Method Of Embryo Transfer Research Articles

The altered immunological status of children conceived by assisted reproductive technology

BackgroundWith the increased use of assisted reproductive technology (ART), assessing the potential health risks of children conceived on ART important to public health. Most research in this area has focused on the effects of ART on perinatal, metabolic, and oncological risks in children. Although an increased risk of immune-related diseases has been reported in children born after ART, there are no studies on the immunological status of these children. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different embryo transfer methods and fertilization strategies on the immune status of the offspring.MethodsA total of 69 children born to women treated with ART and a matched control group of 17 naturally conceived (NC) children, all aged from 3 to 6 years, were recruited in the reproductive hospital affiliated to Shandong University. The frequency of immune cells in the peripheral blood was assayed using flow cytometry; plasma cytokine levels were determined by multiplex cytokine immunoassay with human cytokine magnetic beads.ResultsCompared to children born after natural conception, children born after ART had elevated interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels, regardless of embryo transfer and fertilization strategies. Children in the fresh-embryo transfer group had significantly higher IL-4 levels and a lower ratio of IFN-γ to IL-4 than those in the NC group ((P = 0.004, 10.41 ± 5.76 pg/mL vs 18.40 ± 7.01 pg/mL, P = 0.023, 1.00 ± 0.48 vs 0.67 ± 0.32, respectively). Similar results were shown in either the in vitro fertilization (IVF) group or the intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) group (P < 0.05 and P = 0.08 for IVF; P < 0.05 and P < 0.05 for ICSI, respectively). These alterations in IL-4 concentrations and the ratio of IFN-γ to IL-4 were statistically significantly correlated with supra-physical E2 (estradiol) levels on the day of hCG administration (R = 0.502, P = 0.017; R = − 0.537, P = 0.010, respectively). Consistently, the frozen embryo transfer did not result in alterations of these immune indicators in the offspring. Overall, there were no significant differences between the ART group and NC group in the frequencies of T cells, B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, CD4+T cells, CD8+T cells, T helper (TH)1 cells, TH17 cells, and regulatory T (Treg) cells and cytokine levels of IL-10 and IL-17a (all P > 0.05).ConclusionsImmunological alterations existed in children born after the use of ART. The elevated E2 levels before embryo implantation contributed to the increased IL-4 levels in children conceived by fresh embryo transfer. The assessment of immunological alteration is of importance to children conceived by ART for early monitoring and intervention.

Evaluating the role of endometrial colour Doppler dynamic tissue perfusion measurements in in vitro fertilisation success

The role of uterine receptivity and endometrial perfusion in in vitro fertilisation (IVF) remains unclear. In our prospective pilot study, we used a new dynamic tissue perfusion measurement method to evaluate this relationship in humans. A standard ovulation induction and embryo transfer method were applied to all the volunteers. On the day of embryo transfer, dynamic images of the uterus were recorded using colour Doppler ultrasound, and these images were uploaded onto PixelFlux Chameleon Software (GmbH, Münster, Germany). After determining the region of interest (ROI), the average velocity, intensity, and area values for all coloured pixels in the ROI, the tissue resistance index (RI) and the tissue pulsatility index were calculated. Endometrial thickness, morphology and dynamic endometrial perfusion parameters were compared between the clinically pregnant and non-pregnant groups. Endometrial thickness, morphology values and endometrial dynamic tissue perfusion measurements were similar between the groups. This study compared perfusion parameters between clinically pregnant and non-pregnant patients by accurately calculating endometrial tissue perfusion using standard software to establish its relationship with implantation success in IVF treatment. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known about this subject? The relationship between IVF success, endometrial receptivity and perfusion is known. Clear valuations of endometrial receptivity require an endometrial biopsy which may cause endometrial damage to the actual IVF cycle. This problem has led researchers to conduct non-interventional studies. Studies have revealed the value of endometrial thickness, pattern and Doppler examination of endometrial uterine arteries in predicting the success of IVF treatment. What do the results of this study add? This prospective pilot study is the first one to use this programme in humans to evaluate uterine receptivity in IVF. Successful results can be obtained by using computer programmes in tissues where perfusion parameters cannot be measured using traditional colour Doppler ultrasonography. Revealing the relationship between tissue perfusion and IVF success will be more effective and accurate with the development of software technologies. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? To increase the success of IVF treatment, current and new technological developments, as well as imaging methods should continue to be tested.

Comparison of pregnancy outcomes following the transfer of early-developmental stage embryos and blastocysts produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer in Camelus dromedarius

The embryonic stage, site of embryo transfer in the reproductive tract of the surrogate, and embryo transfer method are important for the successful production of offspring. In the present study, there was comparison of pregnancy rates in camels following the surgical transfer of early-developmental stage embryos at Day 2 and transvaginal transfer of blastocysts at Day 7. Embryos were produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer using in vivo-matured oocytes and ear fibroblasts as donor cells. A total of 305 oocytes were collected from 27 donors, among which 275 oocytes were in metaphase II. In Group A, 110 oocytes were reconstructed, 78 fused oocytes were cultured for 2 days, and 37 early-developmental stage embryos were transferred into 13 surrogates. In Group B, 165 oocytes were utilized, 117 fused oocytes were cultured for 7 days, and 24 blastocysts were trans-vaginally transferred into 12 surrogates. Pregnancy was determined when there was an increase in serum progesterone concentrations and was confirmed using real-time ultrasonography. Microsatellite analysis was performed to confirm the parentage of offspring. Two live births occurred in Groups A and B (live birth rate of 15.4% and 16.7%, respectively). Results indicate both early-developmental stage embryos and blastocysts produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer using in vivo-matured oocytes can lead to live births in camel with similar efficiency. It, therefore, is recommended that trans-vaginal blastocyst transfer be utilized for camels considering the pregnancy and live birth rates, ease of the transfer procedure and comfort and safety of surrogates.

P–765 Embryo donation pregnancies are at high risk even in young recipients

Abstract Study question Are pregnancies after embryo donation (ED) at higher risk of complications than those issued from autologous frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET)? Summary answer Even in young women, the risk of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) is four time higher in pregnancies after ED versus controls. What is known already After oocyte donation, a higher risk of PIH is well described. It is more controversial after sperm donation. The risk origin remains uncertain, even though an immunological explanation seems most likely. In ED, the fetus being fully allogeneic to his parents may be less well-tolerated. Very few data are reported about pregnancies after ED. The same allogenic model exists in surrogacies, but pregnancy complications are not well described in the literature. Study design, size, duration This anonymous, multicenter, comparative observational retrospective cohort study included all singleton ED pregnancies diagnosed at 7–8 weeks, from January 2003 to December 2018, in six French ART centers. For each, two controls were matched among autologous FET pregnancies. 209 pregnancies were included: 73 ED and 136 controls. Multiple pregnancies were excluded because of their increased associated obstetrical risks. Participants/materials, setting, methods Controls were matched according to pregnancy date, parity and women’s age. The first two singleton pregnancies after each index case meeting the selection criteria were retained. Each center coordinator collected information on infertility, pregnancy pathologies, outcomes and newborns. Statistical methods included univariate and multivariate analyses. According to French practice, all women were under 44 y/o. The main outcome was the percentage of PIH for ED versus controls. Main results and the role of chance ED was indicated for genetic disease in 17 cases (23.3%), double total infertility in 28 cases (38.3%), and double partial/total infertility in 35 cases (47.9%). Groups were comparable in age (mean age: 34.5 ± 8.6 versus 34.5 ± 4.5; p = 0.68), BMI, except for parity (more nulliparity in ED group: 90.4% vs 79.4%; p = 0.04). Pregnancy outcomes were similar for ED and control groups, the percentages of deliveries being 80.8% and 83.8%, respectively (p = 0.58). PIH occurred significantly more frequently among ED than control pregnancies (24.6% versus 11.9%; P = 0.04), with the difference mainly observed for severe forms: preeclampsia and HELLP (17.5% vs 4.6%; p = 0.01). No eclampsia was reported. In contrast, isolated hypertension frequency was comparable (7.0% vs. 7.3%, p = 0.94). Regarding labor and delivery mode, in ED group C-section was more frequent (47.3% vs 29.2%; p = 0.03). In neonatal data, no difference was found between ED and control group for prematurity, weight and height at birth, Apgar score, Small for gestational age, Large for gestational age and sex ratio. Seven neonatal malformations were recorded in ED group and 3 in the control group (NS). Limitations, reasons for caution Retrospective study in a relatively long period when different endometrial preparation for frozen-thawed embryo transfer and embryo cryopreservation method were used. Relatively limited number of ED because of low practice in France. No analysis of embryo stage at transfer (cleaved embryo or blastocyst). Wider implications of the findings: The PIH risk must be acknowledged to inform couples and provide careful pregnancy monitoring. A special care for gestational carrier should also be done since the allogenic situation is the same than in ED recipients. Trial registration number Not applicable

Development and pregnancy rates of Camelus dromedarius-cloned embryos derived from in vivo- and in vitro-matured oocytes.

ObjectiveThe present study evaluated the efficiency of embryo development and pregnancy of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos using different source-matured oocytes in Camelus dromedarius.MethodsCamelus dromedarius embryos were produced by SCNT using in vivo- and in vitro- matured oocytes. In vitro embryo developmental capacity of reconstructed embryos was evaluated. To confirm the efficiency of pregnancy and live birth rates, a total of 72 blastocysts using in vitro- matured oocytes transferred into 45 surrogates and 95 blastocysts using in vivo- matured oocytes were transferred into 62 surrogates by transvaginal method.ResultsThe collected oocytes derived from ovum pick up showed higher maturation potential into metaphase II oocytes than oocytes from the slaughterhouse. The competence of cleavage, and blastocyst were also significantly higher in in vivo- matured oocytes than in vitro- matured oocytes. After embryo transfer, 11 pregnant and 10 live births were confirmed in in vivo- matured oocytes group, and 2 pregnant and 1 live birth were confirmed in in vitro- matured oocytes group. Furthermore, blastocysts produced by in vivo-matured oocytes resulted in significantly higher early pregnancy and live birth rates than in vitro-matured oocytes.ConclusionIn this study, SCNT embryos using in vivo- and in vitro-matured camel oocytes were successfully developed, and pregnancy was established in recipient camels. We also confirmed that in vivo-matured oocytes improved the development of embryos and the pregnancy capacity using the blastocyst embryo transfer method.

The Effect of Embryo Transfer Process Duration on Implantation Success

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the embryo transfer duration of standard and simple embryo transfer method. STUDY DESIGN: This study was a retrospective cohort study conducted at a tertiary ART Centre, between June 2018- September 2018. Day 5 fresh embryo transferred patients aged between 18 - 40, BMI &lt;35 kg/m2 without uterine pathology were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups. Group-1 consisted of patients who had successful implantation and Group-2 consisted of patients who did not have implantation. Groups were compared according to their embryo transfer durations. Ninety-two patients were enrolled in the study. Also, sub-steps of as; cleaning of the cervical mucus and placing the outer catheter in the cervix, loading the embryo to the catheter, the period between embryo loading and embryo transfer, and following that, time spent for retracting the outer catheter evaluated. RESULTS: Between Group-1 and Group-2, there was no significant difference for the period of cervical cleaning and placing the outer catheter into the cervix (Respectively; 63 sec vs. 76 sec; p=0.18), the period of embryo loading (Respectively; 69sec vs. 71sec; p=0.46), the period between embryo loading and embryo transfer (Respectively; 10 sec vs. 10 sec; p=0.74, retracing the outer catheter (Respectively; 25.5sec vs. 24sec; p=0.42 and the total period of embryo transfer (182sec vs. 182.5 sec; p=0.55). CONCLUSION: The embryo transfer duration is not related to implantation rates. The duration of the embryo transfer process steps is not a distinguishing factor if a good-quality embryo transfer is done.

Economic mechanism of the region breeding service activity

The article examines the concept and elements of the economic mechanism of breeding in the region. The main goal of this work is to determine the features of the economic mechanism of the breeding service in the region for its further optimization. At the same time, the following tasks are being solved: - to reveal the features of the economic mechanism of the breeding service of the region; - to determine the main factors influencing the activities of the breeding service in the region; - to analyze the effectiveness of state support for the breeding service of the region. We note that the technologies of cattle reproduction using the method of artificial insemination with sexed semen and the method of embryo transfer in agricultural enterprises in practice have proven their economic efficiency and high profitability indicators. But to obtain the described results, the source material (sexed seed and embryo), as well as the qualities of the donor and recipient, as well as systematic work in the industry of dairy and beef cattle breeding in the Samara region, are extremely important. Raised cows with high genetic potential, obtained from artificial insemination with sexed semen and embryo transplantation, can then be used as donor cows to obtain embryos and their further transplantation in other agricultural enterprises.

Improved Non-Surgical Embryo Transfer Method using Porcine Vitrified Blastocysts

Improved Non-Surgical Embryo Transfer Method using Porcine Vitrified Blastocysts

A New Concept in Minimally Invasive Embryo Transfer

Abstract Considerable variation in embryo transfer (ET) catheter types, diverging opinions on their quality and functionality, complications following the insertion of catheters, low efficiency of the application of ET methods in humans, and their widely varying efficiency in animals demonstrate the need to improve ET methods and to look for new types of catheters. Such an opportunity is offered by the introduction of catheters made of new-generation biomaterials. This study was aimed to introduce a new generation of biomaterials into reproductive biotechnology. New-generation materials were compared with materials that have been used for many years, and the functionality of newly produced catheters was compared in vivo. Five types of biomaterials were tested: polycaprolactone (PCL), dibutyryl chitin (DBC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and polylactide (PLA). The study was carried out in two stages. Firstly, the basic utility parameters such as geometric stability, surface structure and catheter resistance were evaluated. Subsequently, the biocompatibility of selected biomaterials in embryo cultures was examined, and the development potential of the obtained blastocysts was evaluated. In the second stage, in vivo with live animals, the biomaterials were tested for biocompatibility and the obtained catheters were examined for their ET functionality. Efficiency with the use of the newly produced catheters was determined, the quality of the blastocysts obtained after embryo culture in the uterus was assessed, and oviducts were subjected to histopathological examination after embryo transfer. Of the tested biomaterials, only polyethylene (PE) showed adequate biological and material properties and proved suitable for production of ET catheters.

Pregnancy results after fresh embryo transfer and selective frozen-thawed embryo transfer: Single-center experience

ObjectiveTo compare the clinical pregnancy and live birth results of fresh embryo transfer (ET) and selective frozen embryo transfer (sFET) in cohort of infertile patients aged between 18–42 years of age in single IVF center. Materials and methodsIn this retrospective cross-sectional study, the clinical and live birth results of 620 fresh embryo transfer cycles and 580 frozen embryo transfer cycles were investigated in Sisli Kolan International Hospital Fertility Unit between 2015–2018. ResultsAge, BMI, causes of infertility, duration of infertility, ovulation induction protocols, the number of oocytes collected and the thickness of endometrium on the day of transfer were similar in the ET and sFET groups. More good quality embryos were obtained in sFET group. The clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were 71.04 % and 59.31 % in the sFET groups, and 56.77 % and 44.52 % in the ET group, respectively (p < 0.05). ConclusionPregnancy, clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were higher in frozen embryo transfer cycles than in fresh embryo cycles. However, appropriate in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer methods suitable for each patient should be determined before choosing fresh ET or sFET treatment modalities.

Separate transfer of two frozen-thawed embryos reduces multiple gestations in assisted reproductive technology

Aim: In assisted reproductive technology (ART), there are different opinions regarding how an embryo should be transferred to the uterus. For double embryo transfer (DET) cycles in particular, there is no consensus regarding the appropriate embryo transfer (ET) method. Therefore, the present authors developed a novel ET method called separated (s-DET); with this method, two embryos are transferred to separate settings. The authors evaluated and compared pregnancy outcomes of s-DET and conventional DET (c-DET). Materials and Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 129 patients underwent separated ET. One hundred fifty-two patients underwent c-DET, which involves transferring two embryos together. All patients underwent ET of two frozen-thawed embryos. Results: The clinical pregnancy and implantation rates of the s-DET group were 20.9 % and 10.4 %, respectively; these rates were similar to those of the conventional DET group (26.3 % and 16.1 %, respectively). However, the multiple gestation rate of the D-DET group (0.0 %) was significantly lower than that of the conventional double ET group (22.5 %; p = 0.006). Conclusions: s-DET might make ART safer and decrease multiple gestations resulting from DET cycles.

Non-surgical transfer of vitrified porcine embryos using a catheter designed for a proximal site of the uterus.

This study aimed to compare the efficiency of non‐surgical embryo transfer (ET) using a newly developed catheter, which enables transferring embryos into a proximal site of the uterus (mostly uterine body), and surgical ET of vitrified porcine embryos. In Experiment 1, the catheter was inserted into 12 gilts, with each half of the group allocated to skilled or novice operators. The time required for insertion into the uterus did not differ between skilled and novice operators (4 min 9 s and 4 min 6 s, respectively). In Experiment 2, 12 gilts were used as recipients for non‐surgical and surgical ET with vitrified embryos (n = 6, each). There was no significant difference in the rate of piglet production based on the number of transferred embryos between surgical and non‐surgical ET (25.8% vs. 15.4%, p = .098). The results suggest that non‐surgical ET catheter allowed for easy insertion and transfer of embryos without special training. Although the catheter is effective for deposition of embryos into the proximal site of uterus, the efficiency of piglet production is not enhanced compared with surgical ET. The ET method using this catheter, being labor‐saving and less‐invasive, may contribute to the improvement of ET in pigs.

Higher efficiency of frozen embryo transfer in male infertility cases in in vitro fertilization.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the success rates of frozen and fresh embryo transfer methods in different patient groups. The study included 453 patients who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. The patients were further divided into three groups as male factor, tubal/ovarian/uterine factor, and other factors. IVF treatment was performed through either fresh or frozen embryo transfer (FET). Of the 453 patients, 298 had fresh embryo transfer, and 155 received FET. The implantation and live-birth rates of FET were compared with fresh transfer approach, focusing on the effects of male infertility. There was a significant difference between the pregnancy ratios of patients who underwent fresh embryo transfer versus patients who underwent FET. In patients who were receiving IVF treatment due to male factors, the pregnancy rate was 49.32% in the fresh embryo transfer group, whereas it was 69.70% in the FET group, revealing a significant difference between the two groups (p=0.0321). Although the live-birth ratios were higher in the FET group both among all patients who underwent IVF due to male factor, the differences between the groups were not statistically significant. We observed higher pregnancy rates in FET patients compared with fresh embryo transfer in the study group. The differences in pregnancy rates and live-birth rates were especially evident in IVF cases where male factor was the reason for the treatment.

Perinatal complications and live-birth outcomes following assisted reproductive technology: a retrospective cohort study.

BackgroundWith the development of assisted reproductive technology (ART) and its increasing success rate in the mainland of China, more attention has been paid to the safety of ART. In this study, we explored the associations between conception by ART and pregnancy/perinatal complications, and neonatal outcomes compared with similar outcomes following spontaneous conception.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study of pregnancies over a 3-year period (2013–2015) was performed at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Beijing, China. Subjects were divided into two groups: conception by ART (n = 2256) or spontaneous conception (n = 6768). According to different fertilization modes, the ART group was divided into in vitro fertilization (IVF, n = 1873) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI, n = 383) subgroups. The ART group was also divided into two different embryo transfer methods; fresh embryo transfer (ET, n = 1583) and frozen embryo transfer (FET, n = 673) subgroups. Pregnancy complications, perinatal complications, and neonatal outcomes of the enrolled subjects were investigated and analyzed by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression.ResultsAfter adjustment for maternal age, gravidity, parity, maternal education, smoking, alcohol consumption, and body mass index (BMI), pregnancies conceived by ART were associated with a significantly increased incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM; OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.56–2.27), gestational hypertension (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.83–2.60), and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) (OR 2.79, 95% CI 2.15–3.64), compared with spontaneous conception. These associations were similar for the singleton group. In the twin group, only the incidence of ICP was significantly higher than in controls. We found that pregnancies conceived by ART were associated with perinatal complications, including placental abruption (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.33–3.45), premature rupture of membranes (PROM; OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.06–1.45), postpartum hemorrhage (OR 2.89, 95% CI 2.33–3.59) and polyhydramnios (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.29–3.16). The singleton group had a similar result with placental abruption, but not with fetal membranes ruptures before labor and polyhydramnios. There were no significant differences in the incidence of these perinatal complications in the twin group. Some neonatal outcomes, including preterm labor (OR 4.29, 95% CI 3.84–4.80) and low birth weight (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.42–2.08), were more likely to occur with singleton births after ART. However, there were no significant differences for these outcomes from twin pregnancies. Perinatal complications and neonatal outcomes were consistent between the IVF and ICSI subgroups. The FET and ET subgroups showed a similar increase in complications, except for the incidence of placental abruption. After taking into account the effects of parity, birth plurality and maternal age, the ART group still exhibited increased maternal and neonatal complications, although some differences narrowed or disappeared.ConclusionsThis retrospective cohort study demonstrated that patients who underwent ART were at increased risk of several adverse pregnancy outcomes compared with women who conceived spontaneously. These complications may be attributed in part to the relatively high multiple pregnancy rate after ART. Elective single embryo transfer should be promoted in China to reduce the obstetrical risks of ART pregnancy. Singletons of ART pregnancy exhibited increased maternal and neonatal complications as well, suggesting that underlying infertility or other maternal or parental factors may contribute to the adverse outcomes.

Simplified pipelines for genetic engineering of mammalian embryos by CRISPR-Cas9 electroporation†.

Gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9, have important applications in mammalian embryos for generating novel animal models in biomedical research and lines of livestock with enhanced production traits. However, the lack of methods for efficient introduction of gene editing reagents into zygotes of various species and the need for surgical embryo transfer in mice have been technical barriers of widespread use. Here, we described methodologies that overcome these limitations for embryos of mice, cattle, and pigs. Using mutation of the Nanos2 gene as a readout, we refined electroporation parameters with preassembled sgRNA-Cas9 RNPs for zygotes of all three species without the need for zona pellucida dissolution that led to high-efficiency INDEL edits. In addition, we optimized culture conditions to support maturation from zygote to the multicellular stage for all three species that generates embryos ready for transfer to produce gene-edited animals. Moreover, for mice, we devised a nonsurgical embryo transfer method that yields offspring at an efficiency comparable to conventional surgical approaches. Collectively, outcomes of these studies provide simplified pipelines for CRISPR-Cas9-based gene editing that are applicable in a variety of mammalian species.

The Objectionable Practises of The In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer Method With Respect to Islamic Law (Fiqh)

Upon discovery of the In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer method (IVF-ET), outcomes such as production of a great number of embryos, pre-implantation genetic screening and diagnosis, sex selection and multi-parent IVF have gradually become possible. These developments need to be evaluated in the context of the general principles of Islam as well. Islamic communities have accepted the IVF-ET technology, which allows infertile couples to have children, as an exceptional solution and treatment. Nevertheless over time, the IVF method introduced expansions that contradict with religious, ethical and social values.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 02 No. 01 Jan’18. Page : 18-24

Early gestational maternal low-protein diet diminishes hepatic response to fasting in young adult male mice

Maternal low-protein (MLP) diet can lead to hepatic steatosis, which only develops with ageing. It is still unclear whether the young offspring show any signs of past exposure to prenatal adverse conditions. We hypothesized that early nutritional insult would first affect the dynamic responsiveness to nutritional challenges rather than the static state. We analyzed the transcriptome and metabolome profiles of the hepatic response to fasting/refeeding in young male mice offspring to identify changes induced by early gestational MLP diet. Restricted MLP exposure strictly to early gestation was achieved by the embryo transfer method. As a result, the fasting-induced upregulation of genes related to long-chain fatty acid metabolism and of stress response genes related to protein folding were significantly diminished in MLP pups. Lipid profiling after fasting showed that the hepatic signature of triacylglycerols was shifted to longer acyl-chains and higher saturation by the MLP diet. Bioinformatic analyses suggested that these phenomenological changes may be partially linked to the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α (PPARα) pathway. Taken together, early gestational MLP diet affected the hepatic dynamic response to nutritional stress in seemingly healthy young offspring, accompanied with partial deterioration of PPARα action.

Birthweights and Down syndrome in neonates that were delivered after frozen-thawed embryo transfer: The 2007-2012 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology National Registry data in Japan.

AimTo evaluate the use of frozen embryos on the outcome of assisted reproductive technology (ART), a retrospective study of the Japanese Assisted Reproductive Technology Registry data during the years 2007‐2012 was conducted.MethodsA total of 124 946 singleton neonates who reached term gestation following ART from 2007‐2012, with 80 660 achieved through frozen‐thawed embryo transfer (ET) and 44 286 being achieved through fresh ET, were analyzed for their birthweights and chromosomal abnormalities.ResultsThe birthweight of the neonates from the frozen‐thawed ETs was significantly higher than that of those from the fresh ETs throughout all the study years. The frequency of Down syndrome was 0.17% for the fresh ETs and 0.13% for the frozen‐thawed ETs in the period 2007‐2012. This study showed that frozen‐thawed ETs result in a constant increase of the average birthweight between 37 and 41 weeks gestational age and lower frequencies of Down syndrome.ConclusionFrozen‐thawed ETs were comparable to the fresh ET method, with the exceptions of higher birthweights and a lower frequency of Down syndrome in the neonates that were born from frozen‐thawed ET. The increase in birthweights was not proportional to the gestational ages. This cannot be explained with any well‐known mechanism. The frequency of chromosomal abnormalities needs detailed data for analysis.

Transferencia de embriones en equinos: método no quirúrgico basado en la técnica ecográfica de inyección ultra uterina

Sonographic ultra-uterine inject ultra-sonagrafiation technique is an alternative method of embryo transfer that has been used in horses with good fertility rates. The objective of this study is to highlight the efficiency of ultrasound ultra-uterine injection technique as a nonsurgical alternative method for embryo transfer in horses. The methodology used was a literature review, from research in academic sites such as GOOGLE Scholar, BIREME, SCIELO and books. The survey results pointed to relevant aspects regarding the synchronization of estrus, artificial insemination in vivo or in vitro and surgical technique of embryo transfer (intrauterine injection) by ultrassonagrafia, it concluded that IUI is another alternative method of embryo transfer with Similar pregnancy rates to the current methods and can be a valuable option for mares with transposition difficult history of the cervix during the embryo transfer procedure.

Ultrasound versus 'clinical touch' for catheter guidance during embryo transfer in women.

Many women undergoing an assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle will not achieve a live birth. Failure at the embryo transfer stage may be due to lack of good-quality embryo/s, lack of uterine receptivity, or the transfer technique itself. Numerous methods, including the use of ultrasound guidance for proper catheter placement in the endometrial cavity, have been suggested as more effective techniques of embryo transfer. This review evaluates the efficacy of ultrasound-guided embryo transfer (UGET) compared with 'clinical touch' (CTET), which is the traditional method of embryo transfer and relies on the clinician's tactile senses to judge when the transfer catheter is in the correct position. To determine whether ultrasound guidance compared with clinical touch improves pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing embryo transfer during ART cycles. For the 2016 update of this review, we ran updated searches in the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group trials register (May 2015), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (the Cochrane Library, May 2015), MEDLINE (2009 to May 2015), and EMBASE (2009 to May 2015). We also handsearched relevant conference proceedings: American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), and International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO). There were no language restrictions. We included only randomised controlled trials. Two review authors independently assessed eligibility and quality of trials and extracted data from those selected. We calculated odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for dichotomous outcomes. No outcomes were reported using continuous data. We assessed the overall quality of the evidence for the main findings using the GRADE working group methods. This systematic review now has 21 included studies (four of which we added in the 2016 update), two studies awaiting assessment, and 47 excluded studies. In total, data for meta-analyses were available in 21 trials (n = 6218 women), of which only four reported live births.UGET was associated with an increased chance of a live birth/ongoing pregnancy compared with CTET (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.30 to 1.65; 13 trials; n = 5859 women; I(2) = 74%; low-quality evidence). Sensitivity analysis by including only trials with low risk of selection bias or by using a random-effects model did not alter the effect. We estimate that for women with a chance of a live birth/ongoing pregnancy of 23% using CTET, this would increase to between 28% and 33% using UGET. We considered the quality of the evidence using GRADE methodology to be low.UGET was associated with an increase in the chance of a clinical pregnancy (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.45; 20 trials; n = 6711 women; I(2) = 42%; moderate-quality evidence). We identified no differences between groups for the incidence of adverse events including multiple pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, or miscarriage. These events were relatively rare, and sample sizes limited the ability to detect such differences. The evidence suggests ultrasound guidance improves the chance of live birth/ongoing and clinical pregnancies compared with clinical touch, without increasing the chance of multiple pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy, or miscarriage. Methodological limitations included: only four studies reporting details of both computerised randomisation techniques and adequate allocation concealment, only four studies reported on the outcome of live birth, and none of the nine studies that reported on ongoing pregnancy reported on live birth, suggesting possible reporting bias. Adequate reporting of randomisation and allocation concealment will improve the quality of future studies. The primary outcome measure of future studies should be the reporting of live births per woman randomised.