Embryo quality and chromosomal abnormality in embryos from couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology using preimplantation genetic screening

Objective:To detect common chromosomal aneuploidy variations in embryos from couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology and preimplantation genetic screening and their possible associations with embryo quality.Methods:In this study,359 embryos from 62 couples were screened for chromosomes 13,21,18,X,and Y by fluorescence insitu hybridization.For biopsy of blastomere,a laser was used to remove a significantly smaller portion of the zona pellucida.One blastomere was gently biopsied by an aspiration pipette through the hole.After biopsy,the embryo was immediately returned to the embryo scope until transfer.Embryo integrity and blastocyst formation were assessed on day 5.Results:Totally,282 embryos from 62 couples were evaluated.The chromosomes were normal in 199(70.57%)embryos and abnormal in 83(29.43%)embryos.There was no significant association between the quality of embryos and numerical chromosomal abnormality(P=0.67).Conclusions:Embryo quality is not significantly correlated with its genetic status.Hence,the quality of embryos determined by morphological parameters is not an appropriate method for choosing embryos without these abnormalities.

Establishment of a Simple and Useful Way for Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis of Chromosomal Diseases

In order to establish a simple and useful way for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of chromosomal diseases in general IVF laboratory, the methods that are most commonly used in the embryo biopsy, fixation of blastomere and fluorescence in situ hybridization were compared. The three aspects of PGD were analyzed respectively. There was no significant difference in further de- velopment capacity of embryos between mechanical (79.7%) and chemical biopsy group (78.6%) (P>0.05). In this study, more cells were successfully fixed with the Tween/HCL method (93.8%) than with the methanol/acetic acid method (80.5%, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in cyto- plasm remains between methanol/acetic acid method and Tween/HCL method (P>0.05). The hy- bridization efficiency of fluorescence in situ hybridization was 89.5% in successive denaturation method and 90.9% in codenaturation method with the difference being not significant (P>0.05). In conclusion, the mechanical or chemical method, Tween/HCL fixation method and codenaturation fluorescence in situ hybridization method can constitute a simple and useful way for PGD of chro- mosomal diseases.

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis for Down syndrome pregnancy

Objective: To evaluate the effect of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) conducted for women who had Down syndrome pregnancy previously. Methods: Trisomy 21 was diagnosed by using fluorescence in site hybridization (FISH) before embryo transfer in two women who had Down syndrome pregnancies. Each received one or two PGD cycles respectively. Results: Case 1: one PGD cycle was conducted, two oocytes were fertilized and biopsied. One embryo is of trisomy 21 and the other of monosomy 21. No embryo was transferred. Case 2: two PGD cycles were conducted, in total, sixteen oocytes were fertilized and biopsied. Four embryos were tested to be normal, six of trisomy 21, and one of monosomy 21. Five had no signal. Four normal embryos were transferred but no pregnancy resulted. Conclusion: For couples who had pregnancies with Down syndrome pre-viously, PGD can be considered, and has been shown to be an effective strategy.

Preimplantation testing:Transition from genetic to genomic diagnosis

Preimplantation genetic testing refers to the procedure to determine the genetic status of embryos formed by in vitro fertilization(IVF) prior to initiating a pregnancy.Traditional genetic methods for preimplantation genetic diagnosis(PGD) examine distinct parts of an individua genome, require the development of a custom assay for every patient family, and are time consuming and inefficient. In the last decade technologies for wholegenome amplification(WGA) from single cells have led to innovative strategies for preimplantation testing.Applications of WGA technology can lead to a universa approach that uses single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) and mutations across the entire genome for the analysis. Single-cell WGA by multiple displacement amplification has enabled a linkage approach to PGD known as "preimplantation genetic haplotyping", as well as microarray-based techniques for preimplantation diagnosis. The use of microarrays in preimplantation diagnosis has provided genome-wide testing for gains or losses of single chromosomes(aneuploidies)or chromosomal segments. Properly designed randomized controlled trials are, however, needed to determine whether these new technologies improve IVF outcomes by increasing implantation rates and decreasing mis-carriage rates. In genotype analysis of single cells, allele dropout occurs frequently at heterozygous loci. Preimplantation testing of multiple cells biopsied from blastocysts, however, can reduce allele dropout rates and increase the accuracy of genotyping, but it allows less time for PGD. Future development of fast SNP microarrays will enable a universal preimplantation testing for aneuploidies, single-gene disorders and unbalanced translocations within the time frame of an IVF cycle.

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis and the biopsy technique: Important considerations

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis allows to test the genetic status of embryos prior to implantation. In order to obtain genetic material, on which carry out a genetic diagnosis, a procedure named embryo biopsy is required. In the last two decades, embryo biopsy at the cleavage stage has been the mostly performed procedure. However, recently, alternative methods allowing the retrieval of a larger number of cells (blastocyst stage biopsy), or representing a valid alternative to overcome ethical issues (polar body biopsy) have obtained increasing consensus. This article reviews different methods of embryo biopsy and points out their positive and negative aspects.

Whole-genome amplification/preimplantation genetic testing for propionic acidemia of successful pregnancy in an obligate carrier Mexican couple:A case report

BACKGROUND Identifying a potential single monogenetic disorder in healthy couples is costly due to the Assisted Reproduction facilities'current methodology for screening,which focuses on the detecting multiple genetic disorders at once.Here,we report the successful application of a low-cost and fast preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic/single gene defects(PGT-M)approach for detecting propionic acidemia(PA)in embryos obtained from a confirmed heterozygous propionyl-CoA carboxylase alpha subunit(PCCA)couple.CASE SUMMARY A fertile 32-years old Mexican couple with denied consanguinity sought antenatal genetic counseling.They were suspected obligate PA carriers due to a previous deceased PA male newborn with an unknown PCCA/propionyl-CoA carboxylase beta subunit(PCCB)genotype.Next-Generation Sequencing revealed a heterozygous genotype for a pathogenic PCCA variant(c.2041-1G>T,ClinVar:RCV-000802701.1;dbSNP:rs1367867218)in both parents.The couple requested in vitro fertilization(IVF)and PGT-M for PA.From IVF,12 oocytes were collected and fertilized,of which two resulted in high-quality embryos.Trophectoderm biopsies and Whole Genome Amplification by a fragmentation/amplification-based method were performed and revealed that the two embryos were euploid.Endpoint polymerase chain reaction and further Sanger sequencing of the exon-intron borders revealed a wild-type PCCA male embryo and a heterozygous c.2041-1G>T female embryo.Both embryos were transferred,resulting in a clinical pregnancy and the delivery of a healthy male newborn(38 wk,weight:4080 g,length:49 cm,APGAR 9/9).The absence of PA was confirmed by expanded newborn screening.CONCLUSION We show that using PGT-M with Whole Genome Amplification templates,coupled with IVF,can reduce the transmission of a pathogenic variant of the PCCA gene.

preimplantation genetics diagnosis译为“植入前遗传诊断”为妥

1.implantation按1993年《全国自然科学名词审定委员会公布、胚胎学名》第126页,审定“implantation”译为“植入”(胚泡进入子宫内膜的过程)编号为02.078。 2.人民卫生出版社出版的《英汉医学词汇》第706页和《汉英医学词汇》均将implantation译为“植入”(胚泡在子宫内)。

Atelosteogenesis Type 2/Diastrophic Dysplasia Phenotypic Spectrum: From Prenatal to Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis

Atelosteogenesis type II (AO2) and diastrophic dysplasia (DTD) are two recessively inherited, severe skeletal dysplasias caused by mutations in the SLC26A2 gene. AO2 is an invariably lethal condition, while DTD patients may reach adult life, although both diseases have overlapping diagnostic features. Here we report a patient with an intermediate phenotype between AO2 and DTD and present the successful application of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in this situation. Sequencing of SLC26A2 alleles in the infant identified two compound heterozygous mutations, p.Arg178Ter and p.Arg279Trp, of paternal and maternal origin, respectively. At request from the parents, PGD was developed by haplotype mapping of parental SLC26A2 alleles in eleven five-day embryos. Transference to the mother was attempted twice, finally resulting in pregnancy and delivery of a healthy baby. This exemplifies the utility of PGD for inherited lethal conditions with a significant risk of recurrence, and highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis of skeletal dysplasias with prenatal manifestation.

Research advance of preimplantation genetic diagnosis

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), as a new assisted reproductive technology which can select normal embryos for transplantation combined with in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET)through the analysis of genetic materials before embryo implantation, holds a more and more important position in the diagnosis of genetic diseases and has made an important significance to the Aristogenics.PGD is an important aspect of assisted reproduction technology(ART)with its rapid development. Continuous appearances and comprehensive applications of new methods and technologies have greatly developed the PGD. In this review, we introduce some new methods and their principles about the new research advances of PGD.

Identification of embryonic chromosomal abnormality using FISH-based preimplantaion genetic diagnosis

Objective: Embryonic chromosomal abnormality is one of the main reasons for in vitro fertilization (IVF) failure. This study aimed at evaluating the value of Fluorescence in-situ Hybridization (FISH)-based Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) in screening for embryonic chromosomal abnormality to increase the successful rate of IVF. Method: Ten couples, four with high risk of chromosomal abnormality and six infertile couples, underwent FISH-based PGD during IVF procedure. At day 3, one or two blastomeres were aspirated from each embryo. Biopsied blastomeres were examined using FISH analysis to screen out embryos with chromosomal abnormalities. At day 4, embryos without detectable chromosomal abnormality were transferred to the mother bodies as in regular IVF. Results: Among 54 embryos screened using FISH-based PGD, 30 embryos were detected to have chromosomal abnormalities. The 24 healthy embryos were implanted, resulting in four clinical pregnancies, two of which led to successful normal birth of two healthy babies; one to ongoing pregnancy during the writing of this article; and one to ectopic pregnancy. Conclusion: FISH-based PGD is an effective method for detecting embryonic chromosomal abnormality, which is one of the common causes of spontaneous miscarriages and chromosomally unbalanced offsprings.

Preimplantation genetic testing for embryos predisposed to hereditary cancer:Possibilities and challenges

Preimplantation genetic testing(PGT),which was developed as an alternative to prenatal genetic testing,allows couples to avoid pregnancies with abnormal chromosomes and the subsequent termination of the affected fetus.Originally used for early onset monogenic conditions,PGT is now used to prevent various types of inherited cancer conditions based on the development of PGT technology,assisted reproductive techniques(ARTs),and in vitro fertilization(IVF).This review provides insights into the potential benefits and challenges associated with the application of PGT for hereditary cancer and provides an overview of the existing literature on this test,with a particular focus on the current challenges related to laws,ethics,counseling,and technology.Additionally,this review predicts the future potential applications of this method.Although PGT may be utilized to predict and prevent hereditary cancer,each case should be comprehensively evaluated.The motives of couples must be assessed to prevent the misuse of this technique for eugenic purposes,and non-pathogenic phenotypes must be carefully evaluated.Pathological cases that require this technology should also be carefully considered based on legal and ethical reasoning.PGT may be the preferred treatment for hereditary cancer cases;however,such cases require careful case-by-case evaluations.Therefore,this study concludes that multidisciplinary counseling and support for patients and their families are essential to ensure that PGT is a viable option that meets all legal and ethical concerns.

Preimplantation genetic testing guidelines of International Society of Reproductive Genetics

The International Society of Reproductive Genetics(ISRG)assembled a workgroup made up of clinicians,clinical laboratory directors,and scientists for the purpose of creating the guidelines for preimplantation genetic testing(PGT).The most up-to-date information and clinical insights for the optimal PGT practice were incorporated in these guidelines.Recommendations are provided for embryologists,medical geneticists,clinical laboratorians,and other healthcare providers to improve the wellbeing of patients seeking assisted reproductive treatment and their offspring.

Preimplantation HLA typing: Practical tool for stem cell transplantation treatment of congenital disorders

It is well known that to achieve an acceptable engraftment and survival in stem cell therapy, an human leukocyte antigens(HLA) identical stem cell transplant is strongly required. However, the availability of the HLA matched donors even among family members is extremely limited, so preimplantation HLA typing provides an attractive practical tool of stem cell therapy for children requiring HLA matched stem cell transplantation. The present experience of preimplantation genetic diagnosis(PGD) for HLA typing of over one thousand cases shows that PGD provides the at-risk couples with the option to establish an unaffected pregnancy, which may benefit the affected member of the family with hemoglobinopathies, immunodeficiencies and other congenital or acquired bone marrow failures. Despite ethical issues involved in preimplantation HLA typing, the data presented below show an extremely high attractiveness of this option for the couples with affected children requiring HLA compatible stem cell transplantation.

Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy improves clinical outcomes in patients with repeated implantation failure

Objective:The objective of this study is to study whether preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy(PGT-A)improves the clinical outcomes of infertile patients with repeated implantation failure(RIF)undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer.Methods:This is a retrospective analysis of clinical pregnancy,live birth,miscarriage rates,and obstetric and perinatal outcomes of women with RIF with or without PGT-A.Statistical analyses of categorical data were performed using propensity score matching(PSM),χ^(2)test,and Student’s t test.Results:We enrolled 466 patients with RIF,of which,209 were in the RIF-PGT-A group.The rate of euploid blastocysts was significantly associated with age and day 5 or 6 blastocysts.There were significant differences between the RIF-PGT-A group and the RIF-non-PGT-A group across several parameters.After PSM,positive serum human chorionic gonadotropin(56.9%and 33.9%,P<0.01),clinical pregnancy(49.5%and 31.2%,P<0.01),live birth(43.1%and 25.7%,P<0.01),and fetal heart rates(50.0%and 29.8%,P<0.01)per transfer were significantly higher in the RIF-PGT-A group.Conclusion:Elective single-embryo transfer PGT-A can minimize the risk of obstetric and perinatal outcomes,especially fetal body weight,in women with RIF.Additionally,PGT-A can significantly improve pregnancy and live birth rates.

生长激素预处理在胚胎植入前染色体非整倍体检测中的应用研究

目的研究生长激素(GH)预处理对整倍体的改善及妊娠结局的影响。方法前瞻性分析行胚胎植入前染色体非整倍体检测(PGT-A)助孕的134例患者,其中30例行自身对照,104例行组间对照。根据是否添加GH分为GH预处理组和GH非预处理组,GH预处理为促性腺激素(Gn)启动前行4~6周的GH 2 U/d皮下注射,Gn启动日剂量加倍直至扳机日,GH非预处理为未用过GH处理。前次PGT-A周期失败后一年内再次行PGT-A时予GH预处理构成自身对照组。组间对照和自身对照分别比较各组间的基本情况、囊胚情况及助孕结局。结果无论组间对照还是自身对照,GH预处理后的HCG日子宫内膜厚度、卵巢敏感指数(OSI)、获卵数、MII卵数、2PN数、2PN受精率、可利用卵母细胞率、活检囊胚数、整倍体囊胚数、整倍体囊胚率、至少一个整倍体率均明显增加,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),GH预处理后的Gn总量、Gn天数、嵌合体囊胚数、嵌合体囊胚率无明显变化,差异均无统计学意义,GH预处理后的种植率、临床妊娠率均有提高,但差异均无统计学意义。结论GH预处理可以明显增加行PGT-A患者的整倍体数和整倍体率,并有改善妊娠结局的趋势。

高通量测序法胚胎植入前染色体结构变异检测评价

目的 使用建立的染色体结构异常的家系样本,评价基于高通量测序法的胚胎植入前染色体结构异常检测试剂盒的性能。方法 首先将家系中模拟胚胎细胞样本进行单细胞全基因组扩增,然后扩增产物和家系中其他样本的DNA进行酶切打断、接头连接和磁珠富集等操作完成文库构建。将文库进行定量,使用高通量测序仪进行测序。使用生物信息学软件把测序得到的序列与人基因组参考序列比对,并进行SNP分析。结合家系亲缘关系筛选出有效SNP位点,构建家系单体型图谱。最后对易位断点上下游紧密连锁的区域进行分析,鉴别出易位携带型胚胎和正常型胚胎。结果 参考样本的测序染色体拷贝数变异(CNV)结果,确定1号染色体断点位置为chr1:194390001,胚胎样本的分型有效区域为断点上游1 Mb区域(chr1:193390001-194390001),有63个有效位点;11号染色体断点位置为chr11:133780001,胚胎样本分型有效区域为断点上游1Mb区域(chr11:132780001-133780001),有36个有效位点。通过单体型分型判断胚胎样本是携带型。结论 评价的胚胎植入前染色体结构异常检测试剂盒能够准确检出染色体结构异常的家系样本,为临床提供了一种新的染色体结构变异检测方法。

低分子肝素及胚胎植入前非整倍体检测对不明原因复发性流产患者妊娠结局的影响

目的:比较行胚胎植入前非整倍体检测(PGT-A)助孕和未行PGT-A助孕的不明原因复发性流产(URSA)患者应用低分子肝素(LMWH)后临床结局的差异。方法:回顾分析2016年1月1日至2022年5月17日URSA患者于郑州大学第三附属医院生殖医学科首次移植冷冻囊胚共1158个周期的临床资料,按移植前是否行PGT-A分为PGT-A组(行PGT-A+ICSI,315例)和非PGT-A组(行IVF/ICSI,843例),再根据移植日是否使用LMWH分为肝素组和非肝素组,为调整混杂因素进行1∶5倾向性评分匹配(PSM),对PSM后患者数据进行分析,比较两组患者种植率、临床妊娠率、流产率、早期流产率、活产率及单胎活产围产结局的差异。对非PGT-A组和PGT-A组PSM前数据、肝素PGT-A组和肝素非PGT-A组临床妊娠结局进行多因素logistic回归分析。结果:非PGT-A组中,肝素组和非肝素组的不孕年限差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),种植率(33.8%vs 32.1%,P=0.610)、临床妊娠率(45.4%vs 43.8%,P=0.733)、流产率(28.0%vs 28.4%,P=0.958)、早期流产率(23.8%vs 25.4%,P=0.797)、活产率(31.9%vs 30.1%,P=0.671)比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。PGT-A组中,肝素组和非肝素组的女方体质量指数(BMI)比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),种植率(59.8%vs 57.6%,P=0.763)、临床妊娠率(59.4%vs 57.6%,P=0.806)、流产率(20.4%vs 14.7%,P=0.448)、早期流产率(16.4%vs 14.7%,P=0.803)、活产率(46.9%vs 49.2%,P=0.752)比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。非PGT-A组中,肝素组和非肝素组内获得单胎活产患者的围产期结局比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);PGT-A组中,肝素组较非肝素组小于胎龄儿(10.3%vs 0.8%,P=0.023),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),余获得单胎活产患者的围产期结局差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:行PGT-A助孕和未行PGT-A助孕的URSA患者应用LMWH并不能改善其妊娠结局,且行PGT-A助孕应用LMWH患者的围产期小于胎龄儿发生风险显著升高。

人类辅助生殖技术应用范围的法律调整论

人类辅助生殖技术在临床应用中改变了生育方式,提升了生育自主性和选择性,但也带来新的伦理和法律问题。不同国家的监管立场不同:美国倾向于放任,德国强调监管,而英国采取的平衡立场在平衡现代医学发展和伦理规范方面相对更优。针对现实纠纷,本文阐明法律上解决问题的共通性规则。第一,对于体外胚胎的处置权归属,在精卵提供者或其继承人与医疗机构的对抗中,法律应给予体外胚胎特殊利益保护;在精卵提供者的内部对抗中,不宜强行将拒绝生育者拉入亲子关系。第二,对于“死后”和“服刑中”群体的生育需求,需要求死者生前的明示同意,而基于比例原则维护良好监狱秩序和增强公众对刑罚体系的信心可对抗服刑人员的生育诉求。第三,由于第三方捐精、捐卵在家庭关系中引入外部遗传因素,需由夫妻共同同意,并由国家制定规则对供精供卵来源进行严格监管;“三亲婴儿”宜区别于基因编辑胎儿。第四,对于植入前遗传学诊断技术应用,应权衡优生和治疗的价值,限制非医学目的性别选择。

复杂染色体重排携带者的遗传学分析

目的:回顾了2011年1月至2015年12月就诊的复杂染色体重排(CCR)患者,对其所涉及的染色体数量、断裂点数目及患者的临床表型等进行综合分析。方法:应用G显带、C显带和荧光原位杂交(FISH)对生育异常患者进行外周血染色体核型分析。结果:23745例生育异常患者中检出28例CCR携带者,携带率为0.118%,其中男性18例,主要表现为无精子症或少弱畸形精子症,女性10例,主要表现为不孕症、复发性流产、胚胎停育史及不良生育史。28例CCR患者中三方重排、双重易位和特殊易位占比分别为32.14%(9/28)、25%(7/28)、42.86%(12/28)。CCR携带者涉及的重排染色体除了12和19号之外其他染色体均有累及,其中以2和5号染色体累及次数最多。结论:目前CCR人群携带率较低,表型正常的携带者常因生育问题而被发现,由于其生育正常孩子的几率较低,采用植入前遗传性诊断技术可以提高活产率。同时CCR患者所累及的染色体及断裂点位置均不同,所以每例CCR携带者均应给予精准遗传咨询。

多基因疾病胚胎植入前遗传学检测的研究进展及挑战

胚胎植入前遗传学检测是辅助生殖过程中的重要环节,可以阻断单基因或染色体疾病的代际间遗传。其中,多基因疾病胚胎植入前遗传学检测(PGT-P)是该领域的最新进展之一。PGT-P在人工智能和遗传检测技术发展的基础上,通过检测遗传物质,计算多基因风险评分,再将其转化为发病概率,可以筛选得到多基因疾病发病概率相对较低的胚胎进行移植,以期降低子代未来患该疾病的可能,具有显著的临床和社会意义。目前,PGT-P在国内外都进行了阶段性的开展并取得了成功的临床实践。与此同时,PGT-P作为一项正在发展的技术仍存在结果不稳定、无法排除环境因素、种族差异影响等技术缺陷;在伦理角度,若不严加规范PGT-P的筛选指征则容易产生新的社会问题。本文主要综述了目前PGT-P的技术组成和最新进展,并对其未来的发展,尤其是如何建立完整且适用于我国人群的筛查模型提出了展望。