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Goswami N, Winston N, Choi W, Lai NZE, Arcanjo RB, Chen X, Sobh N, Nowak RA, Anastasio MA, Popescu G. EVATOM: an optical, label-free, machine learning assisted embryo health assessment tool. Commun Biol 2024; 7:268. [PMID: 38443460 PMCID: PMC10915136 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-05960-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The combination of a good quality embryo and proper maternal health factors promise higher chances of a successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure leading to clinical pregnancy and live birth. Of these two factors, selection of a good embryo is a controllable aspect. The current gold standard in clinical practice is visual assessment of an embryo based on its morphological appearance by trained embryologists. More recently, machine learning has been incorporated into embryo selection "packages". Here, we report EVATOM: a machine-learning assisted embryo health assessment tool utilizing an optical quantitative phase imaging technique called artificial confocal microscopy (ACM). We present a label-free nucleus detection method with, to the best of our knowledge, novel quantitative embryo health biomarkers. Two viability assessment models are presented for grading embryos into two classes: healthy/intermediate (H/I) or sick (S) class. The models achieve a weighted F1 score of 1.0 and 0.99 respectively on the in-distribution test set of 72 fixed embryos and a weighted F1 score of 0.9 and 0.95 respectively on the out-of-distribution test dataset of 19 time-instances from 8 live embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Goswami
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Beckman Institute of Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
| | - Nicola Winston
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Wonho Choi
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Nastasia Z E Lai
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Rachel B Arcanjo
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Xi Chen
- Beckman Institute of Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA
| | - Nahil Sobh
- NCSA Center for Artificial Intelligence Innovation, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Romana A Nowak
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
| | - Mark A Anastasio
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Beckman Institute of Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
| | - Gabriel Popescu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute of Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
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De Coster T, Masset H, Tšuiko O, Catteeuw M, Zhao Y, Dierckxsens N, Aparicio AL, Dimitriadou E, Debrock S, Peeraer K, de Ruijter-Villani M, Smits K, Van Soom A, Vermeesch JR. Parental genomes segregate into distinct blastomeres during multipolar zygotic divisions leading to mixoploid and chimeric blastocysts. Genome Biol 2022; 23:201. [PMID: 36184650 PMCID: PMC9528162 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-022-02763-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During normal zygotic division, two haploid parental genomes replicate, unite and segregate into two biparental diploid blastomeres. Results Contrary to this fundamental biological tenet, we demonstrate here that parental genomes can segregate to distinct blastomeres during the zygotic division resulting in haploid or uniparental diploid and polyploid cells, a phenomenon coined heterogoneic division. By mapping the genomic landscape of 82 blastomeres from 25 bovine zygotes, we show that multipolar zygotic division is a tell-tale of whole-genome segregation errors. Based on the haplotypes and live-imaging of zygotic divisions, we demonstrate that various combinations of androgenetic, gynogenetic, diploid, and polyploid blastomeres arise via distinct parental genome segregation errors including the formation of additional paternal, private parental, or tripolar spindles, or by extrusion of paternal genomes. Hence, we provide evidence that private parental spindles, if failing to congress before anaphase, can lead to whole-genome segregation errors. In addition, anuclear blastomeres are common, indicating that cytokinesis can be uncoupled from karyokinesis. Dissociation of blastocyst-stage embryos further demonstrates that whole-genome segregation errors might lead to mixoploid or chimeric development in both human and cow. Yet, following multipolar zygotic division, fewer embryos reach the blastocyst stage and diploidization occurs frequently indicating that alternatively, blastomeres with genome-wide errors resulting from whole-genome segregation errors can be selected against or contribute to embryonic arrest. Conclusions Heterogoneic zygotic division provides an overarching paradigm for the development of mixoploid and chimeric individuals and moles and can be an important cause of embryonic and fetal arrest following natural conception or IVF. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13059-022-02763-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tine De Coster
- Laboratory for Cytogenetics and Genome Research, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Reproductive Biology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Heleen Masset
- Laboratory for Cytogenetics and Genome Research, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Olga Tšuiko
- Laboratory for Cytogenetics and Genome Research, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maaike Catteeuw
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Yan Zhao
- Laboratory for Cytogenetics and Genome Research, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Dierckxsens
- Laboratory for Cytogenetics and Genome Research, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ainhoa Larreategui Aparicio
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Hubrecht Institute, 3584CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Eftychia Dimitriadou
- Laboratory for Cytogenetics and Genome Research, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sophie Debrock
- Leuven University Fertility Center, University Hospitals of Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karen Peeraer
- Leuven University Fertility Center, University Hospitals of Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marta de Ruijter-Villani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584CM, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Hubrecht Institute, 3584CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Division of Woman and Baby, Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, 3508, GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Katrien Smits
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Reproductive Biology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Joris Robert Vermeesch
- Laboratory for Cytogenetics and Genome Research, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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Desch L, Bruno C, Luu M, Barberet J, Choux C, Lamotte M, Schmutz E, Sagot P, Fauque P. Embryo multinucleation at the two-cell stage is an independent predictor of intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes. Fertil Steril 2016; 107:97-103.e4. [PMID: 28228320 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prognostic impact of the nuclear status at the two-cell stage on intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes. DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING Hospital. PATIENT(S) Only ICSI cycles with time-lapse monitoring of transferred embryos with known implantation/delivery data from November 2012 to December 2014 were included. A total of 2,449 embryos were assessed for multinucleation rates at the two- and four-cell stage, and 608 transferred embryos were studied for ICSI outcomes. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Implantation rate (IR) and live birth rate (LBR) according to the number of multinucleated blastomeres at the two-cell stage: none (Without-MNB2cell), one (MNB1/2cell), and two (MNB2/2cell); morphokinetics of MNB2cell embryos. RESULT(S) Embryos with MNB1/2cell led to lower IR (27.7%) and LBR (22.7%) than embryos Without-MNB2cell (33.4% and 29.8%, respectively). The MNB2/2cell embryos led to significantly lower IR (18.3%) and LBR (13.4%) than embryos Without-MNB2cell. This difference remained significant in multivariate analysis for implantation (odds ratio 0.57; 95% confidence interval 0.34-0.94) and birth (odds ratio 0.46; 95% confidence interval 0.26-0.80), independently of the other significant parameters (women's age, time of two-cell formation, and multinucleation at the four-cell stage). Among implanted MNB2cell, if cleavage into four cells occurred later than 37 hours after insemination, embryos were significantly more likely to lead to birth. CONCLUSION(S) The presence of multinucleation at the two-cell stage and more specifically in both blastomeres had a significant negative impact on birth potential. Thus, embryo multinucleation at the two-cell stage should be used as an additional noninvasive criterion for embryo selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Desch
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital François Mitterrand, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Céline Bruno
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital François Mitterrand, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Maxime Luu
- Centre d'Investigations Cliniques- Plurithématique Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale 1432, Hôpital François Mitterrand, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Julie Barberet
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital François Mitterrand, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Cécile Choux
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital François Mitterrand, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Marjorie Lamotte
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital François Mitterrand, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Emeline Schmutz
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital François Mitterrand, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Paul Sagot
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Hôpital François Mitterrand, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Patricia Fauque
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction, Hôpital François Mitterrand, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France.
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Harbottle S, Hughes CI, Cutting R, Roberts S, Brison D. Elective Single Embryo Transfer: an update to UK Best Practice Guidelines. HUM FERTIL 2015; 18:165-83. [DOI: 10.3109/14647273.2015.1083144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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5
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Mankonen H, Seikkula J, Järvenpää T, Jokimaa V. A case of conjoined twins after a transfer of a multinuclear embryo. Clin Case Rep 2015; 3:260-5. [PMID: 25914821 PMCID: PMC4405314 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 12/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A pregnancy with conjoined twins was observed after transfer of a multinuclear embryo. As nuclear mechanisms have a role in cellular differentiation, association between multinucleation and fetal malformations is possible. Follow-up studies on children born after transfer of embryos with bi/multinuclear blastomeres are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harri Mankonen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Turku University HospitalKiinamyllynkatu 4-8, FI-20521, Turku, Finland
| | - Jaana Seikkula
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Turku University HospitalKiinamyllynkatu 4-8, FI-20521, Turku, Finland
| | - Tuija Järvenpää
- TYKS Vakka-Suomi Hospital, Maternity Outpatient ClinicTerveystie 2, FI-23501, Uusikaupunki, Finland
| | - Varpu Jokimaa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Turku University HospitalKiinamyllynkatu 4-8, FI-20521, Turku, Finland
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De Munck N, Petrussa L, Verheyen G, Staessen C, Vandeskelde Y, Sterckx J, Bocken G, Jacobs K, Stoop D, De Rycke M, Van de Velde H. Chromosomal meiotic segregation, embryonic developmental kinetics and DNA (hydroxy)methylation analysis consolidate the safety of human oocyte vitrification. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 21:535-44. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gav013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Ziebe S. Morphometric analysis of human embryos to predict developmental competence. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 26:55-64. [PMID: 24305177 DOI: 10.1071/rd13296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Morphometric and morphokinetic approaches toward embryo quality assessment have for many years been difficult due to technical limitations. Today, with improvements in laboratory techniques and subsequent quality, we have a better understanding of the morphometric and kinetics of embryo development. Fertility clinics are moving from "sensing" embryo quality to measuring embryo quality--and this is happening every day in fertility clinics all over the world. However, we cannot select for something that is not there. In daily clinical life it is almost never a question of selecting the optimal embryo, but rather choosing and prioritising between the available embryos. Data suggest that only approximately 5% of aspirated human oocytes have the competence to implant and develop into a child and that, in most treatment cycles, there is no oocyte capable of implanting. The most likely outcome is a negative pregnancy test, no matter what we choose in the laboratory. Still, both with the increasing complexity of infertile patients treated today and the important focus on reducing multiple pregnancies, it becomes increasingly important to improve our ability to predict the developmental competence of each embryo. This involves an improved understanding of the basic biology controlling early embryonic development and, over the years, many groups have tried to identify parameters reflecting embryonic competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Søren Ziebe
- The Fertility Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Section 4071, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, Dk-2100 Denmark.
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9
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Istanbul consensus workshop on embryo assessment: proceedings of an expert meeting. Reprod Biomed Online 2011; 22:632-46. [PMID: 21481639 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2011.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 279] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2011] [Accepted: 02/02/2011] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
This paper reports the proceedings of an international consensus meeting on oocyte and embryo morphology assessment. Following background presentations about current practice, the expert panel developed a set of consensus points to define the minimum criteria for oocyte and embryo morphology assessment. It is expected that the definition of common terminology and standardization of laboratory practice related to embryo morphology assessment will result in more effective comparisons of treatment outcomes. This document is intended to be referenced as a global consensus to allow standardized reporting of the minimum dataset required for the accurate description of embryo development. This paper reports the proceedings and outcomes of an international consensus meeting on human oocyte and embryo morphology assessment. An expert panel developed a series of consensus points to define the minimum criteria for such assessments. The definition of common terminology, and standardization of laboratory practices related to these morphological assessments, will permit more effective comparisons of treatment outcomes around the world. This report is intended to be referenced as a global consensus to allow standardized reporting of the minimum descriptive criteria required for routine clinical evaluations of human embryo development in vitro.
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Xanthopoulou L, Delhanty JDA, Mania A, Mamas T, Serhal P, Sengupta SB, Mantzouratou A. The nature and origin of binucleate cells in human preimplantation embryos: relevance to placental mesenchymal dysplasia. Reprod Biomed Online 2011; 22:362-70. [PMID: 21324746 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2011.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2010] [Revised: 12/16/2010] [Accepted: 01/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cleavage-stage embryos often have nuclear abnormalities, one of the most common being binucleate blastomeres, which may contain two diploid or two haploid nuclei. Biopsied cells from preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) cycles were studied to determine the relative frequency of binucleate cells with two haploid versus two diploid nuclei. The frequency of mononucleate haploid biopsied blastomeres was also recorded. In the chromosomal PGD cycles 45.2% of the biopsied binucleate cells were overall diploid and 38.7% were overall tetraploid, compared with 50.0% and 29.2% for the PGS group, respectively. Placental mesenchymal dysplasia is a rare condition associated with intrauterine growth restriction, prematurity and intrauterine death. Recent work suggests that androgenetic diploid/haploid mosaicism may be a causal mechanism. There are two possible origins of haploid nuclei, either the cell contained only one parental genome initially or they may be derived from the cytokinesis of binucleate cells with two haploid nuclei. Binucleate formation therefore may be a way of doubling up the haploid genome, to produce diploid cells of androgenetic origin as seen in placental mesenchymal dysplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Xanthopoulou
- UCL Centre for PGD, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 86-96 Chenies Mews, London WC1E6HX, UK.
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De Cássia Savio Figueira R, Souza Setti A, Paes De Almeida Ferreira Braga D, Iaconelli A, Borges E. Blastomere multinucleation: Contributing factors and effects on embryo development and clinical outcome. HUM FERTIL 2011; 13:143-50. [PMID: 20849199 DOI: 10.3109/14647273.2010.508505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of the study was to discover which intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle parameters could influence the presence of multinucleated blastomeres (MNBs) and how ICSI outcomes are influenced by this event. MATERIAL AND METHODS Embryos derived from normally fertilised oocytes were divided into two groups: embryos that had only mononucleated blastomeres (NBs group n = 2818) and embryos that had at least one multinucleated blastomere (MNB group, n = 404). The effects of ICSI cycle factors on multinucleation were investigated and embryo development was compared between the groups. The cycles were also split into those in which only NB embryos were present (NB cycles, n = 298) and cycles in which MNB embryos were present (MNB cycles, n = 203). ICSI outcomes were compared between the groups. RESULTS A higher incidence of MNB embryos arose in pituitary blockage with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, male factor infertility and in cycles with higher number of retrieved oocytes. Embryos that had only one affected blastomere showed greater development than embryos with more than one affected blastomere. Finally, the implantation rate decreased when MNB embryos were transferred. CONCLUSION Multinucleation events may be affected by aspects of the ICSI cycle and compromise embryo quality and implantation rate.
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Sequential embryo scoring as a predictor of aneuploidy in poor-prognosis patients. Reprod Biomed Online 2010; 21:381-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2010.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2009] [Revised: 05/05/2010] [Accepted: 05/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Perumalsamy A, Fernandes R, Lai I, Detmar J, Varmuza S, Casper RF, Jurisicova A. Developmental consequences of alternative Bcl-x splicing during preimplantation embryo development. FEBS J 2010; 277:1219-33. [PMID: 20136652 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2010.07554.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Elevated cell death in human preimplantation embryos is one of the cellular events compromising pregnancy rates after assisted reproductive technology treatments. We therefore explored the molecular pathways regulating cell death at the blastocyst stage in human embryos cultured in vitro. Owing to limited availability of human embryos, these pathways were further characterized in mouse blastocysts. Gene expression studies revealed a positive correlation between the cell death index and the expression of Bcl-x transcript. Cell death activation in human blastocysts was accompanied by changes in Bcl-x splicing, favoring production of Bcl-xS, an activator of cell death. Expression of Bcl-xS was detected in a subset of human blastocysts that show particular clustering in dying and/or dead cells. Altering the Bcl-xL/Bcl-xS ratio in mouse embryos, in antisense experiments, confirmed that upregulation of Bcl-xS, with concomitant downregulation of Bcl-xL, compromised developmental potential and committed a subset of cells to undergoing cell death. This was accompanied by increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species levels without any impact on mtDNA content. In addition, altered Bcl-x splicing in favor of Bcl-xS was stimulated by culture in HTF medium or by addition of excessive glucose, leading to compromised embryo development. Thus, we conclude that inappropriate culture conditions affect Bcl-x isoform expression, contributing to compromised preimplantation embryo development.
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Gil M, D'Ommar G, Póo ME, Sosa A, Piras M, Piras R, Rísquez F. Insights on blastomere nuclearity. J Assist Reprod Genet 2006; 24:17-22. [PMID: 17180469 PMCID: PMC3455084 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-006-9071-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2006] [Accepted: 09/06/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyze the results of our transferred embryos, especially those that "changed" their blastomere nuclearity from Multinucleated (MN) to Mono-nucleated during development. METHODS Pregnancies where at least one MN embryo was transferred were retrospectively evaluated and categorized in order to record and follow-up on the ones that were implanted. Embryos were classified as normal (when all blastomeres were mono-nucleated on day one and two of development), corrected (multinucleated embryos on day one that became mono-nucleated on day two) and non-corrected (multinucleated either on day one, on day two or both days). RESULTS There were 633 transfer cycles analyzed. Thirty-three percent (206) had at least one embryo with a MN blastomere at a given stage of development. Pregnancy and implantation rates were 29.0% and 19.0% for the group of exclusively mono-nucleated embryo transfers, and 28.6% and 15.8% for the group with at least one MN embryo transferred. The pregnancy outcome for "corrected" and "non-corrected" embryos could be corroborated unequivocally in only 9 cases, with an outcome of 8 and 4 normal babies, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Because the amount of data analyzed is not satisfactorily large, differences were not significantly different; however, a trend may exist showing that normal at term pregnancies obtained from corrected embryos are more likely to occur than those from non-corrected embryos. Nuclear observation on a daily basis should be one of the strategies used to select the best embryos for transferring, to improve implantation rates and avoid multiple pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Gil
- Clínica de Fertilidad, Centro Médico Docente La Trinidad, Caracas, Venezuela.
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15
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James AN, Hennessy S, Reggio B, Wiemer K, Larsen F, Cohen J. The limited importance of pronuclear scoring of human zygotes. Hum Reprod 2006; 21:1599-604. [PMID: 16488905 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/del013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have shown a correlation between the pronuclear morphology score (PNMS) and subsequent embryo development and implantation. Embryos with poor pronuclear score, elsewhere referred to as Z3 and Z4, are often not transferred or cryopreserved because it is believed that they have poor pregnancy potential. The objective of this study is to report our data on the use of the pronuclear score and its effect on pregnancy outcome. METHODS Retrospective analysis of IVF/ICSI-embryo transfer cycles completed over the course of 1 year (n = 334). Comparisons were made only in those groups of patients in whom cohorts of similarly scored PNMS embryos were transferred. The proportion of such homologous cohorts was 104/334 (31%). All other replacements were excluded from final analysis as they were dissimilar as far as PNMS is concerned. Pregnancy outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS The incidence of live birth resulting from the transfer of single pronuclear score homologous embryo types was 56 (14/25), 41 (13/32), 54 (23/43) and 0% (0/4) for PNMS scores 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. There was no correlation between PNMS category of the embryos transferred and live birth rates (P = 0.139). CONCLUSIONS PNMSs of 1, 2 or 3 do not correlate with live birth rates when assessing unique PNMS embryo transfers. In particular, previously considered poor (type 3) embryos can result in pregnancy with normal live birth rates. Whether type 4 embryos are compatible with normal development remains to be shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidita N James
- The A.R.T. Institute of Washington, Inc. at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC 20012, USA.
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Jurisicova A, Detmar J, Caniggia I. Molecular mechanisms of trophoblast survival: From implantation to birth. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 75:262-80. [PMID: 16425250 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.20053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fetal development depends upon a coordinated series of events in both the embryo and in the supporting placenta. The initial event in placentation is appropriate lineage allocation of stem cells followed by the formation of a spheroidal trophoblastic shell surrounding the embryo, facilitating implantation into the uterine stroma and exclusion of oxygenated maternal blood. In mammals, cellular proliferation, differentiation, and death accompany early placental development. Programmed cell death is a critical driving force behind organ sculpturing and eliminating abnormal, misplaced, nonfunctional, or harmful cells in the embryo proper, although very little is known about its physiological function during placental development. This review summarizes current knowledge of the cell death patterns and molecular pathways governing the survival of cells within the blastocyst, with a focus on the trophoblast lineage prior to and after implantation. Particular emphasis is given to human placental development in the context of normal and pathological conditions. As molecular pathways in humans are poorly elucidated, we have also included an overview of pertinent genetic animal models displaying defects in trophoblast survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Jurisicova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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17
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Kokkali G, Vrettou C, Traeger-Synodinos J, Jones GM, Cram DS, Stavrou D, Trounson AO, Kanavakis E, Pantos K. Birth of a healthy infant following trophectoderm biopsy from blastocysts for PGD of beta-thalassaemia major. Hum Reprod 2005; 20:1855-9. [PMID: 15878929 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deh893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PGD is a well accepted reproductive choice for couples at genetic risk and involves the diagnosis and transfer of unaffected IVF embryos. PGD for monogenetic diseases is most commonly accomplished by the biopsy of one or two blastomeres from cleavage stage embryos, followed by PCR-based protocols. However, PCR-based DNA analysis of one or two cells is subject to several problems, including total PCR failure, or failure of one allele to amplify. Trophectoderm biopsy at the blastocyst stage enables the removal of more than two cells for diagnosis while being non-invasive to the inner cell mass which is destined for fetal development. The aim of this study was to develop a safe, reliable technique for the biopsy of trophectoderm cells from human blastocysts. This case report demonstrates that removal of trophectoderm cells prior to blastocyst transfer is compatible with implantation and development to term. Here we report successful PGD for beta-thalassaemia following trophectoderm cell biopsy from blastocysts and the birth of a healthy infant.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Kokkali
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Hospital, Halandri, Athens, Greece.
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18
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Chatzimeletiou K, Morrison EE, Prapas N, Prapas Y, Handyside AH. Spindle abnormalities in normally developing and arrested human preimplantation embryos in vitro identified by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Hum Reprod 2005; 20:672-82. [PMID: 15689349 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deh652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite recent technical improvements, many human preimplantation embryos fail to develop to the blastocyst stage or implant after transfer to the uterus. A possible cause for this developmental arrest is the high incidence of nuclear and postzygotic chromosomal abnormalities observed during cleavage, including chaotic chromosome complements, suggestive of defects in mitotic chromosomal segregation. The underlying mechanisms are largely unknown, but similarities with chromosome instability in human cancers led to the proposal that cell cycle checkpoints may not operate at these early stages. METHODS To investigate this and to examine whether spindle abnormalities contribute to chromosome malsegregation, we have used fluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy, following immunolabelling with antibodies specific for alpha-tubulin, gamma-tubulin, or acetylated tubulin, combined with a DNA fluorochrome to visualize nuclei, spindle and chromosome configurations in normal and arrested human embryos, from cleavage to blastocyst stages. RESULTS In addition to frequent interphase nuclear abnormalities, we identify for the first time various spindle abnormalities including abnormal shape and chromosome loss and multipolar spindles at cleavage and blastocyst stages. CONCLUSIONS We propose that a major pathway leading to postzygotic chromosomal abnormalities is the formation of binucleate blastomeres with two centrosomes which result either in a bipolar spindle and division to two tetraploid blastomeres, or in a multipolar spindle, chromosome malsegregation and chromosomal chaos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Chatzimeletiou
- The London Bridge Fertility, Gynaecology and Genetics Centre, One St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY, UK.
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19
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Yakin K, Balaban B, Urman B. Impact of the presence of one or more multinucleated blastomeres on the developmental potential of the embryo to the blastocyst stage. Fertil Steril 2005; 83:243-5. [PMID: 15652922 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2004.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2003] [Revised: 08/05/2004] [Accepted: 08/05/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A retrospective study of 5,982 embryos in 619 blastocyst-stage embryo transfer cycles revealed that detection of multinucleated blastomeres either on day 2 or 3 signifies a poor prognosis for blastocyst formation and that no good-quality blastocyst can be expected from an embryo with more than one multinucleated blastomere. Patients should be counseled regarding a poor prognosis when multiple embryos with multinucleated blastomeres are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayhan Yakin
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, American Hospital of Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey.
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20
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Bielanska M, Tan SL, Ao A. Chromosomal information derived from single blastomeres isolated from cleavage-stage embryos and cultured in vitro. Fertil Steril 2003; 79:1304-11. [PMID: 12798875 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(03)00356-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the potential of proliferation of single blastomeres isolated from human cleavage-stage embryos for use in preimplantation genetic diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities. DESIGN A laboratory study of chromosomal content of blastomeres isolated from embryos of patients from an in vitro fertilization program. SETTING University hospital laboratory. PATIENT(S) Couples undergoing IVF or ICSI. INTERVENTION(S) Blastomeres were isolated from normally fertilized cleavage-stage human embryos, cultured in vitro or fixed immediately, and analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) probes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Chromosomal information yielded by blastomeres cultured in vitro compared with those obtained from blastomeres that were processed for chromosomal analysis directly after isolation. RESULT(S) The percentage of cultured blastomeres that produced FISH results was significantly lower than the percentage of blastomeres processed for FISH directly after isolation (72% vs. 90%). Lack of FISH results from cultured cells, which in most cases was related to nuclear anomalies, was significantly more frequent among nondivided than divided blastomeres (39% vs. 21%). Both cultured and noncultured cells showed diploid, aneuploid and polyploid chromosome complements on FISH. Compared with directly processed cells, cultured cells yielded a higher proportion of polyploid patterns (22.9% vs. 6.1%). Of the cultured blastomeres that divided, 18% produced progeny with mosaicism. CONCLUSION(S) Although blastomere culture may increase the number of cells available for chromosomal analysis, the high frequency of nuclear defects and the occurrence of polyploidy and mosaicism among cultured cells discourage the use of blastomere isolation and proliferation strategy for use in preimplantation genetic diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Bielanska
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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21
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Abstract
The preimplantation mammalian conceptus shows an impressive ability to develop normally following the loss, gain or rearrangement of cells. This has prompted the view that, unlike in other species, patterning in mammals cannot depend on information that is already present in the zygote before it begins to cleave. However, various findings are hard to reconcile with this conclusion, including evidence that the incidence of monozygotic twinning is sensitive to the conditions to which eggs or very early concepti are exposed. Possible causes of early twinning are discussed, and it is argued that partial hatching of the conceptus through a hernia in the zona pellucida cannot account for all cases. Moreover, it remains questionable whether studies on aggregated morulae and isolated blastomeres really provide compelling evidence against the existence of indispensible patterning information in the egg. Finally, regularities in axial relationships between the blastocyst and zygote have been revealed employing strictly non-invasive techniques. These show that, at least in normal development, patterning begins before cleavage.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Gardner
- University of Oxford, Department of Zoology, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PS, UK.
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22
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Abdelmassih V, Balmaceda JP, Nagy ZP, Abdelmassih S, Abdelmassih R. ICSI and day 5 embryo transfers: higher implantation rates and lower rate of multiple pregnancy with prolonged culture. Reprod Biomed Online 2003; 3:216-220. [PMID: 12513858 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)62039-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This retrospective review study, carried out in a private IVF clinic, compared pregnancy and implantation rates with day 3 versus day 5 embryo transfers in a selected group of patients. Participants were patients who failed to achieve pregnancy in at least one previous attempt with embryo transfer on days 2 or 3, and had more than five oocytes fertilized. A total of 296 patients who had undergone day 3 (group A) transfers were compared with 154 who had undergone day 5 transfers (group B). Interventions were intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), day 3 and day 5 embryo transfer. Outcome measures were pregnancy, implantation, multiple gestation and blastocyst formation rates. Overall, 86.4% of embryos were at the six- to eight-cell stage at 72 h and 30% developed to blastocyst by day 5. The mean number of embryos transferred was 4.0 on day 3 and 3.0 on day 5. Pregnancy and implantation rates were 34.8 and 11.5% in group A, versus 45.3 and 18.5% in group B. Multiple gestation rate was 47.1% in group A and 28.5% in group B. Prolonging embryo culture in vitro to day 5 improved embryo selection and implantation rates. A significant decrease in high order gestations was achieved by reducing the number of embryos transferred, without compromising the pregnancy rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Abdelmassih
- Clínica e Centro de Pesquisa em Reprodução Humana Roger Abdelmassih, São Paulo SP, Brazil
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23
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Munné S. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis of numerical and structural chromosome abnormalities. Reprod Biomed Online 2002; 4:183-96. [PMID: 12470583 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)61938-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The causes of the decline in implantation rates observed with increasing maternal age are still a matter for debate. Data from oocyte donation strongly suggest that in women of advanced reproductive age, the ability to become pregnant is largely unaffected while oocyte quality is compromised. The incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in embryos is considerably higher than that reported in spontaneous abortions, suggesting that a sizable percentage of chromosomally abnormal embryos are eliminated before any prenatal diagnosis. Such loss may partly account for the decline in implantation in older women. Because of the correlation between aneuploidy and reduced implantation, it has been postulated that selection of chromosomally normal embryos could reverse this trend. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for aneuploidy had three objectives relevant to the present paper: (i) to increase rates of implantation, (ii) to reduce risks of spontaneous abortion, and (iii) to avoid chromosomally abnormal births. Implantation rates did not increase when only five chromosomes were analysed in blastomeres. With eight chromosomes, a significant increase in implantation was achieved. PGD can significantly reduce the incidence of spontaneous abortion. In our clinic, a significant decrease in spontaneous abortions was found, from 23 to 11% after PGD. Currently in cases diagnosed at Saint Barnabas, 0.8% chromosomally abnormal conceptions have been observed after PGD versus an expected 3.2% in a control age-matched group. It seems clear that PGD reduces the possibility of trisomic conceptions under all conditions. If a couple's main interest is to improve their chances of conceiving (improve implantation), then one should consider maternal age and number of available embryos. Improvements in conception after PGD again increase after 37 years of age with eight or nine probes. Carriers of translocations are at a high risk of miscarriage or chromosomally unbalanced offspring, and a high proportion have secondary infertility. PGD of translocations has been approached through a variety of methods, here reviewed, and has resulted in a significant reduction in spontaneous abortions. However, implantation rates in translocation carriers are directly correlated with the proportion of normal gametes, and male patients with 70% or more unbalanced spermatozoa have great difficulty in achieving pregnancy with PGD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Munné
- Saint Barnabas Medical Centre, 101 Old Short Hills Road, Suite 501, West Orange, NJ 07052, USA.
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24
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De Vos A, Van Steirteghem A. Aspects of biopsy procedures prior to preimplantation genetic diagnosis. Prenat Diagn 2001; 21:767-80. [PMID: 11559914 DOI: 10.1002/pd.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Today, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is offered in over 40 centres worldwide for an expanded range of genetic defects causing disease. This very early form of prenatal diagnosis involves the detection of affected embryos by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) (sex determination or chromosomal defects) or by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (monogenic diseases) prior to implantation. Genetic analysis of the embryos involves the removal of some cellular mass from the embryos (one or two blastomeres at cleavage-stage or some extra-embryonic trophectoderm cells at the blastocyst stage) by means of an embryo biopsy procedure. Genetic analysis can also be performed preconceptionally by removal of the first polar body. However, additional information is then often gained by removal of the second polar body and/or a blastomere from the embryo. Removal of polar bodies or cellular material from embryos requires an opening in the zona pellucida, which can be created in a mechanical way (partial zona dissection) or chemical way (acidic Tyrode's solution). However, the more recent introduction of laser technology has facilitated this step enormously. Different biopsy procedures at different preimplantation stages are reviewed here, including their pros and cons and their clinical applications. The following aspects will also be discussed: safety of zona drilling by laser, use of Ca2+/Mg2+-free medium for decompaction, and removal of one or two cells from cleavage-stage embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- A De Vos
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital, Dutch-speaking Brussels Free University (Vrije Universiteit Brussel), Brussels, Belgium.
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25
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Schramm RD, Bavister BD. A macaque model for studying mechanisms controlling oocyte development and maturation in human and non-human primates. Hum Reprod 1999; 14:2544-55. [PMID: 10527985 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/14.10.2544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A model to study mechanisms controlling nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of primate oocytes is being developed in our laboratory. The high incidence of pregnancy failure in women following in-vitro fertilization (IVF) may be partly attributed to inadequate cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes. Advancement of knowledge of mechanisms controlling primate oocyte maturation would have important implications for treatment of human infertility, and would potentially increase numbers of viable non-human primate embryos for biomedical research. Use of a non-human primate model to study oocyte and embryo biology avoids legal, ethical and experimental limitations encountered in a clinical situation. Using this model, the meiotic and developmental capacity of oocytes from three sources have been compared: (i) in-vivo matured oocytes from monkeys stimulated with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and human chorionic gonadotrophin, (ii) in-vitro matured oocytes from monkeys primed with FSH, and (iii) in-vitro matured oocytes from non-stimulated monkeys. This work demonstrates that oocyte developmental competence is likely acquired both during follicle development, before meiotic resumption, and during meiotic progression, concurrent with nuclear maturation. Potential causes of developmental failure of in-vitro matured oocytes, implications for human infertility, and future strategies to study the regulation of primate oocyte maturation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- R D Schramm
- Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center, 1223 Capitol Court, Madison, WI 53715, USA
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26
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Jurisicova A, Antenos M, Kapasi K, Meriano J, Casper RF. Variability in the expression of trophectodermal markers beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin, human leukocyte antigen-G and pregnancy specific beta-1 glycoprotein by the human blastocyst. Hum Reprod 1999; 14:1852-8. [PMID: 10402404 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/14.7.1852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Improved culture conditions that support the development of human embryos to the blastocyst stage in vitro led to the prospect of blastocyst transfer to increase pregnancy rates. Thus, there is a need for characterization of possible biochemical markers able to predict the implantation potential of human blastocysts. In this study, the expression of three placental markers that are expressed prior to implantation, beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G and pregnancy specific beta-1 glycoprotein (SP-1), was investigated. beta-HCG transcript could be detected as early as the two-cell stage, which is one to two cleavage divisions earlier than previously reported. Both beta-HCG and HLA-G transcripts could be detected in the majority of blastocysts, but their levels were highly variable. No association could be found between the amount of transcript for these genes, total cell number or cell death rate. Interestingly, there was a highly positive correlation between accumulation of beta-HCG and HLA-G transcripts. SP-1 protein concentrations were assessed in the culture medium of blastocysts using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. There was a significant positive correlation between SP-1 concentrations and blastocyst cell numbers. Moreover, synthetic oviductal medium enriched with potassium resulted in an SP-1 concentration twice as high as that observed using human tubal fluid medium. These data suggest that SP-1 may be used to select blastocysts with higher cell number, possibly resulting in higher pregnancy rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Jurisicova
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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27
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Jones GM, Trounson AO. Blastocyst stage transfer: pitfalls and benefits. The benefits of extended culture. Hum Reprod 1999; 14:1405-8. [PMID: 10357946 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/14.6.1405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- G M Jones
- Centre for Early Human Development, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Monash University, Level 5, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, Victoria, Australia, 3168
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28
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Jones GM, Trounson AO, Lolatgis N, Wood C. Factors affecting the success of human blastocyst development and pregnancy following in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Fertil Steril 1998; 70:1022-9. [PMID: 9848289 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(98)00342-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the factors affecting blastocyst development and pregnancy after IVF and ET. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of data arising from a clinical trial. SETTING Private in vitro fertilization clinic. PATIENT(S) Fifty-six patients aged < or = 40 years, undergoing IVF procedures for infertility, recruited specifically for blastocyst transfer. INTERVENTION(S) All zygotes were cultured to days 5 or 6 after insemination, and one to four of the most advanced blastocysts were transferred to the patient's uterus. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Development of zygotes to blastocysts in vitro and pregnancy and implantation rates after ET. RESULT(S) Fifty-one percent of all zygotes developed to blastocysts. Significant positive correlation between the number of blastocysts formed was observed with the number of oocytes, pronuclear zygotes, and eight-cell embryos formed. There was a negative correlation with male factor infertility. By day 5 or 6, 93% of the patients had at least one blastocysts, and the clinical pregnancy rate per transfer was 43% and the implantation per embryo transferred was 25%. No other clinical factor significantly affected the number of blastocysts formed, pregnancy rate, or implantation rate. CONCLUSION(S) The numbers of oocytes, zygotes, and normally developing embryos in culture significantly affects the production of blastocysts in vitro. Male infertility significantly reduces blastocyst production. The number and the quality of the blastocysts transferred significantly influences clinical pregnancy rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Jones
- Centre for Early Human Development, Monash University, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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29
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Levy R, Benchaib M, Cordonier H, Souchier C, Guerin JF. Laser scanning confocal imaging of abnormal or arrested human preimplantation embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 1998; 15:485-95. [PMID: 9785196 PMCID: PMC3455047 DOI: 10.1023/a:1022582404181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The improved resolution and optical sectioning of a confocal microscope make it an ideal instrument for extracting three-dimensional information, especially from extended biological specimens such as human embryos. The staining of actin together with chromatin allowed us to specify the architecture of the embryo and the appearance of the nucleus. METHODS F-Actin and chromatin distributions were visualized using laser scanning confocal microscopy in "fresh" and "cryopreserved" human preimplantation embryos obtained by in vitro fertilization. RESULTS The current study revealed a high rate of multinucleation in arrested or poor-quality embryos (89%, in grade IV embryos). CONCLUSIONS Confocal microscopy revealed high levels of multinucleated blastomeres, suggesting that the probable cause of arrested development in these embryos was due to multinucleation of blastomeres.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Levy
- Laboratoire de Biologie de la Reproduction et du Développement, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Lyon, France
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30
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Jackson KV, Ginsburg ES, Hornstein MD, Rein MS, Clarke RN. Multinucleation in normally fertilized embryos is associated with an accelerated ovulation induction response and lower implantation and pregnancy rates in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer cycles. Fertil Steril 1998; 70:60-6. [PMID: 9660422 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(98)00100-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if multinucleation in normally fertilized embryos is indicative of poor developmental or clinical pregnancy prognosis and to examine the ovulation induction characteristics associated with multinucleation. DESIGN Retrospective review. SETTING A tertiary care institution. PATIENT(S) Patients undergoing IVF-ET cycles (exclusive of other assisted reproductive technologies). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Cycles in which embryos had at least 1 multinucleated blastomere were compared with cycles in which all blastomeres exhibited no nucleus or a single nucleus (control). RESULT(S) When >50% of transferred embryos contained multinucleated blastomeres there was a significant reduction in implantation (3.4% vs. 14.7%), clinical pregnancy (9.1% vs. 29.1%), and live birth rates (7.5% vs. 27.6%) when compared with transfers of control embryos. In conjunction with this finding, multinucleate cycles had higher E2 levels and more follicles on the day of hCG administration, a higher number of oocytes retrieved, a higher fertilization rate, and more embryos transferred per patient than did the cycles that produced control embryos. When multinucleated embryos were present, but not transferred, the developmental capacity of the sibling embryo was reduced. CONCLUSION(S) The evaluation of nuclear status using simple light microscopy is predictive of embryo developmental capacity and should be included in the embryo scoring system. The presence of multinucleated blastomeres in normally fertilized embryos is associated with a more effusive response to gonadotropin therapy and is indicative of a poor developmental outcome and lower clinical pregnancy rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- K V Jackson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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31
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Van Blerkom J. Epigenetic influences on oocyte developmental competence: perifollicular vascularity and intrafollicular oxygen. J Assist Reprod Genet 1998; 15:226-34. [PMID: 9604752 PMCID: PMC3454759 DOI: 10.1023/a:1022523906655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Studies indicating that the developmental competence of the human oocyte is influenced by the level of intrafollicular oxygen are described. METHODS Perifollicular vascularity and dissolved oxygen content were determined by color Doppler ultrasonography and analysis of follicular fluid at ovum retrieval, respectively, in stimulated cycles for in vitro fertilization. RESULTS Differences in the degree of perifollicular vascularity correlate with differences in the dissolved oxygen content of the corresponding follicular fluid. Oocytes with cytoplasmic and chromosomal disorders and embryos with multinucleated blastomeres and limited developmental ability were derived predominantly from underoxygenated follicles. Findings from several studies indicate that embryos with the highest implantation potential originate from follicles that are well-vascularized and oxygenated. CONCLUSIONS Follicular vascularity and oxygen content appear to be important determinants of oocyte competence. Possible causes of differences in follicle-specific vascularity and the potential effects of severe hypoxia on the normality of molecular and cellular processes during follicle growth and preovulatory development are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Van Blerkom
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder 80309-0347, USA
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32
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Kuo HC, Ogilvie CM, Handyside AH. Chromosomal mosaicism in cleavage-stage human embryos and the accuracy of single-cell genetic analysis. J Assist Reprod Genet 1998; 15:276-80. [PMID: 9604759 PMCID: PMC3454745 DOI: 10.1023/a:1022588326219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Our purpose was to assess the effect of chromosomal mosaicism in cleavage-stage human embryos on the accuracy of single-cell analysis for preimplantation genetic diagnosis. METHODS Multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization with X, Y, and 7 or X, Y, 7, and 18 chromosome-specific probes was used to detect aneuploidy in cleavage-stage human embryos. RESULTS Most nuclei were diploid for the chromosomes tested but there was extensive mosaicism including monosomic, double-monosomic, nullisomic, chaotic, and haploid nuclei. CONCLUSIONS Identification of sex by analysis of a single cleavage-stage nucleus is accurate but 7% of females are not identified. One or both parental chromosomes 7 were absent in at least 6.5% of the nuclei. With autosomal recessive conditions such as cystic fibrosis, carriers would be misdiagnosed as normal or affected. With autosomal dominant conditions, failure to analyze the affected parents allele (1.6-2.5%) would cause a serious misdiagnosis and analysis of at least two nuclei is necessary to reduce errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- H C Kuo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
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33
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KATAGIRI S, HO YUEN B, MOON YS. Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Improves Development of 8-Cell Rat Embryos In Vitro and Subsequent Development In Vivo. J Reprod Dev 1998. [DOI: 10.1262/jrd.44.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Seiji KATAGIRI
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18 Nishi 9, Sapporo 060, Japan
| | - Basil HO YUEN
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre, 855 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Young S. MOON
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre, 855 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Katagiri S, Moon YS, Yuen BH. The role for the uterine insulin-like growth factor I in early embryonic loss after superovulation in the rat. Fertil Steril 1996; 65:426-36. [PMID: 8566274 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)58111-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine possible roles of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system in increased early embryonic loss after superovulation. DESIGN Changes in the uterine IGF system were examined in superovulated rats. Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) was infused to the right uterine horns to mimic enhanced IGF-I actions after superovulation. Uterine luminal fluids were collected after IGF-I infusions and embryos were cultured with uterine luminal fluids. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Steroid hormones, IGF-I, IGF binding protein (IGFBP), and IGF-I receptor levels, developmental rate, and cell numbers of embryos. RESULTS Elevated IGF-I levels and suppressed IGFBP levels were found from days 1 to 3 of pregnancy after superovulation. Uterine luminal fluids of the IGF-I infusion and superovulation groups impaired embryo development in vitro. Anti-IGF-I antibody infusions after superovulation reversed detrimental effects of superovulation. Dialysis of uterine luminal fluids of the IGF-I infusion and superovulation groups before culture improved embryo development. CONCLUSIONS Enhanced IGF-I actions in the uterus after superovulation may be responsible for the increase of early embryonic loss. The detrimental factor for embryo development seems a small molecule and is likely a local product of the uterus in which IGF-I actions are enhanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Katagiri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Winston NJ. Developmental failure in preimplantation human conceptuses. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 1996; 164:139-88. [PMID: 8575890 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(08)62386-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The majority of human conceptuses fertilized normally in vitro fail to establish a pregnancy following their replacement in utero. However, since conceptuses are usually transferred after only one or two cell divisions, their developmental outcome is not known. It has been found that a significant number of human oocytes which can be fertilized carry chromosomal abnormalities, even in the absence of ovarian stimulation. After fertilization, preimplantation-stage conceptuses developing in vitro display a high incidence of cellular abnormalities. Similar disruptions of cellular organization have also been noted in conceptuses fertilized in vivo. Thus, developmental abnormalities and the demise of the conceptus prior to the stage of implantation may stem from the poor quality of the oocyte. The conditions encountered in vitro have also been proposed to cause or contribute to the early demise of human conceptuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Winston
- Laboratoire de Physiologie du Developpement, Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS-Université Paris VII, France
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Affiliation(s)
- A Trounson
- Institute of Reproduction and Development, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Australia
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Taylor AS, Braude PR. Evaluation of a simple method for measuring the cellular DNA content of mouse oocytes and embryos, human fibroblasts and parthenogenetically activated human oocytes using a computerised image analysis system (Seescan). ZYGOTE 1995; 3:85-94. [PMID: 7613879 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199400002422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
We report the use of a simple, reproducible, photocytometric method for measuring nuclear DNA content of DAPI-stained cells, using a computerised image analysis system: Seescan. As this technique is non-destructive and uses very short exposure to ultraviolet light, it can be used for either fixed or vital material. After correcting for any background cytoplasmic staining, the intensity of nuclear stain was measured by the Seescan and compared with that of control cells of known ploidy. Fixed material was found to stain more intensely than live material initially, but demonstrated a rapid loss of nuclear intensity over the first 90 min following removal from DAPI, after which the level plateaued. In contrast, live cells showed no change in nuclear intensity with time. The system was validated by measuring the DNA content of carefully timed mouse blastomeres, human fetal lung fibroblasts and parthenogenetically activated human oocytes. The results obtained were appropriate for the developmental stage or phenotypic appearance of each of the cell types measured.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Taylor
- Assisted Conception Unit, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital Trust, London, UK
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Muggleton-Harris AL. Inherited genetic defects: analysis and diagnosis at the cellular level in preimplantation embryos. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 1994; 151:1-27. [PMID: 8014020 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(08)62629-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Liu J, Lissens W, Devroey P, Liebaers I, Van Steirteghem AC. Efficiency of polymerase chain reaction assay for cystic fibrosis in single human blastomeres according to the presence or absence of nuclei. Fertil Steril 1993; 59:815-9. [PMID: 8458502 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)55865-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To amplify by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay the region of the most common mutation of cystic fibrosis (CF) in human blastomeres. DESIGN Blastomeres were isolated from two- to eight-cell tripronucleate embryos. The nuclear status of blastomeres was recorded by light microscopy (LM) and by fluorescence microscopy after vital labeling with the fluorochrome Hoechst 33342 (H-33342; Sigma, Brussels, Belgium). In each blastomere the region around the delta F508 mutation site was amplified by two PCRs with nested primers. SETTING Research units of the Centres for Reproductive Medicine and Medical Genetics of the Dutch-speaking Free University of Brussels, Belgium. RESULTS The presence of a nucleus by LM in 118 of 160 blastomeres was always confirmed by fluorescence microscopy, and in 10 additional blastomeres the nucleus was only visible by fluorescence microscopy. In the PCR assay all blanks were negative and in nucleate blastomeres (assessed by LM) the amplification rate was 96%. After staining with Hoechst dye the percentage of amplification was 71% or 91% if PCR was performed 2 hours or 20 hours after coloration. CONCLUSION Efficient preimplantation diagnosis for CF on blastomeres requires assessment of nuclear status by LM and vital staining on blastomeres that are anucleate by LM.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
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Winston NJ, Johnson MH, Braude PR. Assessment of the cellular DNA content of whole mounted mouse and human oocytes and of blastomeres containing single or multiple nuclei. ZYGOTE 1993; 1:17-25. [PMID: 8081798 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199400001258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The nuclear DNA content of intact, live or fixed, human and mouse oocytes and blastomeres has been measured rapidly and reliably. Chromosomal DNA has been stained with DAPI, the fluorescent emission from which has been measured photocytometrically. In vitro fertilised mouse oocytes and embryos at various stages of development were assessed for their DNA content. The mean values of 1C, 2C and 4C DNA content were clearly different, and it was possible to assign correctly individual values for DNA content to each class with 92%, 61% and 81% confidence respectively. Maintaining the cells as whole mounts allowed other morphological and structural features to be examined. When formation of multiple micronuclei was induced in mouse oocytes by their insemination in the presence of nocodazole, the additive signal from all the micronuclei in one zygote was equivalent to the expected DNA content. Application to early human blastomeres of this photocytometric technique for measurement of the total cellular DNA content revealed that multinucleated blastomeres contained 2C to 4C DNA levels, consistent with a diploid DNA content.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Winston
- Department of Anatomy, University of Cambridge, UK
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Bolton VN. Controversies and opinions in embryo culture: two- to four-cell transfer vs blastocyst. J Assist Reprod Genet 1992; 9:506-8. [PMID: 1299382 DOI: 10.1007/bf01204245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- V N Bolton
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, King's College School of Medicine & Dentistry, London, UK
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Winston N, Johnson M, Pickering S, Braude P. Parthenogenetic activation and development of fresh and aged human oocytes**Supported by the Medical Research Council, 20 Park Crescent, London, United Kingdom, grant no. G8302273 to P.R.B. and M.H.J. and the Science and Engineering Research Council, Polaris House, North Star Avenue, Swindon, United Kingdom, grant no. 8910085X to N.J.W. Fertil Steril 1991. [DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)54663-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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