The effect of individual oocyte matched follicular fluid oxidant, antioxidant status, and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines on IVF outcomes of patients with diminished ovarian reserve.

Oocyte matched follicular fluid oxidant, antioxidant status, and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels were assessed to reveal a possible effect of local-intrafollicular levels of these markers on the individual oocyte with its quality, ability to achieve fertilization, further embryo development, and pregnancy. A cross-sectional study of infertile women with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing antagonist protocol in vitro fertilization (IVF); in the form of ICSI, and fresh single embryo transfer were included. When follicular fluid was collected, each ovarian follicle was aspirated independently, and each follicular fluid was collected into a separate test tube to match it with a single cumulus-oocyte complex obtained from the same follicle. Oocyte matched follicular fluid samples and blood specimens were taken from the participants. Relationships of total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, total thiol, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-10 levels of each follicle with oocyte grade, grade of transferred embryos, and pregnancy rate of a given follicle were assessed. A total of 23 infertile women with diminished ovarian reserve and 79 individual follicles of these women were assessed. Serum total oxidant status level of metaphase II (MII) group was significantly lower than non-MII group (P < .001). Follicular fluid IL-6 level of MII group was significantly lower than non-MII group (P = .005). Follicular fluid IL-8 value was significantly low with positive pregnancy results (P < .001). Serum oxidative stress status and follicular fluid pro-inflammatory cytokines were associated with IVF outcomes. This unique study might guide IVF practice with the aim of developing and establishing more effective therapeutic strategies and choosing embryos with more potential for success.

Clinical values and advances in round spermatid injection (ROSI).

Azoospermia is defined as the complete absence of sperm cells in the ejaculate. Approximately 10-15 % of infertile men display azoospermia. Azoospermia can be subdivided into two types, obstructive azoospermia (OA) and non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). NOA azoospermia might be the result due to primary testicular damage, secondary testicular damage, or incomplete testicular development. NOA azoospermia accounts for a considerable proportion of male infertility. A significant percentage of men with NOA azoospermia have foci of active spermatogenesis up to the stage of round spermatid. Round spermatid injection (ROSI) is a technique of assisted in-vitro fertilization (IVF) in assisted reproductive technology (ART). ROSI technique involves the injection of haploid germ cells derived from testicular biopsies into the recipient oocytes. The present study demonstrates that more participants and long-term follow-up studies are required to assess the reliability of the ROSI technique. In order to increase the success rate of the ROSI technique, round spermatids should be correctly evaluated and selected. Our study refers to the clinical values, challenges, and innovations in round spermatid injection (ROSI).