[Chromosomal polymorphisms are associated with blastomere multinucleation in IVF/ICSI cycles]

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Human Genetics
• Embryology

Background:

• Chromosomal polymorphisms are variations in chromosome structure.
• Multinucleated embryos can impact IVF-ICSI success rates.
• Understanding the link between polymorphisms and embryo development is crucial for infertile couples.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between specific chromosomal polymorphisms and the occurrence of multinucleated embryos.
• To compare multinucleation rates in infertile couples with and without chromosomal variations undergoing IVF-ICSI.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case-control study involving 1145 infertile couples undergoing their first IVF-ICSI cycles.
• Couples were categorized based on karyotype into control and various chromosomal polymorphism groups (inversion, D/G genome, 1, 9, 16 qh+).
• Blastomere multinucleation rates, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates were compared across groups.

Main Results:

• 139 couples (6.10%) exhibited chromosomal polymorphisms.
• Couples with pericentric inversions (chromosomes 1, 9, Y) and D/G genome polymorphisms showed significantly higher multinucleation rates (8.23%, 4.65%) compared to controls (2.69%).
• No significant difference in multinucleation rates was observed for the 1, 9, and 16 qh+ group (2.77%) versus controls.

Conclusions:

• Pericentric inversions and D/G genome polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk of blastomere multinucleation in IVF-ICSI.
• The 1, 9, and 16 qh+ polymorphisms do not elevate the rate of embryo blastomere multinucleation.
• These findings aid in counseling infertile couples with specific chromosomal variations undergoing assisted reproductive technologies.