解凍後培養時間長短對囊胚著床率無明顯影響

Fertil Steril. 2018 Dec;110(7):1290-1297. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.07.1153.

Impact of post-warming culture duration on clinical outcomes of vitrified good-quality blastocyst transfers: a prospective randomized study.

Herbemont C1, Chekroune S2, Bonan S2, Cedrin-Durnerin I3, Vivot A4, Sonigo C5, Boujenah J6, Grynberg M7, Sifer C8.

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether post-warming culture duration (1 hour vs. 18 hours) influences implantation rates (IRs) of good-quality blastocysts (GQB) in a good-prognosis population.

DESIGN:

Prospective interventional randomized study.

SETTING:

University hospital.

PATIENT(S):

One hundred sixty-two GQB transfers.

INTERVENTION(S):

Patients' vitrified blastocysts were randomly allocated to group A, warming on the day before transfer (n = 81), or B, warming on the day of transfer (n = 81).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S):

IR, live birth rate, reexpansion degree, and quality after warming and immediately before transfer.

RESULT(S):

Quality of the warmed and transferred blastocysts was similar (respectively, 39.1% and 32.7% top quality [≥B4AA/AB/BA] in group A vs. 41.7 and 42.2% in group B). In group A, 14 of 102 blastocysts (12.2%) appeared to be unsuitable for transfer, versus only 1 of 103 (0.9%) in group B, thus leading to an additional warming. As expected, reexpansion degree just before transfer was higher in group A (0.90 vs. 0.70). Likewise, the proportion of hatched blastocysts before transfer was higher after a longer culture period (38.6% in group A vs. 12.7% in group B). IRs were similar (38.0% in group A vs. 36% in group B), as were live birth rates (35.8% in group A vs. 34.6% in group B).

CONCLUSION(S):

IRs were not different, whatever the duration of post-warming culture of GQB. Both warming strategies could be applied to good-prognosis patients to optimize the laboratory workflow without any detrimental effect.ru

體重過重或過輕均會造成精蟲品質下降

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Hum Reprod. 2018 Nov 8. doi: 10.1093/humrep/dey328. [Epub ahead of print]

Association between BMI and semen quality: an observational study of 3966 sperm donors.

Ma J1, Wu L2, Zhou Y1, Zhang H3, Xiong C4, Peng Z3, Bao W5, Meng T4, Liu Y3.

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Abstract

STUDY QUESTION:

What is the relationship between abnormal BMI and semen quality?

SUMMARY ANSWER:

Underweight was significantly associated with lower sperm concentration, total sperm number and total motile sperm count, while overweight was significantly associated with lower semen volume, total sperm number and total motile sperm count.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY:

Abnormal BMI has been associated with lower semen quality, but the results remain somewhat controversial. In addition, most previous studies have focused on the influence of obesity or overweight on semen quality, and evidence on the association between underweight and semen quality is rare.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION:

This research was an observational study investigating 3966 sperm donors from a large sperm bank in Wuhan city, China. These donors passed the screening for sperm donation and underwent 29 949 semen examinations between 1 January 2013 and 9 April 2018.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS:

BMI was categorized into four groups: underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m2) and obese (≥30 kg/m2). Semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm number, total motility, progressive motility and total motile sperm count were determined by trained clinical technicians. Linear mixed models were used to conduct dose-response analyses between BMI and semen quality parameters.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE:

Underweight was significantly associated with a 3.0% (95% CI: 0.1%, 5.8%), 6.7% (1.9%, 11.3%) and 7.4% (2.2%, 12.4%) reduction in sperm concentration, total sperm number and total motile sperm count, respectively. Overweight was significantly associated with a 4.2% (1.6%, 6.8%), 3.9% (0.9%, 6.9%) and 3.6% (0.2%, 6.9%) reduction in semen volume, total sperm number and total motile sperm count, respectively. Non-linear models including continuous BMI as a natural cubic spline function yielded similar results.

精蟲粒線體功能對於精子頂體功能  基因完整有決定性影響

Hum Reprod. 2018 Nov 14. doi: 10.1093/humrep/dey335. [Epub ahead of print]

Mitochondrial functionality modifies human sperm acrosin activity, acrosome reaction capability and chromatin integrity.

Zhang G1, Yang W2, Zou P2, Jiang F2, Zeng Y2,3, Chen Q2, Sun L2, Yang H2, Zhou N2, Wang X2, Liu J2, Cao J2, Zhou Z1, Ao L2.

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Abstract

STUDY QUESTION:

In addition to sperm motility, which major biological characteristics of sperm fertility potential are associated with mitochondrial functionality?

SUMMARY ANSWER:

Sperm fertilization capacities, including acrosin activity, acrosome reaction (AR) capability and chromatin integrity, are related to the mitochondria functionality as evaluated by the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP).

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY:

Correlative studies suggest a potential role of sperm MMP in predicting sperm fertilization ability and ensuring sperm motility. However, researches characterizing other determinants of sperm fertility potential according to MMP are lacking.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION:

The sperm MMP was examined in 627 young college students in the Male Reproductive Health in Chongqing College Students (MARHCS) cohort study in 2014. Among these participants, acrosin activity and chromatin integrity were measured in 378 and 604 subjects, respectively. These two determinants of sperm fertility potential were first compared among high-, moderate- and low-MMP groups in the college population. The effects of MMP collapse caused by carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) on acrosin activity, AR, DNA fragmentation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and ATP content in human spermatozoa were evaluated in vitro.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS:

The sperm MMP was evaluated by using JC-1 staining, acrosin activity was measured using a N-α-benzoyl-dl-arginine-para-nitroanilide HCl (BAPNA) substrate method, the integrity of chromatin represented by DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was measured by sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), AR was evaluated with chlortetracycline staining, and intracellular ROS production was evaluated with dihydroethidium. ATP concentration was determined with luciferase. Measurements were performed by spectrophotometry or flow cytometry.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE:

Nonparametric analysis revealed significantly higher acrosin activity and a lower DFI in subjects with moderate or high MMP compared to those with low MMP. After adjustment for potential confounders, increases of 7.9 and 44.4% in sperm acrosin activity and deceases of 12.0 and 25.2% in the sperm DFI were found in the moderate- and high-MMP groups, respectively. The MMP dissipation induced by CCCP caused significant declines in acrosin activity and AR capacity and increased DFI in human spermatozoa. Moreover, sperm MMP dissipation induced ROS overproduction and decreased ATP content.

黃體期就施打誘導排卵針可產生更高卵子產量

J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod. 2018 Nov 12. pii: S2468-7847(18)30337-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2018.11.003. [Epub ahead of print]

Luteal phase stimulation, the future of fertility preservation? Retrospective cohort study of luteal phase versus follicular phase stimulation.

Jochum F1, Sananès N2, Teletin M3, Lichtblau I3, Rongières C4, Pirrello O4.

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Abstract

RESEARCH QUESTION:

Is luteal phase stimulation capable of improving fertility preservation?

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We performed a retrospective cohort study of consecutive ovarian stimulations, during July 2012 and September 2018 at Strasbourg University Teaching Hospital in France. Enrollment criteria were patients aged below 40 who had been referred to our center following a diagnosis of cancer or requiring gonadotoxic treatment. All patients enrolled had regular menstrual cycles and normal ovulation. Non-enrollment criteria were an expected low ovarian response (defined by an anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level <0.75μg/L and/or an antral follicle count inferior (AFC) inferior than 5), polycystic ovarian syndrome, amenorrhea, prior history of infertility or gonadotoxic treatment. The primary endpoint is the number of mature oocytes (metaphase II) obtained. Secondary outcomes were oocyte yields obtained, stimulation duration, initial gonadotropin dose and total gonadotropin dose.

RESULTS:

A total of 100 patients were included: 20 in luteal phase and 80 in follicular phase. A larger number of mature oocytes was obtained in luteal phase versus follicular phase (13.1+/8.0 versus 9.2+/-5.8 with p=0.01). A greater amount of total (mature and immature) oocytes was obtained in luteal phase versus follicular phase with a significant difference (16.8+/-9.3 versus 11.8+/-7.3 with p=0.01). No difference was found for the initial and total doses of gonadotropin.

CONCLUSIONS:

Luteal phase stimulation has the advantage of a better flexibility with positives results as to the number of oocytes obtained in fertility preservation.

PGD應用於<38歲病人  無法提高活產率甚至下降活產率
PGD應用於>38歲病人  可提高活產率

Hum Reprod. 2018 Nov 30. doi: 10.1093/humrep/dey346. [Epub ahead of print]

To test or not to test? A framework for counselling patients on preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A).

Murphy LA1,2, Seidler EA1,2, Vaughan DA1,2, Resetkova N1,2, Penzias AS1,2, Toth TL1,2, Thornton KL1,2, Sakkas D1.

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Abstract

STUDY QUESTION:

What is the treatment path and cumulative live birth (CLB) rate from a single oocyte retrieval of patients who intend to pursue PGT-A at the start of an IVF cycle compared to matched controls?

SUMMARY ANSWER:

The choice of PGT-A at the start of the first IVF cycle decreases the CLB per oocyte retrieval for patients <38 years of age, however patients ≥38 years of age benefit significantly per embryo transfer (ET) when live birth (LB) is evaluated.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY:

PGT-A has been shown to reduce the practice of transferring multiple embryos and to confer a higher live birth rate per transfer.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION:

This is a retrospective cohort study from December 2014 to September 2016, involving 600 patients: those intending PGT-A for their first IVF cycle (N = 300) and their matched controls. Post-hoc power calculations (alpha of 0.05, power of 0.80) indicated that our study was powered adequately to demonstrate significant differences in CLB per retrieval and LB per transfer.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS:

The study was performed at a large academically affiliated infertility practice where approximately 80% of patients have insurance coverage for fertility care. Patients were identified through electronic medical records, and those who intended to pursue PGT-A at the start of stimulation were assessed. Patients were matched by age, time of oocyte retrieval and oocyte yield to the same number of controls. CLB outcomes per single retrieval, including the fresh and frozen transfers arising from the initial stimulation cycle, were calculated.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE:

PGT-A was not beneficial when CLB rate was assessed per retrieval, however its benefits were significant when LB rate was assessed per transfer. First cycle, <38 year-old patients who intended to have PGT-A had a significantly (P < 0.001) lower CLB rate per oocyte retrieval compared to controls (49.4% vs. 69.1%). Conversely, patients ≥ 38 years in the PGT-A group had similar CLB rates compared to controls per oocyte retrieval, while LB rates per transfer were doubled compared to controls (62.1% vs. 31.7%; P < 0.001). Of the first-cycle PGT-A and control patients, 25.3% and 2.3% failed to achieve a transfer, respectively.

D5囊胚解凍膨脹之懷孕率 vs D6囊胚解凍膨脹之懷孕率 = 43%  vs 27%

Hum Reprod. 2018 Mar 1;33(3):390-398. doi: 10.1093/humrep/dey004.

Live birth rate following frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer is higher with blastocysts expanded on Day 5 than on Day 6.

Ferreux L1, Bourdon M2,3, Sallem A1, Santulli P2,3, Barraud-Lange V1, Le Foll N1, Maignien C2, Chapron C2, de Ziegler D2, Wolf JP1,4, Pocate-Cheriet K1,4.

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Abstract

STUDY QUESTION:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the live birth rate (LBR) after frozen-thawed Day 5 (D5) and Day 6 (D6) blastocyst transfers.

SUMMARY ANSWER:

LBR following frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer is significantly lower with D6 than with D5 blastocyst regardless of embryo quality.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY:

During fresh embryo transfer cycles, pregnancy rates (PR) are significantly higher when transferring blastocysts expanded on D5 compared with slow developing blastocysts (D6). In programmed thawed blastocyst transfer (TBT) cycles, the same clinical outcomes should be expected when transferring D5 or D6 blastocysts because of endometrial/embryonic synchronization due to hormonal priming of endometrial receptivity. However, the impact of delayed blastocyst expansion at D6 on clinical outcomes remains unclear. Some reports have shown higher PRs after D5 TBT compared with those of D6, while others have shown equivalent TBT outcomes after D5 and D6 cryopreserved blastocysts transfers.

STUDY, DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION:

This retrospective cohort follow-up study included 1347 single autologous frozen-thawed blastocyst transfers performed between January 2012 and December 2015 at a tertiary care university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS:

All of the patients scheduled for TBT were allocated to two groups according to the day of blastocyst expansion: on D5 (n = 994) or on D6 (n = 353). The primary outcome was LBR per embryo transfer in the first blastocyst thawing cycle. Secondary outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate (cPR), early miscarriage rate and neonatal outcomes following TBT for the two groups. Statistical analyses were conducted using univariate and multivariate logistic regression model.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE:

The LBR was significantly increased in the D5 group compared to the D6 group [294/994 (29.6%) versus 60/353 (17.0%); P < 0.001]. The cPR was also higher when blastocysts were vitrified on D5 compared with those vitrified on D6 [429/994 (43.2%) versus 95/353 (26.9%); P < 0.001]. No significant differences were found between groups in terms of early miscarriage rate (P = 0.862). More good-quality embryos (defined as an B3-B4 or B5 embryo ≥BB according to the grading scale proposed by Gardner) were transferred in the D5 group than in the D6 group [807 (81.2%) versus 214 (60.6%); P < 0.001]. However, a comparison of TBT cycles with equal embryo quality (good versus low) also supported the superiority of D5 blastocysts. Concerning neonatal outcomes, the D5 group infants had a lower mean birth weight compared to those of the D6 group (P = 0.001). In addition, a significantly shorter gestational age at birth is reported in the D5 blastocyst group as compared to the D6 group (P = 0.004). After multivariate logistic regression taking into account potential confounders such as the women's age, number of previous IVF/ICSI procedures, the day of the blastocyst vitrification (D5 or D6) and embryo quality, blastocyst expansion at D6 was independently associated with a significant decrease in LBR compared to D5 expanded-blastocysts (OR 0.52; 95% CI 0.38-0.72; P < 0.001).

冷凍12年胚胎仍達到相同存活著床率

Hum Reprod. 2018 Dec 4. doi: 10.1093/humrep/dey350. [Epub ahead of print]

What was the fate of human embryos following long-term cryopreservation (≥12 years) and frozen embryo transfer?

Yuan Y1, Mai Q1, Ma J1, Deng M1, Xu Y1, Zhuang G1, Zhou C1.

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Abstract

STUDY QUESTION:

Do human embryos survive long-term cryopreservation (CP) (≥12 years) and implant after frozen embryo transfer (ET)?

SUMMARY ANSWER:

Human embryos remain usable after long-term CP.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY:

Several cohort studies have reported the live birth rate or neonatal outcomes of human embryos after CP for up to 5 years. Only a few case reports have described successful live births from human embryos after long-term CP up to 12 years.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION:

This retrospective observational study in China included 20 patients (128 embryos) from March 2016 to April 2017.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS:

Twenty patients who had at least one live birth during their previous IVF/ICSI treatments and had surplus embryos cryopreserved were observed. Data concerning frozen embryo recovery, pregnancy and obstetric outcomes following frozen ET were recorded.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE:

A total of 128 embryos of 20 patients were observed. The embryo storage duration was 12.0-17.1 years, with a mean of 13.9 ± 1.73 years. In all, 115 embryos were thawed to transfer, with a survival rate of 74%. Sixty embryos were further cultured, which resulted in 20 blastocysts with a blastocyst formation rate of 33%. There were 21 cleavage-stage embryos and 13 blastocysts transferred in a total of 12 and 11 cycles, respectively, which resulted in one biochemical pregnancy, one first trimester miscarriage, two ectopic pregnancies, three singletons and one case of twins, with a clinical pregnancy rate of 25% (D3 ET) and 36% (blastocyst transfer) and a live birth rate of 17% (D3 ET) and 27% (blastocyst transfer). Two of the four patients who had live birth developed gestational diabetes mellitus. One of the five live births was a preterm delivery.

PGD囊胚切片太多細胞可能會降低囊胚之著床率

J Assist Reprod Genet. 2018 Oct 17. doi: 10.1007/s10815-018-1331-1. [Epub ahead of print]

The number of biopsied trophectoderm cells may affect pregnancy outcomes.

Guzman L1,2, Nuñez D3, López R4, Inoue N3, Portella J3, Vizcarra F5, Noriega-Portella L3,5, Noriega-Hoces L3,5, Munné S6.

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To study if the number of trophectoderm (TE) biopsied cells has an impact on implantation rates.

DESIGN:

A retrospective cohort study in a single-center study.

SETTING:

In vitro fertilization center.

PATIENTS:

Patients who underwent PGT-A from January 2013 to March 2016. In total, 482 vitrified/warmed single embryo transfers were included.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Clinical pregnancies rate, implantation rate.

RESULTS:

Overall, clinical pregnancies per embryo transfer were higher when a regular TE were biopsied compared to larger size biopsy cells (66% (175/267) vs 53% (115/215) (p < 0.005) respectively). Pregnancy rates were also analyzed according to embryo morphology at the moment of embryo biopsy, when a good-quality embryo was transferred the clinical outcome was 75% (81/108) in group 1 and 61% (60/99) in group 2 (p < 0.05). Data was also stratified by age in patients ≤ 35 years and > 35 years. The clinical pregnancy was 67% (51/76) in women ≤ 35 years and 65% (124/191) in women > 35 years when a regular size biopsy was performed. These results significantly reduced when a larger size biopsy was performed 54% (49/91) and 53% (66/124), respectively (p < 0.05). Further investigation indicated that miscarriage rate was similar between these groups (4% (7/182) in group 1 and 5% (6/121) in group 2).

CONCLUSIONS:

These findings underscore that when a large amount of TE cells are biopsied, it may negatively affect implantation rates, but once implanted, the embryos have the same chance to miscarry or reach term.

卵丘細胞粒線體品質與胚胎著床有關

J Assist Reprod Genet. 2018 Oct 25. doi: 10.1007/s10815-018-1348-5. [Epub ahead of print]

The mitochondrial DNA content of cumulus cells may help predict embryo implantation.

Taugourdeau A1, Desquiret-Dumas V1,2, Hamel JF3,4, Chupin S2, Boucret L5, Ferré-L'Hotellier V5, Bouet PE6, Descamps P6, Procaccio V1,2, Reynier P1,2, May-Panloup P7,8.

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Abstract

PURPOSE:

The quantification of mtDNA in cumulus granulosa cells (CGCs) surrounding an oocyte has been positively linked with morphological embryonic quality. In the present study, we evaluated the link between the amount of mtDNA in CGCs surrounding an oocyte and the chances for the corresponding embryo of implanting and leading to an ongoing pregnancy.

METHODS:

This is an observational study, performed on 84 oocyte-cumulus-complexes (OCCs) having led to the replacement of an embryo in the maternal uterus, retrieved from 71 patients undergoing IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm. The OCCs were classified in two groups, one including 26 OCCs having led to an implanted embryo and the other including 58 OCCs having led to a non-implanted embryo. The average mtDNA content of CGCs was assessed by using a quantitative real-time PCR technique.

RESULTS:

Significantly higher mtDNA copy numbers in CGCs were associated with implanted embryos than with non-implanted embryos (mean 215 [sd 375] and 59 [sd 72], respectively; p < 104). Multivariate analysis, taking into account the women's age, the embryo quality, and the AMH level, suggests an independent relationship between the mtDNA content of CGCs and the potential of embryo implantation.

CONCLUSION:

During in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures, the probability of the implantation of the embryo appears to be closely correlated to the mtDNA copy numbers in the CGCs. Our results highlight the interest of mtDNA quantification in GCGs as a biomarker of the potential of embryo implantation.

高齡病人移植自體卵原始細胞粒線體於卵細胞中並無法提高胚胎懷孕著床率

Fertil Steril. 2018 Nov 24. pii: S0015-0282(18)32082-X. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.09.023. [Epub ahead of print]

Autologous mitochondrial transfer as a complementary technique to intracytoplasmic sperm injection to improve embryo quality in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization-a randomized pilot study.

Labarta E1, de Los Santos MJ2, Herraiz S2, Escribá MJ2, Marzal A3, Buigues A4, Pellicer A5.

Author information

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To study if autologous mitochondrial transfer (AUGMENT) improves outcome in patients with previously failed in vitro fertilization (IVF).

DESIGN:

Randomized, controlled, triple-blind, experimental study.

SETTING:

Private infertility center, Valencian Institute of Infertility (IVI-RMA), Valencia, Spain.

PATIENT(S):

Infertile women ≤42 years of age, body mass index <30 kg/m2, antimüllerian hormone ≥4 pmol/L, >5 million/mL motile sperm, at least one previous IVF with at least five metaphase oocytes (MIIs) collected, and low embryo quality.

INTERVENTIONS(S):

An ovarian cortex biopsy was performed to isolate egg precursor cells to obtain their mitochondria. Sibling MIIs were randomly allocated to AUGMENT (experimental) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (Control). In AUGMENT, mitochondrial suspension was injected along with the sperm. Viable blastocysts from both groups were biopsied for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S):

Pregnancy, embryo quality.

RESULT(S):

An interim analysis was conducted. The patients' mean age was 36.3 ± 3.6 years, and they had an average of 2.5 ± 1.5 previous IVF cycles. Two of the 59 enrolled patients spontaneously conceived (one miscarried). Fifty-seven patients had ovarian biopsies and underwent stimulation. Oocyte retrieval was performed in 56 patients (premature ovulation; n = 1). A total of 253 MIIs were inseminated in AUGMENT and 250 in Control; fertilization rates were 62.7 ± 30.0% and 68.7 ± 29.1%, respectively. Statistical differences were observed in day 5 blastocyst formation rates (23.3 ± 32.0% vs. 41.1 ± 36.9%). Neither the euploid rate per biopsied blastocyst (43.8 ± 41.7% vs. 63.8 ± 44.1%) nor the euploid rate per MII (9.8 ± 20.5% vs. 11.9 ± 16.1%) between AUGMENT and Control achieved statistical significance. Moreover, no differences were seen regarding mitochondrial DNA content and relevant morphokinetic variables. Thirty patients were able to undergo embryo transfer. Cumulative live birth rates per transferred embryo were 41.6% in AUGMENT and 41.2% in Control.

CONCLUSION(S):

AUGMENT does not seem to improve prognosis in this population. Therefore, the study has been discontinued.

均勻3cell胚胎大部分(77%))染色體異常

J Assist Reprod Genet. 2018 Nov 16. doi: 10.1007/s10815-018-1362-7. [Epub ahead of print]

Chromosome constitution of equal-sized three-cell embryos using next-generation sequencing technology.

Ma M1, Zhang S1, Lu C1, Wang S1, Yao Y1, Peng H2.

Author information

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To study the chromosome constitution of equal-sized three-cell embryo.

METHODS:

We determined the chromosome constitution of 105 blastomeres from 35 embryos using multiple annealing and looping-based amplification cycles (MALBAC) together with NGS sequencing technology. Chromosomal copy number variation (CNV) analysis was successfully performed in 27 embryos. We also analyzed radius, perimeter, area, and volume of each blastomere to explore the possibility of selecting the normal embryos.

RESULTS:

Majority of the embryos (77.8%, 21/27) studied were mosaic or aneuploid, and only 22.2% (6/27) had normal chromosome numbers. The aneuploid chromosomes spread across all chromosomes and the most frequent aneuploidies were for chromosomes 1, 16, and 18 followed by 13, 19, and 21. Statistical analyses showed no significant difference between euploid and aneuploid embryos regarding radius, perimeter, area, and volume of their blastomeres.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results showed that majority of the equal-sized three-cell embryos were chromosomally abnormal and could not be distinguished by morphology observation, so they should be given lower priority at selection for transfer.