Maternal body mass index affects embryo morphokinetics: a time-lapse study.

Purpose: To assess the effect of body mass index (BMI) on morphokinetic parameters of human embryos evaluated with time-lapse technology during in vitro culture.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of ART cycles utilizing time-lapse technology was undertaken to assess the potential impact of maternal BMI on morphokinetic and static morphological parameters of embryo development. The cohort of patients was divided into four groups: 593 embryos from 128 underweight women in group A; 5248 embryos from 1107 normal weight women in group B; 1053 embryos from 226 overweight women in group C; and 286 embryos from 67 obese women in group D.

Oocyte maturation: gamete-somatic cells interactions, meiotic resumption, cytoskeletal dynamics and cytoplasmic reorganization.

Background: In a growth phase occurring during most of folliculogenesis, the oocyte produces and accumulates molecules and organelles that are fundamental for the development of the preimplantation embryo. At ovulation, growth is followed by a phase of maturation that, although confined within a short temporal window, encompasses modifications of the oocyte chromosome complement and rearrangements of cytoplasmic components that are crucial for the achievement of developmental competence. Cumulus cells (CCs) are central to the process of maturation, providing the oocyte with metabolic support and regulatory cues.

Cleavage kinetics analysis of human embryos predicts development to blastocyst and implantation.

Cleavage kinetics of human embryos is indicative of ability to develop to blastocyst and implant. Recent advances in time-lapse microscopy have opened new and important research opportunities. In this study involving infertile couples requiring standard IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment, zygotes were cultured by integrated embryo-culture time-lapse microscopy to analyse cleavage times from the 2- to the 8-cell stages in relation to the ability to develop to blastocyst, expand and implant.

Human oocyte ultravitrification with a low concentration of cryoprotectants by ultrafast cooling: a new protocol.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a new ultravitrification technique with a low concentration of cryoprotectants.

Design: Ultravitrification research.

Setting: Private assisted reproduction center.

Normal birth after transfer of cryopreserved human embryos generated by microinjection of cryopreserved testicular spermatozoa into cryopreserved human oocytes.

Objective: To report the first birth after transfer of cryopreserved embryos generated by intracytoplasmic sperm injection of cryopreserved testicular spermatozoa into cryopreserved human oocytes.

Design: Case report.

Setting: Tertiary center for reproductive technology.