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Kanaka V, Proikakis S, Drakakis P, Loutradis D, Tsangaris GT. Implementing a preimplantation proteomic approach to advance assisted reproduction technologies in the framework of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine. EPMA J 2022; 13:237-260. [PMID: 35719135 PMCID: PMC9203609 DOI: 10.1007/s13167-022-00282-5] [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: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe evolution of the field of assisted reproduction technology (ART) in the last 40 years has significantly contributed to the management of global infertility. Despite the great numbers of live births that have been achieved through ART, there is still potential for increasing the success rates. As a result, there is a need to create optimum conditions in order to increase ART efficacy. The selection of the best sperm, oocyte, and embryo, as well as the achievement of optimal endometrial receptivity, through the contribution of new diagnostic and treatment methods, based on a personalized proteomic approach, may assist in the attainment of this goal. Proteomics represent a powerful new technological development, which seeks for protein biomarkers in human tissues. These biomarkers may aid to predict the outcome, prevent failure, and monitor in a personalized manner in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. In this review, we will present data from studies that have been conducted in the search for such biomarkers in order to identify proteins related to good sperm, oocyte, and embryo quality, as well as optimal endometrial receptivity, which may later lead to greater results and the desirable ART outcome.
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Li K, Li Q, Bashir ST, Bany BM, Nowak RA. Loss of basigin expression in uterine cells leads to subfertility in female mice†. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:859-875. [PMID: 34106247 PMCID: PMC8511667 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Basigin (BSG) is a transmembrane glycoprotein involved in cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling. BSG has been shown to be essential for male and female reproduction although little is known about its role in normal uterine function. To study the potential function of BSG in the female reproductive tract, we generated mice with conditional knockout of Bsg in uterine cells using progesterone receptor-Cre and hypothesized that BSG is required for normal pregnancy in mice. Fertility study data showed that the conditional knockout mice had significantly reduced fertility compared to controls. Ovarian function of the conditional knockout mice appeared normal with no difference in the number of superovulated oocytes collected or in serum progesterone levels between the conditional knockout and the control mice. Uterine tissues collected at various times of gestation showed increased abnormalities in implantation, decidualization, placentation, and parturition in the conditional knockout mice. Uterine cross sections on Day 5 of pregnancy showed implantation failure and abnormal uterine epithelial differentiation in a large proportion of the conditional knockout mice. There was a compromised decidual response to artificial decidualization stimuli and decreased mRNA and protein levels for decidualization genes in the uteri of the conditional knockout mice. We also observed altered protein expression of monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1), as well as impaired angiogenesis in the conditional knockout uteri compared to the controls. These results support that BSG is required for successful pregnancy through its functions in implantation and decidualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailiang Li
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Quanxi Li
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Shah Tauseef Bashir
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Brent M Bany
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Romana A Nowak
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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Lee I, Ahn SH, Kim HI, Baek HW, Park YJ, Kim H, Aljassim AI, Shin W, Ryu C, Yoon J, Lee JH, Yun BH, Seo SK, Park JH, Choi YS, Cho S, Lee BS. Cytokines in culture media of preimplantation embryos during in vitro fertilization: Impact on embryo quality. Cytokine 2021; 148:155714. [PMID: 34600304 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2021.155714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cytokine support of embryonic development includes promotion of implantation and protection of blastomeres from cell stress and apoptosis. Correlations between embryo quality and concentrations of specific cytokines in culture media of human embryos have been investigated for many years. The aim of this study was to assess the concentrations of cytokines in preimplantation embryo culture media and to investigate their relationships with embryo quality and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. Seventy-two samples were obtained from 39 infertile couples undergoing IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment between October 2018 and May 2019. Each embryo was cultured separately, and the embryo culture medium was collected 72 h after fertilization. Before embryo transfer on day 3, a morphological evaluation of each embryo was performed. Cytokine concentrations of each culture medium were analyzed for 23 selected cytokines using the Multiplex Cytokine/Chemokine Panel II Assay (Merck Millipore®). The results were categorized into two groups (top-quality and non-top-quality embryos). The median age of the 39 patients was 34 years. Nine of 23 cytokines were quantified and compared between the top-quality embryo group and non-top-quality embryo group. Among the nine cytokines, CCL15, CCL27, and CXCL-12 were significantly elevated in the top-quality embryo group. These results suggested that specific cytokines measured in human embryo culture media can be used to predict embryo quality and IVF outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inha Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - So Hyun Ahn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Hye In Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Hye Won Baek
- Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06273, South Korea
| | - Yun Jeong Park
- Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06273, South Korea
| | - Heeyon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Aminah Ibrahim Aljassim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal General Hospital, Alahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Whan Shin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dankook University Hospital, Dankook University, 201 Manghyang-ro, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan, Chung Nam 31116, South Korea
| | - Chungsoon Ryu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Jeongmi Yoon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Jae Hoon Lee
- Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06273, South Korea
| | - Bo Hyon Yun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Seok Kyo Seo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Joo Hyun Park
- Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 363 Dongbaekjukjeon-daero, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 16995, South Korea
| | - Young Sik Choi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea.
| | - SiHyun Cho
- Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06273, South Korea
| | - Byung Seok Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea
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Molecular Drivers of Developmental Arrest in the Human Preimplantation Embryo: A Systematic Review and Critical Analysis Leading to Mapping Future Research. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158353. [PMID: 34361119 PMCID: PMC8347543 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental arrest of the preimplantation embryo is a multifactorial condition, characterized by lack of cellular division for at least 24 hours, hindering the in vitro fertilization cycle outcome. This systematic review aims to present the molecular drivers of developmental arrest, focusing on embryonic and parental factors. A systematic search in PubMed/Medline, Embase and Cochrane-Central-Database was performed in January 2021. A total of 76 studies were included. The identified embryonic factors associated with arrest included gene variations, mitochondrial DNA copy number, methylation patterns, chromosomal abnormalities, metabolic profile and morphological features. Parental factors included, gene variation, protein expression levels and infertility etiology. A valuable conclusion emerging through critical analysis indicated that genetic origins of developmental arrest analyzed from the perspective of parental infertility etiology and the embryo itself, share common ground. This is a unique and long-overdue contribution to literature that for the first time presents an all-inclusive methodological report on the molecular drivers leading to preimplantation embryos’ arrested development. The variety and heterogeneity of developmental arrest drivers, along with their inevitable intertwining relationships does not allow for prioritization on the factors playing a more definitive role in arrested development. This systematic review provides the basis for further research in the field.
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Gimeno I, García-Manrique P, Carrocera S, López-Hidalgo C, Valledor L, Martín-González D, Gómez E. The Metabolic Signature of In Vitro Produced Bovine Embryos Helps Predict Pregnancy and Birth after Embryo Transfer. Metabolites 2021; 11:484. [PMID: 34436426 PMCID: PMC8399324 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11080484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro produced (IVP) embryos show large metabolic variability induced by breed, culture conditions, embryonic stage and sex and gamete donors. We hypothesized that the birth potential could be accurately predicted by UHPLC-MS/MS in culture medium (CM) with the discrimination of factors inducing metabolic variation. Day-6 embryos were developed in single CM (modified synthetic oviduct fluid) for 24 h and transferred to recipients as fresh (28 ETs) or frozen/thawed (58 ETs) Day-7 blastocysts. Variability was induced with seven bulls, slaughterhouse oocyte donors, culture conditions (serum + Bovine Serum Albumin [BSA] or BSA alone) prior to single culture embryonic stage records (Day-6: morula, early blastocyst, blastocyst; Day-7: expanding blastocyst; fully expanded blastocysts) and cryopreservation. Retained metabolite signals (6111) were analyzed as a function of pregnancy at Day-40, Day-62 and birth in a combinatorial block study with all fixed factors. We identified 34 accumulated metabolites through 511 blocks, 198 for birth, 166 for Day-62 and 147 for Day-40. The relative abundance of metabolites was higher within blocks from non-pregnant (460) than from pregnant (51) embryos. Taxonomy classified lipids (12 fatty acids and derivatives; 224 blocks), amino acids (12) and derivatives (3) (186 blocks), benzenoids (4; 58 blocks), tri-carboxylic acids (2; 41 blocks) and 5-Hydroxy-l-tryptophan (2 blocks). Some metabolites were effective as single biomarkers in 95 blocks (Receiver Operating Characteristic - Area Under the Curve [ROC-AUC]: 0.700-1.000). In contrast, more accurate predictions within the largest data sets were obtained with combinations of 2, 3 and 4 single metabolites in 206 blocks (ROC-AUC = 0.800-1.000). Pregnancy-prone embryos consumed more amino acids and citric acid, and depleted less lipids and cis-aconitic acid. Big metabolic differences between embryos support efficient pregnancy and birth prediction when analyzed in discriminant conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Gimeno
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain; (I.G.); (S.C.); (D.M.-G.)
| | - Pablo García-Manrique
- Molecular Mass Spectrometry Unit, Scientific and Technical Services, University of Oviedo, Catedrático Rodrigo Uria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
| | - Susana Carrocera
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain; (I.G.); (S.C.); (D.M.-G.)
| | - Cristina López-Hidalgo
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, University Institute of Biotechnology of Asturias (IUBA), University of Oviedo, Catedrático Rodrigo Uria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (C.L.-H.); (L.V.)
| | - Luis Valledor
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, University Institute of Biotechnology of Asturias (IUBA), University of Oviedo, Catedrático Rodrigo Uria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (C.L.-H.); (L.V.)
| | - David Martín-González
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain; (I.G.); (S.C.); (D.M.-G.)
| | - Enrique Gómez
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain; (I.G.); (S.C.); (D.M.-G.)
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Stimpfel M, Bacer-Kermavner L, Jancar N, Vrtacnik-Bokal E. The influence of the type of embryo culture media on the outcome of IVF/ICSI cycles. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2021; 59:848-854. [PMID: 33218400 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2020.08.001] [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] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Embryo culture media are important factors in IVF, which can significantly influence clinical outcome of IVF/ICSI cycles. Despite this, it is still not completely clear which formulation is most optimal and whether sequential or continuous media should be favored. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study retrospectively analyzed the outcome of IVF/ICSI cycles with regard to different types of culture media used to culture embryos, namely sequential and two types of single step continuous embryo culture media. RESULTS If the data were combined for both types of single step continuous embryo culture media the only significant difference we observed was the proportion of poor quality embryos on day 3, which was significantly higher (16.9% vs. 22.5%; P = 0.017) in the sequential media. The pregnancy (55.1% vs. 40.5%; P = 0.113) and live birth rates (42.9% vs. 33.8%; P = 0.308) were lower in continuous media, although the difference was not statistically significant. Furthermore, the blastocyst rate (sequential vs. continuous; 47.4% vs. 47.3%; P = 1), and birthweight (3280 ± 630g vs. 3272 ± 575g; P = 0.96) did not significantly differ regardless of the medium used to culture embryos. Additional comparison of each type of continuous medium to sequential media revealed that the difference in the quality of cleavage stage embryos for combined data of both continuous culture media may be derived from the group of cycles were SAGE 1-Step was used to culture embryos. CONCLUSION These results therefore indicate that continuous media can be equivalent to sequential media and could help lower the workload in busy IVF labs without impairing the clinical results. Although, caution is needed because this study is limited by its retrospective design. To confirm the results, especially in terms of live birth rates and perinatal outcome, a prospective study is needed with a higher number of included couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Stimpfel
- Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Gynaecology, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Slajmerjeva 3, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Lili Bacer-Kermavner
- Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Gynaecology, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Slajmerjeva 3, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nina Jancar
- Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Gynaecology, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Slajmerjeva 3, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Eda Vrtacnik-Bokal
- Department of Human Reproduction, Division of Gynaecology, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Slajmerjeva 3, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Metabolites Secreted by Bovine Embryos In Vitro Predict Pregnancies That the Recipient Plasma Metabolome Cannot, and Vice Versa. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11030162. [PMID: 33799889 PMCID: PMC7999939 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11030162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This work describes the use of mass spectrometry-based metabolomics as a non-invasive approach to accurately predict birth prior to embryo transfer (ET) starting from embryo culture media and plasma recipient. Metabolomics was used here as a predictive platform. Day-6 in vitro produced embryos developed singly in modified synthetic oviduct fluid culture medium (CM) drops for 24 h were vitrified as Day-7 blastocysts and transferred to recipients. Day-0 and Day-7 recipient plasma (N = 36 × 2) and CM (N = 36) were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to the quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (GC-qTOF). Metabolites quantified in CM and plasma were analyzed as a function to predict pregnancy at Day-40, Day-62, and birth (univariate and multivariate statistics). Subsequently, a Boolean matrix (F1 score) was constructed with metabolite pairs (one from the embryo, and one from the recipient) to combine the predictive power of embryos and recipients. Validation was performed in independent cohorts of ETs analyzed. Embryos that did not reach birth released more stearic acid, capric acid, palmitic acid, and glyceryl monostearate in CM (i.e., (p < 0.05, FDR < 0.05, Receiver Operator Characteristic—area under curve (ROC-AUC) > 0.669)). Within Holstein recipients, hydrocinnamic acid, alanine, and lysine predicted birth (ROC-AUC > 0.778). Asturiana de los Valles recipients that reached birth showed lower concentrations of 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, stearic acid, palmitic acid, and hippuric acid (ROC-AUC > 0.832). Embryonal capric acid and glyceryl-monostearate formed F1 scores generally >0.900, with metabolites found both to differ (e.g., hippuric acid, hydrocinnamic acid) or not (e.g., heptadecanoic acid, citric acid) with pregnancy in plasmas, as hypothesized. Efficient lipid metabolism in the embryo and the recipient can allow pregnancy to proceed. Changes in phenolics from plasma suggest that microbiota and liver metabolism influence the pregnancy establishment in cattle.
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Bahrami-Asl Z, Hajipour H, Rastgar Rezaei Y, Novinbahador T, Latifi Z, Nejabati HR, Farzadi L, Fattahi A, Nouri M, Dominguez F. Cytokines in embryonic secretome as potential markers for embryo selection. Am J Reprod Immunol 2020; 85:e13385. [PMID: 33300214 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13385] [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: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite performing certain morphological assessments for selecting the best embryo for transfer, the results have not been satisfactory. Given the global tendency for performing quick and noninvasive tests for embryo selection, great efforts have been made to discover the predictive biomarkers of embryo implantation potential. In recent years, many factors have been detected in embryo culture media as a major source of embryo secretions. Previous studies have evaluated cytokines, miRNAs, extracellular vesicles, and other factors such as leukemia inhibitory factor, colony-stimulating factor, reactive oxygen species, soluble human leukocyte antigen G, amino acids, and apolipoproteins in these media. Given the key role of cytokines in embryo implantation, these factors can be considered promising molecules for predicting the implantation success of assisted reproductive technology (ART). The present study was conducted to review embryo-secreted molecules as potential biomarkers for embryo selection in ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Bahrami-Asl
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Hajipour
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yeganeh Rastgar Rezaei
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Tannaz Novinbahador
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zeinab Latifi
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Nejabati
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Laya Farzadi
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Fattahi
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Francisco Dominguez
- Fundacion Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (FIVI), Instituto Universitario IVI (IUIVI), ISS LaFe, Valencia, Spain
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Non-invasive Embryo Assessment: Altered Individual Protein Profile in Spent Culture Media from Embryos Transferred at Day 5. Reprod Sci 2020; 28:1866-1873. [PMID: 33151525 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00362-9] [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: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In order to improve ART outcome, non-invasive embryo assessment is gaining more and more attention. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the consecutive implantation potential via the secretome between blastocysts with or without implantation and to analyse possible interactions between these differentially expressed proteins. In this prospective study, 69 spent culture media from blastocysts transferred at day 5 were collected from patients undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment in a single IVF centre between April 2015 and November 2018 after informed consent and analysed individually. Exclusion criteria were the absence of informed consent, PCOS, endometriosis and maternal age > 42 years. Dependent on the treatment outcome, media were subsequently divided into two groups: from embryos who implanted successfully (n = 37) and from embryos without implantation (n = 32). Ninety-two proteins were measured simultaneously using the proximity extension assay (PEA) technology with the Olink® CVD III panel employing oligonucleotide-labelled antibodies. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Student's t test, the Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test. Media from implanted blastocysts showed significantly higher expression of EPHB4, ALCAM, CSTB, BMH, TIMP4, CCL24, SELE, FAS, JAM-A, PON3, PDGF-A, vWF and PECAM-1 compared with media from blastocysts without subsequent implantation. The highest relative expression change could be demonstrated for PECAM-1 and TIMP4. PECAM-1, SELE and vWF were co-expressed. Especially EPHB 4, SELE, ALCAM, MCP-1, CCL24, FAS, JAM-A and PDGF-A have already been described in early embryonic development and metabolism. Therefore, these proteins together with PECAM-1 indicate possible biomarkers for non-invasive embryo assessment in the future. However, due to the innovative methodology, defining a threshold for the use as biomarkers remains to be assessed.
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Bori L, Dominguez F, Fernandez EI, Del Gallego R, Alegre L, Hickman C, Quiñonero A, Nogueira MFG, Rocha JC, Meseguer M. An artificial intelligence model based on the proteomic profile of euploid embryos and blastocyst morphology: a preliminary study. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 42:340-350. [PMID: 33279421 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION The study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence model based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) to predict the likelihood of achieving a live birth using the proteomic profile of spent culture media and blastocyst morphology. DESIGN This retrospective cohort study included 212 patients who underwent single blastocyst transfer at IVI Valencia. A single image of each of 186 embryos was studied, and the protein profile was analysed in 81 samples of spent embryo culture medium from patients included in the preimplantation genetic testing programme. The information extracted from the analyses was used as input data for the ANN. The multilayer perceptron and the back-propagation learning method were used to train the ANN. Finally, predictive power was measured using the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS Three ANN architectures classified most of the embryos correctly as leading (LB+) or not leading (LB-) to a live birth: 100.0% for ANN1 (morphological variables and two proteins), 85.7% for ANN2 (morphological variables and seven proteins), and 83.3% for ANN3 (morphological variables and 25 proteins). The artificial intelligence model using information extracted from blastocyst image analysis and concentrations of interleukin-6 and matrix metalloproteinase-1 was able to predict live birth with an AUC of 1.0. CONCLUSIONS The model proposed in this preliminary report may provide a promising tool to select the embryo most likely to lead to a live birth in a euploid cohort. The accuracy of prediction demonstrated by this software may improve the efficacy of an assisted reproduction treatment by reducing the number of transfers per patient. Prospective studies are, however, needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Bori
- IVF laboratory, IVI Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco Dominguez
- IVI Foundation, Valencia, Instituto Universitario IVI (IUIVI), Valencia, Spain; Health Research Institute la Fe, Valencia, Spain.
| | | | - Raquel Del Gallego
- IVI Foundation, Valencia, Instituto Universitario IVI (IUIVI), Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Cristina Hickman
- Institute of Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Campus, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Alicia Quiñonero
- IVI Foundation, Valencia, Instituto Universitario IVI (IUIVI), Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Jose Celso Rocha
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Faculdade de Ciências e Letras, Câmpus de Assis SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos Meseguer
- IVF laboratory, IVI Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Health Research Institute la Fe, Valencia, Spain
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11
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Zhong H, Sun Q, Chen P, Xiong F, Li G, Wan C, Yao Z, Zeng Y. Detection of IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α level in human single-blastocyst conditioned medium using ultrasensitive Single Molecule Array platform and its relationship with embryo quality and implantation: a pilot study. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:1695-1702. [PMID: 32415642 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01805-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose was to investigate the association between embryonic development or implantation and the content of interleukin-6 and 10 (IL-6, IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in single-blastocyst conditioned medium (SBCM). METHODS Thirty-eight SBCM samples (SBCMs) were collected from blastocysts with different morphological scores. IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α concentration in 38 SBCMs was detected by Single Molecule Array and compared according to the blastocyst quality: top-quality (TQ) and non-top quality (NTQ), or blastulation time: day 5 (D5) and day 6 (D6). In another experiment, 61 SBCMs were collected from TQ blastocyst transplanted on D5, and IL-6 concentration in SBCM was compared based on whether embryos are implanted or not (implanted and non-implanted). RESULTS In the first experiment, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α concentration was not significantly different between the TQ-SBCM and NTQ-SBCM. The D6-SBCM had a higher IL-6 concentration compared with the D5-SBCM, while IL-10 and TNF-α concentration was not significantly different between the D5-SBCM and D6-SBCM. The IL-6 concentration in D5-NTQ or D6-TQ SBCM was higher than that in D5-TQ or D6-NTQ SBCM (P < 0.05), respectively. Furthermore, the spearman analysis demonstrated that IL-6 concentration in SBCM was negatively correlated with the blastocyst quality on D5 and positively correlated with the blastocyst quality on D6. In the second experiment, no significant difference in IL-6 concentration was found between SBCM from implanted and non-implanted blastocyst. CONCLUSION IL-6 concentration in SBCM was associated with embryo quality depending on the blastulation time, although it might not be associated with the blastocyst implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huixian Zhong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, 518045, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Sun
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, 518045, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Peilin Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, 518045, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Xiong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, 518045, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangui Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, 518045, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Caiyun Wan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, 518045, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhihong Yao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, 518045, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Fertility Center, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, 518045, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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12
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Kaihola H, Yaldir FG, Bohlin T, Samir R, Hreinsson J, Åkerud H. Levels of caspase-3 and histidine-rich glycoprotein in the embryo secretome as biomarkers of good-quality day-2 embryos and high-quality blastocysts. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0226419. [PMID: 31856190 PMCID: PMC6922338 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphological assessment at defined developmental stages is the most important method to select viable embryos for transfer and cryopreservation. Timing of different developmental stages in embryo development has been shown to correlate with its potential to develop into a blastocyst. However, improvements in pregnancy rates by using time-lapse techniques have been difficult to validate scientifically. Therefore, there is a need for new methods, preferably non-invasive methods based on metabolomics, genomics and proteomics, to improve the evaluation of embryo quality even further. The aim of this study was to investigate if different levels of caspase-3 and histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG), secreted by the embryo into the culture media, can be used as biomarkers of embryo quality. In this study, a total of 334 samples of culture media were collected from in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments at three different clinics. Protein analysis of the culture media was performed using multiplex proximity extension protein analysis to detect levels of caspase-3 and HRG in the embryo secretome. Protein levels were compared in secretome samples from high- and low-quality blastocysts and embryos that became arrested during development. Correlation between protein levels and time to morula formation was also analyzed. Furthermore, protein levels in secretomes from day-2 cultured embryos were compared on the basis of whether or not pregnancy was achieved. The results showed that caspase-3 levels were lower in secretomes from high-quality vs. low-quality blastocysts and those that became arrested (p ≤ 0.05 for both). In addition, higher HRG levels correlated with a shorter time to morula formation (p ≤ 0.001). Caspase-3 levels were also lower in secretomes from day-2 cultured embryos resulting in a pregnancy vs. those that did not (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, it was shown that caspase-3 might be used as a marker for predicting potential success rate after transfer of day-2 cultured embryos, where a caspase-3 cutoff level of 0.02 gave a prediction probability of 68% (p = 0.038). In conclusion, in future prediction models, levels of caspase-3 and HRG might be used as potential markers of embryo quality, and secreted caspase-3 levels could to some extent predict the outcome after transfer of day-2 cultured embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Kaihola
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Fatma Gülen Yaldir
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Therese Bohlin
- Fertility Unit, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden
| | | | - Julius Hreinsson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- GynHälsan Fertility Clinic, Minerva Fertility, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Helena Åkerud
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- GynHälsan Fertility Clinic, Minerva Fertility, Uppsala, Sweden
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13
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Ji H, Shi X, Wang J, Cao S, Ling X, Zhang J, Shen R, Zhao C. Peptidomic analysis of blastocyst culture medium and the effect of peptide derived from blastocyst culture medium on blastocyst formation and viability. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 87:191-201. [PMID: 31828871 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
High-quality in vitro human embryo culture medium can improve the blastocyst formation rate and blastocyst quality and be beneficial for the clinical application of single blastocyst transfer. Mammalian embryos can secrete protein products into the surrounding medium. As a group of bioactive molecules and degraded proteins, peptides have been shown to participate in various biological processes. Using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, we performed comparative peptidomic analysis of human culture medium in blastocyst formation and nonblastocyst-formation groups. A total of 201 differentially expressed peptides originating from 157 precursor proteins were identified. Among these, a peptide derived from HERC2 (peptide derived from blastocyst culture medium [PDBCM]) passed through the zona pellucida, was distributed on the perivitelline space, was absent in arrest embryos and highly expressed in high-quality blastocysts compared with low-quality blastocysts, and significantly promoted blastocyst formation in a concentration-dependent manner. These results indicate that PDBCM may be a novel biomarker for predicting blastocyst formation and viability. The mechanism remains unclear and needs to be explored in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaodan Shi
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiayi Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shanren Cao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiufeng Ling
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junqiang Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rong Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chun Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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