Keywords
How to Cite
Abstract
Study question: What can be concluded from the first experience of using ultrafast vitrification compared to the conventional method? Summary answer: Ultra-rapid vitrification techniques reduce the procedure time with optimal oocyte survival rates. What is already known: Oocyte vitrification is an effective strategy for fertility preservation; however this is one of the most time-consuming techniques in routine laboratory practice. Recent research has suggested the possibility of successful oocyte cryopreservation using an ultra-fast vitrification technique. Study design: Cross-sectional, experimental, descriptive. Materials and Methods: 96 Metaphase II oocytes from our oocyte donation programme were used. They were divided into 3 groups according to the cryopreservation techniques used. Group I: Conventional vitrification - conventionalheating; Group II: Conventional vitrification - ultra-fast heating adapted for conventionally vitrified oocytes; Group III: Ultra-fast vitrification - ultra-fast heating. One hour after heating, oocyte survival was assessed, and the run times for each group were recorded. Results were expressed as a percentage per group. Main results: Thirty-two oocytes were assigned to each experimental group. Survival was 90.6 % (29/32), 100 % (32/32) and 100 % (32/32) and processing time for cryopreservation of 32 oocytes was 68 min, 54 min and 49 min for groups I, II and III, respectively. Limitations: Increasing the sample size and diversifying the study population is required to generalize its application. Wider implications of the findings: Our results obtained in this first Argentinean experience confirm that vitrification of oocytes with ultra-rapid techniques (i) are equal or superior to the conventional method in terms of survival rate, (ii) imply a notable reduction in working times, (iii) can be incorporated into the laboratory routine as they can be applied to conventionally vitrified oocytes.
References
Alpha Scientists In Reproductive Medicine (2012). The Alpha consensus meeting on cryopreservation key performance indicators and benchmarks: proceedings of an expert meeting. Reproductive biomedicine online, 25(2), 146–167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2012.05.006
Benson, J. D., Kearsley, A. J., & Higgins, A. Z. (2012). Mathematical optimization of procedures for cryoprotectant equilibration using a toxicity cost function. Cryobiology, 64(3), 144–151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cryobiol.2012.01.001
Casciani, V., Monseur, B., Cimadomo, D., Alvero, R., & Rienzi, L. (2023). Oocyte and embryo cryopreservation in assisted reproductive technology: past achievements and current challenges. Fertility and sterility, 120(3 Pt 1), 506–520. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.06.005
Fahy, G. M., Levy, D. I., & Ali, S. E. (1987). Some emerging principles underlying the physical properties, biological actions, and utility of vitrification solutions. Cryobiology, 24(3), 196–213. https://doi.org/10.1016/0011-2240(87)90023-x
Gallardo, M., Saenz, J., & Risco, R. (2019). Human oocytes and zygotes are ready for ultra-fast vitrification after 2 minutes of exposure to standard CPA solutions. Scientific reports, 9(1), 15986. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-52014-x
Kleinhans F. W. (1998). Membrane permeability modeling: Kedem-Katchalsky vs a two-parameter formalism. Cryobiology, 37(4), 271–289. https://doi.org/10.1006/cryo.1998.2135
Kuwayama M. (2007). Highly efficient vitrification for cryopreservation of human oocytes and embryos: the Cryotop method. Theriogenology, 67(1), 73–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2006.09.014
Kuwayama, M., Vajta, G., Kato, O., & Leibo, S. P. (2005). Highly efficient vitrification method for cryopreservation of human oocytes. Reproductive biomedicine online, 11(3), 300–308. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60837-1
Liebermann, J., Brohammer, R., Wagner, Y., Smith, R., Even, K., Hirshfeld-Cytron, J., & Uhler, M. L. (2024). Fast and furious: successful survival and resumption of meiosis in immature human oocytes vitrified and warmed using a short protocol. Reproductive biomedicine online,49(1), 103976. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2024.103976
Rall W. F. (1987). Factors affecting the survival of mouse embryos cryopreserved by vitrification. Cryobiology, 24(5), 387–402. https://doi.org/10.1016/0011-2240(87)90042-3