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Gardner DK, Sakkas D. Making and selecting the best embryo in the laboratory. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:457-466. [PMID: 36521518 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 4 decades our ability to maintain a viable human embryo in vitro has improved dramatically, leading to higher implantation rates. This has led to a notable shift to single blastocyst transfer and the ensuing elimination of high order multiple gestations. Future improvements to embryo culture systems will not only come from new improved innovative media formulations (such as the inclusion of antioxidants), but plausibly by moving away from static culture to more dynamic perfusion-based systems now made a reality owing to the breakthroughs in three-dimensional printing technology and micro fabrication. Such an approach has already made it feasible to create high resolution devices for intracytoplasmic sperm injection, culture, and cryopreservation, paving the way not only for improvements in outcomes but also automation of assisted reproductive technology. Although improvements in culture systems can lead to further increases in pregnancy outcomes, the ability to quantitate biomarkers of embryo health and viability will reduce time to pregnancy and decrease pregnancy loss. Currently artificial intelligence is being used to assess embryo development through image analysis, but we predict its power will be realized through the creation of selection algorithms based on the integration of information related to metabolic functions, cell-free DNA, and morphokinetics, thereby using vast amounts of different data types obtained for each embryo to predict outcomes. All of this will not only make assisted reproductive technology more effective, but it will also make it more cost effective, thereby increasing patient access to infertility treatment worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- David K Gardner
- Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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2
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Agarwal A, Maldonado Rosas I, Anagnostopoulou C, Cannarella R, Boitrelle F, Munoz LV, Finelli R, Durairajanayagam D, Henkel R, Saleh R. Oxidative Stress and Assisted Reproduction: A Comprehensive Review of Its Pathophysiological Role and Strategies for Optimizing Embryo Culture Environment. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11030477. [PMID: 35326126 PMCID: PMC8944628 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11030477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) due to an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants has been established as an important factor that can negatively affect the outcomes of assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs). Excess ROS exert their pathological effects through damage to cellular lipids, organelles, and DNA, alteration of enzymatic function, and apoptosis. ROS can be produced intracellularly, from immature sperm, oocytes, and embryos. Additionally, several external factors may induce high ROS production in the ART setup, including atmospheric oxygen, CO2 incubators, consumables, visible light, temperature, humidity, volatile organic compounds, and culture media additives. Pathological amounts of ROS can also be generated during the cryopreservation-thawing process of gametes or embryos. Generally, these factors can act at any stage during ART, from gamete preparation to embryo development, till the blastocyst stage. In this review, we discuss the in vitro conditions and environmental factors responsible for the induction of OS in an ART setting. In addition, we describe the effects of OS on gametes and embryos. Furthermore, we highlight strategies to ameliorate the impact of OS during the whole human embryo culture period, from gametes to blastocyst stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (R.F.); (R.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | | | | | - Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, 78300 Poissy, France;
- Department BREED, UVSQ, INRAE, Paris Saclay University, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Lina Villar Munoz
- Citmer Reproductive Medicine, IVF LAB, Mexico City 11520, Mexico; (I.M.R.); (L.V.M.)
| | - Renata Finelli
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (R.F.); (R.H.)
| | - Damayanthi Durairajanayagam
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Sungai Buloh Campus, Jalan Hospital, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (R.F.); (R.H.)
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W2 1NY, UK
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town 7530, South Africa
- LogixX Pharma, Theale RG7 4AB, UK
| | - Ramadan Saleh
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt;
- Ajyal IVF Center, Ajyal Hospital, Sohag 82524, Egypt
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Chen S, Huang P, Sun Y, Du S, Lin Y, Zheng B, Lin D. Tripronuclear Zygotes in IVF Laboratory Quality Control: Experimental Evaluation and Potential Applications. Int J Gen Med 2022; 15:949-954. [PMID: 35115820 PMCID: PMC8805836 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s345818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study set out to evaluate quality control within a new in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory environment and of new incubators based on the culture results of tripronuclear zygotes. The representative environmental indicators within new and old IVF laboratories were monitored, and tripronuclear zygotes were cultured in the two laboratories; the results were analyzed and compared. Subsequently, tripronuclear (3PN) zygotes were cultured in both new and old incubators and the culture results were compared. No differences were found in embryo development between 3PN zygotes in the old and new laboratories. However, in the quality control test, the degeneration rate and developmental arrest rate in the new incubator early phase group were significantly increased when compared with the old incubators. Moreover, the grade I embryo rate also decreased significantly. Nevertheless, all the above comparisons in the new incubator later phase group showed no statistical significance as compared to those observed in old incubators. Tripronuclear zygotes are sensitive to the environment in IVF laboratories and can be considered useful during quality control trials of new IVF laboratories and new equipment including incubators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzhu Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pengyu Huang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shengrong Du
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yunhong Lin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Beihong Zheng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Beihong Zheng; Dianliang Lin, Tel +86-13763821254, Email ;
| | - Dianliang Lin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, People’s Republic of China
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Sciorio R, Rapalini E, Esteves SC. Air quality in the clinical embryology laboratory: a mini-review. Ther Adv Reprod Health 2021; 15:2633494121990684. [PMID: 33629068 PMCID: PMC7882750 DOI: 10.1177/2633494121990684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The scope of the clinical embryology laboratory has expanded over recent years. It now includes conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques and complex and time-demanding procedures like blastocyst culture, processing of surgically retrieved sperm, and trophectoderm biopsy for preimplantation genetic testing. These procedures require a stable culture environment in which ambient air quality might play a critical role. The existing data indicate that both particulate matter and chemical pollution adversely affect IVF results, with low levels for better outcomes. As a result, IVF clinics have invested in air cleaning technologies with variable efficiency to remove particulates and volatile organic compounds. However, specific regulatory frameworks mandating air quality control are limited, as are evidence-based guidelines for the best air quality control practices in the embryology laboratory. In this review, we describe the principles and existing solutions for improving air quality and summarize the clinical evidence concerning air quality control in the embryology laboratory. In addition, we discuss the gaps in knowledge that could guide future research to improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romualdo Sciorio
- Edinburgh Assisted Conception Programme, EFREC, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK
| | - Erika Rapalini
- Ospedale Versilia, Centro di Procreazione medicalmente assistita, Lido di Camaiore, Italy
| | - Sandro C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Campinas, Brazil; Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
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Boulet SL, Zhou Y, Shriber J, Kissin DM, Strosnider H, Shin M. Ambient air pollution and in vitro fertilization treatment outcomes. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:2036-2043. [PMID: 31504508 PMCID: PMC10088473 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is air pollution associated with IVF treatment outcomes in the USA? SUMMARY ANSWER We did not find clear evidence of a meaningful association between reproductive outcomes and average daily concentrations of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) and ozone (O3). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Maternal exposure to air pollution such as PM2.5, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide or O3 may increase risks for adverse perinatal outcomes. Findings from the few studies using data from IVF populations to investigate associations between specific pollutants and treatment outcomes are inconclusive. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE AND DURATION Retrospective cohort study of 253 528 non-cancelled fresh, autologous IVF cycles including 230 243 fresh, autologous IVF cycles with a transfer of ≥1 embryo was performed between 2010 and 2012. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We linked 2010-2012 National ART Surveillance System data for fresh, autologous IVF cycles with the ambient air pollution data generated using a Bayesian fusion model available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Environmental Public Health Tracking Network. We calculated county-level average daily PM2.5 and O3 concentrations for three time periods: cycle start to oocyte retrieval (T1), oocyte retrieval to embryo transfer (T2) and embryo transfer +14 days (T3). Multivariable predicted marginal proportions from logistic and log-linear regression models were used to estimate adjusted risk ratios (aRR) and 95% CI for the association between reproductive outcomes (implantation rate, pregnancy and live birth) and interquartile increases in PM2.5 and O3. The multipollutant models were also adjusted for patients and treatment characteristics and accounted for clustering by clinic and county of residence. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE For all exposure periods, O3 was weakly positively associated with implantation (aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.001-1.02 for T1; aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.001-1.02 for T2 and aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.001-1.02 for T3) and live birth (aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.002-1.02 for T1; aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.004-1.02 for T2 and aRR 1.02, 95% CI 1.004-1.03 for T3). PM2.5 was not associated with any of the reproductive outcomes assessed. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The main limitation of this study is the use of aggregated air pollution data as proxies for individual exposure. The weak positive associations found in this study might be related to confounding by factors that we were unable to assess and may not reflect clinically meaningful differences. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS More research is needed to assess the impact of air pollution on reproductive function. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) None.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Boulet
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Y Zhou
- Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - J Shriber
- Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - D M Kissin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - H Strosnider
- Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - M Shin
- Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Agarwal N, Chattopadhyay R, Ghosh S, Bhoumik A, Goswami SK, Chakravarty B. Volatile organic compounds and good laboratory practices in the in vitro fertilization laboratory: the important parameters for successful outcome in extended culture. J Assist Reprod Genet 2017; 34:999-1006. [PMID: 28540437 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-017-0947-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to describe the role of implementing good laboratory practices to improve in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes which are of great interest for practitioners dealing with infertility. METHODS Certain modifications were introduced in May 2015 in our IVF laboratory like high-efficiency particulate air CODA system, steel furniture instead of wooden, use of new disinfectants like oosafe, and restriction of personnel entry along with avoidance of cosmetics like perfume to improve pregnancy rates. Volatile organic compound (VOC) meter reading was monitored at two time points and five different places in the laboratory to compare the embryonic development parameters before (group A: July 2014-April 2015) and after (group B: July 2015-April 2016) remodeling. RESULTS The IVF outcomes from 1036 cycles were associated in this study. Reduction in VOC meter readings, enhanced air quality, improvement in blastocyst formation rate, implantation, and clinical pregnancy rate were observed in the laboratory after implementation of new facilities. Results illustrated that the attention must be focused on potential hazards which expose laboratories to elevated VOC levels. Blastocyst formation rate increased around 18%. Implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate increased by around 11, 10, and 8%, respectively. CONCLUSION In conclusion, with proper engineering and material selection, we have been able to reduce chemical contamination and adverse effects on culture with optimized IVF results. SUPPORT None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nupur Agarwal
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, HB-36/A/3, Salt Lake City, Sector-III, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700106, India
| | - Ratna Chattopadhyay
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, HB-36/A/3, Salt Lake City, Sector-III, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700106, India
| | - Sanghamitra Ghosh
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, HB-36/A/3, Salt Lake City, Sector-III, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700106, India
| | - Arpita Bhoumik
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, HB-36/A/3, Salt Lake City, Sector-III, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700106, India
| | - S K Goswami
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, HB-36/A/3, Salt Lake City, Sector-III, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700106, India
| | - Baidyanath Chakravarty
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, HB-36/A/3, Salt Lake City, Sector-III, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700106, India.
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Esteves SC. Novel concepts in male factor infertility: clinical and laboratory perspectives. J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 33:1319-1335. [PMID: 27423664 PMCID: PMC5065546 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0763-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the management of male factor infertility has undergone important changes with the introduction of novel concepts, advanced testing, and therapeutic interventions. This review highlights some of these changes and discusses their impact to routine clinical practice. First, we discuss the recent changes in the World Health Organization (WHO) laboratory methods and reference values for the examination of human semen. Second, we examine the role of sperm chromatin integrity tests in light of increasing evidence of the detrimental effect of sperm DNA fragmentation on reproductive outcomes. Third, we summarize the main findings of varicocele-related infertility and the outcomes of microsurgical varicocele repair to different case scenarios. Lastly, we critically discuss the current management of men with nonobstructive azoospermia seeking fertility and the new opportunities that emerged to help these men achieve biological fatherhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Andrology and Human Reproduction Clinic, Referral Center for Male Reproduction, Av. Dr. Heitor Penteado, 1464, Campinas, SP, 13075-460, Brazil.
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