A new breakthrough study has reported the development of a simple, non-invasive, prenatal blood test based on the multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) technique, which could help in the accurate detection of chromosomal aberrations in the developing fetus, and thereby avoid the risk of miscarriage associated with conventional invasive techniques such as chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis. The findings of the study were also presented recently at the 26^th annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), held at Rome from 27^th-30^th June, 2010. Continue Reading

Potential screening tools for early ovarian ageing include small antral follicle counts, anti-Müllerian hormone levels, abnormal autoimmune function, and number of CGG repeats on the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. A recent preliminary prospective randomized controlled trial reiterates that 30 to 40 CGG trinucleotide repeats on FMR1 may serve as a predictor of premature ovarian ageing and premature ovarian failure (POF) in infertile women. However, no significant association was observed between the concentrations of anti-thyroid and anti-adrenal autoantibodies and FSH levels/CGG repeat numbers. The findings of the recent study have been published in the journal, Reproductive BioMedicine Online. Continue Reading

A team of researchers from the Newcastle University have developed a pioneering ‘three-person IVF’ technique, in which the fertilization procedure uses the nuclear DNA of the biological parents, and the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from an oocyte donor. The technique, which facilitates exchange of DNA between two oocytes, could serve in preventing the transmission of mitochondrial diseases to offspring. The findings of the groundbreaking study have been published in the online edition of the journal, Nature. Continue Reading

A team of researchers has developed a breakthrough embryo screening technique termed molecular preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), which uses a PCR-based protocol for analyzing translocations. The new approach, having the potential to identify more viable embryos for transfer, utilizes multiplexed short tandem repeat (STR) markers that are positioned on both segments of the translocated chromosomes during translocation analysis. The findings of the study have been published in the journal, Molecular Human Reproduction. Continue Reading

The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) is reported to be high in infertile women. Despite this, its management remains controversial owing to the lack of proven treatment benefits. Now, a recent prospective, randomized trial has highlighted the importance of levothyroxine (LT4) supplementation for achieving clinical pregnancies in women with SH opting for IVF-ICSI. The findings of the study have been published in the recent issue of Endocrine Practice. Continue Reading

Numerous studies have documented apoptotic markers to be one of the major contributors to ART failure. Now, a study reports that the application of magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) for sperm preparation could reduce spermatozoa-associated apoptotic marker levels, and enhance acrosome reaction and fertilization potential in unexplained infertility (UI) and multiple intrauterine insemination (IUI) failure patients. The findings of the study are published in the recent issue of the journal, Human Reproduction. Continue Reading

Sperm banking has been recognized as an effective strategy to circumvent iatrogenic infertility and also retain the reproductive potential of adolescent and young adult males undergoing cancer therapy. However, the effect of long-term cryopreservation on the fertilization potential of sperm has been contentious. Now, a study performed by a group of Israeli researchers rules out any negative influence of prolonged storage in liquid nitrogen on the progressive motility concentration (PMC) of sperm. The results are published in the online issue of the journal Human Reproduction. Continue Reading

Any therapeutic intervention in reproductive biology must ensure complete protection of biological materials against a wide range of microorganisms. Liquid nitrogen (LN) used for cryostorage collects particulate contaminants from the atmosphere or container surface over a period of time, which could be a potential source of pathogenic microbes, including herpes, papova, hepatitis, and vesicular stomatitis virus. A new study suggests that storage of vitrified oocytes using the vapor-phase nitrogen systems serve as a safer alternative to the traditional LN storage tank, as it avoids the risk of cross-contamination, apart from retaining the developmental potential of these oocytes. The findings of the prospective randomized trial have been published in the latest issue of Fertility and Sterility. Continue Reading

The oxidative stress exerted by seminal leukocytes via reactive oxygen species has been proposed as a significant factor in the etiology of defective sperm function. Previous studies have suggested the potential of activation markers and soluble factors generated by the leukocytes in enhancing the detection and treatment of male infertility caused by subclinical genital tract infections. However, the currently used cytological techniques, which measure only the number of leukocytes within the semen instead of their activity, are found to be less efficacious in assessing the sperm quality. Now, a new study published in the International Journal of Andrology reports seminal plasma neopterin concentration, a protein released by activated macrophages, as a potential marker for sperm quality. Continue Reading

A recent study by a team of Swedish researchers reports that extended embryo culturing to blastocyst stage raises the risk of preterm birth and congenital malformations among singletons. The findings of the study are published in the recent issue of Fertility and Sterility. Continue Reading