1
|
Sciorio R, Tramontano L, Campos G, Greco PF, Mondrone G, Surbone A, Greco E, Talevi R, Pluchino N, Fleming S. Vitrification of human blastocysts for couples undergoing assisted reproduction: an updated review. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1398049. [PMID: 38827525 PMCID: PMC11140474 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1398049] [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: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past 40 years there has been a worldwide critical change in the field of assisted reproduction technology (ART), leading to the increased application of single blastocyst transfer, which is extremely important to avoid the risks of multiple pregnancy and associated complications for both mother and babies. Indeed, advancements in ART over the last few decades have been obtained thanks to several improvements, including ovarian stimulation, embryo culture conditions and, of course, progress in cryopreservation methods, especially with the application of vitrification. The ability to cryopreserve human embryos has improved significantly with vitrification compared to the initially adopted slow-freezing procedures. Since the introduction of vitrification, it has become the gold standard method to effectively cryopreserve human blastocysts. However, some new protocols are now being explored, such as the short warming procedure and even shorter exposure to the equilibration solution before vitrification, which seem to provide optimal results. Therefore, the main aim of the current narrative review, will be to illustrate the benefit of vitrification as an effective method to cryopreserve the human blastocyst and to illustrate new protocols and variations which in future may increase the performance of vitrification protocols.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Fertility Medicine and Gynaecological Endocrinology Unit, Department Woman Mother Child, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Luca Tramontano
- Département de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Réseau Hospitalier Neuchâtelois, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Gerard Campos
- Fertility Geisinger Medical Center, Women’s Health Fertility Clinic, Danville, PA, United States
- GIREXX Fertility Clinics, Girona-Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Anna Surbone
- Fertility Medicine and Gynaecological Endocrinology Unit, Department Woman Mother Child, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ermanno Greco
- Villa Mafalda, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UniCamillus, International Medical University, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Talevi
- Dipartimento di Biologia Strutturale e Funzionale, Universita’ di Napoli ‘Federico II’, Complesso Universitario di Monte S, Napoli, Italy
| | - Nicola Pluchino
- Fertility Medicine and Gynaecological Endocrinology Unit, Department Woman Mother Child, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Steven Fleming
- Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Khajedehi N, Fathi R, Akbarinejad V, Gourabi H. Oocyte Vitrification Reduces its Capability to Repair Sperm DNA Fragmentation and Impairs Embryonic Development. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1256-1267. [PMID: 38151654 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01419-1] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Oocytes play a crucial role in repairing sperm DNA damage, which can affect the next generation; however, certain factors can impair this ability. This study examined whether oocyte vitrification, a widely used method for fertility preservation, negatively affects repair ability. Male DBA/2 mice (n = 28) were injected with 101.60 µmol/100 g body weight of tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP) for 14 days to induce sperm DNA damage. Histological changes, sperm functions, and DNA fragmentation were assessed using the TUNEL assay. Cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) of superovulated female DBA/2 mice (n = 28) were vitrified using the Cryotop method. Fresh and vitrified oocytes were then fertilized by tBHP-treated and untreated sperms, and subsequent embryonic development was monitored. Additionally, the expression of Mre11a, Rad51, Brca1, and Xrcc4 was assessed in resulting zygotes and blastocysts using real-time PCR. The sperm tBHP treatment reduced differentiated spermatogenic cells in the testicular tissue, sperm concentration, and motility, while increasing DNA fragmentation (P < 0.05). The fertilization rate was decreased in the tBHP-treated sperm-vitrified oocyte group (P < 0.05), and the two-cell rate diminished in tBHP-treated sperm-fresh and vitrified oocyte groups (P < 0.05). The four-cell to blastocyst rate decreased in the untreated sperm-vitrified oocyte and the tBHP-treated sperm-fresh and vitrified oocyte groups (P < 0.05), and the tBHP-treated sperm-vitrified oocyte groups had the lowest blastocyst rate. In zygotes, Brca1 was upregulated in the tBHP-treated sperm-vitrified oocyte group (P < 0.05). Also, in blastocysts, Rad51, Brca1, and Xrcc4 were significantly upregulated in the untreated sperm-vitrified oocytes group (P < 0.05). Damages to the oocyte due to vitrification can disrupt the repair of sperm DNA fragmentation and consequently impair the embryo development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niloofar Khajedehi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rouhollah Fathi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Vahid Akbarinejad
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Gourabi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ducreux B, Patrat C, Trasler J, Fauque P. Transcriptomic integrity of human oocytes used in ARTs: technical and intrinsic factor effects. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:26-47. [PMID: 37697674 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Millions of children have been born throughout the world thanks to ARTs, the harmlessness of which has not yet been fully demonstrated. For years, efforts to evaluate the specific effects of ART have focused on the embryo; however, it is the oocyte quality that mainly dictates first and foremost the developmental potential of the future embryo. Ovarian stimulation, cryopreservation, and IVM are sometimes necessary steps to obtain a mature oocyte, but they could alter the appropriate expression of the oocyte genome. Additionally, it is likely that female infertility, environmental factors, and lifestyle have a significant influence on oocyte transcriptomic quality, which may interfere with the outcome of an ART attempt. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The objective of this review is to identify transcriptomic changes in the human oocyte caused by interventions specific to ART but also intrinsic factors such as age, reproductive health issues, and lifestyle. We also provide recommendations for future good practices to be conducted when attempting ART. SEARCH METHODS An in-depth literature search was performed on PubMed to identify studies assessing the human oocyte transcriptome following ART interventions, or in the context of maternal aging, suboptimal lifestyle, or reproductive health issues. OUTCOMES ART success is susceptible to external factors, maternal aging, lifestyle factors (smoking, BMI), and infertility due to endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome. Indeed, all of these are likely to increase oxidative stress and alter mitochondrial processes in the foreground. Concerning ART techniques themselves, there is evidence that different ovarian stimulation regimens shape the oocyte transcriptome. The perturbation of processes related to the mitochondrion, oxidative phosphorylation, and metabolism is observed with IVM. Cryopreservation might dysregulate genes belonging to transcriptional regulation, ubiquitination, cell cycle, and oocyte growth pathways. For other ART laboratory factors such as temperature, oxygen tension, air pollution, and light, the evidence remains scarce. Focusing on genes involved in chromatin-based processes such as DNA methylation, heterochromatin modulation, histone modification, and chromatin remodeling complexes, but also genomic imprinting, we observed systematic dysregulation of such genes either after ART intervention or lifestyle exposure, as well as due to internal factors such as maternal aging and reproductive diseases. Alteration in the expression of such epigenetic regulators may be a common mechanism linked to adverse oocyte environments, explaining global transcriptomic modifications. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Many IVF factors and additional external factors have the potential to impair oocyte transcriptomic integrity, which might not be innocuous for the developing embryo. Fortunately, it is likely that such dysregulations can be minimized by adapting ART protocols or reducing adverse exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bastien Ducreux
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comtés-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France
| | - Catherine Patrat
- Université de Paris Cité, Faculty of Medicine, Inserm 1016, Paris, France
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, aphp.centre-Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Jacquetta Trasler
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Patricia Fauque
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comtés-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France
- CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Dijon, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ducreux B, Ferreux L, Patrat C, Fauque P. Overview of Gene Expression Dynamics during Human Oogenesis/Folliculogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:33. [PMID: 38203203 PMCID: PMC10778858 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010033] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The oocyte transcriptome follows a tightly controlled dynamic that leads the oocyte to grow and mature. This succession of distinct transcriptional states determines embryonic development prior to embryonic genome activation. However, these oocyte maternal mRNA regulatory events have yet to be decoded in humans. We reanalyzed human single-oocyte RNA-seq datasets previously published in the literature to decrypt the transcriptomic reshuffles ensuring that the oocyte is fully competent. We applied trajectory analysis (pseudotime) and a meta-analysis and uncovered the fundamental transcriptomic requirements of the oocyte at any moment of oogenesis until reaching the metaphase II stage (MII). We identified a bunch of genes showing significant variation in expression from primordial-to-antral follicle oocyte development and characterized their temporal regulation and their biological relevance. We also revealed the selective regulation of specific transcripts during the germinal vesicle-to-MII transition. Transcripts associated with energy production and mitochondrial functions were extensively downregulated, while those associated with cytoplasmic translation, histone modification, meiotic processes, and RNA processes were conserved. From the genes identified in this study, some appeared as sensitive to environmental factors such as maternal age, polycystic ovary syndrome, cryoconservation, and in vitro maturation. In the future, the atlas of transcriptomic changes described in this study will enable more precise identification of the transcripts responsible for follicular growth and oocyte maturation failures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bastien Ducreux
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, 2 Rue Angélique Ducoudray, F-21000 Dijon, France;
| | - Lucile Ferreux
- Faculty of Medicine, Inserm 1016, Université de Paris Cité, F-75014 Paris, France; (L.F.); (C.P.)
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, Aphp.Centre-Université Paris Cité, Cochin, F-75014 Paris, France
| | - Catherine Patrat
- Faculty of Medicine, Inserm 1016, Université de Paris Cité, F-75014 Paris, France; (L.F.); (C.P.)
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, Aphp.Centre-Université Paris Cité, Cochin, F-75014 Paris, France
| | - Patricia Fauque
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, 2 Rue Angélique Ducoudray, F-21000 Dijon, France;
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, 14 Rue Gaffarel, F-21000 Dijon, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Song BB, Quinn MM. Planned Oocyte Cryopreservation: A Review of Current Evidence on Outcomes, Safety and Risks. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 2023; 50:707-719. [PMID: 37914489 DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Although oocyte cryopreservation was initially used as a fertility preservation strategy for medical indications, it is now is increasingly used to circumvent age-related infertility. Outcomes following planned oocyte vitrification, also known as elective egg freezing, are limited. Current studies show higher success rates for individuals undergoing fertility preservation treatment under age 35. Additionally, while freezing 20 oocytes is optimal to achieve pregnancy, freezing at least 8-10 oocytes is recommended. While fertility is not guaranteed, current evidence demonstrates that planned oocyte vitrification is an overall safe, low risk method of fertility preservation to reduce the risk for age-related infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie B Song
- University of Southern California/Los Angeles General Medical Center, 2051 Marengo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Molly M Quinn
- University of Southern California/Los Angeles General Medical Center, 2051 Marengo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; HRC Fertility, 55 S Lake Avenue, Suite 900, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cascante SD, Berkeley AS, Licciardi F, McCaffrey C, Grifo JA. Planned oocyte cryopreservation: the state of the ART. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103367. [PMID: 37804606 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this review is to provide an update on planned oocyte cryopreservation. This fertility preservation method increases reproductive autonomy by allowing women to postpone childbearing whilst maintaining the option of having a biological child. Oocyte cryopreservation is no longer considered experimental, and its use has increased dramatically in recent years as more women delay childbearing for personal, professional and financial reasons. Despite increased usage, most patients who have undergone oocyte cryopreservation have not yet warmed their oocytes. Most women who cryopreserve oocytes wait years to use them, and many never use them. Studies have demonstrated that oocyte cryopreservation results in live birth rates comparable with IVF treatment using fresh oocytes, and does not pose additional safety risks to offspring. Based on current evidence, cryopreserving ≥20 mature oocytes at <38 years of age provides a 70% chance of one live birth. However, larger studies from a variety of geographic locations and centre types are needed to confirm these findings. Additional research is also needed to determine the recommended age for oocyte cryopreservation, recommended number of oocytes to cryopreserve, return and discard/non-use rates, cost-effectiveness, and how best to distribute accurate and up-to-date information to potential patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Druckenmiller Cascante
- New York University Langone Prelude Fertility Center, 159 East 53(rd) Street, 3(rd) Floor, New York, NY 10022, USA.
| | - Alan S Berkeley
- New York University Langone Prelude Fertility Center, 159 East 53(rd) Street, 3(rd) Floor, New York, NY 10022, USA
| | - Frederick Licciardi
- New York University Langone Prelude Fertility Center, 159 East 53(rd) Street, 3(rd) Floor, New York, NY 10022, USA
| | - Caroline McCaffrey
- New York University Langone Prelude Fertility Center, 159 East 53(rd) Street, 3(rd) Floor, New York, NY 10022, USA
| | - James A Grifo
- New York University Langone Prelude Fertility Center, 159 East 53(rd) Street, 3(rd) Floor, New York, NY 10022, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sciorio R, Campos G, Tramontano L, Bulletti FM, Baldini GM, Vinciguerra M. Exploring the effect of cryopreservation in assisted reproductive technology and potential epigenetic risk. ZYGOTE 2023; 31:420-432. [PMID: 37409505 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199423000345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Since the birth of the first baby by in vitro fertilization in 1978, more than 9 million children have been born worldwide using medically assisted reproductive treatments. Fertilization naturally takes place in the maternal oviduct where unique physiological conditions enable the early healthy development of the embryo. During this dynamic period of early development major waves of epigenetic reprogramming, crucial for the normal fate of the embryo, take place. Increasingly, over the past 20 years concerns relating to the increased incidence of epigenetic anomalies in general, and genomic-imprinting disorders in particular, have been raised following assisted reproduction technology (ART) treatments. Epigenetic reprogramming is particularly susceptible to environmental conditions during the periconceptional period and non-physiological conditions such as ovarian stimulation, in vitro fertilization and embryo culture, as well as cryopreservation procedure, might have the potential to independently or collectively contribute to epigenetic dysregulation. Therefore, this narrative review offers a critical reappraisal of the evidence relating to the association between embryo cryopreservation and potential epigenetic regulation and the consequences on gene expression together with long-term consequences for offspring health and wellbeing. Current literature suggests that epigenetic and transcriptomic profiles are sensitive to the stress induced by vitrification, in terms of osmotic shock, temperature and pH changes, and toxicity of cryoprotectants, it is therefore, critical to have a more comprehensive understanding and recognition of potential unanticipated iatrogenic-induced perturbations of epigenetic modifications that may or may not be a consequence of vitrification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Luca Tramontano
- Department of Women, Infants and Adolescents, Division of Obstetrics, Geneve University Hospitals, Boulevard de la Cluse 30, Geneve 14, Switzerland
| | - Francesco M Bulletti
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Vaud, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Marina Vinciguerra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Section, University of Bari, Italy
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology 'Santa Caterina Novella', Galatina Hospital, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Shadmanesh A, Nazari H. Alterations in the expression pattern of some epigenetic-related genes and microRNAs subsequent to oocyte cryopreservation. ZYGOTE 2023; 31:411-419. [PMID: 37337712 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199423000321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-encoding RNAs that actively regulate biological and physiological processes, and play an important role in regulating gene expression in all cells, especially in most animal cells, including oocytes and embryos. The expression of miRNAs at the right time and place is crucial for the oocyte's maturation and the embryo's subsequent development. Although assisted reproductive techniques (ART) have helped to solve many infertility problems, they cause changes in the expression of miRNA and genes in oocytes and preimplantation embryos, and the effect of these changes on the future of offspring is unknown, and has caused concerns. The relevant genomic alterations commonly imposed on embryos during cryopreservation may have potential epigenetic risks. Understanding the biological functions of miRNAs in frozen maturated oocytes may provide a better understanding of embryonic development and a comparison of fertility conservation in female mammals. With the development of new techniques for genomic evaluation of preimplantation embryos, it has been possible to better understand the effects of ART. The results of various articles have shown that freezing of oocytes and the cryopreservation method are effective for the expression of miRNAs and, in some cases, cause changes in the expression of miRNAs and epigenetic changes in the resulting embryo. This literature review study aimed to investigate the effects of oocyte cryopreservation in both pre-maturation and post-maturation stages, the cryopreservation method and the type of cryoprotectants (CPA) used on the expression of some epigenetic-related genes and miRNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Shadmanesh
- Reproductive Biotechnology in Veterinary, Islamic Azad University, Eqlid Branch, Iran
| | - Hassan Nazari
- Research Institute of Animal Embryo Technology, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Torra-Massana M, Miguel-Escalada I, Vassena R, Rodríguez A. Long-term storage of vitrified oocytes does not affect pregnancy and live birth rates: analysis of 5362 oocyte donation cycles. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103228. [PMID: 37308341 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does long-term storage of vitrified oocytes affect laboratory and reproductive outcomes after intracytoplasmic sperm injection? DESIGN Retrospective cohort study including 41,783 vitrified-warmed oocytes from 5362 oocyte donation cycles between 2013 and 2021. Five categories of storage time were established to analyse its effect on clinical and reproductive outcomes (≤1 year [reference group], 1-2 years, 2-3 years, 3-4 years and >4 years). RESULTS The mean number of warmed oocytes was 8.0 ± 2.5 oocytes. Oocyte storage time ranged from 3 days to 8.2 years (mean: 0.7 ± 0.9). Mean oocyte survival (90.2% ± 14.7% overall) did not significantly decrease with longer storage time after adjusting for confounders (88.9% for time >4 years, P = 0.963). A linear regression model did not show a significant effect of oocyte storage time on fertilization rate (about 70% in all time categories) (P > 0.05). Reproductive outcomes after the first embryo transfer were statistically comparable across storage times (P > 0.05 for all categories). Longer term oocyte storage (>4 years) did not affect the chances of clinical pregnancy (OR 0.700, 95% CI 0.423 to 1.158, P = 0.2214) or live birth (OR 0.716, 95% CI 0.425 to 1.208, P = 0.2670). CONCLUSIONS Oocyte survival, fertilization rate, pregnancy and live birth rates are not affected by the time spent by vitrified oocytes in vapour-phase nitrogen tanks.
Collapse
|
10
|
Casciani V, Monseur B, Cimadomo D, Alvero R, Rienzi L. Oocyte and embryo cryopreservation in assisted reproductive technology: past achievements and current challenges. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:506-520. [PMID: 37290552 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cryopreservation has revolutionized the treatment of infertility and fertility preservation. This review summarizes the milestones that paved the way to the current routinary clinical implementation of this game-changing practice in assisted reproductive technology. Still, evidence to support "the best practice" in cryopreservation is controversial and several protocol adaptations exist that were described and compared here, such as cumulus-intact vs. cumulus-free oocyte cryopreservation, artificial collapse, assisted hatching, closed vs. open carriers, and others. A last matter of concern is whether cryostorage duration may impact oocyte/embryo competence, but the current body of evidence in this regard is reassuring. From social and clinical perspectives, oocyte and embryo cryopreservation has evolved from an afterthought when assisted reproduction was intended for immediate pregnancy with supernumerary embryos of secondary interest to its current purpose, which primarily is to preserve fertility long-term and more comprehensively allow for family planning. However, the initial consenting process, which still is geared to short-term fertility care, may no longer be relevant when the individuals that initially preserved the tissues have completed their reproductive journey. A more encompassing counseling model is required to address changing patient values over time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Casciani
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Brent Monseur
- Stanford Fertility and Reproductive Health, Stanford University, Sunnyvale, California
| | - Danilo Cimadomo
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Ruben Alvero
- Stanford Fertility and Reproductive Health, Stanford University, Sunnyvale, California
| | - Laura Rienzi
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy; Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sciorio R, Manna C, Fauque P, Rinaudo P. Can Cryopreservation in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Induce Epigenetic Changes to Gametes and Embryos? J Clin Med 2023; 12:4444. [PMID: 37445479 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134444] [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: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the birth of Louise Brown in 1978, more than nine million children have been conceived using assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). While the great majority of children are healthy, there are concerns about the potential epigenetic consequences of gametes and embryo manipulation. In fact, during the preimplantation period, major waves of epigenetic reprogramming occur. Epigenetic reprogramming is susceptible to environmental changes induced by ovarian stimulation, in-vitro fertilization, and embryo culture, as well as cryopreservation procedures. This review summarizes the evidence relating to oocytes and embryo cryopreservation and potential epigenetic regulation. Overall, it appears that the stress induced by vitrification, including osmotic shock, temperature and pH changes, and toxicity of cryoprotectants, might induce epigenetic and transcriptomic changes in oocytes and embryos. It is currently unclear if these changes will have potential consequences for the health of future offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK
| | - Claudio Manna
- Biofertility IVF and Infertility Center, 00198 Rome, Italy
| | - Patricia Fauque
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Development (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, F-21000 Dijon, France
- CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Paolo Rinaudo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 92037, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhu M, Xu M, Zhang J, Zheng C. The role of Hippo pathway in ovarian development. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1198873. [PMID: 37334049 PMCID: PMC10275494 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1198873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The follicle is the functional unit of the ovary, whereby ovarian development is largely dependent on the development of the follicles themselves. The activation, growth, and progression of follicles are modulated by a diverse range of factors, including reproductive endocrine system and multiple signaling pathways. The Hippo pathway exhibits a high degree of evolutionary conservation between both Drosophila and mammalian systems, and is recognized for its pivotal role in regulating cellular proliferation, control of organ size, and embryonic development. During the process of follicle development, the components of the Hippo pathway show temporal and spatial variations. Recent clinical studies have shown that ovarian fragmentation can activate follicles. The mechanism is that the mechanical signal of cutting triggers actin polymerization. This process leads to the disruption of the Hippo pathway and subsequently induces the upregulation of downstream CCN and apoptosis inhibitors, thereby promoting follicle development. Thus, the Hippo pathway plays a crucial role in both the activation and development of follicles. In this article, we focused on the development and atresia of follicles and the function of Hippo pathway in these processes. Additionally, the physiological effects of Hippo pathway in follicle activation are also explored.
Collapse
|
13
|
Angel-Velez D, Meese T, Hedia M, Fernandez-Montoro A, De Coster T, Pascottini OB, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Govaere J, Van Soom A, Pavani K, Smits K. Transcriptomics Reveal Molecular Differences in Equine Oocytes Vitrified before and after In Vitro Maturation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24086915. [PMID: 37108081 PMCID: PMC10138936 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, in vitro embryo production in horses has become an established clinical practice, but blastocyst rates from vitrified equine oocytes remain low. Cryopreservation impairs the oocyte developmental potential, which may be reflected in the messenger RNA (mRNA) profile. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the transcriptome profiles of metaphase II equine oocytes vitrified before and after in vitro maturation. To do so, three groups were analyzed with RNA sequencing: (1) fresh in vitro matured oocytes as a control (FR), (2) oocytes vitrified after in vitro maturation (VMAT), and (3) oocytes vitrified immature, warmed, and in vitro matured (VIM). In comparison with fresh oocytes, VIM resulted in 46 differentially expressed (DE) genes (14 upregulated and 32 downregulated), while VMAT showed 36 DE genes (18 in each category). A comparison of VIM vs. VMAT resulted in 44 DE genes (20 upregulated and 24 downregulated). Pathway analyses highlighted cytoskeleton, spindle formation, and calcium and cation ion transport and homeostasis as the main affected pathways in vitrified oocytes. The vitrification of in vitro matured oocytes presented subtle advantages in terms of the mRNA profile over the vitrification of immature oocytes. Therefore, this study provides a new perspective for understanding the impact of vitrification on equine oocytes and can be the basis for further improvements in the efficiency of equine oocyte vitrification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Angel-Velez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
- Research Group in Animal Sciences-INCA-CES, Universidad CES, Medellin 050021, Colombia
| | - Tim Meese
- Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mohamed Hedia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt
| | - Andrea Fernandez-Montoro
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Tine De Coster
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Osvaldo Bogado Pascottini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Nieuwerburgh
- Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Govaere
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Krishna Pavani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Katrien Smits
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
[The impact of oocyte cryopreservation time in oocyte donation on the clinical success rate]. GYNECOLOGIE, OBSTETRIQUE, FERTILITE & SENOLOGIE 2023; 51:206-211. [PMID: 36731823 DOI: 10.1016/j.gofs.2023.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the impact of the cryopreservation time of vitrified oocytes on the success rates in oocyte donation cycles. METHODS A retrospective study was carried out on 156 cycles with donated oocytes from January 2012 to September 2021. All the cycles were sorted according to the storage time of the oocytes (25 in the group 1:<3 months, 32 in the group 2: between 3 and 6 months, 39 in the group 3: between 6 and 12 months, 38 in the group 4: between 12 and 24 months and 22 in the group 5:>24 months). Clinical outcomes after ART, survival rates at thawing and oocyte fertilization rates were compared between the different cohorts stratified according to oocyte storage duration. A binary multivariate logistic regression was performed adjusting for the identified confounders. RESULTS Prolonged storage time of vitrified oocytes had an effect on their survival post-thawing rates, but no significant effect was identified on fertilization rates or clinical outcomes. After adjusting for the confounders, the relationships between clinical outcomes and oocytes storage time did not reach statistical significance. Our study was characterized by a limited cohort with data from a single ART center. CONCLUSIONS Our study doesn't highlight any significant difference in the use of long-stored vitrified oocytes (more than 2 years) on clinical issues in ART. The conclusion of our study needs to be verified in further studies with larger cohorts.
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhu Q, Ding D, Yang H, Zou W, Yang D, Wang K, Zhang C, Chen B, Ji D, Hao Y, Xue R, Xu Y, Wang Q, Wang J, Yan B, Cao Y, Zou H, Zhang Z. Melatonin Protects Mitochondrial Function and Inhibits Oxidative Damage against the Decline of Human Oocytes Development Caused by Prolonged Cryopreservation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11244018. [PMID: 36552782 PMCID: PMC9776420 DOI: 10.3390/cells11244018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin (MT) can improve the effect of cryopreservation on oocytes by suppressing oxidative stress and maintaining the permeability of the oolemma. In this study, MT was firstly applied to human oocytes' cryopreservation to explore the effect of prolonged cryopreservation on developmental competence and its role. Collected in vitro-matured human oocytes were cryopreserved in MT-containing or MT-free medium for 0 and 6 months; after warming, viable oocytes were assessed for developmental viability, intracellular protein expression, mitochondrial function, and oxidation-antioxidant system. Meanwhile, fresh oocytes were set as the control. The results showed that with the extension of cryopreservation time, the developmental competence of oocytes gradually declined, accompanied by the down-regulation of most mitochondrial function-related proteins, the reduction in ATP and GSH production, the increase in ROS accumulation, and the aggravation of the imbalance of ROS/GSH in oocytes. However, the participation of MT seemed to effectively mitigate these negative effects. Therefore, we speculate that melatonin may maintain normal ATP production and ROS/GSH balance in cryopreserved oocytes by protecting mitochondrial function and inhibiting oxidative damage, thereby effectively maintaining the developmental competence of human oocytes in prolonged cryopreservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ding Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Han Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Weiwei Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Dandan Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Kaijuan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Beili Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Dongmei Ji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yan Hao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Rufeng Xue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yuping Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Qiushuang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Bo Yan
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Huijuan Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Barberet J, Ducreux B, Bruno C, Guilleman M, Simonot R, Lieury N, Guilloteau A, Bourc’his D, Fauque P. Comparison of oocyte vitrification using a semi-automated or a manual closed system in human siblings: survival and transcriptomic analyses. J Ovarian Res 2022; 15:128. [PMID: 36464714 PMCID: PMC9720994 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-022-01064-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indications of oocyte vitrification increased substantially over the last decades for clinical and ethical reasons. A semi-automated vitrification system was recently developed making each act of vitrification reproducible. In this study, we evaluated the efficiency of the semi-automated technique of oocyte vitrification by survival rate, morphometric assessment and resistance to empty micro-injection gesture as compared with a manual method. Additionally, we intended to evaluate transcriptomic consequences of both techniques using single-cell RNA-seq technology. RESULTS Post-warming survival rate, oocyte surfaces and resistance to empty micro-injection were comparable between semi-automated and manual vitrification groups. Both oocyte vitrification techniques showed limited differences in the resulting transcriptomic profile of sibling oocytes since only 5 differentially expressed genes were identified. Additionally, there was no difference in median transcript integrity number or percentage of mitochondrial DNA between the two groups. However, a total of 108 genes were differentially expressed between fresh and vitrified oocytes (FDR < 0.05) and showed over-represented of genes related to important cellular process. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide reassurance about the influence of semi-automation as compared with the manual vitrification method. Concerning oocyte vitrification itself, no tight common transcriptomic signature associated has been observed across studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT03570073.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Barberet
- grid.493090.70000 0004 4910 6615Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté - Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, 2 Rue Angélique Ducoudray, F-21000 Dijon, France ,grid.31151.37CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction – CECOS, 14 rue Gaffarel, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Bastien Ducreux
- grid.493090.70000 0004 4910 6615Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté - Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, 2 Rue Angélique Ducoudray, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Céline Bruno
- grid.493090.70000 0004 4910 6615Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté - Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, 2 Rue Angélique Ducoudray, F-21000 Dijon, France ,grid.31151.37CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction – CECOS, 14 rue Gaffarel, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Magali Guilleman
- grid.493090.70000 0004 4910 6615Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté - Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, 2 Rue Angélique Ducoudray, F-21000 Dijon, France ,grid.31151.37CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction – CECOS, 14 rue Gaffarel, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Raymond Simonot
- grid.31151.37CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction – CECOS, 14 rue Gaffarel, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Nicolas Lieury
- grid.31151.37CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction – CECOS, 14 rue Gaffarel, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Adrien Guilloteau
- grid.31151.37USMR, Dijon Bourgogne University Hospital, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Déborah Bourc’his
- Institut Curie, PSL University, CNRS, INSERM, 26 rue d’Ulm, F-75248 Paris, France
| | - Patricia Fauque
- grid.493090.70000 0004 4910 6615Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté - Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, 2 Rue Angélique Ducoudray, F-21000 Dijon, France ,grid.31151.37CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction – CECOS, 14 rue Gaffarel, F-21000 Dijon, France ,grid.31151.37Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, CHU Dijon, BP 77908, 14, rue Gaffarel, 21079 Dijon Cedex, France
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sahota JS, Sharma B, Guleria K, Sambyal V. Candidate genes for infertility: an in-silico study based on cytogenetic analysis. BMC Med Genomics 2022; 15:170. [PMID: 35918717 PMCID: PMC9347124 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-022-01320-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The cause of infertility remains unclear in a significant proportion of reproductive-age couples who fail to conceive naturally. Chromosomal aberrations have been identified as one of the main genetic causes of male and female infertility. Structural chromosomal aberrations may disrupt the functioning of various genes, some of which may be important for fertility. The present study aims to identify candidate genes and putative functional interaction networks involved in male and female infertility using cytogenetic data from cultured peripheral blood lymphocytes of infertile patients. Methods Karyotypic analyses was done in 201 infertile patients (100 males and 101 females) and 201 age and gender matched healthy controls (100 males and 101 females) after 72 h peripheral lymphocyte culturing and GTG banding, followed by bioinformatic analysis using Cytoscape v3.8.2 and Metascape. Results Several chromosomal regions with a significantly higher frequency of structural aberrations were identified in the infertile males (5q2, 10q2, and 17q2) and females (6q2, 16q2, and Xq2). Segregation of the patients based on type of infertility (primary v/s secondary infertility) led to the identification of chromosomal regions with a significantly higher frequency of structural aberrations exclusively within the infertile males (5q2, 17q2) and females (16q2) with primary infertility. Cytoscape identified two networks specific to these regions: a male specific network with 99 genes and a female specific network with 109 genes. The top enriched GO terms within the male and female infertility networks were “skeletal system morphogenesis” and “mRNA transport” respectively. PSME3, PSMD3, and CDC27 were the top 3 hub genes identified within the male infertility network. Similarly, UPF3B, IRF8, and PSMB1 were the top 3 hub genes identified with the female infertility network. Among the hub genes identified in the male- and female-specific networks, PSMB1, PSMD3, and PSME3 are functional components of the proteasome complex. These hub genes have a limited number of reports related to their respective roles in maintenance of fertility in mice model and humans and require validation in further studies. Conclusion The candidate genes predicted in the present study can serve as targets for future research on infertility. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12920-022-01320-x.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jatinder Singh Sahota
- Department of Human Genetics, Cytogenetics Laboratory, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India
| | - Bhavna Sharma
- Department of Human Genetics, Cytogenetics Laboratory, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India
| | - Kamlesh Guleria
- Department of Human Genetics, Cytogenetics Laboratory, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India
| | - Vasudha Sambyal
- Department of Human Genetics, Cytogenetics Laboratory, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, Punjab, 143005, India.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kasaven LS, Saso S, Getreu N, O'Neill H, Bracewell-Milnes T, Shakir F, Yazbek J, Thum MY, Nicopoullos J, Ben Nagi J, Hardiman P, Diaz-Garcia C, Jones BP. Age-related fertility decline: is there a role for elective ovarian tissue cryopreservation? Hum Reprod 2022; 37:1970-1979. [PMID: 35734904 PMCID: PMC9433842 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related fertility decline (ARFD) is a prevalent concern amongst western cultures due to the increasing age of first-time motherhood. Elective oocyte and embryo cryopreservation remain the most established methods of fertility preservation, providing women the opportunity of reproductive autonomy to preserve their fertility and extend their childbearing years to prevent involuntary childlessness. Whilst ovarian cortex cryopreservation has been used to preserve reproductive potential in women for medical reasons, such as in pre- or peripubertal girls undergoing gonadotoxic chemotherapy, it has not yet been considered in the context of ARFD. As artificial reproductive technology (ART) and surgical methods of fertility preservation continue to evolve, it is a judicious time to review current evidence and consider alternative options for women wishing to delay their fertility. This article critically appraises elective oocyte cryopreservation as an option for women who use it to mitigate the risk of ARFD and introduces the prospect of elective ovarian cortex cryopreservation as an alternative.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine S Kasaven
- West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, UK.,Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Cutrale Perioperative and Ageing Group, Sir Michael Uren Hub, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Srdjan Saso
- West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, UK.,Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Natalie Getreu
- Translational Ovarian Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Helen O'Neill
- Genome Editing and Reproductive Genetics Group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Fevzi Shakir
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Joseph Yazbek
- West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Meen-Yau Thum
- Lister Fertility Clinic, The Lister Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - Jara Ben Nagi
- Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health, London, UK
| | | | - Cesar Diaz-Garcia
- IVI London, IVIRMA Global, London, UK.,EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Benjamin P Jones
- West London Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, UK.,Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Canosa S, Cimadomo D, Conforti A, Maggiulli R, Giancani A, Tallarita A, Golia F, Fabozzi G, Vaiarelli A, Gennarelli G, Revelli A, Bongioanni F, Alviggi C, Ubaldi FM, Rienzi L. The effect of extended cryo-storage following vitrification on embryo competence: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:873-882. [PMID: 35119549 PMCID: PMC9050987 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02405-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Few studies explored whether prolonged cryo-storage after vitrification affects embryo competence and perinatal outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims at highlighting any putative impact of cryo-storage duration on cryo-survival, miscarriage, live birth and major malformations. METHODS A systematic review was performed using MEDLINE (PubMed), ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus and Embase databases up to June 2021. Data were combined to obtain a pooled OR, and meta-analysis was conducted using a random effects model. Out of 1,389 screened abstracts, 22 papers were assessed for eligibility, and 5 studies were included (N = 18,047 embryos). Prolonged cryo-storage was defined as > 12 months (N = 3389 embryos). Subgroup analysis was performed for untested vitrified cleavage stage embryos (N = 1739 embryos) and for untested and euploid vitrified blastocysts (N = 13,596 and 2712 embryos, respectively). RESULTS Survival rate, miscarriage, live birth and major malformation rates were all similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION These data further support the safety of long-term cryo-storage of human embryos beyond 12 months. This is reassuring for good prognosis patients with surplus embryos, couples seeking a second child from supernumerary embryos and women postponing the transfer for clinical or personal reasons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Canosa
- Livet, GeneraLife IVF, Turin, Italy
| | - D Cimadomo
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy
| | - A Conforti
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - R Maggiulli
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy.
| | - A Giancani
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy
| | - A Tallarita
- Genera Veneto, GeneraLife IVF, Marostica, Italy
| | - F Golia
- Clinica Ruesch, GeneraLife IVF, Naples, Italy
| | - G Fabozzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy
| | - A Vaiarelli
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - C Alviggi
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - F M Ubaldi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy
| | - L Rienzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GeneraLife IVF, Rome, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Poli M, Capalbo A. Oocyte Cryopreservation at a Young Age Provides an Effective Strategy for Expanding Fertile Lifespan. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2021; 3:704283. [PMID: 36304057 PMCID: PMC9580690 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.704283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
With an upward trend in delaying parenthood, women across the world face an increasing risk of age-related infertility and involuntary childlessness. Elective oocyte banking strategies offer women the possibility to protect part of their reproductive potential until personal finances, personal relationship, or career have stabilized. Timely collection and cryopreservation of oocytes when they are most competent and chromosomal abnormality rates have not yet escalated are crucial for achieving high live births through in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment at a later stage. To promote reproductive autonomy, women shall be informed about the decrease in fertility rates that sharply intensifies from the age of 35 years and the strategies available to maintain their reproductive potential. Together with this information, women should also recognize the limitations of available strategies including expected live birth rates, costs of the procedures, and overall approach performance, which is mainly associated with age at cryopreservation, number of oocytes banked, and age at accessing the banked oocytes. Evidence-based statistics are not yet available due to the relatively short period in which oocyte cryopreservation has been offered for elective purposes and the scarce number of patients returning for accessing their oocytes. However, to evaluate the applicability of fertility cryopreservation on a large scale, several theoretical models have been proposed to assess the expected efficacy and overall cost-effectiveness of different oocyte banking strategies. In this study, we review current oocyte cryopreservation methodologies, their applications, and outcomes. Moreover, we summarize current evidence regarding known parameters affecting oocyte banking efficacy. Finally, we discuss key points that could play a role in improving access to the service and optimization of oocyte banking frameworks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Poli
- Igenomix Italy, Marostica, Italy
- Centrum voor Kinderwens, Dijklander Hospital, Purmerend, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Maurizio Poli
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lin R, Zhou H, Wang C, Chen H, Shu J, Gan X, Xu K, Zhao X. Does longer storage of blastocysts with equal grades in a cryopreserved state affect the perinatal outcomes? Cryobiology 2021; 103:87-91. [PMID: 34520741 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AIM Although mammalian embryos could be preserved in liquid nitrogen for thousands of years in theoretical models, the viability of cryopreserved blastocyst with varying grades remains to be speculated. In this study, we aimed to determine whether the longer storage time of blastocysts with equal grades could negatively affect the perinatal outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Single vitrified-warmed blastocyst was divided into four grades (AA, AB/BA, BB, BC/CB) according to the blastocyst score when freezing, and each grade of blastocyst was categorized into four storage duration categories: 28 days-1 year, 1-3 years, 3-5 years, and ≥5 years. Then the perinatal outcomes with different storage time were analyzed. RESULTS Our results revealed that for blastocysts with the same grade, the length of storage time had no statistical effect on blastocyst survival rate, clinical pregnancy/implantation rate, live birth rate, and abortion rate. In addition, more advanced developmental blastocyst could obtain better pregnancy outcomes regardless of the cryopreservation length. Similar neonatal outcomes were obtained over time. CONCLUSIONS Cryopreservation time could not negatively affect the perinatal outcomes of blastocysts with equal grades. Efficient blastocyst cryopreservation technology by vitrification can help older women obtain high-quality embryos at a young age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyun Lin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, PR China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, PR China
| | - Caizhu Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, PR China
| | - Huanhua Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, PR China.
| | - Jinhui Shu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, PR China
| | - Xianyou Gan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, PR China
| | - Kongrong Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, PR China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Chronopoulou E, Raperport C, Sfakianakis A, Srivastava G, Homburg R. Elective oocyte cryopreservation for age-related fertility decline. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:1177-1186. [PMID: 33608838 PMCID: PMC7894970 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02072-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Women who pursue fertility at an advanced age are increasingly common. Family planning and sexual education have traditionally focused on contraception and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. A focus should now also be placed on fertility awareness and fertility preservation. This manuscript aims to give an update on the existing evidence around elective oocyte cryopreservation, also highlighting the need for fertility education and evidence-based, individualized counselling. METHODS A thorough electronic search was performed from the start of databases to March 2020 aiming to summarize the existing evidence around elective egg freezing, the logic behind its use, patient counselling and education, success rates and risks involved, regulation, cost-effectiveness, current status and future perspectives. RESULTS Clinician-led counselling regarding reproductive aging and fertility preservation is often overlooked. Elective oocyte cryopreservation is not a guarantee of live birth, and the answer regarding cost-effectiveness needs to be individualized. The existing studies on obstetric and perinatal outcomes following the use of egg freezing are, until now, reassuring. Constant monitoring of short-term and long-term outcomes, uniform regulation and evidence-based, individualized counselling is of paramount importance. CONCLUSIONS Elective oocyte cryopreservation is one of the most controversial aspects of the world of assisted reproduction, and a lot of questions remain unanswered. However, women today do have this option which was not available in the past. Elective oocyte cryopreservation for age-related fertility decline should be incorporated in women's reproductive options to ensure informed decisions and reproductive autonomy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Chronopoulou
- Homerton Fertility Centre, Homerton University Hospital, Homerton Row, Clapton, London, E9 6SR, UK.
| | - C Raperport
- Homerton Fertility Centre, Homerton University Hospital, Homerton Row, Clapton, London, E9 6SR, UK
- Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, Bethnal Green, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - A Sfakianakis
- Homerton Fertility Centre, Homerton University Hospital, Homerton Row, Clapton, London, E9 6SR, UK
| | - G Srivastava
- Homerton Fertility Centre, Homerton University Hospital, Homerton Row, Clapton, London, E9 6SR, UK
| | - R Homburg
- Homerton Fertility Centre, Homerton University Hospital, Homerton Row, Clapton, London, E9 6SR, UK
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Mateo-Otero Y, Yeste M, Damato A, Giaretta E. Cryopreservation and oxidative stress in porcine oocytes. Res Vet Sci 2021; 135:20-26. [PMID: 33418187 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Several vitrification protocols have been established for porcine oocytes so as to facilitate gene banking of female germplasm. Although live piglets have been successfully produced from pig oocytes vitrified at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage, the competence of vitrified oocytes to develop into the blastocyst stage is greatly compromised following cryopreservation. The focus of this review is to elucidate the impact of cryopreservation on the redox balance of pig oocytes, making special reference to the relevance of non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant defences. Besides, the regulation of gene expression in response to oxidative stress is also considered. Finally, we discuss the effects of supplementing maturation and vitrification media with the exogenous non-enzymatic antioxidants that have hitherto yielded the most relevant results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain.
| | - Anna Damato
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Elisa Giaretta
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padova, Legnaro, PD, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Fifteen Year Regional Center Experience in Sperm Banking for Cancer Patients: Use and Reproductive Outcomes in Survivors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13010116. [PMID: 33401381 PMCID: PMC7796110 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Sperm cryopreservation before gonadotoxic iatrogenic treatments is the only method currently available to preserve fertility in men with cancer. The aims of this study were to report our 15 years of experience, the clinical outcomes of assisted reproductive treatments as well as neonatal characteristics of babies born. We retrospectively reviewed 682 oncological patients who were referred to our center from 2004 to 2019 for fertility preservation. Data regarding cancer diagnosis, age, and the use of frozen semen were analyzed. The cumulative live-birth delivery rate per couple was 35%. No stillbirths, as well as no malformations in the babies born, were recorded. These successful findings demonstrated that pregnancy could be safely achieved using frozen-thawed sperm of cancer survivors who cryopreserved before gonadotoxic therapies. Abstract Cancer treatments frequently impair the reproductive ability of patients by damaging spermatogenesis. International guidelines recommend semen cryopreservation to preserve the fertility of oncological adult males and pubertal boys. However, due to the low usage rate of banked samples, not a lot of data on assisted reproductive treatments (ART) success rates in this population and follow-up data for children born are available in the literature. The aims of this study were to report our 15 years of experience, the clinical outcomes of ART as well as neonatal characteristics of babies born. We retrospectively reviewed 682 oncological patients who were referred to our center from 2004 to 2019 for fertility preservation. Over the years, only 26 patients (4%) returned to use their sperm by ART. They were survivors of leukemia and lymphomas (52%), testicular cancer (20%), and other malignant diseases (28%). These couples performed 45 cycles: 34 intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) plus 11 frozen embryo transfers. A total of 13 children were born, with 35% of the cumulative live-birth delivery rate per couple. No stillbirths or malformations were recorded. These successful findings demonstrated that pregnancy could be safely achieved using frozen-thawed sperm of cancer survivors who cryopreserved before gonadotoxic therapies.
Collapse
|
25
|
Lipidomic changes in mouse oocytes vitrified in PEG 8000-supplemented vitrification solutions. Cryobiology 2020; 99:140-148. [PMID: 33242477 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2020.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Cryopreserved oocytes are inevitably exposed to cold stress, which negatively affects the cellular aspects of the oocytes. Lipidomic analysis of the oocytes reveals quantitative changes in lipid classes under conditions of cold stress, leading to potential freezing-vulnerability. We had previously shown that specific phospholipids are significantly downregulated in vitrified-warmed mouse oocytes compared to those in fresh oocytes. In this study, we examined whether supplementation of polyethylene glycol 8000 (PEG 8000) during vitrification influences the lipidome of the oocytes. We used liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to study the alteration in the lipidome in three groups of mouse oocytes: fresh, vitrified-warmed, and vitrified with PEG 8000-warmed during vitrification. In these groups, we targeted to analyze 21 lipid classes. We profiled 132 lipid species in the oocytes and statistical analyses revealed lipid classes that were up- or downregulated in these groups. Overall, our data revealed that several classes of lipids were affected during vitrification, and that oocytes vitrified with PEG 8000 to some extent alleviated the levels of changes in phospholipid and sphingolipid contents during vitrification. These results suggest that phospholipids and sphingolipids are influenced by PEG 8000 during vitrification and that PEG 8000 can be considered as a potential candidate for preserving membrane integrity during oocyte cryopreservation.
Collapse
|
26
|
Perachino M, Massarotti C, Razeti MG, Parisi F, Arecco L, Damassi A, Fregatti P, Solinas C, Lambertini M. Gender-specific aspects related to type of fertility preservation strategies and access to fertility care. ESMO Open 2020; 5:e000771. [PMID: 33115753 PMCID: PMC7594356 DOI: 10.1136/esmoopen-2020-000771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Survivorship is an area of paramount importance to be addressed as early as possible after cancer diagnosis by all health care providers. On this regard, cancer care in young patients often poses several age-related considerations among which fertility and pregnancy-related issues have a crucial role. According to the available guidelines on the topic, all patients with cancer diagnosed during their reproductive years should be provided a proper oncofertility counselling before starting anticancer treatments. This is an important step in order to inform patients about the potential treatment-induced gonadotoxicity and the available strategies for fertility preservation so that they can be referred as early as possible to fertility specialists if potentially interested in these options.In this manuscript, we aim to provide an up to date overview on the available efficacy and safety data with the main strategies for fertility preservation in male and female cancer patients in order to help optimising the oncofertility counselling performed by healthcare providers involved in cancer care and dealing with young patients. In male patients with cancer, sperm cryopreservation is the standard technique for fertility preservation. Oocyte/embryo cryopreservation, ovarian tissue cryopreservation and temporary ovarian suppression with luteinising hormone-releasing hormone agonists during chemotherapy are the main options in female patients with cancer.A multidisciplinary management building a strong network between fertility and oncology/haematology units is crucial to properly address fertility care in all young patients with cancer, at both diagnosis and during oncologic follow-up. Discussing fertility and pregnancy-related issues with young patients with cancer has to be considered mandatory nowadays keeping in mind that returning to a normal life (including the possibility to have a family and to live with as few side effects as possible) should be considered an important ambition in cancer care in the 21st century .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Perachino
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Liguria, Italy; Department of Medical Oncology, U.O.C Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Claudia Massarotti
- Physiopatology of Human Reproduction Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Razeti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Liguria, Italy; Department of Medical Oncology, U.O.C Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Francesca Parisi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Liguria, Italy; Department of Medical Oncology, U.O.C Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Luca Arecco
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Liguria, Italy; Department of Medical Oncology, U.O.C Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Damassi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Liguria, Italy; Department of Medical Oncology, U.O.C Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Piero Fregatti
- Department of Surgery, U.O.C. Clinica di Chirurgia Senologica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy; Department of Integrated Diagnostic Surgical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Cinzia Solinas
- Medical Oncology, Azienda Tutela della Salute Sardegna, Hospital A. Segni Ozieri, Sassari, Italy
| | - Matteo Lambertini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (DiMI), School of Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Liguria, Italy; Department of Medical Oncology, U.O.C Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Effects of vitrification and cryostorage duration on single-cell RNA-Seq profiling of vitrified-thawed human metaphase II oocytes. Front Med 2020; 15:144-154. [PMID: 32876878 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-020-0792-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Oocyte cryopreservation is widely used for clinical and social reasons. Previous studies have demonstrated that conventional slow-freezing cryopreservation procedures, but not storage time, can alter the gene expression profiles of frozen oocytes. Whether vitrification procedures and the related frozen storage durations have any effects on the transcriptomes of human metaphase II oocytes remain unknown. Four women (30-32 years old) who had undergone IVF treatment were recruited for this study. RNA-Seq profiles of 3 fresh oocytes and 13 surviving vitrified-thawed oocytes (3, 3, 4, and 3 oocytes were cryostored for 1,2, 3, and 12 months) were analyzed at a single-cell resolution. A total of 1987 genes were differentially expressed in the 13 vitrified-thawed oocytes. However, no differentially expressed genes were found between any two groups among the 1-, 2-, 3-, and 12-month storage groups. Further analysis revealed that the aberrant genes in the vitrified oocytes were closely related to oogenesis and development. Our findings indicated that the effects of vitrification on the transcriptomes of mature human oocytes are induced by the procedure itself, suggesting that long-term cryostorage of human oocytes is safe.
Collapse
|
28
|
Qin Q, Zhao L, Liu Z, Liu T, Qu J, Zhang X, Li R, Yan L, Yan J, Jin S, Wang J, Qiao J. Bioinspired l-Proline Oligomers for the Cryopreservation of Oocytes via Controlling Ice Growth. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:18352-18362. [PMID: 32227894 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c02719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Various types of cells are routinely cryopreserved in modern regenerative and cell-based medicines. For instance, the oocyte is one of the most demanding cells to be cryopreserved in genetic engineering and human-assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, the usage of cryopreserved oocytes in ART clinics is still limited mainly because of the unstable survival rate. This is due to the fact that oocytes are more prone to be damaged by ice crystals in comparison to other cells, as oocytes are larger in size and surface area. Meanwhile, oocytes contain more water, and thus, ice crystals are easier to form inside the cells. Currently, to avoid injury by the formed ice crystals, cryopreservation (CP) of oocytes has to use large amounts of small molecules as cryoprotectants such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ethylene glycol (EG), which can permeate into the cell and prevent ice formation inside. However, these molecules are chemically and epigenetically toxic to cells. Therefore, great efforts have been focused on reducing the amount of DMSO and EG used for oocyte CP. In nature, the antifreeze (glyco)proteins (AFGPs) locate extracellularly with the ability to protect living organisms from freezing damage via controlling ice growth. Inspired by this, biocompatible and nontoxic L-proline oligomers (L-Pron), which have the same polyproline II helix structure as that of AFGPs, are first employed for the CP of oocytes. The experimental results reveal that L-Pro8 has a profound activity in inhibiting ice growth as that of AFGP8. Also, by the addition of 50 mM L-Pro8, the amount of DMSO and EG can be greatly reduced by ca. 1.8 M for oocyte CP; moreover, the survival rate of the cryopreserved oocytes is increased up to 99.11%, and the coefficient of variance of the survival rate is decreased from 7.47 to 2.15%. These results mean that almost all oocytes can survive after CP with our method; importantly, the mitochondrial function as a critical criterion for the quality of the frozen-thawed oocytes is also improved. It is proposed that with the addition of L-Pro8, the extracellular ice growth is slowed down, which prevents the direct injuries of cells by large ice crystals and the accompanying osmotic pressure increase. As such, this work is not only significant for meeting the ever-increasing demand by the ART clinics but also gives guidance for designing materials in controlling ice growth during CP of other cells and tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingyuan Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 North Hua Yuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction, Beijing 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Lishan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Green Printing, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Zhang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Green Printing, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 North Hua Yuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction, Beijing 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jiangxue Qu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 North Hua Yuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction, Beijing 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 North Hua Yuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction, Beijing 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Rong Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 North Hua Yuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction, Beijing 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Liying Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 North Hua Yuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction, Beijing 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jie Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 North Hua Yuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction, Beijing 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Shenglin Jin
- Key Laboratory of Green Printing, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Jianjun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Green Printing, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, No. 49 North Hua Yuan Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproduction, Beijing 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Eroglu B, Szurek EA, Schall P, Latham KE, Eroglu A. Probing lasting cryoinjuries to oocyte-embryo transcriptome. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231108. [PMID: 32251418 PMCID: PMC7135251 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical applications of oocytes cryopreservation include preservation of future fertility of young cancer patients, substitution of embryo freezing to avoid associated legal and ethical issues, and delaying childbearing years. While the outcome of oocyte cryopreservation has recently been improved, currently used vitrification method still suffer from increased biosafety risk and handling issues while slow freezing techniques yield overall low success. Understanding better the mechanism of cryopreservation-induced injuries may lead to development of more reliable and safe methods for oocyte cryopreservation. Using the mouse model, a microarray study was conducted on oocyte cryopreservation to identify cryoinjuries to transcriptionally active genome. To this end, metaphase II (MII) oocytes were subjected to standard slow freezing, and then analyzed at the four-cell stage after embryonic genome activation. Non-frozen four-cell embryos served as controls. Differentially expressed genes were identified and validated using RT-PCR. Embryos produced from the cryopreserved oocytes displayed 200 upregulated and 105 downregulated genes, associated with the regulation of mitochondrial function, protein ubiquitination and maintenance, cellular response to stress and oxidative states, fatty acid and lipid regulation/metabolism, and cell cycle maintenance. These findings reveal previously unrecognized effects of standard slow oocyte freezing on embryonic gene expression, which can be used to guide improvement of oocyte cryopreservation methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Binnur Eroglu
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia/Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States of America
| | - Edyta A. Szurek
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia/Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States of America
| | - Peter Schall
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources/Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
| | - Keith E. Latham
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources/Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
| | - Ali Eroglu
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia/Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Georgia/Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Scaruffi P, Stigliani S, Cardinali B, Massarotti C, Lambertini M, Sozzi F, Dellepiane C, Merlo DF, Anserini P, Del Mastro L. Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Agonists Have an Anti-apoptotic Effect on Cumulus Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20236045. [PMID: 31801245 PMCID: PMC6928931 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20236045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Ovaries are sensitive to chemotherapy, which may lead to early depletion of primordial follicle reserve. One strategy for gonadal function preservation is temporary ovarian suppression with Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone agonists (GnRHa) during chemotherapy. To date, GnRHa protective mechanism of action remains not fully elucidated. Methods: We collected 260 immature cumulus cell-oocyte complexes (COC) from 111 women < 38 years old, with a normal ovarian reserve. The COC were randomly assigned to the following groups: (a) control; culture with the addition of (b) GnRHa; (c) cyclophosphamide; (d) cyclophosphamide plus GnRHa. After in vitro treatments, RNA and proteins were extracted from oocytes and cumulus cells (CC), separately. Potential effects of drugs were evaluated on GnRH receptors, apoptosis pathways, ceramide pathway, and glutathione synthesis by quantitative PCR and, whenever possible, by Western blot. Results: Cyclophosphamide triggered activation of the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis mediated by BAX in CC. The co-administration of GnRHa inhibited the apoptosis pathway in CC. According to our model, the GnRHa does not directly act on oocytes, which do not express GnRH receptors. Moreover, glutathione synthesis was decreased after GnRHa treatment both in CC and oocytes. Conclusion: Our data suggest that the protective mechanisms induced by GnRHa is mediated by an anti-apoptotic effect on CC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Scaruffi
- UOS Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (P.S.); (S.S.); (F.S.); (P.A.)
| | - Sara Stigliani
- UOS Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (P.S.); (S.S.); (F.S.); (P.A.)
| | - Barbara Cardinali
- Breast Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (B.C.); (C.D.); (L.D.M.)
| | - Claudia Massarotti
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Matteo Lambertini
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- U.O.C. Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-010-555-4254
| | - Fausta Sozzi
- UOS Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (P.S.); (S.S.); (F.S.); (P.A.)
| | - Chiara Dellepiane
- Breast Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (B.C.); (C.D.); (L.D.M.)
| | - Domenico Franco Merlo
- Infrastruttura Ricerca e Statistica, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy;
| | - Paola Anserini
- UOS Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (P.S.); (S.S.); (F.S.); (P.A.)
| | - Lucia Del Mastro
- Breast Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (B.C.); (C.D.); (L.D.M.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Li X, Zhang W, Fu J, Xu Y, Gu R, Qu R, Li L, Sun Y, Sun X. MicroRNA-451 is downregulated in the follicular fluid of women with endometriosis and influences mouse and human embryonic potential. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2019; 17:96. [PMID: 31744497 PMCID: PMC6862852 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-019-0538-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous work demonstrated that there are numerous miRNAs in human follicular fluids, some of which are associated with reproductive diseases. In the current study, we sought to determine whether microRNAs (miRNAs) in the follicular fluid (FF) are differentially expressed between women with and without endometriosis and to uncover the association of miRNAs with the oocyte and embryonic development potential. METHODS FF was harvested from 30 women with endometriosis and 30 women without who underwent in vitro fertilization treatment at the University Hospital between February and December 2016. The FF samples were subjected to miRNA profiling and validation via quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. Mouse/human metaphase-I (MI) oocytes were harvested and micro-injected with an miR-451 inhibitor, and the effects of miR-451 knockdown on Wnt/WNT signalling genes were investigated. RESULTS Oocyte number, fertilization rate, and number of available embryos were decreased significantly in women with endometriosis relative to those without endometriosis. Hsa-miR-451 in FF was downregulated in endometriosis patients relative to control subjects (P < 0.01). Moreover, the proportions of mouse/human MI oocytes that developed into 2-pronuclei (2PN), 2-cell, 8-10-cell and blastocyst-stage embryos were affected by miR-451 knockdown in mouse/human oocytes. Components of the Wnt signalling pathway were aberrantly expressed in the mouse/human oocytes and embryos in the miR-451 inhibitor-injected group. CONCLUSIONS miR-451 was downregulated in FF samples from endometriosis patients and was modestly effective in distinguishing endometriosis patients from non-endometriosis patients. miR-451 downregulation in mouse and human oocytes affected pre-implantation embryogenesis by suppressing the Wnt signalling pathway. This miRNA might serve as a novel biomarker of oocyte and embryo quality in assisted reproductive treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Li
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Wenbi Zhang
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Jing Fu
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Ruihuan Gu
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Ronggui Qu
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Lu Li
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yijuan Sun
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xiaoxi Sun
- Shanghai Ji Ai Genetics & IVF Institute, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Dynactin pathway-related gene expression is altered by aging, but not by vitrification. Reprod Toxicol 2019; 88:48-55. [PMID: 31260804 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2019.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The storage of surplus oocytes by cryopreservation (OC) is a widely used tool in assisted reproductive technology, but there is a great debate about the effects of cryopreservation on oocyte competence. It is known that OC may affect meiotic spindles but remains unclear if OC may increase the risk of aneuploidy. The aim of this study was to test the effects of OC and women aging on the expression of cytokinesis-related genes playing an important role in the segregation of chromosomes (DCTN1, DCTN2, DCTN3, DCTN6 and PLK1). Results highlighted that OC do not modify the expression of the selected genes, whereas women aging modulate the expression of all transcripts, confirming that aging is the crucial factor affecting meiosis and aneuploidy risk. A new role for Dynactin and PLK1 was shed in light, providing information on the ageing process in the oocyte which may be associated to reduced fertility.
Collapse
|
33
|
Ice age: Cryopreservation in assisted reproduction – An update. Reprod Biol 2019; 19:119-126. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
|
34
|
Transcriptome analysis of porcine immature oocytes and surrounding cumulus cells after vitrification and in vitro maturation. Theriogenology 2019; 134:90-97. [PMID: 31158735 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cryopreservation impairs oocyte quality, which may be associated with abnormal gene expression. Currently, alteration of mRNA levels in vitrified porcine oocytes has not been well characterized. The aim of this study was to analyze transcriptome profiles with RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) in porcine immature oocytes and their surrounding cumulus cells (CCs) after vitrification and in vitro maturation (IVM). There were 19 upregulated and 18 downregulated genes differentially expressed in vitrified oocytes, with no significant GO enrichment or KEGG pathway identified for these genes. In addition, CCs derived from vitrified oocytes had 40 significantly upregulated and 100 significantly downregulated genes. In total, 7 GO terms were significantly enriched in molecular function and biological process, and only MAPK signaling pathway reached significant enrichment based on KEGG analysis. Moreover, selected differentially expressed genes had similar expression patterns through comparison between results from qRT-PCR and RNA-Seq. In conclusion, our data provided detailed information on mRNA transcriptomes in porcine immature oocytes and CCs after vitrification and IVM, which offered now insights regarding reduced developmental potential of the vitrified oocytes.
Collapse
|
35
|
Stigliani S, Moretti S, Casciano I, Canepa P, Remorgida V, Anserini P, Scaruffi P. Presence of aggregates of smooth endoplasmic reticulum in MII oocytes affects oocyte competence: molecular-based evidence. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 24:310-317. [PMID: 29635518 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gay018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does the presence of aggregates of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SERa) impact the transcriptome of human metaphase II (MII) oocytes?. SUMMARY ANSWER The presence of SERa alters the molecular status of human metaphase II oocytes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Oocytes presenting SERa are considered dysmorphic. Oocytes with SERa (SERa+) have been associated with reduced embryological outcome and increased risk of congenital anomalies, although some authors have reported that SERa+ oocytes can lead to healthy newborns. The question of whether or not SERa+ oocytes should be discarded is still open for debate, and no experimental information about the effect of the presence of SERa on the oocyte molecular status is available. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study included 28 women, aged <38 years, without any ovarian pathology, and undergoing IVF treatment. Supernumerary MII oocytes with no sign of morphological alterations as well as SERa+ oocytes were donated after written informed consent. A total of 31 oocytes without SERa (SERa-) and 24 SERa+ oocytes were analyzed. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Pools of 8-10 oocytes for both group were prepared. Total RNA was extracted from each pool, amplified, labeled and hybridized on oligonucleotide microarrays. Analyses were performed by R software using the limma package. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The expression profiles of SERa+ oocytes significantly differed from those of SERa- oocytes in 488 probe sets corresponding to 102 down-regulated and 283 up-regulated unique transcripts. Gene Ontology analysis by DAVID bioinformatics disclosed that genes involved in three main biological processes were significantly down-regulated in SERa+ oocytes respective to SERa- oocytes: (i) cell and mitotic/meiotic nuclear division, spindle assembly, chromosome partition and G2/M transition of mitotic cell cycle; (ii) organization of cytoskeleton and microtubules; and (iii) mitochondrial structure and activity. Among the transcripts up-regulated in SERa+ oocytes, the most significantly (P = 0.002) enriched GO term was 'GoLoco motif', including the RAP1GAP, GPSM3 and GPSM1 genes. LARGE SCALE DATA Raw microarray data are accessible through GEO Series accession number GSE106222 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE106222). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Data validation in a larger cohort of samples would be beneficial, although we applied stringent criteria for gene selection (fold-change >3 or <1/3 and FDR < 0.1). Surveys on clinical outcomes, malformation rates and follow-up of babies born after transfer of embryos from SERa+ oocytes are necessary. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS We provide information on the molecular status of SERa+ oocytes, highlighting possible associations between presence of SERa, altered oocyte physiology and reduced developmental competence. Our study may offer further information that can assist embryologists to make decisions on whether, and with what possible implications, SERa+ oocytes should be used. We believe that the presence of SERa should be still a 'red flag' in IVF practices and that the decision to inseminate SERa+ oocytes should be discussed on a case-by-case basis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(s) This study was partially supported by Ferring Pharmaceuticals. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Stigliani
- Unit of Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Ida Casciano
- Unit of Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Pierandrea Canepa
- Unit of Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Paola Anserini
- Unit of Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Scaruffi
- Unit of Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Ubaldi FM, Cimadomo D, Vaiarelli A, Fabozzi G, Venturella R, Maggiulli R, Mazzilli R, Ferrero S, Palagiano A, Rienzi L. Advanced Maternal Age in IVF: Still a Challenge? The Present and the Future of Its Treatment. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:94. [PMID: 30842755 PMCID: PMC6391863 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced maternal age (AMA; >35 year) is associated with a decline in both ovarian reserve and oocyte competence. At present, no remedies are available to counteract the aging-related fertility decay, however different therapeutic approaches can be offered to women older than 35 year undergoing IVF. This review summarizes the main current strategies proposed for the treatment of AMA: (i) oocyte cryopreservation to conduct fertility preservation for medical reasons or "social freezing" for non-medical reasons, (ii) personalized controlled ovarian stimulation to maximize the exploitation of the ovarian reserve in each patient, (iii) enhancement of embryo selection via blastocyst-stage preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies and frozen single embryo transfer, or (iv) oocyte donation in case of minimal/null residual chance of pregnancy. Future strategies and tools are in the pipeline that might minimize the risks of AMA through non-invasive approaches for embryo selection (e.g., molecular analyses of leftover products of IVF, such as spent culture media). These are yet challenging but potentially ground-breaking perspectives promising a lower clinical workload with a higher cost-effectiveness. We also reviewed emerging experimental therapeutic approaches to attempt at restoring maternal reproductive potential, e.g., spindle-chromosomal complex, pronuclear or mitochondrial transfer, and chromosome therapy. In vitro generation of gametes is also an intriguing challenge for the future. Lastly, since infertility is a social issue, social campaigns, and education among future generations are desirable to promote the awareness of the impact of age and lifestyle habits upon fertility. This should be a duty of the clinical operators in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Maria Ubaldi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Danilo Cimadomo
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Danilo Cimadomo
| | - Alberto Vaiarelli
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Gemma Fabozzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Venturella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Roberta Maggiulli
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Mazzilli
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Ferrero
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Palagiano
- Department of Gynecological, Obstetrical and Reproductive Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, G.en.e.r.a. Centers for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
State of the art on oocyte cryopreservation in female cancer patients: A critical review of the literature. Cancer Treat Rev 2017; 57:50-57. [PMID: 28550713 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2017.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
During the last decades, important advances in therapeutic options have led to increased survival rates in cancer patients; however, cancer treatments are associated with several potential adverse effects including infertility in those diagnosed during their reproductive years. A proper discussion about fertility preservation options before the use of therapies with potential gonadotoxicity (i.e. oncofertility counseling) is standard of care and should be offered to all patients of childbearing age. Temporary ovarian suppression with LH-RH analogs, oocyte and embryo cryopreservation are standard strategies for fertility preservation in female cancer patients. Oocyte cryopreservation should be preferred to embryo cryopreservation when this latter is prohibited by law, avoided for ethical or religious issues and in single women refusing sperm donation. Despite the increasing use of this strategy, data are still lacking about the efficacy and safety of the procedure in female cancer patients, with most of the evidence on this regard deriving from infertile non-oncologic women. This article aims at critically review the available evidence about the success of oocyte cryopreservation in female cancer patients with the final goal to further improve the oncofertility counseling of these women.
Collapse
|
38
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Elective oocyte cryopreservation for deferred childbearing has gained popularity worldwide, commensurate with increased knowledge regarding age-related fertility decline. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent data regarding trends in delayed childbearing, review recent findings surrounding age-related fertility decline, acknowledge significant gaps in knowledge among patients and providers regarding fertility decline and review outcomes following elective oocyte cryopreservation. RECENT FINDINGS Despite an inevitable decline in fertility and increase in miscarriage with increasing female age, there is a growing worldwide trend to delay childbearing. Patients and providers alike demonstrate large gaps in knowledge surrounding age-related fertility decline. Oocyte cryopreservation is clinically approved for medically indicated fertility preservation, but a growing number of women are using oocyte cryopreservation to defer childbearing and maintain reproductive autonomy. Mounting data support the efficacy and safety of oocyte cryopreservation when used to electively defer childbearing, with recent studies demonstrating rates of euploidy, implantation and live birth rates equivalent to in-vitro fertilization (IVF) with fresh oocytes. SUMMARY Oocyte cryopreservation provides women with an option to defer childbearing and maintain reproductive autonomy, with IVF success rates on par with fresh IVF. However, it is critical that patients understand the limitations of oocyte cryopreservation. Greater education regarding age-related fertility decline should be geared toward patients and providers to prevent unintended childlessness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kara N Goldman
- New York University Fertility Center (NYUFC), NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|