1 Assessing the energy status of porcine embryos by means of biodynamic imaging

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 125
Author(s):  
I. Lorenzo ◽  
Z. Li ◽  
M. Torres ◽  
Z. Machaty ◽  
D. Nolte
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Azide ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Imaging System ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Optical Measurements ◽  
Energy Status ◽  
Embryo Viability ◽  
Cell Stage ◽  
Developmental Potential ◽  
Bioluminescence Assay

Assisted reproductive technologies are powerful tools for enhancing production in livestock or treating infertility in humans. Unfortunately, the success rate of the technologies is rather low. A major reason for the poor efficiency is the lack of methods to reliably assess the developmental potential of the embryos before transfer into recipients. Therefore, a noninvasive method to ensure the selection of only the best embryos for transfer would be highly desirable. Biodynamic imaging is a compelling new microscopy that uses intracellular Doppler spectroscopy to perform label-free, noninvasive optical measurements of cellular fitness. The aim of this study was to investigate whether biodynamic imaging can be used to assess the energy status of the embryos, which may be indicative of their viability. Porcine oocytes matured invitro were parthenogenetically activated by an electrical pulse and cultured for 2 days. The parthenotes were then divided into two groups, and approximately half of them were incubated for an additional 2 days in the presence of 20mM sodium azide. Sodium azide is an inhibitor of oxidative phosphorylation and is known to block ATP production. The rest of the embryos were cultured without sodium azide and used as a control to indicate normal ATP levels. At the end of the culture period embryos that reached the 8- to 16-cell stage were evaluated by our biodynamic imaging system to assess their energy status, after which they were lysed and their ATP contents were determined by means of a bioluminescence assay. A total of 68 embryos (32 treated with the inhibitor and 36 control) were evaluated. The ATP content analysis showed that the control embryos had significantly more ATP than those treated with sodium azide as determined by Student's t-test (5.04±1.07 vs. 1.31±0.57; P<0.05). A correlative study was then completed where biodynamic biomarkers were used to classify embryos to estimate the ability of biodynamic imaging to identify embryos with high or low energy status. A set of 13 biomarkers representing each embryo as a feature vector was used to train a classifier. We found that the cross-validated classifier had a sensitivity and specificity of ~80%. In addition, a receiver-operator curve constructed by varying the ATP threshold of the independent bioluminescence assay had an area-under-the-curve of 0.81. These results indicate that biodynamic imaging is able to determine the energy status of the embryos noninvasively and has great potential in the assessment of embryo viability.

253. Calcium ionophore induction of marmoset oocyte activation

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. 101
Author(s):  
C. G. Grupen ◽  
R. B. Gilchrist ◽  
S. J. Schulz ◽  
L. J. Ritter ◽  
D. T. Armstrong
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Cumulus Cell ◽  
Calcium Ionophore ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Primate Species ◽  
Oocyte Activation ◽  
Cell Stage ◽  
Developmental Potential ◽  
Parthenogenetic Activation

The marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) is a valuable model for developing assisted reproductive technologies in humans and endangered primate species. Calcium ionophore treatments have been used to induce parthenogenetic activation in a number of species, but the effectiveness of this reagent in initiating marmoset embryo development has not yet been reported. The aim of this study was to determine the developmental potential of in vitro matured (IVM) marmoset oocytes, following treatment with calcium ionophore. Immature oocytes from large (LA; >1.5 mm) and small (SA; 0.67–1.5 mm) antral follicles were isolated from the ovaries of FSH-primed animals and cultured in modified G2 medium for 26–30 h at 37.0°C in 6% CO2 in air. Meiotically mature oocytes were sequentially incubated with 5 μM ionomycin for 5 min and 2 mM 6-dimethylaminopurine for 3 h and cultured in G1/G2 sequential medium at 37.0°C in 5% O2, 6% CO2, 89% N2 for 10 days. Cumulus cell expansion associated with LA oocytes (n=118) was greater than that of SA oocytes (n=212), as determined using well established classification criteria (2.7±0.1 v. 1.8±0.2; P<0.01). A greater proportion of LA oocytes completed meiosis to the metaphase-II stage compared with SA oocytes (85±7% v. 63±7%; P<0.05). Pronuclear formation was induced at similar rates in mature oocytes of both groups, but the rate of cleavage was higher for LA oocytes compared with SA oocytes (93±6% v. 66±5%; P<0.05). The number of cells per embryo was not different between the groups.This is the first study to demonstrate that calcium ionophore effectively induces parthenogenetic activation in IVM marmoset oocytes. However, the development of parthenotes was limited beyond the 8-cell stage. Further studies are needed to determine the cause of the developmental block.

Novel aspects of endometrial function: a biological sensor of embryo quality and driver of pregnancy success

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivier Sandra ◽  
Nadéra Mansouri-Attia ◽  
Richard G. Lea
Keyword(s):  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Uterine Cavity ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Reproductive Capacity ◽  
Epigenetic Alterations ◽  
Uterine Receptivity ◽  
Blastocyst Development ◽  
Developmental Potential

Successful pregnancy depends on complex biological processes that are regulated temporally and spatially throughout gestation. The molecular basis of these processes have been examined in relation to gamete quality, early blastocyst development and placental function, and data have been generated showing perturbations of these developmental stages by environmental insults or embryo biotechnologies. The developmental period falling between the entry of the blastocyst into the uterine cavity to implantation has also been examined in terms of the biological function of the endometrium. Indeed several mechanisms underlying uterine receptivity, controlled by maternal factors, and the maternal recognition of pregnancy, requiring conceptus-produced signals, have been clarified. Nevertheless, recent data based on experimental perturbations have unveiled unexpected biological properties of the endometrium (sensor/driver) that make this tissue a dynamic and reactive entity. Persistent or transient modifications in organisation and functionality of the endometrium can dramatically affect pre-implantation embryo trajectory through epigenetic alterations with lasting consequences on later stages of pregnancy, including placentation, fetal development, pregnancy outcome and post-natal health. Developing diagnostic and prognostic tools based on endometrial factors may enable the assessment of maternal reproductive capacity and/or the developmental potential of the embryo, particularly when assisted reproductive technologies are applied.

scholarly journals Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors Predicting the Cumulative Outcome of IVF / ICSI Treatment

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2S) ◽  
pp. 269-273 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Process Time ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Embryo Viability ◽  
Extrinsic Factors ◽  
Response Level ◽  
Female Population ◽  
Incident Cases

Infertility rates in India becoming increased in last decade principally due to the urbanization conditions and the lifestyle habits. It is giving alarm by continuously reporting the progress in incident cases of infertility amongst the young Indian adults of both male and female population. Among the various Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) available today in the treatment of infertility, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is found to be the most applicable treatment method of choice. This involves the administration of different hormones and drugs to treat infertility. In the present scenario technically IVF treatment process is tedious, laborious, high cost and most importantly success rates reported to be very low (20-30%). The prediction of IVF success rates is becoming an important scientific knowledge and practice, which helps both the doctor and the candidate couple to know about the conditions hence to take the right decision. The accurate prediction of the IVF success rate is really a challenging task in obstetrics and gynecology medicine. The success rates of the IVF depends on the various factors such as Intrinsic factors i.e, Genetic predisposition, Age, Body mass Index, Hormonal balance, Embryo viability, Sperm quality, Endometriosis and overall patient’s response level of the candidate couple and the Extrinsic factors such as Medical equipment technology, Treatment methods, Personal experiences of clinicians and embryologists, Process time, Stress due to the lifestyle etc.

198 Comparison of invitro production of bison and cattle embryos and effect of L-carnitine during maturation of bison oocytes

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 227
Author(s):  
A. R. Moawad ◽  
H. Benham ◽  
J. P. Barfield
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Cell Mass ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
T Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Important Species ◽  
Developmental Potential ◽  
Cell Numbers ◽  
Frozen Semen

Bison are an important species in North America, both economically and culturally. Although assisted reproductive technologies have been applied to preserve the genetic diversity of bison, development of these technologies remains limited for this species. The objective of the present study was to compare success rates of oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryo development invitro in bison versus cattle (experiment 1). Cumulus-oocyte complexes obtained from abattoir-derived cattle and bison ovaries were matured, fertilized with frozen semen, and cultured invitro using standard procedures (De La Torre-Sanchez et al. 2006 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 18, 585-596). At least three replicates were repeated for each experimental group. Oocyte recovery rate was lower in bison than in cattle (4.3; 2797/699 vs. 6.7; 4138/677, oocyte/ovary; P&lt;0.01, t-test). Nuclear maturation (oocytes at MII, 23h post-IVM) and fertilization rates (oocytes with 2 pronuclei 18h post-insemination; p.i.) evaluated by Hoechst stain were lower (P&lt;0.01, chi-square) for bison (65.1%; 56/86 and 32.7%; 18/55, respectively) than for cattle (88.3%; 83/94 and 70.9%; 39/55, respectively). Polyspermy tended to be higher in bison than in cattle (12.7% vs. 3.6%, P=0.08). The percentages of 2-cell embryos tended to be lower in bison than in cattle (13.5% vs. 25.0%, P&gt;0.05) at 24h p.i. but by 30h p.i., this difference increased (33.7% vs. 67.0%, P&lt;0.01, chi-square). Cleavage (Day 3) and blastocyst (Day 7) rates were lower (P&lt;0.01, chi-square) for bison (58.2%; 280/481 and 14.6%; 70/481, respectively) than for cattle (90.8%; 405/446 and 22.9%; 102/446, respectively). Total cell number (74.9±4.8 vs.114.2±5.8), trophectoderm cell numbers (57.9±4.6 vs. 89.2±4.8) and inner cell mass cell numbers (16.9±2.3 vs. 25±1.9) as determined by Hoechst and propidium iodide were all lower (P&lt;0.01, t-test) in bison than in cattle blastocysts. To improve oocyte competence in bison, we evaluated effects of L-carnitine (LC) supplementation during IVM on developmental potential of bison oocytes (experiment 2). Cumulus-oocyte complexes were matured in IVM medium supplemented with 0, 0.15, 0.3, 0.6, or 1.2mgmL−1 LC. No differences were observed in cleavage rates of control (0mgmL−1 LC) and LC-treated groups (values ranged from 60.0 to 66.4%). Interestingly, a dose-dependent increase in blastocyst development was found with the lowest value recorded in control group (10.4%; 14/134) and the highest value in the 1.2mgmL−1 LC supplemented group (22.2%; 23/105; P&lt;0.01, chi-square, n=4). Adding 1.2mgmL−1 LC to the IVM medium improved the percentage of hatching blastocysts compared with the control. In conclusion, bison oocytes exhibited lower invitro maturation, fertilization, and developmental rates compared with cattle oocytes using our system, and bison embryos were delayed in the timing of first cleavage. L-Carnitine supplementation during IVM of bison oocytes improved the preimplantation development and quality of invitro-produced blastocysts.

scholarly journals Label-free assessment of pre-implantation embryo quality by the Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM)-phasor approach

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ning Ma ◽  
Nabora Reyes de Mochel ◽  
Paula Duyen Anh Pham ◽  
Tae Yeon Yoo ◽  
Ken WY. Cho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescence Lifetime ◽  
Embryo Quality ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Learning Algorithm ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
List Type ◽  
Label Free ◽  
Embryo Viability ◽  
Invasive Approach ◽  
Non Invasive

AbstractDevelopment of quantitative, safe and rapid techniques for assessing embryo quality provides significant advances in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). We apply the phasor-FLIM method to capture endogenous fluorescent biomarkers of pre-implantation embryos as a non-morphological caliber for embryo quality. Here, we identify the developmental, or “D-trajectory”, that consists of fluorescence lifetime from different stages of mouse pre-implantation embryos. The D-trajectory correlates with intrinsic fluorescent species from a distinctive energy metabolism and oxidized lipids, as seen with Third Harmonic Generation (THG) that changes over time. In addition, we have defined an Embryo Viability Index (EVI) to distinguish pre-implantation embryo quality using the Distance Analysis, a machine learning algorithm to process the fluorescence lifetime distribution patterns. We show that the phasor-FLIM approach provides a much-needed non-invasive quantitative technology for identifying healthy embryos at the early compaction stage with 86% accuracy. This may increase embryo implantation success for in vitro fertilization clinics.HighlightsA label-free method of tracking metabolic trajectories during pre-implantation mouse embryo development.A non-invasive approach for assessing embryo quality and viability by a phasor-FLIM analysis.

scholarly journals Monitoring of Oocyte/Embryo Respiration Using Electrochemical-Based Oxygen Sensors

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yusra Obeidat ◽  
Amanda Evans ◽  
William Tedjo ◽  
Adam Chicco ◽  
Elaine Carnevale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Sensor ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Cell Respiration ◽  
Output Current ◽  
Embryo Viability ◽  
Blastocyst Development ◽  
Carbonyl Cyanide ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Endogenous Substrates

Current commercially available instruments for monitoring mitochondrial respiration are incapable of single cell measurements. Therefore, we developed a three-electrode, Clark-type biosensor suitable for mitochondrial respirometry in single oocytes and embryos. The biosensor was embedded in a PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) micro-chamber to allow investigation of single oocytes/embryos immersed in up to 100 &micro;L of respiration buffer. The micro-chamber was completely sealed to avoid oxygen exchange between the inside of the chamber and the atmosphere, while being maintained at a temperature of 38.5 ˚C to preserve cell viability. Using amperometry, the oxygen consumption of cells inside the micro-chamber was measured as a change in output current and converted to femto-mol (fmol) oxygen consumed per second based on calibrations with known buffer oxygen concentrations. The sensor measured basal cell respiration supported by endogenous substrates, respiration associated with proton leak induced by inhibition of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase (complex V) with oligomycin, and the maximal non-coupled respiratory capacity revealed by Carbonyl cyanide-4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone (FCCP) titration. Some potential applications of this oxygen sensor system include evaluating effects of metabolic therapies on oocyte bioenergetics, and monitoring mitochondrial function throughout oocyte maturation and blastocyst development to predict embryo viability to compliment assisted reproductive technologies

123 LONG-TERM PRODUCTION OF IN VITRO-MATURED PORCINE OOCYTES AND EMBRYOS

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 161
Author(s):  
A. M. Paprocki ◽  
C. M. Syverson ◽  
R. W. Koppang ◽  
J. R. Dobrinsky
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Scientific Data ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Embryo Production ◽  
Pump System ◽  
Developmental Potential ◽  
Parthenogenetic Embryos

Although in vivo matured, ovulated, or both, oocytes provide the finest genetic material for use in assisted reproductive technologies (ART), their en masse production requires livestock production facilities, staff and associated overhead, is expensive and labor intensive, their harvest involves surgical or laparoscopic expertise, and large yields needed for en masse daily embryo production are cumbersome and very costly. In vitro-matured (IVM) oocytes have long been a practical gamete source for ART, including in vitro fertilization, ICSI and cloning. Rather than using conventional IVF to produce embryos, we employ in vitro oocyte activation for the production of diploidized parthenogenetic embryos, removing problems associated with variable embryo production due to polyspermic inseminations. In this way, we can produce a repeatable and consistent supply of mature oocytes, advanced embryos, or both, used in product testing, quality control, transgenic or cloned (or both) embryo production, in vitro development controls, as well as in-house culture control embryos for customer scientific data sharing. In this study, we observe mature oocyte and parthenogenetic embryo production over a complete year as control information for our laboratory. Additionally, colleagues may use these data for comparison in their own scientific mission. At least 3 times a month for 12 consecutive months, ovaries were collected from mature females at an abattoir and transported to our laboratory. Cumulus–oocyte complexes were aspirated from 4–6 mm follicles with an 18-gauge needle fixed to a vacuum pump system. Only COC surrounded by two or more layers of compact cumulus investment and containing oocytes of equal size were placed into a commercial TCM-199-based IVM system (Minitube of America Inc., Verona, WI, USA). After 42 h IVM, mature oocytes were isolated from their expanded cumulus and subjected to chemical (ionomycin/DMAP) parthenogenetic activation based on US Patent 5,496,720. Embryos were cultured 120 h in NCSU-23, then cultured for an additional 48 h in NCSU-23 (no BSA) supplemented with 10% FBS. A minimum of 1504 premium and 4604 standard oocytes (Minitube of America Inc.) were placed into IVM. Both premium (1364, 90.7%) and standard (4061, 88.2%; P > 0.05) oocytes are used to produce mature oocytes (MO). Of 781 premium MOs made into diploidized parthenogenetic embryos, 459 (58.8%) developed into blastocysts (61.3 cells/embryo). Of 2068 standard MO made into diploidized parthenogenetic embryos, 914 (44.2%; P < 0.05) developed into blastocysts (64.7 cells/embryo). En masse in vitro maturation of oocytes can supply a repeatable and consistent supply of mature oocytes for use in assisted reproductive technologies. These MO have the developmental potential to form blastocysts in vitro and enable scientists to infer developmental competence of in vitro-produced embryos for research and commercial use.

127 L-Carnitine Supplementation During In Vitro Maturation Improves Developmental Competence of Canine Oocytes

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 203 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Salama ◽  
M. Fathi ◽  
M. R. Badr ◽  
A. R. Moawad
Keyword(s):  
Embryo Development ◽  
In Vitro Maturation ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Mammalian Species ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Carnitine Supplementation ◽  
Cell Stage ◽  
Nuclear Maturation

In vitro embryo production (IVP) in the domestic bitch is important for conservation of endangered canids. Compared with various domestic animals, the development of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in the dog has lagged behind, mainly due to the low percentage of oocytes that can reach metaphase II (MII) stage after in vitro maturation (IVM). Beneficial effects of l-carnitine (LC) on embryonic development in culture have been reported in many mammalian species; however, no studies have been conducted in dogs. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of LC supplementation during IVM of canine oocytes on nuclear maturation, fertilization status, and pre-implantation development following IVM/IVF. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) were collected by slicing ovaries obtained from dogs (n = 20, 1 to 6 years of age) after ovariohysterectomy. The COC were subjected to IVM for 72 h in a medium (TCM-199) supplemented with LC at different concentrations (0.1, 0.3, 0.6, 1.0, or 2.0 mg mL−1) or without LC supplements (0 mg mL−1; control). Matured oocytes were fertilized in vitro with frozen–thawed spermatozoa, and presumptive zygotes were cultured in SOF medium for 7 days. Frequencies of nuclear maturation (72 h post-IVM), fertilization rates (18 h post-insemination), and embryo development (Days 2 to 5 post-insemination) were evaluated. Data were analysed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s multiple comparisons test. Supplementation of IVM medium with 0.3 or 0.6 mg mL−1 LC significantly improved (P ≤ 0.05) maturation (35.4% and 41.4%) and fertilization (21.3% and 25.8%) rates compared with the controls and with other LC-supplemented groups; values ranged from 20.1% to 25.0% for maturation and from 12.1% to 14.6% for fertilization. Cleavage (2- to 16-cell stages) was significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) in the 0.6 mg mL−1 LC supplemented group than the 0.3 mg mL−1 supplemented group (16.3% v. 13.3%). These values were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) than those in other groups. Interestingly, 4.5% of IVM/IVF oocytes were developed to morula in 0.6 mg mL−1 LC supplemented group which was significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) than those developed in the 0.3 mg mL−1 supplemented group (1.0%). No embryos developed beyond the 2- to 16-cell stage in the rest of the groups. In conclusion, l-carnitine supplementation during IVM is particularly efficient in improving nuclear maturation and pre-implantation embryo development of canine oocytes after IVF. These outcomes are important for the improvement of IVM conditions that can advance the efficiency of ART in dogs.

scholarly journals 93 BLASTOCYST PRODUCTION FROM BOVINE OOCYTES VITRIFIED IN A CLOSED (BIOSECURE) SYSTEM FOLLOWING IN VITRO MATURATION IN THE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF VITAMIN E

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 196 ◽  
Author(s):  
V.C. Moreira ◽  
G.J. McCallum ◽  
A. Ainslie ◽  
T.G. McEvoy
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin E ◽  
Liquid Nitrogen ◽  
Room Temperature ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Calf Serum ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Embryo Viability ◽  
Initial Size ◽  
Initial Exposure

The value of assisted reproductive technologies intended for conservation of livestock genetics ultimately will depend on their effectiveness in both sustaining gamete/embryo viability and ensuring stringent biosecurity. This study investigated bovine oocyte survival following vitrification in a sealed system prior to storage in liquid nitrogen. It also tested the effect of supplementary vitamin E on tolerance of oocytes to vitrification procedures. Healthy COCs from abattoir-derived ovaries were matured in TCM-199 supplemented with 10% v/v fetal calf serum (FCS) in the absence (control) or presence (VitE) of 100 μM α-tocopherol (Sigma, Poole, UK) in humidified atmosphere (5% CO2 in air; 38.5°C). Between 22 and 24 h after commencement of IVM, COCs were pipetted to remove excess cumulus cells, and then equilibrated at room temperature in 7.5% DMSO plus 7.5% ethylene glycol (EG) in HEPES-buffered Holding Medium (HM; Irvine Scientific, Santa Ana, CA, USA) for 7 min before transfer to vitrification solution (15% DMSO, 15% EG, and 0.5 M sucrose in HM; Irvine Scientific). Loading of oocytes (n = 78 control and 85 VitE) into CryoTips (Irvine Scientific) and heat-sealing (each end) was achieved within 90 s, with tips then plunged into liquid nitrogen. Subsequent warming and cryoprotectant removal were at room temperature in HM with 1 M sucrose for 2 min, 0.5 M sucrose for 4 min, and HM alone for 6 min. Oocytes were allowed recover for approximately 3 h in TCM-199 with 20% FCS (5% CO2 in air; 38.5°C), and then fertilized in vitro (single sire). After 22 h (Day 1) presumptive zygotes were transferred to SOF containing fatty acid-free BSA (4 mg mL−1) and incubated for up to 8 days (5% O2, 5% CO2, 90% N2; 38.5°C). Cleavage data (Day 2) and blastocyst yields (Days 7 to 9) were analyzed by chi-square test. In addition to those that were vitrified, some oocytes (n = 9 per treatment) were observed via video to permit analysis (ImageJ; NIH, USA) of volume excursions during the 7 min immediately following initial exposure to HM with 7.5% DMSO plus 7.5% EG. Data were compared using ANOVA. Overall incidence of cleavage by Day 2 was 45% (range: 36 to 51%) and 35% (31 to 43%) for control and VitE, respectively, (NS). Day 7 and total control blastocyst yields were 7.4% and 18.5%, respectively; corresponding yields for VitE were 19% and 25% (control vs. VitE, NS). Video evidence indicated that although Control oocytes invariably reached minimal volume later than VitE oocytes (30 vs. 20 s), in each case this was 52% of initial size. By 7 min, both had similar volumes, the respective means being 94% and 92% of initial size. In the present study provision of vitamin E during IVM did not significantly enhance the subsequent resilience and development of oocytes subjected to a vitrification protocol. However, this protocol achieved efficient and biosafe bovine gamete storage. This work was funded by SEERAD; CryoTips and vitrification solutions were donated by Irvine Scientific; VCM was supported by MLC, UK.

scholarly journals Age, the environment and our reproductive future: bonking baby boomers and the future of sex

Reproduction ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 147 (2) ◽  
pp. S1-S11 ◽  
Author(s):  
R John Aitken
Keyword(s):  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Oral Contraceptive Pill ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Fertility Control ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
Developmental Potential ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Reproductive Healthcare

There has never been a greater need for scientists trained in reproductive science. Most developed countries are witnessing unprecedented rates of recourse to assisted conception sitting cheek-by-jowl with high rates of induced abortion. This article addresses these two incongruous faces of reproductive healthcare. Every year at least 44 million abortions are performed worldwide, many under unsafe and insanitary conditions that carry a significant risk to the lives of women deprived of safe, effective methods for controlling their fertility. Although birth control is a complex issue involving myriad social and political factors, the technical vacuum in this area is significant. Through no fault of the family planning authorities, there have been no radically new methods of fertility control since the oral contraceptive pill was introduced in 1960 and even this contribution to planned parenthood has its roots in the biochemistry of the 1920s and 1930s. Moreover, the pharmaceutical industry has, by and large, turned its back on fundamental research activities in this area. At present, our major investment in reproductive healthcare involves treating ever-increasing numbers of couples with assisted reproductive technologies (ART). However, these treatments are often delivered without critically considering the underlying causes of this condition or seriously contemplating the long-term consequences of the current enthusiasm for such therapy. Significantly, the clinical factors underpinning the commitment of couples to ART include advanced maternal age and a variety of lifestyle factors, such as smoking and obesity, which are known to compromise the developmental potential of the oocyte and DNA integrity in spermatozoa.

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