The aim of this study was to assess mitochondrial DNA analysis as a predictor of the pregnancy potential of biopsied preimplantation embryos. The study included 78 blastomeres biopsied from day 4 cleavage stage euploid embryos. The embryo karyotype was confirmed by 24-chromosome preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies using the Illumina Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) system. Mitochondria viability ratios (mtV) were determined from BAM files subjected to the web-based genome-analysis tool Galaxy. From this cohort of patients, 30.4% of patients (n = 34) failed to establish pregnancy. The mean mtV ratio [mean = 1.51 ± 1.25–1.77 (95% CI)] for this group was significantly (P < 0.01) lower compared with the embryo population that resulted in established pregnancies [mean = 2.5 ± 1.82–2.68 (95% CI)]. mtV multiple of mean (MoM) values were similarly significantly (P < 0.01) lower in blastocysts failing to establish pregnancy. At a 0.5 MoM cut-off, the sensitivity of mtV quantitation was 35.3% and specificity was 78.2%. The positive predictive value for an mtV value > 0.5 MoM was 41.4%. This study demonstrates the clinical utility of preimplantation quantification of viable mitochondrial DNA in biopsied blastomeres as a prognosticator of pregnancy potential.

Increasing evidence has demonstrated that obesity impairs female fertility and negatively affects human reproductive outcome following medically assisted reproduction (MAR) treatment. In the United States, 36.5% of women of reproductive age are obese. Obesity results not only in metabolic disorders including type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but might also be responsible for chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Several studies have demonstrated that inflammation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the ovary modify steroidogenesis and might induce anovulation, as well as affecting oocyte meiotic maturation, leading to impaired oocyte quality and embryo developmental competence. Although the adverse effect of female obesity on human reproduction has been an object of debate in the past, there is growing evidence showing a link between female obesity and increased risk of infertility. However, further studies need to clarify some gaps in knowledge. We reviewed the recent evidence on the association between female obesity and infertility. In particular, we highlight the association between fat distribution and reproductive outcome, and how the inflammation and oxidative stress mechanisms might reduce ovarian function and oocyte quality. Finally, we evaluate the connection between female obesity and endometrial receptivity.

In the last decades, the universal use of mobile phones has contributed to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation environmental pollution. The steady growth in mobile phone usage has raised concerns about the effects of phone radiation on male reproductive health. Epidemiological studies report a sharp decline in sperm counts in developing countries, and worldwide with c. 14% of couples having difficulties to conceive, many of which are attributed to a male infertility factor. Environment and lifestyle factors are known to contribute to male infertility. Exposure to heat, radiation, or radioactivity might induce damage to biological tissue organs, including the testis. Given the ubiquitous use of mobile phones, the potential adverse effects of the resulting environmental radiation needs to be elucidated further. It seems to be an apparent relationship between the increased exposure to mobile phone radiofrequency and sperm quality decline, but the evidence is not conclusive. Our review summarizes the evidence concerning the possible adverse effects of cell phone radiation on the male reproductive system, with a focus on sperm quality. Also, we critically analyze the effects of elevated testicular temperature and oxidative stress on male fertility and how these factors could interfere with the physiological activities of the testis.

In this report we present an unusual case of a couple who achieved a twin pregnancy by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with a single immature oocyte retrieved. The oocyte was at metaphase I at 39 h post human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) administration, which is our standard ICSI time. Extended culture allowed the extrusion of the polar body, and sperm injection was performed at 43 h post-trigger. The fertilized egg underwent embryo biopsy on day 3 and preimplantation genetic assessment for three chromosomes (X, Y and 21). The embryo remained in culture until day 5. Later, the biopsy results reported a transferable embryo, which was replaced to the uterine cavity at blastocyst stage. Pregnancy test gave a positive β-hCG result, and the 6 weeks’ scan, performed to confirm the fetal heart, revealed the presence of one amniotic sac and two fetal heartbeats, which currently have been so far eventless and smooth, ongoing at 18 weeks of gestation.