Reporting on the Role of miRNAs and Affected Pathways on the Molecular Backbone of Ovarian Insufficiency: A Systematic Review and Critical Analysis Mapping of Future Research.

Ovarian insufficiency is identified as a perplexing entity in the long list of pathologies impairing fertility dynamics. The three distinct classifications of ovarian insufficiency are poor ovarian response, premature ovarian insufficiency/failure, and advanced maternal age, sharing the common denominator of deteriorated ovarian reserve. Despite efforts to define clear lines among the three, the vast heterogeneity and overlap of clinical characteristics renders their diagnosis and management challenging.

Patients with a high proportion of immature and meiotically resistant oocytes experience defective nuclear oocyte maturation patterns and impaired pregnancy outcomes.

Patients presenting with abnormally high numbers of immature oocytes at retrieval are more likely to exhibit maturation resistant oocytes. However, the clinical relevance of such events remains unknown. We investigated nuclear maturation competence of immature oocytes from patients showing >40% of collected immature oocytes (Study group) and Controls, in which a normal number of mature oocytes (≥60%) was retrieved.

Effect of two assisted oocyte activation protocols used to overcome fertilization failure on the activation potential and calcium releasing pattern.

Objective: To assess the effect of two assisted oocyte activation (AOA) protocols with the use of two calcium (Ca(2+)) ionophores, ionomycin and A23187 (calcimycin), on the intracellular Ca(2+) level in mouse and human oocytes and the fertilization rates.

Design: Comparison of two Ca(2+) ionophores, ionomycin and A23187, regarding their capacity to increase the intracellular Ca(2+) level and to support subsequent oocyte activation and development.

Setting: University hospital research laboratory.

Sperm involved in recurrent partial hydatidiform moles cannot induce the normal pattern of calcium oscillations.

Objective: To assess the Ca2+-releasing ability of sperm involved in partial hydatidiform moles.

Design: Analysis of the activating and Ca2+-releasing ability of human sperm.

Setting: University hospital research laboratory.

Assisted oocyte activation following ICSI fertilization failure.

The capacity of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to permit almost any type of spermatozoa to fertilize oocytes has made it the most successful treatment for male factor infertility. Despite its high success rates, fertilization failure following ICSI still occurs in 1-3% of couples. Assisted oocyte activation (AOA) is being increasingly applied in human assisted reproduction to restore fertilization and pregnancy rates in couples with a history of ICSI fertilization failure.