Effect of Mitochondrial Function of Ovarian Granulosa Cells on In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer Outcomes in Obese Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients

Objective:To investigate the effect of abnormal ovarian granulosa cell metabolism on in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET)outcomes in obese polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)patients.Methods:Patients with PCOS who met the study criteria were screened according to the inclusion criteria.A total of 32 patients with obese PCOS were recruited into the study group,and 39 patients with non-obese PCOS were recruited into the control group.The general data(age,body mass index,and years of infertility),insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),luteinizing hormone(LH),granulosa cell mitochondrial function,and IVF-ET outcome of patients in the study group and control group were retrospectively analyzed.Results:The differences in age and years of infertility between the study group and the control group were insignificant(P>0.05),and the body mass index(BMI)of the study group and control group was 30.5±1.24 kg/m2 and 22.3±1.12 kg/m2,respectively,in which the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);the HOMA-IR of the study group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05);the reactive oxygen species(ROS)in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05),and the ATP content in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05);comparing the FSH and LH levels between the two groups,the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05);the rate of IVF-ET failure was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group.Conclusion:PCOS is a complex endocrine disorder,and obesity is one of the independent risk factors for the development of PCOS.

Live births from in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer following the administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist without gonadotropins:Two case reports

BACKGROUND The prevalence of female infertility between the ages of 25 and 44 is 3.5%to 16.7%in developed countries and 6.9%to 9.3%in developing countries.This means that infertility affects one in six couples and is recognized by the World Health Organization as the fifth most serious global disability.The International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technology reported that the global total of babies born as a result of assisted reproductive technology procedures and other advanced fertility treatments is more than 8 million.Advancements in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation procedures led to crucial accomplishments in human fertility treatments.The European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology guideline on ovarian stimulation gave us valuable evidence-based recommendations to optimize ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive technology.Conventional ovarian stimulation protocols for in vitro fertilization(IVF)–embryo transfer are based upon the administration of gonadotropins combined with gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH)analogues,either GnRH agonists(GnRHa)or antagonists.The development of ovarian cysts requires the combination of GnRHa and gonadotropins for controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.However,in rare cases patients may develop an ovarian hyper response after administration of GnRHa alone.CASE SUMMARY Here,two case studies were conducted.In the first case,a 33-year-old female diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome presented for her first IVF cycle at our reproductive center.Fourteen days after triptorelin acetate was administrated(day 18 of her menstrual cycle),bilateral ovaries presented polycystic manifestations.The patient was given 5000 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin.Twenty-two oocytes were obtained,and eight embryos formed.Two blastospheres were transferred in the frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle,and the patient was impregnated.In the second case,a 37-year-old woman presented to the reproductive center for her first donor IVF cycle.Fourteen days after GnRHa administration,the transvaginal ultrasound revealed six follicles measuring 17-26 mm in the bilateral ovaries.The patient was given 10000 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin.Three oocytes were obtained,and three embryos formed.Two high-grade embryos were transferred in the frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle,and the patient was impregnated.CONCLUSION These two special cases provide valuable knowledge through our experience.We hypothesize that oocyte retrieval can be an alternative to cycle cancellation in these conditions.Considering the high progesterone level in most cases of this situation,we advocate freezing embryos after oocyte retrieval rather than fresh embryo transfer.

Untreated Prior Pulmonary Tuberculosis Adversely Affects Pregnancy Outcomes in Infertile Women Undergoing in vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer: A Large Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective Prior pulmonary tuberculosis(PTB) on chest X-ray(CXR) was commonly found in infertile patients receiving examinations before in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET). It was unclear whether untreated PTB would affect pregnancy outcomes after IVF-ET.Method We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 14,254 infertile patients who had received IVFET at Peking University Third Hospital in 2017. Prior PTB was defined as the presence of signs suggestive of old or inactive PTB on CXR, with or without a clinical TB history. Patients who had prior PTB on CXR but had not received a clinical diagnosis and anti-TB therapy were included for analysis. Live birth,clinical pregnancy, and miscarriage rates were compared between the untreated PTB and non-PTB groups.Results The untreated PTB group had significantly lower clinical pregnancy(31.7% vs. 38.1%) and live birth(23.8% vs. 30.6%) rates than the non-PTB group(both P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that untreated PTB was a risk factor for decreased live birth rate [odds ratio(OR), 0.80;95% confidence interval(CI), 0.66–0.98;P = 0.028] in all patients and for increased miscarriage(OR, 4.19;95% CI,1.69–10.39;P = 0.002) and decreased live birth(OR, 0.45;95% CI, 0.24–0.83;P = 0.011) rates in patients with unexplained infertility.Conclusions Untreated PTB was associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes after IVF-ET, especially in patients with unexplained infertility, highlighting the clinical significance of PTB in this specific patient population.

Intramural pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer:A case report

BACKGROUND Intramural pregnancy is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy,which is diagnosed by transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.Management strategies vary depending on the site of the pregnancy,the gestational age and the desire to maintain fertility.The incidence of intramural pregnancy in assisted reproductive technology is higher than that in natural pregnancy.CASE SUMMARY We present a case of intramural pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and elective single embryo transfer following salpingectomy.The patient was completely asymptomatic and her serumβ-human chorionic gonadotropin level increased from 290 m IU/m L to 1759 m IU/m L.Three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound indicated a heterogeneous echogenic mass arising from the uterine fundus which was surrounded by myometrium and a slender and extremely hypoechoic area stretching to the uterine cavity which was thought to be a fistulous tract.Therefore,we considered a diagnosis of intramural pregnancy and laparoscopic surgery was conducted at 7 wk gestation.CONCLUSION Early diagnosis and treatment of intramural pregnancy is significant for maintaining fertility.

Post-salpingectomy interstitial heterotopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer:A case report

BACKGROUND Heterotopic pregnancy(HP)refers to the coexistence of ectopic pregnancy and intrauterine pregnancy.Salpingectomy is proposed as a pretreatment before in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET)to reduce the risk of HP.HP after IVF-ET occurs in women who had already underwent bilateral salpingectomy,even though it is extremely rare.CASE SUMMARY A case of a 29-year-old woman with recurrent interstitial HP after IVF-ET following salpingectomy is presented.The main symptom was a sudden and worsening pelvic pain.Physical examinations revealed signs of peritoneal bleeding and irritation with stable vital signs.Transvaginal ultrasound showed a live intrauterine pregnancy and another live embryo with cardiac activity in the left cornu extending beyond the lateral edge of the uterus.Her hemoglobin concentration was 8.0 g/dL,and serum human chorionic gonadotropin value was 171116.9 mIU/mL.With the diagnosis of ruptured HP with internal bleeding,an emergency laparoscopic resection of left cornu was performed.The interstitial pregnancy was removed with caution to protect the intrauterine pregnancy.After the surgical treatment,the intrauterine pregnancy continued with no complications.A healthy baby was delivered by caesarean section at 39 wk.Outcomes of another three cases are further summarized.CONCLUSION Post-salpingectomy HP is a rare but challenging condition.Surgical treatment is preferred in the case with a viable intrauterine pregnancy.

Relationship between lower number of oocytes retrieved and clinical outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer

Objective:To explore the clinical outcomes of the infertile women with retrieved oocytes less than or equal to 5 undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer（IVF-ET） or intracytoplasmic sperm injection（1CSI）. Methods:The clinical data of 216 embryo transfer cycles with retrieved oocytes less than or equal to 5 during the procedure of IVF/ICSI in Reproductive Medicine Center of the 105th Hospital of PLA from Jul.2008 to Dec.2011 were analyze retrospectively.All the patients were divided into group A（< 35 years）,group B（35-39 years） and group C（≥40 years） according to the ages,and 409 IVF/ICSI cycles with patients’ age less than 35 years old and 6-15 retrieved oocytes in the same period were served as controlled group.Then the patients≥35 years were subdivided into gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist（GnRH-a） long protocol group,GnRH-a short group and GnRH antagonist group according to the protocols of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation（COH）.The clinical date and the outcomes were analyzed and compared among all groups. Results:There were significantly differences in clinical pregnancy rate（38.3%vs.19.4%） and early abortion rate（16.1%vs.50.0%） between group A and group C（P<0.05）,and there were no significant differences in clinical pregnancy rate（38.3%vs.41.6%）and early abortion rate（16.1%vs.10.0%） between group A and control group（P>0.05）.There were no significant differences in clinical pregnancy rates（29.01%vs.26.1%vs.25.9%） and early abortion rates（33.3%vs.33.3%vs.40.0%） among GnRH-a long protocol group,GnRH-a short group and GnRH antagonist group（P>0.05）. Conclusions:Relatively satisfactory clinical outcomes of IVF/ICSI would still be got for the patients <35 years with retrieved oocytes less than or equal to 5,but whatever COH protocols such as GnRH-a long protocol,GnRH-a short and GnRH antagonist could not improve the outcomes of IVF/ICSI for the patients aged≥35 with retrieved oocytes less than or equal to 5.

Double Pulmonary Embolism and Left Common Iliac Vein Thrombosis after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer： a Case Report

This article discusses the mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment of a case of double pulmonary embolism and left common iliac vein thrombosis following in vitro fertilization （IVF） and embryo transfer （ET） to arouse vigilance for unexpected thrombosis after ovarian hyperstimulation and to serve as a clinical reference of this condition. This paper reports the case of a woman with double pulmonary embolism and left common iliac vein thrombosis after IVF-ET and the successful management of this condition. The woman had primary infertility, and underwent IVF-ET with 14 ooeytes recovered and two embryos transferred. The patient suffered breathing difficulty 17 days after the ET, and was hospitalized 6 days later as her condition had exacerbated. Computed tomographic （CT） angiography of pulmonary arteries showed double pulmonary embolism, left common iliae vein thrombosis, abnormal density shadow in uterine appendages, and ascites. A healthy baby boy and girl were safely delivered by Caesarean section after successful treatment. Thrombosis after IVF-ET is an uncommon but life-threatening complication and concurrent pulmonary embolism is even rarer. It is suggested that careful thrombosis risk assessment be taken before therapy and particular attention be paid to patients with special body constitutions to develop thrombosis. Whenever patients experience breathing difficulty after IVF-ET, it is strongly advised to examine the possibility of pulmonary embolism. The main treatments for thrombosis are anticoagulant therapy by low-molecular-weight heparin and thrombolysis by urokinase.

Laparoscopic management of an ectopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer at CHRACERH:A case report

1.Introduction Initially,in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET)was designed to solve tubal factors infertility(TFI)by placing the embryo(s)within the uterine cavity.However,in some cases,an ectopic implantation occurs as the embryo can enter the tube.Ectopic pregnancy(EP)is the location of the pregnancy outside the intrauterine cavity.The prevalence of EP following assisted reproductive technology(ART)ranges between 2.1%and 8.6%of all pregnancies and it can reach up to 11%inwomen with tubal factors infertility history.

Kidding after Transfer of in Vitro Produced Saanen Goat Embryos into Local Ukrainian Breed Recipients in Different Seasons

In recent years, the demand for goat products has been growing due to the fact that goat milk has a number of advantages over cow milk, for example, it is low in lactose, and is considered less allergenic and easier to digest. To increase production during both breeding and non-breeding seasons and reduce the price of dairy products, it is necessary to effectively use reproductive management and assisted reproductive technologies. In vitro embryo production makes it possible to obtain a large number of eggs from goats, which for some reason are unable to conceive, but have genetic value. Afterward in vitro produced embryos can be transferred into recipient goats of other less genetically valuable breeds, such as the Ukrainian local breed. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of transfers of in vitro produced embryos of Saanen goats into surrogate sires of the Ukrainian local breed in different seasons. All manipulations with animals were carried out following ethical standards (Strasbourg, 1986). Six Saanen goats were selected as the oocyte donors. After the hormonal stimulation oocytes were retrieved by laparoscopic ovum pick-up. In vitro produced embryos were transferred laparotomically into 24 recipients of Ukrainian local breed. Fifty days after embryo transfers, pregnancies were determined by ultrasound diagnostics. Although the embryo development rate in the breeding season was 20% higher than in the non-breeding season, there was no difference in pregnancy and kidding rates between seasons. In conclusion, the transfer of in vitro produced Saanen goat embryos to recipients of the Ukrainian local breed gives the opportunity to achieve pregnancy and kidding regardless of the breeding season, which will enable a faster and more efficient increase in the livestock of highly productive goats in Ukraine in the post-war period.

Effect of royal jelly on in vitro fertilization and early embryo development following nicotine treatment in adult female rats

Objective:To scrutinize the protective role of royal jelly as an antioxidant on nicotine-induced changes in malondialdehyde(MDA)level,p53 expression,in vitro fertilization(IVF)rate,and early embryo development in adult female rats.Methods:A total of 56 adult female Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups(n=7 in each group).Group 1 served as an untreated control group,group 2,3 and 4 received nicotine at a dose of 0.50,1.00 and 2.00 mg/kg respectively,group 5 received royal jelly at a dose of 100.00 mg/kg,and group 6,7 and 8 received 0.50,1.00 and 2.00 mg/kg nicotine,respectively,with 100.00 mg/kg body weight royal jelly.Nicotine and royal jelly were administered daily for 49 days in the experimental groups intra-peritoneally and orally,respectively.At the end of the experimental period,p53 expression,IVF rate and early embryo development as well as MDA concentration were measured.Results:The IVF rate,number of cumulus oocytes,two-cell embryos and blastocysts decreased in the nicotine-treated groups in a dose-dependent manner.In addition,p53 mRNA expression and MDA levels increased in the nicotine-treated groups.Royal jelly co-administration led to partial improvement in the aforementioned parameters.Conclusions:Royal jelly may have a repro-protective effect in nicotine-administered female rats in terms of its anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic properties.

An exploratory study of South African women’s experiences of In Vitro Fertilisation and Embryo Transfer (IVE-ET) at fertility clinics

Infertility is considered to be a growing problem worldwide. In sub-Saharan Africa, at least 20%-50% of couples of reproductive age experience a fertility problem and 30% are diagnosed with infertility. This study explores the experiences of women in South Africa who are involuntary childless and explores their psychological and emotional experiences of In Vitro Fertilisation and Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET). Utilising a qualitative methodology, a diverse group of 21 married women diagnosed with infertility and who had undergone at least two cycles of IVF-ET were recruited. Semi-structured, in-depth individual interviews were conducted and the data were analysed using thematic analysis. The results of the study indicated that the women perceived themselves as not conforming to a dominant belief system and as a result felt compelled to explore all the medical options available. They reported emotional turmoil characterised by primary binary emotions of anxiety-excitement and nervousness-optimistic. These emotions were experienced throughout the five stages of the IVF-ET treatment cycles. A synopsis of the psychological and emotional responses to the IVF-ET treatment is discussed. The findings of this study suggest the need for the incorporation of a mandatory psychosocial intervention as part of infertility management. Greater attention to the psychological and emotional repercussions of infertility treatment could lead to a more personalised client-approach which, in turn, would prepare infertile women and couples for the emotional demands of the treatment.

Effect of different fertilization time after human chorionic gonadotropin injection on fertilization outcome of patients in vitro fertilizationembryo transfer

Objective:To explore the effect of different fertilization time after human chorionic gonadotropin(HCG)injection on the outcome of fertilization in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET).Methods:One thousand one hundred and forty IVF-ET cycles from January 2016 to August 2018 were analyzed retrospectively.According to the different fertilization time after injection of HCG divided into four groups:Group A(38.0 h~39.0 h),Group B(39.1 h~40.0 h),Group C(40.1 h~41.0 h),and Group D(41.1 h~42.0 h).The normal fertilization rate,the normal cleavage rate,the embryo utilization rate,the high-quality embryo rate,the clinical pregnancy rate,the implantation rate,and the spontaneous abortion rate were analyzed among the groups.Then we investigated the effect of different promotion methods on the outcome of fertilization during the optimal fertilization time.Results:There was no significant difference in 2PN cleavage rate,available embryo rate,clinical pregnancy rate,implantation rate and abortion rate among the four groups(P>0.05).The high-quality embryo rate in Group D(44.6%)was the highest,and was significantly different among the four groups(P<0.05).The normal fertilization rate in Group D(71.6%)was the highest,and was significantly different among the four groups(P<0.05).The normal fertilization rate(78.1%)of antagonist group was significantly higher than other groups(P<0.05).Conclusion:The different fertilization time after HCG injection have effects on high-quality embryo rate and normal fertilization rate of patients in IVF-ET.The appropriate fertilization time of patients in IVF-ET was 41 h~42 h after HCG injection in our reproductive center,improved the clinical pregnancy rate and reduced the early abortion rate.The GnRH-ant protocol is superior to other protocol in IVF-ET.

The Effect of Insulin Resistance on In-Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer in Women without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Purpose: Insulin resistance (IR) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS);therefore, insulin-sensitizing agents are widely used to improve IR in women with PCOS. However, whether IR in patients without PCOS should be treated remains uncertain. This study aims to clarify whether IR in patients without PCOS affects the outcomes of in-vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) and pregnancy. Methods: Between January 2011 and December 2013, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 116 non-PCOS patients who underwent the first IVF–ET cycle. IR was calculated using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index [HOMA-IR = (insulin × glucose)/405]. A HOMA index of >2.5 was used to indicate IR. Based on the HOMA index calculation, 28 patients were IR(+) and 88 patients had normal insulin sensitivity. We retrospectively compared the response with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, retrieved oocytes number, fertilization rates, pregnancy rate, live birth rates, and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) incidence. Results: There were no significant differences in human menopausal gonadotropin administration, peak estradiol, retrieved oocyte number, fertilized embryo number, good quality embryo number, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, delivery rate, or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and GDM incidences between the groups. Conclusion: IR in non-PCOS patients has no effect on IVF-ET outcomes or perinatal prognosis.

Effect of heat stress on the maturation,fertilization and development rates of in vitro produced bovine embryos

Heat stress is one of the main reasons for reproductive performance decrease in cattle, resulting in severe economic losses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of heat stress during maturation, fertilization and development of in vitro produced bovine embryos. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were obtained by follicular puncture from slaughterhouse ovaries and after identification, were divided into four groups: control (CG), exposed 1 (EG1), exposed 2 (EG2), and exposed 3 (EG3). The oocytes of the group CG and CG3 were cultured at 38°C and the oocytes of group EG1 and EG2 were cultured at 40°C during the maturation period (24 hours at 5% CO2 in air). After the maturation period, oocytes of group CG, EG1, EG2, and EG3 were fecundated with frozen thawed semen. The oocytes of CG, EG2 and EG3 groups were cultured at 38°C, and the group EG1 was cultured at 40°C (18 hours at 5% CO2 in air). After that, the CG and EG2 groups were cultured in SOF at 38°C and the groups EG1 and EG3 at 40°C during embryonic development. The embryos were evaluated for cleavage, morula and blastocyst rates by optical microscopy. In control (CG) and EG3 groups, the oocytes showed uniform expansion of cumulus cells, classified as moderate to high, with brown color and uniform appearance of the ooplasm. In the oocytes exposed to 40°C (EG1 and EG2) we observed a decrease in the expansion of cumulus cells, and the same showed rounded appearance and retraction of the ooplasm with dark coloration. The control group (CG) had 68.23% ± 2% of cleavage, 50.16% ± 2% morulas, and 43.28% ± 1% blastocysts. Whereas the EG2 had 31.46% ± 2% cleavage, 35.64% ± 2% morula, and no blastocysts development. The EG3 had 3.7% ± 2% cleavage, and no embryo production. These data suggest that in all stages of exposure to heat stress, the embryos and the gametes are susceptible, leading to a decrease in embryonic development.

Clinical Effects of the Follicular Phase Long Regimen and Luteal Phase Long Regimen on Ovulation Induction in IVF-ET Treatment: A Meta-Analysis

Objective:To systematically evaluate the clinical effects of the follicular phase long regimen and the luteal phase long regimen on ovulation induction in IVF-ET treatment.Methods:Databases including PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,CNKI,Chinese Biomedical Literature(CBM),VIP,Wanfang,and others were searched up to January 2021.Clinical studies on ovulation induction using the follicular phase long regimen and luteal phase long regimen in IVF-ET treatment were identified.Literature screening,data extraction,and quality evaluation were conducted based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.Results:After screening,a total of 11 studies were included,comprising 21,544 patients:9,974 in the follicular phase long regimen group and 11,570 in the luteal phase long regimen group.The meta-analysis results were as follows:(1)The number of Gn days and the total amount of Gn in the follicular phase long regimen were higher than those in the luteal phase long regimen(P<0.05);(2)The number of eggs obtained in the follicular phase long regimen was higher than that in the luteal phase long regimen(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in the rate of embryo optimization and cycle cancellation between the two groups(P>0.05);(3)The embryo implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate in the follicular phase long regimen were higher than those in the luteal phase long regimen(P<0.05),while the abortion rate in the follicular phase long regimen was lower than that in the luteal phase long regimen(P<0.05).Conclusion:Compared to the luteal phase long regimen,the follicular phase long regimen involves more Gn days and a higher total amount of Gn.The optimal embryo rate and cycle cancellation rate were similar between the regimens,but the follicular phase long regimen resulted in more eggs,significantly improved the implantation and clinical pregnancy rates,and reduced the abortion rate.However,these conclusions require further validation through more multicenter,large-sample RCT studies.

Visible Light and Its Influence on the Embryonic Viability of the Cricket Acheta domesticus

During in vitro fertilization, human embryos are incubated without light, and these conditions do not ensure embryo survival. This study explored whether environmental conditions can influence the embryo viability rates of the house cricket, Acheta domesticus. In particular, the experiment tested what colors of visible light provide the best incubation conditions to ensure cricket embryo viability. The concept was to use house cricket embryos to represent human embryos. Cricket embryos were chosen as their eggs have soft outer membrane casings and resemble human embryos during the first few days after fertilization. During the experiment, the adult crickets laid their eggs into one of six soil-filled boxes called substrates. Each substrate was placed into one of six storage containers filled with adult crickets and lit with a different colored visible light (red, yellow, green, blue, white, or no light). After two days of breeding, the egg-filled substrates were removed from the adult crickets and placed in another storage container of the same color light. After incubation under heat-emitting lamps and under one of six light colors, nymphs were counted after hatching to determine embryo viability. After three trials, the red light provided the significantly highest viability rate, with yellow and no light being comparable seconds. The green, blue, and white lights showed significantly lower viability rates than no visible light. My results raise the speculation that exposing fertilized mammal eggs to visible light colors might have the same effects during the in vitro fertilization process.

Sperm chromatin structure assay results after swim-up are related only to embryo quality but not to fertilization and pregnancy rates following IVF

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the sperm chromatin structure assay （SCSA） results after swim-up are related to fertilization rates, embryo quality and pregnancy rates following in vitrofertilization （IVF）. A total of 223 couples undergoing IVF in our hospital from October 2008 to September 2009 were included in this study. Data on the IVF process and sperm chromatin structure assay results were collected. Fertilization rate, embryo quality and IVF success rates of different DNA fragmentation index （DFI） subgroups and high DNA stainability （HDS） subgroups were compared. There were no significant differences in fertilization rate, clinical pregnancy or delivery rates between the DFI and HDS subgroups. However, the group with abnormal DFI had a lower good embryo rate. So, we concluded that the SCSA variables, either DFI or HDS after swim-up preparation, were not valuable in predicting fertilization failure or pregnancy rate, but an abnormal DFI meant a lower good embryo rate following IVF.

Reproductive fluids,used for the in vitro production of pig embryos,result in healthy offspring and avoid aberrant placental expression of PEG3 and LUM

Background:In vitro embryo production(IVP)and embryo transfer(ET)are two very common assisted reproductive technologies(ART)in human and cattle.However,in pig,the combination of either procedures,or even their use separately,is still considered suboptimal due to the low efficiency of IVP plus the difficulty of performing ET in the long and contorted uterus of the sow.In addition,the potential impact of these two ART on the health of the offspring is unknown.We investigated here if the use of a modified IVP system,with natural reproductive fluids(RF)as supplements to the culture media,combined with a minimally invasive surgery to perform ET,affects the output of the own IVP system as well as the reproductive performance of the mother and placental molecular traits.Results:The blastocyst rates obtained by both in vitro systems,conventional(C-IVP)and modified(RF-IVP),were similar.Pregnancy and farrowing rates were also similar.However,when compared to in vivo control(artificial insemination,AI),litter sizes of both IVP groups were lower,while placental efficiency was higher in AI than in RF-IVP.Gene expression studies revealed aberrant expression levels for PEG3 and LUM in placental tissue for C-IVP group when compared to AI,but not for RF-IVP group.Conclusions:The use of reproductive fluids as additives for the culture media in pig IVP does not improve reproductive performance of recipient mothers but could mitigate the impact of artificial procedures in the offspring.

Factors Influencing Pregnancy Outcome Following Slow Cooling Cryoembryo Transfer and Risk of Multiple Conception

Objective To investigate the factors that influence the potential for cryoembryo implantation and multiple pregnancy. Methods In this retrospective study, a total of 93 7 thawing cycles （859 couples） in which 3286 d 3-embryos were thawed. Rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy and multiple conception following FET were observed. Results There were significant differences in female age （P〈0.05） and number of good quality embryos （P〈0. 05） between cycles that resulted in pregnancy and those did not. There was a trend toward decreasing rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy and multiple pregnancy with increasing female age. Compared with transferring 1 good quality embryo, clinical pregnancy rate of transferring 2 and 3 good quality embryos was increased significantly （P〈0. 001）, there was no significant difference in clinical pregnancy rate between transferring 2 and 3 good quality embryos. Multiple pregnancy rate was increased significantly in the group of transferring 3 good quality embryos （P〈0.05）,but there was no significant differences in multiple pregnancy rate between transferring 1 and 2 good quality embryos. Younger women （≤ 30 years） also had a significantly higher multiple pregnancy rates （28.13%） than the older ones（〉35 years） （13.64%）. With an increase in age from ≤ 30 years to〉40 years, clinical pregnancy rate declined from 47 61% to 25.00%.Conclusion Female age and the number of gooa quality embryos transferred are important factors influencing the clinical and multiple pregnancy rate, reducing the number of good quality embryos transferred may decrease the rate of multiple pregnancy but do not affect the clinical pregnancy rate.

Effect of buffalo bull breeds on developmental competence and vitrification ofin-vitro produced embryos

Objective:To assess effect of buffalo bull breed on the development and cryotolerence of the in vitro produced embryos.Methods: Three types of frozen semen were adopted;Egyptian, Italian and cross-bred (Egyptian-Italian) breeds were used for in-vitro fertilization and vitrification of their embryos. Oocytes were collected from buffalo ovaries and maturedin vitrofor 24 h, then they were fertilized using the three semen breeds. The produced embryos of morula and blastocysts were vitrified using ethylene glycol and dimethyl sulfoxide then evaluated for their viability after warming.Results: The cleavage and blastocysts rates significantly declined in oocytes fertilized by Egyptian (P<0.01) than in Italian (P<0.05) and crossbred (P<0.05) frozen semen. After embryo vitrification, there were no significant differences among the three breeds in the percentages of morphologically viable embryos evaluated directly after warming and at 24 h post-culture. Conclusions:Thein vitro fertilization response to frozen-thawed semen varies between breeds;however, the resistance of produced embryos to the damage effect of vitrification does not vary.