Birth after low-level +20 Aneuploid Mosaic Embryo Transfer: A Case Report.

OBJECTIVE: Recently, it has been discussed whether or not mosaic embryo transfers should be performed since they might result in viable pregnancies, although they often end up being discarded. We report a case of successful pregnancy, after a mosaic embryo transfer from an in vitro matured egg and frozen PESA sperm. CASE DESCRIPTION: Tests performed on a female aged 40 years and a male aged 37 years seeking fertility treatment found she had an adequate ovarian reserve and patent fallopian tubes. He had a history of cryptorchidism and inguinal hernia repair. The spermogram showed azoospermia, and testicular ultrasound showed an atrophic left testicle and a normal right testis. The vas deferens was palpated during physical examination. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection with percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA) was indicated. Two cycles of IVF after controlled ovarian stimulation with follitropin delta was performed. In the first cycle, seven mature eggs were inseminated, two fertilized normally, resulting in one blastocyst biopsied and analyzed by NGS with complex aneuploid results. In the second cycle, frozen sperm from PESA was used. Three eggs were inseminated on the day of the procedure (resulting in 2 blastocysts), and three in vitro matured eggs were inseminated after 24 hours (resulting in 1 blastocyst). NGS analysis showed two complex aneuploid embryos and one 40% low-level trisomy 20 aneuploid mosaicism (+20) for the post 24-hour embryo. A mosaic embryo transfer was performed, resulting in clinical pregnancy and birth of a healthy baby girl with a normal blood karyotype. DISCUSSION: Mosaic embryo transfer is a topic for discussion. Certain levels of mosaicism do not seem to pose risks to the development of the fetus.

Mosaic embryo transfer versus additional IVF with PGT-A Cycle: a decision model comparing live birth rate and cost.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relative live birth rate and net cost difference between mosaic embryo transfer and an additional cycle of IVF with PGT-A for patients whose only remaining embryos are non-euploid. METHODS: A decision analytic model was designed with model parameters varying based on discrete age cutoffs (<35, 35-37, 38-39, 40-42, 43-44, >44). Model inputs included probabilities of successful IVF, clinical pregnancy, and live birth as well as costs of IVF with PGT-A, embryo transfer, live birth, amniocentesis, and dilation and curettage. All costs were modeled from the healthcare system perspective and adjusted for inflation to 2023 $USD. Model outcomes were sub-stratified by degree and type of mosaicism. RESULTS: For patients younger than 43, an additional cycle of IVF with PGT-A resulted in a higher relative live birth rate (<35, +20%; 35-37, +15%; 38-39, +17%; 40-42, +6%; average, +14.5%) compared to mosaic embryo transfer with an average additional cost of $16,633. For patients older than 42, mosaic embryo transfer resulted in a higher live birth rate (43-44, +5%; >44, +3%; average, +4%) while on average costing $9572 less than an additional cycle of IVF with PGT-A. CONCLUSION: Mosaic embryo transfers are a superior alternative to an additional cycle of IVF with PGT-A for patients older than 42 whose only remaining embryos are non-euploid. Mosaic embryo transfers also should be considered for patients younger than 42 who are unable to pursue additional autologous IVF cycles. Counseling and care should be personalized to individual patients and embryos.

The morphokinetic signature of human blastocysts with mosaicism and the clinical outcomes following transfer of embryos with low-level mosaicism.

BACKGROUND: Genetic mosaicism is commonly observed in human blastocysts. Embryos' morphokinetic feature observed from time-lapse monitoring (TLM) is helpful to predict the embryos' ploidy status in a non-invasive way. However, morphokinetic research on mosaic embryos is extremely limited. Moreover, transfer of mosaic embryos is a new attempt in reproductive medicine, while studies regarding the clinical and neonatal outcomes following transfer of embryos with different levels and types of mosaicism are needed. This study aimed to investigate the morphokinetic characteristics of mosaic blastocysts, uncover clinical outcomes of mosaic embryos, and evaluate the effect of level and type of mosaicism on transfer outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 923 blastocysts from 229 preimplantation genetic testing cycles were cultured in TLM incubators in a single fertilization center between July 2016 and July 2021. Multivariate logistic regression models showed mosaic embryos had significantly shorter time to reach morula when compared with euploid (P = 0.002), mosaic with aneuploid (P = 0.005), and aneuploid (P = 0.005) embryos after adjusting the potential confounders. KIDScore is an artificial intelligence scoring program from time lapse incubation system to predict embryo implantation potential. Mosaic with aneuploid embryos had significantly lower KIDScore than euploid (P = 6.47e-4), mosaic (P = 0.005), and aneuploid (P = 0.004) embryos after adjustment. Meanwhile, we compared the clinical outcomes following transfer of low-level (< 50%) mosaic embryos (N = 60) with euploid embryos (N = 1301) matched using propensity scoring collected from September 2020 to January 2023. Mosaic embryos had significantly lower clinical pregnancy rate (41.67% vs. 57.65%, P = 0.015) and live birth rate (38.33% vs. 51.35%, P = 0.048) than the euploid embryos. Subgroup analyses showed the whole, segmental, and complex chromosome mosaic embryos had the similar clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The shortened time to reach morula in mosaic embryos and the low KIDScore in mosaic with aneuploid embryos revealed innovative clues to embryo selection with the non-invasive TLM and provided new insights into biological mechanism of chromosomal abnormality. The analyses of overall and subgroups of mosaic embryo transfer outcomes helped to optimize embryo transfer scheme for in-vitro fertilization procedures. Multi-center prospective studies with large sample sizes are warranted to validate our results in the future.

Mitochondrial DNA mutations can influence the post-implantation development of human mosaic embryos.

Introduction: Several healthy euploid births have been reported following the transfer of mosaic embryos, including both euploid and aneuploid blastomeres. This has been attributed to a reduced number of aneuploid cells, as previously reported in mice, but remains poorly explored in humans. We hypothesized that mitochondrial function, one of the most critical factors for embryonic development, can influence human post-implantation embryonic development, including a decrease of aneuploid cells in mosaic embryos. Methods: To clarify the role of mitochondrial function, we biopsied multiple parts of each human embryo and observed the remaining embryos under in vitro culture as a model of post-implantation development (n = 27 embryos). Karyotyping, whole mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing, and mtDNA copy number assays were performed on all pre- and post-culture samples. Results: The ratio of euploid embryos was significantly enhanced during in vitro culture, whereas the ratio of mosaic embryos was significantly reduced. Furthermore, post-culture euploid and culturable embryos had significantly few mtDNA mutations, although mtDNA copy numbers did not differ. Discussion: Our results indicate that aneuploid cells decrease in human embryos post-implantation, and mtDNA mutations might induce low mitochondrial function and influence the development of post-implantation embryos with not only aneuploidy but also euploidy. Analyzing the whole mtDNA mutation number may be a novel method for selecting a better mosaic embryo for transfer.

Health professionals' role in the transfer of mosaic embryos after preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies.

RESEARCH QUESTION: What are health professionals' clinical practices, views and self-rated competencies regarding the transfer of mosaic embryos? DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study using surveys. RESULTS: Data were collected from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand. Ninety-five responses were analysed and reported. The results show that most health professionals (n = 62) discussed the transfer of mosaic embryos for different reasons and raised concerns regarding various risks. Although many health professionals were unsure whether mosaic embryos should be transferred, they were more inclined to encourage transfer if the scenario involved segmental losses compared with mosaicism involving duplication of the entire chromosome (i.e. trisomy 21) (e.g. OR = 0.21, P < 0.001; OR = 2.78, P = 0.04). The majority of health professionals would inform patients about the mosaicism to facilitate informed decision making. The factor that health professionals identified as most important when discussing the transfer of mosaic embryos was the specific chromosome involved. Different self-rated competencies were found among health professionals with different backgrounds. Geneticists and genetic counsellors had the highest self-rated competencies. CONCLUSIONS: Most health professionals were willing to discuss the mosaicism in the embryo with patients to facilitate informed decision making. However, health professionals' uncertainty towards the transfer of mosaic embryos indicated a lack of a standardized transfer policy. In addition, obstetricians, gynaecologists and those with multiprofessional backgrounds showed deficiencies in several self-rated competencies, suggesting that education targeted to these groups is needed to optimize the quality of care of women considering transfer of mosaic embryos.

The age-related required number of zygotes estimated from prior clinical studies of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A).

Women who are undergoing preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) often wish to know how many eggs will be required to optimize the chances of a live birth. However, no precise data on this can yet be provided during genetic counseling for this procedure. On the basis of PGT-A data from related studies and current databases, we have estimated that the number of zygotes required for a 50% chance of a live birth is 8 at age 40 but increases markedly to 21 at age 43. PGT-A markedly reduces the miscarriage rate per embryo transfer but does not alleviate the extremely high number of zygotes required for a live birth in women of an advanced maternal age. Detailed genetic counseling will therefore be desirable prior to undergoing this procedure.

Majority of transferred mosaic embryos developed healthy live births revealed by a preclinical study using embryonic morphology assessment and noninvasive PGT-A on cell-free DNA in blastocoel fluid.

PURPOSE: This preclinical study aimed to evaluate whether using transferred mosaic embryos (primarily selected by embryonic morphology assessment (EMA) and compared by the noninvasive preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (niPGT-A) on cell-free DNA in blastocoel fluid (BF)) increases the rates of clinical pregnancies (CPs) and healthy live births (HLBs) and to investigate whether niPGT-A could provide valuable genetic information for the EMA-selected transferred mosaic embryos. METHODS: This study collected 215 blastocyst culture samples and 182 BF samples. Cell-free DNA from the BF was amplified and examined by next-generation sequencing-based niPGT-A. All 182 patients underwent EMA. However, only 147 underwent in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, and only 113 clinical outcomes were followed up. Comprehensive chromosome screening for the chorionic villus sampling of spontaneous miscarriages and noninvasive prenatal testing for ongoing pregnancies were also performed. RESULTS: The implantation rate was 77.55% in 147 transferred high-quality embryos selected by EMA. Among 113 CPs, 16 led to spontaneous miscarriage (14.16%), and 97 resulted in HLBs (85.84%). According to the niPGT-A results for 113 patients with clinical outcomes, 80.4% had CP (euploid, 20.54%; single aneuploid, 1.79%; mosaic chromosome aneuploid and/or segmental aneuploid, 58.04%). Of all the mosaic aneuploids, 90.76% were false positive, transforming to euploid. CONCLUSIONS: Transferred EMA-selected embryos showed higher implantation rates. The niPGT-A of BF provided valuable genetic status ("-ploid") information, which helped reduce aneuploid-induced implantation failure and miscarriage, thereby increasing the CP and HLB rates. Additionally, majority of the transferred embryos with complex/chaotic mosaic aneuploid would likely develop HLBs.

Late amniocentesis with uniparental disomy testing following successful in vitro fertilization and transfer of three mosaic embryos in a pregnancy with a favorable outcome.

OBJECTIVE: We present late amniocentesis with the application of uniparental disomy (UPD) testing following successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) and transfer of three mosaic embryos in a pregnancy with a favorable outcome. CASE REPORT: A 41-year-old, gravida 2, para 0, woman underwent late amniocentesis at 28 weeks of gestation because of advanced maternal age. The pregnancy was conceived by IVF and transfer of three mosaic embryos, i.e., one embryo with mosaic trisomies 20 and 2, one embryo with mosaic partial trisomies 9 and 3 and one embryo with partial trisomies 11 and 17. First-trimester non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and fetal ultrasound revealed no abnormal findings. Late amniocentesis revealed a karyotype of 46,XY. Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) revealed the result of arr [GRCh37] (X,Y) × 1, (1-22) × 2. Polymorphic DNA marker analysis using the DNAs extracted from the uncultured amniocytes and parental bloods excluded UPD 20. At 38 weeks of gestation, a healthy 3010-g male baby was delivered with no phenotypic abnormalities. CONCLUSION: Prenatal diagnosis of normal karyotype following mosaic embryo transfer should include UPD testing if necessary.

Mosaic embryo transfer-first report of a live born with nonmosaic partial aneuploidy and uniparental disomy 15.

Objective: To inform clinicians of the first known case of a live born diagnosed with syndromic partial trisomy 15 and maternal uniparental disomy 15 resulting from a mosaic embryo transfer (MET). We believe that this case will highlight the need for standardized practice guidelines to address the potential risk of MET and the importance of prenatal follow-up after a pregnancy is achieved from a MET. Design: Case report. Setting: In vitro fertilization with preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) and MET was completed at a fertility clinic in Canada. Postnatal testing and diagnosis were performed at the Medical Genetics Department of a hospital in Canada. Patients: A newborn male with a diagnosis of partial trisomy 15 and uniparental disomy (UPD) 15. Interventions: Mosaic embryo transfer after PGT-A was performed. Diagnostic testing performed after birth included a karyotype, fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis, chromosomal microarray, and microsatellite UPD testing. Main Outcome Measures: Confirmed nonmosaic partial aneuploidy of trisomy 15 and UPD15 in a symptomatic newborn conceived from MET. Results: Singleton pregnancy was achieved after a double embryo transfer involving 1 embryo diagnosed by PGT-A with high-level mosaic trisomy 15 and high-level mosaic deletion on chromosome 20 (mos(del(20)(q11.23-qter)). Routine prenatal screening and detailed fetal ultrasound did not identify any concerns. Postnatal genetic investigations, triggered by feeding difficulties in the newborn period, diagnosed the proband with maternal UPD15 and a supernumerary marker chromosome composed of 2 noncontiguous regions of chromosome 15. This karyotype is likely resulting from incomplete trisomy rescue occurring on the paternal chromosome 15. Conclusions: This case highlights the need for better guidelines and management of pregnancies achieved after MET.

Single-cell Sequencing Reveals Clearance of Blastula Chromosomal Mosaicism in In Vitro Fertilization Babies.

Although chromosomal mosaic embryos detected by trophectoderm (TE) biopsy offer healthy embryos available for transfer, high-resolution postnatal karyotyping and chromosome testing of the transferred embryos are insufficient. Here, we applied single-cell multi-omics sequencing for seven infants with blastula chromosomal mosaicism detected by TE biopsy. The chromosome ploidy was examined by single-cell genome analysis, with the cellular identity being identified by single-cell transcriptome analysis. A total of 1616 peripheral leukocytes from seven infants with embryonic chromosomal mosaicism and three control ones with euploid TE biopsy were analyzed. A small number of blood cells showed copy number alterations (CNAs) on seemingly random locations at a frequency of 0%-2.5% per infant. However, none of the cells showed CNAs that were the same as those of the corresponding TE biopsies. The blastula chromosomal mosaicism may be fully self-corrected, probably through the selective loss of the aneuploid cells during development, and the transferred embryos can be born as euploid infants without mosaic CNAs corresponding to the TE biopsies. The results provide a new reference for the evaluations of transferring chromosomal mosaic embryos in certain situations.

Whether to transfer mosaic embryos: a cytogenetic view of true mosaicism by amniocentesis.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies has increasingly been employed for embryo selection, resulting in a recent surge in mosaic embryos. According to the cytogenetic results, which types of mosaic embryo survive early pregnancy, progress to the second trimester and finally result in a live birth? DESIGN: This study evaluated 30,587 pregnant women undergoing amniocentesis from January 2004 to March 2020 at the cytogenic centre of Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Samples from amniocentesis were cultured using the in-situ method. The types and distribution of level III chromosomal mosaicism (two or more cells with the same abnormality in two or more colonies and both culture dishes, clinically referred to as 'true mosaicism') were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Among the 30,587 women, 78 cases (0.26%) of level III chromosomal mosaicism were identified. The types of chromosomal mosaicism were classified as sex chromosome mosaicism (SCM), autosomal chromosome mosaicism (ACM) and marker chromosome mosaicism (MCM), with SCM, ACM and MCM accounting for 58.97%, 32.05% and 8.97% of cases, respectively. The most common mosaic cell lines were monosomy X and trisomy 21. The most common mosaic cell line progressing to live birth was monosomy X. CONCLUSIONS: Mosaic monosomy X and trisomy 21 are the most common cell lines of true mosaicism determined by amniocentesis. Monosomy X mosaicism is the most common cell line in live births. For women considering the transfer of these types of mosaic embryo in a circumstance where euploid embryos are unavailable, clinicians should provide careful prenatal counselling, detailed ultrasonography and amniocentesis.

Pregnancy and Neonatal Outcomes after Transfer of Mosaic Embryos: A Review.

Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) seeks to identify embryos with a normal chromosome complement during in vitro fertilization (IVF). Transfer of one euploid embryo at a time maximizes the chance of implantation while minimizing the risk of multiple pregnancy. The emergence of new technologies including next generation sequencing (NGS) has led to increased diagnosis of embryonic mosaicism, suggesting the presence of karyotypically distinct cells within a single trophectoderm (TE). Clinical implications of embryonic mosaicism are important in both naturally conceived and IVF pregnancies. Although information regarding outcomes after mosaic embryo transfer (MET) is limited, more than 100 live births have now been documented with rather reassuring outcomes with no abnormal phenotype. Here, we aim to provide a summary of recent data regarding clinical and neonatal outcomes after transfer of mosaic embryos in IVF/PGT-A cycles.

The Pregnancy Outcome of Mosaic Embryo Transfer: A Prospective Multicenter Study and Meta-Analysis.

Chromosomal mosaicism is at high occurrence in early developmental-stage embryos, but much lower in those at prenatal stage. Recent studies provided evidence on the viability of mosaic embryos by reporting pregnancy outcomes. Expanded research is warranted to evaluate its clinical significance. This is a multi-center prospective cohort study on 137 mosaic, 476 euploid and 835 non-preimplantation genetic testing (non-PGT) embryos from three in vitro fertilization (IVF) providers of three countries in Asia, applying the same preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) reporting criteria. Mosaic embryo transfers (METs) resulted in a significantly lower clinical pregnancy rate (40.1% versus 59.0% versus 48.4%), lower ongoing/live birth rate (27.1% versus 47.0% versus 35.1%) and higher miscarriage rate (33.3% versus 20.5% versus 27.4%) than euploid and non-PGT transfers, respectively. Pregnancy losses after METs were different between embryos carrying numerical and segmental chromosomal abnormalities (p = 0.04). Our meta-analysis concluded that METs gave rise to pregnancies but were associated with a reduced ongoing/live birth rate and a higher miscarriage rate. All 37 MET live births were confirmed viable, among which 8 completed prenatal genetic testing with normal results. Longitudinal investigation on one MET pregnancy evidenced the aneuploidy depletion hypothesis. This is the first multi-center prospective study reporting a full MET pregnancy outcome with complementary information from prenatal genetic testing as compared to euploid and non-PGT cohorts.

Healthy live births from transfer of low-mosaicism embryos after preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the potential viability of embryos with low mosaicism level (< 50%) by comparing the clinical outcomes of single mosaic versus euploid blastocyst transfer. In addition, the live birth outcomes for various types of mosaicism with respect to abnormalities in chromosome structure and content were analyzed. METHODS: This study included patients who underwent in vitro fertilization with preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A). The PGT-A cycles performed through next-generation sequencing with single euploid or mosaic embryo transfers were included. We collected 299 frozen single embryo transfer cycles-216 single euploid and 83 mosaic-between July 2016 and July 2018. This study analyzed clinical outcomes, including fetal karyotyping by using amniocentesis, gestational age at delivery, and live birth weight after single mosaic embryo transfer. RESULTS: The average birth weight of infants in the euploid and mosaic blastocyst transfer groups was 3146.2 and 2997.7 g, respectively. The karyotyping results of prenatal diagnosis in all pregnant women were normal. Our study indicated that mosaic embryos can develop into euploid healthy infants with various levels or types of mosaicism. No significant difference was observed between infants from euploid and mosaic blastocyst transfers. CONCLUSION: If patients have no euploid embryos, mosaic embryos can be transferred as they have potential for implantation and development into euploid healthy infants. This study is invaluable for counseling clinical results after single mosaic embryo transfers.

Clinical Outcomes of Single Mosaic Embryo Transfer: High-Level or Low-Level Mosaic Embryo, Does it Matter?

Recently, reports showed that embryos identified as mosaic after preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploid (PGT-A) could result in live birth with lower pregnancy and higher pregnancy loss rates compared with euploid embryos. However, the effects of mosaicism level on reproductive outcomes remain controversial. This study aimed to examine the level of mosaicism on pregnancy outcomes. Single mosaic embryo transfer was offered to 108 women who only had mosaic embryos. Mosaic embryos were labeled by utilizing next generation sequencing (NGS) based PGT-A for day 5/6 trophectoderm (TE)biopsies. TE biopsies containing < 50% abnormal cells were classified as low-level mosaicism and ≥ 50% as high-level mosaicism. To further confirm the concordance of chromosome constitution between TE and inner cell mass (ICM), 41 remaining embryos designated as mosaic blastocysts donated for research were also analyzed. Comparable live birth rate (LBR) but higher miscarriage rate (MR) was found in the high-level group. (LBR: low vs. high: 44.5% vs. 36%; p = 0.45, MR: low vs. high: 5.1% vs. 30.7%; p = 0.012). Analyses of TE and ICM from the remaining mosaic blastocysts show a poor concordance. This preliminary study demonstrated that high-level mosaic embryos could result in comparable LBR but higher MR.

The birth of a baby with mosaicism resulting from a known mosaic embryo transfer: a case report.

Mosaic embryos have the potential to implant and develop into healthy babies. The transfer of mosaic embryos is now considered to be a possible option for women undergoing ART with preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies and in the absence of euploid embryos, particularly those with diminished ovarian reserve and/or advanced maternal age. It can aid in avoiding the discard of potentially viable embryos, which might otherwise result in healthy babies. In over 500 studies on mosaicism, there have been no reports of mosaicism in babies born following the transfer of mosaic embryos. Here, we present a case report of a 39-year-old woman with diminished ovarian reserve with only one blastocyst available for trophectoderm biopsy. The transfer of the embryo, which showed 35% mosaicism of monosomy 2, resulted in pregnancy. Amniocentesis revealed a mosaic trisomic mos46,XX(98)/47,XX,+2(2) karyotype. There were no pathological findings in detailed ultrasonography, and the fetus showed a normal fetal growth with no evidence of intrauterine growth retardation. A healthy female baby was born at Week 37. The peripheral blood chromosome analysis validated with fluorescence in situ hybridization showed 2% mosaic monosomy 2 [mos45,XX,-2(2)/46,XX(98)]. This is the first reported case of true fetal mosaicism resulting in a live birth following the transfer of a known mosaic embryo. Worldwide, prenatal diagnosis has shown the depletion of mosaicism in embryos transferred after they have been reported as mosaics. Our case demonstrates the need for close prenatal monitoring and diagnosis by early amniocentesis, preferably at >14 weeks gestation.

Cell-Size-Independent Spindle Checkpoint Failure Underlies Chromosome Segregation Error in Mouse Embryos.

Chromosome segregation errors during mammalian preimplantation development cause "mosaic" embryos comprising a mixture of euploid and aneuploid cells, which reduce the potential for a successful pregnancy [1-5], but why these errors are common is unknown. In most cells, chromosome segregation error is averted by the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), which prevents anaphase-promoting complex (APC/C) activation and anaphase onset until chromosomes are aligned with kinetochores attached to spindle microtubules [6, 7], but little is known about the SAC's role in the early mammalian embryo. In C. elegans, the SAC is weak in early embryos, and it strengthens during early embryogenesis as a result of progressively lessening cell size [8, 9]. Here, using live imaging, micromanipulation, gene knockdown, and pharmacological approaches, we show that this is not the case in mammalian embryos. Misaligned chromosomes in the early mouse embryo can recruit SAC components to mount a checkpoint signal, but this signal fails to prevent anaphase onset, leading to high levels of chromosome segregation error. We find that failure of the SAC to prolong mitosis is not attributable to cell size. We show that mild chemical inhibition of APC/C can extend mitosis, thereby allowing more time for correct chromosome alignment and reducing segregation errors. SAC-APC/C disconnect thus presents a mechanistic explanation for frequent chromosome segregation errors in early mammalian embryos. Moreover, our data provide proof of principle that modulation of the SAC-APC/C axis can increase the likelihood of error-free chromosome segregation in cultured mammalian embryos.

Rates of live birth after mosaic embryo transfer compared with euploid embryo transfer.

PURPOSE: Mosaicism is a prevalent characteristic of human preimplantation embryos. This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate pregnancy outcomes after transfer of mosaic or euploid embryos. METHODS: The embryos, which had been transferred as "euploidy," were processed using array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). The original aCGH charts of the transferred embryos were reanalyzed. Mosaic and control euploid embryos were defined according to log2 ratio calls. RESULTS: Overall, 102 embryos were determined to be mosaic, of which 101 were estimated to harbor no more than 50% aneuploid mosaicism. Additionally, 268 euploid embryos were matched as controls. The rates of live birth (46.6% vs. 59.1%, odds ratio (OR) 0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38-0.95), and biochemical pregnancy (65.7% vs. 76.1%, OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.37-0.99) per transfer cycle were significantly lower after mosaic embryo transfer than after euploid embryo transfer. The rates of clinical pregnancy and pregnancy loss and the risks of obstetric outcomes did not differ significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with euploid embryo transfer, mosaic embryo transfer is associated with a lower rate of live birth, which is mainly attributed to a decreased rate of conception. However, as mosaic embryo transfer yielded a live birth rate of 46.6%, patients without euploid embryos could be counseled regarding this alternative option.