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Emirdar V, Karatasli V, Tamer B, Pala I, Gunturkun F, Ozbaykus C, Işık AZ, Gode F. Influence of a hyaluronan-binding system for sperm selection in intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles on embryo morphokinetic parameters and in vitro fertilization cycle outcomes. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2023; 307:1633-1639. [PMID: 36892604 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-06992-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although the impact of the paternal contribution to embryo quality and blastocyst formation is a well-known phenomenon, the current literature provides insufficient evidence that hyaluronan-binding sperm selection methods improve assisted reproductive treatment outcomes. Thus, we compared the cycle outcomes of morphologically selected intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with hyaluronan binding physiological intracytoplasmic sperm injection (PICSI) cycles. METHODS A total of 2415 ICSI and 400 PICSI procedures of 1630 patients who underwent in vitro fertilization cycles using a time-lapse monitoring system between 2014 and 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. Fertilization rate, embryo quality, clinical pregnancy rate, biochemical pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate were evaluated, differences in morphokinetic parameters and cycle outcomes were compared. RESULTS In total, 85.8 and 14.2% of the whole cohort were fertilized with standard ICSI and PICSI, respectively. The proportion of fertilized oocytes did not significantly differ between groups (74.53 ± 1.33 vs. 72.92 ± 2.64, p > 0.05). Similarly, the proportion of good-quality embryos according to the time-lapse parameters and the clinical pregnancy rate did not significantly differ between groups (71.93 ± 4.21 vs. 71.33 ± 2.64, p > 0.05 and 45.55 ± 2.91 vs. 44.96 ± 1.25, p > 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found between groups in clinical pregnancy rates (45.55 ± 2.91 vs. 44.96 ± 1.25, p > 0.05). Biochemical pregnancy rates (11.24 ± 2.12 vs. 10.85 ± 1.83, p > 0.05) and miscarriage rates (24.89 ± 3.74 vs. 27.91 ± 4.91, p > 0.05) were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION The effects of the PICSI procedure on fertilization rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, embryo quality, and clinical pregnancy outcomes were not superior. The effect of the PICSI procedure on embryo morphokinetics was not apparent when all parameters were considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volkan Emirdar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Izmir Economy University School of Medicine, Medical Park Hospital, Yeni Girne Blv. 1825 Street No: 12 Karşıyaka, Izmir, Turkey. .,Izmir Economy University Medical Park Hospital In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Yeni Girne Blv. 1825 Street No: 12 Karşıyaka, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Volkan Karatasli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, SBU. University of Health Science Tepecik Education and Research Hospital, Yenisehir, Gaziler St. No:468, Konak, 35020, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Burcu Tamer
- Izmir Economy University Medical Park Hospital In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Yeni Girne Blv. 1825 Street No: 12 Karşıyaka, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Pala
- Izmir Economy University Medical Park Hospital In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Yeni Girne Blv. 1825 Street No: 12 Karşıyaka, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Fatma Gunturkun
- Center for Biomedical Informatics, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 875 Monroe Avenue, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Canberk Ozbaykus
- Intensive Care Unit, Taksim Education and Research Hospital, Katip Mustafa Celebi, Sıraselviler Street No:48, Beyoglu, 34433, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Zeki Işık
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Izmir Economy University School of Medicine, Medical Park Hospital, Yeni Girne Blv. 1825 Street No: 12 Karşıyaka, Izmir, Turkey.,Izmir Economy University Medical Park Hospital In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Yeni Girne Blv. 1825 Street No: 12 Karşıyaka, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Funda Gode
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Izmir Economy University School of Medicine, Medical Park Hospital, Yeni Girne Blv. 1825 Street No: 12 Karşıyaka, Izmir, Turkey.,Izmir Economy University Medical Park Hospital In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Yeni Girne Blv. 1825 Street No: 12 Karşıyaka, Izmir, Turkey
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Torra-Massana M, Vassena R, Rodríguez A. Sperm cryopreservation does not affect live birth rate in normozoospermic men: analysis of 7969 oocyte donation cycles. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:400-407. [PMID: 36661036 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does sperm cryopreservation influence the reproductive outcomes of normozoospermic patients in oocyte donation cycles? SUMMARY ANSWER After controlling for confounders, the use of cryopreserved semen from normozoospermic patients does not affect pregnancy and live birth rates after elective ICSI. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Sperm cryopreservation by slow freezing is a common practice in ART. While frozen-thawed semen typically presents reduced motility and vitality, its use for ICSI is generally considered adequate in terms of reproductive outcomes. Nevertheless, most studies comparing reproductive outcomes between fresh and cryopreserved sperm include patients with severe male factor (testicular sperm, oligo-, and/or asthenozoospermia) or women of advanced maternal age, where the altered quality of the gametes can partially mask the full effect of freezing/thawing. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The study included a retrospective cohort of 7969 couples undergoing their first oocyte donation cycle between January 2013 and December 2019 in one large clinic, using normozoospermic semen from the male partner. All cycles involved elective ICSI, fresh oocytes, and a fresh embryo transfer, either at cleavage or blastocyst stage. Two study groups were established based on the sperm status: fresh (n = 2865) and cryopreserved (n = 5104). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A slow freezing protocol was used for all sperm cryopreservation. Sperm washing, capacitation, and selection prior to ICSI were performed identically for fresh and frozen-thawed samples, using pellet swim-up. Fertilization rate (FR), pregnancy (biochemical and ongoing), and live birth rates were compared between study groups using univariate and multivariate regression analyses. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Male and female age, sperm concentration and motility after ejaculation, and number of oocytes inseminated were similar between cycles using fresh or cryopreserved sperm. Analysis by Student's t-test did not indicate a significant difference in FR between fresh and cryopreserved sperm (P = 0.0591); however, after adjusting for confounders, this difference reached statistical significance: 74.65% FR for fresh (CI 95%: 73.92-75.38) versus 73.66% for cryopreserved sperm (CI 95%: 73.11-74.20), P = 0.0334. The adjusted regression analysis revealed higher odds of biochemical pregnancy when using fresh sperm (odds ratio (OR): 1.143, P = 0.0175), but no significant effects of sperm cryopreservation were observed for ongoing pregnancy (OR: 1.101, P = 0.0983) and live birth (OR: 1.082, P = 0.1805). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Caution should be exerted when extrapolating these results to different protocols for sperm cryopreservation and selection, or to IVM, advanced maternal age and classical IVF cycles, which were excluded from analysis. Owing to the retrospective nature of the study, some uncontrolled for variables may affect the results. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Sperm cryopreservation does not affect pregnancy and live birth rates in normozoospermic patients, and although it may lower FR s slightly, this would not be clinically relevant. In line with previous studies that included patients with an apparent male or female factor, sperm cryopreservation is a safe and convenient technique. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study received no external funding and all authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Detailed analysis of cytoplasmic strings in human blastocysts: new insights. ZYGOTE 2023; 31:78-84. [PMID: 36384982 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199422000570] [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: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine if there was an association between the presence of cytoplasmic strings (CS) and their characteristics, with blastocyst quality, development and clinical outcome in human blastocysts. This two-centre cohort study was performed between July 2017 and September 2018 and involved a total of 1152 blastocysts from 225 patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). All embryos were cultured in Embryoscope+ and were assessed for CS using time-lapse images. A single assessor examined all blastocysts and reviewed videos using the EmbyroViewer® Software. Blastocyst quality was assessed on day 5 of embryo development. The number of CS, location and duration of their activity was recorded on days 5/6. A positive association between the presence of CS in human blastocysts with blastocyst quality was identified. Blastocysts with a higher number of CS present, were of higher quality and were in the more advanced stages of development. Top quality blastocysts had CS activity present for longer, as well as having a higher number of vesicles present travelling along the CS. Blastocysts that had CS present, had a significantly higher live birth rate. This study has confirmed that a higher number of CS and vesicles in human blastocysts is associated with top quality blastocysts and is not a negative predictor of development. They had a higher number of CS present that appeared earlier in development and, although ceased activity sooner, had a longer duration of activity. Blastocysts with CS had a significant increase in live birth rate.
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What Does Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Change in Embryonic Development? The Spermatozoon Contribution. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020671. [PMID: 36675600 PMCID: PMC9867417 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020671] [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: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique was invented to solve severe male infertility due to altered sperm parameters. Nowadays, it is applied worldwide for the treatment of couple infertility. ICSI is performed with any available spermatozoon from surgery or ejaculated samples, whatever are the sperm motility, morphology or quantity. The aim of the present review was to study if embryo development and kinetics would be modified by (1) ICSI under the technical aspects, (2) the micro-injected spermatozoa in connection with male infertility. From published data, it can be seen that ICSI anticipates the zygote kinetics Furthermore, because fertilization rate is higher in ICSI compared to conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF), more blastocysts are obtained for clinical use in ICSI. Sperm and spermatozoa characteristics, such as sperm parameters, morphology and vitality, DNA content (levels of sperm DNA fragmentation, microdeletions, and chromosomal abnormalities), RNA content, epigenetics, and sperm recovery site (testicular, epididymis, and ejaculated), have an impact on fertilization and blastocyst rates and embryo kinetics in different ways. Even though ICSI is the most common solution to solve couples' infertility, the causes of male infertility are crucial in building a competent spermatozoa that will contribute to normal embryonic development and healthy offspring.
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Sun Y, Li Y, Zong Y, Mehaisen GMK, Chen J. Poultry genetic heritage cryopreservation and reconstruction: advancement and future challenges. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:115. [PMID: 36210477 PMCID: PMC9549680 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00768-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Poultry genetics resources, including commercial selected lines, indigenous breeds, and experimental lines, are now being irreversibly lost at an alarming rate due to multiple reasons, which further threats the future livelihood and academic purpose. Collections of germplasm may reduce the risk of catastrophic loss of genetic diversity by guaranteeing that a pool of genetic variability is available to ensure the reintroduction and replenishment of the genetic stocks. The setting up of biobanks for poultry is challenging because the high sensitiveness of spermatozoa to freezing–thawing process, inability to cryopreserve the egg or embryo, coupled with the females being heterogametic sex. The progress in cryobiology and biotechnologies have made possible the extension of the range of germplasm for poultry species available in cryobanks, including semen, primordial germ cells, somatic cells and gonads. In this review, we introduce the state-of-the-art technologies for avian genetic resource conservation and breed reconstruction, and discuss the potential challenges for future study and further extending of these technologies to ongoing and future conservation efforts.
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Miller CM, Duong S, Weaver AL, Zhao Y, Shenoy CC. Outcomes of Frozen Oocyte Donor In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Cycles Using Fresh Versus Frozen Sperm. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:1226-1231. [PMID: 34816374 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00796-9] [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: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The ability to use frozen sperm for insemination during in vitro fertilization (IVF) is crucial for patients and for reproductive endocrinologists. However, concerns exist regarding the effects of cryopreservation on sperm quality and IVF outcomes. This study compares outcomes of frozen donor oocyte IVF cycles with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of good quality fresh versus frozen ejaculated sperm. Patients who underwent their first frozen donor oocyte IVF cycle between 2013 and 2019 at Mayo Clinic were identified. The primary outcome was live birth rate (LBR). Secondary outcomes included fertilization rate (FR), blastocyst development rate (BR), and clinical pregnancy rate (CPR). Twenty-six patients used fresh sperm and 19 patients utilized frozen sperm; there were no significant demographic differences between the groups. There were no significant differences noted in CPR, FR, and BR. Although the LBR was not statistically different when frozen versus fresh sperm was utilized (52.6% vs. 61.5%, p = 0.55), there was a distinct trend towards improved outcomes with fresh sperm that may be clinically significant. This data suggests that frozen sperm may be an alternative to a fresh sample, however fresh sperm may ultimately be a better option. This finding should be further explored with studies utilizing a larger sample size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen M Miller
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55901, USA
| | - Stephanie Duong
- Division of Clinical Trials and Biostatistics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Amy L Weaver
- Division of Clinical Trials and Biostatistics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Yulian Zhao
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55901, USA
| | - Chandra C Shenoy
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55901, USA.
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Vogiatzi P, Pouliakis A, Sakellariou M, Athanasiou A, Athanasiou A, Colaghis A, Finelli R, Loutradis D, Henkel R, Agarwal A. Male Age and Progressive Sperm Motility Are Critical Factors Affecting Embryological and Clinical Outcomes in Oocyte Donor ICSI Cycles. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:883-895. [PMID: 34782988 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00801-1] [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: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This retrospective cohort study aimed to explore whether paternal age and semen quality parameters affect the embryological and clinical outcomes of ICSI with oocyte donation. A total of 339 oocyte donation (OD)-ICSI cycles were categorized into four groups according to the semen parameter profiles of the male counterparts: normozoospermia (NS, n = 184), oligozoospermia (OS, n = 41), asthenozoospermia (AS, n = 50), and oligoasthenozoospermia (OAS, n = 64). The effect of age, total sperm count, and progressive motility was separately analyzed for reproductive outcomes and compared between the study groups: fertilization, blastulation, and top-quality embryo rate, biochemical and clinical pregnancy, live birth, and miscarriage. A negative correlation between male age and fertilization rate was observed (rs = - 0.23, p < 0.0001), while male age was a significant factor for biochemical pregnancy (p = 0.0002), clinical pregnancy (p = 0.0017), and live birth (p = 0.0038). Reduced total sperm count and lowered progressive motility led to poorer fertilization rates (rs = 0.19 and 0.35, respectively, p < 0.0001) and affected embryo quality (rs = 0.13, p = 0.02, and rs = 0.22, p < 0.0001, respectively). OD-ICSI cycles with asthenozoospermia had significantly lowered success rates in biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and live birth (p < 0.05). Our study demonstrated that both advanced male age and reduced progressive motility of spermatozoa exert a significant negative influence on the outcome of assisted reproduction, even in controlled procedures with gamete selection and optimization such as in OD-ICSI. Improvement in treatment strategies and male fertility evaluation requires incorporation of such evidence to obtain better prognosis towards personalized management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Vogiatzi
- IVF Athens Reproduction Center, 5 Kifissias Avenue, 151 23, Maroussi, Greece. .,Andromed Health & Reproduction, Fertility Diagnostics Laboratory, 3 Mesogion Str, 15126, Maroussi, Greece.
| | - Abraham Pouliakis
- Second Department of Pathology, "Attikon" University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 1 Rimini Street, 12462, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Sakellariou
- IVF Athens Reproduction Center, 5 Kifissias Avenue, 151 23, Maroussi, Greece
| | | | | | - Alexandros Colaghis
- IVF Athens Reproduction Center, 5 Kifissias Avenue, 151 23, Maroussi, Greece
| | - Renata Finelli
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 10681 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Dimitrios Loutradis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Alexandra" Maternity Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 80 Vassilissis Sophias Avenue, 115 28, Athens, Greece
| | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 10681 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.,Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2BX, UK.,Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Road, Bellville, 7535, South Africa
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 10681 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
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The presence of cytoplasmic strings in human blastocysts is associated with the probability of clinical pregnancy with fetal heart. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2139-2149. [PMID: 34009631 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02213-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Is the presence of cytoplasmic strings (CS) in human blastocysts associated with the probability of clinical pregnancy with fetal heart (CPFH) after transfer. METHODS This case-control study involved 300 single blastocyst transfers. 150 of these resulted in a CPFH (cases) while 150 did not (controls). All embryos were cultured in Embryoscope+ and AI software (IVY) was used to select the blastocyst with the highest score from the cohort for transfer. An embryologist, blind to the transfer outcome, recorded the CS number, location, and duration of their activity. RESULTS There was a significant difference in the number of blastocysts that contained CS, with 97.3% of women's blastocysts resulting in +CPFH containing the CS compared to 88.7% of blastocysts in women who did not have a pregnancy (p = 0.007, OR; 4.67, CI 95% 1.5-14.2). CS appeared 2.4 h earlier in embryo development in the +CPFH group compared to their negative counterparts (p = 0.007). There was a significant difference in the average number of CS/blastocyst with a higher number being present in those that achieved a clinical pregnancy (mean: 6.2, SD 2.9) compared to those that did not (mean: 4.6, SD 3.0) (p ≤ 0.0001). There was a significant increase in the number of vesicles seen traveling along the CS with more seen in the blastocysts resulting in a +CPFH (mean: 4.3 SD 2.1) compared to those in the -CPFH group (mean: 3.1, SD 2.1). CONCLUSION This study has shown that the presence of cytoplasmic strings in human blastocysts is associated with the probability of clinical pregnancy with fetal heart.
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The outcome of IVF/ICSI cycles in male cancer patients: retrospective analysis of procedures from 2004 to 2018. Radiol Oncol 2021; 55:221-228. [PMID: 33675201 PMCID: PMC8042825 DOI: 10.2478/raon-2021-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Fertility preservation is an important aspect of quality of life in oncological patients, and in men is achieved by semen cryopreservation prior to treatment. Results of in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures in healthy infertile couples are comparable, regardless of whether fresh or cryopreserved semen is used, but are scarce in male oncological patients. Patients and methods We performed a retrospective analysis of IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) procedures in infertile couples where men had been treated for cancer in the past. We additionally compared the results of IVF/ICSI procedures with respect to the type of semen used (fresh, cryopreserved). Results We compared the success rates of 214 IVF/ICSI cycles performed in the years 2004–2018. Pregnancy (30.0% vs. 21.4%; p = 0.12) and live-birth rates (22.3% vs. 17.9%; p = 0.43) per oocyte aspiration were similar between the groups in fresh cycles; however embryo utilization (48.9% vs. 40.0%; p = 0.006) and embryo cryopreservation rates (17.3% vs. 12.7%; p = 0.048) were significantly higher in the cryopreserved semen group. The cumulative pregnancy rate (60.6% vs. 37.7%; p = 0.012) was significantly higher, and the live-birth rate (45.1% vs. 34.0%; p = 0.21) non-significantly higher, in the cryopreserved semen group. Conclusions The success of IVF/ICSI procedures in couples where the male partner was treated for cancer in the past are the same in terms of pregnancies and live-births in fresh cycles regardless of the type of semen used. However, embryo utilization and embryo cryopreservation rates are significantly higher when cryopreserved semen is used, leading to a significantly higher cumulative number of couples who achieved at least one pregnancy.
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10
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van Marion ES, Speksnijder JP, Hoek J, Boellaard WPA, Dinkelman-Smit M, Chavli EA, Steegers-Theunissen RPM, Laven JSE, Baart EB. Time-lapse imaging of human embryos fertilized with testicular sperm reveals an impact on the first embryonic cell cycle. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:1218-1227. [PMID: 33690817 PMCID: PMC8181962 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular sperm is increasingly used during in vitro fertilization treatment. Testicular sperm has the ability to fertilize the oocyte after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), but they have not undergone maturation during epididymal transport. Testicular sperm differs from ejaculated sperm in terms of chromatin maturity, incidence of DNA damage, and RNA content. It is not fully understood what the biological impact is of using testicular sperm, on fertilization, preimplantation embryo development, and postimplantation development. Our goal was to investigate differences in human preimplantation embryo development after ICSI using testicular sperm (TESE-ICSI) and ejaculated sperm. We used time-lapse embryo culture to study these possible differences. Embryos (n = 639) originating from 208 couples undergoing TESE-ICSI treatment were studied and compared to embryos (n = 866) originating from 243 couples undergoing ICSI treatment with ejaculated sperm. Using statistical analysis with linear mixed models, we observed that pronuclei appeared 0.55 h earlier in TESE-ICSI embryos, after which the pronuclear stage lasted 0.55 h longer. Also, significantly more TESE-ICSI embryos showed direct unequal cleavage from the 1-cell stage to the 3-cell stage. TESE-ICSI embryos proceeded faster through the cleavage divisions to the 5- and the 6-cell stage, but this effect disappeared when we adjusted our model for maternal factors. In conclusion, sperm origin affects embryo development during the first embryonic cell cycle, but not developmental kinetics to the 8-cell stage. Our results provide insight into the biological differences between testicular and ejaculated sperm and their impact during human fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- E S van Marion
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J P Speksnijder
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J Hoek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - W P A Boellaard
- Department of Urology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M Dinkelman-Smit
- Department of Urology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E A Chavli
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R P M Steegers-Theunissen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J S E Laven
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E B Baart
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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11
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Martino NA, Marzano G, Mastrorocco A, Lacalandra GM, Vincenti L, Hinrichs K, Dell Aquila ME. Use of time-lapse imaging to evaluate morphokinetics of in vitro equine blastocyst development after oocyte holding for two days at 15°C versus room temperature before intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 31:1862-1873. [PMID: 31708015 DOI: 10.1071/rd19223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Time-lapse imaging was used to establish the morphokinetics of equine embryo development to the blastocyst stage after invitro oocyte maturation (IVM), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and embryo culture, in oocytes held overnight at room temperature (22-27°C; standard conditions) before IVM. Embryos that developed to the blastocyst stage underwent precleavage cytoplasmic extrusion and cleavage to the 2-, 3- and 4-cell stages significantly earlier than did embryos that arrested in development. We then determined the rate of blastocyst formation after ICSI in oocytes held for 2 days at either 15°C or room temperature before IVM (15-2d and RT-2d treatment groups respectively). The blastocyst development rate was significantly higher in the 15-2d than in the RT-2d group (13% vs 0% respectively). The failure of blastocyst development in the RT-2d group precluded comparison of morphokinetics of blastocyst development between treatments. In any condition examined, development to the blastocyst stage was characterised by earlier cytoplasmic extrusion before cleavage, earlier cleavage to 2- and 4-cell stages and reduced duration at the 2-cell stage compared with non-competent embryos. In conclusion, this study presents morphokinetic parameters predictive of embryo development invitro to the blastocyst stage after ICSI in the horse. We conclude that time-lapse imaging allows increased precision for evaluating effects of different treatments on equine embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Martino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. Prov. Casamassima Km 3, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy; and Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy; and Corresponding author.
| | - G Marzano
- Department of Mathematics and Physics Ennio de Giorgi, University of Salento, Via per Arnesano, 73100, Lecce, Italy; and Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR Nanotec, Via per Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy
| | - A Mastrorocco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. Prov. Casamassima Km 3, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - G M Lacalandra
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. Prov. Casamassima Km 3, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
| | - L Vincenti
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - K Hinrichs
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4466 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4466, USA
| | - M E Dell Aquila
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Str. Prov. Casamassima Km 3, 70010, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
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12
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Apter S, Ebner T, Freour T, Guns Y, Kovacic B, Le Clef N, Marques M, Meseguer M, Montjean D, Sfontouris I, Sturmey R, Coticchio G. Good practice recommendations for the use of time-lapse technology †. Hum Reprod Open 2020; 2020:hoaa008. [PMID: 32206731 PMCID: PMC7081060 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoaa008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas Ebner
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Gynecological Endocrinology, Kepler Universitätsklinikum, Linz, Austria
| | - Thomas Freour
- Médecine de la Reproduction, CHU de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Yves Guns
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Borut Kovacic
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecologic Endocrinology, Univerzitetni klinicni center Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Nathalie Le Clef
- European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, Grimbergen, Belgium
| | | | - Marcos Meseguer
- IVF Laboratory, Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Valencia, Spain
| | - Debbie Montjean
- Médecine et Biologie de la Reproduction, Hopital Saint Joseph, Marseille, France
| | | | - Roger Sturmey
- Centre for Atherothrombosis and Metabolic Disease, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
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Weghofer A, Kushnir VA, Darmon SK, Jafri H, Lazzaroni-Tealdi E, Zhang L, Albertini DF, Barad DH, Gleicher N. Age, body weight and ovarian function affect oocyte size and morphology in non-PCOS patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222390. [PMID: 31647816 PMCID: PMC6812759 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The size of oocytes was previously reported to be smaller in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In the present prospective cohort study, we sought to determine whether oocyte size and morphology are associated with patient characteristics in non-PCOS women. Oocyte and oolemmal diameter were measured, enlarged perivitelline space (PVS) and ooplasmic granulation were assessed in 308 MII oocytes from 77 IVF/ICSI couples. Statistical analysis was undertaken using SAS version 9.4 (SAS institute Inc., USA). Continuous values are presented as mean ± SD and compared using a two-sample t-test or Mann-Whitney U test as appropriate. Categorical parameters are presented as proportions and compared using a Fisher exact test. Logistic and linear regression models were used to control for the effect of age for categorical and continuous variables respectively. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Patients presented with a mean age of 40.3±5.0 years, had a BMI of 25.1±6.1 kg/m2, median AMH levels of 0.6 ng/ml and produced a median of 4 oocytes. Mean total oocyte diameter was 163.2±7.4 μm (range 145.8–182.1 μm), while oolemmal diameter was 109.4±4.1 μm (range 98.5–122.3 μm). After adjusting for age and ovarian reserve increasing BMI was associated with decreased total oocyte diameter (p<0.05). Total oocyte diameter was also inversely associated with AMH levels (p = 0.03) and oocyte yield (p = 0.04). In contrast to total oocyte diameter, oolemmal diameter was not related to patient characteristics. Younger women and those with large oocyte yields demonstrated fewer oocytes with ooplasmic granulation (p<0.05 and p = 0.01). After adjustments for age, ooplasmic granulation was also less frequently observed in oocytes from women with higher AMH (p = 0.03) and increasing BMI (p<0.01). Fertilization was more likely in oocytes with larger oolemmal diameter (p = 0.008). Embryos from oocytes with larger total and ooplasmic diameters were more likely to be transferred or frozen (p = 0.004 and p = 0.01). In non-PCOS infertile women, BMI and ovarian function relate to total oocyte diameter. These results expand on previously observed associations between oocyte size and BMI in women with PCOS. They indicate the importance of detailed oocyte assessments, which may aid the currently used criteria for embryo selection and help to better understand how oocyte status is associated with later embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Weghofer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer, Guertel, Vienna, Austria
- The Center for Human Reproduction, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - V. A. Kushnir
- The Center for Human Reproduction, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - S. K. Darmon
- The Center for Human Reproduction, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - H. Jafri
- The Center for Human Reproduction, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - E. Lazzaroni-Tealdi
- The Center for Human Reproduction, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - L. Zhang
- The Center for Human Reproduction, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - D. F. Albertini
- The Center for Human Reproduction, New York, New York, United States of America
- Stem Cell Biology and Molecular Embryology Laboratory, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - D. H. Barad
- The Center for Human Reproduction, New York, New York, United States of America
- The Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, New York, N.Y., United States of America
| | - N. Gleicher
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer, Guertel, Vienna, Austria
- The Center for Human Reproduction, New York, New York, United States of America
- Stem Cell Biology and Molecular Embryology Laboratory, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States of America
- The Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, New York, N.Y., United States of America
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14
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Hezavehei M, Sharafi M, Kouchesfahani HM, Henkel R, Agarwal A, Esmaeili V, Shahverdi A. Sperm cryopreservation: A review on current molecular cryobiology and advanced approaches. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 37:327-339. [PMID: 30143329 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The cryopreservation of spermatozoa was introduced in the 1960s as a route to fertility preservation. Despite the extensive progress that has been made in this field, the biological and biochemical mechanisms involved in cryopreservation have not been thoroughly elucidated to date. Various factors during the freezing process, including sudden temperature changes, ice formation and osmotic stress, have been proposed as reasons for poor sperm quality post-thaw. Little is known regarding the new aspects of sperm cryobiology, such as epigenetic and proteomic modulation of sperm and trans-generational effects of sperm freezing. This article reviews recent reports on molecular and cellular modifications of spermatozoa during cryopreservation in order to collate the existing understanding in this field. The aim is to discuss current freezing techniques and novel strategies that have been developed for sperm protection against cryo-damage, as well as evaluating the probable effects of sperm freezing on offspring health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Hezavehei
- Department of EmbryologyReproductive Biomedicine Research CentreRoyan Institute for Reproductive BiomedicineACECRTehranIran; Department of Animal BiologyFaculty of Biological SciencesKharazmi UniversityTehranIran
| | - Mohsen Sharafi
- Department of Poultry ScienceFaculty of AgricultureTarbiat Modares UniversityTehranIran.
| | | | - Ralf Henkel
- American Centre for Reproductive MedicineCleveland ClinicClevelandUSA
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- Department of Medical BioscienceUniversity of the Western CapeBellvilleSouth Africa
| | - Vahid Esmaeili
- Department of EmbryologyReproductive Biomedicine Research CentreRoyan Institute for Reproductive BiomedicineACECRTehranIran
| | - Abdolhossein Shahverdi
- Department of EmbryologyReproductive Biomedicine Research CentreRoyan Institute for Reproductive BiomedicineACECRTehranIran.
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15
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Raad G, Lteif L, Lahoud R, Azoury J, Azoury J, Tanios J, Hazzouri M, Azoury J. Cryopreservation media differentially affect sperm motility, morphology and DNA integrity. Andrology 2018; 6:836-845. [PMID: 30105872 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human sperm freezing is very widely used for male fertility preservation. This procedure consists in adding cryoprotectants to the spermatozoa followed by cooling and storing the spermatozoa at a subzero temperature. Many standardized cryopreservation media are available on the market. However, these media differ in their chemical composition and there are no sufficient data to optimize their classification. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare five commercially available sperm cryopreservation media, which have not been compared together, in terms of motility, morphology and DNA integrity. MATERIALS AND METHODS One-hundred semen samples were obtained from 10 fertile participants and 90 infertile men. Each sample was evaluated before freezing for motility, morphology and DNA fragmentation index (DFI). Then, it was equally divided into five aliquots. Each aliquot was cryopreserved using one of the five media (A, B, C, D, and E). The same parameters were re-evaluated after the addition of the cryopreservation media in the fertile group, and after sperm thawing in fertile and infertile groups. RESULTS The results showed that the five selected cryopreservation media had negative effects on sperm motility and morphology per se. In the infertile group, the cryosurvival factor was significantly lower in cryomedium A when compared to the four other media (p < 0.001). In addition, a significantly higher percentage of sperm with coiled tail was detected in cryomedium E compared to cryomedium A (p < 0.05) and to cryomedium B (p < 0.001) after thawing, in the infertile group. Furthermore, the sperm DFI was significantly higher in cryomedia A (p < 0.001), B (p < 0.001), C (p < 0.01), D (p < 0.01) and E (p < 0.05) compared to that of the fresh semen derived from infertile participants. CONCLUSION This study indicates that the recovery rate of competent spermatozoa, after cryopreservation, is still critical in infertile men. Therefore, frozen semen sample should be used only when necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Raad
- Azoury IVF Clinic, Mount Lebanon Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - L Lteif
- MOM Fertility Clinic, Belle Vue Medical Center, Mansourieh, Lebanon
| | - R Lahoud
- Faculty of Sciences, Section II, Lebanese University, Fanar, Lebanon
| | - J Azoury
- Azoury IVF Clinic, Mount Lebanon Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - J Azoury
- Azoury IVF Clinic, Mount Lebanon Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - J Tanios
- MOM Fertility Clinic, Belle Vue Medical Center, Mansourieh, Lebanon
| | - M Hazzouri
- Faculty of Sciences, Section II, Lebanese University, Fanar, Lebanon
| | - J Azoury
- Azoury IVF Clinic, Mount Lebanon Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
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