scholarly journals Prospective Randomized Study on the Influence of Myoinositol in PCOS Women Undergoing IVF in the Improvement of Oocyte Quality, Fertilization Rate, and Embryo Quality

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernd Lesoine ◽  
Pedro-Antonio Regidor

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the pathological factors involved in the failure of in vitro fertilization (IvF). The aim of the present study was to investigate if the combination of myoinositol + folic acid was able to improve the oocyte quality, the ratio between follicles and retrieved oocytes, the fertilization rate, and the embryo quality in PCOS patients undergoing IvF treatments. 29 patients with PCOS underwent IvF protocols for infertility treatment and were randomized prospectively into two groups. Group A (placebo) with 15 patients and group B (4000 mg myoinositol + 400 μg folic acid per day) with 14 patients. The patients of group B used for two months myoinositol + folic acid before starting the IvF protocol and data were obtained concerning number of follicles, number of oocytes, quality of oocytes, fertilization rates, and embryo quality in both groups. The ratio follicle/retrieved oocyte was better in the myoinositol group (= group B). Out of the 233 oocytes collected in the myoinositol group 136 were fertilized, whereas only 128 out of 300 oocytes in the placebo group were fertilized. More metaphase II and I oocytes were retrieved in relation to the total amount of oocytes in the myoinositol. More embryos of grade I quality were obtained in the myoinositol. The duration of stimulation was 9,7 days (±3,3) in the myoinositol group and 11,2 (±1,8) days in the placebo group and the number of used FSH units was lower in the myoinositol group: 1750 FSH units (mean) versus 1850 units (mean). Our evidence suggests that myoinositol therapy in women with PCOS results in better fertilization rates and a clear trend to a better embryo quality. As the number of retrieved oocytes was smaller in the myoinositol group, the risk of hyper stimulation syndrome can be reduced in these patients.

Author(s):  
Ales Sobek ◽  
Emil Tkadlec ◽  
Eva Klaskova ◽  
Martin Prochazka

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate if cytoplasmic transfer can improve fertilization and embryo quality of women with oocytes of low quality. During ICSI, 10–15% of the cytoplasm from a fresh or frozen young donor oocyte was added to the recipient oocyte. According to the embryo quality, we defined group A as patients in which the best embryo was evident after cytoplasmic transfer and group B as patients in which the best embryo was evident after a simple ICSI. We investigated in the period of 2002–2018, 125 in vitro fertilization cycles involving 1011 fertilized oocytes. Five hundred fifty-seven sibling oocytes were fertilized using ICSI only and 454 oocytes with cytoplasmic transfer. Fertilization rates of oocytes were 67.2% in the cytoplasmic transfer and 53.5% in the ICSI groups (P < 0.001). A reduction in fertilization rate was observed with increased women age in the ICSI but not in the cytoplasmic transfer groups. The best embryo quality was found after cytoplasmic transfer in 78 cycles (62.4%) and without cytoplasmic transfer in 40 cycles (32%, P < 0.001). No significant differences were detected between the age, hormonal levels, dose of stimulation drugs, number of transferred embryos, pregnancy rate and abortion rate between A and B groups. Cytoplasmic transfer improves fertilization rates and early embryo development in humans with low oocyte quality. All 28 children resulting from cytoplasmic transfer are healthy.


Author(s):  
Pedro-Antonio Regidor ◽  
Adolf Eduard Schindler ◽  
Bernd Lesoine ◽  
Rene Druckman

Abstract Introduction The use of 2 × 2000 mg myo-inositol +2 × 200 μg folic acid per day is a safe and promising tool in the effective improvement of symptoms and infertility for patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In addition, PCOS is one of the pathological factors involved in the failure of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Typically, PCOS patients suffer of poor quality oocytes. Patients and methods In an open, prospective, non-blinded, non-comparative observational study, 3602 infertile women used myo-inositol and folic acid between 2 and 3 months in a dosage of 2 × 2000 mg myo-inositol +2 × 200 μg folic acid per day. In a subgroup of 32 patients, hormonal values for testosterone, free testosterone and progesterone were analyzed before and after 12 weeks of treatment. The mean time of use was 10.2 weeks. In the second part of this trial it was investigated if the combination of myo-inositol + folic acid was able to improve the oocyte quality, the ratio between follicles and retrieved oocytes, the fertilization rate and the embryo quality in PCOS patients undergoing IVF treatments. Twenty-nine patients with PCOS, underwent IVF protocols for infertility treatment and were randomized prospectively into two groups. Group A (placebo) with 15 patients and group B (4000 mg myo-inositol +400 μg folic acid per day) with 14 patients were evaluated. The patients of group B used 2 months’ myo-inositol + folic acid before starting the IVF protocol. For statistically analyses Student’s t-test was performed. Results Seventy percent of the women had a restored ovulation, and 545 pregnancies were observed. This means a pregnancy rate of 15.1% of all the myo-inositol and folic acid users. In 19 cases a concomitant medication with clomiphene or dexamethasone was used. One twin pregnancy was documented. Testosterone levels changed from 96.6 ng/mL to 43.3 ng/mL and progesterone from 2.1 ng/mL to 12.3 ng/mL in the mean after 12 weeks of treatment (p < 0.05) Student’s t-test. No relevant side effects were present among the patients. The women in the IVF treatment the group A showed a higher number of retrieved oocytes than group B. Nevertheless, the ratio follicle/retrieved oocyte was clearly better in the myo-inositol group (= group B). Out of the 233 oocytes collected in the myo-inositol group, 136 where fertilized whereas only 128 out of 300 oocytes were fertilized in the placebo group. With regards to the oocytes quality, better data were obtained in the myo-inositol group. More metaphase II and I oocytes were retrieved in relation to the total number of oocytes, when compared with the placebo group. Also, more embryos of grade I quality were observed in the myo-inositol group than in the placebo group. The duration of stimulation was 9.7 days (±3.3) in the myo-inositol group and 11.2 (±1.8) days in the placebo group and the number of used follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) units was lower in the myo-inositol group in comparison to the placebo group: 1850 FSH units (mean) versus 1850 units (mean). Discussion Myo-inositol has proven to be a new treatment option for patients with PCOS and infertility. The achieved pregnancy rates are at least in an equivalent or even superior range than those reported using metformin as an insulin sensitizer. No moderate to severe side effects were observed when myo-inositol was used at a dosage of 4000 mg per day. In addition, our evidence suggests that a myo-inositol therapy in women with PCOS results in better fertilization rates and a clear trend to a better embryo quality. As by the same way the number of retrieved oocytes was smaller in the myo-inositol group, the risk of a hyperstimulation syndrome in these patients can be reduced. Therefore, myo-inositol also represents an improvement in IVF protocols for patients with PCOS.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvatore Giovanni Vitale ◽  
Paola Rossetti ◽  
Francesco Corrado ◽  
Agnese Maria Chiara Rapisarda ◽  
Sandro La Vignera ◽  
...  

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have experienced growing interest from infertile patients seeking to become pregnant. The quality of oocytes plays a pivotal role in determining ART outcomes. Although many authors have studied how supplementation therapy may affect this important parameter for both in vivo and in vitro models, data are not yet robust enough to support firm conclusions. Regarding this last point, in this review our objective has been to evaluate the state of the art regarding supplementation with melatonin and myo-inositol in order to improve oocyte quality during ART. On the one hand, the antioxidant effect of melatonin is well known as being useful during ovulation and oocyte incubation, two occasions with a high level of oxidative stress. On the other hand, myo-inositol is important in cellular structure and in cellular signaling pathways. Our analysis suggests that the use of these two molecules may significantly improve the quality of oocytes and the quality of embryos: melatonin seems to raise the fertilization rate, and myo-inositol improves the pregnancy rate, although all published studies do not fully agree with these conclusions. However, previous studies have demonstrated that cotreatment improves these results compared with melatonin alone or myo-inositol alone. We recommend that further studies be performed in order to confirm these positive outcomes in routine ART treatment.


2001 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 161-174 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.C. Dalton ◽  
S. Nadir ◽  
J. Bame ◽  
M. Noftsinger ◽  
R.G. Saacke

AbstractTo further identify factors which influence pregnancy rates, three experiments were conducted to determine the effect of insemination time on sperm transport, fertilization rate, and embryo quality. All cows were continuously monitored for behavioural oestrus by HeatWatch®, and received AI at heat onset (0 h after the first standing event), 12 h after onset, or received natural service at 0 hfrom one of three bulls (Exp. 1). In Exp. 2, cows received AI at 0 h, 12 h, or 24 h after the first standing event. On d 6 after insemination 115 embryos(ova) (Exp. 1) and 117 embryos(ova) (Exp. 2) were recovered from single-ovulating cows. For Exp. 1, median accessory sperm values were: 1 (0 h), 10 (12 h), 27 (natural service O h) (P < 0.05). For Exp. 2, median accessory sperm values were: 1 (0 h), 2 (12 h), 4 (24 h) (P < 0.05). Fertilization rates were: 67% (0 h), 79% (12 h), 98% (natural service O h) (P < 0.05)(Exp. 1); and did not differ in Exp. 2. Embryo quality was not different in Exp. 1. In Exp. 2, percentages of excellent and good fair and poor, and degenerate embryos were: 77, 15, 8 (0 h), 52, 38, 10 (12 h), 47, 19, 34 (24 h) (P < 0.05). In Exp. 3, 30 cows were superovulated and were inseminated once at either 0 h, 12 h, or 24 h after the first standing event. On d 6 after insemination, 529 embryos(ova) were recovered. Fertilization rates were: 29% (0 h); 60% (12 h); 81% (24 h)(P < 0.01). Percentages of embryos with accessory sperm were: 5 (0 h); 8 (12 h); and 41(24 h) (P < 0.01). Embryo quality was not affected by time of AI. We conclude that the time of insemination affects: 1) sperm transport as measured by median accessory sperm number (Exp. 1 and 2) and the percentage of embryos with accessory sperm (Exp. 3); 2) fertilization rate (Exp. 1 and 3); and embryo quality (Exp. 2).


Reproduction ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 146 (6) ◽  
pp. R217-R227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tessa Lord ◽  
R John Aitken

With extended periods of time following ovulation, the metaphase II stage oocyte experiences deterioration in quality referred to as post-ovulatory oocyte ageing. Post-ovulatory ageing occurs both in vivo and in vitro and has been associated with reduced fertilization rates, poor embryo quality, post-implantation errors and abnormalities in the offspring. Although the physiological consequences of post-ovulatory oocyte ageing have largely been established, the molecular mechanisms controlling this process are not well defined. This review analyses the relationships between biochemical changes exhibited by the ageing oocyte and the symptoms associated with the ageing phenotype. We also discuss molecular events that are potentially involved in orchestrating post-ovulatory ageing with a particular focus on the role of oxidative stress. We propose that oxidative stress may act as the initiator for a cascade of events that create the aged oocyte phenotype. Specifically, oxidative stress has the capacity to cause a decline in levels of critical cell cycle factors such as maturation-promoting factor, impair calcium homoeostasis, induce mitochondrial dysfunction and directly damage multiple intracellular components of the oocyte such as lipids, proteins and DNA. Finally, this review addresses current strategies for delaying post-ovulatory oocyte ageing with a particular focus on the potential use of compounds such as caffeine or selected antioxidants in the development of more refined media for the preservation of oocyte integrity during IVF procedures.


2016 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 677-684 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongyi Xu ◽  
Kai Deng ◽  
Qingbing Luo ◽  
Juan Chen ◽  
Xin Zhang ◽  
...  

Background/Aims: To investigate whether brown zona pellucida (ZP) of oocytes affects the outcome of fertilization, embryo quality and pregnancy rate in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). Methods: Based on the ZP color of their oocytes, a total number of 703 patients dated from 2012 to 2014 were divided into a normal egg group (group A) and a brown oocyte group (group B), with 629 and 74 cases, respectively. Clinical characteristics, gonadotropin (Gn) days, Gn dosage, serum hormone levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) injection, ZP thickness (ZPT) of the eggs, fertilization rate, rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection (rICSI) rate, good-quality embryo rate and pregnancy rate were compared between the two groups. Results: No significant differences were found in the duration and the causes of infertility, and their basal level of endocrine hormone before IVF-ET between normal egg group and brown egg group. The level of serum hormone including estradiol, progesterone and luteinizing hormone on the day of HCG injection were again similar. Moreover, there were no differences in number of mature oocytes, oocyte fertilization rates and rICSI rates after IVF between the two groups. However, we observed that the ZPT of brown oocytes (group B) was higher than that of normal oocytes (group A). Moreover, the Gn dosage and FSH levels on the day of HCG injection were significantly higher in group B than in group A and the good-quality embryo rate and pregnancy rate in group B were lower than those in group A. Conclusion: Compared with normal eggs, oocytes with a brown ZP were found to have a higher ZPT, lower embryo quality and lower pregnancy rate, which might be due to a high Gn dosage injection and high serum FSH levels during IVT-ET cycles.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 2949
Author(s):  
Stefano Canosa ◽  
Carlotta Paschero ◽  
Andrea Carosso ◽  
Sara Leoncini ◽  
Noemi Mercaldo ◽  
...  

Herein we aimed at assessing whether Myo-Inositol (MI), Alpha–Lipoic acid (ALA), and Folic acid (FA) could improve oocyte quality and embryo development in non-PCOS overweight/obese women undergoing IVF. Three hundred and twenty-four mature oocytes were obtained from non-PCOS overweight/obese patients, randomized to receive either MI, ALA, and FA (MI + ALA + FA group, n = 155 oocytes) or FA alone (FA-only group, n = 169 oocytes). Oocytes were examined using Polarized Light Microscopy to assess morphological features of zona pellucida (ZP) and meiotic spindle (MS). One hundred and seventy-six embryos (n = 84 in the MI + ALA + FA group, n = 92 in the FA-only group) were assessed by conventional morphology on days 2 and 5, as well as using the Time-Lapse System morphokinetic analysis. A significantly higher ZP retardance, area, and thickness (p < 0.05), and a shorter MS axis (p < 0.05) were observed in the MI + ALA + FA group, suggesting a positive effect on oocyte quality. Conventional morphology evaluation on day 2 showed a higher mean embryo score in the MI + ALA + FA group, whereas embryo morphokinetic was comparable in the two groups. Overall, our data show a possible beneficial effect of the combination of MI, ALA, and FA on oocyte and embryo morphology, encouraging testing of this combination in adequately powered randomized trials to assess their impact of clinical IVF results.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Garruti ◽  
R. de Palo ◽  
M. T. Rotelli ◽  
S. Nocera ◽  
I. Totaro ◽  
...  

Aims. We evaluated the links between leptin and visfatin levels and fertilization rates in nonoverweight (NOW) women with PCOS (NOW-PCOS) from Apulia undergoing in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer (IVF).Materials and Methodology. We recruited 16 NOW women with PCOS (NOW-PCOS) and 10 normally ovulating NOW women (control-NOW). All women underwent IVF. Androgens, 17-β-estradiol (17β-E2), and insulin levels were measured in plasma and/or serum and leptin and visfatin levels were assayed in both serum and follicular fluid (FF-leptin, FF-visfatin).Results. In NOW-PCOS, both serum and FF-leptin were significantly lower than in control-NOW. In NOW-PCOS, significant correlations were found between BMI and serum leptin and insulinemia and FF-leptin. By contrast, in control-NOW, FF-leptin levels were not correlated with insulinemia. Serum visfatin levels were not significantly different in NOW-PCOS and control-NOW, but FF-visfatin levels were 1.6-fold higher, although not significantly, in NOW-PCOS than in control-NOW.Conclusions. Both serum leptin levels and FF-leptin are BMI- and insulin-related in Southern Italian NOW-PCOS from Apulia. In line with other reports showing that FF-leptin levels are predictive of fertilization rates, lower than normal FF-leptin levels in NOW-PCOS may explain their lower fertilization rate and this may be related to the level of insulin and/or insulin resistance.


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