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Sakkas D, Gulliford C, Ardestani G, Ocali O, Martins M, Talasila N, Shah JS, Penzias AS, Seidler EA, Sanchez T. Metabolic imaging of human embryos is predictive of ploidy status but is not associated with clinical pregnancy outcomes: a pilot trial. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:516-525. [PMID: 38195766 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead268] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM)-based metabolic imaging assessment of human blastocysts prior to frozen transfer correlate with pregnancy outcomes? SUMMARY ANSWER FLIM failed to distinguish consistent patterns in mitochondrial metabolism between blastocysts leading to pregnancy compared to those that did not. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY FLIM measurements provide quantitative information on NAD(P)H and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD+) concentrations. The metabolism of embryos has long been linked to their viability, suggesting the potential utility of metabolic measurements to aid in selection. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a pilot trial enrolling 121 IVF couples who consented to have their frozen blastocyst measured using non-invasive metabolic imaging. After being warmed, 105 couples' good-quality blastocysts underwent a 6-min scan in a controlled temperature and gas environment. FLIM-assessed blastocysts were then transferred without any intervention in management. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Eight metabolic parameters were obtained from each blastocyst (4 for NAD(P)H and 4 for FAD): short and long fluorescence lifetime, fluorescence intensity, and fraction of the molecule engaged with enzyme. The redox ratio (intensity of NAD(P)H)/(intensity of FAD) was also calculated. FLIM data were combined with known metadata and analyzed to quantify the ability of metabolic imaging to differentiate embryos that resulted in pregnancy from embryos that did not. De-identified discarded aneuploid human embryos (n = 158) were also measured to quantify correlations with ploidy status and other factors. Statistical comparisons were performed using logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves with 5-fold cross-validation averaged over 100 repeats with random sampling. AUC values were used to quantify the ability to distinguish between classes. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE No metabolic imaging parameters showed significant differences between good-quality blastocysts resulting in pregnancy versus those that did not. A logistic regression using metabolic data and metadata produced an ROC AUC of 0.58. In contrast, robust AUCs were obtained when classifying other factors such as comparison of Day 5 (n = 64) versus Day 6 (n = 41) blastocysts (AUC = 0.78), inner cell mass versus trophectoderm (n = 105: AUC = 0.88) and aneuploid (n = 158) versus euploid and positive pregnancy embryos (n = 108) (AUC = 0.82). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The study protocol did not select which embryo to transfer and the cohort of 105 included blastocysts were all high quality. The study was also limited in number of participants and study sites. Increased power and performing the trial in more sites may have provided a stronger conclusion regarding the merits of the use of FLIM clinically. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS FLIM failed to distinguish consistent patterns in mitochondrial metabolism between good-quality blastocysts leading to pregnancy compared to those that did not. Blastocyst ploidy status was, however, highly distinguishable. In addition, embryo regions and embryo day were consistently revealed by FLIM. While metabolic imaging detects mitochondrial metabolic features in human blastocysts, this pilot trial indicates it does not have the potential to serve as an effective embryo viability detection tool. This may be because mitochondrial metabolism plays an alternative role post-implantation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was sponsored by Optiva Fertility, Inc. Boston IVF contributed to the clinical site and services. Becker Hickl, GmbH, provided the FLIM system on loan. T.S. was the founder and held stock in Optiva Fertility, Inc., and D.S. and E.S. had options with Optiva Fertility, Inc., during this study. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER The study was approved by WCG Connexus IRB (Study Number 1298156).
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Affiliation(s)
- Denny Sakkas
- Boston IVF, Research Department, Waltham, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Olcay Ocali
- Boston IVF, Research Department, Waltham, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Jaimin S Shah
- Boston IVF, Research Department, Waltham, MA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alan S Penzias
- Boston IVF, Research Department, Waltham, MA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily A Seidler
- Boston IVF, Research Department, Waltham, MA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Mattoli L, Gianni M, Burico M. Mass spectrometry-based metabolomic analysis as a tool for quality control of natural complex products. MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS 2023; 42:1358-1396. [PMID: 35238411 DOI: 10.1002/mas.21773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Metabolomics is an area of intriguing and growing interest. Since the late 1990s, when the first Omic applications appeared to study metabolite's pool ("metabolome"), to understand new aspects of the global regulation of cellular metabolism in biology, there have been many evolutions. Currently, there are many applications in different fields such as clinical, medical, agricultural, and food. In our opinion, it is clear that developments in metabolomics analysis have also been driven by advances in mass spectrometry (MS) technology. As natural complex products (NCPs) are increasingly used around the world as medicines, food supplements, and substance-based medical devices, their analysis using metabolomic approaches will help to bring more and more rigor to scientific studies and industrial production monitoring. This review is intended to emphasize the importance of metabolomics as a powerful tool for studying NCPs, by which significant advantages can be obtained in terms of elucidation of their composition, biological effects, and quality control. The different approaches of metabolomic analysis, the main and basic techniques of multivariate statistical analysis are also briefly illustrated, to allow an overview of the workflow associated with the metabolomic studies of NCPs. Therefore, various articles and reviews are illustrated and commented as examples of the application of MS-based metabolomics to NCPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Mattoli
- Department of Metabolomics & Analytical Sciences, Aboca SpA Società Agricola, Sansepolcro, AR, Italy
| | - Mattia Gianni
- Department of Metabolomics & Analytical Sciences, Aboca SpA Società Agricola, Sansepolcro, AR, Italy
| | - Michela Burico
- Department of Metabolomics & Analytical Sciences, Aboca SpA Società Agricola, Sansepolcro, AR, Italy
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Sciorio R, Miranian D, Smith GD. Non-invasive oocyte quality assessment. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:274-290. [PMID: 35136962 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte quality is perhaps the most important limiting factor in female fertility; however, the current methods of determining oocyte competence are only marginally capable of predicting a successful pregnancy. We aim to review the predictive value of non-invasive techniques for the assessment of human oocytes and their related cells and biofluids that pertain to their developmental competence. Investigation of the proteome, transcriptome, and hormonal makeup of follicular fluid, as well as cumulus-oocyte complexes are currently underway; however, prospective randomized non-selection-controlled trials of the future are needed before determining their prognostic value. The biological significance of polar body morphology and genetics are still unknown and the subject of debate. The predictive utility of zygotic viscoelasticity for embryo development has been demonstrated, but similar studies performed on oocytes have yet to be conducted. Metabolic profiling of culture media using human oocytes are also limited and may require integration of automated, high-throughput targeted metabolomic assessments in real time with microfluidic platforms. Light exposure to oocytes can be detrimental to subsequent development and utilization of time-lapse imaging and morphometrics of oocytes is wanting. Polarized light, Raman microspectroscopy, and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering are a few novel imaging tools that may play a more important role in future oocyte assessment. Ultimately, the integration of chemistry, genomics, microfluidics, microscopy, physics, and other biomedical engineering technologies into the basic studies of oocyte biology, and in testing and perfecting practical solutions of oocyte evaluation, are the future for non-invasive assessment of oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Daniel Miranian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gary D Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Physiology, Urology, and Reproductive Sciences Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Malhotra J, Malhotra K, Kamat S, Mishra A, Chatterjee C, Nair S, Ghosh P, Mehta R, Bhadraka H, Srinivas S, Kumar L, Mistry R, Goenka D, Kant G. ISAR Consensus Guidelines on Add-Ons Treatment in In vitro Fertilization. J Hum Reprod Sci 2021; 14:S3-S30. [PMID: 34975243 PMCID: PMC8656316 DOI: 10.4103/0974-1208.330501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the good practices for the use of ADD-ON Treatments in IVF cycles in INDIA? WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN Add on treatments in IVF are procedures and technologies which are offered to patients in hope of improving the success rates. A lot of add on treatments exist; most of them have limited evidence and data for the Indian patient population is miniscule. These interventions may have limited effects, so it is imperative that any new technology that is offered is evaluated properly and has enough evidence to suggest that it is safe and effective. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION This is the report of a 2-day consensus meeting where two moderators were assigned to a group of experts to collate information on Add on treatments in IVF in INDIA. This meeting utilised surveys, available scientific evidence and personal laboratory experience into various presentations by experts on pre-decided specific topics. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS Expert professionals from ISAR representing clinical and embryology fields. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The report is divided in various components including the health of the Offspring, the various ADD ons available to an ART center, consensus points for each technology & qualifications and trainings for embryologists, the report and recommendations of the expert panel reflect the discussion on each of the topics and try to lay down good practice points for labs to follow. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION The recommendations are solely based on expert opinion. Future availability of data may warrant an update of the same. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These guidelines can help labs across the country to standardise their ART services and improve clinical outcomes, it will also motivate clinics to collect data and report the use of Add ons to the national registry. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS The consensus meeting and writing of the paper was supported by funds from CooperSurgical India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaideep Malhotra
- Managing Director, Rainbow IVF, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, President ISAR (2019), India
| | - Keshav Malhotra
- MBBS, MCE, Chief Embryologist & Director-Rainbow IVF, Agra (Uttar Pradesh), India
| | - Sudesh Kamat
- M.Sc., Laboratory Director, Bloom IVF Group, Mumbai, India
| | | | - Charulata Chatterjee
- Scentific Head and Consultant Embryologist Ferty9 Fertility Center, Secunderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Seema Nair
- Senior Embryologist, Coopersurgical India Pvt Ltd, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Pranay Ghosh
- Director and Chief Embryologist, Elixir Fertility Centre, Delhi, India
| | - Rajvi Mehta
- PhD, Consultant, Cooper Surgicals, Scientific Consultant, Trivector Biomed, Mumbai, India
| | - Harsha Bhadraka
- Director - IVF lab., Chief Embryologist, Akanksha Hospital and Research Institute, Anand, Gujarat; Lab Director - ZIVYA IVF, Mumbai, Maharashtra; Secretory - SKHPL Institutional Ethics Committee, Anand, Gujarat, India
| | - Sapna Srinivas
- Lab Director, Mamta Fertility Hospital, Hyderabad, India
| | - Lalith Kumar
- Senior Scientist, Department of Women and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rushika Mistry
- Senior Embryologist at Lilavati Hospital and Research Center (IVF Department), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Deepak Goenka
- Director, Institute of Human Reproduction, Guwahati, India
| | - Gaurav Kant
- Director - IVF Lab, Akanksha IVF Center New Delhi, India
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Figoli CB, Garcea M, Bisioli C, Tafintseva V, Shapaval V, Gómez Peña M, Gibbons L, Althabe F, Yantorno OM, Horton M, Schmitt J, Lasch P, Kohler A, Bosch A. A robust metabolomics approach for the evaluation of human embryos from in vitro fertilization. Analyst 2021; 146:6156-6169. [PMID: 34515271 DOI: 10.1039/d1an01191j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The identification of the most competent embryos for transfer to the uterus constitutes the main challenge of in vitro fertilization (IVF). We established a metabolomic-based approach by applying Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy on 130 samples of 3-day embryo culture supernatants from 26 embryos that implanted and 104 embryos that failed. On examining the internal structure of the data by unsupervised multivariate analysis, we found that the supernatant spectra of nonimplanted embryos constituted a highly heterogeneous group. Whereas ∼40% of these supernatants were spectroscopically indistinguishable from those of successfully implanted embryos, ∼60% exhibited diverse, heterogeneous metabolic fingerprints. This observation proved to be the direct result of pregnancy's multifactorial nature, involving both intrinsic embryonic traits and external characteristics. Our data analysis strategy thus involved one-class modelling techniques employing soft independent modelling of class analogy that identified deviant fingerprints as unsuitable for implantation. From these findings, we could develop a noninvasive Fourier-transform-infrared-spectroscopy-based approach that represents a shift in the fundamental paradigm for data modelling applied in assisted-fertilization technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Beatriz Figoli
- Laboratorio de Bioespectrosocpia, CINDEFI-CONICET, CCT La Plata, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, UNLP, 1900 La Plata, Argentina.
| | - Marcelo Garcea
- PREGNA Medicina Reproductiva, C1425 AYV Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudio Bisioli
- PREGNA Medicina Reproductiva, C1425 AYV Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valeria Tafintseva
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432 Ås, Norway.
| | - Volha Shapaval
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432 Ås, Norway.
| | - Mariana Gómez Peña
- PREGNA Medicina Reproductiva, C1425 AYV Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luz Gibbons
- IECS, Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria, C1414 Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando Althabe
- IECS, Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria, C1414 Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Osvaldo Miguel Yantorno
- Laboratorio de Bioespectrosocpia, CINDEFI-CONICET, CCT La Plata, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, UNLP, 1900 La Plata, Argentina.
| | - Marcos Horton
- PREGNA Medicina Reproductiva, C1425 AYV Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Peter Lasch
- Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens (ZBS) Proteomics and Spectroscopy Unit, Robert Koch-Institut, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Achim Kohler
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1432 Ås, Norway.
| | - Alejandra Bosch
- Laboratorio de Bioespectrosocpia, CINDEFI-CONICET, CCT La Plata, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, UNLP, 1900 La Plata, Argentina.
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Salmerón AM, Abreu AC, Vilches-Ferrón M, Fernández I. Solution NMR in human embryo culture media as an option for assessment of embryo implantation potential. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2021; 34:e4536. [PMID: 33955062 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
NMR offers the potential to holistically screen hundreds of metabolites and has already proved to be a powerful technique able to provide a global picture of metabolic changes in a wide range of biological systems underlying complex and multifactorial matrixes. This review covers the literature until May 2020 centered on the early prediction of the viability of in vitro developed embryos using several analytical techniques, including NMR. Nowadays, the predominant non-invasive technique for selecting viable embryos is based on morphology, where variables associated with the rate of cleavage and blastocyst formation are evaluated by the embryologist following standardized criteria that are somewhat subjective. This morphological approach is therefore inadequate for the prediction of embryo quality, and several studies have focused on developing new non-invasive methods using molecular approaches based particularly on metabolomics. This review outlines the potential of NMR as one of these non-invasive in vitro methods based on the analysis of spent embryo culture media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Salmerón
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Research Centre CIAIMBITAL, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Ana Cristina Abreu
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Research Centre CIAIMBITAL, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Miguel Vilches-Ferrón
- Hospital Universitario Torrecárdenas, Unidad de Reproducción Asistida Humana, Almería, Spain
| | - Ignacio Fernández
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Research Centre CIAIMBITAL, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
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Hernández-Vargas P, Muñoz M, Domínguez F. Identifying biomarkers for predicting successful embryo implantation: applying single to multi-OMICs to improve reproductive outcomes. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 26:264-301. [PMID: 32096829 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Successful embryo implantation is a complex process that requires the coordination of a series of events, involving both the embryo and the maternal endometrium. Key to this process is the intricate cascade of molecular mechanisms regulated by endocrine, paracrine and autocrine modulators of embryonic and maternal origin. Despite significant progress in ART, implantation failure still affects numerous infertile couples worldwide and fewer than 10% of embryos successfully implant. Improved selection of both the viable embryos and the optimal endometrial phenotype for transfer remains crucial to enhancing implantation chances. However, both classical morphological embryo selection and new strategies incorporated into clinical practice, such as embryonic genetic analysis, morphokinetics or ultrasound endometrial dating, remain insufficient to predict successful implantation. Additionally, no techniques are widely applied to analyse molecular signals involved in the embryo-uterine interaction. More reliable biological markers to predict embryo and uterine reproductive competence are needed to improve pregnancy outcomes. Recent years have seen a trend towards 'omics' methods, which enable the assessment of complete endometrial and embryonic molecular profiles during implantation. Omics have advanced our knowledge of the implantation process, identifying potential but rarely implemented biomarkers of successful implantation. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Differences between the findings of published omics studies, and perhaps because embryonic and endometrial molecular signatures were often not investigated jointly, have prevented firm conclusions being reached. A timely review summarizing omics studies on the molecular determinants of human implantation in both the embryo and the endometrium will help facilitate integrative and reliable omics approaches to enhance ART outcomes. SEARCH METHODS In order to provide a comprehensive review of the literature published up to September 2019, Medline databases were searched using keywords pertaining to omics, including 'transcriptome', 'proteome', 'secretome', 'metabolome' and 'expression profiles', combined with terms related to implantation, such as 'endometrial receptivity', 'embryo viability' and 'embryo implantation'. No language restrictions were imposed. References from articles were also used for additional literature. OUTCOMES Here we provide a complete summary of the major achievements in human implantation research supplied by omics approaches, highlighting their potential to improve reproductive outcomes while fully elucidating the implantation mechanism. The review highlights the existence of discrepancies among the postulated biomarkers from studies on embryo viability or endometrial receptivity, even using the same omic analysis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Despite the huge amount of biomarker information provided by omics, we still do not have enough evidence to link data from all omics with an implantation outcome. However, in the foreseeable future, application of minimally or non-invasive omics tools, together with a more integrative interpretation of uniformly collected data, will help to overcome the difficulties for clinical implementation of omics tools. Omics assays of the embryo and endometrium are being proposed or already being used as diagnostic tools for personalised single-embryo transfer in the most favourable endometrial environment, avoiding the risk of multiple pregnancies and ensuring better pregnancy rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purificación Hernández-Vargas
- IVI-RMA Alicante, Innovation. Avda. de Denia 111, 03015 Alicante, Spain.,Fundación IVI, Innovation-IIS La Fe, Avda. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, Torre A, 1° 1.23, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Manuel Muñoz
- IVI-RMA Alicante, Innovation. Avda. de Denia 111, 03015 Alicante, Spain.,Fundación IVI, Innovation-IIS La Fe, Avda. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, Torre A, 1° 1.23, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco Domínguez
- Fundación IVI, Innovation-IIS La Fe, Avda. Fernando Abril Martorell 106, Torre A, 1° 1.23, 46026 Valencia, Spain
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Fraga-Corral M, Carpena M, Garcia-Oliveira P, Pereira AG, Prieto MA, Simal-Gandara J. Analytical Metabolomics and Applications in Health, Environmental and Food Science. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2020; 52:712-734. [DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2020.1823811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Fraga-Corral
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Vigo, Ourense, Spain
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Bragança, Portugal
| | - M. Carpena
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Vigo, Ourense, Spain
| | - P. Garcia-Oliveira
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Vigo, Ourense, Spain
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Bragança, Portugal
| | - A. G. Pereira
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Vigo, Ourense, Spain
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Bragança, Portugal
| | - M. A. Prieto
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Vigo, Ourense, Spain
| | - J. Simal-Gandara
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Vigo, Ourense, Spain
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Siristatidis CS, Sertedaki E, Vaidakis D, Varounis C, Trivella M. Metabolomics for improving pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018; 3:CD011872. [PMID: 29547689 PMCID: PMC6494410 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011872.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In order to overcome the low effectiveness of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and the high incidence of multiple births, metabolomics is proposed as a non-invasive method to assess oocyte quality, embryo viability, and endometrial receptivity, and facilitate a targeted subfertility treatment. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of metabolomic assessment of oocyte quality, embryo viability, and endometrial receptivity for improving live birth or ongoing pregnancy rates in women undergoing ART, compared to conventional methods of assessment. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and two trial registers (Feburary 2018). We also examined the reference lists of primary studies and review articles, citation lists of relevant publications, and abstracts of major scientific meetings. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on metabolomic assessment of oocyte quality, embryo viability, and endometrial receptivity in women undergoing ART. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Pairs of review authors independently assessed trial eligibility and risk of bias, and extracted the data. The primary outcomes were rates of live birth or ongoing pregnancy (composite outcome) and miscarriage. Secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy, multiple and ectopic pregnancy, cycle cancellation, and foetal abnormalities. We combined data to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for dichotomous data and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. We assessed the overall quality of the evidence for the main comparisons using GRADE methods. MAIN RESULTS We included four trials with a total of 924 women, with a mean age of 33 years. All assessed the role of metabolomic investigation of embryo viability. We found no RCTs that addressed the metabolomic assessment of oocyte quality or endometrial receptivity.We found low-quality evidence of little or no difference between metabolomic and non-metabolomic assessment of embryos for rates of live birth or ongoing pregnancy (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.35, I² = 0%; four RCTs; N = 924), live birth alone (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.44, I² = 0%; three RCTs; N = 597), or miscarriage (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.82; I² = 0%; three RCTs; N = 869). A sensitivity analysis excluding studies at high risk of bias did not change the interpretation of the results for live birth or ongoing pregnancy (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.25, I² = 0%; two RCTs; N = 744). Our findings suggested that if the rate of live birth or ongoing pregnancy was 36% in the non-metabolomic group, it would be between 32% and 45% with the use of metabolomics.We found low-quality evidence of little or no difference between groups in rates of clinical pregnancy (OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.45; I²= 44%; four trials; N = 924) or multiple pregnancy (OR 1.50, 95% CI 0.70 to 3.19; I² = 0%; two RCTs, N = 180). Rates of cycle cancellation were higher in the metabolomics group (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.69; I² = 51%; two RCTs; N = 744, low quality evidence). There was very low-quality evidence of little or no difference between groups in rates of ectopic pregnancy rates (OR 3.00, 95% CI 0.12 to 74.07; one RCT; N = 417), and foetal abnormality (no events; one RCT; N = 125). Data were lacking on other adverse effects. A sensitivity analysis excluding studies at high risk of bias did not change the interpretation of the results for clinical pregnancy (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.38; I² = 40%; two RCTs; N = 744).The overall quality of the evidence ranged from very low to low. Limitations included serious risk of bias (associated with poor reporting of methods, attrition bias, selective reporting, and other biases), imprecision, and inconsistency across trials. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS According to current trials in women undergoing ART, there is no evidence to show that metabolomic assessment of embryos before implantation has any meaningful effect on rates of live birth, ongoing pregnancy, miscarriage, multiple pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy or foetal abnormalities. The existing evidence varied from very low to low-quality. Data on other adverse events were sparse, so we could not reach conclusions on these. At the moment, there is no evidence to support or refute the use of this technique for subfertile women undergoing ART. Robust evidence is needed from further RCTs, which study the effects on live birth and miscarriage rates for the metabolomic assessment of embryo viability. Well designed and executed trials are also needed to study the effects on oocyte quality and endometrial receptivity, since none are currently available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos S Siristatidis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of AthensAssisted Reproduction Unit, 3rd Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyAttikon University HospitalRimini 1AthensChaidariGreece12462
| | - Eleni Sertedaki
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens75 M. Assias StreetGoudiAthensGreece115 27
| | - Dennis Vaidakis
- University of Athens3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology'Attikon' Hospital, ChaidariAthensGreece
| | - Christos Varounis
- Attikon University Hospital2nd Department of Cardiology, University of Athens Medical SchoolRimini 1HaidariAthensGreece12462
| | - Marialena Trivella
- University of OxfordCentre for Statistics in MedicineBotnar Research CentreWindmill RoadOxfordUKOX3 7LD
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10
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Novelty application of multi-omics correlation in the discrimination of sulfur-fumigation and non-sulfur-fumigation Ophiopogonis Radix. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9971. [PMID: 28855686 PMCID: PMC5577285 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10313-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A rapid and sensitive approach to differentiate sulfur-fumigated (SF) Ophiopogonis Radix based on Multi-Omics Correlation Analysis (MOCA) strategy was first established. It was characterized by multiple data-acquisition methods (NIR, HPLC, and UHPLC-HRMS) based metabonomics and multivariate statistical analysis methods. As a result, SF and non-sulfur fumigated (NSF) Ophiopogonis Radix samples were efficaciously discriminated. Moreover, based on the acquired HRMS data, 38 sulfur-containing discriminatory markers were eventually characterized, whose NIR absorption could be in close correlation with the discriminatory NIR wavebands (5000–5200 cm−1) screened by NIR metabonomics coupled with SiPLS and 2D-COS methods. This results were also validated from multiple perspectives, including metabonomics analysis based on the discriminatory markers and the simulation of SF ophiopogonin D and Ophiopogonis Radix sample. In conclusion, our results first revealed the intrinsic mechanism of discriminatory NIR wavebands by means of UHPLC-HRMS analysis. Meanwhile, the established MOCA strategy also provided a promising NIR based differential method for SF Ophiopogonis Radix, which could be exemplary for future researches on rapid discrimination of other SF Chinese herbal medicines.
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11
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Bracewell-Milnes T, Saso S, Abdalla H, Nikolau D, Norman-Taylor J, Johnson M, Holmes E, Thum MY. Metabolomics as a tool to identify biomarkers to predict and improve outcomes in reproductive medicine: a systematic review. Hum Reprod Update 2017; 23:723-736. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmx023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
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Siristatidis CS, Sertedaki E, Vaidakis D. Metabolomics for improving pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 5:CD011872. [PMID: 28534597 PMCID: PMC6481756 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011872.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In order to overcome the low effectiveness of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and the high incidence of multiple births, metabolomics is proposed as a non-invasive method to assess oocyte quality, embryo viability, and endometrial receptivity, and facilitate a targeted subfertility treatment. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of metabolomic assessment of oocyte quality, embryo viability, and endometrial receptivity for improving live birth or ongoing pregnancy rates in women undergoing ART, compared to conventional methods of assessment. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and two trial registers (November 2016). We also examined the reference lists of primary studies and review articles, citation lists of relevant publications, and abstracts of major scientific meetings. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on metabolomic assessment of oocyte quality, embryo viability, and endometrial receptivity in women undergoing ART. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed trial eligibility and risk of bias, and extracted the data. The primary outcomes were rates of live birth or ongoing pregnancy (composite outcome) and miscarriage. Secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy, multiple and ectopic pregnancy, cycle cancellation, and foetal abnormalities. We combined data to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for dichotomous data and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. We assessed the overall quality of the evidence for the main comparisons using GRADE methods. MAIN RESULTS We included four trials with a total of 802 women, with a mean age of 33 years. All assessed the role of metabolomic investigation of embryo viability. We found no RCTs that addressed the metabolomic assessment of oocyte quality or endometrial receptivity.We found low-quality evidence of little or no difference between metabolomic and non-metabolomic assessment of embryos for rates of live birth or ongoing pregnancy (OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.48; I² = 0%; four RCTs; N = 802), or miscarriage (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.78; I² = 0%; two RCTs; N = 434). A sensitivity analysis excluding studies at high risk of bias did not change the interpretation of the results for live birth or ongoing pregnancy (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.38; I² = 0%; two RCTs; N = 621). Our findings suggested that if the rate of live birth or ongoing pregnancy was 36% in the non-metabolomic group, it would be between 32% and 45% with the use of metabolomics.We found low-quality evidence of little or no difference between groups in rates of clinical pregnancy (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.62; I²= 26%; four trials; N = 802), or multiple pregnancy (OR 1.52, 95% CI 0.71 to 3.23; I² = 0%; two RCTs, N = 181). There was very low-quality evidence of little or no difference between groups in ectopic pregnancy rates (OR 3.37, 95% CI 0.14 to 83.40; one RCT; N = 309), and foetal abnormalities (no events; one RCT; N = 125), and very low-quality evidence of higher rates of cycle cancellation in the metabolomics group (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.69; I² = 51%; two RCTs; N = 744). Data were lacking on other adverse effects. A sensitivity analysis excluding studies at high risk of bias did not change the interpretation of the results for clinical pregnancy (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.57; I² = 0%; two RCTs; N = 621).The overall quality of the evidence ranged from very low to low. Limitations included serious risk of bias (associated with poor reporting of methods, attrition bias, selective reporting, and other biases), imprecision, and inconsistency across trials. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS According to current trials in women undergoing ART, there is insufficient evidence to show that metabolomic assessment of embryos before implantation has any meaningful effect on rates of live birth, ongoing pregnancy, or miscarriage rates. The existing evidence varied from very low to low-quality. Data on adverse events were sparse, so we could not reach conclusions on these. At the moment, there is no evidence to support or refute the use of this technique for subfertile women undergoing ART. Robust evidence is needed from further RCTs, which study the effects on live birth and miscarriage rates for the metabolomic assessment of embryo viability. Well designed and executed trials are also needed to study the effects on oocyte quality and endometrial receptivity, since none are currently available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos S Siristatidis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of AthensAssisted Reproduction Unit, 3rd Department of Obstetrics and GynaecologyAttikon University Hospital,Rimini 1AthensGreece12462
| | - Eleni Sertedaki
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens75 M. Assias StreetGoudiAthensGreece115 27
| | - Dennis Vaidakis
- University of Athens3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology'Attikon' Hospital, ChaidariAthensGreece
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13
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Sfontouris IA, Kolibianakis EM, Lainas GT, Petsas GK, Tarlatzis BC, Lainas TG. Blastocyst Development in a Single Medium Compared to Sequential Media: A Prospective Study With Sibling Oocytes. Reprod Sci 2017; 24:1312-1318. [PMID: 28093041 DOI: 10.1177/1933719116687653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to compare blastocyst formation rates after embryo culture in a single medium (Global) as compared to sequential media (ISM1/BlastAssist). In this prospective trial with sibling oocytes, 542 metaphase II (ΜΙΙ) oocytes from 31 women were randomly and equally divided to be fertilized and cultured to the blastocyst stage in either sequential media (ISM1/BlastAssist; n = 271 MII oocytes) or a single medium (Global; n = 271 MII oocytes). In both groups, embryos were cultured in an interrupted fashion with media changes on day 3. Embryo transfer was performed on day 5. Blastocyst formation rates on day 5 (61.7% ± 19.9% vs 37.0% ± 25.5%, P < .001) were significantly higher following culture in Global as compared to ISM1/BlastAssist, respectively. Fertilization rates, cleavage rates, and percentage of good quality embryos on day 3 were similar between Global and ISM1/BlastAssist, respectively. The percentages of good quality blastocysts (63.0% ± 24.8% vs 32.1% ± 37.2%, P < .001), blastocysts selected for transfer (27.8% ± 19.2% vs 11.1% ± 14.4%, P = .005), and utilization rates (62.5% ± 24.8% vs 39.0% ± 25.2%, P < .001) were significantly higher in Global as compared to ISM1/BlastAssist, respectively. In conclusion, culture in Global was associated with higher blastocyst formation rates compared to ISM1/BlastAssist, suggesting that the single medium may provide better support to the developing embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis A Sfontouris
- 1 Eugonia Assisted Reproduction Unit, Athens, Greece.,2 Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Efstratios M Kolibianakis
- 3 Unit for Human Reproduction, 1st Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | | | - Basil C Tarlatzis
- 3 Unit for Human Reproduction, 1st Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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14
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Kim J, Kim SH, Jun JH. Prediction of blastocyst development and implantation potential in utero based on the third cleavage and compaction times in mouse pre-implantation embryos. J Reprod Dev 2016; 63:117-125. [PMID: 27980237 PMCID: PMC5401804 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2016-129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokinesis and cell division during pre-implantation embryonic development occur as an orchestrated spatiotemporal program. Cleavage, compaction, and
blastulation in pre-implantation embryos are essential for successful implantation and pregnancy. Their alteration is associated with chromosomal imbalance and
loss of developmental competence. In this study, we evaluated the time of cleavage and compaction as predictors for in vitro pre- and
peri-implantation development and in utero implantation potential by time-lapse monitoring. Mouse 2-cell embryos were collected on 1.5 days
post coitum (dpc) and were individually cultured to the outgrowth (OG) stage (7.5 dpc). Developmental stages were classified as 3-cell,
4-cell, 8-cell, morula, blastocyst, and OG. Cut-off times for successful blastocyst development were determined by receiver operating characteristic curve
analysis. When cut-off times were set as 9 h for the third cleavage from the 2- to 4-cell stage, and 40 h for compaction from the 2-cell to morula stage,
blastocyst and OG development rates, respectively, were significantly higher (P < 0.0001). Embryos were grouped according to the above cut-off time and
transferred to the contralateral uterine horn on 3.5 dpc. Implantation rates in utero on 5.5 dpc were significantly higher in early third
cleaved (≤ 9 h from 2- to 4-cell) and early compacted embryos (≤ 40 h from 2-cell to morula) than those in delayed embryos (P < 0.05). Therefore, the time of
the third cleavage from 2- to the 4-cell stage and compaction from 2-cell to morula stage may be a useful morphokinetic parameter for predicting developmental
potential, including successful implantation and pregnancy in human in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihyun Kim
- Department of Senior Healthcare, BK21 Plus Program, Graduated School, Eulji University, Gyeonggi-do 461-713, Korea
| | - Seok Hyun Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Jin Hyun Jun
- Department of Senior Healthcare, BK21 Plus Program, Graduated School, Eulji University, Gyeonggi-do 461-713, Korea.,Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Graduate School of Health Science, Eulji University, Gyeonggi-do 461-713, Korea.,Eulji Medi-Bio Research Institute (EMBRI), Eulji University, Gyeonggi-do 461-713, Korea
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15
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Borges E, Braga DPAF, Setti AS, Montanni DA, Cabral EC, Eberlin MN, Turco EGL, Iaconelli A. Non-invasive prediction of blastocyst implantation, ongoing pregnancy and live birth, by mass spectrometry lipid fingerprinting. JBRA Assist Reprod 2016; 20:227-231. [PMID: 28050958 PMCID: PMC5265622 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20160044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To identify lipid markers of blastocyst implantation and ongoing pregnancy by
day three culture medium mass spectrometry (MS) fingerprinting. Methods For this study, 33 culture media samples were harvested on day three, from 22
patients undergoing day five embryo transfers. All embryos achieved the
blastocyst stage and were split into groups based on their implantation
(Negative Implantation, n= 14 and Positive Implantation, n= 19). The
positive implantation cycles resulted in successful ongoing pregnancies. The
lipid extraction was performed by the Bligh-Dyer protocol and mass spectra
were obtained with a direct infusion into a Q-Tof mass spectrometer. The
data obtained was analyzed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial
Least Square Discrimination Analysis (PLS-DA). The statistical analysis was
performed using the Metabo-Analyst 2.0. Results The variable importance in the projection (VIP) plot of the PLS-DA provided a
list of four ions, in the positive mode, with an area under the curve (AUC)
of 73.5%; and eight ions, in the negative mode, with and AUC of 72.0%. For
both positive and negative modes, possible biomarkers for the negative
implantation were identified by the lipidmaps: phosphoethanolamine,
dicarboxylic acids, glycerophosphoglycerol, glycerophosphocholine,
glicerophosphoinositol, phosphoethanolamine and unsaturated fat acids. The
other ions were not identified. These lipids are involved in the GPI anchor
biosynthesis and synthesis of lycerophospholipids and phosphate
inositol. Conclusion MS fingerprinting is useful to identify blastocysts that fail to implant, and
therefore this technique could be incorporated into the laboratory routine,
adjunct to morphology evaluation to identify embryos that should not be
transferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edson Borges
- Fertility Medical Group - São Paulo/SP - Brazil.,Instituto Sapientiae - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Assistida - São Paulo/SP - Brazil
| | - Daniela P A F Braga
- Fertility Medical Group - São Paulo/SP - Brazil.,Instituto Sapientiae - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Assistida - São Paulo/SP - Brazil.,Disciplina de Urologia, Departamento de Cirurgia, Setor de Reprodução Humana - UNIFESP/SP - Brazil
| | - Amanda Souza Setti
- Fertility Medical Group - São Paulo/SP - Brazil.,Instituto Sapientiae - Centro de Estudos e Pesquisa em Reprodução Assistida - São Paulo/SP - Brazil
| | - Daniela A Montanni
- Disciplina de Urologia, Departamento de Cirurgia, Setor de Reprodução Humana - UNIFESP/SP - Brazil
| | | | - Marcos N Eberlin
- Laboratório ThoMSon de Espectrometria de Massas - Instituto de Química - UNICAMP
| | - Edson G Lo Turco
- Disciplina de Urologia, Departamento de Cirurgia, Setor de Reprodução Humana - UNIFESP/SP - Brazil
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16
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Nerenz RD. Omics in Reproductive Medicine: Application of Novel Technologies to Improve the IVF Success Rate. Adv Clin Chem 2016; 76:55-95. [PMID: 27645816 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Treatment for many infertile couples often consists of in vitro fertilization (IVF) but an estimated 70% of IVF cycles fail to produce a live birth. In an attempt to improve the live birth rate, the vast majority of IVF cycles performed in the United States involve the transfer of multiple embryos, a practice that increases the risk of multiple gestation pregnancy. This is a concern because multiple gestation pregnancies are associated with an increased incidence of maternal and fetal complications and significant cost associated with the care of preterm infants. As the ideal outcome of each IVF cycle is the birth of a single healthy baby, significant effort has focused on identifying embryos with the greatest developmental potential. To date, selection of euploid embryos using comprehensive chromosome screening (CCS) is the most promising approach while metabolomic and proteomic assessment of spent culture medium have the potential to noninvasively assess embryo viability. Endometrial gene expression profiling may help determine the optimal time to perform embryo transfer. While CCS has been implemented in some clinics, further development and optimization will be required before analysis of spent culture medium and endometrial gene expression profiling make the transition to clinical use. This review will describe efforts to identify embryos with the greatest potential to result in a healthy, live birth, with a particular emphasis on detection of embryo aneuploidy and metabolic profiling of spent embryo culture medium. Assessment of endometrial receptivity to identify the optimal time to perform embryo transfer will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- R D Nerenz
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, United States.
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17
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Non-invasive metabolomic profiling of embryo culture media and morphology grading to predict implantation outcome in frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 32:1597-605. [PMID: 26463877 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-015-0578-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Assessment of embryo viability is a crucial component of in vitro fertilization and currently relies largely on embryo morphology and cleavage rate. Because morphological assessment remains highly subjective, it can be unreliable in predicting embryo viability. This study investigated the metabolomic profiling of embryo culture media using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for predicting the implantation potential of human embryos in frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles. METHODS Spent embryo culture media was collected on day 4 after thawed embryo transfer (n = 621) and analysed using NIR spectroscopy. Viability scores were calculated using a predictive multivariate algorithm of fresh embryos with known pregnancy outcomes. RESULTS The mean viability indices of embryos resulting in clinical pregnancy following FET were significantly higher than those of non-implanted embryos and differed between the 0, 50, and 100 % implantation groups. Notably, the 0 % group index was significantly lower than the 100 % implantation group index (-0.787 ± 0.382 vs. 1.064 ± 0.331, P < 0.01). To predict implantation outcomes, we examined the area under the ROC curve (AUCROC), which was significantly higher for the viability than for the morphology score (0.94 vs. 0.55; P < 0.01); however, the AUCROCs for the composite and viability scores did not differ significantly (0.92 vs. 0.94; P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS NIR metabolomic profiling of thawed embryo culture media is independent of morphology and correlates with embryo implantation potential in FET cycles. The viability score alone or in conjunction with morphologic grading is a more objective marker for implantation outcome in FET cycles than morphology alone.
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18
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No specific gene expression signature in human granulosa and cumulus cells for prediction of oocyte fertilisation and embryo implantation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0115865. [PMID: 25769026 PMCID: PMC4359149 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In human IVF procedures objective and reliable biomarkers of oocyte and embryo quality are needed in order to increase the use of single embryo transfer (SET) and thus prevent multiple pregnancies. During folliculogenesis there is an intense bi-directional communication between oocyte and follicular cells. For this reason gene expression profile of follicular cells could be an important indicator and biomarker of oocyte and embryo quality. The objective of this study was to identify gene expression signature(s) in human granulosa (GC) and cumulus (CC) cells predictive of successful embryo implantation and oocyte fertilization. Forty-one patients were included in the study and individual GC and CC samples were collected; oocytes were cultivated separately, allowing a correlation with IVF outcome and elective SET was performed. Gene expression analysis was performed using microarrays, followed by a quantitative real-time PCR validation. After statistical analysis of microarray data, there were no significantly differentially expressed genes (FDR<0,05) between non-fertilized and fertilized oocytes and non-implanted and implanted embryos in either of the cell type. Furthermore, the results of quantitative real-time PCR were in consent with microarray data as there were no significant differences in gene expression of genes selected for validation. In conclusion, we did not find biomarkers for prediction of oocyte fertilization and embryo implantation in IVF procedures in the present study.
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19
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Gryshchenko MG, Pravdyuk AI, Parashchyuk VY. Analysis of factors influencing morphokinetic characteristics of embryos in ART cycles. Gynecol Endocrinol 2014; 30 Suppl 1:6-8. [PMID: 25200818 DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2014.945763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this article, some factors were evaluated for their impact on embryo morphokinetics during assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles. We detected significant differences in the fourth cell division time (t5) of embryos obtained after controlled ovarian stimulation in long GnRH agonists and GnRH antagonist protocols. We also found that higher gonadotropin dose may slow down the development of embryos. However, both male and female age, the number of oocytes and number of normal forms of sperm in the ejaculate did not affect the kinetic parameters of embryo development. Further research is needed to identify all the spectrum of factors, which can affect the rate of embryo development.
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Vergouw CG, Heymans MW, Hardarson T, Sfontouris IA, Economou KA, Ahlström A, Rogberg L, Lainas TG, Sakkas D, Kieslinger DC, Kostelijk EH, Hompes PGA, Schats R, Lambalk CB. No evidence that embryo selection by near-infrared spectroscopy in addition to morphology is able to improve live birth rates: results from an individual patient data meta-analysis. Hum Reprod 2014; 29:455-61. [PMID: 24408316 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the value of embryo selection by metabolomic profiling of culture medium with near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy as an adjunct to morphology, compared with embryo selection by morphology alone, based on an individual patient data meta-analysis (IPD MA)? SUMMARY ANSWER The IPD MA indicates that the live birth rate after embryo selection by NIR spectroscopy and morphology is not significantly different compared with the live birth rate after embryo selection by morphology alone. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Retrospective proof of principle studies has consistently shown that high NIR viability scores are correlated with a high implantation potential of embryos. However, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have generally shown no benefit of the NIR technology over embryo morphology, although there have been some conflicting results between pregnancy outcomes on different days of embryo transfer. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This IPD MA included all existing RCTs (n = 4) in which embryo selection by morphology was compared with embryo selection by morphology and the use of NIR spectroscopy of spent embryo culture medium by the Viametrics-E(™). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Searches of PubMed, the Cochrane Library and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry were conducted and the sole manufacturer of the Viametrics-E(™) was consulted to identify clinics where an RCT comparing embryo selection by morphology to embryo selection by morphology and the use of the Viametrics-E(™) (NIR viability score) was performed. A total of 20 citations were potentially eligible for inclusion, two of which met the inclusion criteria. The manufacturer of the Viametrics-E(™) provided two additional clinical sites of use. In total, four RCTs were identified as eligible for inclusion. The IPD MA was based on a fixed effect model due to the lack of heterogeneity between included studies. Differences between study groups were tested and reported using logistic regression models adjusted for significant confounders. The pooled analysis of the primary outcome led to a total sample size of 924 patients: 484 patients in the control group (embryo selection by morphology alone) and 440 patients in the treatment group (embryo selection by morphology plus NIR spectroscopy). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The live birth rates in the control group and the NIR group were 34.7% (168 of 484) and 33.2% (146 of 440), respectively. The pooled odds ratio (OR) was 0.98 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.74-1.29], indicating no difference in live birth rates between the two study groups. The data of the four studies showed no significant heterogeneity (I(2) = 26.2% P = 0.26). The multivariate regression analysis including all confounders show that maternal age (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.87-0.94) and the number of previous IVF cycles (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.71-0.96) were significantly related to live birth. The study group (i.e. embryo selection by morphology or embryo selection by morphology plus NIR) was not related to live birth (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.73-1.29). LIMITATIONS AND REASONS FOR CAUTION The availability of at least two similar best quality embryos as an inclusion criterion prior to transfer in the two largest RCTs might have caused a selection bias towards a better prognosis patient group. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS There is at present no evidence that NIR spectroscopy of spent embryo culture media in its current form can be used in daily practice to improve live birth rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- C G Vergouw
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Faced with an increasing demand to select one embryo to transfer back to patients, a number of techniques are being developed to assist in discriminating differences within the cohort of a patient's embryos. A new and emerging technology which allows us to measure the profile of different metabolites in embryo culture media and formulate a viability score correlated to implantation potential is metabolomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Sakkas
- Boston IVF, 130 2nd Avenue, Waltham, MA, 02451, USA,
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