1
|
Nassir M, Levi M, Shaked NT. The Synergic Effect of Tubal Endometriosis and Women's Aging on Fallopian Tube Function: Insights from a 3D Mechanical Model. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:852. [PMID: 39199809 PMCID: PMC11351632 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11080852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The fallopian tubes are essential for human fertility, facilitating the movement of sperm and oocytes to the fertilization site and transporting fertilized oocytes to the uterus. Infertility can result from changes in the fallopian tubes due to tubal endometriosis and women's aging. In this study, we modeled human fallopian tubes with and without endometriosis for different women's age groups to evaluate the chances of normal sperm cells reaching the fertilization site and oocytes arriving at the uterine cavity. For this purpose, we employed a distinctive combination of simulation tools to develop a dynamic three-dimensional (3D) model of normal human sperm cells and oocytes swimming inside normal and endometriosis-affected human fallopian tubes for different women's group ages. We observed that in tubal endometriosis cases, fewer sperm cells reach the fertilization site and more oocytes become trapped in the tube walls compared to normal tubes. Additionally, aging decreases the number of sperm cells and oocytes reaching the fertilization site in normal and endometriosis-affected tubes. Our model evaluates the mechanisms of sperm and oocyte behaviors due to women's aging and fallopian tube issues caused by endometriosis, presenting new avenues for developing diagnostic and treatment tools for tubal endometriosis and age-related infertility issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Natan T. Shaked
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (M.N.); (M.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Casciani V, Monseur B, Cimadomo D, Alvero R, Rienzi L. Oocyte and embryo cryopreservation in assisted reproductive technology: past achievements and current challenges. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:506-520. [PMID: 37290552 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cryopreservation has revolutionized the treatment of infertility and fertility preservation. This review summarizes the milestones that paved the way to the current routinary clinical implementation of this game-changing practice in assisted reproductive technology. Still, evidence to support "the best practice" in cryopreservation is controversial and several protocol adaptations exist that were described and compared here, such as cumulus-intact vs. cumulus-free oocyte cryopreservation, artificial collapse, assisted hatching, closed vs. open carriers, and others. A last matter of concern is whether cryostorage duration may impact oocyte/embryo competence, but the current body of evidence in this regard is reassuring. From social and clinical perspectives, oocyte and embryo cryopreservation has evolved from an afterthought when assisted reproduction was intended for immediate pregnancy with supernumerary embryos of secondary interest to its current purpose, which primarily is to preserve fertility long-term and more comprehensively allow for family planning. However, the initial consenting process, which still is geared to short-term fertility care, may no longer be relevant when the individuals that initially preserved the tissues have completed their reproductive journey. A more encompassing counseling model is required to address changing patient values over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Casciani
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Brent Monseur
- Stanford Fertility and Reproductive Health, Stanford University, Sunnyvale, California
| | - Danilo Cimadomo
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Ruben Alvero
- Stanford Fertility and Reproductive Health, Stanford University, Sunnyvale, California
| | - Laura Rienzi
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy; Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fang Q, Jiang X, Bai S, Xu B, Zong L, Qi M, Wan Y, Jin RT, Tong XH, Wu LM. Safety of early cumulus cell removal combined with early rescue ICSI in the prevention of fertilization failure. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103214. [PMID: 37277297 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What are the clinical outcomes and safety implications of early cumulus cell removal after short-term insemination combined with early rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in preventing fertilization failure? DESIGN In this retrospective study, a total of 14,360 cycles were divided into four groups based on insemination method and fertilization ability: conventional IVF group (n = 5519); early cumulus cell removal group (n = 4107); conventional ICSI group (n = 4215); and early rescue ICSI group (where failed or low fertilization was predicted, n = 519). Fertilization outcomes, pregnancy outcomes, neonatal outcomes and birth defects were analysed by comparing the early cumulus cell removal group with the conventional IVF group, and the early rescue ICSI group with the conventional ICSI group. RESULTS There were no significant differences in the outcomes of fertilization, pregnancy, neonates or birth defects between the conventional IVF group and the early cumulus cell removal group (P > 0.05). When compared with the conventional ICSI group, the early rescue ICSI group had similar rates of two pronuclei (2PN) at fertilization, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, live birth, sex, mean gestational age, very low birthweight, macrosomia and birth defects (P > 0.05) but a higher polyploidy rate, lower high-quality embryo rate (both P < 0.001), lower twin pregnancy rate (P < 0.01), lower rate of low birthweight, and a higher rate of normal birthweight (both P = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS Early cumulus cell removal combined with early rescue ICSI led to good pregnancy and neonatal outcomes without an increase in birth defects. This approach could therefore be an effective and safe method for patients with fertilization failure in conventional IVF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qunying Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China; University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
| | - Shun Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
| | - Lu Zong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
| | - Meijie Qi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
| | - Yangyang Wan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
| | - Ren-Tao Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
| | - Xian-Hong Tong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China
| | - Li-Min Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Marchais M, Gilbert I, Bastien A, Macaulay A, Robert C. Mammalian cumulus-oocyte complex communication: a dialog through long and short distance messaging. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:1011-1025. [PMID: 35499777 PMCID: PMC9107539 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02438-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Communications are crucial to ovarian follicle development and to ovulation, and while both folliculogenesis and oogenesis are distinct processes, they share highly interdependent signaling pathways. Signals from distant organs such as the brain must be processed and compartments within the follicle have to be synchronized. The hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis relies on long-distance signalling analogous to wireless communication by which data is disseminated in the environment and cells equipped with the appropriate receptors receive and interpret the messages. In contrast, direct cell-to-cell transfer of molecules is a very targeted, short distance messaging system. Numerous signalling pathways have been identified and proven to be essential for the production of a developmentally competent egg. The development of the cumulus-oocyte complex relies largely on short distance communications or direct transfer type via extensions of corona radiata cells through the zona pellucida. The type of information transmitted through these transzonal projections is still largely uncharacterized. This review provides an overview of current understanding of the mechanisms by which the gamete receives and transmits information within the follicle. Moreover, it highlights the fact that in addition to the well-known systemic long-distance based communications from the HPG axis, these mechanisms acting more locally should also be considered as important targets for controlling/optimizing oocyte quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Marchais
- Département des sciences animales, Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Réseau Québécois en Reproduction (RQR), Pavillon Paul Comtois, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Isabelle Gilbert
- Département des sciences animales, Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Réseau Québécois en Reproduction (RQR), Pavillon Paul Comtois, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandre Bastien
- Département des sciences animales, Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Réseau Québécois en Reproduction (RQR), Pavillon Paul Comtois, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Angus Macaulay
- Département des sciences animales, Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Réseau Québécois en Reproduction (RQR), Pavillon Paul Comtois, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Claude Robert
- Département des sciences animales, Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Réseau Québécois en Reproduction (RQR), Pavillon Paul Comtois, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
López A, Betancourt M, Ducolomb Y, Rodríguez JJ, Casas E, Bonilla E, Bahena I, Retana-Márquez S, Juárez-Rojas L, Casillas F. DNA damage in cumulus cells generated after the vitrification of in vitro matured porcine oocytes and its impact on fertilization and embryo development. Porcine Health Manag 2021; 7:56. [PMID: 34663451 PMCID: PMC8522150 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-021-00235-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The evaluation of the DNA damage generated in cumulus cells after mature cumulus-oocyte complexes vitrification can be considered as an indicator of oocyte quality since these cells play important roles in oocyte developmental competence. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if matured cumulus-oocyte complexes exposure to cryoprotectants (CPAs) or vitrification affects oocytes and cumulus cells viability, but also if DNA damage is generated in cumulus cells, affecting fertilization and embryo development. Results The DNA damage in cumulus cells was measured using the alkaline comet assay and expressed as Comet Tail Length (CTL) and Olive Tail Moment (OTM). Results demonstrate that oocyte exposure to CPAs or vitrification reduced oocyte (75.5 ± 3.69%, Toxicity; 66.7 ± 4.57%, Vitrification) and cumulus cells viability (32.7 ± 5.85%, Toxicity; 7.7 ± 2.21%, Vitrification) compared to control (95.5 ± 4.04%, oocytes; 89 ± 4.24%, cumulus cells). Also, significantly higher DNA damage expressed as OTM was generated in the cumulus cells after exposure to CPAs and vitrification (39 ± 17.41, 33.6 ± 16.69, respectively) compared to control (7.4 ± 4.22). In addition, fertilization and embryo development rates also decreased after exposure to CPAs (35.3 ± 16.65%, 22.6 ± 3.05%, respectively) and vitrification (32.3 ± 9.29%, 20 ± 1%, respectively). It was also found that fertilization and embryo development rates in granulose-intact oocytes were significantly higher compared to denuded oocytes in the control groups. However, a decline in embryo development to the blastocyst stage was observed after CPAs exposure (1.66 ± 0.57%) or vitrification (2 ± 1%) compared to control (22.3 ± 2.51%). This could be attributed to the reduction in both cell types viability, and the generation of DNA damage in the cumulus cells. Conclusion This study demonstrates that oocyte exposure to CPAs or vitrification reduced viability in oocytes and cumulus cells, and generated DNA damage in the cumulus cells, affecting fertilization and embryo development rates. These findings will allow to understand some of the mechanisms of oocyte damage after vitrification that compromise their developmental capacity, as well as the search for new vitrification strategies to increase fertilization and embryo development rates by preserving the integrity of the cumulus cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alma López
- Biological and Health Sciences Program, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City, Mexico.,Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Miguel Betancourt
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Yvonne Ducolomb
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juan José Rodríguez
- Genetic and Environmental Toxicology Research Unit, FES-Zaragoza-UMIEZ Campus II, National Autonomous University of Mexico, 09230, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Casas
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Edmundo Bonilla
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Iván Bahena
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Socorro Retana-Márquez
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, Av. San Rafael Atlixco 186, Leyes de Reforma, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Lizbeth Juárez-Rojas
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, Av. San Rafael Atlixco 186, Leyes de Reforma, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Fahiel Casillas
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, Av. San Rafael Atlixco 186, Leyes de Reforma, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Predictive value of cytoplasmic granulation patterns during in vitro fertilization in metaphase II oocytes: part II, donor oocyte cycles. Fertil Steril 2021; 116:1330-1340. [PMID: 34294452 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether the ooplasm granulation patterns of donor oocytes, like those of oocytes from poor-prognosis patients, are predictive of in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Academically affiliated private clinical infertility and research center. PATIENT(S) 770 fresh and 381 vitrified-thawed metaphase II oocytes from young donors (aged 21.0-34.6 years) used for IVF during 2017-2020. INTERVENTION(S) Determination of granulation patterns in every oocyte during intracytoplasmic sperm injection as fine, central, uneven, dispersed, and peripheral (thawed only). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Fertilization, pregnancy, and live birth rates in fresh and thawed donor oocytes. Both overall and known-outcome analyses were performed for pregnancy and live birth. RESULT(S) In fresh donor oocytes, 2 pronuclei rates trended down from 96.1% to 90.2%, 88.9%, and 69.7% from fine to central, uneven, and dispersed granulations; overall pregnancy rates trended down from 50.4% to 29.0%, 17.7%, and 6.9%, as well as live birth rates (43.4%, 21.6%, 12.5%, and 6.4%), from fine to uneven, central, and dispersed granulations. Known pregnancy and known-live birth analyses showed similar findings. Thawed donor oocytes demonstrated similar trends in differences in fertilization, pregnancy, and live birth analyses with relatively worse outcomes. Peripheral granulation, unique to vitrification and thawing, always demonstrated the worst IVF outcomes. Moreover, granulation patterns were relatively disassociated from embryo morphological grades in fresh and largely disassociated in thawed donor oocytes. CONCLUSION(S) Predictive values of oocyte granulation patterns for fertilization, pregnancy, and live birth in IVF cycles are even more pronounced in young donors than results in older poor-prognosis patients, further supporting integration of oocyte granulation patterns into embryo selection.
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
SummaryMouse and lamb oocytes were vitrified with, or exposed to, different cryoprotectants and evaluated for their effects on their survival and developmental competence after in vitro fertilization (IVF) and activation treatments. Control oocytes remained untreated, whilst the remainder were exposed to three different combinations of vitrification solutions [dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) + ethylene glycol (EG), EG only, or propanediol (PROH) + EG] and either vitrified or left unfrozen (exposed groups). Oocytes in the control and vitrified groups underwent IVF and developmental competence was assessed to the blastocyst stage. In lambs, survival rate in vitrified oocytes was significantly lower than for oocytes in the exposed groups (P <0.05). Blastocyst development was low in vitrified oocytes compared with controls (<6% vs 38.9%, P <0.01). Parthenogenetic activation was more prevalent in vitrified lamb oocytes compared with controls (P <0.05). No evidence of zona pellucida hardening or cortical granule exocytosis could account for reduced fertilization rates in vitrified lamb oocytes. Mouse oocytes demonstrated a completely different response to lamb oocytes, with survival and parthenogenetic activation rates unaffected by the vitrification process. Treatment of mouse oocytes with DMSO + EG yielded significantly higher survival and cleavage rates than treatment with PROH + EG (87.8% and 51.7% vs 32.7% and 16.7% respectively, P <0.01), however cleavage rate for vitrified oocytes remained lower than for the controls (51.7% vs 91.7%, P <0.01) as did mean blastocyst cell number (33 ± 3.1 vs 42 ± 1.5, P <0.05). From this study, it is clear that lamb and mouse show different tolerances to cryoprotectants commonly used in vitrification procedures, and careful selection and testing of species-compatible cryoprotectants is required when vitrifying oocytes to optimize survival and embryo development.
Collapse
|
8
|
Casillas F, Betancourt M, Cuello C, Ducolomb Y, López A, Juárez-Rojas L, Retana-Márquez S. An efficiency comparison of different in vitro fertilization methods: IVF, ICSI, and PICSI for embryo development to the blastocyst stage from vitrified porcine immature oocytes. Porcine Health Manag 2018; 4:16. [PMID: 30123521 PMCID: PMC6088397 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-018-0093-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Most studies carried out to evaluate recovery and development after porcine oocyte vitrification, reported better rates when cryopreserved in embryonic development stages or zygotes, but not in immature oocytes. For this reason, many studies are performed to improve immature oocyte vitrification protocols testing the use of different cryoprotectant concentrations, cooling devices, incubation times; but only a few of them have evaluated which fertilization procedure enhances blastocyst rates in vitrified oocytes. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate: 1) if the sperm selection with hyaluronic acid (HA) or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) before injection could play a key role in increasing fertilization and blastocyst formation and 2) the embryo developmental ability and blastocyst production of porcine immature oocytes retrieved after vitrification-warming and co-cultured with granulosa cells during IVM, using different fertilization techniques: in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and conventional ICSI with hyaluronic acid (HA) sperm selection, known as physiological intracytoplasmic sperm injection (PICSI) and. Results Sperm selected with HA-PICSI displayed a higher percentage of live/acrosome reacted status compared to those in control and exposed to PVP. Higher dead/acrosome reacted rates were obtained after PVP exposure compared to control and HA. In oocytes, viability significantly decreased after IVM in vitrified oocytes. Besides, IVM rates were not different between control denuded oocytes cultured with granulosa cells (DO-GC) and vitrified oocytes. Regarding fertilization parameters, IVF showed higher percentages of total fertilization rate than those obtained by ICSI and PICSI. However, results demonstrate that PICSI fertilization increased the blastocysts formation rate in control DO-GC and vitrified oocytes compared to IVF and ICSI. Conclusions To achieve high blastocyst formation rates from vitrified GV oocytes, it is recommended that sperm should be selected with HA instead of PVP before injection since high viability and acrosome reaction rates were obtained. Also, PICSI fertilization was the best method to produce higher blastocyst rates compared to the IVF and ICSI procedures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fahiel Casillas
- 1Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, División de Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, 09340 CDMX, Mexico.,2Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, 09340 CDMX, Mexico
| | - Miguel Betancourt
- 3Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, División de Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, 09340 CDMX, Mexico
| | - Cristina Cuello
- 4Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Espinardo, Spain
| | - Yvonne Ducolomb
- 3Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, División de Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, 09340 CDMX, Mexico
| | - Alma López
- 3Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, División de Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, 09340 CDMX, Mexico
| | - Lizbeth Juárez-Rojas
- 1Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, División de Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, 09340 CDMX, Mexico
| | - Socorro Retana-Márquez
- 1Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, División de Ciencias Biológicas y de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, 09340 CDMX, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
SummaryCumulus cells (CCs) play an important role in the regulation of female gamete development, meiotic maturation, oocyte-sperm interaction, capacitation and acrosome reaction. However, their role in maintaining oocyte competence after vitrification is unclear as controversial data on their protecting action against oocyte cryoinjuries are available. Here we described the effects of vitrification on the ultrastructure of human CCs collected from women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). In total, 50 patches of CCs, sampled from high-quality human cumulus-oocyte complexes, were randomly allocated into two groups after patient informed consent: 1, fresh CCs (controls, n = 25); 2, vitrified CCs (n = 25). Samples were then prepared and observed by transmission electron microscopy. In fresh CCs, in which small cell clusters were visible, cell membranes were joined by focal gap junctions. Microvilli were rare and short. Nuclei, mitochondria, smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER), Golgi apparatus and lipid droplets appeared well preserved; vacuoles were scarce. After vitrification, we observed two populations of CCs: light CCs, with a smooth appearance and few short microvilli; and dark CCs, with numerous and long microvilli. In both, most of the organelles appeared similar to those of fresh CCs. Lipid droplets were denser and more numerous, with respect to fresh CCs. They were mainly located in the peri-nuclear and sub-plasmalemmal regions. Numerous packed electron-negative vacuoles were visible. The vitrification procedure did not cause alterations in the fine structure of major organelles, except for an increased amount of lipid droplets and vacuoles. This specific sensitivity of human CCs to vitrification should be considered during ARTs.
Collapse
|
10
|
Ishii T, Tomita K, Sakakibara H, Ohkura S. Embryogenesis of vitrified mature bovine oocytes is improved in the presence of multi-layered cumulus cells. J Reprod Dev 2017; 64:95-99. [PMID: 29057767 PMCID: PMC5830364 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2017-095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of multi-layered cumulus cells (MCCs) during vitrification and in vitro fertilization (IVF) of mature bovine oocytes and embryogenesis after IVF. The rates of cleavage and blastocyst formation were higher in vitrified and fertilized oocytes with MCCs than in denuded oocytes (P < 0.05), but were comparable to the rates in fresh oocytes with MCCs or without (denuded). When the MCC-enclosed oocytes were denuded before IVF, blastocyst formation rate reduced compared with that in vitrified oocytes with MCCs (P < 0.05). This suggested that the MCCs surrounding the mature bovine oocytes play important roles during cryopreservation: protecting them against freezing and promoting their survival and development post IVF, thereby increasing the success rates of IVF and embryonic development. Herein, we showed for the first time that calves could be produced using only 14-19 vitrified mature oocytes with MCCs from the ovaries of individual cows post slaughter.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toshimichi Ishii
- Department of Livestock Improvement and Reproduction, Mie Prefectural Livestock Research Center, Mie 515-2324, Japan
| | - Kensuke Tomita
- Department of Livestock Improvement and Reproduction, Mie Prefectural Livestock Research Center, Mie 515-2324, Japan
| | - Hideo Sakakibara
- Department of Livestock Improvement and Reproduction, Mie Prefectural Livestock Research Center, Mie 515-2324, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ohkura
- Laboratory of Animal Production Science, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Khalili MA, Shahedi A, Ashourzadeh S, Nottola SA, Macchiarelli G, Palmerini MG. Vitrification of human immature oocytes before and after in vitro maturation: a review. J Assist Reprod Genet 2017; 34:1413-1426. [PMID: 28822010 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-017-1005-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of immature oocytes subjected to in vitro maturation (IVM) opens interesting perspectives for fertility preservation where ovarian reserves are damaged by pathologies or therapies, as in PCO/PCOS and cancer patients. Human oocyte cryopreservation may offer some advantages compared to embryo freezing, such as fertility preservation in women at risk of losing fertility due to oncological treatment or chronic disease, egg donation and postponing childbirth. It also eliminates religious and/or other ethical, legal, and moral concerns of embryo freezing. In addition, a successful oocyte cryopreservation program could eliminate the need for donor and recipient menstrual cycle synchronization. Recent advances in vitrification technology have markedly improved the oocyte survival rate after warming, with fertilization and implantation rates comparable with those of fresh oocytes. Healthy live births can be achieved from the combination of IVM and vitrification, even if vitrification of in vivo matured oocytes is still more effective. Recently, attention is given to highlight whether vitrification procedures are more successful when performed before or after IVM, on immature GV-stage oocytes, or on in vitro matured MII-stage oocytes. In this review, we emphasize that, even if there are no differences in survival rates between oocytes vitrified prior to or post-IVM, reduced maturation rates of immature oocytes vitrified prior to IVM can be, at least in part, explained by underlying ultrastructural and biomolecular alterations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ali Khalili
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.,Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Abbas Shahedi
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Sareh Ashourzadeh
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.,Afzalipour Clinical Center for Infertility, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Stefania Annarita Nottola
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopaedics, University of Rome La Sapienza, 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.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Casillas F, Ducolomb Y, Lemus AE, Cuello C, Betancourt M. Porcine embryo production following in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection from vitrified immature oocytes matured with a granulosa cell co-culture system. Cryobiology 2015; 71:299-305. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2015.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Revised: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|
13
|
Liu S, Zhang X, Shi C, Lin J, Chen G, Wu B, Wu L, Shi H, Yuan Y, Zhou W, Sun Z, Dong X, Wang J. Altered microRNAs expression profiling in cumulus cells from patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. J Transl Med 2015. [PMID: 26198660 PMCID: PMC4508762 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-015-0605-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, and oocyte developmental competence is altered in patients with PCOS. In recent years microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important regulators of gene expression, the aim of the study was to study miRNAs expression patterns of cumulus cells from PCOS patients. Methods The study included 20 patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): 10 diagnosed with PCOS and 10 matching controls. We used deep sequencing technology to identify the miRNAs differentially expressed in the cumulus cells of PCOS. Results There were 17 differentially expressed miRNAs in PCOS cumulus cells, including 10 miRNAs increase and 7 miRNAs decrease. These miRNAs were predicted to target a large set of genes with different functions, including Wnt- and MAPK- signaling pathways, oocyte meiosis, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation and cell cycle. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis demonstrated that there was a specific miRNAs expression pattern in PCOS cumulus cells. Conclusion We found that the miRNAs expression profile was different in cumulus cells isolated from PCOS patients compared with control. This study provided new evidence for understanding the pathogenesis of PCOS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suying Liu
- Department of In-Vitro Fertilization, Shanghai Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xuan Zhang
- National Populations and Family Planning Key Laboratory of Contraceptive Drugs and Devices, The Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research (SIPPR), Shanghai, China.
| | - Changgen Shi
- National Populations and Family Planning Key Laboratory of Contraceptive Drugs and Devices, The Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research (SIPPR), Shanghai, China.
| | - Jimin Lin
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Guowu Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai Jiai Genetics and IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China. .,Medical School of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Bin Wu
- National Populations and Family Planning Key Laboratory of Contraceptive Drugs and Devices, The Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research (SIPPR), Shanghai, China.
| | - Ligang Wu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Huijuan Shi
- National Populations and Family Planning Key Laboratory of Contraceptive Drugs and Devices, The Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research (SIPPR), Shanghai, China. .,Medical School of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yao Yuan
- National Populations and Family Planning Key Laboratory of Contraceptive Drugs and Devices, The Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research (SIPPR), Shanghai, China.
| | - Weijin Zhou
- National Populations and Family Planning Key Laboratory of Contraceptive Drugs and Devices, The Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research (SIPPR), Shanghai, China. .,Medical School of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhaogui Sun
- National Populations and Family Planning Key Laboratory of Contraceptive Drugs and Devices, The Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research (SIPPR), Shanghai, China. .,Medical School of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xi Dong
- Department of In-Vitro Fertilization, Shanghai Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jian Wang
- National Populations and Family Planning Key Laboratory of Contraceptive Drugs and Devices, The Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research (SIPPR), Shanghai, China. .,Medical School of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tong XH, Wu LM, Jin RT, Luan HB, Liu YS. Human oocyte vitrification with corona radiata, in autologous follicular fluid supplemented with ethylene glycol, preserves conventional IVF potential: birth of four healthy babies. Reprod Fertil Dev 2015; 26:1001-6. [PMID: 23910960 DOI: 10.1071/rd13161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2013] [Accepted: 06/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the effects of vitrification with autologous follicular fluid (AFF) supplemented with ethylene glycol (EG) and sucrose on human oocytes with corona radiata. A total of 182 human oocytes with corona radiata from fifteen infertile patients were vitrified using either equilibration solutions (ES) and vitrification solution (VS) consisting of AFF, EG and sucrose (AFF group, n=67) or commercial ES and VS (control group, n=115). All oocytes were thawed in the next cycle, with surviving oocytes being inseminated by conventional IVF. The clinical outcome of vitrified-warmed oocytes by both vitrification methods was analysed retrospectively. In the AFF group, six patients received embryo transfer, with three couples taking four healthy babies home. In the control group, nine patients received embryo transfer, with four couples taking five healthy babies home. There was no significant difference in the survival rate (91.0 vs 92.2%), two pronuclei (2PN) fertilisation rate (73.8 vs 73.6%), cleavage rate (100 vs 100%), top-quality embryo rate (62.2 vs 59.2%), clinical pregnancy rate (50.0 vs 44.4%), implantation rate (33.3 vs 25%) or take-home baby rate (50.0 vs 44.4%) between the AFF group and the control group, respectively. These results show that AFF supplemented with EG and sucrose is an efficient, cost-effective cryoprotectant for human oocyte cryopreservation. A corona radiata on vitrified-warmed oocytes retains the oocytes' fertilisation capability in conventional IVF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Hong Tong
- Institute of Immunology, Medical College of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Li-Min Wu
- Reproductive Medical Centre of Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Ren-Tao Jin
- Reproductive Medical Centre of Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Hong-Bing Luan
- Reproductive Medical Centre of Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Yu-Sheng Liu
- Reproductive Medical Centre of Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Xu B, Zhang YW, Tong XH, Liu YS. Characterization of microRNA profile in human cumulus granulosa cells: Identification of microRNAs that regulate Notch signaling and are associated with PCOS. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 404:26-36. [PMID: 25622783 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2014] [Revised: 01/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a complex and heterogeneous endocrine condition, is characterized by polycystic ovaries, hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance and chronic anovulation. Cumulus granulosa cells surrounding the oocyte are involved in different aspects of PCOS pathology. Several studies suggested that miRNAs play an important regulatory role at the post-transcriptional level in cumulus granulosa cells. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to describe the altered miRNA expression profiles and miRNA targeted signaling pathways in PCOS. DESIGN Case-control study that involved 21 women with PCOS and 20 women without the disease (controls). The miRNA expression profiles of human cumulus granulosa cells were determined using next generation sequencing by Illumina Hiseq 2000. The differentially expressed miRNAs and novel miRNAs were validated by quantitative real-time PCR. The Notch3 and MAPK3 were demonstrated to be targeted by miR-483-5p based on quantitative real-time PCR, western blot and luciferase activity assay. RESULTS Compared with controls, a total of 59 known miRNA were identified that differentially expressed in PCOS cumulus granulosa cells, including 21 miRNAs increase and 38 miRNAs decrease. Moreover, the novel miRNAs were predicted in PCOS and control cumulus granulosa cells. The potential regulating roles of miRNA in pathophysiology of PCOS were analyzed by GO and KEGG pathway annotation, and several important processes were identified to be targeted by the differentially expressed miRNAs, such as Notch signaling, regulation of hormone, and energy metabolism. Furthermore, Notch3 and MAPK3, the members of Notch signaling and ERK-MAPK pathway, were demonstrated to be regulated by miR-483-5p based on negative expression correlation validation and detection of Notch3/MAPK3 expression after miR-483-5p mimics transfection. Dual luciferase activity assay suggested that Notch3 and MAPK3 were directly targeted by miR-483-5p. CONCLUSION Our data suggested that miRNAs and their targeted pathways (e.g. Notch signaling pathway) play important roles in the etiology and pathophysiology of PCOS, and provides novel candidates for molecular biomarkers or treatment targets in the research of female infertility associated with PCOS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China.
| | - Yuan-Wei Zhang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Xian-Hong Tong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Yu-Sheng Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Tong XH, Xu B, Zhang YW, Liu YS, Ma CH. Research resources: comparative microRNA profiles in human corona radiata cells and cumulus oophorus cells detected by next-generation small RNA sequencing. PLoS One 2014; 9:e106706. [PMID: 25188034 PMCID: PMC4154750 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
During folliculogenesis, cumulus cells surrounding the oocyte differentiate into corona radiata cells (CRCs) and cumulus oophorus cells (COCs), which are involved in gonadal steroidogenesis and the development of germ cells. Several studies suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important regulatory role at the post-transcriptional level in cumulus cells. However, comparative miRNA profiles and associated processes in human CRCs and COCs have not been reported before. In this study, miRNA profiles were obtained from CRCs and COCs using next generation sequencing in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation for IVF. A total of 785 and 799 annotated miRNAs were identified in CRCs and COCs, while high expression levels of six novel miRNAs were detected both in CRCs and in COCs. In addition, different expression patterns in CRCs and COCs were detected in 72 annotated miRNAs. To confirm the miRNA profile in COCs and CRCs, quantitative real-time PCR was used to validate the expression of annotated miRNAs, differentially expressed miRNAs, and novel miRNAs. The miRNAs in the let-7 family were found to be involved in the regulation of a broad range of biological processes in both cumulus cell populations, which was accompanied by a large amount of miRNA editing. Bioinformatics analysis showed that amino acid and energy metabolism were targeted significantly by miRNAs that were differentially expressed between CRCs and COCs. Our work extends the current knowledge of the regulatory role of miRNAs and their targeted pathways in folliculogenesis, and provides novel candidates for molecular biomarkers in the research of female infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Hong Tong
- Institute of Immunology, Medical College of Shandong University, Ji'nan, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated with Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Bo Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated with Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- * E-mail: (XHT); (CHM)
| | - Yuan-Wei Zhang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale and School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yu-Sheng Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated with Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chun-Hong Ma
- Institute of Immunology, Medical College of Shandong University, Ji'nan, China
- * E-mail: (XHT); (CHM)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Oocyte vitrification in the 21st century and post-warming fertility outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Biomed Online 2014; 29:159-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2014.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Revised: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
18
|
Ji J, Liu Y, Tong XH, Luo L, Ma J, Chen Z. The optimum number of oocytes in IVF treatment: an analysis of 2455 cycles in China. Hum Reprod 2013; 28:2728-34. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|