Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nunzia Limatola, Jong Tai Chun, Kazuyoshi Chiba, Luigia Santella
Summary: Immature starfish oocytes are susceptible to polyspermy but can be activated by one sperm after the resumption of the meiotic cycle. DTT treatment can induce oocyte maturation but impairs the sperm-induced Ca2+ response.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alejandro de la Fuente, Charles Scoggin, Etta Bradecamp, Soledad Martin-Pelaez, Machteld van Heule, Mats Troedsson, Peter Daels, Stuart Meyers, Pouya Dini
Summary: This study aimed to elucidate the transcriptome dynamics of oocyte maturation by comparing transcriptomic changes during in vitro maturation in both oocytes and their surrounding cumulus cells. The results showed an association between oocyte maturation and pathways relating to nuclear maturation in oocytes and GTPase activity, extracellular matrix organization, and collagen trimers in cumulus cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yajuan Lu, Hanyu Tang, Junjie Xu, Fei Sun
Summary: 4-MI has harmful effects on oocytes, including reduced meiotic ability, inability of sperm binding, and mitochondrial dysfunction leading to cell death.
FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Evelyn E. Telfer, Claus Yding Andersen
Summary: The cryopreservation of ovarian tissue is widely used to preserve fertility in high-risk females. Besides transplantation, in vitro maturation of oocytes from ovarian tissue can also be used to restore fertility safely in cases where transplantation is contraindicated.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2021)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Takuya Sato, Mao Hamazaki, Yuki Inoue, Sogo Aoki, Yuichi Koshiishi, Koumei Shirasuna, Hisataka Iwata
Summary: This study investigated the effects of low ethanol exposure on bovine oocytes. The results showed that even concentrations as low as 0.1% ethanol during in vitro maturation significantly affected oocyte metabolism and histone configuration of embryos. Ethanol exposure increased mitochondrial DNA copy number and protein levels, blastulation rate, ATP content and membrane potential, while decreasing lipid content and glucose consumption.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Seon Ah Ryu, Song Baek, Keun Cheon Kim, Eun Song Lee, Seung Tae Lee
Summary: The presence of cumulus cells is not essential for the completion of cytoplasmic maturation in oocytes after nuclear maturation. Removal of cumulus cells from porcine medium antral follicles (MAFs)-derived cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) after nuclear maturation results in significant improvements in cytoplasmic maturation and preimplantation development. The cumulus cells do not play a relevant role in cytoplasmic maturation of immature oocytes.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Adi Kuperman Shani, Lilach Marom Haham, Hanna Balakier, Iryna Kuznyetsova, Siamak Bashar, Erin N. Day, Clifford L. Librach
Summary: The study compares the developmental competence of immature oocytes matured through in vitro rescue maturation (IVM) and their siblings matured in vivo. The results show that the fertilization rates of IVM-matured oocytes are comparable to their in vivo matured counterparts, but the cleavage and blastulation rates are lower. IVM embryos exhibit some developmental abnormalities but can still result in healthy live births.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Marga Esbert, Andrew Carmody, Agustin Ballesteros, Emre Seli, Richard T. Scott
Summary: This study found that activation and cleavage can occur in unfertilized oocytes after failure to fertilize. However, exposure to Ca.I A23187 does not increase the prevalence of activation. These embryos arrest before reaching the blastocyst stage and have no reproductive potential.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wu-Sheng Sun, Hoon Jang, Mi-Ryung Park, Keon Bong Oh, Haesun Lee, Seongsoo Hwang, Li-Jie Xu, In-Sul Hwang, Jeong-Woong Lee
Summary: The study suggests that N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) supplementation during in vitro culture has beneficial effects on bovine oocytes and embryos by reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and promoting intracellular glutathione levels. NAC also influences early embryonic development with both dose-dependent and stage-specific effects, leading to improved developmental rates and reduced apoptosis.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Yun-Qiao Dong, Chuang-Qi Chen, Yu-Qiang Huang, Dun Liu, Xi-Qian Zhang, Feng-Hua Liu
Summary: In this study, the effect of sperm on the developmental potential of in vitro-matured oocytes in conventional culture was investigated. The rates of in vitro oocyte maturation, normal fertilization, normal cleavage, day-3 top-quality embryos, and useful blastocyst formation were compared between the old sperm group and the fresh sperm group.
WORLD JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CASES
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Patrycja Straczynska, Krzysztof Papis, Emilia Morawiec, Michal Czerwinski, Zdzislaw Gajewski, Anita Olejek, Anna Bednarska-Czerwinska
Summary: In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an effective method for treating infertility. In vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes can be an alternative to ovarian hyperstimulation. The development of the embryo depends on the maturity of the oocyte. The microenvironment of the ovarian follicle and maternal signals play a role in the growth and maturation of the oocyte.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jianhua Li, Jing Chen, Tiecheng Sun, Shuiwen Zhang, Tingting Jiao, Ri-Cheng Chian, Youzhu Li, Ye Xu
Summary: In vitro oocyte maturation (IVM) does not affect the quality of embryos and the aneuploidy rate of embryos. The aneuploidy rate of embryos increases with maternal age, especially over 35 years old, whether in IVF or IVM group. Embryos with poor quality, especially grade III embryos, are recommended to be tested by PGS.
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
S. E. Pors, D. Nikiforov, J. Cadenas, Z. Ghezelayagh, Y. Wakimoto, L. A. Z. Jara, J. Cheng, M. Dueholm, K. T. Macklon, E. M. Flachs, L. S. Mamsen, S. G. Kristensen, C. Yding Andersen
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the impact of oocyte diameter and cumulus cell mass on the potential for final maturation of immature human oocytes in vitro. The results showed that the oocyte diameter was positively associated with a higher incidence of MII, and the size of the cumulus cell mass was significantly associated with a larger oocyte diameter and the MII stage.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2022)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Xin Kang, Liying Yan, Jing Wang
Summary: This review focuses on the structural and functional properties of mitochondria as energy provider organelles in eukaryotic cells. It discusses the changes in quality and number of mitochondria during oocyte development, highlighting the stage-specific morphology and characteristics of oocyte mitochondria. It also evaluates the complex functions of mitochondria during oocyte maturation and their impact on oocyte development using transcriptomic data, and describes the progress of mitochondrial replacement therapy for rescuing oocytes with developmental disorders or mitochondrial diseases.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Berrin Avci, Isil Kasapoglu, Cihan Cakir, Aysun Ozbay, Baris Ata, Gurkan Uncu
Summary: This study assessed the effect of rescue in vitro maturation and immediate intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) on fertilisation success and early embryonic development of metaphase I (MI) oocytes. The results showed that performing ICSI on MI-stage oocytes on the day of oocyte aspiration resulted in lower fertilisation rates but significantly higher blastocyst development rates.
Article
Cell Biology
Mingpeng Zhao, Murong Xu, Hanhui Li, Odai Alqawasmeh, Jacqueline Pui Wah Chung, Tin Chiu Li, Tin-Lap Lee, Patrick Ming-Kuen Tang, David Yiu Leung Chan
Summary: The study utilized convolutional neural network (CNN) for segmenting day-one human embryos in time-lapse imaging, achieving high precision, reproducibility and comparable results with literature-reported values. The CNN system shows potential for practical application in improving efficiency in in vitro fertilization settings.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Fa-Li Zhang, Yan Qian, Wei-Dong Li, Qin Cao, Ho Ting Chu, Alfred Chun Sui Luk, Shun Wa Tsang, Wai Kit Lee, Patrick Ming-Kuen Tang, Wai-Yee Chan, King Lau Chow, David Yiu Leung Chan, Tin Chiu Li, Kevin Yuk-Lap Yip, Wei Shen, Tin-Lap Lee
Summary: This study investigates the transcriptome and epigenetic changes in aging oocytes, revealing the contribution of advanced maternal aging to fertility decline. Defective spindle assembly and mitochondrial dysfunction were found to be associated with age-associated gene expression changes. The study also proposes a prediction model based on RNA expression to assess oocyte maturation and age, providing insights for oocyte quality evaluation and potential treatments.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jacqueline Pui Wah Chung, Ying Li, Tracy Sze Man Law, Karen Ng, Olivia See Yung Chau, Kwong Wai Choy, David Yiu Leung Chan
Summary: This study demonstrates that obtaining products of conception from early pregnancy loss using ultrasound-guided manual vacuum aspiration can significantly decrease the culture failure rate of karyotyping and reduce the likelihood of maternal cell contamination, thereby enabling high and accurate cytogenetic diagnosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY & CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hue M. La, Jinyue Liao, Julien M. D. Legrand, Fernando J. Rossello, Ai-Leen Chan, Vijesh Vaghjiani, Jason E. Cain, Antonella Papa, Tin Lap Lee, Robin M. Hobbs
Summary: This study uncovers the roles of growth factor signalling and mTORC1 in the regeneration of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Single-cell analysis reveals the unique molecular features of regenerative SSCs and the changes in the composition of undifferentiated spermatogonia during germline recovery. The data suggest that transient mTORC1 activation is critical for the regenerative response, while sustained mTORC1 signalling is detrimental for SSC maintenance. Inhibition of growth factor signalling disrupts the regenerative state and limits germline recovery.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Xiusen Qin, Mingpeng Zhao, Weihao Deng, Yan Huang, Zhiqiang Cheng, Jacqueline Pui Wah Chung, Xufei Chen, Keli Yang, David Yiu Leung Chan, Hui Wang
Summary: This study found that desmoplastic reaction (DR) classification is a potential prognostic index for colorectal cancer patients with synchronous peritoneal metastasis. The novel prognostic nomogram developed by combining DR classification has good discrimination and accuracy in predicting overall survival for these patients.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Sijia Wang, Lanlan Fang, Luping Cong, Jacqueline Pui Wah Chung, Tin Chiu Li, David Yiu Leung Chan
Summary: Myostatin (MSTN), a member of the TGF-beta superfamily, has been found to play a critical role in human reproduction and fertility. Studies have shown its potential activities in various reproductive organs and its involvement in reproductive disorders.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Odai Alqawasmeh, Ellis Fok, Howard Yim, Tin Li, Jacqueline Chung, David Chan
Summary: This article discusses the research on the microbiome of the male reproductive system and explores the potential impact of bacteria on male infertility. The potential benefits of probiotics as an alternative treatment for male infertility are highlighted, and the negative impact of certain bacteria on semen parameters as well as the protective effects of Lactobacillus are addressed.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luping Cong, Sijia Wang, Suet Ying Yeung, Jacqueline Ho Sze Lee, Jacqueline Pui Wah Chung, David Yiu Leung Chan
Summary: Mature cystic teratomas, also known as ovarian dermoid cysts, are the most common ovarian germ cell tumors in young women, accounting for 69% of cases. These tumors are formed by tissues derived from three different germ layers, with sebaceous materials being the most common. Diagnosis of mature cystic teratomas is usually made through ultrasound and confirmed by histopathology post-operatively.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jeff Yat-Fai Chung, Philip Chiu-Tsun Tang, Max Kam-Kwan Chan, Vivian Weiwen Xue, Xiao-Ru Huang, Calvin Sze-Hang Ng, Dongmei Zhang, Kam-Tong Leung, Chun-Kwok Wong, Tin-Lap Lee, Eric W-F Lam, David J. Nikolic-Paterson, Ka-Fai To, Hui-Yao Lan, Patrick Ming-Kuen Tang
Summary: In this study, the researchers found that phenotype and function of tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) are influenced by the microenvironment, resulting in different impact on tumor development as N1 or N2 state. They discovered that Smad3 activation is negatively correlated with N2 state and patient survival in NSCLC patients. In preclinical lung cancer models, targeting Smad3 reprogrammed TANs to an antitumor state (N1), suppressing tumor growth. Mechanistically, Smad3 regulated the maturity of TANs and maintained the N2 state through controlling genes related to cell fate determination. Thus, the findings suggest that Smad3 signaling could be a therapeutic target for cancer immunotherapy.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Jing Liu, Mingpeng Zhao, Haoyang Zhang, Junliang Zhao, Hongjiao Kong, Mengge Zhou, Yichun Guan, Tin Chiu Li, Xingling Wang, David Yiu Leung Chan
Summary: A retrospective cohort study in a heavily polluted city in China found that air pollution is related to IVF outcomes. High concentrations of PM10 and SO2 may have a negative impact on the success of IVF treatment.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2022)
