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IVF
Terms modified by IVF Selected AbstractsAssisted reproductive technologies and birth defectsCONGENITAL ANOMALIES, Issue 2 2005Kohei Shiota ABSTRACT In vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are effective treatments for infertility and are widely provided at infertility clinics. Although IVF and related ART procedures are generally considered safe, some studies have suggested an excess occurrence of major malformations, low birth-weight and other perinatal complications in babies conceived by ART. Further, it was recently reported that IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are associated with imprinting disorders in the offspring such as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and Angelman syndrome. Here we review the human and animal studies investigating the potential risks of ART, and discuss the need for further investigation. [source] Expressional changes of ganglioside GM3 during ovarian maturation and early embryonic development in db/db miceDEVELOPMENT GROWTH & DIFFERENTIATION, Issue 1 2003Dong Hoon Kwak Diabetes and obesity cause abnormal development of reproductive processes in a variety of species, but the mechanisms that underlie this effect have not been fully elucidated. This study examined the expressional changes of ganglioside GM3 during ovarian maturation, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and early embryonic development in diabetic/obese db/db mice. In high-performance thin-layer chromatography studies, GM3 expression was conspicuously low in the ovaries of db/db mice compared to non-diabetic db/+ mice. Signal detected by anti-GM3 monoclonal antibody was greatly reduced in the primary, secondary and graffian follicles of db/db mice compared to control mice. Results from IVF with ova and sperm from db/db mice showed that GM3 expression during early embryonic development was obviously decreased compared to db/+ mice. This study also elucidated the effects of high glucose (20 and 30 mm) on early embryonic development in ICR strain mice. High glucose caused a decrease in GM3 expression during early embryonic development. Taken together, the results of this study indicate decreased GM3 expression during ovarian maturation and embryonic development of db/db mice, suggesting that alteration of ganglioside expression induced by the diabetic condition may be implicated in the abnormal follicular embryonic development. [source] Effects of supra-physiological changes in human ovarian hormone levels on maximum force production of the first dorsal interosseus muscleEXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2 2005Kirsty Jayne Elliott The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of supra-physiological changes in ovarian hormone levels on maximum force production in two conditions, one physiological (pregnancy) and one pseudo-physiological (in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment). Forty IVF patients were tested at four distinct stages of treatment and 35 women were tested during each trimester of pregnancy and following parturition. Maximum voluntary isometric force per unit cross-sectional area of the first dorsal interosseus muscle was measured. Plasma concentrations of total and bioavailable oestradiol and testosterone were measured, in addition to the total concentrations of progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin. Despite significant changes in the concentrations of total progesterone, 17,-oestradiol, bioavailable oestradiol and testosterone between phases, strength did not change significantly throughout IVF treatment (1.30 ± 0.29, 1.16 ± 0.38, 1.20 ± 0.29 and 1.26 ± 0.34 N mm,2, respectively, in the 4 phases of IVF treatment). Force production was significantly higher during the second trimester of pregnancy than following childbirth (1.33 ± 0.20 N mm,2 at week 12 of pregnancy, 1.51 ± 0.42 N mm,2 at week 20, 1.15 ± 0.26 N mm,2 at week 36 and 0.94 ± 0.31 N mm,2 at week 6 postnatal) but was not significantly correlated with any of the hormones measured. These data suggest that extreme changes in the concentrations of reproductive hormones do not affect the maximum force-generating capacity of young women. [source] Fertility treatment in male cancer survivorsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue 4 2007Kirsten Louise Tryde Schmidt Summary The present study reviews the use of assisted reproductive technology in male cancer survivors and their partners. As antineoplastic treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy, has the potential of inducing impairment of spermatogenesis through damage of the germinal epithelium, many male cancer survivors experience difficulties in impregnating their partners after treatment. The impairment can be temporary or permanent. While many cancer survivors regain spermatogenesis months to years after treatment, some become infertile with a-, oligo- or azoospermia. An option to secure the fertility potential of young cancer patients is to cryopreserve semen before cancer treatment for later use. A desired pregnancy may be obtained in couples where the husband has a history of cancer, using assisted reproductive technology with either fresh or cryopreserved/thawed semen. Successful outcomes have been obtained with intrauterine insemination (IUI) as well as in vitro fertilization (IVF) with or without the use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In conclusion, male cancer survivors and their partners who have failed to obtain a pregnancy naturally within a reasonable time frame after end of treatment should be referred to a fertility clinic. [source] The Algorithmically Structured Systematic Exploration of Subject's State of Mind.INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED PSYCHOANALYTIC STUDIES, Issue 4 2007Abstract Objective: To develop an interview method that combined the qualities of unstructured interviews, such as openness to unexpected information, and the qualities of structured interviews, such as adequate psychometric properties. Method: The innovative principle of the Algorithmically Structured Systematic Exploration of Subject's State of Mind (Assess_Mind) is to investigate, not the contents of mental phenomenology, but five mental functions , or "registers" , that mediate the experience of patients. The functioning of these registers , affects, fears, desires, memories, and associations of ideas , is explored using a rigorously defined algorithm for interviewing. Scales have been developed to rate 390 interviews on psychopathological dimensions of interest in a study of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Results: As shown by vignettes from the various registers, the Assess_Mind provides detailed, comprehensive, and deep information on the five registers it investigates. Conclusion: Although the Assess_Mind uses a structured algorithm for data collection, its usefulness as a clinical research tool is based on the width and depth of its coverage of patients' current mental experience. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Repolarization Abnormality in Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation:JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 1 2004Assessment Using 24-Hour QT-RR, QaT-RR Relationships Introduction: We evaluated the characteristics of QT-RR and QaT (apex of T wave)-RR relationships in patients with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF) compared with control subjects. We hypothesized that IVF patients have unique repolarization dynamics related to a reduced fast Na current and a prominent transient outward current. Methods and Results: The study group consisted of 9 men (age 47 ± 10 years) with IVF (6 with Brugada type and 3 with non-Brugada type) who had experienced nocturnal episodes of VF. The control group consisted of 28 healthy age-matched men (age 44 ± 12 years). The relationships between QT and RR intervals and between QaT and RR intervals were analyzed from 24-hour Holter ECG data using an automatic measurement system. Both QT and QaT at RR intervals of 0.6, 1.0, and 1.2 seconds were determined from QT-RR and QaT-RR linear regression lines. Both QT-RR and QaT-RR slopes were lower in the IVF group than in the control group (QT-RR: 0.092 ± 0.023 vs 0.137 ± 0.031, P < 0.001; QaT-RR: 0.109 ± 0.025 vs 0.153 ± 0.028, P < 0.001). QT at an RR interval of 0.6 second did not differ between two groups, but QT at RR intervals of either 1.0 or 1.2 seconds was significantly shorter in the IVF group than in the control group (RR 1.0 s: 0.384 ± 0.018 vs 0.399 ± 0.017, P < 0.05; RR 1.2 s: 0.402 ± 0.019 vs 0.426 ± 0.020, P < 0.01). QaT at RR intervals of either 1.0 or 1.2 seconds also was shorter in the IVF group (RR 1.0 s: 0.289 ± 0.022 vs 0.312 ± 0.021, P < 0.01; RR 1.2 s: 0.311 ± 0.024 vs 0.343 ± 0.024, P < 0.01). In four patients, oral administration of disopyramide (300 mg/day) was effective in suppressing VF episodes and increased slopes of QT-RR and QaT-RR relationships. Conclusion: IVF patients had lower slopes of QT-RR and QaT-RR regression lines and impaired prolongation of QT and QaT at longer RR intervals compared with control subjects. These unique repolarization dynamics may be related to the frequent occurrence of VF episodes at night. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 15, pp. 59-63, January 2004) [source] Long-term outcome, including pregnancy rate, recurrence rate and ovarian reserve, after laparoscopic laser ablation surgery in infertile women with endometriomaJOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 1 2010Yoshihiko Shimizu Abstract Aim:, To retrospectively assess the long-term outcome, including pregnancy rate, recurrence rate and ovarian reserve, after laser ablation surgery in infertile women with endometrioma. Methods:, From March 1997 to June 2007, 45 subfertile women underwent ablation surgery with a potassium-titanyl-phosphate laser for ovarian endometrioma. These patients were reviewed retrospectively. Results:, Of the 45 women, 22 became pregnant spontaneously. Among the 23 women who did not become pregnant after more than 6 months postoperatively, 16 elected to undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF), 12 of them became pregnant. The remaining 11 women did not become pregnant. Eleven women had recurrence detected by ultrasound. The mean number of oocytes retrieved per cycle during IVF was 7.3 ± 3.6 and 4.6 ± 2.7 from the ovary treated by ablation surgery and the contralateral ovary, respectively. Conclusion:, The overall long-term pregnancy rate (combining spontaneous pregnancy and IVF) after laparoscopic ablation surgery for endometrioma was 75.6%. Surgery did not have any adverse effect on the ovarian reserve during subsequent IVF. [source] Adnexal torsion during pregnancy: Report of four cases and review of the literatureJOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 4pt2 2008Dimitris Hasiakos Abstract Adnexal torsion is a rare cause of acute abdominal pain during pregnancy. It is frequently associated with ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization (IVF) or with ovarian masses, mainly of functional origin. The clinical, laboratory and imaging findings are non-specific. The authors present four cases with adnexal torsion diagnosed during the first trimester of pregnancy. The clinical picture, the mode of diagnosis, and the therapeutic approach are discussed. In two cases, the adnexa was removed, because there was extensive hemorrhage and ischemia. In the other two cases, unwinding of the adnexa was carried out and the ovary was preserved. The diagnosis of adnexal torsion is difficult, especially during pregnancy, and occasionally remains a diagnostic dilemma. It necessitates a prompt surgical intervention, because any delay leads to irreversible ovarian necrosis, so that adnexectomy is ultimately required. [source] How does polyspermy happen in mammalian oocytes?MICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE, Issue 4 2003Wei-Hua Wang Abstract Polyspermy is one of the most commonly observed abnormal types of fertilization in mammalian oocytes. In vitro fertilization (IVF) provides approaches to study the mechanisms by which oocytes block polyspermic fertilization. Accumulated data indicate that oocyte, sperm and insemination conditions are all related to the occurrence of polyspermic fertilization. A high proportion of immature and aged oocytes showed polyspermy as compared with mature oocytes. Preincubation of oocytes and/or sperm with oviductal epithelial cells or collected oviductal fluid before IVF reduces polyspermic penetration. Recently, it was found that an abnormal zona pellucida is one of main causes of polyspermy in human eggs. A high proportion of polyspermy has resulted from the use of a high concentration of capacitated spermatozoa at the site of fertilization, irrespective of in the in vivo or in vitro environment. Oviductal secretions or oviductal epithelial cells themselves can regulate the number of spermatozoa reaching or binding to the zona pellucida thus reducing multiple sperm penetration. Suboptimal in vitro conditions, such as supplementations in IVF media, pH, and temperature during IVF, also induce polyspermic fertilization in some mammals. Species-specific differences are present regarding the relationship between insemination conditions and polyspermy. Microsc. Res. Tech. 61:335,341, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Effect of exogenous DNA on bovine sperm functionality using the sperm mediated gene transfer (SMGT) techniqueMOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 8 2010Sebastian Canovas Sperm mediated gene transfer (SMGT) could provide the opportunity to carry out transgenesis on a mass scale using spermatozoa as vectors for exogenous DNA. However, the efficiency of sperm-mediated DNA transfer is still questionable, and the mode of transmission to the egg has not yet been well understood. Our aim was to investigate the capacity of bovine spermatozoa to carry exogenous DNA and its relationship to sperm functionality. We studied these parameters using flow cytometry to measure viability (necrosis and apoptosis) and capacitation status, computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) to measure motility parameters and in vitro fertilization (IVF) to assess fertilizing capacity. Furthermore, we studied the effect of capacitation status on interaction with exogenous DNA, and the role of heparin supplementation in this process. Bull spermatozoa showed a high capacity to bind DNA quickly and reached a maximum after 30,min, with approximately half of the DNA-bound spermatozoa being viable. Incubation with exogenous DNA induced a decrease in sperm viability and motility and increased the proportion of apoptotic cells, but did not affect the cleavage rate in IVF assay. Heparin increased high-lipid disorder and the number of sperm with DNA bound (viable and dead). In conclusion, this study shows that live spermatozoa can bind exogenous DNA with a slight negative effect in some parameters of sperm function that in our opinion, would not drastically compromise fertility. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 77: 687,698, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Osteopontin improves in vitro development of porcine embryos and decreases apoptosisMOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 2 2008Yanhong Hao Abstract An optimal environment for fertilization and early embryonic development is provided by the mammalian oviduct and uterus. The secretory cells lining the lumen of the oviduct and uterus synthesize and secrete proteins that have been shown to interact with and influence the activities of gametes and embryos. Western blotting in this study demonstrated that a 50-kDa secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) form was present in the uterus on Days 0, 3, and 5 in pregnant and nonbred gilts, and the concentration of SPP1 on Day 0 was higher than on Days 3 and 5 in pregnant gilts, but in nonbred gilts the concentration of SPP1 on Day 0 was higher than Day 3, but not Day 5. In addition, we show that addition of 0.1 µg/ml SPP1 to the culture medium after fertilization increased the percent cleaved (24 hr: 23.6,±,1.29a vs. 18.7,±,0.65b (2-cell %)), and the percent blastocyst (37.2,±,1.12a vs. 30.9,±,0.56b) derived from IVF (P,<,0.05). In parthenogenetic-derived embryos the percent cleaved was increased due to SPP1 at 24 hr (24.0,±,1.59a vs. 19.7,±,1.59b (>2-cell %)), and at 48 hr (72.9± 2.99a vs. 63.3,±,2.99b), but not the percent blastocyst. By TUNEL assay, SPP1 decreased both apoptosis (7.9,±,0.04a vs. 13.1,±,0.02b) and the percent fragmentation (45.2 ,±,0.07a vs. 58.8 ,±,0.03b). We conclude that SPP1 can improve development in vitro possibly by reducing the rate of apoptosis. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 75: 291,298, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Role of sialic acid in bovine sperm,zona pellucida bindingMOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 5 2007José Guillermo Velásquez Abstract Sperm binding activity has been detected in zona pellucida (ZP) glycoproteins and it is generally accepted that this activity resides in the carbohydrate moieties. In the present study we aim to identify some of the specific carbohydrate molecules involved in the bovine sperm,ZP interaction. We performed sperm binding competition assays, in vitro fecundation (IVF) in combination with different lectins, antibodies and neuraminidase digestion, and chemical and cytochemical analysis of the bovine ZP. Both MAA lectin recognising ,-2,3-linked sialic acid and neuraminidase from Salmonella typhimurium with catalytic activity for ,-2,3-linked sialic acid, demonstrated a high inhibitory effect on the sperm,ZP binding and oocyte penetration. These results suggest that bovine sperm,ZP binding is mediated by ,-2,3-linked sialic acid. Experiments with trisaccharides (sialyllactose, 3,-sialyllactosamine and 6,-sialyllactosamine) and glycoproteins (fetuin and asialofetuin) corroborated this and suggest that at least the sequence Neu5Ac(,2-3)Gal(,1-4)GlcNAc is involved in the sperm,ZP interaction. Moreover, these results indicate the presence of a sperm plasma membrane specific protein for the sialic acid. Chemical analysis revealed that bovine ZP glycoproteins contain mainly Neu5Ac (84.5%) and Neu5GC (15.5%). These two types of sialic acid residues are probably linked to Gal,1,4GlcNAc and GalNAc by ,-2,3- and ,-2,6-linkages, respectively, as demonstrated by lectin cytochemical analysis. The use of a neuraminidase inhibitor resulted in an increased number of spermatozoa bound to the ZP and penetrating the oocyte. From this last result we hypothesize that a neuraminidase from cortical granules would probably participate in the block to polyspermy by removing sialic acid from the ZP. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 617,628, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Proteins of the accessory sex glands associated with the oocyte-penetrating capacity of cauda epididymal sperm from holstein bulls of documented fertilityMOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 2 2007Arlindo A. Moura Abstract We previously reported that accessory sex gland fluid (AGF) from high fertility (HF) bulls influenced the oocyte-penetrating capacity of cauda epididymal sperm from low fertility (LF) bulls, based on in vitro fertilization (IVF) assays. The present study determined if AGF proteins were associated with these effects. Nineteen IVF assays with 12 bulls were grouped as follows. Group I (n,=,8): assays where sperm from LF bulls exposed to AGF from HF bulls had greater oocyte penetration than exposed to homologous AGF. Group II (n,=,7): sperm from LF bulls to AGF from HF bulls versus homologous AGF showed no significant differences. Group III (n,=,4): sperm from LF bulls treated with homologous AGF had greater fertility than sperm treated with AGF from HF bulls. Sire fertility was based on nonreturn rates (NNR) and AGF collected by artificial vagina from bulls with cannulated vasa deferentia. Two-dimensional SDS,PAGE maps of AGF were analyzed by PDQuest and proteins identified by tandem mass spectrometry and Western blots. Differences in spot intensity between AGF of HF and LF bulls were compared across groups of IVF assays (P,<,0.05). The expression of BSP A1/A2 and A3, BSP 30 kDa, clusterin, albumin, phospholipase A2 (PLA2), and osteopontin was greater in the AGF of HF bulls in Group I as compared to Groups II and III. Conversely, there was less nucleobindin in the AGF of HF bulls in Group I than in Groups II and III. This is the first report of nucleobindin (58 kDa/pI 5.6) in male reproductive fluids, using both immunoblots and mass spectrometry. Thus, the effect of AGF from HF bulls on epididymal sperm is likely the result of specific proteins expressed in the AGF. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Sperm defects in mice lacking a functional Niemann,Pick C1 protein,MOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 10 2006Jun Fan Abstract The Niemann,Pick C1 (NPC1) gene encodes for a multiple membrane spanning protein, which regulates the trafficking of low-density lipoprotein-mediated endocytosed cholesterol. Mutation of the human NPC1 gene causes Niemann,Pick type C (NPC) disease. The Npc1NIH mice, a model of human NPC disease, bear a spontaneous mutation of the Npc1 gene, and are infertile. In this study, we have performed sperm analysis to search for the cause of male infertility in the Npc1NIH mouse. The number of cauda sperms in Npc1,/, mice was decreased roughly three-and-half-fold of that in wild-type mice. The decreased sperm number in Npc1,/, mice is due, at least in part, to partial arrest of spermatogenesis in the testes, as revealed by histological analysis. Compared to wild-type sperm, Npc1,/, sperm displayed a high frequency of morphological abnormalities, including tailless heads and aberrant heads. In the in vitro fertilization (IVF) assay using cumulus-intact eggs, Npc1,/, sperm failed to produce two-cell embryos. In the IVF assay where zona-free eggs were used, Npc1,/, sperm bound normally but could not fuse with the egg. Further analysis indicated that Npc1,/, sperms are drastically impaired in the binding to the egg zona pellucida, only 14% of the level of wild-type sperm. Moreover, on Npc1,/, cauda sperm, one-third of the total cyritestin protein was not proteolytically processed, while fertilin , was processed normally. Taken together, these results demonstrate that there are multiple defects in sperms from mice lacking a functional NPC1 protein, and these observed sperm defects may result in sterility. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Embryotropic effect of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and its receptor on development of porcine preimplantation embryos produced by in vitro fertilization and somatic cell nuclear transferMOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 1 2005Sue Kim Abstract Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I is a receptor-mediated autocrine/paracrine growth/survival factor for mammalian embryo development. The present study investigated the temporal expression and regulation of porcine IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) mRNA and the role of IGF-I on development of porcine in vitro fertilized (IVF) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos. As assessed by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the level of IGF-IR mRNA expression was high in unfertilized oocytes, 2-cell and 4-cell embryos and gradually decreased in 8-cell embryos, morulae, and blastocysts in both IVF and SCNT series. The IVF or SCNT embryos were cultured with 0, 1, 10, 50, or 100 ng/ml IGF-I for 168 hr. Supplementing with 50 ng/ml IGF-I increased blastocyst formation and the number of cells in inner cell masses (ICMs) in both IVF and SCNT embryos. In a second experiment, more blastocysts were obtained when IVF or SCNT embryos were cultured for the first 48 hr or for the entire 168 hr with 50 ng/ml IGF-I compared to culturing without IGF-I for 48 hr or with IGF-I for the last 120 hr or without IGF-I for the entire 168 hr. Treating IVF or SCNT embryos with 50 ng/ml IGF-I significantly up-regulated IGF-IR mRNA compared to untreated control embryos. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that IGF-IR mRNA is expressed in porcine IVF and SCNT embryos, and that IGF-I improved the developmental competence of IVF and SCNT embryos through its specific receptors. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Role of the sperm proteasome during fertilization and gamete interaction in the mouseMOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 2 2005Consuelo Pasten Abstract In this work, we have investigated the role of the sperm proteasome during in vitro fertilization (IVF) and gamete interaction in the mouse. Proteasome activity was measured in extract and intact sperm using a specific substrate. In addition, sperm were treated with specific proteasome inhibitors and evaluated during IVF, binding to the zona pellucida, and progesterone- and zona pellucida-induced acrosome reactions. In other experiments, sperm membrane proteins were obtained resuspending them in Triton X-114, shaking vigorously and let standing by 4 hr. Soluble sperm proteins were partitioned in the aqueous phase and sperm membrane proteins in the detergent phase. In both phases, proteasome activity was measured. Labeling of cell surface sperm proteins was carried out with the cell-impermeable NHS-LC biotin, extracted with Triton X-114, and mixing with avidin-agarose beads. Nonpermeabilized sperm were incubated with an anti-proteasome monoclonal antibody and evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence. The results indicate that sperm extracts as well as intact sperm had proteasome activity; the sperm proteasome was involved in IVF, specifically during sperm-zona pellucida binding and the acrosome reaction; soluble sperm membrane proteins exhibited proteasome activity; biotin experiments indicated the presence of proteasomes on the sperm surface, which was corroborated by indirect immunofluorescence experiments. All these observations indicate that the mouse sperm proteasome participates in the binding to the zona pellucida and the acrosome reaction and that there is a pool of proteasomes located on the sperm head. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 71: 209,219, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Extra embryos: The ethics of cryopreservation in Ecuador and elsewhereAMERICAN ETHNOLOGIST, Issue 1 2007ELIZABETH F. S. ROBERTS Through ethnographic comparison with Ecuador, I localize North American and European ethical debates about embryos. In Ecuador, some in vitro fertilization (IVF) practitioners and patients do whatever they can to preserve the life of embryos through donation or cryopreservation. For this group, embryos are embroiled in debates about life, as they commonly are in North America. However, other Ecuadorians do not view embryos through debates about life. Instead, these IVF practitioners and patients let embryos die rather than freeze them, to regulate the legitimate bounds of kin relations. These contrasting models of life ethics and kin ethics illuminate ideologies of religion, kinship, and personhood in Ecuador. In addition, this comparison demonstrates that the location of embryos in a framework of kinship prevents their circulation and exchange, whereas the North American and European debates about the human life of embryos allow for their continued circulation in the globalized reproductive marketplace. [source] First-trimester serum marker distribution in singleton pregnancies conceived with assisted reproductionPRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 4 2010M. A. J. Engels Abstract Objective To evaluate marker distribution of free ,-human chorionic gonadotrophin (f,-hCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) in singleton pregnancies conceived by assisted reproduction techniques (ART). Methods In vitro fertilization (IVF) (n = 203) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) (n = 192) cases from a database of 14 645 first-trimester combined tests (overall study group) were selected and matched to 1164 controls for gestational age at sample date and maternal age. Results In the IVF group and ICSI group, lnPAPP-A was lower (IVF 6.74 vs 7.08; P = 0.0001; ICSI 6.59 vs 7.07; P = 0.0001) compared with the matched controls. Lnf,-hCG was lower in the IVF group (3.75 vs 3.90; P = 0.005) but not significantly different in the ICSI group (3.87 vs 3.93; P = 0.27). The computed correction factors for PAPP-A and f,-hCG were 1.42 and 1.17 for the IVF group and 1.56 and 1.05 for the ICSI group. The false-positive rate (FPR) in the IVF and ICSI group compared with the matched controls was higher (IVF 10.3% vs 8.6% and ICSI 10.9% vs 7.5%). In the overall age-biased [maternal age significantly lower compared with all ART and control groups] study group the FPR was 6.8%. Conclusion The increase in FPR in the ART groups can be explained by decreased PAPP-A values. Therefore, an adjustment in risk analysis for Down syndrome is suggested. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Preimplantation genetic diagnosis of Morquio diseasePRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 10 2008Wafa Qubbaj Abstract Objectives Morquio syndrome is an autosomal recessive disease and mutations in the N -acetylgalactosamine 6-sulfate sulfatase (GALNS) gene cause Morquio type A disease. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), an early form of prenatal diagnosis for couples at risk of transmitting inherited diseases, was applied to prevent transmission of this disease. Methods A couple with three affected children, having homozygous W159C (p. Trp 159 Cys) mutation in GALNS gene, underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment and PGD. Mutation analyses from the embryos were performed following whole genome amplification of single blastomeres using multiple displacement amplification (MDA). Results Three embryos were diagnosed as normal and two were transferred on day 4. The cycle resulted in a pregnancy and a live birth of a carrier male infant. Genetic haplotyping analysis of the infant and the leftover MDA samples enabled us to determine which embryo was implanted. The discrepancy in results was explained by allele dropout (ADO) of the mutant allele from the MDA product. Conclusions A feasible strategy for PGD of Morquio disease including whole genome amplification by MDA and the use of preimplantation genetic haplotyping is described. MDA product archiving will be useful for future investigations if needed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] FISH analysis of 15 chromosomes in human day 4 and 5 preimplantation embryos: the added value of extended aneuploidy detectionPRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 1 2007E. B. Baart Abstract Objective Screening for an increased number of chromosomes may improve the detection of abnormal embryos and thus contribute to the capability of preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) to detect the embryo(s) for transfer in IVF with the best chance for a healthy child. Good-quality day 4 and 5 embryos were analyzed after cryopreservation for the nine chromosomes mostly recommended for screening (13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 21, 22, X and Y), next to six additional chromosomes which are less well studied in this context (1, 2, 7, 6, 10 and 17). Method The copy numbers of 15 chromosomes were investigated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in three consecutive rounds. The proportion of aneuploid and mosaic embryos was determined and compared in retrospect to results in case only the recommended probe set had been analyzed. Results A total of 52 embryos from 29 infertile women were analyzed. Screening the embryos for six additional chromosomes increased the proportion of abnormal embryos from 67 to 81% (P = 0.03), owing to an increase in mosaic embryos. Conclusion All but one of the meiotic aneuploidies found in this study would have been detected by the probe set most frequently used in PGS clinics. However, aneuploid cell lines originating from mitotic errors could be detected for almost all chromosomes, so screening of six additional chromosomes mainly increased the proportion of mosaic embryos. The added value of screening for six additional chromosomes in PGS for clinical practice will remain undetermined as long as the fate of mosaic embryos after transfer is unclear. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Attitudes to prenatal and preimplantation diagnosis in Saudi parents at genetic riskPRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 11 2006Ayman Alsulaiman Abstract Background Prenatal diagnosis (PND) is only available for severe abnormality in Saudi Arabia, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) has been proposed as a valuable alternative. The acceptability of PGD is unexplored, and may ultimately determine the value of this technology in Saudi Arabia. This study reports attitudes towards PND and PGD of Saudi couples offered genetic counselling following the birth of a child with a single gene or chromosomal condition. Methods Thirty couples attending the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Riyadh were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. One couple had previous experience of PND and none had experience of PGD or IVF. Results Eight of the 30 couples (27%) would only accept PGD; four (13%) only PND; three (10%) either technology; the remainder would accept neither test, or were unsure. The main concerns of those who would accept neither technology were related to personal religious views. Specific concerns about PGD related to the IVF procedure, the risk of multiple pregnancies, the chance of mistakes and the chance of not getting pregnant. A high proportion of couples (six out of seven; 86%) who had a child with thalassaemia expressed interest in PGD, and all would be prepared to use technology to avoid having an affected child. Views were more mixed for the other conditions. Conclusion PGD is acceptable to many couples and for some, it represents a valuable alternative to PND. However, parents' concerns are complex, and the acceptability of different reproductive technologies must be established on an individual basis. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Polar body biopsy and aneuploidy testing by simultaneous detection of six chromosomesPRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 10 2005Markus Montag Abstract Objectives To simultaneously detect six chromosomes in a single round of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) during polar body diagnosis and aneuploidy testing in human in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Methods A commercially available five-color FISH probe was modified by an additional chromosome probe. This kit was first tested on lymphocyte spreads and then used for polar body diagnosis (PBD) in patients with advanced maternal age and repeated implantation failure. The outcome of IVF treatment was compared with a control group. Results All six chromosomes could be simultaneously detected and easily distinguished by FISH analysis. PBD and aneuploidy testing were performed in 75 treatment cycles and compared with 126 controls. The biochemical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the PBD group (37.1% vs 22.9%, p < 0.05) and a trend was observed for higher clinical pregnancy and implantation rates (24.22% and 14.4% vs 18.62% and 10.8%, respectively) and lower abortion rates (20% vs 31.8%) following PBD. Conclusions The simultaneous detection of six chromosomes in a single FISH round is possible and can be applied to PBD. This approach may present another step towards increasing the number of chromosomes for aneuploidy testing. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] XX/XY chimaerism after IVFPRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 7 2004David T. Bonthron No abstract is available for this article. [source] Earliest gestational age for fetal sexing in cell-free maternal plasmaPRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 13 2003R. J. P. Rijnders Abstract Objectives To evaluate at what gestational age fetal DNA can reliably be detected at the earliest in maternal plasma. Methods We performed consecutive blood sampling in the first trimester of pregnancy in 17 women who were pregnant after in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI). DNA was isolated and the Y-chromosome specific SRY was amplified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We likewise studied 31 women prior to invasive prenatal diagnosis procedures for test validation purposes. All test results were compared to cytogenetic sex or sex at birth. Results The earliest SRY detection was at a gestational age of 5 weeks and 2 days. In none of 4 pregnancies ending in a miscarriage was SRY detected. We detected SRY in maternal plasma in 1 of 2 patients (50%) carrying a male fetus at a gestational age of 5 weeks, in 4 of 5 (80%) at a gestational age of 7 weeks, in 4 of 4 (100%) at a gestational age of 9 weeks. In all 7 women pregnant with a male fetus, the correct fetal sex was detected by 10 weeks. In none of the 6 patients who delivered a girl was SRY detected. In the validation group, SRY was detected in 13 of the 13 male, and none of the 18 female fetuses. Conclusions We conclude that real-time PCR of the SRY gene promises to be a reliable technique for early fetal sexing in maternal plasma. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Possible human chimera detected prenatally after in vitro fertilization: a case reportPRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 11 2003B. Simon-Bouy Abstract Background Chimerism is the coexistence of more than one cell line in an individual, due to the fusion of originally separate zygotes. It has been very rarely described in humans. Methods A 36-year-old woman who was referred for in vitro fertilization (IVF) for unexplained infertility had three embryos transferred. Results Four weeks and five days after the transfer, ultrasound examination detected a single fetus in the uterus. Ultrasound examination at 17 weeks for metrorrhagia showed severe intrauterine growth retardation. Amniocentesis revealed a mixture of 46,XY and 46,XX clones. Histopathologic examination showed a dysmorphic fetus with female phenotype and severe growth retardation. Conclusions Although demonstration by fingerprinting has not been possible, fusion of two of the three transferred embryos (one male and one female) seems to be the most probable mechanism that could explain both cytogenetic and histopathologic observations. No chimera has yet been described after IVF. It would be interesting to collect any such observations from other IVF centers. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Issues and concerns of couples presenting for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 12 2002Mandy G. Katz Abstract Background The use of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) to select genetically ,normal' human embryos and to transfer them to the uterus of a woman has generated considerable controversy. Debate has occurred over the implications of PGD, sex selection, safety of embryonic manipulation and eugenics. This study evaluates a range of social and moral concerns of couples towards PGD and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) prior to treatment to obtain unbiased authentic attitudes independent of the treatment cycle and the outcome. Methods A total of 121 subjects were administered a structured questionnaire after each couple's in vitro fertilization (IVF) or genetic counselling session. Group A consisted of 41 subjects presenting for PGD of single gene disorders (PGD-SG) and group B consisted of 48 subjects undertaking PGD for aneuploidy screening (PGD-AS). A control group consisted of 32 subjects that were about to commence their first IVF cycle. Results and discussion All groups found PGD to be a highly acceptable treatment. They expressed little concern about its extension to testing non-disease states such as sex and they were strongly in favour of a shared decision-making model in which couples have considerable autonomy over decisions about the embryo(s) to transfer. Differences between the groups included issues surrounding the transfer of embryos, restrictions to PGD and the destruction of embryos. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] First trimester screening for Down syndrome and assisted reproduction: no basis for concernPRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 7 2001K. R. Wøjdemann Abstract In pregnancies obtained after assisted reproduction the false-positive rate of second trimester Down syndrome (DS) screening is increased by 1.5,3-fold. This may cause an increase in the number of amniocenteses and the fetal loss rate. The present study for the first time examined whether assisted reproductive technologies affect the results of first trimester screening. The markers PAPP-A, free ,-hCG and the nuchal translucency (NT) thickness were examined at 12,14 weeks' gestation. Screening markers in 47 in vitro fertilisation (IVF), 63 ovulation induction (OI) and 3026 spontaneously conceived singleton pregnancies were compared. The MoM (multiples of the median) value in the IVF pregnancies was 1.02 (95% CI: 0.85,1.22) for PAPP-A, 1.14 (95% CI: 0.95,1.37) for ,-hCG and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.89,1.05) for NT; the MoM value in the OI pregnancies was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.76,1.05) for PAPP-A, 1.08 (95% CI: 0.93,1.25) for ,-hCG and 1.02 (95% CI: 0.95,1.11) for NT. The first trimester marker values in assisted reproductive pregnancies and spontaneously conceived pregnancies were not significantly different. Estimated false-positive rates for a risk cut-off of 1:400 varied from 4.7% in IVF pregnancies to 5.1% in OI pregnancies. Therefore the false-positive rate in Down syndrome screening should be independent of the method of conception. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Effect of Antioxidants During Bovine In Vitro Fertilization Procedures on Spermatozoa and Embryo DevelopmentREPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 1 2010FS Gonçalves Contents Increased amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during in vitro fertilization (IVF) may cause cytotoxic damage to gametes, whereas small amounts of ROS favour sperm capacitation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of antioxidants [50 ,m,-mercaptoethanol (,-ME) and 50 ,m cysteamine (Cyst)] or a pro-oxidant (5 mm buthionine sulfoximine) on the quality and penetrability of spermatozoa into bovine oocytes and on the subsequent embryo development and quality when added during IVF. Sperm quality, evaluated by the integrity of plasma and acrosomal membranes, and mitochondrial function, was diminished (p < 0.05) after 4-h culture in the presence of antioxidants. Oocyte penetration rates were similar between treatments (p > 0.05), but antioxidants adversely affected the normal pronuclear formation rates (p < 0.05). The incidence of polyspermy was high for ,-ME (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in cleavage rates between treatments (p > 0.05). However, the developmental rate to the blastocyst stage was adversely affected by Cyst treatment (p < 0.05). The quality of embryos that reached the blastocyst stage, evaluated by total, inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm cell numbers and ICM/total cell ratio was unaffected (p > 0.05) by treatments. The results indicate that ROS play a role in the fertilizing capacity in bovine spermatozoa, as well as in the interaction between the spermatozoa and the oocytes. It can be concluded that supplementation with antioxidants during IVF procedures impairs sperm quality, normal pronuclear formation and embryo development to the blastocyst stage. [source] Expression of Interferon-tau mRNA in Bovine Embryos Derived from Different ProceduresREPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 1 2009N Yao Contents Interferon-tau (IFN-,) is a secreted conceptus protein which plays a critical role in the establishment of ruminant pregnancy by its antiluteolytic and antiviral effects. In the present study, we hypothesized that IFN-, expression was temporally and spatially regulated in different pre-implantation embryos and the levels of IFN-, expression were different among bovine embryos derived from parthenogenetic activation (PA), in vitro fertilization (IVF) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). By using in situ hybridization with Digoxingenin (DIG)-labelled IFN-, cDNA as a probe, we detected IFN-, mRNA in bovine embryos from days 3 to 9 in culture. However, the timing of the initiation of IFN-, mRNA expression was different among PA, IVF and SCNT embryos. Interferon-, mRNA was first expressed in 16-cell stage IVF embryos on day 4, in SCNT morula on day 5 and early PA blastocyst on day 6. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that the expression levels of IFN-, mRNA did not differ significantly among IVF, SCNT and PA embryos on day 7. In addition, freezing and thawing did not have a major impact either on IFN-, mRNA expression in IVF or in vivo -produced bovine blastocysts. [source] Effect of Alpha-Tocopherol and Ascorbic Acid on Bovine Oocyte in Vitro MaturationREPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 2 2005G Dalvit Contents In vitro culture results in higher oxygen concentrations than in vivo environments, leading to an increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause lipid peroxidation of cellular membranes. Alpha-tocopherol (active form of vitamin E) is an antioxidant that protects mammalian cells against lipid peroxidation, which is regenerated by ascorbic acid. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the addition of alpha-tocopherol and/or ascorbic acid to the maturation medium on bovine oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) and subsequently on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo development. Cumulus,oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in Medium 199 (control), and with the addition of alpha-tocopherol and/or ascorbic acid. The concentration of alpha-tocopherol in COCs was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). IVF and in vitro culture (IVC) were carried out in modified synthetic oviductal fluid (mSOF). The quantity of alpha-tocopherol naturally present in COCs diminished by half during IVM (p < 0.05), although in the presence of ascorbic acid it remained constant. A greater amount of alpha-tocopherol was detected in COCs matured in medium supplemented with this antioxidant (p < 0.05), but the addition of alpha-tocopherol plus ascorbic acid maintained higher levels of alpha-tocopherol (p < 0.05). Significant differences were not observed in the percentages of nuclear maturation and fertilization among different treatments. The presence of alpha-tocopherol or ascorbic acid in the maturation medium failed to modify the percentage of blastocysts obtained, unlike the addition of both antioxidants when a significant decrease was observed (p < 0.05). Absorbic acid maintained the antioxidant capacity of the alpha-tocopherol incorporated to COC membranes during IVM. The active form of vitamin E during maturation impaired the acquisition of oocyte developmental competence. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||