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He T, Xue X, Shi J. Effect of re-cryopreservation on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes: Analysis using propensity score matching. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024; 164:684-692. [PMID: 37574836 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15023] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To comprehensively assess the effect of re-cryopreservation procedure on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes by using propensity matching (PSM) analysis. METHODS The patients were divided into two groups according to the times of embryo cryopreservation: the cryopreservation group (n = 8034) and the re-cryopreservation group (n = 66). To optimize the precision of the present study, we used PSM to adjust the different baseline characteristics between the two groups, including maternal age, the number of good-quality embryos transferred and endometrial preparation protocols. The primary outcome was live-birth rate. The secondary outcomes were biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and miscarriage rate. RESULTS We found that the rates of biochemical pregnancy and clinical pregnancy were comparable between the two groups, whereas miscarriage rate was increased, resulting in significantly reduced live-birth rate in the re-cryopreservation group. No differences were observed in terms of neonatal outcomes, including cesarean section, birth weight, and malformation as well as pregnancy complications. Moreover, multivariable analysis demonstrated that re-cryopreservation was an independent risk factor for live-birth rate. CONCLUSION The present study demonstrated the adverse effect of re-cryopreservation on pregnancy outcomes, providing valuable information for clinical decision making and patient counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting He
- Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Xia Xue
- Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Juanzi Shi
- Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
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Pérez-Sánchez M, Pardiñas ML, Díez-Juan A, Quiñonero A, Domínguez F, Martin A, Vidal C, Beltrán D, Mifsud A, Mercader A, Pellicer A, Cobo A, de Los Santos MJ. The effect of vitrification on blastocyst mitochondrial DNA dynamics and gene expression profiles. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2577-2589. [PMID: 37801195 PMCID: PMC10643482 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02952-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Does vitrification/warming affect the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content and the gene expression profile of blastocysts? METHODS Prospective cohort study in which 89 blastocysts were obtained from 50 patients between July 2017 and August 2018. mtDNA was measured in a total of 71 aneuploid blastocysts by means of real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Transcriptomic analysis was performed by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) in an additional 8 aneuploid blastocysts cultured for 0 h after warming, and 10 aneuploid blastocysts cultured for 4-5 h after warming. RESULTS A significant decrease in mtDNA content just during the first hour after the warming process in blastocysts was found (P < 0.05). However, mtDNA content experimented a significantly increased along the later culture hours achieving the original mtDNA levels before vitrification after 4-5 h of culture (P < 0.05). Gene expression analysis and functional enrichment analysis revealed that such recovery was accompanied by upregulation of pathways associated with embryo developmental capacity and uterine embryo development. Interestingly, the significant increase in mtDNA content observed in blastocysts just after warming also coincided with the differential expression of several cellular stress response-related pathways, such as apoptosis, DNA damage, humoral immune responses, and cancer. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating in humans, a modulation in blastocysts mtDNA content in response to vitrification and warming. These results will be useful in understanding which pathways and mechanisms may be activated in human blastocysts following vitrification and warming before a transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Pérez-Sánchez
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106 - Torre A, Planta 1ª, 46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - Maria Luisa Pardiñas
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106 - Torre A, Planta 1ª, 46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Díez-Juan
- Department of Research, Igenomix, Parque Tecnológico, Rda. de Narcís Monturiol, nº11, B, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Alicia Quiñonero
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106 - Torre A, Planta 1ª, 46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco Domínguez
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106 - Torre A, Planta 1ª, 46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - Angel Martin
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106 - Torre A, Planta 1ª, 46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmina Vidal
- Department of Gynaecology, IVIRMA Global, Plaça de La Policía Local, 3, Valencia, 46015, Spain
| | - Diana Beltrán
- IVF Laboratory, IVIRMA Global, Plaça de La Policía Local, 3, 46015, Valencia, Spain
| | - Amparo Mifsud
- IVF Laboratory, IVIRMA Global, Plaça de La Policía Local, 3, 46015, Valencia, Spain
| | - Amparo Mercader
- IVF Laboratory, IVIRMA Global, Plaça de La Policía Local, 3, 46015, Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Pellicer
- Department of Gynaecology, IVIRMA Global, Largo Ildebrando Pizzetti, 1, Rome, 00197, Italy
| | - Ana Cobo
- IVF Laboratory, IVIRMA Global, Plaça de La Policía Local, 3, 46015, Valencia, Spain
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Li XH, Sun MH, Jiang WJ, Zhou D, Lee SH, Heo G, Chen Z, Cui XS. ZSCAN4 Regulates Zygotic Genome Activation and Telomere Elongation in Porcine Parthenogenetic Embryos. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12121. [PMID: 37569497 PMCID: PMC10418334 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc finger and SCAN domain-containing 4 (ZSCAN4), a DNA-binding protein, maintains telomere length and plays a key role in critical aspects of mouse embryonic stem cells, including maintaining genomic stability and defying cellular senescence. However, the effect of ZSCAN4 in porcine parthenogenetic embryos remains unclear. To investigate the function of ZSCAN4 and the underlying mechanism in porcine embryo development, ZSCAN4 was knocked down via dsRNA injection in the one-cell stage. ZSCAN4 was highly expressed in the four- and five- to eight-cell stages in porcine embryos. The percentage of four-cell stage embryos, five- to eight-cell stage embryos, and blastocysts was lower in the ZSCAN4 knockdown group than in the control group. Notably, depletion of ZSCAN4 induced the protein expression of DNMT1 and 5-Methylcytosine (5mC, a methylated form of the DNA base cytosine) in the four-cell stage. The H3K27ac level and ZGA genes expression decreased following ZSCAN4 knockdown. Furthermore, ZSCAN4 knockdown led to DNA damage and shortened telomere compared with the control. Additionally, DNMT1-dsRNA was injected to reduce DNA hypermethylation in ZSCAN4 knockdown embryos. DNMT1 knockdown rescued telomere shortening and developmental defects caused by ZSCAN4 knockdown. In conclusion, ZSCAN4 is involved in the regulation of transcriptional activity and is essential for maintaining telomere length by regulating DNMT1 expression in porcine ZGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Han Li
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Ming-Hong Sun
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Wen-Jie Jiang
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongjie Zhou
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Song-Hee Lee
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Geun Heo
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Zhi Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xiang-Shun Cui
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
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Leys K, Stroe MS, Annaert P, Van Cruchten S, Carpentier S, Allegaert K, Smits A. Pharmacokinetics during therapeutic hypothermia in neonates: from pathophysiology to translational knowledge and physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2023; 19:461-477. [PMID: 37470686 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2023.2237412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Perinatal asphyxia (PA) still causes significant morbidity and mortality. Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is the only effective therapy for neonates with moderate to severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy after PA. These neonates need additional pharmacotherapy, and both PA and TH may impact physiology and, consequently, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD). AREAS COVERED This review provides an overview of the available knowledge in PubMed (until November 2022) on the pathophysiology of neonates with PA/TH. In vivo pig models for this setting enable distinguishing the effect of PA versus TH on PK and translating this effect to human neonates. Available asphyxia pig models and methodological considerations are described. A summary of human neonatal PK of supportive pharmacotherapy to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes is provided. EXPERT OPINION To support drug development for this population, knowledge from clinical observations (PK data, real-world data on physiology), preclinical (in vitro and in vivo (minipig)) data, and molecular and cellular biology insights can be integrated into a predictive physiologically-based PK (PBPK) framework, as illustrated by the I-PREDICT project (Innovative physiology-based pharmacokinetic model to predict drug exposure in neonates undergoing cooling therapy). Current knowledge, challenges, and expert opinion on the future directions of this research topic are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Leys
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marina-Stefania Stroe
- Comparative Perinatal Development, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Pieter Annaert
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- BioNotus GCV, Niel, Belgium
| | - Steven Van Cruchten
- Comparative Perinatal Development, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Karel Allegaert
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus MC, GA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Child and Youth Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anne Smits
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Child and Youth Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Shen X, Ding M, Yan Y, Huang C, Wang S, Zhou J, Xing J. Perinatal outcomes of singletons following double vitrification-warming procedures: a retrospective study using propensity score analysis. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:30. [PMID: 36641430 PMCID: PMC9840308 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05369-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although repeated cryopreservation is an occasional occurrence, the effect on perinatal outcomes is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the perinatal outcomes of singletons after embryo re-cryopreservation. METHODS In this retrospective study, a total of 647 singleton live births after blastocyst freeze-thaw embryo transfer cycles were investigated. They were divided into two groups: vitrified-warmed blastocysts (once-vitrified group) and vitrified-warmed blastocysts derived from thawed cleaved embryos (re-vitrified group). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to control for potential confounding factors. RESULTS A total of 592 infants were included in the once-vitrified group, and 55 infants were included in the re-vitrified group. After PSM, 108 cases were generated for comparison. The median gestational age was 38 weeks for both groups, and the birthweights were comparable (3390.6 ± 601.5 g vs. 3412.8 ± 672.6 g, P > 0.05). The incidence of preterm birth (PTB) (20.4% vs. 16.7%), low birthweight (LBW) (3.7% vs. 7.4%), macrosomia (11.1% vs. 16.7%) and large for gestational age (LGA) (29.6% vs. 22.2%) were not significantly different between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis indicated that double vitrification-warming procedures did not affect the occurrence of PTB (OR, 2.58 [95% CI, 0.77, 8.63]), LBW (OR, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.08, 8.29]), macrosomia (OR, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.13, 2.69]), or LGA (OR, 1.51 [95% CI, 0.53, 4.27]) (P > 0.05, for all). CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate that double vitrification-warming procedures do not increase the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes compared with those of once-vitrified embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyue Shen
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XReproductive Medicine Center, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, Zhongshan Road 321, Nanjing, 210008 China
| | - Min Ding
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XReproductive Medicine Center, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, Zhongshan Road 321, Nanjing, 210008 China
| | - Yuan Yan
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XReproductive Medicine Center, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, Zhongshan Road 321, Nanjing, 210008 China
| | - Chenyang Huang
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XReproductive Medicine Center, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, Zhongshan Road 321, Nanjing, 210008 China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- grid.41156.370000 0001 2314 964XReproductive Medicine Center, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, Zhongshan Road 321, Nanjing, 210008 China
| | - Jianjun Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, Zhongshan Road 321, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Jun Xing
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, Zhongshan Road 321, Nanjing, 210008, China.
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Li J, Zhu L, Huang J, Liu W, Han W, Huang G. Long-Term Storage Does Not Affect the Expression Profiles of mRNA and Long Non-Coding RNA in Vitrified-Warmed Human Embryos. Front Genet 2022; 12:751467. [PMID: 35178066 PMCID: PMC8844023 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.751467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although vitrification has been widely applied in assisted reproductive technology, it is unknown whether storage time has any impact on the mRNA and lncRNA expression profiles in human embryos. Eleven women (aged 23-35 years) who had undergone in vitro fertilization treatment were recruited for this study. The transcriptomes of 3 fresh eight-cell embryos and 8 surviving vitrified-warmed eight-cell embryos (4 embryos were cryostored for 3 years, and the others were cryostored for 8 years) were analyzed through single-cell RNA-Seq. No differentially expressed mRNAs or lncRNAs were identified between the 3-years group and 8-years group. A total of 128 mRNAs and 365 lncRNAs were differentially expressed in the 8 vitrified-warmed embryos compared with the fresh embryos. The vitrification-warming impact was moderate, and it was mainly related to the pathways of metabolism, stress response, apoptosis, cell cycle, cell adhesion, and signaling for TFG-β and Hippo. The analysis of target mRNAs suggested that lncRNAs might contribute to the regulation of mRNAs after vitrification-warming. Our findings indicated that long-term storage after vitrification does not affect the mRNA and lncRNA expression profiles in human embryos, however, the procedure of vitrification-warming would lead to minor alteration of transcriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Chongqing Reproductive and Genetics Institute, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Ling Zhu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Chongqing Reproductive and Genetics Institute, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin Huang
- Information Department, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Chongqing Reproductive and Genetics Institute, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Han
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Chongqing Reproductive and Genetics Institute, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
| | - Guoning Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Chongqing Reproductive and Genetics Institute, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing, China
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Xie Q, Du T, Zhao M, Gao C, Lyu Q, Suo L, Kuang Y. Advanced trophectoderm quality increases the risk of a large for gestational age baby in single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer cycles. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:2111-2120. [PMID: 33956949 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does trophectoderm (TE) quality affect birthweight after single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer? SUMMARY ANSWER Transfer of single blastocyst with advanced TE quality was associated with higher birthweight and increased risk of a large for gestational age (LGA) baby. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Transfer of blastocysts with advanced TE quality results in higher ongoing pregnancy rates and a lower miscarriage risk. However, data on the relationship between TE quality and birthweight are still lacking. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This retrospective cohort study at a tertiary-care academic medical center included 1548 singleton babies born from single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer from January 2011 to June 2019. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Babies were grouped into four groups according to embryo expansion (Stages 3, 4, 5 and 6), three groups according to inner cell mass (ICM) quality (A, B and C), and three groups according to TE quality (A, B and C). Main outcomes included absolute birthweight, Z-scores adjusted for gestational age and gender, and adverse neonatal outcomes. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association of neonatal outcomes with expansion stage, ICM quality and TE quality. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE As TE quality decreased, birthweight (3468.10 ± 471.52, 3357.69 ± 522.06, and 3288.79 ± 501.90 for A, B and C, respectively, P = 0.002), Z-scores (0.59 ± 1.07, 0.42 ± 1.04, and 0.27 ± 1.06 for A, B and C, respectively, P = 0.002) and incidence of LGA (28.9%, 19.7% and 17.4% for A, B and C, respectively, P = 0.027) decreased correspondingly. After adjusting for confounders, compared with the Grade A group, blastocysts with TE Grade B (standardized coefficients (β): -127.97 g, 95% CI: -234.46 to -21.47, P = 0.019) and blastocysts with TE grade C (β: -200.27 g, 95% CI: -320.69 to -79.86, P = 0.001) resulted in offspring with lower birthweight. Blastocysts with TE grade C brought babies with lower Z-scores than TE Grade A (β: -0.35, 95% CI: -0.59 to -0.10, P = 0.005). Also, embryos with TE Grade B (adjusted odds ratio (aOR):0.91, 95% CI: 0.84 to 0.99, P = 0.033) and embryos with TE Grade C (aOR : 0.89, 95% CI: 0.81 to 0.98, P = 0.016) had lower chance of leading to a LGA baby than those with TE Grade A. No association between neonatal outcomes with embryo expansion stage and ICM was observed (all P > 0.05). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The retrospective design, lack of controlling for several unknown confounders, and inter-observer variation limited this study. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The study extends our knowledge of the down-stream effect of TE quality on newborn birthweight and the risk of LGA. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by National Key R&D Program of China (2018YFC1003000), National Natural Science Foundation of China (81771533 to Y.P.K. and 31200825 to L.S.) and Innovative Research Team of High-level Local Universities in Shanghai (SSMU-ZLCX20180401), Shanghai Sailing Program(21YF1423200) and the Fundamental research program funding of Ninth People's Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong university School of Medicine (JYZZ117). The authors declare no conflict of interest in this present study. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Xie
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tong Du
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Towako Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenyin Gao
- Department of Statistics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Qifeng Lyu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lun Suo
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanping Kuang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Alshaheen TA, Awaad MHH, Mehaisen GMK. Leptin improves the in vitro development of preimplantation rabbit embryos under oxidative stress of cryopreservation. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246307. [PMID: 33529203 PMCID: PMC7853501 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitrification is an economically effective method for embryo cryopreservation in human and livestock animals; however, it carries the risk of damage by the exposure to severe oxidative stress. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of leptin at different levels on the in vitro development of fresh and vitrified preimplantation embryos in a rabbit model. Normal embryos at morulae stage were randomly cultured for 2 h with 0, 10, 20 or 100 ng/mL of leptin, then were cultured for further 48 h as freshly or after vitrification. Thereafter, developed blastocysts form the best leptin level in fresh and vitrified embryos along with their controls were allocated to analyze the pro-oxidant (malondialdehyde, MDA; nitric oxide, NO), antioxidant (total antioxidant capacity, TAC; superoxide dismutase, SOD; glutathione peroxidase, GPx), apoptotic (Bcl-2 associated X protein, BAX; heat shock 60kD protein member 1, HSP60; tumor necrosis factor alpha, TNFα) and developmental (sex determining region Y box protein 2, SOX2; Nanog homeobox protein, NANOG; Octamer-binding protein 4, OCT4) biomarkers. Results indicate that expanding and hatching rates of embryos were significantly higher at 20 ng/mL leptin than the other levels, while vitrification had an independent suppression effect on the in vitro development rates. The MDA and NO were significantly higher, while TAC, SOD and GPx were significantly lower in the vitrified than fresh embryos. In contrast, leptin treatment significantly decreased the pro-oxidant biomarkers and increased the antioxidant biomarkers in both fresh and vitrified embryos. Vitrification significantly increased the antiapoptotic biomarkers, and decreased the developmental biomarkers in embryos. In contrast, leptin decreased the BAX and TNFα, increased the HSP60, and moreover, ameliorated the reduction of developmental biomarkers in the vitrified embryos. These results conclude that leptin could be used as antiapoptotic and antioxidant promotor to support the in vitro embryonic development, particularly under oxidative stress emerged from cryopreservation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek A. Alshaheen
- Department of Animal and Fish Production, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed H. H. Awaad
- Department of Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Gamal M. K. Mehaisen
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
- * E-mail:
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Li J, Xiong S, Zhao Y, Li C, Han W, Huang G. Effect of the Re-Vitrification of Embryos at Different Stages on Embryonic Developmental Potential. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:653310. [PMID: 34335464 PMCID: PMC8317612 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.653310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using re-vitrified human embryos for frozen-warmed embryo transfer (FET) is a valuable option when there are no other cryopreserved embryos to use, however, except for the PGT cases, no published data are available for FET with human embryos that were re-vitrified at different developmental stages. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of re-vitrification of embryos at different stages on embryonic developmental potential. METHOD This study included clinical retrospective and mouse experimental studies. For the retrospective study, a total of 25 FET cycles with re-vitrified day 3 embryos (re-vitrification group 1) and 54 FET cycles with re-vitrified day 5 blastocysts (re-vitrification group 2) between January 2015 and December 2019 were included in this study. The corresponding FET cycles with once-vitrified embryos were identified using propensity score (PS) matching according to the time of embryo transfer. For the mouse experimental study, we divided embryos into 5 groups: fresh (group 1), vitrified at the 8-cell stage (group 2), vitrified at the early blastocyst stage (group 3), vitrified at the 8-cell stage, and re-vitrified at the 8-cell (group 4) or early blastocyst stage (group 5). The fresh embryos was selected as control group. The primary outcome in this study was delivery outcomes. RESULTS No significant difference in delivery rate was detected between re-vitrification group 1 (24.00%) and the corresponding control group (28.00%). However, re-vitrification group 2 (46.3%) showed a significant decrease in delivery rate compared with the two corresponding control groups (63.89% and 64.12%) (P < 0.05). Our experiment using mouse embryos also confirmed the clinical data, and showed that re-vitrification at the blastocyst stage following the first round of vitrification at the 8-cell stage reduced the delivery rate. In addition, both re-vitrified groups showed a significantly higher expression level of BAX. However, only re-vitrification at the blastocyst stage increased the expression level of CASPASE3. CONCLUSIONS Re-vitrification at the 8-cell and blastocyst stages has different effects on embryonic developmental potential, as re-vitrification at blastocyst stage following a previous vitrification at 8-cell stage reduced the delivery rate, while vitrification at the 8-cell stage twice achieved comparable pregnancy outcomes to the once-vitrified group.
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Repeated cryopreservation process impairs embryo implantation potential but does not affect neonatal outcomes. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 42:75-82. [PMID: 33309388 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does repeated cryopreservation process affect embryo implantation potential and neonatal outcomes of human embryos? DESIGN This retrospective cohort study was conducted in the Reproductive Medicine Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. All assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles were carried out between January 2014 and December 2018. Preferentially matched participants were divided into three groups according to the times of embryo cryopreservation: the fresh group (n = 249), the cryopreservation group (n = 244) and the re-cryopreservation group (n = 216). Embryo implantation rate, live birth rate, miscarriage rate and neonatal complication rate were compared among these three groups. RESULTS The embryo implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate in the re-cryopreservation group were significantly lower, and the miscarriage rate also slightly increased. Logistic regression analysis indicated that embryos with repeated cryopreservation and lower trophectoderm scores were at higher risk of embryo implantation failure in single embryo transfer cycles (OR 1.79 and 1.56, respectively). No significant differences were observed in gender, gestational age, birthweight, neonatal abnormality and neonatal complications among the groups. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate the adverse effect of repeated cryopreservation on embryo implantation potential. The study offers embryologists and reproductive clinicians a warning of detrimental role of repeated cryopreservation. If unnecessary, it is strongly recommended to avoid repeated practice of vitrification and warming on embryos.
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Zhang X, Bai L, Ren H, Liu X, Guo S, Xu P, Zheng J, Zheng L, Tan J. Perinatal and maternal outcomes after frozen versus fresh embryo transfer cycles in women of advanced maternal age. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2020; 257:133-137. [PMID: 33131929 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2020.09.047] [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: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The delay of childbearing in women has become a worldwide issue in recent decades. The application of assisted reproductive technology in women of advanced maternal age (AMA) is increasing. Evidence on the safety and outcomes of frozen embryo transfer (FET) compared with fresh embryo transfer (ET) in AMA women is still lacking. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to compare perinatal and maternal outcomes after autologous FET and fresh ET cycles in women of AMA. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective study of 1663 FET and 3964 fresh ET cycles in reproductive medical centers from 2009 to 2014. Women who aged ≥35 years and had clinical pregnancies after autologous frozen or fresh ET were included. The main perinatal outcomes included birth weight, gestational age, rates of preterm birth, macrosomia, low birth weight (LBW), and very low birth weight. The main maternal outcomes included rates of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus, and preterm premature rupture of the membranes. RESULTS Women who underwent FET had an increased risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy [1.1 % vs. 0.4 %, adjusted OR (95 % CI): 2.76 (1.39-5.51); p = 0.004]. Singletons born after FET had significantly higher mean birth weight (3388.78 ± 538.47 vs. 3316.19 ± 549.08; p = 0.001). Furthermore, increased risk of macrosomia [13.5 % vs. 10.4 %, adjusted OR (95 % CI): 1.35 (1.07-1.71); p = 0.013] and decreased risk of LBW [3.6 % vs. 5.3 %, adjusted OR (95 % CI): 0.67 (0.45-1.00); p = 0.048] were found in singletons born after FET. CONCLUSIONS Perinatal risks of AMA patients are higher in FET than in fresh ET, including higher birth weight, risks of macrosomia in singleton births, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Zhang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Diseases and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110022, Liaoning, China.
| | - Lina Bai
- Jinghua Hospital, Shenyang Eastern Medical Group, Shenyang, 110005, Liaoning, China.
| | - Haiqin Ren
- Jinghua Hospital, Shenyang Eastern Medical Group, Shenyang, 110005, Liaoning, China.
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Shenyang 204 Hospital, Shenyang, 110043, Liaoning, China.
| | - Shuaishuai Guo
- Reproductive Medical Center, Shenyang Women's and Children's Hospital, Shenyang, 110011, Liaoning, China..
| | - Peng Xu
- Jinghua Hospital, Shenyang Eastern Medical Group, Shenyang, 110005, Liaoning, China.
| | - Jia Zheng
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, Liaoning, China.
| | - Liqiang Zheng
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Library, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, Liaoning, China.
| | - Jichun Tan
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, Liaoning, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Diseases and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, 110022, Liaoning, China.
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12
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Tocci A. The unknown human trophectoderm: implication for biopsy at the blastocyst stage. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2699-2711. [PMID: 32892265 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01925-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Trophectoderm biopsy is increasingly performed for pre-implantation genetic testing of aneuploidies and considered a safe procedure on short-term clinical outcome, without strong assessment of long-term consequences. Poor biological information on human trophectoderm is available due to ethical restrictions. Therefore, most studies have been conducted in vitro (choriocarcinoma cell lines, embryonic and pluripotent stem cells) and on murine models that nevertheless poorly reflect the human counterpart. Polarization, compaction, and blastomere differentiation (e.g., the basis to ascertain trophectoderm origin) are poorly known in humans. In addition, the trophectoderm function is poorly known from a biological point of view, although a panoply of questionable and controversial microarray studies suggest that important genes overexpressed in trophectoderm are involved in pluripotency, metabolism, cell cycle, endocrine function, and implantation. The intercellular communication system between the trophectoderm cells and the inner cell mass, modulated by cell junctions and filopodia in the murine model, is obscure in humans. For the purpose of this paper, data mainly on primary cells from human and murine embryos has been reviewed. This review suggests that the trophectoderm origin and functions have been insufficiently ascertained in humans so far. Therefore, trophectoderm biopsy should be considered an experimental procedure to be undertaken only under approved rigorous experimental protocols in academic contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Tocci
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Gruppo Donnamed, Via Giuseppe Silla 12, Rome, Italy.
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13
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Takahashi K, Ross PJ, Sawai K. The necessity of ZSCAN4 for preimplantation development and gene expression of bovine embryos. J Reprod Dev 2019; 65:319-326. [PMID: 31019155 PMCID: PMC6708851 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2019-039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc finger and SCAN domain containing 4 (Zscan4) is a gene that is specifically expressed during zygotic genome activation (ZGA) in mouse preimplantation embryos, and a
reduction of Zscan4 transcripts leads to developmental failure. In mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs), Zscan4 is expressed transiently in as little as 1–5%
of the cell population. Zscan4 has also been shown to enhance the efficiency of mouse induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) generation and their quality. Although ZSCAN4
plays important roles in murine embryos and stem cells, its expression and role in bovine embryos is unknown. This study examines ZSCAN4 transcripts in bovine embryos at
various developmental stages and attempts to elucidate the functions of ZSCAN4 during bovine preimplantation development. ZSCAN4 transcripts were found to be upregulated at
the 8- and 16-cell stages. We next attempted ZSCAN4 downregulation in bovine early embryos by RNA interference and evaluated developmental competency and transcripts levels
of genes involved in ZGA and iPSCs generation. Although the bovine embryos injected with ZSCAN4-siRNA could develop to the 8-cell stage, very few were developing beyond the
16-cell stage. PIWIL2 expression was reduced in ZSCAN4 downregulated embryos. It is possible that ZSCAN4 downregulated embryos fail to
regulate gene expression during ZGA. Our results indicate that ZSCAN4 is an important factor for the preimplantation development of bovine embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Takahashi
- The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Iwate University, Iwate 020-8550, Japan
| | - Pablo J Ross
- Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, CA 95616, U. S. A
| | - Ken Sawai
- The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Iwate University, Iwate 020-8550, Japan.,Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, Iwate 020-8550, Japan
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Mani S, Ghosh J, Coutifaris C, Sapienza C, Mainigi M. Epigenetic changes and assisted reproductive technologies. Epigenetics 2019; 15:12-25. [PMID: 31328632 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2019.1646572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Children conceived by Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) are at moderately increased risk for a number of undesirable outcomes, including low birth weight. Whether the additional risk is associated with specific procedures used in ART or biological factors that are intrinsic to infertility has been the subject of much debate, as has the mechanism by which ART or infertility might influence this risk. The potential effect of ART clinical and laboratory procedures on the gamete and embryo epigenomes heads the list of mechanistic candidates that might explain the association between ART and undesirable clinical outcomes. The reason for this focus is that the developmental time points at which ART clinical and laboratory procedures are implemented are precisely the time points at which large-scale reorganization of the epigenome takes place during normal development. In this manuscript, we review the many human studies comparing the epigenomes of ART children with children conceived in vivo, as well as assess the potential of individual ART clinical and laboratory procedures to alter the epigenome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Mani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jayashri Ghosh
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christos Coutifaris
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Carmen Sapienza
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Monica Mainigi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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15
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Kratochvílová I, Kopečná O, Bačíková A, Pagáčová E, Falková I, Follett SE, Elliott KW, Varga K, Golan M, Falk M. Changes in Cryopreserved Cell Nuclei Serve as Indicators of Processes during Freezing and Thawing. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:7496-7508. [PMID: 30339402 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b02742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying cell protection from cryoinjury are not yet fully understood. Recent biological studies have addressed cryopreserved cell survival but have not correlated the cryoprotection effectiveness with the impact of cryoprotectants on the most important cell structure, the nucleus, and the freeze/thaw process. We identified changes of cell nuclei states caused by different types of cryoprotectants and associate them with alterations of the freeze/thaw process in cells. Namely, we investigated both higher-order chromatin structure and nuclear envelope integrity as possible markers of freezing and thawing processes. Moreover, we analyzed in detail the relationship between nuclear envelope integrity, chromatin condensation, freeze/thaw processes in cells, and cryopreservation efficiency for dimethyl sulfoxide, glycerol, trehalose, and antifreeze protein. Our interdisciplinary study reveals how changes in cell nuclei induced by cryoprotectants affect the ability of cells to withstand freezing and thawing and how nuclei changes correlate with processes during freezing and thawing. Our results contribute to the deeper fundamental understanding of the freezing processes, notably in the cell nucleus, which will expand the applications and lead to the rational design of cryoprotective materials and protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Kratochvílová
- Institute of Physics, v.v.i. , Czech Academy of Sciences , Na Slovance 2 , CZ-182 21 Prague 8 , Czech Republic
| | - Olga Kopečná
- Institute of Biophysics, v.v.i. , Czech Academy of Sciences , Královopolská 135 , CZ-612 65 Brno , Czech Republic
| | - Alena Bačíková
- Institute of Biophysics, v.v.i. , Czech Academy of Sciences , Královopolská 135 , CZ-612 65 Brno , Czech Republic
| | - Eva Pagáčová
- Institute of Biophysics, v.v.i. , Czech Academy of Sciences , Královopolská 135 , CZ-612 65 Brno , Czech Republic
| | - Iva Falková
- Institute of Biophysics, v.v.i. , Czech Academy of Sciences , Královopolská 135 , CZ-612 65 Brno , Czech Republic
| | - Shelby E Follett
- Department of Chemistry , University of Wyoming , 1000 E. University Avenue , Laramie , Wyoming 82071 , United States
| | - K Wade Elliott
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences , University of New Hampshire , 46 College Road , Durham , New Hampshire 03824 , United States
| | - Krisztina Varga
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences , University of New Hampshire , 46 College Road , Durham , New Hampshire 03824 , United States
| | - Martin Golan
- Institute of Physics, v.v.i. , Czech Academy of Sciences , Na Slovance 2 , CZ-182 21 Prague 8 , Czech Republic
| | - Martin Falk
- Institute of Biophysics, v.v.i. , Czech Academy of Sciences , Královopolská 135 , CZ-612 65 Brno , Czech Republic
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16
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Xiang DC, Jia BY, Quan GB, Zhang B, Shao QY, Zhao ZY, Hong QH, Wu GQ. Effect of Knockout Serum Replacement During Postwarming Recovery Culture on the Development and Quality of Vitrified Parthenogenetic Porcine Blastocysts. Biopreserv Biobank 2019; 17:342-351. [PMID: 31009253 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2018.0132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The postwarming recovery culture, as one of the steps in cryopreservation process, is directly correlated with the survival and quality of embryos. Generally, recovery medium includes undefined serum or serum components that may cause the instability of results and other problems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of knockout serum replacement (KSR) as a substitute for serum during recovery culture on the development and quality of vitrified parthenogenetic porcine blastocysts. Fetal bovine serum (FBS) was used as a positive control. The expanded blastocysts on day 5 were vitrified by the Cryotop method, and recovered with 10% (v/v) KSR or 10% (v/v) FBS for 48 hours after warming. Survival and hatching rates of vitrified blastocysts were significantly increased by KSR or FBS supplementation. The vitrified blastocysts recovered in KSR or FBS exhibited significantly decreased percentages of membrane damage and apoptosis, and increased total cells. Addition of KSR or FBS during recovery culture significantly reduced reactive oxygen species levels, and improved mitochondrial activity and adenosine triphosphates content in the vitrified blastocysts. Vitrification did not affect the gene expression of PCNA, CDX2, and CPT1, but significantly increased mRNA levels of POU5F1 and uPA. KSR added to the recovery medium significantly upregulated mRNA levels of PCNA and CPT1, and downregulated POU5F1 mRNA levels. The expression levels of PCNA, CDX2, CPT1, and uPA in vitrified blastocysts were significantly upregulated by addition of FBS to recovery medium. Moreover, the BAX: BCL2L1 ratio was similar between fresh and vitrified blastocysts, and KSR or FBS supplementation had no effect on the value. In conclusion, our data showed that KSR supplementation during recovery culture can improve the development and quality of vitrified parthenogenetic porcine blastocysts. These findings provide a useful reference that KSR could be used to replace FBS as a defined serum supplement for recovery culture of vitrified blastocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- De Cai Xiang
- 1Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Bao Yu Jia
- 2College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Guo Bo Quan
- 1Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Bin Zhang
- 1Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Qing Yong Shao
- 1Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Zhi Yong Zhao
- 1Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Qiong Hua Hong
- 1Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, P.R. China
| | - Guo Quan Wu
- 1Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, P.R. China
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17
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Smith HL, Stevens A, Minogue B, Sneddon S, Shaw L, Wood L, Adeniyi T, Xiao H, Lio P, Kimber SJ, Brison DR. Systems based analysis of human embryos and gene networks involved in cell lineage allocation. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:171. [PMID: 30836937 PMCID: PMC6399968 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5558-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is understood of the molecular mechanisms involved in the earliest cell fate decision in human development, leading to the establishment of the trophectoderm (TE) and inner cell mass (ICM) stem cell population. Notably, there is a lack of understanding of how transcriptional networks arise during reorganisation of the embryonic genome post-fertilisation. RESULTS We identified a hierarchical structure of preimplantation gene network modules around the time of embryonic genome activation (EGA). Using network models along with eukaryotic initiation factor (EIF) and epigenetic-associated gene expression we defined two sets of blastomeres that exhibited diverging tendencies towards ICM or TE. Analysis of the developmental networks demonstrated stage specific EIF expression and revealed that histone modifications may be an important epigenetic regulatory mechanism in preimplantation human embryos. Comparison to published RNAseq data confirmed that during EGA the individual 8-cell blastomeres are transcriptionally primed for the first lineage decision in development towards ICM or TE. CONCLUSIONS Using multiple systems biology approaches to compare developmental stages in the early human embryo with single cell transcript data from blastomeres, we have shown that blastomeres considered to be totipotent are not transcriptionally equivalent. Furthermore we have linked the developmental interactome to individual blastomeres and to later cell lineage. This has clinical implications for understanding the impact of fertility treatments and developmental programming of long term health.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. L. Smith
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL UK
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL UK
| | - A. Stevens
- Division of Developmental Biology & Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, 5th Floor Research, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL UK
| | - B. Minogue
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL UK
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL UK
| | - S. Sneddon
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL UK
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL UK
| | - L. Shaw
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL UK
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL UK
| | - L. Wood
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL UK
| | - T. Adeniyi
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL UK
| | - H. Xiao
- Computer Laboratory, William Gates Building, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - P. Lio
- Computer Laboratory, William Gates Building, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - S. J. Kimber
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL UK
| | - D. R. Brison
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL UK
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL UK
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18
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Perinatal outcome and postnatal health in children born from cryopreserved embryos. JOURNAL OF BIO-X RESEARCH 2018. [DOI: 10.1097/jbr.0000000000000020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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19
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Spangmose AL, Malchau SS, Henningsen AA, Forman JL, Rasmussen S, Loft A, Schmidt L, Pinborg A. Academic performance in adolescents aged 15-16 years born after frozen embryo transfer compared with fresh embryo transfer: a nationwide registry-based cohort study. BJOG 2018; 126:261-269. [PMID: 30276983 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.15484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess academic performance in singletons aged 15-16 years conceived after frozen embryo transfer (FET) compared with singletons born after fresh embryo transfer (ET) in Danish cohorts born from 1995 to 2001. DESIGN Danish national registry-based cohort study. SETTING Danish national registries. POPULATION All 6495 singletons conceived after assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment in Denmark from 1995 to 2001 [FET (n) = 423; fresh ET (n) = 6072]. METHODS Mean test scores on a national standardised and international comparable grading-scale. Comparisons of test score were first made in univariate analysis (Model 1) and secondly in a multivariate linear model (Model 2) adjusting for relevant reproductive and socio-demographic covariates such as the occupational and educational level of the parents. Sensitivity analyses on FET-IVF (in vitro fertilisation) versus fresh ET-IVF and FET-ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) versus fresh ET-ICSI were made. Linear mixed models were used to account for the correlation in test scores of siblings for continuous outcome. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Mean overall test score and test score in Danish, mathematics, English, and physics/chemistry. RESULTS Crude and adjusted mean test scores were similar for adolescents conceived after FET compared with fresh ET. The crude mean difference was +0.11 (95% CI -0.11; 0.34), and the adjusted mean difference was +0.12 (95% CI -0.09; 0.34). CONCLUSIONS Adolescents conceived after FET had similar academic performance at 15-16 of years of age compared with children conceived after fresh ET. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Using frozen embryos in fertility treatment does not affect school performance in Danish adolescents aged 15-16 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Spangmose
- Fertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S S Malchau
- Fertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A A Henningsen
- The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J L Forman
- Section of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S Rasmussen
- The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A Loft
- The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - L Schmidt
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A Pinborg
- The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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20
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Sha T, Yin X, Cheng W, Massey IY. Pregnancy-related complications and perinatal outcomes resulting from transfer of cryopreserved versus fresh embryos in vitro fertilization: a meta-analysis. Fertil Steril 2018; 109:330-342.e9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 09/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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21
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Zheng X, Chen Y, Yan J, Wu Y, Zhuang X, Lin S, Zhu J, Lian Y, Qiao J, Liu P. Effect of repeated cryopreservation on human embryo developmental potential. Reprod Biomed Online 2017; 35:627-632. [PMID: 29102427 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2017.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 08/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Repeated cryopreservation of surplus embryos from frozen-thawed cycles should occasionally be considered. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the pregnancy and perinatal outcome of repeated cryopreservation by vitrification of human blastocysts derived from slowly frozen-thawed day 3 embryos. In total, 571 vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer cycles were investigated. The vitrified-warmed blastocysts were derived from slowly frozen-thawed cleavage embryos (twice-cryopreserved group) or fresh embryos (control group) cultured to the blastocyst stage. Age, body mass index, endometrial thickness, blastocyst developmental rate and number of embryos transferred were not significantly different between twice-cryopreserved and control groups. Clinical pregnancy and implantation rates were also similar. Compared with controls, the miscarriage rate was significantly higher in the twice-cryopreserved group (33.93% versus 19.07%, P = 0.017). This resulted in a significantly lower live birth rate in the twice-cryopreserved group than in controls (29.13% versus 39.18, P = 0.038). No differences were observed in mean gestational age, birthweight and sex ratio of newborns between groups. In conclusion, acceptable clinical pregnancy outcomes may be expected from transfer of twice-cryopreserved human embryos. While the neonatal outcome is not affected, the correlation between the risk of higher pregnancy loss and repeated cryopreservation needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Zheng
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University, Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University, Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jie Yan
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University, Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yuqi Wu
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University, Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xinjie Zhuang
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University, Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Shengli Lin
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University, Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jinliang Zhu
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University, Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ying Lian
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University, Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University, Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University, Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100191, China.
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Jiang Z, Wang Y, Lin J, Xu J, Ding G, Huang H. Genetic and epigenetic risks of assisted reproduction. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2017; 44:90-104. [PMID: 28844405 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 07/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is used primarily for infertility treatments to achieve pregnancy and involves procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and cryopreservation. Moreover, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of ART is used in couples for genetic reasons. In ART treatments, gametes and zygotes are exposed to a series of non-physiological processes and culture media. Although the majority of children born with this treatment are healthy, some concerns remain regarding the safety of this technology. Animal studies and follow-up studies of ART-borne children suggested that ART was associated with an increased incidence of genetic, physical, or developmental abnormalities, although there are also observations that contradict these findings. As IVF, ICSI, frozen-thawed embryo transfer, and PGD manipulate gametes and embryo at a time that is important for reprogramming, they may affect epigenetic stability, leading to gamete/embryo origins of adult diseases. In fact, ART offspring have been reported to have an increased risk of gamete/embryo origins of adult diseases, such as early-onset diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and so on. In this review, we will discuss evidence related to genetic, especially epigenetic, risks of assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziru Jiang
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinyu Wang
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Lin
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjing Xu
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guolian Ding
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hefeng Huang
- The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Embryo-Fetal Original Adult Disease, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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Shavit T, Oron G, Weon-Young S, Holzer H, Tulandi T. Vitrified-warmed single-embryo transfers may be associated with increased maternal complications compared with fresh single-embryo transfers. Reprod Biomed Online 2017; 35:94-102. [PMID: 28427857 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2017.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Cryopreservation of embryos allows single-embryo transfer and storage of supernumerary embryos, maximizing cumulative pregnancy rates. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to compare pregnancy outcome in singletons born after fresh or vitrified-warmed single blastocyst transfer (SBT). Singleton live births resulting from SBT of fresh or vitrified-warmed embryos were compared. Primary outcomes were perinatal outcomes including small for gestational age (SGA), low birthweight, preterm deliveries (PTD), large for gestational age (LGA) and congenital malformations. Maternal complications included pre-eclampsia, placenta previa, placental abruption, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and chorioamnionitis. Adjustment for confounding factors was performed. Of 1886 fresh SBTs and 1200 vitrified-warmed SBTs during the study period, vitrified-warmed SBTs compared with fresh SBTs resulted in significantly lower clinical pregnancy rate (P < 0.0001). Live birth and miscarriage rates calculated only for pregnancy with known outcome revealed lower live birth rates and higher miscarriage rates for the vitrified-warmed group. Perinatal complications were calculated for clinical pregnancies with known outcomes (12.9% catchment failure was excluded from analysis). The vitrified-warmed group showed a trend toward higher rates of pre-eclampsia, GDM, Caesarean delivery and LGA neonates. Rates of PTD and SGA were comparable. In conclusion, vitrified-warmed SBT might be associated with increased feto-maternal complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Shavit
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Galia Oron
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Son Weon-Young
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Hananel Holzer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Togas Tulandi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Ghosh J, Coutifaris C, Sapienza C, Mainigi M. Global DNA methylation levels are altered by modifiable clinical manipulations in assisted reproductive technologies. Clin Epigenetics 2017; 9:14. [PMID: 28191261 PMCID: PMC5295214 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-017-0318-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background We analyzed placental DNA methylation levels at repeated sequences (LINE1 elements) and all CCGG sites (the LUMA assay) to study the effect of modifiable clinical or laboratory procedures involved in in vitro fertilization. We included four potential modifiable factors: oxygen tension during embryo culture, fresh embryo transfer vs frozen embryo transfer, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) vs conventional insemination or day 3 embryo transfer vs day 5 embryo transfer. Results Global methylation levels differed between placentas from natural conceptions compared to placentas conceived by IVF. Placentas from embryos cultured at 20% oxygen showed significant differences in LINE1 methylation compared to in vivo conceptions, while those from embryos cultured at 5% oxygen, did not have significant differences. In addition, placentas from fresh embryo transfer had significantly different LINE1 methylation compared to placentas from in vivo conceptions, while embryos resulting from frozen embryos were not significantly different from controls. On sex-stratified analysis, only males had significant methylation differences at LINE1 elements stratified for the modifiable factors. As expected, LINE1 methylation was significantly different between males and females in the control population. However, we did not observe sex-specific differences in the IVF group. We validated this sex-specific observation in an additional cohort and in opposite sex IVF twins. Conclusion We show that two clinically modifiable factors (embryo culture in 5 vs 20% oxygen tension and fresh vs frozen embryo transfer) are associated with global placental methylation differences. Interestingly, males appear more vulnerable to such treatment-related global changes in DNA methylation than do females. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13148-017-0318-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayashri Ghosh
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Christos Coutifaris
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 3701 Market Street, 8th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Carmen Sapienza
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140 USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140 USA
| | - Monica Mainigi
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 3701 Market Street, 8th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
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Broeren MGA, de Vries M, Bennink MB, van Lent PLEM, van der Kraan PM, Koenders MI, Thurlings RM, van de Loo FAJ. Functional Tissue Analysis Reveals Successful Cryopreservation of Human Osteoarthritic Synovium. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167076. [PMID: 27870898 PMCID: PMC5117761 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease affecting cartilage and is the most common form of arthritis worldwide. One third of OA patients have severe synovitis and less than 10% have no evidence of synovitis. Moreover, synovitis is predictive for more severe disease progression. This offers a target for therapy but more research on the pathophysiological processes in the synovial tissue of these patients is needed. Functional studies performed with synovial tissue will be more approachable when this material, that becomes available by joint replacement surgery, can be stored for later use. We set out to determine the consequences of slow-freezing of human OA synovial tissue. Therefore, we validated a method that can be applied in every routine laboratory and performed a comparative study of five cryoprotective agent (CPA) solutions. To determine possible deleterious cryopreservation-thaw effects on viability, the synovial tissue architecture, metabolic activity, RNA quality, expression of cryopreservation associated stress genes, and expression of OA characteristic disease genes was studied. Furthermore, the biological activity of the cryopreserved tissue was determined by measuring cytokine secretion induced by the TLR ligands lipopolysaccharides and Pam3Cys. Compared to non frozen synovium, no difference in cell and tissue morphology could be identified in the conditions using the CS10, standard and CryoSFM CPA solution for cryopreservation. However, we observed significantly lower preservation of tissue morphology with the Biofreeze and CS2 media. The other viability assays showed trends in the same direction but were not sensitive enough to detect significant differences between conditions. In all assays tested a clearly lower viability was detected in the condition in which synovium was frozen without CPA solution. This detailed analysis showed that OA synovial tissue explants can be cryopreserved while maintaining the morphology, viability and phenotypical response after thawing, offering enhanced opportunities for human in vitro studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathijs G. A. Broeren
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke de Vries
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Miranda B. Bennink
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Peter L. E. M. van Lent
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Peter M. van der Kraan
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Marije I. Koenders
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Rogier M. Thurlings
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Fons A. J. van de Loo
- Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Sunde A, Brison D, Dumoulin J, Harper J, Lundin K, Magli MC, Van den Abbeel E, Veiga A. Time to take human embryo culture seriously. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:2174-82. [PMID: 27554442 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is it important that end-users know the composition of human embryo culture media? SUMMARY ANSWER We argue that there is as strong case for full transparency concerning the composition of embryo culture media intended for human use. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Published data suggest that the composition of embryo culture media may influence the phenotype of the offspring. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A review of the literature was carried out. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Data concerning the potential effects on embryo development of culture media were assessed and recommendations for users made. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The safety of ART procedures, especially with respect to the health of the offspring, is of major importance. There are reports from the literature indicating a possible effect of culture conditions, including culture media, on embryo and fetal development. Since the introduction of commercially available culture media, there has been a rapid development of different formulations, often not fully documented, disclosed or justified. There is now evidence that the environment the early embryo is exposed to can cause reprogramming of embryonic growth leading to alterations in fetal growth trajectory, birthweight, childhood growth and long-term disease including Type II diabetes and cardiovascular problems. The mechanism for this is likely to be epigenetic changes during the preimplantation period of development. In the present paper the ESHRE working group on culture media summarizes the present knowledge of potential effects on embryo development related to culture media, and makes recommendations. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION There is still a need for large prospective randomized trials to further elucidate the link between the composition of embryo culture media used and the phenotype of the offspring. We do not presently know if the phenotypic changes induced by in vitro embryo culture represent a problem for long-term health of the offspring. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Published data indicate that there is a strong case for demanding full transparency concerning the compositions of and the scientific rationale behind the composition of embryo culture media. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was funded by The European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology. No competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Sunde
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. Olav's University Hospital in Trondheim, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Daniel Brison
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - John Dumoulin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, IVF Laboratory, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Joyce Harper
- Embryology, IVF and reproductive genetics group, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kersti Lundin
- Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
| | | | | | - Anna Veiga
- Reproductive Medicine Service, Hospital Universitari Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain
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Munch EM, Sparks AE, Gonzalez Bosquet J, Christenson LK, Devor EJ, Van Voorhis BJ. Differentially expressed genes in preimplantation human embryos: potential candidate genes for blastocyst formation and implantation. J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 33:1017-25. [PMID: 27241529 PMCID: PMC4974233 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0745-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study was to determine which genes and gene pathways are differentially expressed when comparing human blastocysts with cleavage-stage embryos. Methods We individually assessed gene expression in preimplantation human embryos at cleavage (n = 3) and blastocyst (n = 3) stages. Gene expression patterns were then validated in publically available datasets and then independently validated in vitro with additional human embryos using TaqMan gene expression assays. Immunolocalization studies were conducted to identify protein expression in intact blastocyst-stage embryos. Results Compared to cleavage-stage embryos, blastocyst-stage embryos differentially expressed 51 genes (p < 0.001), with overrepresentation in amoebiasis pathways and pathways in cancer. Of these 51 genes, 21 were found to be independently validated in a separate, publically available dataset, with a substantial agreement with our initial findings (κ = 0.8). In an independent set of cleavage- and blastocyst-stage embryos, we validated that six of eight tested genes were differentially expressed (p < 0.05) by RT-qPCR. Immunofluorescence studies documented the presence of two studied proteins in the trophectoderm of blastocyst-stage embryos. Conclusions Differentially expressed genes may be implicated in the invasion and proliferation of the early embryo. Our research highlights specific genes that may be further studied for their role in the implantation process and additionally raises questions about localized gene and/or protein expression in the trophectoderm, which could affect protocols for, and interpretation of, trophectoderm biopsies performed in in vitro fertilization cycles. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10815-016-0745-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika M Munch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, PFP 31330, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
| | - Amy E Sparks
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, PFP 31330, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Jesus Gonzalez Bosquet
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, PFP 31330, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Lane K Christenson
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, The University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Eric J Devor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, PFP 31330, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Bradley J Van Voorhis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, PFP 31330, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
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Prediction model for aneuploidy in early human embryo development revealed by single-cell analysis. Nat Commun 2015; 6:7601. [PMID: 26151134 PMCID: PMC4506544 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms8601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aneuploidies are prevalent in the human embryo and impair proper development, leading to cell cycle arrest. Recent advances in imaging and molecular and genetic analyses are postulated as promising strategies to unveil the mechanisms involved in aneuploidy generation. Here we combine time-lapse, complete chromosomal assessment and single-cell RT-qPCR to simultaneously obtain information from all cells that compose a human embryo until the approximately eight-cell stage (n=85). Our data indicate that the chromosomal status of aneuploid embryos (n=26), including those that are mosaic (n=3), correlates with significant differences in the duration of the first mitotic phase when compared with euploid embryos (n=28). Moreover, gene expression profiling suggests that a subset of genes is differentially expressed in aneuploid embryos during the first 30 h of development. Thus, we propose that the chromosomal fate of an embryo is likely determined as early as the pronuclear stage and may be predicted by a 12-gene transcriptomic signature.
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Kirkegaard K, Villesen P, Jensen JM, Hindkjær JJ, Kølvraa S, Ingerslev HJ, Lykke-Hartmann K. Distinct differences in global gene expression profiles in non-implanted blastocysts and blastocysts resulting in live birth. Gene 2015; 571:212-20. [PMID: 26117173 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.06.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Revised: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Results from animal models points towards the existence of a gene expression profile that is distinguishably different in viable embryos compared with non-viable embryos. Knowledge of human embryo transcripts is however limited, in particular with regard to how gene expression is related to clinical outcome. The purpose of the present study was therefore to determine the global gene expression profiles of human blastocysts. Next Generation Sequencing was used to identify genes that were differentially expressed in non-implanted embryos and embryos resulting in live birth. Three trophectoderm biopsies were obtained from morphologically high quality blastocysts resulting in live birth and three biopsies were obtained from non-implanting blastocysts of a comparable morphology. Total RNA was extracted from all samples followed by complete transcriptome sequencing. Using a set of filtering criteria, we obtained a list of 181 genes that were differentially expressed between trophectoderm biopsies from embryos resulting in either live birth or no implantation (negative hCG), respectively. We found that 37 of the 181 genes displayed significantly differential expression (p<0.05), e.g. EFNB1, CYTL1 and TEX26 and TESK1, MSL1 and EVI5 in trophectoderm biopsies associated with live birth and non-implanting, respectively. Out of the 181 genes, almost 80% (145 genes) were up-regulated in biopsies from un-implanted embryos, whereas only 20% (36 genes) showed an up-regulation in the samples from embryos resulting in live birth. Our findings suggest the presence of molecular differences visually undetectable between implanted and non-implanted embryos, and represent a proof of principle study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstine Kirkegaard
- Centre for Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis, The Fertility Clinic, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Brendstrupgaardsvej 100, DK-8200, Aarhus N, Denmark.
| | - Palle Villesen
- Aarhus University, Bioinformatics Research Center (BIRC), C.F. Møllers Allé 8, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Jacob Malte Jensen
- Aarhus University, Bioinformatics Research Center (BIRC), C.F. Møllers Allé 8, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Johnny Juhl Hindkjær
- Centre for Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis, The Fertility Clinic, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Brendstrupgaardsvej 100, DK-8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Steen Kølvraa
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Vejle Hospital, DK-7100 Vejle, Denmark; Institute of Regional Health Services Research, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Hans Jakob Ingerslev
- Centre for Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis, The Fertility Clinic, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Brendstrupgaardsvej 100, DK-8200, Aarhus N, Denmark; Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine, Brendstrupgaardsvej 100, DK-8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Karin Lykke-Hartmann
- Aarhus University, Department of Biomedicine, Wilhelm Meyers Allé 4, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark; Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 6B, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
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Zhao N, Zhang Y, Liu Q, Xiang W. Mfn2 Affects Embryo Development via Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Apoptosis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0125680. [PMID: 25978725 PMCID: PMC4433325 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2014] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Growth factors, energy sources, and mitochondrial function strongly affect embryo growth and development in vitro. The biological role and prospective significance of the mitofusin gene Mfn2 in the development of preimplantation embryos remain poorly understood. Our goal is to profile the role of Mfn2 in mouse embryos and determine the underlying mechanism of Mfn2 function in embryo development. Methods We transfected Mfn2-siRNA into 2-cell fertilized eggs and then examined the expression of Mfn2, the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, and the apoptosis-promoting protein Bax by Western blot. Additionally, we determined the blastocyst formation rate and measured ATP levels, mtDNA levels, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and apoptosis in all of the embryos. Results The results indicate that the Mfn2 and Bcl-2 levels were markedly decreased, whereas Bax levels were increased in the T group (embryos transfected with Mfn2-siRNA) compared with the C group (embryos transfected with control-siRNA). The blastocyst formation rate was significantly decreased in the T group. The ATP content and the relative amounts of mtDNA and cDNA in the T group were significantly reduced compared with the C group. In the T group, ΔΨm and Ca2+ levels were reduced, and the number of apoptotic cells was increased. Conclusion Low in vitro expression of Mfn2 attenuates the blastocyst formation rate and cleavage speed in mouse zygotes and causes mitochondrial dysfunction, as confirmed by the ATP and mtDNA levels and mitochondrial membrane potential. Mfn2 deficiency induced apoptosis through the Bcl-2/Bax and Ca2+ pathways. These findings indicate that Mfn2 could affect preimplantation embryo development through mitochondrial function and cellular apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhao
- Family Planning Research Institute, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qun Liu
- Family Planning Research Institute, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wenpei Xiang
- Family Planning Research Institute, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- * E-mail:
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Kopeika J, Thornhill A, Khalaf Y. The effect of cryopreservation on the genome of gametes and embryos: principles of cryobiology and critical appraisal of the evidence. Hum Reprod Update 2014; 21:209-27. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmu063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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Tarín JJ, García-Pérez MA, Cano A. Assisted reproductive technology results: Why are live-birth percentages so low? Mol Reprod Dev 2014; 81:568-83. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Juan J. Tarín
- Department of Functional Biology and Physical Anthropology; Faculty of Biological Sciences; University of Valencia; Burjassot Valencia Spain
| | - Miguel A. García-Pérez
- Research Unit-INCLIVA; Hospital Clínico de Valencia; Burjassot Valencia Spain
- Department of Genetics; Faculty of Biological Sciences; University of Valencia; Burjassot Valencia Spain
| | - Antonio Cano
- Department of Pediatrics; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Faculty of Medicine; University of Valencia; Valencia Spain
- Service of Obstetrics and Gynecology; University Hospital Dr. Peset; Valencia Spain
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Wong KM, Mastenbroek S, Repping S. Cryopreservation of human embryos and its contribution to in vitro fertilization success rates. Fertil Steril 2014; 102:19-26. [PMID: 24890275 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cryopreservation of human embryos is now a routine procedure in assisted reproductive technologies laboratories. There is no consensus on the superiority of any protocol, and substantial differences exist among centers in day of embryo cryopreservation, freezing method, selection criteria for which embryos to freeze, method of embryo thawing, and endometrial preparation for transfer of frozen-thawed embryos. In the past decade, the number of frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles per started in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle increased steadily, and at the same time the percentage of frozen-thawed embryo transfers that resulted in live births increased. Currently, cryopreservation of human embryos is more important than ever for the cumulative pregnancy rate after IVF. Interestingly, success rates after frozen-thawed embryo transfer are now nearing the success rates of fresh embryo transfer. This supports the hypothesis of so called freeze-all strategies in IVF, in which all embryos are frozen and no fresh transfer is conducted, to optimize success rates. High-quality randomized controlled trials should be pursued to find out which cryopreservation protocol is best and whether the time has come to completely abandon fresh transfers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Mee Wong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sebastiaan Mastenbroek
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Sjoerd Repping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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How should we assess the safety of IVF technologies? Reprod Biomed Online 2013; 27:710-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2013] [Revised: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Lucas E. Epigenetic effects on the embryo as a result of periconceptional environment and assisted reproduction technology. Reprod Biomed Online 2013; 27:477-85. [PMID: 23933034 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Revised: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The early embryonic environment has been shown to be remarkably influential on the developing organism, despite the relative brevity of this developmental stage. The cells of the zygote and cleavage-stage embryo hold the potential to form all cell lineages of the embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues, with gradual fate restriction occurring from the time of compaction and blastocyst formation. As such, these cells carry with them the potential to influence the phenotype of all successive cell types as the organism grows, differentiates and ages. The implication is, therefore, that sublethal adverse conditions which alter the developmental trajectory of these cells may have long-term implications for the health and development of the resulting offspring. One confirmed mechanism for the translation of environmental cues to phenotypic outcome is epigenetic modification of the genome to modulate chromatin packaging and gene expression in a cell- and lineage-specific manner. The influence of the periconceptional milieu on the epigenetic profile of the developing embryo has become a popular research focus in the quest to understand the effects of environment, nutrition and assisted reproduction technology on human development and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Lucas
- Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, The University of Warwick, Coventry CV2 2DX, United Kingdom.
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Shaw L, Sneddon SF, Zeef L, Kimber SJ, Brison DR. Global gene expression profiling of individual human oocytes and embryos demonstrates heterogeneity in early development. PLoS One 2013; 8:e64192. [PMID: 23717564 PMCID: PMC3661520 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Early development in humans is characterised by low and variable embryonic viability, reflected in low fecundity and high rates of miscarriage, relative to other mammals. Data from assisted reproduction programmes provides additional evidence that this is largely mediated at the level of embryonic competence and is highly heterogeneous among embryos. Understanding the basis of this heterogeneity has important implications in a number of areas including: the regulation of early human development, disorders of pregnancy, assisted reproduction programmes, the long term health of children which may be programmed in early development, and the molecular basis of pluripotency in human stem cell populations. We have therefore investigated global gene expression profiles using polyAPCR amplification and microarray technology applied to individual human oocytes and 4-cell and blastocyst stage embryos. In order to explore the basis of any variability in detail, each developmental stage is replicated in triplicate. Our data show that although transcript profiles are highly stage-specific, within each stage they are relatively variable. We describe expression of a number of gene families and pathways including apoptosis, cell cycle and amino acid metabolism, which are variably expressed and may be reflective of embryonic developmental competence. Overall, our data suggest that heterogeneity in human embryo developmental competence is reflected in global transcript profiles, and that the vast majority of existing human embryo gene expression data based on pooled oocytes and embryos need to be reinterpreted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Shaw
- Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old St Mary’s Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon F. Sneddon
- Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old St Mary’s Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Leo Zeef
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Susan J. Kimber
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel R. Brison
- Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old St Mary’s Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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