Allograft of ovarian cortex between two genetically non-identical sisters: case report.
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Aggressive chemotherapy and radiotherapy generally result in the loss of both endocrine and reproductive functions. In 1990, a woman aged 20 years, presenting with beta-thalassemia major, underwent chemotherapy (busulfan and cyclophosphamide) and total body irradiation (TBI) before bone marrow transplantation (BMT), the donor being her 17-year-old HLA-compatible sister. The treatment resulted in premature ovarian failure. In 2006, after excision of ovarian cortical fragments from the HLA-compatible sister, these fragments were immediately sutured to the ovarian medulla of the patient. Both procedures were performed by laparoscopy. Six months after reimplantation, vaginal ultrasonography and hormone concentrations indicated recovery of ovarian secretion and function. From 6 to 11 months, the patient experienced menstrual bleeding and the development of a follicle concomitant with high estradiol levels. Eleven months after reimplantation, two follicles were detected and punctured under vaginal ultrasonographic control. Two mature oocytes were retrieved and inseminated by ICSI. Two embryos (2- and 3-cell) were obtained. Allotransplantation of fresh ovarian tissue was laparoscopically performed between two genetically non-identical sisters. Restoration of ovarian function was achieved after six months. Oocyte retrieval and embryo development were demonstrated. (+info)
Association between human oocyte developmental competence and expression levels of some cumulus genes.
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At present, oocyte selection is mainly based upon morphological criteria but it is generally acknowledged that its reliability requires further improvement. The aim of this study was to determine whether transcript levels in cumulus cells can provide a useful marker of oocyte developmental competence in vitro. A retrospective study was performed on cumulus cells isolated from 90 oocytes retrieved from 45 patients. Upon fertilization, 35 oocytes originated good-quality embryos and 36 developed into poor-quality embryos, whereas 19 failed to be fertilized. Semi-quantitative measurement of hyaluronic acid synthase 2 (HAS2), gremlin1 (GREM1), and pentraxin 3 (PTX3) mRNAs was performed and data for all genes were obtained from all the samples. Cumulus cells isolated from oocytes that originated high-quality embryos on day 3 of culture had HAS2 and GREM1 transcript levels higher than those detected in cells from oocytes that did not fertilize or developed into poor-quality embryos. No differences were observed in PTX3 levels. Results indicate that the measurement of HAS2 and GREM1 levels in cumulus cells would reliably complement the morphological evaluation providing a useful tool for selecting oocytes with greater chances to be fertilized and develop in vitro. (+info)
Estimating the success of an in vitro fertilization programme using multiple imputation.
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BACKGROUND: The outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) has been widely investigated over the last 30 years, but evaluation was mostly based on pregnancy rate per oocyte retrieval. Our objective was to estimate the cumulative live birth rate after four IVF aspirations, using multiple imputation that takes into account treatment interruptions. METHODS: We analysed data from 3037 couples beginning IVF treatment between 1998 and 2002 in two French IVF units. Multiple imputations were used at each aspiration to impute the IVF outcome (delivery or not) for couples who interrupted treatment. The global success rate after four aspirations was then computed. RESULTS: At the first aspiration, 21% of couples obtained a live birth and 24% discontinued treatment. The multiple imputation method provided an estimated cumulative live birth rate at each aspiration as if no couple discontinued treatment: 35% at the second aspiration and 41% at the third. The cumulative success rate after four aspirations was estimated at 46% (95% CI: 44-48%). CONCLUSIONS: Multiple imputation is a promising method for estimating the cumulative success rate of IVF. It could provide new insight on IVF evaluation and should be tested in further studies. (+info)
Investigation of MYST4 histone acetyltransferase and its involvement in mammalian gametogenesis.
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BACKGROUND: Various histone acetylases (HATs) play a critical role in the regulation of gene expression, but the precise functions of many of those HATs are still unknown. Here we provide evidence that MYST4, a known HAT, may be involved in early mammalian gametogenesis. RESULTS: Although MYST4 mRNA transcripts are ubiquitous, protein expression was restricted to select extracts (including ovary and testis). Immunohistochemistry experiments performed on ovary sections revealed that the MYST4 protein is confined to oocytes, granulosa and theca cells, as well as to cells composing the blood vessels. The transcripts for MYST4 and all-MYST4-isoforms were present in oocytes and in in vitro produced embryos. In oocytes and embryos the MYST4 protein was localized in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. Within testis sections, the MYST4 protein was specific to only one cell type, the elongating spermatids, where it was exclusively nuclear. CONCLUSION: We established that MYST4 is localized into specialized cells of the ovary and testis. Because the majority of these cells are involved in male and female gametogenesis, MYST4 may contribute to important and specific acetylation events occurring during gametes and embryo development. (+info)
Serum anti-Mullerian hormone and estradiol levels as predictors of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in assisted reproduction technology cycles.
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BACKGROUND: Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is reported to be a reliable marker of the ovarian response to controlled ovarian stimulation (COS). The objective of this study is to determine whether the serum AMH level can predict ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) prior to selection of COS protocols. METHODS: A cohort of 262 IVF cycles was investigated prospectively, in order to evaluate the predictive value for OHSS by means of certain risk factors, including age, body mass index (BMI), serum estradiol (E2) level, number of retrieved oocytes and basal serum AMH level. RESULTS: The basal serum AMH level predicted OHSS better than age and BMI with a sensitivity of 90.5% and specificity of 81.3%. Both the basal serum AMH level (odds ratio: 1.7856, P = 0.0003) and serum E2 level on the day of HCG administration (odds ratio: 1.0005, P = 0.0455) proved to be significant predictors of OHSS by logistic regression analysis. However, age (odds ratio: 0.9346, P = 0.049) was the only significant factor for prediction of clinical pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: The basal serum AMH level could be utilized effectively to predict OHSS and thus to direct the selection of mild COS protocols. (+info)
Luteal start of exogenous FSH in poor responder women.
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PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of using recFSH commenced in the luteal phase with a long GnRH agonist protocol or in the early follicular phase with a short GnRH agonist protocol, in infertile women designated as poor responders undergoing treatment with assisted reproduction in a prospective, randomized, controlled study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two couples undergoing an ICSI cycle of whom female partner diagnosed as poor responder were included in the study. Recombinant FSH was given daily from day 21 of the previous cycle upon initiation of GnRH agonist in the study group. Control group was given FSH on day 2 in a short protocol GnRH agonist regimen. The number of metaphase 2 oocytes was analysed as the main outcome measure; pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy rate were secondary outcome measures. RESULTS: Patients in the study group had significantly higher number of metaphase 2 oocytes. Although not statistically significantly patients in the study group had higher pregnancy/clinical pregnancy rates, as well. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study shows that luteal start of recFSH simultaneously with long protocol GnRH agonist in poor responder women produced better results comparing to short protocol GnRH agonist plus high dose FSH regimen. (+info)
Heterologous expression of C. elegans ion channels in Xenopus oocytes.
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Physiological methods entered the world of C. elegans, a model system used for many years to study development and a plethora of biological processes mainly employing genetic, molecular and anatomical techniques. One of the methods introduced by physiologists is the use of Xenopus oocytes for expression of C. elegans ion channels. Oocytes of the South African frog Xenopus laevis are used widely for the expression of mammalian channels and transporters contributing to numerous discoveries in these fields. They now promise to aid C. elegans researchers in deciphering mechanisms of channels function and regulation with implications for mammalian patho-physiology. Heterologous cRNA can be easily injected into Xenopus oocytes and translated proteins can be studied using several techniques including electrophysiology, immunocytochemistry and protein biochemistry. This chapter will focus on techniques used for oocyte preparation and injection, and will give a brief overview of specific methods. Limitations of the use of Xenopus oocytes will be also discussed. (+info)
Clinical pregnancies and livebirths achieved by intracytoplasmic injection of round headed acrosomeless spermatozoa with and without oocyte activation in familial globozoospermia: case report.
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We report the successful outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment in two siblings with familial globozoospermia. After controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and oocyte pick-up, retrieved oocytes were mechanically activated before ICSI and a fertilization rate of 33.3% was achieved in the first case. The second couple underwent ICSI without oocyte activation and a 9.1% fertilization rate was obtained. The transfer of two grade I embryos in the first couple and one grade I embryo in the second couple resulted in clinical pregnancies with healthy livebirths. It was concluded that the main problem of cases with globozoospermia is a low fertilization rate, and even though ICSI and oocyte activation can increase this rate it is not necessarily needed to achieve a pregnancy. (+info)