Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Erika E. Paulson, Emily L. Fishman, Richard M. Schultz, Pablo J. Ross
Summary: MicroRNAs play a crucial role in preimplantation embryo development, with their expression increasing during the morula and blastocyst stages. Knockdown of DGCR8 inhibits the expression of embryonically expressed miRNAs and the morula-to-blastocyst transition.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Xavier Ferraretto, Karima Hammas, Marie-Astrid Llabador, Solenne Gricourt, Julie Labrosse, Johanna Lousqui, Sylvie Epelboin, Sarah Tubiana, Catherine Patrat
Summary: The study observed a high prevalence of ACL in embryos, with certain embryo characteristics being related to the patients' reproductive origin. However, no factors related to IVF cycles were found to be statistically associated with ACL occurrence.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2021)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Ryosuke Suzuki, Mai Okada, Hiroki Nagai, Junichi Kobayashi, Satoshi Sugimura
Summary: This study for the first time visualized pronuclei (PN) in delipidated bovine zygotes using time-lapse cinematography (TLC), showing that abnormalities in PN morphokinetics are associated with subsequent embryonic development. Observations suggest that PN morphokinetic abnormalities are linked to developmental competence, highlighting the potential of non-invasive visible light TLC by delipidation as a powerful tool for studying the relationship between PN morphokinetics and embryonic development.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chuan Zhou, Michelle M. Halstead, Amelie Bonnet-Garnier, Richard M. Schultz, Pablo J. Ross
Summary: Using CUT&Tag, researchers profiled histone modifications in bovine oocytes, embryos, and blastocysts to understand gene expression changes during preimplantation development. They found that broad bivalent domains mark developmental genes in oocytes, and repressive marks H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 are present before embryonic genome activation (EGA), suggesting a global transcription repression mechanism. Chromatin accessibility is established before activating marks H3K4me3 and H3K27ac during EGA. Transcription is required for the remodeling process, indicating the insufficiency of maternal products alone. H3K27me3 plays a major role in cellular potency restriction and blastocyst lineage determination.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Juan J. Fraire-Zamora, Meritxell Martinez, Marc Torra-Massana, Irene Miguel-Escalada, Rita Vassena
Summary: This study found no significant differences in morphokinetic parameters between male and female preimplantation embryos.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Mikkel F. Kragh, Jens Rimestad, Jacob T. Lassen, Jorgen Berntsen, Henrik Karstoft
Summary: This paper introduces a method for analyzing time-lapse videos of developing embryos using self-supervised learning, and demonstrates its superiority in predicting pregnancy likelihood. Additionally, the paper explores how transfer learning and semi-supervised learning can improve model performance when labeled data is limited.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MEDICAL IMAGING
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yasuyuki Kikuchi, Daiyu Ito, Sayaka Wakayama, Masatoshi Ooga, Teruhiko Wakayama
Summary: A new time-lapse observation system for preimplantation embryos was developed in this study, using a simple culture method and a glass capillary. The system allows the observation of mammalian preimplantation embryos without the need for expensive equipment and advanced techniques. The results confirmed that the developmental speed and quality of the embryos were not affected.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Chandra C. C. Shenoy, Alexandra Bader, David L. L. Walker, Jolene R. R. Fredrickson, Amy L. L. Weaver, Yulian Zhao
Summary: This study examined blastomere exclusion during embryo development and its association with aneuploidy. Results showed that embryos with blastomere exclusion had a higher rate of aneuploidy compared to those without exclusion. Late blastomere exclusion or a combination of early and late exclusion was particularly associated with an increased risk of aneuploid embryo genetics. These findings should be considered in embryo selection using time-lapse culture systems.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Aisling Ahlstrom, Kersti Lundin, Anna-Karin Lind, Kristina Gunnarsson, Goran Westlander, Hannah Park, Anna Thurin-Kjellberg, Steinunn A. Thorsteinsdottir, Snorri Einarsson, Mari Astrom, Kristina Lofdahl, Judith Menezes, Susanne Callender, Cina Nyberg, Jens Winerdal, Camilla Stenfelt, Brit-Randi Jonassen, Nan Oldereid, Lisa Nolte, Malin Sundler, Thorir Hardarson
Summary: The use of a commercially available time-lapse algorithm for Day 5 blastocyst selection did not improve ongoing pregnancy rates compared with morphology alone.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Hiroyuki Watanabe, Haruka Ito, Ayumi Shintome, Hiroshi Suzuki
Summary: This study examined the effects of oxygen tension and humidity on early embryonic development in mice. The results showed that lower oxygen tension and non-humidified culture conditions better supported preimplantation development of mouse embryos fertilized in vitro, leading to more synchronized development.
EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Troels Eliasen, Anette Gabrielsen, Bjorn Bay, Lea Iversen, Ulla Knudsen
Summary: This retrospective cohort study aimed to identify monochorionic twin pregnancies before blastocyst transfer based on maternal or embryo characteristics registered by time lapse. The study found that inner cell mass grade A and s3 division timing may be associated with an increased risk of monochorionic twinning. Further investigation is needed to determine if these factors reflect a biological background for monochorionic twinning.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2021)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Men Hongsheng, James M. Amos-Landgraf, Elizabeth C. Bryda, Craig L. Franklin
Summary: The modified KSOM-R with enriched amino acids showed a positive effect on rat embryo development and could be extended to support mouse embryo development. After 6 months of storage at 2-8 degrees C, the modified KSOM-R and KSOM maintained comparable developmental rates for both mouse and rat embryos. This study suggests the possibility of reducing media inventory by using the modified KSOM-R for culturing both mouse and rat embryos and the potential for creating quality media with extended shelf life through modifications.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Yuqiong Wang, Sheng Wang, Xilin Qian, Yanrong Kuai, Yang Xu
Summary: A single-center, large-cohort, retrospective study compared embryonic development in group culture systems with or without G4 embryos, revealing that multiple G4 embryos have a negative impact on neighboring embryos, while polypronuclear embryos contribute positively. LC-MS/MS analysis of G1-G4 embryo secretome showed that certain proteins secreted by G4 embryos may harm nearby embryos, emphasizing the importance of limiting the number of G4 embryos in group culture settings.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Ying Yang, Yingbing Zhang, Peipei Qiao, Bin Yang, Huiqun Jia, Yong Zhang, Jun Zhang, Jianmin Su
Summary: SUMO2 plays a significant role in mouse preimplantation embryos, potentially affecting embryonic development through key epigenetic modifications and regulation of pluripotency genes.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Romualdo Sciorio, Marcos Meseguer
Summary: The main aim of assisted reproductive technology is to achieve a healthy singleton live birth, and the introduction of time-lapse monitoring technology has enabled embryologists to more accurately assess embryo status and implantation potential.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2021)
Editorial Material
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Marcos Meseguer, M. Angeles Valera
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Aila Coello, Mar Nohales, Marcos Meseguer, M. Jose de Los Santos, Jose Remohi, Ana Cobo
Summary: In vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer cycles, pre-vitrification parameters such as expansion degree and day of vitrification are the most predictive of survival and live birth. Trophoectoderm grade and day of vitrification are the most significant predictors of live birth outcomes.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Angel Martin, Lorena Rodrigo, Diana Beltran, Marcos Meseguer, Carmen Rubio, Amparo Mercader, Maria Jose de los Santos
Summary: This study provided a full morphokinetic characterization of embryos with different degrees of chromosomal mosaicism. It was found that the percentage of high-quality blastocysts decreased from euploid to mosaic and aneuploid embryos. Aneuploid blastocysts showed delayed development compared to euploid blastocysts, but embryo morphokinetics were not correlated to the degree of mosaicism or a mosaicism configuration apt for embryo transfer.
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Rocio Rivera-Egea, Nerea Sota, Roberto Gonzalez-Martin, Marcos Meseguer, Jose Remohi, Nicolas Garrido, Francisco Dominguez
Summary: This study analyzed proteomic profiles of sperm samples that successfully achieved pregnancy versus those that did not, revealing differences in protein composition related to sperm function and infertility markers. The findings provide insight for the development of male fertility diagnostic tools and therapies in the future.
JOURNAL OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION AND GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Biology
Cristina Rodriguez-Varela, Giulia Mariani, Pilar Dolz, Juan Antonio Garcia-Velasco, Vicente Serra, Antonio Pellicer, Elena Labarta
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on infertility treatments, resulting in a reduction in the total number of treatments performed but not significantly affecting pregnancy rates. The psychological status of pregnant women did not seem to affect their final pregnancy outcome.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Ana Arnanz, Juan A. Garcia-Velasco, Jose Luis Neyro
Summary: The vitamin D endocrine system plays a crucial role in human fertility, and its deficiency can be related to various reproductive issues. This deficiency has been linked to in vitro fertilization outcomes, ovarian reserve and fertility, and endocrine disorders such as polycystic ovary disease. It may also be associated with uterine fibroids and pregnancy-related complications. The optimal dose of vitamin D supplementation for infertility or during pregnancy is still uncertain, and further clinical studies are needed to determine its benefits and appropriate dosage.
Editorial Material
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Juan A. Garcia-Velasco
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Maria Angeles Valera, Carmela Albert, Julian Marcos, Zaloa Larreategui, Lorena Bori, Marcos Meseguer
Summary: Culturing embryos in a high relative humidity atmosphere using a time-lapse integrated incubator and single-step culture medium can improve clinical outcomes, especially for embryos undergoing preimplantation genetic testing.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Letter
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Filippo Maria Ubaldi, Alberto Vaiarelli, Danilo Cimadomo, Maria Cerrillo, Laura Rienzi, Juan A. Garcia-Velasco
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Letter
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Juan A. Garcia-Velasco, Danilo Cimadomo, Maria Cerrillo, Alberto Vaiarelli, Filippo Maria Ubaldi
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Biology
A. M. Portillo, E. Varela, J. A. Garcia-Velasco
Summary: This paper proposes a discrete model for the temporal evolution of a population of cells sorted according to their telomeric length. The model assumes asymmetric distribution of genetic material during cell division, with one daughter cell having the same telomere length as the mother and the other having shorter telomeres. The model takes into account telomerase activity, cell death, and the Hayflick limit. A partial differential equation with boundary conditions is derived to represent the continuous model. The model is applied to study the aging rate of human follicular growth.
MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Carla Gimenez-Rodriguez, Marcos Meseguer
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Barbara Herranz-Blanco, Elza Daoud, Paola Vigano, Juan Antonio Garcia-Velasco, Enrico Colli
Summary: Endometriosis affects more than 10% of women of reproductive age and significantly impacts their quality of life. Diagnosis often takes several years due to the invasive nature of the gold standard diagnostic method, laparoscopy. Two studies were conducted to develop a diagnostic test combining serum biomarkers and clinical variables, resulting in a specific and accurate test for early disease identification.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Lorena Bori, Marcos Meseguer
Summary: IVF techniques are increasingly being automated in the laboratory, reducing the manual tasks of embryologists. This shift towards automation will lead to the emergence of new functions related to data capture and communication with other professionals and patients.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2021)