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Shioya M, Okabe-Kinoshita M, Kobayashi T, Fujita M, Takahashi K. Human metaphase II oocytes with narrow perivitelline space have poor fertilization, developmental, and pregnancy potentials. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1449-1458. [PMID: 38499932 PMCID: PMC11143139 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03084-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze the fertilization, developmental, and pregnancy potentials in oocytes with narrow perivitelline space. METHODS Perivitelline space (PVS) of oocytes was evaluated at the time of ICSI, and those without sufficient PVS were judged as oocytes with narrow PVS (NPVS oocytes), and those with sufficient PVS formation were judged as oocytes with non-narrow PVS (non-NPVS oocytes). The analysis included 634 NPVS oocytes from 278 cycles and 12,121 non-NPVS oocytes from 1698 cycles. The fertilization and developmental potentials of NPVS and non-NPVS oocytes were compared by calculating odds ratios using a mixed-effects logistic regression model. We also compared the embryo transfer outcomes of those used for single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer after developing into the blastocyst stage. RESULTS NPVS oocytes had higher odds ratios for degeneration (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.555; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.096-2.206; p = 0.0133) and 0PN (aOR, 1.387; 95% CI, 1.083-1.775; p = 0.0095), resulting in a lower 2PN rate (aOR, 0.761; 95% CI, 0.623-0.929; p = 0.0072). Even embryos with confirmed 2PN had lower odds ratios for cleavage (aOR, 0.501; 95% CI, 0.294-0.853; p = 0.0109) and blastocyst development (Gardner criteria; CC-AA) rates (aOR, 0.612; 95% CI, 0.476-0.788; p = 0.0001). Blastocysts developed from NPVS oocytes had significantly lower odds ratios for clinical pregnancy (aOR, 0.435; 95% CI, 0.222-0.854; p = 0.0156) than those developed from non-NPVS oocytes. CONCLUSIONS Oocytes with NPVS have low fertilization and developmental potential, as well as low likelihood of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Shioya
- Takahashi Women's Clinic, 18-14-6F Shinmachi, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-0028, Japan.
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.
| | | | - Tatsuya Kobayashi
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
- Department of Regulatory Science, Fujita Health University, Haneda Innovation City Zone A, 1-1-4 Haneda Airport, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 144-0041, Japan
| | - Maki Fujita
- Takahashi Women's Clinic, 18-14-6F Shinmachi, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-0028, Japan
| | - Keiichi Takahashi
- Takahashi Women's Clinic, 18-14-6F Shinmachi, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260-0028, Japan
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2
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Fluks M, Collier R, Walewska A, Bruce AW, Ajduk A. How great thou ART: biomechanical properties of oocytes and embryos as indicators of quality in assisted reproductive technologies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1342905. [PMID: 38425501 PMCID: PMC10902081 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1342905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) have revolutionized infertility treatment and animal breeding, but their success largely depends on selecting high-quality oocytes for fertilization and embryos for transfer. During preimplantation development, embryos undergo complex morphogenetic processes, such as compaction and cavitation, driven by cellular forces dependent on cytoskeletal dynamics and cell-cell interactions. These processes are pivotal in dictating an embryo's capacity to implant and progress to full-term development. Hence, a comprehensive grasp of the biomechanical attributes characterizing healthy oocytes and embryos is essential for selecting those with higher developmental potential. Various noninvasive techniques have emerged as valuable tools for assessing biomechanical properties without disturbing the oocyte or embryo physiological state, including morphokinetics, analysis of cytoplasmic movement velocity, or quantification of cortical tension and elasticity using microaspiration. By shedding light on the cytoskeletal processes involved in chromosome segregation, cytokinesis, cellular trafficking, and cell adhesion, underlying oogenesis, and embryonic development, this review explores the significance of embryo biomechanics in ART and its potential implications for improving clinical IVF outcomes, offering valuable insights and research directions to enhance oocyte and embryo selection procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Fluks
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Rebecca Collier
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Agnieszka Walewska
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alexander W. Bruce
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Anna Ajduk
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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3
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McLennan HJ, Heinrich SL, Inge MP, Wallace SJ, Blanch AJ, Hails L, O'Connor JP, Waite MB, McIlfatrick S, Nottle MB, Dunning KR, Gardner DK, Thompson JG, Love AK. A micro-fabricated device (microICSI) improves porcine blastocyst development and procedural efficiency for both porcine intracytoplasmic sperm injection and human microinjection. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:297-309. [PMID: 38236552 PMCID: PMC10894805 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-03018-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) imparts physical stress on the oolemma of the oocyte and remains among the most technically demanding skills to master, with success rates related to experience and expertise. ICSI is also time-consuming and requires workflow management in the laboratory. This study presents a device designed to reduce the pressure on the oocyte during injection and investigates if this improves embryo development in a porcine model. The impact of this device on laboratory workflow was also assessed. METHODS Porcine oocytes were matured in vitro and injected with porcine sperm by conventional ICSI (C-ICSI) or with microICSI, an ICSI dish that supports up to 20 oocytes housed individually in microwells created through microfabrication. Data collected included set-up time, time to align the polar body, time to perform the injection, the number of hand adjustments between controllers, and degree of invagination at injection. Developmental parameters measured included cleavage and day 6 blastocyst rates. Blastocysts were differentially stained to assess cell numbers of the inner cell mass and trophectoderm. A pilot study with human donated MII oocytes injected with beads was also performed. RESULTS A significant increase in porcine blastocyst rate for microICSI compared to C-ICSI was observed, while cleavage rates and blastocyst cell numbers were comparable between treatments. Procedural efficiency of microinjection was significantly improved with microICSI compared to C-ICSI in both species. CONCLUSION The microICSI device demonstrated significant developmental and procedural benefits for porcine ICSI. A pilot study suggests human ICSI should benefit equally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna J McLennan
- Fertilis Pty Ltd, Frome Road, Helen Mayo South, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.
| | - Shauna L Heinrich
- Fertilis Pty Ltd, Frome Road, Helen Mayo South, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Megan P Inge
- Fertilis Pty Ltd, Frome Road, Helen Mayo South, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Samuel J Wallace
- Virtual Ark Pty Ltd, 73 Woolnough Road, Semaphore, SA, 5019, Australia
| | - Adam J Blanch
- Fertilis Pty Ltd, Frome Road, Helen Mayo South, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Llewelyn Hails
- Fertilis Pty Ltd, Frome Road, Helen Mayo South, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - John P O'Connor
- Fertilis Pty Ltd, Frome Road, Helen Mayo South, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Michael B Waite
- Fertilis Pty Ltd, Frome Road, Helen Mayo South, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Stephen McIlfatrick
- School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Mark B Nottle
- School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Kylie R Dunning
- School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
- Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- Fertilis Pty Ltd, Frome Road, Helen Mayo South, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
- Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Jeremy G Thompson
- Fertilis Pty Ltd, Frome Road, Helen Mayo South, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.
- ART Lab Solutions Pty Ltd, 10 Pulteney Street, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.
| | - Allison K Love
- Fertilis Pty Ltd, Frome Road, Helen Mayo South, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
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Flé G, Houten EV, Rémillard-Labrosse G, FitzHarris G, Cloutier G. Imaging the subcellular viscoelastic properties of mouse oocytes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2213836120. [PMID: 37186851 PMCID: PMC10214128 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2213836120] [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: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, cellular biomechanical properties have been investigated as an alternative to morphological assessments for oocyte selection in reproductive science. Despite the high relevance of cell viscoelasticity characterization, the reconstruction of spatially distributed viscoelastic parameter images in such materials remains a major challenge. Here, a framework for mapping viscoelasticity at the subcellular scale is proposed and applied to live mouse oocytes. The strategy relies on the principles of optical microelastography for imaging in combination with the overlapping subzone nonlinear inversion technique for complex-valued shear modulus reconstruction. The three-dimensional nature of the viscoelasticity equations was accommodated by applying an oocyte geometry-based 3D mechanical motion model to the measured wave field. Five domains-nucleolus, nucleus, cytoplasm, perivitelline space, and zona pellucida-could be visually differentiated in both oocyte storage and loss modulus maps, and statistically significant differences were observed between most of these domains in either property reconstruction. The method proposed herein presents excellent potential for biomechanical-based monitoring of oocyte health and complex transformations across lifespan. It also shows appreciable latitude for generalization to cells of arbitrary shape using conventional microscopy equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Flé
- Laboratory of Biorheology and Medical Ultrasonics, University of Montreal Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QCH2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Elijah Van Houten
- Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QCJ1K 2R1, Canada
| | - Gaudeline Rémillard-Labrosse
- Oocyte and Embryo Research Laboratory, University of Montreal Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QCH2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Greg FitzHarris
- Oocyte and Embryo Research Laboratory, University of Montreal Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QCH2X 0A9, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QCH3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Guy Cloutier
- Laboratory of Biorheology and Medical Ultrasonics, University of Montreal Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QCH2X 0A9, Canada
- Department of Radiology, Radio-Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, and Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Montreal, Montreal, QCH3T 1J4, Canada
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5
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Lamont S, Fropier J, Abadie J, Piat E, Constantinescu A, Roux C, Vernerey F. Profiling oocytes with neural networks from images and mechanical data. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2023; 138:105640. [PMID: 36566663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2022.105640] [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: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The success rate of assisted reproductive technologies could be greatly improved by selectively choosing egg cells (oocytes) with the greatest chance of fertilization. The goal of mechanical profiling is, thus, to improve predictive oocyte selection by isolating the mechanical properties of oocytes and correlating them to their reproductive potential. The restrictions on experimental platforms, however - including minimal invasiveness and practicality in laboratory implementation - greatly limits the data that can be acquired from a single oocyte. In this study, we perform indentation studies on human oocytes and characterize the mechanical properties of the zona pellucida, the outer layer of the oocyte. We obtain excellent fitting with our physical model when indenting with a flat surface and clearly illustrate localized shear-thinning behavior of the zona pellucida, which has not been previously reported. We conclude by outlining a promising methodology for isolating the mechanical properties of the cytoplasm using neural networks and optical images taken during indentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Lamont
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Program of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, United States of America
| | - Juliette Fropier
- Laboratoire de Mécanique des Solides - CNRS - École Polytechnique - Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128, Palaiseau, France
| | - Joel Abadie
- FEMTO-ST Institute, Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, CNRS, 15B avenue des Montboucons, 25030 Besançon, cedex, France
| | - Emmanuel Piat
- FEMTO-ST Institute, Univ. Bourgogne Franche-Comté, CNRS, 15B avenue des Montboucons, 25030 Besançon, cedex, France
| | - Andrei Constantinescu
- Laboratoire de Mécanique des Solides - CNRS - École Polytechnique - Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91128, Palaiseau, France
| | - Christophe Roux
- Service de Biologie et Médecine de la Reproduction - Cryobiologie - CECOS Franche-Comté Bourgogne, CHRU Jean Minjoz, 3 Bd Fleming, 25030 Besançon cedex, France
| | - Franck Vernerey
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Program of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, United States of America.
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6
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Poro-viscoelastic behaviour of the zona pellucida: Impact of three-dimensional modelling on material characterisation. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2022; 131:105211. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2022.105211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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7
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Sciorio R, Miranian D, Smith GD. Non-invasive oocyte quality assessment. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:274-290. [PMID: 35136962 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte quality is perhaps the most important limiting factor in female fertility; however, the current methods of determining oocyte competence are only marginally capable of predicting a successful pregnancy. We aim to review the predictive value of non-invasive techniques for the assessment of human oocytes and their related cells and biofluids that pertain to their developmental competence. Investigation of the proteome, transcriptome, and hormonal makeup of follicular fluid, as well as cumulus-oocyte complexes are currently underway; however, prospective randomized non-selection-controlled trials of the future are needed before determining their prognostic value. The biological significance of polar body morphology and genetics are still unknown and the subject of debate. The predictive utility of zygotic viscoelasticity for embryo development has been demonstrated, but similar studies performed on oocytes have yet to be conducted. Metabolic profiling of culture media using human oocytes are also limited and may require integration of automated, high-throughput targeted metabolomic assessments in real time with microfluidic platforms. Light exposure to oocytes can be detrimental to subsequent development and utilization of time-lapse imaging and morphometrics of oocytes is wanting. Polarized light, Raman microspectroscopy, and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering are a few novel imaging tools that may play a more important role in future oocyte assessment. Ultimately, the integration of chemistry, genomics, microfluidics, microscopy, physics, and other biomedical engineering technologies into the basic studies of oocyte biology, and in testing and perfecting practical solutions of oocyte evaluation, are the future for non-invasive assessment of oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Daniel Miranian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gary D Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Physiology, Urology, and Reproductive Sciences Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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8
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Jeong HG, Kim SK, Lee J, Youm HW, Jee BC. Injection funnel persistence time and oolemma resistance during intracytoplasmic sperm injection and subsequent embryo development. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2021; 47:3590-3597. [PMID: 34288279 DOI: 10.1111/jog.14943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate whether the injection funnel persistence time and oolemma resistance during the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are associated with subsequent embryo quality. DESIGN A prospective observational study at a university hospital. METHODS One hundred and twenty normal-appearing metaphase II oocytes were collected from 54 ICSI cycles. Injection funnel was observed at 0, 30, 60, and 90 s after ICSI, and the injection funnel persistence time was assigned to "no funnel," "0-30," "30-60," "60-90," and ">90 s." The degree of oolemma resistance during ICSI was recorded as "no," "mild," "moderate," and "severe." Subsequent embryos on day 3 after ICSI were evaluated morphologically, and formation of top-quality embryo and embryo score was assessed. We newly developed "oolemma score," based on the injection funnel persistence time and oolemma resistance, and the predictability of top-quality embryo was assessed. RESULTS Among the five groups by injection funnel persistence time, the proportion of top-quality embryo and embryo score (64.3%, 32) was highest in the "30-60 s," but not significant. Among the four groups by oolemma resistance, the proportion of top-quality embryo and embryo score (53.7%, 32) was highest in "no group." The proportion of top-quality embryo in "no group" was significantly higher than "moderate group" (p = 0.012) and "severe group" (p = 0.043). The median embryo score in "no group" was significantly higher than "severe group" (p = 0.041). Newly developed "oolemma score" could predict well the formation of top-quality embryo with a statistical significance (cutoff >14.5, area under the curve 0.695, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Embryo quality or score is more closely associated with oolemma resistance during ICSI. New "oolemma score" would help to identify embryo developmental potential of each mature oocyte in ICSI cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Gyeong Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seul Ki Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jangmi Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Hye Won Youm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Byung Chul Jee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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9
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Predictive value of cytoplasmic granulation patterns during in vitro fertilization in metaphase II oocytes: part II, donor oocyte cycles. Fertil Steril 2021; 116:1330-1340. [PMID: 34294452 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.06.026] [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: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether the ooplasm granulation patterns of donor oocytes, like those of oocytes from poor-prognosis patients, are predictive of in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Academically affiliated private clinical infertility and research center. PATIENT(S) 770 fresh and 381 vitrified-thawed metaphase II oocytes from young donors (aged 21.0-34.6 years) used for IVF during 2017-2020. INTERVENTION(S) Determination of granulation patterns in every oocyte during intracytoplasmic sperm injection as fine, central, uneven, dispersed, and peripheral (thawed only). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Fertilization, pregnancy, and live birth rates in fresh and thawed donor oocytes. Both overall and known-outcome analyses were performed for pregnancy and live birth. RESULT(S) In fresh donor oocytes, 2 pronuclei rates trended down from 96.1% to 90.2%, 88.9%, and 69.7% from fine to central, uneven, and dispersed granulations; overall pregnancy rates trended down from 50.4% to 29.0%, 17.7%, and 6.9%, as well as live birth rates (43.4%, 21.6%, 12.5%, and 6.4%), from fine to uneven, central, and dispersed granulations. Known pregnancy and known-live birth analyses showed similar findings. Thawed donor oocytes demonstrated similar trends in differences in fertilization, pregnancy, and live birth analyses with relatively worse outcomes. Peripheral granulation, unique to vitrification and thawing, always demonstrated the worst IVF outcomes. Moreover, granulation patterns were relatively disassociated from embryo morphological grades in fresh and largely disassociated in thawed donor oocytes. CONCLUSION(S) Predictive values of oocyte granulation patterns for fertilization, pregnancy, and live birth in IVF cycles are even more pronounced in young donors than results in older poor-prognosis patients, further supporting integration of oocyte granulation patterns into embryo selection.
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10
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Iwayama H, Yamashita M. Quantitative evaluation of intercellular local deformation of human oocytes during Piezo-assisted intracytoplasmic sperm injection using video-based motion analysis. F&S SCIENCE 2021; 2:124-134. [PMID: 35559747 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relationship between the quantitative properties of local deformation of the ooplasm during Piezo-assisted intracytoplasmic sperm injection (Piezo-ICSI) and oocyte developmental fate after Piezo-ICSI. DESIGN Video-based motion analysis and case-control study. SETTING Private fertility center. PATIENT(S) A total of 99 couples assigned to the standard Piezo-ICSI program. INTERVENTION(S) Video recordings of the sperm injection process during Piezo-ICSI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Quantitative deformation properties consisting of the orientation of deformation perpendicular (Perp) or parallel (Para) to the oolemma and the mechanical response of the ooplasm (elongation, contraction, and total): Perp-elongation, Perp-contraction, Perp-total, Para-elongation, Perp-contraction, and Para-total. RESULT(S) The deformation parameters were compared among different angular ranges of 30°-60°, 60°-90°, 90°-120°, and 120°-150° (defined as 0° at the 3 o'clock puncture site). The Perp-total value at 30°-60° was significantly greater than that at the other angles (130.2 vs. 57.7-85.5, respectively) primarily due to substantially greater Perp-elongation values. The Para-total value at 30°-60° was significantly greater than that at the other angles (20.1 vs. 6.7-10.3, respectively) primarily due to substantially smaller Para-contraction values. The deformation parameters of the ooplasm adjacent to the first polar body were also compared among different developmental fates (fertilization failure, cleavage arrest, and blastocyst development). The Perp-total value of oocytes derived from blastocyst formation was significantly smaller than those derived from other developmental fates (58.1 vs. 70.0-87.3, respectively). CONCLUSION(S) The Piezo-ICSI process induced deformation with various mechanical behaviors in different regions within a single oocyte. Furthermore, the exposure of the ooplasm adjacent to the first polar body to excessive deformation was found to be a possible trigger for adverse fertilization and embryo development after Piezo-ICSI.
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11
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Hu J, Molinari E, Darmon S, Zhang L, Patrizio P, Barad DH, Gleicher N. Predictive value of cytoplasmic granulation patterns during in vitro fertilization in metaphase II oocytes: Part I, poor-prognosis patients. Fertil Steril 2021; 116:431-443. [PMID: 33865566 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether 4 cytoplasmic granulation patterns of human metaphase II oocytes have a predictive value for in vitro fertilization outcomes. DESIGN A retrospective cohort study. SETTING An academically affiliated private clinical infertility and research center. PATIENT(S) A total of 2,690 consecutive fresh autologous oocytes collected from women aged 41.2 ± 5.0 years between 2017 and 2019. INTERVENTION(S) Determination of granulation pattern in every oocyte during intracytoplasmic sperm injection as fine, central, dispersed, and newly introduced uneven granulations. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Fertilization outcomes (2 pronuclei [2PN], <2PN, and >2PN rates), pregnancy, and live birth rates for different granulation patterns at different ages. RESULT(S) Fine granulation produced the highest 2PN rate, followed by central, uneven, and dispersed granulation (91.8%, 83.9%, 77.9%, and 54.8%, respectively). Differences in fertilization were surprisingly relatively independent of age and other variables. Overall, compared with fine granulation, dispersed granulation resulted in lower pregnancy rates (4.6% vs. 10.7%) and known-outcome analysis (1.3% vs. 5.6%) as well as lower live birth rates (3.0% vs. 8.9%) and known-outcome analysis (0.6% vs. 5.6%). The known-outcome analysis demonstrated that uneven granulation had lower live birth rates than fine granulation (2.3% vs. 5.6%). Unexpectedly, the ooplasm granulation patterns were largely disassociated from embryo morphologic grades. CONCLUSION(S) We, for the first time, demonstrated that 4 distinct cytoplasmic granulation patterns in metaphase II oocytes had, largely independent of age and other variables, a predictive value for fertilization, pregnancy, and live birth outcomes in in vitro fertilization cycles of poor-prognosis patients. These data suggest that upstream ooplasm granulation patterns deserve closer attention in terms of embryo selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjun Hu
- The Center for Human Reproduction, New York, New York.
| | | | - Sarah Darmon
- The Center for Human Reproduction, New York, New York
| | - Lin Zhang
- The Center for Human Reproduction, New York, New York
| | - Pasquale Patrizio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University Medical School, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - David H Barad
- The Center for Human Reproduction, New York, New York; The Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Norbert Gleicher
- The Center for Human Reproduction, New York, New York; The Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, New York, New York; Stem Cell Biology and Molecular Embryology Laboratory, Rockefeller University, New York, New York; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vienna University School of Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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12
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Hawkins J, Miao X, Cui W, Sun Y. Biophysical optimization of preimplantation embryo culture: what mechanics can offer ART. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:gaaa087. [PMID: 33543291 PMCID: PMC8453600 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Owing to the rise of ART and mounting reports of epigenetic modification associated with them, an understanding of optimal embryo culture conditions and reliable indicators of embryo quality are highly sought after. There is a growing body of evidence that mechanical biomarkers can rival embryo morphology as an early indicator of developmental potential and that biomimetic mechanical cues can promote healthy development in preimplantation embryos. This review will summarize studies that investigate the role of mechanics as both indicators and promoters of mammalian preimplantation embryo development and evaluate their potential for improving future embryo culture systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamar Hawkins
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Xiaosu Miao
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Wei Cui
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Yubing Sun
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
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13
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Hu X, Liu Y, Zhang X, Lee P, Wen Y, Ding C, Zhou C, Xu Y. Oocyte Degeneration After ICSI Is Not an Indicator of Live Birth in Young Women. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:705733. [PMID: 34484119 PMCID: PMC8415476 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.705733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was introduced in 1990s as one of the most dramatic breakthroughs in assisted reproductive technology. Even with advances in ICSI technology, this mechanical micromanipulation carries a 5 to 19% risk of oocyte degeneration. Whether the presence of oocyte degeneration reflects the sibling oocyte quality and predicts the sibling embryo development potential and clinical pregnancy outcomes remains controversial. There is no study showing the competence of the sibling embryos from the prospective of cumulative live birth rate. Whether oocyte degeneration is associated with poor quality of the remainder of the cohort remains further to be elucidated. METHOD This retrospective observational study included a total of 488 OPU cycles underwent ICSI with fresh cleavage stage embryo transfer and successive frozen/thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles from January 2018 to December 2019. All female patients were under the age of 35 years, and underwent ICSI with or without oocyte degeneration (OD). Cycles with at least one oocyte degenerated were defined as oocyte degeneration group (OD group), and cycles with no oocyte degenerated were defined as non-OD group. The OD group was further divided to three subgroups according to different oocyte degeneration rate (<10%, 10-20%, and >20%). RESULTS There were no significant differences with regards to implantation rate (38.5% vs 35.1%, P=0.302), clinical pregnancy rate (54.9% vs 50.3%, P=0.340), and LBR per OPU cycle (47.0% vs 42.9%, P=0.395) between OD and non-OD groups. Initial gonadotropin dosage, E2 level on hCG day and the number of matured oocytes appeared to be independent risk factors for OD. The adjusted odds ratio of live birth rate per OPU cycle were similar in different oocyte degeneration rate subgroups. The ongoing pregnancy/LBR per transfer in FET cycles was not significantly different between OD group and non-OD groups (38.8% vs 43.9%, P=0.439). The cumulative LBR per OPU cycle was also comparable between OD and non-OD group (63.4% vs 64.8%, P=0.760). CONCLUSION The results provide cycle-based evidence that the presence of oocyte degeneration after ICSI is not an indicator for predicting the cumulative live birth rate per OPU cycle in young women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokun Hu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuliang Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiubing Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pingyin Lee
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangxing Wen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chenhui Ding
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Canquan Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanwen Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yanwen Xu,
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14
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Ozturk S. Selection of competent oocytes by morphological criteria for assisted reproductive technologies. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:1021-1036. [PMID: 32902927 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Invasive and noninvasive methods are commonly used to select developmentally competent oocytes that can improve the take-home baby rates in assisted reproductive technology (ART) centers. One of the noninvasive methods conventionally utilized to determine competent oocytes is the morphological analysis of cumulus complex, first polar body, zona pellucida, perivitelline space, meiotic spindle, and ooplasm. Successful fertilization, early embryo development, uterine implantation, and healthy pregnancy depend on the quality of oocytes, and morphological evaluation is one of the options used to predict quality levels. In this review, the morphological criteria being utilized in certain ART centers are comprehensively evaluated with special references to their predictive values and potential contributions to selecting high-quality oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saffet Ozturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey
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15
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Planar AFM macro-probes to study the biomechanical properties of large cells and 3D cell spheroids. Acta Biomater 2019; 94:505-513. [PMID: 31154056 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.05.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The ability to measure mechanical response of cells under applied load is essential for developing more accurate models of cell mechanics and mechanotransduction. Living cells have been mechanically investigated by several approaches. Among them, atomic force microscopy (AFM) is widely used thanks to its high versatility and sensitivity. In the case of large cells or 3D multicellular aggregates, standard AFM probes may not be appropriate to investigate the mechanical properties of the whole biological system. Owing to their size, standard AFM probes can compress only a single somatic cell or part of it. To fill this gap, we have designed and fabricated planar AFM macro-probes compatible with commercial AFM instruments. The probes are constituted of a large flat compression plate, connected to the chip by two flexible arms, whose mechanical characteristics are tuned for specific biological applications. As proof of concept, we have used the macro-probes to measure the viscoelasticity of large spherical biological systems, which have a diameter above 100 μm: human oocytes and 3D cell spheroids. Compression experiments are combined with visual inspection, using a side-view configuration imaging, which allows us to monitor the sample morphology during the compression and to correlate it with the viscoelastic parameters. Our measurements provide a quantitative estimate of the relaxation times of such biological systems, which are discussed in relation to data present in literature. The broad applicability of the AFM macro-probes can be relevant to study the biomechanical features in any biological process involving large soft materials. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The understanding of the role of physical factors in defining cell and tissue functions requires to develop new methods or improve the existing ones to accurately measure the biomechanical properties. AFM is a sensitive and versatile tool to measure the mechanical features from single proteins to single cells. When cells or cell aggregates exceed few tens of microns, AFM suffers from limitations. On these biological systems the control of the contact area and the application of a precise uniform compression becomes crucial. A modification of the standard cantilevers fabrication allowed us obtaining AFM macro-probes, having large planar contact area and spring constant suitable for biological investigations. They were demonstrated valuable to characterize the mechanical properties of large hierarchical biological systems.
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Shen T, Benet E, Sridhar SL, Abadie J, Piat E, Vernerey FJ. Separating the contributions of zona pellucida and cytoplasm in the viscoelastic response of human oocytes. Acta Biomater 2019; 85:253-262. [PMID: 30593888 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The successful characterization of the mechanical properties of human oocytes and young embryos is of crucial relevance to reduce the risk of pregnancy arrest in in-vitro fertilization processes. Unfortunately, current study has been hindered by the lack of accuracy in describing the mechanical contributions of each structure (zona pellucida, cytoplasm) due to its high heterogeneity. In this work, we present a novel approach to model the oocyte response taking into account the effect of both zona and cytoplasm, as well as different loading conditions. The model is then applied to develop an experimental protocol capable of accurately separating the viscoelastic contribution of zona and cytoplasm by simply varying the loading condition. This new protocol has the potential to open the door to improving our understanding the mechanical properties of oocytes at different stages, and provide a quantitative predictive ability to the evaluation of oocyte quality. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization, often rely on identifying high quality oocytes or female egg cells. The viscoelastic properties of these cells, such as stiffness and stress relaxation time, have been identified as potential objective indicators of cell quality. However, their characterization has proven difficult due to the structural heterogeneity of the cell and inconsistent loading conditions. This paper presents a new model that, although simple, addresses the above difficulties to provide accurate estimations of the cell's mechanical properties. Learning from this model, we then propose a novel non-invasive testing protocol to allow oocyte characterization with increased accuracy. We believe this effort would improve consistency in measurements and enhance our knowledge on the mechanics of oocytes.
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17
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Chen Z, Zhang Z, Guo X, Memon K, Panhwar F, Wang M, Cao Y, Zhao G. Sensing Cell Membrane Biophysical Properties for Detection of High Quality Human Oocytes. ACS Sens 2019; 4:192-199. [PMID: 30584760 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.8b01215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Oocyte quality plays a crucial role in the early development and implantation of the embryos, and consequently has a profound impact on the accomplishment of assisted reproductive technology (ART). A simple and efficient method for detecting high-quality human oocytes is urgently needed. However, the clinically used morphological method is time-consuming, subjective, and inaccurate. To this end, we propose a practical and effective approach for detecting high-quality oocytes via on-chip measurement of the oocyte membrane permeability. We found that oocytes can be divided into two subpopulations (high-quality versus poor-quality oocytes) according to their membrane permeability differences, and as was further confirmed by subsequent in vitro fertilization (IVF) and development experiments (the blastocyst rates of high-quality and poor-quality oocytes were 60% and 0%, respectively). This approach shows great potentials in improving the success of ART, including both the fertilization and development rates, and thus it may have wide applications in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongrong Chen
- Department of Electronic Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaojie Guo
- Hefei Blood Center, Hefei 230031, Anhui, China
| | - Kashan Memon
- Department of Electronic Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Fazil Panhwar
- Department of Electronic Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Electronic Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Department of Electronic Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China
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18
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Inoue T, Taguchi S, Hirao K, Tsujimoto Y, Yamamoto S, Uemura M, Miyazaki K, Yamashita Y. Association of follicular fluid volume with membrane stretchability of human metaphase II oocytes following the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist protocol during intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Reprod Med Biol 2018; 17:283-288. [PMID: 30013430 PMCID: PMC6046520 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The authors previously revealed the association of the follicular fluid (FF) volume with oolemma stretchability following the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol during intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). However, the impact of the GnRH agonist protocol on oolemma stretchability remains unclear. METHODS Data that were obtained from 74 ICSI cycles were reviewed retrospectively. Controlled ovarian stimulation was performed in accordance with the short GnRH agonist protocol. Each follicle was individually aspirated and assigned to one of six groups, according to the FF volume. The oolemma stretchability during ICSI was evaluated by using a mechanical stimulus for oolemma penetration; that is, oolemma penetration with or without aspiration (high vs low stretchability, respectively). RESULTS The incidence of low oolemma stretchability was significantly higher in the <1.0 mL group than that in the ≥1.0 mL group. The normal fertilization rate was significantly lower in the <1.0 mL group than that in the 2.0-<3.0 mL group. The rate of blastocyst development was lower in the <1.0 mL group than that in the 3.0-<4.0 mL group. CONCLUSION The FF volume potentially was associated with metaphase II oolemma stretchability, fertilization, and blastocyst development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taketo Inoue
- Umeda Fertility ClinicOsakaJapan
- Department of Emergency, Disaster and Critical Care MedicineHyogo College of MedicineNishinomiyaJapan
| | | | | | | | | | - Mikiko Uemura
- Faculty of RehabilitationKobe Gakuin UniversityKobeJapan
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Kort J, Behr B. Biomechanics and developmental potential of oocytes and embryos. Fertil Steril 2017; 108:738-741. [PMID: 28987788 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The high incidence of multiple embryo transfers is evidence of the need for better methods of embryo selection. Additionally, methods to determine the reproductive competence of unfertilized oocytes are critically needed to inform the growing population of patients undergoing fertility preservation. The ideal method of oocyte and embryo selection would be noninvasive, inexpensive, and able to be incorporated into embryology workflow with minimal disruption. Methods to assess the biomechanical properties of cells offer many of these traits, and there is a growing body of evidence in multiple cell types demonstrating the biomechanical properties of cells are reflective of a cell's intrinsic health. The associations with these properties are not mere coincidence, as many of the biomechanical properties are critical to cellular function. The biomechanical properties of oocytes and embryos undergo a dynamic, characteristic transformation from oocyte maturation through blastocyst formation, lending itself to biomechanical assessment. Many of the assessments made by embryologists, from ease of microinjection during intracytoplasmic sperm injection to degree of blastocyst expansion, are direct proxies for cellular biomechanics. Newer, objective and quantitative methods of biomechanical assessment are being applied to oocyte and embryo selection, with early use supporting their application in assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Kort
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Stanford University, Stanford, California.
| | - Barry Behr
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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20
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Inoue T, Yamashita Y, Tsujimoto Y, Yamamoto S, Taguchi S, Hirao K, Uemura M, Ikawa K, Miyazaki K. The association of follicular fluid volume with human oolemma stretchability during intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2017; 44:126-131. [PMID: 29026718 PMCID: PMC5636924 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2017.44.3.126] [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: 04/17/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Oocyte degeneration often occurs after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and the risk factor is low-quality oocytes. The follicular fluid (FF) provides a crucial microenvironment for oocyte development. We investigated the relationships between the FF volume aspirated from individual follicles and oocyte retrieval, oocyte maturity, oolemma stretchability, fertilization, and development. Methods This retrospective study included data obtained from 229 ICSI cycles. Ovarian stimulation was performed according to a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist protocol. Each follicle was individually aspirated and divided into six groups according to FF volume (<1.0, 1.0 to <2.0, 2.0 to <3.0, 3.0 to <4.0, 4.0 to <5.0, and ≥5.0 mL). Oolemma stretchability during ICSI was evaluated using a mechanical stimulus for oolemma penetration, that is, the stretchability was assessed by oolemma penetration with aspiration (high stretchability) or without aspiration (low stretchability). Results Oocyte retrieval rates were significantly lower in the <1.0 mL group than in the ≥1.0 mL groups (46.0% [86/187] vs. 67.5%–74.3% [172/255 to 124/167], respectively; p<0.01). Low oolemma stretchability was significantly more common in the <1.0 mL group than in the ≥1.0 mL groups during ICSI (22.0% [13/59] vs. 5.8%–9.4% [6/104 to 13/139], respectively; p=0.018). There was a relationship between FF volume and oolemma stretchability. However, there were no significant differences in the rates of fertilization, cleavage, ≥7 cells at day 3, and blastocyst development among all groups. Conclusion FF volume is potentially associated with the stretchability of metaphase II oolemma during ICSI. Regarding oolemma stretchability, ensuring a uniform follicular size during ovarian stimulation is crucial to obtain good-quality oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taketo Inoue
- Umeda Fertility Clinic, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Emergency, Disaster and Critical Care Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mikiko Uemura
- Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe, Japan
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21
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Yanez LZ, Camarillo DB. Microfluidic analysis of oocyte and embryo biomechanical properties to improve outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies. Mol Hum Reprod 2017; 23:235-247. [PMID: 27932552 PMCID: PMC5909856 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaw071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Measurement of oocyte and embryo biomechanical properties has recently emerged as an exciting new approach to obtain a quantitative, objective estimate of developmental potential. However, many traditional methods for probing cell mechanical properties are time consuming, labor intensive and require expensive equipment. Microfluidic technology is currently making its way into many aspects of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), and is particularly well suited to measure embryo biomechanics due to the potential for robust, automated single-cell analysis at a low cost. This review will highlight microfluidic approaches to measure oocyte and embryo mechanics along with their ability to predict developmental potential and find practical application in the clinic. Although these new devices must be extensively validated before they can be integrated into the existing clinical workflow, they could eventually be used to constantly monitor oocyte and embryo developmental progress and enable more optimal decision making in ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Z. Yanez
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, 443 Via Ortega, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - David B. Camarillo
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, 443 Via Ortega, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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22
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Krause I, Pohler U, Grosse S, Shebl O, Petek E, Chandra A, Ebner T. Characterization of the injection funnel during intracytoplasmic sperm injection reflects cytoplasmic maturity of the oocyte. Fertil Steril 2016; 106:1101-1106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Ultrastructural and cytogenetic analyses of mature human oocyte dysmorphisms with respect to clinical outcomes. J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 33:1041-57. [PMID: 27221476 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0739-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The study aimed to describe the ultrastructure of two human mature oocyte intracytoplasmic dysmorphisms, the bull-eye inclusion and the granular vacuole, with evaluation of clinical outcomes after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated 4099 consecutive ICSI cycles during the period 2003-2013. Three groups were compared: controls, those with a bulls-eye inclusion, and those with granular vacuoles. Oocyte dysmorphisms were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy and in situ fluorescence hybridization (FISH). Detailed data on demographic and stimulation characteristics, as well as on embryological, clinical, and newborn outcomes, are fully presented. RESULTS The bull-eye inclusion is a prominent smooth round structure containing trapped vesicles, being surrounded by lipid droplets. The presence of this dysmorphism in the oocyte cohort had no clinical impact except when transferred embryos were exclusively derived from dysmorphism oocytes. The granular vacuole is delimited by a discontinuous double membrane and contains lipid droplets and vesicles. As FISH analysis revealed the presence of chromosomes, they probably represent pyknotic nuclei. The presence of this dysmorphism in the oocyte cohort had no clinical impact except when at least one transferred embryo was derived from dimorphic oocytes. CONCLUSIONS Poor clinical outcomes were observed with transfer of embryos derived from dysmorphism oocytes, although without causing gestation or newborn problems. The bull-eye inclusion and granular vacuoles may thus be new prognostic factors for clinical outcomes.
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Human oocyte developmental potential is predicted by mechanical properties within hours after fertilization. Nat Commun 2016; 7:10809. [PMID: 26904963 PMCID: PMC4770082 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The causes of embryonic arrest during pre-implantation development are poorly understood. Attempts to correlate patterns of oocyte gene expression with successful embryo development have been hampered by the lack of reliable and nondestructive predictors of viability at such an early stage. Here we report that zygote viscoelastic properties can predict blastocyst formation in humans and mice within hours after fertilization, with >90% precision, 95% specificity and 75% sensitivity. We demonstrate that there are significant differences between the transcriptomes of viable and non-viable zygotes, especially in expression of genes important for oocyte maturation. In addition, we show that low-quality oocytes may undergo insufficient cortical granule release and zona-hardening, causing altered mechanics after fertilization. Our results suggest that embryo potential is largely determined by the quality and maturation of the oocyte before fertilization, and can be predicted through a minimally invasive mechanical measurement at the zygote stage. Reliable assessments of oocyte developmental potential are lacking, making it difficult to select the best quality embryos for transfer after in vitro fertilization. Here, the authors show that a non-invasive measurement of viscoelastic properties predicts developmental potential in both humans and mice.
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Rubino P, Viganò P, Luddi A, Piomboni P. The ICSI procedure from past to future: a systematic review of the more controversial aspects. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 22:194-227. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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26
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Luo Z, Guven S, Gozen I, Chen P, Tasoglu S, Anchan RM, Bai B, Demirci U. Deformation of a single mouse oocyte in a constricted microfluidic channel. MICROFLUIDICS AND NANOFLUIDICS 2015; 19:883-890. [PMID: 26696793 PMCID: PMC4684828 DOI: 10.1007/s10404-015-1614-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Single oocyte manipulation in microfluidic channels via precisely controlled flow is critical in microfluidic-based in vitro fertilization. Such systems can potentially minimize the number of transfer steps among containers for rinsing as often performed during conventional in vitro fertilization and can standardize protocols by minimizing manual handling steps. To study shape deformation of oocytes under shear flow and its subsequent impact on their spindle structure is essential for designing microfluidics for in vitro fertilization. Here, we developed a simple yet powerful approach to (i) trap a single oocyte and induce its deformation through a constricted microfluidic channel, (ii) quantify oocyte deformation in real-time using a conventional microscope, and (iii) retrieve the oocyte from the microfluidic device to evaluate changes in their spindle structures. We found that oocytes can be significantly deformed under high flow rates, e.g., 10 μl/min in a constricted channel with a width and height of 50 and 150 μm, respectively. Oocyte spindles can be severely damaged, as shown here by immunocytochemistry staining of the microtubules and chromosomes. The present approach can be useful to investigate underlying mechanisms of oocyte deformation exposed to well-controlled shear stresses in microfluidic channels, which enables a broad range of applications for reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- ZhengYuan Luo
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA, 02139, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P.R. China
| | - Sinan Guven
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA, 02139, USA
- Demirci Bio-Acoustic MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Lab, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Canary Center for Early Cancer Detection, Stanford, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Irep Gozen
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Pu Chen
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA, 02139, USA
- Demirci Bio-Acoustic MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Lab, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Canary Center for Early Cancer Detection, Stanford, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Savas Tasoglu
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Raymond M Anchan
- Center for Infertility and Reproductive Surgery, Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - BoFeng Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, P.R. China
| | - Utkan Demirci
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA, 02139, USA
- Demirci Bio-Acoustic MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Lab, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Canary Center for Early Cancer Detection, Stanford, CA, 94304, USA
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De Vos A, Abraham M, Franceus N, Haentjens P, Tournaye H, Verheyen G, Van de Velde H. Deposition of the spermatozoon in the human oocyte at ICSI: impact on oocyte survival, fertilization and blastocyst formation. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 32:865-71. [PMID: 25925348 PMCID: PMC4491076 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-015-0482-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate whether the deposition of the spermatozoon in the human oocyte at ICSI has any effect on oocyte survival, fertilization, blastocyst development and quality. METHODS In a prospective study, including 78 ICSI cycles, sibling oocytes were injected with "no intention" (group A, standard ICSI, n = 393) or "intention" to deposit the spermatozoon under the cortex (group B, n = 354). Outcome parameters were oocyte survival and fertilization, as well as blastocyst formation and quality. RESULTS Depositing the sperm under the cortex of the oocyte was not always successful for its final position, therefore, group B was divided into three subgroups: B1 successful deposition (119 oocytes, 33.6 % of oocytes in group B); B2 initially successful but spermatozoon spontaneously relocated after 2 min (136 oocytes, 38.4 %); and B3 unsuccessful deposition (99 oocytes, 28.0 %). Group A and B were compared on an intention-to-treat basis. Additionally, A, B1, B2 and B3 were also compared. The oocyte survival and fertilization, blastocyst and top-quality blastocyst developmental rates were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS The procedure of depositing the spermatozoon intentionally under the oocyte cortex demanded high technical skills. Successful positioning was only obtained in 34 % of the attempts. We obtained no evidence of improved oocyte survival and fertilization, blastocyst formation and quality when the spermatozoon was permanently positioned under the oocyte cortex. Taken together, depositing the spermatozoon under the oocyte cortex is not recommended for routine ICSI application.
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Affiliation(s)
- A De Vos
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium,
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Khalilian M, Valojerdi MR, Navidbakhsh M, Chizari M, Eftekhari-Yazdi P. Estimating zona pellucida hardness under microinjection to assess oocyte/embryo quality: Analytical and experimental studies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.4236/abb.2013.45089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Growth and development of rabbit oocytes in vitro: effect of fetal bovine serum concentration on culture medium. Theriogenology 2012; 78:1040-7. [PMID: 22704395 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2011] [Revised: 04/02/2012] [Accepted: 04/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to develop a culture system that produced blastocyst stage embryos from rabbit oocytes grown in vitro. Two experiments were performed. First, various concentrations of fetal bovine serum (FBS, 0, 0.05, 0.5 and 5%) were used in the culture medium for in vitro growth (IVG) of oocytes recovered from follicles 200 to 299 μm in diameter. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was performed on mature oocytes obtained after IVG for 8 days and in vitro maturation for 14 to 16 h. Rates of survival and pronuclear formation after ICSI were higher for oocytes grown in a medium with 0.05% FBS compared to oocytes grown in a medium lacking FBS (97.6 vs. 76.9%, 97.5 vs. 70%, P < 0.1). The rate of development to the blastocyst stage was also higher in the medium containing 0.05% FBS than in the medium lacking FBS (9.5 vs. 17.9%, P < 0.05). Next, using oocytes recovered from follicles 200 to 399 μm in diameter which were cultured in 0.05% FBS, oxygen consumption and the number of cells were analyzed. Blastocysts from oocytes grown in vitro with 0.05% FBS had reduced oxygen consumption and number of cells compared with those from ovulated oocytes (21.66 ± 4.54 × 10(14) vs. 50.19 ± 4.61 × 10(14) mol/sec, 244 ± 25 vs. 398 ± 24, P < 0.05). Rabbit oocytes grown in vitro with 0.05% FBS achieved pregnancy, but pregnancies were not maintained to term. In conclusion, the addition of 0.05% FBS to the culture medium for IVG improved developmental competence of rabbit oocytes grown in vitro.
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García-Ferreyra J, Valdivieso P, Zambrano M, Carpio J. High pregnancy and implantation rates can be obtained with preincubation of oocytes before insemination in IVF and ICSI procedures. Health (London) 2012. [DOI: 10.4236/health.2012.49104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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31
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Sá R, Cunha M, Silva J, Luís A, Oliveira C, Teixeira da Silva J, Barros A, Sousa M. Ultrastructure of tubular smooth endoplasmic reticulum aggregates in human metaphase II oocytes and clinical implications. Fertil Steril 2011; 96:143-149.e7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.04.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2010] [Revised: 04/25/2011] [Accepted: 04/25/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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32
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Human cumulus cell gene expression as a biomarker of pregnancy outcome after single embryo transfer. Fertil Steril 2011; 96:47-52.e2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2011] [Revised: 03/24/2011] [Accepted: 04/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Martin JR, Bromer JG, Sakkas D, Patrizio P. Live babies born per oocyte retrieved in a subpopulation of oocyte donors with repetitive reproductive success. Fertil Steril 2010; 94:2064-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2009] [Revised: 01/27/2010] [Accepted: 02/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Danfour MA, Elmahaishi MS. Human oocyte oolemma characteristic is positively related to embryo developmental competence after ICSI procedure. MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mefs.2010.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Rienzi L, Vajta G, Ubaldi F. Predictive value of oocyte morphology in human IVF: a systematic review of the literature. Hum Reprod Update 2010; 17:34-45. [PMID: 20639518 PMCID: PMC3001337 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmq029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-invasive selection of developmentally competent human oocytes may increase the overall efficiency of human assisted reproduction and is regarded as crucial in countries where legal, social or religious factors restrict the production of supernumerary embryos. The purpose of this study was to summarize the predictive value for IVF success of morphological features of the oocyte that can be obtained by light or polarized microscopic investigations. METHODS Studies about oocyte morphology and IVF/ICSI outcomes were identified by using a systematic literature search. RESULTS Fifty relevant articles were identified: 33 analysed a single feature, 9 observed multiple features and investigated the effect of these features individually, 8 summarized the effect of individual features. Investigated structures were the following: meiotic spindle (15 papers), zona pellucida (15 papers), vacuoles or refractile bodies (14 papers), polar body shape (12 papers), oocyte shape (10 papers), dark cytoplasm or diffuse granulation (12 papers), perivitelline space (11 papers), central cytoplasmic granulation (8 papers), cumulus–oocyte complex (6 papers) and cytoplasm viscosity and membrane resistance characteristics (2 papers). None of these features were unanimously evaluated to have prognostic value for further developmental competence of oocytes. CONCLUSIONS No clear tendency in recent publications to a general increase in predictive value of morphological features was found. These contradicting data underline the importance of more intensive and coordinated research to reach a consensus and fully exploit the predictive potential of morphological examination of human oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rienzi
- G.EN.E.R.A Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Clinica Valle Giulia, Via G. De Notaris 2, 00197 Rome, Italy.
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Fujimoto VY, Kane JP, Ishida BY, Bloom MS, Browne RW. High-density lipoprotein metabolism and the human embryo. Hum Reprod Update 2010; 16:20-38. [PMID: 19700490 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmp029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-density lipoprotein (HDL) appears to be the dominant lipoprotein particle in human follicular fluid (FF). The reported anti-atherogenic properties of HDL have been attributed in part to reverse cholesterol transport. The discoveries of the scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) and the ATP-binding cassette A1 lipid (ABCA1) transporter have generated studies aimed at unraveling the pathways of HDL biogenesis, remodeling and catabolism. The production of SR-BI and ABCA1 knockout mice as well as other lipoprotein metabolism-associated mutants has resulted in reduced or absent fertility, leading us to postulate the existence of a human hepatic-ovarian HDL-associated axis of fertility. Here, we review an evolving literature on the role of HDL metabolism on mammalian fertility and oocyte development. METHODS An extensive online search was conducted of published articles relevant to the section topics discussed. All relevant English language articles contained in Pubmed/Medline, with no specific time frame for publication, were considered for this narrative review. Cardiovascular literature was highly cited due to the wealth of relevant knowledge on HDL metabolism, and the dearth thereof in the reproductive field. RESULTS Various vertebrate models demonstrate a role for HDL in embryo development and fertility. In our clinical studies, FF levels of HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein AI levels were negatively associated with embryo fragmentation, but not with embryo cell cleavage rate. However, the HDL component, paraoxonase 1 arylesterase activity, was positively associated with embryo cell cleavage rate. CONCLUSIONS HDL contributes to intra-follicular cholesterol homeostasis which appears to be important for successful oocyte and embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Y Fujimoto
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115-0916, USA.
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Abstract
Predictive criteria for selection of the best embryo for single embryo transfer remain elusive. This study aimed to determine if non-invasive markers in human oocytes, detectable using polarized light microscopy, can predict pregnancy outcome. Twenty-two pregnancy-producing oocytes from 19 patients had their morphological features compared with 30 oocytes from 19 age-matched patients whose transfer did not result in a pregnancy. Both pregnant and non-pregnant patients had similar numbers of oocytes collected (average: 11.9 +/- 2.8 versus 11.3 +/- 2.9) and similar fertilization rates (70.1% versus 69.6%). All embryos transferred were 4-cell cleavage-stage on day 2 with <10% fragmentation. Meiotic spindles were examined at 39-40 h following human chorionic gonadotrophin administration for spindle normality, length, density and angle from first polar body. There was a significant difference in spindle normality in oocytes in the pregnant patients compared with oocytes in the non-pregnant patients (100% versus 33%, P < 0.001). Spindle density was significantly higher in those oocytes resulting in pregnancy (3.0 +/- 1.23 nm versus 2.5 +/- 0.7 nm, P = 0.02). These oocyte markers may provide a useful non-invasive tool in the selection of the embryo most likely to produce a pregnancy.
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Reversible disassembly of the actin cytoskeleton improves the survival rate and developmental competence of cryopreserved mouse oocytes. PLoS One 2008; 3:e2787. [PMID: 18665248 PMCID: PMC2467491 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0002787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2008] [Accepted: 06/22/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective cryopreservation of oocytes is critically needed in many areas of human reproductive medicine and basic science, such as stem cell research. Currently, oocyte cryopreservation has a low success rate. The goal of this study was to understand the mechanisms associated with oocyte cryopreservation through biophysical means using a mouse model. Specifically, we experimentally investigated the biomechanical properties of the ooplasm prior and after cryopreservation as well as the consequences of reversible dismantling of the F-actin network in mouse oocytes prior to freezing. The study was complemented with the evaluation of post-thaw developmental competence of oocytes after in vitro fertilization. Our results show that the freezing-thawing process markedly alters the physiological viscoelastic properties of the actin cytoskeleton. The reversible depolymerization of the F-actin network prior to freezing preserves normal ooplasm viscoelastic properties, results in high post-thaw survival and significantly improves developmental competence. These findings provide new information on the biophysical characteristics of mammalian oocytes, identify a pathophysiological mechanism underlying cryodamage and suggest a novel cryopreservation method.
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Wells D, Patrizio P. Gene expression profiling of human oocytes at different maturational stages and after in vitro maturation. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2008; 198:455.e1-9; discussion 455.e9-11. [PMID: 18395038 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2007.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2007] [Revised: 11/09/2007] [Accepted: 12/21/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to catalog genes expressed in human oocytes at germinal vesicle (GV) or metaphase II (MII) stage and to compare gene profiles between oocytes matured in vivo (in vivo-MII) and in vitro (IVM-MII). STUDY DESIGN University-based research utilizing unfertilized oocytes analyzed for > 29,000 genes with RNA amplification and microarray. RESULTS GV, in vivo-MII, and IVM-MII oocytes expressed 12,219, 9735, and 8510 genes, respectively. There was extensive overlap among the 3 groups, but also some significant differences. In particular, in vivo-MII and IVM-MII oocytes shared very similar patterns of gene expression. However, some immature patterns of expression, reminiscent of GVs, persisted in IVM-MIIs. CONCLUSION In vitro maturation is an attractive strategy for IVF treatment; however, current IVM methods produce oocytes that perform poorly in the context of IVF. Data from the current study suggest that although IVM-MII oocytes closely resemble in vivo-MII oocytes for cellular pathways related to nuclear maturity, several pathways associated with cytoplasmic functions continue to be expressed in an immature manner. Additionally, IVM-MII oocytes have differences in the expression of genes related to cellular storage and homeostasis. Differentially expressed genes/pathways provide clues for the optimization of IVM techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagan Wells
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Patrizio P, Fragouli E, Bianchi V, Borini A, Wells D. Molecular methods for selection of the ideal oocyte. Reprod Biomed Online 2007; 15:346-53. [PMID: 17854537 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60349-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Some recent strategies for identifying the ideal oocyte for insemination in assisted reproduction techniques are reviewed. Established methods of assessing the female gamete, such as morphological evaluation of oocytes and cytogenetic analysis of polar bodies using fluorescence in-situ hybridization, will soon be joined by more advanced cytogenetic methods such as the use of comparative genomic hybridization to improve understanding of oocyte genetics. It seems likely, however, that the greatest advances will originate from the evolution of molecular genetic technologies. The application of microarray technology to individual oocytes and their associated cumulus cells has recently been accomplished, providing a simultaneous assessment of activity for thousands of genes and revealing potential viability markers. Furthermore, improved equipment and optimized methods of mass spectrometry have provided sufficient sensitivity to allow proteomic profiles to be generated from single oocytes and embryos, while metabolomic investigations have searched for indicators of oocyte/embryo quality in spent culture medium. Techniques of this type may ultimately lead to non-invasive tests for oocyte quality revealing previously hidden information concerning both oocyte and embryo developmental competence. Once fully validated, these new approaches are expected to revolutionize oocyte and embryo selection, leading to improved implantation rates and higher probabilities of success using elective single embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Patrizio
- Yale University Fertility Centre, 150 Sargent Drive, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
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Haidekker MA, Theodorakis EA. Molecular rotors—fluorescent biosensors for viscosity and flow. Org Biomol Chem 2007; 5:1669-78. [PMID: 17520133 DOI: 10.1039/b618415d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 406] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Viscosity is a measure of the resistance of a fluid against gradients in flow (shear rate). Both flow and viscosity play an important role in all biological systems from the microscopic (e.g., cellular) to the systemic level. Many methods to measure viscosity and flow have drawbacks, such as the tedious and time-consuming measurement process, expensive instrumentation, or the restriction to bulk sample sizes. Fluorescent environment-sensitive dyes are known to show high sensitivity and high spatial and temporal resolution. Molecular rotors are a group of fluorescent molecules that form twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) states upon photoexcitation and therefore exhibit two competing deexcitation pathways: fluorescence emission and non-radiative deexcitation from the TICT state. Since TICT formation is viscosity-dependent, the emission intensity of molecular rotors depends on the solvent's viscosity. Furthermore, shear-stress dependency of the emission intensity was recently described. Although the photophysical processes are widely explored, the practical application of molecular rotors as sensors for viscosity and the fluid flow introduce additional challenges. Intensity-based measurements are influenced by fluid optical properties and dye concentration, and solvent-dye interaction requires calibration of the measurement system to a specific solvent. Ratiometric dyes and measurement systems help solve these challenges. In addition, the combination of molecular rotors with specific recognition groups allows them to target specific sites, for example the cell membrane or cytoplasm. Molecular rotors are therefore emerging as new biosensors for both bulk and local microviscosity, and for flow and fluid shear stress on a microscopic scale and with real-time response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Haidekker
- Department of Biological Engineering, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
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Rosen MP, Shen S, Dobson AT, Fujimoto VY, McCulloch CE, Cedars MI. Oocyte degeneration after intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a multivariate analysis to assess its importance as a laboratory or clinical marker. Fertil Steril 2006; 85:1736-43. [PMID: 16678177 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2005] [Revised: 12/06/2005] [Accepted: 12/06/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Oocyte degeneration has historically been associated with the intracytoplasmic (ICSI) technique. We sought to determine whether oocyte degeneration rates were associated with the technician performing the procedure, the baseline characteristics of the patient, and/or ovarian stimulation variables. We also evaluated whether the degeneration rate could serve as a surrogate marker for implantation potential. DESIGN Cohort study. SETTING Academic medical center. PATIENT(S) Couples undergoing ICSI. INTERVENTION(S) Six thousand six hundred fifty-three injected oocytes were analyzed to determine whether the degeneration rate was technician dependent. Two hundred thirty first-entry down-regulated cycles were examined to identify predictors associated with oocyte degeneration. Multivariate analyses were performed using generalized linear model routines. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Oocyte degeneration rates and implantation rates. RESULT(S) Neither the ICSI technician nor the stripping technician was associated with the oocyte degeneration rate. However, the day 3 FSH, number of mature oocytes retrieved, and E2 levels on the day of hCG were significant independent predictors of degeneration rate. Physician-adjustable ovarian stimulation variables were not associated with the degeneration rate. The degeneration rate did not appear to be associated with the implantation rate. CONCLUSION(S) These data suggest that oocyte degeneration is not technician or physician dependent. Degeneration is likely a function of the inherent oocyte quality in women who underwent ovarian stimulation. However, the remaining cohort of retrieved oocytes appears to be unaffected by virtue of an uncompromised implantation rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell P Rosen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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Ebner T, Moser M, Sommergruber M, Gaiswinkler U, Shebl O, Jesacher K, Tews G. Occurrence and developmental consequences of vacuoles throughout preimplantation development. Fertil Steril 2006; 83:1635-40. [PMID: 15950630 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2004] [Revised: 02/17/2005] [Accepted: 02/17/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Since little is known about the actual incidence and fate of vacuoles at different stages of development this preliminary study was set up to accurately measure vacuoles and track them to day 5. DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING Women's General Hospital in Austria. PATIENT(S) A total of 223 consecutive IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles (206 patients). INTERVENTION(S) Accurate measurement of vacuoles. Affected gametes and embryos were cultured individually and tracked until day 5. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Size and number of vacuoles, fertilization rate, blastocyst formation rate, blastocyst quality. RESULT(S) There was a significant relationship between size of the vacuole (cut-off value 14 microm) and fertilization (P<.05). At zygote stage the incidence of vacuoles was higher (P<.01) in ICSI (11.6%) than in IVF (5.3%). Only 32.2% of affected ICSI-embryos reached blastocyst stage on day 5 compared with 53.0% of the normal ones (P<.001). In terms of blastocyst formation vacuolization on day 4 (P<.001) turned out to be the most severe one. At blastocyst stage inner cell mass was affected less frequently than the trophectoderm (P<.05). CONCLUSION(S) Three types of vacuoles could be identified: (1) those already present at oocyte collection, which develop during maturation (day 0); (2) those artificially created by ICSI (day 1); and (3) those accompanied with developmental arrest (day 4). The later that vacuoles arose, the more detrimental their effect on blastocyst formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ebner
- IVF Unit, Women's General Hospital, Linz, Austria.
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Ebner T, Moser M, Tews G. Is oocyte morphology prognostic of embryo developmental potential after ICSI? Reprod Biomed Online 2006; 12:507-12. [PMID: 16740226 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)62006-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Metaphase II-stage oocytes collected from patients following ovarian stimulation show varying qualities. Both nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation have to be completed in a co-ordinated mode to ensure optimal conditions for subsequent fertilization. Disturbances or asynchrony of these processes may result in different morphological abnormalities, depending on whether nuclear or cytoplasmic maturation has been affected. In this respect it has been suggested that dysmorphic features occurring early in meiotic maturation may be associated with a higher frequency of aneuploidy and fertilization failure, while those occurring late in maturation may cause a higher incidence of developmental failure. In fact, more than half of the gametes collected show morphological abnormalities, some of which seem to be correlated with an impaired outcome (e.g. aggregation of endoplasmic reticulum, vacuolization, increased ooplasmic viscosity, giant eggs). Therefore, it is strongly recommended to include oocyte quality in all scoring systems applied in IVF laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ebner
- Women's General Hospital, IVF-Unit, Lederergasse 47, A-4010 Linz, Upper Austria, Austria.
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Familiari G, Heyn R, Relucenti M, Nottola SA, Sathananthan AH. Ultrastructural Dynamics of Human Reproduction, from Ovulation to Fertilization and Early Embryo Development1. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 249:53-141. [PMID: 16697282 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(06)49002-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
This study describes the updated, fine structure of human gametes, the human fertilization process, and human embryos, mainly derived from assisted reproductive technology (ART). As clearly shown, the ultrastructure of human reproduction is a peculiar multistep process, which differs in part from that of other mammalian models, having some unique features. Particular attention has been devoted to the (1) sperm ultrastructure, likely "Tygerberg (Kruger) strict morphology criteria"; (2) mature oocyte, in which the MII spindle is barrel shaped, anastral, and lacking centrioles; (3) three-dimensional microarchitecture of the zona pellucida with its unique supramolecular filamentous organization; (4) sperm-egg interactions with the peculiarity of the sperm centrosome that activates the egg and organizes the sperm aster and mitotic spindles of the embryo; and (5) presence of viable cumulus cells whose metabolic activity is closely related to egg and embryo behavior in in vitro as well as in vivo conditions, in a sort of extraovarian "microfollicular unit." Even if the ultrastructural morphodynamic features of human fertilization are well understood, our knowledge about in vivo fertilization is still very limited and the complex sequence of in vivo biological steps involved in human reproduction is only partially reproduced in current ART procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Familiari
- Laboratory of Electron Microscopy, Pietro M. Motta Department of Anatomy, University of Rome, La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Abstract
Assessment of oocyte morphology is a difficult task, since underlying mechanisms that change the appearance of the oocyte are multifactorial and complex. Significant morphological variations are known to exist among oocytes that may affect the developmental competence and implantation potential of the derived embryo. Morphological variations of the oocyte may result from intrinsic factors such as age and genetic defects or extrinsic factors such as stimulation protocols, culture conditions, and nutrition. The effect of these morphological variations of the oocyte on embryo development and implantation, however, is not conclusively defined because of methodological flaws inherent to most of the studies in the literature. This review will mainly discuss morphological markers of oocyte quality/viability in relation to the oocyte morphology and attempt to clarify whether morphological evaluation of the oocyte can be utilized for predicting the implantation potential of the derived embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basak Balaban
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, American Hospital of Istanbul, Guzelbahce sok no. 20, 34365 Nisantasi, Turkey.
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