DMSO as a cryoprotectant (at a 0.7 mol/l concentration) proved to maintain the structure of testicular tissue, especially spermatogonia, after cryopreservation better than PrOH or glycerol.

BackgroundThe NLRP (Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, Leucine rich Repeat and Pyrin domain containing) family, also referred to as NALP family, is well known for its roles in apoptosis and inflammation. Several NLRPs have been indicated as being involved in reproduction as well.MethodologyWe studied, using the unique human gametes and embryo materials, the expression of the NLRP family in human gametes and preimplantation embryos at different developmental stages, and compared the expression levels between normal and abnormal embryos using real-time PCR.Principal FindingsAmong 14 members of the NLRP family, twelve were detected in human oocytes and preimplantation embryos, whereas seven were detected in spermatozoa. Eight NLRPs (NLRP4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, and 14) showed a similar expression pattern: their expression levels were high in oocytes and then decreased progressively in embryos, resulting in a very low level in day 5 embryos. However, NLRP2 and NLRP7 showed a different expression pattern: their expression decreased from oocytes to the lowest level by day 3, but increased again by day 5. The expression levels of NLRP5, 9, and 12 were lower in day 1 abnormal embryos but higher in day3 and day5 arrested embryos, when compared with normal embryos at the same stages. NLRP7 was down-regulated in day 1 and day 5 abnormal embryos but over-expressed in day3 arrested embryos.ConclusionsAccording to our results, different NLRPs possibly work in a stage-dependent manner during human preimplantation development.

BackgroundPreimplantation development is a crucial step in early human development. However, the molecular basis of human preimplantation development is not well known.MethodologyBy applying microarray on 397 human oocytes and embryos at six developmental stages, we studied the transcription dynamics during human preimplantation development.Principal FindingsWe found that the preimplantation development consisted of two main transitions: from metaphase-II oocyte to 4-cell embryo where mainly the maternal genes were expressed, and from 8-cell embryo to blastocyst with down-regulation of the maternal genes and up-regulation of embryonic genes. Human preimplantation development proved relatively autonomous. Genes predominantly expressed in oocytes and embryos are well conserved during evolution.SignificanceOur database and findings provide fundamental resources for understanding the genetic network controlling early human development.

No abstract

Recombinant hCG or LH are equally effective in promoting oocyte maturation in a clinical IVM programme.

No abstract

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is the most common complication of assisted reproductive technology (ART). 1 Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is characterized by the increased vascular permeability, fluid leakage into the third space, and may result in hemoconcentration. 2 While mild OHSS usually has a temporary nature and limited clinical relevance, severe OHSS is characterized by the substantial ovarian enlargement, pleural effusion, ascites, hemoconcentration, oliguria, and, potentially, thromboembolism and multiple organ failure. 3 According to the report by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), OHSS remained the most common reported complication (1845 cases; incidence rate: 0.4% of all reported cycles). Other complications such as bleeding (793 cases), infections (78 cases), fetal reductions (416 cases), and maternal death (2 per 686 271 treatment cycles) occurred significantly rarer. 4

Chromosomal aneuploidies are known for being the main cause of abnormal development of embryos with normal morphology, their implantation failure and early reproductive losses in IVF treatments. Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) allows selecting embryos with normal chromosomal content and increases IVF treatment efficiency due to higher implantation rates and less frequent early pregnancy losses. New technologies used for PGS allow making genome-wide analysis of the presence of all chromosomes in embryos. This article presents our study of evaluation of two techniques used for PGS: previously developed and used in our laboratory a-CGH assay based on Agilent technology and newly tested semi-conductive NGS technique (Torrent technology).