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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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Sun L, Li J, Zeng S, Luo Q, Miao H, Liang Y, Cheng L, Sun Z, Tai WH, Han Y, Yin Y, Wu K, Zhang K. Artificial intelligence system for outcome evaluations of human in vitro fertilization-derived embryos. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024; 137:1939-1949. [PMID: 38997251 PMCID: PMC11332789 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000003162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In vitro fertilization (IVF) has emerged as a transformative solution for infertility. However, achieving favorable live-birth outcomes remains challenging. Current clinical IVF practices in IVF involve the collection of heterogeneous embryo data through diverse methods, including static images and temporal videos. However, traditional embryo selection methods, primarily reliant on visual inspection of morphology, exhibit variability and are contingent on the experience of practitioners. Therefore, an automated system that can evaluate heterogeneous embryo data to predict the final outcomes of live births is highly desirable. METHODS We employed artificial intelligence (AI) for embryo morphological grading, blastocyst embryo selection, aneuploidy prediction, and final live-birth outcome prediction. We developed and validated the AI models using multitask learning for embryo morphological assessment, including pronucleus type on day 1 and the number of blastomeres, asymmetry, and fragmentation of blastomeres on day 3, using 19,201 embryo photographs from 8271 patients. A neural network was trained on embryo and clinical metadata to identify good-quality embryos for implantation on day 3 or day 5, and predict live-birth outcomes. Additionally, a 3D convolutional neural network was trained on 418 time-lapse videos of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)-based ploidy outcomes for the prediction of aneuploidy and consequent live-birth outcomes. RESULTS These two approaches enabled us to automatically assess the implantation potential. By combining embryo and maternal metrics in an ensemble AI model, we evaluated live-birth outcomes in a prospective cohort that achieved higher accuracy than experienced embryologists (46.1% vs. 30.7% on day 3, 55.0% vs. 40.7% on day 5). Our results demonstrate the potential for AI-based selection of embryos based on characteristics beyond the observational abilities of human clinicians (area under the curve: 0.769, 95% confidence interval: 0.709-0.820). These findings could potentially provide a noninvasive, high-throughput, and low-cost screening tool to facilitate embryo selection and achieve better outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Our study underscores the AI model's ability to provide interpretable evidence for clinicians in assisted reproduction, highlighting its potential as a noninvasive, efficient, and cost-effective tool for improved embryo selection and enhanced IVF outcomes. The convergence of cutting-edge technology and reproductive medicine has opened new avenues for addressing infertility challenges and optimizing IVF success rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Sun
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510623, China
| | - Jiahui Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510623, China
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510000, China
| | - Simiao Zeng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510623, China
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510000, China
| | - Qiangxiang Luo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Jiangmen, Guangdong 529000, China
| | - Hanpei Miao
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510000, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dongguan People’s Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523000, China
| | - Yunhao Liang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510623, China
| | - Linling Cheng
- Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau Special Administrative Region 999078, China
| | - Zhuo Sun
- Wenzhou Eye Hospital, Institute for Advanced Studies on Eye Health and Diseases, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Wa Hou Tai
- Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau Special Administrative Region 999078, China
| | - Yibing Han
- Kiang Wu Hospital, Macau Special Administrative Region 999078, China
| | - Yun Yin
- Faculty of Business, City University of Macau, Macau Special Administrative Region 999078, China
| | - Keliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health and Key laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250000,China
| | - Kang Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510623, China
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510000, China
- Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau Special Administrative Region 999078, China
- Wenzhou Eye Hospital, Institute for Advanced Studies on Eye Health and Diseases, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
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Wang G, Wang K, Gao Y, Chen L, Gao T, Ma Y, Jiang Z, Yang G, Feng F, Zhang S, Gu Y, Liu G, Chen L, Ma LS, Sang Y, Xu Y, Lin G, Liu X. A generalized AI system for human embryo selection covering the entire IVF cycle via multi-modal contrastive learning. PATTERNS (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 5:100985. [PMID: 39081572 PMCID: PMC11284500 DOI: 10.1016/j.patter.2024.100985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
In vitro fertilization (IVF) has revolutionized infertility treatment, benefiting millions of couples worldwide. However, current clinical practices for embryo selection rely heavily on visual inspection of morphology, which is highly variable and experience dependent. Here, we propose a comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) system that can interpret embryo-developmental knowledge encoded in vast unlabeled multi-modal datasets and provide personalized embryo selection. This AI platform consists of a transformer-based network backbone named IVFormer and a self-supervised learning framework, VTCLR (visual-temporal contrastive learning of representations), for training multi-modal embryo representations pre-trained on large and unlabeled data. When evaluated on clinical scenarios covering the entire IVF cycle, our pre-trained AI model demonstrates accurate and reliable performance on euploidy ranking and live-birth occurrence prediction. For AI vs. physician for euploidy ranking, our model achieved superior performance across all score categories. The results demonstrate the potential of the AI system as a non-invasive, efficient, and cost-effective tool to improve embryo selection and IVF outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Networking and Switching Technology, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Wang
- College of Future Technology, Peking University and Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yuanxu Gao
- College of Future Technology, Peking University and Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Longbin Chen
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cells, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tianrun Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Networking and Switching Technology, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanlin Ma
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Zeyu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Networking and Switching Technology, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, China
| | - Guoxing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Networking and Switching Technology, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, China
| | - Fajin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Networking and Switching Technology, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, China
| | - Shuoping Zhang
- Research Department, CITIC Xiangya Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Yifan Gu
- Research Department, CITIC Xiangya Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Guangdong Liu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Sixth Medical Center of the General Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Sixth Medical Center of the General Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Shuang Ma
- Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Affiliated Children’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ye Sang
- The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University & Yichang Central People’s Hospital, Yichang 443003, China
| | - Yanwen Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cells, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Research Department, CITIC Xiangya Reproductive and Genetic Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaohong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Networking and Switching Technology, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, China
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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Zhao H, Gan K, Ji X, Zheng L, Ou S, Mei M, Zhang Q, Chen H, Yuan P, Wang W. The impact of clinical and laboratory parameters on clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in fresh cycles: a retrospective study of 9608 high-quality cleavage-stage embryos. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:47. [PMID: 38383460 PMCID: PMC10882753 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01371-x] [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: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence from the Istanbul consensus workshop suggests correlations between morphological parameters and embryo developments. 8-cell embryos are the best blastomere stage on day 3. No good quality evidence exists to support high-quality embryonic selection following blastulation and clinical outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the factors that affect blastocyst formation, blastocyst quality, and clinical outcomes of high-quality cleavage-stage embryos in fresh cycles. METHODS This study was a retrospective analysis of 9608 high-quality cleavage-stage embryos from 2987 couples between January 2017 to June 2021, namely 1520 embryos categorized as "812" (8-cell, grade 2, mild fragmentation), 2961 as "821" (8-cell, grade 2, mild asymmetry), 896 as "711" (7-cell, grade 1), and 517 as "911" (9-cell, grade 1) compared with 3714 embryos categorized as "811" (8-cell, grade 1). The primary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR). Blastulation rate (BR), available late blastocyst rate (ABR) and high-quality late blastocyst rate (HBR) were secondary outcome measures. RESULTS BR, ABR, and HBR had significant differences among the five groups (P < 0.001), while CPR and LBR were also significantly different in cleavage-stage fresh transfer (P < 0.01). The multivariable multilevel logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between cell number, cell size, blastocyst development and clinical outcomes. For 7 to 9-cell highest-quality embryo, mild fragmentation and more blastomeres were more conducive to blastocyst formation and clinical outcomes. While cleavage-stage embryos developed into blastocysts, the negative impact of their initial morphology on clinical outcomes would be erased. CONCLUSIONS Our study firstly evaluated blastocyst development and clinical outcomes of high-quality cleavage-stage embryos in fresh cycles, with rankings of 811, 812, 911, 821, and 711. We found the initial morphological characteristics of the high-quality cleavage-stage embryos did not adversely impact clinical outcomes, even as they progressed to the blastocyst stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijing Zhao
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou, China
| | - Keer Gan
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, China
| | - Xiaohui Ji
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China
| | - Lingyan Zheng
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou, China
| | - Songbang Ou
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mei Mei
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, China
| | - Qingxue Zhang
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Chen
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Yuan
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Wenjun Wang
- IVF Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou, China.
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Zhou F, Ren J, Li Y, Keqie Y, Peng C, Chen H, Chen X, Liu S. Preimplantation genetic testing in couples with balanced chromosome rearrangement: a four-year period real world retrospective cohort study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:86. [PMID: 38280990 PMCID: PMC10821259 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-06237-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Couples with balanced chromosome rearrangement (BCR) are at high risk of recurrent miscarriages or birth defects due to chromosomally abnormal embryos. This study aimed to provide real-world evidence of the euploidy rate of blastocysts from couples with BCR using preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and to guide pretesting genetic counselling. METHODS A continuous four-year PGT data from couples with BCR were retrospectively analyzed. Biopsied trophectoderm cells were amplified using whole genome amplification, and next-generation sequencing was performed to detect the chromosomal numerical and segmental aberrations. Clinical data and molecular genetic testing results were analyzed and compared among the subgroups. RESULTS A total of 1571 PGT cycles with 5942 blastocysts were performed chromosomal numerical and segmental aberrations detection during the four years. Of them, 1034 PGT cycles with 4129 blastocysts for BCR couples were included; 68.96% (713/1034) PGT cycles had transferable euploid embryos. The total euploidy rate of blastocysts in couples carrying the BCR was 35.29% (1457/4129). Couples with complex BCR had euploid blastocyst rates similar to those of couples with non-complex BCR (46.15% vs. 35.18%, P > 0.05). Chromosome inversion had the highest chance of obtaining a euploid blastocyst (57.27%), followed by Robertsonian translocation (RobT) (46.06%), and the lowest in reciprocal translocation (RecT) (30.11%) (P < 0.05). Couples with males carrying RobT had higher rates of euploid embryo both in each PGT cycles and total blastocysts than female RobT carriers did, despite the female age in male RobT is significant older than those with female RobT (P < 0.05). The proportions of non-carrier embryos were 52.78% (95/180) and 47.06% (40/85) in euploid blastocysts from couples with RecT and RobT, respectively (P > 0.05). RecT had the highest proportion of blastocysts with translocated chromosome-associated abnormalities (74.23%, 1527/2057), followed by RobT (54.60%, 273/500) and inversion (30.85%, 29/94) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In couples carrying BCR, the total euploidy rate of blastocysts was 35.29%, with the highest in inversion, followed by RobT and RecT. Even in couples carrying complex BCR, the probability of having a transferable blastocyst was 46.15%. Among the euploid blastocysts, the non-carrier ratios in RecT and RobT were 52.78% and 47.06%, respectively. RecT had the highest proportion of blastocysts with translocated chromosome-associated abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhou
- Department of Medical Genetics/Prenatal Diagnostic Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jun Ren
- Department of Medical Genetics/Prenatal Diagnostic Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yutong Li
- Department of Medical Genetics/Prenatal Diagnostic Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuezhi Keqie
- Department of Medical Genetics/Prenatal Diagnostic Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Cuiting Peng
- Department of Medical Genetics/Prenatal Diagnostic Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Han Chen
- Department of Medical Genetics/Prenatal Diagnostic Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xinlian Chen
- Department of Medical Genetics/Prenatal Diagnostic Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Shanling Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics/Prenatal Diagnostic Center, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Oliveira CS, Saraiva NZ, Oliveira LZ. Morphology of 16-cell embryo in bovine: Inside cells, compaction, fragmentation and effects of X-sorted semen. Anat Histol Embryol 2024; 53:e13015. [PMID: 38230835 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.13015] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
In mouse embryos, inside cells are allocated in 16-cell embryos through a well-orchestrated sequence of events involving compaction and polarization. The emergence of inside cells is of great importance as itl later gives rise to the inner cell mass and epiblast. In this study, we report the sequence of critical events in embryology (compaction, inside cells allocation and fragmentation) in bovine 72 h.p.i. 9-16 cell embryos, while also investigating the effects of X-sorted semen on these events. We found a wide distribution of total cell numbers among embryos, attributed to an asynchronous cleavage pattern and blastomere death. Additionally, 13% of embryos displayed irregular shapes. The establishment of the inside cell compartment increased (p < 0.01) in embryos with more cells. However, only 53.8% of 16-cell embryos presented inside cells. Compaction was present in 32.4% embryos and was positively correlated (p = 0.03, OR 3.02) with the establishment of inside cells, occurring independently of cell number. Fragmentation was present in 36% embryos, being more frequent (p = 0.01) in embryos with lower cell numbers. A possible association between irregular shape and fragmentation was considered (p = 0.06). The use of X-sorted semen had no effect on most evaluated parameters. However, it did have a marked effect on cleavage rate (p < 0.01) and the arrest of 2- and 4- cell embryos. In conclusion, bovine embryos exhibit an asynchronous cleavage pattern, high levels of fragmentation, and demonstrate compaction and inside cell allocation later in development compared to mouse embryos. Semen X-sorting has major effects on cleavage and embryo arrest. Further studies are needed to elucidate the association between irregularly shaped embryos and fragmentation, as well as the effects of sex on inside cell allocation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leticia Zoccolaro Oliveira
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, Veterinary School, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Garcia-Belda A, Cairó O, Martínez-Moro Á, Cuadros M, Pons MC, de Mendoza MVH, Delgado A, Rives N, Carrasco B, Cabello Y, Figueroa MJ, Cascales-Romero L, González-Soto B, Cuevas-Saiz I. Considerations for future modification of The Association for the Study of Reproductive Biology embryo grading system incorporating time-lapse observations. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 48:103570. [PMID: 37952277 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103570] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
The Association for the Study of Reproductive Biology (ASEBIR) Interest Group in Embryology (in Spanish 'Grupo de Interés de Embriología') reviewed key morphokinetic parameters to assess the contribution of time-lapse technology (TLT) to the ASEBIR grading system. Embryo grading based on morphological characteristics is the most widely used method in human assisted reproduction laboratories. The introduction and implementation of TLT has provided a large amount of information that can be used as a complementary tool for morphological embryo evaluation and selection. As part of IVF treatments, embryologists grade embryos to decide which embryos to transfer or freeze. At the present, the embryo grading system developed by ASEBIR does not consider dynamic events observed through TLT. Laboratories that are using TLT consider those parameters as complementary data for embryo selection. The aim of this review was to evaluate review time-specific morphological changes during embryo development that are not included in the ASEBIR scoring system, and to consider them as candidates to add to the scoring system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Álvaro Martínez-Moro
- IVF Spain Madrid, Madrid, Spain.; Animal Reproduction Department, INIA-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
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Koohestanidehaghi Y, Khalili MA, Fesahat F, Seify M, Mangoli E, Kalantar SM, Annarita Nottola S, Macchiarelli G, Grazia Palmerini M. Detrimental effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic waves emitted by mobile phones on morphokinetics, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in mouse preimplantation embryos. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 336:122411. [PMID: 37598936 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Due to the increasing use of smart mobile phones, the impact of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) on reproductive health has become a serious concern. This study investigated the effect of mobile phone RF-EMR with frequency 900-1800 MHZ on the mouse embryo morphokinetics and genotoxic effect in laboratory conditions. After ovarian stimulation in mice, the MII oocytes were collected and underwent by in vitro fertilization (IVF) method. The generated zygotes were divided into control and exposed groups. Then, the zygotes with 30 min of exposure to mobile phone RF-EMR, and the control zygotes without exposure, were incubated in the time-lapse for 5 days. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, morphokinetic, embryo viability rate, and Gene expression were evaluated. Exposure of zygotes to RF-EMR by inducing ROS caused a significant decrease in blastocyst viability (87.85 ± 2.86 versus 94.23 ± 2.44), delay in cleavage development (t3-t12) and also increased the time (in hours) to reach the blastocyst stage (97.44 ± 5.21 versus 92.56 ± 6.7) compared to the control group. A significant increase observed in mRNA levels of Hsp70 in exposed animals; while Sod gene expression showed a significant down-regulation in this group compared to the controls, respectively. However, there was no significant change in the transcript level of proapoptotic and antiapoptotic genes in embryos of the exposed group compared to the controls. RF-EMR emitted by mobile phone with a frequency of 900-1800 MHZ, through inducing the production of ROS and oxidative stress, could negatively affect the growth and development as well as the transcript levels of oxidative stress associated genes in the preimplantation embryos of mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeganeh Koohestanidehaghi
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Khalili
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
| | - Farzaneh Fesahat
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Seify
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Esmat Mangoli
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Seyed Mehdi Kalantar
- Department of Genetics, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Stefania Annarita Nottola
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Macchiarelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Palmerini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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9
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Joo K, Nemes A, Dudas B, Berkes-Bara E, Murber A, Urbancsek J, Fancsovits P. The importance of cytoplasmic strings during early human embryonic development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1177279. [PMID: 37497477 PMCID: PMC10366360 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1177279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: During human in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments, embryologists attempt to select the most viable embryos for embryo transfer (ET). Previously, embryos were evaluated based on light microscopic morphological parameters. However, this is currently accomplished by morphokinetic analysis of time-lapse recordings. This technique provides us the opportunity to observe cytoplasmic strings at the blastocyst stage. The aim of this work was to examine the relationship between the presence of cytoplasmic strings (CS) and the embryo viability in human in vitro fertilised embryos. Study design: Herein, we present an evaluation of the morphokinetic data on the development of embryos obtained during IVF treatments performed at the Division of Assisted Reproduction between December 2020 and March 2021. The dynamics of embryo development, embryo morphology, and morphokinetic scores generated by a time-lapse system were compared between the presence of cytoplasmic strings (CS+) and their absence (CS-) at the blastocyst stage. Results: The development of 208 embryos from 78 patients was examined. Moreover, 81.2% of the embryos had CS in the blastocyst stage; 77% of CS existed in embryos created by conventional IVF, while 86% of CS existed in embryos fertilised by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) (p = 0.08). A greater number of CS+ embryos developed into a higher quality blastocyst (52.1% vs. 20.5%, p = 0.02). The morphokinetic score values characterising the development of embryos, such as Known Implantation Data Score (KIDScore) and Intelligent Data Analysis (iDAScore), were higher in CS+ groups (KID: 6.1 ± 2.1 vs. 4.7 ± 2.07; iDA: 8.0 ± 1.9 vs. 6.8 ± 2.3, p < 0.01). The dynamics of the early embryo development were similar between the two groups; however, CS+ embryos reached the blastocyst stage significantly earlier (tB: 103.9 h vs. tB: 107.6 h; p = 0.001). Conclusion: Based on our results, the number of embryos with cytoplasmic strings was higher than that without cytoplasmic strings, and its presence is not related to the fertilisation method. These embryos reached the blastocyst stage earlier, and their morphokinetic (KIDScore and iDAScore) parameters were better. All these results suggest that the presence of CS indicates higher embryo viability. The examination of this feature may help us make decisions about the embryos with higher implantation potential.
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Li D, Parmegiani L, Yang D, Vajta G, Li R. Expert consensus on the morphological evaluation of human cleavage-stage embryos and blastocysts. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023; 136:1009-1011. [PMID: 37185360 PMCID: PMC10228470 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Da Li
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive and Genetic Medicine (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China
| | | | - Dalei Yang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Key Laboratory of Reproductive and Genetic Medicine (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China
| | | | - Rong Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing 100084, China
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11
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Non-Coding RNAs as Biomarkers for Embryo Quality and Pregnancy Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065751. [PMID: 36982824 PMCID: PMC10052053 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in in vitro fertilization (IVF), there is still a lack of non-invasive and reliable biomarkers for selecting embryos with the highest developmental and implantation potential. Recently, small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) have been identified in biological fluids, and extracellular sncRNAs are explored as diagnostic biomarkers in the prediction of IVF outcomes. To determine the predictive role of sncRNAs in embryo quality and IVF outcomes, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. Articles were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science from 1990 to 31 July 2022. Eighteen studies that met the selection criteria were analyzed. In total, 22 and 47 different sncRNAs were found to be dysregulated in follicular fluid (FF) and embryo spent culture medium (SCM), respectively. MiR-663b, miR-454 and miR-320a in FF and miR-20a in SCM showed consistent dysregulation in two different studies. The meta-analysis indicated the potential predictive performance of sncRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers, with a pooled area under curve (AUC) value of 0.81 (95% CI 0.78, 0.844), a sensitivity of 0.79 (95% CI 0.72, 0.85), a specificity of 0.67 (95% CI 0.52, 0.79) and a diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of 8 (95% CI 5, 12). Significant heterogeneity was identified among studies in sensitivity (I2 = 46.11%) and specificity (I2 = 89.73%). This study demonstrates that sncRNAs may distinguish embryos with higher developmental and implantation potentials. They can be promising non-invasive biomarkers for embryo selection in ART. However, the significant heterogeneity among studies highlights the demand for prospective multicenter studies with optimized methods and adequate sample sizes in the future.
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Asymmetric Contribution of Blastomere Lineages of First Division of the Zygote to Entire Human Body Using Post-Zygotic Variants. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2022; 19:809-821. [PMID: 35438457 PMCID: PMC9294097 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-022-00443-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In humans, after fertilization, the zygote divides into two 2n diploid daughter blastomeres. During this division, DNA is replicated, and the remaining mutually exclusive genetic mutations in the genome of each cell are called post-zygotic variants. Using these somatic mutations, developmental lineages can be reconstructed. How these two blastomeres are contributing to the entire body is not yet identified. This study aims to evaluate the cellular contribution of two blastomeres of 2-cell embryos to the entire body in humans using post-zygotic variants based on whole genome sequencing. METHODS Tissues from different anatomical areas were obtained from five donated cadavers for use in single-cell clonal expansion and bulk target sequencing. After conducting whole genome sequencing, computational analysis was applied to find the early embryonic mutations of each clone. We developed our in-house bioinformatics pipeline, and filtered variants using strict criteria, composed of mapping quality, base quality scores, depth, soft-clipped reads, and manual inspection, resulting in the construction of embryological phylogenetic cellular trees. RESULTS Using our in-house pipeline for variant filtering, we could extract accurate true positive variants, and construct the embryological phylogenetic trees for each cadaver. We found that two daughter blastomeres, L1 and L2 (lineage 1 and 2, respectively), derived from the zygote, distribute unequally to the whole body at the clonal level. From bulk target sequencing data, we validated asymmetric contribution by means of the variant allele frequency of L1 and L2. The asymmetric contribution of L1 and L2 varied from person to person. CONCLUSION We confirmed that there is asymmetric contribution of two daughter blastomeres from the first division of the zygote across the whole human body.
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13
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Cellular and Molecular Nature of Fragmentation of Human Embryos. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031349. [PMID: 35163271 PMCID: PMC8836137 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryo fragmentation represents a phenomenon generally characterized by the presence of membrane-bound extracellular cytoplasm into the perivitelline space. Recent evidence supports the cellular and molecular heterogeneity of embryo fragments. In this narrative review, we described the different embryo fragment-like cellular structures in their morphology, molecular content, and supposed function and have reported the proposed theories on their origin over the years. We identified articles related to characterization of embryo fragmentation with a specific literature search string. The occurrence of embryo fragmentation has been related to various mechanisms, of which the most studied are apoptotic cell death, membrane compartmentalization of altered DNA, cytoskeletal disorders, and vesicle formation. These phenomena are thought to result in the extrusion of entire blastomeres, release of apoptotic bodies and other vesicles, and micronuclei formation. Different patterns of fragmentation may have different etiologies and effects on embryo competence. Removal of fragments from the embryo before embryo transfer with the aim to improve implantation potential should be reconsidered on the basis of the present observations
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14
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Chen H, Li J, Cai S, Tang S, Zeng S, Chu C, Hocher CF, Rösing B, Krämer BK, Hu L, Lin G, Gong F, Hocher B. Blastocyst Transfer: A Risk Factor for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e143-e152. [PMID: 34415990 PMCID: PMC8684461 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is higher in women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment than in women conceiving spontaneously. OBJECTIVES To determine whether the GDM risk after day-3 embryo transfer differs from the GDM risk after day-5 blastocyst transfer. METHODS Prospective observational study in women becoming pregnant after first fresh embryo or blastocyst transfer. RESULTS A total of 1579 women got pregnant and had live birth; 1300 women got day-3 embryo transfer only, whereas 279 women received at least 1 blastocyst. Of 1579 women, 252 developed GDM. Age, body mass index, baseline estradiol, baseline high-density lipoprotein, and progesterone on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin injection were not different in women receiving day-3 embryos only vs women receiving at least 1 blastocyst. The number and quality of retrieved oocytes were not different in women receiving day-3 embryo transfer from those receiving blastocysts. Our study confirmed already established GDM risk factors such as age and body mass index, baseline estradiol, and high-density lipoprotein, as well as progesterone after ovarian stimulation. We furthermore demonstrate that the GDM incidence in women receiving day-5 blastocyst transfer was significantly higher than those who received day-3 embryo transfer (21.15% vs 14.85%; P = 0.009). Considering confounding factors, we likewise saw that blastocyst transfer was an independent procedure-related GDM risk factor [P = 0.009, Exp (B): 1.56, 95% CI: 1.12-2.18]. CONCLUSION Blastocyst transfer after in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection increases the risk of developing GDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijun Chen
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jian Li
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Sufen Cai
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Sha Tang
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Suimin Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Chang Chu
- Fifth Department of Medicine (Nephrology/Endocrinology/Rheumatology), University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Carl-Friedrich Hocher
- Fifth Department of Medicine (Nephrology/Endocrinology/Rheumatology), University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Benjamin Rösing
- Department of OB/GYN and REI (UniKiD), Duesseldorf University Hospital, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Bernhard K Krämer
- Fifth Department of Medicine (Nephrology/Endocrinology/Rheumatology), University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- European Center for Angioscience ECAS, Medical Faculty Mannheim of the University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Liang Hu
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Reproductive Engineering, Ministry of Health, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Reproductive Engineering, Ministry of Health, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Gong
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Reproductive Engineering, Ministry of Health, Changsha, China
- Fei Gong, MD, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, No. 86, Xiangya Road, Kaifu District, Changsha 410078, China.
| | - Berthold Hocher
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
- Fifth Department of Medicine (Nephrology/Endocrinology/Rheumatology), University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Medical Diagnostics, IMD, Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence: Berthold Hocher, MD, PhD, Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.
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Dimitriadis I, Zaninovic N, Badiola AC, Bormann CL. Artificial intelligence in the embryology laboratory: a review. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 44:435-448. [PMID: 35027326 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The goal of an IVF cycle is a healthy live-born baby. Despite the many advances in the field of assisted reproductive technologies, accurately predicting the outcome of an IVF cycle has yet to be achieved. One reason for this is the method of selecting an embryo for transfer. Morphological assessment of embryos is the traditional method of evaluating embryo quality and selecting which embryo to transfer. However, this subjective method of assessing embryos leads to inter- and intra-observer variability, resulting in less than optimal IVF success rates. To overcome this, it is common practice to transfer more than one embryo, potentially resulting in high-risk multiple pregnancies. Although time-lapse incubators and preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy have been introduced to help increase the chances of live birth, the outcomes remain less than ideal. Utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly popular in the medical field and is increasingly being leveraged in the embryology laboratory to help improve IVF outcomes. Many studies have been published investigating the use of AI as an unbiased, automated approach to embryo assessment. This review summarizes recent AI advancements in the embryology laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Dimitriadis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, USA
| | - Nikica Zaninovic
- The Ronald O Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York NY, USA
| | - Alejandro Chavez Badiola
- New Hope Fertility Center, Av. Prado Norte 135, Lomas de Chapultepec, Mexico City, Mexico; IVF 2.0 LTD, 1 Liverpool Rd, Maghull, Merseyside, UK; School of Biosciences, University of Kent Kent, UK
| | - Charles L Bormann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, USA.
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16
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Blastocyst development rate influences singleton gestational age of similarly graded blastocysts after vitrified–warmed single embryo transfer cycles. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 44:449-458. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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17
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Liu J. Giant cells: Linking McClintock's heredity to early embryogenesis and tumor origin throughout millennia of evolution on Earth. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 81:176-192. [PMID: 34116161 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The "life code" theory postulates that egg cells, which are giant, are the first cells in reproduction and that damaged or aged giant somatic cells are the first cells in tumorigenesis. However, the hereditary basis for giant cells remains undefined. Here I propose that stress-induced genomic reorganization proposed by Nobel Laureate Barbara McClintock may represent the underlying heredity for giant cells, referred to as McClintock's heredity. Increase in cell size may serve as a response to environmental stress via switching proliferative mitosis to intranuclear replication for reproduction. Intranuclear replication activates McClintock's heredity to reset the genome following fertilization for reproduction or restructures the somatic genome for neoplastic transformation via formation of polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs). The genome-based McClintock heredity functions together with gene-based Mendel's heredity to regulate the genomic stability at two different stages of life cycle or tumorigenesis. Thus, giant cells link McClintock's heredity to both early embryogenesis and tumor origin. Cycling change in cell size together with ploidy number switch may represent the most fundamental mechanism on how both germ and soma for coping with environmental stresses for the survival across the tree of life which evolved over millions of years on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinsong Liu
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, United States.
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18
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Mangoli E, Khalili MA, Talebi AR, Kalantar SM, Montazeri F, Agharahimi A, Woodward BJ. Association between early embryo morphokinetics plus transcript levels of sperm apoptotic genes and clinical outcomes in IMSI and ICSI cycles of male factor patients. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2555-2567. [PMID: 32767204 PMCID: PMC7550545 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01910-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim was to assess the correlation of sperm apoptotic transcript levels with cleavage stage embryokinetic and pregnancy outcomes of intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI) and ICSI methods in patients with male factor infertility. MATERIAL AND METHODS Eighty male factor cases were divided into ICSI and IMSI groups. ICSI was done routinely, and for IMSI, sperm was selected at high magnification and injected. On day 3, time-lapse parameters were evaluated, and the best embryos were transferred and followed to delivery. In addition, sperm DNA fragmentation and apoptotic transcript levels were quantified using reverse transcription Q-PCR between the groups. RESULTS IMSI selected spermatozoa had lower DNA fragmentation and apoptotic transcript levels compared with ICSI (p < 0.0001). Moreover, all cytokinetic variables and cleavage abnormalities were noticeably different between groups (p < 0.0001); the rates of clinical outcomes were higher in the IMSI group. The transcript levels of Caspase 3 showed a moderate negative correlation with s2 and s3 (rs = - 0.57, P = 0.008 and rs = - 0.51, p = 0.021, respectively) in the IMSI group. However, there was no relationship between sperm apoptotic transcript levels and clinical outcomes in two groups. CONCLUSIONS Sperms selected at high magnification showed lower DNA fragmentation and apoptosis genes transcript. Also, better embryo kinetics and clinical outcomes were confirmed in IMSI than ICSI groups. Some time-lapse parameters may be associated with transcript levels of apoptosis genes. Therefore, these noninvasive techniques may be unique in assisting couples with male factor infertility. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial retrospectively registered on 4 July 2020 (IRCT20180130038561N1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmat Mangoli
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Khalili
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
| | - Ali Reza Talebi
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Seyed Mehdi Kalantar
- Abortion Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Montazeri
- Abortion Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Azam Agharahimi
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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Carnevale EM, Metcalf ES. Morphology, developmental stages and quality parameters of in vitro-produced equine embryos. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 31:1758-1770. [PMID: 31718765 DOI: 10.1071/rd19257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is used to produce equine embryos invitro. The speed of embryo development invitro is roughly equivalent to what has been described for embryos produced invivo. Morphological evaluations of ICSI-produced embryos are complicated by the presence of debris and the dark nature of equine embryo cytoplasm. Morulas and early blastocysts produced invitro appear similar to those produced invivo. However, with expansion of the blastocyst, distinct differences are observed compared with uterine embryos. In culture, embryos do not undergo full expansion and thinning of the zona pellucida (ZP) or capsule formation. Cells of the inner cell mass (ICM) are dispersed, in contrast with the differentiated trophoblast and ICM observed in embryos collected from uteri. As blastocysts expand invitro, embryo cells often escape the ZP as organised or disorganised extrusions of cells, probably through the hole incurred during ICSI. Quality assessment of invitro-produced early stage equine embryos is in its infancy, because limited information is available regarding the relationship between morphology and developmental competence. Early embryo development invivo is reviewed in this paper, with comparisons made to embryo development invitro and clinical assessments from a laboratory performing commercial ICSI for >15 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine M Carnevale
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 1693 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; and Corresponding author.
| | - Elizabeth S Metcalf
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Andrology, Oregon Health Science and University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA
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Leal GR, Graciosa MAG, Monteiro CAS, Pasolini R, Dos Reis Camargo AJ, Oliveira CS, de Paula Vasconcelos CO, Garcia Nogueira LA, Reis Ferreira AM, Serapião RV. The SPOM-adapted IVM system improves in vitro production of bovine embryos. Theriogenology 2020; 158:277-282. [PMID: 33002771 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to test the effects of an IVM SPOM adaptation (SPOM-adapted IVM) on the production, total number of cells (TNC), apoptosis, and cryotolerance (post-warming survival and cytoskeleton actin integrity) of bovine IVP embryos. Two experiments were conducted with two experimental groups based on IVM treatment: A control group (TCM 199 without FCS) and an SPOM-adapted group (TCM 199 with forskolin and IBMX in pre-IVM and IVM with cilostamide). The first experiment evaluated embryo in vitro production, TNC, and apoptosis rate on D9 of development. In the second experiment, embryos were vitrified/warmed at D7 (control fresh and vitrified; SPOM-adapted fresh and vitrified) and assessed regarding post-warming survival rates and cytoskeleton actin integrity. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad INSTAT software at a significance level of 5%. An increase (p < 0.05) in blastocyst production was observed in the SPOM-adapted group comparing to the control group. There was no difference (p > 0.05) in the TNC or apoptosis rate between the groups. Regarding cryopreservation, no differences were found (p > 0.05) in actin integrity or post-warming survival rates between the vitrified groups. In both vitrified groups, we observed a significantly lower uninjured pattern of actin integrity compared to the fresh groups (p < 0.05). We conclude that the SPOM-adapted IVM system is beneficial for blastocyst production and does not affect the quality and cryotolerance of the produced embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Ramos Leal
- Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Department of Veterinary Medicine, Vital Brazil Filho St., 64, 24230-340, Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Maria Alice Guimarães Graciosa
- Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (PESAGRO RIO), São Boa Ventura Av., 770, 24120-19, Fonseca, Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Clara Ana Santos Monteiro
- Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Department of Veterinary Medicine, Vital Brazil Filho St., 64, 24230-340, Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Renata Pasolini
- Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (PESAGRO RIO), São Boa Ventura Av., 770, 24120-19, Fonseca, Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Agostinho Jorge Dos Reis Camargo
- Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (PESAGRO RIO), São Boa Ventura Av., 770, 24120-19, Fonseca, Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Clara Slade Oliveira
- Embrapa Gado de Leite, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Santa Monica Experimental Field (LRA-CESM) - Santa Monica Rd., 27640-000, Valença, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos Otávio de Paula Vasconcelos
- Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Department of Veterinary Medicine, Vital Brazil Filho St., 64, 24230-340, Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luiz Altamiro Garcia Nogueira
- Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Department of Veterinary Medicine, Vital Brazil Filho St., 64, 24230-340, Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Reis Ferreira
- Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Department of Veterinary Medicine, Vital Brazil Filho St., 64, 24230-340, Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Raquel Varella Serapião
- Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (PESAGRO RIO), São Boa Ventura Av., 770, 24120-19, Fonseca, Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Embrapa Gado de Leite, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Santa Monica Experimental Field (LRA-CESM) - Santa Monica Rd., 27640-000, Valença, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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21
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Chen Q, Di Z, García Roger EM, Li H, Richmond P, Roehner BM. Magnitude and significance of the peak of early embryonic mortality. J Biol Phys 2020; 46:233-251. [PMID: 32803624 PMCID: PMC7441109 DOI: 10.1007/s10867-020-09555-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryonic development is of great importance because it determines congenital anomalies and influences their severity. However, little is known about the actual probabilities of success or failure and about the nature of early embryonic defects. Here, we propose that the analysis of embryonic mortality as a function of post-fertilization time provides a simple way to identify major defects. By reviewing the literature, we show that even small initial defects, e.g., spatial cellular asymmetries or irregularities in the timing of development, carry with them lethal effects in subsequent stages of embryogenesis. Although initially motivated by human study, in this contribution, we review the few embryonic mortality data available for farm animals and highlight zebrafish as a particularly suited organism for such a kind of study because embryogenesis can be followed from its very beginning and observed easily thanks to eggshell transparency. In line with the few other farm animals for which data are available, we provide empirical evidence that embryonic mortality in zebrafish has a prominent peak shortly after fertilization. Indeed, we show how subsequent mortality rates decay according to a power law, supporting the role of the early embryonic mortality peak as a screening process rapidly removing defective embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghua Chen
- School of Systems Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Zengru Di
- School of Systems Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Eduardo M. García Roger
- Institut Cavanilles de Biodiversitat i Biologia Evolutiva, University of València, València, Spain
| | - Hui Li
- School of Systems Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Peter Richmond
- School of Physics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bertrand M. Roehner
- Institute for Theoretical and High Energy Physics (LPTHE), Pierre and Marie Curie Campus, Sorbonne University, National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), Paris, France
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22
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Zhu LH, Ni XB, Lin F, Xu ZP, Fang JS, Zhang NY. The impact of follicle-flushing during oocyte collection on embryo development of in-vitro fertilization. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2019; 17:106. [PMID: 31805966 PMCID: PMC6894234 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-019-0540-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To evaluate the impact of follicle-flushing during oocyte collection on embryo development potential retrospectively. METHODS A total of 1714 cases, including 133 who experienced retrieval difficulty (repeated follicle-flushing) on the day of oocyte retrieval (difficulty group) and the control 1581 cases (control group), were assessed in this retrospective study. The number of oocytes recovered, two pro-nuclei fertilization (2PN-fertilization), day 3 good-quality embryo and day 5/6 blastocyst utilization rates were compared between the difficulty group and control group correspondingly. Embryo implantation, clinical pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were further analyzed between the two groups in the fresh day- 3 embryo transfer cycles. RESULTS The number of oocytes recovered in the difficulty group (9.08 ± 4.65) were significantly reduced compared with the control group (12.13 ± 5.27),P < 0.001; The 2PN-fertilization, day 3 good-quality embryo and blastocyst utilization rates were significantly lower in the difficulty group compared with controls (71.7% vs. 75.7%; 52.7% vs. 56.5%; 31.9% vs. 37.0%, all P < 0.05). Embryo implantation in the difficulty group was 53.2%, which was lower than the control value of 58.7%, although not reaching statistical significance. The rate of fresh embryo transfer cycles in the difficulty group was lower than normal ones (51.88% vs. 61.99%, P = 0.026). The pregnancy and live birth rates were similar between the two groups. But the rate of spontaneous miscarriages of the difficulty group was higher than the control group, although not reaching statistical significance. The neonatal outcomes had no statistical difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Oocyte retrieval difficulty, which include repeated flushing and the corresponded extending time required for oocyte recovery, significantly reduced day 3 good-quality embryo and blastocyst utilization rates of these patients. But the live birth rate had no difference between the difficulty group and the normal ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Hua Zhu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated with Nanjing University Medical College, Zhongshan Road 321#, 210008, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Bei Ni
- Reproductive Medical Center, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated with Nanjing University Medical College, Zhongshan Road 321#, 210008, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Lin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated with Nanjing University Medical College, Zhongshan Road 321#, 210008, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Peng Xu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated with Nanjing University Medical College, Zhongshan Road 321#, 210008, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Shun Fang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated with Nanjing University Medical College, Zhongshan Road 321#, 210008, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ning-Yuan Zhang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated with Nanjing University Medical College, Zhongshan Road 321#, 210008, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
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Andreas E, Reid M, Zhang W, Moley KH. The effect of maternal high-fat/high-sugar diet on offspring oocytes and early embryo development. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 25:717-728. [PMID: 31588490 PMCID: PMC6884416 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaz049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Observational human data and several lines of animal experimental data indicate that maternal obesity impairs offspring health. Here, we comprehensively tested the model that maternal obesity causes defects in the next three generations of oocytes and embryos. We exposed female F0 mice to a high-fat/high-sugar (HF/HS) diet for 6 weeks before conception until weaning. Sires, F1 offspring and all subsequent generations were fed control chow diet. Oocytes from F1, F2 and F3 offspring of obese mothers had lower mitochondrial mass and less ATP and citrate than oocytes from offspring of control mothers. F0 blastocysts from HF/HS-exposed mice, but not F1 and F2 blastocysts, had lower mitochondrial mass and membrane potential, less citrate and ATP and smaller total cell number than F0 blastocysts from control mothers. Finally, supplementation of IVF media with the anti-oxidant mito-esculetin partially prevented the oocyte mitochondrial effects caused by maternal HF/HS diet. Our results support the idea that maternal obesity impairs offspring oocyte quality and suggest that antioxidant supplementation should be tested as a means to improve IVF outcomes for obese women.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Andreas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, 425 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - M Reid
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, 425 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - W Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, 425 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - K H Moley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, 425 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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24
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Bacchetti T, Morresi C, Vignini A, Tiano L, Orlando P, Montik N, Ciavattini A, Ferretti G. HDL functionality in follicular fluid in normal-weight and obese women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:1657-1664. [PMID: 31338723 PMCID: PMC6708027 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01523-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE High-density lipoproteins (HDL) exert pleiotropic roles in follicular fluid (FF). Previous studies have reported a relationship between obesity, infertility, and systemic oxidative stress. The aim of our study was to investigate for the first time the HDL functional properties in FF in obesity. METHODS In this observational study, overweight/obese (n = 20) and normal-weight women (n = 38) undergoing assisted reproductive technology were included. Compositional properties and biochemical marker of functionality (HDL oxidation rate), HDL-associated antioxidants (paraoxonase-1 activities and CoQ10 content), and lipid hydroperoxide levels were evaluated in FF from normal-weight and overweight/obese women. Correlations between biochemical parameters and indices for oocyte and embryo quality were studied. RESULTS FF-HDL obtained from overweight/obese women are characterized by high intrinsic ability to be oxidized compared with FF-HDL from normal-weight women. These alterations are associated with lower activities of paraoxonase-1 (PON1), higher levels of lipid peroxidation, and a lower total antioxidant capacity in FF. Moreover, an association between PON1 activity and FF-HDL oxidation and clinical parameter of oocyte quality was observed. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that the quality of FF-HDL is important determinant for oocyte quality. Therefore, targeting FF-HDL functionality, in addition to FF-HDL-C levels, may represent a promising and interesting biomarker for reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Bacchetti
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Camilla Morresi
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Arianna Vignini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, Biology and Physics, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Luca Tiano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Patrick Orlando
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Nina Montik
- Woman's Health Sciences Department, Gynecologic Section, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Andrea Ciavattini
- Woman's Health Sciences Department, Gynecologic Section, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Gianna Ferretti
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, Biology and Physics, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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25
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Tain DCX, Lim MSR, Ng BL, Hammond E, Wong PS. The Influence of Day 2 Blastomere Symmetry on Blastocyst Grade and Ploidy Status. FERTILITY & REPRODUCTION 2019. [DOI: 10.1142/s2661318219500117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that aneuploidy rates are co-related with cell asymmetry at the cleavage stage. A retrospective study was carried out to determine the significance of blastomere symmetry at the 4-cell stage on blastocyst grade and ploidy status. 732 Day 5/6 blastocysts from 191 patients undergoing Pre-implantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy were analysed with time-lapse imaging (Embryoscope, Vitrolife) during 2017. Blastomere symmetry was measured at the first image of 4-cells on Day 2 by tabulating the mean diameter of 2 lines drawn perpendicularly on each blastomere. Symmetry was defined as the blastomere diameter difference of [Formula: see text] 25%. Trophectoderm (TE) biopsy was performed on Day 5/6 followed by chromosomal evaluation using Next Generation Sequencing (VeriSeq Protocol, Illumina). Blastocyst grade was classified as either “Good” (inner cell mass (ICM) and TE, AA respectively), “Fair/Good” (AB, BA), “Fair” (BB) and “Poor” (early blastocyst grade 2 or TE grading of C). The significance of blastomere symmetry on blastocyst grade and ploidy status was measured using chi-square tests. There was no significance difference in resulting blastocyst quality for symmetrical and asymmetrical embryos (Table 1: p [Formula: see text] 0.10). Furthermore, there was no significance difference in the euploid rate (42.5% vs. 45.3%) or mosaic rate (22.1% vs. 16.2%) between symmetrical and asymmetrical embryos (p [Formula: see text] 0.24). In conclusion, the presence of asymmetrical blastomeres at the 4-cell stage do not impact the good quality blastocyst formation rate and euploidy rate for embryos that progress into blastocysts. However, this study excludes embryos that do not develop to the blastocyst stage and those with erratic division patterns, direct cleavage and reverse cleavage on Day 2, both of which have potential to influence ploidy result. Asymmetrical 4-cell embryos have the potential for high quality euploid blastocyst progression and can be considered for day 2 embryo transfer in the absence of symmetrical 4-cell embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Chieh Xing Tain
- Sunfert International Fertility Centre, Unit 2-2, Level 2, Nexus, Bangsar South, 7, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Michelle Sheng Rong Lim
- Sunfert International Fertility Centre, Unit 2-2, Level 2, Nexus, Bangsar South, 7, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Bee Lian Ng
- Sunfert International Fertility Centre, Unit 2-2, Level 2, Nexus, Bangsar South, 7, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Elizabeth Hammond
- Fertility Associates, Level 3, Ascot Central, 7 Ellerslie Racecourse Drive, Private Bag 28910, Remuera, Auckland 1051, New Zealand
| | - Pak Seng Wong
- Sunfert International Fertility Centre, Unit 2-2, Level 2, Nexus, Bangsar South, 7, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Oliveira CS, de Barros BAF, Monteiro CAS, Rosa PMS, Leal GR, Serapião RV, Camargo LSA. Individual assessment of bovine embryo development using a homemade chamber reveals kinetic patterns of success and failure to reach blastocyst stage. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2019; 65:301-311. [PMID: 30958032 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2019.1589601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Most early developmental data are lost in bovine embryo culture systems. We developed and validated a method for culture of bovine embryos in groups that allow individual assessment. An autoclavable low-cost multiembryo chamber (MEC) was prepared using a polyester mesh fixed to a glass coverslip. Embryonic development was not affected by MEC. Compared to conventional bovine culture system (oil-covered drops, control), cleavage (C, 71.2 ± 7.8%; MEC, 74.3 ± 6.0%), blastocyst rate (C, 29.9 ± 4.4%; MEC, 28.3 ± 5.0%) and blastocyst cell number (C, 94.1 ± 9.7; MEC, 92.9 ± 5.3) were similar. Caspase 3 positive cell index in blastocysts was increased in MEC group, but apoptosis rate was below 5% (C, 2.9 ± 0.5; MEC, 4.6 ± 0.6). Using MEC, we performed a retrospective analysis for 'failure' and 'success' embryos, based on their ability to reach the blastocyst stage. We detected the majority of 'success' embryos displayed 8 cells at 48 h post-insemination (hpi) (48.7%), but blastocysts derived from this pattern presented lower cell numbers (91.3 ± 4.2 vs. 107.9 ± 4.9) and higher apoptosis index (6.2 ± 0.6 vs. 4.4 ± 0.5) than blastocysts from 4-cell embryos at 48 hpi. Most (72.0%) embryos that were at morula stage 120 hpi reached blastocyst stage at 168 hpi. Those blastocysts presented more number of cells than blastocysts derived from embryos exhibiting 16 cells at 120 hpi (108.6 ± 4.1 vs. 83.9 ± 4.8). Combination of embryo kinetics data at 48 and 120 hpi revealed high chances of blastocyst formation for patterns: 8 cells/morula, 4 cells/morula, 8 cells/16 cells and 4 cells/16 cells. Blastocysts formed from 4-cell/morula and 8-cell/morula patterns represented 69% of all 168 hpi blastocysts. Blastocysts derived from 4 cells/16 cells displayed decreased apoptosis (3.1 ± 0.6). Our results suggest that MEC can be used for bovine embryo culture without detrimental effects on development and can help to predict blastocyst formation and quality of in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryos. Abbreviations: BSA: bovine serum albumine; COC: cumulus-oocyte complex; FERT-TALP: Tyrode's albumin lactate pyruvate fertilization; FBS: fetal bovine serum; IVF: in vitro fertilization; MEC: multiembryo chamber; PBS: phosphate buffered saline; SOF-AA: synthetic oviductal fluid with amino acids medium; TCM: Tissue Culture Medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Slade Oliveira
- a Embrapa Dairy Cattle, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction , Santa Monica Experimental Field (LRA-CESM) , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - B A F de Barros
- a Embrapa Dairy Cattle, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction , Santa Monica Experimental Field (LRA-CESM) , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - C A S Monteiro
- a Embrapa Dairy Cattle, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction , Santa Monica Experimental Field (LRA-CESM) , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil.,b Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Federal Fluminense University (UFF) , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - P M S Rosa
- a Embrapa Dairy Cattle, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction , Santa Monica Experimental Field (LRA-CESM) , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - G R Leal
- a Embrapa Dairy Cattle, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction , Santa Monica Experimental Field (LRA-CESM) , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil.,b Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Federal Fluminense University (UFF) , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - R V Serapião
- c Animal Biology Laboratory , Agricultural Research Company of the Rio de Janeiro State (PESAGRO RIO) , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - L S A Camargo
- d Embrapa Dairy Cattle , Laboratory of Animal Reproduction , Juiz de Fora , Brazil
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27
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Ma M, Zhang S, Lu C, Wang S, Yao Y, Peng H. Chromosome constitution of equal-sized three-cell embryos using next-generation sequencing technology. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:307-314. [PMID: 30443691 PMCID: PMC6420552 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1362-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the chromosome constitution of equal-sized three-cell embryo. METHODS We determined the chromosome constitution of 105 blastomeres from 35 embryos using multiple annealing and looping-based amplification cycles (MALBAC) together with NGS sequencing technology. Chromosomal copy number variation (CNV) analysis was successfully performed in 27 embryos. We also analyzed radius, perimeter, area, and volume of each blastomere to explore the possibility of selecting the normal embryos. RESULTS Majority of the embryos (77.8%, 21/27) studied were mosaic or aneuploid, and only 22.2% (6/27) had normal chromosome numbers. The aneuploid chromosomes spread across all chromosomes and the most frequent aneuploidies were for chromosomes 1, 16, and 18 followed by 13, 19, and 21. Statistical analyses showed no significant difference between euploid and aneuploid embryos regarding radius, perimeter, area, and volume of their blastomeres. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that majority of the equal-sized three-cell embryos were chromosomally abnormal and could not be distinguished by morphology observation, so they should be given lower priority at selection for transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minyue Ma
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Shihui Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Chongzhao Lu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Shuling Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yuanqing Yao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Hongmei Peng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
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28
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Good-quality blastocysts derived from vacuolized morulas show reduced viability. Fertil Steril 2018; 109:1025-1029. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.02.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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29
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Setti AS, Figueira RCS, Braga DPDAF, Iaconelli A, Borges E. Blastomere nucleation: Predictive factors and influence of blastomere with no apparent nuclei on blastocyst development and implantation. JBRA Assist Reprod 2018; 22:102-107. [PMID: 29701942 PMCID: PMC5982554 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20180028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether embryos presenting blastomere(s) with no apparent nucleus (BNAN) on days 2 and 3 are more likely to fail to develop into blastocysts, hatch and implant. METHODS A total of 5705 zygotes obtained from 743 intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles were analyzed. The presence and incidence of BNAN on days 2 and 3 of embryo development were recorded and then associated with ICSI outcomes. RESULTS The occurrence of BNAN on day 2 of embryo development was determinant to the decreased odds of blastocyst formation (OR: 0.57, CI: 0.50-0.65), quality (OR: 0.56, CI: 0.43-0.73) and hatching status (OR: 0.66, CI: 0.50-0.87). The presence of BNAN on day 3 of embryo development was determinant to the decreased odds of blastocyst formation (OR: 0.67, CI: 0.58-0.78) and hatching status (OR: 0.61, CI: 0.45-0.83). The occurrence of BNAN on day 2 of embryo development was determinant to the decreased odds of blastocyst implantation (OR: 0.50, CI: 0.27-0.94). CONCLUSION The presence of BNAN on day 2 or day 3 reduces development to blastocyst stage, hatching and implantation. Careful nuclear observation, taking into account the absence of blastomere nucleus, should be part of the strategies used for embryo selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Souza Setti
- Fertility Medical Group, São Paulo - SP, Brazil.,Instituto Sapientiae- Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana Assistida, São Paulo - SP, Brazil
| | | | - Daniela Paes de Almeida Ferreira Braga
- Fertility Medical Group, São Paulo - SP, Brazil.,Instituto Sapientiae- Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana Assistida, São Paulo - SP, Brazil
| | - Assumpto Iaconelli
- Fertility Medical Group, São Paulo - SP, Brazil.,Instituto Sapientiae- Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana Assistida, São Paulo - SP, Brazil
| | - Edson Borges
- Fertility Medical Group, São Paulo - SP, Brazil.,Instituto Sapientiae- Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana Assistida, São Paulo - SP, Brazil
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30
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Ciavattini A, Montik N, Clemente N, Santoni F, Moriconi L, Serri M, Barbadoro P, Sabbatinelli J, Vignini A. Obesity and ultrasound-estimated visceral fat deposits in women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedures. Gynecol Endocrinol 2017; 33:972-976. [PMID: 28475432 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2017.1323858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of body mass index (BMI) and ultrasound-estimated visceral adipose tissue deposits on oocyte quality and pregnancy rate in women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedures. The study included 58 women who underwent ART procedures. According to their BMI, the women were divided into normal weight and overweight/obese; an ultrasound evaluation of preperitoneal fat thickness (PFT) was also performed for each patient. The oocyte quality was then assessed, and samples of follicular fluid were collected from each woman, in order to evaluate the intrafollicular concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as markers of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-6) as markers of chronic inflammation. A negative correlation was found between BMI (as well as PFT) and the number of retrieved oocytes (r = -0.3; p <0.05 and r = -0.5; p < 0.001, respectively), good quality oocytes (r = -0.4; p = <0.05) and obtained embryos (r = -0.3; p < 0.05). In women undergoing ART procedures, BMI and PFT negatively influence the number of oocytes retrieved and their quality. However, on multivariable analysis, only age, PFT and number of retrieved oocytes affect the success rate of ART procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nina Montik
- a Woman's Health Sciences Department, Gynecologic Section
| | | | | | | | - Matteo Serri
- a Woman's Health Sciences Department, Gynecologic Section
| | | | - Jacopo Sabbatinelli
- c Department of Clinical Sciences , Section of Biochemistry, Biology and Physics, Polytechnic University of Marche , Ancona , Italy
| | - Arianna Vignini
- c Department of Clinical Sciences , Section of Biochemistry, Biology and Physics, Polytechnic University of Marche , Ancona , Italy
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Derrick R, Hickman C, Oliana O, Wilkinson T, Gwinnett D, Whyte LB, Carby A, Lavery S. Perivitelline threads associated with fragments in human cleavage stage embryos observed through time-lapse microscopy. Reprod Biomed Online 2017; 35:640-645. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2017.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Aba YA, Avci D, Guzel Y, Ozcelik SK, Gurtekin B. Effect of music therapy on the anxiety levels and pregnancy rate of women undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer: A randomized controlled trial. Appl Nurs Res 2017; 36:19-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apnr.2017.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 04/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/20/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Le Bras A, Hesters L, Gallot V, Tallet C, Tachdjian G, Frydman N. Shortening gametes co-incubation time improves live birth rate for couples with a history of fragmented embryos. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2017.1336581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Le Bras
- AP-HP, Antoine Béclère Hospital, Reproductive Biology Unit, Clamar, France
| | - Laetitia Hesters
- AP-HP, Antoine Béclère Hospital, Reproductive Biology Unit, Clamar, France
| | | | - Cathie Tallet
- AP-HP, Antoine Béclère Hospital, Reproductive Biology Unit, Clamar, France
| | - Gerard Tachdjian
- AP-HP, Antoine Béclère Hospital, Reproductive Biology Unit, Clamar, France
| | - Nelly Frydman
- AP-HP, Antoine Béclère Hospital, Reproductive Biology Unit, Clamar, France
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Pennings G, Segers S, Debrock S, Heindryckx B, Kontozova-Deutsch V, Punjabi U, Vande Velde H, van Steirteghem A, Mertes H. Human embryo research in Belgium: an overview. Fertil Steril 2017; 108:96-107. [PMID: 28579405 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Revised: 04/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To present an overview of the numbers and types of human embryos used in research projects in Belgium from 2007 to 2015. DESIGN Analysis of all research proposals approved by the Federal Commission for Medical and Scientific Research on Embryos In Vitro. SETTING Not applicable. PATIENT(S) Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Number of embryos used for research, number of embryos created for research, and areas of embryo research. RESULT(S) Since 2007, 15,811 embryos were used for 36 research projects. In total, 10,492 (66%) fresh supernumerary embryos (unfit for transfer or freezing) were used, 4,083 (26%) frozen supernumerary embryos (donated by parents whose child wish was completed or abandoned), and 1,236 (8%) embryos created for research. Most projects focused on research into embryo development. Fresh supernumerary embryos were mainly used for human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research. Frozen supernumerary embryos were almost exclusively used for research into embryo development and for hESC research. Embryos created for research were used for research into embryo development, oocyte research, research into cryopreservation of oocytes, and hESC research. CONCLUSION(S) Having concrete data on embryo research is crucial for an informed debate. Moreover, these data are necessary to find out trends in research such as the numbers of embryos needed and the areas of research. Data collection requires a sufficiently clear definition of "research" and "embryo." These conceptual questions frequently reveal lack of clarity in legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Pennings
- Bioethics Institute Ghent, Faculty of Arts and Philosophy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Seppe Segers
- Bioethics Institute Ghent, Faculty of Arts and Philosophy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sophie Debrock
- Leuven University Fertility Center, Universitair Ziekenhuis Leuven Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team, Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Velichka Kontozova-Deutsch
- DG Health Care, Brussels, Belgium; Cell Organs, Embryos and Bioethics, Brussels, Belgium; FPS Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Usha Punjabi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hilde Vande Velde
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - André van Steirteghem
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Heidi Mertes
- Bioethics Institute Ghent, Faculty of Arts and Philosophy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Zhang SP, Lu CF, Gong F, Xie PY, Hu L, Zhang SJ, Lu GX, Lin G. Polar body transfer restores the developmental potential of oocytes to blastocyst stage in a case of repeated embryo fragmentation. J Assist Reprod Genet 2017; 34:563-571. [PMID: 28190214 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-017-0881-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to determine the developmental potential of human reconstructed oocytes after polar body genome transfer (PBT) and to report the case of a woman with multiple cycles of severe embryo fragmentation. METHODS Fresh and cryopreserved first polar bodies (PB1s) were transferred to enucleated metaphase II oocytes (PB1T), while fresh PB2s were removed from fertilized oocytes and used instead of the female pronucleus in donor zygotes. Reconstructed oocytes underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and were cultured to blastocyst. Biopsied trophectoderm cells of PBT-derived blastocysts were screened for chromosomes by next-generation sequencing (NGS). Then, cryopreserved PB1T was carried out in one woman with a history of several cycles of extensive embryo fragmentation, and the blastocysts derived from PB1T were screened for aneuploidy but not transferred to the patient. RESULTS There were no significant differences in the rates of normal fertilization and blastocyst formation between fresh and cryopreserved PB1T and control oocytes. Of the three fresh and three cryopreserved PB1T-derived blastocysts, two and one blastocysts exhibited normal diploidy respectively. In contrast, 17 PB2 transfers yielded 16 two pronuclei (2PN) zygotes with one normal and one small-sized pronucleus each and no blastocyst formation. In the female patient, 18 oocytes were inseminated by ICSI in the fourth cycle and the PB1s were biopsied. Although the embryos developed from the patient's own oocytes showed severe fragmentation, the oocytes reconstructed after PB1T produced three chromosomally normal blastocysts. CONCLUSIONS Normal blastocysts can develop from human reconstructed oocytes after PB1T. The application of the first PB transfers may be beneficial to patients with a history of poor embryo development and excessive fragmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo-Ping Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Xiangya Road 88#, 410078, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Chang-Fu Lu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Xiangya Road 88#, 410078, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.,Key laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Ministry of Health, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Gong
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Xiangya Road 88#, 410078, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.,Key laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Ministry of Health, Changsha, China
| | - Ping-Yuan Xie
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Xiangya Road 88#, 410078, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
| | - Liang Hu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Xiangya Road 88#, 410078, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.,Key laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Ministry of Health, Changsha, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
| | - Shun-Ji Zhang
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Guang-Xiu Lu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Xiangya Road 88#, 410078, Changsha, People's Republic of China.,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.,Key laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Ministry of Health, Changsha, China.,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Xiangya Road 88#, 410078, Changsha, People's Republic of China. .,Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China. .,Key laboratory of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Ministry of Health, Changsha, China. .,National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China.
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36
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Schatten H, Sun QY. Cytoskeletal Functions, Defects, and Dysfunctions Affecting Human Fertilization and Embryo Development. Hum Reprod 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/9781118849613.ch10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Heide Schatten
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology; University of Missouri; Columbia MO USA
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing China
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Time-lapse embryo imaging and morphokinetic profiling: Towards a general characterisation of embryogenesis. Anim Reprod Sci 2016; 174:2-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2016.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Asmarinah, Syauqy A, Umar LA, Lestari SW, Mansyur E, Hestiantoro A, Paradowszka-Dogan A. Sperm chromatin maturity and integrity correlated to zygote development in ICSI program. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2016; 62:309-16. [PMID: 27487396 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2016.1210695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED This study aimed to evaluate sperm chromatin maturity and integrity of that injected into good-quality oocytes in an in vitro fertilization-intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) program. A cut-off value of sperm chromatin maturity and integrity was developed as a function of their correlation to the zygote development, i.e., embryo formation and cleavage rate. The study assessed sperm chromatin maturity using aniline blue (AB) staining, whereas toluidine blue (TB) staining was used to assess sperm chromatin integrity. Ejaculates from 59 patients undergoing ICSI and 46 fertile normozoospermic donors for determination of normal values of sperm chromatin status were used in this study. Embryo formation and cleavage rates were observed for the period of 3 days after ICSI. There was a significant difference in the percentage of sperm with mature chromatin between ejaculate from ICSI patients and fertile donor (p=0.020); while there was no significant difference in sperm chromatin integrity of both samples (p=0.120). There was no significant correlation between sperm chromatin maturity and either embryo formation or cleavage rate; as well as sperm chromatin integrity to both parameters of zygote development (p>0.05). Furthermore, we found that the cut-off value of sperm chromatin maturity and integrity of the fertile normozoospermic ejaculates were 87.2% and 80.2%, respectively. Using the cut-offs, we found that low sperm chromatin maturity at the level of <87% correlated significantly with the cleavage rate of the zygote (p=0.022; r=0.371); whereas poor sperm chromatin integrity at the level of <80% correlated with embryo formation (p=0.048; r=0,485). In conclusion, this study showed that poor maturity and integrity of sperm chromatin (AB<87% and TB<80%, respectively), could affect zygote development following ICSI. ABBREVIATIONS AB: aniline blue; CMA3: chromomycin A3; ICSI: intra cytoplasmic sperm injection; IVF: in vitro fertilization; PBS: phosphate buffer saline; SPSS: Statistical Package for Social Science; TB: toluidine blue; WHO: World Health Organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmarinah
- a Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine , University of Indonesia , Jakarta , Indonesia
| | - Ahmad Syauqy
- b Master Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine , University of Indonesia , Jakarta , Indonesia
| | - Liya Agustin Umar
- b Master Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine , University of Indonesia , Jakarta , Indonesia
| | - Silvia Werdhy Lestari
- a Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine , University of Indonesia , Jakarta , Indonesia
| | - Eliza Mansyur
- c Yasmin Fertility Clinic , Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital , Jakarta , Indonesia
| | - Andon Hestiantoro
- c Yasmin Fertility Clinic , Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital , Jakarta , Indonesia.,d Reproductive Immunoendocrinology Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine , University of Indonesia , Jakarta , Indonesia
| | - Agnieszka Paradowszka-Dogan
- e Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine , University of Giessen , Giessen , Hesse , Germany
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Oliveira C, Saraiva N, Lima MD, Oliveira L, Serapião R, Garcia J, Borges C, Camargo L. Cell death is involved in sexual dimorphism during preimplantation development. Mech Dev 2016; 139:42-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2015.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2015] [Revised: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Daughtry BL, Chavez SL. Chromosomal instability in mammalian pre-implantation embryos: potential causes, detection methods, and clinical consequences. Cell Tissue Res 2016; 363:201-225. [PMID: 26590822 PMCID: PMC5621482 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2305-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Formation of a totipotent blastocyst capable of implantation is one of the first major milestones in early mammalian embryogenesis, but less than half of in vitro fertilized embryos from most mammals will progress to this stage of development. Whole chromosomal abnormalities, or aneuploidy, are key determinants of whether human embryos will arrest or reach the blastocyst stage. Depending on the type of chromosomal abnormality, however, certain embryos still form blastocysts and may be morphologically indistinguishable from chromosomally normal embryos. Despite the implementation of pre-implantation genetic screening and other advanced in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques, the identification of aneuploid embryos remains complicated by high rates of mosaicism, atypical cell division, cellular fragmentation, sub-chromosomal instability, and micro-/multi-nucleation. Moreover, several of these processes occur in vivo following natural human conception, suggesting that they are not simply a consequence of culture conditions. Recent technological achievements in genetic, epigenetic, chromosomal, and non-invasive imaging have provided additional embryo assessment approaches, particularly at the single-cell level, and clinical trials investigating their efficacy are continuing to emerge. In this review, we summarize the potential mechanisms by which aneuploidy may arise, the various detection methods, and the technical advances (such as time-lapse imaging, "-omic" profiling, and next-generation sequencing) that have assisted in obtaining this data. We also discuss the possibility of aneuploidy resolution in embryos via various corrective mechanisms, including multi-polar divisions, fragment resorption, endoreduplication, and blastomere exclusion, and conclude by examining the potential implications of these findings for IVF success and human fecundity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany L Daughtry
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Graduate Program in Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, Portland, Ore., USA
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Shawn L Chavez
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA.
- Physiology & Pharmacology, Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, Portland, Ore., USA.
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, Portland, Ore., USA.
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Prediction model for aneuploidy in early human embryo development revealed by single-cell analysis. Nat Commun 2015; 6:7601. [PMID: 26151134 PMCID: PMC4506544 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms8601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aneuploidies are prevalent in the human embryo and impair proper development, leading to cell cycle arrest. Recent advances in imaging and molecular and genetic analyses are postulated as promising strategies to unveil the mechanisms involved in aneuploidy generation. Here we combine time-lapse, complete chromosomal assessment and single-cell RT-qPCR to simultaneously obtain information from all cells that compose a human embryo until the approximately eight-cell stage (n=85). Our data indicate that the chromosomal status of aneuploid embryos (n=26), including those that are mosaic (n=3), correlates with significant differences in the duration of the first mitotic phase when compared with euploid embryos (n=28). Moreover, gene expression profiling suggests that a subset of genes is differentially expressed in aneuploid embryos during the first 30 h of development. Thus, we propose that the chromosomal fate of an embryo is likely determined as early as the pronuclear stage and may be predicted by a 12-gene transcriptomic signature.
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Developmental capacity and pregnancy rate of tetrahedral- versus non-tetrahedral-shaped 4-cell stage human embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2014; 31:427-34. [PMID: 24522985 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0185-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The arrangement of the blastomeres within the 4-cell stage embryo reflects the orientation of the cleavage planes during the second division. To examine their relevance, the developmental capacity and the pregnancy rate were compared between tetrahedral-shaped and non-tetrahedral-shaped 4-cell stage human embryos. METHODS The study included 3,546 4-cell stage embryos. The arrangement of the blastomeres at the 4-cell stage was annotated as being tetrahedral or non-tetrahedral on day 2 of preimplantation development. Embryo quality was compared on day 3 and day 5. Pregnancy rates were calculated per single embryo transfer on day 3 or day 5. RESULTS In total, 2,803 4-cell stage embryos (79 %) displayed a tetrahedral arrangement and 743 (21 %) displayed a non-tetrahedral arrangement. Tetrahedral-shaped embryos developed more into high-quality embryos on day 3 (p < 0.001) and day 5 (p = 0.036) and had a higher blastulation rate (p = 0.009). Though, the number of high-quality embryos selected for transfer did not differ between both groups on day 3 (p = 0.167) and day 5 (p ~ 1). Three hundred thirty single embryo transfers were analysed. No significant difference in clinical pregnancy was found between both groups after transfer on day 3 (p = 0.209) and day 5 (p = 0.653). CONCLUSIONS The arrangement of the blastomeres according to their previous cleavage planes was correlated to the developmental potential of the 4-cell stage embryo up to the blastocyst stage. If embryo transfers are performed on day 3 and day 5 of development using embryos of adequate quality, the blastomere arrangement at the 4-cell stage had no predictable value regarding pregnancy success.
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Van den Abbeel E, Balaban B, Ziebe S, Lundin K, Cuesta MJG, Klein BM, Helmgaard L, Arce JC. Association between blastocyst morphology and outcome of single-blastocyst transfer. Reprod Biomed Online 2013; 27:353-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Revised: 07/05/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Burruel V, Klooster KL, Chitwood J, Ross PJ, Meyers SA. Oxidative damage to rhesus macaque spermatozoa results in mitotic arrest and transcript abundance changes in early embryos. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:72. [PMID: 23904511 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.110981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Our objective was to determine whether oxidative damage of rhesus macaque sperm induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vitro would affect embryo development following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of metaphase II (MII) oocytes. Fresh rhesus macaque spermatozoa were treated with ROS as follows: 1 mM xanthine and 0.1 U/ml xanthine oxidase (XXO) at 37°C and 5% CO₂ in air for 2.25 h. Sperm were then assessed for motility, viability, and lipid peroxidation. Motile ROS-treated and control sperm were used for ICSI of MII oocytes. Embryo culture was evaluated for 3 days for development to the eight-cell stage. Embryos were fixed and stained for signs of cytoplasmic and nuclear abnormalities. Gene expression was analyzed by RNA-Seq in two-cell embryos from control and treated groups. Exposure of sperm to XXO resulted in increased lipid peroxidation and decreased sperm motility. ICSI of MII oocytes with motile sperm induced similar rates of fertilization and cleavage between treatments. Development to four- and eight-cell stage was significantly lower for embryos generated with ROS-treated sperm than for controls. All embryos produced from ROS-treated sperm demonstrated permanent embryonic arrest and varying degrees of degeneration and nuclear fragmentation, changes that are suggestive of prolonged senescence or apoptotic cell death. RNA-Seq analysis of two-cell embryos showed changes in transcript abundance resulting from sperm treatment with ROS. Differentially expressed genes were enriched for processes associated with cytoskeletal organization, cell adhesion, and protein phosphorylation. ROS-induced damage to sperm adversely affects embryo development by contributing to mitotic arrest after ICSI of MII rhesus oocytes. Changes in transcript abundance in embryos destined for mitotic arrest is evident at the two-cell stage of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Burruel
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California
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Nicoli A, Palomba S, Capodanno F, Fini M, Falbo A, La Sala GB. Pronuclear morphology evaluation for fresh in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles: a systematic review. J Ovarian Res 2013; 6:64. [PMID: 24028277 PMCID: PMC3847610 DOI: 10.1186/1757-2215-6-64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Accepted: 08/16/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The current systematic review was aimed to assess the effectiveness of the zygote morphology evaluation in fresh in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. All available studies reporting on zygote morphology and clinical and/or biological outcomes were analyzed. Forty studies were included in the final analysis. Fourteen different zygote scoring systems were employed. Zygote morphology correlated significantly with embryo quality and cleavage, blastocyst stage, embryonic chromosome status, in a high proportion of the studies which assessed the specific outcome [15/25 (60%), 15/20 (75%), 7/8 (87.5%), 6/6 (100%), respectively]. On the other hand, only a reduced proportion of papers showed a statistically significant relationship between implantation, pregnancy and delivery/live-birth rates and zygote morphology score [12/23 (52.2%), 12/25 (48%), 1/4 (25%), respectively]. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate the lack of conclusive data on the clinical efficacy of the zygote morphology evaluation in fresh IVF/ICSI cycles, even if biological results showing a good relationship with embryo viability suggest a role in cycles in which the transfer/freezing is performed at day 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Nicoli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Pediatrics, A,O, Arcispedale S, Maria Nuova, IRCCS, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Viale Risorgimento 80, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy.
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