1
|
Brouillet S, Gala A, Barry F, Anav M, Ferrieres-Hoa A, Andreeva A, Molinari N, Gaspari L, Loup V, Anahory T, Hamamah S. Artificial shrinkage before fresh blastocyst transfer and IVF outcomes: a pilot randomized controlled study. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 49:103941. [PMID: 38824764 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2024.103941] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does artificial shrinkage before fresh blastocyst transfer improve clinical pregnancy rates in IVF? DESIGN In this monocentric prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled pilot study, 150 couples undergoing fresh single-blastocyst transfer were randomized between 20 May 2018 and 22 February 2022. In the artificial shrinkage group (AS group), a single laser pulse was directed to the cellular junction of the trophectoderm on the opposite side of the inner cell mass in each blastocyst. IVF outcomes were clinical pregnancy, multiple pregnancy and live birth rates. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) concentration was also measured by quantitative real-time PCR in the blastocyst culture medium. RESULTS In total, 142 couples underwent fresh single-blastocyst transfer: control group, no artificial shrinkage, n = 47; and AS group, artificial shrinkage, n = 95; An intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis was employed. After a reassessment and the exclusion of patients with major protocol deviations, 139 couples underwent fresh single-blastocyst transfer under optimal conditions: control group, n = 47; and AS group, n = 92; a per-protocol analysis was used here. The clinical and laboratory characteristics were not significantly different between the groups. The clinical pregnancy rate was similar in the control and AS groups (ITT: 48.9% versus 49.5%, P = 0.97; per protocol: 48.94% versus 51.1%, P = 0.89). The multiple pregnancy rate and the live birth rate were also similar between the groups. No significant differences in gestational age, birthweight or proportion of male/female newborns were observed. The concentration of cfDNA in the blastocyst culture medium was not associated with IVF outcome. CONCLUSIONS Large-scale randomized controlled trials are required to confirm these preliminary results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Brouillet
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, CHU and University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Developpement Embryonnaire Fertilite et Environnement, University of Montpellier, INSERM 1203, Montpellier, France
| | - Anna Gala
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, CHU and University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Developpement Embryonnaire Fertilite et Environnement, University of Montpellier, INSERM 1203, Montpellier, France
| | - Fatima Barry
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, CHU and University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Developpement Embryonnaire Fertilite et Environnement, University of Montpellier, INSERM 1203, Montpellier, France
| | - Margaux Anav
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, CHU and University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Developpement Embryonnaire Fertilite et Environnement, University of Montpellier, INSERM 1203, Montpellier, France
| | - Alice Ferrieres-Hoa
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, CHU and University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Developpement Embryonnaire Fertilite et Environnement, University of Montpellier, INSERM 1203, Montpellier, France
| | - Aneta Andreeva
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, CHU and University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Developpement Embryonnaire Fertilite et Environnement, University of Montpellier, INSERM 1203, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Molinari
- Institut Desbrest d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, University of Montpellier, INSERM, PreMEdical, INRIA, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Laura Gaspari
- Developpement Embryonnaire Fertilite et Environnement, University of Montpellier, INSERM 1203, Montpellier, France
| | - Vanessa Loup
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, CHU and University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Developpement Embryonnaire Fertilite et Environnement, University of Montpellier, INSERM 1203, Montpellier, France
| | - Tal Anahory
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Montpellier University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Samir Hamamah
- Department of Reproductive Biology-CECOS, CHU and University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Developpement Embryonnaire Fertilite et Environnement, University of Montpellier, INSERM 1203, Montpellier, France.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rahav Koren R, Miller N, Moran R, Decter D, Berkowitz A, Haikin Herzberger E, Wiser A. GnRH agonist-triggering ovulation in women with advanced age. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16401. [PMID: 36180515 PMCID: PMC9525572 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20619-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluates the effect of GnRH agonist (GnRHa) trigger for ovulation induction among women with advanced maternal age (AMA). This is a retrospective study performed at a single assisted reproductive technology centre, 2012 to 2020. A total of 306 patients with 515 IVF cycles who were triggered with GnRHa for Ovum Pick Up (OPU), were divided into two groups according to maternal age: age ≥ 40 and age < 40. The groups were compared for demographics, stimulation parameters of IVF treatment and IVF treatment outcomes. The patients in the age < 40 group were approximately 10 years younger than the patients in the age ≥ 40 group (31 ± 5.4 vs. 41.5 ± 1.3 years, p < 0.001). The age ≥ 40 group had significantly higher mean E2/retrieved oocytes ratio, compared to the age < 40 group (310.3 ± 200.6 pg/ml vs. 239 ± 168.2 pg/ml, p = 0.003), and a lower mean MII/retrieved oocyte (35 ± 37.8 vs. 43.4 ± 35.9, p = 0.05, respectively). Multivariable logistic regression analysis for E2/retrieved oocytes demonstrated that age < 40 and total dose of gonadotropins were significant variables. In conclusion, GnRHa for ovulation triggering in high responder patients prior to OPU appears to be a good option for AMA. However, this population is characterized by different parameters of ovarian response that require further evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roni Rahav Koren
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, 59 Tchernichovsky St., 4428164, Kfar Saba, Israel. .,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Netanella Miller
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, 59 Tchernichovsky St., 4428164, Kfar Saba, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Rimon Moran
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, 59 Tchernichovsky St., 4428164, Kfar Saba, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dean Decter
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, 59 Tchernichovsky St., 4428164, Kfar Saba, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Arie Berkowitz
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, 59 Tchernichovsky St., 4428164, Kfar Saba, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Einat Haikin Herzberger
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, 59 Tchernichovsky St., 4428164, Kfar Saba, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Amir Wiser
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, 59 Tchernichovsky St., 4428164, Kfar Saba, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rahav-Koren R, Inbar S, Miller N, Wiser A, Yagur Y, Berkowitz C, Farladansky-Gershnabel S, Shulman A, Berkowitz A. Thawing day 3 embryos and culturing to day 5 may be a better method for frozen embryo transfer. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2941-2946. [PMID: 34549329 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02321-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Does thawing cleavage embryos and culturing them for transfer as blastocysts improve pregnancy and perinatal outcomes compared to transferring thawed blastocysts? METHODS Retrospective, observational cohort study performed at two assisted reproductive technology centers, 2014 to 2020. A total of 450 patients with 463 thawed embryo transfer cycles were divided into 2 groups according to the embryonic developmental stage at cryopreservation and transfer: 231 thawed blastocysts (day 5 group) and 232 thawed cleavage embryos that were cultured for 2 days and transferred as blastocysts (day 3-5 group). The two groups were compared for demographics, routine parameters of IVF treatment, pregnancy rates, and perinatal outcomes. RESULTS Multivariable logistic regression analysis for ongoing pregnancy and delivery demonstrated that the day 3-5 group had a greater likelihood of achieving ongoing pregnancy and delivery compared to the day 5 group (OR 1.58, 95%CI 1.062-2.361, p = 0.024). Perinatal outcomes were comparable between the three groups. CONCLUSION Our results support culturing post-thaw cleavage embryos for 2 days and transferring them as blastocysts to increase chances of ongoing pregnancy and delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roni Rahav-Koren
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, 59 Tchernichovsky St, 4428164, Kfar Saba, Israel. .,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Shmuel Inbar
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, 59 Tchernichovsky St, 4428164, Kfar Saba, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Netanella Miller
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, 59 Tchernichovsky St, 4428164, Kfar Saba, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Amir Wiser
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, 59 Tchernichovsky St, 4428164, Kfar Saba, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yael Yagur
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, 59 Tchernichovsky St, 4428164, Kfar Saba, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Chen Berkowitz
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 9112102, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sivan Farladansky-Gershnabel
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, 59 Tchernichovsky St, 4428164, Kfar Saba, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Adrian Shulman
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, 59 Tchernichovsky St, 4428164, Kfar Saba, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Arie Berkowitz
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meir Medical Center, 59 Tchernichovsky St, 4428164, Kfar Saba, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Assuta Medical Center, 75654, Rishon Letzion, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mousavi FS, Ahmadi E, Shirazi A, Shams-Esfandabadi N, Nazari H. The effect of chemical treatment of the sheep embryo zona pellucida on the ability of blastocysts to hatch after vitrification and warming. Vet Med Sci 2021; 8:405-410. [PMID: 34532986 PMCID: PMC8788952 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The embryo release from the zona pellucida is of prerequisites of successful implantation. OBJECTIVES Regarding the negative impact of embryo cryopreservation on the blastocysts hatchability, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of treating embryonic zona pellucida with pronase or acidic Tyrode's solution (ATS) before morula formation on the viability, freezability, and hatchability of vitrified-warmed resulted blastocysts. METHODS In the first experiment, the zona pellucida of 3- and 4-day-old embryos were treated with the above compounds for 30 or 45 s. Then, the competency of the treated embryos to reach to blastocyst stage and the hatchability of resulting blastocysts were investigated. In the second experiment, the cryo-survivability and hatching rate of blastocysts resulting from 3-day-old embryos treated with pronase and ATS for 30 s were tested. RESULTS In the first experiment and in contrast to the 45 s exposure, 30-s exposure of embryos to pronase or ATS did not have negative effect on the viability and development of embryos to blastocyst stage. In the second experiment, the freezability of blastocysts derived from 3-day-old embryos treated with pronase and ATS for 30 s was not different from that of the control group. However, the hatching rate of the pronase group was significantly higher than that of the control group. CONCLUSION The results of the present study showed that reducing the thickness of zona pellucida of sheep embryos with pronase had no negative effect on the developmental competency and freezability of the treated embryos and improved the hatchability of vitrified-warmed blastocysts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh-Sadat Mousavi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Ahmadi
- Research Institute of Animal Embryo Technology, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Shirazi
- Research Institute of Animal Embryo Technology, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran.,Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Naser Shams-Esfandabadi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran.,Research Institute of Animal Embryo Technology, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Hassan Nazari
- Research Institute of Animal Embryo Technology, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lacey L, Hassan S, Franik S, Seif MW, Akhtar MA. Assisted hatching on assisted conception (in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 3:CD001894. [PMID: 33730422 PMCID: PMC8094760 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd001894.pub6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Failure of implantation and conception may result from inability of the blastocyst to escape from its outer coat, which is known as the zona pellucida. Artificial disruption of this coat is known as assisted hatching and has been proposed as a method for improving the success of assisted conception by facilitating embryo implantation. OBJECTIVES To determine effects of assisted hatching (AH) of embryos derived from assisted conception on live birth and multiple pregnancy rates. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Specialised Register (until May 2020), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; until May 2020), in the Cochrane Library; MEDLINE (1966 to May 2020); and Embase (1980 to May 2020). We also searched trial registers for ongoing and registered trials (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov - a service of the US National Institutes of Health; http://www.who.int/trialsearch/Default.aspx - The World Health Organization International Trials Registry Platform search portal) (May 2020). SELECTION CRITERIA Two review authors identified and independently screened trials. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of AH (mechanical, chemical, or laser disruption of the zona pellucida before embryo replacement) versus no AH that reported live birth or clinical pregnancy data. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures recommended by Cochrane. Two review authors independently performed quality assessments and data extraction. MAIN RESULTS We included 39 RCTs (7249 women). All reported clinical pregnancy data, including 2486 clinical pregnancies. Only 14 studies reported live birth data, with 834 live birth events. The quality of evidence ranged from very low to low. The main limitations were serious risk of bias associated with poor reporting of study methods, inconsistency, imprecision, and publication bias. Five trials are currently ongoing. We are uncertain whether assisted hatching improved live birth rates compared to no assisted hatching (odds ratio (OR) 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.92 to 1.29; 14 RCTs, N = 2849; I² = 20%; low-quality evidence). This analysis suggests that if the live birth rate in women not using assisted hatching is about 28%, the rate in those using assisted hatching will be between 27% and 34%. Analysis of multiple pregnancy rates per woman showed that in women who were randomised to AH compared with women randomised to no AH, there may have been a slight increase in multiple pregnancy rates (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.68; 18 RCTs, N = 4308; I² = 48%; low-quality evidence). This suggests that if the multiple pregnancy rate in women not using assisted hatching is about 9%, the rate in those using assisted hatching will be between 10% and 14%. When all of the included studies (39) are pooled, the clinical pregnancy rate in women who underwent AH may improve slightly in comparison to no AH (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.33; 39 RCTs, N = 7249; I² = 55%; low-quality evidence). However, when a random-effects model is used due to high heterogeneity, there may be little to no difference in clinical pregnancy rate (P = 0.04). All 14 RCTs that reported live birth rates also reported clinical pregnancy rates, and analysis of these studies illustrates that AH may make little to no difference in clinical pregnancy rates when compared to no AH (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.25; 14 RCTs, N = 2848; I² = 45%). We are uncertain about whether AH affects miscarriage rates due to the quality of the evidence (OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.56; 17 RCTs, N = 2810; I² = 0%; very low-quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This update suggests that we are uncertain of the effects of assisted hatching (AH) on live birth rates. AH may lead to increased risk of multiple pregnancy. The risks of complications associated with multiple pregnancy may be increased without evidence to demonstrate an increase in live birth rate, warranting careful consideration of the routine use of AH for couples undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). AH may offer a slightly increased chance of achieving a clinical pregnancy, but data quality was of low grade. We are uncertain about whether AH influences miscarriage rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Lacey
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Sibte Hassan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Sebastian Franik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Mourad W Seif
- Department of Gynaecology, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - M Ahsan Akhtar
- Reproductive Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kamel Mohamed M, El-Noury MAH, Amer MK, Fakhry E, Alalfy M. Comparative study between two techniques for artificial shrinkage of blastocysts prior to vitrification: LASER pulse versus micro-needle technique in increasing chemical, clinical pregnancy and live birth rates after ICSI, a randomized controlled trial. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2021; 35:4910-4917. [PMID: 33645399 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2021.1873265] [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: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This work investigates ICSI outcome between LASER Artificial Shrinkage (LAS) and Micro-Needle Artificial Shrinkage (MNAS) before vitrification. PATIENTS AND METHODS Four hundred and nine women were included in the study; which were randomly divided into two groups according to the technique used for artificial shrinkage step of the blastocyst before vitrification: in the first group, Laser beam was used while in the second group the micro-needle was used. Ovarian stimulation was done before the ICSI procedure either by long, short or antagonist protocol. RESULTS The statistical analysis of our study revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding age, number of cases, AMH, Basal FSH, BMI, male factor, usage ovarian stimulation protocol, high quality blastocysts, the mean number of transferred embryos. While, there was a statistically significant difference between two groups after thawing with p-value < .001 in favor of the LAS method regarding the morphology of originally high quality blastocysts, blastocysts healthiness (not degenerated), pregnancy rate, the implantation rates. CONCLUSION LASER artificial shrinkage of human blastocysts is a promising technology that could be implemented on a wider basis to improve ART practice, as our study revealed that the usage of LASER pulse for artificial shrinkage of blastocysts before vitrification has better implantation rate as well as better chemical and clinical pregnancy rate in comparison to the usage of micro-needle artificial shrinkage of blastocysts before vitrification. There is a statistically significant difference regarding live birth rate being more in the LASER group as compared to needle group, also the number of twins ether identical or non-identical are larger in laser group than in needle group but with no statistically significant difference. Clinical trials.gov ID: NCT04125017.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Medhat Kamel Amer
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Adam International Hospital, Cairo, Egypt.,Andrology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Emad Fakhry
- Andrology, Adam International Hospital, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Alalfy
- Reproductive Health and Family Planning Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Egypt; Adam International Hospital, Aljazeerah Hospital, Giza, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wilsher S, Rigali F, Kovacsy S, Allen WT. Successful vitrification of manually punctured equine embryos. Equine Vet J 2020; 53:1227-1233. [PMID: 33326638 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Successful vitrification of equine expanded blastocysts requires collapse of the blastocoele cavity using a micromanipulator-mounted biopsy pipette on an inverted microscope. Such equipment is expensive and requires user skill. OBJECTIVES To develop a manual method of blastocoele collapse prior to vitrification using commercial products. STUDY DESIGN In vivo experiment. METHODS Seventy-nine Day 7 or 8 embryos were measured and graded. Twenty were vitrified following micromanipulator-assisted puncture and aspiration before being used to validate commercial human vitrification and warming kits containing, respectively, 2-step concentrations of DMSO and ethylene glycol (7.5%-15% v:v) and decreasing concentrations of sucrose. After warming, embryos were transferred to recipient mares. Once validated, the commercial kits were used to vitrify and warm a further 39 embryos which were punctured manually using a microneedle, 2 (5%) were damaged during puncture and excluded; 20 more embryos were vitrified without puncture. Embryos were grouped as follows: non-punctured ≤ 300µm (n = 10) and >300 to ≤560 µm (n = 10), punctured small (>300 to ≤560 µm; n = 17) and large (>560 µm; n = 10) and exposed to the equilibration solution (ES) in the kit for 6min. An additional group of punctured large embryos was exposed to ES for 8min (n = 10). For the initial warming step, embryos were exposed for 1min to the thawing solution at 42°C, before being moved to a dilution solution at room temperature. RESULTS Vitrified, manually punctured embryos ≤560 µm exposed to ES for 6min resulted in a pregnancy rate of 82% (14/17). Unpunctured embryos ≤300 µm gave an 80% (8/10) pregnancy rate. Larger unpunctured embryos, punctured embryos >560 µm and embryos exposed to ES for 8min gave significantly reduced pregnancy rates. MAIN LIMITATIONS Limited group sizes. CONCLUSION High pregnancy rates can be achieved by manually puncturing ≤560 µm equine embryos prior to their vitrification and subsequent warming in commercial media.
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang F, Wang J, Lü D, Zheng L, Shangguan B, Gao Y, Wu Y, Long M. Mechanomics analysis of hESCs under combined mechanical shear, stretch, and compression. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2020; 20:205-222. [PMID: 32809130 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-020-01378-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can differentiate to three germ layers within biochemical and biomechanical niches. The complicated mechanical environments in vivo could have diverse effects on the fate decision and biological functions of hESCs. To globally screen mechanosensitive molecules, three typical types of mechanical stimuli, i.e., tensile stretch, shear flow, and mechanical compression, were applied in respective parameter sets of loading pattern, amplitude, frequency, and/or duration, and then, iTRAQ proteomics test was used for identifying and quantifying differentially expressed proteins in hESCs. Bioinformatics analysis identified 37, 41, and 23 proteins under stretch pattern, frequency, and duration, 13, 18, and 41 proteins under shear pattern, amplitude, and duration, and 4, 0, and 183 proteins under compression amplitude, frequency, and duration, respectively, where distinct parameters yielded the differentially weighted preferences under each stimulus. Ten mechanosensitive proteins were commonly shared between two of three mechanical stimuli, together with numerous proteins identified under single stimulus. More importantly, functional GSEA and WGCNA analyses elaborated the variations of the screened proteins with loading parameters. Common functions in protein synthesis and modification were identified among three stimuli, and specific functions were observed in skin development under stretch alone. In conclusion, mechanomics analysis is indispensable to map actual mechanosensitive proteins under physiologically mimicking mechanical environment, and sheds light on understanding the core hub proteins in mechanobiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhang
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory) and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.,School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jiawen Wang
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory) and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.,School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Dongyuan Lü
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory) and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.,School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Lu Zheng
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory) and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.,School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Bing Shangguan
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory) and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Yuxin Gao
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory) and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory) and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.,School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Mian Long
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory) and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China. .,School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wilsher S, Rigali F, Kovacsy S, Allen WT. Puncture of the Equine Embryonic Capsule and Its Repair In Vivo and In Vitro. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 93:103194. [PMID: 32972680 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Vitrification of embryos >300 µm in diameter requires puncture of the glycoprotein capsule, although the size of the hole compatible with embryo survival is unknown. Forty-five day-7 or -8 embryos were punctured using a 30-µm glass biopsy pipette mounted on a micromanipulator (n = 20) or manually with either an acupuncture needle (∼100-µm diameter -hole; n = 10) or a microneedle with a <1 µm tip to produce a ∼30-µm diameter hole (n = 15) before transferring to recipient mares; further 12 embryos were punctured with either the acupuncture needle or microneedle before being cultured in vitro for 48 hrs (n = 3 per puncture group) or transferred to recipient mares and recovered 48 hrs later (n = 3 per puncture group). No pregnancies resulted from the 10 embryos punctured with the acupuncture needle, whereas 15 of 20 (75%) and 10 of 15 (67%) punctured on the micromanipulator or manually with the microneedle resulted pregnancies. Neither acupunctured nor microneedle-punctured embryos repaired their capsules in vitro. The acupunctured embryos also failed to repair their capsule after 48 hrs in vivo and subsequent uterine flushing yielded numerous capsular vesicles. The microneedle-punctured embryos did repair their capsule in vivo. Puncture with the microneedle opens the way for development of a manual method to vitrify equine embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sofia Kovacsy
- Sharjah Equine Hospital, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Davidson LM, Liu Y, Griffiths T, Jones C, Coward K. Laser technology in the ART laboratory: a narrative review. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 38:725-739. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
11
|
Martinez CA, Cambra JM, Nohalez A, Parrilla I, Roca J, Vazquez JL, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Gil MA, Martinez EA, Cuello C. Prevention of hatching of porcine morulae and blastocysts by liquid storage at 20 °C. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6219. [PMID: 30996298 PMCID: PMC6470143 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42712-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitrification is the ideal method for long-lasting storage of porcine embryos. However, both strict airline regulations for transport of liquid nitrogen dewars and the technical problems experienced when vitrified embryos are transferred using non-surgical procedures have led to the introduction of alternative storage methods, such as preserving embryos in liquid state. This study evaluated whether a pH-stable medium containing high concentrations of either foetal calf serum (FCS; 50%) or BSA (4%) combined with storage at temperatures of 17 °C or 20 °C maintained in vivo-derived morulae and blastocysts alive and unhatched (a sanitary requirement for embryo transportation) during 72 h of storage. Neither FCS nor BSA supplements were able to counteract the negative effect of low temperatures (17 °C) on embryonic survival after storage. At 20 °C, the protective effect of FCS or BSA depended on embryo stage. While FCS successfully arrested embryo development of only blastocysts, BSA arrested the development of both morulae and blastocysts. Over 80% of BSA arrested embryos restarted development by conventional culture and progressed to further embryonic stages, including hatching. In conclusion, porcine morulae and blastocysts can survive and remain unhatched during at least 72 h when stored at 20 °C in a BSA-containing medium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina A Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Josep M Cambra
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Alicia Nohalez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jose L Vazquez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Maria A Gil
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Emilio A Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Cristina Cuello
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Buenavista s/n, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wilsher S, Rigali F, Couto G, Camargo S, Allen WR. Vitrification of equine expanded blastocysts following puncture with or without aspiration of the blastocoele fluid. Equine Vet J 2018; 51:500-505. [DOI: 10.1111/evj.13039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - G. Couto
- Sharjah Equine Hospital Sharjah UAE
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Cryopreservation is one of the keystones in clinical infertility treatment. In particular vitrification has become a well-established and widely used routine procedure that has allowed important expansion of therapeutic strategies when IVF is used to treat infertility. Vitrification of human blastocysts allows us to maximize the potential for conception from any single in vitro fertilization cycle and prevents wastage of embryos. The technology may even be used to eliminate fresh embryo transfers for reasons of convenience, uterine receptivity, fertility preservation, preimplantation genetic diagnosis, or emergency management. In this chapter, the application of vitrification technology for cryopreserving human blastocysts will be revealed through step-by-step protocols. The results that are presented using the described protocols underscore the robustness of the vitrification technology for embryo cryopreservation.
Collapse
|
14
|
Wang C, Feng G, Zhang B, Zhou H, Shu J, Lin R, Chen H, Wu Z. Effect of different artificial shrinkage methods, when applied before blastocyst vitrification, on perinatal outcomes. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2017; 15:32. [PMID: 28446183 PMCID: PMC5406977 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-017-0252-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, single blastocyst transfer combined with vitrification has been applied widely, which can maximize the cumulative pregnancy rate in per oocyte retrieval cycles and minimize the multiple pregnancy rate. Thus, the guarantee for these is the effectiveness of vitrified blastocyst. Studies has shown that AS of the blastocoel cavity prior to vitrification can reduce injuries, increase the thawed blastocyst survival rate and implantation rate. Several AS methods have been established. However, only a few studies have compared the effectiveness and safety of these AS methods. In this study, we aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and neonatal outcomes in FET cycles with single blastocyst that were artificially shrunk before vitrification by either LAS or MNAS method. METHODS A retrospective comparative study of FET cycles in infertile patients which were at our clinic between January 2013 and December 2014. These FET cycles were divided into two groups by the shrinking methods used before vitrification and the clinical and neonatal outcomes were assessed. RESULTS There were no statistically differences in blastocyst survival rates (95.40% vs 94.05%, P > 0.05) between the LAS and MNAS groups. However, compared with MNAS, LAS improved the warmed blastocyst implantation/clinical pregnancy rate (60.82% vs 54.37%, P < 0.05), live birth rate (50.43% vs 45.22%, P < 0.05) and also increased the monozygotic twin rate (4.07% vs 1.73%, P < 0.05). There were no differences in the average gestational weeks (38.83 ± 1.57 vs 38.74 ± 1.75), premature birth rate (0.30% vs 0.49%), average birth weight (3217.89 ± 489.98 g vs 3150.88 ± 524.03 g), low birth weight rate (5.60% vs 8.63%) and malformation rate (0.59% vs 0.48%) (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS No significant differences in neonatal outcomes were observed, while in clinical outcomes, LAS improved the warmed blastocyst implantation/clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate markedly, there was also an increased risk of monozygotic twin pregnancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caizhu Wang
- grid.410649.eCenter of Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530003 China
| | - Guixue Feng
- grid.410649.eCenter of Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530003 China
| | - Bo Zhang
- grid.410649.eCenter of Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530003 China
| | - Hong Zhou
- grid.410649.eCenter of Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530003 China
| | - Jinhui Shu
- grid.410649.eCenter of Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530003 China
| | - Ruoyun Lin
- grid.410649.eCenter of Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530003 China
| | - Huanhua Chen
- grid.410649.eCenter of Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530003 China
| | - Zhulian Wu
- grid.410649.eCenter of Reproductive Medicine, Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530003 China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lin R, Feng G, Shu J, Zhang B, Zhou H, Gan X, Wang C, Chen H. Blastocoele re-expansion time in vitrified-warmed cycles is a strong predictor of clinical pregnancy outcome. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2017; 43:689-695. [PMID: 28127833 DOI: 10.1111/jog.13257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyun Lin
- Reproductive Medicine center, Maternal and Child Health Hospital; Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region; Nanning China
| | - Guixue Feng
- Reproductive Medicine center, Maternal and Child Health Hospital; Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region; Nanning China
| | - Jinhui Shu
- Reproductive Medicine center, Maternal and Child Health Hospital; Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region; Nanning China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine center, Maternal and Child Health Hospital; Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region; Nanning China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine center, Maternal and Child Health Hospital; Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region; Nanning China
| | - Xianyou Gan
- Reproductive Medicine center, Maternal and Child Health Hospital; Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region; Nanning China
| | - Caizhu Wang
- Reproductive Medicine center, Maternal and Child Health Hospital; Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region; Nanning China
| | - Huanhua Chen
- Reproductive Medicine center, Maternal and Child Health Hospital; Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region; Nanning China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Poli M, Ori A, Child T, Jaroudi S, Spath K, Beck M, Wells D. Characterization and quantification of proteins secreted by single human embryos prior to implantation. EMBO Mol Med 2016; 7:1465-79. [PMID: 26471863 PMCID: PMC4644378 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201505344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of in vitro fertilization (IVF) has revolutionized the treatment of infertility and is now responsible for 1–5% of all births in industrialized countries. During IVF, it is typical for patients to generate multiple embryos. However, only a small proportion of them possess the genetic and metabolic requirements needed in order to produce a healthy pregnancy. The identification of the embryo with the greatest developmental capacity represents a major challenge for fertility clinics. Current methods for the assessment of embryo competence are proven inefficient, and the inadvertent transfer of non-viable embryos is the principal reason why most IVF treatments (approximately two-thirds) end in failure. In this study, we investigate how the application of proteomic measurements could improve success rates in clinical embryology. We describe a procedure that allows the identification and quantification of proteins of embryonic origin, present in attomole concentrations in the blastocoel, the enclosed fluid-filled cavity that forms within 5-day-old human embryos. By using targeted proteomics, we demonstrate the feasibility of quantifying multiple proteins in samples derived from single blastocoels and that such measurements correlate with aspects of embryo viability, such as chromosomal (ploidy) status. This study illustrates the potential of high-sensitivity proteomics to measure clinically relevant biomarkers in minute samples and, more specifically, suggests that key aspects of embryo competence could be measured using a proteomic-based strategy, with negligible risk of harm to the living embryo. Our work paves the way for the development of “next-generation” embryo competence assessment strategies, based on functional proteomics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Poli
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Reproductive Sciences University of Oxford, Oxford, UK Oxford Fertility Unit, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Oxford, UK Reprogenetics UK, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Oxford, UK
| | - Alessandro Ori
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Structural and Computational Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tim Child
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Reproductive Sciences University of Oxford, Oxford, UK Oxford Fertility Unit, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Oxford, UK
| | - Souraya Jaroudi
- Reprogenetics UK, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Oxford, UK
| | - Katharina Spath
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Reproductive Sciences University of Oxford, Oxford, UK Reprogenetics UK, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Oxford, UK
| | - Martin Beck
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Structural and Computational Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dagan Wells
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Reproductive Sciences University of Oxford, Oxford, UK Reprogenetics UK, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hur YS, Ryu EK, Song SH, Yoon SH, Lim KS, Lee WD, Lim JH. A retrospective study of single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2016; 43:106-11. [PMID: 27358829 PMCID: PMC4925865 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2016.43.2.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Revised: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the clinical outcomes of single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer cycles according to the hatching status of frozen-thawed blastocysts. METHODS Frozen-thawed blastocysts were divided into three groups according to their hatching status as follows: less-than-expanded blastocyst (≤EdB), hatching blastocyst (HgB), and hatched blastocyst (HdB). The female age and infertility factors of each group were evaluated. The quality of the single frozen-thawed blastocyst was also graded as grade A, tightly packed inner cell mass (ICM) and many cells organized in the trophectoderm epithelium (TE); grade B, several and loose ICM and TE; and grade C, very few ICM and a few cells in the TE. The clinical pregnancy and implantation rate were compared between each group. The data were analyzed by either t-test or chi-square analysis. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences in average female ages, infertility factors, or the distribution of blastocyst grades A, B, and C in each group. There was no significant difference in the clinical pregnancy and implantation rate of each group according to their blastocyst grade. However, there was a significant difference in the clinical pregnancy and implantation rate between each group. In the HdB group, the clinical pregnancy and implantation rate were similar regardless of the blastocyst quality. CONCLUSION There was an effect on the clinical outcomes depending on whether the blastocyst hatched during single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer. When performing single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer, the hatching status of the frozen-thawed blastocyst may be a more important parameter for clinical outcomes than the quality of the frozen-thawed blastocyst.
Collapse
|
18
|
Shahbazi MN, Jedrusik A, Vuoristo S, Recher G, Hupalowska A, Bolton V, Fogarty NNM, Campbell A, Devito L, Ilic D, Khalaf Y, Niakan KK, Fishel S, Zernicka-Goetz M. Self-organization of the human embryo in the absence of maternal tissues. Nat Cell Biol 2016; 18:700-708. [PMID: 27144686 PMCID: PMC5049689 DOI: 10.1038/ncb3347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 441] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Remodelling of the human embryo at implantation is indispensable for successful pregnancy. Yet it has remained mysterious because of the experimental hurdles that beset the study of this developmental phase. Here, we establish an in vitro system to culture human embryos through implantation stages in the absence of maternal tissues and reveal the key events of early human morphogenesis. These include segregation of the pluripotent embryonic and extra-embryonic lineages, and morphogenetic rearrangements leading to generation of a bilaminar disc, formation of a pro-amniotic cavity within the embryonic lineage, appearance of the prospective yolk sac, and trophoblast differentiation. Using human embryos and human pluripotent stem cells, we show that the reorganization of the embryonic lineage is mediated by cellular polarization leading to cavity formation. Together, our results indicate that the critical remodelling events at this stage of human development are embryo-autonomous, highlighting the remarkable and unanticipated self-organizing properties of human embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta N Shahbazi
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience; Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Agnieszka Jedrusik
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience; Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Sanna Vuoristo
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience; Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Gaelle Recher
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience; Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Anna Hupalowska
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience; Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Virginia Bolton
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, Women's Health Academic Centre, Assisted Conception Unit, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Norah N M Fogarty
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, Mill Hill Laboratory, London, NW7 1AA, UK
| | - Alison Campbell
- CARE Fertility Group, John Webster House, 6 Lawrence Drive, Nottingham Business Park, Nottingham, NG8 6PZ, UK
| | - Liani Devito
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, Women's Health Academic Centre, Assisted Conception Unit, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Dusko Ilic
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, Women's Health Academic Centre, Assisted Conception Unit, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Yakoub Khalaf
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, Women's Health Academic Centre, Assisted Conception Unit, Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Kathy K Niakan
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, Mill Hill Laboratory, London, NW7 1AA, UK
| | - Simon Fishel
- CARE Fertility Group, John Webster House, 6 Lawrence Drive, Nottingham Business Park, Nottingham, NG8 6PZ, UK
| | - Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience; Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Artificial shrinkage of blastocysts prior to vitrification improves pregnancy outcome: analysis of 1028 consecutive warming cycles. J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 33:461-6. [PMID: 26781264 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0655-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to compare implantation, pregnancy, and delivery rates in frozen transfer cycles with blastocysts that were vitrified either with artificial shrinking (AS group) or without (NAS group). METHODS Retrospective comparative study of artificial shrinking of blastocysts prior to vitrification and frozen embryo transfer cycles in infertile patients undergoing frozen embryo transfer (FET) was done at the Humanitas Fertility Center between October 2009 and December 2013. Main outcome measure(s) were implantation (IR), pregnancy (PR), and delivery rates (DR) between the two groups. RESULTS A total of 1028 consecutive warming blastocyst transfer cycles were considered. In 580 cycles (total of 822 blastocysts), artificial shrinking was performed prior to vitrification (AS group), while in the remaining 448 cycles (total of 625 blastocysts), the artificial shrinking was not performed (NAS group). There were no differences in patient age (36.4 ± 3.7 vs. 36.3 ± 3.9) and number of embryos transferred (1.41 ± 0.49 vs. 1.38 ± 0.50) between groups. The IR, PR, and DR in the AS group were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in the NAS group (29.9 vs. 23.0 %, 36.3 vs. 27.9 %, and 26.5 vs. 18.1 %, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Performing AS of blastocysts prior to vitrification appears to improve implantation, pregnancy, and delivery rates probably related to a decreased risk of ultrastructural cryodamages, plausible when cryopreserving expanded blastocysts.
Collapse
|
20
|
Van Landuyt L, Polyzos N, De Munck N, Blockeel C, Van de Velde H, Verheyen G. A prospective randomized controlled trial investigating the effect of artificial shrinkage (collapse) on the implantation potential of vitrified blastocysts. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:2509-18. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
21
|
Gala A, Ferrières A, Assou S, Monforte M, Bringer-Deutsch S, Vintejoux E, Vincens C, Brunet C, Hamamah S. [Effects of artificial shrinkage prior to vitrification in a closed system: a randomized controlled trial]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 42:772-8. [PMID: 25442824 DOI: 10.1016/j.gyobfe.2014.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of induced blastocoele shrinkage before vitrification in a closed carrier device. PATIENTS AND METHODS Prior to vitrification, blastocyst cavity was artificially shrinked by laser pulse or not treated according to a 2:1 randomized procedure. A total of 185 warming cycles from April 2011 to March 2013 have been analyzed. Clinical pregnancy rate and survival rate were compared between the two groups. The mean (±SD) women age was 33.5±5.7 years for both groups. RESULTS The pregnancy rate in the group with artificial reduction of the cavity was higher ([32/67] 47.7%) than in the control group but not significantly ([43/113] 38%). The survival rate in the artificial shrinkage group was significantly higher compared with the control group : 99% (102/103) and 91.8% (168/183) respectively (P=0.01). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION This study reveals that artificial shrinkage of blastocoelic cavity by laser pulse before vitrification in a closed carrier device improves survival rate after warming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Gala
- Institut de recherche en biothérapie, hôpital Saint-Éloi, CHU de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France; U1040, Inserm, 34000 Montpellier, France; UFR de médecine, université Montpellier-1, 34000 Montpellier, France; Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, hôpital Arnaud-de-Villeneuve, CHU de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier cedex 5, France
| | - A Ferrières
- Institut de recherche en biothérapie, hôpital Saint-Éloi, CHU de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France; U1040, Inserm, 34000 Montpellier, France; Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, hôpital Arnaud-de-Villeneuve, CHU de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier cedex 5, France
| | - S Assou
- Institut de recherche en biothérapie, hôpital Saint-Éloi, CHU de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France; U1040, Inserm, 34000 Montpellier, France; UFR de médecine, université Montpellier-1, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - M Monforte
- Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, hôpital Arnaud-de-Villeneuve, CHU de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier cedex 5, France
| | - S Bringer-Deutsch
- Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, hôpital Arnaud-de-Villeneuve, CHU de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier cedex 5, France
| | - E Vintejoux
- Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, hôpital Arnaud-de-Villeneuve, CHU de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier cedex 5, France
| | - C Vincens
- Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, hôpital Arnaud-de-Villeneuve, CHU de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier cedex 5, France
| | - C Brunet
- Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, hôpital Arnaud-de-Villeneuve, CHU de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier cedex 5, France
| | - S Hamamah
- Institut de recherche en biothérapie, hôpital Saint-Éloi, CHU de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France; U1040, Inserm, 34000 Montpellier, France; UFR de médecine, université Montpellier-1, 34000 Montpellier, France; Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, hôpital Arnaud-de-Villeneuve, CHU de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier cedex 5, France.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Cao S, Zhao C, Zhang J, Wu X, Guo X, Ling X. Retrospective clinical analysis of two artificial shrinkage methods applied prior to blastocyst vitrification on the outcome of frozen embryo transfer. J Assist Reprod Genet 2014; 31:577-81. [PMID: 24610097 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0203-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Vitrification significantly improves the rates of blastocyst survival and clinical pregnancy following frozen embryo transfer (FET). However, ice crystal formation during the freezing process reduces the blastocyst survival rate. Artificial shrinkage (AS) prior to blastocyst vitrification decreases the formation of ice crystals, increasing the blastocyst survival rate. The aim of this study was to identify an efficient AS method to improve blastocyst survival rates following vitrification. METHOD Use of the 29-gauge needle AS and Laser pulse AS methods prior to vitrification was compared in terms of the impacts on the rates of blastocyst survival in FET cycles, blastocyst hatching, clinical pregnancy after transfer, embryo implantation, abortion, gestational duration and birth weight. RESULT In total, 438 blastocysts in 219 cycles were thawed, resulting in survival of 407 (92.9 %). Of these, 213 cycles were transferred, resulting in 129 clinical pregnancies (60.6 %) and 140 successful births. There were no differences between the two methods in the rates of blastocyst survival, clinical pregnancy, embryo implantation and abortion. However, the 29-gauge needle AS group was associated with a significantly lower blastocyst hatching rate (83.6 % vs. 91.2 %), shorter average gestational duration (37.36 ± 2.34 vs. 38.06 ± 1.76), and higher premature birth rate (40.00 % vs. 21.15 %) compared with Laser pulse AS group. CONCLUSION No significant differences in the effectiveness of the two methods applied prior to blastocyst vitrification were observed before birth, while after birth, a significantly improved clinical outcome was obtained with laser pulse AS indicating that this is a more effective pre-processing method for blastocyst vitrification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanren Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Post-maturation zona perforation improves porcine parthenogenetic trophoblast culture. Placenta 2014; 35:286-8. [PMID: 24593992 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2014.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Revised: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
This study was designed to optimize a method to improve porcine parthenogenetic embryo hatching and trophoblast culture. Mature oocytes (D0PPA) and day 6 blastocysts (D6PPA) were perforated with a 20 μm diameter needle for assisted hatching. The two groups showed a significant difference in hatching rate and blastocyst cell doubling when compared to a non-perforated control group. D0PPA blastocysts were able to form tertiary trophoblast colonies but D6PPA and control groups were not able to grow beyond primary colonies. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed significant differences in BAX, BAX/BCL2L1 and HSP70-2 mRNA expression between the experimental groups.
Collapse
|
24
|
Short-term storage of tripronucleated human embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2013; 30:1043-7. [PMID: 23820799 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-013-0036-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/20/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the survival and subsequent in vitro development of human cleavage stage embryos and hatched blastocysts following varying periods of short-term storage at 4 °C, using tripronucleated human embryos (TPN) as a model. METHODS TPN cleavage embryos and hatched blastocysts short-term stored at 4 °C for 0 h (control), 24 h and 48 h. The main outcome measures were: survival rates (SR) and in vitro developmental ability (blastocyst rate and blastocyst-re-expansion rate) in each of the groups after storage. RESULTS Cleavage-stage TPN survived at comparable rates to controls, regardless of storage time (average: 97.3 %). The in vitro development of cleavage-stage TPN stored for 24 h was comparable to that of controls (average 64.7 %), but was significantly impaired when storage lasted 48-h (20.8 %). After artificial shrinkage, SR was comparable in 24-h-stored and non-stored hatched blastocysts (85.7 %; p > 0.05), but was significantly impaired in the 48-h-stored group (20.0 %). Following 24-h storage, the re-expansion rate of hatched blastocysts was similar to that of controls (average: 57.1 %; p > 0.05), but was higher than that of the 48-h-stored group (15.0 %; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS TPN human cleavage embryos and blastocysts can be successfully stored short-term for up to 24 h at 4 °C without using cryoprotectants without any significant negative impact on survival or subsequent in vitro development.
Collapse
|
25
|
Carney S, Das S, Blake D, Farquhar C, Seif MM, Nelson L. Assisted hatching on assisted conception (in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012; 12:CD001894. [PMID: 23235584 PMCID: PMC7063386 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd001894.pub5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Failure of implantation and conception may result from an inability of the blastocyst to escape from its outer coat, which is known as the zona pellucida. Artificial disruption of this coat is known as assisted hatching and has been proposed as a method for improving the success of assisted conception by facilitating embryo implantation. OBJECTIVES To determine the effect of assisted hatching (AH) of embryos from assisted conception on live birth and multiple pregnancy rates. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group Specialised Register (August 2012), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (August 2012), MEDLINE (1966 to August 2012) and EMBASE (1980 to August 2012). SELECTION CRITERIA Three authors identified and independently screened trials. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of AH (mechanical, chemical or laser disruption of the zona pellucida prior to embryo replacement) versus no AH that reported live birth or clinical pregnancy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Three authors independently performed quality assessments and data extraction. MAIN RESULTS Thirty-one trials reported clinical pregnancy data, including 1992 clinical pregnancies in 5728 women. There was no significant difference in the odds of live birth in the AH group compared with the control group (9 RCTs; odds ratio (OR) 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85 to 1.26, moderate quality evidence), with no evidence of significant heterogeneity (P = 0.38) or inconsistency (I(2) = 6%). Analysis of the clinical pregnancy rates from the nine studies which reported live birth showed a non-significant result (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.25 ).Analysis of all of the studies included in this update (31 RCTs) showed that the clinical pregnancy rate in women who underwent AH was slightly improved, but the level only just reached statistical significance (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.27, moderate quality evidence). However, it is important to note that the heterogeneity for this combined analysis for clinical pregnancy rate was statistically significant (P = 0.001) and the I(2) was 49%. Subgroup analysis of women who had had a previous failed attempt at IVF found improved clinical pregnancy rates in the women undergoing AH compared with the women in the control group (9 RCTs, n = 1365; OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.81) with I(2) = 20%. Miscarriage rates per woman were similar in both groups (14 RCTs; OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.54, P = 0.90, moderate quality evidence). Multiple pregnancy rates per woman were significantly increased in women who were randomised to AH compared with women in the control groups (14 RCTs, 3447 women; OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.70, P = 0.004, low quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This update has demonstrated that whilst assisted hatching (AH) does appear to offer a significantly increased chance of achieving a clinical pregnancy, the extent to which it may do so only just reaches statistical significance. The 'take home' baby rate was still not proven to be increased by AH. The included trials provided insufficient data to investigate the impact of AH on several important outcomes. Most trials still failed to report on live birth rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah‐Kate Carney
- St Mary's HospitalDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyOxford RoadManchesterUKM139WL
| | - Sangeeta Das
- Bolton NHS Foundation TrustMinerva RoadBoltonUKBL4 0JR
| | - Debbie Blake
- University of AucklandObstetrics and Gynaecology85 Park RdPrivate Bag 92019AucklandNew Zealand1142
| | - Cindy Farquhar
- University of AucklandObstetrics and Gynaecology85 Park RdPrivate Bag 92019AucklandNew Zealand1142
| | - Mourad M Seif
- University of Manchester @ St Mary's HospitalAcademic Unit of Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Reproductive HealthWhitworth ParkManchesterUKM13 0JH
| | - Linsey Nelson
- University of ManchesterAcademic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Cancer and Enabling ScienceRoom L5.CT.383, St. Mary's HospitalOxford RoadManchesterUKM13 9WL
| | | |
Collapse
|