Artificial Reproductive Technology Achievements for Optimizing Embryo Quality

Abstract

Evaluation of morphological characteristics, to date, has been the most widely accepted method for the selection of embryos with higher developmental ability and optimization of the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF). Improvement in clinical results has also been pursued through attempts to generate embryos of high quality or to identify more reliable selection criteria. This work evaluates the possibility of improving embryo quality and subsequent IVF outcome in situations in which creation of supernumerary embryos is not allowed. Optimization of gamete selection and conditions of insemination, such as hormonal therapy to improve sperm quality of patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment, use of power Doppler image for follicle selection, short coincubation of gametes during insemination, and use of a polscope for spindle detection, is described.

Treatment of idiopathic oligozoospermia with recombinant human follicle‐stimulating hormone: a prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical study in Chinese population

“…2,3 FSH treatment may affect the synthesis of sperm DNA. 4,5 It was confirmed that FSH was essential for induction and maintenance of qualitatively and quantitatively normal spermatogenesis. 6,7 As FSH has a critical role in promoting spermatogenesis, various attempts have been made to increase sperm production in infertility patients by administering of FSH.…”

“…Previous studies had demonstrated that recombinant human FSH (rhFSH) had a positive influence on sperm DNA integrity . FSH treatment may affect the synthesis of sperm DNA . It was confirmed that FSH was essential for induction and maintenance of qualitatively and quantitatively normal spermatogenesis …”

Treatment with human, recombinant FSH improves sperm DNA fragmentation in idiopathic infertile men depending on the FSH receptor polymorphism p.N680S: a pharmacogenetic study

“…12 Oocyte retrieval was carried out under general anesthesia by a vaginal ultrasonography-guided aspiration. 12 At 16 to 18 hours after insemination or microinjection, as previously described, 25,26 oocytes were assessed for 2 pro-nuclei presence. Forty-eight hours after oocyte retrieval, embryos were classified according to their morphology and then transferred into the uterus.…”

Does the duration of gonadotropin stımulation affect embryo quality on post-retrieval day 3?

“…As the fate of the embryo is largely dependent on the oocyte from which it originates, studies have been conducted to investigate a possible association between oocyte morphology and developmental potential [27]. The extent to which the follicular microenvironment affects oocyte competence and as a consequence, embryo viability has been investigated [28]. On the basis of these studies, it can be concluded that duration of COH during follicular development plays a role in the consequent embryo development.…”