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Guldager T, Gabrielsen A, Iversen LH, Kirkegaard K. Culture media affect sex after IVF treatment-a detailed analysis of explanatory variables. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1181-1191. [PMID: 38472564 PMCID: PMC11143141 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03081-1] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to provide a detailed analysis of clinical and laboratory factors associated with skewed secondary sex ratio (SSR) after ART. METHOD Retrospective cohort study of embryos resulting in live births, from frozen and fresh single blastocyst transfers. Embryos were cultured in either G-TL (n = 686) or Sage media (n = 685). Data was analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model and a mixed model analysis. RESULTS Significantly more male singletons were born after culture in Sage media compared to G-TL media (odds ratio (OR) 1.34, 95% CI (1.05, 1.70), P = 0.02). Inner cell mass grade B vs A (OR 1.36 95% CI (1.05, 1.76), P = 0.02) and one previous embryo transfer (OR 1.49, 95% CI (1.03, 2.16), P = 0.03) were associated with a significantly higher probability of male child at birth. Factors associated with a reduced probability of male child were expansion grade 3 vs 5 (OR 0.66, 95% CI (10.45, 0.96), P = 0.03) and trophectoderm grade B vs A (OR 0.57, 95% CI (0.44, 0.74), P = 0.00). Male embryos developed significantly faster in Sage media compared to G-TL media for the stages of blastocyst (- 1.12 h, 95% CI (- 2.12, - 0.12)), expanded blastocyst (- 1.35 h, 95% CI (- 2.34, - 0.35)), and hatched blastocyst (- 1.75 h, 95% CI (- 2.99, - 0.52)). CONCLUSION More male children were born after culture in Sage media compared to G-TL media. Male embryo development was affected by culture media. Our observations suggest that culture media impact male embryo quality selectively, thus potentially favoring the selection of male embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Guldager
- Fertility Clinic, Horsens Regional Hospital, Sundvej 30, 8700, Horsens, Denmark.
| | - A Gabrielsen
- Fertility Clinic, Horsens Regional Hospital, Sundvej 30, 8700, Horsens, Denmark
| | - L H Iversen
- Fertility Clinic, Horsens Regional Hospital, Sundvej 30, 8700, Horsens, Denmark
| | - K Kirkegaard
- Fertility Clinic, Horsens Regional Hospital, Sundvej 30, 8700, Horsens, Denmark
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Saadeldin IM, Tanga BM, Bang S, Seo C, Maigoro AY, Kang H, Cha D, Yun SH, Kim SI, Lee S, Cho J. Isolation, characterization, proteome, miRNAome, and the embryotrophic effects of chicken egg yolk nanovesicles (vitellovesicles). Sci Rep 2023; 13:4204. [PMID: 36918605 PMCID: PMC10014936 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31012-0] [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: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Egg yolk constitutes about a third of the structure of the chicken egg however, the molecular structure and physiological effects of egg yolk-derived lipid membranous vesicles are not clearly understood. In this study, for the first record, the egg yolk nanovesicles (vitellovesicles, VVs) were isolated, characterized, and used as a supplement for porcine embryo culture. Yolks of ten freshly oviposited eggs were filtered and ultracentrifuged at 100,000 × g for 3 h to obtain a pellet. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis of the pellet revealed bilipid membranous vesicles. Protein contents of the pellet were analyzed using tandem mass spectrometry and the miRNA content was also profiled through BGISEQ-500 sequencer. VVs were supplemented with the in vitro culture medium of day-7 hatched parthenogenetic blastocysts. After 2 days of blastocyst culture, the embryonic cell count was increased in VVs supplemented embryos in comparison to the non-supplemented embryos. TUNEL assay showed that apoptotic cells were increased in control groups when compared with the VVs supplemented group. Reduced glutathione was increased by 2.5 folds in the VVs supplemented group while reactive oxygen species were increased by 5.3 folds in control groups. Quantitative PCR analysis showed that VVs significantly increased the expression of lipid metabolism-associated genes (monoglyceride lipase and lipase E), anti-apoptotic gene (BCL2), and superoxide dismutase, while significantly reducing apoptotic gene (BAX). Culturing embryos on Matrigel basement membrane matrix indicated that VVs significantly enhanced embryo attachment and embryonic stem cell outgrowths compared to the non-supplemented group. This considers the first report to characterize the molecular bioactive cargo contents of egg yolk nanovesicles to show their embryotrophic effect on mammalian embryos. This effect might be attributed to the protein and miRNA cargo contents of VVs. VVs can be used for the formulation of in vitro culture medium for mammalian embryos including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islam M Saadeldin
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, 99, Daehak-Ro, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea.
- Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea.
| | - Bereket Molla Tanga
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, 99, Daehak-Ro, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Seonggyu Bang
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, 99, Daehak-Ro, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Chaerim Seo
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, 99, Daehak-Ro, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Abdulkadir Y Maigoro
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Heejae Kang
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, 99, Daehak-Ro, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Dabin Cha
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, 99, Daehak-Ro, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Ho Yun
- Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Ochang, 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Il Kim
- Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Ochang, 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghoon Lee
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, 99, Daehak-Ro, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongki Cho
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, 99, Daehak-Ro, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea.
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Poh QH, Rai A, Salamonsen LA, Greening DW. Omics insights into extracellular vesicles in embryo implantation and their therapeutic utility. Proteomics 2023; 23:e2200107. [PMID: 36591946 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202200107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Implantation success relies on intricate interplay between the developing embryo and the maternal endometrium. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent an important player of this intercellular signalling through delivery of functional cargo (proteins and RNAs) that reprogram the target cells protein and RNA landscape. Functionally, the signalling reciprocity of endometrial and embryo EVs regulates the site of implantation, preimplantation embryo development and hatching, antioxidative activity, embryo attachment, trophoblast invasion, arterial remodelling, and immune tolerance. Omics technologies including mass spectrometry have been instrumental in dissecting EV cargo that regulate these processes as well as molecular changes in embryo and endometrium to facilitate implantation. This has also led to discovery of potential cargo in EVs in human uterine fluid (UF) and embryo spent media (ESM) of diagnostic and therapeutic value in implantation success, fertility, and pregnancy outcome. This review discusses the contribution of EVs in functional hallmarks of embryo implantation, and how the integration of various omics technologies is enabling design of EV-based diagnostic and therapeutic platforms in reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Hui Poh
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alin Rai
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiovascular Research, Translation and Implementation, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lois A Salamonsen
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - David W Greening
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiovascular Research, Translation and Implementation, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Post-Thaw Day 5 Blastocyst Culture Time Prior to Transfer Does Not Affect Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) Outcomes in Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer Cycles. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11247444. [PMID: 36556058 PMCID: PMC9781174 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11247444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The frozen embryo transfer (FET) technique has been progressively used more worldwide due to improved culture conditions, as well as enhanced survival rates after vitrification. However, little is known about the effect of the post-thaw blastocyst culture duration prior to transfer on live birth rate in FET cycles. In this retrospective observational study, we evaluated the influence of two distinct post-thaw blastocyst culture spans (2-4 h versus 20-22 h) on clinical pregnancy and live birth rate. A total of n = 1927 frozen-warmed cycles were included in the analysis. Among those, n = 885 warmed blastocysts were cultured for 2-4 h, and n = 1029 were kept in culture for 20-22 h prior to transfer; the remaining blastocysts did not survive the warming protocol. We observed no significant differences in live birth and clinical pregnancy rates between the two groups. The blastocyst morphological evaluation at transfer improved following the longer culture time. No differences between the two groups were found also for gestational and neonatal outcomes. This work shows that different post-thaw embryo culture timings do not negatively impact pregnancy outcomes. Overall, these results are important in the context of the embryological laboratory in order to better organize the workflow and avoid unnecessary timing-related workload.
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Kanaka V, Proikakis S, Drakakis P, Loutradis D, Tsangaris GT. Implementing a preimplantation proteomic approach to advance assisted reproduction technologies in the framework of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine. EPMA J 2022; 13:237-260. [PMID: 35719135 PMCID: PMC9203609 DOI: 10.1007/s13167-022-00282-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe evolution of the field of assisted reproduction technology (ART) in the last 40 years has significantly contributed to the management of global infertility. Despite the great numbers of live births that have been achieved through ART, there is still potential for increasing the success rates. As a result, there is a need to create optimum conditions in order to increase ART efficacy. The selection of the best sperm, oocyte, and embryo, as well as the achievement of optimal endometrial receptivity, through the contribution of new diagnostic and treatment methods, based on a personalized proteomic approach, may assist in the attainment of this goal. Proteomics represent a powerful new technological development, which seeks for protein biomarkers in human tissues. These biomarkers may aid to predict the outcome, prevent failure, and monitor in a personalized manner in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. In this review, we will present data from studies that have been conducted in the search for such biomarkers in order to identify proteins related to good sperm, oocyte, and embryo quality, as well as optimal endometrial receptivity, which may later lead to greater results and the desirable ART outcome.
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Zheng Y, Dong X, Sui C, Zhang S, Yao J, Jin L, Huang B. Culture medium is associated with the risks of placenta previa and macrosomia in pregnancies after in vitro fertilization. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2022; 306:239-247. [PMID: 35224651 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06443-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The culture medium plays an important role in embryonic development and subsequent pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. The sequential culture media of Vitrolife and Cook are the two most commonly used reagents in China. This study aimed to assess their effects on IVF success rates, obstetric outcomes and neonatal outcomes. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study on 6352 patients undergoing first IVF attempts between January 2018 and December 2019, resulting in 3153 clinical pregnancies, 2646 live births, and 2668 babies. Patients were grouped according to the culture media they used. There were 4680 patients in the Vitrolife group and 1672 patients in the Cook group. The primary outcome measures were maternal and neonatal outcomes. ANOVA and Chi-square tests were used for statistical comparison, and multivariate logistic regression and multivariate general linear model were used to adjust for potential confounders. RESULTS The rates of live birth, clinical pregnancy, monozygotic twins, miscarriage, and ectopic pregnancy were all comparable between the groups of Vitrolife and Cook. The incidence of placenta previa was higher in the Vitrolife group [4.86 vs. 3.09%, adjusted odds ratio = 2.048 (1.146-3.657)]. The incidence of macrosomia was higher in the Cook group [7.51 vs. 5.39%, adjusted odds ratio = 1.445 (1.010-2.069)]. CONCLUSION The culture media of Vitrolife and Cook are comparably effective in IVF success. Vitrolife is associated with a higher risk of placenta previa, while Cook is associated with a higher risk of macrosomia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zheng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue No. 1095, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiyuan Dong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue No. 1095, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Cong Sui
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue No. 1095, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Sijia Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue No. 1095, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Junning Yao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue No. 1095, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue No. 1095, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Bo Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Jiefang Avenue No. 1095, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Li J, Li C, Liu X, Yang J, Zhang Q, Han W, Huang G. GDF9 concentration in embryo culture medium is linked to human embryo quality and viability. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:117-125. [PMID: 34845575 PMCID: PMC8866627 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02368-x] [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: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to evaluate the link between the GDF9 concentration in day 3 human embryo culture medium and embryo quality and viability. METHODS Two independent, prospective, observational studies were conducted. In study 1, a total of 280 embryos from 70 patients who obtained at least 4 embryos with 6-10 blastomeres (2 transferable and 2 non-transferable embryos) at day 3 were enrolled. In study 2, a total of 119 embryos from 61 patients (29 fully implanted and 32 non-implanted patients) were enrolled. The corresponding GDF9 concentrations in spent culture medium of embryos were quantified by ELISA assay. The expression pattern of GDF9 in human embryos was investigated using Q-PCR and immunofluorescence. RESULTS GDF9 mRNA and protein were detected from human oocytes to eight-cell embryos and displayed a slow decreasing trend. In study 1, GDF9 concentration in culture medium is lower for transferable embryos compared with non-transferable embryos (331 pg/mL (quartiles: 442, 664 pg/mL) vs. 518 pg/mL (quartiles: 328, 1086 pg/mL), P < 0.001), and increased commensurate with the diminution of the embryo quality (P < 0.001). In study 2, significantly lower GDF9 concentration was detected for implanted embryos than non-implanted embryos (331 pg/mL (quartiles: 156, 665 pg/mL) vs. 518 pg/mL (quartiles: 328, 1086 pg/mL), P < 0.001). The same trend was found between the embryos that led to live birth and those that failed. CONCLUSION The GDF9 concentration in culture medium is linked to embryo quality and viability, and exhibited the potential to be a non-invasive biomarker for embryo selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Li
- Chongqing Reproduction and Genetics Institute, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, No.64 Jin Tang Street, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400013 China ,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Chongqing, China
| | - Chong Li
- Chongqing Reproduction and Genetics Institute, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, No.64 Jin Tang Street, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400013 China ,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuemei Liu
- Chongqing Reproduction and Genetics Institute, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, No.64 Jin Tang Street, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400013 China ,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Chongqing, China
| | - Jingwei Yang
- Chongqing Reproduction and Genetics Institute, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, No.64 Jin Tang Street, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400013 China ,Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Chongqing Reproduction and Genetics Institute, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, No.64 Jin Tang Street, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400013 China ,Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Han
- Chongqing Reproduction and Genetics Institute, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, No.64 Jin Tang Street, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400013 China ,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Chongqing, China
| | - Guoning Huang
- Chongqing Reproduction and Genetics Institute, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, No.64 Jin Tang Street, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400013 China ,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Chongqing, China ,Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing, China
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Chen X, Zhou Y, Wu D, Shu C, Wu R, Li S, Huang Q, Shu J. Iron overload compromises preimplantation mouse embryo development. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 105:156-165. [PMID: 34481919 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We and others have previously shown that abnormal pelvic environment plays an important role in the unexplained infertility of endometriosis. However, whether iron overload caused by ectopic periodic bleeding found in patients with endometriosis participates in endometriosis-associated reproductive failure is unknown. This study aimed to investigate effects of iron at level relevant to pelvic iron overload on the development of preimplantation mouse embryo. Two-cell embryos were collected, and cultured to blastocysts in G1/G2 medium supplemented with iron alone or in combination with iron chelator. The development rates, ATP level, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species level (ROS), and apoptotic and ferroptotic indices were compared between control and iron treatments across each specific developmental stage. Prolonged exposure to iron remarkably impaired early embryo development in vitro by hampering blastocyst formation (P < 0.001), which could be partly restored by iron chelator (P < 0.001). The arrest of embryo development was linked with iron-initiated mitochondrial dysfunction with reduction of ATP generation and MMP (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). Impaired mitochondria altered ROS accumulation post-iron exposure at morula stage and blastocyst stage (P < 0.05). Moreover, Iron-exposed blastocyst stage embryos showed higher apoptotic and ferroptotic rates (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). Our results highlight that pathologically relevant level of iron compromises preimplantation mouse embryo development by disrupting mitochondrial function and triggering both apoptosis and ferroptosis, which implicates that excess iron found in peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis likely participates in endometriosis-associated reproductive failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopan Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Genetic and Genomic Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Yier Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Dandan Wu
- Department of Obstetrics, Zhejiang Hospital, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Chongyi Shu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ruifang Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shishi Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qiongxiao Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jing Shu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Logsdon DM, Ermisch AF, Herrick JR, Becker J, Yao L, Broeckling C, Schoolcraft WB, Krisher RL. Fatty acids present in commercial albumin preparations differentially affect development of murine embryos before and during implantation. F&S SCIENCE 2021; 2:50-58. [PMID: 35559764 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2020.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize fatty acid (FA) profile of commercially available albumin products and determine their effect on embryonic development. DESIGN Research study. SETTING Private research facility. ANIMAL(S) Outbred mice aged 4-8 weeks. INTERVENTION(S) Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to quantify the FA content of 15 commercial albumins. Embryos were produced in media containing different albumin products, with or without carnitine or exogenous FA supplementation, to determine their effect on embryo development in vitro. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Total micrograms of FA per milligram of albumin for the 15 albumin products, blastocyst development, cell number, allocation to the trophectoderm (TE) or inner cell mass (ICM), and evaluation of morphology during implantation. RESULT(S) The albumin products contained 0.07-16.77 μg total FA/mg albumin. Compared to media with with >1.4 μg FA/mg albumin, media with <0.5 μg FA/mg albumin supported improved blastocyst development, and addition of carnitine mitigated this difference. Addition of palmitoleic acid or oleic acid individually did not improve blastocyst development and decreased ICM:TE ratio. However, in the presence of carnitine, there was improved blastocyst development and maintenance of the ICM:TE ratio. Embryos cultured in Vitrolife human serum albumin with supplementation of carnitine, palmitoleic acid, and oleic acid were more likely to develop cells positive for POU5F1 in an extended embryo culture than embryos cultured in Origio serum protein substitute. CONCLUSION(S) Commercial albumin products contain FAs, which vary in abundance. These FAs have different effects on embryo development and quality before and during the implantation stage. Several of these albumin preparations are routinely used for human-assisted reproductive technologies; therefore, serious consideration is warranted when selecting a product for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alison F Ermisch
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, Colorado; Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska
| | - Jason R Herrick
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, Colorado; Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - John Becker
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, Colorado; CCRM Fertility San Francisco, Menlo Park, California
| | - Linxing Yao
- Colorado State University, Analytical Resources Core - Bioanalysis and Omics Center, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Corey Broeckling
- Colorado State University, Analytical Resources Core - Bioanalysis and Omics Center, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | | | - Rebecca L Krisher
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, Colorado; Genus plc, DeForest, Wisconsin, USA
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Wang Y, Wang S, Qian X, Kuai Y, Xu Y. The Inclusion Principles of Human Embryos in the WOW-Based Time-Lapse System: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:549216. [PMID: 34381419 PMCID: PMC8350438 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.549216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A time-lapse system (TLS) with a well-of-the-well (WOW) dish, which allows individual identification and the possibility of autocrine and paracrine signaling between group-cultured embryos, has been widely used in clinic. However, there is a need to re-think the inclusion principles of human embryos in WOW-based TLS, especially for grade IV (G4) embryos, which are considered to potentially have detrimental effects on surrounding embryos. Here, we carried out a single-center, large-cohort, retrospective study, comprising 303 patients undergoing IVF (148 cases) and ICSI (155 cases), with a total of 3282 embryos, to compare embryonic development until the blastocyst stage in the group culture system with or without G4 embryos. Further, LC-MS/MS was used to analyze the G1-G4 embryo secretome to understand the influence of G4 embryos on the group culture microenvironment. We proved that polypronuclear (PPN) embryos positively contribute to the development of the neighboring embryos through secretion of ILIAP, ITI-H4, and keratin. Existence of more than one G4 embryo had a negative effect on the other embryos (p < 0.05). Moreover, G4 embryos were found to secrete KLKB1 and VTDB, which might harm the neighboring embryos. Thus, our study clarified that when embryos are subjected to group culture in WOW-based TLS, the PPN-derived embryos need not be removed, and it is important to ensure that no more than one G4 embryo is present to avoid negative effects on the neighboring embryos.
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Bori L, Dominguez F, Fernandez EI, Del Gallego R, Alegre L, Hickman C, Quiñonero A, Nogueira MFG, Rocha JC, Meseguer M. An artificial intelligence model based on the proteomic profile of euploid embryos and blastocyst morphology: a preliminary study. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 42:340-350. [PMID: 33279421 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION The study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence model based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) to predict the likelihood of achieving a live birth using the proteomic profile of spent culture media and blastocyst morphology. DESIGN This retrospective cohort study included 212 patients who underwent single blastocyst transfer at IVI Valencia. A single image of each of 186 embryos was studied, and the protein profile was analysed in 81 samples of spent embryo culture medium from patients included in the preimplantation genetic testing programme. The information extracted from the analyses was used as input data for the ANN. The multilayer perceptron and the back-propagation learning method were used to train the ANN. Finally, predictive power was measured using the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS Three ANN architectures classified most of the embryos correctly as leading (LB+) or not leading (LB-) to a live birth: 100.0% for ANN1 (morphological variables and two proteins), 85.7% for ANN2 (morphological variables and seven proteins), and 83.3% for ANN3 (morphological variables and 25 proteins). The artificial intelligence model using information extracted from blastocyst image analysis and concentrations of interleukin-6 and matrix metalloproteinase-1 was able to predict live birth with an AUC of 1.0. CONCLUSIONS The model proposed in this preliminary report may provide a promising tool to select the embryo most likely to lead to a live birth in a euploid cohort. The accuracy of prediction demonstrated by this software may improve the efficacy of an assisted reproduction treatment by reducing the number of transfers per patient. Prospective studies are, however, needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Bori
- IVF laboratory, IVI Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco Dominguez
- IVI Foundation, Valencia, Instituto Universitario IVI (IUIVI), Valencia, Spain; Health Research Institute la Fe, Valencia, Spain.
| | | | - Raquel Del Gallego
- IVI Foundation, Valencia, Instituto Universitario IVI (IUIVI), Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Cristina Hickman
- Institute of Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Campus, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Alicia Quiñonero
- IVI Foundation, Valencia, Instituto Universitario IVI (IUIVI), Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Jose Celso Rocha
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Faculdade de Ciências e Letras, Câmpus de Assis SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Meseguer
- IVF laboratory, IVI Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Health Research Institute la Fe, Valencia, Spain
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12
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Tarahomi M, Vaz FM, van Straalen JP, Schrauwen FAP, van Wely M, Hamer G, Repping S, Mastenbroek S. The composition of human preimplantation embryo culture media and their stability during storage and culture. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:1450-1461. [PMID: 31348827 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the composition and stability during storage and culture of fifteen commercially available human preimplantation embryo culture media? SUMMARY ANSWER No two culture media had the same composition, and both storage and culture had an effect on the concentrations of multiple components. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The choice of embryo culture medium not only affects the success rate of an IVF treatment, but also affects the health of the future child. Exact formulations of embryo culture media are often not disclosed by manufacturers. It is unknown whether the composition of these media changes during storage or culture in the IVF laboratory. Without details on the exact concentrations, it is not possible to determine which components might be responsible for the differences in IVF success rates and health of the resulting children. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Between October 2014 and October 2015, all complete human preimplantation embryo culture media, i.e. ready to use for IVF, that were commercially available at that time, were included (n = 15). Osmolality and the concentration of thirty seven components including basic elements, metabolites, immunoglobulins, albumin, proteins and 21 amino acids were tested immediately upon arrival into the IVF laboratory, after three days of culture without embryos (sham culture) starting from the day of arrival, just before the expiry date, and after three days of sham culture just before the expiry date. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Ions, glucose, immunoglobulins, albumin and the total amount of proteins were quantified using a combination of ion selective electrodes and photometric analysis modules, and lactate, pyruvate and 21 amino acids were analysed by ultra performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Osmolality was analysed by an advanced micro-osmometer. Statistical analysis was done using multivariate general linear models. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The composition varied between media, no two media had the same concentration of components. Storage led to significant changes in 17 of the 37 analyzed components (magnesium, chloride, phosphate, albumin, total amount of proteins, tyrosine, tryptophan, alanine, methionine, glycine, leucine, glutamine, asparagine, arginine, serine, proline, and threonine). Storage affected the osmolality in 3 of the 15 media, but for all media combined this effect was not significant (p = 0.08). Sham culture of the analyzed media had a significant effect on the concentrations of 13 of the 37 analyzed components (calcium, phosphate, albumin, total amount of proteins, tyrosine, alanine, methionine, glycine, leucine, asparagine, arginine, proline, and histidine). Sham culture significantly affected the osmolality of the analysed culture media. Two media contained 50% D-lactate, which a toxic dead-end metabolite. In a secondary analysis we detected human liver enzymes in more than half of the complete culture media. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The analyzed culture media could contain components that are not among the 37 components that were analyzed in this study. The clinical relevance of the varying concentrations is yet to be determined. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The presence of D-lactate could be avoided and the finding of human liver enzymes was surprising. The wide variation between culture media shows that the optimal composition is still unknown. This warrants further research as the importance of embryo culture media on the efficacy and safety in IVF is evident. Companies are urged to fully disclose the composition of their culture media, and provide clinical evidence supporting the composition or future changes thereof. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) None.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Tarahomi
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development research institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - F M Vaz
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - J P van Straalen
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - F A P Schrauwen
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - M van Wely
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development research institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - G Hamer
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development research institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - S Repping
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development research institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - S Mastenbroek
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development research institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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13
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Kirkegaard K, Yan Y, Sørensen BS, Hardarson T, Hanson C, Ingerslev HJ, Knudsen UB, Kjems J, Lundin K, Ahlström A. Comprehensive analysis of soluble RNAs in human embryo culture media and blastocoel fluid. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2199-2209. [PMID: 32681282 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01891-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE miRNAs have been suggested as biomarkers of embryo viability; however, findings from preliminary studies are divergent. Furthermore, the presence of other types of small RNA molecules remains to be investigated. The purpose of this study was to perform a comprehensive analysis of small non-coding RNA levels in spent and unconditioned embryo culture media, along with miRNA levels in blastocoelic fluid samples from human embryos. METHODS miRNAs in unconditioned culture medium from 3 different manufacturers, along with miRNA from day 5 conditioned culture medium, control medium, and corresponding blastocoel fluid from 10 human blastocysts were analyzed with array-based q-PCR analysis. Subsequently, deep sequencing of total and small RNA in day 5 spent culture medium from 5 human blastocysts and corresponding controls was performed. RESULTS In spite of using state-of-the-art sensitive detection methods, no miRNAs were found to be reliably present in the spent culture medium or the blastocoel fluid. Ct values were above the recommended limit for detection in the array-based analysis, a finding that was confirmed by deep sequencing. The majority of miRNAs identified by deep sequencing were expressed in all samples including control media and seem to originate from sources other than conditioned IVF media. CONCLUSIONS Our findings question the use of miRNAs as a reliable biomarker and highlight the need for a critical methodological approach in miRNA studies. Interestingly, tiRNA fragments appear to be overexpressed in conditioned IVF media samples and could potentially be a novel biomarker worthy of investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstine Kirkegaard
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul Jensens Boulevard, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark. .,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul Jensens Boulevard, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark.
| | - Yan Yan
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO) and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Boe S Sørensen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul Jensens Boulevard, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Thorir Hardarson
- Livio Fertilitetscentrum Gothenburg, Carlandersparken 24, 402 29, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Charles Hanson
- Unit of Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 41345, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hans J Ingerslev
- Fertility Unit and Centre for Preimplantation diagnosis, Aalborg University Hospital, Søndre Skovvej 3, 9000, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Ulla Breth Knudsen
- Fertility Clinic, Regional Hospital Horsens, Sundvej 30, 8700, Horsens, Denmark.,Inst. Clin. Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 88, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Kjems
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO) and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kersti Lundin
- Unit of Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 41345, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Aisling Ahlström
- Unit of Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 41345, Gothenburg, Sweden
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14
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Armstrong S, MacKenzie J, Woodward B, Pacey A, Farquhar C. GM-CSF (granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor) supplementation in culture media for women undergoing assisted reproduction. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 7:CD013497. [PMID: 32672358 PMCID: PMC7390393 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013497.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND GM-CSF (granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor) is a growth factor that is used to supplement culture media in an effort to improve clinical outcomes for those undergoing assisted reproduction. It is worth noting that the use of GM-CSF-supplemented culture media often adds a further cost to the price of an in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycle. The purpose of this review was to assess the available evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness and safety of GM-CSF-supplemented culture media. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and safety of GM-CSF-supplemented human embryo culture media versus culture media not supplemented with GM-CSF, in women or couples undergoing assisted reproduction. SEARCH METHODS We used standard methodology recommended by Cochrane. We searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, LILACS, DARE, OpenGrey, PubMed, Google Scholar, and two trials registers on 15 October 2019, checked references of relevant papers and communicated with experts in the field. SELECTION CRITERIA We included RCTs comparing GM-CSF (including G-CSF (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor))-supplemented embryo culture media versus any other non-GM-CSF-supplemented embryo culture media (control) in women undergoing assisted reproduction. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures recommended by Cochrane. The primary review outcomes were live birth and miscarriage rate. The secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy, multiple gestation, preterm birth, birth defects, aneuploidy, and stillbirth rates. We assessed the quality of the evidence using GRADE methodology. We undertook one comparison, GM-CSF-supplemented culture media versus culture media not supplemented with GM-CSF, for those undergoing assisted reproduction. MAIN RESULTS We included five studies, the data for three of which (1532 participants) were meta-analysed. We are uncertain whether GM-CSF-supplemented culture media makes any difference to the live-birth rate when compared to using conventional culture media not supplemented with GM-CSF (odds ratio (OR) 1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.93 to 1.52, 2 RCTs, N = 1432, I2 = 69%, low-quality evidence). The evidence suggests that if the rate of live birth associated with conventional culture media not supplemented with GM-CSF was 22%, the rate with the use of GM-CSF-supplemented culture media would be between 21% and 30%. We are uncertain whether GM-CSF-supplemented culture media makes any difference to the miscarriage rate when compared to using conventional culture media not supplemented with GM-CSF (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.36, 2 RCTs, N = 1432, I2 = 0%, low-quality evidence). This evidence suggests that if the miscarriage rate associated with conventional culture media not supplemented with GM-CSF was 4%, the rate with the use of GM-CSF-supplemented culture media would be between 2% and 5%. Furthermore, we are uncertain whether GM-CSF-supplemented culture media makes any difference to the following outcomes: clinical pregnancy (OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.45, 3 RCTs, N = 1532 women, I2 = 67%, low-quality evidence); multiple gestation (OR 1.24, 95% CI 0.73 to 2.10, 2 RCTs, N = 1432, I2 = 35%, very low-quality evidence); preterm birth (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.70 to 2.04, 2 RCTs, N = 1432, I2 = 76%, very low-quality evidence); birth defects (OR 1.33, 95% CI 0.59 to 3.01, I2 = 0%, 2 RCTs, N = 1432, low-quality evidence); and aneuploidy (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.03 to 3.26, I2 = 0%, 2 RCTs, N = 1432, low-quality evidence). We were unable to undertake analysis of stillbirth, as there were no events in either arm of the two studies that assessed this outcome. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Due to the very low to low quality of the evidence, we cannot be certain whether GM-CSF is any more or less effective than culture media not supplemented with GM-CSF for clinical outcomes that reflect effectiveness and safety. It is important that independent information on the available evidence is made accessible to those considering using GM-CSF-supplemented culture media. The claims from marketing information that GM-CSF has a positive effect on pregnancy rates are not supported by the available evidence presented here; further well-designed, properly powered RCTs are needed to lend certainty to the evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Armstrong
- Department of Oncology & Metabolism, Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jeanette MacKenzie
- Fertility Plus, Women's Health, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Allan Pacey
- Department of Oncology & Metabolism, Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Cindy Farquhar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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15
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Zandstra H, van Montfoort APA, Dumoulin JCM, Zimmermann LJI, Touwslager RNM. Increased blood pressure and impaired endothelial function after accelerated growth in IVF/ICSI children. Hum Reprod Open 2020; 2020:hoz037. [PMID: 31922033 PMCID: PMC6946007 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoz037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the effect of growth velocity (height and weight) in early infancy on metabolic end-points and endothelial function in children born after ART? SUMMARY ANSWER Neonatal, infant and childhood growth is positively related to blood pressure in 9-year-old IVF/ICSI offspring, while growth in childhood was negatively associated with endothelial function. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Offspring of pregnancies conceived after ART are at risk for later cardiometabolic risk factors. It is well established that early growth is related to numerous later cardiometabolic risk factors such as high blood pressure. This concept is known as the Developmental Origin of Health and Disease theory. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The relation between early growth and later cardiometabolic risk profile was studied in the MEDIUM-KIDS study, a prospective observational cohort study in children born after an IVF/ICSI treatment. In 131 children (48.1% males) at the average age of 9.4 years, cardiometabolic outcomes were assessed and growth data from birth until age 9 years were collected from child welfare centers. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS The following cardiometabolic outcomes were assessed: blood pressure, skinfolds, lipid spectrum, hair cortisone and glucose and insulin levels. Data on maximum skin perfusion after transdermal delivery of acetylcholine as a measure of endothelial function were collected. Growth charts were obtained electronically from child welfare centers, which offer free consultations and vaccinations to all Dutch children. At these centers, height and weight are recorded at predefined ages. Growth was defined as z-score difference in weight between two time points. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to model the relation between growth and cardiometabolic outcomes. The following growth windows were –studied simultaneously in each model: 0–1 month, 1–3 months, 3–6 months, 6–11 months, 11–24 months and 2–6 years. The model was adjusted for height growth in all intervals except for 0–1 month. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In multivariable linear regression analyses, multiple growth windows were positively associated with blood pressure, for example growth from 2–6 years was significantly related to systolic blood pressure: B = 4.13, P = 0.005. Maximum skin perfusion after acetylcholine was negatively associated with height-adjusted weight gain from 2 to 6 years: B = −0.09 (log scale), P = 0.03. Several growth windows (weight 1–3 months, 3–6 months, 6–11 months, 11–24 months, 2–6 years) were positively linked with total adiposity. Lipids, glucose tolerance indices and cortisone were not related to growth. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study is of modest size and of observational nature, and we did not include a control group. Therefore, we cannot assess whether the observed associations are causal. It is also not possible to analyze if our observations are specific for, or exacerbated in, the ART population. Ideally, a control group of naturally conceived siblings of IVF/ICSI children should simultaneously be studied to address this limitation and to assess the impact of the ART procedure without the influence of parental (subfertility) characteristics. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The results of this study contribute to our understanding of the reported increased risk for hypertension in ART offspring. We speculate that early, accelerated growth may be involved in the reported increased risk for hypertension in ART offspring, with endothelial dysfunction as a possible underlying mechanism. However, additional research into the mechanisms involved is required. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study was financially supported by the March of Dimes, grant number #6-FY13-153. The sponsor of the study had no role in study design, data collection, data analysis, data interpretation or writing of the paper. The authors have no conflict of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NTR4220
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Affiliation(s)
- H Zandstra
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - A P A van Montfoort
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - J C M Dumoulin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - L J I Zimmermann
- Department of Pediatrics, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - R N M Touwslager
- Department of Pediatrics, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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16
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Ji H, Shi X, Wang J, Cao S, Ling X, Zhang J, Shen R, Zhao C. Peptidomic analysis of blastocyst culture medium and the effect of peptide derived from blastocyst culture medium on blastocyst formation and viability. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 87:191-201. [PMID: 31828871 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
High-quality in vitro human embryo culture medium can improve the blastocyst formation rate and blastocyst quality and be beneficial for the clinical application of single blastocyst transfer. Mammalian embryos can secrete protein products into the surrounding medium. As a group of bioactive molecules and degraded proteins, peptides have been shown to participate in various biological processes. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, we performed comparative peptidomic analysis of human culture medium in blastocyst formation and nonblastocyst-formation groups. A total of 201 differentially expressed peptides originating from 157 precursor proteins were identified. Among these, a peptide derived from HERC2 (peptide derived from blastocyst culture medium [PDBCM]) passed through the zona pellucida, was distributed on the perivitelline space, was absent in arrest embryos and highly expressed in high-quality blastocysts compared with low-quality blastocysts, and significantly promoted blastocyst formation in a concentration-dependent manner. These results indicate that PDBCM may be a novel biomarker for predicting blastocyst formation and viability. The mechanism remains unclear and needs to be explored in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaodan Shi
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiayi Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shanren Cao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiufeng Ling
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junqiang Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rong Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chun Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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17
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Armstrong S, MacKenzie J, Woodward B, Pacey A, Farquhar C. GM-CSF (granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor) supplementation in culture media for women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART). Hippokratia 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Armstrong
- The University of Sheffield; Department of Oncology & Metabolism, Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine; Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine Level 4, The Jessop Wing Sheffield UK S10 2SF
| | - Jeanette MacKenzie
- Fertility Plus, Women's Health, Auckland District Health Board; Auckland New Zealand
| | | | - Allan Pacey
- The University of Sheffield; Department of Oncology & Metabolism, Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine; Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine Level 4, The Jessop Wing Sheffield UK S10 2SF
| | - Cindy Farquhar
- University of Auckland; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; FMHS Park Road Grafton Auckland New Zealand 1003
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18
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Martin-Palomino Olid N, García D, Rodríguez A, Vassena R. Could fertility clinics offer a sizable improvement of live birth rates by maturing post-GVBD oocytes in vitro? J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:1927-1934. [PMID: 31376102 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01540-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of this study is to analyze the potential of immature, denuded, post-GVBD (germinal vesicle breakdown) oocytes (including prometaphase I, metaphase I, and prometaphase II stages) to result live birth after in vitro maturation. Furthermore, we compared two culture media to identify which of them provides better reproductive outcomes when used for in vitro maturation. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study including 4022 IVF-ICSI (in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection) cycles between 2011 and 2015. A total of 4450 immature post-GVBD oocytes from 1442 cycles were cultured in vitro; of these, 2364 oocytes reached MII (metaphase II) stage (IVMC oocytes, in vitro meiotic completion) and were fertilized. Overall, 3933 embryo transfers were performed: 3579 were embryos derived from MII oocytes (ET-MII); 264 were embryos derived from MII + IVMC oocytes (ET-MIX), and 90 embryos from IVMC oocytes (ET-IVMC). In total, 399 IVMC embryos were transferred. RESULTS Maturation rate for immature post-GVBD oocytes was 54.1%. G-2™PLUS (Vitrolife) medium provided significantly higher maturation rate (p < 0.001) than G-IVF™PLUS (Vitrolife) (65.7% vs. 42.5%, p < 0.001). Embryos in ET-IVMC in cleavage stage had an average morphological score of 6.8/10 (7.7 in ET-MII; p < 0.001). Regarding reproductive outcomes, ET-IVMC gave 11.1% biochemical pregnancy rate, 10.0% clinical pregnancy rate, 7.8% ongoing pregnancy rate, and 5.6% live birth rate. CONCLUSIONS Embryos arising from IVMC oocytes resulted in a live birth rate of 5.6%. We suggest that in vitro maturation of denuded immature post-GVBD oocytes should be performed at the very least when few MII are collected, and likely in all patients, as they provide acceptable maturation and fertilization rates, and a sizeable increase in live birth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - D García
- Clínica EUGIN, Travessera de les Corts 322, 08029, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Rodríguez
- Clínica EUGIN, Travessera de les Corts 322, 08029, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rita Vassena
- Clínica EUGIN, Travessera de les Corts 322, 08029, Barcelona, Spain.
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Vandenberghe LTM, Heindryckx B, Smits K, Popovic M, Szymanska K, Bonte D, Peelman L, Deforce D, De Sutter P, Van Soom A, De Schauwer C. Intracellular localisation of platelet-activating factor during mammalian embryo development in vitro: a comparison of cattle, mouse and human. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 31:658-670. [PMID: 30458920 DOI: 10.1071/rd18146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a well-known marker for embryo quality and viability. For the first time, we describe an intracellular localisation of PAF in oocytes and embryos of cattle, mice and humans. We showed that PAF is represented in the nucleus, a signal that was lost upon nuclear envelope breakdown. This process was confirmed by treating the embryos with nocodazole, a spindle-disrupting agent that, as such, arrests the embryo in mitosis, and by microinjecting a PAF-specific antibody in bovine MII oocytes. The latter resulted in the absence of nuclear PAF in the pronuclei of the zygote and reduced further developmental potential. Previous research indicates that PAF is released and taken up from the culture medium by preimplantation embryos invitro, in which bovine serum albumin (BSA) serves as a crucial carrier molecule. In the present study we demonstrated that nuclear PAF does not originate from an extracellular source because embryos cultured in polyvinylpyrrolidone or BSA showed similar levels of PAF in their nuclei. Instead, our experiments indicate that cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) is likely to be involved in the intracellular production of PAF, because treatment with arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone (AACOCF3), a specific cPLA2 inhibitor, clearly lowered PAF levels in the nuclei of bovine embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- L T M Vandenberghe
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - B Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - K Smits
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - M Popovic
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - K Szymanska
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - D Bonte
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - L Peelman
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - D Deforce
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - P De Sutter
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - A Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - C De Schauwer
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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Montskó G, Gödöny K, Herczeg R, Várnagy Á, Bódis J, Kovács GL. Alpha-1 chain of human haptoglobin as viability marker of in vitro fertilized human embryos: information beyond morphology. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2018; 65:174-180. [PMID: 30222008 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2018.1518499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Only one third of the in vitro fertilization treatments result in successful delivery following morphological viability assessment worldwide. A paper by Montskó et al. (2015) describes the identification of the alpha-1 chain of human haptoglobin as a potential marker of embryo viability. Using mass spectrometry, the concentration of the haptoglobin alpha-1 chain was determined in spent culture media samples of in vitro fertilized embryos and correlation was found with the outcome of the respective transfer. In the present study we investigated, whether the concentration of haptoglobin alpha-1 chain shows any correlation with morphological scores to clarify whether levels of the alpha-1 chain provide additional information on embryo viability unnoticed by the morphological assessment. In the study, pregnancy and live birth rates were examined in 143 transferred samples of 86 patients, retrospectively. Two sample groups were created. The control group contained embryos classified as 'good' or 'fair' based on the Istanbul Consensus Criteria System, while the double-assay group contained embryos assessed as 'good' or 'fair' by the morphological evaluation and as 'viable' by the haptoglobin assay. Clinical pregnancy rate was 30.2% in the control group, while 47.6% in the group scored parallel with morphological criteria and proteomic analysis (p < 0.05). The increased clinical pregnancy rate observed in the double-assayed group can be attributed to decreased false-positivity of the double assay. Abbreviations: IVF: in vitro fertilization; SEC: spent embryo culture medium; HSA: human serum albumin; Hpt: haptoglobin; HptA1: haptoglobin alpha-1 chain; ICCS: Istanbul Consensus Criteria System; BMI: body mass index; ICSI: intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergely Montskó
- a Szentágothai Research Centre , University of Pécs , Pécs , Hungary.,b MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group , University of Pécs , Pécs , Hungary
| | - Krisztina Gödöny
- b MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group , University of Pécs , Pécs , Hungary.,c Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , University of Pécs , Pécs , Hungary
| | - Róbert Herczeg
- a Szentágothai Research Centre , University of Pécs , Pécs , Hungary
| | - Ákos Várnagy
- b MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group , University of Pécs , Pécs , Hungary.,c Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , University of Pécs , Pécs , Hungary
| | - József Bódis
- b MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group , University of Pécs , Pécs , Hungary.,c Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , University of Pécs , Pécs , Hungary
| | - Gábor L Kovács
- a Szentágothai Research Centre , University of Pécs , Pécs , Hungary.,b MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group , University of Pécs , Pécs , Hungary.,d Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine , University of Pécs , Pécs , Hungary
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Lindgren KE, Gülen Yaldir F, Hreinsson J, Holte J, Kårehed K, Sundström-Poromaa I, Kaihola H, Åkerud H. Differences in secretome in culture media when comparing blastocysts and arrested embryos using multiplex proximity assay. Ups J Med Sci 2018; 123:143-152. [PMID: 30282508 PMCID: PMC6198226 DOI: 10.1080/03009734.2018.1490830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess different patterns of the human embryo secretome analysed as protein levels in culture media. Furthermore, analyses to correlate protein levels with quality and timing to development of human embryos were performed. MATERIAL AND METHODS Human day-2 cryopreserved embryos were cultured for four days in an EmbryoScope® with a time-lapse camera, and embryo quality was evaluated retrospectively. After culture, the media were collected and relative levels of secreted proteins were analysed using Proseek Multiplex Assays. Protein levels were evaluated in relation to timing to development and the ability to form a blastocyst. RESULTS Specific patterns of timing of development of blastocysts were found, where a difference in time to start of cavitation was found between high- and low-quality blastocysts. There appeared to be a correlation between specific protein patterns and successful formation of morulae and blastocysts. Embryos developing into blastocysts had higher levels of EMMPRIN than arrested embryos, and levels of caspase-3 were lower in high- versus low-quality blastocysts. Also, higher levels of VEGF-A, IL-6, and EMMPRIN correlated with shorter times to morula formation. CONCLUSIONS The secretome and timing to development differ in embryos forming blastocysts and those that become arrested, and in high- versus low-quality blastocysts. The levels of certain proteins also correlate to specific times to development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin E. Lindgren
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, SE-751 85Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fatma Gülen Yaldir
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, SE-751 85Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Julius Hreinsson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, SE-751 85Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute and Unit for Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan Holte
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, SE-751 85Uppsala, Sweden
- Carl von Linné Clinic, SE-751 83Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Kårehed
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, SE-751 85Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Helena Kaihola
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, SE-751 85Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Helena Åkerud
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, SE-751 85Uppsala, Sweden
- CONTACT Helena Åkerud Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 20, SE-751 85Uppsala, Sweden
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22
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Koscinski I, Merten M, Kazdar N, Guéant JL. [Culture conditions for gametes and embryos: Which culture medium? Which impact on newborn?]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 46:474-480. [PMID: 29709567 DOI: 10.1016/j.gofs.2018.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Many studies have examined the impact of cell/embryo culture media on the development of human embryo during IVF process, but few studies have followed up and compared the effects of these culture media on the developmental outcome of children conceived by IVF. As recurrent experimental evidence from animal studies suggests potential long-term effects of embryo culture media on the health outcome of IVF-conceived children, more studies are needed to clarify the role of the culture media and mechanisms underlying such effects. In human, however, the effects of culture media are difficult to pinpoint due to complications stem from both the influence of maternal nutrition during the gestational period and the parental genetic. Based on a simple review of the literature integrating animal experimentations and human clinic studies, we suggest that the composition of culture medium should be considered beyond the character of unique or sequential medium, corresponding to "let embryo choose" or "back to nature" respectively. Instead, we suggest that the main components of embryo culture media should be considered from the point of view of metabolic consequences and potential epigenetic effects. Given that energetic metabolites can regulate epigenetic machinery, we hypothesize that metabolic abnormalities linked to morphological abnormalities could reveal epigenetic defects in embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Koscinski
- Laboratoire de biologie de la reproduction, CHRU de Nancy, 10, rue du Dr-Heydenreich, 54000 Nancy, France; Unité Inserm 954 N-GERE, 9, avenue de la Forêt-de-Hayes, CS 5018, 54505 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
| | - M Merten
- Unité Inserm 954 N-GERE, 9, avenue de la Forêt-de-Hayes, CS 5018, 54505 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France; Laboratoire de biochimie, CHRU de Nancy, rue du Morvan, 54511 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - N Kazdar
- Laboratoire Eylau-Unilabs, clinique Pierre-Cherest, 5, rue Pierre-Cherest, 92200 Neuilly-sur-Seine, France
| | - J-L Guéant
- Unité Inserm 954 N-GERE, 9, avenue de la Forêt-de-Hayes, CS 5018, 54505 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France; Laboratoire de biochimie, CHRU de Nancy, rue du Morvan, 54511 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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23
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Kelley RL, Gardner DK. Addition of interleukin-6 to mouse embryo culture increases blastocyst cell number and influences the inner cell mass to trophectoderm ratio. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2017; 44:119-125. [PMID: 29026717 PMCID: PMC5636923 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2017.44.3.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective In vitro culture of preimplantation embryos is improved by grouping embryos together in a drop of media. Individually cultured embryos are deprived of paracrine factors; with this in mind, we investigated whether the addition of a single embryo-secreted factor, interleukin-6 (IL-6), could improve the development of individually cultured embryos. Methods Mouse embryos were cultured individually in 2 µL of G1/G2 media in 5% oxygen and supplemented with a range of doses of recombinant mouse or human IL-6. Results Mouse IL-6 increased hatching at doses of 0.01 and 10 ng/mL compared to the control (93% and 93% vs. 78%, p<0.05) and increased the total number of cells at a dose of 0.1 ng/mL compared to the control (101.95±3.36 vs. 91.31±3.33, p<0.05). In contrast, the highest dose of 100 ng/mL reduced the total number of cells (79.86±3.29, p<0.05). Supplementation with human IL-6 had a different effect, with no change in hatching or total cell numbers, but an increase in the percentage of inner cell mass per embryo at doses of 0.1, 1, and 100 ng/mL compared to the control (22.9%±1.1%, 23.3%±1.1%, and 23.1%±1.1% vs. 19.5%±1.0%, p<0.05). Conclusion These data show that IL-6 improved mouse embryo development when cultured individually in complex media; however, an excess of IL-6 may be detrimental. Additionally, these data indicate that there is some cross-species benefit of human IL-6 for mouse embryos, but possibly through a different mechanism than for mouse IL-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Kelley
- School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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24
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Nishihara T, Morimoto Y. Evaluation of transfer media containing different concentrations of hyaluronan for human in vitro fertilization. Reprod Med Biol 2017; 16:349-353. [PMID: 29259488 PMCID: PMC5715902 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of the present prospective study was to investigate the efficacy of hyaluronan (HA) using two different concentrations as embryo transfer media for in vitro fertilization embryo transfer cycles. Methods A total of 169 cycles undergoing fresh embryo transfer on day 2 or 3, 561 cycles undergoing frozen‐thawed embryo transfer on day 2 or 3, and 484 cycles of frozen‐thawed blastocyst transfer were included in this study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: transferred with low (l‐HA) or high (h‐HA) concentrations of HA in transfer media. Results In the case of fresh embryo transfer cycles, no significant differences were observed in the pregnancy (l‐HA 27.2%, h‐HA 31.2%), implantation (l‐HA 22.1%, h‐HA 24.2%), or abortion (l‐HA 24.0%, h‐HA 20.8%) rates between the two groups. In the case of frozen‐thawed embryo transfer cycles, no significant differences were noted in the pregnancy (l‐HA 20.9%, h‐HA 22.9%), implantation (l‐HA 13.4%, h‐HA 15.8%), or abortion (l‐HA 17.2%, h‐HA 21.5%) rates. In the case of frozen‐thawed blastocyst transfer cycles, no significant differences were observed in the pregnancy (l‐HA 46.0%, h‐HA 41.8%), implantation (l‐HA 45.8%, h‐HA 41.3%), or abortion (l‐HA 17.6%, h‐HA 26.9%) rates. Conclusion The present results showed that pregnancy, implantation, and abortion rates with transfer media containing different HA concentrations were similar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuji Nishihara
- Division of Culture Environment HORAC Grand Front Osaka Clinic Osaka Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Morimoto
- Division of Culture Environment HORAC Grand Front Osaka Clinic Osaka Japan
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Abstract
The phenotype of the human embryo conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF), that is its morphology, developmental kinetics, physiology and metabolism, can be affected by numerous components of the laboratory and embryo culture system (which comprise the laboratory environment). The culture media formulation is important in determining embryo phenotype, but this exists within a culture system that includes oxygen, temperature, pH and whether an embryo is cultured individually or in a group, all of which can influence embryo development. Significantly, exposure of an embryo to one suboptimal component of the culture system of laboratory typically predisposes the embryo to become more vulnerable to a second stressor, as has been well documented for atmospheric oxygen and individual culture, as well as for oxygen and ammonium. Furthermore, the inherent viability of the human embryo is derived from the quality of the gametes from which it is created. Patient age, aetiology, genetics, lifestyle (as well as ovarian stimulation in women) are all known to affect the developmental potential of gametes and hence the embryo. Thus, as well as considering the impact of the IVF laboratory environment, one needs to be aware of the status of the infertile couple, as this impacts how their gametes and embryos will respond to an in vitro environment. Although far from straight forward, analysing the interactions that exist between the human embryo and its environment will facilitate the creation of more effective and safer treatments for the infertile couple.
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26
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Peirce K, Roberts P, Ali J, Coombes J, Matson P. A survey of scientists' awareness of and attitudes to the use of human blood products and alternatives in human assisted reproductive technology. HUM FERTIL 2017; 21:174-182. [PMID: 28589740 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2017.1334131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Scientists working in assisted reproduction [members of Scientists in Reproductive Technology (SIRT) Australia, and subscribers of the online forums EmbryoMail and Quartec] were invited to complete an online questionnaire on the use of human blood products in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). A total of 260 started the questionnaire, with 208 (80%) completing it. A total of 62% of respondents had worked in human ART ≥8 years and 68% had post-graduate qualifications. The majority (82%) reported using products of animal or human origin, with 75% knowing why protein was added to culture media and 41% not worried by this. Almost half (49%) of respondents were unaware of regulations surrounding the use of human blood products in health care and 70% were unaware of adverse events involving human blood products in human ART. Most respondents (70%) indicated that they were not concerned about infections such as hepatitis, but agents such as prions were a cause for concern (57%). A total of 57% of respondents were unaware of alternatives, but 77% would use a suitable alternative. Using blood products in human ART is surrounded by a lack of awareness, often independent of respondents' qualifications or experience. A better understanding of these products and possible alternatives is required if informed decisions about their suitability are to be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli Peirce
- a School of Medical and Health Sciences , Edith Cowan University , Joondalup , Australia.,b Fertility North , Joondalup Health Campus , Joondalup , Australia
| | - Peter Roberts
- a School of Medical and Health Sciences , Edith Cowan University , Joondalup , Australia
| | - Jaffar Ali
- c Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology , University of Malaya Medical Centre , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Jacqui Coombes
- d Centre for Learning and Teaching , Edith Cowan University , Joondalup , Australia
| | - Phillip Matson
- a School of Medical and Health Sciences , Edith Cowan University , Joondalup , Australia.,b Fertility North , Joondalup Health Campus , Joondalup , Australia
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Ata’Allah GA, Adenan NAM, Razali N, Palaniappan K, Saad R, Idris SK, Kanniah K, Ali J. Comparative characteristics of spermatozoa harvested and cryopreserved in culture and cryoprotectant media with or without donor serum proteins. Reprod Biol 2017; 17:172-179. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Kosteria I, Anagnostopoulos AK, Kanaka-Gantenbein C, Chrousos GP, Tsangaris GT. The Use of Proteomics in Assisted Reproduction. In Vivo 2017; 31:267-283. [PMID: 28438852 PMCID: PMC5461434 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.11056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite the explosive increase in the use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) over the last 30 years, their success rates remain suboptimal. Proteomics is a rapidly-evolving technology-driven science that has already been widely applied in the exploration of human reproduction and fertility, providing useful insights into its physiology and leading to the identification of numerous proteins that may be potential biomarkers and/or treatment targets of a successful ART pregnancy. Here we present a brief overview of the techniques used in proteomic analyses and attempt a comprehensive presentation of recent data from mass spectrometry-based proteomic studies in humans, regarding all components of ARTs, including the male and female gamete, the derived zygote and embryo, the endometrium and, finally, the ART offspring both pre- and postnatally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Kosteria
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Christina Kanaka-Gantenbein
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - George P Chrousos
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
- Proteomics Research Unit, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George T Tsangaris
- Proteomics Research Unit, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Abstract
Background Cell culture technology has spread prolifically within a century, a variety of culture media has been designed. This review goes through the history, characteristics and current issues of animal‐cell culture media. Methods A literature search was performed on PubMed and Google Scholar between 1880 and May 2016 using appropriate keywords. Results At the dawn of cell culture technology, the major components of media were naturally derived products such as serum. The field then gradually shifted to the use of chemical‐based synthetic media because naturally derived ingredients have their disadvantages such as large batch‐to‐batch variation. Today, industrially important cells can be cultured in synthetic media. Nevertheless, the combinations and concentrations of the components in these media remain to be optimized. In addition, serum‐containing media are still in general use in the field of basic research. In the fields of assisted reproductive technologies and regenerative medicine, some of the medium components are naturally derived in nearly all instances. Conclusions Further improvements of culture media are desirable, which will certainly contribute to a reduction in the experimental variation, enhance productivity among biopharmaceuticals, improve treatment outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies, and facilitate implementation and popularization of regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuma Yao
- Research and Development Center Fuso Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. Osaka Japan.,Faculty of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology Kindai University Wakayama Japan
| | - Yuta Asayama
- Research and Development Center Fuso Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. Osaka Japan
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Morbeck DE, Baumann NA, Oglesbee D. Composition of single-step media used for human embryo culture. Fertil Steril 2017; 107:1055-1060.e1. [PMID: 28238490 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2016] [Revised: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine compositions of commercial single-step culture media and test with a murine model whether differences in composition are biologically relevant. DESIGN Experimental laboratory study. SETTING University-based laboratory. ANIMAL(S) Inbred female mice were superovulated and mated with outbred male mice. INTERVENTION(S) Amino acid, organic acid, and ions content were determined for single-step culture media: CSC, Global, G-TL, and 1-Step. To determine whether differences in composition of these media are biologically relevant, mouse one-cell embryos were cultured for 96 hours in each culture media at 5% and 20% oxygen in a time-lapse incubator. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Compositions of four culture media were analyzed for concentrations of 30 amino acids, organic acids, and ions. Blastocysts at 96 hours of culture and cell cycle timings were calculated, and experiments were repeated in triplicate. RESULT(S) Of the more than 30 analytes, concentrations of glucose, lactate, pyruvate, amino acids, phosphate, calcium, and magnesium varied in concentrations. Mouse embryos were differentially affected by oxygen in G-TL and 1-Step. CONCLUSION(S) Four single-step culture media have compositions that vary notably in pyruvate, lactate, and amino acids. Blastocyst development was affected by culture media and its interaction with oxygen concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean E Morbeck
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
| | - Nikola A Baumann
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Devin Oglesbee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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31
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Kelley RL, Gardner DK. In vitro culture of individual mouse preimplantation embryos: the role of embryo density, microwells, oxygen, timing and conditioned media. Reprod Biomed Online 2017; 34:441-454. [PMID: 28268069 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Single embryo culture is suboptimal compared with group culture, but necessary for embryo monitoring, and culture systems should be improved for single embryos. Pronucleate mouse embryos were used to assess the effect of culture conditions on single embryo development. Single culture either before or after compaction reduced cell numbers (112.2 ± 3.1; 110.2 ± 3.5) compared with group culture throughout (127.0 ± 3.4; P < 0.05). Reduction of media volume from 20 µl to 2 µl increased blastocyst cell numbers in single embryos cultured in 5% oxygen (84.4 ± 3.2 versus 97.8 ± 2.8; P < 0.05), but not in 20% oxygen (55.2 ± 2.9 versus 57.1 ± 2.8). Culture in microwell plates for the EmbryoScope and Primo Vision time-lapse systems changed cleavage timings and increased inner cell mass cell number (24.1 ± 1.0; 23.4 ± 1.2) compared with a 2 µl microdrop (18.4 ± 1.0; P < 0.05). Addition of embryo-conditioned media to single embryos increased hatching rate and blastocyst cell number (91.5 ± 4.7 versus 113.1 ± 4.4; P < 0.01). Single culture before or after compaction is therefore detrimental; oxygen, media volume and microwells influence single embryo development; and embryo-conditioned media may substitute for group culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Kelley
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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Joris H, Silversand C. Concerns about the paper "A descriptive study of culture media in Brazilian assisted reproduction clinics". JBRA Assist Reprod 2017; 21:57-58. [PMID: 28333035 PMCID: PMC5365203 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20170014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Integrating insulin into single-step culture medium regulates human embryo development in vitro. Fertil Steril 2017; 107:405-412. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 10/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Kirkegaard K, Dyrlund TF, Ingerslev HJ. Clinical Application of Methods to Select In VitroFertilized Embryos. Hum Reprod 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/9781118849613.ch7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kirstine Kirkegaard
- Department of Medical Biochemistry; Aarhus University Hospital; Aarhus Denmark
| | - Thomas F. Dyrlund
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics; Aarhus University; Aarhus Denmark
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Gu F, Deng M, Gao J, Wang Z, Ding C, Xu Y, Zhou C. The effects of embryo culture media on the birthweight of singletons via fresh or frozen-thawed embryo transfer: a large-scale retrospective study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2016; 16:270. [PMID: 27643856 PMCID: PMC5029106 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-016-1077-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Embryo culture media used for IVF treatment might affect fetal growth and thus birthweight of the newborns. Methods A retrospective study was conducted in South China using data from 2370 singleton neonates born after IVF/ICSI between 2009 and 2012. Two culture media, i.e., either Vitrolife or SAGE were used as embryo culture media during the study period. Neonates’ birthweights were compared between the two embryo culture media groups. Results Among the 2370 singletons, 1755 cases came from fresh cleavage embryo transfer while 615 were from frozen-thawed cleavage embryo transfer. Within the fresh embryo transfer newborns, no statistical difference was observed in either birthweight (mean ± SD: 3196.0 ± 468.9 versus 3168.4 ± 462.0g, p > 0.05) or adjusted birthweight controlled for gestational age and gender (z-score mean ± SD: 0.11 ± 1.02 versus 0.11 ± 0.99 g, P > 0.05) between the Vitrolife (n = 419) and the SAGE group (n = 1336). Likewise within frozen embryo transfer neotates, no statistical difference of the birthweight (3300.6 ± 441.3 vs.3256.0 ± 466.7 g, P > 0.05) and adjusted birthweight (0.30 ± 0.99 g versus 0.29 ± 0.97 g, P > 0.05) was found between the Vitrolife (n = 202) and the SAGE group (n = 413). The sex ratio [OR1.17, 95 % CI (0.94–1.46)/OR1.1, 95 % CI (0.78–1.54)], rate of small for gestational age [OR1.14, 95 % CI (0.82–1.59)/OR1.06, 95 % CI (0.56–2.02)] and large for gestational age [OR1.07, 95 % CI (0.64–1.76)/OR0.98, 95 % CI (0.47–2.02)] in fresh and frozen-thawed subgourps are all comparable respectively between the two culture media. No group differences were found in the rate of low birthweight and macosomia. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that maternal weight, gestational age, frozen-thawed embryo transfer and infant gender were significantly related to neonatal birthweight (P < 0.001). Conclusions It appears that embryos cultured in SAGE or Vitrolife media after fresh or frozen-thawed cleavage embryo transfer did not affect neonate’s birthweight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Gu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of SunYat-senUniversity, No 58 Zhongshan Road 2, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Mingfen Deng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of SunYat-senUniversity, No 58 Zhongshan Road 2, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jun Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of SunYat-senUniversity, No 58 Zhongshan Road 2, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Zilian Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated hospital of SunYat-senUniversity, No 58 Zhongshan Road 2, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Chenhui Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of SunYat-senUniversity, No 58 Zhongshan Road 2, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanwen Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of SunYat-senUniversity, No 58 Zhongshan Road 2, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, China. .,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Canquan Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of SunYat-senUniversity, No 58 Zhongshan Road 2, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510080, China. .,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.
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Kleijkers SHM, Mantikou E, Slappendel E, Consten D, van Echten-Arends J, Wetzels AM, van Wely M, Smits LJM, van Montfoort APA, Repping S, Dumoulin JCM, Mastenbroek S. Influence of embryo culture medium (G5 and HTF) on pregnancy and perinatal outcome after IVF: a multicenter RCT. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:2219-30. [PMID: 27554441 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does embryo culture medium influence pregnancy and perinatal outcome in IVF? SUMMARY ANSWER Embryo culture media used in IVF affect treatment efficacy and the birthweight of newborns. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY A wide variety of culture media for human preimplantation embryos in IVF/ICSI treatments currently exists. It is unknown which medium is best in terms of clinical outcomes. Furthermore, it has been suggested that the culture medium used for the in vitro culture of embryos affects birthweight, but this has never been demonstrated by large randomized trials. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We conducted a multicenter, double-blind RCT comparing the use of HTF and G5 embryo culture media in IVF. Between July 2010 and May 2012, 836 couples (419 in the HTF group and 417 in the G5 group) were included. The allocated medium (1:1 allocation) was used in all treatment cycles a couple received within 1 year after randomization, including possible transfers with frozen-thawed embryos. The primary outcome was live birth rate. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Couples that were scheduled for an IVF or an ICSI treatment at one of the six participating centers in the Netherlands or their affiliated clinics. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The live birth rate was higher, albeit nonsignificantly, in couples assigned to G5 than in couples assigned to HTF (44.1% (184/417) versus 37.9% (159/419); RR: 1.2; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.99-1.37; P = 0.08). Number of utilizable embryos per cycle (2.8 ± 2.3 versus 2.3 ± 1.8; P < 0.001), implantation rate after fresh embryo transfer (20.2 versus 15.3%; P < 0.001) and clinical pregnancy rate (47.7 versus 40.1%; RR: 1.2; 95% CI: 1.02-1.39; P = 0.03) were significantly higher for couples assigned to G5 compared with those assigned to HTF. Of the 383 live born children in this trial, birthweight data from 380 children (300 singletons (G5: 163, HTF: 137) and 80 twin children (G5: 38, HTF: 42)) were retrieved. Birthweight was significantly lower in the G5 group compared with the HTF group, with a mean difference of 158 g (95% CI: 42-275 g; P = 0.008). More singletons were born preterm in the G5 group (8.6% (14/163) versus 2.2% (3/137), but singleton birthweight adjusted for gestational age and gender (z-score) was also lower in the G5 than in the HTF group (-0.13 ± 0.08 versus 0.17 ± 0.08; P = 0.008). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study was powered to detect a 10% difference in live births while a smaller difference could still be clinically relevant. The effect of other culture media on perinatal outcome remains to be determined. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Embryo culture media used in IVF affect not only treatment efficacy but also perinatal outcome. This suggests that the millions of human embryos that are cultured in vitro each year are sensitive to their environment. These findings should lead to increased awareness, mechanistic studies and legislative adaptations to protect IVF offspring during the first few days of their existence. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This project was partly funded by The NutsOhra foundation (Grant 1203-061) and March of Dimes (Grant 6-FY13-153). The authors declare no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NTR1979 (Netherlands Trial Registry). TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE 1 September 2009. DATE OF FIRST PATIENT'S ENROLMENT 18 July 2010.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander H M Kleijkers
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Eleni Mantikou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Els Slappendel
- IVF Department, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Dimitri Consten
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, St. Elisabeth Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Jannie van Echten-Arends
- Section of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alex M Wetzels
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Madelon van Wely
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Luc J M Smits
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Aafke P A van Montfoort
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd Repping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John C M Dumoulin
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastiaan Mastenbroek
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Sunde A, Brison D, Dumoulin J, Harper J, Lundin K, Magli MC, Van den Abbeel E, Veiga A. Time to take human embryo culture seriously. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:2174-82. [PMID: 27554442 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is it important that end-users know the composition of human embryo culture media? SUMMARY ANSWER We argue that there is as strong case for full transparency concerning the composition of embryo culture media intended for human use. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Published data suggest that the composition of embryo culture media may influence the phenotype of the offspring. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A review of the literature was carried out. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Data concerning the potential effects on embryo development of culture media were assessed and recommendations for users made. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The safety of ART procedures, especially with respect to the health of the offspring, is of major importance. There are reports from the literature indicating a possible effect of culture conditions, including culture media, on embryo and fetal development. Since the introduction of commercially available culture media, there has been a rapid development of different formulations, often not fully documented, disclosed or justified. There is now evidence that the environment the early embryo is exposed to can cause reprogramming of embryonic growth leading to alterations in fetal growth trajectory, birthweight, childhood growth and long-term disease including Type II diabetes and cardiovascular problems. The mechanism for this is likely to be epigenetic changes during the preimplantation period of development. In the present paper the ESHRE working group on culture media summarizes the present knowledge of potential effects on embryo development related to culture media, and makes recommendations. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION There is still a need for large prospective randomized trials to further elucidate the link between the composition of embryo culture media used and the phenotype of the offspring. We do not presently know if the phenotypic changes induced by in vitro embryo culture represent a problem for long-term health of the offspring. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Published data indicate that there is a strong case for demanding full transparency concerning the compositions of and the scientific rationale behind the composition of embryo culture media. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was funded by The European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology. No competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Sunde
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. Olav's University Hospital in Trondheim, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Daniel Brison
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - John Dumoulin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, IVF Laboratory, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Joyce Harper
- Embryology, IVF and reproductive genetics group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kersti Lundin
- Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
| | | | | | - Anna Veiga
- Reproductive Medicine Service, Hospital Universitari Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain
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Kelley RL, Gardner DK. Combined effects of individual culture and atmospheric oxygen on preimplantation mouse embryos in vitro. Reprod Biomed Online 2016; 33:537-549. [PMID: 27569702 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Embryos are routinely cultured individually, although this can reduce blastocyst development. Culture in atmospheric (20%) oxygen is also common, despite multiple detrimental effects on embryos. Although frequently occurring together, the consequences of this combination are unknown. Mouse embryos were cultured individually or grouped, under physiological (5%) or atmospheric (20%) oxygen. Embryos were assessed by time-lapse and blastocyst cell allocation. Compared with the control group (5% oxygen group culture), 5-cell cleavage (t5) was delayed in 5% oxygen individual culture and 20% oxygen group culture (59.91 ± 0.23, 60.70 ± 0.29, 63.06 ± 0.32 h post-HCG respectively, P < 0.05). Embryos in 20% oxygen individual culture were delayed earlier (3-cell cleavage), and at t5 cleaved later than embryos in other treatments (66.01 ± 0.40 h, P < 0.001), this delay persisting to blastocyst hatching. Compared with controls, hatching rate and cells per blastocyst were reduced in 5% oxygen single culture and 20% oxygen group culture (134.1 ± 3.4, 104.5 ± 3.2, 73.4 ± 2.2 cells, P < 0.001), and were further reduced in 20% oxygen individual culture (57.0 ± 2.8 cells, P < 0.001), as was percentage inner cell mass. These data indicate combining individual culture and 20% oxygen is detrimental to embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Kelley
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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Poli M, Ori A, Child T, Jaroudi S, Spath K, Beck M, Wells D. Characterization and quantification of proteins secreted by single human embryos prior to implantation. EMBO Mol Med 2016; 7:1465-79. [PMID: 26471863 PMCID: PMC4644378 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201505344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of in vitro fertilization (IVF) has revolutionized the treatment of infertility and is now responsible for 1–5% of all births in industrialized countries. During IVF, it is typical for patients to generate multiple embryos. However, only a small proportion of them possess the genetic and metabolic requirements needed in order to produce a healthy pregnancy. The identification of the embryo with the greatest developmental capacity represents a major challenge for fertility clinics. Current methods for the assessment of embryo competence are proven inefficient, and the inadvertent transfer of non-viable embryos is the principal reason why most IVF treatments (approximately two-thirds) end in failure. In this study, we investigate how the application of proteomic measurements could improve success rates in clinical embryology. We describe a procedure that allows the identification and quantification of proteins of embryonic origin, present in attomole concentrations in the blastocoel, the enclosed fluid-filled cavity that forms within 5-day-old human embryos. By using targeted proteomics, we demonstrate the feasibility of quantifying multiple proteins in samples derived from single blastocoels and that such measurements correlate with aspects of embryo viability, such as chromosomal (ploidy) status. This study illustrates the potential of high-sensitivity proteomics to measure clinically relevant biomarkers in minute samples and, more specifically, suggests that key aspects of embryo competence could be measured using a proteomic-based strategy, with negligible risk of harm to the living embryo. Our work paves the way for the development of “next-generation” embryo competence assessment strategies, based on functional proteomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Poli
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Reproductive Sciences University of Oxford, Oxford, UK Oxford Fertility Unit, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Oxford, UK Reprogenetics UK, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Oxford, UK
| | - Alessandro Ori
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Structural and Computational Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tim Child
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Reproductive Sciences University of Oxford, Oxford, UK Oxford Fertility Unit, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Oxford, UK
| | - Souraya Jaroudi
- Reprogenetics UK, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Oxford, UK
| | - Katharina Spath
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Reproductive Sciences University of Oxford, Oxford, UK Reprogenetics UK, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Oxford, UK
| | - Martin Beck
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Structural and Computational Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dagan Wells
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Reproductive Sciences University of Oxford, Oxford, UK Reprogenetics UK, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Oxford, UK
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Gatimel N, Lacroix MZ, Chanthavisouk S, Picard-Hagen N, Gayrard V, Parinaud J, Léandri RD. Bisphenol A in culture media and plastic consumables used for ART. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:1436-44. [PMID: 27179264 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do the embryo culture media and plastic materials used during assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratory procedures expose embryos to bisphenol A (BPA)? SUMMARY ANSWER BPA was not detected in embryo culture media or protein supplements at concentrations above those encountered in normal patient serum and follicular fluids. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY BPA is strongly suspected of altering the epigenome during mammalian development. Medical devices have been shown to be a source of BPA exposure in adult and neonatal intensive care units. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION An analytical study of ART culture media and plastic labware products was performed under conditions close to routine practice and if BPA was detected, tests were carried out under more stringent conditions. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Two single-step embryo culture media, two sequential media and three different protein supplements [a purified human serum albumin (HSA), a synthetic serum substitute, and a recombinant HSA] were tested for BPA. Thirty-three different plastic consumables, used from oocyte collection through to embryo transfer, were tested for their ability to leach BPA into their surrounding environment.BPA concentrations were measured according to a previously described liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry method. This method is linear over the calibration range from 0.5 to 100 ng/ml using a linear model weighted by 1/X² and validated in terms of selectivity, linearity, repeatability, reproducibility and limit of quantification (0.5 ng/ml). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Neither the culture media nor the protein supplements were shown to contain detectable levels of BPA. None of the plastic materials leached BPA into the surrounding medium at levels higher than the upper limit detected previously in serum and follicular fluids in women (about 2 ng/ml). However, the plastic of the three tested strippers used for oocyte denudation/embryo handling did contain BPA. Two of these strippers are made with polycarbonate, a plastic whose synthesis is known to require BPA. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study is limited to the ART media and materials tested here and using a BPA assay with a limit of quantification at 0.5 ng/ml. A minimum volume was required for testing, and one type of plastic labware could not be tested in conditions identical to those in routine use. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Although we demonstrated that some plastic materials used in ART contain BPA, under routine conditions none appear capable of leaching BPA at levels higher than those from maternal internal exposure. However, BPA is strongly suspected of altering the epigenome. Since important epigenetic modifications occur in the early embryonic stage, it is questionable whether plastics that contain BPA, polycarbonate in particular, should be used in the manufacture of plastic consumables for ART procedures. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported by a grant from the Agence de Biomédecine (AOR 2012) and by a grant from the French Ministry of Health (Clinical Research Hospital Program 2012; no.12-018-0560). The authors declared no competing interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Gatimel
- Médecine de la Reproduction, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, F-31059 Toulouse, France Université de Toulouse; UPS; Groupe de Recherche en Fertilité Humaine (EA 3694, Human Fertility Research Group), F-31059 Toulouse, France
| | - M Z Lacroix
- Institut National de Recherche Agronomique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1331, Toxalim, Research Center in Food Toxicology, F-31027 Toulouse, France Université de Toulouse, Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Ecole d'Ingénieurs de Purpan, Université Paul Sabatier, F-31076 Toulouse, France
| | - S Chanthavisouk
- Médecine de la Reproduction, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, F-31059 Toulouse, France Université de Toulouse; UPS; Groupe de Recherche en Fertilité Humaine (EA 3694, Human Fertility Research Group), F-31059 Toulouse, France
| | - N Picard-Hagen
- Institut National de Recherche Agronomique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1331, Toxalim, Research Center in Food Toxicology, F-31027 Toulouse, France Université de Toulouse, Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Ecole d'Ingénieurs de Purpan, Université Paul Sabatier, F-31076 Toulouse, France
| | - V Gayrard
- Institut National de Recherche Agronomique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1331, Toxalim, Research Center in Food Toxicology, F-31027 Toulouse, France Université de Toulouse, Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse, Ecole d'Ingénieurs de Purpan, Université Paul Sabatier, F-31076 Toulouse, France
| | - J Parinaud
- Médecine de la Reproduction, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, F-31059 Toulouse, France Université de Toulouse; UPS; Groupe de Recherche en Fertilité Humaine (EA 3694, Human Fertility Research Group), F-31059 Toulouse, France
| | - R D Léandri
- Médecine de la Reproduction, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, F-31059 Toulouse, France Université de Toulouse; UPS; Groupe de Recherche en Fertilité Humaine (EA 3694, Human Fertility Research Group), F-31059 Toulouse, France
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Kleijkers SHM, van Montfoort APA, Bekers O, Coonen E, Derhaag JG, Evers JLH, Dumoulin JCM. Ammonium accumulation in commercially available embryo culture media and protein supplements during storage at 2-8°C and during incubation at 37°C. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:1192-9. [PMID: 27052500 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does ammonium accumulate in commercially available culture media and protein supplements used for in vitro development of human pre-implantation embryos during storage and incubation? SUMMARY ANSWER Ammonium accumulates in ready-to-use in vitro fertilization (IVF) culture media during storage at 2-8°C and in ready-to-use IVF culture media and protein supplements during incubation at 37°C. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Both animal and human studies have shown that the presence of ammonium in culture medium has detrimental effects on embryonic development and pregnancy rate. It is, therefore, important to assess the amount of ammonium accumulation in ready-to-use IVF culture media under conditions that are common in daily practice. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Ammonium accumulation was investigated in 15 ready-to-use media, 11 protein-free media and 8 protein supplements. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Ammonium was measured by the use of an enzymatic method with glutamate dehydrogenase. To simulate the storage and incubation conditions during IVF treatments, ammonium concentrations were measured at different time-points during storage at 2-8°C for 6 weeks and during incubation at 37°C for 4 days. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE All ready-to-use, i.e. protein supplemented, culture media showed ammonium accumulation during storage for 6 weeks (ranging from 9.2 to 99.8 µM) and during incubation for 4 days (ranging from 8.4 to 138.6 µM), resulting in levels that might affect embryo development. The protein supplements also showed ammonium accumulation, while the culture media without protein supplementation did not. The main sources of ammonium buildup in ready-to-use culture media were unstable glutamine and the protein supplements. No additional ammonium buildup was found during incubation when using an oil overlay or with the presence of an embryo in the culture droplet. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION In addition to the unstable glutamine and the protein supplements, other free amino acids might contribute to the ammonium buildup. We did not investigate the deterioration of other components in the media. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Break-down of components into ammonium is more pronounced during incubation at 37°C, however, it is not negligible during storage at 2-8°C. This results in increasing ammonium levels in culture media over time that may affect embryo development. Therefore, it is important that the use of free l-glutamine in human embryo culture media is stopped and that the use of protein supplements is thoroughly evaluated. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS No funding or no competing interests declared. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander H M Kleijkers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Aafke P A van Montfoort
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Otto Bekers
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Edith Coonen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Josien G Derhaag
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes L H Evers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - John C M Dumoulin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Swain JE, Carrell D, Cobo A, Meseguer M, Rubio C, Smith GD. Optimizing the culture environment and embryo manipulation to help maintain embryo developmental potential. Fertil Steril 2016; 105:571-587. [PMID: 26851765 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
With increased use of comprehensive chromosome screening (CCS), the question remains as to why some practices do not experience the same high levels of clinical success after implementation of the approach. Indeed, the debate surrounding the efficacy and usefulness of blastocyst biopsy and CCS continues. Importantly, several variables impact the success of an assisted reproductive technology cycle. Transfer of a euploid embryo is but one factor in an intricate system that requires numerous steps to occur successfully. Certainly, the culture environment and the manipulations of the embryo during its time in the laboratory can impact its reproductive potential. Environmental stressors ranging from culture media to culture conditions and even culture platform can impact biochemical, metabolic, and epigenetic patterns that can affect the developing cell independent of chromosome number. Furthermore, accompanying procedures, such as biopsy and vitrification, are complex and, when performed improperly, can negatively impact embryo quality. These are areas that likely still carry room for improvement within the IVF laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Doug Carrell
- Department of Surgery (Urology) and Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Ana Cobo
- Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | - Gary D Smith
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Ob/Gyn, Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Nerenz RD. Omics in Reproductive Medicine: Application of Novel Technologies to Improve the IVF Success Rate. Adv Clin Chem 2016; 76:55-95. [PMID: 27645816 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Treatment for many infertile couples often consists of in vitro fertilization (IVF) but an estimated 70% of IVF cycles fail to produce a live birth. In an attempt to improve the live birth rate, the vast majority of IVF cycles performed in the United States involve the transfer of multiple embryos, a practice that increases the risk of multiple gestation pregnancy. This is a concern because multiple gestation pregnancies are associated with an increased incidence of maternal and fetal complications and significant cost associated with the care of preterm infants. As the ideal outcome of each IVF cycle is the birth of a single healthy baby, significant effort has focused on identifying embryos with the greatest developmental potential. To date, selection of euploid embryos using comprehensive chromosome screening (CCS) is the most promising approach while metabolomic and proteomic assessment of spent culture medium have the potential to noninvasively assess embryo viability. Endometrial gene expression profiling may help determine the optimal time to perform embryo transfer. While CCS has been implemented in some clinics, further development and optimization will be required before analysis of spent culture medium and endometrial gene expression profiling make the transition to clinical use. This review will describe efforts to identify embryos with the greatest potential to result in a healthy, live birth, with a particular emphasis on detection of embryo aneuploidy and metabolic profiling of spent embryo culture medium. Assessment of endometrial receptivity to identify the optimal time to perform embryo transfer will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- R D Nerenz
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, United States.
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Building a better mouse embryo assay: effects of mouse strain and in vitro maturation on sensitivity to contaminants of the culture environment. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 33:237-45. [PMID: 26644221 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-015-0623-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study is to compare the sensitivity of the standard one-cell mouse embryo assay (MEA) to that using in vitro-matured oocytes from hybrid and outbred mice. METHODS The study was done by culturing embryos in the presence or absence of two concentrations (0.0005 or 0.001 % v/v) of Triton X-100 (TX100). Embryonic development, blastocyst cell numbers (total and allocation to the trophectoderm [TE] and inner cell mass [ICM]), and blastocyst gene expression were evaluated. RESULTS Neither concentration of TX100 affected (P > 0.05) cleavage, blastocyst development, or hatching in one-cell embryos from BDF1 mice. However, all cell number endpoints were reduced (P < 0.05) by the high concentration of TX100 and the number of ICM cells was reduced (P < 0.05) by the low concentration of TX100. Inhibitory (P < 0.05) effects of the high concentration of TX100 were observed in in vitro maturation (IVM) embryos from BDF1, CF1, and SW, but not ICR, mice. Cell number and allocation were negatively affected by the high concentration of TX100 in CF1 and SW embryos, but not in BDF1 or ICR embryos. The only developmental endpoints affected by the low concentration of TX100 were cleavage of BDF1 oocytes, blastocyst development of SW embryos, and cell numbers (total and inner cell mass (ICM)) of SW blastocysts. CONCLUSIONS The sensitivity of the MEA to TX100 is improved by using embryos from in vitro-matured oocytes, using oocytes from some outbred (SW or CF1, not ICR) strains of mice, and evaluating blastocyst cell number and allocation.
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Fredrickson J, Krisher R, Morbeck DE. The impact of the protein stabilizer octanoic acid on embryonic development and fetal growth in a murine model. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 32:1517-24. [PMID: 26342329 PMCID: PMC4615915 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-015-0560-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the protein stabilizer octanoic acid on blastocyst development, implantation, and fetal growth in a murine model. METHODS One-cell mouse embryos were collected and individually cultured in medium supplemented with recombinant human serum albumin for 96 h at 5 % oxygen in an EmbryoScope. Embryos were randomly allocated to four octanoic acid groups (0, 400, 800, or 1200 μM). Blastocyst development and cell cycle timings were calculated at 96 h of culture, and experiments were repeated in triplicate. Blastocysts were stained and fixed at 96 h for differential cell counts. Following 96 h of culture, blastocysts were transferred to recipients to determine implantation rates and fetal and placental weights. RESULTS Blastocyst development, hatching rates, developmental kinetics, and total number of cells were negatively affected by octanoic acid at concentrations commonly used in human IVF. Implantation was not affected by octanoic acid but fetal and placental weights at 800 μM octanoic acid were increased relative to control. CONCLUSIONS Octanoic acid, a standard additive to human protein supplements used in IVF, can have long-term negative effects on embryonic and fetal development. The use of octanoic acid for human embryo culture should be monitored and reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca Krisher
- National Foundation for Fertility Research, Lone Tree, CO, USA
| | - Dean E Morbeck
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
- Division of Laboratory Genetics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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The preparation and culture of washed human sperm: A comparison of a suite of protein-free media with media containing human serum albumin. ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTION 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apjr.2015.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Wale PL, Gardner DK. The effects of chemical and physical factors on mammalian embryo culture and their importance for the practice of assisted human reproduction. Hum Reprod Update 2015. [PMID: 26207016 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although laboratory procedures, along with culture media formulations, have improved over the past two decades, the issue remains that human IVF is performed in vitro (literally 'in glass'). METHODS Using PubMed, electronic searches were performed using keywords from a list of chemical and physical factors with no limits placed on time. Examples of keywords include oxygen, ammonium, volatile organics, temperature, pH, oil overlays and incubation volume/embryo density. Available clinical and scientific evidence surrounding physical and chemical factors have been assessed and presented here. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Development of the embryo outside the body means that it is constantly exposed to stresses that it would not experience in vivo. Sources of stress on the human embryo include identified factors such as pH and temperature shifts, exposure to atmospheric (20%) oxygen and the build-up of toxins in the media due to the static nature of culture. However, there are other sources of stress not typically considered, such as the act of pipetting itself, or the release of organic compounds from the very tissue culture ware upon which the embryo develops. Further, when more than one stress is present in the laboratory, there is evidence that negative synergies can result, culminating in significant trauma to the developing embryo. It is evident that embryos are sensitive to both chemical and physical signals within their microenvironment, and that these factors play a significant role in influencing development and events post transfer. From the viewpoint of assisted human reproduction, a major concern with chemical and physical factors lies in their adverse effects on the viability of embryos, and their long-term effects on the fetus, even as a result of a relatively brief exposure. This review presents data on the adverse effects of chemical and physical factors on mammalian embryos and the importance of identifying, and thereby minimizing, them in the practice of human IVF. Hence, optimizing the in vitro environment involves far more than improving culture media formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra L Wale
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia Melbourne IVF, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Krisher RL, Schoolcraft WB, Katz-Jaffe MG. Omics as a window to view embryo viability. Fertil Steril 2015; 103:333-41. [PMID: 25639968 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.12.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Revised: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The advent of advanced omics technologies and the application of these techniques to the analysis of extremely limited material have opened the door to the investigation of embryo physiology in a focused, in-depth approach never before possible. The application of noninvasive metabolomic and proteomic platforms to understanding embryo viability permits the characterization of individual embryos in culture. Initial clinical data have highlighted the promise of these technologies for the development of noninvasive embryo selection criteria. In this way, a complex view of embryo function can be compiled and related to embryo development, quality, and outcome. Application of knowledge gained from omics will transform both our understanding of embryo physiology as well as our ability to select viable embryos for transfer in assisted reproductive technology.
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49
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Zhu J, Zhuang X, Chen L, Liu P, Qiao J. Effect of embryo culture media on percentage of males at birth. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:1039-45. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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50
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Thouas GA, Dominguez F, Green MP, Vilella F, Simon C, Gardner DK. Soluble ligands and their receptors in human embryo development and implantation. Endocr Rev 2015; 36:92-130. [PMID: 25548832 DOI: 10.1210/er.2014-1046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Extensive evidence suggests that soluble ligands and their receptors mediate human preimplantation embryo development and implantation. Progress in this complex area has been ongoing since the 1980s, with an ever-increasing list of candidates. This article specifically reviews evidence of soluble ligands and their receptors in the human preimplantation stage embryo and female reproductive tract. The focus will be on candidates produced by the human preimplantation embryo and those eliciting developmental responses in vitro, as well as endometrial factors related to implantation and receptivity. Pathways to clinical translation, including innovative diagnostics and other technologies, are also highlighted, drawing from this collective evidence toward facilitating joint improvements in embryo quality and endometrial receptivity. This strategy could not only benefit clinical outcomes in reproductive medicine but also provide broader insights into the peri-implantation period of human development to improve fetal and neonatal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A Thouas
- Reproductive Biology and Assisted Conception Laboratory (G.A.T., M.P.G., D.K.G.), School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3010; Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (F.D., F.V., C.S.), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia, 46010, Valencia, Spain; La Fundación para la Investigación del Hospital Clínico de la Comunidad Valenciana Health Research Institute (F.D., F.V., C.S.), 46010 Valencia, Spain; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (C.S.), Stanford University, Stanford, California 90095
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