bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P-200 An addition of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) precursor to oocyte maturation medium improves the developmental competence of bovine oocytes after IVF
Authors: Hashimoto S , Kankanam Gamage U , Morimoto Y 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Study question
Does an increase of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) level in oocytes lead to an improvement of blastulation after IVF?

Summary answer
The addition of NAD+ precursor to the oocyte maturation medium increased NAD+ levels in the oocytes, improving the developmental competence to the blastocyst after IVF.

What is known already
With maternal ageing, the enzyme that degrades NAD+ (CD38) increases in cells and the amount of NAD+ in cells, including oocytes, decreases. The degradation of NAD+ is also increased when cells are isolated from tissues. NAD+, which is an electron carrier used by all eukaryotes, is reduced to NADH via beta-oxidation of fatty acids and the TCA cycle, enhancing ATP synthesis in the mitochondrial electron transfer system. In addition, an enzyme in the inner mitochondrial membrane donates protons from NADH to NADP+ to synthesize NADPH, which maintains the intracellular redox state.

Study design, size, duration
This study is a prospective study using bovine oocytes retrieved from ovaries obtained from a local slaughterhouse in Osaka city. A total of 2,501 bovine oocytes were used in this study.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
Bovine cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) were matured in vitro in the culture (IVM) medium supplemented with 0-100 μM nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). Matured oocytes were inseminated with the washed spermatozoa and cultured to assess the blastulation. Matured oocytes were also used to examine their NAD+, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ATP levels.

Main results and the role of chance
The addition of NMN to the IVM medium increased intracellular NAD+ levels of bovine mature oocytes at 1 µM and above. As a result, it increased intracellular ATP levels and decreased ROS levels at 10 µM and above. It also improved blastocyst formation rates after IVF at 100 µM (P &lt; 0.05; 35%) compared with control (22.2%). Moreover, the supplementation of NMN to the IVM medium decreased the percentage of apoptotic cells and intracellular ROS levels in cumulus cells surrounding oocytes.

Limitations, reasons for caution
This study was conducted in vitro using bovine oocytes. Thus, studies using human samples should be performed before clinical application.

Wider implications of the findings
By replenishing NAD+, we have found a clue to improving the IVM and IVF outcome, which has been shown to have a lower blastocyst formation rate than conventional IVF methods using in vivo matured oocytes. It may also improve the developmental potential of oocytes retrieved from older women.

Trial registration number
not applicable
P-229 Has rampant use of ICSI wiped out Conventional IVF for non male factor infertility, or can Conventional IVF hold its ground
Authors: Makwana P , Makwana S , Makwana R 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Study question
Can ICSI completely replace and produce higher implantation rates as compared to conventional IVF for non-male factor infertility patients?

Summary answer
ICSI has no advantage over Conventional IVF in improving fertilization and implantation rates in non-male factor infertility. Rampant use of ICSI is not recommended.

What is known already
ICSI is the technique of choice for male factor infertility, no argument there. But in the recent times, the unbridled use of ICSI for non male factor patients worldwide has pushed Conventional IVF out of the picture. The evidence states otherwise, ICSI holds no significant advantage over Conventional IVF in couples with normal semen parameters when it comes to fertilization and implantation rates. The mechanical damage as a result of ICSI to oocytes cannot be ignored. Conventional IVF holds a certain advantage in allowing the oocyte to choose the sperm, mimicking in vivo selection.

Study design, size, duration
Prospective randomized study conducted in 140 patients, undergoing IVF & ICSI with non-male factor infertility. The oocytes recovered for all the patients included in the study underwent split insemination, and were divided into 2 groups:
Group 1: Insemination by Conventional IVF, and
Group 2: Insemination by ICSI.
Fertilization and Implantation rates were recorded.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
140 patients with non-male factor cause of infertility were undergoing IVF/ICSI cycle were included in this study. Post ovum pick-up, the oocytes recovered for each patient were split into 2 separate groups and inseminated using Conventional IVF (413) and ICSI (679). The fertilization check was done at 17±1 hours. The implantation rates were noted 14 days after embryo transfer using the beta HCG values. The results were noted and compared.

Main results and the role of chance
In the Conventional IVF(C-IVF) group, fertilization rates were 69.23% compared to 71.44% in the ICSI group.
The implantation rates were 26.50% in C-IVF group vs 22.10% in ICSI group.

Limitations, reasons for caution
A major limitation is the time constraint which did not allow us to track the live birth rates along with the small sample size, the lack of data showing clinical outcomes of this study can be improved upon in the future and with similar studies.

Wider implications of the findings
While ICSI holds the gold standard as the technique of choice for male factor infertility, it is not superior to C-IVF in patients with normal semen parameters. ICSI for all cannot be justified at this moment. Larger RCTs are required to establish superiority of one technique over the other

Trial registration number
not applicable
P-331 The female upper reproductive tract of fertile women harbour endogenous microbial profiles
Authors: Canha-Gouveia A , Casas A , Antón A.I , Vargas E , Salas-Espejo E , Prieto-Sánchez M.T , Sánchez-Ferrer M.L , Altmae S , Coy P 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Study question
Do the Fallopian Tubes from fertile women harbor microbial communities and are they similar to the endometrial microbiome?

Summary answer
Fallopian tubes have their own microbiome which is greatly shared with endometrial microbial profiles of the same women.

What is known already
The vaginal milieu is known to have an active microbiome (&gt;90% of Lactobacillus), but the microbial composition of the upper reproductive tract is not well established, especially in the Fallopian tubes. The first studies on the Fallopian tubes from women diagnosed with a benign disease or for prophylaxis suggest that this site supports an endogenous microbiome (Pelzer ES et al  Oncotarget 2018; Miles SM et al Fertil Steril 2017). However, today we lack the knowledge of the microbial composition in Fallopian tubes in the non-diseased conditions (as biopsing these sites may hamper the tissue and future fertility).

Study design, size, duration
A pilot-study with 6 fertile women with benign uterine pathology submitted to abdominal hysterectomy or tubal ligation at Hospital Universitario Virgen de Arrixaca Murcia were included into the study. The samples were collected between January and July 2019.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
Fallopian tubes and endometrial samples were collected as previously described (Canha-Gouveia A et al Int J Mol Sci 2019) from women submitted to abdominal hysterectomy and women submitted a tubal ligation. After DNA extraction “Ion 16S Metagenomics Kit” (Ion Torrent) was used to exploit the V5 to V9 regions of the 16S rRNA gene. Primary data analysis was performed with Torrent Suite™ Software v5.12.1 and advanced analysis using Ion Reporter™ software v5.18.0.2.

Main results and the role of chance
In our study, distinct microbial community profiles in the Fallopian tubes confirm that this genital tract site harbors an endogenous microbiome and in big part is shared with the endometrial microbial profile (over 60% of the detected taxa). Since in humans the intramural portion of the uterine tube does not allow a real physical separation between the fallopian tube and uterine environments, the obtained results were expected. Nevertheless, 43 bacterial taxa were exclusively detected in the Fallopian tubes (FDR&lt;0.05) that included Abiotrophia, Aeromonas, Aggregatibacter Weissella, Wolinella, and Zoogloea among others.

Limitations, reasons for caution
This is a pilot study with a limited number of samples, and more studies with a bigger sample size are warranted.

Wider implications of the findings
Distinct microbial community profiles in the Fallopian tubes from the uterus suggest that this upper reproductive site supports an endogenous microbiome, which can play a role in the fertilization process.

Trial registration number
not applicable
P-466 Decellularization of whole organ human cervix: Physio and biochemical aspects of decellularized extracellular matrix
Authors: Pal Chaudhuri P , Ojha A.K , Rajasekaran R , Sharma S , Dhara S , Chaudhury K , Chakravarty B 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Study question
Can the whole organ-cervix be decellularized while maintaining its fiber ultrastructure and extracellular matrix (ECM) functionality?

Summary answer
Cervix after decellularization could maintain the physical properties, ECM was found to be intact and functional.

What is known already
ECM-rich bioscaffolds are obtained from the process that utilizes the decellularization of tissues and organs. Cervical bioengineering is needed for clinical cervicovaginal reconstruction and tissue constructs can help women with cervical abnormalities.

Study design, size, duration
Human cervices were obtained from hysterectomized samples from 3 women undergoing surgery for complete hysterectomy during January 2021 to December 2021

Participants/materials, setting, methods
Human cervices were obtained from hysterectomized samples from 3 women undergoing surgery and were subjected to whole organ decellularization. Various physical, chemical methods were employed to remove cellular remnants for a period of 10 days via perfusion of ionic and detergent solutions. Validation of complete decellularization was done via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, DNA quantification. ECM functionality was observed.

Main results and the role of chance
Well-organized ECM was obtained. Effective complete decellularization was dictated and verified by cervical tissue density, histopathological studies, DNA quantification and biochemical tests. H&E staining reflected the absence of any nuclear material in the endocervical and ectocervical tissues. Tissue microarchitecture and descending uterine artery were intact and could be helpful in the nutrient and gas exchange. DNA was found to be around 70 ng/mg tissue weight. Cell-free tissue-derived scaffolds were obtained along with a combination of growth factors and proteins.

Limitations, reasons for caution
Acellular cervical scaffold as a whole organ with vasculature intact for site-specific transplantation is a bigger question and still unaddressed.

Wider implications of the findings
Our study creates numerous prospects for in-vitro and in-vivo whole cervix tissue engineering. Site-specific tissue holds a promising avenue for the reconstruction of cervical abnormalities.

Trial registration number
Not applicable
P-548 IMPORTANCE OF EXPANDED CARRIER SCREENING AMONG OOCYTE DONORS - questions and concerns
Authors: Dorofeyeva U , Sharhorodska Y , Kozyra O , Aydin B , Karimova H , Mokra K , Strelko G 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Study question
To examine the utility of a range of expanded screening panels for oocyte donors.

Summary answer
Expanded carrier screening with NGS data identified that 86% of gamete donors were carriers of at least one condition while 302 genes were tested.

What is known already
The level of genetic testing for oocyte donors is not regulated in most countries. The use of expanded carrier screening is recommended more widely. If the egg donor is a carrier, there is a 50% chance that the offspring will also be carriers. Expanded carrier screening is performed to determine the potential effects of positive carrier status, which guarantees safety for future pregnancy. From practical experience, more genes are tested for a donor, more potential mutations are detected.

Study design, size, duration
A cohort of 92 potential oocyte donor applicants aged 18-30 years old, who were qualified for oocyte donation after full screening, tested negative on an initial cystic fibrosis carrier test for 11 most common CFTR mutations (PCR panel), was further screened with expanded commercial carrier testing panel (302 genes) using next-generation sequencing (NGS) data.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
A cohort of 92 potential oocyte donor applicants aged 18-30 years old, who tested negative on an initial cystic fibrosis carrier test for 11 most common CFTR mutations (PCR panel), was further screened with expanded commercial carrier testing panel (302 genes) using next-generation sequencing (NGS) data.

Main results and the role of chance
Genotyping results for all donors were analyzed; 38% (35/92) of donors were identified as carriers for one condition, 34% (31/92)- for two conditions, 7% (6/92)- for three conditions and 7% (6/92)- for four conditions, including cystic fibrosis. Among the most prevalent conditions in our study were: Hemochromatosis: Type 1: HFE Related- 22%, Cystic Fibrosis: CFTR-related conditions 11%, Biotinidase deficiency– 7,6%, 21-Hydroxilase-Deficient Congenital Nonclassical Adrenal Hyperplasia- 6,5%, Krabbe disease – 6,5%, Usher syndrome: USH2A-related conditions – 6,5%, Nonsyndromic deafness: GJB2- related conditions- 5,4% and Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (5,4%).

Limitations, reasons for caution
Each donor was consented for genetic testing

Wider implications of the findings
This study shows a need to provide the explicit requirement for oocyte donor genetic testing and guidelines to satisfy quality and safety and not reduce the number of donors carries of mutations, but to implement a practice of genetic matching.

Trial registration number
not applicable
P-584 Dual trigger with hCG plus GnRHa for final oocyte maturation in PGT-A cycles results in similar euploidy rates when compared to hCG only trigger
Authors: Demirel L.C , Goksever Celik H , Tulek F , Uzun K , Bastu E 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Study question
To assess whether dual trigger alters the ploidy chance of a blastocyst in preimplantation genetic screening for aneuploidy (PGT-A) cycles

Summary answer
Compared to hCG triggerring, dual triggerring does not provide an additional superiority on blastocyst euploidy rate.

What is known already
Variables that may affect euploidy rates in various stages of an IVF cycle such as total gonadotropin dosage, stimulation regimen, ovarian response and switching to natural cycle were not shown to affect blastocyst euploidy rates. Furthermore, there is no difference when final oocyte maturation is triggered with hCG or GnRHa. On the other hand, it has been shown that dual trigger with hCG plus GnRHa may result in a higher maturation rate in oocytes, compared to hCG only trigger. There are controversial data in the literature about the effect of dual trigger on euploidy rates.

Study design, size, duration
This is a retrospective cohort study of 385 PGT-A cycles performed over a 7-year time period between May 2012 and April 2019 at a single tertiary center for various indications.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
All couples undergoing IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with planned PGT-A were included in the study, regardless of whether an embryo transfer was performed or not. Final oocyte maturation was triggerred using human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or the combination of hCG and gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) (Dual trigger). Participants were divided based on triggering method and all demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were compared.

Main results and the role of chance
Final oocyte maturation was triggered in 143 cycles with hCG (37.1 %), and in 242 cycles with dual trigger (62.9 %). The duration of stimulation was shorter in dual trigger arm compared to hCG trigger group (10.0 ± 1.6 vs. 9.4 ± 1.4 days, p = &lt;.001). Euploidy rates per blastocyst tested were 23.4 %, and 26.1 % respectively for hCG and dual trigger groups with no significant difference. When the patients were stratified according to age, euploidy rate was higher in the dual trigger group in all age groups with no significance. There was no significant difference between hCG and dual trigger groups, regarding positive pregnancy result and ongoing pregnancy rates (p = .779 vs. p = .188).

Limitations, reasons for caution
Retrospective design and small sample size could be accepted as the limitations.

Wider implications of the findings
Our study is the first study in literature exploring the ploidy status of embryos following dual trigger with hCG + GnRHa for final oocyte maturation in PGT-A cycles and, comparing it with hCG only trigger. Dual triggerring of final oocyte maturation results in similar euploidy rates in blastocysts tested.

Trial registration number
2020/004
P-685 Optimal aspiration pressure level of suction pump for oocyte retrieval in IVF-ET
Authors: Kim T , Kang M.J , Han S.J , Kim S.W , Kim H , Ku S.Y , Suh C.S 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Study question
What is the appropriate suction pump pressure for oocyte retrieval in terms of oocytes and embryos quality?

Summary answer
The aspiration pressure of 150mmHg had a significantly higher number of oocytes retrieved compared with 120mmHg, but the oocyte quality and embryo quality were comparable.

What is known already
There is no conclusion on the optimal aspiration pressure level for oocyte retrieval in controlled ovarian stimulation (COS), and a variety of pressures between 100 and 200 mmHg are used, often based on manufacturer’s instructions.

Study design, size, duration
A retrospective analysis was performed on a total of 211 COS cycles from September 2019 to December 2021 in a single tertiary center. The analysis was performed on patients who underwent COS for the purpose of infertility treatment.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
110 cycles were included in the 120 mmHg pressure group and 101 cycles were included in the 150 mmHg pressure group. Age, AMH, antral follicle count (AFC), the proportion of ICSI, the number of retrieved oocytes, the number of MII oocytes, MII rate, degeneration rate on day 1, and the number of embryos on day 3 were compared between the two groups. Variables such as Age, AMH, and AFC were corrected using analysis of variance.

Main results and the role of chance
The number of retrieved oocytes was significantly higher in the 150 mmHg group compared to the 120 mmHg group (10.3 vs. 8.4, p = 0.016). Neither the number of MII oocytes nor the MII rate was significantly different between the two groups (6.1 vs. 5.5, p = 0.509 and 67.2% vs. 73.4%, p = 0.437 respectively). The degeneration rate on day 1 and the number of embryos on day 3 were also not significantly different between the two groups (6.2% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.282 and 5.7% vs. 4.7%, p = 0.109 respectively).

Limitations, reasons for caution
Since this study analyzed the appropriate pump pressure for oocyte retrieval in infertile patients, caution is needed in extending the study results to patients undergoing oocyte retrieval for the purpose of fertility preservation.

Wider implications of the findings
The results of this study revealed that oocyte collection could be efficiently performed without damaging the oocytes even with a higher aspiration pressure of 150 mmHg.

Trial registration number
Not applicable
P-697 The association between serum prolactin levels and outcomes of in vitro fertilization
Authors: Iancu M , Albu A , Albu D 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Study question
Is there an association between serum prolactin levels and outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in infertile women?

Summary answer
Serum prolactin levels are negatively associated with the proportion of good quality embryos from the total number of embryos obtained at IVF

What is known already
It is widely known that hyperprolactinemia is a powerful inhibitor of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis leading to anovulation. However, few studies have tried to establish the impact of slightly higher PRL levels on the outcomes of in-vitro fertilization. Although some researchers have stipulated that PRL may play a positive role in oogenesis, embryo development and luteal function, due to the scarcity of data, this matter is considered an ongoing debate.

Study design, size, duration
We performed a retrospective study in the Department of Reproductive Medicine of a private hospital. The medical records of all consecutive patients who underwent IVF between January 2014 and December 2021 with all causes of infertility were reviewed.

Participants/materials, setting, methods
Patients with various causes of infertility undergoing IVF-ICSI were included in the study. Outcomes such as numbers of oocytes obtained, numbers of embryos were assessed and the proportion of good quality embryos from the total number of embryos (GQE/TNE) obtained was calculated. The study group included 544 patients with a mean age of 34.4±4.46 years, mean AMH of 3.99 1.34 ng/mL and mean serum prolactin levels of 25.07±23.7 ng/ml.

Main results and the role of chance
we found no association between serum prolactin levels and oocytes or embryos number. Serum level of prolactin was negatively correlated with the proportion of GQE/TNE (r = 0.101, p = 0.042). When patients were divided in subgroups according to ovarian reserve, the patients in the fourth quartile of prolactin had a lower proportion of GQE/TNE (p = 0.041) in comparison with those from the inferior quartiles only in the reduced ovarian reserve group (serum AMH below 1.1 ng/ml).

Limitations, reasons for caution
Patients included in this study are infertile patients with indications for IVF treatment. Therefore, the results of this study should be used with caution in other populations.

Wider implications of the findings
Our study suggest that serum prolactin levels might be negatively associated with in-vitro fertilization outcomes. If confirmed by further studies, treatment could be given to lower prolactin levels, even if mildly elevated, thus assuring more successful outcomes.

Trial registration number
NA