Telomere Length in Pig Sperm Is Related to In Vitro Embryo Development Outcomes

Telomere length has attracted much interest as a topic of study in human reproduction; furthermore, the link between sperm telomere length and fertility outcomes has been investigated in other species. This biomarker, however, has not been much explored in other animals, such as pigs, and whether it is related to sperm quality and fertility outcomes remains unknown. The present work aimed to determine the absolute value of telomere length in pig sperm, as well as its relationship to sperm quality parameters and embryo development. Telomere length was determined through quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization (qFISH) in 23 pig sperm samples and data were correlated to quality parameters (motility, morphology, and viability) and in vitro fertilization outcomes. We found that the mean telomere length in pig sperm was 22.1 ± 3.6 kb, which is longer than that previously described in humans. Whilst telomere length was not observed to be correlated to sperm quality variables (p > 0.05), a significant correlation between telomere length and the percentage of morulae 6 days after in vitro fertilization was observed (rs = 0.559; 95%C.I. = (−0.007 to 0.854); p = 0.047). Interestingly, this correlation was not found when percentages of early blastocysts/blastocysts (rs = 0.410; 95%C.I. = (−0.200 to 0.791); p = 0.164) and of hatching/hatched blastocysts (rs = 0.356; 95%C.I. = (− 0.260 to 0.766); p = 0.233) were considered. Through the separation of the samples into two groups by the median value, statistically significant differences between samples with shorter telomeres than the median and samples with longer telomeres than the median were found regarding development to morula (11.5 ± 3.6 vs. 21.8 ± 6.9, respectively) and to early blastocyst/blastocysts (7.6 ± 1.4 vs. 17.9 ± 12.2, respectively) (p < 0.05). In the light of these results, sperm telomere length may be a useful biomarker for embryo development in pigs, as sperm with longer telomeres lead to higher rates of morulae and blastocysts.

Factors Affecting The Outcome of in Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

The high prevalence of infertility motivated researchers to find a solution, henceforth In Vitro Fertilization was invented. Factors that affect the outcome of IVF may include sperm analysis, maternal Body Mass Index (BMI), maternal smoking habits, endometriosis, and maternal age. However, there are ongoing debates about the role of said factors regarding the outcome of IVF. The objective of this research is to analyze those factors. This research is a Case-Control study with an analytical observational design. Data were retrieved from patients’ medical records undergoing IVF in Graha Amerta Fertility Clinic from January 2019-October 2020. First, the Chi-Square Test revealed sperm abnormality (p=0.212), Maternal BMI (p=0.427), endometriosis (p=0.067), meaning there was no connection with the outcome of IVF. Simultaneously, maternal age (p=0.037) showed a connection with the outcome of IVF. From the Binary Logistic Regression Test, maternal age 36-40 years old (p=0.044) affects the outcome of IVF significantly. Concurrently maternal BMI, endometriosis, and sperm abnormality have p value>0.05 meaning it is insignificant to the outcome of IVF. This research concluded that sperm abnormality, maternal BMI, and endometriosis do not affect the outcome of IVF. There was no data about maternal smoking habits. Whilst maternal age affects the outcome of IVF. Conclusion: This research concluded that sperm abnormality, maternal BMI, and endometriosis do not affect the outcome of IVF. There was no data about maternal smoking habits. Whilst maternal age affects the outcome of IVF.

The Future of IVF: The New Normal in Human Reproduction

Increased demand for in vitro fertilization (IVF) due to socio-demographic trends, and supply facilitated by new technologies, converged to transform the way a substantial proportion of humans reproduce. The purpose of this article is to describe the societal and demographic trends driving increased worldwide demand for IVF, as well as to provide an overview of emerging technologies that promise to greatly expand IVF utilization and lower its cost.

ROL DEL PERSONAL DE ENFERMERIA EN LOS TRATAMIENTOS DE REPRODUCCIÓN ASISTIDA HUMANA

Existen una gran cantidad de parejas infértiles que se someten actualmente a algún tratamiento de reproducción asistida de baja complejidad (Inseminación Artificial), o de alta complejidad (Fecundación In Vitro, Inyección Intracitoplasmática de espermatozoides (ICSI en sus siglas en inglés) y para la realización de los mismo se necesita de una correcta coordinación entre todo el personal médico, de laboratorio y de enfermería, donde este último, en sus distintos roles, será el encargado de la preparación de la paciente para que esta pueda afrontar en las mejores condiciones posibles el tratamiento, lo que a su vez facilitará un mejor entendimiento y cumplimiento de las indicaciones, una menor tasa de abandono de tratamiento y mejores resultados en la consecución de un embarazo. El objetivo principal es dar a conocer los roles que cumple actualmente el personal de enfermería como son el asistencial tanto en el consultorio como en el quirófano, brindar apoyo emocional y educativo a las pacientes y participar en proyectos de investigación institucionales. Palabras clave: enfermería, cuidados de enfermería, infertilidad, inseminación, fertilización in vitro. ABSTRACT There are a large number of infertile couples currently undergoing assisted reproduction treatment of low complexity (Artificial Insemination), or high complexity (In Vitro Fertilization, Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)) and for the realization of the same requires proper coordination between all medical personnel, The latter, in their different roles, will be in charge of preparing the patient so that she can face the treatment in the best possible conditions, which in turn will facilitate a better understanding and compliance with the indications, a lower rate of abandonment of treatment and better results in achieving a pregnancy. The main objective is to raise awareness of the roles currently performed by the nursing staff, such as assistance both in the office and in the operating room, to provide emotional and educational support to patients and to participate in institutional research projects. Keywords: nursing, nursing care, infertility, insemination, in vitro fertilization