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Bellido-Quispe DK, Mujica Lengua FR, Contreras Huamani M, Palomino JM. Effect of chemical activators after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) on embryo development in alpacas. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 263:107432. [PMID: 38401395 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107432] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Low motility and low sperm concentration are characteristics of alpaca semen. Thus, the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique represents an alternative to improve the reproductive capacity of the male. However, the effect of post-ICSI activation in alpaca is not yet known. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of chemical activators on alpaca embryo development after ICSI. Alpaca ovaries were collected from a local slaughterhouse and transported to the laboratory. Category I, II and III oocytes were matured for 30 h at 38.5 °C. After ICSI, injected oocytes were randomly divided and activated as follows: i) 5 μM ionomycin for 5 min, ii) 7% ethanol for 4 min, iii) 5 μM ionomycin for 5 min, window period 3 h plus 7% ethanol for 4 min, iv) 5 μM ionomycin for 5 min, window period 3 h, a second ionomycin treatment for 5 min, followed by 1.9 mM 6-DMAP for 3 h, v) 10 mM SrCl2 for 3 h. Culture was carried out for 5 days in SOFaa at 38.5 °C. The cleavage rate was the lowest in the SrCl2 group, morula development was the lowest in the SrCl2 and without activation groups, and blastocyst stage was not different between groups (P<0.05). The rates with SrCl2 were lower in total embryos produced, whereas in transferable embryos they were lower with 2Io/6-DMAP and with SrCl2 (P<0.05). In conclusion, alpaca oocyte activation is more efficient with ionomycin and ethanol to produce transferable embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dionet Keny Bellido-Quispe
- Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, Estación Experimental Agraria Canaán, Laboratorio de Biotecnología Reproductiva, Ayacucho, Peru.
| | - Fidel Rodolfo Mujica Lengua
- Universidad Nacional de San Cristóbal de Huamanga, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Laboratorio de Biotecnología, Ayacucho, Peru
| | - Mijaíl Contreras Huamani
- Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, Estación Experimental Agraria Canaán, Laboratorio de Biotecnología Reproductiva, Ayacucho, Peru
| | - J Manuel Palomino
- Universidad Científica del Sur, Carrera de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnica, Lima, Peru
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Xue L, Wang S, Wei P, Liu H, Mao X, Qin J, Li Y, Zhang X, Li Z, Huang Y, Chen L, Shi W, Liu L. Early rescue oocyte activation at 5 h post-ICSI is a useful strategy for avoiding unexpected fertilization failure and low fertilization in ICSI cycles. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1301505. [PMID: 38239979 PMCID: PMC10794723 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1301505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Attempts to artificially activate unfertilized oocytes at 24 h post intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) have generally resulted in poor outcomes. This study aims to explore a new strategy for early judgement and rescue activation of unfertilized oocytes at 5 h post ICSI to avoid unexpected fertilization failure (UFF) or unexpected low fertilization (ULF) in ICSI cycles. Methods Firstly, time-lapse data from 278 ICSI cycles were retrospectively analyzed to establish an indicator for fertilization failure prediction. Secondly, 14 UFF and 20 ULF cycles were enrolled for an observational study, early rescue oocyte activation (EROA) was performed on oocytes without post-ICSI Pb2 extrusion to investigate fertilization efficiency, embryo development and clinical outcomes. Results The average time to Pb2 extrusion post-ICSI was 3.03±1.21 h, 95.54% of oocytes had extruded Pb2 before 5 h, and the sensitivity and specificity for monitoring Pb2 extrusion at 5 h by time-lapse imaging to predict fertilization were 99.59% and 99.78%, respectively. Early rescue activation of oocytes with no Pb2 extrusion resulted in acceptable fertilization and embryo developmental outcomes, in terms of the fertilization rate (75.00, 72.99%), 2PN fertilization rate (61.36, 56.93%), good-quality embryo rate (42.59, 50.00%), blastocyst formation rate (48.28, 46.03%), good-quality blastocyst rate (34.48, 33.33%), and oocyte utilization rate (36.36, 27.74%), for both UFF and ULF cycles. The clinical pregnancy, embryo implantation, and early miscarriage rates in the rescue oocyte activation group did not significantly differ from those in the Pb2 extrusion group. Fourteen unexpected fertilization failures and 20 low fertilization ICSI cycles were rescued and resulted in clinical pregnancy rates of 40.00% (4/10) and 57.14% (8/14), respectively. Conclusions This study demonstrates that monitoring Pb2 extrusion by time-lapse imaging can accurately predict fertilization outcomes, suggesting that early rescue oocyte activation at 5 h post ICSI is an effective strategy for avoiding unexpected fertilization failure and low fertilization in ICSI cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lintao Xue
- Reproductive Medical and Genetic Center, The People’s Hospital of GuangXi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Liling Liu
- Reproductive Medical and Genetic Center, The People’s Hospital of GuangXi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
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Akashi K, Yamada M, Jwa SC, Utsuno H, Kamijo S, Hirota Y, Tanaka M, Osuga Y, Kuji N. Artificial oocyte activation using Ca 2+ ionophores following intracytoplasmic sperm injection for low fertilization rate. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1131808. [PMID: 36967799 PMCID: PMC10034378 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1131808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This large multi-center retrospective study examined whether artificial oocyte activation (AOA) using Ca2+ ionophore following ICSI improves the live birth rate for couples with previous ICSI cycles of unexplained low fertilization rate. In this large-scale multi-center retrospective study conducted in Japan, data were collected from Keio University and 17 collaborating institutions of the Japanese Institution for Standardizing Assisted Reproductive Technology. Between January 2015 and December 2019, 198 couples were included in this study. Oocytes for both the intervention and control groups were procured from the same pool of couples. Oocytes obtained from ICSI cycles with no or low fertilization rate (<50%) with unknown causes were included in the control (conventional ICSI) group while oocytes procured from ICSI cycles followed by performing AOA were assigned to the intervention (ICSI-AOA) group. Those fertilized with surgically retrieved sperm were excluded. ICSI-AOA efficacy and safety were evaluated by comparing these two groups. Live birth rate was the primary outcome. The ICSI-AOA group (2,920 oocytes) showed a significantly higher live birth per embryo transfer rate (18.0% [57/316]) compared to that of the conventional ICSI group with no or low fertilization rate (1,973 oocytes; 4.7% [4/85]) (odds ratio 4.5, 95% confidence interval 1.6-12.6; P<0.05). A higher live birth rate was observed in younger patients without a history of oocyte retrieval. Miscarriage, preterm delivery, and fetal congenital malformation rates were similar between the two groups. ICSI-AOA may reduce fertilization failure without increasing risks during the perinatal period. AOA may be offered to couples with an ICSI fertilization rate < 50%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Akashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsutoshi Yamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Mitsutoshi Yamada,
| | - Seung Chik Jwa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hiroki Utsuno
- Clinical Laboratory, Keio University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shintaro Kamijo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hirota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mamoru Tanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoaki Kuji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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Attia A, Nicholson C, Martins da Silva SJ. Artificial Egg Activation Using Calcium Ionophore. Semin Reprod Med 2022; 39:e5-e11. [PMID: 35272388 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1742171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Artificial oocyte activation, most commonly using calcium ionophore, is a treatment add-on utilized to avoid recurrence of abnormally low or total failed fertilization following in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection. It aims to modify defective physiological processes, specifically calcium-mediated cell signaling that are critical to events required for fertilization. Routine application of artificial oocyte activation is neither required nor recommended; however, it represents an invaluable intervention for a subgroup of patients affected by sperm-related oocyte activation deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Attia
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Cara Nicholson
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah J Martins da Silva
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
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Ferrer-Buitrago M, Tilleman L, Thys V, Hachem A, Boel A, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Deforce D, Leybaert L, De Sutter P, Parrington J, Heindryckx B. Comparative study of preimplantation development following distinct assisted oocyte activation protocols in a PLC-zeta knockout mouse model. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:801-815. [PMID: 32898251 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian fertilization encompasses a series of Ca2+ oscillations initiated by the sperm factor phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ). Some studies have shown that altering the Ca2+ oscillatory regime at fertilization affects preimplantation blastocyst development. However, assisted oocyte activation (AOA) protocols can induce oocyte activation in a manner that diverges profoundly from the physiological Ca2+ profiling. In our study, we used the newly developed PLCζ-null sperm to investigate the independent effect of AOA on mouse preimplantation embryogenesis. Based on previous findings, we hypothesized that AOA protocols with Ca2+ oscillatory responses might improve blastocyst formation rates and differing Ca2+ profiles might alter blastocyst transcriptomes. A total of 326 MII B6D2F1-oocytes were used to describe Ca2+ profiles and to compare embryonic development and individual blastocyst transcriptomes between four control conditions: C1 (in-vivo fertilization), C2 (ICSI control sperm), C3 (parthenogenesis) and C4 (ICSI-PLCζ-KO sperm) and four AOA groups: AOA1 (human recombinant PLCζ), AOA2 (Sr2+), AOA3 (ionomycin) and AOA4 (TPEN). All groups revealed remarkable variations in their Ca2+ profiles; however, oocyte activation rates were comparable between the controls (91.1% ± 13.8%) and AOA (86.9% ± 11.1%) groups. AOA methods which enable Ca2+ oscillatory responses (AOA1: 41% and AOA2: 75%) or single Ca2+ transients (AOA3: 50%) showed no significantly different blastocyst rates compared to ICSI control group (C2: 70%). In contrast, we observed a significant decrease in compaction (53% vs. 83%) and blastocyst rates (41% vs. 70%) in the absence of an initial Ca2+ trigger (AOA4) compared with the C2 group. Transcription profiles did not identify significant differences in gene expression levels between the ICSI control group (C2) and the four AOA groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ferrer-Buitrago
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FAST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,CREA. Medicina de la Reproducción S.L. Calle San Martín, 4 - 46003 (Valencia, Spain)
| | - L Tilleman
- Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - V Thys
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FAST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - A Hachem
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK.,Department of Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Diwaniyah City, Iraq
| | - A Boel
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FAST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - F Van Nieuwerburgh
- Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - D Deforce
- Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - L Leybaert
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - P De Sutter
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FAST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - J Parrington
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - B Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FAST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Miao Y, Liu L, Liu C, Deng YL, Chen PP, Luo Q, Cui FP, Zhang M, Lu WQ, Zeng Q. Urinary biomarker of strontium exposure is positively associated with semen quality among men from an infertility clinic. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 208:111694. [PMID: 33396025 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Experimental studies have shown that nonradioactive strontium (Sr), in the form of Sr2+, have a positive effect on semen quality, but human evidence is lacking. This study aimed to examine the associations between nonradioactive Sr exposure and semen quality in Chinese men (n = 394). We recruited men who presented at an infertility clinic in Wuhan, China to seek for semen parameter analyses. Urinary Sr concentration as an exposure biomarker was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. We estimated the associations between urinary Sr concentrations and semen parameters using multivariable logistic and linear regression models. In multivariable linear regressions models, positive dose-response associations were estimated for sperm concentration, motility, and count across increasing urinary Sr quartiles (all p for trends<0.05), and the consistent positive associations were also observed for urinary Sr concentration modeled as a continuous exposure. In multivariable logistic models, decreased risks of below-reference sperm concentration, motility, and count were also estimated across increasing urinary Sr quartiles (all p for trends<0.05). Our results suggest that nonradioactive Sr exposure may have a beneficial effect on semen quality, but more investigations are warranted to confirm the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Miao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yan-Ling Deng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Pan-Pan Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Qiong Luo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Fei-Peng Cui
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Wen-Qing Lu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Qiang Zeng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China.
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Diagnosis and Treatment of Male Infertility-Related Fertilization Failure. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9123899. [PMID: 33271815 PMCID: PMC7761017 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9123899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects approximately 15% of reproductive-aged couples worldwide, of which up to 30% of the cases are caused by male factors alone. The origin of male infertility is mostly attributed to sperm abnormalities, of which many are caused by genetic defects. The development of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has helped to circumvent most male infertility conditions. However, there is still a challenging group of infertile males whose sperm, although having normal sperm parameters, are unable to activate the oocyte, even after ICSI treatment. While ICSI generally allows fertilization rates of 70 to 80%, total fertilization failure (FF) still occurs in 1 to 3% of ICSI cycles. Phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) has been demonstrated to be a critical sperm oocyte activating factor (SOAF) and the absence, reduced, or altered forms of PLCζ have been shown to cause male infertility-related FF. The purpose of this review is to (i) summarize the current knowledge on PLCζ as the critical sperm factor for successful fertilization, as well as to discuss the existence of alternative sperm-induced oocyte activation mechanisms, (ii) describe the diagnostic tests available to determine the cause of FF, and (iii) summarize the beneficial effect of assisted oocyte activation (AOA) to overcome FF.
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Calcium Oscillatory Patterns and Oocyte Activation During Fertilization: a Possible Mechanism for Total Fertilization Failure (TFF) in Human In Vitro Fertilization? Reprod Sci 2020; 28:639-648. [PMID: 32813196 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00293-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This paper reviews the effects of calcium oscillatory patterns in oocytes and early embryo development. Total fertilization failure (TFF) is the failure of fertilization in all oocytes in a human IVF cycle, even after treatment with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). It is not well understood and currently attributed to oocyte activation deficiency. Calcium signaling is important in oocyte activation events. Calcium oscillations, in particular, have been reported in animal and human oocytes after fertilization. Abnormal calcium oscillations after fertilization may be the principal mechanism for TFF. While studies also establish strong associations between abnormal calcium oscillatory patterns and suboptimal developmental outcomes, critical basic parameters and their mechanism of action have yet to be identified. Empirical use of artificial oocyte activation (AOA) methods has shown initial success in helping patients overcome TFF. The AOA methods attempt to raise calcium levels after fertilization, but the efficacy and safety of these AOA methods are still in early stages of addressing TFF. Additional information about calcium oscillatory patterns and the effects of AOA in human ART may allow the prevention of TFF or allow treatment of TFF patients effectively and safely.
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Chen W, Bai MZ, Yang Y, Sun D, Wu S, Sun J, Wu Y, Feng Y, Wei Y, Chen Z, Zhang Z. ART strategies in Klinefelter syndrome. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:2053-2079. [PMID: 32562095 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01818-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) who receive assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment often experience poor pregnancy rates due to decreased fertilization, cleavage, and implantation rates and even an increased miscarriage rate. Mounting evidence from recent studies has shown that various technological advances and approaches could facilitate the success of ART treatment for KS patients. In this review, we summarize the methods for guiding KS patients during ART and for developing optimal strategies for preserving fertility, improving pregnancy rate and live birth rate, and avoiding the birth of KS infants. METHODS We searched PubMed and Google Scholar publications related to KS patients on topics of controlled ovarian stimulation protocols, sperm extraction, fertility preservation, gamete artificial activation, round spermatid injection (ROSI), and non-invasive prenatal screening (PGD) methods. RESULTS This review outlines the different ovulation-inducing treatments for female partners according to the individual sperm status in the KS patient. We further summarize the methods of retrieving sperm, storing, and freezing rare sperm. We reviewed different methods of gamete artificial activation and discussed the feasibility of ROSI for sterile KS patients who absolutely lack sperm. The activation of eggs in the process of intracytoplasmic sperm injection and non-invasive PGD are urgently needed to prevent the birth of KS infants. CONCLUSION The integrated strategies will pave the way for the establishment of ART treatment approaches and improve the clinical outcome for KS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Ming Zhu Bai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Yixia Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Di Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Sufang Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Yu Wu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Youji Feng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Youheng Wei
- Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Zijiang Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, China
| | - Zhenbo Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200080, China.
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Bonte D, Thys V, De Sutter P, Boel A, Leybaert L, Heindryckx B. Vitrification negatively affects the Ca 2+-releasing and activation potential of mouse oocytes, but vitrified oocytes are potentially useful for diagnostic purposes. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 40:13-25. [PMID: 31740224 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION To what extent does vitrification affect the Ca2+-releasing and activation potential of mouse oocytes, which are commonly used to determine the oocyte activation potential of human spermatozoa? DESIGN The effect of mouse oocyte vitrification on Ca2+ dynamics and developmental competence after oocyte activation was assessed and compared with fresh mouse oocytes. Moreover, the Ca2+ store content of the endoplasmic reticulum was determined at different time points during the vitrification-warming procedure. Finally, the Ca2+ pattern induced by cryoprotectant exposure was determined. RESULTS After human sperm injection into mouse oocytes, Ca2+ dynamics but not fertilization rates were significantly altered by vitrification warming (P < 0.05). Ca2+ dynamics in response to SrCl2 or ionomycin were also altered by oocyte vitrification. In contrast, activation and blastocyst rates after SrCl2 exposure were not affected (P > 0.05), whereas activation rates after ionomycin exposure were significantly lower in vitrified-warmed oocytes (P < 0.05); blastocyst rates were not affected (P > 0.05). Cryoprotectant exposure was associated with a strong drop in endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ store content. Oocytes rapidly recovered during warming and recovery in Ca2+-containing media; a threshold area under the curve of Ca2+ dynamics to obtain activation rates above 90% was determined. CONCLUSIONS Vitrified-warmed mouse oocytes display reduced Ca2+-releasing potential upon oocyte activation, caused by cryoprotectant exposure. With adapted classification criteria, these oocytes could be used for diagnosing oocyte activation deficiencies in patients. Evaluating the Ca2+-signalling machinery in vitrified-warmed human oocytes is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davina Bonte
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, Ghent 9000, Belgium.
| | - Vanessa Thys
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Petra De Sutter
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Annekatrien Boel
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Physiology group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaagn 10, GhentGhent 9000, Belgium
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, Ghent 9000, Belgium
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11
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Bonte D, Ferrer-Buitrago M, Dhaenens L, Popovic M, Thys V, De Croo I, De Gheselle S, Steyaert N, Boel A, Vanden Meerschaut F, De Sutter P, Heindryckx B. Assisted oocyte activation significantly increases fertilization and pregnancy outcome in patients with low and total failed fertilization after intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a 17-year retrospective study. Fertil Steril 2019; 112:266-274. [PMID: 31133387 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the extent to which assisted oocyte activation (AOA) improves clinical outcomes in patients diagnosed with oocyte activation deficiencies (OADs). DESIGN Retrospective cohort study comparing AOA cycles and previous intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles in couples experiencing low or total failed fertilization after ICSI. Importantly, the sperm-related oocyte-activating capacity was examined in all patients before AOA with the use of the mouse oocyte activation test (MOAT). SETTING Infertility center at a university hospital. PATIENT(S) A total of 122 couples with a history of low or total failed fertilization after ICSI. INTERVENTION(S) ICSI, MOAT, AOA, and embryo transfer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Fertilization, pregnancy, and live birth rates. RESULT(S) MOAT revealed 19 patients with a sperm-related OAD (MOAT group 1), 56 patients with a diminished sperm-related oocyte-activating capacity (MOAT group 2), and 47 patients with a suspected oocyte-related OAD (MOAT group 3). AOA (191 cycles) significantly improved fertilization, pregnancy, and live birth rates in all MOAT groups compared with previous ICSI attempts (243 cycles). Fertilization rates after AOA were significantly different among MOAT groups 1 (70.1%), 2 (63.0%), and 3 (57.3%). Between MOAT group 1 and 3, significant differences in pregnancy (49.0% vs. 29.4%) and live birth (41.2% vs. 22.1%) rates were observed. In total, 225 embryo transfers resulted in 60 healthy live births following AOA. CONCLUSION(S) Patients undergoing diagnostic testing before AOA show a significant improvement in clinical outcomes compared with previous cycles. Our findings highlight that AOA should be reserved for patients with clear OADs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davina Bonte
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Minerva Ferrer-Buitrago
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lien Dhaenens
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mina Popovic
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Vanessa Thys
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ilse De Croo
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefanie De Gheselle
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Steyaert
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annekatrien Boel
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frauke Vanden Meerschaut
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Petra De Sutter
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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12
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Fawzy M, Emad M, Mahran A, Sabry M, Fetih AN, Abdelghafar H, Rasheed S. Artificial oocyte activation with SrCl2 or calcimycin after ICSI improves clinical and embryological outcomes compared with ICSI alone: results of a randomized clinical trial. Hum Reprod 2019; 33:1636-1644. [PMID: 30099496 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are pregnancy and birth rates affected by artificial oocyte activation (AOA) with SrCl2 or calcimycin after ICSI for couples with male-factor infertility linked to abnormal sperm morphology or for couples with previous ICSI cycles of unexplained low fertilization or inadequate fertilization associated with impaired oocyte morphology? SUMMARY ANSWER AOA with either SrCl2 or calcimycin can improve the rates of clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy and live birth compared with ICSI alone, and the two agents have diverse effects for different subgroups of patients. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY ICSI is a successful treatment for infertility, but not in all individuals. AOA has potential to overcome inadequate fertilization in ICSI. Calcimycin and SrCl2 are candidate agents for AOA, but their effectiveness remains to be compared. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study was a randomized, open-label, three-arm, parallel-group, double-centre, superiority trial conducted between April 2015 and January 2016. The study evaluated the effects of AOA with calcimycin or SrCl2 for clinical pregnancy rates after ICSI and included 343 couples divided into three groups. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Couples were included if they had two previous ICSI cycles of no or low fertilization (0-30%) with unknown causes or impaired oocyte morphology. Male-factor infertility cycles (frozen-thawed sperm, surgically retrieved sperm or ejaculates contained <10 millions spermatozoa/ml) undergoing their first ICSI attempt were also included if they had 100% abnormal sperm morphology (including globozoospermia and tapered-head). Couples were randomized to undergo ICSI with SrCl2 AOA, ICSI with calcimycin AOA or ICSI alone, with clinical pregnancy as the primary endpoint. Effect sizes were summarized as absolute rate differences (ARDs) and odds ratios (ORs), with precision evaluated by 95% CIs. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Both SrCl2 and calcimycin AOA improved clinical pregnancy rates compared to ICSI alone (49, 42 and 27%; ARD 22, 95% CI: 9-33; P = 0.0007 and ARD 16, 95% CI: 3-27; P = 0.014). SrCl2 and calcimycin AOA were also superior to ICSI alone on the rates of ongoing pregnancy (42, 36 and 23%; P = 0.0019 and P = 0.023) and live birth (40, 33 and 18%; P = 0.0002 and P = 0.012). Among couples with previous ICSI cycles of low fertilization, AOA with SrCl2 (but not with calcimycin) was superior to ICSI alone for rates of clinical pregnancy (ARD 35 percentage points (pp), P = 0.0007), ongoing pregnancy (ARD 27 pp, P = 0.009) and live birth (ARD 37 pp, P = 0.002). Among couples affected by male-factor infertility, AOA with calcimycin (but not with SrCl2) was superior to ICSI alone for rates of clinical pregnancy (ARD 22 pp, P = 0.006), ongoing pregnancy (ARD 19 pp, P = 0.013) and live birth (ARD 17 pp, P = 0.02). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study was an open-label trial, and this design might have introduced bias, although randomization methods were used. The study did not include a longitudinal follow-up, so further evidence is required to demonstrate the safety of AOA. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The decision to use SrCl2 or calcimycin for AOA after ICSI may depend on whether the activation failure originates in the oocyte or the sperm. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study received no funding and the authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02424214. TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE 22 April 2015. DATE OF FIRST PATIENT’S ENROLMENT 27 April 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mai Emad
- IbnSina IVF Centre, IbnSina Hospital, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Ali Mahran
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, AG, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Sabry
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Ahmed N Fetih
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, AG, Egypt
| | - Hazem Abdelghafar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Salah Rasheed
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
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13
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Swann K. The role of Ca 2+ in oocyte activation during In Vitro fertilization: Insights into potential therapies for rescuing failed fertilization. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2018; 1865:1830-1837. [PMID: 29746897 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
At fertilization the mature mammalian oocyte is activated to begin development by a sperm-induced series of increases in the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration. These so called Ca2+ oscillations, or repetitive Ca2+ spikes, are also seen after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and are primarily triggered by a sperm protein called phospholipase Czeta (PLCζ). Whilst ICSI is generally an effective way to fertilizing human oocytes, there are cases where oocyte activation fails to occur after sperm injection. Many such cases appear to be associated with a PLCζ deficiency. Some IVF clinics are now attempting to rescue such cases of failed fertilization by using artificial means of oocyte activation such as the application of Ca2+ ionophores. This review presents the scientific background for these therapies and also considers ways to improve artificial oocyte activation after failed fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Swann
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK.
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14
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Lu Y, Reddy R, Ferrer Buitrago M, Vander Jeught M, Neupane J, De Vos WH, Van den Abbeel E, Lierman S, De Sutter P, Heindryckx B. Strontium fails to induce Ca 2+ release and activation in human oocytes despite the presence of functional TRPV3 channels. Hum Reprod Open 2018; 2018:hoy005. [PMID: 30895246 PMCID: PMC6276696 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoy005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are the transient receptor potential cation channels vanilloid 3 (TRPV3) present and able to mediate strontium (Sr2+) induced artificial activation in human oocytes? SUMMARY ANSWER Sr2+ did not induce Ca2+ rises or provoke activation in human oocytes, however, mRNA for the TRPV3 channel was present in metaphase II (MII) human oocytes after IVM and TRPV3 agonists induced Ca2+ rises and oocyte activation, demonstrating the channels were functional. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Selective activation of TRPV3 by agonists induces Ca2+ entry and promotes mouse oocyte activation, and the absence of TRPV3 channels in mouse oocytes prevents Sr2+ mediated artificial activation. Sr2+ is sometimes used to overcome fertilization failure after ICSI in the clinic, but its efficiency is still controversial and the mechanism(s) of how it mediates the Ca2+ flux has not been studied yet in human. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The protein distribution (n = 10) and mRNA expression level (n = 19) of the TRPV3 channels was investigated in human MII oocytes after IVM. The Sr2+ (10 mM) and TRPV3 agonists (200 μM 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate [2-APB] and 200 μM carvacrol)-induced Ca2+ response was analyzed in human (n = 15, n = 16 and n = 16, respectively) and mouse oocytes (n = 15, n = 19 and n = 26, respectively). The subsequent embryonic developmental potential following the parthenogenetic activation using these three agents was recorded in human (n = 10, n = 9 and n = 9, respectively) and mouse (n = 20 per agent) oocytes, by determining pronucleus, or 2-cell and blastocyst formation rates. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS MII oocytes from B6D2F1 mice (6–10 weeks old) as well as human IVM oocytes and IVO oocytes (from patients aged 25–38 years old) with aggregates of smooth endoplasmic reticulum clusters were used. The expression of TRPV3 channels was determined by immunofluorescence staining with confocal microscopy and RT-PCR, and the temporal evolution of intracellular Ca2+ concentration was measured by time-lapse imaging after exposure to Sr2+ and TRPV3 agonists (2-APB and carvacrol). Artificial activation efficiency was assessed using these agents. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Sr2+ did not promote Ca2+ oscillations or provoke activation in human oocytes. Transcripts of TRPV3 channels were present in IVM MII human oocytes. TRPV3 protein was expressed and distributed throughout the ooplasm of human oocytes, rather than particularly concentrated in plasma membrane as observed in mouse MII oocytes. Both agonists of TRPV3 (2-APB and carvacrol), promoted a single Ca2+ transient and activated a comparable percentage of more than half of the exposed human oocytes (P > 0.05). The agonist 2-APB was also efficient in activating mouse oocytes, however, significantly fewer mouse oocytes responded to carvacrol than 2-APB in both the Ca2+ analysis and activation test (P < 0.001). LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION The availability of fresh IVO matured oocytes in human was limited. Data from TRPV3 knockout model are not included. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The benefit of clinical application using Sr2+ to overcome fertilization failure after ICSI requires further validation. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by FWO-Vlaanderen, China Scholarship Council and Special Research Fund from Ghent University (Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds, BOF). No competing interests are declared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Lu
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Renmin South Road 20, 610041 Chengdu, China
| | - R Reddy
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - M Ferrer Buitrago
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - M Vander Jeught
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - J Neupane
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - W H De Vos
- Cell Systems and Imaging research Group (CSI), Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.,Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - E Van den Abbeel
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - S Lierman
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - P De Sutter
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - B Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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15
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Ferrer-Buitrago M, Bonte D, De Sutter P, Leybaert L, Heindryckx B. Single Ca 2+ transients vs oscillatory Ca 2+ signaling for assisted oocyte activation: limitations and benefits. Reproduction 2017; 155:R105-R119. [PMID: 29122969 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Oocyte activation is a calcium (Ca2+)-dependent process that has been investigated in depth, in particular, regarding its impact on assisted reproduction technology (ART). Following a standard model of signal transduction, Ca2+ drives the meiotic progression upon fertilization in all species studied to date. However, Ca2+ changes during oocyte activation are species specific, and they can be classified in two modalities based on the pattern defined by the Ca2+ signature: a single Ca2+ transient (e.g. amphibians) or repetitive Ca2+ transients called Ca2+ oscillations (e.g. mammals). Interestingly, assisted oocyte activation (AOA) methods have highlighted the ability of mammalian oocytes to respond to single Ca2+ transients with normal embryonic development. In this regard, there is evidence supporting that cellular events during the process of oocyte activation are initiated by different number of Ca2+ oscillations. Moreover, it was proposed that oocyte activation and subsequent embryonic development are dependent on the total summation of the Ca2+ peaks, rather than to a specific frequency pattern of Ca2+ oscillations. The present review aims to demonstrate the complexity of mammalian oocyte activation by describing the series of Ca2+-linked physiological events involved in mediating the egg-to-embryo transition. Furthermore, mechanisms of AOA and the limitations and benefits associated with the application of different activation agents are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minerva Ferrer-Buitrago
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST)Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Davina Bonte
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST)Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Petra De Sutter
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST)Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Physiology GroupDepartment of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST)Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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16
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Zhang Z, Wang T, Hao Y, Panhwar F, Chen Z, Zou W, Ji D, Chen B, Zhou P, Zhao G, Cao Y. Effects of trehalose vitrification and artificial oocyte activation on the development competence of human immature oocytes. Cryobiology 2016; 74:43-49. [PMID: 27956222 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2016.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Sucrose and trehalose are conventional cryoprotectant additives for oocytes and embryos. Ethanol can artificially enhance activation of inseminated mature oocytes. This study aims to investigate whether artificial oocyte activation (AOA) with ethanol can promote the development competence of in vitro matured oocytes. A total of 810 human immature oocytes, obtained from 325 patients undergoing normal stimulated oocyte retrieval cycles, were in vitro maturated (IVM) either immediately after collection (Fresh group n = 291)) or after being vitrified as immature oocytes (Vitrified group n = 519). These groups were arbitrarily assigned. All fresh and vitrified oocytes which matured after a period of IVM then underwent intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Half an hour following ICSI, they were either activated by 7% ethanol (AOA group) or left untreated (Non-AOA group). Fertilization, cleavage rate, blastocyst quality and aneuploidy rate were then evaluated. High-quality blastocysts were only obtained in both the fresh and vitrified groups which had undergone AOA after ICSI. Trehalose vitrification slightly, but not significantly, increased the formation rates of high-quality embryos (21.7% VS 15.4%, P > 0.05) and blastocysts (15.7% VS 7.69%, P > 0.05)) when compared with sucrose vitrification. Aneuploidy was observed in 12 of 24 (50%) of the AOA derived high quality blastocysts. High-quality blastocysts only developed from fresh or vitrified immature oocytes if the ICSI was followed by AOA. This information may be important for human immature oocytes commonly retrieved in normal stimulation cycles and may be particularly important for certain patient groups, such as cancer patients. AOA with an appropriate concentration of ethanol can enhance the developmental competence of embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiguo Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; Insititute of Reproduction and Genetics of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; Biopreservation and Artifical Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Tianjuan Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Yan Hao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Fazil Panhwar
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Electronic Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Zhongrong Chen
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Electronic Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Weiwei Zou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Dongmei Ji
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Beili Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Electronic Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China.
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China.
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Rubino P, Viganò P, Luddi A, Piomboni P. The ICSI procedure from past to future: a systematic review of the more controversial aspects. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 22:194-227. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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18
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Yeste M, Jones C, Amdani SN, Patel S, Coward K. Oocyte activation deficiency: a role for an oocyte contribution? Hum Reprod Update 2015; 22:23-47. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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19
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Leemans B, Gadella BM, Stout TA, Heras S, Smits K, Ferrer-Buitrago M, Claes E, Heindryckx B, De Vos WH, Nelis H, Hoogewijs M, Van Soom A. Procaine Induces Cytokinesis in Horse Oocytes via a pH-Dependent Mechanism1. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:23. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.127423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
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20
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Kim JW, Yang SH, Yoon SH, Kim SD, Jung JH, Lim JH. Successful pregnancy and delivery after ICSI with artificial oocyte activation by calcium ionophore in in-vitro matured oocytes: a case report. Reprod Biomed Online 2015; 30:373-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2014.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Revised: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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