Morphokinetic characteristics of embryos derived from in-vitro-matured oocytes and their in-vivo-matured siblings after ovarian stimulation

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamar Margalit ◽  
Avi Ben-Haroush ◽  
Roni Garor ◽  
Naomi Kotler ◽  
Dania Shefer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 246 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Fernandes ◽  
L. Schefer ◽  
F. C. Castro ◽  
C. L. V. Leal

Melatonin is a pineal hormone related to the control of the circadian cycle, besides the reproductive seasonality of some animal species, and has shown positive effects on oocyte maturation and embryo development. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of melatonin on in vivo and in vitro maturation of mouse oocytes. Female F1 hybrids (C57BL/6 × CBA; n = 8 per group/treatment) were used in 3 different treatments (trt) groups: (I) in vivo trt: mice received 2 different doses of melatonin injections, 10 and 20 mg kg–1 per IP including a saline control dose (0 mg kg–1 per IP) for 4 days along with ovarian stimulation trt of 5 IU of eCG IP, followed by 5 IU of hCG IP 48 h later, and cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) were collected 16 h after hCG; (II) mice received a similar in vivo melatonin trt, but ovarian stimulation trt was only 5 IU of eCG, no hCG, and COC were collected after 48 h and subsequently matured in vitro with 0.5 µg mL–1 of FSH for 16 h; (III) in vitro maturation of oocytes: COC were collected 48 h after 5 IU of eCG and maturated in the presence of 3 different doses of melatonin (10–9, 10–6, and 10–3 M) or 0.5 µg mL–1 of FSH (control) for 16 h. In vitro-maturing oocytes were in incubated at 37°C, 5% CO2, and 95% humidity. Maturation rates were evaluated according to the presence of the first polar body under an inverted microscope. Statistical analyses were performed by ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (4 replicates). In the first treatment, 20 mg kg–1 of melatonin showed the highest in vivo maturation rate, 80.3% (61/76), while 10 mg kg–1 of melatonin was 62.4% (53/85) and the saline control group was 69.4% (77/111), but differences were not significant (P > 0.05). For in vitro maturation of oocytes from animals previously treated with melatonin, the 10 mg kg–1 of melatonin group had the highest maturation rate, 53.2% (99/186), in comparison with the saline and 20 mg kg–1 of melatonin groups, which showed 46.6 (88/189) and 39.0% (85/218), respectively; again, no differences were detected (P > 0.05). In the last treatment, the maturation rates increased from 48.9 (43/88) to 53.7 (51/95) and 56.0% (56/100) as the melatonin concentrations decreased from 10–3, 10–6, and 10–9 M, respectively. The control group had the highest rate of 57.3% (55/96), but no statistical differences were observed (P = 0.706). In conclusion, under the conditions studied, melatonin was unable to improve the maturation rate neither after in vivo nor in vitro treatment. However, during in vitro maturation, melatonin alone was as efficient as FSH in promoting maturation in murine oocytes, indicating its potential effect on stimulating meiosis. Therefore, the role of melatonin in stimulating meiosis needs further investigation.Acknowledgments to FAPESP for fellowship (HF) and funding (CLVL).


Reproduction ◽  
2000 ◽  
pp. 201-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
SG Hillier

Recent advances in knowledge of the endocrine and paracrine mechanisms that regulate human ovarian folliculogenesis have been parallelled by the introduction into clinical practice of new drugs that can be used safely and effectively to stimulate ovarian function in infertile women. Most notably, recombinant DNA technology has been applied to the production of molecularly pure forms of the gonadotrophins, FSH and LH, opening the way to the development of improved strategies for manipulating the ovarian paracrine system. The clinical objectives of controlled ovarian stimulation fall into two categories, depending on patient needs: (1) induction of multiple follicles from which mature oocytes can be harvested for use in assisted reproduction protocols such as in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer; or (2) induction of spontaneous ovulation of a single mature follicle so that conception might occur in vivo. This review summarizes the physiological principles upon which the use of gonadotrophins for clinical purposes is based, highlighting new opportunities for improved treatment as a result of the availability of recombinant FSH and LH.


2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Irma Virant-Klun ◽  
Jure Bedenk ◽  
Nina Jancar

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to determine whether in vitro maturation (IVM) of immature oocytes after controlled hormonal stimulation of the ovaries could be important in cancer patients to improve their chances of conception in the future. Patients and methods After ovarian stimulation in cancer patients, the number of oocytes and their quality and maturity were compared to control patients with fertility problems in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) program. In both groups of patients, immature oocytes at the developmental stage of germinal vesicle were matured in vitro and the proportion of oocytes that matured in vitro was compared between groups. In a subset of women with fertility problems, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was performed on IVM oocytes to assess their ability to be fertilized and develop into an embryo compared to vivo matured oocytes in the same cycles and consider the procedure in cancer patients. Results In patients with different cancers, the disease did not affect the number and quality of retrieved oocytes. In cancer patients, there was even a significantly lower proportion of immature oocytes than in patients with fertility problems (30.0% vs. 43.6%; P < 0.05). However, in patients with cancer, fewer oocytes per patient matured in vitro than in patients with fertility problems (1.39 ± 1.04 vs. 2.48 ± 1.83; P < 0.05). After ICSI, the proportions of fertilized oocytes and fertilized oocytes developing into an embryo did not differ between oocytes matured in vitro and in vivo in the same cycles. Conclusions Oocyte IVM is proving to be a reliable procedure for resolving immature oocytes after controlled ovarian stimulation in cancer patients.


2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Santiago Munné ◽  
Steven T Nakajima ◽  
Sam Najmabadi ◽  
Mark V Sauer ◽  
Marlane J Angle ◽  
...  

Abstract STUDY QUESTION After controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) and IUI, is it clinically feasible to recover in vivo conceived and matured human blastocysts by uterine lavage from fertile women for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) and compare their PGT-A and Gardner scale morphology scores with paired blastocysts from IVF control cycles? SUMMARY ANSWER In a consecutive series of 134 COS cycles using gonadotrophin stimulation followed by IUI, uterine lavage recovered 136 embryos in 42% (56/134) of study cycles, with comparable in vivo and in vitro euploidy rates but better morphology in in vivo embryos. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In vivo developed embryos studied in animal models possess different characteristics compared to in vitro developed embryos of similar species. Such comparative studies between in vivo and in vitro human embryos have not been reported owing to lack of a reliable method to recover human embryos. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We performed a single-site, prospective controlled trial in women (n = 81) to evaluate the safety, efficacy and feasibility of a novel uterine lavage catheter and fluid recovery device. All lavages were performed in a private facility with a specialized fertility unit, from August 2017 to June 2018. Subjects were followed for 30 days post-lavage to monitor for clinical outcomes and delayed complications. In 20 lavage subjects, a single IVF cycle (control group) with the same ovarian stimulation protocol was performed for a comparison of in vivo to in vitro blastocysts. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS Women were stimulated with gonadotrophins for COS. The ovulation trigger was given when there were at least two dominant follicles ≥18 mm, followed by IUI of sperm. Uterine lavage occurred 4–6 days after the IUI. A subset of 20 women had a lavage cycle procedure followed by an IVF cycle (control IVF group). Recovered embryos were characterized morphologically, underwent trophectoderm (TE) biopsy, vitrified and stored in liquid nitrogen. Biopsies were analyzed using the next-generation sequencing technique. After lavage, GnRH antagonist injections were administered to induce menstruation. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A total of 134 lavage cycles were performed in 81 women. Uterine lavage recovered 136 embryos in 56 (42%) cycles. At the time of cryopreservation, there were 40 (30%) multi-cell embryos and 96 (70%) blastocysts. Blastocysts were of good quality, with 74% (70/95) being Gardener grade 3BB or higher grade. Lavage blastocysts had significantly higher morphology scores than the control IVF embryos as determined by chi-square analysis (P &lt; 0.05). This is the first study to recover in vivo derived human blastocysts following ovarian stimulation for embryo genetic characterization. Recovered blastocysts showed rates of chromosome euploidy similar to the rates found in the control IVF embryos. In 11 cycles (8.2%), detectable levels of hCG were present 13 days after IUI, which regressed spontaneously in two cases and declined after an endometrial curettage in two cases. Persistent hCG levels were resolved after methotrexate in three cases and four cases received both curettage and methotrexate. LIMITATIONS, REASON FOR CAUTION The first objective was to evaluate the feasibility of uterine lavage following ovarian stimulation to recover blastocysts for analysis, and that goal was achieved. However, the uterine lavage system was not completely optimized in our earlier experience to levels that were achieved late in the clinical study and will be expected in clinical service. The frequency of chromosome abnormalities of in vivo and IVF control embryos was similar, but this was a small-size study. However, compared to larger historical datasets of in vitro embryos, the in vivo genetic results are within the range of high-quality in vitro embryos. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Uterine lavage offers a nonsurgical, minimally invasive strategy for recovery of embryos from fertile women who do not want or need IVF and who desire PGT, fertility preservation of embryos or reciprocal IVF for lesbian couples. From a research and potential clinical perspective, this technique provides a novel platform for the use of in vivo conceived human embryos as the ultimate benchmark standard for future and current ART methods. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Previvo Genetics, Inc., is the sole sponsor for the Punta Mita, Mexico, clinical study. S.M. performs consulting for CooperGenomics. J.E.B. and S.A.C. are co-inventors on issued patents and patents owned by Previvo and ownshares of Previvo. S.N. is a co-author on a non-provisional patent application owned by Previvo and holds stock options in Previvo. S.T.N. and M.J.A. report consulting fees from Previvo. S.T.N., S.M., M.V.S., M.J.A., C.N. and J.E.B. are members of the Previvo Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) and hold stock options in Previvo. J.E.B and S. M are members of the Previvo Board of Directors. A.N. and K.C. are employees of Previvo Genetics. L.V.M, T.M.M, J.L.R and S. S have no conflicts to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Protocol Registration and Results System (PRS) Trial Registration Number and Name: Punta Mita Study TD-2104: Clinical Trials NCT03426007.


Reproduction ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 160 (5) ◽  
pp. 673-684
Author(s):  
Marcia Riboldi ◽  
Ivonne Nazir ◽  
Belén Jara ◽  
Felipe Argandoña ◽  
Cecilia Valencia ◽  
...  

During embryo implantation, endometrial angiogenesis is regulated by signals originating from the endometrium itself and the developing embryo. It has been suggested that hCG may play a pro-angiogenic role; therefore, we sought to understand its regulatory role in blood vessel formation in human endometrium using in vivo and in vitro models. In the in vivo model, we screened 16 angiogenesis-related transcripts in the endometrium upon intrauterine administration of hCG. Oocyte donors were recruited and during their controlled ovarian stimulation cycle received a single dose of hCG or vehicle on the day of oocyte pick up during a cycle of ovarian stimulation. One hour before obtaining an endometrial sample, women received an intrauterine administration of vehicle or hCG (500, 1500 and 5000 IU). Transcript and protein analysis showed that MMP3 and VEGFA increased, whereas TIMP1 decreased. The in vitro analysis studied the angiogenic potential of conditioned medium (CM) from primary cultures of human endometrial stromal cells (ESC) stimulated with hCG. Using a 2D and 3D in vitro angiogenesis assays, our results indicate that CM from ESC almost completely inhibits the capillary-like structure formation in endothelial cells, overriding the pro-angiogenic effect of hCG; and this inhibition due to secreted factors present in CM specifically reduced the migration potential of endothelial cells. In conclusion, the endometrial stromal milieu seems to modulate the direct pro-angiogenic effects of hCG on endothelial cells during embryo implantation.


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 2304
Author(s):  
Achraf Benammar ◽  
Emilie Derisoud ◽  
François Vialard ◽  
Eric Palmer ◽  
Jean Marc Ayoubi ◽  
...  

Although there are large differences between horses and humans for reproductive anatomy, follicular dynamics, mono-ovulation, and embryo development kinetics until the blastocyst stage are similar. In contrast to humans, however, horses are seasonal animals and do not have a menstrual cycle. Moreover, horse implantation takes place 30 days later than in humans. In terms of artificial reproduction techniques (ART), oocytes are generally matured in vitro in horses because ovarian stimulation remains inefficient. This allows the collection of oocytes without hormonal treatments. In humans, in vivo matured oocytes are collected after ovarian stimulation. Subsequently, only intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is performed in horses to produce embryos, whereas both in vitro fertilization and ICSI are applied in humans. Embryos are transferred only as blastocysts in horses. In contrast, four cells to blastocyst stage embryos are transferred in humans. Embryo and oocyte cryopreservation has been mastered in humans, but not completely in horses. Finally, both species share infertility concerns due to ageing and obesity. Thus, reciprocal knowledge could be gained through the comparative study of ART and infertility treatments both in woman and mare, even though the horse could not be used as a single model for human ART.


Author(s):  
E. J. Kollar

The differentiation and maintenance of many specialized epithelial structures are dependent on the underlying connective tissue stroma and on an intact basal lamina. These requirements are especially stringent in the development and maintenance of the skin and oral mucosa. The keratinization patterns of thin or thick cornified layers as well as the appearance of specialized functional derivatives such as hair and teeth can be correlated with the specific source of stroma which supports these differentiated expressions.


Author(s):  
M.J. Murphy ◽  
R.R. Price ◽  
J.C. Sloman

The in vitro human tumor cloning assay originally described by Salmon and Hamburger has been applied recently to the investigation of differential anti-tumor drug sensitivities over a broad range of human neoplasms. A major problem in the acceptance of this technique has been the question of the relationship between the cultured cells and the original patient tumor, i.e., whether the colonies that develop derive from the neoplasm or from some other cell type within the initial cell population. A study of the ultrastructural morphology of the cultured cells vs. patient tumor has therefore been undertaken to resolve this question. Direct correlation was assured by division of a common tumor mass at surgical resection, one biopsy being fixed for TEM studies, the second being rapidly transported to the laboratory for culture.


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