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Mizobe Y, Kuwatsuru Y, Kuroki Y, Fukumoto Y, Tokudome M, Moewaki H, Iwakawa T, Takeuchi K. Effects of first and second division modes on euploidy acquisition in human embryo. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2024; 70:52-58. [PMID: 38426509 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2024.2311643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to non-invasively investigate euploid embryos using methods other than pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy. The study focused on direct cleavage (DC) observed during early embryo development. We also investigated the relationship between the mode of early embryo division and embryo ploidy. Embryos were divided into the normal cleavage (NC) and DC groups, and the DC group was further subdivided into the DC-First (DC-F) and DC-Second (DC-S) groups, depending on whether DC was observed at the first or second cleavage, respectively. The acquisition rates of euploid embryos and embryos appropriate for transfer were compared between the groups. Our results revealed that the timing of the first division did not differ between blastocyst grades or in embryos with varying degrees of ploidy. Further, the timing of the first cleavage did not affect the acquisition rate of embryos appropriate for transfer and euploid embryo formation rate did not significantly differ between the DC and NC groups. We also noted that for embryos appropriate for transfer, euploidy acquisition rate did not differ significantly between the DC and NC groups. Further, the euploidy acquisition rate of embryos did not differ between the DC-F and DC-S groups. However, the acquisition rate of embryos appropriate for transfer, including those with low mosaicism, was significantly higher in the DC-S group than in the DC-F group. These findings indicated that the number of good-quality blastocysts formed was significantly higher in the NC group than in the DC group and the acquisition rate of embryos appropriate for transfer, including those with low mosaicism, was significantly higher in the DC-S group than in the DC-F group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamato Mizobe
- Takeuchi Ladies Clinic/Center for Reproductive Medicine, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Yukari Kuwatsuru
- Takeuchi Ladies Clinic/Center for Reproductive Medicine, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Yuko Kuroki
- Takeuchi Ladies Clinic/Center for Reproductive Medicine, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Yumiko Fukumoto
- Takeuchi Ladies Clinic/Center for Reproductive Medicine, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Mari Tokudome
- Takeuchi Ladies Clinic/Center for Reproductive Medicine, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Harue Moewaki
- Takeuchi Ladies Clinic/Center for Reproductive Medicine, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Tokiko Iwakawa
- Takeuchi Ladies Clinic/Center for Reproductive Medicine, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Takeuchi
- Takeuchi Ladies Clinic/Center for Reproductive Medicine, Kagoshima, Japan
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Kim HM, Kang H, Lee C, Park JH, Chung MK, Kim M, Kim NY, Lee HJ. Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy and Trust in AI-Assisted Embryo Ranking: Survey-Based Prospective Study. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e52637. [PMID: 38830209 PMCID: PMC11184268 DOI: 10.2196/52637] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current embryo assessment methods for in vitro fertilization depend on subjective morphological assessments. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising tool for embryo assessment; however, its clinical efficacy and trustworthiness remain unproven. Simulation studies may provide additional evidence, provided that they are meticulously designed to mitigate bias and variance. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the benefits of an AI model for predicting clinical pregnancy through well-designed simulations. The secondary objective was to identify the characteristics of and potential bias in the subgroups of embryologists with varying degrees of experience. METHODS This simulation study involved a questionnaire-based survey conducted on 61 embryologists with varying levels of experience from 12 in vitro fertilization clinics. The survey was conducted via Google Forms (Google Inc) in three phases: (1) phase 1, an initial assessment (December 23, 2022, to January 22, 2023); (2) phase 2, a validation assessment (March 6, 2023, to April 5, 2023); and (3) phase 3 an AI-guided assessment (March 6, 2023, to April 5, 2023). Inter- and intraobserver assessments and the accuracy of embryo selection from 360 day-5 embryos before and after AI guidance were analyzed for all embryologists and subgroups of senior and junior embryologists. RESULTS With AI guidance, the interobserver agreement increased from 0.355 to 0.527 and from 0.440 to 0.524 for junior and senior embryologists, respectively, thus reaching similar levels of agreement. In a test of accurate embryo selection with 90 questions, the numbers of correct responses by the embryologists only, embryologists with AI guidance, and AI only were 34 (38%), 45 (50%), and 59 (66%), respectively. Without AI, the average score (accuracy) of the junior group was 33.516 (37%), while that of the senior group was 35.967 (40%), with P<.001 in the t test. With AI guidance, the average score (accuracy) of the junior group increased to 46.581 (52%), reaching a level similar to that of the senior embryologists of 44.833 (50%), with P=.34. Junior embryologists had a higher level of trust in the AI score. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the potential benefits of AI in selecting embryos with high chances of pregnancy, particularly for embryologists with 5 years or less of experience, possibly due to their trust in AI. Thus, using AI as an auxiliary tool in clinical practice has the potential to improve embryo assessment and increase the probability of a successful pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hyoeun Kang
- AI Lab, Kai Health, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Jong Hyuk Park
- IVF Clinic, Miraewaheemang Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Kyung Chung
- IVF Clinic, Seoul Rachel Fertility Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Miran Kim
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Na Young Kim
- IVF Clinic, HI Fertility Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Yang HY, Leahy BD, Jang WD, Wei D, Kalma Y, Rahav R, Carmon A, Kopel R, Azem F, Venturas M, Kelleher CP, Cam L, Pfister H, Needleman DJ, Ben-Yosef D. BlastAssist: a deep learning pipeline to measure interpretable features of human embryos. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:698-708. [PMID: 38396213 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can the BlastAssist deep learning pipeline perform comparably to or outperform human experts and embryologists at measuring interpretable, clinically relevant features of human embryos in IVF? SUMMARY ANSWER The BlastAssist pipeline can measure a comprehensive set of interpretable features of human embryos and either outperform or perform comparably to embryologists and human experts in measuring these features. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Some studies have applied deep learning and developed 'black-box' algorithms to predict embryo viability directly from microscope images and videos but these lack interpretability and generalizability. Other studies have developed deep learning networks to measure individual features of embryos but fail to conduct careful comparisons to embryologists' performance, which are fundamental to demonstrate the network's effectiveness. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We applied the BlastAssist pipeline to 67 043 973 images (32 939 embryos) recorded in the IVF lab from 2012 to 2017 in Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center. We first compared the pipeline measurements of individual images/embryos to manual measurements by human experts for sets of features, including: (i) fertilization status (n = 207 embryos), (ii) cell symmetry (n = 109 embryos), (iii) degree of fragmentation (n = 6664 images), and (iv) developmental timing (n = 21 036 images). We then conducted detailed comparisons between pipeline outputs and annotations made by embryologists during routine treatments for features, including: (i) fertilization status (n = 18 922 embryos), (ii) pronuclei (PN) fade time (n = 13 781 embryos), (iii) degree of fragmentation on Day 2 (n = 11 582 embryos), and (iv) time of blastulation (n = 3266 embryos). In addition, we compared the pipeline outputs to the implantation results of 723 single embryo transfer (SET) cycles, and to the live birth results of 3421 embryos transferred in 1801 cycles. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS In addition to EmbryoScope™ image data, manual embryo grading and annotations, and electronic health record (EHR) data on treatment outcomes were also included. We integrated the deep learning networks we developed for individual features to construct the BlastAssist pipeline. Pearson's χ2 test was used to evaluate the statistical independence of individual features and implantation success. Bayesian statistics was used to evaluate the association of the probability of an embryo resulting in live birth to BlastAssist inputs. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The BlastAssist pipeline integrates five deep learning networks and measures comprehensive, interpretable, and quantitative features in clinical IVF. The pipeline performs similarly or better than manual measurements. For fertilization status, the network performs with very good parameters of specificity and sensitivity (area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) 0.84-0.94). For symmetry score, the pipeline performs comparably to the human expert at both 2-cell (r = 0.71 ± 0.06) and 4-cell stages (r = 0.77 ± 0.07). For degree of fragmentation, the pipeline (acc = 69.4%) slightly under-performs compared to human experts (acc = 73.8%). For developmental timing, the pipeline (acc = 90.0%) performs similarly to human experts (acc = 91.4%). There is also strong agreement between pipeline outputs and annotations made by embryologists during routine treatments. For fertilization status, the pipeline and embryologists strongly agree (acc = 79.6%), and there is strong correlation between the two measurements (r = 0.683). For degree of fragmentation, the pipeline and embryologists mostly agree (acc = 55.4%), and there is also strong correlation between the two measurements (r = 0.648). For both PN fade time (r = 0.787) and time of blastulation (r = 0.887), there's strong correlation between the pipeline and embryologists. For SET cycles, 2-cell time (P < 0.01) and 2-cell symmetry (P < 0.03) are significantly correlated with implantation success rate, while other features showed correlations with implantation success without statistical significance. In addition, 2-cell time (P < 5 × 10-11), PN fade time (P < 5 × 10-10), degree of fragmentation on Day 3 (P < 5 × 10-4), and 2-cell symmetry (P < 5 × 10-3) showed statistically significant correlation with the probability of the transferred embryo resulting in live birth. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION We have not tested the BlastAssist pipeline on data from other clinics or other time-lapse microscopy (TLM) systems. The association study we conducted with live birth results do not take into account confounding variables, which will be necessary to construct an embryo selection algorithm. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) will be necessary to determine whether the pipeline can improve success rates in clinical IVF. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS BlastAssist provides a comprehensive and holistic means of evaluating human embryos. Instead of using a black-box algorithm, BlastAssist outputs meaningful measurements of embryos that can be interpreted and corroborated by embryologists, which is crucial in clinical decision making. Furthermore, the unprecedentedly large dataset generated by BlastAssist measurements can be used as a powerful resource for further research in human embryology and IVF. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by Harvard Quantitative Biology Initiative, the NSF-Simons Center for Mathematical and Statistical Analysis of Biology at Harvard (award number 1764269), the National Institute of Heath (award number R01HD104969), the Perelson Fund, and the Sagol fund for embryos and stem cells as part of the Sagol Network. The authors declare no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Y Yang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biophysics, Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Brian D Leahy
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Applied Physics, Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Won-Dong Jang
- Department of Computer Science, Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Donglai Wei
- Department of Computer Science, Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yael Kalma
- Department of Reproduction and IVF, Lis Maternity Hospital Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Roni Rahav
- Department of Reproduction and IVF, Lis Maternity Hospital Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ariella Carmon
- Department of Reproduction and IVF, Lis Maternity Hospital Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Rotem Kopel
- Department of Reproduction and IVF, Lis Maternity Hospital Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Foad Azem
- Department of Reproduction and IVF, Lis Maternity Hospital Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Marta Venturas
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Colm P Kelleher
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Liz Cam
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Hanspeter Pfister
- Department of Computer Science, Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Daniel J Needleman
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Applied Physics, Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Dalit Ben-Yosef
- Department of Reproduction and IVF, Lis Maternity Hospital Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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Lacconi V, Massimiani M, Carriero I, Bianco C, Ticconi C, Pavone V, Alteri A, Muzii L, Rago R, Pisaturo V, Campagnolo L. When the Embryo Meets the Endometrium: Identifying the Features Required for Successful Embryo Implantation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2834. [PMID: 38474081 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Evaluation of the optimal number of embryos, their quality, and the precise timing for transfer are critical determinants in reproductive success, although still remaining one of the main challenges in assisted reproduction technologies (ART). Indeed, the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments relies on a multitude of events and factors involving both the endometrium and the embryo. Despite concerted efforts on both fronts, the overall success rates of IVF techniques continue to range between 25% and 30%. The role of the endometrium in implantation has been recently recognized, leading to the hypothesis that both the "soil" and the "seed" play a central role in a successful pregnancy. In this respect, identification of the molecular signature of endometrial receptivity together with the selection of the best embryo for transfer become crucial in ART. Currently, efforts have been made to develop accurate, predictive, and personalized tests to identify the window of implantation and the best quality embryo. However, the value of these tests is still debated, as conflicting results are reported in the literature. The purpose of this review is to summarize and critically report the available criteria to optimize the success of embryo transfer and to better understand current limitations and potential areas for improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Lacconi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant'Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Micol Massimiani
- Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant'Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilenia Carriero
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Bianco
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Ticconi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Pavone
- Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Alteri
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Ludovico Muzii
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Rocco Rago
- Physiopathology of Reproduction and Andrology Unit, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Via dei Monti Tiburtini 385/389, 00157 Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Pisaturo
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Campagnolo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Braga DPDAF, Setti A, Carrilho E, Guilherme P, Iaconelli A, Borges E. Progesterone-primed cycles result in slower embryos without compromising implantation potential and with the advantages of oral administration and potential cost reduction. F&S SCIENCE 2024; 5:43-49. [PMID: 38061461 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2023.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the impact of the use of progesterone on embryo morphokinetics and on the outcomes of intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles. DESIGN Cohort study. SETTING Private university-affiliated in vitro fertilization center. PATIENT(S) This study included 236 freeze-all intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles and the resultant 2,768 injected oocytes cultured in a time-lapse imaging incubation system. Patients were matched by age and divided into groups depending on the protocol used to prevent the luteinizing hormone surge: progestin-primed (144 cycles and 1,360 embryos) and gonadotropin hormone-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist (144 cycles and 1,408 embryos) groups. INTERVENTION(S) The kinetic recorded markers were time to pronuclear appearance and fading, time to 2-8 cells, time to morulation, time to start of blastulation, and time to blastulation. The durations of cell cycles and time to complete synchronous divisions were calculated. The Known Implantation Data Score ranking was recorded. Morphokinetics and clinical outcomes were compared between the groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Embryo morphokinetics and clinical outcomes. RESULTS Slower time to pronuclear appearance, time to 2 cells, time to 7 cells, time to start of blastulation, and time to blastulation were observed in embryos derived from progestin-primed cycles than in those from the GnRH antagonist group. No significant differences were noted in any other morphokinetic milestone. Significantly higher cancellation and implantation rates were observed in the progestin-primed group. However, no significant differences were noted in the pregnancy and miscarriage rates. The expenses for treatment using premature GnRH antagonist and progestins were US$318.18 and US$11.05, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Exogenous progesterone replaces the GnRH antagonist for the prevention of premature luteinizing hormone surge, in freeze-all cycles, with the advantage of oral administration and potential cost reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Paes de Almeida Ferreira Braga
- Fertility/FERTGROUP- Medicina Reprodutiva, Scientific Research, Av. Brigadeiro Luis Antonio, São Paulo, Brazil; Instituto Sapientiae - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana Assistida, Rua Vieira Maciel, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Amanda Setti
- Fertility/FERTGROUP- Medicina Reprodutiva, Scientific Research, Av. Brigadeiro Luis Antonio, São Paulo, Brazil; Instituto Sapientiae - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana Assistida, Rua Vieira Maciel, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edward Carrilho
- Instituto Sapientiae - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana Assistida, Rua Vieira Maciel, São Paulo, Brazil; Fertility/FERTGROUP- Medicina Reprodutiva, Clinical Departament, Av. Brigadeiro Luis Antonio, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Guilherme
- Fertility/FERTGROUP- Medicina Reprodutiva, IVF Laboratory Av. Brigadeiro Luis Antonio, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Assumpto Iaconelli
- Fertility/FERTGROUP- Medicina Reprodutiva, Clinical Departament, Av. Brigadeiro Luis Antonio, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edson Borges
- Fertility/FERTGROUP- Medicina Reprodutiva, Scientific Research, Av. Brigadeiro Luis Antonio, São Paulo, Brazil; Fertility/FERTGROUP- Medicina Reprodutiva, Clinical Departament, Av. Brigadeiro Luis Antonio, São Paulo, Brazil
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Lee CI, Huang CC, Lee TH, Chen HH, Cheng EH, Lin PY, Yu TN, Chen CI, Chen CH, Lee MS. Associations between the artificial intelligence scoring system and live birth outcomes in preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy cycles. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:12. [PMID: 38233926 PMCID: PMC10792866 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01185-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have demonstrated that iDAScore is more accurate in predicting pregnancy outcomes in cycles without preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) compared to KIDScore and the Gardner criteria. However, the effectiveness of iDAScore in cycles with PGT-A has not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, this study aims to assess the association between artificial intelligence (AI)-based iDAScore (version 1.0) and pregnancy outcomes in single-embryo transfer (SET) cycles with PGT-A. METHODS This retrospective study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Chung Sun Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan. Patients undergoing SET cycles (n = 482) following PGT-A at a single reproductive center between January 2017 and June 2021. The blastocyst morphology and morphokinetics of all embryos were evaluated using a time-lapse system. The blastocysts were ranked based on the scores generated by iDAScore, which were defined as AI scores, or by KIDScore D5 (version 3.2) following the manufacturer's protocols. A single blastocyst without aneuploidy was transferred after examining the embryonic ploidy status using a next-generation sequencing-based PGT-A platform. Logistic regression analysis with generalized estimating equations was conducted to assess whether AI scores are associated with the probability of live birth (LB) while considering confounding factors. RESULTS Logistic regression analysis revealed that AI score was significantly associated with LB probability (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.037, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.632-2.542) when pulsatility index (PI) level and types of chromosomal abnormalities were controlled. Blastocysts were divided into quartiles in accordance with their AI score (group 1: 3.0-7.8; group 2: 7.9-8.6; group 3: 8.7-8.9; and group 4: 9.0-9.5). Group 1 had a lower LB rate (34.6% vs. 59.8-72.3%) and a higher rate of pregnancy loss (26% vs. 4.7-8.9%) compared with the other groups (p < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis verified that the iDAScore had a significant but limited ability to predict LB (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.64); this ability was significantly weaker than that of the combination of iDAScore, type of chromosomal abnormalities, and PI level (AUC = 0.67). In the comparison of the LB groups with the non-LB groups, the AI scores were significantly lower in the non-LB groups, both for euploid (median: 8.6 vs. 8.8) and mosaic (median: 8.0 vs. 8.6) SETs. CONCLUSIONS Although its predictive ability can be further enhanced, the AI score was significantly associated with LB probability in SET cycles. Euploid or mosaic blastocysts with low AI scores (≤ 7.8) were associated with a lower LB rate, indicating the potential of this annotation-free AI system as a decision-support tool for deselecting embryos with poor pregnancy outcomes following PGT-A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-I Lee
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chia Huang
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hsien Lee
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Hui Chen
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - En-Hui Cheng
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Yao Lin
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Ning Yu
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-I Chen
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hong Chen
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Maw-Sheng Lee
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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Wang S, Chen L, Sun H. Interpretable artificial intelligence-assisted embryo selection improved single-blastocyst transfer outcomes: a prospective cohort study. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103371. [PMID: 37839212 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What is the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of an interpretable artificial intelligence (AI) model for embryo selection in a prospective clinical trial? DESIGN This single-centre prospective cohort study was carried out from October 2021 to March 2022. A total of 330 eligible patients were assigned to their preferred groups, with 250 patients undergoing a fresh single-blastocyst transfer cycle after the exclusion criteria had been applied. For the AI-assisted group (AAG), embryologists selected the embryos for transfer based on the ranking recommendations provided by an interpretable AI system, while with the manual group, embryologists used the Gardner grading system to make their decisions. RESULTS The implantation rate was significantly higher in the AAG than the manual group (80.87% versus 68.15%, P = 0.022). No significant difference was found in terms of monozygotic twin rate, miscarriage rate, live birth rate and ectopic pregnancy rate between the groups. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in terms of neonatal outcomes, including gestational weeks, premature birth rate, birth height, birthweight, sex ratio at birth and newborn malformation rate. The consensus rate between the AI and retrospective analysis by the embryologists was significantly higher for good-quality embryos (i.e. grade 4BB or higher) versus poor-quality embryos (i.e. less than 4BB) (84.71% versus 25%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS These prospective trial results suggest that the proposed AI system could effectively help embryologists to improve the implantation rate with single-blastocyst transfer compared with traditional manual evaluation methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haixiang Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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Wertheimer A, Sapir O, Ben Meir A, Har-Vardi I, Hochberg A, Ben-Haroush A, Garor R, Margalit T, Schohat T, Shufaro Y. Is there a relationship between morphokinetic parameters and neonatal sex in fresh embryo transfers? HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:1340-1346. [PMID: 36942489 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2190043] [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: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
To investigate whether morphokinetic parameters differ between male and female embryos in IVF embryos resulting in live births, a retrospective cohort study was undertaken. Files of all live births resulting from a single embryo transfer (SET) cultured in time-lapse incubators between 2013 and 2019 in two tertiary care centres were reviewed. The study group consisted of 187 SETs resulted in 187 live births, of which 100 were females (53.5%) and 87 were males (46.5%). Embryo selection for transfer was based on the known implantation data (KID) score provided by the Embryoscope and morphological assessment by experienced embryologists. Neonatal sex was confirmed through live birth documentation. Morphokinetic parameters and day 3 and day 5 KID scores of male and female embryos were compared. Maternal baseline and treatment characteristics were similar between groups. Morphokinetic time-lapse parameters of male and female embryos including: pronuclei fading; cleavage timings (t2-t9); second and third cell cycle durations; synchrony of the second and third cleavages; late morphokinetic parameters and KID scores did not differ between groups. In conclusion, time-lapse morphokinetic parameters and embryo selection methods do not seem to differ between male and female embryos, and their utilization does not bias towards any neonatal sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avital Wertheimer
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Beilinson Women's Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Petach- Tikva, Israel
| | - Onit Sapir
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Beilinson Women's Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Petach- Tikva, Israel
| | - Assaf Ben Meir
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
- Fairtility Ltd, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Iris Har-Vardi
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
- Fairtility Ltd, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Alyssa Hochberg
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Beilinson Women's Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Petach- Tikva, Israel
| | - Avi Ben-Haroush
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Beilinson Women's Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Petach- Tikva, Israel
| | - Roni Garor
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Beilinson Women's Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Petach- Tikva, Israel
| | - Tamar Margalit
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Beilinson Women's Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Petach- Tikva, Israel
| | - Tzippy Schohat
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Beilinson Women's Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Petach- Tikva, Israel
| | - Yoel Shufaro
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Beilinson Women's Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Petach- Tikva, Israel
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9
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Kikuchi Y, Ito D, Wakayama S, Ooga M, Wakayama T. Time-lapse observation of mouse preimplantation embryos using a simple closed glass capillary method. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19893. [PMID: 37963931 PMCID: PMC10646084 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47017-8] [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: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Time-lapse observation is a popular method for analyzing mammalian preimplantation embryos, but it often requires expensive equipment and skilled techniques. We previously developed a simply and costly embryo-culture system in a sealed tube that does not require a CO2 incubator. In the present study, we developed a new time-lapse observation system using our previous culture method and a glass capillary. Zygotes were placed in a glass capillary and sunk in oil for observation under a stereomicroscope. Warming the capillary using a thermoplate enabled most of the zygotes to develop into blastocysts and produce healthy offspring. This time-lapse observation system captured images every 30 min for up to 5 days, which confirmed that the developmental speed and quality of the embryos were not affected, even with fluorescence. Overall, this new system is a simple time-lapse observation method for preimplantation embryos that does not require dedicated machines and advanced techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Kikuchi
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, University of Yamanashi, Kofu, 400-8510, Japan
| | - Daiyu Ito
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, University of Yamanashi, Kofu, 400-8510, Japan
| | - Sayaka Wakayama
- Advanced Biotechnology Center, University of Yamanashi, Kofu, 400-8510, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Ooga
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, University of Yamanashi, Kofu, 400-8510, Japan
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Fuchinobe, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara, 252-5201, Japan
| | - Teruhiko Wakayama
- Advanced Biotechnology Center, University of Yamanashi, Kofu, 400-8510, Japan.
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10
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Kakulavarapu R, Stensen MH, Jahanlu D, Haugen TB, Delbarre E. Altered morphokinetics and differential reproductive outcomes associated with cell exclusion events in human embryos. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103285. [PMID: 37573752 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Can embryos harbouring cell exclusion and their reproductive outcomes be classified based on morphokinetic profiles? DESIGN A total of 469 time-lapse videos of embryos transferred between 2013 and 2019 from a single clinic were analysed. Videos were assessed and grouped according to the presence or absence of one or more excluded cells before compaction. Cell division timings, intervals between subsequent cell divisions and dynamic intervals were analysed to determine the morphokinetic profiles of embryos with cell exclusion (CE+), compared with fully compacted embryos without cell exclusion or extrusion (CE-). RESULTS Transfer of CE+ embryos resulted in lower proportions of fetal heartbeat (FHB) and live birth compared with CE- embryos (both, P < 0.001). CE+ embryos were associated with delays in t2 (P = 0.030), t6 (P = 0.018), t7 (P < 0.001), t8 (P = 0.001), tSC (P < 0.001) and tM (P < 0.001). Earlier timings for t3 (P = 0.014) and t5 (P < 0.001) were positively associated with CE+; CE+ embryos indicated prolonged S2, S3, ECC3, cc2 and cc4. Logistic regression analysis revealed that t5, tM, S2 and ECC3 were the strongest predictive indicators of cell exclusion. Timings for S2 and ECC3 were useful in identifying increased odds of FHB when a cell exclusion event was present. CONCLUSION Embryos harbouring cell exclusion indicated altered morphokinetic profiles. Their overall lower reproductive success was associated with two morphokinetic parameters. Morphokinetic profiles could be used as adjunct indicators for reproductive success during cycles producing few, low-quality embryos. This may allow more objective identification of cell exclusion and refinement of embryo ranking procedures before transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhika Kakulavarapu
- Department of Life Sciences and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway..
| | | | - David Jahanlu
- Department of Life Sciences and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trine B Haugen
- Department of Life Sciences and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Erwan Delbarre
- Department of Life Sciences and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway..
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11
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Shavit M, Gonen D, Atzmon Y, Aslih N, Bilgory A, Shibli Abu-Raya Y, Sharqawi M, Estrada Garcia D, Michaeli M, Polotov D, Shalom-Paz E. Cleavage Patterns of 9600 Embryos: The Importance of Irregular Cleavage. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5656. [PMID: 37685723 PMCID: PMC10488943 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12175656] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This prospective, observational study investigated the incidence of irregular cleavage (IRC) among human embryos and its influence on IVF treatment outcomes. It included 1001 women who underwent 1976 assisted reproduction treatments during 2016-2021 in a single IVF clinic. Embryo morphokinetics were analyzed and evaluated for the association between IRC and women's characteristics, treatment characteristics, and pregnancy outcomes. The incidence of IRC was 17.5% (1689/9632 embryos). Of these, 85% of the embryos had one IRC, 15% had multiple IRC and 35% of IRC events occurred during the embryo's first cell cycle. IRC embryos were found to correlate with male factor (p = 0.01) and higher ICSI rate (p = 0.01). Age, BMI, parity, basal FSH level, stimulation protocol, and number of retrieved oocytes did not differ between groups. Embryos with early IRC or more than one IRC had lower blastulation rates (p = 0.01 for each). Fresh cycles with IRC embryos had a lower clinical pregnancy rate (p = 0.01) and embryos with early IRC had a lower live birth rate (p = 0.04) compared to embryos without IRC. Frozen transfer cycles of blastocyst embryos, with or without IRC, had comparable results. In conclusion, the number of abnormal cleavage events and their timing are important factors in the prognosis of the developing human embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Shavit
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel-Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera 3810000, Israel (M.S.); (E.S.-P.)
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3109601, Israel
| | - Daniel Gonen
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3109601, Israel
| | - Yuval Atzmon
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel-Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera 3810000, Israel (M.S.); (E.S.-P.)
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3109601, Israel
| | - Nardin Aslih
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel-Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera 3810000, Israel (M.S.); (E.S.-P.)
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3109601, Israel
| | - Asaf Bilgory
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel-Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera 3810000, Israel (M.S.); (E.S.-P.)
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3109601, Israel
| | - Yasmin Shibli Abu-Raya
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel-Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera 3810000, Israel (M.S.); (E.S.-P.)
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3109601, Israel
| | - Moamina Sharqawi
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel-Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera 3810000, Israel (M.S.); (E.S.-P.)
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3109601, Israel
| | - Daniela Estrada Garcia
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel-Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera 3810000, Israel (M.S.); (E.S.-P.)
| | - Mediea Michaeli
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel-Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera 3810000, Israel (M.S.); (E.S.-P.)
| | - Diana Polotov
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel-Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera 3810000, Israel (M.S.); (E.S.-P.)
| | - Einat Shalom-Paz
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel-Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera 3810000, Israel (M.S.); (E.S.-P.)
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3109601, Israel
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12
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Huayhua C, Rodríguez M, Vega J, Briones M, Rodriguez-Alvarez L, Mellisho E. Blastulation time measured with time-lapse system can predict in vitro viability of bovine blastocysts. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289751. [PMID: 37561791 PMCID: PMC10414680 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the time of blastulation monitored by time-lapse technology to predict in vitro viability of bovine blastocysts. This technology can be a powerful tool for bovine embryos selection with higher implantation capacity and competence. Also, in humans an early blastulation is associated with higher quality and pregnancy rate. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured for 20 to 22 h and then fertilized by co-incubation of COCs and spermatozoa (10,000 sperm per oocyte) for 18 h. Presumptive zygotes were placed individually in microwells, in droplets of commercial culture medium. The Primo Vision TL system (EVO+; Vitrolife) captured digital images of developing embryos every 15 minutes. The time frame from IVF to the start of blastulation (tSB) and to blastocyst development (tB) was recorded. After day 7.5, the blastocysts were in vitro culture for 48 h until day 9.5 after IVF to evaluate post hatching development. In vitro viability was evaluated at day 9.5: those with a diameter greater than 200 μm and a total cell count greater than 180 were classified as viable (value 1), while the rest were classified as non in vitro viable (value 0). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was estimated to determine the predictive power of in vitro viability through blastulation time. In addition, binary logistic regression analysis was used to generate a mathematical model with morphokinetic variables that allow the best prediction of in vitro viability. In 13 sessions, the blastocyst production rate was 46.2% (96/208). The cut-off time to discriminate early or late blastulation was 149.8 h. The post-hatching development of the embryos with early blastulation was 63.3% (31/49), being statistically superior (p = 0.001) than the late blastulation group 14.9% (7/47). Likewise, the time of blastulation showed an accuracy of 90.8% (p < 0.001) in predicting in vitro viability of bovine blastocysts. In conclusion, the selection of blastocysts based on blastulation time (< 155 h) and blastocyst diameter measured on day 7.5 after IVF (> 180 μm) maximizes the in vitro viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Huayhua
- Centro de Investigación en Tecnología de Embriones (CIETE), Animal Improvement Program, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Perú
| | - Misael Rodríguez
- Centro de Investigación en Tecnología de Embriones (CIETE), Animal Improvement Program, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Perú
| | - Jhorjhi Vega
- Centro de Investigación en Tecnología de Embriones (CIETE), Animal Improvement Program, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Perú
| | - Mario Briones
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Concepción, Chile
| | - Lleretny Rodriguez-Alvarez
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Concepción, Chile
| | - Edwin Mellisho
- Centro de Investigación en Tecnología de Embriones (CIETE), Animal Improvement Program, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Perú
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13
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Utsuno H, Ishimaru T, Matsumoto M, Sasamori C, Takahashi H, Kimura H, Kamijo S, Yamada M, Tanaka M, Hamatani T. Morphometric assessment of blastocysts: relationship with the ongoing pregnancy rate. F S Rep 2023; 4:85-92. [PMID: 36959960 PMCID: PMC10028418 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2022.11.001] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore a morphometric grading system for blastocysts that is associated with ongoing pregnancy. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting None. Patientss All consecutive vitrified blastocysts at our center from July 2018 to November 2021 that were transferred in single blastocyst transfer cycles until January 2022. Interventions None. Main Outcome Measures The ongoing pregnancy rate after a single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer. Interobserver agreement on morphometric values among embryologists. Results Three morphometric variables (blastocyst diameter, area of inner cell mass [ICM], and the estimated trophectoderm cell count) were used to evaluate the expansion, ICM, and trophectoderm morphology. During the study period, 585 blastocysts were involved in this study. Of the 3 morphometric variables, ICM area (per 500 μm2, adjusted odds ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-1.30) and estimated trophectoderm cell count (per 10 cells, adjusted odds ratio, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-1.39) were significantly associated with the ongoing pregnancy rate after adjustment for confounding factors. The ongoing pregnancy rate was 2.0% (1/49) with an ICM area of <2,500 μm2 and the estimated trophectoderm cell count <70. The ongoing pregnancy rate reached 47.8% (22/46) when the ICM area and the estimated trophectoderm cell count were >3,500 μm2 and >110, respectively. Interobserver agreement on the blastocyst diameter, ICM area, and the estimated trophectoderm cell count was excellent-to-good among 5 embryologists (intraclass correlation coefficients: 0.99, 0.87, and 0.91, respectively). Conclusions Morphometric values of ICM and trophectoderm are promising predictors of pregnancy success. The high reproducibility suggests that the morphometric variables will contribute to identifying blastocysts with the highest developmental potential as well as those that will not result in a successful pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Utsuno
- Clinical Laboratory, Keio University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Reprint requests: Hiroki Utsuno, Ph.D., Clinical Laboratory, Keio University Hospital, 35 Shinanomachi Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| | | | - Miho Matsumoto
- Clinical Laboratory, Keio University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Hiroko Kimura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shintaro Kamijo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsutoshi Yamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mamoru Tanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshio Hamatani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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14
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Govahi A, Nasr-Esfahani MH, Amjadi F, Mahdevar M, Mehdizadeh R, Mehdizadeh M. Cutting-edge techniques provide insights regarding repeated implantation failure patients. Reprod Biomed Online 2022; 46:687-696. [PMID: 36792416 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Can time-lapse parameters and the transcriptional profile of cumulus cells be used to achieve a more stringent and non-invasive method of embryo assessment and to identify possible factors affecting the embryo's ability to implant in repeated implantation failure (RIF) patients? DESIGN A total of 190 embryos from 18 oocyte donors and 145 embryos from 15 RIF patients were evaluated based on time-lapse parameters. Three morphokinetic parameters including T5 (time to reach five cells), T3 (time to reach three cells) and CC2 (time to two to three cells) were recorded for all embryos. Embryos that had all three parameters in the normal range were graded as high quality and comparison between these parameters were compared in high-quality embryos between two groups. The transcriptional profile of cumulus cells related to high-quality embryos of both groups were analysed by RNA sequencing and compared. Finally, the possible relationship between differentially expressed genes and time-lapse parameters was examined. RESULTS T5 was significantly lower in the RIF group than the donor group (P = 0.011). The cumulus cell transcriptome analysis showed 193 genes were down-regulated and 222 genes up-regulated. The mammalian target of rapamycin and the transforming growth factor beta pathways were significantly increased in the RIF group compared to the donor group (P = 0.007 and 0.01, respectively). Vitamin B12 and fatty acid beta-oxidation pathways were also significantly reduced in the RIF group compared to the donor group (P = 0.006 and 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Differences in the transcriptomic profiles of cumulus cells and some morphokinetic parameters may be one of the main factors contributing to unexplained RIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam Govahi
- Endometriosis Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fatemehsadat Amjadi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Rana Mehdizadeh
- School of Dentistry, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mehdizadeh
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Anatomy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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15
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Matot R, Kalma Y, Rahav R, Azem F, Amir H, Ben-Yosef D. Cleavage stage at compaction-a good predictor for IVF outcome. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2022; 161:997-1003. [PMID: 36495286 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze whether cleavage stage at compaction, and not only kinetics, can serve as a reliable predictor for clinical outcome. METHODS A retrospective cohort study including 1194 embryos, classified by compaction initiation stage (Group 1: compaction at fewer than eight cells, Group 2: compaction at eight cells, Group 3: compaction at more than eight cells). Of these, 815 embryos were evaluated for morphokinetic preimplantation parameters, and 379 embryos were analyzed for clinical implantation following thawing and transfer of single blastocysts during the same period. RESULTS In total, 1194 embryos were analyzed. Embryos that underwent compaction from more than eight cells (Group 3) exhibited more synchronous cleavage compared with Groups 1 and 2 (at both S2 and S3; P < 0.001), and displayed a significantly lower fragmentation rate. The likelihood of obtaining top-quality blastocysts decreased by 73% and 44% when comparing Group 3 embryos with those of Groups 1 and 2, respectively, (P < 0.03). Clinical validation of the results shows that while compaction from fewer than eight cells barely produced blastocysts for transfer, compaction at eight or more cells is crucial for implantation and birth (birth rates 11.1% and 18.5% for Groups 2 and 3, respectively). CONCLUSION Cleavage stage at compaction has a direct effect on blastocyst quality and subsequent pregnancy, so can be included in newly developed deep learning models for embryo selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Matot
- Fertility and IVF Institute, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yael Kalma
- Fertility and IVF Institute, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Roni Rahav
- Fertility and IVF Institute, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Foad Azem
- Fertility and IVF Institute, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hadar Amir
- Fertility and IVF Institute, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dalit Ben-Yosef
- Fertility and IVF Institute, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Affiliated to Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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16
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Li HX, Pang Y, Ma XL, Zhang XH, Li WQ, Xi YM. Associations between morphokinetic parameters of temporary-arrest embryos and the clinical prognosis in FET cycles. Open Med (Wars) 2022; 17:1896-1902. [DOI: 10.1515/med-2022-0592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Infertility is a major health concern worldwide. This retrospective study aimed to assess the predictive value of the morphokinetic parameters of temporary-arrest embryos for the pregnancy outcomes of women undergoing frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles. In this study, we evaluated 244 FET cycles with 431 day-4 temporary-arrest embryos. They were categorized into two groups (pregnancy and non-pregnancy) according to the pregnancy outcomes of the women after embryo transfer on day 5, and their fundamental characteristics were compared. The morphokinetic parameters from the time-lapse monitoring system were assessed according to different pregnancy outcomes. The mean number of embryo blastomeres thawed on day 3 in the pregnancy group was 7.47, which was significantly higher than the number in the non-pregnancy group (p < 0.01). Besides, embryos in the non-pregnancy group contained more embryo fragments and lower grades than those in the pregnancy group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, morphokinetic parameters: tPNa, t2, t5, and t5_tPNf showed a statistical difference between the pregnancy and non-pregnancy groups (p < 0.05). Receiver-operating characteristic analysis revealed that the time from pronuclear fading to the 5-cell stage (t5_PNF) predicted the clinical prognosis outcomes (area under the curve = 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.58–0.70; p < 0.001). The morphokinetic parameter t5_PNF could be regarded as a potential implantation predictor in our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Xing Li
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University , Lanzhou 730000 , China
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University , Lanzhou 730000 , China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo of Gansu Province , Lanzhou 730000 , China
| | - Yan Pang
- PET-CT Center of Gansu Provincial Hospital , Lanzhou 730000 , China
| | - Xiao-Ling Ma
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University , Lanzhou 730000 , China
| | - Xue-Hong Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University , Lanzhou 730000 , China
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University , Lanzhou 730000 , China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine and Embryo of Gansu Province , Lanzhou 730000 , China
| | - Wen-qiang Li
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University , Lanzhou 730000 , China
| | - Ya-Ming Xi
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University , Lanzhou 730000 , China
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Medenica S, Zivanovic D, Batkoska L, Marinelli S, Basile G, Perino A, Cucinella G, Gullo G, Zaami S. The Future Is Coming: Artificial Intelligence in the Treatment of Infertility Could Improve Assisted Reproduction Outcomes-The Value of Regulatory Frameworks. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12122979. [PMID: 36552986 PMCID: PMC9777042 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12122979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a global health issue affecting women and men of reproductive age with increasing incidence worldwide, in part due to greater awareness and better diagnosis. Assisted reproduction technologies (ART) are considered the ultimate step in the treatment of infertility. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI) has been progressively used in the many fields of medicine, integrating knowledge and computer science through machine learning algorithms. AI has the potential to improve infertility diagnosis and ART outcomes estimated as pregnancy and/or live birth rate, especially with recurrent ART failure. A broad-ranging review has been conducted, focusing on clinical AI applications up until September 2022, which could be estimated in terms of possible applications, such as ultrasound monitoring of folliculogenesis, endometrial receptivity, embryo selection based on quality and viability, and prediction of post implantation embryo development, in order to eliminate potential contributing risk factors. Oocyte morphology assessment is highly relevant in terms of successful fertilization rate, as well as during oocyte freezing for fertility preservation, and substantially valuable in oocyte donation cycles. AI has great implications in the assessment of male infertility, with computerised semen analysis systems already in use and a broad spectrum of possible AI-based applications in environmental and lifestyle evaluation to predict semen quality. In addition, considerable progress has been made in terms of harnessing AI in cases of idiopathic infertility, to improve the stratification of infertile/fertile couples based on their biological and clinical signatures. With AI as a very powerful tool of the future, our review is meant to summarise current AI applications and investigations in contemporary reproduction medicine, mainly focusing on the nonsurgical aspects of it; in addition, the authors have briefly explored the frames of reference and guiding principles for the definition and implementation of legal, regulatory, and ethical standards for AI in healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanja Medenica
- Department of Endocrinology, Internal Medicine Clinic, Clinical Center of Montenegro, School of Medicine, University of Montenegro, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - Dusan Zivanovic
- Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ljubica Batkoska
- Medical Faculty, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje, 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia
| | | | | | - Antonio Perino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Villa Sofia Cervello Hospital, IVF UNIT, University of Palermo, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Gaspare Cucinella
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Villa Sofia Cervello Hospital, IVF UNIT, University of Palermo, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gullo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Villa Sofia Cervello Hospital, IVF UNIT, University of Palermo, 90146 Palermo, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Simona Zaami
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Maziotis E, Kalampokas T, Giannelou P, Grigoriadis S, Rapani A, Anifantakis M, Kotsifaki A, Pantou A, Triantafyllidou O, Tzanakaki D, Neofytou S, Vogiatzi P, Bakas P, Simopoulou M, Vlahos N. Commercially Available Molecular Approaches to Evaluate Endometrial Receptivity: A Systematic Review and Critical Analysis of the Literature. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:2611. [PMID: 36359455 PMCID: PMC9689742 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12112611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the advances in the field of reproductive medicine, implantation failure represents a challenging condition affecting 10-30% of patients subjected to in vitro fertilization (IVF). Research has focused on the identification of molecules playing crucial roles in endometrial receptivity, with the aim of designing predictive tools for efficient detection of the implantation window. To that end, novel molecular genomic and transcriptomic approaches have been introduced as promising tools to enable personalized approaches with the aim of optimizing embryo transfer dating. However, the clinical value of these approaches remains unclear. The aim of this study is to provide a systematic review and critical analysis of the existing evidence regarding the employment of commercially available novel approaches to evaluate endometrial receptivity. An Embase and PubMed/Medline search was performed on 1 February 2022. From the 475 articles yielded, only 27 were included and analyzed. The considerable heterogeneity of the included articles indicates the uniqueness of the implantation window, showcasing that the optimal time for embryo transfer varies significantly between women. Moreover, this study provides information regarding the technical aspects of these advanced molecular tools, as well as an analysis of novel possible biomarkers for endometrial receptivity, providing a basis for future research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Maziotis
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias Str., 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros Kalampokas
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 76, Vasilisis Sofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Polina Giannelou
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, 14-16, Papanikoli Str., 15232 Athens, Greece
| | - Sokratis Grigoriadis
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias Str., 11527 Athens, Greece
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 76, Vasilisis Sofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Rapani
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias Str., 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Marios Anifantakis
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias Str., 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Amalia Kotsifaki
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias Str., 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Agni Pantou
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, 14-16, Papanikoli Str., 15232 Athens, Greece
| | - Olga Triantafyllidou
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 76, Vasilisis Sofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Despoina Tzanakaki
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 76, Vasilisis Sofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Spyridoula Neofytou
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 76, Vasilisis Sofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Vogiatzi
- Andromed Health & Reproduction, Fertility Diagnostics Center, 3, Mesogion Str., 15126 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Bakas
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 76, Vasilisis Sofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Mara Simopoulou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, Mikras Asias Str., 11527 Athens, Greece
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 76, Vasilisis Sofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Vlahos
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 76, Vasilisis Sofias Avenue, 11528 Athens, Greece
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Yang Mohsin WS, Abdullah Chue NS, Abdul Hamid F, Abu MA, Othman S, Mat Jin N, Woon SY, Abdul Karim AK, Ahmad MF. Comparison of Treatment Outcomes among Sibling Oocytes Using Different Culture Systems-Conventional IVF versus INVOcell Device-And Evaluation of INVOcell User Satisfaction: The INVOcIVF Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12391. [PMID: 36231691 PMCID: PMC9564657 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
INVOcell is considered an alternative to conventional IVF proposed for intravaginal embryo culture; however, implementation is still low because evidence is scanty regarding its outcome and, most importantly, the device's user satisfaction. Thus, we aim to compare the embryo outcome of sibling oocytes following INVOcell culture with conventional IVF (cIVF) by assessing its clinical outcome (fertilization, blastulation rate, and good embryo quality) and the user satisfaction evaluation based on a local validation questionnaire. A prospective study was done at a university-setting hospital for 12 months (July 2021-2022). The oocytes collected were divided into INVOcell and cIVF groups equally. Inclusion criteria included <40 years old and body mass index (BMI) < 30 kg/m2. The pre- and post-satisfaction questionnaires were assessed. In total, 23 women were included following standard controlled ovarian stimulation (COS). The mean age was 32.9, and the mean BMI was 24.9 kg/m2. Most of them suffered from tubal factors. A total of 252 oocytes were collected and incubated accordingly (cIVF; 138, INVOcell; 114). The blastulation rate was superior in the INVOcell group (p = 0.16); otherwise, the fertilization rate and good embryo quality were not significantly different between both methods (p > 0.05). Overall, women were satisfied with the INVOcell device as they were adequately advised, follow-up was scheduled, and the lowest score was obtained for all side effects of the device. Although both methods produce similar fertilization rates and good-quality embryos, the blastulation rates were better in the INVOcell group. Functionally, it is a user-friendly device and tolerable. Therefore, INVOcell can be used as an alternative method for reproductive treatment in carefully selected patients without jeopardizing the IVF outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Syahirah Yang Mohsin
- Advanced Reproductive Centre HCTM Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hospital Tuanku Azizah (HTA), Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia
| | | | | | | | - Sukhilmi Othman
- Hospital Bersalin Sukhilmi, No. 1-G, Jalan Coco Drive 3, Taman Bandar Senawang, Senawang 70450, Malaysia
| | - Norazilah Mat Jin
- Advanced Reproductive Centre HCTM Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
- Reproductive Unit Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sg Buloh Campus, Kuala Selangor 45800, Malaysia
| | - Shu Yuan Woon
- Advanced Reproductive Centre HCTM Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
- Hospital Umum Sarawak, Kuching 93586, Malaysia
| | | | - Mohd Faizal Ahmad
- Advanced Reproductive Centre HCTM Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
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Sayed S, Reigstad MM, Petersen BM, Schwennicke A, Hausken JW, Storeng R. Nucleation status of Day 2 pre-implantation embryos, acquired by time-lapse imaging during IVF, is associated with live birth. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274502. [PMID: 36137104 PMCID: PMC9498959 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The primary purpose of this time-lapse data analysis was to identify the association between the nucleation status of a Day 2 preimplantation embryo and live births following in vitro fertilization (IVF). The retrospective data analysis was based on 2769 transferred embryos from 1966 treatment cycles and utilised only Known Implantation Data (KID) for live births. Nucleation errors (NE) such as micronucleation, binucleation, multinucleation and minor error groups, were annotated in the time-lapse images which were taken every 15 minutes for a minimum of 44 hours post insemination. Further, factors that may impact NE and the relationship of early morphological attributes and morphokinetic variables with NE occurrence were explored. The frequency of NE among the transferred embryos was 23.8%. The reversibility of NE evidenced by their presence at the two-cell stage, but absence at the four-cell stage was 89.6%. Embryos exhibiting nucleation errors at the two-cell stage had significantly lower live birth rates compared to embryos with no nucleation errors, constituting a significant predictor. A Generalized Additive Mixed Model was used to control for confounders and for controlling clustering effects from dual embryo transfers. Increased incidences of NE were observed with increasing age, with delayed occurrence of cell divisions and in oocytes inseminated with surgically retrieved spermatozoa. NE assessment and their impact on live birth provides valuable markers for early preimplantation embryo selection. In addition, the high incidence of reversibility of NE and their possible impact on live birth suggest that incorporating two-cell nuclear status annotations in embryo selection, alongside morphology and morphokinetics, is of value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabana Sayed
- Klinikk Hausken, IVF and Gynecology, Haugesund, Norway
| | - Marte Myhre Reigstad
- Norwegian Research Centre on Women’s Health, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | | | - Ritsa Storeng
- Norwegian Research Centre on Women’s Health, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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21
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Sivanantham S, Saravanan M, Sharma N, Shrinivasan J, Raja R. Morphology of inner cell mass: a better predictive biomarker of blastocyst viability. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13935. [PMID: 36046502 PMCID: PMC9422976 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Transfer of embryos at the blastocyst stage is one of the best approaches for achieving a higher success rate in In vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment as it demonstrates an improved uterine and embryonic synchrony at implantation. Despite novel biochemical and genetic markers proposed for the prediction of embryo viability in recent years, the conventional morphological grading of blastocysts remains the classical way of selection in routine practice. This study aims to investigate the association between the morphological features of blastocysts and pregnancy outcomes. Methods This prospective study included women undergoing single or double frozen blastocyst transfers following their autologous cycles in a period between October 2020 and September 2021. The morphological grades (A-good, B-average, and C-poor) of inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE) of blastocysts with known implantation were compared to assess their predictive potential of pregnancy outcome. It was further explored by measuring the relationship between the two variables using logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results A total of 1,972 women underwent frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles with a total of 3,786 blastocysts. Known implantation data (KID) from 2,060 blastocysts of 1,153 patients were subjected to statistical analysis, the rest were excluded. Implantation rates (IR) from transfer of ICM/TE grades AA, AB, BA, BB were observed as 48.5%, 39.4%, 23.4% and 25% respectively. There was a significantly higher IR observed in blastocysts with ICM grade A (p < 0.001) than those with B irrespective of their TE scores. The analysis of the interaction between the two characteristics confirmed the superiority of ICM over TE as a predictor of the outcome. The rank biserial correlation value for ICM was also greater compared to that of TE (0.11 vs 0.05). Conclusion This study confirms that the morphology of ICM of the blastocyst is a stronger predictor of implantation and clinical pregnancy than that of TE and can be utilized as a biomarker of viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sargunadevi Sivanantham
- Department of IVF, ARC International Fertility and Research Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mahalakshmi Saravanan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, ARC International Fertility and Research Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Nidhi Sharma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Saveetha Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jayashree Shrinivasan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Saveetha Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ramesh Raja
- Department of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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22
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Allais A, FitzHarris G. Absence of a robust mitotic timer mechanism in early preimplantation mouse embryos leads to chromosome instability. Development 2022; 149:275859. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.200391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Preimplantation embryos often consist of a combination of euploid and aneuploid cells, suggesting that safeguards preventing the generation and propagation of aneuploid cells in somatic cells might be deficient in embryos. In somatic cells, a mitotic timer mechanism has been described, in which even a small increase in the duration of M phase can cause a cell cycle arrest in the subsequent interphase, preventing further propagation of cells that have undergone a potentially hazardously long M phase. Here, we report that cell divisions in the mouse embryo and embryonic development continue even after a mitotic prolongation of several hours. However, similar M-phase extensions caused cohesion fatigue, resulting in prematurely separated sister chromatids and the production of micronuclei. Only extreme prolongation of M phase caused a subsequent interphase arrest, through a mechanism involving DNA damage. Our data suggest that the simultaneous absence of a robust mitotic timer and susceptibility of the embryo to cohesion fatigue could contribute to chromosome instability in mammalian embryos.
This article has an associated ‘The people behind the papers’ interview.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adélaïde Allais
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM) 1 , H2X 0A9 Montréal, Québec , Canada
| | - Greg FitzHarris
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM) 1 , H2X 0A9 Montréal, Québec , Canada
- Université de Montréal 2 Department of OBGYN, and Department of Pathology and Cell Biology , , H3T 1C5 Montréal, Québec , Canada
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23
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Oron G, Sapir O, Shufaro Y, Wertheimer A, Ben-Haroush A. The effect of the co-administration of hCG and GnRH agonist (dual trigger) versus standard hCG trigger on morphokinetic embryo parameters. Reprod Biomed Online 2022; 45:696-702. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Chappell NR, Gibbons WE, Blesson CS. Pathology of hyperandrogenemia in the oocyte of polycystic ovary syndrome. Steroids 2022; 180:108989. [PMID: 35189133 PMCID: PMC8920773 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2022.108989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common ovulatory disorder in the world and is associated with multiple adverse outcomes. The phenotype is widely varied, with several pathologies contributing to the spectrum of the disease including insulin resistance, obesity and hyperandrogenemia. Of these, the role of hyperandrogenemia and the mechanism by which it causes dysfunction remains poorly understood. Early studies have shown that androgens may affect the metabolic pathways of a cell, and this may pose hazards at the level of the mitochondria. As mitochondria are strictly maternally inherited, this would provide an exciting explanation not only to the pathophysiology of PCOS as a disease, but also to the inheritance pattern. This review seeks to summarize what is known about PCOS and associated adverse outcomes with focus on the role of hyperandrogenemia and specific emphasis on the oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil R Chappell
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine. One Baylor Plaza, Houston 77030, TX, USA; Family Fertility Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston 77030, TX, USA
| | - William E Gibbons
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine. One Baylor Plaza, Houston 77030, TX, USA; Family Fertility Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston 77030, TX, USA
| | - Chellakkan S Blesson
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine. One Baylor Plaza, Houston 77030, TX, USA; Family Fertility Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston 77030, TX, USA.
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25
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Clua E, Rodríguez I, Arroyo G, Racca A, Martínez F, Polyzos N. Blastocyst transfer increases cumulative-live-birth-rates and reduces time and cost to livebirth compared with cleavage stage in recipients of donated oocytes. A randomized controlled trial. Reprod Biomed Online 2022; 44:995-1004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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26
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Malhotra J, Malhotra K, Kamat S, Mishra A, Chatterjee C, Nair S, Ghosh P, Mehta R, Bhadraka H, Srinivas S, Kumar L, Mistry R, Goenka D, Kant G. ISAR Consensus Guidelines on Add-Ons Treatment in In vitro Fertilization. J Hum Reprod Sci 2021; 14:S3-S30. [PMID: 34975243 PMCID: PMC8656316 DOI: 10.4103/0974-1208.330501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the good practices for the use of ADD-ON Treatments in IVF cycles in INDIA? WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN Add on treatments in IVF are procedures and technologies which are offered to patients in hope of improving the success rates. A lot of add on treatments exist; most of them have limited evidence and data for the Indian patient population is miniscule. These interventions may have limited effects, so it is imperative that any new technology that is offered is evaluated properly and has enough evidence to suggest that it is safe and effective. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION This is the report of a 2-day consensus meeting where two moderators were assigned to a group of experts to collate information on Add on treatments in IVF in INDIA. This meeting utilised surveys, available scientific evidence and personal laboratory experience into various presentations by experts on pre-decided specific topics. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS Expert professionals from ISAR representing clinical and embryology fields. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The report is divided in various components including the health of the Offspring, the various ADD ons available to an ART center, consensus points for each technology & qualifications and trainings for embryologists, the report and recommendations of the expert panel reflect the discussion on each of the topics and try to lay down good practice points for labs to follow. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION The recommendations are solely based on expert opinion. Future availability of data may warrant an update of the same. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These guidelines can help labs across the country to standardise their ART services and improve clinical outcomes, it will also motivate clinics to collect data and report the use of Add ons to the national registry. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS The consensus meeting and writing of the paper was supported by funds from CooperSurgical India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaideep Malhotra
- Managing Director, Rainbow IVF, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, President ISAR (2019), India
| | - Keshav Malhotra
- MBBS, MCE, Chief Embryologist & Director-Rainbow IVF, Agra (Uttar Pradesh), India
| | - Sudesh Kamat
- M.Sc., Laboratory Director, Bloom IVF Group, Mumbai, India
| | | | - Charulata Chatterjee
- Scentific Head and Consultant Embryologist Ferty9 Fertility Center, Secunderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Seema Nair
- Senior Embryologist, Coopersurgical India Pvt Ltd, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Pranay Ghosh
- Director and Chief Embryologist, Elixir Fertility Centre, Delhi, India
| | - Rajvi Mehta
- PhD, Consultant, Cooper Surgicals, Scientific Consultant, Trivector Biomed, Mumbai, India
| | - Harsha Bhadraka
- Director - IVF lab., Chief Embryologist, Akanksha Hospital and Research Institute, Anand, Gujarat; Lab Director - ZIVYA IVF, Mumbai, Maharashtra; Secretory - SKHPL Institutional Ethics Committee, Anand, Gujarat, India
| | - Sapna Srinivas
- Lab Director, Mamta Fertility Hospital, Hyderabad, India
| | - Lalith Kumar
- Senior Scientist, Department of Women and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rushika Mistry
- Senior Embryologist at Lilavati Hospital and Research Center (IVF Department), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Deepak Goenka
- Director, Institute of Human Reproduction, Guwahati, India
| | - Gaurav Kant
- Director - IVF Lab, Akanksha IVF Center New Delhi, India
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Nguyen DP, Pham QT, Tran TL, Vuong LN, Ho TM. Blastocyst Prediction of Day-3 Cleavage-Stage Embryos Using Machine Learning. FERTILITY & REPRODUCTION 2021. [DOI: 10.1142/s266131822150016x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Embryo selection plays an important role in the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, morphological embryo assessment has a number of limitations, including the time required, lack of accuracy, and inconsistency. This study determined whether a machine learning-based model could predict blastocyst formation using day-3 embryo images. Methods: Day-3 embryo images from IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles performed at My Duc Phu Nhuan Hospital between August 2018 and June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed to inform model development. Day-3 embryo images derived from two-pronuclear (2PN) zygotes with known blastocyst formation data were extracted from the CCM-iBIS time-lapse incubator (Astec, Japan) at 67 hours post ICSI, and labeled as blastocyst/non-blastocyst based on results at 116 hours post ICSI. Images were used as the input dataset to train (85%) and validate (15%) the convolutional neural network (CNN) model, then model accuracy was determined using the training and validation dataset. The performance of 13 experienced embryologists for predicting blastocyst formation based on 100 day-3 embryo images was also evaluated. Results: A total of 1,135 images were allocated into training ([Formula: see text] 967) and validation ([Formula: see text] 168) sets, with an even distribution for blastocyst formation outcome. The accuracy of the final model for blastocyst formation was 97.72% in the training dataset and 76.19% in the validation dataset. The final model predicted blastocyst formation from day-3 embryo images in the validation dataset with an area under the curve of 0.75 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.69–0.81). Embryologists predicted blastocyst formation with the accuracy of 70.07% (95% CI 68.12%–72.03%), sensitivity of 87.04% (95% CI 82.56%–91.52%), and specificity of 30.93% (95% CI 29.35%–32.51%). Conclusions: The CNN-based machine learning model using day-3 embryo images predicted blastocyst formation more accurately than experienced embryologists. The CNN-based model is a potential tool to predict additional IVF outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dung P. Nguyen
- IVFMD PN, My Duc Phu Nhuan Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Quan T. Pham
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Thanh L. Tran
- IVFMD PN, My Duc Phu Nhuan Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Lan N. Vuong
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tuong M. Ho
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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Sciorio R, Meseguer M. Focus on time-lapse analysis: blastocyst collapse and morphometric assessment as new features of embryo viability. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 43:821-832. [PMID: 34593324 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The main goal of assisted reproductive technology (ART) is to achieve a healthy singleton live birth after the transfer of one embryo. A major objective of IVF scientists has always been to use adequate criteria for selecting the embryo for transfer according to its implantation potential. Indeed, embryo quality is usually assessed by evaluating visual morphology, which relies on the removal of the embryo from the incubator and might include inter- and intra-evaluator variation among embryologists. Recently, an advancement in embryo culture has taken place with the introduction of a new type of incubator with an integrated time-lapse monitoring system, which enables embryologists to analyse the dynamic events of embryo development from fertilization to blastocyst formation. This novel practice is rapidly growing and has been used in many IVF centres worldwide. Therefore, the main aim of this review is to present the benefits of time-lapse monitoring in a modern embryology laboratory; in particular, we discuss blastocyst collapse and morphometric blastocyst assessment, and analyse their association with embryo viability and implantation potential. In addition, we highlight preliminary studies involving artificial intelligence and machine learning models as non-invasive markers of clinical pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, UK.
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Harada Y, Kinutani M, Horiuchi T. Improved developmental potential of mouse vitrified-warmed oocytes achieved by culturing in recovery medium with glutathione ethyl ester (GSH-OEt). Reprod Med Biol 2021; 20:505-512. [PMID: 34646079 PMCID: PMC8499599 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of glutathione ethyl ester (GSH-OEt) in the recovery medium on the developmental competence of mouse vitrified-warmed MII oocytes. METHODS Vitrified-warmed oocytes were incubated for 1 h in recovery medium in the presence or absence of 0.5 mM GSH-OEt. The authors examined the effects of GSH-OEt, first on the levels of glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vitrified-warmed oocytes, and second, on in vitro blastocyst development, division speed to blastocysts, and total cell numbers of blastocysts from vitrified-warmed oocytes fertilized by Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). RESULTS Adding GSH-OEt to the recovery medium significantly (p < 0.05) increased GSH content and decreased ROS levels in vitrified-warmed oocytes. The blastocyst rate did not differ significantly between the two groups, but the speed of development to blastocysts in the GSH-OEt (+) group was significantly more rapid. In addition, the total blastocyst cell number was significantly higher in the GSH-OEt (+) group than in the GSH-OEt (-) group (92.8 ± 5.1 vs. 71.4 ± 3.5, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Adding GSH-OEt to the recovery medium of vitrified-warmed mouse oocytes enhances the development potential of oocytes and improves the quality of blastocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Toshitaka Horiuchi
- Emeritus Professor of Prefectural University of HiroshimaHiroshimaJapan
- Institute for Advanced Reproductive MedicineOchi Yume Clinic NagoyaNagoyaJapan
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Time-lapse monitoring of fertilized human oocytes focused on the incidence of 0PN embryos in conventional in vitro fertilization cycles. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18862. [PMID: 34552114 PMCID: PMC8458381 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98312-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to investigate why the incidence of embryos derived from oocytes with no pronuclei (0PN) decreases using time-lapse monitoring (TLM) versus fixed-point assessment in conventional IVF cycles. We analyzed 514 embryos monitored with TLM 6–9 h after insemination and 144 embryos monitored using microscopic assessment 18–21 h after insemination. The primary endpoint of this study was the incidence of 0PN-derived embryos in short insemination followed by TLM. The secondary endpoint was the duration of insemination. As exploratory endpoints, we analyzed the blastulation rate and cryo-warmed blastocyst transfer outcome of embryos with early PN fading, whereby PN disappeared within < 20 h following the initiation of insemination. The incidence of 0PN-derived embryo reduced more significantly through TLM than through fixed-point observation. The microscopic assessment time was more significantly delayed in the 0PN-derived embryo than that in the 2PN-derived embryo. The embryo with early PN fading formed good-quality blastocysts, and their pregnancy outcomes were similar to those of other embryos. Most 0PN-derived embryos in the fixed-point assessment might have resulted from missed observation of PN appearance in the early-cleaved embryos. TLM or strict laboratory schedule management may reduce 0PN-derived embryos by reducing missed PN observations.
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Lane SL, Reed L, Schoolcraft WB, Katz-Jaffe MG. Euploid day 7 blastocysts of infertility patients with only slow embryo development have reduced implantation potential. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 44:858-865. [PMID: 35337737 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What is the reproductive potential of embryos that achieve blastulation on day 7 followed by preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) for infertility patients with slow embryo development? DESIGN This was a retrospective cohort study in a private IVF clinic of consecutive female infertility patients (n = 2966) aged 24-48 (36.3 ± 3.8) years who underwent frozen embryo transfer (FET) of a single euploid blastocyst. RESULTS The women underwent single euploid FET of an embryo that achieved blastulation on day 5 (n = 1880), day 6 (n = 986) or day 7 (n = 100). Day 7 embryos resulted in lower implantation and live birth rates compared with both day 5 and day 6 embryos (P < 0.001). The day 5, day 6 and day 7 groups had 68.5%, 55.2% and 36.0% live birth rates, respectively. The day 7 group was older than the day 5 group (P < 0.001); comparing age-matched cohorts, the day 7 group still had lower implantation and live birth rates (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Embryo grade was unrelated to live birth rates. Day 7 embryos of expansion grade 5 or 6 or trophectoderm grade A were more likely to be euploid compared with expansion grade 3 or trophectoderm grade B. CONCLUSIONS Euploid day 7 embryos represented reduced implantation potential, even when controlling for maternal age. Of all day 7 embryos that underwent PGT-A, euploidy was associated with expansion grade 5 or 6 and trophectoderm grade A. These results can help providers manage patient expectations in cases where infertile women have slow embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney L Lane
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree CO, USA
| | - Laura Reed
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree CO, USA
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Hajek J, Baron R, Sandi-Monroy N, Schansker S, Schoepper B, Depenbusch M, Schultze-Mosgau A, Neumann K, Gagsteiger F, von Otte S, Griesinger G. A randomised, multi-center, open trial comparing a semi-automated closed vitrification system with a manual open system in women undergoing IVF. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2101-2110. [PMID: 34131726 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are outcome and procedural differences when using the semi-automated closed Gavi® device versus the manual open Cryotop® method for vitrification of pronuclear (2PN) stage oocytes within an IVF program? SUMMARY ANSWER A semi-automated closed vitrification method gives similar clinical results as compared to an exclusively manual, open system but higher procedure duration and less staff convenience. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY A semi-automated closed vitrification device has been introduced to the market, however, little evaluation of its performance in a clinical setting has been conducted so far. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This prospective, randomised, open non-inferiority trial was conducted at three German IVF centers (10/2017-12/2018). Randomization was performed on day of fertilization check, stratified by center and by indication for vitrification (surplus 2PN oocytes in the context of a fresh embryo transfer (ET) cycle or 'freeze-all' of 2PN oocytes). PARTICIPANT/MATERIAL, SETTING, METHODS The study population included subfertile women, aged 18-40 years, undergoing IVF or ICSI treatment after ovarian stimulation, with 2PN oocytes available for vitrification. The primary outcome was survival rate of 2PN oocytes at first warming procedure in a subsequent cycle and non-inferiority of 2PN survival was to be declared if the lower bound 95% CI of the mean difference in survival rate excluded a difference larger than 9.5%; secondary, descriptive outcomes included embryo development, pregnancy and live birth rate, procedure time and staff convenience. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The randomised patient population consisted of 149 patients, and the per-protocol population (patients with warming of 2PN oocytes for culture and planned ET) was 118 patients. The survival rate was 94.0% (±13.5) and 96.7% (±9.7) in the Gavi® and the Cryotop® group (weighted mean difference -1.6%, 95% CI -4.7 to 1.4, P = 0.28), respectively, indicating non-inferiority of the Gavi® vitrification/warming method for the primary outcome. Embryo development and the proportion of top-quality embryos was similar in the two groups, as were the pregnancy and live birth rate. Mean total procedure duration (vitrification and warming) was higher in the Gavi® group (81 ± 39 min vs 47 ± 15 min, mean difference 34 min, 95% CI 19 to 48). Staff convenience assessed by eight operators in a questionnaire was lower for the Gavi® system. The majority of respondents preferred the Cryotop® method because of practicality issues. LIMITATIONS, REASON FOR CAUTION The study was performed in centers with long experience of manual vitrification, and the relative performance of the Gavi® system as well as the staff convenience may be higher in settings with less experience in the manual procedure. Financial costs of the two procedures were not measured along the trial. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS With increasing requirements for standardization of procedures and tissue safety, a semi-automated closed vitrification method may constitute a suitable alternative technology to the established manual open vitrification method given the equivalent clinical outcomes demonstrated herein. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS The trial received no direct financial funding. The Gavi® instrument, Gavi® consumables and staff training were provided for free by the distributor (Merck, Darmstadt, Germany) during the study period. The manufacturer of the Gavi® instrument had no influence on study protocol, study conduct, data analysis, data interpretation or manuscript writing. J.H. has received honoraria and/or non-financial support from Ferring, Merck and Origio. G.G. has received honoraria and/or non-financial support from Abbott, Ferring, Finox, Gedeon Richter, Guerbet, Merck, MSD, ObsEva, PregLem, ReprodWissen GmbH and Theramex. The remaining authors have no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03287479. TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE 19 September 2017. DATE OF FIRST PATIENT’S ENROLMENT 10 October 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Hajek
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Rebecca Baron
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | | | | | - Beate Schoepper
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Marion Depenbusch
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Askan Schultze-Mosgau
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Kay Neumann
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | | | | | - Georg Griesinger
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
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Liao Q, Zhang Q, Feng X, Huang H, Xu H, Tian B, Liu J, Yu Q, Guo N, Liu Q, Huang B, Ma D, Ai J, Xu S, Li K. Development of deep learning algorithms for predicting blastocyst formation and quality by time-lapse monitoring. Commun Biol 2021; 4:415. [PMID: 33772211 PMCID: PMC7998018 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01937-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Approaches to reliably predict the developmental potential of embryos and select suitable embryos for blastocyst culture are needed. The development of time-lapse monitoring (TLM) and artificial intelligence (AI) may help solve this problem. Here, we report deep learning models that can accurately predict blastocyst formation and usable blastocysts using TLM videos of the embryo’s first three days. The DenseNet201 network, focal loss, long short-term memory (LSTM) network and gradient boosting classifier were mainly employed, and video preparation algorithms, spatial stream and temporal stream models were developed into ensemble prediction models called STEM and STEM+. STEM exhibited 78.2% accuracy and 0.82 AUC in predicting blastocyst formation, and STEM+ achieved 71.9% accuracy and 0.79 AUC in predicting usable blastocysts. We believe the models are beneficial for blastocyst formation prediction and embryo selection in clinical practice, and our modeling methods will provide valuable information for analyzing medical videos with continuous appearance variation. Liao et al. propose a deep learning model to predict blastocyst formation using TLM videos following the first three days of embryogenesis. The authors develop an ensemble prediction model, STEM and STEM+, which were found to exhibit 78.2% and 71.9% accuracy at predicting blastocyst formation and useable blastocysts respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyue Liao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Communication and Data Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue Feng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Haibo Huang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Communication and Data Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haohao Xu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Communication and Data Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Baoyuan Tian
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Communication and Data Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jihao Liu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Communication and Data Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qihui Yu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Communication and Data Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Na Guo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qun Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Bo Huang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ding Ma
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jihui Ai
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Shugong Xu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Communication and Data Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Kezhen Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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Gomes LMO, Francisquini CDDS. Artificial Intelligence as an ally to human reproduction and embryology. JBRA Assist Reprod 2021; 25:1-3. [PMID: 33021765 PMCID: PMC7863110 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20200065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
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Abstract
During human in vitro culture, a morphological microscope analysis is normally performed to select the best embryo to transfer, with the hope of obtaining a successful pregnancy. The morphological evaluation may combine number and size of blastomeres, fragmentation, multinucleation, blastocyst expansion, inner-cell mass and trophectoderm appearance. However, standard microscopy evaluation involves the removal of the embryos from the incubator, exposing them to changes in pH, temperature, and oxygen level. Additionally, morphological assessments might include high inter-observer variability. Recently, continuous embryo culture using time-lapse monitoring (TLM) has allowed embryologists to analyse the dynamic and morphokinetic events of embryo development and, based on that, the embryologist is able to scrutinize the complete sequence of embryonic evolution, from fertilization to the blastocyst formation. Therefore, TLM allows an uninterrupted culture condition, reducing the need to remove embryos from the incubator. The monitoring system is normally composed of a standard incubator with an integrated microscope coupled to a digital camera, which is able to collect images at regular times, and subsequently processed into video. These data can be annotated and analyzed using an integrated software, therefore this allows embryologists to facilitate the process of embryo selection for transfer. The main aim of this paper is to discuss the potential benefits and uses of the TLM in the embryology laboratory.
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Atzmon Y, Michaeli M, Aslih N, Ruzov O, Rotfarb N, Shoshan-Karchovsky E, Shalom-Paz E. Degenerative Oocytes in the Aspirated Cohort Are Not Due to the Aspirating Needle: a Prospective Randomized Pilot Study with Sibling Oocytes. Reprod Sci 2020; 28:1882-1889. [PMID: 33171516 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00384-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to compare two different needles (17G vs. 20-17G variable diameter) used for OPU and to assess whether the different stress forces along the needle affect the presence of degenerative oocytes, oocyte quality, and embryo morphokinetics. Prospective, randomized study enrolled women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) from August 2016 through August 2018 in an IVF unit at a tertiary care medical center. Ovaries were randomly aspirated using either a 20-17G needle or a 17G needle. The embryologist was blinded to the aspirating needle and sibling oocytes were separated according to needle used for fertilization and further evaluation. Oocytes were scored negatively if one of the following parameters was abnormal immediately after OPU: polar body shape, zona pellucida, cytoplasm, perivitelline space, or vacuoles. The presence of degenerative oocytes was noted at OPU. A total of 580 oocytes from 43 women were evaluated, 293 in the 17G needle group and 287 in the 20-17G group. Oocyte scoring was comparable between the two different needles (- 1.99 ± 1.9 vs. - 1.88 ± 1.69; P = 0.13), as were embryo quality and pregnancy rate. Cohorts with degenerative oocytes had lower oocyte scores (- 2.11 ± 1.81 vs. - 1.60 ± 1.50; P = 0.001) and poorer performance and fertilization rates (62.5% vs. 78.5%; P < 0.001) than did cohorts with no degenerative oocytes. Cycles with degenerative oocytes in the cohort at OPU demonstrated poorer oocyte quality and decreased fertilization, regardless of the needle used. 1.5.2016 NIH number NCT02749773.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Atzmon
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Mediea Michaeli
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Nardin Aslih
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Olga Ruzov
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Nechami Rotfarb
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ester Shoshan-Karchovsky
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Einat Shalom-Paz
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
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Oron G, Sapir O, Wertheimer A, Shufaro Y, Bar-Gil R, Margalit T, Shlush E, Ben-Haroush A. A matched propensity score study of embryo morphokinetics following gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist versus human chorionic gonadotropin trigger. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2777-2782. [PMID: 32980940 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01953-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare morphokinetic parameters and quality of embryos derived from GnRH antagonist ICSI cycles triggered either with GnRH agonist or standard hCG between matched groups of patients. METHODS Morphokinetic parameters of embryos derived from matched first GnRH antagonist ICSI cycles triggered by GnRH agonist or standard hCG between 2013 and 2016 were compared. Matching was performed for maternal age, peak estradiol levels, and number of oocytes retrieved. Outcome measures were: time to pronucleus fading (tPNf), cleavage timings (t2-t8), synchrony of the second and third cycles (S2 and S3), duration of the second and third cycle (CC2 and CC3), optimal cell cycle division parameters, and known implantation data (KID) scoring for embryo quality. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were performed for confounding factors. RESULTS We analyzed 824 embryos from 84 GnRH agonist trigger cycles and 746 embryos from 84 matched hCG trigger cycles. Embryos derived from the cycles triggered with hCG triggering cleaved faster than those deriving from GnRH agonist trigger. The differences were significant throughout most stages of embryo development (t3-t6), and a shorter second cell cycle duration of the hCG trigger embryos was observed. There was no difference in synchrony of the second and third cell cycles and the optimal cell cycle division parameters between the two groups, but there was a higher percentage of embryos without multinucleation in the hCG trigger group (27.8% vs. 21.6%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The type of trigger in matched antagonist ICSI cycles was found to affect early embryo cleavage times but not embryo quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galia Oron
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, 4941492, Petah Tikva, Israel.
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Onit Sapir
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, 4941492, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Avital Wertheimer
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, 4941492, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yoel Shufaro
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, 4941492, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Roni Bar-Gil
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, 4941492, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tamar Margalit
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, 4941492, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ekaterina Shlush
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, 4941492, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Avi Ben-Haroush
- Infertility and IVF Unit, Helen Schneider Hospital for Women, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, 4941492, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Bori L, Paya E, Alegre L, Viloria TA, Remohi JA, Naranjo V, Meseguer M. Novel and conventional embryo parameters as input data for artificial neural networks: an artificial intelligence model applied for prediction of the implantation potential. Fertil Steril 2020; 114:1232-1241. [PMID: 32917380 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe novel embryo features capable of predicting implantation potential as input data for an artificial neural network (ANN) model. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING University-affiliated private IVF center. PATIENT(S) This study included 637 patients from the oocyte donation program who underwent single-blastocyst transfer during two consecutive years. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The research was divided into two phases. Phase 1 consisted of the description and analysis of the following embryo features in implanted and nonimplanted embryos: distance and speed of pronuclear migration, blastocyst expanded diameter, inner cell mass area, and trophectoderm cell cycle length. Phase 2 consisted of the development of an ANN algorithm for implantation prediction. Results were obtained for four models fed with different input data. The predictive power was measured with the use of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULT(S) Out of the five novel described parameters, blastocyst expanded diameter and trophectoderm cell cycle length had statistically different values in implanted and nonimplanted embryos. After the ANN models were trained and validated using fivefold cross-validation, they were capable of predicting implantation on testing data with AUCs of 0.64 for ANN1 (conventional morphokinetics), 0.73 for ANN2 (novel morphodynamics), 0.77 for ANN3 (conventional morphokinetics + novel morphodynamics), and 0.68 for ANN4 (discriminatory variables from statistical test). CONCLUSION(S) The novel proposed embryo features affect the implantation potential, and their combination with conventional morphokinetic parameters is effective as input data for a predictive model based on artificial intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Paya
- IVI-RMA Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Instituto de Investigación e Innovación en Bioingeniería, Universitat Politécnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Valery Naranjo
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación en Bioingeniería, Universitat Politécnica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marcos Meseguer
- IVI-RMA Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Health Research Institute la Fe, Valencia, Spain
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Embryos from polycystic ovary syndrome patients with hyperandrogenemia reach morula stage faster than controls. F S Rep 2020; 1:125-132. [PMID: 34223228 PMCID: PMC8244380 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate if patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have altered embryo morphokinetics when compared with controls. Design Retrospective cohort analysis. Setting Single academic fertility clinic in a tertiary hospital setting. Patients Age- and body mass index-matched patients who underwent in vitro fertilization diagnosed with PCOS using the Rotterdam criteria. A subanalysis was performed on patients with PCOS with hyperandrogenemia. Sixty-four patients with PCOS were identified with 990 embryos that were matched with 64 control patients with 628 embryos. Interventions None. Main Outcome Measures Time to blastulation. Results Embryos from women with PCOS displayed faster growth rate at t7, t8, and t9; all other morphokinetic points were similar. Patients with PCOS also had a higher number of oocytes retrieved. No differences were seen in the fertilization rate or blastulation rate. Patients with PCOS had a higher miscarriage rate (38.1% in PCOS vs. 18.8% in controls). Patients with hyperandrogenic PCOS showed a faster growth rate at t5, t6, t7, t8, t9, and morula. Conclusions Embryos from women with PCOS grew faster until 9-cell stage and women with hyperandrogenic PCOS until morula. Patients with PCOS also showed a higher miscarriage rate. The alterations in early embryo development are consistent with altered fertility and obstetric outcomes in the population with PCOS and may be due to the hyperandrogenic microenvironment in the ovarian follicle.
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Abstract
Importance Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) has undergone many technical developments over recent years, including changes in biopsy timings, methodology, and genetic analysis techniques. The evidence surrounding the efficaciousness of PGT-A is sporadic and inconsistent; as such, significant doubt and concern remain regarding its widespread implementation. Objective This review seeks to describe the historical development of PGT-A and to analyze and summarize the current published literature. Conclusions At times during its infancy, PGT-A failed to display conclusive improvements in results; with newer technologies, PGT-A appears to yield superior outcomes, including reductions in miscarriages and multiple gestations. Clinicians and patients should assess the use of PGT-A on a case-by-case basis, with laboratories encouraged to utilize blastocyst biopsy and next-generation sequencing when conducting PGT-A. Further studies providing cumulative live birth rates and time to live birth are required if PGT-A is to be proven as producing superior outcomes. Relevance PGT-A has the potential ability to impact in vitro fertilization success rates, and as it is increasingly adopted worldwide, it is crucial that clinicians are aware of the evidence for its continued use.
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Fanelli D, Panzani D, Rota A, Tesi M, Camillo F, Bollwein H, Herrera C. Cryopreservation of donkey embryos: Comparison of embryo survival rate after in vitro culture between conventional freezing and vitrification. Theriogenology 2020; 154:11-16. [PMID: 32470704 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.05.020] [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: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Embryo cryopreservation ensures that genetic biodiversity is preserved over time. This study evaluates the survival of donkey embryos subjected to slow freezing and vitrification after thawing and in vitro culture. Seven-day-old in vivo produced donkey embryos were subjected to slow freezing (SF, N = 14) or vitrification (VIT, N = 22). After one year of cryopreservation, embryos were warmed, washed and placed in incubation for in vitro culture (IVC). In order to assess the embryo viability, the quality grade and developmental stage were recorded after thawing and after 24 and 48 h of IVC. Eleven embryos (SF = 4 and VIT = 7) were incubated under a time-lapse camera, for up to 68 h, in order to determine the area and growth. The survival rate was not influenced by the procedure but by the developmental stage: after 48 h of IVC blastocyst survival rate (1/8, 12.5%) was significantly lower compared to both morulas (8/12, 66.7%) and early blastocysts (11/16, 68.7%) (P < 0.05). Embryo diameter class at recovery did not significantly influence the survival rate. In terms of the embryos that were judged to be alive after 48 h of IVC, quality grade 1 was observed in 7/8 (88%) and 4/12 (33%) of the SF and VIT embryos, respectively (P < 0.05). After time-lapse analysis, the IVC embryo area as well as growth percentage were statistically higher in the SF than the VIT embryos (P < 0.05). In conclusion, no difference in survival rates was found between the two cryopreservation procedures, although embryo quality was more negatively affected by vitrification.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Fanelli
- Veterinary Sciences Department, Pisa University, San Piero a Grado, Via Livornese, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
| | - D Panzani
- Veterinary Sciences Department, Pisa University, San Piero a Grado, Via Livornese, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Rota
- Veterinary Sciences Department, Pisa University, San Piero a Grado, Via Livornese, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Tesi
- Veterinary Sciences Department, Pisa University, San Piero a Grado, Via Livornese, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Camillo
- Veterinary Sciences Department, Pisa University, San Piero a Grado, Via Livornese, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - H Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Department for Farm Animals, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
| | - C Herrera
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Department for Farm Animals, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
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Harada Y, Kinutani M, Horiuchi T. Time-lapse monitoring of mouse embryos produced by injecting sonicated, frozen-thawed sperm heads with high or low chromosomal integrity. Reprod Med Biol 2020; 19:171-177. [PMID: 32273823 PMCID: PMC7138947 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the first-division kinetics and in vitro development of embryos produced by injecting sonicated sperm heads with high or low chromosomal integrity into oocytes. METHODS Mouse spermatozoa were frozen after separating the sperm heads from the tails by sonication in an EGTA solution (EGTA group) or M2 medium (M2 group). The chromosomal integrity of sonicated mouse spermatozoa was analyzed by injecting the sperm heads into fresh mouse oocytes. The developmental potential of spermatozoa was examined by injecting the sperm heads into vitrified-warming mouse oocytes. We used a time-lapse monitoring system to compare the first-division kinetics. RESULTS Chromosomal integrity was preserved significantly more frequently in the EGTA group (90.6%) than in the M2 group (32.7%). Blastocysts developed significantly more often in the EGTA group (80.8%) than in the M2 group (39.6%). In the M2 group, with frequent chromosome aberrations, the time between the sperm injection and first cleavage was delayed (18.4 hours), compared to the EGTA group (16.5 hours). All results of the EGTA group were similar to that of fresh epididymal spermatozoa. CONCLUSION The EGTA solution for sonication maintained the integrity of sperm chromosomes. Our results revealed a relationship between sperm chromosome integrity and first-division kinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihisa Harada
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Scientific ResearchPrefectural University of HiroshimaHiroshimaJapan
- Kinutani Women’s ClinicHiroshimaJapan
| | | | - Toshitaka Horiuchi
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Scientific ResearchPrefectural University of HiroshimaHiroshimaJapan
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Harada Y, Maeda T, Fukunaga E, Shiba R, Okano S, Kinutani M, Horiuchi T. Selection of high-quality and viable blastocysts based on timing of morula compaction and blastocyst formation. Reprod Med Biol 2020; 19:58-64. [PMID: 31956286 PMCID: PMC6955590 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The time-lapse system is a device that allows continuous monitoring without removing embryos from the incubator. Using a time-lapse system, we retrospectively investigated cleavage speed time points as potential indicators for selecting high-quality viable blastocysts. METHODS This study included 963 zygotes of two pronuclei retrieved from 196 patients between January 2015 and December 2016. All embryos in culture were monitored by time-lapse after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Of 492 blastocysts developed in vitro, 128 vitrified-warmed single blastocyst transfers were classified into pregnancy and non-pregnancy groups, and the parameters were compared. RESULTS In the pregnancy group, timing of both morula compaction and regular blastocyst formation was significantly faster than in the non-pregnancy group. Furthermore, the optimal cutoff values for compacted morula (94.9 hours) and regular blastocyst (113.9 hours) were determined using the receiver operator characteristic curve analysis. Embryos that formed compacted morulae within 94.9 hours and developed into regular blastocysts within 113.9 hours were associated with a significantly higher pregnancy rate than those that did not (44.4% vs 16.0%). CONCLUSION The timing of morula compaction and regular blastocyst formation is important as an indicator of high-quality blastocysts to increase odds for pregnancy after embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihisa Harada
- Kinutani Women’s ClinicHiroshimaJapan
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Scientific ResearchPrefectural University of HiroshimaHiroshimaJapan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Toshitaka Horiuchi
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Scientific ResearchPrefectural University of HiroshimaHiroshimaJapan
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Effect of a 6-week "Mediterranean" dietary intervention on in vitro human embryo development: the Preconception Dietary Supplements in Assisted Reproduction double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Fertil Steril 2019; 113:260-269. [PMID: 31870562 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the impact of increased dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and olive oil for 6 weeks before in vitro fertilization (IVF) or IVF-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) on morphokinetic markers of early embryo development. DESIGN A double-blinded randomized controlled trial. SETTING Academic IVF unit. PATIENT(S) A total of 111 couples undergoing IVF or IVF-ICSI were recruited. INTERVENTIONS(S) Fifty-five couples received the 6-week study intervention of a daily supplement drink enriched with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D plus additional olive oil and olive oil-based spread, and 56 couples received the control intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The primary end point for the study was the time taken for completion of the second cell cycle after fertilization (CC2). Secondary end points included time to complete the third and fourth cell cycles (CC3 and CC4), the synchrony of the second and third cell cycles (S2 and S3), and the day 3 and day 5 Known Implantation Data Scores (KIDScores). RESULT(S) There was no difference in CC2 between the two groups. However, CC4 was accelerated in the study group compared with the control group, and a significantly shortened S3 as well as an increase in KIDScore on day 3 were observed, indicating improved embryo quality in the study group. CONCLUSION(S) This study demonstrates that a short period of dietary supplementation alters the rate of embryo cleavage. Further research is required to investigate the mechanisms that regulate this effect, and whether the impact on embryo development translates into improved clinical outcomes. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN50956936.
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Raef B, Maleki M, Ferdousi R. Computational prediction of implantation outcome after embryo transfer. Health Informatics J 2019; 26:1810-1826. [DOI: 10.1177/1460458219892138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to develop a computational prediction model for implantation outcome after an embryo transfer cycle. In this study, information of 500 patients and 1360 transferred embryos, including cleavage and blastocyst stages and fresh or frozen embryos, from April 2016 to February 2018, were collected. The dataset containing 82 attributes and a target label (indicating positive and negative implantation outcomes) was constructed. Six dominant machine learning approaches were examined based on their performance to predict embryo transfer outcomes. Also, feature selection procedures were used to identify effective predictive factors and recruited to determine the optimum number of features based on classifiers performance. The results revealed that random forest was the best classifier (accuracy = 90.40% and area under the curve = 93.74%) with optimum features based on a 10-fold cross-validation test. According to the Support Vector Machine-Feature Selection algorithm, the ideal numbers of features are 78. Follicle stimulating hormone/human menopausal gonadotropin dosage for ovarian stimulation was the most important predictive factor across all examined embryo transfer features. The proposed machine learning-based prediction model could predict embryo transfer outcome and implantation of embryos with high accuracy, before the start of an embryo transfer cycle.
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Magata F, Ideta A, Okubo H, Matsuda F, Urakawa M, Oono Y. Growth potential of bovine embryos presenting abnormal cleavage observed through time lapse cinematography. Theriogenology 2019; 133:119-124. [PMID: 31085381 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Time-lapse monitoring (TLM) has emerged as a novel technology for the continuous and noninvasive evaluation of embryos. TLM has revealed the prevalence of specific dysmorphisms such as abnormal development during the early-cleavage stage of embryos. However, little information is available on the prevalence and consequences of abnormal cleavage in bovine embryos. Hence, this study aimed to investigate growth potential of bovine embryos presenting abnormal cleavage, such as reverse cleavage (RC), direct cleavage (DC), and irregular and unsmooth ruffling of the oolema membrane (ruffling). Bovine embryos derived through in vitro fertilization (IVF) were cultured in the microwell culture dishes, and the kinetics of in vitro development were observed through TLM at 20-min intervals for 10 d. Approximately 36% of embryos that developed into a blastocyst presented abnormal cleavage. Morphokinetic evaluations revealed that RC, DC, and ruffling embryos showed slower development compared to embryos with normal cleavage (P < 0.01). Embryos with RC and DC, but not ruffling, revealed impaired hatchability (P < 0.05) with increased collapses of the blastocyst cavity until hatching (P < 0.0001). Moreover, the RC and DC embryos presented increased chromosomal aneuploidy (P < 0.05). These results suggest a compromised viability of embryos with RC and DC. This is the first report that clarified the effect of abnormal cleavage on the morphokinetics and growth potential of bovine IVF embryos. Results indicate that the kinetic evaluation of bovine embryos using the time-lapse imaging system will be beneficial for selecting embryos with a high viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Magata
- Research and Development Group, Zen-noh Embryo Transfer Center, Kamishihoro, Hokkaido, Japan; Department of Veterinary Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - A Ideta
- Research and Development Group, Zen-noh Embryo Transfer Center, Kamishihoro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - H Okubo
- Research and Development Group, Zen-noh Embryo Transfer Center, Kamishihoro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - F Matsuda
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - M Urakawa
- Research and Development Group, Zen-noh Embryo Transfer Center, Kamishihoro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Y Oono
- Research and Development Group, Zen-noh Embryo Transfer Center, Kamishihoro, Hokkaido, Japan
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Curchoe CL, Bormann CL. Artificial intelligence and machine learning for human reproduction and embryology presented at ASRM and ESHRE 2018. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:591-600. [PMID: 30690654 PMCID: PMC6504989 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01408-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Sixteen artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) approaches were reported at the 2018 annual congresses of the American Society for Reproductive Biology (9) and European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (7). Nearly every aspect of patient care was investigated, including sperm morphology, sperm identification, identification of empty or oocyte containing follicles, predicting embryo cell stages, predicting blastocyst formation from oocytes, assessing human blastocyst quality, predicting live birth from blastocysts, improving embryo selection, and for developing optimal IVF stimulation protocols. This represents a substantial increase in reports over 2017, where just one abstract each was reported at ASRM (AI) and ESHRE (ML). Our analysis reveals wide variability in how AI and ML methods are described (from not at all or very generic to fully describing the architectural framework) and large variability on accepted dataset sizes (from just 3 patients with 16 follicles in the smallest dataset to 661,060 images of 11,898 human embryos in one of the largest). AI and ML are clearly burgeoning methodologies in human reproduction and embryology and would benefit from early application of reporting standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Lynn Curchoe
- San Diego Fertility Center, 11425 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA, 92130, USA.
| | - Charles L Bormann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Amir H, Barbash-Hazan S, Kalma Y, Frumkin T, Malcov M, Samara N, Hasson J, Reches A, Azem F, Ben-Yosef D. Time-lapse imaging reveals delayed development of embryos carrying unbalanced chromosomal translocations. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018; 36:315-324. [PMID: 30421343 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1361-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to compare the morphokinetic parameters of embryos carrying balanced chromosomal translocations with those carrying unbalanced chromosomal translocations using time-lapse microscopy. METHODS The study group included 270 embryos that underwent biopsies on day 3 for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for chromosomal translocations in our unit between 2013 and 2015. All embryos were incubated under time-lapse microscopy and evaluated for timing of developmental events up to day 5. The timing of these events was compared between balanced and unbalanced embryos, potentially viable and nonviable variants, and maternal versus paternal inheritance of the translocation. RESULTS The PGD analysis found that 209 (77%) of the 270 biopsied embryos carried an unbalanced translocation. Embryos carrying unbalanced translocations, which are expected to lead to implantation failure or miscarriage, cleaved less synchronously and were delayed in time of cleavage to the 4-cell stage (t4) and in time of start of blastulation (tSB) compared with balanced embryos (P < 0.05). Furthermore, embryos carrying nonviable translocations demonstrated a significant delay at the time of pronuclei fading (tPNf) compared with those carrying potentially viable translocations (P < 0.05). Embryos whose unbalanced translocations were of maternal origin were significantly delayed in most of the morphokinetic parameters (including tPNf, t2, t3, t4, t6, t7, t8, cc2, s2, and tSB) compared with embryos carrying balanced translocations (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Embryos carrying unbalanced chromosomal translocations mainly of maternal origin undergo delayed development and asynchronous cleavage that may lead to implantation failure or miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadar Amir
- IVF Lab & Wolfe PGD-Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6 Weizman Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shiri Barbash-Hazan
- IVF Lab & Wolfe PGD-Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6 Weizman Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yael Kalma
- IVF Lab & Wolfe PGD-Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6 Weizman Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tsvia Frumkin
- IVF Lab & Wolfe PGD-Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6 Weizman Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Mira Malcov
- IVF Lab & Wolfe PGD-Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6 Weizman Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Nivin Samara
- IVF Lab & Wolfe PGD-Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6 Weizman Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Joseph Hasson
- IVF Lab & Wolfe PGD-Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6 Weizman Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Adi Reches
- IVF Lab & Wolfe PGD-Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6 Weizman Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Foad Azem
- IVF Lab & Wolfe PGD-Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6 Weizman Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dalit Ben-Yosef
- IVF Lab & Wolfe PGD-Stem Cell Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6 Weizman Street, 6423906, Tel Aviv, Israel. .,Department of Cell Biology and Development, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Ladstätter S, Tachibana K. Genomic insights into chromatin reprogramming to totipotency in embryos. J Cell Biol 2018; 218:70-82. [PMID: 30257850 PMCID: PMC6314560 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201807044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ladstätter and Tachibana discuss changes in DNA methylation, chromatin accessibility, and topological architecture occurring during the reprogramming to totipotency in the early embryo. The early embryo is the natural prototype for the acquisition of totipotency, which is the potential of a cell to produce a whole organism. Generation of a totipotent embryo involves chromatin reorganization and epigenetic reprogramming that alter DNA and histone modifications. Understanding embryonic chromatin architecture and how this is related to the epigenome and transcriptome will provide invaluable insights into cell fate decisions. Recently emerging low-input genomic assays allow the exploration of regulatory networks in the sparsely available mammalian embryo. Thus, the field of developmental biology is transitioning from microscopy to genome-wide chromatin descriptions. Ultimately, the prototype becomes a unique model for studying fundamental principles of development, epigenetic reprogramming, and cellular plasticity. In this review, we discuss chromatin reprogramming in the early mouse embryo, focusing on DNA methylation, chromatin accessibility, and higher-order chromatin structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Ladstätter
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kikuë Tachibana
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
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Conti M, Franciosi F. Acquisition of oocyte competence to develop as an embryo: integrated nuclear and cytoplasmic events. Hum Reprod Update 2018; 24:245-266. [PMID: 29432538 PMCID: PMC5907346 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmx040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects ~7% of couples of reproductive age with little change in incidence in the last two decades. ART, as well as other interventions, have made major strides in correcting this condition. However, and in spite of advancements in the field, the age of the female partner remains a main factor for a successful outcome. A better understanding of the final stages of gamete maturation yielding an egg that can sustain embryo development and a pregnancy to term remains a major area for improvement in the field. This review will summarize the major cellular and molecular events unfolding at the oocyte-to-embryo transition. We will provide an update on the most important processes/pathways currently understood as the basis of developmental competence, including the molecular processes involved in mRNA storage, its recruitment to the translational machinery, and its degradation. We will discuss the hypothesis that the translational programme of maternal mRNAs plays a key role in establishing developmental competence. These regulations are essential to assemble the machinery that is used to establish a totipotent zygote. This hypothesis further supports the view that embryogenesis begins during oogenesis. A better understanding of the events required for developmental competence will guide the development of novel strategies to monitor and improve the success rate of IVF. Using this information, it will be possible to develop new biomarkers that may be used to better predict oocyte quality and in selection of the best egg for IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Conti
- Department of OBGYN-RS, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143-0556, USA
| | - Federica Franciosi
- Department of OBGYN-RS, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143-0556, USA
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