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Yurchuk T, Likszo P, Witek K, Petrushko M, Skarzynski DJ. New Approach to the Cryopreservation of GV Oocytes and Cumulus Cells through the Lens of Preserving the Intercellular Gap Junctions Based on the Bovine Model. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6074. [PMID: 38892259 PMCID: PMC11172894 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116074] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Differences in structural and functional properties between oocytes and cumulus cells (CCs) may cause low vitrification efficiency for cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs). We have suggested that the disconnection of CCs and oocytes in order to further cryopreservation in various ways will positively affect the viability after thawing, while further co-culture in vitro will contribute to the restoration of lost intercellular gap junctions. This study aimed to determine the optimal method of cryopreservation of the suspension of CCs to mature GV oocytes in vitro and to determine the level of mRNA expression of the genes (GJA1, GJA4; BCL2, BAX) and gene-specific epigenetic marks (DNMT3A) after cryopreservation and in vitro maturation (IVM) in various culture systems. We have shown that the slow freezing of CCs in microstraws preserved the largest number of viable cells with intact DNA compared with the methods of vitrification and slow freezing in microdroplets. Cryopreservation caused the upregulation of the genes Cx37 and Cx43 in the oocytes to restore gap junctions between cells. In conclusion, the presence of CCs in the co-culture system during IVM of oocytes played an important role in the regulation of the expression of the intercellular proteins Cx37 and Cx43, apoptotic changes, and oocyte methylation. Slow freezing in microstraws was considered to be an optimal method for cryopreservation of CCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taisiia Yurchuk
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (P.L.)
- Department of Cryobiology of Reproductive System, Institute for Problems of Cryobiology and Cryomedicine of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 61-016 Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Pawel Likszo
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (P.L.)
| | - Krzysztof Witek
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (P.L.)
| | - Maryna Petrushko
- Department of Cryobiology of Reproductive System, Institute for Problems of Cryobiology and Cryomedicine of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 61-016 Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Dariusz J. Skarzynski
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (P.L.)
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Porto ME, Moura AL, Carvalho TR, Gonçalves CC, Freitas NP, Araujo Júnior E, Cavalcante MB. Fertility preservation: knowledge, awareness, and attitude of university students and professors. Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2024; 76:142-150. [PMID: 36222787 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.22.05187-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delayed pregnancy is a worldwide trend, especially in Western countries. University students and professors are at high risk of presenting age-related reproductive difficulties due to this new reproductive profile. Thus, through this study, we aimed at exploring the knowledge, awareness, and attitude of university students and professors related to fertility and fertility preservation (FP). METHODS We adopted a prospective cross-sectional study design and included students and professors from private university located in the Northeast of Brazil. Eligible participants (male and female) were invited through an online message. The participants accessed the online questionnaire through a link. RESULTS We performed 256 surveys (100 students and 156 professors). The overall mean age of participants was 35.8±13.1 years (from 18 to 67 years). Fertility was considered relevant by all participants, being very important among a greater number of students compared to professors, 61% versus 30.1%, P<0.001, respectively. The main reasons why participants could have postponed parenthood were reach financial stability (62.1%), career building (51.2%), health issues (37.9%), and not having a partner (33.9%). Students demonstrated a better understanding of FP and highlighted the importance of the age of females at the time of the oocyte cryopreservation. Very few students and professors already discussed reproductive planning with a health professional. CONCLUSIONS We observed a deficiency in the knowledge of Brazilian university students and professors about female fertility and FP options. Thus, exposing the population to information related to FP should be hyped in the university environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E Porto
- Department of Medicine, University of Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Ana L Moura
- Department of Medicine, University of Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Thiago R Carvalho
- Department of Medicine, University of Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | - Natércia P Freitas
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Edward Araujo Júnior
- Department of Obstetrics, Paulista School of Medicine - Federal University of São Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil -
- Department of Medicine, Municipal University of São Caetano do Sul (USCS), Bela Vista Campus, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo B Cavalcante
- Department of Medicine, University of Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Fortaleza, Brazil
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Fortaleza, Brazil
- Human Reproduction Sector, CONCEPTUS - Reproductive Medicine, Fortaleza, Brazil
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Lahoti U, Pajai S, Shegekar T, Juganavar A. Exploring the Landscape of Social Egg Freezing: Navigating Medical Advancements, Ethical Dilemmas, and Societal Impacts. Cureus 2023; 15:e47956. [PMID: 38034211 PMCID: PMC10685323 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
This narrative review article comprehensively explores the multifaceted landscape of social egg freezing, delving into its medical, ethical, societal, psychological, legal, and cultural dimensions. Oocyte cryopreservation, a developing procedure, gives women the chance to match their life goals with fertility goals. Informed decision-making, morally sound guidance, and open communication are all stressed by ethical considerations. Family planning practices, workplace cultures, and gender equality all have an impact on societal dynamics. The process's emotional toll and associated coping mechanisms are highlighted by psychological elements. Legal and policy frameworks need constant ethical reflection and understanding of the regulatory environment. Religious and cultural views highlight the variety of perspectives that influence attitudes toward this practice. For responsible practice to ensure individual liberty while navigating the evolving landscape of reproductive options, it is essential to comprehend how these aspects interact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Udit Lahoti
- Obstretics and Gynecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Sandhya Pajai
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Tejas Shegekar
- Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Anup Juganavar
- Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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Almeida GHDR, da Silva-Júnior LN, Gibin MS, Dos Santos H, de Oliveira Horvath-Pereira B, Pinho LBM, Baesso ML, Sato F, Hernandes L, Long CR, Relly L, Miglino MA, Carreira ACO. Perfusion and Ultrasonication Produce a Decellularized Porcine Whole-Ovary Scaffold with a Preserved Microarchitecture. Cells 2023; 12:1864. [PMID: 37508528 PMCID: PMC10378497 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of decellularized scaffolds for artificial tissue reconstruction has been an approach with great therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine. Recently, biomimetic ovarian tissue reconstruction was proposed to reestablish ovarian endocrine functions. Despite many decellularization methods proposed, there is no established protocol for whole ovaries by detergent perfusion that is able to preserve tissue macro and microstructure with higher efficiency. This generated biomaterial may have the potential to be applied for other purposes beyond reproduction and be translated to other areas in the tissue engineering field. Therefore, this study aimed to establish and standardize a protocol for porcine ovaries' decellularization based on detergent perfusion and ultrasonication to obtain functional whole-ovary scaffolds. For that, porcine ovaries (n = 5) were perfused with detergents (0.5% SDS and 1% Triton X-100) and submitted to an ultrasonication bath to produce acellular scaffolds. The decellularization efficiency was evaluated by DAPI staining and total genomic DNA quantification. ECM morphological evaluation was performed by histological, immunohistochemistry, and ultrastructural analyses. ECM physico-chemical composition was evaluated using FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. A cytocompatibility and cell adhesion assay using murine fibroblasts was performed. Results showed that the proposed method was able to remove cellular components efficiently. There was no significant ECM component loss in relation to native tissue, and the scaffolds were cytocompatible and allowed cell attachment. In conclusion, the proposed decellularization protocol produced whole-ovaries scaffolds with preserved ECM composition and great potential for application in tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Henrique Dos Santos
- Department of Physics, State University of Maringá, Maringá 87020-900, Brazil
| | | | - Leticia Beatriz Mazo Pinho
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil
| | | | - Francielle Sato
- Department of Physics, State University of Maringá, Maringá 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Luzmarina Hernandes
- Department of Morphological Sciences, State University of Maringa, Maringá 87020-900, Brazil
| | - Charles R Long
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Luciana Relly
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Maria Angelica Miglino
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Ana Claudia Oliveira Carreira
- Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil
- Centre for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, São Paulo 09210-580, Brazil
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Antonouli S, Di Nisio V, Messini C, Daponte A, Rajender S, Anifandis G. A comprehensive review and update on human fertility cryopreservation methods and tools. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1151254. [PMID: 37143497 PMCID: PMC10151698 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1151254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The broad conceptualization of fertility preservation and restoration has become already a major concern in the modern western world since a large number of individuals often face it in the everyday life. Driven by different health conditions and/or social reasons, a variety of patients currently rely on routinely and non-routinely applied assisted reproductive technologies, and mostly on the possibility to cryopreserve gametes and/or gonadal tissues for expanding their reproductive lifespan. This review embraces the data present in human-focused literature regarding the up-to-date methodologies and tools contemporarily applied in IVF laboratories' clinical setting of the oocyte, sperm, and embryo cryopreservation and explores the latest news and issues related to the optimization of methods used in ovarian and testicular tissue cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sevastiani Antonouli
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Valentina Di Nisio
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christina Messini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece
| | - Alexandros Daponte
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece
| | - Singh Rajender
- Division of Endocrinology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - George Anifandis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece
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State of the art in assisted reproductive technologies for patients with advanced maternal age. ZYGOTE 2023; 31:149-156. [PMID: 36810125 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199422000624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, the female reproductive age lasts up to 49 years, but problems with the realization of women's reproductive rights may arise much earlier. Significant numbers of factors affect the state of reproductive health: socioeconomic, ecological, lifestyle features, the level of medical literacy, and the state of the organization and medical care quality. Among the reasons for fertility decline in advanced reproductive age are the loss of cellular receptors for gonadotropins, an increase in the threshold of sensitivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary system to the action of hormones and their metabolites, and many others. Furthermore, negative changes accumulate in the oocyte genome, reducing the possibility of fertilization, normal development and implantation of the embryo and healthy offspring birth. Another theory of ageing causing changes in oocytes is the mitochondrial free radical theory of ageing. Taking into account all these age-related changes in gametogenesis, this review considers modern technologies aimed at the preservation and realization of female fertility. Among the existing approaches, two main ones can be distinguished: methods allowing the preservation of reproductive cells at a younger age using ART intervention and cryobanking, as well as methods aimed at improving the basic functional state of advanced-age women's oocytes and embryos.
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Laurent A, Scaletta C, Abdel-Sayed P, Raffoul W, Hirt-Burri N, Applegate LA. Industrial Biotechnology Conservation Processes: Similarities with Natural Long-Term Preservation of Biological Organisms. BIOTECH 2023; 12:biotech12010015. [PMID: 36810442 PMCID: PMC9944097 DOI: 10.3390/biotech12010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation and lyophilization processes are widely used for conservation purposes in the pharmaceutical, biotechnological, and food industries or in medical transplantation. Such processes deal with extremely low temperatures (e.g., -196 °C) and multiple physical states of water, a universal and essential molecule for many biological lifeforms. This study firstly considers the controlled laboratory/industrial artificial conditions used to favor specific water phase transitions during cellular material cryopreservation and lyophilization under the Swiss progenitor cell transplantation program. Both biotechnological tools are successfully used for the long-term storage of biological samples and products, with reversible quasi-arrest of metabolic activities (e.g., cryogenic storage in liquid nitrogen). Secondly, similarities are outlined between such artificial localized environment modifications and some natural ecological niches known to favor metabolic rate modifications (e.g., cryptobiosis) in biological organisms. Specifically, examples of survival to extreme physical parameters by small multi-cellular animals (e.g., tardigrades) are discussed, opening further considerations about the possibility to reversibly slow or temporarily arrest the metabolic activity rates of defined complex organisms in controlled conditions. Key examples of biological organism adaptation capabilities to extreme environmental parameters finally enabled a discussion about the emergence of early primordial biological lifeforms, from natural biotechnology and evolutionary points of view. Overall, the provided examples/similarities confirm the interest in further transposing natural processes and phenomena to controlled laboratory settings with the ultimate goal of gaining better control and modulation capacities over the metabolic activities of complex biological organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Laurent
- Regenerative Therapy Unit, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Applied Research Department, LAM Biotechnologies SA, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
- Manufacturing Department, TEC-PHARMA SA, CH-1038 Bercher, Switzerland
| | - Corinne Scaletta
- Regenerative Therapy Unit, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Abdel-Sayed
- Regenerative Therapy Unit, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
- DLL Bioengineering, STI School of Engineering, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Wassim Raffoul
- Lausanne Burn Center, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Plastic, Reconstructive, and Hand Surgery Service, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Hirt-Burri
- Regenerative Therapy Unit, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Lee Ann Applegate
- Regenerative Therapy Unit, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Lausanne Burn Center, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Plastic, Reconstructive, and Hand Surgery Service, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Center for Applied Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-21-314-35-10
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A Federated Blockchain Approach for Fertility Preservation and Assisted Reproduction in Smart Cities. SMART CITIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/smartcities5020031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Modern life is making people infertile. Giving birth later in life is wreaking havoc on our fertility and threatening human survival. Smart cities intend to optimize the quality of life of their citizens by utilizing technology for smarter living. This research first identifies the requirements and business opportunities of using advanced technology for smarter fertility preservation and assisted reproduction in smart cities. A federated blockchain approach is proposed for the alliance of integrated commercial egg banks (ICEBs). In particular, we designed a membership fee rebate (MFR) mechanism that offers incentives for blockchain creations in the egg banking alliance. We formulated the MFR problem into a leader–followers Stackelberg game whose objectives are (1) to maximize the benefits of forming the alliance (the leader) and (2) to maximize the benefits in each ICEB (the follower). We developed an iterative scheme that utilizes mathematical programming techniques to solve the two-level, Stackelberg game problem. With a given set of parameters of the alliance and membership fee function, and the average number of blocks generated for an oocyte, the iterative scheme achieves the optimal solution for the MFR rate per block created. A numerical example demonstrates the feasibility and applicability of the proposed iterative scheme. Numerical results show that it achieves good solutions in adding a small to medium-sized new ICEB to the existing alliance. The proposed federated approach lays the foundation for developing a blockchain-based egg banking platform.
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