Therapeutic effect of sodium alginate on bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin (BEP)-induced reproductive toxicity by inhibiting nitro-oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.

Impaired spermatogenesis and male infertility are common consequences of chemotherapy drugs used in patients with testicular cancer. The present study investigated the effects of sodium alginate (NaAL) on testicular toxicity caused by bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP). Rats in group 1 received normal saline, while groups 2 and 3 were treated with 25 and 50 mg/kg of NaAL, respectively. Group 4 was treated with a 21-day cycle of BEP (0.5 mg/kg bleomycin, 5 mg/kg etoposide, and 1 mg/kg cisplatin), and groups 5 and 6 received BEP regimen plus 25 and 50 mg/kg of NaAL, respectively. Then, sperm parameters, testosterone levels, testicular histopathology and stereological parameters, testicular levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and the expression of apoptosis-associated genes including Bcl2, Bax, Caspase3, p53, and TNF-α were evaluated. Our findings revealed that NaAL improved sperm parameters, testosterone levels, histopathology, and stereology parameters in BEP-administrated rats. NaAL also improved testis antioxidant status by enhancing TAC and ameliorating MDA and NO. Further, modifications to the expression of Bcl2, Bax, Caspase3, p53, and TNF-α suggested that NaAL alleviated BEP-induced apoptosis and inflammation. Collectively, NaAL protects rats' testes against BEP-evoked toxicity damage through the modulation of nitro-oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation.

Utility of vitamin C in ameliorating citalopram-induced testicular toxicity via modulating nitro-oxidative stress and apoptosis in mice.

There is a growing concern that antidepressant drugs impair sexual function and adversely impact spermatogenesis and male fertility. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that plays a vital role in the male reproductive system. The present study investigated the ameliorating potential of vitamin C against citalopram (CTL)-evoked testicular toxicity and spermatogenesis impairment in mice. Mice were randomly divided into six groups: control, CTL, vitamin C 100, vitamin C 200, CTL plus vitamin C 100, and CTL plus vitamin C 200. Adult male mice were intraperitoneally (ip) injected with 10 mg/kg of CTL for 35 days with or without vitamin C. At the end of the study, body and testes weight, sperm parameters, histopathology of testes, testosterone level, testicular levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and apoptosis (TUNEL assay) were evaluated. Our findings revealed that vitamin C restored spermatogenesis by improving sperm count, motility, viability, morphology, and chromatin integrity. Testosterone levels and testes histopathology were significantly improved in the vitamin C-administrated groups. Furthermore, vitamin C administration markedly alleviated CTL-induced nitro-oxidative damage, enhancing TAC levels, and reducing NO and MDA levels. Whilst CTL therapy induced a significant increase in the number of TUNEL-positive cells compared to the control, the administration of vitamin C significantly prevented the apoptotic effects of CTL. Together, vitamin C therapy protects against CTL-induced testicular damage via mitigating nitro-oxidative stress and apoptosis, which provides evidence for vitamin C as a beneficial therapy against antidepressant drug-associated reproductive toxicity and male sub/infertility.

The protective role of melatonin in citalopram-induced reproductive toxicity via modulating nitro-oxidative stress and apoptosis in male mice.

Citalopram is the most potent selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, commonly prescribed as an antidepressant, which can cause sexual dysfunction. Melatonin is a natural, highly effective antioxidant playing a pivotal role in the male reproductive system. The present study aimed to explore the ameliorating potential of melatonin on citalopram-evoked testicular toxicity and injury in mice. In this regard, mice were randomly divided into six groups: control, citalopram, melatonin 10 mg/kg, melatonin 20 mg/kg, melatonin 10 mg/kg plus citalopram, and melatonin 20 mg/kg plus citalopram. Adult male mice were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with 10 mg/kg of citalopram for 35 days with or without melatonin. At the end of the study, sperm parameters, testosterone level, testicular levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and apoptosis (Tunel essay) were evaluated. Our findings revealed that melatonin restored spermatogenesis by improving sperm count, motility, viability, morphology, and chromatin integrity. Testosterone levels and the histopathology of the testes were markedly improved in the melatonin-administrated groups. Furthermore, citalopram administration significantly increased oxidative stress; however, melatonin restored antioxidant status by enhancing TAC levels and decreasing NO and MAD levels. More notably, citalopram therapy induced a significant increase in the number of Tunel-positive cells, while melatonin administration significantly mitigated the apoptotic impacts of citalopram. Together, melatonin therapy provides protection against citalopram-induced testicular damage via modulating nitro-oxidative stress and apoptosis, which provides evidence for melatonin as a promising treatment against antidepressant drug-associated reproductive toxicity and male sub/infertility.

Beneficial effect of L-Proline supplementation on the quality of human spermatozoa.

L-Proline is a natural anti-oxidative and osmoprotectant agent, playing a versatile role in cell metabolism and physiology. The present study aimed to explore the antioxidant effects of L-Proline on human sperm function during incubation. Thirty healthy, normozoospermic men (27-40 years) were enrolled. Sperm samples were incubated in an unsupplemented sperm medium (control group), or supplemented with L-Proline (1, 2 and 4 mmol/L) to evaluate its effect during 0, 1, 4 and 24 h of incubation. Sperm were assessed in terms of motility, viability, morphology, chromatin and DNA integrity. Moreover, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined in the sperm medium. The results indicated that 2 mmol/L of L-Proline significantly improved the maintenance of sperm motility, viability, normal morphology, chromatin and DNA integrity, and TAC levels compared to the control group during 24 h of incubation (p < 0.05). However, 1 and 4 mmol/L of L-Proline could not significantly preserve sperm parameters, chromatin quality, and antioxidant status during different incubation times compared to the control group (p > 0.05). Collectively, the inclusion of L-Proline (2 mmol/L) in the human sperm medium maintains sperm parameters and chromatin quality probably by modulating the oxidative status.

L-proline as a novel additive to cryopreservation media improved post-thaw quality of human spermatozoon via reducing oxidative stress.

Sperm cryopreservation as a routine technique in assisted reproductive technique (ART) laboratories has detrimental effects on spermatozoa. Various methods have been introduced to improve it. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of L-proline supplementation in cryopreservation medium on normozoospermic semen samples. A total of 30 semen samples were collected from normozoospermic men. Cryopreservation media were supplemented with different concentrations of L-proline (0, 1, 2 and 4 mmol/L). The semen samples were cryopreserved. After thawing, sperm parameters and chromatin integrity (aniline blue (AB), toluidine blue (TB), sperm chromatin dispersion test (SCD) and chromomycin A3 (CMA3)), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were evaluated. A total of 4 mmol/L L-proline significantly improved progressive motility and viability (p < 0.05). MDA and ROS levels significantly diminished in samples were cryopreserved by 4 mmol/L L-proline supplemented cryopreservation media (p < 0.001). Also, it significantly increased TAC level. Also, chromatin damages (AB, TB and CMA3) significantly improved in samples were cryopreserved by 4 mmol/L L-proline supplemented cryopreservation media (p < 0.05). The results support that the usage of L-proline supplemented cryopreservation media to improve sperm quality after cryopreservation.

Melatonin protects rats testes against bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin-induced toxicity via mitigating nitro-oxidative stress and apoptosis.

There is growing concern that some cytotoxic regimens for cancer adversely affect spermatogenesis and male fertility. Increasing evidence demonstrated that melatonin has beneficial impacts on reproductive processes; however, whether melatonin can protect against bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) chemotherapy regimen-induced testicular toxicity, remains obscure. The present study aimed to explore the effect of melatonin on BEP-evoked testicular injury in rats. Adult male Wistar rats (n = 10/group) were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with one cycle of 21 days of 0.33 therapeutically relevant dose levels of BEP (.5 mg/kg bleomycin, 5 mg/kg etoposide, and 1 mg/kg cisplatin) with or without melatonin. At the end of the study, sperm parameters, testosterone level, stereology of testes, testicular levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), the expression of apoptosis-associated genes such as Bcl2, Bax, Caspase-3, p53, and TNF-α (Real-time PCR and Immunohistochemistry) were evaluated. Our findings showed that melatonin restored spermatogenesis by improving sperm count, motility, viability, and morphology. Testosterone level, histopathology, and stereology of testes were significantly improved in melatonin-administrated groups. Furthermore, melatonin recovered the oxidative status of the testes through elevating TAC and ameliorating MDA and NO levels. More importantly, melatonin therapy suppressed BEP-evoked apoptosis by modulating Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3, p53, and TNF-α expression in testes. In conclusion, melatonin protects the testes against BEP-induced testicular damage by attenuating nitro-oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation, which provides evidence for melatonin as a possible clinical therapy against BEP-associated gonadotoxicity and male sub/infertility.

Efficacy of the in vitro splitting of human preimplantation embryos from ART programs

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of in vitro embryo splitting (IES) procedures. We also assessed the quality of the blastocysts developed from embryos obtained from different sources. Materials and methods: Good quality embryos at 6­8-cell stages were categorized according to their fertilization sources: 1) frozenwarmed donated embryos, 2) chromosomally abnormal embryos, 3) parthenogenetic embryos, and 4) embryos derived from fertilization of in vitro matured oocytes (rescue IVM). After IES, splitting and developmental efficiency was assessed. Furthermre, the quality of the developed blastocysts was evaluated by Hoechst and propidium iodide (PI) staining. Results: The data showed a high rate of both splitting and developmental efficiency in the frozen-warmed embryos after IES (140% and 71.7%, respectively), followed by chromosomally abnormal embryos (96.8% and 52.5%, respectively). Results of the Hoechst and PI staining showed that the mean ± SD cell numbers of the control group were higher (113.11 ± 16.01) than that of twins A (donor blastomeres embryos, 58 ± 12.2) and B (recipient blastomeres embryos, 50.4 ± 8.5), respectively. Conclusion: Chromosomally normal embryos enrolled in IES are more potent to develop into viable blastocysts. For research purposes, 1PN and 3PN embryos are the best options for splitting procedures, regardless of the poor quality of developed blastocysts.

Ceratonia siliqua (Carob) extract improved in vitro development of vitrified-warmed mouse germinal vesicle oocytes: assessment of possible mechanism.

Oocyte banking is a vital step for safekeeping and spreading genetic resources of animals. It is also used for fertility preservation of human. Oocyte vitrification is closely related to the lower developmental competence which includes the cryo-injury arisen during vitrification. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the maturation, embryonic development and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) of mice oocytes following the supplementation vitrification media with different concentrations of Ceratonia siliqua (carob) extracts. In this experimental study, germinal vesicle oocytes collected from 8 to 10 week-old female NMRI mice (30-40 gr) were randomly divided into six groups of vitrification media supplemented with 0 (control), 5, 10, 20, 30 and 50 µg/ml C. siliqua. After thawing, oocytes were put in an in vitro maturation medium (IVM) (α-MEM: Alpha Minimum Essential Medium). 3-4 and 24 h (hr) later, the oocyte nuclear maturity was checked. Standard in vitro fertilization was performed on the matured oocytes (MII), and embryonic development was followed. Extra- and intra-cellular ROS was measured in IVM medium after 24 h of oocyte incubation. The addition of 20 and 30 µg/ml C. siliqua extract to vitrification media improved normal morphology of warmed germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes, rate of germinal vesicle break down (GVBD), and metaphase 2 (MII) oocyte formation significantly (p < 0.05). Fertilization rate, (embryonic development to 2 cells stage, 4-8 cells stage, and > 8 cells stage increased in the 30 µg/ml C. siliqua group significantly (p < 0.05). Furthermore, supplementation of 30 µg/ml C. siliqua in vitrification media significantly decreased extra- and intra-cellular of ROS as well as embryonic fragmentation (p < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of GV oocyte vitrification media with carob extract improved maturation, fertilization, and embryonic development rate and decreased extra- and intra-cellular ROS levels.

Does Tribulus terrestris improve toxic effect of Malathion on male reproductive parameters?

BACKGROUND: Tribulus terrestris has antioxidant and free-radical-scavenging properties. Malathion is the most common organophosphate, which is capable to produce free radicals and induce disturbance on some of male reproductive parameters. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of T. terrestris extract against damage induced by Malathion to the reproductive parameter of male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, 48 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to eight groups: first group, sham group (normal saline); second group, Malathion (250 mg/kg) group; third to fifth groups, T. terrestris groups (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg body weight, respectively); and sixth to eight groups, Malathion + T. terrestris groups (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg). Tribulus terrestris extract (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg body weight, respectively) administrated orally, and daily for 8 weeks. The sperm parameters, testis malondialdehyde (MDA), serum total antioxidant capacity, serum testosterone level, and the height of germinal layer were evaluated and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: All the values of male reproductive parameters reduced significantly in the Malathion group as compared to the sham group (P < 0.01) except MDA level, which increased significantly. The T. terrestris and T. terrestris + Malathion treatments in all doses increased the whole parameters significantly as compared to the Malathion group (P < 0.01) except MDA level, which decreased significantly. No significant changes were observed in all T. terrestris groups as compared to the sham group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Tribulus terrestris extract administration attenuates the toxic effects of Malathion on some of the male reproductive parameters.

Thymus vulgaris Attenuates Myleran-induced Reproductive Damage by Decreasing Oxidative Stress and Lipid Peroxidation in Male Rats.

CONTEXT: Thymus vulgaris is an herbal with potent antioxidant and it has been shown to have beneficial effects during short-term administration. Myleran (MYL) is used for treatment of certain types of tumors. MYL produces free radicals and induces disturbance in sperm parameters. AIMS: This study is designed to assess the effects of T. vulgaris against damage to the male rats' reproductive features induced by MYL. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sixty-four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into eight groups: control group; MYL (10 mg/kg) group; T. vulgaris groups (4.5, 9, and 18 mg/kg); and MYL (10 mg/kg) + T. vulgaris groups (4.5, 9, and 18 mg/kg; separately). Treatments were administered daily intraperitoneal injection for 60 days. Total antioxidant capacity, sperm factors, malondialdehyde (MDA), testosterone, and germinal layer height were analyzed. RESULTS: Whole variables of MYL group decreased signifcantly compared to the control group (P < 0.05) except MDA level (which increased). The T. vulgaris and T. vulgaris + MYL treatments in all doses increased all parameters significantly except MDA level (which decreased) compared to the MYL group (P < 0.05). No significant modifications were observed in all T. vulgaris groups compared to the control group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: T. vulgaris reduces the poisonous properties of MYL on male reproductive factors.

Retraction Note to: The protective effect of Pentoxifylline on testopathy in male rats following Dimethyl Nitrosamine administration: An experimental study.

[This retracts the article on p. 738 in vol. 17.].

The Determination of Estradiol to Cumulus Oocyte Complex (COC) Number Ratio: Does it Predict the Outcomes of ART Cycles?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of total serum E2 on the day of human chronic gonadotropin (hCG) administration and the serum E2 per oocyte ratio on the outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles. METHODS: A total of 205 women were categorized into 3 groups according to the serum E2 levels: 1: ≤1500 pg/ml; 2: 1500-3000 pg/ml; 3: >3000 pg/ml. Another categorization included 3 groups according to E2/oocyte ratio: A: ≤150 pg/ml per oocyte; B: 150-200 pg/ml per oocyte; and C: >200 pg/ml per oocyte. The outcome compared between groups included laboratory and clinical characteristics. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis, and multiple logistic regression model were performed, and appropriate differences were considered significant at p<0.05. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the groups based on the E2 levels with respect to laboratory parameters. In group C, the rates of chemical pregnancy (54.1%), clinical pregnancy (50%) and live birth (45.8%) were significantly higher, when compared to other groups. Moreover, according to E2/oocyte ratio, the rate of live birth was higher in group C compared with group A (18.3%, p=0.04), and group C (29.7%, p<0.0001). Logistic regression showed the number of good quality embryos was a positive predictor for live birth (odds ratio=2.03, 95% CI=1-4.1), but the level of E2 on day of HCG was a negative predictor (odds ratio=0.99, 95% CI=0.99-1). CONCLUSION: Supraphysiological levels of E2 had no adverse effects on the quality of the embryos in IVF cycles, but may have adverse effect on live birth in fresh transfer. Also, it is confirmed that both the pregnancy and live birth rates were elevated with E2/oocyte ratio ≥200 pg/ml.

The protective effect of Pentoxifylline on testopathy in male rats following Dimethyl Nitrosamine administration: An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Nitrosamines as a carcinogenic agent has unfavorable effects on some of the male reproductive parameters. Pentoxifylline (PX) is a xanthine derivative used as a drug inhibiting the inflammatory factors, reducing blood viscosity, improving peripheral blood flow, and so on. Objective: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of PX against Dimethyl nitrosamine (DMN)-inducing the damage to the reproductive parameter of male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, 48 male Wistar rats (8 wk, 220-250 gr) were randomly assigned to eight groups (n = 6/each): normal control and DMN control groups (40 mg/kg); PX groups (25, 50, 100 mg/kg), and DMN + PX groups (25, 50, 100 mg/kg). Treatments were administered intraperitoneally and the gavage applied daily for 28 days. The sperm parameters, spermatogenesis index, total antioxidant capacity, testosterone level, and seminiferous tube diameter were assessed. RESULTS: The values of all parameters reduced significantly in the DMN control group compared to the normal control group (p < 0.001). The PX and PX + DMN treatments at all entirely doses improved all parameters significantly compared to the DMN control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: DMN caused detrimental effects on reproductive parameters. Also, no significant modifications were observed in PX treatments at all doses compared to the normal control group. PX compensated the toxic effect of DMN on reproductive parameters.

Does Overnight Culture of Cleaved Embryos Improve Pregnancy Rate in Vitrified-Warmed Embryo Transfer Programme?

BACKGROUND: Vitrification is a routine procedure in assisted reproductive technique (ART) lab. However, there is widespread variability between protocols of different centres. The aim of this study was to compare the chemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy and live birth rates between one-day embryo culture and immediate transfer for frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles. METHODS: In this cohort retrospective study, 366 FET cycles were divided into two groups: Group A, the embryos were warmed one day before transfer, and were cultured overnight; Group B, the embryos were warmed on the same day of transfer, at least were cultured 1 h before embryo transfer (ET). Chemical and clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were compared between two groups. RESULTS: The chemical pregnancy was higher in group A than B (37.9% versus 28.9%), but this difference was not significant (P = 0.07). Clinical pregnancy (30.8% versus 24.1%) and live birth (19.8% versus 22.05%) were similar in group A and B, (P = 0.15), and (P = 0.8). Conclusion: In conclusion, overnight culture and confirmation of mitosis resumption was not essential for FET cycles in vitrification method.

Does supplementation of sperm freezing/thawing media with Ceratonia siliqua improve detrimental effect of cryopreservation on sperm parameters and chromatin quality in normozoospermic specimens?

Human sperm banking is an important procedure in the assisted reproductive technique centers. It entails sperm damage. The aim of this study was to investigate beneficial effect of Ceratonia siliqua (C. siliqua) supplement in freezing/thawing media on post thaw sperm parameters and sperm chromatin quality in normozoospermic samples. Forty normozoospermic specimens were included in this prospective study. Each sample was divided into ten groups. In groups one to five, 0 (as control group) 5, 10, 20 and 30 µg/ml C. siliqua were added to freezing medium and in groups six to ten, similar concentration of C. siliqua were added to thawing medium for 30 min incubation. Sperm concentration, progressive motility, normal morphology, viability, aniline blue (AB), toluidine blue (TB) and sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) staining tests were evaluated before vitrification and after thawing. The results showed that 10 and 20 µg/ml supplementation of C. siliqua in freezing/thawing media significantly increased progressive motility, normal morphology and viability of sperm (p < 0.05) as well as decreased AB, TB and SCD (p < 0.05). Also, 20 µg/ml had significantly higher improvement compared to 10 µg/ml C. siliqua (p < 0.05). The present study showed that C. siliqua supplemented freezing/thawing media can improve sperm quality of normozoospermic samples after freezing/thawing.

Is there any correlation between apoptotic genes expression in cumulus cells with embryo morphokinetics?

The aim was to assess the correlation between apoptotic genes of cumulus cells (CCs) with embryo morphokinetics as non invasive methods for embryo selection. Evaluation of cleavage activity among in vitro-fertilized embryos was dependent on determining not only expression profiles of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes in CCs surrounding ovulated oocytes but also morphokinetic parameters such as time of second PB extrusion (tPB2), pronuclei appearance (tPN), pronuclei fading (tPNf), formation of two to eight cells (t2-t8) and cleavage pattern [uneven at two cells stage, cell fusion (Fu) and trichomonas mitoses (TM)]. A total of 269 embryos from 90 intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles were assessed. The data showed that t2 was associated with CCs expression of Bax, Caspase3 Bcl2 and bax/bcl2 (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, p = 0.04, p = 0.00, respectively). Uneven blastomeres embryo associated with Bax and Caspase3 (p = 0.007, p = 0.000 respectively) as well as Fu and TM embryo significantly correlated to CCs expression of Bax, Caspase3 Bcl2 and bax/bcl2 (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, p = 0.00, p = 0.00, respectively) (p = 0.006, p = 0.000, p = 0.009, p = 0.0340, respectively). Embryo morphokinetics and cleavage pattern associated with CCs apoptotic gene expression. It seems that embryo selection by morphokinetics assessment using TLM with conjunction in CCs gene expression can improve ART outcome.

Correlations between embryo morphokinetic development and maternal age: Results from an intracytoplasmic sperm injection program.

OBJECTIVE: It is widely accepted that aging decreases women's fertility capacity. The aim of this study was to assess correlations between maternal age and the morphokinetic parameters and cleavage pattern of embryos. METHODS: The morphokinetics of embryos derived from women <30, 30-35, 36-40, and >40 years of age were compared retrospectively in terms of time of second polar body extrusion, time of pronuclei appearance, time of pronuclei fading, and time of two to eight discrete cells (t2-t8). Furthermore, abnormal cleavage patterns such as uneven blastomeres at the two-cell stage, cell fusion (Fu), and trichotomous mitoses (TM) were assessed. RESULTS: Only t5 occurred later in women aged 36-40 and >40 years when compared with those aged <30 and 30-35 years (p<0.001). Other morphokinetic timing parameters, as well the presence of uneven blastomeres, were comparable between the groups (p>0.05). However, Fu and TM were more common in women aged >40 years than in younger women (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Maternal age was correlated with the cleavage pattern of embryos. Therefore, evaluating embryo morphokinetics may contribute to optimal embryo selection, thereby increasing fertility in patients with advanced maternal age.

IMSI procedure improves clinical outcomes and embryo morphokinetics in patients with different aetiologies of male infertility.

Our objective was to evaluate the effect of IMSI on embryo kinetics and clinical outcomes in patients with different aetiologies of male infertility. A total of 150 couples with different aetiologies of male infertility were randomly divided into ICSI and IMSI treatment groups (n = 75). ICSI was done accordingly. For IMSI group, the sperm selection was done using MSOME criteria and then injected. The zygotes were cultured in time-lapse monitoring system (TLM) for 3 days. A total of 650 embryos were developed and assessed using TLM in two groups. Data showed the rate of fragmentation had significant correlation with different aetiologies (p = 0.01), and the timing of s1, t4, s2 and t5 occurred significantly later in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) patients compared with others (p < 0.05). In IMSI group, there were no differences in the TLM parameters among different aetiologies (p > 0.05). The rates of chemical pregnancy and implantation (37.8% and 38.2% respectively) were insignificantly higher in OAT patients compare to others (p > 0.05). Also, the clinical pregnancy and live birth rates (32% and 32% respectively) were insignificantly higher in teratozoospermia (T) cases. Sperm selection with MSOME parameters and IMSI can improve the embryo morphokinetics and clinical outcomes in couples with male factor infertility, especially for OAT and T patients.

Morphometric analysis of human oocytes using time lapse: does it predict embryo developmental outcomes?

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the relationship between morphometric parameters of metaphase II (MII) oocytes and the morphokinetic behaviour of subsequent embryos derived by intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The association between oocyte morphometry: (whole oocyte), ooplasm, width of zona pellucida (ZP) and perivitelline space (PVS) and first polar body (PB) with embryo morphokinetic variables, including time of second PB extrusion (tPB2), pronuclei appearance (tPN), pronuclei fading (tPNf), formation of two to eight cells (t2 to t8) and irregular cleavage events [uneven at two cells stage, cell fusion (Fu) and trichomonas mitoses (TM)] were assessed. tPB2, t5 and t8 timings were related to the ooplasm diameter (p = 0.003, r = -0.12; p = 0.001, r = -0.16; p < 0.001 r = -0.36, respectively); otherwise, there were no significant relationships apart from an association between the oocyte morphometry and other morphokinetic parameters, irregular cleavage embryos as well as embryo arrest which approached significance (p > 0.05). Overall, the data showed that morphometric parameters of oocytes did not provide a tool for the prediction of embryo morphokinetic or embryo selection in ICSI cycles. However, ooplasm diameter might be useful as a marker for predicting the timing of embryo cleavage.

Does rescue in vitro maturation of germinal vesicle stage oocytes impair embryo morphokinetics development?

SummaryCurrently, rescue in vitro maturation (IVM) is not a routine method in assisted reproductive treatment (ART) programmes but is a promising procedure for ART to improve IVM. The aim of this study was to compare embryo morphokinetics of germinal vesicles (GV) with metaphase II (MII) oocytes from controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) cycles by time-lapse photography monitoring (TLM). Morphokinetics of the same number of embryos derived from the in vivo (group I) and rescue of in vitro matured oocytes (group II) from 310 patients were analyzed and compared retrospectively. The time to form second PB extrusion (tPB2), time of pronuclei appearance (tPNa), time of pronuclei fading (tPNf) and time of two to eight discrete cells (t2-t8) were assessed. Abnormal cleavage patterns such as uneven blastomeres at the two-cell stage, cell fusion (Fu), trichotomous mitoses (TM), and the rates of embryo arrest were assessed. These data showed that tPB2, tPNa, tPNf, t2, t3 and t4 stages took place later in group II compared with group I (P<0.001, P=0.017, P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001, respectively). The rates of uneven blastomeres, Fu, TM, and embryo arrest were increased significantly in group II compared with group I (P=0.001, P<0.001, P=0.003, P<0.001, respectively). Based on the exact annotation of timing parameters and cleavage patterns, the present data agreed with the concept that rescue IVM of oocytes negatively influences embryo morphokinetics. Therefore, cautious use of embryos derived from rescue IVM of GV oocytes should be made.