Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics (J ASSIST REPROD GEN)

Publications in this journal

• Article: Opinion

  Ulun Ulug, Izhar Ben-Shlomo, Mustafa Bahceci
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: KeywordsLive birth-Success-ART
  Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 04/2012; 27(12):691-693.
• Article: Insights on blastomere nuclearity

  Mónica Gil, Gustavo D’Ommar, Maria E. Póo, Anna Sosa, Marta Piras, Romano Piras, Francisco Rísquez
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Purpose: To analyze the results of our transferred embryos, especially those that “changed” their blastomere nuclearity from Multinucleated (MN) to Mono-nucleated during development. Methods: Pregnancies where at least one MN embryo was transferred were retrospectively evaluated and categorized in order to record and follow-up on the ones that were implanted. Embryos were classified as normal (when all blastomeres were mono-nucleated on day one and two of development), corrected (multinucleated embryos on day one that became mono-nucleated on day two) and non-corrected (multinucleated either on day one, on day two or both days). Results: There were 633 transfer cycles analyzed. Thirty-three percent (206) had at least one embryo with a MN blastomere at a given stage of development. Pregnancy and implantation rates were 29.0% and 19.0% for the group of exclusively mono-nucleated embryo transfers, and 28.6% and 15.8% for the group with at least one MN embryo transferred. The pregnancy outcome for “corrected” and “non-corrected” embryos could be corroborated unequivocally in only 9 cases, with an outcome of 8 and 4 normal babies, respectively. Conclusions: Because the amount of data analyzed is not satisfactorily large, differences were not significantly different; however, a trend may exist showing that normal at term pregnancies obtained from corrected embryos are more likely to occur than those from non-corrected embryos. Nuclear observation on a daily basis should be one of the strategies used to select the best embryos for transferring, to improve implantation rates and avoid multiple pregnancies.
  Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 04/2012; 24(1):17-22.
• Article: NAPLES, ITALY

  Martin Wilding, Michael Singer, Peter Fehr, Felix Haeberlin, Felix Roth, Remo Lachat, Loredana Di Matteo, Clemente Capobianco, Brian Dale
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Purpose : To assess the clinical and biological effect of the preincubation of oocytes in follicular fluid prior to IVF and ICSI cycles. Methods : A series of patients were treated by the preincubation of oocytes in the patients’ follicular fluid for 3h after oocyte retrieval followed by processing with standard protocols. Control oocytes were preincubated in normal IVF culture medium. Fluorescence techniques were used to examine oocyte mitochondrial membrane potential. Results : Fertilisation, pregnancy, and implantation rates were all significantly improved after the preincubation of oocytes in follicular fluid. Further tests suggested that differences in pH between follicular fluid and artificial culture medium may be critical to these differences. Conclusions : Preincubation of human oocytes in follicular fluid improves the results after IVF. This may be partly due to the use of a non-“physiological” pH in artificial culture media during in vitro fertilisation procedures.
  Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 04/2012; 23(3):129-136.
• Article: PALMERSTON NORTH, NEW ZEALAND The effects of IVF aspiration on the temperature, dissolved oxygen levels, and pH of follicular fluid

  Gabe P. Redding, John E. Bronlund, Alan L. Hart
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Purpose : To investigate the effects of IVF aspiration on the temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen of bovine follicular fluid. Methods : The temperature was monitored at various positions in an aspiration kit. Dissolved oxygen and pH were measured before and after aspiration. Results : The temperature of follicular fluid dropped by 7.7 ± 1.3°C upon aspiration. Dissolved oxygen levels rose by 5 ± 2vol.%. The pH increased by 0.04 ± 0.01. Conclusions : The temperature change was attributed mainly to evaporation of fluid in the collection tube. Changes in dissolved oxygen levels and pH were due to contact with air. Standard vacuum-based aspiration may induce changes in follicular fluid, which could be detrimental to oocyte health and affect attempts to correlate chemical characteristics with oocyte quality.
  Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 04/2012; 23(1):37-40.
• Article: Improvement of in vitro oocyte maturation with lectin supplementation and expression analysis of Cx43, GDF-9, FGF-4 and Fibronectin mRNA transcripts in Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

  Alok Pandey, Neelam Gupta, S.C. Gupta
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: PurposeTo optimize In vitro maturation (IVM) of quality oocytes for embryo production through IVF and SCNT. MethodsBuffalo oocytes were in vitro matured in the presence of the pokeweed lectin (Phytolacca americana), a potent lymphocyte mitogen. Lectin was supplemented in TCM + 10% FBS at the doses of 0, 1, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 40 μg/ml and cumulus expansion and gene expression patterns were characterized. ResultsThe degree of cumulus expansion in different lectin treatment levels improved from 1.1 at 1 Ag/ml level to 3.60 at 10 μg/ml level and then decreased in higher concentration 20 μg/ml (1.66) and 40 μg/ml (0.64). IVF embryos showed highest cleavage rate (88.8%) in 10 μg/ml lectin treatment. Expression of all mRNA transcript studied (Cx43, GDF 9, FGF-4 and Fibronectin) was positively correlated with cumulus expansion and polar body extrusion. ConclusionsMitogenic lectin supplemented maturation media improves oocyte quality for in vitro embryo production.
  Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 04/2012; 26(6):365-371.
• Article: Improvement in strategies for the non-invasive prenatal diagnosis of Huntington disease

  M. Cristina González-González, Maria Garcia-Hoyos, M. Jose Trujillo-Tiebas, A. Bustamante Aragonés, M. Rodriguez de Alba, D. Diego Alvarez, Joaquín Diaz-Recasens, Carmen Ayuso, Carmen Ramos
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: PurposeWe focused on the improvements of prenatal diagnosis by the analysis of DNA from maternal plasma, using Huntington disease as a model of disease. MethodsWe studied plasma from a pregnancy at risk of having a fetus affected with Huntington disease by the use of two direct analysis of the mutation and polymorphic STRs. ResultsDirect methods were not informative. Analysis with STRs revealed the presence of the allele that does not co-segregate with the disease, thus the fetus was healthy. ConclusionsThis strategy is very useful to face complex cases when the direct study is not informative not only for Huntington disease but also for many other disorders.
  Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 04/2012; 25(9):477-481.
• Article: Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF) may improve embryonic development and implantation by increasing vitronectin receptor (integrin ανβ3) expression in peri-implantation mouse embryos

  Jung Jin Lim, Dong Ryul Lee, Haeng-Seok Song, Kye-Seong Kim, Tae Ki Yoon, Myung Chan Gye, Moon Kyoo Kim
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Purpose: This study investigated the effects of HB-EGF on expression of integrin anb3\alpha\nu\beta\hbox{{\it 3}} and implantation of embryos. Methods: Two-cell embryos were recovered and cultured with or without 10ng/mL HB-EGF for 96h. Expression of integrin anb3\alpha\nu\beta\hbox{{\it 3}} in cultured embryos was examined by real time-RT-PCR and immunofluorescence analysis; embryos were cultured with or without HB-EGF, then transferred into the uteri of pseudo-pregnant female mice in order to analyze their implantation rate. Results: HB-EGF improved embryonic hatching and outgrowth during extended culture, and up-regulated expression of integrin anb3\alpha\nu\beta\hbox{{\it 3}} in both the preimplantation embryo and outgrowing blastocyst. Also, integrin anb3\alpha\nu\beta\hbox{{\it 3}} subunits were localized at the pericellular borders and cell–cell contact areas. The number of successful implantation sites of transferred HB-EGF-treated embryos in the uterus was increased when compared to number of implantation sites with non-treated controls. Conclusions: HB-EGF may improve implantation by accelerating expression of integrin anb3\alpha\nu\beta\hbox{{\it 3}} in peri-implantation mouse embryos.
  Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 04/2012; 23(3):111-119.
• Article: Spitzer D, Schuff M, Zintz M, Murtinger M, Stecher A, Vanderzwalmen P, Zech M, Wirleitner B, Zech NH. Possible deleterious impact of putative gastrointestinal infections in the time period of oocyte recruitment on fertilization after IMSI: Two case report

  Spitzer D, Schuff M, Zintz M, Murtinger M, Stecher A, Vanderzwalmen P, Zech M, Wirleitner B, Zech NH
  Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 03/2012;
• Article: Kim, S.S. et al., 2012. Recommendations for fertility preservation in patients with lymphoma, leukemia, and breast cancer. Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics, 29(6), pp.465–8. Available at: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=3370045&tool=pmcentrez&rendertype=abstract [Accessed June 24, 2012].

  kim ss, wallace wh
  Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 01/2012;
• Article: Derivation of buffalo embryonic stem cell like cells from in vitro produced blastocysts on homologous and heterologous feeder cells.

  D. Kumar, T. Anand, KP Singh, MK Singh, RA Shah, MS Chauhan, P. Palta, SK Singla, RS Manik
  Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 01/2011; 28:679-88.
• Article: Is there an ideal stimulation regimen for IVF for poor responders and does it change with age?

  Beverley Vollenhoven, Tiki Osianlis, James Catt
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: To determine whether there is a superior treatment modality for 'poor' responders. Retrospective analysis of three stimulation regimens, with patients stratified based on age, stimulation regime and response in previous cycles ("poor' responder or "non poor" responder). Fertilisation, embryo utilisation and clinical pregnancy rates were assessed. There were a total of 1,608 cycles in the 'poor' responder and 8,489 cycles in the 'non poor' responder groups. In 'poor' responders there was no significant difference in fertilisation rate, nor utilisation rate between the three stimulation regimes and no differences in the pregnancy rate/initiated cycle irrespective of age and stimulation regimen in any of the groups. 'Non poor' responders had a significantly greater pregnancy rate/initiated cycle for all stimulation regimens in both age groups compared with 'poor' responders. This large retrospective study of 'poor' responders has not shown a difference in pregnancy rates/initiated cycle between stimulation regimens.
  Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 12/2008; 25(11-12):523-9.
• Article: Molecular analysis of the beta-catenin gene in patients with the Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome.

  Juliana B Drummond, Camila F Rezende, Fabio C Peixoto, Joana S Carvalho, Fernando M Reis, Luiz De Marco
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: To study the beta-catenin gene in a group of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser patients. Twelve patients with the Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome were included in this study. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and the region codifying beta-catenin GSK-3beta phosphorylation sites on exon 3 was amplified. PCR products were purified and directly sequenced. No mutations were found in the GSK-3beta phosphorylation sites on exon 3 of beta-catenin gene in this group of patients with the MRKH syndrome. beta-catenin gene mutations are an unlikely cause of the MRKH syndrome.
  Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 12/2008; 25(11-12):511-4.
• Article: Clinical outcome of frozen blastocyst transfer; single vs. double transfer.

  Atsushi Yanaihara, Takeshi Yorimitsu, Hiroshi Motoyama, Motohiro Ohara, Toshihiro Kawamura
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Frozen embryo transfer has been established as an indispensable ART procedure for both the effective use of surplus embryos and the prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The frequency of frozen embryo transfer is increasing in our clinic, and we report that frozen embryo transfer is effective for patients with repeat failures. We present our clinical outcome of frozen blastocyst transfer (FBT). In 2006, 470 patients received FBT (562 cycles (IVF: 354 cycles; ICSI: 208 cycles)). One frozen blastocyst was transferred in 412 cycles (335 patients) and two blastocysts were transferred in 150 cycles (135 patients). Assisted hatching was performed in all cases. In 412 cycles (average age: 34.6 years) who received a single FBT, the rate of clinical pregnancy per cycle was 40.7%, the live birth rate was 29.1%, the abortion rate was 21.6%, the ectopic pregnancy rate was 1.2%, the frequency of monochorionic twins was 2.3%, and the cesarean section rate was 38.3%. In 150 cycles (average patient age 34.8 years) who received two FBTs, the clinical pregnancy rate was 46%, the live birth rate was 35.3%, the abortion rate was 16.3%, the ectopic pregnancy rate was 4.4%, the frequency of twins was 15.9% and the cesarean section rate was 39.6%. A significant difference in the ectopic pregnancy rate and the twinning rate was found between single transfers and double transfers (P < 0.05). When IVF and ICSI were compared, there was no statistically significant difference in the abortion rate, the ectopic pregnancy rate, and the cesarean section rate. The clinical pregnancy rate was similar for the transfer of one and two blastocysts. Single FBT decreases obstetrical risk without reducing the pregnancy rate.
  Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 12/2008; 25(11-12):531-4.
• Article: Genetic characterization of two 46,XX males without gonadal ambiguities.

  Agata Minor, Fawziah Mohammed, Alla Farouk, Chiho Hatakeyama, Karynn Johnson, Victor Chow, Sai Ma
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: To evaluate hypotheses which explain phenotypic variability in sex determining region Y positive 46,XX males. We investigate two 46,XX males without gonadal ambiguities. Cytogenetic and molecular analyses were used to identify the presence of Y chromosome material and to map the translocation breakpoint. Finally, the pattern of X chromosome inactivation was studied using the methylation assay at the androgen receptor locus. The presence of Y chromosome material, including the sex determining region Y gene, was demonstrated in both men. However, the amount of translocated Y chromosome material differed between the patients. Different X chromosome inactivation patterns were found in the patients; random in one patient and non-random in the other. We found a lack of association between phenotype and X chromosome inactivation pattern. Our cytogenetic and molecular analyses show support for the position effect hypothesis explaining the phenotypic variability in XX males.
  Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 11/2008; 25(11-12):547-52.
• Article: Stimulated intrauterine insemination (SIUI) and donor insemination (DI) as first line management for a selected subfertile population: the Manchester experience.

  S Vitthala, T A Gelbaya, H Hunter, S A Roberts, L G Nardo
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: The objective of our study is to investigate the optimum number of stimulated intrauterine insemination (SIUI) or donor insemination (DI) cycles that can be offered to the couples prior to in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in a tertiary referral unit for assisted reproduction. This is a retrospective analysis of 408 SIUI and 704 DI cycles performed in a tertiary referral unit for assisted reproduction. SIUI's were performed by controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and ovulation induction followed by insemination 36 h later. DI's were performed in natural or stimulated cycles after thawing frozen donor sperm. The main outcome measured was cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) per couple. A maximum CLBR of 26.1% was achieved after the fourth cycle of SIUI. The CLBR of DI increased to 60.1% in the sixth cycle. This study, in line with a number of other studies, is unable to demonstrate unequivocally whether increasing numbers of IUI or DI cycles are justified clinically or financially. There is a need for larger datasets from multiple centres along with rigorous randomised trials to compare treatment pathways. Until then, the resources spent on the provision of extra SIUI cycles may be better utilized by early referral to IVF.
  Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 11/2008; 25(9-10):431-6.
• Article: Hyaluronan in follicular fluid and embryo implantation following in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.

  Arthur Babayan, Andreas Neuer, Stefan Dieterle, Ann Marie Bongiovanni, Steven S Witkin
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: To determine whether the concentration of hyaluronan (HA) in follicular fluid predicts implantation success following embryo transfer. Follicular fluids from 170 IVF patients were tested by ELISA for HA concentration. The mean (standard error) HA concentration in follicular fluids was 158.0 (21.9) ng/ml from women whose embryos did not implant, 220.0 (21.3) ng/ml from women in which one embryo implanted and 239.3 (40.1) ng/ml from women with 2-3 implantations (implantation vs. no implantation p = .019). The HA level was unrelated to maternal age, number of oocytes harvested or fertilized or number of embryos transferred. Follicular fluids from women with an endocrine problem had a lower mean HA level (142.0 ng/ml) as compared to women undergoing IVF due to male factor infertility (257.3 ng/ml) (P = .05). HA in follicular fluid is decreased in women with unsuccessful implantation or with an endocrine disorder. A woman's level of HA production may influence the potential for implantation of her embryos.
  Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 11/2008; 25(9-10):473-6.
• Article: Case report: two successful pregnancies following the transfer of re-vitrified human day 7 blastocysts developed from vitrified cleaved embryos.

  Kenichiro Hiraoka, Yumi Fujimoto, Yuko Tateaki, Kaori Hiraoka, Toshitaka Horiuchi, Shinichiro Okano, Masayuki Kinutani, Kazuo Kinutani
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: To report successful pregnancies after the transfer of re-vitrified human day 7 blastocysts developed from vitrified cleaved embryos. A total of five day 7 blastocysts developed from vitrified cleaved embryos were re-vitrified and re-warmed. All of five re-vitrified day 7 blastocysts (100%) survived after warming and were transferred to three patients. Two of the women became clinically pregnant. Of these women, one woman delivered a healthy baby and the other pregnancy is ongoing at 26 weeks of gestation. This is the first report of successful pregnancies after the transfer of re-vitrified human day 7 blastocysts developed from vitrified cleaved embryos.
  Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 11/2008; 25(9-10):503-9.