Assisted Reproductive Technology Research Articles

Developmental Competence of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Embryos and Interspecies ICSI Zygotes From Bovine Small Antral Follicles.

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) play a crucial role in conserving threatened wildlife species such as Bos gaurus. ART requires a large number of mature oocytes, and small antral follicles (SAFs) in the ovary are often used to obtain abundant sources of bovine oocytes. However, oocytes from SAFs often experience difficulty completing maturation and obtaining high quality and quantity of blastocyst formation compared to fully grown oocytes. This study aimed to increase the number of high-quality mature oocytes and improve their potential for ART applications in cloned and interspecies intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) embryos by utilising L-ascorbic acid (LAA) in pre invitro maturation (pre-IVM) culture. First, oocytes isolated from SAFs were cultured with the duration of pre-IVM 0, 6, 8, 10 h and different concentrations of LAA to determine good conditions for oocyte maturation. Then, mature oocytes were assessed for their developmental competence through parthenogenesis, cloned and interspecies ICSI embryos. The results showed that 8-h pre-IVM with 50 μg/mL LAA improved the maturation rate and developmental competence of parthenogenetic and clone embryos, especially, improving the high blastocyst quality by increasing cell number and expression of histone acetylation at lysine 9 (H3K9ac). In addition, the culture process improved the nuclear reprogramming of somatic cells after nuclear transfer into mature oocytes, resulting in an increased hatching rate of cloned embryos. It also enhanced the activation and the pronuclear formation rate of Gaurus-Taurus zygotes. Overall, the established pre-IVM culture method enhanced the meiotic and developmental competence of embryos. This procedure opened hope for the preservation of endangered species and other applications.

Comparative study of platelet-rich plasma in assisted reproductive technology: Impact on embryo quality and success rates

Comparative study of platelet-rich plasma in assisted reproductive technology: Impact on embryo quality and success rates

Relationship Between Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) and Other Influencing Factors with in Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Outcome of Iraqi Infertile Women

The clinical application of Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) measurement has been proposed in the prediction of qualitative and quantitative aspects of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). The aim of this study is to investigate the role of AMH level and other influencing factors in the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. The study focused on AMH and its association with infertile women undergoing IVF. The population included in this study was 131 infertile women who sought therapy for infertility at Kamal Al-Samarra'ay Specialized Hospital. They were divided into three groups according to the level of AMH hormone; group A (0.5-1.5 ng/mL, n=52), group B (1.6-4 ng/mL, n=70), and group C (> 4 ng/mL, n=9). Data collection was performed by means of a specially designed questionnaire, independent of demographic data. It included questions related to infertility. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 26. Clinical parameters of infertile women, infertility hormones and their relationship with AMH, as well as FMS-like Tyrosine kinase 1 levels, were all investigated. The study findings revealed a significant difference in the concentration of AMH between infertile women (p<0.01). Our analysis further demonstrated that the level of AMH reduces with advancing age in infertile women. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between the number of oocytes obtained and AMH levels in infertile women. Furthermore, the study found that AMH levels had an effect on clinical pregnancy outcomes. Specifically, the highest success rates for IVF were observed in women with normal AMH levels falling within the ranges of group B (6-4 ng/mL(. Additionally, the study demonstrated significant differences in AMH and TSH levels among infertile groups (p<0.05). Our study concluded that there is a significant correlation between clinical parameters and IVF outcomes, which can provide information for future clinical interventions aimed at improving success rates. Our analysis highlighted the role of FMS-like Tyrosine kinase 1 in infertility, where higher FMS-like Tyrosine kinase 1 levels were associated with higher success rates in IVF. The results indicate that the FMS-like Tyrosine kinase 1 level is a valuable marker for confirming the success or failure of IVF and can help determine the appropriate treatment plan.

The impact of extremely brief meditation and brief mindfulness interventions on assisted reproductive technologies success rates: A randomised controlled trial

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of extremely brief meditation (EBMI) or brief mindfulness interventions (Brief MI) on pregnancy rate in women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). MethodsThis is a prospective, three-armed, randomized controlled trial with women undergoing ART cycle, age ranging from 18 to 50 years. In the day of embryo transfer, the patients randomized to Brief MI group received a 15-minute audio of mindfulness. They were instructed to practice it daily, starting from the day of embryo transfer to the day of the pregnancy test, leading to a total of 180–210 minutes. Women randomized to EBMI met once a week during the waiting time between the embryo transfer and pregnancy test day in the same virtual room with a meditator instructor for 40 minutes, totalizing two sessions (80 minutes). The pregnancy rate was assessed via a blood test to measure hCG performed 2 weeks after embryo transfer. ResultsA total of 68 women aged 37.5 ± 4.3y were included (EBMI, n = 24; Brief MI, n = 22 and CG, n = 22). Pearson's Chi-square test and Student's t-test for independent samples showed no significant differences between intervention and control groups. Both EBMI and Brief MI had no significant effect on pregnancy rate in women undergoing ART. ConclusionThis randomized control trial revealed that the extremely brief meditation (EBMI) or self-managed brief mindfulness intervention (Brief MI) had no significant effect on pregnancy rates in infertile women undergoing ART cycles. Trial registration number: NCT04058262.

Depressive symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum: associations with mode of conception and demographic and obstetric factors

ABSTRACT An increasing number of women are conceiving through assisted reproductive technology; however, few studies have investigated their mental health after successful conception. This study investigated the changes in depressive symptoms in women using assisted reproductive technology and the association between the mode of conception and perinatal depressive symptoms. A longitudinal observational study was conducted from 2015 to 2019, 542 pregnant women completed questionnaires on depressive symptoms at eight timepoints during the prepregnancy, pregnancy and first-year postpartum periods. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. A generalized estimating equation regression model was employed for repeated measures. In the assisted reproductive technology group, depressive symptoms were more prevalent during early pregnancy and at 1 month postpartum than before pregnancy, and more prevalent before pregnancy and at 1 month after childbirth than in the spontaneous conception group. No significant association was identified between the mode of conception and depressive symptoms during the antenatal or postnatal period. The lack of full-time employment and prepregnancy depressive symptoms were associated with antenatal depressive symptoms. Primipara status and depressive symptoms during prepregnancy and pregnancy were associated with depressive symptoms during the first-year postpartum. Assisted reproductive technology was not a risk factor for depressive symptoms during the pregnancy and postpartum periods, whereas primipara status, lack of full-time employment and prepregnancy depressive symptoms were negative predictors. Therefore, targeted mental health interventions should address these specific factors to effectively support maternal mental health.

Long-Term Neurodevelopmental, Mental, and Cardiometabolic Health in Individuals Conceived with Assisted Reproductive Technology: A Literature Review

Background: Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has revolutionised fertility treatments since 1978 and, while itsimmediate perinatal outcomes have been extensively studied, its long-term health effects require exploration. Method: PubMed database was searched for studies spanning 2016 to 2023 to conduct this literature review of the long-term neurodevelopmental, mental, and cardiometabolic health of ART-conceived individuals. Results: A total of 49 studies were included in this review. ART-conceived individuals revealed mostly positive neurodevelopmental and mental health impacts. However, children conceived via intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)demonstrated an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and psychological and neurological development delays, while frozen embryo transfer was linked to an increased risk of language delay. Additionally, children born via ART as multiples or prematurely showed an elevated risk of cerebral palsy. While ART generally demonstrated a favourable impact on cardiometabolic health, there were concerns about increased risk of high blood pressure, altered lipid profiles, obesity, insulin resistance, premature vascular aging, and adverse metabolic changes. Specifically, ICSI-conceived individuals were more prone to adiposity and insulin resistance, while frozen embryo transfer was associated with type 1 diabetes. Conclusion: While ART-conceived individuals generally exhibit favourable health, specific subgroups may face elevated risks for certain neurodevelopmental disorders and long-term cardiometabolic issues, warranting further research. ART may be associated with metabolic alterations at a young age, potentially increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease later in life. Continued long-term monitoring and targeted interventions are recommended to mitigate these risks.

Effects of multisuperovulation on the transcription and genomic methylation of oocytes and offspring

BackgroundControlled ovarian stimulation is a common skill of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). In the clinic, some females would undergo more than one controlled ovarian stimulation cycle. However, few studies have focused on the influence of multi-superovulation on oocytes and offspring.ResultsHere, we found that multi-superovulation disrupted the transcriptome of oocytes and that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were associated mainly with metabolism and fertilization. The disruption of mRNA degradation via poly (A) size and metabolism might be a reason for the reduced oocyte maturation rate induced by repeated superovulation. Multi-superovulation results in hypo-genomic methylation in oocytes. However, there was an increase in the methylation level of CGIs. The DMRs are not randomly distributed in genome elements. Genes with differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in promoters are enriched in metabolic pathways. With increasing of superovulation cycles, the glucose and insulin tolerance of offspring is also disturbed.ConclusionsThese results suggest that multi-superovulation has adverse effects on oocyte quality and offspring health.

Diagnosis of 42 Cases of Intrauterine Twin Pregnancy Complicated With Ectopic Pregnancy: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

The coexistence of intrauterine twin pregnancy and ectopic pregnancy (EP), known as heterotopic pregnancy, is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. In this study, we aimed to investigate the pregnancy outcomes in women with intrauterine twin pregnancies complicated with EP after assisted reproductive technology. This retrospective study analyzed the medical records of 42 women diagnosed with intrauterine twin pregnancies complicated with EP via ultrasound or surgery at our hospital between January 2005 and December 2020. We collected data on patient general characteristics, high-risk factors, clinical symptoms, ultrasound features, treatment methods, and pregnancy outcomes. Among the 42 included women, 47.6% (20/42) had a history of tubal surgery, while 52.4% (22/42) and 47.6% (20/42) received the transfer of 2 and 3 embryos, respectively. In terms of treatment, 21.4% (9/42) women received expectant management, whereas 78.6% (33/42) underwent surgical treatment, with laparoscopic surgery accounting for 71.4% (30/42). Tracking the pregnancy outcomes revealed a live birth rate of 81.0% (34/42) and a full-term birth rate of 50.0% (21/42). The preterm birth rate was 31.0% (13/42), with a breakdown of 1 singleton (7.7%, 1/13) and 12 twin births (92.3%, 12/13) among the total 13 premature deliveries. Among the neonates, 33.3% (14/42) were singletons and 47.6% (20/42) twins. Caesarean section accounted for 31 out of 34 deliveries (91.2%). Though the incidence of EP in twin pregnancies has declined in the last decade, early diagnosis and proper management are still crucial for favorable outcomes in twin pregnancies with EP.

Congenital heart defects in children born after assisted reproductive technology: a CoNARTaS study.

Children born after assisted reproductive technology (ART) have worse perinatal outcomes compared with spontaneously conceived children. This study investigates whether children conceived after ART have a higher risk of congenital heart defects (CHDs) compared with children born after spontaneous conception (SC). All 7 747 637 liveborn children in Denmark (1994-2014), Finland (1990-2014), Norway (1984-2015), and Sweden (1987-2015), where 171 735 children were conceived after ART, were included. National ART and medical birth registry data were cross-linked with data from other health and population registries. Outcomes were major CHDs, severe CHDs, 6 hierarchical CHD lesion groups, and 10 selected major CHDs, diagnosed prenatally or up to 1 year of age (Denmark, Finland, and Sweden) and prenatally or at birth (Norway). The association between ART and CHDs was assessed with multivariable logistic regression analysis, with adjustment for available confounders. Major CHDs were detected in 3159 children born after ART (1.84%) and in 86 824 children born after SC [1.15%; adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.36; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.31-1.41]. Risk was highest in multiples, regardless of conception method. Severe CHDs were detected in 594 children born after ART (0.35%) and in 19 375 children born after SC (0.26%; AOR 1.30; 95% CI 1.20-1.42). Risk was similar between ICSI and IVF and between frozen and fresh embryo transfer. Assisted reproductive technology-conceived children have a higher prevalence of major CHDs, being rare, but severe conditions. The absolute risks are, however, modest and partly associated with multiple pregnancies, more prevalent in ART.

Unraveling the mysteries of early embryonic arrest: genetic factors and molecular mechanisms.

Early embryonic arrest (EEA) is a critical impediment in assisted reproductive technology (ART), affecting 40% of infertile patients by halting the development of early embryos from the zygote to blastocyst stage, resulting in a lack of viable embryos for successful pregnancy. Despite its prevalence, the molecular mechanism underlying EEA remains elusive. This review synthesizes the latest research on the genetic and molecular factors contributing to EEA, with a focus on maternal, paternal, and embryonic factors. Maternal factors such as irregularities in follicular development and endometrial environment, along with mutations in genes like NLRP5, PADI6, KPNA7, IGF2, and TUBB8, have been implicated in EEA. Specifically, PATL2 mutations are hypothesized to disrupt the maternal-zygotic transition, impairing embryo development. Paternal contributions to EEA are linked to chromosomal variations, epigenetic modifications, and mutations in genes such as CFAP69, ACTL7A, and M1AP, which interfere with sperm development and lead to infertility. Aneuploidy may disrupt spindle assembly checkpoints and pathways including Wnt, MAPK, and Hippo signaling, thereby contributing to EEA. Additionally, key genes involved in embryonic genome activation-such as ZSCAN4, DUXB, DUXA, NANOGNB, DPPA4, GATA6, ARGFX, RBP7, and KLF5-alongside functional disruptions in epigenetic modifications, mitochondrial DNA, and small non-coding RNAs, play critical roles in the onset of EEA. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the genetic and molecular underpinnings of EEA, offering a theoretical foundation for the diagnosis and potential therapeutic strategies aimed at improving pregnancy outcomes.

Effects of progesterone administered to maternal rats during the teratogenesis-sensitive period through different routes on neurobehavior and gut microbiota in offspring

Objective: Progesterone (P4) is the optimal agent for luteal support in assisted reproductive technologies. Despite the availability of various formulations, the impacts of P4 treatment administered through different routes on offspring growth remain unevaluated. This study aimed to investigate and compare the effects of P4 administration through three different routes in pregnant rats during the teratogenesis-sensitive period on fertility outcomes and the behavior, plasma P4 and pregnenolone levels, and alterations in gut microbiota in the filial generation (F1) of offspring. Methods: Female rats that mated successfully were randomly classified into four groups: Group 1, the normal control group; Group 2, the IG group, in which utrogestan was administered via intragastric gavage; Group 3, the IM group, in which P4 was administered via intramuscular injection; and Group 4, the VAGIN group, in which P4 sustained-release vaginal gel was administered through the vagina. Except for the control group, P4 was administered in other groups through their respective routes for 13 consecutive days daily during the teratogenic-sensitive gestation period (days 6–18). The fertility outcomes of the maternal rats were observed, and open-field and three-chamber social preference tests were conducted to assess anxiety and social behavior, along with an exhaustive swimming experiment to evaluate the motor endurance of the offspring. Plasma P4 and pregnenolone levels in the offspring were measured, and fecal samples were assessed using gut microbiota sequencing and subsequent bioinformatics analysis. Results: No significant alterations in fertility outcomes were observed through three P4 administration routes—intragastric gavage, intramuscular injection, and vaginal administration—in rats. However, in behavioral experiments in offspring, a significant increase was observed in swimming time in the IG group than in the control group (P = 0.013). Furthermore, the offspring in the IG group exhibited a marked decrease in non-social behaviors compared with the control group (P = 0.030). No significant behavioral changes were observed in the F1 offspring in the open-field test. Additionally, the offspring in the IG group exhibited a significant elevation in plasma pregnenolone levels compared with the control group (P = 0.019) 30 days after birth. No notable differences in the α-diversity of gut microbiota were observed among the groups. However, significant differences in β-diversity were observed in both the IG and IM groups compared with the control group, indicating that P4 treatment via the two routes exhibited a significant impact on the gut microbiota composition of F1 offspring. Distinct differences were observed in the gut microbiota of the offspring among the three P4 treatment groups, with 22, 28, and 33 differential bacterial taxa identified in the IG, IM, and VAGIN groups, respectively, using linear discriminant effect size analysis, whereas Olivella appeared exclusively in the control group rather than in the P4 treatment groups. Conclusion: Oral administration of P4 to maternal rats during the teratogenesis-sensitive period enhanced motor endurance and plasma pregnenolone levels and altered the composition of the gut microbiota in the offspring. Our findings demonstrated different effects on offspring growth when P4 is administered orally, intramuscularly, or vaginally.

In Vitro Embryo Production: Overview

Reproductive biotechnologies, also known as assisted reproductive technologies (ART), have undergone significant development over time, reaching a remarkable level of evolution in the 20th century. Currently, several biotechnologies stand out, among which Artificial Insemination (AI), widely spread globally, Embryo Production (EP) both in vivo and in vitro for embryo transfer, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), sexing, among other innovations. In Vitro Production (IVP) of embryos has emerged as the biotechnology that has experienced the greatest development and evolution in recent decades, covering various fields such as research in assisted human reproduction, obtaining transgenic animals for biomedicine, preservation of endangered species and conservation of animals of high genetic value. This research aims to analyze the relevance of IVP, as well as the fundamental elements that make up this complex process. IVP of embryos involves several stages, from oocyte procurement, oocyte selection and in vitro maturation, sperm preparation, in vitro fertilization, to the culture of the resulting zygotes to blastocysts. These blastocysts, once transferable to recipients, culminate in the birth of a new being. However, this process has both advantages and disadvantages, which motivates continuous innovation in the field.

Modern aspects of preimplantation genetic testing of embryos in assisted reproductive technology programs (literature review)

Background. The success of assisted reproductive technologies depends on many factors, the main ones being the quality and genetic status of the embryo and endometrial receptivity. Preimplantation genetic testing is a tool that aims to reduce the risk of selecting an aneuploid embryo for transfer. Disputes surrounding the use of preimplantation genetic testing are conducted in the context of older patients, with recurrent miscarriage, with genetic karyotype abnormalities in a married couple, as well as multiple unsuccessful attempts at ART in the anamnesis.Purpose of review. To summarize and analyze the available data on current trends in the use of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT-A).Materials and methods. The review includes published data over the past 10 years regarding the effectiveness of ART programs and pregnancy outcomes after the use of preimplantation genetic testing. The literature search was conducted in Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, Wiley and Cochrane Library databases.Results. According to most authors, preimplantation genetic testing does not improve live birth rates per patient in the general population, but it does improve live birth rates when performing PGT-A on blastocyst-stage embryos in women over 35 years of age, as well as in women with a history of pregnancy loss to reduce risk miscarriage of a subsequent pregnancy.Conclusion. Preimplantation genetic testing is a valid method for assessing euploidy and mosaicism of an embryo before transfer. The feasibility of use, according to research results, is more related to conditions in which the risk of embryonic aneuploidy may increase, and is justified in high-risk patients, while the use of this technique in patients with a good prognosis is still questionable. First, trophectoderm biopsies may not reflect the ploidy of the inner cell mass. Secondly, even if we assume that this is the case, we cannot be sure that the embryonic cell line will not self-correct. In other words, once a diagnosis of PGT-A is received suggesting mosaicism or aneuploidy, the likelihood of a false-positive diagnosis is high.

Patterns of KIR-genotypes in women with preimplantation losses after assisted reproductive technologies

Aim. To analyze the frequency and distribution of KIR genotypes in women with repeated preimplantation losses during ARTs compared to women with control group. Methods. DNA isolation from leukocytes by the salting method, PCR-SSP, agarose gel electrophoresis; methods of statistical analysis. Results. The molecular genetic determination of KIR genes in the group of women with recurrent implantation failures and in the control group of women was performed. The frequency and distribution of KIR genotypes in the study groups were determined. In women with RIF, a slightly shifted distribution of the frequency of KIR genotypes was found, towards the homozygous genotype by haplotype "A", the frequency of which was almost half of all identified genotypes (42.86 %). The distribution and frequency of KIR genotypes in the control group was normal and described by the Hardy-Weinberg principle. A comparative analysis of the study groups using statistical methods showed a significantly higher frequency of the KIR-AA genotype (χ2=8.875; p<0.005) in the group of women with RIF compared to the control group of women. The calculation of the odds ratio indicates a 2-fold increase of risk for recurrent implantation failures after ARTs (OR=1.94; CI 95 %: 1.25–3.00) in women with the KIR-AA genotype. Conclusions. We regard the KIR-AA genotype as a significant risk factor for preimplantation loss. KIR genotyping is considered an important molecular genetic test for determining the risk of fetal rejection by the maternal immune system, which will help to correctly direct treatment interventions to keep the pregnancy alive.

Main stream and scientific innovations in the field of obstetric services in the Ural Federal District

The article provides analytical data on the results of the obstetrics and childhood service of the Ural Federal District in 2023, analyzes the key indicators of the service over the past five years and provides directions for optimizing the work of the service. In the sphere of implementation of national projects “Healthcare” and “Demography”, applied scientific research and development of the “Ural Research Institute of Maternity and Child Care” of the Russian Ministry of Health makes a significant contribution to the development of medicine by improving methods of prediction, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of perinatal pathology, development of assisted reproductive technologies, which will improve the work of obstetrics and childhood services.

Effects of Two Types of Estrogen on the Follicular Wave for in Vivo Oocyte Collection in Brown Swiss Cows

The manipulation of follicular waves through hormonal treatments, such as estrogen administration, plays a crucial role in optimizing in-vivo oocyte collection for assisted reproductive technologies. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of two specific types of estrogen on follicular wave dynamics and their impact on in-vivo oocyte collection in Brown Swiss cows. Fourteen cows, in their first lactation, weighing approximately 340 kg were randomly assigned to one of two treatments including T1 (estradiol cypionate) and T2 (estradiol benzoate). Both treatments were administered at 1.2 mg of estrogen, at day 0 of the experiment. All Brown Swiss cows were provided with a diet entirely consisting of alfalfa grazing. On day 7, follicular wave dynamics were assessed using a DP-50 vet ultrasound device equipped with a 7.5 MHz transducer for transvaginal follicular aspiration guidance. Follicle counts were categorized into three size ranges including 2-4 mm (small), 4-8 mm (medium), and greater than 8 mm (large). Additionally, the quantity and quality (viable oocytes) of the collected oocytes were evaluated by the Ovum Pick Up (OPU) team for oocyte viability on day 7. The study assessed the follicular dynamics (number of follicles) and efficiency of oocyte collection (viable oocytes) in cows treated with Estradiol Cypionate (T1) and Estradiol Benzoate (T2). The average number of small, medium-sized, and large follicles size were 6.048 ± 6.037, 3.16 ± 2.01, and 0.53 ± 0.67 respectively. The total number of follicles was 9.59 ± 3.56. The mean number of viable oocytes recovered was 3.024 ± 1.66, while the mean number of non-viable oocytes was 1.47 ± 1.01. The results indicated no significant differences between treatments in the size of small, medium, and large follicles, nor in the total number of follicles and viable oocytes recovered. However, a significant difference was observed in the number of non-viable oocytes recovered, with a higher mean in T2 (1.86) compared to T1 (1.09). The results indicated an adequate follicular response and viable oocyte recovery in both treatment groups (estradiol cypionate and estradiol benzoate). However, variations in oocyte viability were observed, with estradiol cypionate showing a slight advantage.

Parent, meaning who? Biotechnological revolution in human procreation and succession law in Poland

Recent developments in assisted reproductive technology (ART) – the use of third parties in the process of fertilization and pregnancy, and cryopreservation of human sperm, ova and human embryos – have contested many previously unchallenged paradigms related to parenthood. Currently, the thesis that a person is created by the physical consummation of two living parents of the opposite sex, is no longer as simple and clear cut. Undoubtedly, these changes affect social norms, including the legal systems of individual states which take divergent stances on the above-mentioned issues. For example, in their approach to filiation relations of a child born through ART and how his/her parents’ data are entered on the child’s birth certificate. Intensified migration movements of Poles to the USA and an increased number of cross-border (Polish and American) relationships have resulted in a growing frequency of foreign birth certificates appearing in Poland. Though incompatible with the Polish law, such certificates provide grounds for certain claims to be filed since vital records are documents of particular importance in every legal order, and in succession proceedings they are of fundamental value. Thus, a question arises as to the viewpoint of Polish law in regard to American birth certificates which do not comply with the rules in force in Poland regarding the filiation indicated therein. Can a child inherit by operation of law from people of the same sex indicated in his/her birth certificate issued abroad and can he/she inherit from all the parents named in such a certificate even if there are more than two of them? Does a child conceived several years after the death of his/her father, whose data feature on the American birth certificate, have a right to inherit from him in Poland? This article attempts to answer these questions.

Reproductive outcomes in fresh transfer cycles and antagonists with premature luteinizing and/or progesterone surge: a single center retrospective cohort study.

The optimal outcome of assisted reproductive technology is a successful live birth after fresh embryo transfer. However, the success pregnancy rate of fresh embryo transfer cycle in antagonist protocol is lower than that observed in other protocols. Despite the use of antagonists (GnRH-ant), the incidence of luteinizing hormone surge and elevated progesterone levels remain at approximately 5%-38%. Progesterone is widely recognized to exert adverse effects on fresh embryo transfer outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the impact of luteinizing hormone surge and progesterone levels on live birth rate following fresh embryo transfer and explore appropriate progesterone thresholds to enhance pregnancy outcomes. This retrospective cohort study included a total of 1,177 antagonist protocol cycles with fresh embryo transfer. The patients were divided into four groups based on the presence of premature LH surge and progesterone level on trigger day>1.5ng/ml. Then, the relationship between the variables and the pregnancy outcome was analyzed and compared in each group. The transient rise of luteinizing hormone did not impact pregnancy outcomes (P=0.345; P=0.3; P=0.787), in contrast to progesterone levels on the day of hCG administration (P=0.047*; P=0.015*; P=0.021*). In cases with luteinizing hormone surge, elevated progesterone levels were correlated with higher antral follicle count (AFC), and as progesterone levels increased, a greater quantity of oocytes and embryos were obtained. However, there was no statistically significant difference in pregnancy outcomes. In cases without luteinizing hormone surge, elevated progesterone levels led to significantly poorer pregnancy outcomes. Furthermore, the curve-fitting and threshold-effect analysis revealed a notable decline in live birth rates when progesterone exceeded or equaled 1.10ng/ml (OR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.09-0.66; P = 0.005*). The GnRH-ant dosage addition should be carefully selected in flexible antagonist protocols. The presence of elevated progesterone levels may be associated with improved embryo quality when luteinizing hormone surge occurred. In the absence of a luteinizing hormone surge, progesterone levels showed a larger impact on the pregnancy outcome, and fresh embryo transfer should not be performed if the progesterone level on the day of hCG administration is higher than 1.10ng/ml.

Lipid remodeling in acrosome exocytosis: unraveling key players in the human sperm.

It has long been thought that exocytosis was driven exclusively by well-studied fusion proteins. Some decades ago, the role of lipids became evident and escalated interest in the field. Our laboratory chose a particular cell to face this issue: the human sperm. What makes this cell special? Sperm, as terminal cells, are characterized by their scarcity of organelles and the complete absence of transcriptional and translational activities. They are specialized for a singular membrane fusion occurrence: the exocytosis of the acrosome. This unique trait makes them invaluable for the study of exocytosis in isolation. We will discuss the lipids' role in human sperm acrosome exocytosis from various perspectives, with a primary emphasis on our contributions to the field. Sperm cells have a unique lipid composition, very rare and not observed in many cell types, comprising a high content of plasmalogens, long-chain, and very-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids that are particular constituents of some sphingolipids. This review endeavors to unravel the impact of membrane lipid composition on the proper functioning of the exocytic pathway in human sperm and how this lipid dynamic influences its fertilizing capability. Evidence from our and other laboratories allowed unveiling the role and importance of multiple lipids that drive exocytosis. This review highlights the role of cholesterol, diacylglycerol, and particular phospholipids like phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, and sphingolipids in driving sperm acrosome exocytosis. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive overview of the factors and enzymes that regulate lipid turnover during the exocytic course. A more thorough grasp of the role played by lipids transferred from sperm can provide insights into certain causes of male infertility. It may lead to enhancements in diagnosing infertility and techniques like assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Elucidating the Role of Sirtuin 3 in Mammalian Oocyte Aging.

The field of reproductive biology has made significant progress in recent years, identifying specific molecular players that influence oocyte development and function. Among them, sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) has attracted particular attention for its central role in mediating mitochondrial function and cellular stress responses in oocytes. So far, studies have demonstrated that the knockdown of SIRT3 leads to a decrease in blastocyst formation and an increase in oxidative stress within an embryo, underscoring the importance of SIRT3 in maintaining the cellular redox balance critical for embryonic survival and growth. Furthermore, the literature reveals specific signaling pathways, such as the SIRT3- Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3β) deacetylation pathway, crucial for mitigating oxidative stress-related anomalies in oocyte meiosis, particularly under conditions like maternal diabetes. Overall, the emerging role of SIRT3 in regulating oocyte mitochondrial function and development highlights the critical importance of understanding the intricate connections between cellular metabolism, stress response pathways, and overall reproductive health and function. This knowledge could lead to the development of novel strategies to support oocyte quality and fertility, with far-reaching implications for assisted reproductive technologies and women's healthcare. This commentary aims to provide an overview of the importance of SIRT3 in oocytes by synthesizing results from a multitude of studies. The aim is to elucidate the role of SIRT3 in oocyte development, maturation, and aging and to identify areas where further research is needed.