Differential regulation of STARD1, STARD4 and STARD6 in the human ovary.

Cells actively engaged in de novo steroidogenesis rely on an expansive intracellular network to efficiently transport cholesterol. The final link in the transport chain is STARD1, which transfers cholesterol to the enzyme complex that initiates steroidogenesis. However, the regulation of ovarian STARD1 is not fully characterized, and even less is known about the upstream cytosolic cholesterol transporters STARD4 and STARD6.

Cumulus cell pappalysin-1, luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor, amphiregulin and hydroxy-delta-5-steroid dehydrogenase, 3 beta- and steroid delta-isomerase 1 mRNA levels associate with oocyte developmental competence and embryo outcomes.

Purpose: To determine whether a selected set of mRNA biomarkers expressed in individual cumulus granulosa cell (CC) masses show association with oocyte developmental competence, embryo ploidy status, and embryo outcomes.

Methods: This prospective observational cohort pilot study assessed levels of mRNA biomarkers in 163 individual CC samples from 15 women stimulated in antagonist cycles. Nineteen mRNA biomarker levels were measured by real-time PCR and related to the development of their corresponding individually cultured oocytes and subsequent embryos, embryo ploidy status, and live birth outcomes.

Successful twin birth following blastocyst culture of embryos derived from the immotile ejaculated spermatozoa from a patient with primary ciliary dyskinesia: a case report.

Purpose: To describe the ultrastructure of spermatozoa from a patient with complete asthenozoospermia that resulted in live births following blastocyst culture.

Materials And Methods: Analyses of spermatozoa from a 36 year old patient were performed using light and electron microscopy. The hypo-osmotic swelling test was used to select spermatozoa for intracytoplasmic sperm injection.

Age and resting follicle number predict response to gonadotropin stimulation in in vitro fertilization cycles.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess whether age, resting follicle number, intraovarian blood flow, and/or ovarian volume are predictive of follicular response and oocyte quality in patients with in vitro fertilization.

Study Design: A retrospective chart review was done on 90 in vitro fertilization cycles that were completed in a university setting. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the predictive value of age, resting follicle number, pretreatment ovarian volume, and peak systolic velocity for response to gonadotropin stimulation.