The molecular interaction of the sperm with the zona pellucida (ZP) is an important event that precedes fertilization, and also relates to various sperm functions, such as capacitation completion and ligand-induced acrosome reaction. In clinical practice, defective sperm-ZP interactions are a relatively common cause of fertilization disorders. Sperm-ZP binding tests help in detecting subtle abnormalities in the sperm, which cannot be identified by semen analyses. A recent prospective study provided further credence to the effectiveness of such tests in selecting competent sperm for improved ICSI outcome. The findings of the study have been published in the recent issue of the journal, Reproductive BioMedicine Online. Continue Reading

Blastogenesis denotes the development that occurs in the first 28 days after conception, wherein the basic body plan, gene expression domains, and the embryo’s developmental fate are established. The defects or malformations arising at this stage are generally severe and lethal, owing to several reasons such as the embryo’s small size, interdependent nature of its development, and proximity of the organ rudiments. Now, a recent study published in the journal, Human Reproduction highlights the link between IVF/ICSI procedures and blastogenesis birth defects, with the probability of the specific risk being lower with frozen-thawed embryo transfer. Continue Reading

The usefulness of ovarian reserve tests (ORT) in evaluating IVF outcomes in infertile women aged ≤35 years is still debatable. Now, a recent retrospective database study reports that it may be beneficial for women of this age group to have their ovarian reserve tested for abnormal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and antral follicle counts (AFC) before undergoing IVF treatment. The study findings were presented at the 65^th American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) annual meeting held at Atlanta, from October 17^th to 21^st, 2009. Continue Reading

Deleterious mutations in the BRCA genes greatly enhance the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. In a novel finding, researchers at the New York Medical College have reported the association between the mutations in BRCA1 gene and early depletion of ovarian reserve, thereby highlighting the potential link between breast and ovarian cancer risk with infertility. The results, which highlight the importance of DNA repair in ovarian aging, were presented at the 65^th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, held at Atlanta from October 17^th to 21^st, 2009. Continue Reading

Mutations in the gene for cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), an anion channel that is expressed in various epithelial cells, including those lining the reproductive tracts, is known to cause inherited diseases such as congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD) and cystic fibrosis. However, the influence of CFTR on reproduction and reproductive disease pathogenesis has been unclear. Now, a recent study published in the journal Human Reproduction indicates that the impairment in CFTR expression adversely affects sperm fertilizing capacity and quality. Continue Reading

Advancements in infertility research have been hindered by the complexity of understanding the human reproductive cycle in animal models. Additionally, the non-availability of germ cells, due to its formation in the very early stages of the embryonic development (8-10 weeks), has led to the scarcity of these cells for research purposes. Now, researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have devised a method to proficiently transform human embryonic stem cells into germ cells, in vitro. The study, which is claimed to provide the first evidence of creating functional germ cells in the laboratory, could offer a valuable insight into understanding the early stages of gametogenesis, and germ cell development and differentiation. The findings of the research are published in the recent issue of the journal Nature. Continue Reading