Clinical Research Directory

Acrosome Reaction Induction Prior to ICSI

Introduction To get through the egg vestment and fertilize the oocyte, the spermatozoon uses its acrosomal enzymes. When Intracytoplasmic sperm microinjection (ICSI) is performed, the acrosomal enzymes are introduced with the spermatozoa inside the ooplasme. The fate of these enzymes, that normally never enter the oocyte, is not known. But they impair the embryo development. Indeed, although the ICSI outcome is satisfactory in humans, a series of studies in many species (mouse, hamster, cattle, and horse) demonstrate the deleterious effects of the introduction of acrosomal material in the oocyte cytoplasm, on embryo and fetal development. These studies have also shown two things: * The bigger the acrosome, the more deleterious are the effects of their introduction into the egg. * And that the induction of the acrosome reaction (AR) prior to ICSI significantly improves embryonic development and the number of babies born after embryo transfer as it is the case in the mouse. The microinjection of acrosome reacted sperm increases from 40 to 70 % the percentage of pups born per embryo transferred. Hypothesis : It is possible to improve ICSI outcome, in terms of babies born in human, by induction of the AR prior to microinjection. After studying several techniques, we choose a physiologic technique for acrosome induction. The induction of acrosome reaction prior to ICSI should improve in utero fetal development and decrease the rate of miscarriage and pregnancy arrest.

Comparison of Two Types of Calcium (Ca²⁺) Ionophore Treatments for Oocyte Activation in Cases of Suboptimal Fertilization Potential

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness and safety of assisted oocyte activation (AOA) using Ca²⁺ ionophores in cases of total fertilization failure (TFF) due to oocyte activation deficiency (OAD). The study will be conducted in two phases: Phase I will compare the fertilization rates of oocytes exposed to two types of Ca²⁺ ionophore treatments- Ionomycin solution and commercially available CultActive-against a control group without calcium ionophore treatment. Phase II will assess whether an additional injection of CaCl2, prior to exposure to the chosen ionophore from Phase I, further improves fertilization outcomes. The goal is to identify the optimal AOA protocol for improving fertilization rates and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this approach in relation to ploidy, with a focus on ensuring normal pre-implantation embryo development.

Impact of Dry vs Humidified Culture Conditions on Blastocyst Development and Aneuploidy: A Time-lapse Sibling Oocyte Study

IVF incubators are essential for maintaining the micro-environment required for embryo development. Incubator technology has progressed from early humidified box systems to benchtop and now time-lapse platforms, driving the development of dry incubator chambers. Both humidified and dry systems have specific pros and cons. Evidence to date suggests that humidified chambers may support better blastocyst development in certain "no-refresh" continuous culture conditions, but current data are limited and study designs remain weak. This study aims to compare sibling oocytes cultured in dry versus humidified chambers within a GERI time-lapse incubator under continuous culture conditions, assessing effects on viability and developmental outcomes. Findings may inform optimal incubation strategies to improve IVF success rates while supporting uninterrupted workflows and potentially improving cost-benefit efficiency in the IVF laboratory.

Development of an AI Platform for the Analysis of Sperm and Prediction of Their Clinical Potential

Prospective, multicenter research study with a split-sample design on semen samples, without intervention, to develop an artificial intelligence platform for the analysis of sperm samples and prediction of their clinical potential, in 500 semen samples, in an in vitro study over 24 months.

Evaluating the Utility of Implementing Microfluids for Sperm Preparation Compared to Conventional Method of Density Gradient Centrifugation in a PGT-A Program: a Sibling Oocyte Study

In assisted reproductive technology (ART), sperm preparation aims to select the most viable sperm for ICSI. Unlike conventional methods like density gradients or sperm washing, microfluidic techniques mimic natural selection in the female reproductive tract by using laminar flow without centrifugation, reducing the risk of DNA damage. This method isolates highly motile sperm while filtering out debris and immotile cells. Studies show that microfluidics improve embryo quality, increase pregnancy rates, and may lead to higher euploidy rates. Additional benefits include improved safety, scalability, and shorter preparation times.

Reproductive Outcomes After Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) With Surgically Retrieved Sperm.

This research project explores how the source of sperm affects outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies (ART), focusing on children conceived through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with surgically retrieved sperm (SRS). Outcomes will be compared to those from ICSI with ejaculated sperm and conventional IVF. Using national registry data from all IVF and ICSI treatments in Sweden between 2007 and 2023 (Q-IVF), the study applies artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to identify factors influencing success rates. The aim is to improve prediction models and support more personalized fertility treatments. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the potential risks and long-term health outcomes for children conceived using SRS, which may be associated with higher rates of genetic abnormalities. The results may help optimize care strategies for infertile couples.