrified by direct immersion into liquid nitrogen. The sample was warmed at 34 °C/min, 4,600 °C/min and 6,600 °C/min. With EFS40, the survival was low regardless of the warming rate. With EFS30 and EFS20, survival was also low when the warming rate was low, but increased with higher warming rates, likely due to prevention of intracellular ice formation. When 1-cell embryos were vitrified with EFS20 and warmed rapidly, almost all of the embryos developed to blastocysts in vitro. Moreover, when vitrified 1-cell embryos were transferred to recipients at the 2-cell stage, 43% of them developed to term. In conclusion, we developed a vitrification method for 1-cell mouse embryos by rapid warming using cryotubes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinsuke Seki
- Experimental Animal Division, Bioscience Education and Research Support Center, Akita University, 1-1-1 Hondo, Akita, Akita, 010-8543, Japan.
| | - Keita Basaki
- Experimental Animal Division, Bioscience Education and Research Support Center, Akita University, 1-1-1 Hondo, Akita, Akita, 010-8543, Japan
| | - Yukie Komatsu
- Experimental Animal Division, Bioscience Education and Research Support Center, Akita University, 1-1-1 Hondo, Akita, Akita, 010-8543, Japan
| | - Yasuyoshi Fukuda
- Experimental Animal Division, Bioscience Education and Research Support Center, Akita University, 1-1-1 Hondo, Akita, Akita, 010-8543, Japan
| | - Megumi Yano
- Experimental Animal Division, Bioscience Education and Research Support Center, Akita University, 1-1-1 Hondo, Akita, Akita, 010-8543, Japan
| | - Yuhei Matsuo
- Experimental Animal Division, Bioscience Education and Research Support Center, Akita University, 1-1-1 Hondo, Akita, Akita, 010-8543, Japan
| | - Takahiro Obata
- Experimental Animal Division, Bioscience Education and Research Support Center, Akita University, 1-1-1 Hondo, Akita, Akita, 010-8543, Japan
| | - Yukihisa Matsuda
- Experimental Animal Division, Bioscience Education and Research Support Center, Akita University, 1-1-1 Hondo, Akita, Akita, 010-8543, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Nishijima
- Experimental Animal Division, Bioscience Education and Research Support Center, Akita University, 1-1-1 Hondo, Akita, Akita, 010-8543, Japan
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Banker M, Kotdawala A, Gupta R. The Impact of Vitrification in Artificial Reproductive Technology Programmes. EUROPEAN MEDICAL JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.33590/emj/10312686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation is an integral part of the current methods of assisted reproductive technology (ART). In the past two decades, slow freezing has been replaced worldwide by vitrification due to its association with improved survival rates and clinical outcomes comparable to fresh embryo transfers. Successful embryo vitrification programmes have led to a significant reduction in the incidences of two major complications of ART: ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and multiple gestations. Multiple embryo transfer cycles from the single ovum aspiration cycle have had a cumulative effect on the numbers of live births. Oocyte vitrification has also helped women to delay their pregnancies for medical or social reasons. This has made oocyte banking a viable option for better synchronisation of oocyte donation programmes. The emerging field of ovarian tissue vitrification has made fertility preservation possible for women undergoing gonadotoxic therapy. In this review, we have discussed the basic principles and methodology of slow freezing and vitrification along with its need and impact on ART.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Reena Gupta
- Nova IVI Fertility, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, India
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25
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Fu X, Yan Y, Li S, Wang J, Jiang B, Wang H, Duan Y, Tan T, Gao F, Gong D, Niu Y, Ji W, Zheng B, Si W. Vitrification of Rhesus Macaque Mesenchymal Stem Cells and the Effects on Global Gene Expression. Stem Cells Int 2017; 2017:3893691. [PMID: 29204157 PMCID: PMC5674518 DOI: 10.1155/2017/3893691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are one of the most promising adult stem cells for clinical application in a cell therapy. The development of large-scale cryopreservation techniques, such as vitrification, for MSCs is a prerequisite for clinical therapies. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ethylene glycol (EG) are two types of cryoprotectants widely used for cell vitrification. However, the effects of DMSO and EG on the biological characteristics and transcriptome profiles of MSCs after cryopreservation remain unknown. In the present study, the viability, immunophenotype of cell surface markers, proliferation, differentiation potency, and global gene expression of rhesus macaque bone marrow-derived MSCs vitrified using DMSO and EG were studied. The results showed that vitrification did not affect the morphology, surface markers, and differentiation of the MSCs, and compared to DMSO, EG better protected cell viability and proliferation. Most importantly, vitrification resulted in changes in a large number of transcripts of MSCs either preserved using DMSO or EG. This report is the first to examine the effects of DMSO and EG on global gene expression in stem cells. These results will be beneficial to understanding the biological process involved in MSC vitrification and will contribute to improving cryopreservation protocols that maintain transcriptomic identity with high cryosurvival for preclinical research and clinical long-term storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xufeng Fu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- School of Medicine, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Yaping Yan
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Junfeng Wang
- Department of Hepatic and Bile Duct Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Bin Jiang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yanchao Duan
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Tao Tan
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Kunming Ennovate Institute of Bioscience, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Desheng Gong
- Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China
| | - Yuyu Niu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Kunming Ennovate Institute of Bioscience, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Weizhi Ji
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Kunming Ennovate Institute of Bioscience, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Bingrong Zheng
- School of Medicine, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Wei Si
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Kunming Ennovate Institute of Bioscience, Kunming 650500, China
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26
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Juanpanich T, Suttirojpattana T, Takayama M, Liang Y, Dochi O, Parnpai R, Imai K. Survival and developmental competence of bovine embryos at different developmental stages and separated blastomeres after vitrification in different solutions. Anim Sci J 2017; 89:42-51. [PMID: 28856787 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Generating techniques to enhance the success of blastomere separation is important for bovine economy, because it increases the number of transferable embryos. This study aimed to identify the optimum cryoprotectants for the vitrification of bovine embryos and the separation of blastomeres at different stages. In experiment 1, expanded blastocysts were vitrified in two different vitrification solutions, either (1) ethylene glycol (EG) + propylene glycol (PG) or (2) EG. The survival rate of blastocysts in the EG + PG was higher than that of the EG. In experiment 2, intact two-cell and eight-cell stage embryos were vitrified in the same solutions used in experiment 1. The EG + PG produced more dead embryos than the EG (P < 0.05). In the EG, the rate of blastocyst formation was similar for the vitrified two- and eight-cell embryos and the non-vitrified ywo-cell embryos. In experiment 3, separated blastomeres of two- and eight-cell embryos were vitrified in EG. There was no difference in the rate of blastocyst formation and total number of cells between the two vitrified groups. In summary, at the blastocyst stage, EG + PG was superior, based on both survival rates and cell numbers; however, at the 2-8 cell stage, the use of EG alone was better than the other groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theesit Juanpanich
- Embryo Technology and Stem cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.,Graduate School of Dairy Science, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Tayita Suttirojpattana
- Embryo Technology and Stem cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - Mari Takayama
- Graduate School of Dairy Science, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yuanyuan Liang
- Embryo Technology and Stem cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - Osamu Dochi
- Graduate School of Dairy Science, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Rangsun Parnpai
- Embryo Technology and Stem cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - Kei Imai
- Graduate School of Dairy Science, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Hokkaido, Japan
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27
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Risk of Contamination of Gametes and Embryos during Cryopreservation and Measures to Prevent Cross-Contamination. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:1840417. [PMID: 28890894 PMCID: PMC5584362 DOI: 10.1155/2017/1840417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 06/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The introduction and widespread application of vitrification are one of the most important achievements in human assisted reproduction techniques (ART) of the past decade despite controversy and unclarified issues, mostly related to concerns about disease transmission. Guidance documents published by US Food and Drug Administration, which focused on the safety of tissue/organ donations during Zika virus spread in 2016, as well as some reports of virus, bacteria, and fungi survival to cryogenic temperatures, highlighted the need for a review of the way how potentially infectious material is handled and stored in ART-related procedures. It was experimentally demonstrated that cross-contamination between liquid nitrogen (LN2) and embryos may occur when infectious agents are present in LN2 and oocytes/embryos are not protected by a hermetically sealed device. Thus, this review summarizes pertinent data and opinions regarding the potential hazard of infectious transmission through cryopreserved and banked reproductive cells and tissues in LN2. Special attention is given to the survival of pathogens in LN2, the risk of cross-contamination, vitrification methods, sterility of LN2, and the risks associated with the use of straws, cryovials, and storage dewars.
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28
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Ota A, Matsumura K, Lee JJ, Sumi S, Hyon SH. StemCell Keep™ Is Effective for Cryopreservation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells by Vitrification. Cell Transplant 2017; 26:773-787. [PMID: 27503846 PMCID: PMC5657710 DOI: 10.3727/096368916x692654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Safe and stable cryopreservation is critical for research involving human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a popular cryoprotective agent; however, its cytotoxicity cannot be ignored. Thus, there is a need for an alternate cryoprotectant. We reported previously that a novel cryopreservation reagent, StemCell Keep™ (SCK), was effective for cryopreserving human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) by vitrification. Because hESCs and hiPSCs are not identical, the current study examined the use of SCK on hESCs. hESCs cryopreserved with SCK were thawed and cultured on SNL 76/7 cells, which were derived from a mouse fibroblast STO cell line transformed with neomycin resistance and murine LIF genes. After cryopreservation, cultured hESCs were assessed for their attachment ability and characterized by alkaline phosphatase (AP) and immunocytochemical (ICC) staining, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and karyotyping. The proliferation of SCK-cryopreserved hESCs cultured on SNL cells, or in feeder-free conditions, was higher than that of cells preserved in a solution of 2 M DMSO, 1 M acetamide, and 3 M propylene glycol (DAP). The cell number with SCK-cryopreserved hESCs was about twice that of hESCs cryopreserved in DAP. The pluripotency of SCK-cryopreserved hESCs was similar to that of DAP-cryopreserved hESCs based on AP staining. Data from ICC, FACS, and RT-PCR analyses showed that stem cell markers were continually expressed on SCK-cryopreserved hESCs. The teratoma assay showed that SCK-cryopreserved hESCs differentiated into three germ layers. Furthermore, SCK-cryopreserved hESCs had normal karyotypes. These data indicate that SCK was effective for cryopreservation of hESCs by vitrification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akemi Ota
- Department of Medical Simulation Engineering, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Bio Verde Inc., Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Matsumura
- School of Materials Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Nomi, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Jun-Jae Lee
- Department of Medical Simulation Engineering, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shoichiro Sumi
- Department of Organ Reconstruction, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Soung-Hyu Hyon
- Department of Medical Simulation Engineering, Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Center for Fiber and Textile Science, Kyoto Institute for Technology, Kyoto, Japan
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29
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Rienzi L, Gracia C, Maggiulli R, LaBarbera AR, Kaser DJ, Ubaldi FM, Vanderpoel S, Racowsky C. Oocyte, embryo and blastocyst cryopreservation in ART: systematic review and meta-analysis comparing slow-freezing versus vitrification to produce evidence for the development of global guidance. Hum Reprod Update 2017; 23:139-155. [PMID: 27827818 PMCID: PMC5850862 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmw038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Revised: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Successful cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos is essential not only to maximize the safety and efficacy of ovarian stimulation cycles in an IVF treatment, but also to enable fertility preservation. Two cryopreservation methods are routinely used: slow-freezing or vitrification. Slow-freezing allows for freezing to occur at a sufficiently slow rate to permit adequate cellular dehydration while minimizing intracellular ice formation. Vitrification allows the solidification of the cell(s) and of the extracellular milieu into a glass-like state without the formation of ice. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The objective of our study was to provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical outcomes following slow-freezing/thawing versus vitrification/warming of oocytes and embryos and to inform the development of World Health Organization guidance on the most effective cryopreservation method. SEARCH METHODS A Medline search was performed from 1966 to 1 August 2016 using the following search terms: (Oocyte(s) [tiab] OR (Pronuclear[tiab] OR Embryo[tiab] OR Blastocyst[tiab]) AND (vitrification[tiab] OR freezing[tiab] OR freeze[tiab]) AND (pregnancy[tiab] OR birth[tiab] OR clinical[tiab]). Queries were limited to those involving humans. RCTs and cohort studies that were published in full-length were considered eligible. Each reference was reviewed for relevance and only primary evidence and relevant articles from the bibliographies of included articles were considered. References were included if they reported cryosurvival rate, clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), live-birth rate (LBR) or delivery rate for slow-frozen or vitrified human oocytes or embryos. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model to calculate relative risk ratios (RR) and 95% CI. OUTCOMES One RCT study comparing slow-freezing versus vitrification of oocytes was included. Vitrification was associated with increased ongoing CPR per cycle (RR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.05-7.51; P = 0.039; 48 and 30 cycles, respectively, per transfer (RR = 1.81, 95% CI 0.71-4.67; P = 0.214; 47 and 19 transfers) and per warmed/thawed oocyte (RR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.02-1.28; P = 0.018; 260 and 238 oocytes). One RCT comparing vitrification versus fresh oocytes was analysed. In vitrification and fresh cycles, respectively, no evidence for a difference in ongoing CPR per randomized woman (RR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.87-1.21; P = 0.744, 300 women in each group), per cycle (RR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.86-1.18; P = 0.934; 267 versus 259 cycles) and per oocyte utilized (RR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.82-1.26; P = 0.873; 3286 versus 3185 oocytes) was reported. Findings were consistent with relevant cohort studies. Of the seven RCTs on embryo cryopreservation identified, three met the inclusion criteria (638 warming/thawing cycles at cleavage and blastocyst stage), none of which involved pronuclear-stage embryos. A higher CPR per cycle was noted with embryo vitrification compared with slow-freezing, though this was of borderline statistical significance (RR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.00-3.59; P = 0.051; three RCTs; I2 = 71.9%). LBR per cycle was reported by one RCT performed with cleavage-stage embryos and was higher for vitrification (RR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.17-4.44; P = 0.016; 216 cycles; one RCT). A secondary analysis was performed focusing on embryo cryosurvival rate. Pooled data from seven RCTs (3615 embryos) revealed a significant improvement in embryo cryosurvival following vitrification as compared with slow-freezing (RR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.30-1.93; P < 0.001; I2 = 93%). WIDER IMPLICATIONS Data from available RCTs suggest that vitrification/warming is superior to slow-freezing/thawing with regard to clinical outcomes (low quality of the evidence) and cryosurvival rates (moderate quality of the evidence) for oocytes, cleavage-stage embryos and blastocysts. The results were confirmed by cohort studies. The improvements obtained with the introduction of vitrification have several important clinical implications in ART. Based on this evidence, in particular regarding cryosurvival rates, laboratories that continue to use slow-freezing should consider transitioning to the use of vitrification for cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rienzi
- GENERA Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Clinica Valle Giulia, via de Notaris 2b, Rome, Italy
| | - Clarisa Gracia
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Roberta Maggiulli
- GENERA Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Clinica Valle Giulia, via de Notaris 2b, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Daniel J. Kaser
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Filippo M. Ubaldi
- GENERA Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Clinica Valle Giulia, via de Notaris 2b, Rome, Italy
| | - Sheryl Vanderpoel
- HRP (the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction), Geneva, Switzerland(at the time of the study)
- Population Council, Reproductive Health Programme, New York, USA
| | - Catherine Racowsky
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Time-lapse embryo imaging and morphokinetic profiling: Towards a general characterisation of embryogenesis. Anim Reprod Sci 2016; 174:2-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2016.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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31
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Mandawala A, Harvey S, Roy T, Fowler K. Cryopreservation of animal oocytes and embryos: Current progress and future prospects. Theriogenology 2016; 86:1637-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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32
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Zheng Y, Zhao G, Panhwar F, He X. Vitreous Cryopreservation of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells with Low Concentration of Cryoprotective Agents for Vascular Tissue Engineering. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2016; 22:964-973. [PMID: 27673413 PMCID: PMC5079420 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2016.0335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) is important to tissue engineering applications and the study of the role of endothelial cells in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The traditional methods for cryopreservation by vitrification (cooling samples to a cryogenic temperature without apparent freezing) using high concentration of cryoprotective agents (CPAs) and slow freezing are suboptimal due to the severe toxicity of high concentration of CPAs and ice formation-induced cryoinjuries, respectively. In this study, we developed a method to cryopreserve HUVECs by vitrification with low concentration of CPAs. This is achieved by optimizing the CPAs and using highly thermally conductive quartz capillary (QC) to contain samples for vitrification. The latter minimizes the thermal mass to create ultra-fast cooling/warming rates. Our data demonstrate that HUVECs can be vitrified in the QC using 1.4 mol/L ethylene glycol and 1.1 mol/L dimethyl sulfoxide with more than 90% viability. Moreover, this method significantly improves the attachment efficiency of the cryopreserved HUVECs. The attached cells post-cryopreservation proliferate similarly to fresh cells. Therefore, this study may provide an effective vitrification technique to bank HUVECs for vascular tissue engineering and other applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Zheng
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Electronic Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Electronic Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center for Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Fazil Panhwar
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Electronic Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoming He
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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33
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Artificial shrinkage of blastocoel using a laser pulse prior to vitrification improves clinical outcome. J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 33:467-71. [PMID: 26843389 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0662-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Blastocysts contain a large amount of fluid in the blastocoel, which may pose a risk for ice crystal formation during vitrification. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of laser-induced artificial shrinkage of blastocoel before vitrification on clinical outcome. METHODS Patients were divided into two groups: a control group with untreated, expanded blastocysts (n = 115) and a study group with blastocoel artificially eliminated by a laser pulse prior to vitrification (n = 309). Blastocyst survival, clinical pregnancy, and implantation rates were compared. RESULT(S) The survival rate was significantly higher in the study group compared with the control group (97.3 and 74.9 %, respectively; p > 0.01). The clinical pregnancy and implantation rates of the study group were significantly higher (p < 0.01) than that of the control group (clinical pregnancy, 67.2 vs. 41.1 %; implantation, 39.1 vs. 24.5 %. CONCLUSION(S) This study demonstrated that the removal of blastocoel fluid before vitrification by laser pulse of in vitro-produced human blastocysts significantly improves blastocyst survival, clinical pregnancy, and implantation rates.
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Biobanking: An Important Resource for Precision Medicine in Glioblastoma. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 951:47-56. [PMID: 27837553 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-45457-3_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The Cancer Genome Atlas effort has generated significant interest in a new paradigm shift in tumor tissue analysis, patient diagnosis and subsequent treatment decision. Findings have highlighted the limitation of sole reliance on histology, which can be confounded by inter-observer variability. Such studies demonstrate that histologically similar grade IV brain tumors can be divided into four molecular subtypes based on gene expression, with each subtype demonstrating unique genomic aberrations and clinical outcome. These advances indicate that curative therapeutic strategies must now take into account the molecular information in tumor tissue, with the goal of identifying molecularly stratified patients that will most likely to receive treatment benefit from targeted therapy. This in turn spares non-responders from chemotherapeutic side effects and financial costs. In advancing clinical stage drug candidates, the banking of brain tumor tissue necessitates the acquisition of not just tumor tissue with clinical history and robust follow-up, but also high quality molecular information such as somatic mutation, transcriptomic and DNA methylation profiles which have been shown to predict patient survival independent of current clinical indicators. Additionally, the derivation of cell lines from such tumor tissue facilitates the development of clinically relevant patient-derived xenograft mouse models that can prospectively reform the tumor for further studies, yet have retrospective clinical history to associate bench and in vivo findings with clinical data. This represents a core capability of Precision Medicine where the focus is on understanding inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity so as to best tailor therapies that will result in improved treatment outcomes.
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[Vitrification: Principles and results]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 44:485-95. [PMID: 25869444 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgyn.2015.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Sperm and embryos cryopreservation is a commonly applied technique for several years. Recently authorized in France, vitrification tends to replace gradually the conventional technique of slow freezing, so upsetting the practices in the management of patients. It allows from now on the cryopreservation of oocytes and opens new perspectives in egg donation either still in fertility preservation. This review thus attempted to examine the contribution of vitrification in the freezing of oocytes and human embryos at various stages of development. If obviously vitrification appears as the current method of choice for the cryopreservation of oocytes as well as blastocysts, the results are less cut as regards embryos to early stages. No increase in adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes in children conceived from vitrified oocytes or embryos is noted in the literature.
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Eto T, Takahashi R, Kamisako T. Strain preservation of experimental animals: vitrification of two-cell stage embryos for multiple mouse strains. Cryobiology 2015; 70:150-5. [PMID: 25661709 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2015.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Strain preservation of experimental animals is crucial for experimental reproducibility. Maintaining complete animal strains, however, is costly and there is a risk for genetic mutations as well as complete loss due to disasters or illness. Therefore, the development of effective vitrification techniques for cryopreservation of multiple experimental animal strains is important. We examined whether a vitrification method using cryoprotectant solutions, P10 and PEPeS, is suitable for preservation of multiple inbred and outbred mouse strains. First, we investigated whether our vitrification method using cryoprotectant solutions was suitable for two-cell stage mouse embryos. In vitro development of embryos exposed to the cryoprotectant solutions was similar to that of fresh controls. Further, the survival rate of the vitrified embryos was extremely high (98.1%). Next, we collected and vitrified two-cell stage embryos of 14 mouse strains. The average number of embryos obtained from one female was 7.3-33.3. The survival rate of vitrified embryos ranged from 92.8% to 99.1%, with no significant differences among mouse strains. In vivo development did not differ significantly between fresh controls and vitrified embryos of each strain. For strain preservation using cryopreserved embryos, two offspring for inbred lines and one offspring for outbred lines must be produced from two-cell stage embryos collected from one female. The expected number of surviving fetuses obtained from embryos collected from one female of either the inbred or outbred strains ranged from 2.9 to 19.5. The findings of the present study indicated that this vitrification method is suitable for strain preservation of multiple mouse strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoo Eto
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals, 3-25-12 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan.
| | - Riichi Takahashi
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals, 3-25-12 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Kamisako
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals, 3-25-12 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
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Chen JY, Li XX, Xu YK, Wu H, Zheng JJ, Yu XL. Developmental competence and gene expression of immature oocytes following liquid helium vitrification in bovine. Cryobiology 2014; 69:428-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2014.09.380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Revised: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Eto T, Takahashi R, Kamisako T, Hioki K, Sotomaru Y. A study on cryoprotectant solution suitable for vitrification of rat two-cell stage embryos. Cryobiology 2014; 68:147-51. [PMID: 24462541 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2014.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2013] [Revised: 09/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The present study was performed to develop a suitable cryoprotectant solution for cryopreservation of rat two-cell stage embryos. First, we examined the cell permeability of several cryoprotectants; propylene glycol had the fastest permeability compared to dimethyl sulfoxide, ethylene glycol, and glycerol. Embryos were then exposed to a solution containing propylene glycol to evaluate its effects on fetal development. As the development was similar to that of fresh embryos, P10 (10% v/v propylene glycol in PB1) was used as a pretreatment solution. Next, the effects of the vitrification solution components (sucrose, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, and Percoll) were examined by observing the vitrification status; 10% v/v propylene glycol, 30% v/v ethylene glycol, 0.3 mol sucrose, and 20% v/v Percoll in PB1 (PEPeS) was the minimum essential concentration for effective vitrification without the formation of ice crystals or freeze fractures. A new vitrification method using P10 and PEPeS was tested using rat embryos. The survival rate of vitrified embryos after exposure to P10 for 120, 300, or 600 s ranged from 95.9% to 98.3%. The fetal developmental rate ranged from 57.7% to 65.2%, which was not significantly different from that of fresh embryos. The experimental results indicated that vitrification using a combination of P10 and PEPeS was suitable for cryopreservation of rat early stage embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoo Eto
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan.
| | | | - Tsutomu Kamisako
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Kyoji Hioki
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sotomaru
- Natural Science Center for Basic Research and Development, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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Youssry M, Orief Y, Palapelas V, Al-Hasani S. Embryo cryopreservation: is vitrification ready to replace slow freezing? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1586/17474108.3.4.455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Vajta G, Reichart A, Ubaldi F, Rienzi L. From a backup technology to a strategy-outlining approach: the success story of cryopreservation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1586/eog.12.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Sugiyama R, Nakagawa K, Nishi Y, Ojiro Y, Juen H, Sugiyama R, Kuribayashi Y. Using a mild stimulation protocol combined with clomiphene citrate and recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone to determine the optimal number of oocytes needed to achieve pregnancy and reduce the concerns of patients. Reprod Med Biol 2013; 12:105-110. [PMID: 29699137 PMCID: PMC5907126 DOI: 10.1007/s12522-013-0148-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2013] [Accepted: 04/01/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate how many oocytes are needed to achieve an adequate pregnancy rate per 1 oocyte retrieval cycle in mild ovarian stimulation. METHODS This protocol consisted of clomiphene citrate and recombinant-follicle-stimulating hormone injection without a gonadotropin-releasing hormone-antagonist. From January 2009 through December 2010, there were 1,227 women who underwent assisted reproductive technologies treatment with mild stimulation at the Sugiyama Clinic. The overall pregnancy rate per single oocyte retrieval cycle was evaluated using both fresh and cryopreserved-and-thawed embryos according to the retrieved oocyte number. RESULTS According to the retrieved oocyte number, a total of 1,227 cycles were divided into 4 groups: group A (the oocyte number <4; 433 cycles), group B (the oocyte number = 4, 5; 317 cycles), group C (the oocyte number = 6, 7; 206 cycles), and group D (the oocyte number ≥8; 271 cycles). The overall pregnancy rates for groups A, B, C, and D were 22.2, 42.9, 52.4, and 56.0 %, respectively, the rates for groups C and D were significantly higher than that for group A (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The optimal number of retrieved oocytes proved to be between 6 and 7 for the patients who received our milder stimulation protocol and experienced no reduction in their overall pregnancy rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikikazu Sugiyama
- Division of Reproductive MedicineSugiyama Clinic1‐53‐1 Ohara, Setagaya‐ku156‐0041TokyoJapan
| | - Koji Nakagawa
- Division of Reproductive MedicineSugiyama Clinic1‐53‐1 Ohara, Setagaya‐ku156‐0041TokyoJapan
| | - Yayoi Nishi
- Division of Reproductive MedicineSugiyama Clinic1‐53‐1 Ohara, Setagaya‐ku156‐0041TokyoJapan
| | - Yuko Ojiro
- Division of Reproductive MedicineSugiyama Clinic1‐53‐1 Ohara, Setagaya‐ku156‐0041TokyoJapan
| | - Hiroyasu Juen
- Division of Reproductive MedicineSugiyama Clinic1‐53‐1 Ohara, Setagaya‐ku156‐0041TokyoJapan
| | - Rie Sugiyama
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and EndoscopySugiyama Clinic Marunouchi1‐6‐2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda‐ku100‐0005TokyoJapan
| | - Yasushi Kuribayashi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and EndoscopySugiyama Clinic Marunouchi1‐6‐2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda‐ku100‐0005TokyoJapan
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Malajczuk CJ, Hughes ZE, Mancera RL. Molecular dynamics simulations of the interactions of DMSO, mono- and polyhydroxylated cryosolvents with a hydrated phospholipid bilayer. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2013; 1828:2041-55. [PMID: 23707690 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2013.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Revised: 04/19/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have been used to investigate the interactions of a variety of hydroxylated cryosolvents (glycerol, propylene glycol and ethylene glycol), methanol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in aqueous solution with a 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) bilayer in its fluid phase at 323K. Each cryosolvent induced lateral expansion of the membrane leading to thinning of the bilayer and resulting in disordering of the lipid hydrocarbon chains. Propylene glycol and DMSO were observed to exhibit a greater disordering effect on the structure of the membrane than the other three alcohols. Closer examination exposed a number of effects on the lipid bilayer as a function of the molecular size and hydrogen bonding capacity of the cryosolvents. Analyses of hydrogen bonds revealed that increased concentrations of the polyhydroxylated cryosolvents induced the formation of a cross-linked cryosolvent layer across the surface of the membrane bilayer. This effect was most pronounced for glycerol at sufficiently high concentrations, which displayed a comparatively enhanced capacity to induce cross-linking of lipid headgroups resulting in the formation of extensive hydrogen bonding bridges and the promotion of a dense cryosolvent layer across the phospholipid bilayer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris J Malajczuk
- Western Australian Biomedical Research Institute, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, P.O. Box U1987, Perth WA 6845, Australia
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Bian J, Li T, Ding C, Xin W, Zhu B, Zhou C. Vitreous cryopreservation of human preantral follicles encapsulated in alginate beads with mini mesh cups. J Reprod Dev 2013; 59:288-95. [PMID: 23485957 PMCID: PMC3934133 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2012-157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To completely avoid ice crystal formation and thus get a higher survival rate,
vitrification methods have been commonly used for cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos.
However, currently used vitrification methods for oocytes and embryos are not suitable for
the cryopreservation of preantral follicles (PFs). In the present study, stainless steel
mesh was fabricated into mini mesh cups to vitrify isolated PFs. Moreover, isolated
follicles were encapsulated and then subjected to vitreous cryopreservation to facilitate
in vitro culture/maturation of follicles after warming. The results
showed that the percentages of viable follicles did not differ significantly between the
vitrification group and fresh group soon after warming (81.25% vs.
85.29%, P>0.05) and after a 7-day culture period (77.78% vs. 83.33%,
P>0.05). No difference in mean follicular diameter was observed between cryopreserved
and fresh follicles when cultured in vitro. Transmission electron
microscopic analysis revealed that vitreous cryopreservation could maintain the
ultrastructure of follicles in alginate beads. In conclusion, the present vitrification
method could efficiently cryopreserve isolated human ovarian follicles encapsulated by
calcium alginate, which could be put into immediate use (in vitro
culture/ maturation) after warming. However, more follicles and some detailed biochemical
analyses are required to further investigate the effects of vitrification on the long-term
growth of human encapsulated PFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Bian
- Reproductive Medicine Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
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The effect of vitrification on maturation and viability capacities of immature human oocytes. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2013; 288:439-44. [PMID: 23467795 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-013-2777-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2012] [Accepted: 02/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 15 % of oocytes collected from Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) cycles are immature. These oocytes may be matured following in vitro maturation (IVM) program. It is possible to cryopreserve the immature oocytes for further use in ART after application of IVM. OBJECTIVE The aim was to determine the maturation rate and viability of human oocytes that were matured in vitro after vitrification program. MATERIALS AND METHODS 63 women (19-43 years old) who underwent controlled ovarian stimulation for ART were included in this study. 53 immature oocytes were used for fresh group (fIVM) and 50 immature oocytes for vitrification group (vIVM). The maturation medium was Ham's F10 supplemented with 0.75 IU FSH, 0.75 IU LH and 40 % human follicular fluid (HFF). After 36 h, maturation and morphology of all oocytes were assessed. Also, the oocyte viability was assessed using PI/Hoechst immunostaining technique. RESULTS The maturation rates were reduced in vIVM group (56.0 %) in comparison to fIVM group (88.7 %; P < 0.001). Oocyte viability rate were also reduced in vIVM group (56.0 %) in comparison to fIVM (86.8 %, P < 0.007). CONCLUSIONS Cryopreservation via vitrification reduced both the maturation capacity and viability of human oocytes in IVM technology. It is, therefore, recommended to apply IVM on fresh immature oocytes, instead.
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Matsuo K, Takahashi T, Igarashi H, Hara S, Amita M, Kurachi H. Effects of Different Trehalose Concentrations in a Warming Medium on Embryo Survival and Clinical Outcomes in Vitrified Human Embryos. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2013; 76:214-20. [DOI: 10.1159/000355318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Wang HY, Li YH, Sun L, Gao X, You L, Wang Y, Ma JL, Chen ZJ. Allotransplantation of cryopreserved prepubertal mouse ovaries restored puberty and fertility without affecting methylation profile of Snrpn-DMR. Fertil Steril 2012; 99:241-247.e4. [PMID: 22981174 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2012] [Revised: 08/15/2012] [Accepted: 08/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the genetic safety of vitrification on the methylation imprints and the development and fertility potential of prepubertal mouse ovaries. DESIGN Experimental animal study. SETTING University-based fertility center. ANIMAL(S) Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) 10-day-old female mice, 10-week-old adult female mice, and 12-week-old adult male mice. INTERVENTION(S) Vitrification of juvenile mouse ovaries was performed using ED20 and EG5.5/30 solutions followed by retrieval of fresh and vitrified-warmed germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes for Snrpn differentially methylated regions (DMR) methylation analyses, collection of mature oocytes from superovulated ovarian grafts, in vitro fertility(IVF), and early embryonic development after heterotopic allotransplantation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Analysis of methylation status of Snrpn-DMR, percentage of fertilization, and blastocysts formation. RESULT(S) Methylation status of Snrpn-DMR from vitrified-warmed GV oocytes did not show significant alteration compared with that of controls, although a significant reduction of viable oocytes was observed. Puberty as well as endocrine function was restored, and no significant difference was shown in number of follicles, percentage of mice retaining fertility, and blastocyst formation among three groups. CONCLUSION(S) Our study proved that vitrification of prepubertal mouse ovaries did not alter the methylation profile of Snrpn-DMR and subsequent allotransplantation; IVF could restore the development and fertility potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yan Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Key Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ningxia Medical University and Ministry of Education of China, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun-Hong Li
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ningxia Medical University and Ministry of Education of China, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Sun
- Research Center of Developmental Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuan Gao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Key Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Li You
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Key Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ningxia Medical University and Ministry of Education of China, Yinchuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Long Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Key Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi-Jiang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Key Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China.
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Tavukcuoglu S, Al-Azawi T, Khaki AA, Al-Hasani S. Is vitrification standard method of cryopreservation. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mefs.2012.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
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Vitrification of oocytes, embryos and blastocysts. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2012; 26:789-803. [PMID: 22940094 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2012.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2012] [Revised: 05/08/2012] [Accepted: 07/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In assisted reproductive technology, cryopreservation of human oocytes and embryos has been significantly improved by refined slow-cooling and the new vitrification method. The slow-cooling method requires a programmed cryo-machine, and usually takes several hours. It is, however, difficult to eliminate injuries resulting from ice formation completely. Vitrification has become a reliable strategy because it is simple, can lead to high survival rates and viability, and has better clinical outcome. Vitrification transforms cells into an amorphous glassy state inside and outside the vitrified cell with ultra-rapid cooling and warming steps by plunging the oocytes and embryos into liquid nitrogen, instead of ice-crystal formation. Over the past decade, several advances in vitrification technologies have improved clinical efficiency and outcome. In this chapter, we focus on vitrification technologies for cryopreservation in human assisted reproductive technology.
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Matsunari H, Maehara M, Nakano K, Ikezawa Y, Hagiwara Y, Sasayama N, Shirasu A, Ohta H, Takahashi M, Nagashima H. Hollow fiber vitrification: a novel method for vitrifying multiple embryos in a single device. J Reprod Dev 2012; 58:599-608. [PMID: 22785381 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2011-051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Current embryo vitrification methods with proven efficacy are based on the minimum volume cooling (MVC) concept by which embryos are vitrified and rewarmed ultrarapidly in a very small amount of cryopreserving solution to ensure the high viability of the embryos. However, these methods are not suitable for simultaneously vitrifying a large number of embryos. Here, we describe a novel vitrification method based on use of a hollow fiber device, which can easily hold as many as 40 mouse or 20 porcine embryos in less than 0.1 μl of solution. Survival rates of up to 100% were obtained for mouse embryos vitrified in the presence of 15% DMSO, 15% ethylene glycol and 0.5 M sucrose using the hollow fiber vitrification (HFV) method, regardless of the developmental stage of the embryos (1-cell, 2-cell, morula or blastocyst; n = 50/group). The HFV method was also proven to be effective for vitrifying porcine in vitro- and in vivo-derived embryos that are known to be highly cryosensitive. For porcine embryos, the blastocyst formation rate of in vitro maturation (IVM)-derived parthenogenetic morulae after vitrification (48/65, 73.8%) did not decrease significantly compared with non-vitrified embryos (59/65, 90.8%). Transfer of 72 in vivo-derived embryos vitrified at the morula/early blastocyst stages to 3 recipients gave rise to 29 (40.3%) piglets. These data demonstrate that the HFV method enables simultaneous vitrification of multiple embryos while still adhering to the MVC concept, and this new method is very effective for cryopreserving embryos of mice and pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitomi Matsunari
- Laboratory of Developmental Engineering, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kawasaki 214-8571, Japan
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Edgar DH, Gook DA. A critical appraisal of cryopreservation (slow cooling versus vitrification) of human oocytes and embryos. Hum Reprod Update 2012; 18:536-54. [PMID: 22537859 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dms016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitrification is now a commonly applied technique for cryopreservation in assisted reproductive technology (ART) replacing, in many cases, conventional slow cooling methodology. This review examines evidence relevant to comparison of the two approaches applied to human oocytes and embryos at different developmental stages. METHODS Critical review of the published literature using PubMed with particular emphasis on studies which include data on survival and implantation rates, data from fresh control groups and evaluation of the two approaches in a single setting. RESULTS Slow cooling is associated with lower survival rates and compromised development relative to vitrification when applied to metaphase II (MII) oocytes, although the vitrification results have predominantly been obtained using direct contact with liquid nitrogen and there is some evidence that optimal protocols for slow cooling of MII oocytes are yet to be established. There are no prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which support the use of either technique with pronuclear oocytes although vitrification has become the method of choice. Optimal slow cooling, using modifications of traditional methodology, and vitrification can result in high survival rates of early embryos, which implant at the same rate as equivalent fresh counterparts. Many studies report high survival and implantation rates following vitrification of blastocysts. Although slow cooling of blastocysts has been reported to be inferior in some studies, others comparing the two approaches in the same clinical setting have demonstrated comparable results. The variation in the extent of embryo selection applied in studies can lead to apparent differences in clinical efficiency, which may not be significant if expressed on a 'per oocyte used' basis. CONCLUSIONS Available evidence suggests that vitrification is the current method of choice when cryopreserving MII oocytes. Early cleavage stage embryos can be cryopreserved with equal success using slow cooling and vitrification. Successful blastocyst cryopreservation may be more consistently achieved with vitrification but optimal slow cooling can produce similar results. There are key limitations associated with the available evidence base, including a paucity of RCTs, limited reporting of live birth outcomes and limited reporting of detail which would allow assessment of the impact of differences in female age. While vitrification has a clear role in ART, we support continued research to establish optimal slow cooling methods which may assist in alleviating concerns over safety issues, such as storage, transport and the use of very high cryoprotectant concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Edgar
- Reproductive Services/Melbourne IVF, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
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