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Nasatzky M, Belicha Y, Fainaru O. Clinical parameters that predict a premature LH rise in patients undergoing ovarian stimulation for IVF. Gynecol Endocrinol 2024; 40:2365913. [PMID: 38946245 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2024.2365913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Normal reproductive function requires adequate regulation of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. During ovarian stimulation for in-vitro fertilization (IVF), some patients will demonstrate an early rise in LH despite being treated with a gonadotropin releasing-hormone (GnRH) antagonist, sometimes necessitating cycle cancellation. Previous studies have demonstrated a possible link between a premature LH rise with ovarian response to gonadotropins. We sought to determine what clinical parameters can predict this premature LH rise and their relative contribution. Methods: A retrospective study of 382 patients who underwent IVF treatment at Rambam Medical Center. The patients were stratified into age groups. A model predicting premature LH rise based on clinical and demographic parameters was developed using both multiple linear regression and a machine-learning-based algorithm. Results: LH rise was defined as the difference between pre-trigger and basal LH levels. The clinical parameters that significantly predicted an LH rise were patient age, BMI, LH levels at stimulation outset, LH levels on day of antagonist administration, and total number of stimulation days. Importantly, when analyzing the data of specific age groups, the model's prediction was strongest in young patients (age 25-30 years, R2 = 0.88, p < .001) and weakest in older patients (age > 41 years, R2 = 0.23, p = .003). Conclusions: Using both multiple linear regression and a machine-learning-based algorithm of patient data from IVF cycles, we were able to predict patients at risk for premature LH rise and/or LH surge. Utilizing this model may help prevent IVF cycle cancellation and better timing of ovulation triggering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Nasatzky
- IVF Unit, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
- Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yonathan Belicha
- IVF Unit, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
- Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ofer Fainaru
- IVF Unit, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
- Rappaport School of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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2
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Boylan CF, Sambo KM, Neal-Perry G, Brayboy LM. Ex ovo omnia-why don't we know more about egg quality via imaging? Biol Reprod 2024; 110:1201-1212. [PMID: 38767842 PMCID: PMC11180616 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Determining egg quality is the foremost challenge in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Although extensive advances have been made in multiple areas of ART over the last 40 years, oocyte quality assessment tools have not much evolved beyond standard morphological observation. The oocyte not only delivers half of the nuclear genetic material and all of the mitochondrial DNA to an embryo but also provides complete developmental support during embryonic growth. Oocyte mitochondrial numbers far exceed those of any somatic cell, yet little work has been done to evaluate the mitochondrial bioenergetics of an oocyte. Current standard oocyte assessment in in vitro fertilization (IVF) centers include the observation of oocytes and their surrounding cell complex (cumulus cells) via stereomicroscope or inverted microscope, which is largely primitive. Additional oocyte assessments include polar body grading and polarized light meiotic spindle imaging. However, the evidence regarding the aforementioned methods of oocyte quality assessment and IVF outcomes is contradictory and non-reproducible. High-resolution microscopy techniques have also been implemented in animal and human models with promising outcomes. The current era of oocyte imaging continues to evolve with discoveries in artificial intelligence models of oocyte morphology selection albeit at a slow rate. In this review, the past, current, and future oocyte imaging techniques will be examined with the goal of drawing attention to the gap which limits our ability to assess oocytes in real time. The implications of improved oocyte imaging techniques on patients undergoing IVF will be discussed as well as the need to develop point of care oocyte assessment testing in IVF labs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin F Boylan
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Keshia M Sambo
- Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | | | - Lynae M Brayboy
- Department of Neuropediatrics Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Klinik für Pädiatrie m. S. Neurologie, Charité Campus Virchow Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Bedford Research Foundation, Bedford, MA, USA
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Rodríguez-Varela C, Mascarós JM, Labarta E, Silla N, Bosch E. Minimum number of mature oocytes needed to obtain at least one euploid blastocyst according to female age in in vitro fertilization treatment cycles. Fertil Steril 2024:S0015-0282(24)00521-1. [PMID: 38848954 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.06.002] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To find a useful tool for estimating the minimum number of metaphase II (MII) oocytes needed to obtain at least one euploid blastocyst according to female age. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment cycles with preimplantational genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) performed over 5 years in IVIRMA Valencia (Spain), January 2017-March 2022. Approval from the Institutional Review Board of IVI Valencia (2204-VLC-040-CR). SETTING Private infertility clinic in Spain. PATIENTS Eligible patients were undergoing their first IVF-PGT-A treatment cycle, in which at least one MII oocyte was obtained, regardless of oocyte and semen origin. Oocyte donation cycles were included in the donor group (≤34 years old). Treatment cycles from women with their own oocytes were selected only when the oocytes were aged ≥35 years (patient group). Only trophoectoderm biopsies performed on days 5 or 6 of development and analyzed using next-generation sequencing were included. Preimplantational genetic testing for aneuploidy cycles because of a known abnormal karyotype were excluded. INTERVENTION Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Number of MII oocytes needed to obtain one euploid blastocyst according to female age. RESULTS A total of 2,660 IVF-PGT-A treatment cycles were performed in the study period in the eligible population (patients group = 2,462; donors group =198). The mean number of MII oocytes needed to obtain one euploid blastocyst increased with age, as did the number of treatment cycles that did not get at least one euploid blastocyst. An adjusted multivariate binary regression model was designed using 80% of the patient group sample (n = 2,462; training set). A calculator for the probability of obtaining at least one euploid blastocyst was created using this model. The validation of this model in the remaining 20% of the patient group sample (n = 493; validation set) showed that it could estimate the event of having at least one euploid blastocyst with an accuracy of 72.0%. CONCLUSIONS Our results show a preliminary model capable of predicting the number of MII oocytes needed to obtain at least one euploid blastocyst according to female age, calculated with the largest database of IVF-PGT-A treatment cycles ever used for this purpose, including only treatment cycles using next-generation sequencing on trophoectoderm biopsies. Once this model has been properly validated, it could help with decision-making for both clinicians and patients coming to an infertility clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elena Labarta
- IVI Foundation - IIS La Fe, Research Department, Valencia, Spain; IVIRMA Valencia, Human Reproduction Department, Valencia, Spain
| | - Noelia Silla
- IVI Global Education, Education Department, Edificio Bipolo, Hospital Universitario La Fe, Valencia, Spain; Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ernesto Bosch
- IVI Foundation - IIS La Fe, Research Department, Valencia, Spain; IVIRMA Valencia, Human Reproduction Department, Valencia, Spain
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Li Y, Luo D, Li T, Ding H, Liu Y. The cumulative live birth rate and cost-effectiveness of the clomiphene and gonadotropin cotreatment protocol versus the mid-luteal GnRH agonist protocol in women over 35 years old. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12894. [PMID: 38839827 PMCID: PMC11153521 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63842-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The decrease in assisted reproductive technology success among older women, attributed to decreased oocyte quantity and quality, poses a significant challenge. Currently, no consensus on the optimal ovarian stimulation protocol for older women undergoing IVF exists. This retrospectively registered cohort study aimed to compare the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR), time to live birth (TTLB), and cost-effectiveness among women older than 35 years who were receiving either the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) or clomiphene citrate and gonadotropin cotreatment with ovarian stimulation (CC cotreatment) protocol. To compare treatment outcomes, we performed propensity score matching (PSM) on 2871 IVF cycles in women older than 35 years who received either the GnRHa or CC cotreatment protocol, resulting in 375 cycles in each group. Additionally, a decision tree model was utilized to assess the cost-effectiveness of the two protocols. Following PSM, both groups had similar baseline characteristics. The CC cotreatment protocol resulted in a greater rate of cycle cancellation (13.07% vs. 8.00%, p = 0.032), but the groups maintained comparable fertilization rates and embryo quality. Although the TTLB was longer in the CC cotreatment group, the CLBR per initial cycle (41.07% vs. 45.33%, p = 0.269) and delivery outcomes were similar between the two groups at the 24 months follow-up. Additionally, the average cost per live birth in the CC cotreatment group was 21.27% lower than in the GnRHa group (¥32,301.42 vs. ¥39,174.22). In conclusion, for women older than 35 years undergoing IVF, the CC cotreatment protocol offered a comparable CLBR to the GnRHa protocol but with reduced costs, indicating its potential as a viable and cost-effective ovarian stimulation option.Clinical trial registration: https://www.chictr.org.cn/ , identifier [ChiCTR2300076537].
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhui Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China.
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China
| | - Hui Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China
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Venturas M, Racowsky C, Needleman DJ. Metabolic imaging of human cumulus cells reveals associations with pregnancy and live birth. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:1176-1185. [PMID: 38719791 PMCID: PMC11145010 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) detect associations between the metabolic state of cumulus cell (CC) samples and the clinical outcome of the corresponding embryos? SUMMARY ANSWER FLIM can detect significant variations in the metabolism of CC associated with the corresponding embryos that resulted in a clinical pregnancy versus those that did not. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY CC and oocyte metabolic cooperativity are known to be necessary for the acquisition of developmental competence. However, reliable CC biomarkers that reflect oocyte viability and embryo developmental competency have yet to be established. Quantitative measures of CC metabolism could be used to aid in the evaluation of oocyte and embryo quality in ART. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A prospective observational study was carried out. In total, 223 patients undergoing IVF with either conventional insemination or ICSI at a tertiary care center from February 2018 to May 2020 were included, with no exclusion criteria applied. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS This cohort had a mean maternal age of 36.5 ± 4.4 years and an average oocyte yield of 16.9 (range 1-50). One to four CC clusters from each patient were collected after oocyte retrieval and vitrified. CC metabolic state was assessed using FLIM to measure the autofluorescence of the molecules NAD(P)H and FAD+, which are essential for multiple metabolic pathways. CC clusters were tracked with their corresponding oocytes and associated embryos. Patient age, Day 3 and Day 5/6 embryo morphological grades, and clinical outcomes of embryos with traceable fate were recorded. Nine FLIM quantitative parameters were obtained for each CC cluster. We investigated associations between the FLIM parameters and patient maternal age, embryo morphological rank, ploidy, and clinical outcome, where false discovery rate P-values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 851 CC clusters from 851 cumulus-oocyte complexes from 223 patients were collected. Of these CC clusters, 623 were imaged using FLIM. None of the measured CC FLIM parameters were correlated with Day 3 morphological rank or ploidy of the corresponding embryos, but FAD+ FLIM parameters were significantly associated with morphological rank of blastocysts. There were significant differences for FAD+ FLIM parameters (FAD+ fraction engaged and short lifetime) from CC clusters linked with embryos resulting in a clinical pregnancy compared with those that did not, as well as for CC clusters associated with embryos that resulted in a live birth compared those that did not. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our data are based on a relatively low number of traceable embryos from an older patient population. Additionally, we only assessed CCs from 1 to 4 oocytes from each patient. Future work in a younger patient population with a larger number of traceable embryos, as well as measuring the metabolic state of CCs from all oocytes from each patient, would provide a better understanding of the potential utility of this technology for oocyte/embryo selection. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Metabolic imaging via FLIM is able to detect CC metabolic associations with maternal age and detects variations in the metabolism of CCs associated with oocytes leading to embryos that result in a clinical pregnancy and a live birth versus those that do not. Our findings suggest that FLIM of CCs may be used as a new approach to aid in the assessment of oocyte and embryo developmental competence in clinical ART. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) National Institutes of Health grant NIH R01HD092550-03 (to C.R., and D.J.N.). Becker and Hickl GmbH and Boston Electronics sponsored research with the loaning of equipment for FLIM. D.J.N. and C.R. are inventors on patent US20170039415A1. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Venturas
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Boston IVF-TheEugin Group, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - C Racowsky
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham & Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hospital Foch, Suresnes, France
| | - D J Needleman
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Center for Computational Biology, Flatiron Institute, New York, USA
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Cutting ER, Abdallah KS, Mol BW. Is there a treatable cause of repeated implantation failure, or is it simply treatment failure by chance? Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 48:103845. [PMID: 38636349 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2024.103845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does repeated implantation failure (RIF) sometimes have a cause, or is it simply treatment failure by chance? DESIGN A hypothetical model of a cohort of 1000 women undergoing four repeated IVF attempts was constructed. A proportion of women with RIF carried an underlying risk factor negatively affecting implantation, compared with women without the factor. In strategy A, women had standard IVF without additional treatment; in strategy B, the women received standard IVF plus an additional treatment. The sensitivity analysis varied the prevalence of the underlying risk factor from 5% to 50%. The model was compared with literature studies where a treatment strategy had been applied. RESULTS With strategy A, the clinical pregnancy rate decreased with subsequent IVF attempts (31% in the first transfer with a risk factor prevalence of 5%, to 8% in the fourth transfer with a risk factor prevalence of 50%). As the prevalence increased, the clinical pregnancy rate was higher with strategy A. For strategy B, the clinical pregnancy rates for the modelled cohort decreased with each subsequent IVF attempt. Regardless of the prevalence of the risk factor, the decline in clinical pregnancy rate was less strong (from 32% in the first transfer with a prevalence of 5%, to 25% in the fourth transfer with a prevalence of 50%). When applying the model to the literature studies, the trends expected for strategy B (decreasing clinical pregnancy rates) were not expressed. CONCLUSIONS RIF might therefore be of iatrogenic origin due to the low success rate of IVF and might be triggered by the increasing female age associated with higher numbers of RIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- E R Cutting
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
| | - K S Abdallah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - B W Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Womens and Children's Program Monash Health, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Aberdeen Centre for Women's Health Research, School of Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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Huang W, Li X, Yang H, Huang H. The impact of maternal age on aneuploidy in oocytes: Reproductive consequences, molecular mechanisms, and future directions. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 97:102292. [PMID: 38582380 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Age-related aneuploidy in human oocytes is a major factor contributing to decreased fertility and adverse reproductive outcomes. As females age, their oocytes are more prone to meiotic chromosome segregation errors, leading primarily to aneuploidy. Elevated aneuploidy rates have also been observed in oocytes from very young, prepubertal conceptions. A key barrier to developing effective treatments for age-related oocyte aneuploidy is our incomplete understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved. The challenge is becoming increasingly critical as more people choose to delay childbearing, a trend that has significant societal implications. In this review, we summarize current knowledge regarding the process of oocyte meiosis and folliculogenesis, highlighting the relationship between age and chromosomal aberrations in oocytes and embryos, and integrate proposed mechanisms of age-related meiotic disturbances across structural, protein, and genomic levels. Our goal is to spur new research directions and therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Huang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai, China; Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 2019RU056), Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyuan Li
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai, China; Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 2019RU056), Shanghai, China
| | - Hongbo Yang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai, China; Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 2019RU056), Shanghai, China.
| | - Hefeng Huang
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai, China; Research Units of Embryo Original Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No. 2019RU056), Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Institutes of Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education), Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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Bao S, Yin T, Liu S. Ovarian aging: energy metabolism of oocytes. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:118. [PMID: 38822408 PMCID: PMC11141068 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01427-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
In women who are getting older, the quantity and quality of their follicles or oocytes and decline. This is characterized by decreased ovarian reserve function (DOR), fewer remaining oocytes, and lower quality oocytes. As more women choose to delay childbirth, the decline in fertility associated with age has become a significant concern for modern women. The decline in oocyte quality is a key indicator of ovarian aging. Many studies suggest that age-related changes in oocyte energy metabolism may impact oocyte quality. Changes in oocyte energy metabolism affect adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) production, but how related products and proteins influence oocyte quality remains largely unknown. This review focuses on oocyte metabolism in age-related ovarian aging and its potential impact on oocyte quality, as well as therapeutic strategies that may partially influence oocyte metabolism. This research aims to enhance our understanding of age-related changes in oocyte energy metabolism, and the identification of biomarkers and treatment methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenglan Bao
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tailang Yin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Su Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-Implantation, , Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital (Formerly Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital), Shenzhen, China.
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Sfakianoudis K, Zikopoulos A, Grigoriadis S, Seretis N, Maziotis E, Anifandis G, Xystra P, Kostoulas C, Giougli U, Pantos K, Simopoulou M, Georgiou I. The Role of One-Carbon Metabolism and Methyl Donors in Medically Assisted Reproduction: A Narrative Review of the Literature. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4977. [PMID: 38732193 PMCID: PMC11084717 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
One-carbon (1-C) metabolic deficiency impairs homeostasis, driving disease development, including infertility. It is of importance to summarize the current evidence regarding the clinical utility of 1-C metabolism-related biomolecules and methyl donors, namely, folate, betaine, choline, vitamin B12, homocysteine (Hcy), and zinc, as potential biomarkers, dietary supplements, and culture media supplements in the context of medically assisted reproduction (MAR). A narrative review of the literature was conducted in the PubMed/Medline database. Diet, ageing, and the endocrine milieu of individuals affect both 1-C metabolism and fertility status. In vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques, and culture conditions in particular, have a direct impact on 1-C metabolic activity in gametes and embryos. Critical analysis indicated that zinc supplementation in cryopreservation media may be a promising approach to reducing oxidative damage, while female serum homocysteine levels may be employed as a possible biomarker for predicting IVF outcomes. Nonetheless, the level of evidence is low, and future studies are needed to verify these data. One-carbon metabolism-related processes, including redox defense and epigenetic regulation, may be compromised in IVF-derived embryos. The study of 1-C metabolism may lead the way towards improving MAR efficiency and safety and ensuring the lifelong health of MAR infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Sfakianoudis
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, 14-16, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece; (K.S.); (K.P.)
| | - Athanasios Zikopoulos
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.Z.); (N.S.); (C.K.); (U.G.); (I.G.)
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, Truro TR1 3LJ, UK
| | - Sokratis Grigoriadis
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.G.); (E.M.); (P.X.)
| | - Nikolaos Seretis
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.Z.); (N.S.); (C.K.); (U.G.); (I.G.)
| | - Evangelos Maziotis
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.G.); (E.M.); (P.X.)
| | - George Anifandis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larisa, Greece;
| | - Paraskevi Xystra
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.G.); (E.M.); (P.X.)
| | - Charilaos Kostoulas
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.Z.); (N.S.); (C.K.); (U.G.); (I.G.)
| | - Urania Giougli
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.Z.); (N.S.); (C.K.); (U.G.); (I.G.)
| | - Konstantinos Pantos
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, 14-16, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece; (K.S.); (K.P.)
| | - Mara Simopoulou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.G.); (E.M.); (P.X.)
| | - Ioannis Georgiou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.Z.); (N.S.); (C.K.); (U.G.); (I.G.)
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Daddangadi A, Uppangala S, Kabekkodu SP, Khan G N, Kalthur G, Talevi R, Adiga SK. Advanced Maternal Age Affects the Cryosusceptibility of Ovulated but not In Vitro Matured Mouse Oocytes. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1420-1428. [PMID: 38294668 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01462-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Oocyte cryopreservation is offered to women of various age groups for both health and social reasons. Oocytes derived from either controlled ovarian stimulation or in vitro maturation (IVM) are cryopreserved via vitrification. As maternal age is a significant determinant of oocyte quality, there is limited data on the age-related susceptibility of oocytes to the vitrification-warming procedure alone or in conjunction with IVM. In the present study, metaphase II oocytes obtained from 2, 6, 9, and 12 month old Swiss albino mice either by superovulation or IVM were used. To understand the association between maternal age and oocyte cryotolerance, oocytes were subjected to vitrification-warming and compared to non vitrified sibling oocytes. Survived oocytes were evaluated for mitochondrial potential, spindle integrity, relative expression of spindle checkpoint protein transcripts, and DNA double-strand breaks. Maturation potential and vitrification-warming survival were significantly affected (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively) in ovulated oocytes from the advanced age group but not in IVM oocytes. Although vitrification-warming significantly increased spindle abnormalities in ovulated oocytes from advanced maternal age (p < 0.01), no significant changes were observed in IVM oocytes. Furthermore, Bub1 and Mad2 transcript levels were significantly higher in vitrified-warmed IVM oocytes (p < 0.05). In conclusion, advanced maternal age can have a negative impact on the cryosusceptibility of ovulated oocytes but not IVM oocytes in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshatha Daddangadi
- Centre of Excellence in Clinical Embryology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576 104, India
| | - Shubhashree Uppangala
- Division of Reproductive Genetics, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576 104, India
| | - Shama Prasada Kabekkodu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576 104, India
| | - Nadeem Khan G
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576 104, India
| | - Guruprasad Kalthur
- Division of Reproductive Biology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576 104, India
| | - Riccardo Talevi
- Dipartimento Di Biologia, Università Di Napoli "Federico II", Complesso Universitario Di Monte S Angelo, Naples, Italy
| | - Satish Kumar Adiga
- Centre of Excellence in Clinical Embryology, Department of Reproductive Science, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576 104, India.
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11
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Liang Z, Lv J, Liang T, Que W, Ji X, Zhang Q, Chen H, Wei L, Li Y. Association Between Anti-Müllerian Hormone and Early Spontaneous Abortion in Assisted Reproduction Treatment: A Case-Control Study Integrated with Biological Evidence. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1373-1384. [PMID: 38228975 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01442-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Early spontaneous abortion (ESA) is a common adverse pregnancy outcome mainly attributed to embryo chromosomal abnormalities. However, as a quantitative marker, whether the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) can reflect oocyte quality is still controversial. By integrating biological evidence and adjusting many cofounders, this study aimed to clarify the controversies about the association between AMH and ESA caused by embryo aneuploidy during assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. We strictly preselected 988 patients receiving first ART treatment for analyzing clinical data, while 55 of them acquired chorionic villi karyotype results. In addition, 373 biopsied embryos from 126 patients receiving preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGT) were tracked to compare embryo karyotypes. Univariate and multiple factor regressions were applied to analyze the risk factors leading to ESA. As covariates unadjusted, AMH (odds ratio 0.87, 95% CI 0.82-0.93) was the significant variable contributing to ESA. However, AMH played no significant role in the following regression models after age was adjusted. Also, AMH had no significant association with ESA in most age-adjusted subgroups, except in the male factors engaged subgroup. Additionally, compared to the patients with euploid chorionic villi karyotypes, those with aneuploid karyotypes were older and acquired fewer oocytes, yet their AMH levels were not significantly different. Furthermore, the embryo aneuploidy was independent of AMH while associated with maternal age, retrieved oocyte number, and embryo quality. This study suggested that AMH was unassociated with the ESA caused by embryo aneuploidy in ART therapy. As a critical cofounder, age remains the variable closely related to ESA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjie Liang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiezhong Lv
- Laboratory of Prenatal Diagnosis, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Senen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ting Liang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenqing Que
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaohui Ji
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingxue Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lina Wei
- Division of Histology and Embryology, International Joint Laboratory for Embryonic, Development and Prenatal Medicine, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yi Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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12
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Ammar OF, Massarotti C, Mincheva M, Sharma K, Liperis G, Herraiz S, Rodríguez-Nuevo A, Zambelli F, Mihalas BP, Fraire-Zamora JJ. Oxidative stress and ovarian aging: from cellular mechanisms to diagnostics and treatment. Hum Reprod 2024:deae082. [PMID: 38670545 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Omar F Ammar
- IVF Department, Ar-Razzi Hospital, Ramadi, Iraq
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Anbar, Ramadi, Iraq
| | - Claudia Massarotti
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- DINOGMI Department, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Kashish Sharma
- HealthPlus Fertility Center, HealthPlus Network of Specialty Centers, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - George Liperis
- Westmead Fertility Centre, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Embryorigin Fertility Centre, Larnaca, Cyprus
| | - Sonia Herraiz
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation-IIS la Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Aida Rodríguez-Nuevo
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Bettina P Mihalas
- The Oocyte Biology Research Unit, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of NSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
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13
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Dadarwal D, Pfeifer L, Cervantes M, Adams GP, Singh J. Effect of maternal age on ATP content and distribution of mitochondria in bovine oocytes. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302444. [PMID: 38635580 PMCID: PMC11025864 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Our objective was to understand how maternal age influences the mitochondrial population and ATP content of in vivo matured bovine oocytes. We hypothesized that in vivo matured oocytes from older cows would have altered mitochondrial number and distribution patterns and lower cytoplasmic ATP content compared to the oocytes obtained from younger cows. Follicles ≥5mm were ablated in old cows (13 to 22 yrs, Old Group, n = 7) and their younger daughters (4 to 10 years old, Young Group; n = 7) to induce the emergence of a new follicular wave. Cows were treated twice daily with eight doses of FSH starting 24 hr after ablation (Day 0, day of wave emergence). Prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF) was given on Days 3 and 3.5, LH on Day 4.5, and cumulus-oocyte-complexes were collected 18-20 hours post-LH by ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration. Oocytes were either processed for staining with MitoTracker Deep Red FM or for ATP assay. Stained oocytes were imaged with a Zeiss LSM 710 confocal microscope, and mitochondria were segmented in the oocyte volume sets using Imaris Pro 7.4. In vivo matured oocytes obtained from old cows were similar in morphological grades to those from young cows. However, the oocytes of COC from older cows had 23% less intracellular ATP (27.4±1.9 vs 35.7±2.2 pmol per oocyte, P = 0.01) than those of young cows. Furthermore, the average volume of individual mitochondria, indicated by the number of image voxels, was greater (P<0.05) in oocytes from older cows than in those from younger cows. Oocytes from older cows also tended to have a greater number of mitochondrial clusters (P = 0.06) and an increased number of clusters in the central region of the oocytes (P = 0.04) compared to those from younger cows. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that maternal age was associated with a decrease in the cytoplasmic ATP content of in vivo mature oocytes and an altered distribution of mitochondrial structures. These findings suggest that maternal age may negatively influence the developmental competence of oocytes from older cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Dadarwal
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK Canada
| | - Luiz Pfeifer
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK Canada
| | - Miriam Cervantes
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK Canada
| | - Gregg P. Adams
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK Canada
| | - Jaswant Singh
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK Canada
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14
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Neagu AN, Bruno P, Johnson KR, Ballestas G, Darie CC. Biological Basis of Breast Cancer-Related Disparities in Precision Oncology Era. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4113. [PMID: 38612922 PMCID: PMC11012526 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Precision oncology is based on deep knowledge of the molecular profile of tumors, allowing for more accurate and personalized therapy for specific groups of patients who are different in disease susceptibility as well as treatment response. Thus, onco-breastomics is able to discover novel biomarkers that have been found to have racial and ethnic differences, among other types of disparities such as chronological or biological age-, sex/gender- or environmental-related ones. Usually, evidence suggests that breast cancer (BC) disparities are due to ethnicity, aging rate, socioeconomic position, environmental or chemical exposures, psycho-social stressors, comorbidities, Western lifestyle, poverty and rurality, or organizational and health care system factors or access. The aim of this review was to deepen the understanding of BC-related disparities, mainly from a biomedical perspective, which includes genomic-based differences, disparities in breast tumor biology and developmental biology, differences in breast tumors' immune and metabolic landscapes, ecological factors involved in these disparities as well as microbiomics- and metagenomics-based disparities in BC. We can conclude that onco-breastomics, in principle, based on genomics, proteomics, epigenomics, hormonomics, metabolomics and exposomics data, is able to characterize the multiple biological processes and molecular pathways involved in BC disparities, clarifying the differences in incidence, mortality and treatment response for different groups of BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca-Narcisa Neagu
- Laboratory of Animal Histology, Faculty of Biology, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iași, Carol I bvd. 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania
| | - Pathea Bruno
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA
| | - Kaya R Johnson
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA
| | - Gabriella Ballestas
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA
| | - Costel C Darie
- Biochemistry & Proteomics Laboratories, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5810, USA
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15
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Klobodu C, Vitolins MZ, Deutsch JM, Fisher K, Nasser JA, Stott D, Murray MJ, Curtis L, Milliron BJ. Examining the Role of Nutrition in Cancer Survivorship and Female Fertility: A Narrative Review. Curr Dev Nutr 2024; 8:102134. [PMID: 38584676 PMCID: PMC10997918 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdnut.2024.102134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Female cancer survivors have a higher chance of experiencing infertility than females without a history of cancer diagnosis. This risk remains high despite advances in fertility treatments. There is a need to augment fertility treatments with cost-effective methods such as nutritional guidance to improve fertility chances. The aim of this review article is to connect the current literature on cancer survivorship nutrition and fertility nutrition, focusing on the importance of integrating nutritional guidance into fertility counseling, assessment, and treatment for female cancer survivors. Consuming a healthful diet comprising whole grains, soy, fruits, vegetables, seafood, and unsaturated fats has improved both female fertility and cancer survivorship. Similarly, maintaining a healthy body weight also improves female fertility and cancer survivorship. Therefore, dietary interventions to support female cancer survivors with fertility challenges are of immense importance. The period of follow-up fertility counseling and assessment after cancer treatment may provide a unique opportunity for implementing nutritional guidance for female cancer survivors. Dietary interventions are a promising strategy to improve pregnancy chances and overall quality of life among female cancer survivors; thus, researchers should investigate perceptions regarding fertility, barriers, and challenges to changing nutrition-related behaviors, and preferences for nutritional guidance to support fertility treatments in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Klobodu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, California State University, Chico, College of Natural Sciences, CA, United States
| | - Mara Z Vitolins
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Jonathan M Deutsch
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kathleen Fisher
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jennifer A Nasser
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Dahlia Stott
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michael J Murray
- Northern California Fertility Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Laura Curtis
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, California State University, Chico, College of Natural Sciences, CA, United States
| | - Brandy-Joe Milliron
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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16
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Sun R, Feng J, Wang J. Underlying Mechanisms and Treatment of Cellular Senescence-Induced Biological Barrier Interruption and Related Diseases. Aging Dis 2024; 15:612-639. [PMID: 37450933 PMCID: PMC10917536 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Given its increasing prevalence, aging is of great concern to researchers worldwide. Cellular senescence is a physiological or pathological cellular state caused by aging and a prominent risk factor for the interruption of the integrity and functionality of human biological barriers. Health barriers play an important role in maintaining microenvironmental homeostasis within the body. The senescence of barrier cells leads to barrier dysfunction and age-related diseases. Cellular senescence has been reported to be a key target for the prevention of age-related barrier diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and preeclampsia. Drugs such as metformin, dasatinib, quercetin, BCL-2 inhibitors, and rapamycin have been shown to intervene in cellular senescence and age-related diseases. In this review, we conclude that cellular senescence is involved in age-related biological barrier impairment. We further outline the cellular pathways and mechanisms underlying barrier impairment caused by cellular senescence and describe age-related barrier diseases associated with senescent cells. Finally, we summarize the currently used anti-senescence pharmacological interventions and discuss their therapeutic potential for preventing age-related barrier diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruize Sun
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Juan Feng
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jue Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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17
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Cimadomo D, Innocenti F, Taggi M, Saturno G, Campitiello MR, Guido M, Vaiarelli A, Ubaldi FM, Rienzi L. How should the best human embryo in vitro be? Current and future challenges for embryo selection. Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2024; 76:159-173. [PMID: 37326354 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.23.05296-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In-vitro fertilization (IVF) aims at overcoming the causes of infertility and lead to a healthy live birth. To maximize IVF efficiency, it is critical to identify and transfer the most competent embryo within a cohort produced by a couple during a cycle. Conventional static embryo morphological assessment involves sequential observations under a light microscope at specific timepoints. The introduction of time-lapse technology enhanced morphological evaluation via the continuous monitoring of embryo preimplantation in vitro development, thereby unveiling features otherwise undetectable via multiple static assessments. Although an association exists, blastocyst morphology poorly predicts chromosomal competence. In fact, the only reliable approach currently available to diagnose the embryonic karyotype is trophectoderm biopsy and comprehensive chromosome testing to assess non-mosaic aneuploidies, namely preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A). Lately, the focus is shifting towards the fine-tuning of non-invasive technologies, such as "omic" analyses of waste products of IVF (e.g., spent culture media) and/or artificial intelligence-powered morphologic/morphodynamic evaluations. This review summarizes the main tools currently available to assess (or predict) embryo developmental, chromosomal, and reproductive competence, their strengths, the limitations, and the most probable future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Cimadomo
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy -
| | - Federica Innocenti
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Marilena Taggi
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
- Lazzaro Spallanzani Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gaia Saturno
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
- Lazzaro Spallanzani Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria R Campitiello
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, ASL Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Maurizio Guido
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alberto Vaiarelli
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo M Ubaldi
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Carlo Bo University of Urbino, Urbino, Italy
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18
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Armijo-Sánchez A, Benítez Castillo N, García-Vidal E, Luna Chadid M, Salvador Ballada C, Valls Ricart G, Torres Pellens V. Treatment With a Patented 3.6:1 Myo-Inositol to D-chiro-Inositol Ratio, Antioxidants, Vitamins and Minerals Food Supplement in Women With a History of Assisted Reproductive Technique (ART) Failures: A Series of Case Reports. CLINICAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS-CASE REPORTS 2024; 17:11795476241242265. [PMID: 38559382 PMCID: PMC10981332 DOI: 10.1177/11795476241242265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Infertility affects 15% of couples in reproductive age worldwide. In women in particular, infertility can be caused by various abnormalities, with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) being the most common. Currently, there are many assisted reproductive techniques (ART) available to combat the burden of infertility. However, positive results are not guaranteed. The administration of inositol has been shown to increase positive reproductive outcomes in women undergoing ART. Here we present a series of clinical cases in which women with a history of infertility and previously failed ART, supplemented with a specific 3.6:1 MYO:DCI ratio, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for a period of 1 to 3 months before undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). In this series of case reports, we provide preliminary evidence that supplementation with a specific 3.6:1 MYO to DCI ratio, as well as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals may contribute positively to female fertility in women undergoing IVF, with a history of primary or secondary infertility and previously failed ART.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - N. Benítez Castillo
- Hospital Universitario Materno Infantil de Canarias, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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19
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Canosa S, Licheri N, Bergandi L, Gennarelli G, Paschero C, Beccuti M, Cimadomo D, Coticchio G, Rienzi L, Benedetto C, Cordero F, Revelli A. A novel machine-learning framework based on early embryo morphokinetics identifies a feature signature associated with blastocyst development. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:63. [PMID: 38491534 PMCID: PMC10941455 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01376-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Artificial Intelligence entails the application of computer algorithms to the huge and heterogeneous amount of morphodynamic data produced by Time-Lapse Technology. In this context, Machine Learning (ML) methods were developed in order to assist embryologists with automatized and objective predictive models able to standardize human embryo assessment. In this study, we aimed at developing a novel ML-based strategy to identify relevant patterns associated with the prediction of blastocyst development stage on day 5. METHODS We retrospectively analysed the morphokinetics of 575 embryos obtained from 80 women who underwent IVF at our Unit. Embryo morphokinetics was registered using the Geri plus® time-lapse system. Overall, 30 clinical, morphological and morphokinetic variables related to women and embryos were recorded and combined. Some embryos reached the expanded blastocyst stage on day 5 (BL Group, n = 210), some others did not (nBL Group, n = 365). RESULTS The novel EmbryoMLSelection framework was developed following four-steps: Feature Selection, Rules Extraction, Rules Selection and Rules Evaluation. Six rules composed by a combination of 8 variables were finally selected, and provided a predictive power described by an AUC of 0.84 and an accuracy of 81%. CONCLUSIONS We provided herein a new feature-signature able to identify with an high performance embryos with the best developmental competence to reach the expanded blastocyst stage on day 5. Clear and clinically relevant cut-offs were identified for each considered variable, providing an objective tool for early embryo developmental assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Canosa
- Gynecology and Obstetrics 1U, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, S. Anna Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Livet, Turin, Italy.
| | - N Licheri
- Department of Computer Science, University di Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - L Bergandi
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - G Gennarelli
- Gynecology and Obstetrics 1U, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, S. Anna Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Livet, Turin, Italy
| | - C Paschero
- Gynecology and Obstetrics 1U, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, S. Anna Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - M Beccuti
- Department of Computer Science, University di Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - D Cimadomo
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Genera, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - G Coticchio
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, 9.Baby, Bologna, Italy
| | - L Rienzi
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Genera, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - C Benedetto
- Gynecology and Obstetrics 1U, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, S. Anna Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - F Cordero
- Department of Computer Science, University di Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - A Revelli
- Gynecology and Obstetrics 1U, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, S. Anna Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Gynecology and Obstetrics 2U, Department of Surgical Sciences, S. Anna Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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20
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Chavez-Badiola A, Farías AFS, Mendizabal-Ruiz G, Silvestri G, Griffin DK, Valencia-Murillo R, Drakeley AJ, Cohen J. Use of artificial intelligence embryo selection based on static images to predict first-trimester pregnancy loss. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 49:103934. [PMID: 38824762 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2024.103934] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Can an artificial intelligence embryo selection assistant predict the incidence of first-trimester spontaneous abortion using static images of IVF embryos? DESIGN In a blind, retrospective study, a cohort of 172 blastocysts from IVF cases with single embryo transfer and a positive biochemical pregnancy test was ranked retrospectively by the artificial intelligence morphometric algorithm ERICA. Making use of static embryo images from a light microscope, each blastocyst was assigned to one of four possible groups (optimal, good, fair or poor), and linear regression was used to correlate the results with the presence or absence of a normal fetal heart beat as an indicator of ongoing pregnancy or spontaneous abortion, respectively. Additional analyses included modelling for recipient age and chromosomal status established by preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A). RESULTS Embryos classified as optimal/good had a lower incidence of spontaneous abortion (16.1%) compared with embryos classified as fair/poor (25%; OR = 0.46, P = 0.005). The incidence of spontaneous abortion in chromosomally normal embryos (determined by PGT-A) was 13.3% for optimal/good embryos and 20.0% for fair/poor embryos, although the difference was not significant (P = 0.531). There was a significant association between embryo rank and recipient age (P = 0.018), in that the incidence of spontaneous abortion was unexpectedly lower in older recipients (21.3% for age ≤35 years, 17.9% for age 36-38 years, 16.4% for age ≥39 years; OR = 0.354, P = 0.0181). Overall, these results support correlation between risk of spontaneous abortion and embryo rank as determined by artificial intelligence; classification accuracy was calculated to be 67.4%. CONCLUSIONS This preliminary study suggests that artificial intelligence (ERICA), which was designed as a ranking system to assist with embryo transfer decisions and ploidy prediction, may also be useful to provide information for couples on the risk of spontaneous abortion. Future work will include a larger sample size and karyotyping of miscarried pregnancy tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Chavez-Badiola
- University of Kent, School of Biosciences, Canterbury, UK; IVF 2.0 Ltd, London, UK; New Hope Fertility Center, Guadalajara, Mexico; Conceivable Life Sciences, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Gerardo Mendizabal-Ruiz
- Conceivable Life Sciences, New York, NY, USA; Departamento de Ciencias Computacionales, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Giuseppe Silvestri
- University of Kent, School of Biosciences, Canterbury, UK; Conceivable Life Sciences, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Andrew J Drakeley
- IVF 2.0 Ltd, London, UK; Hewitt Fertility Centre, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jacques Cohen
- IVF 2.0 Ltd, London, UK; Conceivable Life Sciences, New York, NY, USA
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21
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Kan-Tor Y, Srebnik N, Gavish M, Shalit U, Buxboim A. Evaluating the heterogeneous effect of extended culture to blastocyst transfer on the implantation outcome via causal inference in fresh ICSI cycles. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:703-715. [PMID: 38321264 PMCID: PMC10957840 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03023-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In IVF treatments, extended culture to single blastocyst transfer is the recommended protocol over cleavage-stage transfer. However, evidence-based criteria for assessing the heterogeneous implications on implantation outcomes are lacking. The purpose of this work is to estimate the causal effect of blastocyst transfer on implantation outcome. METHODS We fit a causal forest model using a multicenter observational dataset that includes an exogenous source of variability in treatment assignment and has a strong claim for satisfying the assumptions needed for valid causal inference from observational data. RESULTS We quantified the probability difference in embryo implantation if transferred as a blastocyst versus cleavage stage. Blastocyst transfer increased the average implantation rate; however, we revealed a subpopulation of embryos whose implantation potential is predicted to increase via cleavage-stage transfer. CONCLUSION Relative to the current policy, the proposed embryo transfer policy retrospectively improves implantation rate from 0.2 to 0.27. Our work demonstrates the efficacy of implementing causal inference in reproductive medicine and motivates its utilization in medical disciplines that are dominated by retrospective datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoav Kan-Tor
- Rachel and Selim Benin School for Computer Science and Engineering, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel
- The Center for Interdisciplinary Data Science Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Naama Srebnik
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel
- Hebrew University School of Medicine, In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Matan Gavish
- Rachel and Selim Benin School for Computer Science and Engineering, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel
- The Center for Interdisciplinary Data Science Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Uri Shalit
- Data and Decision Sciences, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, 3200003, Haifa, Israel
| | - Amnon Buxboim
- Rachel and Selim Benin School for Computer Science and Engineering, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel.
- The Center for Interdisciplinary Data Science Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel.
- Alexander Grass Center for Bioengineering, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel.
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22
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Hsiao YY, Tsai NC, Su YT, Lin YJ, Chiang HJ, Kung FT, Lan KC. Comparison of miscarriage rates in low prognosis patients according to the POSEIDON criteria. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 63:199-204. [PMID: 38485315 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2024.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The POSEIDON criteria stratified patients with poor ovarian response into four subgroups with exclusive characteristics and assisted reproductive technology success rates. However, limited studies focused on miscarriage in the POSEIDON population. This study aimed to explore whether the miscarriage rate different among low prognosis patients according to POSEIDON criteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a retrospective observational study. All clinical pregnancies achieved after in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment between January 1998 and April 2021 were analyzed. The primary outcome was miscarriage, defined as the pregnancy loss before 20 weeks of gestation age. Miscarriage rate was estimated per clinical pregnancy and gestational sac. RESULTS A total of 1222 clinical pregnancies from 1088 POSEIDON patients met the inclusion criteria. The miscarriage rates per clinical pregnancy in each POSEIDON subgroup were as follows: Group 1: 11.7 %, Group 2: 26.5 %, Group 3: 20.9 %, and Group 4: 37.5 %. The miscarriage rate per gestational sac showed a similar trend as the clinical miscarriage rate. Multivariate regression analysis showed that advanced maternal age is an independent factor for miscarriage (Group 2 vs. 1: OR 2.476; Group 4 vs. 3: OR 2.252). Patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) have higher miscarriage risks but without significance (Group 3 vs. 1: OR 1.322; Group 4 vs. 2: OR 1.202). CONCLUSION Miscarriage rates differed among low prognosis patients according to the POSEIDON criteria. Age remains a determined risk for miscarriage. DOR might be a potential factor for miscarriage, but it didn't account for a significant impact in POSEIDON patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Yang Hsiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ni-Chin Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Su
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ju Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Ju Chiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Tsai Kung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chung Lan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Center for Menopause and Reproductive Medicine Research, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jen-Ai Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
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23
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Sfakianoudis K, Maziotis E, Trypidi A, Grigoriadis S, Vaxevanoglou T, Angeli I, Rapani A, Kotsifaki A, Pistola K, Pantou A, Dafopoulos K, Pantos K, Simopoulou M. Embryo Transfer Procedural Parameters Do Not Predict IVF Cycle Outcome. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1312. [PMID: 38592155 PMCID: PMC10931750 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13051312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND this study aims to assess the effect of embryo transfer (ET) performance parameters of a technical nature on IVF outcome. METHODS A total of 1417 ETs from a single IVF center were included in this prospective observational study. The parameters investigated were as follows: the presence of cervical mucus post catheter withdrawal, the presence of blood, catheter reload, the employment of a tenaculum and stylet, catheter resistance as experienced by the physician and patient discomfort. RESULTS When ET performance parameters were associated with clinical outcomes on a singular level, none of the ET parameters presented with any statistical significance. The evaluation of covariates indicated that the number and the quality of transferred embryos, as well as maternal age, exerted a statistically significant effect on clinical outcomes. In a multivariate analysis, only the presence of mucus along with significant catheter resistance presented with statistical significance; however, when adjusting for covariates, this combination showed no statistically significant effect on clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS the results indicate that the time-consuming process of recording and analyzing ET performance parameters fails to offer any additional value in predicting the cycle's outcome, while factors like embryo quality and number, as well as maternal age, seem to be the sole robust predictive factors of an IVF cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evangelos Maziotis
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Trypidi
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Sokratis Grigoriadis
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Irene Angeli
- Genesis Athens Clinic, Centre for Human Reproduction, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Rapani
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Amalia Kotsifaki
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Pistola
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Agni Pantou
- Genesis Athens Clinic, Centre for Human Reproduction, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Dafopoulos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larisa, Greece;
| | - Konstantinos Pantos
- Genesis Athens Clinic, Centre for Human Reproduction, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece
| | - Mara Simopoulou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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24
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Hentschke MR, Petzold AP, Badalotti-Teloken I, Dornelles VC, Wingert FM, Azambuja R, Sanseverino MTV, Petracco A, Badalotti M. Birth after low-level +20 Aneuploid Mosaic Embryo Transfer: A Case Report. JBRA Assist Reprod 2024; 28:203-205. [PMID: 38381775 PMCID: PMC10936912 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20230055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recently, it has been discussed whether or not mosaic embryo transfers should be performed since they might result in viable pregnancies, although they often end up being discarded. We report a case of successful pregnancy, after a mosaic embryo transfer from an in vitro matured egg and frozen PESA sperm. CASE DESCRIPTION Tests performed on a female aged 40 years and a male aged 37 years seeking fertility treatment found she had an adequate ovarian reserve and patent fallopian tubes. He had a history of cryptorchidism and inguinal hernia repair. The spermogram showed azoospermia, and testicular ultrasound showed an atrophic left testicle and a normal right testis. The vas deferens was palpated during physical examination. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection with percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) was indicated. Two cycles of IVF after controlled ovarian stimulation with follitropin delta was performed. In the first cycle, seven mature eggs were inseminated, two fertilized normally, resulting in one blastocyst biopsied and analyzed by NGS with complex aneuploid results. In the second cycle, frozen sperm from PESA was used. Three eggs were inseminated on the day of the procedure (resulting in 2 blastocysts), and three in vitro matured eggs were inseminated after 24 hours (resulting in 1 blastocyst). NGS analysis showed two complex aneuploid embryos and one 40% low-level trisomy 20 aneuploid mosaicism (+20) for the post 24-hour embryo. A mosaic embryo transfer was performed, resulting in clinical pregnancy and birth of a healthy baby girl with a normal blood karyotype. DISCUSSION Mosaic embryo transfer is a topic for discussion. Certain levels of mosaicism do not seem to pose risks to the development of the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Ribeiro Hentschke
- Fertilitat - Reproductive Medicine Center, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Ricardo Azambuja
- Fertilitat - Reproductive Medicine Center, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria Teresa Vieira Sanseverino
- Fertilitat - Reproductive Medicine Center, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, RS, Brazil
| | - Alvaro Petracco
- Fertilitat - Reproductive Medicine Center, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Mariangela Badalotti
- Fertilitat - Reproductive Medicine Center, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, RS, Brazil
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25
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Chen NQ, Si CR, Yung SC, Hon SK, Arasoo J, Ng SC. Analysis of a preimplantation genetic test for aneuploidies in 893 screened blastocysts using KaryoLite BoBs: a single-centre experience. Singapore Med J 2024:00077293-990000000-00089. [PMID: 38363646 DOI: 10.4103/singaporemedj.smj-2021-200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Does euploidy of trophectoderm (TE) biopsies correlate with conventional blastocyst morphological, maternal age and implantation potential? METHODS This is a one-centre, retrospective, observational study. RESULTS Eight hundred and ninety-three blastocysts were biopsied; 57.73% were euploid. The euploidy rate was found to be significantly higher for the embryos with good morphology of inner cell mass (ICM) and TE. Between ICM and TE morphology variables, TE was more predictive of the euploidy rate. When broken down into different age groups, the percentage of good morphology embryos remained similar across all age groups, while the percentage of euploid embryos dropped with increasing age. These results suggest that the correlation between blastocyst morphology and ploidy status was present but poor. Faster growing day 5 blastocysts showed a significantly higher euploidy rate than slower growing day 6 or 7 blastocysts. The number of good-quality blastocysts per cycle, euploid blastocysts per cycle and the euploidy rate were strongly associated with maternal age. A trend towards an increased implantation rate was found with euploid embryo transfers compared to the control group without preimplantation genetic test for aneuploidies (PGT-A). CONCLUSIONS Blastocyst morphology, rate of development and maternal age were found to be significantly associated with euploidy rate. There is a trend that suggests PGT-A may help to improve the pregnancy rate, but it is not statistically different, and therefore, PGT-A remains an unproven hypothesis. Due to the limitation of a small size of the control group, further studies with more data are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nai Qing Chen
- Sincere IVF Centre, Gleneagles Medini Hospital, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Cay Reen Si
- Sincere IVF Centre, Gleneagles Medini Hospital, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Shin Chyi Yung
- Sincere IVF Centre, Gleneagles Medini Hospital, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Sook Kit Hon
- Sincere IVF Centre, Gleneagles Medini Hospital, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Jayanthi Arasoo
- Sincere IVF Centre, Gleneagles Medini Hospital, Johor, Malaysia
- Clinical School JB, Monash University, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - Soon-Chye Ng
- Sincere IVF Centre, Gleneagles Medini Hospital, Johor, Malaysia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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26
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Kordowitzki P, Graczyk S, Haghani A, Klutstein M. Oocyte Aging: A Multifactorial Phenomenon in A Unique Cell. Aging Dis 2024; 15:5-21. [PMID: 37307833 PMCID: PMC10796106 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The oocyte is considered to be the largest cell in mammalian species. Women hoping to become pregnant face a ticking biological clock. This is becoming increasingly challenging as an increase in life expectancy is accompanied by the tendency to conceive at older ages. With advancing maternal age, the fertilized egg will exhibit lower quality and developmental competence, which contributes to increased chances of miscarriage due to several causes such as aneuploidy, oxidative stress, epigenetics, or metabolic disorders. In particular, heterochromatin in oocytes and with it, the DNA methylation landscape undergoes changes. Further, obesity is a well-known and ever-increasing global problem as it is associated with several metabolic disorders. More importantly, both obesity and aging negatively affect female reproduction. However, among women, there is immense variability in age-related decline of oocytes' quantity, developmental competence, or quality. Herein, the relevance of obesity and DNA-methylation will be discussed as these aspects have a tremendous effect on female fertility, and it is a topic of continuous and widespread interest that has yet to be fully addressed for the mammalian oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Kordowitzki
- Department of Preclinical and Basic Sciences, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland.
| | - Szymon Graczyk
- Department of Preclinical and Basic Sciences, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland.
| | - Amin Haghani
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Michael Klutstein
- Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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27
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Maitin-Shepard M, Werner EF, Feig LA, Chavarro JE, Mumford SL, Wylie B, Rando OJ, Gaskins AJ, Sakkas D, Arora M, Kudesia R, Lujan ME, Braun J, Mozaffarian D. Food, nutrition, and fertility: from soil to fork. Am J Clin Nutr 2024; 119:578-589. [PMID: 38101699 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Food and nutrition-related factors, including foods and nutrients consumed, dietary patterns, use of dietary supplements, adiposity, and exposure to food-related environmental contaminants, have the potential to impact semen quality and male and female fertility; obstetric, fetal, and birth outcomes; and the health of future generations, but gaps in evidence remain. On 9 November 2022, Tufts University's Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy and the school's Food and Nutrition Innovation Institute hosted a 1-d meeting to explore the evidence and evidence gaps regarding the relationships between food, nutrition, and fertility. Topics addressed included male fertility, female fertility and gestation, and intergenerational effects. This meeting report summarizes the presentations and deliberations from the meeting. Regarding male fertility, a positive association exists with a healthy dietary pattern, with high-quality evidence for semen quality and lower quality evidence for clinical outcomes. Folic acid and zinc supplementation have been found to not impact male fertility. In females, body weight status and other nutrition-related factors are linked to nearly half of all ovulation disorders, a leading cause of female infertility. Females with obesity have worse fertility treatment, pregnancy-related, and birth outcomes. Environmental contaminants found in food, water, or its packaging, including lead, perfluorinated alkyl substances, phthalates, and phenols, adversely impact female reproductive outcomes. Epigenetic research has found that maternal and paternal dietary-related factors can impact outcomes for future generations. Priority evidence gaps identified by meeting participants relate to the effects of nutrition and dietary patterns on fertility, gaps in communication regarding fertility optimization through changes in nutritional and environmental exposures, and interventions impacting germ cell mechanisms through dietary effects. Participants developed research proposals to address the priority evidence gaps. The workshop findings serve as a foundation for future prioritization of scientific research to address evidence gaps related to food, nutrition, and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erika F Werner
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Larry A Feig
- Department of Developmental, Molecular, and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jorge E Chavarro
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sunni L Mumford
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Blair Wylie
- Collaborative for Women's Environmental Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Oliver J Rando
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Audrey J Gaskins
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Manish Arora
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Marla E Lujan
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Joseph Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Dariush Mozaffarian
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States; Food is Medicine Institute, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States.
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28
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Gruchala P, Keller L, Ducrocq-Caux B, Ramdane N, Robin G, Catteau-Jonard S. [Impact of donor parity on oocyte donation outcomes]. GYNECOLOGIE, OBSTETRIQUE, FERTILITE & SENOLOGIE 2024; 52:81-85. [PMID: 37925104 DOI: 10.1016/j.gofs.2023.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Since 2015, in France, men and women who have never procreated are allowed to donate their gametes. This has led to an increase in the number of female oocyte donors, whereas there are many couples waiting for gametes that have a long waiting time. The aim of this study is to compare the results of donation with oocytes from nulliparous and non-nulliparous donors. METHODS Monocentric retrospective observational study (Lille University Hospital) between January 1st, 2016 and December 31st, 2019. Phenotypic characteristics and clinical and biological outcomes of oocytes donations were compared according to donor parity (nulliparous versus primiparous or multiparous). RESULTS One hundred and eighty-five donors (66 nulliparous and 119 non-nulliparous) were included in the study, allowing 284 ICSI cycles to be performed in recipient couples. On average, 11.5 oocytes were obtained per donation cycle, of which 7.8 were mature. In total, 4.6 mature oocytes were obtained per attempt and per recipient couple. Nulliparous donors are younger than non-nulliparous ones. An early pregnancy was obtained in 55.6% of the nulliparous donors and in 50.8% of the non-nulliparous donors (P=0.55). A progressive pregnancy was obtained in 49.2% of the nulliparous women and in 42.1% of the non-nulliparous women (P=0.36). There was therefore no difference in terms of early pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy whether the donation came from a nulliparous or non-nulliparous woman. CONCLUSION Donor parity does not seem to have an impact on the success of oocyte donation attempts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Keller
- Laboratoire de biologie de la reproduction, CECOS, spermiologie, CHU de Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Bérengère Ducrocq-Caux
- Laboratoire de biologie de la reproduction, CECOS, spermiologie, CHU de Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Nassima Ramdane
- Département de biostatistiques, CHU de Lille, 59000 Lille, France
| | - Geoffroy Robin
- Service d'AMP, CHU de Lille, université de Lille, 59000 Lille, France
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29
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Yu VT, Ramsay JM, Horns JJ, Mumford SL, Bruno AM, Hotaling J. The association between parental age differences and perinatal outcomes. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:425-435. [PMID: 37968231 PMCID: PMC10833074 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are there significant associations existing between parental age differences and adverse perinatal outcomes? SUMMARY ANSWER Large differences in parental age are associated with adverse perinatal outcomes, particularly with older mothers paired with younger fathers. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The association between advanced maternal age and perinatal outcomes is well-documented with women over 35 years showing an increased risk of several adverse outcomes. Other studies have identified potential associations between advanced paternal age and adverse perinatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A historical (retrospective) cohort analysis was performed utilizing a multivariable logistic regression model to evaluate the association between varying differences in parental age and adverse perinatal outcomes while controlling for demographic and health-related covariates. Data were compiled from the National Vital Statistics System for 20 613 704 births between 2012 and 2018. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Parental age differences, categorized into eleven 4-year intervals, were stratified by seven maternal age categories and evaluated for their associations with adverse perinatal outcomes. Main outcome measures included low birth weight, very low birth weight, preterm birth, very preterm birth, small size for gestational age, low 5-min appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration score, congenital defects, and chromosomal anomalies. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Increased parental age differences, in either direction, were associated with significant risks for all adverse outcomes, aside from congenital defects, even when controlling for maternal age. Restricting maternal age to the reference range of 25-29 years, infants born to fathers aged 9-12 years younger (n = 3773) had 27% (odds ratio (OR) 1.27, 95% CI, 1.17-1.37) higher odds of having any adverse perinatal outcome. Infants born to fathers aged >16 years older (n = 98 555) had 14% (OR 1.14, 95% CI, 1.12-1.16) higher odds of having any adverse perinatal outcome. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Data extracted from US birth certificates may be compromised by errors in reporting or documentation. Information regarding the mother's socioeconomic status was estimated using proxy variables and may be susceptible to uncontrolled factors. Use of a pre-compiled dataset may potentially exclude additional maternal comorbidities that could impact perinatal outcomes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF FINDINGS Older mothers paired with younger fathers demonstrated the highest risk, even when maternal age was below the threshold of 35 years. For the clinical setting, parental age differences should be considered alongside maternal and paternal age when assessing risks of adverse perinatal outcomes for potential parents. This is particularly relevant for older women with younger male partners as this may exacerbate the impact of advanced maternal age. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This research was funded by the NIH Research Fellowship T35 Training Grant. There are no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor T Yu
- Department of Surgery, University of Nevada Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Joemy M Ramsay
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Joshua J Horns
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Sunni L Mumford
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Informatics and Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ann M Bruno
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jim Hotaling
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Liu S, Liu L, Ye X, Fu M, Wang W, Zi Y, Zeng X, Yu K. Ambient ozone and ovarian reserve in Chinese women of reproductive age: Identifying susceptible exposure windows. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132579. [PMID: 37738852 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the association of ambient ozone with ovarian reserve. Based on a retrospective cohort study of 6008 women who attended a fertility center in Hubei, China, during 2018-2021, we estimated ozone exposure levels by calculating averages during the development of follicles (2-month [W1], 4-month [W2], 6-month [W3]) and 1-year before measurement (W4) according to Tracking Air Pollution in China database. We used multivariate logistic regression and linear regression models to investigate association of ozone exposure with anti-müllerian hormone (AMH), the preferred indicator of ovarian reserve. Each 10 μg/m3 increases in ozone were associated with 2.34% (0.68%, 3.97%), 2.08% (0.10%, 4.01%), 4.20% (1.67%, 6.67%), and 8.91% (5.79%, 11.93%) decreased AMH levels during W1-W4; AMH levels decreased by 15.85%, 11.90%, 16.92% in the fourth quartile during W1, W3, and W4 when comparing the extreme quartile, with significant exposure-response relationships during W4 (P < 0.05). Ozone exposure during W1 was positively associated with low AMH. Additionally, we detected significant effect modification by age, body mass index, and temperature in ozone-associated decreased AMH levels. Our findings highlight the potential adverse impact of ozone pollution on female ovarian reserve, especially during the secondary to small antral follicle stage and 1-year before measurement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangyan Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xin Ye
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Mingjian Fu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yunhua Zi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xinliu Zeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
| | - Kuai Yu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
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Ducreux B, Patrat C, Trasler J, Fauque P. Transcriptomic integrity of human oocytes used in ARTs: technical and intrinsic factor effects. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:26-47. [PMID: 37697674 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Millions of children have been born throughout the world thanks to ARTs, the harmlessness of which has not yet been fully demonstrated. For years, efforts to evaluate the specific effects of ART have focused on the embryo; however, it is the oocyte quality that mainly dictates first and foremost the developmental potential of the future embryo. Ovarian stimulation, cryopreservation, and IVM are sometimes necessary steps to obtain a mature oocyte, but they could alter the appropriate expression of the oocyte genome. Additionally, it is likely that female infertility, environmental factors, and lifestyle have a significant influence on oocyte transcriptomic quality, which may interfere with the outcome of an ART attempt. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The objective of this review is to identify transcriptomic changes in the human oocyte caused by interventions specific to ART but also intrinsic factors such as age, reproductive health issues, and lifestyle. We also provide recommendations for future good practices to be conducted when attempting ART. SEARCH METHODS An in-depth literature search was performed on PubMed to identify studies assessing the human oocyte transcriptome following ART interventions, or in the context of maternal aging, suboptimal lifestyle, or reproductive health issues. OUTCOMES ART success is susceptible to external factors, maternal aging, lifestyle factors (smoking, BMI), and infertility due to endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome. Indeed, all of these are likely to increase oxidative stress and alter mitochondrial processes in the foreground. Concerning ART techniques themselves, there is evidence that different ovarian stimulation regimens shape the oocyte transcriptome. The perturbation of processes related to the mitochondrion, oxidative phosphorylation, and metabolism is observed with IVM. Cryopreservation might dysregulate genes belonging to transcriptional regulation, ubiquitination, cell cycle, and oocyte growth pathways. For other ART laboratory factors such as temperature, oxygen tension, air pollution, and light, the evidence remains scarce. Focusing on genes involved in chromatin-based processes such as DNA methylation, heterochromatin modulation, histone modification, and chromatin remodeling complexes, but also genomic imprinting, we observed systematic dysregulation of such genes either after ART intervention or lifestyle exposure, as well as due to internal factors such as maternal aging and reproductive diseases. Alteration in the expression of such epigenetic regulators may be a common mechanism linked to adverse oocyte environments, explaining global transcriptomic modifications. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Many IVF factors and additional external factors have the potential to impair oocyte transcriptomic integrity, which might not be innocuous for the developing embryo. Fortunately, it is likely that such dysregulations can be minimized by adapting ART protocols or reducing adverse exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastien Ducreux
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comtés-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France
| | - Catherine Patrat
- Université de Paris Cité, Faculty of Medicine, Inserm 1016, Paris, France
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, aphp.centre-Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Jacquetta Trasler
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Patricia Fauque
- Université Bourgogne Franche-Comtés-Equipe Génétique des Anomalies du Développement (GAD) INSERM UMR1231, Dijon, France
- CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Dijon, France
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Pinto-Bustamante BJ, Gómez-Córdoba AI, Gómez-Rivadeneira A, Montaño CAC, Vargas VAR, Romero HA, Pascual MGM, Cervera JIM. Access to assisted human reproduction techniques in Colombia: Disparity between the recognition of reproductive rights and their effective implementation. Int J Health Plann Manage 2024; 39:9-21. [PMID: 37740542 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Public funding of assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs) is a controversial issue. Some health systems have proposed public funding of ARTs. In recent years, there has been evidence of a change in the line of jurisprudence and legislation in Colombia about this topic. This article analyzes the tension between the recognition of individual sexual and reproductive rights and the common good, in terms of the sustainability of the health system and the reasonable use of limited resources to meet the health needs of the population. This article concludes that, despite regulatory progress, there has been a lack of corresponding progress in their effective implementation and the recognition of reproductive rights.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Helena Arango Romero
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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Ezz MA, Takahashi M, Rivera RM, Balboula AZ. Cathepsin L regulates oocyte meiosis and preimplantation embryo development. Cell Prolif 2024; 57:e13526. [PMID: 37417221 PMCID: PMC10771118 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Early embryonic loss, caused by reduced embryo developmental competence, is the major cause of subfertility in humans and animals. This embryo developmental competence is determined during oocyte maturation and the first embryo divisions. Therefore, it is essential to identify the underlying molecules regulating these critical developmental stages. Cathepsin L (CTSL), a lysosomal cysteine protease, is involved in regulating cell cycle progression, proliferation and invasion of different cell types. However, CTSL role in mammalian embryo development is unknown. Using bovine in vitro maturation and culture systems, we show that CTSL is a key regulator for embryo developmental competence. We employed a specific CTSL detection assay in live cells to show that CTSL activity correlates with meiotic progression and early embryo development. Inhibiting CTSL activity during oocyte maturation or early embryo development significantly impaired oocyte and embryo developmental competence as evidenced by lower cleavage, blastocyst and hatched blastocyst rates. Moreover, enhancing CTSL activity, using recombinant CTSL (rCTSL), during oocyte maturation or early embryo development significantly improved oocyte and embryo developmental competence. Importantly, rCTSL supplementation during oocyte maturation and early embryo development significantly improved the developmental competence of heat-shocked oocytes/embryos which are notoriously known for reduced quality. Altogether, these results provide novel evidence that CTSL plays a pivotal role in regulating oocyte meiosis and early embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Aboul Ezz
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineMansoura UniversityMansouraEgypt
- Division of Animal SciencesUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMissouriUSA
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Morales C. Current Applications and Controversies in Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies (PGT-A) in In Vitro Fertilization. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:66-80. [PMID: 37515717 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01301-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) has evolved over recent years, including improvements in embryo culture, biopsy, transfer, and genetic testing. The application of new comprehensive chromosome screening analysis has improved the accuracy in determining the chromosomal status of the analyzed sample, but it has brought new challenges such as the management of partial aneuploidies and mosaicisms. For the past two decades, PGT-A has been involved in a controversy regarding its efficiency in improving IVF outcomes, despite its widespread worldwide implementation. Understanding the impact of embryo aneuploidy in IVF (in vitro fertilization) should theoretically allow improving reproductive outcomes. This review of the literature aims to describe the impact of aneuploidy in human reproduction and how PGT-A was introduced to overcome this obstacle in IVF (in vitro fertilization). The article will try to analyze and summarize the evolution of the PGT-A in the recent years, and its current applications and limitations, as well as the controversy it generates. Conflicting published data could indicate the lacking value of a single biopsied sample to determine embryo chromosomal status and/or the lack of standardized methods for embryo culture and management and genetic analysis among other factors. It has to be considered that PGT-A may not be a universal test to improve the reproductive potential in IVF patients, rather each clinic should evaluate the efficacy of PGT-A in their IVF program based on their population, skills, and limitations.
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Liu S, Zhao J, Ye X, Fu M, Zhang K, Wang H, Zou Y, Yu K. Fine particulate matter and its constituent on ovarian reserve: Identifying susceptible windows of exposure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166744. [PMID: 37659528 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the associations of exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its constituents with ovarian reserve, and the potential susceptible window of exposure remains unclear. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study of 5189 women who attended a fertility center in Hubei, China, during 2019-2022, and estimated concentrations of PM2.5 and its major constituents during the development of follicles (4th-6th month [W1], 0-4th month [W2], 0-6th month [W3]) and 1-year before measurement (W4) based on Tracking Air Pollution in China database. We used multivariable linear regression and logistic regression models to examine the associations of PM2.5 and its constituent exposures with anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), the preferred indicator of ovarian reserve. RESULTS We observed significantly decreased AMH levels associated with increasing PM2.5 concentrations, with the percent changes (95 % confidence intervals [CIs]) of 1.99 % (0.24 %-3.71 %) during W1 and 3.99 % (0.74 %-7.15 %) during W4 for per 10 μg/m3 increases in PM2.5.When PM2.5 exposure levels were equal to 50th percentile (32.6-42.3 μg/m3) or more, monotonically decreased AMH levels and increased risks of low AMH were seen with increasing PM2.5 concentrations during W1 and W4 (P < 0.05). Black carbon (BC), ammonium (NH4+), nitrate (NO3-), and organic matter (OM) during W1, and NH4+, NO3-, as well as sulfate (SO42-) during W4 were significantly associated with decreased AMH. Moreover, PM2.5 and SO42- exposures during W4 were positively associated with low AMH. Additionally, the associations were stronger among women aged <35 years, lived in urban regions, or measured AMH in cold-season (P for interaction <0.05). CONCLUSION PM2.5 and specific chemical components (particularly NH4+, NO3-, and SO42-) exposure during the secondary to antral follicle stage and 1-year before measurement were associated with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), indicating the adverse impact of PM2.5 and its constituent exposures on female reproductive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangyan Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Xin Ye
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Mingjian Fu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Kexin Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Yujie Zou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.
| | - Kuai Yu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
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Klutstein M, Gonen N. Epigenetic aging of mammalian gametes. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:785-803. [PMID: 37997675 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The process of aging refers to physiological changes that occur to an organism as time progresses and involves changes to DNA, proteins, metabolism, cells, and organs. Like the rest of the cells in the body, gametes age, and it is well established that there is a decline in reproductive capabilities in females and males with aging. One of the major pathways known to be involved in aging is epigenetic changes. The epigenome is the multitude of chemical modifications performed on DNA and chromatin that affect the ability of chromatin to be transcribed. In this review, we explore the effects of aging on female and male gametes with a focus on the epigenetic changes that occur in gametes throughout aging. Quality decline in oocytes occurs at a relatively early age. Epigenetic changes constitute an important part of oocyte aging. DNA methylation is reduced with age, along with reduced expression of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). Histone deacetylases (HDAC) expression is also reduced, and a loss of heterochromatin marks occurs with age. As a consequence of heterochromatin loss, retrotransposon expression is elevated, and aged oocytes suffer from DNA damage. In sperm, aging affects sperm number, motility and fecundity, and epigenetic changes may constitute a part of this process. 5 methyl-cytosine (5mC) methylation is elevated in sperm from aged men, but methylation on Long interspersed nuclear elements (LINE) elements is reduced. Di and trimethylation of histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9me2/3) is reduced in sperm from aged men and trimethylation of histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) is elevated. The protamine makeup of sperm from aged men is also changed, with reduced protamine expression and a misbalanced ratio between protamine proteins protamine P1 and protamine P2. The study of epigenetic reproductive aging is recently gaining interest. The current status of the field suggests that many aspects of gamete epigenetic aging are still open for investigation. The clinical applications of these investigations have far-reaching consequences for fertility and sociological human behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Klutstein
- Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research, Faculty of Dental Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nitzan Gonen
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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Krysta-Matter AE, Riepsamen AH, Lien S, Wong WYT, Richani D, Kilani S, Harrison CA, Mallitt KA, Ledger WL, Robertson DM, Gilchrist RB. Application of specific ELISAs for BMP15 and GDF9 to cumulus cell extracts from infertile women. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 578:112049. [PMID: 37666445 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) are oocyte-specific paracrine factors which regulate ovarian cumulus cell (CC) functions. This study aimed to investigate if BMP15 and GDF9 bound to CCs can be characterized, quantified, and show an association with IVF outcomes in infertile women. BMP15 and GDF9 ELISAs were validated and applied to discarded CC extracts. Pooled CCs from individual patients were collected from 120 (cohort 1; BMP15 only) and 81 infertility patients (cohort 2; BMP15 and GDF9) undergoing superovulation. BMP15 and GDF9 levels expressed per CC DNA were correlated with maternal age, clinical and embryology data. Total BMP15 and GDF9 were highly correlated with each other (r = 0.9, p < 0.001). The GDF9:BMP15 ratio was unrelated to oocyte number or age. BMP15/CC DNA and GDF9/CC DNA were unaffected by the type of superovulation and were not related to oocyte/embryo outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E Krysta-Matter
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia; IVF Australia, Virtus Health, Alexandria, New South Wales, 2035, Australia
| | - A H Riepsamen
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - S Lien
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - W Y T Wong
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - D Richani
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - S Kilani
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia; IVF Australia, Virtus Health, Alexandria, New South Wales, 2035, Australia
| | - C A Harrison
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - K A Mallitt
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia; Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - W L Ledger
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia; IVF Australia, Virtus Health, Alexandria, New South Wales, 2035, Australia
| | - D M Robertson
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - R B Gilchrist
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia.
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Brown AM, McCarthy HE. The Effect of CoQ10 supplementation on ART treatment and oocyte quality in older women. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:1544-1552. [PMID: 37102567 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2023.2194554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
A significant problem associated with assisted reproductive technologies (ART) is recurrent treatment failure which can be attributed to the age-associated decline in oocyte quality. Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant and essential component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. It is reported that de novo CoQ10 production declines with ageing and coincides with age-related decline in fertility, leading to CoQ10 supplementation being advocated to enhance response to ovarian stimulation and improve oocyte quality. CoQ10 supplementation was found to improve fertilization rates, embryo maturation rates and embryo quality when used before and during in vitro fertilization (IVF) and in vitro maturation (IVM) treatment in women aged 31 and over. Regarding oocyte quality, CoQ10 was able to reduce high rates of chromosomal abnormalities and oocyte fragmentation, as well as improve mitochondrial function. Proposed mechanisms of CoQ10 function include restoration of reactive oxygen species imbalance, preventing DNA damage and oocyte apoptosis, as well as restoration of Krebs cycle downregulation from ageing. In this literature review, we provide an overview of the use of CoQ10 in improving the success of IVF and IVM in older women, and additionally assess the impact of CoQ10 on oocyte quality and discuss potential mechanisms of action by CoQ10 on the oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria M Brown
- Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Helen E McCarthy
- Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Buderatska N, Gontar J, Petrushko M, Yurchuk T, Ilyin I, Piniaiev V, Fuller B. Embryological Characteristics and Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy of Embryos Derived from Cryopreserved Oocytes of Women of Different Reproductive Ages. Biopreserv Biobank 2023; 21:576-582. [PMID: 36409698 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2022.0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte vitrification is widely used for female fertility preservation. However, the efficacy of this procedure may depend on the women's age. The aim of the study was to compare the morphology, viability of cryopreserved oocytes, and their fertilization outcomes (fertilization, blastulation rate, level of embryo chromosomal aneuploidy-preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy [PGT-A]) in women of different reproductive ages. The studied oocytes were divided into groups depending on the age of patients: up to 30 years (group 1), 30-35 years (group 2), 36-40 years (group 3), and older than 40 years (group 4). It has been shown that in women of older reproductive age, the number of oocytes with polymorphism of endo- and extracytoplasmic structures was higher compared with younger patients. This could reflect on their cryosurvival rate, which was the highest in group 1 (98.1%) and the lowest was in group 4 (47.4%). With increasing age, the fertilization rate of cryopreserved oocytes and subsequent blastulation was decreased. However, the number of embryos with an aneuploid chromosome set number was increased. The chromosome set number euploidy rate of the embryos obtained from cryopreserved oocytes of advanced age women (group 4) did not differ from the fresh group with the same age (31.2% vs. 24.4%, p > 0.05), but the number of euploid embryos per patient was less than one (0.8 ± 0.1). Therefore, the decision to cryopreserve the oocytes of a patient of older reproductive age should be made individually for each situation, taking into account the prospects of obtaining full-fledged embryos and the chances of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maryna Petrushko
- Institute for Problems of Cryobiology and Cryomedicine of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine
- ART-Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Taisiia Yurchuk
- Institute for Problems of Cryobiology and Cryomedicine of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | | | - Volodymyr Piniaiev
- Institute for Problems of Cryobiology and Cryomedicine of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine
- ART-Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Barry Fuller
- Divison of Surgery & Interventional Science, Royal Free London NHS Trust & UCL, London, United Kingdom
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Liu X, Li W, Mol BW, Wen W, Wang T, Tian L, Li N, Sun T, Wang T, Zhou H, Zhang N, Qu P, Liu S, Shi J. Who may benefit from an increased gonadotropin dosing in predicted poor responders undergoing IVF/ICSI? A secondary analysis assessing treatment selection markers of a randomized trial. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 291:76-81. [PMID: 37844507 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether we can identify patient characteristics that serve as treatment selection markers to distinguish which women with expected poor response benefit from increased dosing of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in terms of improving the cumulative live birth rate compared to standard FSH dosing and which women. STUDY DESIGN We performed a secondary analysis of an RCT performed between March 2019 and October 2021 comparing cumulative live birth after increased dosing (N = 328) who received 225 or 300 IU/day according to their antral follicle count (AFC) and standard dosing (N = 333) who received 150 IU/day of gonadotropin. RESULTS The MFPI analysis showed the benefit of the increased dosing of FSH on cumulative live birth starts to emerge when women were older than 30 years (women > 30 years: 46.5 % vs. 34.2 %; adjusted relative risk (aRR) 1.32, 95 % confidence interval (95 %CI) 1.05-1.66; women ≤ 30 years: 54.7 % vs. 58.6 %; aRR 0.91, 95 % CI 0.72-1.14; p for interaction 0.019). Only those who had AFC between 1 and 3 benefited from the increased FSH dose (AFC 1-3: 38.5 % vs. 6.5 %; aRR 5.88, 95 % CI 1.50-23.15; AFC 4-9: 50.3 % vs. 46.0 %; aRR 1.08, 95 % CI 0.92-1.27; p for interaction 0.023). Expected poor responders defined by the Bologna criteria and POSEIDON criteria did not significantly benefit from the increased dosing of FSH. CONCLUSIONS Women who are aged >30 years or have AFC 1-3 are likely to benefit from increased dosing of FSH by having a higher cumulative live birth rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xitong Liu
- The Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Wentao Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, Wellington Road, Clayton VIC 3800, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Ben W Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, Wellington Road, Clayton VIC 3800, Victoria, Australia; Aberdeen Centre for Women's Health Research, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
| | - Wen Wen
- The Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Tao Wang
- The Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Li Tian
- The Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Na Li
- The Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Ting Sun
- The Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Ting Wang
- The Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Hanying Zhou
- The Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Na Zhang
- The Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Pengfei Qu
- The Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China; Translational Medicine Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Siyu Liu
- The Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Juanzi Shi
- The Assisted Reproduction Center, Northwest Women's and Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China.
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Li L, Cui X, Yang J, Wu X, Zhao G. Using feature optimization and LightGBM algorithm to predict the clinical pregnancy outcomes after in vitro fertilization. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1305473. [PMID: 38093967 PMCID: PMC10716466 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1305473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background According to a recent report by the WHO, approximately 17.5\% (about one-sixth) of the global adult population is affected by infertility. Consequently, researchers worldwide have proposed various machine learning models to improve the prediction of clinical pregnancy outcomes during IVF cycles. The objective of this study is to develop a machine learning(ML) model that predicts the outcomes of pregnancies following in vitro fertilization (IVF) and assists in clinical treatment. Methods This study conducted a retrospective analysis on provincial reproductive centers in China from March 2020 to March 2021, utilizing 13 selected features. The algorithms used included XGBoost, LightGBM, KNN, Naïve Bayes, Random Forest, and Decision Tree. The results were evaluated using performance metrics such as precision, recall, F1-score, accuracy and AUC, employing five-fold cross-validation repeated five times. Results Among the models, LightGBM achieved the best performance, with an accuracy of 92.31%, recall of 87.80%, F1-score of 90.00\%, and an AUC of 90.41%. The model identified the estrogen concentration at the HCG injection(etwo), endometrium thickness (mm) on HCG day(EM TNK), years of infertility(Years), and body mass index(BMI) as the most important features. Conclusion This study successfully demonstrates the LightGBM model has the best predictive effect on pregnancy outcomes during IVF cycles. Additionally, etwo was found to be the most significant predictor for successful IVF compared to other variables. This machine learning approach has the potential to assist fertility specialists in providing counseling and adjusting treatment strategies for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Shanxi and Women Health Center of Shanxi, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiangrong Cui
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Shanxi and Women Health Center of Shanxi, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jian Yang
- School of Information, Shanxi University of Finance and Economics, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xueqing Wu
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Shanxi and Women Health Center of Shanxi, Taiyuan, China
| | - Gang Zhao
- School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Electronic Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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Trohl J, Schindler M, Buske M, de Nivelle J, Toto Nienguesso A, Navarrete Santos A. Advanced maternal age leads to changes within the insulin/IGF system and lipid metabolism in the reproductive tract and preimplantation embryo: insights from the rabbit model. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad040. [PMID: 38001038 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive potential in women declines with age. The impact of ageing on embryo-maternal interactions is still unclear. Rabbits were used as a reproductive model to investigate maternal age-related alterations in reproductive organs and embryos on Day 6 of pregnancy. Blood, ovaries, endometrium, and blastocysts from young (16-20 weeks) and advanced maternal age phase (>108 weeks, old) rabbits were analysed at the mRNA and protein levels to investigate the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system, lipid metabolism, and stress defence system. Older rabbits had lower numbers of embryos at Day 6 of pregnancy. Plasma insulin and IGF levels were reduced, which was accompanied by paracrine regulation of IGFs and their receptors in ovaries and endometrium. Embryos adapted to hormonal changes as indicated by reduced embryonic IGF1 and 2 levels. Aged reproductive organs increased energy generation from the degradation of fatty acids, leading to higher oxidative stress. Stress markers, including catalase, superoxide dismutase 2, and receptor for advanced glycation end products were elevated in ovaries and endometrium from aged rabbits. Embryonic fatty acid uptake and β-oxidation were increased in both embryonic compartments (embryoblast and trophoblast) in old rabbits, associated with minor changes in the oxidative and glycative stress defence systems. In summary, the insulin/IGF system, lipid metabolism, and stress defence were dysregulated in reproductive tissues of older rabbits, which is consistent with changes in embryonic metabolism and stress defence. These data highlight the crucial influence of maternal age on uterine adaptability and embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Trohl
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Faculty of Medicine, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Maria Schindler
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Faculty of Medicine, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Maximilian Buske
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Faculty of Medicine, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Johanna de Nivelle
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Faculty of Medicine, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Alicia Toto Nienguesso
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Faculty of Medicine, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anne Navarrete Santos
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Faculty of Medicine, Halle (Saale), Germany
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Di Pierro F, Sinatra F, Cester M, Da Ros L, Pistolato M, Da Parè V, Fabbro L, Maccari D, Dotto S, Sossai S, Fabozzi G, Bertuccioli A, Cazzaniga M, Recchia M, Zerbinati N, Guasti L, Baffoni A. Effect of L. crispatus M247 Administration on Pregnancy Outcomes in Women Undergoing IVF: A Controlled, Retrospective, Observational, and Open-Label Study. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2796. [PMID: 38004807 PMCID: PMC10673025 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112796] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of our study was to retrospectively evaluate whether the oral administration of L. crispatus (M247) could increase pregnancy and live birth rates in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology procedures. Enrolled women (N = 160) were divided into two groups: treated (N = 80) or untreated (N = 80) with the probiotic strain. The odds ratio (OR) for a treated woman to have a clinical pregnancy (CP) was 1.56. In women aged 30-40 years, M247 increased the probability of a CP in correlation with the progressive rise in BMI, reaching 47% (35% in controls) with a BMI of 35 (OR: 2.00). The CAID statistics showed that in a woman of the blastocyst subgroup, below 43 years, with a BMI over 18.6, treatment with M247 increased the chance of a CP from 28.4% to 44.5% (OR: 2.08; p < 0.05). Considering live births, the rate of the probiotic group was 12.5% versus 7.5% (OR: 1.76). Considering only the blastocyst subgroup, the treatment increased the number of live births by 200% (OR: 3.64; p = 0.05). As confirmed also by statistical indices NNT, NNH, and LHH, the use of M247 demonstrated a risk-benefit ratio to the full advantage of the benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Di Pierro
- Scientific & Research Department, Velleja Research, 20125 Milan, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy (L.G.)
| | | | | | - Lucia Da Ros
- U.O.S.D. PMA Conegliano Hospital, 31100 Treviso, Italy
| | | | - Vania Da Parè
- U.O.S.D. PMA Conegliano Hospital, 31100 Treviso, Italy
| | - Laura Fabbro
- U.O.S.D. PMA Conegliano Hospital, 31100 Treviso, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Dotto
- U.O.S.D. PMA Conegliano Hospital, 31100 Treviso, Italy
| | - Sara Sossai
- U.O.S.D. PMA Conegliano Hospital, 31100 Treviso, Italy
| | - Gemma Fabozzi
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, 00197 Rome, Italy
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, B-WOMAN, 00197 Rome, Italy
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alexander Bertuccioli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy;
| | | | - Martino Recchia
- Medistat, Unit of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mario Negri Institute Alumni Association (MNIAA), 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Zerbinati
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy (L.G.)
| | - Luigina Guasti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy (L.G.)
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Zafardoust S, Kazemnejad S, Fathi-Kazerooni M, Darzi M, Sadeghi MR, Sadeghi Tabar A, Sehat Z. The effects of intraovarian injection of autologous menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stromal cells on pregnancy outcomes in women with poor ovarian response. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:332. [PMID: 37968668 PMCID: PMC10647057 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03568-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assisted reproduction faces a significant obstacle in the form of poor ovarian response (POR) to controlled ovarian stimulation. To address this challenge, mesenchymal stem cell therapy has been proposed as a potential treatment for female infertility and/or restoration of ovarian function in POR women. Our previous research has demonstrated that menstrual blood-derived-mesenchymal stromal cells (MenSCs) injected into the ovaries of women with POR can increase pregnancy rates. The objective of this study was to examine whether MenSC therapy could enhance ovarian reserve parameters and pregnancy outcomes in a larger population of individuals with POR. METHOD This study consisted of 180 infertile individuals with POR who declined oocyte donation. Participants were divided into two groups: those who received bilateral MenSCs intraovarian injection and those who received no intervention. Our primary aim was to compare the rates of spontaneous pregnancy between the two groups, followed by an investigation of any alterations in the ovarian reserve parameters, such as serum FSH, AMH, and AFC levels, as well as the ICSI/IVF outcomes, in both groups of participants. RESULTS The MenSC therapy exhibited a favourable tolerability profile and did not raise any safety concerns. Following the 2-month follow-up period, women who received MenSC treatment demonstrated a significantly higher rate of spontaneous pregnancy (P < 0.005) and an improvement in anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels (P = 0.0007) and antral follicle count (AFC) (P < 0.001), whereas the control group demonstrated a considerable decline in these parameters (Both P < 0.001). The MenSC therapy led to a greater number of mature oocytes and embryos among women who underwent ICSI/IVF. Our age subgroup analysis demonstrated a significant difference in the number of spontaneous pregnancies and ICSI/IVF outcomes between the treatment and control groups only among individuals below 40 years of age. CONCLUSION The results of our study indicate that MenSCs treatment may be a viable option for treating women experiencing POR. However, in order to be widely implemented in clinical practice, the clinical effectiveness of MenSCs therapy will need to be established through rigorous prospective randomized clinical trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05703308. Registered 01/26/2023, retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05703308 . IRCT, IRCT20180619040147N4. Registered 08/01/2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simin Zafardoust
- Nanobiotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Somaieh Kazemnejad
- Nanobiotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Maryam Darzi
- Avicenna Fertility Clinic, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Sadeghi
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Sadeghi Tabar
- Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Sehat
- Avicenna Fertility Clinic, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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Converse A, Liu Z, Patel JC, Shakyawar S, Guda C, Bousfield GR, Kumar TR, Duncan FE. Oocyte quality is enhanced by hypoglycosylated FSH through increased cell-to-cell interaction during mouse follicle development. Development 2023; 150:dev202170. [PMID: 37870089 PMCID: PMC10651093 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Macroheterogeneity in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) β-subunit N-glycosylation results in distinct FSH glycoforms. Hypoglycosylated FSH21 is the abundant and more bioactive form in pituitaries of females under 35 years of age, whereas fully glycosylated FSH24 is less bioactive and increases with age. To investigate whether the shift in FSH glycoform abundance contributes to the age-dependent decline in oocyte quality, the direct effects of FSH glycoforms on folliculogenesis and oocyte quality were determined using an encapsulated in vitro mouse follicle growth system. Long-term culture (10-12 days) with FSH21 (10 ng/ml) enhanced follicle growth, estradiol secretion and oocyte quality compared with FSH24 (10 ng/ml) treatment. FSH21 enhanced establishment of transzonal projections, gap junctions and cell-to-cell communication within 24 h in culture. Transient inhibition of FSH21-mediated bidirectional communication abrogated the positive effects of FSH21 on follicle growth, estradiol secretion and oocyte quality. Our data indicate that FSH21 promotes folliculogenesis and oocyte quality in vitro by increasing cell-to-cell communication early in folliculogenesis, and that the shift in in vivo abundance from FSH21 to FSH24 with reproductive aging may contribute to the age-dependent decline in oocyte quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey Converse
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Zhenghui Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Jai C. Patel
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Sushil Shakyawar
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Chittibabu Guda
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - George R. Bousfield
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS 67260, USA
| | - T. Rajendra Kumar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Francesca E. Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Pathare ADS, Loid M, Saare M, Gidlöf SB, Zamani Esteki M, Acharya G, Peters M, Salumets A. Endometrial receptivity in women of advanced age: an underrated factor in infertility. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:773-793. [PMID: 37468438 PMCID: PMC10628506 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Modern lifestyle has led to an increase in the age at conception. Advanced age is one of the critical risk factors for female-related infertility. It is well known that maternal age positively correlates with the deterioration of oocyte quality and chromosomal abnormalities in oocytes and embryos. The effect of age on endometrial function may be an equally important factor influencing implantation rate, pregnancy rate, and overall female fertility. However, there are only a few published studies on this topic, suggesting that this area has been under-explored. Improving our knowledge of endometrial aging from the biological (cellular, molecular, histological) and clinical perspectives would broaden our understanding of the risks of age-related female infertility. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The objective of this narrative review is to critically evaluate the existing literature on endometrial aging with a focus on synthesizing the evidence for the impact of endometrial aging on conception and pregnancy success. This would provide insights into existing gaps in the clinical application of research findings and promote the development of treatment options in this field. SEARCH METHODS The review was prepared using PubMed (Medline) until February 2023 with the keywords such as 'endometrial aging', 'receptivity', 'decidualization', 'hormone', 'senescence', 'cellular', 'molecular', 'methylation', 'biological age', 'epigenetic', 'oocyte recipient', 'oocyte donation', 'embryo transfer', and 'pregnancy rate'. Articles in a language other than English were excluded. OUTCOMES In the aging endometrium, alterations occur at the molecular, cellular, and histological levels suggesting that aging has a negative effect on endometrial biology and may impair endometrial receptivity. Additionally, advanced age influences cellular senescence, which plays an important role during the initial phase of implantation and is a major obstacle in the development of suitable senolytic agents for endometrial aging. Aging is also accountable for chronic conditions associated with inflammaging, which eventually can lead to increased pro-inflammation and tissue fibrosis. Furthermore, advanced age influences epigenetic regulation in the endometrium, thus altering the relation between its epigenetic and chronological age. The studies in oocyte donation cycles to determine the effect of age on endometrial receptivity with respect to the rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and live birth have revealed contradictory inferences indicating the need for future research on the mechanisms and corresponding causal effects of women's age on endometrial receptivity. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Increasing age can be accountable for female infertility and IVF failures. Based on the complied observations and synthesized conclusions in this review, advanced age has been shown to have a negative impact on endometrial functioning. This information can provide recommendations for future research focusing on molecular mechanisms of age-related cellular senescence, cellular composition, and transcriptomic changes in relation to endometrial aging. Additionally, further prospective research is needed to explore newly emerging therapeutic options, such as the senolytic agents that can target endometrial aging without affecting decidualization. Moreover, clinical trial protocols, focusing on oocyte donation cycles, would be beneficial in understanding the direct clinical implications of endometrial aging on pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amruta D S Pathare
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Marina Loid
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Merli Saare
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Sebastian Brusell Gidlöf
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Masoud Zamani Esteki
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, GROW School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ganesh Acharya
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Women’s Health and Perinatology Research Group, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Maire Peters
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Andres Salumets
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Hao Y, Lv M, Peng J, Kuang D, Zhang Z, Zhang Z, Wang T, Yang B, Wei Z, Zhou P, Zhang Z, Cao Y. Alteration of relative telomere length and telomerase reverse transcriptase expression in the granulosa cells of women during aging and assessment of in vitro fertilization outcomes. Mol Med Rep 2023; 28:206. [PMID: 37732532 PMCID: PMC10540000 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2023.13093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere attrition plays a critical role in the reproductive aging process in humans. Telomere length (TL) is typically regulated by telomerase, the main component of which is telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). The aim of the present study was to investigate the changes of relative TL (RTL) and TERT expression in granulosa cells (GCs) during aging and its association with reproduction. Clinical data on the frozen‑thawed embryo transfer cycles of older (>35 year old) and younger (≤35 year old) women from a single center over a 3‑year period were retrospectively analyzed. Preimplantation genetic testing for chromosome aneuploidies in older women during the same period was also analyzed. Following the analysis of the data, several biological characteristics of senescent GCs were explored. In addition, a total of 160 women who were undergoing their first fresh cycle of in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection were included in the study. GCs were collected from all participants. The changes of RTL and TERT expression in GCs during aging were investigated using quantitative PCR and western blotting. The associations of RTL and TERT with IVF outcomes were also assessed. The clinical data demonstrated that the pregnancy and live birth rates of women aged >35 years were ~20% lower than those of women aged ≤35 years, and the number of embryos with aneuploidy was 7‑fold of that without euploidy in the older age group. An aging‑induced change in follicle stimulating hormone receptor expression was observed. A shorter TL and increased TERT expression were detected in the older women. A significant inverse correlation between the expression levels of TERT and oocyte yield was identified. However, no association of RTL and TERT with blastocyst formation rate and the probability of clinical pregnancy was detected. It may be concluded that RTL and TERT alterations in GCs are potential determinants of ovarian aging. TERT expression in GCs appears to be a potential biomarker for the prediction of ovarian response, which provides a novel strategy for the assessment of female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Hao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Mingrong Lv
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Jing Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Dan Kuang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Zhihua Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Zhou Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
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Zhang Y, Li J, Shi W, Lu L, Zhou Q, Zhang H, Liu R, Pu Y, Yin L. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate induces reproductive toxicity and transgenerational reproductive aging in Caenorhabditis elegans. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 336:122259. [PMID: 37541378 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
With the large-scale production and use of plastic products, the global plastic pollution problem is becoming more and more serious. The plasticizer di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), which is widely used in the production of plastics, has caused great concern for the health of the population. Exposure of organisms to DEHP can cause a variety of health damage, of which reproductive system damage is an important part. At present, there are still few studies on DEHP in reproductive aging, and it is of great significance to explore the role of DEHP in promoting reproductive aging and its underlying mechanism. In this study, the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) was used to preliminarily explore the mechanism of DEHP-induced female reproductive senescence. The results showed that DEHP reduced the number of offspring and gonad area of C. elegans, resulting in shortened reproductive and life span, abnormal phenotypes in somatic gonad structure including the Emo phenotype, the BOW phenotype, a twisted gonad arm, and atrophied oocytes. Biochemical studies showed that DEHP promoted oxidative stress and autophagy in C. elegans. Further, we found the decreased number of offspring, malformed somatic gonad structure, oxidative damage and autophagy induced by DEHP in parental worms can be inheritance to the not directly exposed offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jingjing Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Wei Shi
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Lu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Qian Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Hu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Ran Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yuepu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Lihong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, Jiangsu, China.
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Kocur OM, Xie P, Cheung S, Souness S, McKnight M, Rosenwaks Z, Palermo GD. Can a sperm selection technique improve embryo ploidy? Andrology 2023; 11:1605-1612. [PMID: 36484212 PMCID: PMC10959494 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatozoa with the highest motility retain a superior genomic integrity, and elevated sperm chromatin fragmentation (SCF) has been linked to a lower ability of the conceptus to develop and implant. Therefore, the utilization of a sperm selection method, such as microfluidic sperm selection (MFSS), is capable of reducing the SCF by yielding the most motile fraction of spermatozoa with the highest embryo developmental competence. What remains unclear, however, is the causal mechanism that links SCF to an impaired embryo development. OBJECTIVES To identify a relationship between SCF and an unexpectedly high proportion of embryo aneuploidy, while addressing treatment options. MATERIALS AND METHODS We identified couples with a high incidence of embryo aneuploidy in a previous intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle with pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), utilizing spermatozoa selected by density gradient (DG). Terminal deoxynucleotidyl dUTP transferase nick-end labeling (TUNEL) and neutral Comet assays were carried out on the semen specimens to assess total SCF and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) fragmentation, respectively. These couples underwent subsequent ICSI/PGT-A cycles with MFSS. Total SCF and dsDNA fragmentation were compared between the two sperm selection methods. Embryo aneuploidy, implantation, clinical pregnancy, delivery, and pregnancy loss rates were compared between the couples' historical DG and subsequent MFSS cycles. RESULTS In 57 couples undergoing 71 ICSI/PGT-A cycles, where DG sperm selection was carried out, a high incidence of aneuploid embryos (74.7%) resulted in poor implantation and no viable pregnancies. Testing for SCF, inclusive of dsDNA breaks, evidenced a SCF of 26.2% and dsDNA break of 3.6% in the raw specimen, that decreased to 18.0% (p < 0.001) and 3.1%, respectively, in the DG processed specimen. Following MFSS, total SCF and dsDNA fragmentation decreased to 1.9% and 0.3%, respectively (p < 0.001). The embryo euploidy rate remarkable improved from 25.3% in the DG cycles to 42.9% in the MFSS cycles (p < 0.001). The 6.7% implantation rate in the DG cycles increased to 65.5% in the MFSS cycles (p < 0.001). Similarly, the clinical pregnancy rate rose from 10.5% (DG) to 64.6% (MFSS), resulting in a 62.5% delivery rate (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS In couples with a relatively young female partner with a negative infertility workup, and a male partner with semen parameters adequate for ICSI, presenting with a high rate of embryo aneuploidy, an additional subtle male factor component may be the culprit. Thus, it is crucial to assess the SCF and test for the dsDNA breaks, which can eventually contribute to embryo chromosomal abnormalities. Given the inverse relationship between SCF and motility, a selection of the most motile gamete by MFSS enhanced the proportion of spermatozoa with an intact genome, contributing to the generation of more euploid embryos that are capable of implanting and yielding increased term pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olena M Kocur
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Philip Xie
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Stephanie Cheung
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sydney Souness
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mary McKnight
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Zev Rosenwaks
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gianpiero D Palermo
- The Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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50
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Kang MH, Kim YJ, Cho MJ, Jang J, Koo YD, Kim SH, Lee JH. Mitigating Age-Related Ovarian Dysfunction with the Anti-Inflammatory Agent MIT-001. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15158. [PMID: 37894838 PMCID: PMC10607328 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian aging is a major obstacle in assisted reproductive medicine because it leads to ovarian dysfunction in women of advanced age. Currently, there are no effective treatments to cure age-related ovarian dysfunction. In this study, we investigated the effect of MIT-001 on the function of aged ovaries. Young and old mice were utilized in this study. MIT-001 was intraperitoneally administered, and the number of follicles and oocytes was analyzed. Each group was then retrieved for RNA and protein isolation. Total RNA was subjected to mRNA next-generation sequencing. Protein extracts from ovarian lysates were used to evaluate various cytokine levels in the ovaries. MIT-001 enhanced follicles and the number of oocytes were compared with non-treated old mice. MIT-001 downregulated immune response-related transcripts and cytokines in the ovaries of old mice. MIT-001 modulates the immune complex responsible for generating inflammatory signals and has the potential to restore the function of old ovaries and improve female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Hee Kang
- CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Seoul 04637, Republic of Korea; (M.-H.K.); (Y.J.K.); (M.J.C.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, CHA University, Pocheon 11160, Republic of Korea; (J.J.); (Y.D.K.)
| | - Yu Jin Kim
- CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Seoul 04637, Republic of Korea; (M.-H.K.); (Y.J.K.); (M.J.C.)
| | - Min Jeong Cho
- CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Seoul 04637, Republic of Korea; (M.-H.K.); (Y.J.K.); (M.J.C.)
| | - JuYi Jang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, CHA University, Pocheon 11160, Republic of Korea; (J.J.); (Y.D.K.)
| | - Yun Dong Koo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, CHA University, Pocheon 11160, Republic of Korea; (J.J.); (Y.D.K.)
| | - Soon Ha Kim
- Mitoimmune Co Ltd., Seoul 06253, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jae Ho Lee
- CHA Fertility Center Seoul Station, Seoul 04637, Republic of Korea; (M.-H.K.); (Y.J.K.); (M.J.C.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, CHA University, Pocheon 11160, Republic of Korea; (J.J.); (Y.D.K.)
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