Evaluation of oocyte quality: morphological, cellular and molecular predictors

2007 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiang Wang ◽  
Qing-Yuan Sun
Keyword(s):  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Polar Body ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Β ◽  
Oocyte Quality ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Meiotic Spindle ◽  
Oocyte Competence ◽  
Cumulus Oocyte Complex ◽  
Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase

Mounting evidence that oocyte quality profoundly affects fertilisation and subsequent embryo development drives the continued search for reliable predictors of oocyte developmental competence. In the present review, we provide an overall summary and analysis of potential criteria that can be used to evaluate oocyte quality. These criteria are specifically classified as morphological and cellular/molecular predictors. Traditional methods for the evaluation of oocyte quality are based on morphological classification of the follicle, cumulus–oocyte complex, polar body and/or meiotic spindle. Although the use of morphological characteristics as predictors of oocyte quality is controversial, such a grading system can provide valuable information for the preselection of oocytes with higher developmental competence and, therefore, may maximise embryo developmental outcome. Several intrinsic markers (such as mitochondrial status and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase l activity) and extrinsic markers (such as apoptosis of follicular cells and levels of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily in follicular fluid or serum) have also been reported as useful indicators of oocyte competence and embryo quality. Compared with the morphological parameters, these cellular and molecular predictors of oocyte quality may prove to be more precise and objective, although further studies and refinement of techniques are needed.

scholarly journals Morphological criteria of oocyte quality

Medicina ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 45 (7) ◽  
pp. 509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina Lasienë ◽  
Aleksandras Vitkus ◽  
Angelija Valanèiûtë ◽  
Vidmantas Lasys
Keyword(s):  
Polar Body ◽  
Oocyte Quality ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Meiotic Spindle ◽  
Fertilization In Vitro ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Morphological Criteria ◽  
Oocyte Cytoplasm

In vitro fertilization technology consists of the selection and fertilization of oocytes, the production and transplantation of embryos to recipients. The quality of oocytes has a direct impact on the fertilization and developmental competence of oocytes. Criteria that show the quality of oocytes are subdivided into morphological, cellular, and molecular. The aim of this article was to review the morphological criteria that are used for estimation of the quality of oocytes before their fertilization in vitro. These criteria include the evaluation of the structure of oocyte: cumulus complex, oocyte cytoplasm, polar body, perivitelline space, zona pellucida, and meiotic spindle.

scholarly journals Oocyte Competence Biomarkers Associated With Oocyte Maturation: A Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Batara Sirait ◽  
Budi Wiweko ◽  
Ahmad Aulia Jusuf ◽  
Dein Iftitah ◽  
R. Muharam
Keyword(s):  
Oocyte Maturation ◽  
Blastocyst Stage ◽  
Current Approach ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Matrix Remodeling ◽  
Oocyte Competence ◽  
Nuclear Maturation ◽  
Oocyte Developmental Competence ◽  
Cumulus Oocyte Complex

Oocyte developmental competence is one of the determining factors that influence the outcomes of an IVF cycle regarding the ability of a female gamete to reach maturation, be fertilized, and uphold an embryonic development up until the blastocyst stage. The current approach of assessing the competency of an oocyte is confined to an ambiguous and subjective oocyte morphological evaluation. Over the years, a myriad of biomarkers in the cumulus-oocyte-complex has been identified that could potentially function as molecular predictors for IVF program prognosis. This review aims to describe the predictive significance of several cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) biomarkers in evaluating oocyte developmental competence. A total of eight acclaimed cumulus biomarkers are examined in the study. RT-PCR and microarray analysis were extensively used to assess the significance of these biomarkers in foreseeing oocyte developmental competence. Notably, these biomarkers regulate vital processes associated with oocyte maturation and were found to be differentially expressed in COC encapsulating oocytes of different maturity. The biomarkers were reviewed according to the respective oocyte maturation events namely: nuclear maturation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix remodeling, and steroid metabolism. Although substantial in vitro evidence was presented to justify the potential use of cumulus biomarkers in predicting oocyte competency and IVF outcomes, the feasibility of assessing these biomarkers as an add-on prognostic procedure in IVF is still restricted due to study challenges.

scholarly journals Effects of maternal ageing on ICSI outcomes and embryo development in relation to oocytes morphological characteristics of birefringent structures

Zygote ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 550-555 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cem Korkmaz ◽  
Yesim Bayoglu Tekin ◽  
Mehmet Sakinci ◽  
Cihangir Mutlu Ercan
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Development ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Oocyte Quality ◽  
Fertilization Success ◽  
Meiotic Spindle ◽  
Poor Responders ◽  
Polarization Microscopy ◽  
Quantitative Measurements ◽  
Icsi Outcomes

SummaryThe aim of this study was to determine the morphological characteristics of the older reproductive aged women's oocytes and to reveal the influence of these characteristics on intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes. The oocytes of women older than 35 years of age were evaluated retrospectively. Non-invasive polarization microscopy (PolScope) examinations of mature oocytes were performed by measurement of meiotic spindles’ length, area and retardance and zona pellucida thickness and retardance. Fertilization and conception competence and the correlation with the birefringent structures were assessed. Two hundred and thirteen mature oocytes from 54 women were evaluated with a PolScope. Length of the meiotic spindle was shown to be related to fertilization success of women with advanced maternal age. In conclusion, the PolScope is a useful device used to identify the oocyte quality. Quantitative measurements of meiotic spindle parameters may be valuable for the selection of high-quality oocytes that have the potential for embryo development in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory of women older than 35 years of age who are mostly poor responders.

scholarly journals Oocyte Selection for in Vitro Embryo Production in Livestock Species: Non-Invasive Approaches for the New Challenges of Oocyte Competence

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Aguila ◽  
Favian Treulen ◽  
Jacinthe Therrien ◽  
Ricardo Felmer ◽  
Martha Valdivia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polar Body ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Oocyte Diameter ◽  
Oocyte Competence ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Livestock Species ◽  
Large Oocyte ◽  
First Polar Body ◽  
Major Interest

The efficiency of producing embryos using in vitro technologies in livestock species rarely exceeds the 30 to 40% threshold, indicating that the proportion of oocytes that fail to develop after in vitro fertilization and culture is considerably large. Considering that the intrinsic quality of the oocyte is one of the main factors affecting blastocyst yield, the precise identification of non-invasive cellular or molecular markers that predict oocyte competence is of major interest to research and practical applications. The aim of this review was to explore the current literature on different non-invasive markers associated with oocyte quality in mammalian species, with an emphasis on the bovine model. Apart from some controversial findings, the presence of cycle-related structures in ovaries, a follicle size between 6 and 10 mm, large number of surrounding cumulus cells, slightly expanded investment without dark areas, large oocyte diameter (>120 microns), dark cytoplasm, and the presence of a round and smooth first polar body have been associated to better competence. In addition, the combination of oocyte and zygote selection by BCB test and spindle imaging have the potential to further optimize the identification of oocytes with better developmental competence for in vitro-derived technologies in livestock species.

304 EFFECT OF THE SEASONAL INFERTILITY PERIOD ON OOCYTE COMPETENCE IN PIGS

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 241
Author(s):  
A. M. Giraldo ◽  
D. Hylan ◽  
R. R. Payton ◽  
J. L. Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Oocyte Quality ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Blastocyst Development ◽  
Oocyte Competence ◽  
Cell Numbers ◽  
Oocyte Developmental Competence ◽  
Development Rates ◽  
Early Fall

Photoperiod is the principal regulator of seasonal breeding; however, effects of photoperiod on the fertility of the domestic sow are inconclusive. Some evidence indicates that the modern sow exhibits a period of impaired reproductive performance during the late summer and early fall. Seasonal variation in oocyte developmental competence has been described as a contributing factor. Alterations in oocyte quality, along with reductions in blastocyst rates and cell numbers in embryos from summer-sourced oocytes, may be attributed to an alteration in follicular fluid (FF) composition. The objectives of this study were to determine whether seasonal variations in blastocyst development rates are associated with changes in cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) morphology and oocyte developmental competence in sows. This study also compared the effect of FF collected in spring v. summer during in vitro maturation (IVM) on oocyte competence. In experiment 1, oocytes from 3- to 8-mm follicles were aspirated from sow ovaries during 1 calendar year for a total of 77 replicates. Only oocytes with homogeneous dark cytoplasm and at least 2 layers of cumulus cells underwent IVM. Mature oocytes were electrically activated and the resulting embryos were cultured for 6 days. In experiment 2, a total of 1256 good quality COC were divided into 2 groups and cultured in IVM medium containing 10% FF collected in either spring or late summer. Metaphase II oocytes were electrically activated and cultured to generate diploid embryos. Differences between experimental groups were assessed using Student's t-test or X2. The percentage of ovaries exhibiting good-quality follicles and the number of COC per ovary remained constant during the entire calendar year (60% and 6.2 COC/ovary, respectively). However, oocyte quality decreased significantly from 3.6 to 3.2 during late August throughout early October in a 1 to 4 scale. The percentage of good-quality COC decreased significantly during late summer and early fall compared with the rest of the year (54.5 v. 65.5%). However, maturation, cleavage, and blastocyst rates did not show significant differences between the summer and the other seasons (85.5 v. 87.6, 87.8 v. 87.7, and 27.8 v. 27.0%, respectively). The presence of FF collected in either spring or summer in the IVM medium did not affect maturation, cleavage, or blastocyst rates (88.9 v. 87.7, 90.7 v. 90.5, and 42.1 v. 43.7%, respectively). Blastocyst cell numbers (Day 6) did not differ when FF from spring and summer antral follicles was used for supplementing IVM medium (43.6 v. 46.1 cells, respectively). In summary, impaired reproductive performance of domestic sows during late summer and early fall is coincident with a decreased in the number and quality of COC. However, efforts to use strict selection criteria for COC during this time period may result in maturation and development rates comparable to the rest of the seasons. Additionally, the presence of FF collected in either spring or summer in the IVM medium does not seem to affect oocyte maturation and subsequent embryo development.

scholarly journals Oocyte Selection for In Vitro Embryo Production in Bovine Species: Noninvasive Approaches for New Challenges of Oocyte Competence

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 2196
Author(s):  
Luis Aguila ◽  
Favian Treulen ◽  
Jacinthe Therrien ◽  
Ricardo Felmer ◽  
Martha Valdivia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polar Body ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Oocyte Diameter ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Oocyte Competence ◽  
Livestock Species ◽  
Large Oocyte ◽  
First Polar Body ◽  
Major Interest

The efficiency of producing embryos using in vitro technologies in livestock species rarely exceeds the 30–40% threshold, indicating that the proportion of oocytes that fail to develop after in vitro fertilization and culture is considerably large. Considering that the intrinsic quality of the oocyte is one of the main factors affecting blastocyst yield, the precise identification of noninvasive cellular or molecular markers that predict oocyte competence is of major interest to research and practical applications. The aim of this review was to explore the current literature on different noninvasive markers associated with oocyte quality in the bovine model. Apart from some controversial findings, the presence of cycle-related structures in ovaries, a follicle size between 6 and 10 mm, large number of surrounding cumulus cells, slightly expanded investment without dark areas, large oocyte diameter (>120 microns), dark cytoplasm, and the presence of a round and smooth first polar body have been associated with better competence. In addition, the combination of oocyte and zygote selection via brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) test, spindle imaging, and the anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy together with studies decoding molecular cues in oocyte maturation have the potential to further optimize the identification of oocytes with better developmental competence for in-vitro-derived technologies in livestock species.

scholarly journals Cellular and Molecular Events that Occur in the Oocyte during Prolonged Ovarian Storage in Sheep

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 2414
Author(s):  
Alicia Martín-Maestro ◽  
Irene Sánchez-Ajofrín ◽  
Carolina Maside ◽  
Patricia Peris-Frau ◽  
Daniela-Alejandra Medina-Chávez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Fragmentation ◽  
Saline Solution ◽  
Cumulus Cell ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Oocyte Quality ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Developmental Potential ◽  
Oocyte Competence ◽  
Cell Parameters

For the past two decades, there has been a growing interest in the application of in vitro embryo production (IVP) in small ruminants such as sheep. To improve efficiency, a large number abattoir-derived ovaries must be used, and long distances from the laboratory are usually inevitable when adult animals are used. In that scenario, prolonged sheep ovary transportation may negatively affect oocyte developmental competence. Here, we evaluated the effect of ovary storage time (3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 h) and the medium in which they were transported (TCM199 and saline solution) on oocyte quality. Thus, live/dead status, early apoptosis, DNA fragmentation, reduced glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, caspase-3 activity, mitochondrial membrane potential and distribution, and relative abundance of mRNA transcript levels were assessed in oocytes. After in vitro maturation (IVM), cumulus cell viability and quality, meiotic and fertilization competence, embryo rates and blastocyst quality were also evaluated. The results revealed that, after 7 h of storage, oocyte quality and developmental potential were significantly impaired since higher rates of dead oocytes and DNA fragmentation and lower rates of viable, matured and fertilized oocytes were observed. The percentage of cleavage, blastocyst rates and cumulus cell parameters (viability, active mitochondria and GSH/ROS ratio) were also decreased. Moreover, the preservation of ovaries in medium TCM199 had a detrimental effect on cumulus cells and oocyte competence. In conclusion, ovary transport times up to 5 h in saline solution are the most adequate storage conditions to maintain oocyte quality as well as developmental capacity in sheep. A strategy to rescue the poor developmental potential of stored oocytes will be necessary for successful production of high-quality embryos when longer ovarian preservation times are necessary.

Neither gonadotropin nor cumulus cell expansion is needed for the maturation of competent porcine oocytes in vitro

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bethany K Redel ◽  
Lee D Spate ◽  
Ye Yuan ◽  
Clifton N Murphy ◽  
R Michael Roberts ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Cumulus Cell ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Oocyte Quality ◽  
Blastocyst Stage ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Oocyte Competence ◽  
Key Indicator ◽  
Cytoplasmic Competence

Abstract In vitro maturation of oocytes from immature females is widely used in assisted reproductive technologies. Here we illustrate that cumulus cell (CC) expansion, once considered a key indicator of oocyte quality, is not needed for oocytes to mature to the metaphase II (MII) stage and to gain nuclear and cytoplasmic competence to produce offspring. Juvenile pig oocytes were matured in four different media: 1) Basal (−gonadotropins (GN)-FLI); 2) -GN + FLI (supplement of FGF2, LIF, and IGF1); 3) + GN-FLI; 4) + GN + FLI. There was no difference in maturation to MII or progression to the blastocyst stage after fertilization of oocytes that had been matured in -GN + FLI medium and oocytes matured in +GN + FLI medium. Only slight CC expansion occurred in the two media lacking GN compared to the two where GN was present. The cumulus-oocytes-complexes (COC) matured in +GN + FLI exhibited the greatest expansion. We conclude that FLI has a dual role. It is directly responsible for oocyte competence, a process where GN are not required, and, when GN are present, it has a downstream role in enhancing CC expansion. Our study also shows that elevated phosphorylated MAPK may not be a necessary correlate of oocyte maturation and that the greater utilization of glucose by COC observed in +GN + FLI medium probably plays a more significant role to meet the biosynthetic needs of the CC to expand than to attain oocyte developmental competence. Gene expression analyses have not been informative in providing a mechanism to explain how FLI medium enhances oocyte competence without promoting CC expansion.

scholarly journals hCG Priming Before Ovary Collection Increasing The Oocyte Quality In The Domestic Cat

2021 ◽  
pp. 123-126
Author(s):  
Karisma Mardatillah ◽  
Rini Widyastuti ◽  
Diah Nugrahani Pristihadi ◽  
Wahyudin ◽  
Sigit Prastowo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oocyte Quality ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Oocyte Competence ◽  
Slicing Method ◽  
Determining Factor

Oocyte competence is a determining factor that influences the embryo development. Embryos produced in vitro have a reduced developmental competence than embryos produced in vivo. Therefore, human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) injection was carried out to improve the quality of the oocytes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ovarian stimulation with hCG before ovary collection on oocyte quality in the domestic cat. Oocyte donors were either 1) treated with a single dose of 200 IU hCG four days before ovary collection (hCG group), or, 2) no treatment before ovary collection (control group). The oocytes were collected by the slicing method. Immature cumulus oophorus complexes (COCs) from both groups were pooled and matured in vitro for 24-26 hours. Then mature oocytes were fertilized with epididymal sperm and cultured in vitro for seven days. The results study showed that the number of the dominant follicle (DF) and the number of COCs in the hCG group was higher than the control group in right and left ovaries (p<0.05). The morulae and blastocyst rates from cleavage embryos were 88% and 75%, respectively. These results demonstrate that hCG priming of oocytes donors before ovary collection improve oocyte quality.

156 EFFECTS OF MORPHOLOGY TYPE OF POLAR BODY ON PORCINE OOCYTE QUALITY AND DEVELOPMENTAL POTENTIAL AFTER IN VITRO FERTILIZATION

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 192
Author(s):  
L. Cai ◽  
E. Kim ◽  
S. U. Hwang ◽  
J. D. Yoon ◽  
Y. Jeon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polar Body ◽  
Oocyte Quality ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Penicillin G ◽  
Cleavage Rate ◽  
Developmental Potential ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
First Polar Body

Evaluation of morphology of first polar body (1st PB) could be a method for the oocyte's quality and developmental competence. The developmental potential of oocyte with fragmented PB after in vitro maturation (IVM) is a controversial issue. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of PB morphology type on oocyte quality and developmental competence after IVF. Porcine ovaries were obtained from prepubertal gilts at a local slaughterhouse and transported to the laboratory within 2 h in physiological saline supplemented with 100 IU mL–1 penicillin G and 100 mg mL–1 streptomycin sulfate. The cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC) were aspirated using an 18-gauge needle attached to a 10-mL disposable syringe from superficial follicles 3 to 6 mm in diameter followed by IVM. After IVM, oocytes were classified into 3 types as follows, oocytes with normal PB (A type), oocytes with a little of fragmented PB (B type), and oocytes with separated 2 PBs (C type), respectively. As classification of PB types, we analysed the distribution ratio of each PB type after IVM, and then performed IVF for analysis of fertilization rate and developmental potential. The ratio of oocyte with A type (73%) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of B type (24.5%) or C type (2.5%) after IVM. Only mature oocytes were selected from A and B type and were subjected to IVF because of a small number of oocytes with C type. In the IVF experiment, the efficiency of monospermy and fertilization were significantly higher in oocytes of A type (46.7%) than those of type B (20.0%). The cleavage rate of oocytes with A type (63.9%) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the oocytes with B type (43.8%). Embryonic developmental competence to the blastocyst stage after IVF was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the A-type oocytes (26.3%) than in the B-type oocytes (16.9%). The levels of glutathione and reactive oxygen species were not affected by the morphological classification of the PB. In summary, these results suggest that polar body morphology could be a marker of oocyte quality after IVM. We are currently studying gene expression of each oocytes and blastocysts. This work was supported, in part, by a grant from the Next-Generation BioGreen 21 Program (No. PJ00956901), Rural Development Administration, and the National Research Foundation of Korea Grant funded by the Korean Government (NRF-2012R1A1A4A01004885, NRF-2013R1A2A2A04008751), Republic of Korea.

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