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Effect of timing of oocyte denudation and micro-injection on survival, fertilization and embryo quality after intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

In human in-vitro fertilization (IVF), the oocytes are surrounded by cumulus and corona cells at the time of insemination so that their maturity cannot easily be evaluated. The best IVF results are obtained if the oocytes are inseminated 2-6 h after retrieval. In the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedure, the oocytes are denuded by enzymatic and mechanical treatment in order to be able to perform the injection. As a consequence, the nuclear maturity of the oocytes can be evaluated and only those that have extruded the first polar body are injected. However, metaphase-II oocytes that have not yet reached cytoplasmic maturity cannot be recognized. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different timing of cumulus-corona cell removal and injection on the outcome of ICSI. For this we allowed the oocytes to complete in-vitro cytoplasmic maturation in two different culture conditions: (i) surrounded by their cumulus and corona cells or (ii) totally denuded. We performed three different studies on sibling oocytes obtained after a standardized buserelin/human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) protocol. We investigated the effect of early (1-2 h after retrieval) and late (5-6 h after retrieval) oocyte denudation and injection on the survival and fertilization of the injected oocytes and on embryo cleavage after fertilization. We found no statistically significant differences between early and late injection, indicating that after a standardized buserelin/HMG protocol the metaphase-II oocytes do not need time for further cytoplasmic maturation. Furthermore, a different timing of cumulus-corona cell removal has no effect on the outcome of ICSI, suggesting that the surrounding cells are not necessary for survival, fertilization and cleavage after ICSI.

Adult↗

Relationship of epididymal sperm antibodies to their in vitro fertilization capacity in men with congenital absence of the vas deferens.

OBJECTIVES: To test, using the immunobead binding technique, for the presence of antisperm antibodies on epididymal sperm, in epididymal fluid, and in serum of men with congenital absence of the vas deferens. To evaluate the in vitro fertilization (IVF) capacity of human epididymal sperm in the presence of antisperm antibodies. DESIGN: Prospective. At the time of oocyte insemination, sperm from the proximal caput epididymis or vasa efferentia were tested by direct immunobinding technique. The epididymal fluid and serum were tested by indirect immunobinding technique. SETTING: Center for Reproductive Health, University of California-Irvine. PATIENTS: Forty-five patients with congenital absence of the vas deferens participating in the microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration and IVF program. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Incidence of antisperm antibodies to epididymal sperm and their relationship with IVF results. RESULTS: Sixteen men (35%) tested positively to the direct immunobead test on epididymal sperm; 7 (16%) were positive in epididymal fluid and 13 (29%) were positive in serum. Five pregnancies (31%) occurred in the positive group of which two were from patients who had sperm binding of 100% for immunoglobulin (Ig)G (all over sperm surface) and 90% (midpiece, tail) and 50% (tail, tiptail), respectively, for IgA. Five pregnancies (18%) were obtained in the negative group. No statistical difference was observed in the overall fertilization rate between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Human epididymal sperm and epididymal fluid retrieved from men with congenital absence of the vas deferens can react positively to immunobead test. However, the presence of antisperm antibodies do not seem to impair the IVF capacity of epididymal sperm.

Autoantibodies↗

Role of embryo quality in predicting early pregnancy loss following assisted reproductive technology.

Early pregnancy loss (EPL) significantly reduces the initial success rate of assisted reproduction treatments and increases the psychological burden on the patient. The aim of the current study was to investigate the association between embryo quality and EPL in IVF. A retrospective study of 1471 women undergoing IVF between July 2000 and October 2004 was performed. Multivariate logistic regression models evaluated the effect on EPL of the woman's age, type and cause of infertility, endometrial thickness on the day of oocyte retrieval, performance of intracytoplasmic sperm injection, number of transferred embryos, embryo quality as assessed by the number of blastomeres in the leading transferred embryo at day 3, and the percentage of fragmentation. The 2902 oocyte retrieval-embryo transfer cycles resulted in 816 pregnancies (28.1%; 705 women) constituting the study cohort. Of these, 259 pregnancies (31.7%) ended in EPL and 557 (68.3%) in ongoing pregnancies. EPL risk was significantly associated with advanced (>35 years) maternal age (OR=1.53; 95% CI 1.12-2.09) and five or fewer blastomeres in the leading embryo transferred at day 3 (OR=1.82; 95% CI 1.16-2.85). In conclusion, the quality of transferred embryos, as assessed by the total number of blastomeres in the leading transferred embryo, and maternal age are predictors of EPL.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗

The hypo-osmotic swelling test for selection of viable sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection in men with complete asthenozoospermia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the ability of the hypo-osmotic swelling test to select viable sperm from nonmotile sperm samples for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). DESIGN: Nonrandomized, sequential comparative study. PATIENTS: Thirteen couples enrolled in our ICSI program had 16 cycles in which sperm preparations with 0% motility were obtained. Five cycles used cryopreserved epididymal sperm with complete asthenozoospermia. INTERVENTIONS: In eight cycles, the semen samples were washed through a Percoll gradient and sperm were selected randomly for ICSI. In another eight cycles, the washed sperm were placed in a hypo-osmotic solution (75 mM fructose; 25 mM sodium citrate dihydrate) and the sperm with curled tails taken up with the microinjection needle, rinsed, and used ICSI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fertilization rate per oocyte injected as determined by the presence of two pronuclei at 18 hours after retrieval and embryo cleavage rate per oocyte injected at 48 hours after retrieval. RESULTS: With random sperm injection, the fertilization and cleavage rates were 26% and 23%, respectively. In contrast, after injection of sperm selected using the hypo-osmotic swelling test, fertilization and cleavage rates were significantly greater (43% and 39%, respectively). There were three pregnancies in the eight cycles with the hypo-osmotic swelling test-selected sperm, including two from frozen epididymal sperm. CONCLUSION: Based on these preliminary observations, we believe that the hypo-osmotic swelling test will prove to be valuable for increasing fertilization and cleavage rates and pregnancy rates in ICSI cycles where no motile sperm are recovered.

Adult↗

Retrograde ejaculation.

Retrograde ejaculation is an uncommon cause of male infertility. It should be suspected in any case of azoospermia, and might be congenital, acquired or idiopathic in origin. When pharmacological attempts to restore anterograde ejaculation fail, it is suggested that spermatozoa should be recovered from post-ejaculation urine to be applied in one of the modern techniques of assisted reproduction. The successful recovery of viable spermatozoa from the urine is dependent upon careful regulation of pH and osmolarity of the urine at the time of ejaculation. Careful handling of the retrieved spermatozoa enables isolation of sperm cells with good quality for insemination of ovulated oocytes (in vivo) or retrieved oocytes (in vitro).

Ejaculation↗

Factors influencing the outcome of in-vitro fertilization with epididymal spermatozoa in irreversible obstructive azoospermia.

Microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration (MESA) and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) were found to offer limited opportunity for fatherhood to 45 men with obstructive azoospermia, due principally to poor embryo implantation. Adequate sperm preparations were obtained in 46/50 treatment cycles (92%), with the best motility found in the caput epididymis in 89% of cases. The mean fertilization rate was 11.2% and fertilization occurred in 23 cycles (50%), with embryo transfer arising from 12/26 men with vas aplasia (CAV), 4/9 with genital tract obstruction (EV) and 7/11 with irreversible vasectomy (VV). The overall implantation rate was low, 8.7% per embryo transfer (11.7% per 2-3 embryo transfers) and was not improved by Fallopian transfer. There were two pregnancies (4% per cycle), both in the EV group where embryo formation and implantation (2/4, 50% per cycle) were optimum even though sperm preparations were paradoxically inferior to the CAV and VV groups. The spermatozoa retrieved in the two successful EV cycles were appreciably blood contaminated. Analysis of the 21 failed embryo transfers showed delayed fertilization in 10 cycles, cystic fibrosis (CF) mutation or familial disease in 7/12 CAV men and the VV men were older (P < 0.001). A pregnancy which miscarried arose from a case of Young's syndrome, a carrier of CF mutation DF508. Male factors could thus be implicated in the high embryo wastage of MESA cycles and might also be influencing implantation in other IVF procedures. Where feasible, male reconstructive surgery is preferable unless fertilization can be improved, possibly by speedier retrieval techniques or by permitting sperm capacitation in vitro, but probably more effectively by micro-assisted insemination.

Adult↗

Ongoing twin pregnancy after ICSI of PESA-retrieved spermatozoa into in-vitro matured oocytes: case report.

The recovery of immature oocytes from unstimulated ovaries followed by in-vitro maturation (IVM) is an attractive alternative to conventional IVF in the treatment of female infertility. Similarly, surgical recovery of spermatozoa from the epididymis by percutaneous sperm aspiration (PESA) has simplified the retrieval of the male gamete in treatment of men with obstructive azoospermia. We report the first ongoing clinical twin pregnancy resulting from intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of spermatozoa retrieved by PESA into IVM oocytes. In the treatment of a 24-year old woman, 12 immature oocytes were retrieved. Six oocytes matured (maturation rate 50%) after 24-hour incubation and were inseminated by ICSI. Four oocytes had two pronuclei (fertilization rate 67%) and 3 good quality embryos were transferred. A viable twin pregnancy was confirmed by ultrasound scan. This report illustrates the use of a combination of less invasive assisted reproductive techniques in overcoming barriers to infertility.

Adult↗

Embryo score is a better predictor of pregnancy than the number of transferred embryos or female age.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the value of 17 IVF variables, including a new mean score of transferred embryos (MSTE), in predicting pregnancy rate. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Private IVF unit. PATIENT(S): Women who underwent 10,000 embryo transfers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Duration of infertility, type of infertility, female age, rank of IVF attempt, type of ovarian treatment, progesterone level, sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology, number of retrieved oocytes, number of mature oocytes, maturation rate, number of embryos obtained, fertilization rate, number of transferred embryos, cumulative embryo score (CES), mean score of transferred embryos (MSTE), and pregnancy rate. RESULT(S): Outcome of IVF-ET was significantly correlated with female age, type of infertility, number of retrieved oocytes, number of mature oocytes, maturation rate, embryos obtained, fertilization rate, transferred embryos, CES, and MSTE. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that MSTE was a better predictor of pregnancy than the number of transferred embryos and female age. CONCLUSION(S): Embryo quality is the best predictor of pregnancy. The embryo score described herein should be used in IVF-ET programs to choose the best embryos for transfer.

Adult↗

Immunoglobulins from human follicular fluid induce the acrosome reaction in human sperm.

The ability of human follicular fluid (hFF), retrieved from women undergoing IVF to induce the acrosome reaction (AR) in human sperm has been documented by several laboratories. However, the nature of the active factors in the hFF and the physiological meaning of the AR induction are highly controversial. We performed a three step purification scheme for hFF and all the fractions were screened for the AR-inducing activity. AR activity was associated with a protein fraction of M(r) > 180 kD that on further analysis under PAGE was found to be composed by subunits of apparent M(r) 50,000 and 29,000. The N-terminal sequences of these bands showed a 100% homology with the heavy and light chains of human IgG. A polyclonal antibody raised against the purified protein and anti-human IgG were both able to suppress the acrosome reaction-inducing activity of crude hFF. However, neither normal human serum nor a purified preparation of human IgG were able to mimic the AR-inducing activity of hFF. We concluded that the AR-inducing activity of hFF is, at least in part, due to the presence of antisperm antibodies.

Acrosome↗

Factors affecting success with intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

In this study, 141 couples underwent 163 cycles of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer in which the eggs were inseminated by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Overall, 41% of the injected eggs were normally fertilized and 81% of the resulting embryos were suitable for cryopreservation (91 embryos) or uterine transfer. From 153 fresh embryo transfers, 45 ongoing or delivered pregnancies (27.6% per cycle) were achieved, and of the 507 embryos transferred, 54 successfully implanted giving an implantation rate per embryo of 10.7%. Five additional pregnancies did not yield a viable fetus or underwent a spontaneous abortion, giving a miscarriage rate of 10% (5/50). Increased maternal age or a prior diagnosis of failed fertilization after conventional IVF had a significantly negative impact on success. Sperm from the testis and epididymis, those retrieved by electro-ejaculation, and completely immotile ejaculated sperm all gave rise to pregnancies. ICSI reinsemination was used with limited success to rescue failed fertilization cycles, although the implantation rate per embryo was poor (5%). ICSI has greatly improved the ability to use IVF for treating couples with a poor fertilization potential.

Adult↗

Is diagnostic testicular fine needle aspiration necessary in azoospermic men before sperm aspiration/extraction for intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles?

PURPOSE: To determine whether diagnostic testicular fine needle aspiration (TEFNA) sampling needs to be performed in azoospermic men prior to obtaining testicular sperm cells for IVF-ICSI procedures. METHODS: Ten azoospermic patients underwent TEFNA in 1993-1996. During 1997, all patients underwent testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) and/or testicular sperm extraction (TESE) to retrieve spermatozoa for IVF-ICSI cycles. The results of the two procedures performed in two separate hospitals were compared. RESULTS: Diagnostic TEFNA revealed spermatozoa in five patients; identical results in four were found during IVF-ICSI cycles. In three patients, only Sertoli cells were found on TEFNA, in two of them TESA/TESE showed identical results, and in one, two spermatozoa were detected by Cyto-SEM. In the remaining two patients, spermatids or spermatocytes were found on both procedures. CONCLUSIONS: There was a very good correlation between the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. We suggest that in azoospermic patients, diagnostic TEFNA is valuable in order to avoid unnecessary controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in the female partner for IVF. In patients in whom spermatozoa are detected, cryopreservation may be performed for later IVF-ICSI cycles.

Biopsy, Needle↗

A comparison between open and percutaneous needle biopsies in men with azoospermia.

Open testicular biopsy is a classic method of investigation in men with azoospermia. Recently, percutaneous needle biopsy of the testis has been used in attempts to obtain material for histopathological diagnosis in such cases and to retrieve spermatozoa for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). To determine whether a 19 gauge (G) and a 21G butterfly needle could be used for percutaneous aspiration of testicular tissue to determine the presence of mature spermatids and assess spermatogenesis, 10 patients (16 testes) and 12 patients (17 testes) underwent 19G or 21G needle biopsy respectively, immediately followed by open testicular biopsy, with both procedures under local anaesthesia. Biopsy with each needle size was compared with open biopsy. With the 19G needle, in the 14 cases where material was obtained there was full agreement with open biopsy regarding the presence or absence of mature spermatozoa, whereas with the 21G needle only nine of the 13 biopsies yielding material were predictive in this respect. Each needle size correlated poorly with open biopsy regarding evaluation of spermatogenesis. We conclude that percutaneous biopsy with a 19G butterfly needle is a quick and reliable method for demonstrating spermatozoa for ICSI. But for a detailed histopathological diagnosis, however, the needle biopsies gave poor results, whereas the material from the open testicular biopsies was assessable.

Adult↗

Biochemical pregnancy after fertilization of an oocyte aspirated from a heterotopic autotransplant of cryopreserved ovarian tissue: case report.

Autotransplantation of frozen/thawed ovarian tissue in women undergoing cancer therapy has so far led to the birth of two healthy babies. In both cases, it can be discussed whether the fertilized oocyte originated from the transplant or from the native ovary. We now present a biochemical pregnancy achieved after heterotopical autotransplantation of cryopreserved ovarian cortical tissue and hence the unquestionable proof that pregnancy can occur after transplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue. A woman diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma had ovarian tissue cryopreserved at the age of 28, before receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy that rendered her amenorrhoeic. After complete remission, she had autotransplantation of ovarian tissue to the remaining ovary, to the right pelvic wall and to a midline subperitoneal pocket on the lower abdominal wall. The transplanted tissue resumed hormone secretion and follicles developed in all three locations. Three times during 8 months, when follicles could not be visualized in other locations, oocytes were aspirated from the subperitoneal autotransplanted tissue on the lower abdominal wall. Twice, an oocyte was retrieved, fertilized by intracytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI) and transferred to the woman's uterus. One of the treatments resulted in a positive pregnancy test 14 days after transfer. Clinical pregnancy, however, was not achieved. In conclusion, heterotopic autotransplantation of cryopreserved ovarian tissue can sustain follicle development. The oocytes of aspirated mature follicles are capable of fertilization after ICSI, and the resulting embryo is competent of producing hCG at detectable levels.

Adult↗

Sperm and blastomere aneuploidy detection in reproductive genetics and medicine.

The use of multiple probes in fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) permits the simultaneous analysis of several chromosomes in both blastomeres and spermatozoa. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for aneuploidy provides information on embryonic chromosomal status, enabling the selection of embryos carrying aneuploid condition. This strategy directly affects implantation, as documented for patients with a poor prognosis for pregnancy, who have the tendency to generate high proportions of chromosomally abnormal embryos. PGD for aneuploidy also has contributed information on early phases in human embryology by clarifying the molecular basis in some cases of irregular development. Multicolor FISH has also been used to study chromosomes on spermatozoa. Experimental strategies and modifications enabled the analysis of samples with a very low number of sperm cells, including samples retrieved from the genital tract or directly from the testicular tissue. The results confirmed that the incidence of aneuploidy increases proportionally with the severity of the male-factor condition. This observation suggests that, in selected cases, the paternal contribution to aneuploidy in the developing conceptus could be more relevant than expected from general data from aborted fetuses and live births.

Adult↗

Fresh and frozen epididymal sperm yield comparable pregnancy rates for intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

To determine if the use of fresh epididymal sperm is superior to frozen-thawed epididymal sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection, the authors reviewed the charts on all couples undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection at an academic center, using microsurgically aspirated epididymal sperm. Forty-nine couples undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection for male factor infertility, due to congenital absence of vas deferens or irreparable post-testicular obstruction were studied. The following parameters were measured: (1) fertilization rate per oocyte injected (two pronuclei at 24 h), (2) chemical pregnancy rate (two consecutively elevated serum b-hCG levels, and (3) clinical pregnancy rate (sonographic identification of fetal heart rate). Fertilization rates were 51 and 41%, chemical pregnancy rates were 27 and 30%, and clinical pregnancy rates were 19 and 27% in the fresh epididymal compared to the frozen epididymal sperm. This study shows no significant difference in outcomes using fresh or frozen epididymal sperm for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Frozen-thawed sperm guarantees availability of sperm prior to oocyte retrieval.

Adult↗

Live delivery following transfer of a single frozen-thawed embryo derived from a 42-year-old woman with marked decreased oocyte reserve.

PURPOSE: To determine if live birth is possible in a woman of older reproductive age and who has markedly decreased oocyte reserve following frozen embryo transfer of an oocyte fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection of testicular sperm. METHODS: Ethinyl estradiol followed by ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins was used and a mature follicle was attained. Following oocyte retrieval 34 hours later, intracytoplasmic sperm injection of testicular sperm was performed. The embryo was cryopreserved. RESULTS: A live delivery of a full-term baby ensued. Following subsequent frozen embryo transfer, the baby was diagnosed with Down's syndrome and subsequently died. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of a live delivery following frozen embryo transfer in a woman of advanced reproductive age with marked decreased oocyte reserve.

Adult↗

Efficiency of percutaneous testicular sperm aspiration as a mode of sperm collection for intracytoplasmic sperm injection in nonobstructive azoospermia.

PURPOSE: We determined the feasibility of obtaining mature spermatozoa for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) by percutaneous testicular sperm aspiration in men with nonobstructive azoospermia. We also compared the results of ICSI using spermatozoa recovered by open excisional biopsy versus percutaneous testicular sperm aspiration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 84 men with nonobstructive azoospermia underwent percutaneous testicular sperm aspiration to recover testicular spermatozoa for ICSI on the day of ova retrieval from the wife. Percutaneous testicular sperm aspiration was performed with the patient under general anesthesia in the upper and lower poles of each testis. It was followed by immediate microscopic search of the aspirate to confirm the presence of spermatozoa. In the absence of spermatozoa open excisional biopsy was performed in the same setting. RESULTS: Percutaneous testicular sperm aspiration resulted in the recovery of mature spermatozoa in 45 men (53.6%). Of the remaining 39 men (46.4%) requiring open biopsy adequate spermatozoa were recovered in 28 (71.8%). Although the fertilization rate was significantly higher in the sperm aspiration group, the cleavage and pregnancy rates were similar in the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous testicular sperm aspiration was a successful initial approach to collect mature spermatozoa in a high proportion of men with nonobstructive azoospermia. It is safe, minimally invasive and well tolerated by all patients.

Adolescent↗

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection pregnancy after low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin alone to support ovarian folliculogenesis.

OBJECTIVE: To prove that several days of low-dose hCG alone can be used to stimulate folliculogenesis, complete FSH-initiated follicle/oocyte maturation, and achieve pregnancy in assisted reproduction technology. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Reproductive endocrinology center at an academic institution. PATIENT(S): A 35-year-old female patient and her partner with male-related infertility. INTERVENTION(S): After an 8-day priming with hMG (225 IU/d), we administered low-dose hCG (200 IU/d) alone for 5 days in one GnRH-agonist suppressed patient until proper follicle development was obtained and intracytoplasmic sperm injection was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Daily serum levels of LH, FSH, hCG, E(2), P, and T; measurements of follicle number and size; oocytes retrieved and fertilized; pregnancy. RESULT(S): Although FSH levels rapidly declined after hMG discontinuation, E(2) and large follicles increased during hCG-only administration. Several good quality oocytes were retrieved and fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection; three embryos were transferred and a twin pregnancy ensued. CONCLUSION(S): Replacement of FSH with low-dose hCG for several days in the late ovulation induction stages of assisted reproduction technology resulted in: [1] continued growth of large ovarian follicles and E(2); [2] an optimal preovulatory follicle pattern consisting of many large and few medium and small follicles; and [3] reproductively competent oocytes and pregnancy.

Adult↗