scholarly journals Cross-species fertilization: the hamster egg receptor, Juno, binds the human sperm ligand, Izumo1

2015 ◽  
Vol 370 (1661) ◽  
pp. 20140101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrica Bianchi ◽  
Gavin J. Wright
Keyword(s):  
Golden Hamster ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Human Sperm ◽  
Fertility Treatment ◽  
Fertility Treatments ◽  
Gamete Recognition ◽  
Prognostic Tests ◽  
Organism Specificity ◽  
Diploid Organism

Fertilization is the culminating event in sexual reproduction and requires the recognition and fusion of the haploid sperm and egg to form a new diploid organism. Specificity in these recognition events is one reason why sperm and eggs from different species are not normally compatible. One notable exception is the unusual ability of zona-free eggs from the Syrian golden hamster ( Mesocricetus auratus ) to recognize and fuse with human sperm, a phenomenon that has been exploited to assess sperm quality in assisted fertility treatments. Following our recent finding that the interaction between the sperm and egg recognition receptors Izumo1 and Juno is essential for fertilization, we now demonstrate concordance between the ability of Izumo1 and Juno from different species to interact, and the ability of their isolated gametes to cross-fertilize each other in vitro . In particular, we show that Juno from the golden hamster can directly interact with human Izumo1. These data suggest that the interaction between Izumo1 and Juno plays an important role in cross-species gamete recognition, and may inform the development of improved prognostic tests that do not require the use of animals to guide the most appropriate fertility treatment for infertile couples.

How Does the Inclusion of Twins Conceived via Fertility Treatments Influence the Results of Twin Studies?

2012 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 746-752 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Alexandra Burt ◽  
Kelly L. Klump
Keyword(s):  
Twin Studies ◽  
The United States ◽  
Fertility Treatment ◽  
State University ◽  
Behavioral Differences ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Fertility Treatments ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Twin Families

Rates of twinning have risen dramatically over the last 30 years, from 1 in 53 births in 1980 to 1 in 30 births in 2009 (Martin et al. (January 2012). Three decades of twin births in the United States, 1980–2009. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics). This increase is largely attributable to increases in the use of fertility treatments (i.e., ovulation induction and in vitro fertilization) combined with delays in parenthood. Although this increase means that more twins are available for recruitment into twin studies, it also has potential consequences for the heritability estimates obtained in these studies. This study sought to evaluate this possibility, making use of the ongoing Michigan Twins Project (N = 7,261 families with twins aged 3–17 years), an arm of the Michigan State University Twin Registry. Results revealed that, on average, twins conceived via fertility treatments had lower rates of behavior problems than those conceived naturally, although these behavioral differences could be explained largely by demographic and socio-economic differences across the two types of twin families. Twin similarity did not meaningfully differ across fertility treatment status. We thus conclude that estimates of genetic and environmental influences obtained from twin studies over the last 10–15 years are more or less unaffected by the inclusion of twins conceived via fertility treatments in their samples.

Evaluation of morphological criteria of sperm quality before in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection

2013 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 773-785 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Lasiene ◽  
V. Gedrimas ◽  
A. Vitkus ◽  
S. Glinskyte ◽  
V. Lasys ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Human Sperm ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Abnormal Sperm ◽  
Morphological Criteria ◽  
Negative Effect

Abstract The quality of sperm has a direct influence on the fertilization and developmental competence of embryos. In the literature we did not find defined criteria for evaluation of normal sperm parameters in various species of domestic mammals. Therefore we attempted to review evaluation of criteria of morphologically normal human sperm and their abnormalities. All sperm cells observed in the stained sample are classified as normal or abnormal. Any abnormalities in morphology of sperm have a negative effect on the outcome in in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Abnormal sperm are categorized into subgroups according to the observed defects (concerning the head and/or midpiece and/or tail). Most morphologically abnormal sperm have multiple defects. This article can be considered as guideline for the manual of sperm quality evaluation in different species of domestic mammals.

Fertility treatment and dichorionic discordant twins – are they related?

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tal Biron-Shental ◽  
Ariel Many ◽  
Amir Wiser ◽  
Gil Shechter-Maor ◽  
Rivka Sukenik-Halevy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Fertility Treatment ◽  
Assisted Reproduction Techniques ◽  
Fertility Treatments ◽  
Hospitalization Rates ◽  
Discordant Twins ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Twin Pregnancies

AbstractObjective:This prospective cohort study evaluated the relationship between fertility treatments and the prevalence and outcomes of dichorionic discordant twins. This issue has gained importance due to twin gestations resulting from fertility treatments.Study design:Mothers of dichorionic twin pregnancies achieved in a single fertility clinic by assisted reproduction techniques, who had completed the first trimester of the pregnancy, were prospectively enrolled. Pregnancies with major fetal anomalies were excluded. Data regarding concordant and discordant twins based on the fertility treatments given to achieve the pregnancies were analyzed to determine the prevalence of discordance and pregnancy outcomes.Results:A total of 571 dichorionic twin pregnancies were available for evaluation. Fertility treatments modalities, sperm quality and implantation of cultured and thawed embryos did not influence the rate and severity of discordant twins. Increased hospitalization rates were found among discordant (n=108) compared to concordant (n=463) twins (47.2% vs. 31.3%, P<0.0001) and higher rates of betamethasone treatment (65.7% vs. 28.9%, P<0.0001). Secondary analysis of discordant pregnancies with a growth restricted twin, revealed the same results. We found no association between various fertility treatments and twin discordance.Conclusions:Our data suggest that fertility treatments do not play a major role in the pervasiveness and outcome of discordant twin pregnancies.

scholarly journals Review on the role of antioxidant supplementation against oxidative stress: a human and animal approach to male fertility

2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e43211125191
Author(s):  
Luana Nayara Gallego Adami ◽  
Valter Luiz Maciel Junior ◽  
João Diego Losano
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Male Infertility ◽  
Male Fertility ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Human Sperm ◽  
Original Data ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Antioxidant Supplementation ◽  
And Function

Male infertility is one important factor among the multifactorial causes of couple infertility, being oxidative stress one of the main related sources. Sperm is a specialized cell extremely susceptible to stress. To understand and mitigate this event, many studies have used different antioxidants, orally or in vitro supplementation, trying to improve sperm quality and function. Considering the extensive available literature regarding approaches and attempts to solve male fertility issues, the aim of this review is evaluating the effects of antioxidant supplementation on sperm, in both humans and experimental models with animals. This review selected original data from PubMed. The keywords used were: antioxidant, sperm, male fertility, antioxidant supplementation, male infertility; and the term "rodents" was added to the descriptors “antioxidant” and “male fertility”. Only studies published in indexed journals, in English, between 2015 and 2019 were included. This review involves i) human sperm and ii) rodent sperm. For the human approach, the search retrieved 496 articles and 80 were included, among which 28 studies were of in vitro antioxidant supplementation, 19 involved oral antioxidant supplementation and the remaining 33 concerned quantification of oxidants and antioxidants already present in the seminal samples. For the rodent approach, 152 articles were retrieved and 52 were included: 3 of varicocele, 11 of diabetes, 10 of therapeutic drugs, 3 of physical exercise, 10 of environmental exposure and 3 of heat stress. The remaining studies involved oxidative stress status in experimental models. Antioxidants use for reproductive purposes is increasing in an attempt to achieve better gametes and embryos. Vitamins C, B and E, selenium and zinc are the most commonly used antioxidants, with remarkable evidences in improving pathophysiological seminal conditions.

scholarly journals Age-discriminated IVF Access and Evidence-based Ageism: Is There a Better Way?

2021 ◽  
pp. 016224392110219
Author(s):  
Giulia Cavaliere ◽  
James Rupert Fletcher
Keyword(s):  
Evidence Base ◽  
Fertility Treatment ◽  
Potential Candidate ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Scarce Resources ◽  
Fertility Treatments ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Uk

Access to state-funded fertility treatments is age-restricted in many countries based on epidemiological evidence showing age-associated fertility decline and aimed at administering scarce resources. In this article, we consider whether age-related restrictions can be considered ageist and what this entails for a normative appraisal of access criteria. We use the UK as a case study due to the state-funded and centrally regulated nature of in vitro fertilization (IVF) provision. We begin by reviewing concepts of ageism and age discrimination in gerontological scholarship and contend that it is analytically useful to differentiate between them when considering age-restricted health services. We then argue that criteria to access IVF could be considered indirectly ageist so far as they rely on an age-related evidence base that manifests ageist categorizations of persons. Lastly, we examine whether there could be more normatively desirable alternatives to devise criteria to access fertility treatment, considering “lifestyle” as a potential candidate. We conclude, however, that lifestyle-based discrimination is problematic because, unlike age-based discrimination, it risks exacerbating existing socioeconomic and ethnic inequalities.

scholarly journals The Octo Mom Meets Constitutional Law: Testing the Constitutionality of Restricting Fertility Treatments

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theresa Miller-Sporrer
Keyword(s):  
In Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Constitutional Law ◽  
Fertility Treatment ◽  
Multiple Pregnancies ◽  
Financial Situation ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
The Public ◽  
Fertility Treatments

On 26 January 2009, Nadya Suleman gave birth to eight children. 1 The public outpouring of support quickly turned into widespread condemnation as more information about Ms. Suleman’s multiple pregnancies and financial situation was released.2 Once the public learned not only that Ms. Suleman had six other children but also that all fourteen children had been conceived using in vitro fertilization, the public began to question both her judgment and the judgment of her doctor.3 The public apparently was willing to accept the birth if it was the non-deliberate product of a hormone-based fertility treatment but was less willing to accept the birth if it was the result of a deliberate choice on the part of Ms. Suleman and her physician.

scholarly journals Improvements in human sperm quality by long-term in vitro co-culture with isolated porcine Sertoli cells

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 2598-2605 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Menegazzo ◽  
D. Zuccarello ◽  
G. Luca ◽  
A. Ferlin ◽  
M. Calvitti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Human Sperm
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