0000000000016261
AUTHOR
L. Bosco
Correlation among pAKT, pERK1/2 and DNA fragmentation index in human cumulus cells to determine oocyte competence
The aim was to correlate specific biological aspects of cumulus cells isolated from individual cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) with the clinical outcome of the related embryos.
In spermatozoa collected after pellet swim up, when total dna fragmentation is higher than 15%, the normal morphologically spermatozoa population shows an increased dna damage
Study question: We investigated the DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) in motile normal morphologically spermatozoa comparing samples with total DFI < 15% Vs ≥ 15% collected after pellet swim up Summary answer: In the case of DFI ≥15% the percentage of normal morphologically spermatozoa with fragmented DNA is significantly higher than the population with DFI < 15% What is known already: Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is widely used in the treatment of male infertility. Only morphologically normal spermatozoa are mainly used by embryologists to fertilize an oocyte. Different papers have reported that spermatozoa with apparently normal morphology may have DNA fragmentation. These ev…
Apoptosis and pAKT levels in cumulus cells of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization program with specific polymorphisms of gonadotropins and their receptors: a case-control study.
Study question Is there a difference in oocyte competence among patients with different gonadotrophin polymorphisms, after ovarian stimulation with r-FSH? Summary Answer Higher DNA Fragmentation Index and cleaved caspase-3 related to lower level of pAKT has been observed in patients with specific gonadotrophin polymorphism (FSHR and LHB). What is known already • In our experience, the DFI, the percentage of cleaved caspase-3 and the pAKT on cumulus cells can be used as molecular markers of oocyte competence; • The polymorphic variant of LHB is characterized by an extra glycosylation signal into the β subunit. This molecular variation influences the pharmacokinetic properties of v-betaLH, sh…
MITOCHONDRIAL MASS, DISTRIBUTION AND ACTIVITY DURING SEA URCHIN OOGENESIS
The sea urchin egg is a favourite model for studies of the molecular biology and physiology of fertilization and early development, yet we know sparingly little of its oocytes and of mitochondria behaviour during oogenesis. The process of oogenesis in most echinoderms is asynchronous so each ovary lobe has hundreds of oocytes at all stages of development. At the beginning of oogenesis, the oocyte is about 10 µm in diameter. During the vitellogenic phase of oogenesis, the oocyte accumulate yolk proteins and grow to ten times their original size to 80 to 100 µm in sea urchins. The oocyte, arrested at the prophase of the first meiotic division, is apparent with its large nucleus, the germinal …
APOPTOSIS RATE IN CUMULUS CELLS AS POSSIBLE MOLECULAR BIOMARKER FOR OOCYTE COMPETENCE.
Several lines of evidence showed that apoptosis rate of cumulus cells in oocytes derived by assisted reproductive technologies could be used as an indicator of fertilizing gamete quality. Aim of the study was to investigate the effects of three different ovarian stimulation protocols on the biological and clinical outcome in hyporesponder patients. Collected data showed a higher significant rate of DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in U group (patients treated with Highly Purified human Menopausal Gonadotrophin) than in P group (treated with recombinant human Follicle Stimulating Hormone (r-hFSH) combined with recombinant human Luteinizing Hormone (r-hLH)). Both groups R (treated with r-hFSH al…
The effects of HPV infection on semen: first results from a new approach.
Study question: The effect of HPV infection on semen characteristics was investigated using a new method that allow to evaluate virus localization in the different semen components. Summary answer: Our data indicate a correlation between HPV infection of exfoliated epithelial cells (from spermatic ducts and accessory glands) and reduction of sperm cell motility. What is known already: HPVs are agents of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. Both in men and in women, HPVs cause a variety of clinical symptoms ranging from warts to cancer. It has been shown (IARC, 2009) that infection with 12 oncogenic HPVs is the major cause of development of cervical cancer in women and it is also r…
Chromatin Maturity Index (CMI) in unfixed and live spermatozoa and Aniline Blue (AB) stained as an additional evaluation parameter in idiopathic male infertility
Study question: To investigate whether idiopathic male infertility may be due to the presence of histones in motile spermatozoa using a modified AB staining protocol. Summary answer: No correlation between CMI in live motile spermatozoa, DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) and other conventional seminal parameters were found in male infertile patients. What is known already: The AB stain discriminates between lysine-rich histones and arginine/cysteine-rich protamines. Transition from histones to protamines during spermatogenesis remodels chromatin packaging and abnormalities in the substitution of those proteins maybe interfere with seminal parameters and affect male infertility. The correlation …
Magnesium deprivation affects development and biomineralization in the sea urchin arba-cia lixula
Skeletogenesis is a key morphogenetic event in the life of marine invertebrates. Marine calcifiers secrete their calcareous skeletons taking up ions from seawater. Marine biominerals include aragonite and calcite, the latter of which in some taxa (e.g. echinoderms, coralline algae) can have a substantial magnesium (Mg) component. Echinoderms have an extensive endoskeleton composed of high magnesian calcite and occluded matrix proteins1. As biomineralization in sea urchin larvae is sensitive to the Magnesium:Calcium ratio of sea water, we investigated the effects of magnesium deprivation on development and skeletogenesis in the Mediterranean sea urchin Arbacia lixula. Microscopic inspection …