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

Advancements in computer technology have opened new avenues in the field of 3D-ultrasound reconstructions. Virtual embryoscopy, which offers a natural and precise visualization of the embryonic stages and structures in the first 3 months of pregnancy, is an emerging non-invasive tool developed using such technology. A new longitudinal study published in Human Reproduction highlights the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in accurately detecting early-stage embryonic growth/developmental delay, and in particular aiding the management of early growth restriction and recurrent late miscarriage. 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

Intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI), a modification of ICSI procedure, evaluates motile sperm organellar morphology by magnifying the sample >6000 times with a high power microscope, enhanced by digital imaging. Several studies have demonstrated that IMSI, compared to ICSI, improves treatment outcomes, including the rate of implantation, pregnancy, and live birth. Now, a Brazilian research team reports similar outcomes, in terms of fertilization rate, embryo cleavage rate, and day 2 embryo quality, with both the conventional and modified ICSI procedures. However, the scientists did not rule out the possibility of IMSI positively influencing the late paternal effects. The study results have been published online in the European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology. Continue Reading

Cycle cancellation has been identified as one of the main limitations of blastocyst transfer, as per a recent report of the Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (Fertility and Sterility, 2008). In a new study, a group of French researchers have proposed a cycle-based model that has the potential to lower the incidence of day-5 blastocyst transfer cancellation in IVF cycles. The study findings have been published in 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

Understanding the unique molecular mechanisms underlying preimplantation development, which includes a series of events such as final oocyte maturation, fertilization, and the oocyte to zygote transition, is crucial for improving ART success rates. Maternal transcripts and proteins stored in the oocytes during folliculogenesis have been proposed to play a crucial role in the regulation of embryogenesis. In a recent study published in the journal Reproduction, a group of US researchers have reported that diverse mammalian oocyte stored factors, termed as maternal effect structures (MESs), assist in the oocyte to embryo transition. Continue Reading

Numerous studies have documented that the birth weight of IVF-conceived newborns is lower than those conceived naturally, possibly attributable to factors such as multiple gestations and various causes of female infertility. A new study reports that the type of culture medium used for in vitro culturing of the preimplantation embryos could also influence the birthweight of babies born through IVF. The findings of the study are published in the latest issue of the journal, Human Reproduction. Continue Reading

Several factors related to embryo culturing, including the procedure and incubation time for both the gametes and embryos, are reported to significantly affect IVF treatment outcomes. Two Independent studies have reported the development of two novel embryo culture systems, namely the tilting embryo culture system (TECS) and the microfluidic/microfunnel system, to mimic the in utero conditions in order to augment the development of the embryo and formation of blastocyst. Continue Reading