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Polyakov A, Rozen G, Gyngell C, Savulescu J. Novel embryo selection strategies-finding the right balance. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2023; 5:1287621. [PMID: 38162011 PMCID: PMC10757847 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1287621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of novel technologies in the selection of embryos during in vitro fertilisation (IVF) has the potential to improve the chances of pregnancy and birth of a healthy child. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and unintended consequences that may arise from the premature implementation of these technologies. This article discusses the ethical considerations surrounding the use of novel embryo selection technologies in IVF, including the growing uptake of genetic testing and others, and argues that prioritising embryos for transfer using these technologies is acceptable, but discarding embryos based on unproven advances is not. Several historical examples are provided, which demonstrate possible harms, where the overall chance of pregnancy may have been reduced, and some patients may have missed out on biological parenthood altogether. We emphasise the need for caution and a balanced approach to ensure that the benefits of these technologies outweigh any potential harm. We also highlight the primacy of patients' autonomy in reproductive decision-making, especially when information gained by utilising novel technologies is imprecise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Polyakov
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne IVF, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Genia Rozen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne IVF, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Chris Gyngell
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Julian Savulescu
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Monteleone PAA, Bonetti TCDS. Correspondence: Interpreting live birth rates following preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy: per embryo transferred or initiated cycle. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2023; 69:394-395. [PMID: 37812746 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2023.2261590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Augusto Araújo Monteleone
- Centro de Reprodução Humana Monteleone Rua Lima Barros, 62, Jardim Paulista, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Centro de Reprodução Humana Mario Covas, Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clinicas, Faculdade de Medicina Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP). Av. Dr Arnaldo 455, sala 4125, Cerqueira César, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Tatiana Carvalho de Souza Bonetti
- Centro de Reprodução Humana Monteleone Rua Lima Barros, 62, Jardim Paulista, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Departamento de Ginecologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP). Rua Pedro de Toledo 781, 4 andar, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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del Collado M, Andrade GM, Gonçalves NJN, Fortini S, Perecin F, Carriero MM. The embryo non-invasive pre-implantation diagnosis era: how far are we? Anim Reprod 2023; 20:e20230069. [PMID: 37720726 PMCID: PMC10503888 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Advancements in assisted reproduction (AR) methodologies have allowed significant improvements in live birth rates of women who otherwise would not be able to conceive. One of the tools that allowed this improvement is the possibility of embryo selection based on genetic status, performed via preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). Even though the widespread use of PGT from TE biopsy helped to decrease the interval from the beginning of the AR intervention to pregnancy, especially in older patients, in AR, there are still many concerns about the application of this invasive methodology in all cycles. Therefore, recently, researchers started to study the use of cell free DNA (cfDNA) released by the blastocyst in its culture medium to perform PGT, in a method called non-invasive PGT (niPGT). The development of a niPGT would bring the diagnostics power of conventional PGT, but with the advantage of being potentially less harmful to the embryo. Its implementation in clinical practice, however, is under heavy discussion since there are many unknowns about the technique, such as the origin of the cfDNA or if this genetic material is a true representative of the actual ploidy status of the embryo. Available data indicates that there is high correspondence between results observed in TE biopsies and the ones observed from cfDNA, but these results are still contradictory and highly debatable. In the present review, the advantages and disadvantages of niPGT are presented and discussed in relation to tradition TE biopsy-based PGT. Furthermore, there are also presented some other possible non-invasive tools that could be applied in the selection of the best embryo, such as quantification of other molecules as quality biomarkers, or the use artificial intelligence (AI) to identify the best embryos based on morphological and/or morphokitetic parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Samuel Fortini
- Nilo Frantz Medicina Reprodutiva, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP, Brasil
| | - Felipe Perecin
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Universidade de São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brasil
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Patrizio P, Gleicher N. A New Test for Preimplantation Genetic Testing of Aneuploidy (PGT-A) and Structural Chromosomal Imbalances (PGT-SR) Is Non-inferior to Current Platforms but Still Not Clinically Useful. Clin Chem 2023:hvad087. [PMID: 37478017 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvad087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Patrizio
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Norbert Gleicher
- The Center for Human Reproduction, New York, NY, United States
- The Brivanlou Laboratory, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
- The Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vienna University School of Medicine, 1009 Vienna, Austria
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Handayani N, Aubry D, Boediono A, Wiweko B, Sirait B, Sini I, Polim AA, Dwiranti A, Bowolaksono A. The origin and possible mechanism of embryonic cell-free DNA release in spent embryo culture media: a review. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:1231-1242. [PMID: 37129724 PMCID: PMC10310623 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02813-z] [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: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of cell-free DNA in spent embryo culture media (SECM) has unveiled its possible utilization for embryonic ploidy determination, opening new frontiers for the development of a non-invasive pre-implantation genetic screening technique. While a growing number of studies have shown a high concordance between genetic screening using cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and trophectoderm (TE), the mechanism pertaining to the release of cfDNA in SECM is largely unknown. This review aims to evaluate research evidence on the origin and possible mechanisms for the liberations of embryonic DNA in SECM, including findings on the self-correction abilities of embryos which might contribute to the presence of cfDNA. Several databases including EMBASE, PUBMED, and SCOPUS were used to retrieve original articles, reviews, and opinion papers. The keywords used for the search were related to the origins and release mechanism of cfDNA. cfDNA in SECM originates from embryonic cells and, at some levels, non-embryonic cells such as maternal DNA and exogenous foreign DNA. The apoptotic pathway has been demonstrated to eliminate aneuploid cells in developing mosaic embryos which might culminate to the release of cfDNA in SECM. Nonetheless, there is a recognized need for exploring other pathways such as cross-talk molecules called extracellular vesicles (EVs) made of small, round bi-layer membranes. During in vitro development, embryos physiologically and actively expel EVs containing not only protein and microRNA but also embryonic DNA, hence, potentially releasing cfDNA of embryonic origin into SECM through EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nining Handayani
- Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- IRSI Research and Training Centre, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Daniel Aubry
- Indonesia International Institute for Life Sciences, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Arief Boediono
- IRSI Research and Training Centre, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Morula IVF Jakarta Clinic, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Budi Wiweko
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Batara Sirait
- IRSI Research and Training Centre, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Morula IVF Jakarta Clinic, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Kristen Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ivan Sini
- IRSI Research and Training Centre, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Morula IVF Jakarta Clinic, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Arie A Polim
- IRSI Research and Training Centre, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Morula IVF Jakarta Clinic, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Atmajaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Astari Dwiranti
- Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in Biological System (CEMBIOS) Research Group, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, Universitas Indonesia, Kampus FMIPA, Depok, UI, 16424, Indonesia
| | - Anom Bowolaksono
- Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in Biological System (CEMBIOS) Research Group, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Department of Biology, Universitas Indonesia, Kampus FMIPA, Depok, UI, 16424, Indonesia.
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Ralapanawe MSB, Gajaweera SL, Karunaratne N, Dissnayake VHW, Price MJ, Melo P, Coomarasamy A, Gallos ID. A comprehensive analysis of chromosomal polymorphic variants on reproductive outcomes after intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1319. [PMID: 36693931 PMCID: PMC9873903 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28552-w] [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: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that chromosomal polymorphic variations are associated with infertility. A systematic review of chromosomal polymorphisms in assisted reproduction found an association with higher rates of miscarriage. Aim of this study is to analyse the influence of specific types or number of chromosomal polymorphic variations on reproductive outcomes of couples undergoing ICSI treatment. We analysed data from 929 fresh and frozen embryo transfer cycles of 692 women who underwent karyotyping analysis using Giemsa-Trypsin-Leishman (GTL) banding prior to the ICSI procedure at the Fertility Centre of Lanka Hospitals Corporation Plc, Sri Lanka, from January 2016 to December 2018. The outcomes of interest were the pregnancy, miscarriage and live birth rate per cycle. There was no evidence of a difference in the reproductive outcomes between carriers or non-carriers of any type or number of chromosomal polymorphic variation. Our data, in contrast to previous studies, does not support a deleterious effect for the type or number of chromosomal polymorphic variations on reproductive outcomes. However, additional prospective, adequately powered studies, conducted in multiethnic populations, are required to further investigate whether the detection of chromosomal polymorphic variants prior to assisted conception may in fact be a futile diagnostic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madara S B Ralapanawe
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, Institute of Translational Medicine (ITM), University of Birmingham, 4th floor, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK. .,Fertility Centre, Lanka Hospitals Corporation Plc, 578, Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo, 00500, Sri Lanka.
| | - Sugandika L Gajaweera
- Fertility Centre, Lanka Hospitals Corporation Plc, 578, Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo, 00500, Sri Lanka
| | - Nishendra Karunaratne
- Fertility Centre, Lanka Hospitals Corporation Plc, 578, Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo, 00500, Sri Lanka
| | - Vajira H W Dissnayake
- Department of Anatomy, Genetics and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, 00800, Sri Lanka
| | - Malcolm J Price
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.,NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK
| | - Pedro Melo
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, Institute of Translational Medicine (ITM), University of Birmingham, 4th floor, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Arri Coomarasamy
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, Institute of Translational Medicine (ITM), University of Birmingham, 4th floor, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Ioannis D Gallos
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, Institute of Translational Medicine (ITM), University of Birmingham, 4th floor, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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Diakiw SM, Hall JMM, VerMilyea MD, Amin J, Aizpurua J, Giardini L, Briones YG, Lim AYX, Dakka MA, Nguyen TV, Perugini D, Perugini M. Development of an artificial intelligence model for predicting the likelihood of human embryo euploidy based on blastocyst images from multiple imaging systems during IVF. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:1746-1759. [PMID: 35674312 PMCID: PMC9340116 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can an artificial intelligence (AI) model predict human embryo ploidy status using static images captured by optical light microscopy? SUMMARY ANSWER Results demonstrated predictive accuracy for embryo euploidy and showed a significant correlation between AI score and euploidy rate, based on assessment of images of blastocysts at Day 5 after IVF. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Euploid embryos displaying the normal human chromosomal complement of 46 chromosomes are preferentially selected for transfer over aneuploid embryos (abnormal complement), as they are associated with improved clinical outcomes. Currently, evaluation of embryo genetic status is most commonly performed by preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), which involves embryo biopsy and genetic testing. The potential for embryo damage during biopsy, and the non-uniform nature of aneuploid cells in mosaic embryos, has prompted investigation of additional, non-invasive, whole embryo methods for evaluation of embryo genetic status. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A total of 15 192 blastocyst-stage embryo images with associated clinical outcomes were provided by 10 different IVF clinics in the USA, India, Spain and Malaysia. The majority of data were retrospective, with two additional prospectively collected blind datasets provided by IVF clinics using the genetics AI model in clinical practice. Of these images, a total of 5050 images of embryos on Day 5 of in vitro culture were used for the development of the AI model. These Day 5 images were provided for 2438 consecutively treated women who had undergone IVF procedures in the USA between 2011 and 2020. The remaining images were used for evaluation of performance in different settings, or otherwise excluded for not matching the inclusion criteria. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The genetics AI model was trained using static 2-dimensional optical light microscope images of Day 5 blastocysts with linked genetic metadata obtained from PGT-A. The endpoint was ploidy status (euploid or aneuploid) based on PGT-A results. Predictive accuracy was determined by evaluating sensitivity (correct prediction of euploid), specificity (correct prediction of aneuploid) and overall accuracy. The Matthew correlation coefficient and receiver-operating characteristic curves and precision-recall curves (including AUC values), were also determined. Performance was also evaluated using correlation analyses and simulated cohort studies to evaluate ranking ability for euploid enrichment. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Overall accuracy for the prediction of euploidy on a blind test dataset was 65.3%, with a sensitivity of 74.6%. When the blind test dataset was cleansed of poor quality and mislabeled images, overall accuracy increased to 77.4%. This performance may be relevant to clinical situations where confounding factors, such as variability in PGT-A testing, have been accounted for. There was a significant positive correlation between AI score and the proportion of euploid embryos, with very high scoring embryos (9.0-10.0) twice as likely to be euploid than the lowest-scoring embryos (0.0-2.4). When using the genetics AI model to rank embryos in a cohort, the probability of the top-ranked embryo being euploid was 82.4%, which was 26.4% more effective than using random ranking, and ∼13-19% more effective than using the Gardner score. The probability increased to 97.0% when considering the likelihood of one of the top two ranked embryos being euploid, and the probability of both top two ranked embryos being euploid was 66.4%. Additional analyses showed that the AI model generalized well to different patient demographics and could also be used for the evaluation of Day 6 embryos and for images taken using multiple time-lapse systems. Results suggested that the AI model could potentially be used to differentiate mosaic embryos based on the level of mosaicism. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION While the current investigation was performed using both retrospectively and prospectively collected data, it will be important to continue to evaluate real-world use of the genetics AI model. The endpoint described was euploidy based on the clinical outcome of PGT-A results only, so predictive accuracy for genetic status in utero or at birth was not evaluated. Rebiopsy studies of embryos using a range of PGT-A methods indicated a degree of variability in PGT-A results, which must be considered when interpreting the performance of the AI model. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings collectively support the use of this genetics AI model for the evaluation of embryo ploidy status in a clinical setting. Results can be used to aid in prioritizing and enriching for embryos that are likely to be euploid for multiple clinical purposes, including selection for transfer in the absence of alternative genetic testing methods, selection for cryopreservation for future use or selection for further confirmatory PGT-A testing, as required. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Life Whisperer Diagnostics is a wholly owned subsidiary of the parent company, Presagen Holdings Pty Ltd. Funding for the study was provided by Presagen with grant funding received from the South Australian Government: Research, Commercialisation, and Startup Fund (RCSF). 'In kind' support and embryology expertise to guide algorithm development were provided by Ovation Fertility. 'In kind' support in terms of computational resources provided through the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Activate Program. J.M.M.H., D.P. and M.P. are co-owners of Life Whisperer and Presagen. S.M.D., M.A.D. and T.V.N. are employees or former employees of Life Whisperer. S.M.D, J.M.M.H, M.A.D, T.V.N., D.P. and M.P. are listed as inventors of patents relating to this work, and also have stock options in the parent company Presagen. M.V. sits on the advisory board for the global distributor of the technology described in this study and also received support for attending meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Diakiw
- Life Whisperer Diagnostics (a subsidiary of Presagen), San Francisco, CA, USA, and Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - J M M Hall
- Life Whisperer Diagnostics (a subsidiary of Presagen), San Francisco, CA, USA, and Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,School of Physical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - M D VerMilyea
- Ovation Fertility, Austin, TX, USA.,Texas Fertility Center, Austin, TX, USA
| | - J Amin
- Wings IVF Women's Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | | | | | | | - A Y X Lim
- Alpha IVF & Women's Specialists, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - M A Dakka
- Life Whisperer Diagnostics (a subsidiary of Presagen), San Francisco, CA, USA, and Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - T V Nguyen
- Life Whisperer Diagnostics (a subsidiary of Presagen), San Francisco, CA, USA, and Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - D Perugini
- Life Whisperer Diagnostics (a subsidiary of Presagen), San Francisco, CA, USA, and Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - M Perugini
- Life Whisperer Diagnostics (a subsidiary of Presagen), San Francisco, CA, USA, and Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Wang L, Pang W, Zhang Y, Hao M, Liu Y, Wang X, Sun N. Karyotype of the Blastocoel Fluid Derived by Laser-Assisted Hatching Demonstrates a Low Agreement With the Trophectoderm. Front Physiol 2022; 13:827568. [PMID: 35755435 PMCID: PMC9216213 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.827568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study is to compare the amplification efficiency and the genomic profiles of blastocoel fluid (BF) derived by laser-assisted hatching and trophectoderm (TE) cells derived from the same blastocyst. Methods Fifty-four fresh blastocysts underwent shrinkage by laser-assisted hatching, and each BF sample was collected individually. BF and TE cells were retrieved from each blastocyst for chromosome analysis through multiple annealing and looping-based amplification cycles (MALBAC) and next-generation sequencing (NGS). Results Fifty-four BF samples and 32 TE samples were retrieved for this study. Out of the 54 BF samples, only 35 provided reliable NGS data for comprehensive chromosome analysis (64.8%), while all 32 TE samples did (100%). Finally, there were 23 pairs of BF and TE samples from the same blastocyst. Only 17.4% of the BF-DNA karyotypes were completely agreeable with the TE samples (4/23). Conclusion Blastocoel fluid derived by laser-assisted hatching is easy to operate, and BF-DNA can be successfully amplified and subjected to NGS. Due to the low amplification efficiency and increased discordance with TE, BF does not adequately represent the status of the rest of the blastocyst. The use of BF as a single source of DNA for preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) is not yet advised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Wang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjuan Pang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Hao
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ningxia Sun
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Tsai NC, Chang YC, Su YR, Lin YC, Weng PL, Cheng YH, Li YL, Lan KC. Validation of Non-Invasive Preimplantation Genetic Screening Using a Routine IVF Laboratory Workflow. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061386. [PMID: 35740408 PMCID: PMC9219764 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo selection is needed to optimize the chances of pregnancy in assisted reproduction technology. This study aimed to validate non-invasive preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (niPGT-A) using a routine IVF laboratory workflow. Can niPGT-A combined with time-lapse morphokinetics provide a better embryo-selection strategy? A total of 118 spent culture mediums (SCMs) from 32 couples were collected. A total of 40 SCMs and 40 corresponding trophectoderm (TE) biopsy samples (n = 29) or arrested embryos (n = 11) were assessed for concordance. All embryos were cultured to the blastocyst stage (day 5 or 6) in a single-embryo culture time-lapse incubator. The modified multiple annealing and looping-based amplification cycle (MALBAC) single-cell whole genome amplification method was used to amplify cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from the SCM, which was then sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq system. The majority of insemination methods were conventional IVF. Low cfDNA concentrations were noted in this study. The amplification niPGT-A and conventional PGT-A was 67.7%. Based on this study, performing niPGT-A without altering the daily laboratory procedures cannot provide a precise diagnosis. However, niPGT-A can be applied in clinical IVF, enabling the addition of blastocysts with a better prediction of euploidy for transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni-Chin Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pingtung Christian Hospital, Pingtung 90053, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Chiao Chang
- Center for Menopause and Reproductive Medicine Research, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (Y.-C.C.); (P.-L.W.); (Y.-H.C.)
| | - Yi-Ru Su
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (Y.-R.S.); (Y.-C.L.); (Y.-L.L.)
| | - Yi-Chi Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (Y.-R.S.); (Y.-C.L.); (Y.-L.L.)
| | - Pei-Ling Weng
- Center for Menopause and Reproductive Medicine Research, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (Y.-C.C.); (P.-L.W.); (Y.-H.C.)
| | - Yin-Hua Cheng
- Center for Menopause and Reproductive Medicine Research, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (Y.-C.C.); (P.-L.W.); (Y.-H.C.)
| | - Yi-Ling Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (Y.-R.S.); (Y.-C.L.); (Y.-L.L.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jen-Ai Hospital, Taichung 41257, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chung Lan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (Y.-R.S.); (Y.-C.L.); (Y.-L.L.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jen-Ai Hospital, Taichung 41257, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-7-7317123-8654
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10
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Non-invasive chromosome screening for embryo preimplantation using cell-free DNA. REPRODUCTIVE AND DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.1097/rd9.0000000000000023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Tomic M, Vrtacnik Bokal E, Stimpfel M. Non-Invasive Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy and the Mystery of Genetic Material: A Review Article. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073568. [PMID: 35408927 PMCID: PMC8998436 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on recent findings in the preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) of embryos. Different preimplantation genetic tests are presented along with different genetic materials and their analysis. Original material concerning preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) was sourced by searching the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases in October and November 2021. The searches comprised keywords such as ‘preimplantation’, ‘cfDNA’; ‘miRNA’, ‘PGT-A’, ‘niPGT-A’, ‘aneuploidy’, ‘mosaicism’, ‘blastocyst biopsy’, ‘blastocentesis’, ‘blastocoel fluid’, ‘NGS’, ‘FISH’, and ‘aCGH’. Non-invasive PGT-A (niPGT-A) is a novel approach to the genetic analysis of embryos. The premise is that the genetic material in the spent embryo culture media (SECM) corresponds to the genetic material in the embryo cells. The limitations of niPGT-A are a lower quantity and lesser quality of the cell-free genetic material, and its unknown origin. The concordance rate varies when compared to invasive PGT-A. Some authors have also hypothesized that mosaicism and aneuploid cells are preferentially excluded from the embryo during early development. Cell-free genetic material is readily available in the spent embryo culture media, which provides an easier, more economic, and safer extraction of genetic material for analysis. The sampling of the SECM and DNA extraction and amplification must be optimized. The origin of the cell-free media, the percentage of apoptotic events, and the levels of DNA contamination are currently unknown; these topics need to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Tomic
- Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.T.); (E.V.B.)
| | - Eda Vrtacnik Bokal
- Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.T.); (E.V.B.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Martin Stimpfel
- Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.T.); (E.V.B.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence:
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Gleicher N, Albertini DF, Patrizio P, Orvieto R, Adashi EY. The uncertain science of preimplantation and prenatal genetic testing. Nat Med 2022; 28:442-444. [DOI: 10.1038/s41591-022-01712-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Revisiting selected ethical aspects of current clinical in vitro fertilization (IVF) practice. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:591-604. [PMID: 35190959 PMCID: PMC8995227 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02439-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ethical considerations are central to all medicine though, likely, nowhere more essential than in the practice of reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Through in vitro fertilization (IVF), this is the only field in medicine involved in creating human life. IVF has, indeed, so far led to close to 10 million births worldwide. Yet, relating to substantial changes in clinical practice of IVF, the medical literature has remained surprisingly quiet over the last two decades. Major changes especially since 2010, however, call for an updated commentary. Three key changes deserve special notice: Starting out as a strictly medical service, IVF in recent years, in efforts to expand female reproductive lifespans in a process given the term “planned” oocyte cryopreservation, increasingly became more socially motivated. The IVF field also increasingly underwent industrialization and commoditization by outside financial interests. Finally, at least partially driven by industrialization and commoditization, so-called add-ons, the term describing mostly unvalidated tests and procedures added to IVF since 2010, have been held responsible for worldwide declines in fresh, non-donor live birthrates after IVF, to levels not seen since the mid-1990s. We here, therefore, do not offer a review of bioethical considerations regarding IVF as a fertility treatment, but attempt to point out ethical issues that arose because of major recent changes in clinical IVF practice.
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Homer HA. Website advertising of IVF add-ons: Does PGT-A live up to its billing? Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2021; 61:328-330. [PMID: 34109616 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hayden Anthony Homer
- Christopher Chen Oocyte Biology Research Laboratory, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Clinic, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Queensland Fertility Group, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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