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Liang R, Duan SN, Fu M, Chen YN, Wang P, Fan Y, Meng S, Chen X, Shi C. Prediction model for day 3 embryo implantation potential based on metabolites in spent embryo culture medium. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:425. [PMID: 37291503 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05666-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolites in spent embryo culture medium correlate with the embryo's viability. However, there is no widely accepted method using metabolite dada to predict successful implantation. We sought to combine metabolomic profiling of spent embryo culture medium and clinical variables to create an implantation prediction model as an adjunct to morphological screening of day 3 embryos. METHODS This investigation was a prospective, nested case-control study. Forty-two day 3 embryos from 34 patients were transferred, and the spent embryo culture medium was collected. Twenty-two embryos implanted successfully, and the others failed. Metabolites in the medium relevant to implantation were detected and measured by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Clinical signatures relevant to embryo implantation were subjected to univariate analysis to select candidates for a prediction model. Multivariate logistical regression of the clinical and metabolomic candidates was used to construct a prediction model for embryo implantation potential. RESULTS The levels of 13 metabolites were significantly different between the successful and failed groups, among which five were most relevant and interpretable selected by Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression analysis. None of the clinical variables significantly affected day 3 embryo implantation. The most relevant and interpretable set of metabolites was used to construct a prediction model for day 3 embryo implantation potential with an accuracy of 0.88. CONCLUSIONS Day 3 embryos'implantation potential could be noninvasively predicted by the spent embryo culture medium's metabolites measured by LC-MS. This approach may become a useful adjunct to morphological evaluation of day 3 embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Liang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Sheng Nan Duan
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Min Fu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Nan Chen
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Fan
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shihui Meng
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Cheng Shi
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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2
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Arslan U, Moruzzi A, Nowacka J, Mummery C, Eckardt D, Loskill P, Orlova V. Microphysiological stem cell models of the human heart. Mater Today Bio 2022; 14:100259. [PMID: 35514437 PMCID: PMC9062349 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2022.100259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Models of heart disease and drug responses are increasingly based on human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) since their ability to capture human heart (dys-)function is often better than animal models. Simple monolayer cultures of hPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, however, have shortcomings. Some of these can be overcome using more complex, multi cell-type models in 3D. Here we review modalities that address this, describe efforts to tailor readouts and sensors for monitoring tissue- and cell physiology (exogenously and in situ) and discuss perspectives for implementation in industry and academia.
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3
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LC-MS Analysis Revealed the Significantly Different Metabolic Profiles in Spent Culture Media of Human Embryos with Distinct Morphology, Karyotype and Implantation Outcomes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052706. [PMID: 35269848 PMCID: PMC8911215 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study we evaluated possible differences in metabolomic profiles of spent embryo culture media (SECM) of human embryos with distinct morphology, karyotype, and implantation outcomes. A total of 153 samples from embryos of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) programs were collected and analyzed by HPLC-MS. Metabolomic profiling and statistical analysis revealed clear clustering of day five SECM from embryos with different morphological classes and karyotype. Profiling of day five SECM from embryos with different implantation outcomes showed 241 significantly changed molecular ions in SECM of successfully implanted embryos. Separate analysis of paired SECM samples on days three and five revealed 46 and 29 molecular signatures respectively, significantly differing in culture media of embryos with a successful outcome. Pathway enrichment analysis suggests certain amino acids, vitamins, and lipid metabolic pathways to be crucial for embryo implantation. Differences between embryos with distinct implantation potential are detectable on the third and fifth day of cultivation that may allow the application of culture medium analysis in different transfer protocols for both fresh and cryopreserved embryos. A combination of traditional morphological criteria with metabolic profiling of SECM may increase implantation rates in assisted reproductive technology programs as well as improve our knowledge of the human embryo metabolism in the early stages of development.
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4
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Timofeeva AV, Fedorov IS, Shamina MA, Chagovets VV, Makarova NP, Kalinina EA, Nazarenko TA, Sukhikh GT. Clinical Relevance of Secreted Small Noncoding RNAs in an Embryo Implantation Potential Prediction at Morula and Blastocyst Development Stages. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11121328. [PMID: 34947859 PMCID: PMC8706231 DOI: 10.3390/life11121328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the improvements in biotechnological approaches and the selection of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocols, the resulting pregnancy rate from in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocols still does not exceed 30-40%. In this connection, there is an acute question of the development of a non-invasive, sensitive, and specific method for assessing the implantation potential of an embryo. A total of 110 subfertile couples were included in the study to undergo the IVF/ICSI program. Obtained embryos for transfer into the uterine cavity of patient cohort 1 (n = 60) and cohort 2 (n = 50) were excellent/good-quality blastocysts, and small noncoding RNA (sncRNA) content in the corresponding spent culture medium samples at the morula stage (n = 43) or at the blastocyst stage (n = 31) was analyzed by deep sequencing followed by qRT-PCR in real time. Two logistic regression models were developed to predict the implantation potential of the embryo with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity: model 1 at the morula stage, using various combinations of hsa_piR_022258, hsa-let-7i-5p, hsa_piR_000765, hsa_piR_015249, hsa_piR_019122, and hsa_piR_008112, and model 2 at the blastocyst stage, using various combinations of hsa_piR_020497, hsa_piR_008113, hsa-miR-381-3p, hsa_piR_022258, and hsa-let-7a-5p. Protein products of sncRNA potential target genes participate in the selective turnover of proteins through the ubiquitination system and in the organization of the various cell cytoskeleton and nucleoskeleton structures, regulating the activity of the Hippo signaling pathway, which determines the fate specification of the blastomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika V. Timofeeva
- Laboratory of Applied Transcriptomics, Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia, 117997 Moscow, Russia;
- Correspondence: or
| | - Ivan S. Fedorov
- Laboratory of Applied Transcriptomics, Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia, 117997 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Maria A. Shamina
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (M.A.S.); (N.P.M.); (E.A.K.)
| | - Vitaliy V. Chagovets
- Laboratory of Proteomics and Metabolomics of Human Reproduction, Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia, 117997 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Nataliya P. Makarova
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (M.A.S.); (N.P.M.); (E.A.K.)
| | - Elena A. Kalinina
- Department of Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (M.A.S.); (N.P.M.); (E.A.K.)
| | - Tatiana A. Nazarenko
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.N.); (G.T.S.)
| | - Gennady T. Sukhikh
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (T.A.N.); (G.T.S.)
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5
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Gombos K, Gálik B, Kalács KI, Gödöny K, Várnagy Á, Alpár D, Bódis J, Gyenesei A, Kovács GL. NGS-Based Application for Routine Non-Invasive Pre-Implantation Genetic Assessment in IVF. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052443. [PMID: 33671014 PMCID: PMC7957524 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Although non-invasive pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (NIPGT-A) is potentially appropriate to assess chromosomal ploidy of the embryo, practical application of it in a routine IVF centre have not been started in the absence of a recommendation. Our objective in this study was to provide a comprehensive workflow for a clinically applicable strategy for NIPGT-A based on next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology with the corresponding bioinformatic pipeline. In a retrospective study, we performed NGS on spent blastocyst culture media of Day 3 embryos fertilised with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with quality score on morphology assessment using the blank culture media as background control. Chromosomal abnormalities were identified by an optimised bioinformatics pipeline applying copy number variation (CNV) detecting algorithm. In this study, we demonstrate a comprehensive workflow covering both wet- and dry-lab procedures supporting a clinically applicable strategy for NIPGT-A that can be carried out within 48 h, which is critical for the same-cycle blastocyst transfer. The described integrated approach of non-invasive evaluation of embryonic DNA content of the culture media can potentially supplement existing pre-implantation genetic screening methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katalin Gombos
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20., 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (K.G.); (B.G.); (K.I.K.); (Á.V.); (A.G.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 13., 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (K.G.); (J.B.)
| | - Bence Gálik
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20., 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (K.G.); (B.G.); (K.I.K.); (Á.V.); (A.G.)
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, Medical University of Bialystok, ul. Jana Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Krisztina Ildikó Kalács
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20., 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (K.G.); (B.G.); (K.I.K.); (Á.V.); (A.G.)
| | - Krisztina Gödöny
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (K.G.); (J.B.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Édesanyák útja 17, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ákos Várnagy
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20., 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (K.G.); (B.G.); (K.I.K.); (Á.V.); (A.G.)
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (K.G.); (J.B.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Édesanyák útja 17, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Donát Alpár
- MTA-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26., 1085 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - József Bódis
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (K.G.); (J.B.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Édesanyák útja 17, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Attila Gyenesei
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20., 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (K.G.); (B.G.); (K.I.K.); (Á.V.); (A.G.)
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, Medical University of Bialystok, ul. Jana Kilinskiego 1, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Gábor L. Kovács
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20., 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (K.G.); (B.G.); (K.I.K.); (Á.V.); (A.G.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 13., 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (K.G.); (J.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-72-501-668
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6
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Hernández-Vargas P, Muñoz M, Domínguez F. Identifying biomarkers for predicting successful embryo implantation: applying single to multi-OMICs to improve reproductive outcomes. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 26:264-301. [PMID: 32096829 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Successful embryo implantation is a complex process that requires the coordination of a series of events, involving both the embryo and the maternal endometrium. Key to this process is the intricate cascade of molecular mechanisms regulated by endocrine, paracrine and autocrine modulators of embryonic and maternal origin. Despite significant progress in ART, implantation failure still affects numerous infertile couples worldwide and fewer than 10% of embryos successfully implant. Improved selection of both the viable embryos and the optimal endometrial phenotype for transfer remains crucial to enhancing implantation chances. However, both classical morphological embryo selection and new strategies incorporated into clinical practice, such as embryonic genetic analysis, morphokinetics or ultrasound endometrial dating, remain insufficient to predict successful implantation. Additionally, no techniques are widely applied to analyse molecular signals involved in the embryo-uterine interaction. More reliable biological markers to predict embryo and uterine reproductive competence are needed to improve pregnancy outcomes. Recent years have seen a trend towards 'omics' methods, which enable the assessment of complete endometrial and embryonic molecular profiles during implantation. Omics have advanced our knowledge of the implantation process, identifying potential but rarely implemented biomarkers of successful implantation. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Differences between the findings of published omics studies, and perhaps because embryonic and endometrial molecular signatures were often not investigated jointly, have prevented firm conclusions being reached. A timely review summarizing omics studies on the molecular determinants of human implantation in both the embryo and the endometrium will help facilitate integrative and reliable omics approaches to enhance ART outcomes. SEARCH METHODS In order to provide a comprehensive review of the literature published up to September 2019, Medline databases were searched using keywords pertaining to omics, including 'transcriptome', 'proteome', 'secretome', 'metabolome' and 'expression profiles', combined with terms related to implantation, such as 'endometrial receptivity', 'embryo viability' and 'embryo implantation'. No language restrictions were imposed. References from articles were also used for additional literature. OUTCOMES Here we provide a complete summary of the major achievements in human implantation research supplied by omics approaches, highlighting their potential to improve reproductive outcomes while fully elucidating the implantation mechanism. The review highlights the existence of discrepancies among the postulated biomarkers from studies on embryo viability or endometrial receptivity, even using the same omic analysis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Despite the huge amount of biomarker information provided by omics, we still do not have enough evidence to link data from all omics with an implantation outcome. However, in the foreseeable future, application of minimally or non-invasive omics tools, together with a more integrative interpretation of uniformly collected data, will help to overcome the difficulties for clinical implementation of omics tools. Omics assays of the embryo and endometrium are being proposed or already being used as diagnostic tools for personalised single-embryo transfer in the most favourable endometrial environment, avoiding the risk of multiple pregnancies and ensuring better pregnancy rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purificación Hernández-Vargas
- IVI-RMA Alicante, Innovation. Avda. de Denia 111, 03015 Alicante, Spain.,Fundación IVI, Innovation-IIS La Fe, Avda. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, Torre A, 1° 1.23, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Manuel Muñoz
- IVI-RMA Alicante, Innovation. Avda. de Denia 111, 03015 Alicante, Spain.,Fundación IVI, Innovation-IIS La Fe, Avda. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, Torre A, 1° 1.23, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco Domínguez
- Fundación IVI, Innovation-IIS La Fe, Avda. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, Torre A, 1° 1.23, 46026 Valencia, Spain
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7
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Asampille G, Cheredath A, Joseph D, Adiga SK, Atreya HS. The utility of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in assisted reproduction. Open Biol 2020; 10:200092. [PMID: 33142083 PMCID: PMC7729034 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects approximately 15-20% of individuals of reproductive age worldwide. Over the last 40 years, assisted reproductive technology (ART) has helped millions of childless couples. However, ART is limited by a low success rate and risk of multiple gestations. Devising methods for selecting the best gamete or embryo that increases the ART success rate and prevention of multiple gestation has become one of the key goals in ART today. Special emphasis has been placed on the development of non-invasive approaches, which do not require perturbing the embryonic cells, as the current morphology-based embryo selection approach has shortcomings in predicting the implantation potential of embryos. An observed association between embryo metabolism and viability has prompted researchers to develop metabolomics-based biomarkers. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy provides a non-invasive approach for the metabolic profiling of tissues, gametes and embryos, with the key advantage of having a minimal sample preparation procedure. Using NMR spectroscopy, biologically important molecules can be identified and quantified in intact cells, extracts or secretomes. This, in turn, helps to map out the active metabolic pathways in a system. The present review covers the contribution of NMR spectroscopy in assisted reproduction at various stages of the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gitanjali Asampille
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Aswathi Cheredath
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - David Joseph
- NMR Research Centre, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
- Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Satish K. Adiga
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
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8
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Bartolucci AF, Peluso JJ. Necessity is the mother of invention and the evolutionary force driving the success of in vitro fertilization. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:255-273. [PMID: 32975285 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa175] [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: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last few decades, millions of healthy children have been born with the aid of in vitro fertilization (IVF). This success belies the fact that IVF treatment is comprised of a complex series of interventions starting with a customized control ovarian stimulation protocol. This is followed by the induction of oocyte maturation, the retrieval of mature oocytes and in vitro fertilization, which often involves the microinjection of a single sperm into the oocyte. After fertilization, the resulting embryos are cultured for up to 7 days. The best embryos are transferred into the uterus where the embryo implants and hopefully develops into a healthy child. However, frequently the best embryos are biopsied and frozen. The biopsied cells are analyzed to identify those embryos without chromosomal abnormalities. These embryos are eventually thawed and transferred with pregnancy rates as good if not better than embryos that are not biopsied and transferred in a fresh cycle. Thus, IVF treatment requires the coordinated efforts of physicians, nurses, molecular biologists and embryologists to conduct each of these multifaceted phases in a seamless and flawless manner. Even though complex, IVF treatment may seem routine today, but it was not always the case. In this review the evolution of human IVF is presented as a series of innovations that resolved a technical hurdle in one component of IVF while creating challenges that eventually lead to the next major advancement. This step-by-step evolution in the treatment of human infertility is recounted in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison F Bartolucci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Connecticut Health Center.,The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - John J Peluso
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Connecticut Health Center.,Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
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9
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Abreu CM, Thomas V, Knaggs P, Bunkheila A, Cruz A, Teixeira SR, Alpuim P, Francis LW, Gebril A, Ibrahim A, Margarit L, Gonzalez D, Freitas PP, Conlan RS, Mendes Pinto I. Non-invasive molecular assessment of human embryo development and implantation potential. Biosens Bioelectron 2020; 157:112144. [PMID: 32250927 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2020.112144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common assisted reproductive technology used to treat infertility. Embryo selection for transfer in IVF cycles relies on the morphological evaluation by embryologists, either by conventional microscopic assessment or more recently by time-lapse imaging systems. Despite the introduction of time-lapse imaging improvements in IVF success rates have failed to materialize, therefore alternative approaches are needed. Recent studies have shown that embryos resulting in successful pregnancy differ in their secretome and metabolism compared to embryos that fail to implant, suggesting that molecular analysis of embryo culture medium could assist in non-invasive single embryo selection. However, this approach has yet to be adopted clinically due to the lack of appropriate highly sensitive screening technologies needed to assess volume-limited samples. Here we report the detection of hCGβ, IL-8 and TNFα from conditioned culture media of single human embryos using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The impedimetric immunosensors revealed that morphologically non-viable embryos produce higher levels of IL-8 and TNFα, associated with abnormal cell division and cell death, respectively. More importantly, hCGβ detection was able to discriminate apparently morphologically identical viable embryos. This work brings an objective dimension to embryo selection, which could overcome the major limitations of morphology-based embryo selection for implantation. Future work should include the validation of these biomarkers in a large patient cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina M Abreu
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Avenida Mestre José Veiga, 4715-330, Braga, Portugal; Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK; Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Victoria Thomas
- Wales Fertility Institute Neath, Neath Port Talbot Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Port Talbot, SA12 7BX, UK
| | - Paul Knaggs
- Wales Fertility Institute Neath, Neath Port Talbot Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Port Talbot, SA12 7BX, UK
| | - Adnan Bunkheila
- Singleton Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Sketty Lane, Swansea, SA2 8QA, UK
| | - Andrea Cruz
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Avenida Mestre José Veiga, 4715-330, Braga, Portugal
| | - Sofia R Teixeira
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Avenida Mestre José Veiga, 4715-330, Braga, Portugal; Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK; Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Pedro Alpuim
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Avenida Mestre José Veiga, 4715-330, Braga, Portugal
| | - Lewis W Francis
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK; Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Amr Gebril
- Wales Fertility Institute Neath, Neath Port Talbot Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Port Talbot, SA12 7BX, UK
| | - Ahmed Ibrahim
- Wales Fertility Institute Neath, Neath Port Talbot Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Port Talbot, SA12 7BX, UK
| | - Lavinia Margarit
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK; Princess of Wales Hospital, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Coity Road, Bridgend, CF31 1RQ, UK
| | - Deyarina Gonzalez
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK; Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Paulo P Freitas
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Avenida Mestre José Veiga, 4715-330, Braga, Portugal
| | - R Steven Conlan
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK; Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Inês Mendes Pinto
- International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Avenida Mestre José Veiga, 4715-330, Braga, Portugal.
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10
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Borges Jr. E, Montani DA, Setti AS, Zanetti BF, Figueira RDCS, Iaconelli Jr. A, Oliveira-Silva D, Braga DPDAF. Serum metabolites as predictive molecular markers of ovarian response to controlled stimulation: a pilot study. JBRA Assist Reprod 2019; 23:323-327. [PMID: 31173494 PMCID: PMC6798585 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20190008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to look into the use of serum metabolites as potential biomarkers of response to controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. METHODS This case-control study analyzed serum samples from 30 patients aged <36 years undergoing COS for ICSI in a university-affiliated assisted reproduction center from January 2017 to August 2017. The samples were split into three groups based on response to COS as follows: poor responders: <4 retrieved oocytes (PR group, n=10); normal responders: ≥ 8 and ≤ 12 retrieved oocytes (NR group, n=10); and hyper-responders: >25 retrieved oocytes (HR, n=10). The metabolic profiles of the serum samples were compared between the groups through Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were built to assess the power of the model at predicting response to COS. RESULTS PCA clearly distinguished between PR, NR and HR, and 10 ions were chosen as potential biomarkers of response to COS. These ions were more specific for PR than for NR. The ROC curve considering PR and NR had an area under the curve of 99.6% (95% CI: 88.9 - 100%). CONCLUSION The preliminary evidence discussed in this study suggests that serum metabolites may be used as predictive molecular markers of ovarian response to controlled stimulation. The integration of clinical and "omics" findings may allow the migration toward an era of personalized treatment in reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edson Borges Jr.
- Fertility Medical Group. São Paulo, SP - Brazil
- Instituto Sapientiae - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em
Reprodução Assistida. São Paulo, SP - Brazil
| | - Daniela Antunes Montani
- Grupo de Bio-orgânica e Bioanalítica. Departamento de
Química - Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e
Farmacêuticas – UNIFESP Diadema Campus, Diadema, SP - Brazil
| | - Amanda Souza Setti
- Fertility Medical Group. São Paulo, SP - Brazil
- Instituto Sapientiae - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em
Reprodução Assistida. São Paulo, SP - Brazil
| | - Bianca Ferrarini Zanetti
- Fertility Medical Group. São Paulo, SP - Brazil
- Instituto Sapientiae - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em
Reprodução Assistida. São Paulo, SP - Brazil
| | - Rita de Cássia Sávio Figueira
- Fertility Medical Group. São Paulo, SP - Brazil
- Instituto Sapientiae - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em
Reprodução Assistida. São Paulo, SP - Brazil
| | - Assumpto Iaconelli Jr.
- Fertility Medical Group. São Paulo, SP - Brazil
- Instituto Sapientiae - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em
Reprodução Assistida. São Paulo, SP - Brazil
| | - Diogo Oliveira-Silva
- Grupo de Bio-orgânica e Bioanalítica. Departamento de
Química - Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e
Farmacêuticas – UNIFESP Diadema Campus, Diadema, SP - Brazil
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11
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Bonetti TC, Haddad DC, Domingues TS, Alegretti JR, Motta ELA, Seeley K, Silva ID. Expressed proteins and activated pathways in conditioned embryo culture media from IVF patients are diverse according to infertility factors. JBRA Assist Reprod 2019; 23:352-360. [PMID: 31251011 PMCID: PMC6798601 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20190039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Given that the embryo culture medium secretome reflects the embryo development, we hypothesize that protein profiles are affected according to infertility factors, which can be responsible for detrimental embryonic developmental competence. The aim of this study was to screen the protein profile of conditioned embryo culture media in patients presenting deep infiltrating endometriosis (ENDO) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) undergoing IVF, by proteomics approaches. The control group was constituted by tubal factor patients. METHODS Patients underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment as routine and oocytes were fertilized by ICSI. The embryos were group cultured until day 3 of development, and after transfer the culture media were collected. For the proteomics analysis, two pools of samples were prepared for groups CONTROL and PCOS, and 4 pools of samples for group DIE. Samples were prepared to deplete high abundant proteins and followed evaluated by high throughput proteomics approach. RESULTS The embryonic organ and tissue development were physiological functions activated, based on proteins identified in the 3 study groups of samples. The samples coming from DIE patients presented a high calcium activity and on the other hand, embryos coming from PCOS patients showed a decreased calcium action. Other pathways as grow factors through the EGF signaling pathway overexpressed in ENDO culture medium and protein kinase A in PCOS were also observed. CONCLUSIONS Proteomic embryonic secretome will advance our knowledge of early embryogenesis and additionally could lead to improved selection of embryos for transfer warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Cs Bonetti
- Disciplina de Ginecologia Endocrinológica, Departamento de Ginecologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP-EPM). Brasil
| | - Debora Cm Haddad
- Setor Integrado de Reprodução Humana, Departamento de Urologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP-EPM). Brasil
| | - Thais S Domingues
- Disciplina de Ginecologia Endocrinológica, Departamento de Ginecologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP-EPM). Brasil.,Huntington - Medicina Reprodutiva. Brasil
| | | | - Eduardo LA Motta
- Disciplina de Ginecologia Endocrinológica, Departamento de Ginecologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP-EPM). Brasil.,Huntington - Medicina Reprodutiva. Brasil
| | - Kent Seeley
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Facility, Center for Drug Discovery and Innovation (CDDI), University of South Florida (USF). USA
| | - Ismael Dcg Silva
- Disciplina de Ginecologia Endocrinológica, Departamento de Ginecologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP-EPM). Brasil
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12
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Iles RK, Sharara FI, Zmuidinaite R, Abdo G, Keshavarz S, Butler SA. Secretome profile selection of optimal IVF embryos by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:1153-1160. [PMID: 31093865 PMCID: PMC6602995 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01444-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Selecting an embryo at the transfer stage with the best chance of a successful pregnancy is still largely dependent on preceding subjective evaluation of morphokinetics. Expensive prenatal genomic profiling has been so far proved ineffective. Proteomics and metabolomics are promising new approaches to assess embryo viability, but methodologies are often complex and do not lend themselves to rapid analysis in the critical time between blastocyst formation and embryo transfer. Here, we used matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI ToF) mass spectrometry to assess the secretome of blastocysts in the minutes prior to embryo transfer and correlated spectral features with pregnancy outcome. Methods Four hundred one samples of spent blastocyst culture media were collected from embryo cultures at the time of embryo transfer, of which 136 were used to construct the predictive model. The media samples were frozen at − 20 °C and stored for analysis. Sample analysis was conducted in batches using 1 μl of spent embryo in direct MALDI ToF mass spectral analysis. Quantitative characteristics within this mass range (2000–17,000 m/z) were used to generate a score for selected mass regions (bins) in order to predict pregnancy outcome for each sample. Results With a simple algorithm based on nine mass bins within the 2000–10,000 m/z region, it was possible to identify samples with the best chance of becoming an ongoing pregnancy (positive predictive value of 82.9%, p = 0.0018). Conclusion A simple, direct and rapid analysis of spent culture fluid from blastocysts at the point of embryo transfer can quickly identify optimal embryos with the best chance of achieving ongoing pregnancy. Methods like this, which take less than 20 min to perform, could dramatically improve the approach to embryo selection and live births.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray K Iles
- MAP Sciences Ltd., Priory Business Park, Bedford I-lab Stannard Way, Bedford, MK44 3RZ, UK.
| | - Fady I Sharara
- Virginia Center for Reproductive Medicine, Reston, VA, USA.,George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Raminta Zmuidinaite
- MAP Sciences Ltd., Priory Business Park, Bedford I-lab Stannard Way, Bedford, MK44 3RZ, UK
| | - Galal Abdo
- Virginia Center for Reproductive Medicine, Reston, VA, USA
| | - Sholeh Keshavarz
- MAP Sciences Ltd., Priory Business Park, Bedford I-lab Stannard Way, Bedford, MK44 3RZ, UK
| | - Stephen A Butler
- MAP Sciences Ltd., Priory Business Park, Bedford I-lab Stannard Way, Bedford, MK44 3RZ, UK
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13
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Siristatidis CS, Sertedaki E, Vaidakis D, Varounis C, Trivella M. Metabolomics for improving pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018; 3:CD011872. [PMID: 29547689 PMCID: PMC6494410 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011872.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In order to overcome the low effectiveness of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and the high incidence of multiple births, metabolomics is proposed as a non-invasive method to assess oocyte quality, embryo viability, and endometrial receptivity, and facilitate a targeted subfertility treatment. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of metabolomic assessment of oocyte quality, embryo viability, and endometrial receptivity for improving live birth or ongoing pregnancy rates in women undergoing ART, compared to conventional methods of assessment. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and two trial registers (Feburary 2018). We also examined the reference lists of primary studies and review articles, citation lists of relevant publications, and abstracts of major scientific meetings. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on metabolomic assessment of oocyte quality, embryo viability, and endometrial receptivity in women undergoing ART. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Pairs of review authors independently assessed trial eligibility and risk of bias, and extracted the data. The primary outcomes were rates of live birth or ongoing pregnancy (composite outcome) and miscarriage. Secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy, multiple and ectopic pregnancy, cycle cancellation, and foetal abnormalities. We combined data to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for dichotomous data and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. We assessed the overall quality of the evidence for the main comparisons using GRADE methods. MAIN RESULTS We included four trials with a total of 924 women, with a mean age of 33 years. All assessed the role of metabolomic investigation of embryo viability. We found no RCTs that addressed the metabolomic assessment of oocyte quality or endometrial receptivity.We found low-quality evidence of little or no difference between metabolomic and non-metabolomic assessment of embryos for rates of live birth or ongoing pregnancy (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.35, I² = 0%; four RCTs; N = 924), live birth alone (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.44, I² = 0%; three RCTs; N = 597), or miscarriage (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.82; I² = 0%; three RCTs; N = 869). A sensitivity analysis excluding studies at high risk of bias did not change the interpretation of the results for live birth or ongoing pregnancy (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.25, I² = 0%; two RCTs; N = 744). Our findings suggested that if the rate of live birth or ongoing pregnancy was 36% in the non-metabolomic group, it would be between 32% and 45% with the use of metabolomics.We found low-quality evidence of little or no difference between groups in rates of clinical pregnancy (OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.45; I²= 44%; four trials; N = 924) or multiple pregnancy (OR 1.50, 95% CI 0.70 to 3.19; I² = 0%; two RCTs, N = 180). Rates of cycle cancellation were higher in the metabolomics group (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.69; I² = 51%; two RCTs; N = 744, low quality evidence). There was very low-quality evidence of little or no difference between groups in rates of ectopic pregnancy rates (OR 3.00, 95% CI 0.12 to 74.07; one RCT; N = 417), and foetal abnormality (no events; one RCT; N = 125). Data were lacking on other adverse effects. A sensitivity analysis excluding studies at high risk of bias did not change the interpretation of the results for clinical pregnancy (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.38; I² = 40%; two RCTs; N = 744).The overall quality of the evidence ranged from very low to low. Limitations included serious risk of bias (associated with poor reporting of methods, attrition bias, selective reporting, and other biases), imprecision, and inconsistency across trials. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS According to current trials in women undergoing ART, there is no evidence to show that metabolomic assessment of embryos before implantation has any meaningful effect on rates of live birth, ongoing pregnancy, miscarriage, multiple pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy or foetal abnormalities. The existing evidence varied from very low to low-quality. Data on other adverse events were sparse, so we could not reach conclusions on these. At the moment, there is no evidence to support or refute the use of this technique for subfertile women undergoing ART. Robust evidence is needed from further RCTs, which study the effects on live birth and miscarriage rates for the metabolomic assessment of embryo viability. Well designed and executed trials are also needed to study the effects on oocyte quality and endometrial receptivity, since none are currently available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos S Siristatidis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of AthensAssisted Reproduction Unit, 3rd Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyAttikon University HospitalRimini 1AthensChaidariGreece12462
| | - Eleni Sertedaki
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens75 M. Assias StreetGoudiAthensGreece115 27
| | - Dennis Vaidakis
- University of Athens3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology'Attikon' Hospital, ChaidariAthensGreece
| | - Christos Varounis
- Attikon University Hospital2nd Department of Cardiology, University of Athens Medical SchoolRimini 1HaidariAthensGreece12462
| | - Marialena Trivella
- University of OxfordCentre for Statistics in MedicineBotnar Research CentreWindmill RoadOxfordUKOX3 7LD
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14
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Exogenous growth factors do not affect the development of individually cultured murine embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2017; 35:523-531. [PMID: 29270871 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-017-1103-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of multiple growth factors on the development of individually cultured murine embryos. METHODS Embryos produced by in vitro fertilization using in vitro (IVM) or in vivo (IVO) matured oocytes from three strains of mice (CF1, Swiss Webster, B6D2F1) were cultured individually (10 μl) in the absence (control) or presence of growth factors (paf, epidermal growth factor [EGF], insulin-like growth factor 1 [IGF-1], and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor [GM-CSF]). Blastocyst formation, hatching, and blastocyst cell numbers (trophectoderm, inner cell mass, and total) were evaluated on days 4 and 5 of culture. Post-hatching development of CF1 IVO embryos was also evaluated in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS The presence of growth factors did not improve the proportion of embryos forming blastocysts or initiating hatching for any of the types of embryos tested. The only significant (P < 0.05) effect of growth factors was a decrease in the proportion of embryos that formed blastocysts by day 5 in CF1 IVM embryos. The presence of growth factors also did not affect blastocyst cell numbers. For CF1 IVO embryos, the presence of growth factors during culture did not affect the proportion of embryos that attached to fibronectin-coated dishes, the size of the resulting outgrowths, or in vivo development following transfer. CONCLUSION Combinations of paf, EGF, GM-CSF, and IGF-1 did not improve development of murine embryos cultured individually in a sequential medium containing a defined protein source.
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15
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Zorina IM, Eldarov CM, Yarigina SA, Makarova NP, Trofimov DY, Smolnikova VY, Kalinina EA, Bobrov MY. [Metabolomic profiling in culture media of day-5 human embryos]. BIOMEDIT︠S︡INSKAI︠A︡ KHIMII︠A︡ 2017; 63:385-391. [PMID: 29080869 DOI: 10.18097/pbmc20176305385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the changes of metabolomic profiles in embryonic culture media (ECM) for the evaluation of quality and implantation potential of human embryos. ECM (n=163) were collected on day 5 before transfer or cryopreservation. Some embryos were used in preimplantation genetic screening for detection of aneuploidy karyotypes. Samples were subdivided into groups according to embryo morphological classification (by Gardner), genetic analysis and implantation data. ECM were extracted with methanol, precipitates were separated by centrifugation and metabolite production of individual embryo was analysed by LC-MS (the positive ion mode). After peak detection and retention time alignment, data were analysed using the PCA algorithm. MS fingerprinting analysis of embryo culture medium showed significant differences between morphologically divided groups. Intragroup comparisons did not reveal differences between subclasses. Genetic screening of embryos revealed 33 aneuploid karyotypes. It was shown that chromosome number did not affect the metabolite profiles comparing with the normal group. The culture media of embryos that were positive or negative for successful implantation showed specific signatures that allowed to distinguish embryos with different outcomes.The characterization of ECMs by LC-MS may facilitate more accurate selection of the best embryo for the implantation, improving single-embryo transfer and thus eliminating the risk and undesirable effects of multiple pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- I M Zorina
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Moscow, Russia
| | - C M Eldarov
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Moscow, Russia
| | - S A Yarigina
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Moscow, Russia
| | - N P Makarova
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Moscow, Russia
| | - D Yu Trofimov
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Moscow, Russia
| | - V Yu Smolnikova
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Moscow, Russia
| | - E A Kalinina
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Moscow, Russia
| | - M Yu Bobrov
- Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Moscow, Russia; Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
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16
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Zhang YL, Zhang GM, Jia RX, Wan YJ, Yang H, Sun LW, Han L, Wang F. Non-invasive assessment of culture media from goat cloned embryos associated with subjective morphology by gas chromatography - mass spectroscopy-based metabolomic analysis. Anim Sci J 2017; 89:31-41. [PMID: 28833899 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Pre-implantation embryo metabolism demonstrates distinctive characteristics associated with the development potential of embryos. We aim to determine if metabolic differences correlate with embryo morphology. In this study, gas chromatography - mass spectroscopy (GC-MS)-based metabolomics was used to assess the culture media of goat cloned embryos collected from high-quality (HQ) and low-quality (LQ) groups based on morphology. Expression levels of amino acid transport genes were further examined by quantitative real-time PCR. Results showed that the HQ group presented higher percentages of blastocysts compared with the LQ counterparts (P < 0.05). Metabolic differences were also present between HQ and LQ groups. The culture media of the HQ group showed lower levels of valin, lysine, glutamine, mannose and acetol, and higher levels of glucose, phytosphingosine and phosphate than those of the LQ group. Additionally, expression levels of amino acid transport genes SLC1A5 and SLC3A2 were significantly lower in the HQ group than the LQ group (P < 0.05, respectively). To our knowledge, this is the first report which uses GC-MS to detect metabolic differences in goat cloned embryo culture media. The biochemical profiles may help to select the most in vitro viable embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Li Zhang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guo-Min Zhang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruo-Xin Jia
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong-Jie Wan
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hua Yang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling-Wei Sun
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Le Han
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, College of Animal Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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17
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Siristatidis CS, Sertedaki E, Vaidakis D. Metabolomics for improving pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 5:CD011872. [PMID: 28534597 PMCID: PMC6481756 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011872.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In order to overcome the low effectiveness of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and the high incidence of multiple births, metabolomics is proposed as a non-invasive method to assess oocyte quality, embryo viability, and endometrial receptivity, and facilitate a targeted subfertility treatment. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of metabolomic assessment of oocyte quality, embryo viability, and endometrial receptivity for improving live birth or ongoing pregnancy rates in women undergoing ART, compared to conventional methods of assessment. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and two trial registers (November 2016). We also examined the reference lists of primary studies and review articles, citation lists of relevant publications, and abstracts of major scientific meetings. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on metabolomic assessment of oocyte quality, embryo viability, and endometrial receptivity in women undergoing ART. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed trial eligibility and risk of bias, and extracted the data. The primary outcomes were rates of live birth or ongoing pregnancy (composite outcome) and miscarriage. Secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy, multiple and ectopic pregnancy, cycle cancellation, and foetal abnormalities. We combined data to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for dichotomous data and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. We assessed the overall quality of the evidence for the main comparisons using GRADE methods. MAIN RESULTS We included four trials with a total of 802 women, with a mean age of 33 years. All assessed the role of metabolomic investigation of embryo viability. We found no RCTs that addressed the metabolomic assessment of oocyte quality or endometrial receptivity.We found low-quality evidence of little or no difference between metabolomic and non-metabolomic assessment of embryos for rates of live birth or ongoing pregnancy (OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.48; I² = 0%; four RCTs; N = 802), or miscarriage (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.78; I² = 0%; two RCTs; N = 434). A sensitivity analysis excluding studies at high risk of bias did not change the interpretation of the results for live birth or ongoing pregnancy (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.38; I² = 0%; two RCTs; N = 621). Our findings suggested that if the rate of live birth or ongoing pregnancy was 36% in the non-metabolomic group, it would be between 32% and 45% with the use of metabolomics.We found low-quality evidence of little or no difference between groups in rates of clinical pregnancy (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.62; I²= 26%; four trials; N = 802), or multiple pregnancy (OR 1.52, 95% CI 0.71 to 3.23; I² = 0%; two RCTs, N = 181). There was very low-quality evidence of little or no difference between groups in ectopic pregnancy rates (OR 3.37, 95% CI 0.14 to 83.40; one RCT; N = 309), and foetal abnormalities (no events; one RCT; N = 125), and very low-quality evidence of higher rates of cycle cancellation in the metabolomics group (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.69; I² = 51%; two RCTs; N = 744). Data were lacking on other adverse effects. A sensitivity analysis excluding studies at high risk of bias did not change the interpretation of the results for clinical pregnancy (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.57; I² = 0%; two RCTs; N = 621).The overall quality of the evidence ranged from very low to low. Limitations included serious risk of bias (associated with poor reporting of methods, attrition bias, selective reporting, and other biases), imprecision, and inconsistency across trials. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS According to current trials in women undergoing ART, there is insufficient evidence to show that metabolomic assessment of embryos before implantation has any meaningful effect on rates of live birth, ongoing pregnancy, or miscarriage rates. The existing evidence varied from very low to low-quality. Data on adverse events were sparse, so we could not reach conclusions on these. At the moment, there is no evidence to support or refute the use of this technique for subfertile women undergoing ART. Robust evidence is needed from further RCTs, which study the effects on live birth and miscarriage rates for the metabolomic assessment of embryo viability. Well designed and executed trials are also needed to study the effects on oocyte quality and endometrial receptivity, since none are currently available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos S Siristatidis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of AthensAssisted Reproduction Unit, 3rd Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyAttikon University Hospital,Rimini 1AthensGreece12462
| | - Eleni Sertedaki
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens75 M. Assias StreetGoudiAthensGreece115 27
| | - Dennis Vaidakis
- University of Athens3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology'Attikon' Hospital, ChaidariAthensGreece
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Krisher RL, Heuberger AL, Paczkowski M, Stevens J, Pospisil C, Prather RS, Sturmey RG, Herrick JR, Schoolcraft WB. Applying metabolomic analyses to the practice of embryology: physiology, development and assisted reproductive technology. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 27:602-20. [PMID: 25763765 DOI: 10.1071/rd14359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The advent of metabolomics technology and its application to small samples has allowed us to non-invasively monitor the metabolic activity of embryos in a complex culture environment. The aim of this study was to apply metabolomics technology to the analysis of individual embryos from several species during in vitro development to gain an insight into the metabolomics pathways used by embryos and their relationship with embryo quality. Alanine is produced by both in vivo- and in vitro-derived human, murine, bovine and porcine embryos. Glutamine is also produced by the embryos of these four species, but only those produced in vitro. Across species, blastocysts significantly consumed amino acids from the culture medium, whereas glucose was not significantly taken up. There are significant differences in the metabolic profile of in vivo- compared with in vitro-produced embryos at the blastocyst stage. For example, in vitro-produced murine embryos consume arginine, asparagine, glutamate and proline, whereas in vivo-produced embryos do not. Human embryos produce more alanine, glutamate and glutamine, and consume less pyruvate, at the blastocyst compared with cleavage stages. Glucose was consumed by human blastocysts, but not at a high enough level to reach significance. Consumption of tyrosine by cleavage stage human embryos is indicative of blastocyst development, although tyrosine consumption is not predictive of blastocyst quality. Similarly, although in vivo-produced murine blastocysts consumed less aspartate, lactate, taurine and tyrosine than those produced in vitro, consumption of these four amino acids by in vitro-derived embryos with high octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) expression, indicative of high quality, did not differ from those with low Oct4 expression. Further application of metabolomic technologies to studies of the consumption and/or production of metabolites from individual embryos in a complete culture medium could transform our understanding of embryo physiology and improve our ability to produce developmentally competent embryos in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Krisher
- National Foundation for Fertility Research, 10290 RidgeGate Circle, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
| | - Adam L Heuberger
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, Colorado State University, 2021 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Melissa Paczkowski
- National Foundation for Fertility Research, 10290 RidgeGate Circle, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
| | - John Stevens
- Fertility Laboratories of Colorado, 10290 RidgeGate Circle, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
| | - Courtney Pospisil
- Fertility Laboratories of Colorado, 10290 RidgeGate Circle, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
| | - Randall S Prather
- Division of Animal Science, University of Missouri, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Roger G Sturmey
- Centre for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, The Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Kingston Upon Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
| | - Jason R Herrick
- National Foundation for Fertility Research, 10290 RidgeGate Circle, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
| | - William B Schoolcraft
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, 10290 RidgeGate Circle, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
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19
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Borges E, Setti AS, Braga DPAF, Geraldo MV, Figueira RDCS, Iaconelli A. miR-142-3p as a biomarker of blastocyst implantation failure - A pilot study. JBRA Assist Reprod 2016; 20:200-205. [PMID: 28050953 PMCID: PMC5265617 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20160039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to find whether microRNAs (miRNAs) detected in the culture medium of embryos produced in vitro could be potential biomarkers of embryo implantation. METHODS Culture media samples from 36 embryos, derived from patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in a private university-affiliated IVF center, were collected between January/2015 and November/2015. Samples were collected on day three and embryo transfers were performed on day five and all embryos reached the blastocyst stage. Samples were split into groups according to the embryo implantation result: Positive-Implantation-Group (n=18) or Negative-Implantation-Group (n=18). For the first analysis, samples were pooled in three sets for each group (6-7 spent media per pool). MicroRNAs were extracted from spent media and cDNA was synthesized. C. elegans miR-39 was used as RNA spike-in to normalize the gene expression analysis. The expression of microRNAs into the spent media from the Positive-Implantation-Group was compared with those from the Negative-Implantation-Group. A set of seven miRNAs (miR-21, miR-142-3p, miR-19b, miR-92a, miR-20b, miR-125a and miR148a) selected according with the literature, was tested. To check whether miRNAs could be detected in individual samples of culture media, in a second analysis, ten more samples were tested for miR-21 and miR-142-3p. RESULTS From the sevens tested miRNAs, a significant increased expression of miR-142-3p could be noted in the Negative-Implantation-Group (P<0.001). For other three miRNAs (miR-21, miR-19b and miR-92a) a difference in expression was observed, however it did not reach a statistical significance. In addition, when ten non-redundant samples were tested to check if miRNAs could be detected in individual samples of culture media, the highly specific amplification of mature miRNAs, including miR-142-3p, could be noted. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that miR-142-3p, previously described as a tumor suppressor and cell cycle inhibitor, may be a potential biomarker of blastocyst implantation failure. The identification of miRNAs on individual culture medium samples offers unique opportunities for non-invasive early diagnosis of blastocyst implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edson Borges
- Fertility Medical Group - São Paulo/SP - Brazil.,Instituto Sapientiae - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Assistida - São Paulo/SP - Brazil
| | - Amanda Souza Setti
- Fertility Medical Group - São Paulo/SP - Brazil.,Instituto Sapientiae - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Assistida - São Paulo/SP - Brazil
| | - Daniela P A F Braga
- Fertility Medical Group - São Paulo/SP - Brazil.,Instituto Sapientiae - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Assistida - São Paulo/SP - Brazil.,Disciplina de Urologia, Área de Reprodução Humana, Departamento de Cirurgia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo/SP - Brazil
| | - Murilo V Geraldo
- Departamento de Biologia Estrutural e Funcional, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas UNICAMP/SP - Brazil
| | | | - Assumpto Iaconelli
- Fertility Medical Group - São Paulo/SP - Brazil.,Instituto Sapientiae - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Assistida - São Paulo/SP - Brazil
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20
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Borges E, Braga DPAF, Setti AS, Montanni DA, Cabral EC, Eberlin MN, Turco EGL, Iaconelli A. Non-invasive prediction of blastocyst implantation, ongoing pregnancy and live birth, by mass spectrometry lipid fingerprinting. JBRA Assist Reprod 2016; 20:227-231. [PMID: 28050958 PMCID: PMC5265622 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20160044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To identify lipid markers of blastocyst implantation and ongoing pregnancy by
day three culture medium mass spectrometry (MS) fingerprinting. Methods For this study, 33 culture media samples were harvested on day three, from 22
patients undergoing day five embryo transfers. All embryos achieved the
blastocyst stage and were split into groups based on their implantation
(Negative Implantation, n= 14 and Positive Implantation, n= 19). The
positive implantation cycles resulted in successful ongoing pregnancies. The
lipid extraction was performed by the Bligh-Dyer protocol and mass spectra
were obtained with a direct infusion into a Q-Tof mass spectrometer. The
data obtained was analyzed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial
Least Square Discrimination Analysis (PLS-DA). The statistical analysis was
performed using the Metabo-Analyst 2.0. Results The variable importance in the projection (VIP) plot of the PLS-DA provided a
list of four ions, in the positive mode, with an area under the curve (AUC)
of 73.5%; and eight ions, in the negative mode, with and AUC of 72.0%. For
both positive and negative modes, possible biomarkers for the negative
implantation were identified by the lipidmaps: phosphoethanolamine,
dicarboxylic acids, glycerophosphoglycerol, glycerophosphocholine,
glicerophosphoinositol, phosphoethanolamine and unsaturated fat acids. The
other ions were not identified. These lipids are involved in the GPI anchor
biosynthesis and synthesis of lycerophospholipids and phosphate
inositol. Conclusion MS fingerprinting is useful to identify blastocysts that fail to implant, and
therefore this technique could be incorporated into the laboratory routine,
adjunct to morphology evaluation to identify embryos that should not be
transferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edson Borges
- Fertility Medical Group - São Paulo/SP - Brazil.,Instituto Sapientiae - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Assistida - São Paulo/SP - Brazil
| | - Daniela P A F Braga
- Fertility Medical Group - São Paulo/SP - Brazil.,Instituto Sapientiae - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Assistida - São Paulo/SP - Brazil.,Disciplina de Urologia, Departamento de Cirurgia, Setor de Reprodução Humana - UNIFESP/SP - Brazil
| | - Amanda Souza Setti
- Fertility Medical Group - São Paulo/SP - Brazil.,Instituto Sapientiae - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Assistida - São Paulo/SP - Brazil
| | - Daniela A Montanni
- Disciplina de Urologia, Departamento de Cirurgia, Setor de Reprodução Humana - UNIFESP/SP - Brazil
| | | | - Marcos N Eberlin
- Laboratório ThoMSon de Espectrometria de Massas - Instituto de Química - UNICAMP
| | - Edson G Lo Turco
- Disciplina de Urologia, Departamento de Cirurgia, Setor de Reprodução Humana - UNIFESP/SP - Brazil
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21
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Celá A, Mádr A, Dědová T, Pelcová M, Ješeta M, Žáková J, Crha I, Glatz Z. MEKC-LIF method for analysis of amino acids after on-capillary derivatization by transverse diffusion of laminar flow profiles mixing of reactants for assessing developmental capacity of human embryos after in vitro fertilization. Electrophoresis 2016; 37:2305-12. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201500587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Revised: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Celá
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science; Masaryk University; Kamenice Brno Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Mádr
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science; Masaryk University; Kamenice Brno Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Dědová
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science; Masaryk University; Kamenice Brno Czech Republic
| | - Marta Pelcová
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science; Masaryk University; Kamenice Brno Czech Republic
| | - Michal Ješeta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Brno; Obilní trh Brno Czech Republic
| | - Jana Žáková
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Brno; Obilní trh Brno Czech Republic
| | - Igor Crha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Brno; Obilní trh Brno Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Glatz
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science; Masaryk University; Kamenice Brno Czech Republic
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22
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Nerenz RD. Omics in Reproductive Medicine: Application of Novel Technologies to Improve the IVF Success Rate. Adv Clin Chem 2016; 76:55-95. [PMID: 27645816 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Treatment for many infertile couples often consists of in vitro fertilization (IVF) but an estimated 70% of IVF cycles fail to produce a live birth. In an attempt to improve the live birth rate, the vast majority of IVF cycles performed in the United States involve the transfer of multiple embryos, a practice that increases the risk of multiple gestation pregnancy. This is a concern because multiple gestation pregnancies are associated with an increased incidence of maternal and fetal complications and significant cost associated with the care of preterm infants. As the ideal outcome of each IVF cycle is the birth of a single healthy baby, significant effort has focused on identifying embryos with the greatest developmental potential. To date, selection of euploid embryos using comprehensive chromosome screening (CCS) is the most promising approach while metabolomic and proteomic assessment of spent culture medium have the potential to noninvasively assess embryo viability. Endometrial gene expression profiling may help determine the optimal time to perform embryo transfer. While CCS has been implemented in some clinics, further development and optimization will be required before analysis of spent culture medium and endometrial gene expression profiling make the transition to clinical use. This review will describe efforts to identify embryos with the greatest potential to result in a healthy, live birth, with a particular emphasis on detection of embryo aneuploidy and metabolic profiling of spent embryo culture medium. Assessment of endometrial receptivity to identify the optimal time to perform embryo transfer will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- R D Nerenz
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, United States.
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23
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Santos EC, Martinho HS, Annes K, Leite RF, Milazzotto MP. Rapid and noninvasive technique to assess the metabolomics profile of bovine embryos produced in vitro by Raman spectroscopy. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2015; 6:2830-9. [PMID: 26309747 PMCID: PMC4541511 DOI: 10.1364/boe.6.002830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Morphological assessments are used to select embryos with the highest implantation potential, however it is still very limited. The development of new technologies, such as Raman spectroscopy have improved quantitative and qualitative analysis, and consequently led to a better characterization of embryos and improvements on the prediction of their potential. Therefore, we propose a method based on the conventional in vitro culture system of bovine embryos, and the subsequent analysis of the culture media drops by Raman spectroscopy. Our results obtained by PCA analysis clearly showed a separation of the spectral profiles from culture media drops with and without embryos.
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24
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Dominguez F, Meseguer M, Aparicio-Ruiz B, Piqueras P, Quiñonero A, Simón C. New strategy for diagnosing embryo implantation potential by combining proteomics and time-lapse technologies. Fertil Steril 2015. [PMID: 26196234 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a diagnostic tool for embryo implantation potential with the use of proteomic fingerprinting combined with time-lapse morphokinetic analysis. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING University-affiliated private in vitro fertilization center. PATIENT(S) Seventeen infertile patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) from our ovum donation program. INTERVENTION(S) No patient intervention. We examined morphokinetic data and proteomic data from the spent media of 16 embryos that implanted and 12 embryos that did not implant. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) We analyzed seven proteins in the embryo spent media-SCF, TNFR1, PIGF-1, IFN-α2, IL-6, CXCL13, and GM-CSF-with the use of a bead-based multiplexing technology and combined this data with the exact timing (in hours) of cell cycle duration (cc2), blastomere synchrony (s2), and 5-blastomere cleavage (t5) with the use of an incubator equipped with time-lapse videography. RESULT(S) Logistic regression analysis with the use of the forward-step likelihood selection method revealed that the presence/absence of interleukin (IL) 6 and the duration of cc2 were the most relevant embryo features for embryo selection. We combined these two parameters to obtain a hierarchic model that established four categories (A/B/C/D), based on the presence of IL-6 and a cc2 range of 5-12 hours. A direct relationship was observed between the morphologic categories and implantation rates: Those with the presence of IL-6 and 5-12 h cc2 had significantly higher implantation rates. CONCLUSION(S) The strategy we report here combines time-lapse and proteome analysis to improve embryo selection while minimizing handling and monitoring by the embryologist. Our results describe the utility of a combined biochemical/morphokinetic approach to select embryos for transfer according to their implantation potential. Clinical validation with larger sample sizes is mandatory to confirm the effectiveness of this initial study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Dominguez
- Fundacion Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (FIVI), Instituto Universitario IVI (IUIVI), Valencia, Spain; INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Marcos Meseguer
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain; IVI Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | - Alicia Quiñonero
- Fundacion Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (FIVI), Instituto Universitario IVI (IUIVI), Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos Simón
- Fundacion Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (FIVI), Instituto Universitario IVI (IUIVI), Valencia, Spain; INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia, Spain INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain; IVI Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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25
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Krisher RL, Schoolcraft WB, Katz-Jaffe MG. Omics as a window to view embryo viability. Fertil Steril 2015; 103:333-41. [PMID: 25639968 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.12.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Revised: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The advent of advanced omics technologies and the application of these techniques to the analysis of extremely limited material have opened the door to the investigation of embryo physiology in a focused, in-depth approach never before possible. The application of noninvasive metabolomic and proteomic platforms to understanding embryo viability permits the characterization of individual embryos in culture. Initial clinical data have highlighted the promise of these technologies for the development of noninvasive embryo selection criteria. In this way, a complex view of embryo function can be compiled and related to embryo development, quality, and outcome. Application of knowledge gained from omics will transform both our understanding of embryo physiology as well as our ability to select viable embryos for transfer in assisted reproductive technology.
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26
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Mádr A, Celá A, Klejdus B, Pelcová M, Crha I, Žáková J, Glatz Z. Determination of pyruvate and lactate as potential biomarkers of embryo viability in assisted reproduction by capillary electrophoresis with contactless conductivity detection. Electrophoresis 2015; 36:1244-50. [PMID: 25639526 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201400487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Human-assisted reproduction is increasing in importance due to the constantly rising number of couples suffering from infertility issue. A key step in in vitro fertilization is the proper assessment of embryo viability in order to select the embryo with the highest likelihood of resulting in a pregnancy. This study proposes a method based on CE with contactless conductivity detection for the determination of pyruvate and lactate in spent culture media used in human-assisted reproduction. A fused-silica capillary of 64.0 cm total length and 50 μm inner diameter was used. The inner capillary wall was modified by the coating of successive layers of the ionic polymers polybrene and dextran sulfate to reverse EOF. The BGE was composed of 10 mM MES/lithium hydroxide, pH 6.50. The sample was injected by pressure 50 mbar for 18 s, separation voltage was set to -24 kV, and capillary temperature to 15°C. The presented method requires only 2 μL of the culture medium, with LODs for pyruvate and lactate of 0.03 and 0.02 μM, respectively. The results demonstrated the method's suitability for the analysis of spent culture media to support embryo viability assessment by light microscopy, providing information about key metabolites of the energy metabolism of a developing embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleš Mádr
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and CEITEC, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Celá
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and CEITEC, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Bořivoj Klejdus
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and CEITEC, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Pelcová
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and CEITEC, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Igor Crha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Žáková
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Glatz
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and CEITEC, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
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27
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Thouas GA, Dominguez F, Green MP, Vilella F, Simon C, Gardner DK. Soluble ligands and their receptors in human embryo development and implantation. Endocr Rev 2015; 36:92-130. [PMID: 25548832 DOI: 10.1210/er.2014-1046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Extensive evidence suggests that soluble ligands and their receptors mediate human preimplantation embryo development and implantation. Progress in this complex area has been ongoing since the 1980s, with an ever-increasing list of candidates. This article specifically reviews evidence of soluble ligands and their receptors in the human preimplantation stage embryo and female reproductive tract. The focus will be on candidates produced by the human preimplantation embryo and those eliciting developmental responses in vitro, as well as endometrial factors related to implantation and receptivity. Pathways to clinical translation, including innovative diagnostics and other technologies, are also highlighted, drawing from this collective evidence toward facilitating joint improvements in embryo quality and endometrial receptivity. This strategy could not only benefit clinical outcomes in reproductive medicine but also provide broader insights into the peri-implantation period of human development to improve fetal and neonatal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A Thouas
- Reproductive Biology and Assisted Conception Laboratory (G.A.T., M.P.G., D.K.G.), School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 3010; Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (F.D., F.V., C.S.), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia, 46010, Valencia, Spain; La Fundación para la Investigación del Hospital Clínico de la Comunidad Valenciana Health Research Institute (F.D., F.V., C.S.), 46010 Valencia, Spain; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (C.S.), Stanford University, Stanford, California 90095
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28
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Montskó G, Zrínyi Z, Janáky T, Szabó Z, Várnagy Á, Kovács GL, Bódis J. Noninvasive embryo viability assessment by quantitation of human haptoglobin alpha-1 fragment in the in vitro fertilization culture medium: an additional tool to increase success rate. Fertil Steril 2015; 103:687-93. [PMID: 25577461 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Revised: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To find new candidate molecules to assess embryo viability in a noninvasive manner. DESIGN Prospective, blinded study with randomized sample collection. SETTING University research center. PATIENTS(S) Ninety embryos implanted in 53 randomly selected patients (mean ± SD age, 32.3 ± 5.1 years) were analyzed. INTERVENTION(S) Superovulation treatment was initiated by the administration of the GnRh agonist triptorelin and individual dosages of recombinant FSH. Ovulation was induced by the injection of hCG. Oocytes were fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Liquid chromatography coupled mass spectrometric quantification of the α-1 fragment of human haptoglobin in the culture medium. RESULT(S) A novel polypeptide marker was found that might be helpful to differentiate between potentially viable and nonviable embryos. This molecule was identified with tandem mass spectrometry as the α-1 fragment of human haptoglobin. Significant correlation was found in the amount of the peptide fragment and the outcome of pregnancy. In the culture media of embryos that were assigned in the biochemical assay as nonviable (according to the amount of the haptoglobin fragment), there were no pregnancies detected; this assay revealed a 100% successful selection of the nonviable embryos. In the group assigned as viable, the rate of pregnancy was 54.7%. CONCLUSION(S) Viability of the embryo during the IVF process is assessed by microscopic inspection, resulting in a pregnancy rate of 25%-30%. Detection and quantitation of the α-1 haptoglobin fragment of the culture medium proved to be a useful additional method for identifying nonviable embryos, increasing the success rate to 50%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergely Montskó
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zita Zrínyi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tamás Janáky
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Szabó
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ákos Várnagy
- Department of Medical Chemistry, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor L Kovács
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
| | - József Bódis
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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29
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Gardner DK, Meseguer M, Rubio C, Treff NR. Diagnosis of human preimplantation embryo viability. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:727-47. [PMID: 25567750 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmu064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transfer of more than a single embryo in an IVF cycle comes with the finite possibility of a multiple gestation. Even a twin pregnancy confers significant risk to both mother and babies. The move to single-embryo transfer for all patients will be greatly facilitated by the ability to quantify embryo viability. Developments in time-lapse incubation systems have provided new insights into the developmental kinetics of the human preimplantation embryo. Advances in molecular methods of chromosomal analysis have created platforms for highly effective screening of biopsied embryos, while noninvasive analysis of embryo physiology reveals more about the embryo than can be determined by morphology alone. METHODS Recent developments in time-lapse microscopy, molecular karyotyping and in proteomics and metabolomics have been assessed and presented here in a descriptive review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS New algorithms are being created for embryo selection based on their developmental kinetics in culture, and the impact of factors such as patient etiology and treatment are being clarified. Potential links between morphokinetic data and embryo karyotype are being elucidated. The introduction of new molecular methods of determining embryo chromosomal complement is proving to be accurate and reproducible, with the future trending toward CGH arrays or next generation sequencing as a rapid and reliable means of analysis, that should be suitable for each IVF clinic to adopt. A relationship between embryo metabolism and viability is established and is now being considered together with morphokinetic data to create more robust algorithms for embryo selection. Microfluidic devices have the capacity and potential to be used in human IVF clinics for the routine diagnosis of embryo biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Marcos Meseguer
- Laboratorio Fiv, IVI Valencia, Plaza Policía Local, 3, Valencia 46015, Spain
| | - Carmen Rubio
- IGENOMIX and Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (FIVI)/INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| | - Nathan R Treff
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Basking Ridge, NJ 07960, USA
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30
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Ferreira CR, Jarmusch AK, Pirro V, Alfaro CM, González-Serrano AF, Niemann H, Wheeler MB, Rabel RAC, Hallett JE, Houser R, Kaufman A, Cooks RG. Ambient ionisation mass spectrometry for lipid profiling and structural analysis of mammalian oocytes, preimplantation embryos and stem cells. Reprod Fertil Dev 2015; 27:621-37. [DOI: 10.1071/rd14310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipids play fundamental roles in mammalian embryo preimplantation development and cell fate. Triacylglycerol accumulates in oocytes and blastomeres as lipid droplets, phospholipids influence membrane functional properties, and essential fatty acid metabolism is important for maintaining the stemness of cells cultured in vitro. The growing impact that lipids have in the field of developmental biology makes analytical approaches to analyse structural information of great interest. This paper describes the concept and presents the results of lipid profiling by mass spectrometry (MS) of oocytes and preimplantation embryos, with special focus on ambient ionisation. Based on our previous experience with oocytes and embryos, we aim to convey that ambient MS is also valuable for stem cell differentiation analysis. Ambient ionisation MS allows the detection of a wide range of lipid classes (e.g. free fatty acids, cholesterol esters, phospholipids) in single oocytes, embryos and cell pellets, which are informative of in vitro culture impact, developmental and differentiation stages. Background on MS principles, the importance of underused MS scan modes for structural analysis of lipids, and statistical approaches used for data analysis are covered. We envisage that MS alone or in combination with other techniques will have a profound impact on the understanding of lipid metabolism, particularly in early embryo development and cell differentiation research.
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31
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Membrane lipid profile monitored by mass spectrometry detected differences between fresh and vitrified in vitro-produced bovine embryos. ZYGOTE 2014; 23:732-41. [DOI: 10.1017/s0967199414000380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
SummaryThis study aimed to evaluate the impact of vitrification on membrane lipid profile obtained by mass spectrometry (MS) of in vitro-produced bovine embryos. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–mass spectrometry (MALDI–MS) has been used to obtain individual embryo membrane lipid profiles. Due to conditions of analysis, mainly membrane lipids, most favorably phosphatidylcholines (PCs) and sphingomyelins (SMs) have been detected. The following ions described by their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) and respective attribution presented increased relative abundance (1.2–20×) in the vitrified group: 703.5 [SM (16:0) + H]+; 722.5 [PC (40:3) + Na]+; 758.5 [PC (34:2) + H]+; 762.5 [PC (34:0) + H]+; 790.5 [PC (36:0) + H]+ and 810.5 [PC (38:4) + H]+ and/or [PC (36:1) + Na]+. The ion with a m/z 744.5 [PCp (34:1) and/or PCe (34:2)] was 3.4-fold more abundant in the fresh group. Interestingly, ions with m/z 722.5 or 744.5 indicate the presence of lipid species, which are more resistant to enzymatic degradation as they contain fatty acyl residues linked through ether type bonds (alkyl ether or plasmalogens, indicated by the lowercase ‘e’ and ‘p‘, respectively) to the glycerol structure. The results indicate that cryopreservation impacts the membrane lipid profile, and that these alterations can be properly monitored by MALDI-MS. Membrane lipids can therefore be evaluated by MALDI-MS to monitor the effect of cryopreservation on membrane lipids, and to investigate changes in lipid profile that may reflect the metabolic response to the cryopreservation stress or changes in the environmental conditions.
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Muñoz M, Uyar A, Correia E, Díez C, Fernandez-Gonzalez A, Caamaño JN, Martínez-Bello D, Trigal B, Humblot P, Ponsart C, Guyader-Joly C, Carrocera S, Martin D, Marquant Le Guienne B, Seli E, Gomez E. Prediction of pregnancy viability in bovine in vitro-produced embryos and recipient plasma with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. J Dairy Sci 2014; 97:5497-507. [PMID: 24997663 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-8067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
We analyzed embryo culture medium (CM) and recipient blood plasma using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) metabolomics to predict pregnancy outcome. Individually cultured, in vitro-produced (IVP) blastocysts were transferred to recipients as fresh and vitrified-warmed. Spent CM and plasma samples were evaluated using FTIR. The discrimination capability of the classifiers was assessed for accuracy, sensitivity (pregnancy), specificity (nonpregnancy), and area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC). Within all IVP fresh embryos (birth rate=52%), high AUC were obtained at birth, especially with expanded blastocysts (CM: 0.80±0.053; plasma: 0.89±0.034). The AUC of vitrified IVP embryos (birth rate = 31%) were 0.607±0.038 (CM, expanded blastocysts) and 0.672±0.023 (plasma, all stages). Recipient plasma generally predicted pregnancy outcome better than did embryo CM. Embryos and recipients with improved pregnancy viability were identified, which could increase the economic benefit to the breeding industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Muñoz
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal-Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Camino de Rioseco 1225, La Olla - Deva, 33394 Gijón, Asturias, Spain
| | - A Uyar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 310 Cedar street, LSOG 304B, New Haven, CT 06520; Department of Computer Engineering, Okan University, Tuzla Kampusu, 34959, Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - E Correia
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal-Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Camino de Rioseco 1225, La Olla - Deva, 33394 Gijón, Asturias, Spain
| | - C Díez
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal-Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Camino de Rioseco 1225, La Olla - Deva, 33394 Gijón, Asturias, Spain
| | - A Fernandez-Gonzalez
- Servicios Científico Técnicos (Oviedo), Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - J N Caamaño
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal-Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Camino de Rioseco 1225, La Olla - Deva, 33394 Gijón, Asturias, Spain
| | - D Martínez-Bello
- U.T.E. Bos-Lugar de Bos, Guísamo 15640 Bergondo, A Coruña, Spain
| | - B Trigal
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal-Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Camino de Rioseco 1225, La Olla - Deva, 33394 Gijón, Asturias, Spain
| | - P Humblot
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7054, SE75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - C Ponsart
- Union Nationale des Cooperatives D' Elevage et Insemination Animale (UNCEIA), Department of Research and Development, 13 rue Jouet, 94704 Maisons Alfort, France
| | - C Guyader-Joly
- UNCEIA, Station Expérimentale, 484 Chemin Darefin, 38300 Chateauvillain, France
| | - S Carrocera
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal-Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Camino de Rioseco 1225, La Olla - Deva, 33394 Gijón, Asturias, Spain
| | - D Martin
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal-Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Camino de Rioseco 1225, La Olla - Deva, 33394 Gijón, Asturias, Spain
| | - B Marquant Le Guienne
- Union Nationale des Cooperatives D' Elevage et Insemination Animale (UNCEIA), Department of Research and Development, 13 rue Jouet, 94704 Maisons Alfort, France
| | - E Seli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 310 Cedar street, LSOG 304B, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - E Gomez
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal-Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Camino de Rioseco 1225, La Olla - Deva, 33394 Gijón, Asturias, Spain.
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Zygote serine decreased uptake from the fertilization medium is associated with implantation and pregnancy. J Assist Reprod Genet 2014; 31:889-97. [PMID: 24789167 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0231-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify an association between amino acids (AAs) metabolism and reproductive outcome. METHODS Prospective collection, observational study, in patients undergoing fresh, double embryo transfer (ET), in a tertiary hospital referral IVF unit. Spent day 1 and day 3 media were collected. Concentrations of taurine, aspartic acid, proline, and serine in the medium were determined using a liquid-chromatography mass-spectrometer (LCMS/MS). Data was analyzed according to excretion versus uptake, and a cut-off value was calculated based on a receiver operating curve (ROC). Pregnancy rates were also calculated after stratification into subgroups in accordance with AA metabolism. RESULTS Seven out of 19 patients conceived (36.8 %). The ORs for pregnancy when the zygotes secreted aspartic acid, serine and proline above the cut-off value were 2.9, 5.67 and 5.21 (p < 0.05). When both transferred embryos were above the cut-off value of serine the PR's were 62.5 %, 12.5 % when both were below, and 33.3 % when one was above and the other below (p = 0.04). Similar results were obtained for proline; PR's were 66.7, 18.7 and 28.6 % respectively, but with a borderline statistical significance (p = 0.08). The same trend was observed in the case of aspartic acid but not near statistical significance. No differences in PRs were found in association with taurine turnover during fertilization or any of the studied AAs during the cleavage stage. There was no correlation between zygote or embryo AAs metabolism and embryo morphology. CONCLUSIONS Serine and possibly proline decreased uptake from the fertilization medium is associated with pregnancy and might be useful for embryo selection.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Implantation is an essential step in the development of a pregnancy, but often fails in humans. In assisted reproductive technologies, implantation failure continues to impair treatment outcomes, with distressing results for patients and physicians. RECENT FINDINGS Morphokinetics, comprehensive chromosome screening, and the analysis of embryo-derived products detectable in spent culture media offer new means of assessing embryo viability. However, all await validation in randomized controlled trials. Genomic, transcriptomic, and secretomic technologies are similarly being exploited to define specific biomarkers of endometrial receptivity with the aim of identifying novel therapeutic interventions. However, to date no single, clinically relevant molecular marker capable of indicating endometrial receptivity has been reported. Recent work continues to describe the key signalling pathways which result in acceptance or rejection of the implanting embryo. In-vitro studies have revealed that the decidualized endometrium plays an important role in natural embryo selection, which could change our understanding of the aetiology and treatment of reproductive failure. SUMMARY Recent developments in analytical techniques have initiated a search for biomarkers of embryo quality and endometrial receptivity, and in-vitro studies have revealed novel roles for the decidualized endometrium as a biosensor of embryo quality.
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Reprint of: In-vitro model systems for the study of human embryo–endometrium interactions. Reprod Biomed Online 2013; 27:673-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Weimar CHE, Post Uiterweer ED, Teklenburg G, Heijnen CJ, Macklon NS. In-vitro model systems for the study of human embryo-endometrium interactions. Reprod Biomed Online 2013; 27:461-76. [PMID: 24055530 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2012] [Revised: 07/27/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Implantation requires highly orchestrated interactions between the developing embryo and maternal endometrium. The association between abnormal implantation and reproductive failure is evident, both in normal pregnancy and in assisted reproduction patients. Failure of implantation is the pregnancy rate-limiting step in assisted reproduction, but, as yet, empirical interventions have largely failed to address this problem. Better understanding of the mechanisms underlying human embryo-endometrium signalling is a prerequisite for the further improvement of assisted reproduction outcomes and the development of effective interventions to prevent early pregnancy loss. Studying human embryo implantation is challenging since in-vivo experiments are impractical and unethical, and studies in animal models do not always translate well to humans. However, in recent years in-vitro models have been shown to provide a promising way forward. This review discusses the principal models used to study early human embryo development and initial stages of implantation in vitro. While each model has limitations, exploiting these models will improve understanding of the molecular mechanisms and embryo-endometrium cross-talk at the early implantation site. They provide valuable tools to study early embryo development and pathophysiology of reproductive disorders and have revealed novel disease mechanisms such as the role of epigenetic modifications in recurrent miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte H E Weimar
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Developmental Origins of Disease (NIDOD), University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 EA Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 EA Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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