Does human oocyte cryopreservation affect equally on embryo chromosome aneuploidy?

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Genetics
• Assisted reproductive technologies

Background:

• Oocyte cryopreservation is crucial for assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
• Maintaining oocyte morphological integrity and genetic stability post-warming is essential.
• The meiotic spindle's sensitivity to temperature fluctuations can lead to aneuploidy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of oocyte cryopreservation on human embryo chromosome aneuploidy.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of fertilization rates between fresh and cryopreserved oocytes.
• Assessment of blastocyst development and morphology.
• Analysis of chromosome aneuploidy in embryos derived from cryopreserved oocytes.

Main Results:

• Fertilization rates were comparable for fresh (84%) and cryopreserved (83.1%) oocytes.
• Fewer blastocysts developed from cryopreserved oocytes, but they exhibited improved morphology.
• Cryopreservation influenced aneuploidy rates, increasing for chromosome 13 and decreasing for chromosome 18 and sex chromosomes.

Conclusions:

• Oocyte cryopreservation impacts human embryo chromosome aneuploidy differently across various chromosomes.
• While fertilization is unaffected, cryopreservation requires careful consideration regarding genetic stability for ART success.