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Janssen AEJ, Koeck RM, Essers R, Cao P, van Dijk W, Drüsedau M, Meekels J, Yaldiz B, van de Vorst M, de Koning B, Hellebrekers DMEI, Stevens SJC, Sun SM, Heijligers M, de Munnik SA, van Uum CMJ, Achten J, Hamers L, Naghdi M, Vissers LELM, van Golde RJT, de Wert G, Dreesen JCFM, de Die-Smulders C, Coonen E, Brunner HG, van den Wijngaard A, Paulussen ADC, Zamani Esteki M. Clinical-grade whole genome sequencing-based haplarithmisis enables all forms of preimplantation genetic testing. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7164. [PMID: 39223156 PMCID: PMC11369272 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51508-1] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
High-throughput sequencing technologies have increasingly led to discovery of disease-causing genetic variants, primarily in postnatal multi-cell DNA samples. However, applying these technologies to preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) in nuclear or mitochondrial DNA from single or few-cells biopsied from in vitro fertilised (IVF) embryos is challenging. PGT aims to select IVF embryos without genetic abnormalities. Although genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS)-based haplotyping methods enabled PGT for monogenic disorders (PGT-M), structural rearrangements (PGT-SR), and aneuploidies (PGT-A), they are labour intensive, only partially cover the genome and are troublesome for difficult loci and consanguineous couples. Here, we devise a simple, scalable and universal whole genome sequencing haplarithmisis-based approach enabling all forms of PGT in a single assay. In a comparison to state-of-the-art GBS-based PGT for nuclear DNA, shallow sequencing-based PGT, and PCR-based PGT for mitochondrial DNA, our approach alleviates technical limitations by decreasing whole genome amplification artifacts by 68.4%, increasing breadth of coverage by at least 4-fold, and reducing wet-lab turn-around-time by ~2.5-fold. Importantly, this method enables trio-based PGT-A for aneuploidy origin, an approach we coin PGT-AO, detects translocation breakpoints, and nuclear and mitochondrial single nucleotide variants and indels in base-resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk E J Janssen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, GROW Research Institute Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rebekka M Koeck
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, GROW Research Institute Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rick Essers
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, GROW Research Institute Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ping Cao
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, GROW Research Institute Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Wanwisa van Dijk
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marion Drüsedau
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Meekels
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Burcu Yaldiz
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Maartje van de Vorst
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Bart de Koning
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Debby M E I Hellebrekers
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Servi J C Stevens
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Su Ming Sun
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Malou Heijligers
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sonja A de Munnik
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Chris M J van Uum
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jelle Achten
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lars Hamers
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marjan Naghdi
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, GROW Research Institute Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Section Applied Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lisenka E L M Vissers
- Department of Human Genetics, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ron J T van Golde
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, GROW Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Guido de Wert
- Department of Health, Ethics and Society, GROW Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- CAPHRI Research Institute for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jos C F M Dreesen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Christine de Die-Smulders
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, GROW Research Institute Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Edith Coonen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, GROW Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Han G Brunner
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, GROW Research Institute Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Arthur van den Wijngaard
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Aimee D C Paulussen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, GROW Research Institute Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Masoud Zamani Esteki
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, GROW Research Institute Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention & Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Mattei G, Reschini M, Li Piani L, Fornelli G, Vigano P, Muzii L, Vercellini P, Somigliana E. Unexplained infertility and age-related infertility: indistinguishable diagnostic entities but different IVF prognosis. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:1996-2002. [PMID: 38906837 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae140] [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: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is IVF indicated for couples with age-related infertility? SUMMARY ANSWER IVF may be of doubtful utility for age-related infertility. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY A diagnosis of unexplained infertility is drawn when the diagnostic work-up fails to identify any patent cause. Although typically managed uniformly, unexplained infertility is likely to comprise a wide range of conditions, including age-related infertility (at least in older women). Unfortunately, no validated tests for the identification of age-related infertility exist and these women are typically treated as unexplained cases. However, homologous ART may be less effective for these women because these techniques may be unable to treat the detrimental effects of ageing on oocyte competence. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Women aged 18-42 years who underwent IVF procedures between January 2014 and December 2021 were selected retrospectively. In the first part of the study, we aimed to assess whether the proportion of women with unexplained infertility (i.e. without patent causes of infertility) increased with age. In the second part of the study, women with unexplained infertility were matched 1:1 by age, study period, and duration of infertility, to those with a patent cause of infertility. If our hypothesis is valid, the first part of the study should highlight an increase in the proportion of unexplained infertility with age. Moreover, in the second part of the study, one should observe a sharper decrease in the rate of IVF success of the procedure with age in women with an unremarkable work-up compared to those with a definite cause of infertility. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Women were included if: they had been trying to conceive for more than 2 years, they had retrieved more than three oocytes, and had not undergone previous IVF attempts. We exclude couples with severe male factor (criptozoospermia), chronic anovulation, untreated hydrosalpinx, or intracavitary diseases. The first part of the study aimed at investigating the relative proportion of unexplained infertility with age. The outcome of the second part was the distribution of the live births between unexplained versus explained infertility, in women younger or older than 35 years. Only the results of the first IVF cycle were considered (including both fresh and frozen cycles). The live birth rate corresponded to the cumulative chance of a live birth per oocyte retrieval. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE One thousand five hundred and thirty-five women were selected for the first part of the study; 742 of them had unexplained infertility (48%). The frequency of this diagnosis was lower among women aged <35 years (40%) compared to those ≥35 years (52%) (P < 0.001). A clear gradient emerged when considering smaller intervals of age (P < 0.001). A total of 1134 women (567 unexplained cases and 567 explained cases) were selected for the second part of the study. Baseline variables were comparable between women with unexplained and explained infertility. Among women younger than 35 years (n = 229 unexplained cases and 229 explained cases), 108 live births were observed in women with unexplained infertility (47%) and 88 in those with explained infertility (38%). In comparison, among women older than 35 years, the live births occurred in 90 (27%) and 114 (34%) couples, respectively (P = 0.03). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for a live birth in older women with unexplained infertility was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.43-0.94). In other words, the effectiveness of IVF in older women with unexplained infertility is reduced by an additional 37% when compared to women of similar age with a patent cause of infertility. Moreover, when considering smaller intervals of age, a gradient of the adverse effect of age on the distribution of live births between unexplained and explained infertility emerged (P = 0.003). Overall, these results support the hypothesis that IVF may be of modest benefit in women with age-related infertility. The decline in IVF success is sharper in women with unexplained infertility compared to those with explained infertility, indirectly suggesting that IVF cannot effectively treat age-related infertility. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION We postulated that the greater decline in IVF success with age in the unexplained group could be related to the concomitant increase in the proportion of women with age-related infertility. However, even if this is theoretically logical, the unavailability of validated tools to diagnose age-related infertility makes our inference speculative. We cannot exclude that the prevalence of other unknown causes of infertility that cannot also be effectively overcome with IVF could increase with age. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings suggest that IVF may be of modest utility for treating age-related infertility. Offering this procedure to older women with an unremarkable infertility work-up may be questioned. However, the diagnosis of age-related infertility remains challenging and identifying a biomarker that could reliably diagnose age-related infertility is a priority. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study was partially funded by the Italian Ministry of Health-current research IRCCS and by a specific grant supported by Ferring. ES declares receiving honoraria for lectures at meetings from IBSA and Gedeon-Richter and he also handles private grants of research from Ferring, IBSA, Theramex, and Gedeon-Richter. All the other authors do not have any conflict of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Mattei
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Reschini
- Maternal and Child Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, ART Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Letizia Li Piani
- Maternal and Child Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, ART Unit, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Fornelli
- Maternal and Child Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, ART Unit, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Vigano
- Maternal and Child Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, ART Unit, Milan, Italy
| | - Ludovico Muzii
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Vercellini
- Maternal and Child Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, ART Unit, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Edgardo Somigliana
- Maternal and Child Department, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, ART Unit, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Wang H, Huang Z, Shen X, Lee Y, Song X, Shu C, Wu LH, Pakkiri LS, Lim PL, Zhang X, Drum CL, Zhu J, Li R. Rejuvenation of aged oocyte through exposure to young follicular microenvironment. NATURE AGING 2024; 4:1194-1210. [PMID: 39251866 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-024-00697-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Reproductive aging is a major cause of fertility decline, attributed to decreased oocyte quantity and developmental potential. A possible cause is aging of the surrounding follicular somatic cells that support oocyte growth and development by providing nutrients and regulatory factors. Here, by creating chimeric follicles, whereby an oocyte from one follicle was transplanted into and cultured within another follicle whose native oocyte was removed, we show that young oocytes cultured in aged follicles exhibited impeded meiotic maturation and developmental potential, whereas aged oocytes cultured within young follicles were significantly improved in rates of maturation, blastocyst formation and live birth after in vitro fertilization and embryo implantation. This rejuvenation of aged oocytes was associated with enhanced interaction with somatic cells, transcriptomic and metabolomic remodeling, improved mitochondrial function and higher fidelity of meiotic chromosome segregation. These findings provide the basis for a future follicular somatic cell-based therapy to treat female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- HaiYang Wang
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Zhongwei Huang
- NUS Bia Echo Asia Centre for Reproductive Longevity and Equality, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xingyu Shen
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yaelim Lee
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - XinJie Song
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chang Shu
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lik Hang Wu
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Leroy Sivappiragasam Pakkiri
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Poh Leong Lim
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xi Zhang
- Center for Cell Dynamics and Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chester Lee Drum
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jin Zhu
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rong Li
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Center for Cell Dynamics and Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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Kalinderi K, Kalinderis M, Papaliagkas V, Fidani L. The Reproductive Lifespan of Ovarian Follicle. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:2604-2614. [PMID: 38816594 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01606-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The functional unit within mammalian ovaries is the ovarian follicle. The development of the ovarian follicle is a lengthy process beginning from the time of embryogenesis, passing through multiple different stages of maturation. The purpose of this review is to describe the most basic events in the journey of ovarian follicle development, discussing the importance of ovarian reserve and highlighting the role of several factors that affect oocyte quality and quantity during aging including hormonal, genetic and epigenetic factors. Novel, promising anti-aging strategies are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kallirhoe Kalinderi
- Laboratory of Medical Biology-Genetics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, GR-54124, Greece.
| | - Michail Kalinderis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St George's University Hospital NHS Trust, Blackshaw Road, Tooting, London, SW17 0QT, UK
| | - Vasileios Papaliagkas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, Thessaloniki, 57400, Greece
| | - Liana Fidani
- Laboratory of Medical Biology-Genetics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, GR-54124, Greece
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Gayete-Lafuente S, Moreno-Sepulveda J, Sánchez-Álvarez J, Prat M, Robles A, Espinós JJ, Checa MÁ. Anti-Müllerian hormone does not predict cumulative pregnancy rate in non-infertile women following four IUI cycles with donor sperm. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:2319-2326. [PMID: 38987421 PMCID: PMC11405616 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03188-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the predictive value of serum AMH for clinical pregnancy in non-infertile population undergoing intrauterine insemination with donor sperm (ds-IUI). METHODS This multicenter prospective study (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06263192) recruited all non-infertile women undergoing ds-IUI from June 2020 to December 2022 in three different fertility clinics in Spain and Chile. Indications for ds-IUI included severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, female partner, or single status. Clinical pregnancy rates were compared between women with AMH ≥ 1.1 and < 1.1 ng/mL. The main outcome measure was the cumulative clinical pregnancy rate after up to 4 ds-IUI cycles. RESULTS A total of 458 ds-IUI cycles were performed among 245 patients, of whom 108 (44.08%) achieved clinical pregnancy within 4 cycles, 60.2% of these occurring in the first attempt and 84.2% after two attempts. We found no significant differences in AMH levels or other parameters (such as age, BMI, FSH, AFC) between women who became pregnant and those who did not. Cumulative pregnancy rates and logistic regression analysis revealed that AMH ≥ 1.1 ng/mL was not predictive of ds-IUI success. While a high positive correlation was observed between AFC and AMH (r = 0.67, p < 0.001), ROC curve analyses indicated that neither of these ovarian reserve markers accurately forecasts cumulative ds-IUI outcomes in non-infertile women. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this multicenter study suggest that AMH is not a reliable predictor of pregnancy in non-infertile women undergoing ds-IUI. Even women with low AMH levels can achieve successful pregnancy outcomes, supporting the notion that diminished ovarian reserve should not restrict access to ds-IUI treatments in eligible non-infertile women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Gayete-Lafuente
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Autonoma University of Barcelona (UAB), Campus of Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
- Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, 21 East 69th Street, New York, NY, 10021, USA.
| | - José Moreno-Sepulveda
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Autonoma University of Barcelona (UAB), Campus of Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Clínica de La Mujer Medicina Reproductiva, Viña del Mar, Chile
| | - Javier Sánchez-Álvarez
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Autonoma University of Barcelona (UAB), Campus of Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Prat
- Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Robles
- Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Fertty Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan José Espinós
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Autonoma University of Barcelona (UAB), Campus of Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
- Fertty Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
- Fertty Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Checa
- Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- Fertty Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
- Fertty Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
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Kakourou G, Sofocleous C, Mamas T, Vrettou C, Traeger-Synodinos J. The current clinical applications of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT): acknowledging the limitations of biology and technology. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2024; 24:767-775. [PMID: 39107971 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2024.2390187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) is a cutting-edge test used to detect genetic abnormalities in embryos fertilized through Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR). PGT aims to ensure that embryos selected for transfer are free of specific genetic conditions or chromosome abnormalities, thereby reducing chances for unsuccessful MAR cycles, complicated pregnancies, and genetic diseases in future children. AREAS COVERED In PGT, genetics, embryology, and technology progress and evolve together. Biological and technological limitations are described and addressed to highlight complexity and knowledge constraints and draw attention to concerns regarding safety of procedures, clinical validity, and utility, extent of applications and overall ethical implications for future families and society. EXPERT OPINION Understanding the genetic basis of diseases along with advanced technologies applied in embryology and genetics contribute to faster, cost-effective, and more efficient PGT. Next Generation Sequencing-based techniques, enhanced by improved bioinformatics, are expected to upgrade diagnostic accuracy. Complicating findings such as mosaicism, mt-DNA variants, variants of unknown significance, or variants related to late-onset or polygenic diseases will however need further appraisal. Emphasis on monitoring such emerging data is crucial for evidence-based counseling while standardized protocols and guidelines are essential to ensure clinical value and respect of Ethical, Legal and Societal Issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Kakourou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Christalena Sofocleous
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Thalia Mamas
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Vrettou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Joanne Traeger-Synodinos
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Capalbo A, Cimadomo D, Coticchio G, Ottolini CS. An expert opinion on rescuing atypically pronucleated human zygotes by molecular genetic fertilization checks in IVF. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:1869-1878. [PMID: 39043217 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
IVF laboratories routinely adopt morphological pronuclear assessment at the zygote stage to identify abnormally fertilized embryos deemed unsuitable for clinical use. In essence, this is a pseudo-genetic test for ploidy motivated by the notion that biparental diploidy is required for normal human life and abnormal ploidy will lead to either failed implantation, miscarriage, or significant pregnancy complications, including molar pregnancy and chorionic carcinoma. Here, we review the literature associated with ploidy assessment of human embryos derived from zygotes displaying a pronuclear configuration other than the canonical two, and the related pregnancy outcome following transfer. We highlight that pronuclear assessment, although associated with aberrant ploidy outcomes, has a low specificity in the prediction of abnormal ploidy status in the developing embryo, while embryos deemed abnormally fertilized can yield healthy pregnancies. Therefore, this universal strategy of pronuclear assessment invariably leads to incorrect classification of over 50% of blastocysts derived from atypically pronucleated zygotes, and the systematic disposal of potentially viable embryos in IVF. To overcome this limitation of current practice, we discuss the new preimplantation genetic testing technologies that enable accurate identification of the ploidy status of preimplantation embryos and suggest a progress from morphology-based checks to molecular fertilization check as the new gold standard. This alternative molecular fertilization checking represents a possible non-incremental and controversy-free improvement to live birth rates in IVF as it adds to the pool of viable embryos available for transfer. This is especially important for the purposes of 'family building' or for poor-prognosis IVF patients where embryo numbers are often limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Capalbo
- Reproductive Genetics, Juno Genetics-Italy, Rome, Italy
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Psychological Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | | | | | - Christian Simon Ottolini
- Reproductive Genetics, Juno Genetics-Italy, Rome, Italy
- Department of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, UCL Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
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8
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Jacobs CK, Nicolielo M, Alegretti JR, Canto MD, Renzini MM, De Ponti E, Chehin MB, Motta ELA, Lorenzon AR, Buratini J. Basal FSH values are positively associated with aneuploidy incidence in pre-advanced maternal age (AMA) but not in AMA patients. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:2397-2404. [PMID: 38995508 PMCID: PMC11405722 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03190-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the impact of maternal age on the association between maternal basal FSH and aneuploidy. METHODS A retrospective study including data from 1749 blastocysts diagnosed as euploid or aneuploid by PGT-A (preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy). Aneuploidy incidence was compared between embryos from mothers with high vs. low basal FSH levels (above and below the group median, respectively) in total, pre-AMA (advanced maternal age; < 35 years, 198 embryos) and AMA (≥ 35 years, 1551 embryos) patient groups, separately. To control for the interference of potentially confounding variables, the association between aneuploidy and high basal FSH levels was assessed by multivariate logistic analysis in overall, pre-AMA and AMA patient groups. RESULTS Overall, aneuploidy rate was 9% higher (p = 0.02) in embryos from patients with high basal FSH (63.7%) compared to those with low basal FSH (58.4%). In the pre-AMA subgroup, aneuploidy incidence was 35% higher (p = 0.04) in embryos from patients with high basal FSH (53.5%) compared to those with low basal FSH (39.4%). Differently, aneuploidy occurrence did not vary between embryos from AMA patients with low (61.0%) and high (64.8%) basal FSH (p = 0.12). The multivariate analysis revealed that, in pre-AMA embryos, the association between aneuploidy occurrence and high basal FSH is independent of potential confounding variables (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION Maternal basal FSH values are associated with embryo aneuploidy in pre-AMA but not in AMA patients. The present findings suggest that basal FSH is a useful parameter to assess aneuploidy risk in pre-AMA patients and reinforce the hypothesis that excessive FSH signalling can predispose to oocyte meiotic errors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Elena De Ponti
- Medical Physics, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo Dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | | | - Eduardo L A Motta
- Huntington Medicina Reprodutiva - Eugin Group, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Gynecology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aline R Lorenzon
- Huntington Medicina Reprodutiva - Eugin Group, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jose Buratini
- Biogenesi, Reproductive Medicine Centre, Monza, Italy.
- Clinica EUGIN, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil.
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9
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Zhang F, Liu Y, Li Y, Liu X, Zhang Y, Su G. HMG-3 contributes to meiotic chromosome maintenance and inhibits reproductive aging in C. elegans. J Genet Genomics 2024:S1673-8527(24)00213-3. [PMID: 39214452 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Fengguo Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, China; Research Center of Translational Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250300, China
| | - Yanmei Li
- Department of Operations, Jinan Blood Centre, Jinan, Shandong 250001, China
| | - Xiuxiu Liu
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, China
| | - Yingchun Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, China.
| | - Guohai Su
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, China; Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, China.
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10
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Caroselli S, Poli M, Gatta V, Stuppia L, Capalbo A. Preconception carrier screening and preimplantation genetic testing in the infertility management. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 39166614 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic testing serves as a valuable element of reproductive care, applicable at various stages of the reproductive journey: (i) before pregnancy, when a couple's genetic reproductive risk can be evaluated; (ii) before embryo implantation, as part of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, to ascertain several inherited or de novo genetic/chromosomal diseases of the embryo before transfer; (iii) during the prenatal period, to assess the genetic costitution of the fetus. Preconception carrier screening (CS) is a genetic test typically performed on couples planning a pregnancy. The primary purpose of CS is to identify couples at-risk of conceiving a child affected by a severe genetic disorder with autosomal recessive or X-linked inheritance. Detection of high reproductive risk through CS allows prospective parents to be informed of their predisposition and improve reproductive decision-making. These include undergoing IVF with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) or donor gametes, prenatal diagnosis, adoption, remaining childless, taking no actions. Both the presence of the affected gene (PGT-M) and chromosomal status (PGT-A) of the embryo can be comprehensively assessed through modern approaches. OBJECTIVES We provide a review of CS and PGT applications to equip healthcare providers with up-to-date information regarding their opportunities and complexities. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The use of CS and PGT is currently considered the most effective intervention for avoiding both an affected pregnancy whilst using autologous gametes in couples with known increased risk, and chromosomal abnormalities. As our understanding in the genetic component in pathological conditions increases, the number of tested disorders will expand, offering a more thorough assessment of one's genetic inheritance. Nevertheless, implementation and development in this field must be accompanied by scientific and ethical considerations to ensure this approach serves the best long-term interests of individuals and society, promoting justice and autonomy and preserving parenthood and the healthcare system. CONCLUSION The combination of CS and PGT aligns with principles of personalized medicine by offering reproductive care tailored to the individual's genetic makeup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Caroselli
- Juno Genetics, Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Valentina Gatta
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
- Department of Psychological Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
- Department of Psychological Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Antonio Capalbo
- Juno Genetics, Rome, Italy
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
- Department of Psychological Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
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11
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Lawson JM, Salem SE, Miller D, Kahler A, van den Boer WJ, Shilton CA, Sever T, Mouncey RR, Ward J, Hampshire DJ, Foote AK, Bryan JS, Juras R, Pynn OD, Davis BW, Bellone RR, Raudsepp T, de Mestre AM. Naturally occurring horse model of miscarriage reveals temporal relationship between chromosomal aberration type and point of lethality. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2405636121. [PMID: 39102548 PMCID: PMC11331123 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2405636121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal abnormalities are a common cause of human miscarriage but rarely reported in any other species. As a result, there are currently inadequate animal models available to study this condition. Horses present one potential model since mares receive intense gynecological care. This allowed us to investigate the prevalence of chromosomal copy number aberrations in 256 products of conception (POC) in a naturally occurring model of pregnancy loss (PL). Triploidy (three haploid sets of chromosomes) was the most common aberration, found in 42% of POCs following PL over the embryonic period. Over the same period, trisomies and monosomies were identified in 11.6% of POCs and subchromosomal aberrations in 4.2%. Whole and subchromosomal aberrations involved 17 autosomes, with chromosomes 3, 4, and 20 having the highest number of aberrations. Triploid fetuses had clear gross developmental anomalies of the brain. Collectively, data demonstrate that alterations in chromosome number contribute to PL similarly in women and mares, with triploidy the dominant ploidy type over the key period of organogenesis. These findings, along with highly conserved synteny between human and horse chromosomes, similar gestation lengths, and the shared single greatest risk for PL being advancing maternal age, provide strong evidence for the first animal model to truly recapitulate many key features of human miscarriage arising due to chromosomal aberrations, with shared benefits for humans and equids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M. Lawson
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, LondonAL9 7TA, UK
| | - Shebl E. Salem
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853
| | - Donald Miller
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853
| | - Anne Kahler
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, LondonAL9 7TA, UK
| | - Wilhelmina J. van den Boer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853
| | - Charlotte A. Shilton
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, LondonAL9 7TA, UK
| | - Tia Sever
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853
| | - Rebecca R. Mouncey
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, LondonAL9 7TA, UK
| | - Jenna Ward
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853
| | - Daniel J. Hampshire
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, LondonAL9 7TA, UK
| | - Alastair K. Foote
- Rossdales Laboratories, Rossdales Ltd, Beaufort Cottages Stables, NewmarketCB8 8JS, UK
| | - Jill S. Bryan
- Rossdales Laboratories, Rossdales Ltd, Beaufort Cottages Stables, NewmarketCB8 8JS, UK
| | - Rytis Juras
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX77843
| | - Oliver D. Pynn
- Rossdales Veterinary Surgeons, Rossdales Ltd, Beaufort Cottages Stables, NewmarketCB8 8JS, UK
| | - Brian W. Davis
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX77843
| | - Rebecca R. Bellone
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA95617
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA95617
| | - Terje Raudsepp
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX77843
| | - Amanda M. de Mestre
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY14853
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12
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Quaas AM, Penzias AS, Adashi EY. Embryonic aneuploidy - the true "last barrier in assisted reproductive technology"? F&S SCIENCE 2024:S2666-335X(24)00054-5. [PMID: 39127422 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2024.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Human embryonic aneuploidy may represent one of the final frontiers in assisted reproductive technology, primarily secondary to oocyte aneuploidy. Mammalian oocytes possess unique characteristics predisposing them to much higher rates of aneuploidy than sperm or most somatic cells. Some of these characteristics are age-independent, whereas others result from reproductive aging and environmental toxicity. A detailed understanding of these properties may lead to novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools designed to detect and prevent oocyte and embryonic aneuploidy to overcome this ultimate barrier to success in assisted reproductive technology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alan S Penzias
- Boston IVF, Waltham, Massachusetts; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Eli Y Adashi
- Department of Medical Science, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
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13
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Kubota K. Molecular approaches to mammalian uterine receptivity for conceptus implantation. J Reprod Dev 2024; 70:207-212. [PMID: 38763760 PMCID: PMC11310385 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2024-022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammalian reproduction is more inefficient than expected and embryo/conceptus implantation into the maternal endometrium is considered to be a rate-limiting process. Although extensive physiological and structural diversity exists among mammalian species, the basic molecular mechanisms underlying successful implantation are conserved. The extensive use of genetically engineered mouse models has provided considerable information on uterine receptivity for embryo implantation. The molecular mechanisms and cellular processes identified thus far require further validation in other mammalian species. In this review, representative ovarian steroid hormone-induced signaling pathways controlling uterine adaptation are presented based on the results of rodent studies. Selected examples of functional conservation in mammals, such as humans and cattle, are briefly described. To date, molecular therapeutic trials for fertility improvement have not been conducted. Considerable efforts are required to provide further understanding of these molecular mechanisms. Such understanding will contribute to the development of reliable clinical diagnostics and therapeutics for implantation failure, leading to reproductive success in a wide variety of mammals in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyu Kubota
- Division of Advanced Feeding Technology Research, Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tochigi 329-2793, Japan
- Present: Research Promotion Office, Core Technology Research Headquaters, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Ibaraki 305-8517, Japan
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14
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Gokyer D, Akinboro S, Zhou LT, Kleinhans A, Laronda MM, Duncan FE, Riley JK, Goldman KN, Babayev E. The oocyte microenvironment is altered in adolescents compared to oocyte donors. Hum Reprod Open 2024; 2024:hoae047. [PMID: 39211054 PMCID: PMC11361810 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoae047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do the molecular signatures of cumulus cells (CCs) and follicular fluid (FF) of adolescents undergoing fertility preservation differ from that of oocyte donors? SUMMARY ANSWER The microenvironment immediately surrounding the oocyte, including the CCs and FF, is altered in adolescents undergoing fertility preservation compared to oocyte donors. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Adolescents experience a period of subfecundity following menarche. Recent evidence suggests that this may be at least partially due to increased oocyte aneuploidy. Reproductive juvenescence in mammals is associated with suboptimal oocyte quality. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION This was a prospective cohort study. Adolescents (10-19 years old, n = 23) and oocyte donors (22-30 years old, n = 31) undergoing ovarian stimulation and oocyte retrieval at a single center between 1 November 2020 and 1 May 2023 were enrolled in this study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS Patient demographics, ovarian stimulation, and oocyte retrieval outcomes were collected for all participants. The transcriptome of CCs associated with mature oocytes was compared between adolescents (10-19 years old, n = 19) and oocyte donors (22-30 years old, n = 19) using bulk RNA-sequencing. FF cytokine profiles (10-19 years old, n = 18 vs 25-30 years old, n = 16) were compared using cytokine arrays. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE RNA-seq analysis revealed 581 differentially expressed genes in CCs of adolescents relative to oocyte donors, with 361 genes downregulated and 220 upregulated. Genes enriched in pathways involved in cell cycle and cell division (e.g. GO: 1903047, P = 3.5 × 10-43; GO: 0051983, P = 4.1 × 10-30; GO: 0000281, P = 7.7 × 10-15; GO: 0044839, P = 5.3 × 10-13) were significantly downregulated, while genes enriched in several pathways involved in cellular and vesicle organization (e.g. GO: 0010256, P = 1.2 × 10-8; GO: 0051129, P = 6.8 × 10-7; GO: 0016050, P = 7.4 × 10-7; GO: 0051640, P = 8.1 × 10-7) were upregulated in CCs of adolescents compared to oocyte donors. The levels of nine cytokines were significantly increased in FF of adolescents compared to oocyte donors: IL-1 alpha (2-fold), IL-1 beta (1.7-fold), I-309 (2-fold), IL-15 (1.6-fold), TARC (1.9-fold), TPO (2.1-fold), IGFBP-4 (2-fold), IL-12-p40 (1.7-fold), and ENA-78 (1.4-fold). Interestingly, seven of these cytokines have known pro-inflammatory roles. Importantly, neither the CC transcriptomes nor FF cytokine profiles were different in adolescents with or without cancer. LARGE SCALE DATA Original high-throughput sequencing data have been deposited in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database with the accession number GSE265995. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION This study aims to gain insights into the associated gamete quality by studying the immediate oocyte microenvironment. The direct study of oocytes is more challenging due to sample scarcity, as they are cryopreserved for future use, but would provide a more accurate assessment of oocyte reproductive potential. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings have implications for the adolescent fertility preservation cycles. Understanding the expected quality of cryopreserved eggs in this age group will lead to better counseling of these patients about their reproductive potential and may help to determine the number of eggs that is recommended to be banked to achieve a reasonable chance of future live birth(s). STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This project was supported by Friends of Prentice organization SP0061324 (M.M.L. and E.B.), Gesualdo Family Foundation (Research Scholar: M.M.L.), and NIH/NICHD K12 HD050121 (E.B.). The authors have declared that no conflict of interest exists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilan Gokyer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sophia Akinboro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Luhan T Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Anna Kleinhans
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern Medicine Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Monica M Laronda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Basic and Preclinical Science, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Francesca E Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joan K Riley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern Medicine Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kara N Goldman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern Medicine Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Elnur Babayev
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern Medicine Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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15
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Mihalas BP, Marston AL, Wu LE, Gilchrist RB. Reproductive Ageing: Metabolic contribution to age-related chromosome missegregation in mammalian oocytes. Reproduction 2024; 168:e230510. [PMID: 38718822 PMCID: PMC11301428 DOI: 10.1530/rep-23-0510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
In brief Chromosome missegregation and declining energy metabolism are considered to be unrelated features of oocyte ageing that contribute to poor reproductive outcomes. Given the bioenergetic cost of chromosome segregation, we propose here that altered energy metabolism during ageing may be an underlying cause of age-related chromosome missegregation and aneuploidy. Abstract Advanced reproductive age in women is a major cause of infertility, miscarriage and congenital abnormalities. This is principally caused by a decrease in oocyte quality and developmental competence with age. Oocyte ageing is characterised by an increase in chromosome missegregation and aneuploidy. However, the underlying mechanisms of age-related aneuploidy have not been fully elucidated and are still under active investigation. In addition to chromosome missegregation, oocyte ageing is also accompanied by metabolic dysfunction. In this review, we integrate old and new perspectives on oocyte ageing, chromosome segregation and metabolism in mammalian oocytes and make direct links between these processes. We consider age-related alterations to chromosome segregation machinery, including the loss of cohesion, microtubule stability and the integrity of the spindle assembly checkpoint. We focus on how metabolic dysfunction in the ageing oocyte disrupts chromosome segregation machinery to contribute to and exacerbate age-related aneuploidy. More specifically, we discuss how mitochondrial function, ATP production and the generation of free radicals are altered during ageing. We also explore recent developments in oocyte metabolic ageing, including altered redox reactions (NAD+ metabolism) and the interactions between oocytes and their somatic nurse cells. Throughout the review, we integrate the mechanisms by which changes in oocyte metabolism influence age-related chromosome missegregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina P Mihalas
- Oocyte Biology Research Unit, Discipline of Women’s Health, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
| | - Adele L Marston
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lindsay E Wu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- Oocyte Biology Research Unit, Discipline of Women’s Health, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, Australia
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16
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Amadio F, Bongiorni S, Varalda GM, Marcon F, Meschini R. Di(2-ethylexyl) phthalate and chromosomal damage: Insight on aneugenicity from the cytochalasin-block micronucleus assay. MUTATION RESEARCH. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2024; 898:503791. [PMID: 39147443 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2024.503791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate is the most abundant phthalate used as plasticizer to soften plastics and polymers included in medical devices. Human and environmental exposure may occur because DEHP is not chemically bound to plastics and can easily leach out of the materials. This phthalate is classified as reproductive toxicant and possible carcinogen to humans. The genotoxic potential has still to be clarified, but there are indications suggesting that DEHP may have aneugenic effects. To further investigate DEHP genotoxicity, the cytochalasin-block micronucleus assay was applied and combined with the CREST staining to characterise micronucleus content and gain insights on its genotoxic mode of action. Chromosomal damage was also analysed in metaphase and ana-telophase cells and the morphology of the mitotic spindle was investigated to evaluate the possible involvement of this cellular apparatus as a target of DEHP. Our findings indicated that DEHP induced a statistically significant increase in the frequency of micronuclei as well as in the frequency of CREST-positive micronuclei. Consistently, disturbance of chromosome segregation and induction of numerical chromosome changes were observed together with changes in spindle morphology, formation of multipolar spindles and alteration of the microtubule network. Experiments performed without metabolic activation demonstrated a direct action of DEHP on chromosome segregation not mediated by its metabolites. In conclusion, there is consistent evidence for an aneugenic activity of DEHP. A thresholded genotoxic activity was identified for DEHP, disclosing possible implications for risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Amadio
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, Tuscia University, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Silvia Bongiorni
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, Tuscia University, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Giorgia Maria Varalda
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, Tuscia University, Viterbo, Italy; Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Marcon
- Department of Environment and Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
| | - Roberta Meschini
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences, Tuscia University, Viterbo, Italy.
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17
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Chavez-Badiola A, Farías AFS, Mendizabal-Ruiz G, Silvestri G, Griffin DK, Valencia-Murillo R, Drakeley AJ, Cohen J. Use of artificial intelligence embryo selection based on static images to predict first-trimester pregnancy loss. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 49:103934. [PMID: 38824762 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2024.103934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Can an artificial intelligence embryo selection assistant predict the incidence of first-trimester spontaneous abortion using static images of IVF embryos? DESIGN In a blind, retrospective study, a cohort of 172 blastocysts from IVF cases with single embryo transfer and a positive biochemical pregnancy test was ranked retrospectively by the artificial intelligence morphometric algorithm ERICA. Making use of static embryo images from a light microscope, each blastocyst was assigned to one of four possible groups (optimal, good, fair or poor), and linear regression was used to correlate the results with the presence or absence of a normal fetal heart beat as an indicator of ongoing pregnancy or spontaneous abortion, respectively. Additional analyses included modelling for recipient age and chromosomal status established by preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A). RESULTS Embryos classified as optimal/good had a lower incidence of spontaneous abortion (16.1%) compared with embryos classified as fair/poor (25%; OR = 0.46, P = 0.005). The incidence of spontaneous abortion in chromosomally normal embryos (determined by PGT-A) was 13.3% for optimal/good embryos and 20.0% for fair/poor embryos, although the difference was not significant (P = 0.531). There was a significant association between embryo rank and recipient age (P = 0.018), in that the incidence of spontaneous abortion was unexpectedly lower in older recipients (21.3% for age ≤35 years, 17.9% for age 36-38 years, 16.4% for age ≥39 years; OR = 0.354, P = 0.0181). Overall, these results support correlation between risk of spontaneous abortion and embryo rank as determined by artificial intelligence; classification accuracy was calculated to be 67.4%. CONCLUSIONS This preliminary study suggests that artificial intelligence (ERICA), which was designed as a ranking system to assist with embryo transfer decisions and ploidy prediction, may also be useful to provide information for couples on the risk of spontaneous abortion. Future work will include a larger sample size and karyotyping of miscarried pregnancy tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Chavez-Badiola
- University of Kent, School of Biosciences, Canterbury, UK; IVF 2.0 Ltd, London, UK; New Hope Fertility Center, Guadalajara, Mexico; Conceivable Life Sciences, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Gerardo Mendizabal-Ruiz
- Conceivable Life Sciences, New York, NY, USA; Departamento de Ciencias Computacionales, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Giuseppe Silvestri
- University of Kent, School of Biosciences, Canterbury, UK; Conceivable Life Sciences, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Andrew J Drakeley
- IVF 2.0 Ltd, London, UK; Hewitt Fertility Centre, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jacques Cohen
- IVF 2.0 Ltd, London, UK; Conceivable Life Sciences, New York, NY, USA
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18
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Jin Y, Sun G, Li J, Cheng Q, Sun H, Han L, Guo X, Zhu S, Wang Q. MIB2 Functions in Oocyte Meiosis by Modulating Chromatin Configuration. Mol Cell Proteomics 2024; 23:100813. [PMID: 39019259 PMCID: PMC11364126 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2024.100813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Chromatin configuration serves as a principal indicator of GV (germinal vesicle)-stage oocyte quality. However, the underlying mechanisms governing the chromatin configuration transition from NSN (non-surrounded nucleolus) to SN (surrounded nucleolus) remain unclear. In this study, by conducting a quantitative proteomic analysis, we identified an increased expression of the MIB2 (MIB E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 2) protein in SN oocytes. Specific depletion of MIB2 in SN oocytes not only leads to severe disruption of the meiotic apparatus and a higher incidence of aneuploidy but also adversely affects meiotic maturation and early embryo development. Notably, overexpression of MIB2 in NSN oocytes facilitates the chromatin configuration transition. Meantime, we observed that forced expression of MIB2 in NSN oocytes significantly mitigates spindle/chromosome disorganization and aneuploidy. In summary, our results suggest that chromatin configuration transition regulated by MIB2 is crucial for oocytes to acquire developmental competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guangyi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiashuo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qing Cheng
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongzheng Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Longsen Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuai Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Qiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Changzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China; Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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19
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Lee CI, Su CY, Chen HH, Huang CC, Cheng EH, Lee TH, Lin PY, Yu TN, Chen CI, Chen MJ, Lee MS, Chen CH. Investigating developmental characteristics of biopsied blastocysts stratified by mitochondrial copy numbers using time-lapse monitoring. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:89. [PMID: 39080754 PMCID: PMC11290074 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01262-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For in vitro fertilization (IVF), mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) levels in the trophectodermal (TE) cells of biopsied blastocysts have been suggested to be associated with the cells' developmental potential. However, scholars have reached differing opinions regarding the use of mtDNA levels as a reliable biomarker for predicting IVF outcomes. Therefore, this study aims to assess the association of mitochondrial copy number measured by mitoscore associated with embryonic developmental characteristics and ploidy. METHODS This retrospective study analyzed the developmental characteristics of embryos and mtDNA levels in biopsied trophectodermal cells. The analysis was carried out using time-lapse monitoring and next-generation sequencing from September 2021 to September 2022. Five hundred and fifteen blastocysts were biopsied from 88 patients undergoing IVF who met the inclusion criteria. Embryonic morphokinetics and morphology were evaluated at 118 h after insemination using all recorded images. Blastocysts with appropriate morphology on day 5 or 6 underwent TE biopsy and preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A). Statistical analysis involved generalized estimating equations, Pearson's chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test, and Kruskal-Wallis test, with a significance level set at P < 0.05. RESULTS To examine differences in embryonic characteristics between blastocysts with low versus high mitoscores, the blastocysts were divided into quartiles based on their mitoscore. Regarding morphokinetic characteristics, no significant differences in most developmental kinetics and observed cleavage dysmorphisms were discovered. However, blastocysts in mitoscore group 1 had a longer time for reaching 3-cell stage after tPNf (t3; median: 14.4 h) than did those in mitoscore group 2 (median: 13.8 h) and a longer second cell cycle (CC2; median: 11.7 h) than did blastocysts in mitoscore groups 2 (median: 11.3 h) and 4 (median: 11.4 h; P < 0.05). Moreover, blastocysts in mitoscore group 4 had a lower euploid rate (22.6%) and a higher aneuploid rate (59.1%) than did those in the other mitoscore groups (39.6-49.3% and 30.3-43.2%; P < 0.05). The rate of whole-chromosomal alterations in mitoscore group 4 (63.4%) was higher than that in mitoscore groups 1 (47.3%) and 2 (40.1%; P < 0.05). A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze associations between the mitoscore and euploidy of elective blastocysts. After accounting for factors that could potentially affect the outcome, the mitoscore still exhibited a negative association with the likelihood of euploidy (adjusted OR = 0.581, 95% CI: 0.396-0.854; P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS Blastocysts with varying levels of mitochondrial DNA, identified through biopsies, displayed similar characteristics in their early preimplantation development as observed through time-lapse imaging. However, the mitochondrial DNA level determined by the mitoscore can be used as a standalone predictor of euploidy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-I Lee
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Ya Su
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Hui Chen
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chia Huang
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - En-Hui Cheng
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hsien Lee
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Yao Lin
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Ning Yu
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-I Chen
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jer Chen
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Maw-Sheng Lee
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Hong Chen
- Division of Infertility, Lee Women's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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20
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Porokh V, Kyjovská D, Martonová M, Klenková T, Otevřel P, Kloudová S, Holubcová Z. Zygotic spindle orientation defines cleavage pattern and nuclear status of human embryos. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6369. [PMID: 39075061 PMCID: PMC11286845 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50732-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
The first embryonic division represents a starting point for the development of a new individual. In many species, tight control over the first embryonic division ensures its accuracy. However, the first division in humans is often erroneous and can impair embryo development. To delineate the spatiotemporal organization of the first mitotic division typical for normal human embryo development, we systematically analyzed a unique timelapse dataset of 300 IVF embryos that developed into healthy newborns. The zygotic division pattern of these best-quality embryos was compared to their siblings that failed to implant or arrested during cleavage stage. We show that division at the right angle to the juxtaposed pronuclei is preferential and supports faithful zygotic division. Alternative configurations of the first mitosis are associated with reduced clustering of nucleoli and multinucleation at the 2-cell stage, which are more common in women of advanced age. Collectively, these data imply that orientation of the first division predisposes human embryos to genetic (in)stability and may contribute to aneuploidy and age-related infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volodymyr Porokh
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Drahomíra Kyjovská
- Reprofit International, Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Martonová
- Reprofit International, Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Klenková
- Reprofit International, Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Otevřel
- Reprofit International, Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Soňa Kloudová
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Reprofit International, Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Holubcová
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Reprofit International, Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Brno, Czech Republic.
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21
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Chen S, Sun Q, Yao B, Ren Y. The Molecular Mechanism of Aurora-B Regulating Kinetochore-Microtubule Attachment in Mitosis and Oocyte Meiosis. Cytogenet Genome Res 2024:1-9. [PMID: 39068909 DOI: 10.1159/000540588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aurora kinase B (Aurora-B), a member of the chromosomal passenger complex, is involved in correcting kinetochore-microtubule (KT-MT) attachment errors and regulating sister chromatid condensation and cytoplasmic division during mitosis. SUMMARY However, few reviews have discussed its mechanism in oocyte meiosis and the differences between its role in mitosis and meiosis. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the localization, recruitment, activation, and functions of Aurora-B in mitosis and oocyte meiosis. The accurate regulation of Aurora-B is essential for ensuring accurate chromosomal segregation and correct KT-MT attachments. Aurora-B regulates the stability of KT-MT attachments by competing with cyclin-dependent kinase 1 to control the phosphorylation of the SILK and RVSF motifs on kinetochore scaffold 1 and by competing with protein phosphatase 1 to influence the phosphorylation of NDC80 which is the substrate of Aurora-B. In addition, Aurora-B regulates the spindle assembly checkpoint by promoting the recruitment and activation of mitotic arrest deficient 2. KEY MESSAGES This review provides a theoretical foundation for elucidating the mechanism of cell division and understanding oocyte chromosomal aneuploidy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China,
| | - Qiqi Sun
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Bo Yao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Yanping Ren
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Preclinical Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
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22
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Wedenoja S, Pihlajamäki M, Gissler M, Wedenoja J, Öhman H, Heinonen S, Kere J, Kääriäinen H, Tanner L. Infertility following trisomic pregnancies: A nationwide cohort study. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024. [PMID: 39056516 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study whether gynecologic or reproductive disorders show association with trisomic conceptions. METHODS This nationwide cohort study utilized the Registry of Congenital Malformations to identify women who had a trisomic pregnancy (n = 5784), either with trisomy 13 (T13; n = 351), trisomy 18 (T18; n = 1065) or trisomy 21 (T21; n = 4369) from 1987 to 2018. We used the Finnish Maternity cohort to match the cases to population controls (n = 34 422) on the age, residence, and timing of pregnancy. These data were cross-linked to the ICD-10 diagnoses of the national Care Registry for Health Care data on specialized health care in Finland during 1996 to 2019. Both inflammatory (ICD-10 diagnoses: N70-N77) and noninflammatory disorders of the genital tract (N80-N98) were studied. Crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were calculated for associations between diagnoses and trisomic conceptions. RESULTS The diagnosis of female infertility (N97) at any time was associated with trisomic conceptions (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.08-1.32). In the subgroup analysis, this association was found for T18 (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.03-1.61) and T21 (OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.04-1.32), but not for T13 (OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 0.75-1.72). When restricting the timing of the diagnosis of female infertility, an elevated OR was found only after the index pregnancy (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.56-2.09). These increased odds for infertility after trisomic conceptions were observed both in women <35 years (T18 OR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.21-3.00; T21 OR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.31-2.14) and in women ≥35 years (T18 OR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.40-3.33; T21 OR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.47-2.39), but not after T13 conceptions. CONCLUSION Our observational data suggest a link between trisomic conceptions and subsequent diagnoses of infertility but do not demonstrate causality. These data implicate that partially similar mechanisms might predispose to trisomy and infertility, regardless of maternal age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satu Wedenoja
- Information Brokers, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mika Pihlajamäki
- Information Brokers, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mika Gissler
- Information Brokers, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- Research Center for Child Psychiatry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Region Stockholm, Academic Primary Health Care Center, Stockholm, Sweden
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Juho Wedenoja
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanna Öhman
- Biobank Borealis of Northern Finland, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Seppo Heinonen
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Juha Kere
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Helena Kääriäinen
- Genomics and Biomarkers Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Laura Tanner
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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23
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Takenouchi O, Sakakibara Y, Kitajima TS. Live chromosome identifying and tracking reveals size-based spatial pathway of meiotic errors in oocytes. Science 2024; 385:eadn5529. [PMID: 39024439 DOI: 10.1126/science.adn5529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Meiotic errors of relatively small chromosomes in oocytes result in egg aneuploidies that cause miscarriages and congenital diseases. Unlike somatic cells, which preferentially mis-segregate larger chromosomes, aged oocytes preferentially mis-segregate smaller chromosomes through unclear processes. Here, we provide a comprehensive three-dimensional chromosome identifying-and-tracking dataset throughout meiosis I in live mouse oocytes. This analysis reveals a prometaphase pathway that actively moves smaller chromosomes to the inner region of the metaphase plate. In the inner region, chromosomes are pulled by stronger bipolar microtubule forces, which facilitates premature chromosome separation, a major cause of segregation errors in aged oocytes. This study reveals a spatial pathway that facilitates aneuploidy of small chromosomes preferentially in aged eggs and implicates the role of the M phase in creating a chromosome size-based spatial arrangement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osamu Takenouchi
- Laboratory for Chromosome Segregation, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Kobe, Japan
| | - Yogo Sakakibara
- Laboratory for Chromosome Segregation, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Kobe, Japan
| | - Tomoya S Kitajima
- Laboratory for Chromosome Segregation, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Kobe, Japan
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24
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Engebrecht J. Oocyte biology: Perhaps chromosomal glue can be reapplied. Curr Biol 2024; 34:R628-R630. [PMID: 38981428 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.05.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Meiotic cohesion loss underlies elevated rates of infertility and chromosome abnormalities in children of older women. A new study shows that cohesins are turned over throughout meiotic prophase, suggesting that cohesion loss is likely not solely due to early establishment of cohesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- JoAnne Engebrecht
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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25
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Van Der Kelen A, Keymolen K, Cools W, De Vos A, Pölsler L, De Vos M, Blockeel C, Fernandez-Gallardo E, De Rycke M, Berckmoes V, Verdyck P, Hes FJ, Verpoest W. A heatmap for expected cumulative live birth rate in preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders and chromosomal structural rearrangements. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1907-1915. [PMID: 38753088 PMCID: PMC11263274 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03141-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Our objective is to predict the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) and identify the specific subset within the population undergoing preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) and chromosomal structural rearrangements (PGT-SR) which is likely to exhibit a diminished expected CLBR based on various patient demographics. METHODS We performed a single-centre retrospective cohort study including 1522 women undergoing 3130 PGT cycles at a referral centre for PGT. A logistic regression analysis was performed to predict the CLBR per ovarian stimulation in women undergoing PGT-M by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array, and in women undergoing PGT-SR by SNP array, array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) or next-generation sequencing (NGS). RESULTS The mean age of women was 32.6 years, with a mean AMH of 2.75 µg/L. Female age and AMH significantly affected the expected CLBR irrespective of the inheritance mode or PGT technology. An expected CLBR < 10% was reached above the age of 42 years and AMH ≤ 1.25 µg/L. We found no significant difference in outcome per ovarian stimulation between the different PGT technologies, i.e. PCR, SNP array, array CGH and NGS. Whereas per embryo transfer, we noticed a significantly higher probability of live birth when SNP array, array CGH and NGS were used as compared to PCR. CONCLUSION In a PGT-setting, couples with an unfavourable female age and AMH should be informed of the prognosis to allow other reproductive choices. The heatmap produced in this study can be used as a visual tool for PGT couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelore Van Der Kelen
- Clinical Sciences, Research Group Genetics, Reproduction and Development, Centre for Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Kathelijn Keymolen
- Clinical Sciences, Research Group Genetics, Reproduction and Development, Centre for Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wilfried Cools
- Support for Quantitative and Qualitative Research, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anick De Vos
- Clinical Sciences, Research Group Genetics, Reproduction and Development, Brussels IVF Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laura Pölsler
- Clinical Sciences, Research Group Genetics, Reproduction and Development, Centre for Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michel De Vos
- Clinical Sciences, Research Group Genetics, Reproduction and Development, Brussels IVF Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christophe Blockeel
- Clinical Sciences, Research Group Genetics, Reproduction and Development, Brussels IVF Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elia Fernandez-Gallardo
- Clinical Sciences, Research Group Genetics, Reproduction and Development, Centre for Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Martine De Rycke
- Clinical Sciences, Research Group Genetics, Reproduction and Development, Centre for Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Veerle Berckmoes
- Clinical Sciences, Research Group Genetics, Reproduction and Development, Centre for Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pieter Verdyck
- Clinical Sciences, Research Group Genetics, Reproduction and Development, Centre for Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frederik Jan Hes
- Clinical Sciences, Research Group Genetics, Reproduction and Development, Centre for Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Willem Verpoest
- Clinical Sciences, Research Group Genetics, Reproduction and Development, Brussels IVF Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Utrecht University Medical Centre (UMCU), Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Cozzolino M, Capalbo A, Garcia-Velasco JA, Pellicer A, Vaiarelli A, Galliano D, Cimadomo D, Ubaldi FM, Parini V, Levi-Setti PE. In vitro fertilization and perinatal outcomes of patients with advanced maternal age after single frozen euploid embryo transfer: a propensity score-matched analysis of autologous and donor cycles. Fertil Steril 2024:S0015-0282(24)00519-3. [PMID: 38838805 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2024.05.170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate in vitro fertilization (IVF) and perinatal outcomes of donor egg and autologous cycles in patients with advanced reproductive age after undergoing single frozen euploid embryo transfer. DESIGN A multicenter, retrospective, cohort study. SETTING University-affiliated and private IVF centers. PATIENT(S) Patients aged 39-46 years who underwent IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm injection and preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy using whole-chromosome sequencing with donor (n = 278) or autologous (n = 278) oocytes between October 2017 and October 2021. INTERVENTION(S) Single frozen euploid embryo transfer with donor or autologous euploid embryo. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The main outcome measure was the live birth rate (LBR) after the first embryo transfer, calculated per embryo transfer. The secondary outcomes included the implantation rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, and gestational age and birth weight at the time of delivery. RESULT(S) Patients using donor or autologous oocytes had a similar likelihood of implantation (57.91% [51.87-63.78] vs. 57.19% [51.15-63.09]) and LBR (41.01% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 35.17-47.04] vs. 42.45% [95% CI, 36.56-48.49]). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the ectopic pregnancy rate (0.72% [0.09-2.57] vs. 0.36% [0.01-1.99]), miscarriage rate (16.19% [12.06-21.05] vs. 14.39% [95% CI, 10.48-19.08]), gestational age (38.50 [38.08-38.92] vs. 39.16 [38.25-40.07] weeks), or birth weight of infants (2,982.25 [2,606.69-3,357.81] vs. 3,128.24 [2,962.30-3,294.17] kg). The univariate analysis showed no association between advanced maternal age and the LBR (relative risk, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.84-1.25]). Multivariate analysis using putative confounders for embryo competency found no associations with LBR (adjusted relative risk, 1.22 [95% CI, 0.75-1.98]). CONCLUSION(S) Patients with euploid blastocysts derived from donor or autologous oocytes did not reveal statistically significant differences in the LBR, implantation rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, duration of gestation, or infant birth weight. These findings suggest that age-related reproductive decline and/or poor IVF outcomes associated with women with advanced reproductive age undergoing IVF are heavily driven by embryonic aneuploidy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Cozzolino
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Roma, Rome, Italy; IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain.
| | - Antonio Capalbo
- Juno Genetics, Rome, Italy; Department of Psychological Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Unit of Medical Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Pellicer
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Roma, Rome, Italy; IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
| | - Alberto Vaiarelli
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Genera, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Danilo Cimadomo
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, Genera, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Paolo Emanuele Levi-Setti
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital - Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
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Stenta T, Assis M, Ayers K, Tucker EJ, Halman A, Gook D, Sinclair AH, Elliott DA, Jayasinghe Y, Conyers R. Pharmacogenomic studies of fertility outcomes in pediatric cancer survivors - A systematic review. Clin Transl Sci 2024; 17:e13827. [PMID: 38924306 PMCID: PMC11199333 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
For the same age, sex, and dosage, there can be significant variation in fertility outcomes in childhood cancer survivors. Genetics may explain this variation. This study aims to: (i) review the genetic contributions to infertility, (ii) search for pharmacogenomic studies looking at interactions of cancer treatment, genetic predisposition and fertility-related outcomes. Systematic searches in MEDLINE Ovid, Embase Classic+Embase, and PubMed were conducted using the following selection criteria: (i) pediatric, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors, below 25 years old at the time of diagnosis, (ii) fertility outcome measures after cancer therapy, (iii) genetic considerations. Studies were excluded if they were (i) conducted in animal models, (ii) were not published in English, (iii) editorial letters, (iv) theses. Articles were screened in Covidence by at least two independent reviewers, followed by data extraction and a risk of bias assessment using the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool. Eight articles were reviewed with a total of 29 genes. Outcome measures included sperm concentration, azoospermia, AMH levels, assessment of premature menopause, ever being pregnant or siring a pregnancy. Three studies included replication cohorts, which attempted replication of SNP findings for NPY2R, BRSK1, FANCI, CYP2C19, CYP3A4, and CYP2B6. Six studies were rated with a high risk of bias. Differing methods may explain a lack of replication, and small cohorts may have contributed to few significant findings. Larger, prospective longitudinal studies with an unbiased genome-wide focus will be important to replicate significant results, which can be applied clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayla Stenta
- Cancer Therapies, Stem Cell MedicineMurdoch Children's Research InstituteParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Michael Assis
- Cancer Therapies, Stem Cell MedicineMurdoch Children's Research InstituteParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn HealthRoyal Women's Hospital, University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Katie Ayers
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Reproductive DevelopmentMurdoch Children's Research InstituteParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Elena J. Tucker
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Reproductive DevelopmentMurdoch Children's Research InstituteParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Andreas Halman
- Cancer Therapies, Stem Cell MedicineMurdoch Children's Research InstituteParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics ServicesMurdoch Children's Research InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Debra Gook
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn HealthRoyal Women's Hospital, University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Gynaecology, Royal Children‘s HospitalParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Reproductive Services, The Royal Women's HospitalParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Andrew H. Sinclair
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Reproductive DevelopmentMurdoch Children's Research InstituteParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - David A. Elliott
- Cancer Therapies, Stem Cell MedicineMurdoch Children's Research InstituteParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Yasmin Jayasinghe
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Newborn HealthRoyal Women's Hospital, University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Gynaecology, Royal Children‘s HospitalParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Rachel Conyers
- Cancer Therapies, Stem Cell MedicineMurdoch Children's Research InstituteParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Department of PaediatricsUniversity of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Children's Cancer Centre, The Royal Children's HospitalParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
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Lin LT, Li CJ, Chern CU, Lin PH, Lin PW, Chen YC, Tsai HW, Tsui KH. Intravascular Laser Blood Irradiation (ILIB) Enhances Antioxidant Activity and Energy Metabolism in Aging Ovaries. J Pers Med 2024; 14:551. [PMID: 38929772 PMCID: PMC11205042 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14060551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian aging is characterized by the accumulation of free radicals, leading to tissue damage and affecting reproductive health. Intravascular laser irradiation of blood (ILIB, using a low-energy He-Ne laser) is known for its efficacy in treating vascular-related diseases by reducing free radicals and inflammation. However, its impact on ovarian aging remains unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ILIB on oxidative stress and energy metabolism in aging ovaries. METHODS Genetic analysis was conducted on 75 infertile patients with aging ovaries, divided into ILIB-treated and control (CTRL) groups. Patients underwent two courses of laser treatment, and clinical parameters were evaluated. Cumulus cells were collected for the genetic analysis of oxeiptosis, glycolysis, and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. RESULTS The analysis of gene expression patterns revealed intriguing findings in ILIB-treated patients compared to the untreated group. Notably, ILIB treatment resulted in significant upregulation of oxeiptosis-related genes AIFM1 and NRF2, suggesting a potential protective effect against oxidative stress-induced cell death. Furthermore, ILIB treatment led to a downregulation of glycolysis-associated gene hexokinase 2 (HK2), indicating a shift away from anaerobic metabolism, along with an increase in PDHA levels, indicative of enhanced mitochondrial function. Consistent with these changes, ILIB-treated patients exhibited elevated expression of the key TCA cycle genes citrate synthase (CS), succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit A (SDHA), and fumarate hydratase (FH), signifying improved energy metabolism. CONCLUSION The findings from this study underscore the potential of ILIB as a therapeutic strategy for mitigating ovarian aging. By targeting oxidative stress and enhancing energy metabolism, ILIB holds promise for preserving ovarian function and reproductive health in aging individuals. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize the application of ILIB in clinical settings, with the ultimate goal of improving fertility outcomes in women experiencing age-related ovarian decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Te Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Shu-Zen Junior College of Medicine and Management, Kaohsiung 821, Taiwan
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jung Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Shu-Zen Junior College of Medicine and Management, Kaohsiung 821, Taiwan
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Chyi-Uei Chern
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hsuan Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan
| | - Po-Wen Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Wen Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Hao Tsui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Shu-Zen Junior College of Medicine and Management, Kaohsiung 821, Taiwan
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei 112, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
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29
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Rosado GM, Martinez-Marchal A, Faykoo-Martinez M, Holmes MM, Brieño-Enríquez MA. Naked mole rat ovaries allow investigation of ovarian reserve, in vitro germ cell expansion, and oocyte in vitro maturation within a single sample. Reproduction 2024; 167:e230459. [PMID: 38457920 PMCID: PMC11023744 DOI: 10.1530/rep-23-0459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Recently, we described that in the naked mole rat ovary it is possible to study the ovarian reserve and the mitotic expansion of the germ cell postnatally. Herein, we show oocyte in vitro maturation and in vitro germ cell expansion using the same ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gretchen M Rosado
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ana Martinez-Marchal
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mariela Faykoo-Martinez
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melissa M Holmes
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
| | - Miguel Angel Brieño-Enríquez
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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30
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de Assis V, Giugni CS, Ros ST. Evaluation of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. Obstet Gynecol 2024; 143:645-659. [PMID: 38176012 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) affects approximately 5% of couples. Although RPL definitions vary across professional societies, an evaluation after a second clinically recognized first-trimester pregnancy loss is recommended. Good quality evidence links parental chromosomal rearrangements, uterine anomalies, and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) to RPL. In contrast, the relationship between RPL and other endocrine, hematologic, and immunologic disorders or environmental exposures is less clear. Anticoagulant therapy and low-dose aspirin are recommended for patients with RPL who have also been diagnosed with APS. Vaginal progesterone supplementation may be considered in patients experiencing vaginal bleeding during the first trimester. Surgical correction may be considered for patients with RPL in whom a uterine anomaly is identified. Evaluation and management of additional comorbidities should be guided by the patient's history rather than solely based on the diagnosis of RPL, with the goal of improving overall health to reduce complications in the event of pregnancy. Most people with RPL, including those without identifiable risk factors, are expected to achieve a live birth within 5 years from the initial evaluation. Nevertheless, clinicians should be sensitive to the psychological needs of individuals with this condition and provide compassionate and supportive care across all stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana de Assis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida
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31
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Zhu Y, Kratka CR, Pea J, Lee HC, Kratka CE, Xu J, Marin D, Treff NR, Duncan FE. The severity of meiotic aneuploidy is associated with altered morphokinetic variables of mouse oocyte maturation. Hum Reprod Open 2024; 2024:hoae023. [PMID: 38764910 PMCID: PMC11099657 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoae023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is there an association between morphokinetic variables of meiotic maturation and the severity of aneuploidy following in vitro maturation (IVM) in the mouse? SUMMARY ANSWER The severity of meiotic aneuploidy correlates with an extended time to first polar body extrusion (tPB1) and duration of meiosis I (dMI). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Morphokinetic variables measured using time-lapse technology allow for the non-invasive evaluation of preimplantation embryo development within clinical assisted reproductive technology (ART). We recently applied this technology to monitor meiotic progression during IVM of mouse gametes. Whether there is a relationship between morphokinetic variables of meiotic progression and aneuploidy in the resulting egg has not been systematically examined at the resolution of specific chromosomes. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a robust clinical tool for determining aneuploidy status and has been reverse-translated in mouse blastocysts and oocytes. Therefore, we harnessed the technologies of time-lapse imaging and NGS to determine the relationship between the morphokinetics of meiotic progression and egg aneuploidy. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION Cumulus-oocyte complexes were collected from large antral follicles from hyperstimulated CD-1 mice. Cumulus cells were removed, and spontaneous IVM was performed in the absence or presence of two doses of Nocodazole (25 or 50 nM) to induce a spectrum of spindle abnormalities and chromosome segregation errors during oocyte meiosis. Comprehensive chromosome screening was then performed in the resulting eggs, and morphokinetic variables and ploidy status were compared across experimental groups (control, n = 11; 25 nM Nocodazole, n = 13; 50 nM Nocodazole, n = 23). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS We monitored IVM in mouse oocytes using time-lapse microscopy for 16 h, and time to germinal vesicle breakdown (tGVBD), tPB1, and dMI were analyzed. Following IVM, comprehensive chromosome screening was performed on the eggs and their matched first polar bodies via adaptation of an NGS-based preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) assay. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to align reads to the mouse genome and determine copy number-based predictions of aneuploidy. The concordance of each polar body-egg pair (reciprocal errors) was used to validate the results. Ploidy status was categorized as euploid, 1-3 chromosomal segregation errors, or ≥4 chromosomal segregation errors. Additionally, aneuploidy due to premature separation of sister chromatids (PSSC) versus non-disjunction (NDJ) was distinguished. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We applied and validated state-of-the-art NGS technology to screen aneuploidy in individual mouse eggs and matched polar bodies at the chromosome-specific level. By performing IVM in the presence of different doses of Nocodazole, we induced a range of aneuploidy. No aneuploidy was observed in the absence of Nocodazole (0/11), whereas IVM in the presence of 25 and 50 nM Nocodazole resulted in an aneuploidy incidence of 7.69% (1/13) and 82.61% (19/23), respectively. Of the aneuploid eggs, 5% (1/20) was due to PSSC, 65% (13/20) to NDJ, and the remainder to a combination of both. There was no relationship between ploidy status and tGVBD, but tPB1 and the dMI were both significantly prolonged in eggs with reciprocal aneuploidy events compared to the euploid eggs, and this scaled with the severity of aneuploidy. Eggs with ≥4 aneuploid chromosomes had the longest tPB1 and dMI (P < 0.0001), whereas eggs with one to three aneuploid chromosomes exhibited intermediate lengths of time (P < 0.0001). LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION We used Nocodazole in this study to disrupt the meiotic spindle and induce aneuploidy in mouse oocytes. Whether the association between morphokinetic variables of meiotic progression and the severity of aneuploidy occurs with other compounds that induce chromosome segregation errors remain to be investigated. In addition, unlike mouse oocytes, human IVM requires the presence of cumulus cells, which precludes visualization of morphokinetic variables of meiotic progression. Thus, our study may have limited direct clinical translatability. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS We validated NGS in mouse eggs to detect aneuploidy at a chromosome-specific resolution which greatly improves the utility of the mouse model. With a tractable and validated model system for characterizing meiotic aneuploidy, investigations into the molecular mechanisms and factors which may influence aneuploidy can be further elaborated. Time-lapse analyses of morphokinetic variables of meiotic progression may be a useful non-invasive predictor of aneuploidy severity. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (INV-003385). Under the grant conditions of the Foundation, a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Generic License has already been assigned to the Author Accepted Manuscript version that might arise from this submission. The authors have no conflict of interest to disclose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiru Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey Pea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hoi Chang Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Caroline E Kratka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jia Xu
- Genomic Prediction Inc., North Brunswick Township, NJ, USA
| | - Diego Marin
- Genomic Prediction Inc., North Brunswick Township, NJ, USA
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Nathan R Treff
- Genomic Prediction Inc., North Brunswick Township, NJ, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Francesca E Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Nikalayevich E, Letort G, de Labbey G, Todisco E, Shihabi A, Turlier H, Voituriez R, Yahiatene M, Pollet-Villard X, Innocenti M, Schuh M, Terret ME, Verlhac MH. Aberrant cortex contractions impact mammalian oocyte quality. Dev Cell 2024; 59:841-852.e7. [PMID: 38387459 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The cortex controls cell shape. In mouse oocytes, the cortex thickens in an Arp2/3-complex-dependent manner, ensuring chromosome positioning and segregation. Surprisingly, we identify that mouse oocytes lacking the Arp2/3 complex undergo cortical actin remodeling upon division, followed by cortical contractions that are unprecedented in mammalian oocytes. Using genetics, imaging, and machine learning, we show that these contractions stir the cytoplasm, resulting in impaired organelle organization and activity. Oocyte capacity to avoid polyspermy is impacted, leading to a reduced female fertility. We could diminish contractions and rescue cytoplasmic anomalies. Similar contractions were observed in human oocytes collected as byproducts during IVF (in vitro fertilization) procedures. These contractions correlate with increased cytoplasmic motion, but not with defects in spindle assembly or aneuploidy in mice or humans. Our study highlights a multiscale effect connecting cortical F-actin, contractions, and cytoplasmic organization and affecting oocyte quality, with implications for female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Nikalayevich
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), Collège de France, Université PSL, CNRS, INSERM, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Gaëlle Letort
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3738, Université Paris Cité, 25 rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Ghislain de Labbey
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), Collège de France, Université PSL, CNRS, INSERM, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Elena Todisco
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anastasia Shihabi
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), Collège de France, Université PSL, CNRS, INSERM, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Hervé Turlier
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), Collège de France, Université PSL, CNRS, INSERM, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Raphaël Voituriez
- Laboratoire de Physique Théorique de la Matière Condensée (LPTMC), Laboratoire Jean Perrin, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Mohamed Yahiatene
- Centre Assistance Médicale à la Procréation Nataliance, Groupe Mlab, Pôle Santé Oréliance, Saran, France
| | - Xavier Pollet-Villard
- Centre Assistance Médicale à la Procréation Nataliance, Groupe Mlab, Pôle Santé Oréliance, Saran, France
| | - Metello Innocenti
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 2, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Melina Schuh
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marie-Emilie Terret
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), Collège de France, Université PSL, CNRS, INSERM, 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Marie-Hélène Verlhac
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), Collège de France, Université PSL, CNRS, INSERM, 75005 Paris, France.
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33
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Gokyer D, Akinboro S, Zhou LT, Kleinhans A, Laronda MM, Duncan FE, Riley JK, Goldman KN, Babayev E. The oocyte microenvironment is altered in adolescents compared to oocyte donors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.04.588118. [PMID: 38617323 PMCID: PMC11014529 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.04.588118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Study question Are the molecular signatures of cumulus cells (CCs) and follicular fluid (FF) of adolescents undergoing fertility preservation differ from that of reproductively adult oocyte donors? Summary answer The microenvironment immediately surrounding the oocyte, including the CCs and FF, is altered in adolescents undergoing fertility preservation compared to oocyte donors. What is known already Adolescents experience a period of subfecundity following menarche. Recent evidence suggests that this may be at least partially due to increased oocyte aneuploidy. Reproductive juvenescence in mammals is associated with suboptimal oocyte quality. Study design size duration This was a prospective cohort study. Adolescents (10-19 years old, N=23) and oocyte donors (22-30 years old, N=31) undergoing ovarian stimulation and oocyte retrieval at the Northwestern Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Center between November 1, 2020 and May 1, 2023 were enrolled in this study. Participants/materials setting methods Patient demographics, ovarian stimulation, and oocyte retrieval outcomes were collected for all participants. The transcriptome of CCs associated with mature oocytes was compared between adolescents (10-19 years old, n=19), and oocyte donors (22-30 years old, n=19) using bulk RNA-sequencing. FF cytokine profiles (10-19 years old, n=18 vs. 25-30 years old, n=16) were compared using cytokine arrays. Main results and the role of chance RNA-seq analysis revealed 581 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in cumulus cells of adolescents relative to oocyte donors, with 361 genes downregulated and 220 upregulated. Genes enriched in pathways involved in cell cycle and cell division (e.g., GO:1903047, p= 3.5 × 10-43; GO:0051983, p= 4.1 × 10-30; GO:0000281, p= 7.7 × 10-15; GO:0044839, p= 5.3 × 10-13) were significantly downregulated, while genes enriched in several pathways involved in cellular and vesicle organization (e.g., GO:0010256, p= 1.2 × 10-8; GO:0051129, p= 6.8 × 10-7; GO:0016050, p= 7.4 × 10-7; GO:0051640, p= 8.1 × 10-7) were upregulated in CCs of adolescents compared to oocyte donors. The levels of 9 cytokines were significantly increased in FF of adolescents compared to oocyte donors: IL-1 alpha (2-fold), IL-1 beta (1.7-fold), I-309 (2-fold), IL-15 (1.6-fold), TARC (1.9-fold), TPO (2.1-fold), IGFBP-4 (2-fold), IL-12-p40 (1.7-fold) and ENA-78 (1.4-fold). Interestingly, 7 of these cytokines have known pro-inflammatory roles. Importantly, neither the CC transcriptomes or FF cytokine profiles were different in adolescents with or without cancer. Large scale data Original high-throughput sequencing data will be deposited in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) before publication, and the GEO accession number will be provided here. Limitations reasons for caution This study aims to gain insights into the associated gamete quality by studying the immediate oocyte microenvironment. The direct study of oocytes is more challenging due to sample scarcity, as they are cryopreserved for future use, but will provide a more accurate assessment of oocyte reproductive potential. Wider implications of the findings Understanding the underpinnings of altered immediate oocyte microenvironment of adolescent patients may provide insights into the reproductive potential of the associated gametes in the younger end of the age spectrum. This has implications for the fertility preservation cycles for very young patients. Study funding/competing interests This project was supported by Friends of Prentice organization SP0061324 (M.M.L and E.B.), Gesualdo Family Foundation (Research Scholar: M.M.L.), and NIH/NICHD K12 HD050121 (E.B.). The authors have declared that no conflict of interest exists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilan Gokyer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611
| | - Sophia Akinboro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611
- Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208
| | - Luhan T. Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611
| | - Anna Kleinhans
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern Medicine Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611
| | - Monica M. Laronda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611
- Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60611
| | - Francesca E. Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611
| | - Joan K. Riley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern Medicine Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611
| | - Kara N. Goldman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern Medicine Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611
| | - Elnur Babayev
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern Medicine Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611
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Tsui EL, McDowell HB, Laronda MM. Restoring Ovarian Fertility and Hormone Function: Recent Advancements, Ongoing Efforts and Future Applications. J Endocr Soc 2024; 8:bvae073. [PMID: 38698870 PMCID: PMC11065362 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvae073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The last 20 years have seen substantial improvements in fertility and hormone preservation and restoration technologies for a growing number of cancer survivors. However, further advancements are required to fill the gaps for those who cannot use current technologies or to improve the efficacy and longevity of current fertility and hormone restoration technologies. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) followed by ovarian tissue transplantation (OTT) offers those unable to undergo ovarian stimulation for egg retrieval and cryopreservation an option that restores both fertility and hormone function. However, those with metastatic disease in their ovaries are unable to transplant this tissue. Therefore, new technologies to produce good-quality eggs and restore long-term cyclic ovarian function are being investigated and developed to expand options for a variety of patients. This mini-review describes current and near future technologies including in vitro maturation, in vitro follicle growth and maturation, bioprosthetic ovaries, and stem cell applications in fertility restoration research by their proximity to clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth L Tsui
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Hannah B McDowell
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Monica M Laronda
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Jones G, Kleckner N, Zickler D. Meiosis through three centuries. Chromosoma 2024; 133:93-115. [PMID: 38730132 PMCID: PMC11180163 DOI: 10.1007/s00412-024-00822-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Meiosis is the specialized cellular program that underlies gamete formation for sexual reproduction. It is therefore not only interesting but also a fundamentally important subject for investigation. An especially attractive feature of this program is that many of the processes of special interest involve organized chromosomes, thus providing the possibility to see chromosomes "in action". Analysis of meiosis has also proven to be useful in discovering and understanding processes that are universal to all chromosomal programs. Here we provide an overview of the different historical moments when the gap between observation and understanding of mechanisms and/or roles for the new discovered molecules was bridged. This review reflects also the synergy of thinking and discussion among our three laboratories during the past several decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Jones
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Nancy Kleckner
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
| | - Denise Zickler
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91198, Gif-Sur-Yvette, France
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36
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Cimadomo D, Innocenti F, Taggi M, Saturno G, Campitiello MR, Guido M, Vaiarelli A, Ubaldi FM, Rienzi L. How should the best human embryo in vitro be? Current and future challenges for embryo selection. Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2024; 76:159-173. [PMID: 37326354 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.23.05296-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In-vitro fertilization (IVF) aims at overcoming the causes of infertility and lead to a healthy live birth. To maximize IVF efficiency, it is critical to identify and transfer the most competent embryo within a cohort produced by a couple during a cycle. Conventional static embryo morphological assessment involves sequential observations under a light microscope at specific timepoints. The introduction of time-lapse technology enhanced morphological evaluation via the continuous monitoring of embryo preimplantation in vitro development, thereby unveiling features otherwise undetectable via multiple static assessments. Although an association exists, blastocyst morphology poorly predicts chromosomal competence. In fact, the only reliable approach currently available to diagnose the embryonic karyotype is trophectoderm biopsy and comprehensive chromosome testing to assess non-mosaic aneuploidies, namely preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A). Lately, the focus is shifting towards the fine-tuning of non-invasive technologies, such as "omic" analyses of waste products of IVF (e.g., spent culture media) and/or artificial intelligence-powered morphologic/morphodynamic evaluations. This review summarizes the main tools currently available to assess (or predict) embryo developmental, chromosomal, and reproductive competence, their strengths, the limitations, and the most probable future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Cimadomo
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy -
| | - Federica Innocenti
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Marilena Taggi
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
- Lazzaro Spallanzani Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gaia Saturno
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
- Lazzaro Spallanzani Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria R Campitiello
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, ASL Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Maurizio Guido
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alberto Vaiarelli
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo M Ubaldi
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Carlo Bo University of Urbino, Urbino, Italy
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37
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Zhang H, Su W, Zhao R, Li M, Zhao S, Chen Z, Zhao H. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate improves the quality of maternally aged oocytes. Cell Prolif 2024; 57:e13575. [PMID: 38010042 PMCID: PMC10984106 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The decline in female fertility as age advances is intricately linked to the diminished developmental potential of oocytes. Despite this challenge, the strategies available to enhance the quality of aged oocytes remain limited. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), characterised by its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and tissue protective properties, holds promise as a candidate for improving the quality of maternally aged oocytes. In this study, we explored the precise impact and underlying mechanisms of EGCG on aged oocytes. EGCG exhibited the capacity to enhance the quality of aged oocytes both in vitro and in vivo. Specifically, the application of EGCG in vitro resulted in noteworthy improvements, including an increased rate of first polar body extrusion, enhanced mitochondrial function, refined spindle morphology and a reduction in oxidative stress. These beneficial effects were further validated by the improved fertility observed among aged mice. In addition, our findings propose that EGCG might augment the expression of Arf6. This augmentation, in turn, contributes to the assembly of spindle-associated F-actin, which can contribute to mitigate the aneuploidy induced by the disruption of spindle F-actin within aged oocytes. This work thus contributes not only to understanding the role of EGCG in bolstering oocyte health, but also underscores its potential as a therapeutic intervention to address fertility challenges associated with advanced age.
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Affiliation(s)
- HongHui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring HealthShandong UniversityJinanChina
- The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu SchoolNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanChina
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive GeneticShandong UniversityJinanChina
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART‐Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001)JinanChina
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanChina
| | - Wei Su
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring HealthShandong UniversityJinanChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanChina
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive GeneticShandong UniversityJinanChina
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART‐Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001)JinanChina
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanChina
| | - RuSong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring HealthShandong UniversityJinanChina
- The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu SchoolNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanChina
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive GeneticShandong UniversityJinanChina
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART‐Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001)JinanChina
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanChina
| | - Mei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring HealthShandong UniversityJinanChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanChina
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive GeneticShandong UniversityJinanChina
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART‐Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001)JinanChina
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanChina
| | - ShiGang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring HealthShandong UniversityJinanChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanChina
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive GeneticShandong UniversityJinanChina
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART‐Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001)JinanChina
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanChina
| | - Zi‐Jiang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring HealthShandong UniversityJinanChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanChina
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive GeneticShandong UniversityJinanChina
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART‐Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001)JinanChina
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive GeneticsShanghaiChina
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Han Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring HealthShandong UniversityJinanChina
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of EducationShandong UniversityJinanChina
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive GeneticShandong UniversityJinanChina
- Research Unit of Gametogenesis and Health of ART‐Offspring, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (No.2021RU001)JinanChina
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanChina
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Steinthorsdottir V, Halldorsson BV, Jonsson H, Palsson G, Oddsson A, Westergaard D, Arnadottir GA, Stefansdottir L, Banasik K, Esplin MS, Hansen TF, Brunak S, Nyegaard M, Ostrowski SR, Pedersen OBV, Erikstrup C, Thorleifsson G, Nadauld LD, Haraldsson A, Steingrimsdottir T, Tryggvadottir L, Jonsdottir I, Gudbjartsson DF, Hoffmann ER, Sulem P, Holm H, Nielsen HS, Stefansson K. Variant in the synaptonemal complex protein SYCE2 associates with pregnancy loss through effect on recombination. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024; 31:710-716. [PMID: 38287193 PMCID: PMC11026158 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01209-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Two-thirds of all human conceptions are lost, in most cases before clinical detection. The lack of detailed understanding of the causes of pregnancy losses constrains focused counseling for future pregnancies. We have previously shown that a missense variant in synaptonemal complex central element protein 2 (SYCE2), in a key residue for the assembly of the synaptonemal complex backbone, associates with recombination traits. Here we show that it also increases risk of pregnancy loss in a genome-wide association analysis on 114,761 women with reported pregnancy loss. We further show that the variant associates with more random placement of crossovers and lower recombination rate in longer chromosomes but higher in the shorter ones. These results support the hypothesis that some pregnancy losses are due to failures in recombination. They further demonstrate that variants with a substantial effect on the quality of recombination can be maintained in the population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bjarni V Halldorsson
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland
- School of Technology, Reykjavik University, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | | | | | - David Westergaard
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Karina Banasik
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Sean Esplin
- Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Intermountain Health, Murray, UT, USA
| | - Thomas Folkmann Hansen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Danish Headache Center & Danish Multiple Sclerose Center, Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet-Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren Brunak
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mette Nyegaard
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Sisse Rye Ostrowski
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ole Birger Vesterager Pedersen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Zealand University Hospital, Køge, Denmark
| | - Christian Erikstrup
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | | | - Asgeir Haraldsson
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Children's Hospital Iceland, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Thora Steingrimsdottir
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Laufey Tryggvadottir
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Icelandic Cancer Society Research and Registration Center, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Ingileif Jonsdottir
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Daniel F Gudbjartsson
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland
- School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Eva R Hoffmann
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Hilma Holm
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Henriette Svarre Nielsen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kari Stefansson
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.
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39
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Kang M, Kim B, Choi Y. Biology and Toxicology of Gametes, Embryos, and Cancer Cells in Reproductive Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3639. [PMID: 38612451 PMCID: PMC11012194 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Reproduction is the important process of transmitting one's genetic information to the next generation [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Minju Kang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; (M.K.); (B.K.)
| | - Byeongseok Kim
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; (M.K.); (B.K.)
| | - Youngsok Choi
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; (M.K.); (B.K.)
- Institute of Advanced Regenerative Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
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40
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Sun SM, Zhao BW, Li YY, Liu HY, Xu YH, Yang XM, Guo JN, Ouyang YC, Weng CJ, Guan YC, Sun QY, Wang ZB. Loss of UBE2S causes meiosis I arrest with normal spindle assembly checkpoint dynamics in mouse oocytes. Development 2024; 151:dev202285. [PMID: 38546043 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202285] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The timely degradation of proteins that regulate the cell cycle is essential for oocyte maturation. Oocytes are equipped to degrade proteins via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. In meiosis, anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), an E3 ubiquitin-ligase, is responsible for the degradation of proteins. Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 S (UBE2S), an E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme, delivers ubiquitin to APC/C. APC/C has been extensively studied, but the functions of UBE2S in oocyte maturation and mouse fertility are not clear. In this study, we used Ube2s knockout mice to explore the role of UBE2S in mouse oocytes. Ube2s-deleted oocytes were characterized by meiosis I arrest with normal spindle assembly and spindle assembly checkpoint dynamics. However, the absence of UBE2S affected the activity of APC/C. Cyclin B1 and securin are two substrates of APC/C, and their levels were consistently high, resulting in the failure of homologous chromosome separation. Unexpectedly, the oocytes arrested in meiosis I could be fertilized and the embryos could become implanted normally, but died before embryonic day 10.5. In conclusion, our findings reveal an indispensable regulatory role of UBE2S in mouse oocyte meiosis and female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Min Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Bing-Wang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hong-Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Yuan-Hong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xue-Mei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jia-Ni Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Ying-Chun Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Chang-Jiang Weng
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China
| | - Yi-Chun Guan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases and Reproductive Health, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou 510317, China
| | - Zhen-Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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Kan-Tor Y, Srebnik N, Gavish M, Shalit U, Buxboim A. Evaluating the heterogeneous effect of extended culture to blastocyst transfer on the implantation outcome via causal inference in fresh ICSI cycles. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:703-715. [PMID: 38321264 PMCID: PMC10957840 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03023-x] [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: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In IVF treatments, extended culture to single blastocyst transfer is the recommended protocol over cleavage-stage transfer. However, evidence-based criteria for assessing the heterogeneous implications on implantation outcomes are lacking. The purpose of this work is to estimate the causal effect of blastocyst transfer on implantation outcome. METHODS We fit a causal forest model using a multicenter observational dataset that includes an exogenous source of variability in treatment assignment and has a strong claim for satisfying the assumptions needed for valid causal inference from observational data. RESULTS We quantified the probability difference in embryo implantation if transferred as a blastocyst versus cleavage stage. Blastocyst transfer increased the average implantation rate; however, we revealed a subpopulation of embryos whose implantation potential is predicted to increase via cleavage-stage transfer. CONCLUSION Relative to the current policy, the proposed embryo transfer policy retrospectively improves implantation rate from 0.2 to 0.27. Our work demonstrates the efficacy of implementing causal inference in reproductive medicine and motivates its utilization in medical disciplines that are dominated by retrospective datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoav Kan-Tor
- Rachel and Selim Benin School for Computer Science and Engineering, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel
- The Center for Interdisciplinary Data Science Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Naama Srebnik
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel
- Hebrew University School of Medicine, In Vitro Fertilization Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 9103102, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Matan Gavish
- Rachel and Selim Benin School for Computer Science and Engineering, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel
- The Center for Interdisciplinary Data Science Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Uri Shalit
- Data and Decision Sciences, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, 3200003, Haifa, Israel
| | - Amnon Buxboim
- Rachel and Selim Benin School for Computer Science and Engineering, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel.
- The Center for Interdisciplinary Data Science Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel.
- Alexander Grass Center for Bioengineering, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Budrewicz J, Chavez SL. Insights into embryonic chromosomal instability: mechanisms of DNA elimination during mammalian preimplantation development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1344092. [PMID: 38374891 PMCID: PMC10875028 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1344092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammalian preimplantation embryos often contend with aneuploidy that arose either by the inheritance of meiotic errors from the gametes, or from mitotic mis-segregation events that occurred following fertilization. Regardless of the origin, mis-segregated chromosomes become encapsulated in micronuclei (MN) that are spatially isolated from the main nucleus. Much of our knowledge of MN formation comes from dividing somatic cells during tumorigenesis, but the error-prone cleavage-stage of early embryogenesis is fundamentally different. One unique aspect is that cellular fragmentation (CF), whereby small subcellular bodies pinch off embryonic blastomeres, is frequently observed. CF has been detected in both in vitro and in vivo-derived embryos and likely represents a response to chromosome mis-segregation since it only appears after MN formation. There are multiple fates for MN, including sequestration into CFs, but the molecular mechanism(s) by which this occurs remains unclear. Due to nuclear envelope rupture, the chromosomal material contained within MN and CFs becomes susceptible to double stranded-DNA breaks. Despite this damage, embryos may still progress to the blastocyst stage and exclude chromosome-containing CFs, as well as non-dividing aneuploid blastomeres, from participating in further development. Whether these are attempts to rectify MN formation or eliminate embryos with poor implantation potential is unknown and this review will discuss the potential implications of DNA removal by CF/blastomere exclusion. We will also extrapolate what is known about the intracellular pathways mediating MN formation and rupture in somatic cells to preimplantation embryogenesis and how nuclear budding and DNA release into the cytoplasm may impact overall development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Budrewicz
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, United States
| | - Shawn L. Chavez
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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Elmerdahl Frederiksen L, Ølgaard SM, Roos L, Petersen OB, Rode L, Hartwig T, Ekelund CK, Vogel I. Maternal age and the risk of fetal aneuploidy: A nationwide cohort study of more than 500 000 singleton pregnancies in Denmark from 2008 to 2017. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2024; 103:351-359. [PMID: 37986093 PMCID: PMC10823394 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14713] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In this register-based study of pregnancies in Denmark, we assessed the associations between maternal age and the risk of fetal aneuploidies (trisomy 21, trisomy 18, trisomy 13, triploidy, monosomy X and other sex chromosome aberrations). Additionally, we aimed to disentangle the maternal age-related effect on fetal aneuploidies by cases with translocation trisomies and mosaicisms. MATERIAL AND METHODS We followed a nationwide cohort of 542 375 singleton-pregnant women attending first trimester screening in Denmark between 2008 and 2017 until delivery, miscarriage or termination of pregnancy. We used six maternal age categories and retrieved information on genetically confirmed aneuploidies of the fetus and infant from the national cytogenetic register. RESULTS We confirmed the known associations between advanced maternal age and higher risk of trisomy 21, 18, 13 and other sex chromosome aberrations, especially in women aged ≥35 years, whereas we found no age-related associations with triploidy or monosomy X. Cases with translocation trisomies and mosaicisms did not influence the overall reported association between maternal age and aneuploidies. CONCLUSION This study provides insight into the accurate risk of fetal aneuploidies that pregnant women of advanced ages encounter.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sofie Møller Ølgaard
- Center For Fetal Diagnostics, Department of Clinical MedicineAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Laura Roos
- Department of Clinical GeneticsCopenhagen University Hospital, RigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Olav Bjørn Petersen
- Center of Fetal Medicine, Department of ObstetricsCopenhagen University Hospital, RigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Line Rode
- Center of Fetal Medicine, Department of ObstetricsCopenhagen University Hospital, RigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Tanja Hartwig
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyCopenhagen University Hospital HvidovreHvidovreDenmark
| | - Charlotte Kvist Ekelund
- Center of Fetal Medicine, Department of ObstetricsCopenhagen University Hospital, RigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | | | - Ida Vogel
- Center For Fetal Diagnostics, Department of Clinical MedicineAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyAarhus University HospitalAarhusDenmark
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44
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Greco E, Greco PF, Listorti I, Ronsini C, Cucinelli F, Biricik A, Viotti M, Meschino N, Spinella F. The mosaic embryo: what it means for the doctor and the patient. Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2024; 76:89-101. [PMID: 37427860 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.23.05281-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mosaic embryos are embryos that on preimplantation genetic analysis are found to be composed of euploid and aneuploid cells. Although most of these embryos do not implant when transferred into the uterus following IVF treatment, some may implant and are capable of giving rise to babies. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION There is currently an increasing number of reports of live births following the transfer of mosaic embryos. Compared to euploid, mosaic embryos have lower implantation rates and higher rates of miscarriage, and occasionally aneuploid component persists. However, their outcome is better than that obtained after the transfer of embryos consisting entirely of aneuploid cells. After implantation, the ability to develop into a full-term pregnancy is influenced by the amount and type of chromosomal mosaicism present in a mosaic embryo. Nowadays many experts in the reproductive field consider mosaic transfers as an option when no euploid embryos are available. Genetic counseling is an important part of educating patients about the likelihood of having a pregnancy with healthy baby but also on the risk that mosaicism could persist and result in liveborn with chromosomal abnormality. Each situation needs to be assessed on a case-by-case basis and counseled accordingly. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS So far, the transfers of 2155 mosaic embryos have been documented and 440 live births resulting in healthy babies have been reported. In addition, in the literature to date, there are 6 cases in which embryonic mosaicism persisted. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the available data indicate that mosaic embryos have the potential to implant and develop into healthy babies, albeit with lower success rates than euploids. Further clinical outcomes should be collected to better establish a refined ranking of embryos to transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ermanno Greco
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UniCamillus International University, Rome, Italy
- Villa Mafalda, Centre For Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Pier F Greco
- Villa Mafalda, Centre For Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Listorti
- Villa Mafalda, Centre For Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Ronsini
- Department of Women and Children, Luigi Vanvitelli University of Campania, Naples, Italy
- Department of General and Specialist Surgery, Luigi Vanvitelli University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Cucinelli
- Reproductive Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Manuel Viotti
- Kindlabs, Kindbody, New York, NY, USA
- Zouves Foundation for Reproductive Medicine, Foster City, CA, USA
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Kordowitzki P, Graczyk S, Haghani A, Klutstein M. Oocyte Aging: A Multifactorial Phenomenon in A Unique Cell. Aging Dis 2024; 15:5-21. [PMID: 37307833 PMCID: PMC10796106 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The oocyte is considered to be the largest cell in mammalian species. Women hoping to become pregnant face a ticking biological clock. This is becoming increasingly challenging as an increase in life expectancy is accompanied by the tendency to conceive at older ages. With advancing maternal age, the fertilized egg will exhibit lower quality and developmental competence, which contributes to increased chances of miscarriage due to several causes such as aneuploidy, oxidative stress, epigenetics, or metabolic disorders. In particular, heterochromatin in oocytes and with it, the DNA methylation landscape undergoes changes. Further, obesity is a well-known and ever-increasing global problem as it is associated with several metabolic disorders. More importantly, both obesity and aging negatively affect female reproduction. However, among women, there is immense variability in age-related decline of oocytes' quantity, developmental competence, or quality. Herein, the relevance of obesity and DNA-methylation will be discussed as these aspects have a tremendous effect on female fertility, and it is a topic of continuous and widespread interest that has yet to be fully addressed for the mammalian oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Kordowitzki
- Department of Preclinical and Basic Sciences, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland.
| | - Szymon Graczyk
- Department of Preclinical and Basic Sciences, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland.
| | - Amin Haghani
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Michael Klutstein
- Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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Mihalas BP, Pieper GH, Aboelenain M, Munro L, Srsen V, Currie CE, Kelly DA, Hartshorne GM, Telfer EE, McAinsh AD, Anderson RA, Marston AL. Age-dependent loss of cohesion protection in human oocytes. Curr Biol 2024; 34:117-131.e5. [PMID: 38134935 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.11.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Aneuploid human eggs (oocytes) are a major cause of infertility, miscarriage, and chromosomal disorders. Such aneuploidies increase greatly as women age, with defective linkages between sister chromatids (cohesion) in meiosis as a common cause. We found that loss of a specific pool of the cohesin protector protein, shugoshin 2 (SGO2), may contribute to this phenomenon. Our data indicate that SGO2 preserves sister chromatid cohesion in meiosis by protecting a "cohesin bridge" between sister chromatids. In human oocytes, SGO2 localizes to both sub-centromere cups and the pericentromeric bridge, which spans the sister chromatid junction. SGO2 normally colocalizes with cohesin; however, in meiosis II oocytes from older women, SGO2 is frequently lost from the pericentromeric bridge and sister chromatid cohesion is weakened. MPS1 and BUB1 kinase activities maintain SGO2 at sub-centromeres and the pericentromeric bridge. Removal of SGO2 throughout meiosis I by MPS1 inhibition reduces cohesion protection, increasing the incidence of single chromatids at meiosis II. Therefore, SGO2 deficiency in human oocytes can exacerbate the effects of maternal age by rendering residual cohesin at pericentromeres vulnerable to loss in anaphase I. Our data show that impaired SGO2 localization weakens cohesion integrity and may contribute to the increased incidence of aneuploidy observed in human oocytes with advanced maternal age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina P Mihalas
- The Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Gerard H Pieper
- The Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Mansour Aboelenain
- The Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK; Theriogenology department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Lucy Munro
- The Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Vlastimil Srsen
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Cerys E Currie
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology & Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - David A Kelly
- The Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Geraldine M Hartshorne
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology & Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK; University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Evelyn E Telfer
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK; Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Andrew D McAinsh
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology & Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Richard A Anderson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Adele L Marston
- The Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK.
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De Martin H, Bonetti TCS, Nissel CAZ, Gomes AP, Fujii MG, Monteleone PAA. Association of early cleavage, morula compaction and blastocysts ploidy of IVF embryos cultured in a time-lapse system and biopsied for genetic test for aneuploidy. Sci Rep 2024; 14:739. [PMID: 38185698 PMCID: PMC10772106 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-51087-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
IVF embryos have historically been evaluated by morphological characteristics. The time-lapse system (TLS) has become a promising tool, providing an uninterrupted evaluation of morphological and dynamic parameters of embryo development. Furthermore, TLS sheds light on unknown phenomena such as direct cleavage and incomplete morula compaction. We retrospectively analyzed the morphology (Gardner Score) and morphokinetics (KIDScore) of 835 blastocysts grown in a TLS incubator (Embryoscope+), which were biopsied for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A). Only the embryos that reached the blastocyst stage were included in this study and time-lapse videos were retrospectively reanalysed. According to the pattern of initial cleavages and morula compaction, the embryos were classified as: normal (NC) or abnormal (AC) cleavage, and fully (FCM) or partially compacted (PCM) morulae. No difference was found in early cleavage types or morula compaction patterns between female age groups (< 38, 38-40 and > 40 yo). Most of NC embryos resulted in FCM (≅ 60%), while no embryos with AC resulted in FCM. Aneuploidy rate of AC-PCM group did not differ from that of NC-FCM group in women < 38 yo, but aneuploidy was significantly higher in AC-PCM compared to NC-FCM of women > 40 yo. However, the quality of embryos was lower in AC-PCM blastocysts in women of all age ranges. Morphological and morphokinetic scores declined with increasing age, in the NC-PCM and AC-PCM groups, compared to the NC-FCM. Similar aneuploidy rates among NC-FCM and AC-PCM groups support the hypothesis that PCM in anomalous-cleaved embryos can represent a potential correction mechanism, even though lower morphological/morphokinetic scores are seen on AC-PCM. Therefore, both morphological and morphokinetic assessment should consider these embryonic development phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- H De Martin
- Centro de Reprodução Humana Monteleone, Rua Lima Barros, 61 Jardim Paulista, São Paulo, SP, CEP 04503-030, Brazil.
- Disciplina de Ginecologia-Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Enéas Carvalho de Aguiar, 255-10 Andar-Cerqueira César, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05403-000, Brazil.
| | - T C S Bonetti
- Centro de Reprodução Humana Monteleone, Rua Lima Barros, 61 Jardim Paulista, São Paulo, SP, CEP 04503-030, Brazil
- Departamento de Ginecologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina - Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo, 781. 4º andar. Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04039030, Brazil
| | - C A Z Nissel
- Centro de Reprodução Humana Monteleone, Rua Lima Barros, 61 Jardim Paulista, São Paulo, SP, CEP 04503-030, Brazil
- Disciplina de Ginecologia-Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Enéas Carvalho de Aguiar, 255-10 Andar-Cerqueira César, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05403-000, Brazil
| | - A P Gomes
- Centro de Reprodução Humana Monteleone, Rua Lima Barros, 61 Jardim Paulista, São Paulo, SP, CEP 04503-030, Brazil
| | - M G Fujii
- Centro de Reprodução Humana Monteleone, Rua Lima Barros, 61 Jardim Paulista, São Paulo, SP, CEP 04503-030, Brazil
| | - P A A Monteleone
- Centro de Reprodução Humana Monteleone, Rua Lima Barros, 61 Jardim Paulista, São Paulo, SP, CEP 04503-030, Brazil
- Disciplina de Ginecologia-Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Enéas Carvalho de Aguiar, 255-10 Andar-Cerqueira César, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05403-000, Brazil
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Popovic M, Borot L, Lorenzon AR, Lopes ALRDC, Sakkas D, Lledó B, Morales R, Ortiz JA, Polyzos NP, Parriego M, Azpiroz F, Galain M, Pujol A, Menten B, Dhaenens L, Vanden Meerschaut F, Stoop D, Rodriguez M, de la Blanca EP, Rodríguez A, Vassena R. Implicit bias in diagnosing mosaicism amongst preimplantation genetic testing providers: results from a multicenter study of 36 395 blastocysts. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:258-274. [PMID: 37873575 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does the diagnosis of mosaicism affect ploidy rates across different providers offering preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A)? SUMMARY ANSWER Our analysis of 36 395 blastocyst biopsies across eight genetic testing laboratories revealed that euploidy rates were significantly higher in providers reporting low rates of mosaicism. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Diagnoses consistent with chromosomal mosaicism have emerged as a third category of possible embryo ploidy outcomes following PGT-A. However, in the era of mosaicism, embryo selection has become increasingly complex. Biological, technical, analytical, and clinical complexities in interpreting such results have led to substantial variability in mosaicism rates across PGT-A providers and clinics. Critically, it remains unknown whether these differences impact the number of euploid embryos available for transfer. Ultimately, this may significantly affect clinical outcomes, with important implications for PGT-A patients. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION In this international, multicenter cohort study, we reviewed 36 395 consecutive PGT-A results, obtained from 10 035 patients across 11 867 treatment cycles, conducted between October 2015 and October 2021. A total of 17 IVF centers, across eight PGT-A providers, five countries and three continents participated in the study. All blastocysts were tested using trophectoderm biopsy and next-generation sequencing. Both autologous and donation cycles were assessed. Cycles using preimplantation genetic testing for structural rearrangements were excluded from the analysis. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The PGT-A providers were randomly categorized (A to H). Providers B, C, D, E, F, G, and H all reported mosaicism, whereas Provider A reported embryos as either euploid or aneuploid. Ploidy rates were analyzed using multilevel mixed linear regression. Analyses were adjusted for maternal age, paternal age, oocyte source, number of embryos biopsied, day of biopsy, and PGT-A provider, as appropriate. We compared associations between genetic testing providers and PGT-A outcomes, including the number of chromosomally normal (euploid) embryos determined to be suitable for transfer. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The mean maternal age (±SD) across all providers was 36.2 (±5.2). Our findings reveal a strong association between PGT-A provider and the diagnosis of euploidy and mosaicism. Amongst the seven providers that reported mosaicism, the rates varied from 3.1% to 25.0%. After adjusting for confounders, we observed a significant difference in the likelihood of diagnosing mosaicism across providers (P < 0.001), ranging from 6.5% (95% CI: 5.2-7.4%) for Provider B to 35.6% (95% CI: 32.6-38.7%) for Provider E. Notably, adjusted euploidy rates were highest for providers that reported the lowest rates of mosaicism (Provider B: euploidy, 55.7% (95% CI: 54.1-57.4%), mosaicism, 6.5% (95% CI: 5.2-7.4%); Provider H: euploidy, 44.5% (95% CI: 43.6-45.4%), mosaicism, 9.9% (95% CI: 9.2-10.6%)); and Provider D: euploidy, 43.8% (95% CI: 39.2-48.4%), mosaicism, 11.0% (95% CI: 7.5-14.5%)). Moreover, the overall chance of having at least one euploid blastocyst available for transfer was significantly higher when mosaicism was not reported, when we compared Provider A to all other providers (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.13-1.50). Differences in diagnosing and interpreting mosaic results across PGT-A laboratories raise further concerns regarding the accuracy and relevance of mosaicism predictions. While we confirmed equivalent clinical outcomes following the transfer of mosaic and euploid blastocysts, we found that a significant proportion of mosaic embryos are not used for IVF treatment. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Due to the retrospective nature of the study, associations can be ascertained, however, causality cannot be established. Certain parameters such as blastocyst grade were not available in the dataset. Furthermore, certain platform-related and clinic-specific factors may not be readily quantifiable or explicitly captured in our dataset. As such, a full elucidation of all potential confounders accounting for variability may not be possible. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings highlight the strong need for standardization and quality assurance in the industry. The decision not to transfer mosaic embryos may ultimately reduce the chance of success of a PGT-A cycle by limiting the pool of available embryos. Until we can be certain that mosaic diagnoses accurately reflect biological variability, reporting mosaicism warrants utmost caution. A prudent approach is imperative, as it may determine the difference between success or failure for some patients. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Torres Quevedo Grant, awarded to M.P. (PTQ2019-010494) by the Spanish State Research Agency, Ministry of Science and Innovation, Spain. M.P., L.B., A.R.L., A.L.R.d.C.L., N.P.P., M.P., D.S., F.A., A.P., B.M., L.D., F.V.M., D.S., M.R., E.P.d.l.B., A.R., and R.V. have no competing interests to declare. B.L., R.M., and J.A.O. are full time employees of IB Biotech, the genetics company of the Instituto Bernabeu group, which performs preimplantation genetic testing. M.G. is a full time employee of Novagen, the genetics company of Cegyr, which performs preimplantation genetic testing. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Popovic
- Research and Development, Eugin Group, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lorena Borot
- Research and Development, Eugin Group, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Nikolaos P Polyzos
- Clínica Dexeus Mujer, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mónica Parriego
- Clínica Dexeus Mujer, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Felicitas Azpiroz
- Research and Development, Eugin Group, Barcelona, Spain
- Cegyr-Medicina y Genética Reproductiva-Eugin Group, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Micaela Galain
- Cegyr-Medicina y Genética Reproductiva-Eugin Group, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Aïda Pujol
- Center for Infertility and Human Reproduction, CIRH-Eugin Group, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Björn Menten
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lien Dhaenens
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Dominic Stoop
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Rita Vassena
- Research and Development, Eugin Group, Barcelona, Spain
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Esbert M, García C, Cutts G, Lara-Molina E, Garrido N, Ballestros A, Scott RT, Seli E, Wells D. Oocyte rescue in-vitro maturation does not adversely affect chromosome segregation during the first meiotic division. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 48:103379. [PMID: 37919136 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does rescue in-vitro maturation (IVM) in the presence or absence of cumulus cells, affect the progress of meiosis I, compared with oocytes that mature in vivo? DESIGN This prospective study was conducted in a university-affiliated fertility centre. Ninety-five young oocyte donors (mean age 25.57 ± 4.47) with a normal karyotype and no known fertility problems were included. A total of 390 oocytes (116 mature metaphase II [MII] and 274 immature oocytes) were analysed. The immature oocytes underwent rescue IVM in the presence of cumulus cells (CC; IVM+CC; n = 137) or without them (IVM-CC; n = 137), and IVM rate was calculated. Chromosome copy number analysis using next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed on all rescue IVM oocytes reaching MII as well as those that were mature at the time of initial denudation (in-vivo-matured oocytes [IVO]). RESULTS Maturation rates were similar in IVM+CC and IVM-CC oocytes (62.8 versus 71.5%, P = 0.16). Conclusive cytogenetic results were obtained from 65 MII oocytes from the IVM+CC group, 87 from the IVM-CC group, and 99 from the IVO group. Oocyte euploidy rates for the three groups were similar, at 75.4%, 83.9% and 80.8%, respectively (P = 0.42). CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that culture of germinal vesicle and metaphase I oocytes in the presence of cumulus cells does not improve rates of IVM. In general, the process of rescue IVM does not appear to alter the frequency of oocytes with a normal chromosome copy number.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marga Esbert
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Cristina García
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Nicolás Garrido
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Richard T Scott
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, RMA New Jersey, NJ, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Emre Seli
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, RMA New Jersey, NJ, USA; Department of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Dagan Wells
- Juno Genetics, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, UK; Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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50
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Verdyck P, Altarescu G, Santos-Ribeiro S, Vrettou C, Koehler U, Griesinger G, Goossens V, Magli C, Albanese C, Parriego M, Coll L, Ron-El R, Sermon K, Traeger-Synodinos J. Aneuploidy in oocytes from women of advanced maternal age: analysis of the causal meiotic errors and impact on embryo development. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2526-2535. [PMID: 37814912 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION In oocytes of advanced maternal age (AMA) women, what are the mechanisms leading to aneuploidy and what is the association of aneuploidy with embryo development? SUMMARY ANSWER Known chromosome segregation errors such as precocious separation of sister chromatids explained 90.4% of abnormal chromosome copy numbers in polar bodies (PBs), underlying impaired embryo development. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Meiotic chromosomal aneuploidies in oocytes correlate with AMA (>35 years) and can affect over half of oocytes in this age group. This underlies the rationale for PB biopsy as a form of early preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), as performed in the 'ESHRE STudy into the Evaluation of oocyte Euploidy by Microarray analysis' (ESTEEM) randomized controlled trial (RCT). So far, chromosome analysis of oocytes and PBs has shown that precocious separation of sister chromatids (PSSC), Meiosis II (MII) non-disjunction (ND), and reverse segregation (RS) are the main mechanisms leading to aneuploidy in oocytes. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Data were sourced from the ESTEEM study, a multicentre RCT from seven European centres to assess the clinical utility of PGT-A on PBs using array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) in patients of AMA (36-40 years). This included data on the chromosome complement in PB pairs (PGT-A group), and on embryo morphology in a subset of embryos, up to Day 6 post-insemination, from both the intervention (PB biopsy and PGT-A) and control groups. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS ESTEEM recruited 396 AMA patients: 205 in the intervention group and 191 in the control group. Complete genetic data from 693 PB pairs were analysed. Additionally, the morphology from 1034 embryos generated from fertilized oocytes (two pronuclei) in the PB biopsy group and 1082 in the control group were used for statistical analysis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Overall, 461/693 PB pairs showed abnormal segregation in 1162/10 810 chromosomes. The main observed abnormal segregations were compatible with PSSC in Meiosis I (MI) (n = 568/1162; 48.9%), ND of chromatids in MII or RS (n = 417/1162; 35.9%), and less frequently ND in MI (n = 65/1162; 5.6%). For 112 chromosomes (112/1162; 9.6%), we observed a chromosome copy number in the first PB (PB1) and second PB (PB2) that is not explained by any of the known mechanisms causing aneuploidy in oocytes. We observed that embryos in the PGT-A arm of the RCT did not have a significantly different morphology between 2 and 6 days post-insemination compared to the control group, indicating that PB biopsy did not affect embryo quality. Following age-adjusted multilevel mixed-effect ordinal logistic regression models performed for each embryo evaluation day, aneuploidy was associated with a decrease in embryo quality on Day 3 (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.62, 95% CI 0.43-0.90), Day 4 (aOR 0.15, 95% CI 0.06-0.39), and Day 5 (aOR 0.28, 95% CI 0.14-0.58). LIMITATIONS, REASON FOR CAUTION RS cannot be distinguished from normal segregation or MII ND using aCGH. The observed segregations were based on the detected copy number of PB1 and PB2 only and were not confirmed by the analysis of embryos. The embryo morphology assessment was static and single observer. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our finding of frequent unexplained chromosome copy numbers in PBs indicates that our knowledge of the mechanisms causing aneuploidy in oocytes is incomplete. It challenges the dogma that aneuploidy in oocytes is exclusively caused by mis-segregation of chromosomes during MI and MII. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Data were mined from a study funded by ESHRE. Illumina provided microarrays and other consumables necessary for aCGH testing of PBs. None of the authors have competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Data were mined from the ESTEEM study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01532284).
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Affiliation(s)
- P Verdyck
- Centre for Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - G Altarescu
- Shaare-Zedek Medical Center, The Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israël
| | - S Santos-Ribeiro
- IVI-RMA Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - C Vrettou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 'Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - U Koehler
- MGZ-Medizinisch Genetisches Zentrum, Munich, Germany
| | - G Griesinger
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - V Goossens
- The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, Strombeek-Bever, Belgium
| | - C Magli
- SISMER, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Bologna, Italy
| | - C Albanese
- SISMER, Reproductive Medicine Unit, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Parriego
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - L Coll
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - R Ron-El
- Shaare-Zedek Medical Center, The Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israël
| | - K Sermon
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - J Traeger-Synodinos
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 'Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
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