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Abdul Rahman NS, Mohamed Noor Khan NA, Eshak Z, Sarbandi MS, Mohammad Kamal AA, Abd Malek M, Abdullah F, Abdullah MA, Othman F. Exogenous L-Glutathione Improves Vitrification Outcomes in Murine Preimplantation Embryos. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11112100. [PMID: 36358471 PMCID: PMC9686984 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11112100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitrification is an important tool to store surplus embryos in assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, vitrification increases oxidative damage and results in decreased viability. Studies have reported that L-glutathione (GSH) supplementation improves the preimplantation development of murine embryos. Glutathione constitutes the major non-protein sulphydryl compound in mammalian cells, which confers protection against oxidative damage. However, the effect of GSH supplementation on embryonic vitrification outcomes has yet to be reported. This study aims to determine whether GSH supplementation in culture media improves in vitro culture and vitrification outcomes, as observed through embryo morphology and preimplantation development. Female BALB/c mice aged 6−8 weeks were superovulated through an intraperitoneal injection of 10 IU of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG), followed by 10 IU of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) 48 h later. The mated mice were euthanized by cervical dislocation 48 h after hCG to harvest embryos. Two-cell embryos were randomly assigned to be cultured in either Group 1 (GSH-free medium), Group 2 (GSH-free medium with vitrification), Group 3 (0.01 mM GSH-supplemented medium), or Group 4 (0.01 mM GSH-supplemented medium with vitrification). Non-vitrified (Groups 1 and 3) and vitrified (Groups 2 and 4) embryos were observed for morphological quality and preimplantation development at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. In the non-vitrified groups, there were significant increases in the number of Grade-1 blastocysts in GSH cultures (p < 0.05). Similarly, in the vitrified groups, GSH supplementation was also seen to significantly increase blastocyst formation. Exogenous GSH supplementation resulted in a significant increase in intracellular GSH, a release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, and a parallel decrease in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in vitrified eight-cell embryos (p < 0.05). GSH supplementation was shown to upregulate Bcl2 expression and downregulate Bax expression in the vitrified preimplantation embryo group. The action of exogenous GSH was concomitant with an increase in the relative abundance of Gpx1 and Sod1. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the novel use and practical applicability of GSH supplementation for improving embryonic cryotolerance via a decrease in ROS levels and the inhibition of apoptotic events by improvement in oxidative status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nor-Shahida Abdul Rahman
- Maternofetal and Embryo Research Group (MatE), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nor-Ashikin Mohamed Noor Khan
- Maternofetal and Embryo Research Group (MatE), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
- Correspondence:
| | - Zolkapli Eshak
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam Campus, Bandar Puncak Alam 42300, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mimi-Sophia Sarbandi
- Maternofetal and Embryo Research Group (MatE), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, Tapah Campus, Tapah Road 35400, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Aqila-Akmal Mohammad Kamal
- Maternofetal and Embryo Research Group (MatE), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mastura Abd Malek
- Maternofetal and Embryo Research Group (MatE), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Fathiah Abdullah
- Maternofetal and Embryo Research Group (MatE), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, Tapah Campus, Tapah Road 35400, Perak, Malaysia
| | | | - Fezah Othman
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
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Salilew-Wondim D, Tesfaye D, Rings F, Held-Hoelker E, Miskel D, Sirard MA, Tholen E, Schellander K, Hoelker M. The global gene expression outline of the bovine blastocyst: reflector of environmental conditions and predictor of developmental capacity. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:408. [PMID: 34082721 PMCID: PMC8176733 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07693-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Morphological evaluation of embryos has been used to screen embryos for transfer. However, the repeatability and accuracy of this method remains low. Thus, evaluation of an embryo’s gene expression signature with respect to its developmental capacity could provide new opportunities for embryo selection. Since the gene expression outline of an embryo is considered as an aggregate of its intrinsic characteristics and culture conditions, we have compared transcriptome profiles of in vivo and in vitro derived blastocysts in relation to pregnancy outcome to unravel the discrete effects of developmental competence and environmental conditions on bovine embryo gene expression outlines. To understand whether the gene expression patterns could be associated with blastocyst developmental competency, the global transcriptome profile of in vivo (CVO) and in vitro (CVT) derived competent blastocysts that resulted in pregnancy was investigated relative to that of in vivo (NVO) and in vitro (NVT) derived blastocysts which did not establish initial pregnancy, respectively while to unravel the effects of culture condition on the transcriptome profile of embryos, the transcriptional activity of the CVO group was compared to the CVT group and the NVO group was compared to the NVT ones. Results A total of 700 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between CVO and NVO blastocysts. These gene transcripts represent constitutive regions, indel variants, 3′-UTR sequence variants and novel transcript regions. The majority (82%) of these DEGs, including gene clusters like ATP synthases, eukaryotic translation initiation factors, ribosomal proteins, mitochondrial ribosomal proteins, NADH dehydrogenase and cytochrome c oxidase subunits were enriched in the CVO group. These DEGs were involved in pathways associated with glycolysis/glycogenesis, citrate acid cycle, pyruvate metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation. Similarly, a total of 218 genes were differentially expressed between CVT and NVT groups. Of these, 89%, including TPT1, PDIA6, HSP90AA1 and CALM, were downregulated in the CVT group and those DEGs were overrepresented in pathways related to protein processing, endoplasmic reticulum, spliceasome, ubiquitone mediated proteolysis and steroid biosynthesis. On the other hand, although both the CVT and CVO blastocyst groups resulted in pregnancy, a total of 937 genes were differential expressed between the two groups. Compared to CVO embryos, the CVT ones exhibited downregulation of gene clusters including ribosomal proteins, mitochondrial ribosomal protein, eukaryotic translation initiation factors, ATP synthases, NADH dehydrogenase and cytochrome c oxidases. Nonetheless, downregulation of these genes could be associated with pre and postnatal abnormalities observed after transfer of in vitro embryos. Conclusion The present study provides a detailed inventory of differentially expressed gene signatures and pathways specifically reflective of the developmental environment and future developmental capacities of bovine embryos suggesting that transcriptome activity observed in blastocysts could be indicative of further pregnancy success but also adaptation to culture environment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-07693-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dessie Salilew-Wondim
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dawit Tesfaye
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3105 Rampart Rd, CO, 80521, Fort Collins, USA
| | - Franca Rings
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Eva Held-Hoelker
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dennis Miskel
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marc-Andre Sirard
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, INAF, Pavillon des services, Université Laval (Québec), G1V 0A6, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Ernst Tholen
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Karl Schellander
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Hoelker
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Animal Breeding, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115, Bonn, Germany. .,Department of Animal Science, Biotechnology & Reproduction in farm animals, University of Goettingen, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077, Goettingen, Germany.
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McLennan HJ, Saini A, Dunning KR, Thompson JG. Oocyte and embryo evaluation by AI and multi-spectral auto-fluorescence imaging: Livestock embryology needs to catch-up to clinical practice. Theriogenology 2020; 150:255-262. [PMID: 32088032 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A highly accurate 'non-invasive quantitative embryo assessment for pregnancy' (NQEAP) technique that determines embryo quality has been an elusive goal. If developed, NQEAP would transform the selection of embryos from both Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer (MOET), and even more so, in vitro produced (IVP) embryos for livestock breeding. The area where this concept is already having impact is in the field of clinical embryology, where great strides have been taken in the application of morphokinetics and artificial intelligence (AI); while both are already in practice, rigorous and robust evidence of efficacy is still required. Even the translation of advances in the qualitative scoring of human IVF embryos have yet to be translated to the livestock IVP industry, which remains dependent on the MOET-standardised 3-point scoring system. Furthermore, there are new ways to interrogate the biochemistry of individual embryonic cells by using new, light-based methodologies, such as FLIM and hyperspectral microscopy. Combinations of these technologies, in particular combining new imaging systems with AI, will lead to very accurate NQEAP predictive tools, improving embryo selection and recipient pregnancy success.
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Affiliation(s)
- H J McLennan
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics & Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - A Saini
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics & Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - K R Dunning
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics & Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - J G Thompson
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics & Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.
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Faramarzi A, Khalili MA, Omidi M, Agha-Rahimi A, Taheri F. Pronuclear pattern does not predict morphokinetics behavior in human embryos. Gynecol Endocrinol 2018; 34:248-251. [PMID: 29034763 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2017.1388365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose was to investigate the correlation between pronuclei (PN) morphology and morphokinetic behaviors of derived embryos with time lapse monitoring (TLM) in assisted reproduction setting. Over time, PN morphology from PN appearance (PNA) to PN fading (PNF), PNF according to size, contact, number and position of nuclear precursor bodies (NPBs) within each PN and morphokinetics variables, including absolute time points, relative timing parameters, cleavage patterns and arrest rate, were evaluated using TLM. There were insignificant relationship between morphokinetics variables including tBP2, tPNA, tPNF, t2, t3, t4, t5, t6, t7, t8, S1, CC2, S2 and Z scoring according Z1 to Z4 (p > .05). Also, an insignificant relationship was noticed between uneven blastomeres, reverse cleavage embryos and Z scoring (p > .05). However, there were significant correlations between the rates of direct and arbitrary cleavage as well as arrested embryos and Z scores. Combined PN morphology and embryo kinetic evaluation were suggested in assisted reproduction programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azita Faramarzi
- a Research and Clinical Center for Infertility , Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences , Yazd , Iran
- b Department of Anatomical Sciences and Biology, Faculty of Medicine , Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences , Kermanshah , Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Khalili
- a Research and Clinical Center for Infertility , Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences , Yazd , Iran
| | - Marjan Omidi
- a Research and Clinical Center for Infertility , Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences , Yazd , Iran
| | - Azam Agha-Rahimi
- a Research and Clinical Center for Infertility , Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences , Yazd , Iran
| | - Fatemeh Taheri
- a Research and Clinical Center for Infertility , Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences , Yazd , Iran
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Cedars MI. Fresh versus frozen: initial transfer or cumulative cycle results: how do we interpret results and design studies? Fertil Steril 2016; 106:251-6. [PMID: 27322878 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2016] [Revised: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The way we practice assisted reproductive technology has changed over time. In many ways these changes have been positive as technology has improved, in vitro culture has improved, and embryo selection increasingly allows a single embryo transfer with high success rates and ever smaller multiple birth rates. However, our specialty has often been criticized for not being critical with respect to the acceptance of new technology. Although the outcome of interest seems clear (increasing birth of a healthy baby), the approach can be more complicated; and as there is a de-linking of egg retrieval and ET, and as costs and procedures increase, we should be rigorous about our acceptance of change. This is not to stall change but to encourage the same rigor and questioning of accepted dogma expected in other fields of medicine. An approach based on standard clinical study design to allow appropriate comparisons between patients, and to allow the most comprehensive information for patient counseling, is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelle I Cedars
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
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Lee E, Illingworth P, Wilton L, Chambers GM. The clinical effectiveness of preimplantation genetic diagnosis for aneuploidy in all 24 chromosomes (PGD-A): systematic review. Hum Reprod 2014; 30:473-83. [PMID: 25432917 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deu303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is preimplantation genetic diagnosis for aneuploidy (PGD-A) with analysis of all chromosomes during assisted reproductive technology (ART) clinically and cost effective? SUMMARY ANSWER The majority of published studies comparing a strategy of PGD-A with morphologically assessed embryos have reported a higher implantation rate per embryo using PGD-A, but insufficient data has been presented to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of PGD-A in the clinical setting. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Aneuploidy is a leading cause of implantation failure, miscarriage and congenital abnormalities in humans, and a significant cause of ART failure. Preclinical evidence of PGD-A indicates that the selection and transfer of euploid embryos during ART should improve clinical outcomes. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE AND DURATION A systematic review of the literature was performed for full text English language articles using MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library databases, NHS Economic Evaluation Database and EconLit. The Downs and Black scoring checklist was used to assess the quality of studies. Clinical effectiveness was measured in terms of pregnancy, live birth and miscarriage rates. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS Nineteen articles meeting the inclusion criteria, comprising three RCTs in young and good prognosis patients and 16 observation studies were identified. Five of the observational studies included a control group of patients where embryos were selected based on morphological criteria (matched cohort studies). MAIN RESULTS AND ROLE OF CHANCE Of the five studies that included a control group and reported implantation rates, four studies (including two RCTs) demonstrated improved implantation rates in the PGD-A group. Of the eight studies that included a control group, six studies (including two RCTs) reported significantly higher pregnancy rates in the PGD-A group, and in the remaining two studies, equivalent pregnancies rates were reported despite fewer embryos being transferred in the PGD-A group. The three RCTs demonstrated benefit in young and good prognosis patients in terms of clinical pregnancy rates and the use of single embryo transfer. However, studies relating to patients of advanced maternal age, recurrent miscarriage and implantation failure were restricted to matched cohort studies, limiting the ability to draw meaningful conclusions. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Relevant studies may have been missed and findings from RCTs currently being undertaken could not be included. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Given the uncertain role of PGD-A techniques, high-quality experimental studies using intention-to-treat analysis and cumulative live birth rates including the comparative outcomes from remaining cryopreserved embryos are needed to evaluate the overall role of PGD-A in the clinical setting. It is only in this way that the true contribution of PGD-A to ART can be understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Lee
- National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Level 2, McNevin Dickson Building, Randwick Hospitals Campus, Sydney 2031, Australia
| | - Peter Illingworth
- IVF Australia Pty Ltd, 176 Pacific Highway, Greenwich, Sydney 2065, Australia
| | - Leeanda Wilton
- Melbourne IVF, Victoria Parade, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
| | - Georgina Mary Chambers
- National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Level 2, McNevin Dickson Building, Randwick Hospitals Campus, Sydney 2031, Australia
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Sanfins A, Plancha CE, Albertini DF. Pre-implantation developmental potential from in vivo and in vitro matured mouse oocytes: a cytoskeletal perspective on oocyte quality. J Assist Reprod Genet 2014; 32:127-36. [PMID: 25381620 PMCID: PMC4294880 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0363-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose In the present study, fertilization and developmental potential of mouse oocytes matured in different conditions were tested. The efficiency of in vitro fertilization (IVF), pre-implantation development and some important aspects of cytokinesis during early cleavages are discussed. Methods In vivo matured (IVO), in vitro matured (IVM) and roscovitine-treated (IVM-Rosco) mouse oocytes were subjected to IVF under identical conditions. Three replicates per group were analyzed. Fertilization was identified by the presence of two pronuclei at 6–8 h post-fertilization. Evaluation of pre-implantation embryonic development was done daily from day 2 to day 5 and embryos were processed for analyses of chromatin, nuclear lamina, microtubules and centrosomal proteins by conventional and confocal fluorescence microscopy. Results Both IVM groups displayed lower fertilization rates when compared to in vivo controls. While IVO-derived embryos exhibit efficient and synchronous progression to the blastocyst stage, both IVM-derived embryos exhibit a delay in embryonic progression, and a lower blastocyst rate. Interestingly, IVM-Rosco M-II oocytes exhibited more blastomere symmetries and higher number of cells at the blastocyst stage than the IVM group with the most notable influence being on the centrosome-microtubule complex of blastomeres. Conclusion Our study strongly indicates that when compared to spontaneously in vitro matured oocytes, treatment with roscovitine may partially enhance developmental competence by maintaining coordination between nuclear and cytoplasmic events. Further evidence is given of cytoskeletal biomarkers that can be identified during in vitro oocyte maturation conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Sanfins
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024, Lisbon, Portugal
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Craciunas L, Tsampras N, Fitzgerald C. Cervical mucus removal before embryo transfer in women undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Fertil Steril 2014; 101:1302-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.01.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Revised: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Developmental capacity and pregnancy rate of tetrahedral- versus non-tetrahedral-shaped 4-cell stage human embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2014; 31:427-34. [PMID: 24522985 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0185-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The arrangement of the blastomeres within the 4-cell stage embryo reflects the orientation of the cleavage planes during the second division. To examine their relevance, the developmental capacity and the pregnancy rate were compared between tetrahedral-shaped and non-tetrahedral-shaped 4-cell stage human embryos. METHODS The study included 3,546 4-cell stage embryos. The arrangement of the blastomeres at the 4-cell stage was annotated as being tetrahedral or non-tetrahedral on day 2 of preimplantation development. Embryo quality was compared on day 3 and day 5. Pregnancy rates were calculated per single embryo transfer on day 3 or day 5. RESULTS In total, 2,803 4-cell stage embryos (79 %) displayed a tetrahedral arrangement and 743 (21 %) displayed a non-tetrahedral arrangement. Tetrahedral-shaped embryos developed more into high-quality embryos on day 3 (p < 0.001) and day 5 (p = 0.036) and had a higher blastulation rate (p = 0.009). Though, the number of high-quality embryos selected for transfer did not differ between both groups on day 3 (p = 0.167) and day 5 (p ~ 1). Three hundred thirty single embryo transfers were analysed. No significant difference in clinical pregnancy was found between both groups after transfer on day 3 (p = 0.209) and day 5 (p = 0.653). CONCLUSIONS The arrangement of the blastomeres according to their previous cleavage planes was correlated to the developmental potential of the 4-cell stage embryo up to the blastocyst stage. If embryo transfers are performed on day 3 and day 5 of development using embryos of adequate quality, the blastomere arrangement at the 4-cell stage had no predictable value regarding pregnancy success.
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Brezina PR, Kearns WG. The evolving role of genetics in reproductive medicine. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 2013; 41:41-55. [PMID: 24491983 DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2013.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
As medicine has evolved over the last century, medical genetics has grown from nonexistence to one of the most visible aspects of how we understand and treat disease. This increased role of genetics within medicine will only increase in the coming years, and its role in reproductive medicine will be significant. Genetics has emerged as a primary focus of research with translational applications within reproductive medicine. The aim of this article is to outline the applications of genetics currently available, and how these technologies can provide a positive impact on patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul R Brezina
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Fertility Associates of Memphis, 80 Humphreys Center, Suite 307, Memphis, TN 38120, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, B-1100 Medical Center North, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Surgery, MS133, Room B3019, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105-3678, USA.
| | - William G Kearns
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Phipps 264, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Preimplantation Genetics, The Center for Preimplantation Genetics, LabCorp, 15001 Shady Grove Road, Suite 200, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
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Brezina PR, Jaeger P, Kutteh MA, Kearns WG. Preimplantation Genetic Testing. CURRENT OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY REPORTS 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s13669-013-0055-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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12
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Brezina PR, Ke RW, Kutteh WH. Preimplantation genetic screening: a practical guide. CLINICAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS. REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2013; 7:37-42. [PMID: 24453517 PMCID: PMC3888082 DOI: 10.4137/cmrh.s10852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The past several decades have seen tremendous advances in the field of medical genetics. The application of genetic technologies to the field of reproductive medicine has ushered in a new era of medicine that is likely to greatly expand in the coming years. Concurrent with an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle, it is now possible to obtain a cellular biopsy from a developing embryo and genetically evaluate this sample with increasing sophistication and detail. Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) is the practice of determining the presence of aneuploidy (either too many or too few chromosomes) in a developing embryo. However, how and in whom PGS should be offered is a topic of much debate.
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