Gamete And Embryo Quality

Designed as an aid for all clinicians and scientists who are currently engaged in the field of in vitro fertilization and other assisted conception techniques. The book provides a comprehensive account of gamete and embryo quality, and reflects up-to-date assessment of current knowledge.

Among the many recent advances in assisted reproduction therapies (ART), improved technologies for identifying viable oocytes, sperm, and embryos are of primary importance. Paradoxically, the latest advances presented at conferences and symposia are often slow to become part of the daily routine in IVF laboratories. Detailing established and developing techniques, A Practical Guide to Selecting Gametes and Embryos provides a user-friendly text of ready-to-use ARTs that can be utilized effectively in the lab. In this volume, renowned embryologist and educator Markus Montag and his expert panel highlight sophisticated and proven selection strategies and emphasize the importance of proper lab practice in handling gametes and embryos. Topics include: Steps undertaken for the analysis of a semen sample Quality control and prevention of exposure to toxins in oocyte collection and embryo culture Morphological selection of gametes and embryos Both commonly used and innovative techniques for gamete and embryo selection, such as oxygen respiration and time-lapse imaging Invasive techniques, including polar body, embryo, and blastocyst biopsies as well as aneuploidy testing by FISH and array-CGH Accompanied by numerous figures and descriptions, this guide to selecting gametes and embryos brings the insight of international authors with knowledge and expertise, highlighting practical tips and key points. The book offers a starting point for applying successful selection strategies for reducing the rate of high-risk multiple gestations while maintaining or increasing viable pregnancy rates.

This book provides the Assisted Reproduction Technologies (ART) community an update of the fast approaching novel technologies that may allow improved assessment of the reproductive potential of sperm, oocytes and embryos. The reader has access to concise updates on the rapidly developing diagnostic technologies (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics) and morphological methods which may help us better assess the gametes and embryos. Methodologies are described which enable selection of the best gamete or embryo by invasive and non-invasive diagnostics, as well as the clinical validity of these techniques.

In recent years, the advancing science and increasing availability of assisted reproduction have given new hope to infertile couples. However, the use of IVF and ART has also led to marked increases in the number of multiple-infant live births. This poses a public health concern, as these neonates have a higher rate of pre-term delivery, compromising their survival chances and increasing their risk of lifelong disability. By optimizing the selection of gametes and embryos with high probabilities of implantation, it is possible to reduce the number of embryos transferred and, by extension, the number of high-risk multiple gestations, while maintaining or increasing pregnancy rates. Human Gametes and Preimplantation Embryos: Assessment and Diagnosis provides a broad yet concise overview of established and developing methodologies for assessment of gamete and embryo viability in assisted reproduction. This book elucidates the best practices for precisely selecting viable specimens based on morphology and cleavage rate and covers the spectrum of emerging adjunctive technologies for predicting reproductive potential. The authors present their extensive knowledge of “omics” approaches (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics), with unbiased delineation of the associated advantages and potential pitfalls. This valuable clinical resource is well suited to infertility specialists, Ob/Gyn physicians, IVF laboratory technicians, and researchers in the fields of embryology and reproductive medicine.

Helping IVF laboratories and clinics to maintain the highest success rates possible, this is essential reading for every IVF laboratory.

Now in its revised and expanded second edition - including over 20 new chapters - this comprehensive textbook remains a unique and accessible description of the current and developing diagnostic and treatment techniques and technologies comprising in vitro fertilization (IVF). Arranged thematically in sections, each chapter covers a key topic in IVF in a sensible presentation. Parts one and two describe the planning, design and organization of an ART unit and IVF laboratory and equipment and systems, respectively. The sections that follow provide detailed descriptions of IVF techniques, embryo culture methods, sperm processing and selection, insemination procedures, micromanipulation, embryo evaluation, cryopreservation, and embryo transfer. Concluding sections address issues of management and regulation of ART labs across the globe, as well as special topics and emerging techniques and devices. Chapter authors, all experts in the field, contribute their expertise from around the world. With the addition of learning key points and review questions at the beginning and end of each chapter, this new edition of In Vitro Fertilization is a readily accessible, high quality instructional resource for reproductive medicine trainees at all levels. Practicing reproductive endocrinologists, urologists, and embryologists also will find value in the book, as will infertility researchers.

The book Gamete and Embryo-fetal Origins of Adult Diseases introduces various diseases resulting from the abnormal gametogenesis and embryo development, which manifests as growth retardation, birth defects, or increased susceptibility to chronic metabolic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer in childhood and adult life, even fertility disorders and the risk of transgenerational transmission. Six common kinds of these diseases are discussed in separate chapters. The authors explore the connections between these diseases and epigenetic reprogramming, rapid cell differentiation and organ formation and environmental influences, including assisted reproductive technology and adverse intrauterine environments. With a summary of findings on the causes and progression of adult diseases at the phase of gametogenesis and embryo development, this book provides insights into the pathogenesis of disease and aids in the treatment and prevention of disease, meeting the requirement for improving the quality of the newborn population, and effectively preventing and curing major diseases at an early stage. This book offers new perspectives and will be an enlightening resource for obstetricians, paediatricians, epidemiologists, endocrinologists and sanitarians. Editor He-Feng Huang, M.D., is Professor and President of Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China. Editor Jian-Zhong Sheng, Ph.D., is Professor at the Department of Pathology & Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, China.