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Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology... Jan 2022The utilization of oocyte cryopreservation (OC) has become popularized with increasing numbers of reproductive-aged patients desiring to maintain fertility for future... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The utilization of oocyte cryopreservation (OC) has become popularized with increasing numbers of reproductive-aged patients desiring to maintain fertility for future family building. OC was initially used for fertility preservation in postmenarchal patients prior to gonadotoxic therapies; however, it is now available to patients to circumvent age-related infertility and other diagnoses associated with early loss of ovarian reserve. The primary aim of this paper is to provide a narrative review of the most recent and robust data on the utilization and outcomes of OC in both patient populations. OC results in similar oocyte yield in patients facing gonadotoxic therapies and patients undergoing planned OC. Available data are insufficient to predict the live birth rates or the number of oocytes needed to result in live birth. However, oocyte yield and live birth rates are best among patients < 37.5 years old or with anti-mullerian hormone levels > 1.995 ng/dL, at the time of oocyte retrieval. There is a high 'no use' rate (58.9%) in patients using planned OC with 62.5% returning to use frozen oocytes with a spouse. The utilization rate in medical OC patients is < 10%. There is currently no data on the effects of BMI, smoking, or ethnicity on planned OC outcomes.
CONCLUSION
It is too early to draw any final conclusions on outcomes of OC in medical OC and planned OC; however, preliminary data supports that utilization of OC in both groups result in preservation of fertility and subsequent live births in patients who return to use their cryopreserved eggs. Higher oocyte yield, with fewer ovarian stimulation cycles, and higher live birth rates are seen in patients who seek OC at younger ages, reinforcing the importance of age on fertility preservation. More studies are needed in medical OC and planned OC to help guide counseling and decision-making in patients seeking these services.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Cryopreservation; Family Planning Services; Female; Fertility Preservation; Humans; Oocyte Retrieval; Oocytes; Ovarian Reserve; Pregnancy; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 34996479
DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00884-0 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2020Societal changes and the increasing desire and opportunity to preserve fertility have increased the demand for effective assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and... (Review)
Review
Societal changes and the increasing desire and opportunity to preserve fertility have increased the demand for effective assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and have increased the range of scenarios in which ART is now used. In recent years, the "freeze-all" strategy of cryopreserving all oocytes or good quality embryos produced in an IVF cycle to transfer later-at a time that is more appropriate for reasons of medical need, efficacy, or desirability-has emerged as an accepted and valuable alternative to fresh embryo transfer. Indeed, improvements in cryopreservation techniques (vitrification) and the development of more efficient ovarian stimulation protocols have facilitated a dramatic increase in the practice of elective frozen embryo transfer (eFET). Alongside these advances, debate continues about whether eFET should be a standard treatment option available to the whole IVF population or if it is important to identify patient subgroups who are most likely to benefit from such an approach. Achieving successful outcomes in ART, whether by fresh or frozen embryo transfer, is influenced by a wide range of factors. As well as the efficiency of IVF and embryo transfer protocols and techniques, factors affecting implantation include maternal aging, sperm quality, the vaginal and endometrial microbiome, and peri-implantation levels of serum progesterone. The safety of eFET, both during ART cycles and on longer-term obstetric and neonatal outcomes, is also an important consideration. In this review, we explore the benefits and risks of freeze-all strategies in different scenarios. We review available evidence on the outcomes achieved with elective cryopreservation strategies and practices and how these compare with more traditional IVF cycles with fresh embryo transfers, both in the general IVF population and in subgroups of special interest. In addition, we consider how to optimize and individualize "freeze-all" procedures to achieve successful reproductive outcomes.
Topics: Birth Rate; Cryopreservation; Embryo Transfer; Female; Humans; Ovulation Induction; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Pregnancy Rate; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
PubMed: 32153506
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00067 -
Animal Reproduction Science Nov 2022Sperm cryopreservation is one of the most important procedures in the development of biotechnologies for assisted reproduction. In some farm animals, the use of... (Review)
Review
Sperm cryopreservation is one of the most important procedures in the development of biotechnologies for assisted reproduction. In some farm animals, the use of cryopreserved sperm has so many benefits for which relevance has become more evident in recent decades. Values for post-thaw sperm quality, however, are variable among species and within individuals of the same species. There is no standardized methodology for each of the stages of the cryopreservation procedure (andrological examination, semen collection, dilution, centrifugation, resuspension of the pellet with the freezing medium, packaging, freezing and post-thaw sperm evaluation), which also contributes to differences among studies. Cryotolerance markers of sperm and seminal plasma (SP) have been evaluated for prediction of ejaculate freezability. In addition, in previous research, there has been a focus on supplementing cryopreservation media with different substances, such as enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. In most studies, inclusion of these substances have led to improved post-thaw sperm quality and fertilizing capacity as a result of minimizing the adverse effects on sperm structure and function. Another approach is the use of different cryoprotectants. The aim with this review article is to provide an update on sperm cryopreservation in farm animals. The main detrimental effects of cryopreservation are described, including the negative repercussion on reproductive performance. Furthermore, the potential use of molecular biomarkers to predict sperm cryotolerance is discussed, as well as the addition of substances that can mitigate the harmful impact of freezing and thawing on sperm.
Topics: Swine; Male; Horses; Sheep; Cattle; Animals; Semen Preservation; Semen; Cryopreservation; Cryoprotective Agents; Spermatozoa; Freezing; Sperm Motility
PubMed: 34887155
DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106904 -
Fertility and Sterility Jul 2022To review the outcomes of patients who underwent autologous oocyte thaw after planned oocyte cryopreservation.
OBJECTIVE
To review the outcomes of patients who underwent autologous oocyte thaw after planned oocyte cryopreservation.
DESIGN
Retrospective cohort study.
SETTING
Large urban university-affiliated fertility center.
PATIENT(S)
All patients who underwent ≥1 autologous oocyte thaw before December 31, 2020.
INTERVENTION(S)
None.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
The primary outcome was the final live birth rate (FLBR) per patient, and only patients who had a live birth (LB) or consumed all remaining inventory (cryopreserved oocytes and resultant euploid/untested/no result embryos) were included. The secondary outcomes were laboratory outcomes and LB rates per transfer.
RESULT(S)
A total of 543 patients underwent 800 oocyte cryopreservations, 605 thaws, and 436 transfers. The median age at the first cryopreservation was 38.3 years. The median time between the first cryopreservation and thaw was 4.2 years. The median numbers of oocytes and metaphase II oocytes (M2s) thawed per patient were 14 and 12, respectively. Overall survival of all thawed oocytes was 79%. Of all patients, 61% underwent ≥1 transfer. Among euploid (n = 262) and nonbiopsied (n = 158) transfers, the LB rates per transfer were 55% and 31%, respectively. The FLBR per patient was 39%. Age at cryopreservation and the number of M2s thawed were predictive of LB; the FLBR per patient was >50% for patients aged <38 years at cryopreservation or who thawed ≥20 M2s. A total of 173 patients (32%) have remaining inventory.
CONCLUSION(S)
Autologous oocyte thaw resulted in a 39% FLBR per patient, which is comparable with age-matched in vitro fertilization outcomes. Studies with larger cohorts are necessary.
Topics: Cryopreservation; Fertilization in Vitro; Humans; Oocytes; Retrospective Studies; Universities
PubMed: 35597614
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.04.013 -
PloS One 2020Cryopreservation is a method used for preserving living cells by cooling them to very low temperatures. Although cryopreservation methods for oocytes and embryos have...
Cryopreservation is a method used for preserving living cells by cooling them to very low temperatures. Although cryopreservation methods for oocytes and embryos have been developed for use in reproductive medicine, there are no established methods yet for preserving cell aggregates (spheroids) in regenerative medicine. We have developed a bio-three-dimensional (3D) printer that can fabricate scaffold-free 3D constructs by loading spheroids onto a needle array. We fabricated several constructs such as blood vessels, liver, diaphragm, and a conduit for nerves by using this method. These constructs have the potential to be applied in patients. However, the process of fabricating tissue constructs (harvesting cells, expanding cells, making spheroids using cultured cells, printing constructs, and maturing constructs) is time-consuming. Therefore, cryopreservation methods for spheroids or constructs should be developed to increase the efficiency of this method for clinical use. Here, we developed a method for cryopreserving spheroids, which were then used to fabricate constructs. Fibroblast cell-based spheroids were cryopreserved in phosphate-buffered saline or cryopreservation solution at -80°C for 1 week. After thawing, spheroids in cryopreservation solution began to fuse on day 1. Cryopreserved spheroids were printed onto a needle array to fabricate a scaffold-free tubular construct using a bio-3D printer. After 7 days, the printed spheroids fused and formed scaffold-free constructs. We confirmed the viability of cells in the cryopreserved spheroids and fabricated tubular constructs. Our results indicate that spheroids can be cryopreserved and used to prepare scaffold-free constructs for clinical use.
Topics: Cell Proliferation; Cryopreservation; Dermis; Extracellular Matrix; Fibroblasts; Humans; Spheroids, Cellular; Tissue Engineering; Tissue Scaffolds
PubMed: 32240195
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230428 -
Fertility and Sterility Mar 2022The purpose of this review is to educate the reader on the role that cryopreservation has played and continues to play in the ever-evolving field of assisted... (Review)
Review
The purpose of this review is to educate the reader on the role that cryopreservation has played and continues to play in the ever-evolving field of assisted reproductive technologies, specifically in clinical human fertility treatment. We discuss the science behind the cryopreservation methods and investigated some of the major considerations that any clinic or cryobank faces in terms of risks and liabilities, physical challenges that accompany the constantly growing collection of cryopreserved specimens, and what this means on the ethical and legal front. Finally, we take a glimpse in the future to explore what may be on the horizon for the preservation of gametes and reproductive tissues.
Topics: Cryopreservation; Fertility Preservation; Germ Cells; Humans; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; Vitrification
PubMed: 35219471
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.01.018 -
Communications Biology Feb 2023Successful organ or tissue long-term preservation would revolutionize biomedicine. Cartilage cryopreservation enables prolonged shelf life of articular cartilage, posing...
Successful organ or tissue long-term preservation would revolutionize biomedicine. Cartilage cryopreservation enables prolonged shelf life of articular cartilage, posing the prospect to broaden the implementation of promising osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation for cartilage repair. However, cryopreserved large sized cartilage cannot be successfully warmed with the conventional convection warming approach due to its limited warming rate, blocking its clinical potential. Here, we develope a nanowarming and ice-free cryopreservation method for large sized, intact articular cartilage preservation. Our method achieves a heating rate of 76.8 °C min, over one order of magnitude higher than convection warming (4.8 °C min). Using systematic cell and tissue level tests, we demonstrate the superior performance of our method in preserving large cartilage. A depth-dependent preservation manner is also observed and recapitulated through magnetic resonance imaging and computational modeling. Finally, we show that the delivery of nanoparticles to the OCA bone side could be a feasible direction for further optimization of our method. This study pioneers the application of nanowarming and ice-free cryopreservation for large articular cartilage and provides valuable insights for future technique development, paving the way for clinical applications of cryopreserved cartilage.
Topics: Swine; Animals; Cartilage, Articular; Cryopreservation; Tissue Preservation; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 36828843
DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04577-9 -
Fertility and Sterility Oct 2006To review historical and contemporary advances in oocyte-cryopreservation techniques and outcomes. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To review historical and contemporary advances in oocyte-cryopreservation techniques and outcomes.
DESIGN
Publications related to oocyte cryopreservation were identified through MEDLINE and other bibliographic databases.
CONCLUSION(S)
Oocyte cryopreservation can be used as an adjunct to conventional IVF and as an option for fertile women to electively cryopreserve their gametes. Recent reports indicate pregnancy rates comparable to those for cryopreserved embryos by either slow-freeze or vitrification methods. Larger prospective trials are needed to determine the true efficacy and safety of oocyte cryopreservation. Until a sufficient number of births is reached and adequate outcome data are collected, oocyte cryopreservation should continue to be considered experimental and to be performed under the oversight of an institutional review board.
Topics: Birth Rate; Cryopreservation; Cryoprotective Agents; Female; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; Humans; Live Birth; Oocytes
PubMed: 17008147
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.07.1478 -
Cytometry. Part B, Clinical Cytometry Nov 2021Immune profiling by flow cytometry is not always possible on fresh blood samples due to time and/or transport constraints. Furthermore, the cryopreservation of...
BACKGROUND
Immune profiling by flow cytometry is not always possible on fresh blood samples due to time and/or transport constraints. Furthermore, the cryopreservation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) requires on-site specialized lab facilities, thus severely restricting the extent to which blood immune monitoring can be applied to multicenter clinical studies. These major limitations can be addressed through the development of simplified whole blood freezing methods.
METHODS
In this report, we describe an optimized easy protocol for rapid whole blood freezing with the CryoStor® CS10 solution. Using flow cytometry, we compared cellular viability and composition on cryopreserved whole blood samples to matched fresh blood, as well as fresh and frozen PBMC.
RESULTS
Though partial loss of neutrophils was observed, leucocyte viability was routinely >75% and we verified the preservation of viable T cells, NK cells, monocytes, dendritic cells, and eosinophils in frequencies similar to those observed in fresh samples. A moderate decrease in B cell frequencies was observed. Importantly, we validated the possibility to analyze major intracellular markers, such as FOXP3 and Helios in regulatory T cells. Finally, we demonstrated good functional preservation of CS10-cryopreserved cells through the analysis of intracellular cytokine production in ex vivo stimulated T cells (IFNg, IL-4, IL-17A,) and monocytes (IL-1b, IL-6, TNFa).
CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, our protocol provides a robust method to apply reliable immune monitoring studies to cryopreserved whole blood samples, hence offering new important opportunities for the design of future multicenter clinical trials.
Topics: Cryopreservation; Flow Cytometry; Freezing; Humans; Immunophenotyping; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory
PubMed: 33544978
DOI: 10.1002/cyto.b.21994 -
International Journal of Molecular... Feb 2023Cryopreservation is an expanding strategy to allow not only fertility preservation for individuals who need such procedures because of gonadotoxic treatments, active... (Review)
Review
Cryopreservation is an expanding strategy to allow not only fertility preservation for individuals who need such procedures because of gonadotoxic treatments, active duty in dangerous occupations or social reasons and gamete donation for couples where conception is denied, but also for animal breeding and preservation of endangered animal species. Despite the improvement in semen cryopreservation techniques and the worldwide expansion of semen banks, damage to spermatozoa and the consequent impairment of its functions still remain unsolved problems, conditioning the choice of the technique in assisted reproduction procedures. Although many studies have attempted to find solutions to limit sperm damage following cryopreservation and identify possible markers of damage susceptibility, active research in this field is still required in order to optimize the process. Here, we review the available evidence regarding structural, molecular and functional damage occurring in cryopreserved human spermatozoa and the possible strategies to prevent it and optimize the procedures. Finally, we review the results on assisted reproduction technique (ARTs) outcomes following the use of cryopreserved spermatozoa.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Male; Semen; Semen Preservation; Spermatozoa; Cryopreservation; Fertility Preservation; Sperm Motility
PubMed: 36902084
DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054656