1
|
Sobkowiak A, Fluks M, Kosyl E, Milewski R, Szpila M, Tamborski S, Szkulmowski M, Ajduk A. The number of nuclei in compacted embryos, assessed by optical coherence microscopy, is a non-invasive and robust marker of mouse embryo quality. Mol Hum Reprod 2024; 30:gaae012. [PMID: 38407286 PMCID: PMC10978378 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaae012] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Optical coherence microscopy (OCM) visualizes nuclei in live, unlabeled cells. As most cells are uninucleated, the number of nuclei in embryos may serve as a proxy of the cell number, providing important information on developmental status of the embryo. Importantly, no other non-invasive method currently allows for the cell number count in compacted embryos. We addressed the question of whether OCM, by providing the number of nuclei in compacted mouse embryos, may help evaluate embryo quality. We subjected compacted embryonic Day 3 (E3.0: 72 h after onset of insemination) mouse embryos to OCM scanning and correlated nuclei number and developmental potential. Implantation was assessed using an outgrowth assay (in vitro model meant to reflect embryonic ability to implant in vivo). Embryos with more cells at E3.0 (>18 cells) were more likely to reach the blastocyst stage by E4.0 and E5.0 (P ≪ 0.001) and initiate hatching by E5.0 (P < 0.05) than those with fewer cells (<12 cells). Moreover, the number of cells at E3.0 strongly correlated with the total number of cells in E4.0 and E5.0 embryos (ρ = 0.71, P ≪ 0.001 and ρ = 0.61, P ≪ 0.001, respectively), also when only E4.0 and E5.0 blastocysts were considered (ρ = 0.58, P ≪ 0.001 and ρ = 0.56, P ≪ 0.001, respectively). Additionally, we observed a strong correlation between the number of cells at E3.0 and the number of trophectoderm cells in E4.0 and E5.0 blastocysts (ρ = 0.59, P ≪ 0.001 and ρ = 0.57, P ≪ 0.001, respectively). Importantly, embryos that had more cells at E3.0 (>18 cells) were also more likely to implant in vitro than their counterparts with fewer cells (<12 cells; P ≪ 0.001). Finally, we tested the safety of OCM imaging, demonstrating that OCM scanning affected neither the amount of reactive oxygen species nor mitochondrial activity in the embryos. OCM also did not hinder their preimplantation development, ability to implant in vitro, or to develop to term after transfer to recipient females. Our data indicate that OCM imaging provides important information on embryo quality. As the method seems to be safe for embryos, it could be a valuable addition to the current repertoire of embryo evaluation methods. However, our study was conducted only on mouse embryos, so the proposed protocol would require optimization in order to be applied in other species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Sobkowiak
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Fluks
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Kosyl
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Robert Milewski
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Medical University of Bialystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Marcin Szpila
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Szymon Tamborski
- Department of Biophotonics and Optical Engineering, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Toruń, Poland
| | - Maciej Szkulmowski
- Department of Biophotonics and Optical Engineering, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Toruń, Poland
| | - Anna Ajduk
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fluks M, Collier R, Walewska A, Bruce AW, Ajduk A. How great thou ART: biomechanical properties of oocytes and embryos as indicators of quality in assisted reproductive technologies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1342905. [PMID: 38425501 PMCID: PMC10902081 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1342905] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) have revolutionized infertility treatment and animal breeding, but their success largely depends on selecting high-quality oocytes for fertilization and embryos for transfer. During preimplantation development, embryos undergo complex morphogenetic processes, such as compaction and cavitation, driven by cellular forces dependent on cytoskeletal dynamics and cell-cell interactions. These processes are pivotal in dictating an embryo's capacity to implant and progress to full-term development. Hence, a comprehensive grasp of the biomechanical attributes characterizing healthy oocytes and embryos is essential for selecting those with higher developmental potential. Various noninvasive techniques have emerged as valuable tools for assessing biomechanical properties without disturbing the oocyte or embryo physiological state, including morphokinetics, analysis of cytoplasmic movement velocity, or quantification of cortical tension and elasticity using microaspiration. By shedding light on the cytoskeletal processes involved in chromosome segregation, cytokinesis, cellular trafficking, and cell adhesion, underlying oogenesis, and embryonic development, this review explores the significance of embryo biomechanics in ART and its potential implications for improving clinical IVF outcomes, offering valuable insights and research directions to enhance oocyte and embryo selection procedures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Fluks
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Rebecca Collier
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Agnieszka Walewska
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alexander W. Bruce
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Anna Ajduk
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang CM, Liu CM, Jia XZ, Zhao SB, Nie ZY, Lv CT, Jiang Q, Hao YL. Expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A in granulosa cells: implications for oocyte maturation and in vitro fertilization outcomes. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:363-370. [PMID: 38079076 PMCID: PMC10894778 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-03001-9] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) is a widely used treatment for infertility, with oocyte maturation and quality having a significant impact on oocyte fertilization, embryo development, and fetal growth. Mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) is essential for maintaining the mitochondrial oxidative respiratory chain and supplying energy for oocyte development, fertilization, and embryonic development. In this study, we aimed to examine TFAM expression in women undergoing IVF-ET and assess its impact on the IVF outcomes. METHODS We recruited 85 women who underwent IVF-ET treatment for infertility. On the date of egg collection, granulosa cells were extracted from the clear follicular fluid of the first mature egg using ultrasound-guided needle aspiration. The collected granulosa cells served three purposes: (1) detecting TFAM gene expression in granulosa cells via immunocytochemistry, (2) determining TFAM mRNA expression using reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), and (3) measuring TFAM protein expression through western blotting. RESULT Based on the results, we found that TFAM was localized and expressed in the cytoplasm of granulosa cells, whereas no expression was detected in the nucleus. Granulosa cells exhibited a linear correlation between TFAM mRNA and TFAM protein expression. The study participants were divided into three groups using the ternary method based on relative TFAM mRNA expression thresholds of 33% and 76%: the low-expression group (n = 30), the moderate-expression group (n = 27), and the high-expression group (n = 28). When compared to the other two groups, the moderate expression group exhibited a significantly higher egg utilization rate, 2 pronucleus rate, fertilization rate, and clinical pregnancy rate (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION TFAM was detected in the cytoplasm of human ovarian granulosa cells. Women with moderate TFAM expression demonstrate enhanced outcomes in IVF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cong-Min Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Road, Chang 'an District, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Chun-Miao Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Xin-Zhuan Jia
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Road, Chang 'an District, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Shi-Bin Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Road, Chang 'an District, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Zhao-Yan Nie
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Road, Chang 'an District, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Cui-Ting Lv
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Road, Chang 'an District, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Qian Jiang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Road, Chang 'an District, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Ya-Li Hao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Road, Chang 'an District, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Favilli A, Etrusco A, Chiantera V, Laganà AS, Cicinelli E, Gerli S, Vitagliano A. Impact of FIGO type 3 uterine fibroids on in vitro fertilization outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2023; 163:528-539. [PMID: 37183601 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effect of FIGO (the International Federation of Gynecology & Obstetrics) type 3 myomas on in vitro fertilization (IVF) is uncertain. OBJECTIVES To evaluate whether FIGO type 3 myomas affect IVF outcomes, through a systematic review and meta-analysis (CRD42022379700). SEARCH STRATEGY Electronic databases were searched until November 15, 2022. SELECTION CRITERIA Studies evaluating the effects of FIGO type 3 myomas on IVF outcome. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Pooled results were expressed as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed using Higgins I2 . Sources of heterogeneity were explored with sensitivity and subgroup analyses. MAIN RESULTS In total, 1020 patients were included: 324 with FIGO type 3 myomas and 696 controls (without myomas). A pooled data analysis showed a significantly lower live birth rate (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.55-3.01, I2 = 0%, P < 0.00001), clinical pregnancy rate (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.52-2.81, I2 = 0%, P < 0.00001), and implantation rate (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.35-2.32, I2 = 0%, P < 0.00001) in women with untreated myomas compared with controls. The number and size of fibroids correlated with a worsening of IVF outcomes. CONCLUSIONS FIGO type 3 myomas are significantly associated with a lower implantation rate, cumulative pregnancy rate, and live birth rate. Furthermore, their deleterious effect on the outcome of IVF increases further with increasing size and number. Nevertheless, no firm conclusions could be drawn about the potential benefits of surgery for FIGO type 3 uterine fibroids on IVF outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Favilli
- Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Andrea Etrusco
- Unit of Gynecologic Oncology, ARNAS "Civico - Di Cristina - Benfratelli", Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vito Chiantera
- Unit of Gynecologic Oncology, ARNAS "Civico - Di Cristina - Benfratelli", Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonio Simone Laganà
- Unit of Gynecologic Oncology, ARNAS "Civico - Di Cristina - Benfratelli", Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Ettore Cicinelli
- Department of Biomedical and Human Oncological Science (DIMO), 1st Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bari, Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - Sandro Gerli
- Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Amerigo Vitagliano
- Department of Biomedical and Human Oncological Science (DIMO), 1st Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bari, Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jiang Y, Jiang R, He H, Ren X, Yu Q, Jin L. Comparison of clinical outcomes for different morphological scores of D5 and D6 blastocysts in the frozen-thawed cycle. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:97. [PMID: 36747146 PMCID: PMC9900991 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05415-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both embryo development speed and embryo morphology score played a significant role in frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle (FET) outcomes. Most of the literature indicates that D5 embryos performed better than D6 embryos, although a few also indicate that there is no difference in clinical outcomes between D5 and D6 embryos. Clinically, D5 embryos are preferred for equal morphological scores. But how to choose embryos when the morphological score of D6 embryos is better than D5? METHODS A retrospective study including 8199 frozen-thawed embryo transfers (FETs) was conducted to analyze patients who underwent IVF-FET from January 2018 to December 2020. Patients were divided into 8 groups according to the rate of embryonic development and morphological scores to compare pregnancy outcomes. We further compared clinical pregnancy outcomes and neonatal outcomes between BC embryos on day 5 (D5) and BA/BB embryos on day 6 (D6). RESULTS Our study found no difference in clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR) between AA/AB blastocysts in D5 or D6 frozen blastocysts. However, for BA/BB/BC blastocysts, embryonic pregnancy outcome was significantly better in D5 than in D6. In our further analysis and comparison of BC embryos in D5 and BA/BB embryos in D6, we found no difference in clinical pregnancy outcomes and neonatal outcomes, but D6 BA/BB embryos had a higher rate of miscarriage. After adjusting for confounding factors, none of the indicators differed between groups. CONCLUSION Our study provides suggestions for embryo selection: AA/AB embryos are preferred, regardless of the embryo development day, and the second choice is BA or BB embryos on D5. BA/BB embryos in D6 had a higher miscarriage rate than BC embryos in D5 but were not statistically significant after adjusting for confounding factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Jiang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei PR China
| | - Rui Jiang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Laboratory of Clinical Immunology, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei PR China
| | - Hui He
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei PR China
| | - Xinling Ren
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei PR China
| | - Qiong Yu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China.
| | - Lei Jin
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang T, Si J, Wang B, Yin M, Yu W, Jin W, Lyu Q, Long H. Prediction of live birth in vitrified-warmed 1PN-derived blastocyst transfer: Overall quality grade, ICM, TE, and expansion degree. Front Physiol 2022; 13:964360. [DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.964360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Numerous studies have reported that transfer of blastocysts derived from monopronuclear (1PN) zygotes achieved live births. However, the potential value of morphology grading for the prediction of 1PN blastocyst viability is unclear, and the blastocyst selection criterion for successful pregnancy has not been set up yet. The aim of this study is to assess the ability of the blastocyst morphology grading system based on three parameters, namely, inner cell mass (ICM), trophectoderm (TE), and expansion degree and to predict outcomes of a cycle with single 1PN blastocyst transfer.Methods: A total of 266 vitrified-warmed 1PN-derived blastocyst transfer cycles for IVF treatment at Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital between 2007 and 2020 were included. The study was performed on single blastocyst transfers. Electronic records of patients were retrospectively analyzed. In the current study, the blastocysts were classified into three groups: “good,” 3-6AA, 3-6AB, 3-6BA; “medium,” 3-6BB, 3-6AC, 3-6CA; and “poor,” 3-6BC, 3-6CB, 3-6CC. The basal characteristics, embryo grading, and clinical outcomes were compared between the three groups. The association of morphology parameters with pregnancies and live births was analyzed. Logistic regression was adopted to set up a prediction model of live births.Results: Transfer of the good-quality blastocysts achieved significant higher pregnancies (biochemical pregnancy: 59%; clinical pregnancy: 56.4%, and live birth 48.7%) than those in the group of the medium (biochemical pregnancy: 59%; clinical pregnancy: 49.6%; live birth: 40.4%) or poor-quality (biochemical pregnancy: 38.4%; clinical pregnancy: 34.9%; live birth: 26.7%) blastocysts (p < 0.05). There was a significant association between ICM and live birth. A prediction model of live births involving ICM, TE, and expansion degree was set up.Conclusion: In 1PN transfer cycles, a higher overall blastocyst quality is shown to correlate most strongly with optimal pregnancy and live birth outcomes. The selection of high-quality blastocysts for transfer should consider the ICM score first. The prediction model of live births based on ICM, TE, and expansion degree may help predict successful pregnancy in 1PN single-blastocyst transfer cycles.
Collapse
|
7
|
Sallam H, Agarwal A. The Art of ART: an editorial. Panminerva Med 2022; 64:137-139. [PMID: 35388659 DOI: 10.23736/s0031-0808.22.04710-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Sallam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Alexandria University Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA -
| |
Collapse
|