Rosario Mendoza

Sperm morphology analysis (strict criteria) in male infertility is not a prognostic factor in intrauterine insemination with husband's sperm.

OBJECTIVE To assess the prognostic value of strict sperm morphology analysis in intrauterine insemination with husbands sperm (IUI) cycles performed because of male infertility. DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING Academic tertiary hospital. PATIENTS Seventy-four consecutive couples subjected to 271 IUI cycles because of male infertility. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Strict morphology analysis 1 month before the beginning of IUI following the criteria of Kruger et al. RESULTS Pregnancy and no pregnancy couples were similar regarding strict normal forms (2.85% +/- 2.07% versus 3.13% +/- 2.63%), slightly amorphous forms, and the morphology index (11.79 +/- 6.06 versus 12.04 +/- 7.13). Pregnancy rates (PRs) were similar when normal forms were <4% (39.1%) or > 4% (35.7%). The PR, although higher in the group with morphology index > 10% (41.4%) than in the group < 10% (33.3%), lacked statistical significance. In pure male infertility group, mean values of morphology were similar in pregnancy and nonpregnancy group. A not significant trend was detected toward higher PRs in morphology index > 10% (50.0%) than in the group < 10% (33.3%). CONCLUSION Strict morphology analysis 1 month before the beginning of IUI is not a useful prognostic factor in IUI performed because of male infertility.

Mid-follicular LH supplementation in women aged 35-39 years undergoing ICSI cycles: a randomized controlled study.

This single-centre, randomized, parallel group, comparative study aimed to identify potential benefits of mid-follicular recombinant human LH (r-HLH) supplementation in women aged 35-39 years undergoing ovarian stimulation for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The main endpoint was the number of metaphase II oocytes retrieved. After pituitary suppression with a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist, ovarian stimulation was initiated with recombinant human FSH (r-HFSH; 300-450 IU/day). On stimulation day 6, patients were randomized to receive r-HFSH alone or r-HFSH + r-HLH (r-HLH 150 IU/day) for the remainder of the stimulation period. Final follicular maturation was triggered with 250 mug of recombinant human chorionic gonadotrophin. After assessing oocyte nuclear maturity, oocyte were fertilized by ICSI and afterwards embryo quality was analyzed. Of the 131 women enrolled, 68 were allocated to r-HFSH alone and 63 to r-HFSH + r-HLH. No significant differences were observed in markers of either oocyte or embryo quality or quantity. However, higher rates of implantation and live birth per started cycle were observed with r-HLH supplementation than with r-HFSH alone. Although additional large studies are required to further investigate these findings, r-HLH supplementation for women aged 35-39 years undergoing ICSI is recommended as it may have a beneficial action on implantation.

Hysteroscopic hydrosalpinx occlusion with Essure device in IVF patients when salpingectomy or laparoscopy is contraindicated.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate, in patients with hydrosalpinges, the effect on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome of the insertion by hysteroscopy of an intratubal blocking device, in cases where laparoscopic salpingectomy or laparoscopy was contraindicated. STUDY DESIGN A prospective interventional case series study was conducted in fifteen women with unilateral (N=6) or bilateral hydrosalpinges (N=9) submitted for IVF. In all of them, laparoscopic salpingectomy was contraindicated. Hysteroscopic insertion of the Essure intratubal device in a consultation room setting was performed. IVF results were compared with those of women where hydrosalpinx was treated by laparoscopic salpingectomy (48 women, 76 cycles). RESULTS There were no complications during or immediately after the procedure in any of the patients. There were four pregnancies from 16 embryo-transfers with own oocytes, one spontaneous pregnancy after unilateral Essure insertion, and one pregnancy after oocyte donation. In one case the hydrosalpinx grew and pelvic inflammatory disease developed 6 months after the insertion, requiring bilateral adnexectomy. Although not of statistical significance, IVF pregnancy rates were somewhat lower than in the laparoscopic salpingectomy group, which was attributed to the lower ovarian reserve before Essure insertion. CONCLUSION The hysteroscopic insertion of the Essure intratubal device prior to IVF is a reasonable option in cases where laparoscopic salpingectomy is contraindicated. Larger series are required to assess pregnancy outcome.

Expression and localization of cannabinoid receptors in human immature oocytes and unfertilized metaphase-II oocytes

Endocannabinoid anandamide and cannabinoid receptors have been described in some organs of the female reproductive system, but little is known about the expression of these receptors in human oocytes. The aim of the study was to describe the expression of cannabinoid receptors in human oocytes and to investigate their differential distribution at various stages of meiotic resumption in human oocytes. A total of 750 human oocytes from 214 patients were analysed by Western blot, immunocytochemistry and PCR. For this study, oocytes that were not suitable for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) (germinal-vesicle and metaphase-I stages), as well as metaphase-II oocytes that had not developed into an embryo after ICSI were used. Western blot analysis revealed the presence of CB1 and CB2 receptor proteins in human oocytes. CB1 and CB2 receptor immunostaining patterns changed during the various stages of meiotic resumption. Localization of CB1 receptor was peripheral at germinal-vesicle stage, homogeneous over the entire oocyte at metaphase I and peripheral at mature metaphase II. CB2 receptor localization was peripheral at germinal-vesicle and metaphase-I stages but homogeneous over the entire cell at metaphase II. This finding suggests a possible role for endocannabinoids, acting via receptors, in the maturation of female gametes and fertilization. The number of couples with sterility problems attending fertility programmes is rising but treatment is not always successful. Important problems associated with failure to conceive remain unresolved because many physiological aspects of human reproduction are still unknown. Endocannabinoids are endogenous chemical compounds that mimic the action of the main psychoactive component of marijuana, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. An endogenous cannabinoid named anandamide has been found in human follicular fluid. Thus, in order to develop knowledge in this field, in the present study we have described the presence of the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 (the proteins required to mediate the action of the cannabinoids) in the early stages of meiotic resumption of oocytes (the stages before ovulation) and we could postulate that the endocannabinoids could act in the regulation of maturation of oocytes. Our study, together with other studies, indicates that the endocannabinoid system may play a role in human reproduction.

Chromosome studies in human unfertilized oocytes and uncleaved zygotes after treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs

OBJECTIVE To determine the frequency of the anomalies from the cytogenetic point of view in the oocytes remaining from our in vitro fertilization (IVF) program. Two gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (GnRH-a) were used (buserelin acetate and leuprolide acetate) in the superovulation treatment. DESIGN A prospective study was planned in January 1989. Deadline for data and quantitative analysis was to be July 1990. SETTING Hospital de Cruces, a public and tertiary institute. PATIENTS One hundred thirty-nine IVF patients, yielding 433 oocytes. Selected on the basis of availability of oocytes and staff. RESULTS Two hundred thirty-eight oocytes (71.25%) exhibited the normal number of metaphase II chromosomes; 64 (19.16%) exhibited aneuploidy; 13 (3.89%) were diploid, hyperdiploid, or hypodiploid; and 19 (5.68%) showed parthenogenetic activation. Of the 99 zygotes, 17 were polyploid and 48 showed prematurely condensed chromosomes, whereas in 31 cases the male and female pronuclei remained separate. CONCLUSIONS It would not appear that the rate of chromosomal anomalies is affected after pituitary suppression with GnRH-a.

Expression and localization of opioid receptors during the maturation of human oocytes

The endogenous opioid system has been characterized in some female reproductive organs, but little is known about the expression of these receptors in human oocytes. This study investigated the presence and differential distribution of the opioid receptors during the maturation of human oocytes. A total of 821 human oocytes from an intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) programme were studied including 213 at germinal-vesicle (GV) stage and 164 at metaphase-I (MI) stage and 444 failed fertilization metaphase-II (MII) oocytes. Additionally 31 MII oocytes corresponding to cases where ICSI was not attempted and 50 failed fertilization MII oocytes from the IVF programme were included. Western blot analysis revealed the presence of the delta (OPRD1), kappa (OPRK1) and mu (OPRM1) opioid receptors in human oocytes. The OPRK1 and OPRM1 immunostaining patterns changed during the maturation of the oocyte, while the OPRD1 pattern was the same throughout. In particular, OPRD1 were detected in peripheral tissue from the GV to the MII stage. OPRK1 were found peripherally at the GV stage, more internally at MI and homogeneously at MII. Finally, OPRM1 were located peripherally at the GV stage and homogeneously in MI and MII oocytes. Opioids may have a role in oocyte maturation, acting via receptors. The opioid system has been well characterized in the central nervous system, but it is now known that opioids also act in reproductive organs. However, little is known about the presence and function of this system in human oocytes and its role in their maturation. In this study, we investigated the presence and differential distribution of three (delta, kappa and mu) opioid receptors (proteins which bind the opioids) during the maturation of human oocytes. A total of 821 human oocytes (from 253 patients) not suitable for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or which did not develop into an embryo after ICSI were studied. Thus, we have verified the presence of the delta, kappa and mu opioid receptors in human oocytes. The kappa and mu localization changed during the maturation of the oocyte, while the Delta localization was the same throughout. In particular, the delta receptor was detected in the periphery of the oocyte. On the other hand, the kappa receptor was found peripherally at the beginning, more internally during maturation and homogeneously at the end of maturation. Finally, the Mu receptor was located peripherally at the beginning of maturation and homogeneously in the rest of the maturation stages. This finding suggests a possible role for opioids, acting via receptors, in the maturation of the oocyte.

Glutathione peroxidase activity in seminal plasma and its relationship to classical sperm parameters and in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcome

OBJECTIVE To relate the glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity level in human seminal plasma with standard semen parameters and spermatozoa fertilization potential in terms of fertilization and pregnancy rates in an IVF program. DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING Human Reproduction Unit at Cruces Hospital (Vizcaya, Spain). PATIENT(S) Three hundred consecutive males from infertile couples participating in the IVF program. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Analysis of GPX activity in seminal plasma by spectrophotometry. RESULT(S) GPX activity in seminal plasma was significantly lower in patients with abnormal sperm as assessed by 1999 and 2010 World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, compared with normozoospermic individuals. There was a more significant decrease in those samples with severe sperm pathologies. GPX values were significantly lower in samples with severe asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, and teratozoospermia compared with normal samples. However, there was no correlation between GPX activity in seminal plasma in IVF patients and fertilization rates or pregnancy outcome. CONCLUSION(S) Although seminal plasma GPX activity was related to semen quality according to WHO parameters, such an association was not found with IVF-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcome, presumably because of the well-known ability of IVF-ICSI procedures to overcome sperm deficiencies in the fertilization process.

Prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in GnRH agonist IVF cycles in moderate risk patients: randomized study comparing hydroxyethyl starch versus cabergoline and hydroxyethyl starch

OBJECTIVE To assess whether, in GnRH agonist IVF cycles where there is a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), the addition of cabergoline to the hydroxyethyl starch (HES) infusion could decrease OHSS incidence and severity. MATERIALS AND METHODS Prospective randomized study. The population under study consisted of women undergoing IVF cycles with GnRH agonist protocols, at risk of OHSS (more than 20 follicles observed larger than 12 mm in diameter and/or estradiol levels of 3000-5000 pg/mL). Women received a slow infusion of 500 mL of 6% HES during follicular aspiration alone or combined with 0.5mg cabergoline administration for 8 days, starting on the day of hCG administration. RESULTS The rates of OHSS (both early and late) were very similar in the HES alone group (3.19% (3/94)) and in the HES plus cabergoline group (5.68% (5/88)), as were the rates of severe cases of OHSS (1.06% and 2.27%). Pregnancy rates (PR) were also similar in the two groups (ongoing PR per transfer, 47.56% and 47.50%). COMMENTS The co-administration of cabergoline in patients receiving HES due to OHSS risk did not reduce the rate or severity of OHSS in GnRH agonist IVF cycles.

DELETION OF CHROMOSOME 4 : 46, XY, DEL (4) (Q31.3) AFTER GAMETE INTRAFALLOPIAN TRANSFER AND IN VITRO FERTILIZATION-EMBRYO TRANSFER

It seems that assisted reproduction technology does not increase the rate of chromosome abnormalities, and up to now, a few cases have been reported. The case we describe here is the first one of monosomy 4q31 in a full-term liveborn after a combined GIFT-IVF procedure. Once more, this case raises the question of whether pregnancies resulting from IVF should be monitored for chromosome abnormalities or not.

Dynamic of expression and localization of cannabinoid-degrading enzymes FAAH and MGLL in relation to CB1 during meiotic maturation of human oocytes.

The endogenous cannabinoid system has been characterized in some female reproductive organs but little is known about the expression and localization pattern of cannabinoid-degrading enzymes in relation to the CB1 cannabinoid receptor in human oocytes. In this study, we focus on the investigation of the presence and differential distribution of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoglyceride lipase (MGLL) in relation to CB1 during the maturation of human oocytes. We used a total of 290 human oocytes not suitable for in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): germinal-vesicle (GV) and metaphase-I (MI) stages and metaphase-II (MII) oocytes that had not developed into an embryo after ICSI. Cannabinoid-degrading enzymes and the cannabinoid CB1 receptor were present in human oocytes. Specifically, FAAH was detected in the periphery of the oocyte from the GV to MI stage and co-localized with CB1. Later, by the MII stage, FAAH was spread within the oocyte, whereas MGLL immunostaining was homogeneous across the oocyte at all stages of maturation and only overlapped with CB1 at the GV stage. This coordinated redistribution of cannabinoid system proteins suggests a role for this system in the maturation of the female gamete.