Pregnancy: Oocyte donation in menopausal women

Abstract

Oocyte donation was performed by in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer in 82 women. The average age of the patients was 48 years (range 26-60), and 71 were over 40 years old, with an average follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) value of 74 +/- 14 IU and oestradiol concentration of 30 +/- 9 pg/ml. Overall 32 clinical pregnancies were achieved, of which 21 reached term, three are ongoing, and eight were lost (six miscarriages, one abruptio placentae, and one severe gestational proteinuria hypertension in the second trimester). The 21 term pregnancies produced 26 newborns; one patient who had had three embryos replaced delivered triplets and three patients had twins. Before the embryo transfer was performed, the endometrium thickness was accurately determined by vaginal ultrasound probe. The highest number of implanted embryos was reached when the endometrium thickness was 9-12 mm.

Abnormal DNA methylation in oocytes could be associated with a decrease in reproductive potential in old mice

“…In addition, an increase in the incidence of aneuploidy is well documented with increasing maternal age, particularly in humans [13,14]. Other studies have indicated that when embryos produced by young women were transferred into older women, the pregnancy rates were consistent with those of the young women [15,16]. Take together, the quality of the oocyte or embryo could be the primary cause of the decreased reproductive potential in the aging female.…”

Changes in acetylation on lysine 12 of histone H4 (acH4K12) of murine oocytes during maternal aging may affect fertilization and subsequent embryo development

“…Some studies, however, have indicated that when embryos produced from women <35 years of age were transferred into the uteri of women up to 59 years old, the establishment of pregnancy was not affected by age of the recipient (10,11). These studies suggest that it is the quality of the oocyte or embryo rather than the age of the recipient that is the primary cause contributing to the reproductive potential decrease in the aged female.…”

Management of infertility: an overview

“…Embryo cryo-preservation while still young provides the most successful option, freezing mature and immature oocytes and ovarian tissue with subsequent in-vitro maturation or autologous transplantation offer additional avenues (Ng and Ho 2007). The post-menopausal uterus does respond well when supported by steroid therapy and enable embryos to implant efficiently (Antinori et al 1993).…”