Oocytes evaluation and in-vitro fertilization/intra cytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes

CAPSULE
Contributors: Christina Anagnostopoulou, MSc (Athens, Greece) and Israel Maldonado Rosas, MS (Mexico City, Mexico)

The article provides an insightful exploration of the escalating global prevalence of infertility, coinciding with the surging demand for assisted reproductive technology (ART). As the cornerstone of this reproductive revolution, oocyte (egg) quality assumes paramount significance. In ART, the quality of oocytes plays an instrumental role in determining the success or failure of fertility treatments. This article unravels the intricate web of factors that converge to shape oocyte quality, encompassing both intrinsic and extrinsic influences.

Drawing attention to the multifaceted evaluation of oocyte quality, the article scrutinizes the traditional morphological criteria extensively. It accentuates that the morphological assessment of cumulus-oocyte complexes, oocyte size and shape, and the presence of cytoplasmic markers, such as vacuoles and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) clusters, remains the bedrock of oocyte evaluation. However, it clearly conveys the existence of an ongoing debate surrounding the predictive value of these morphological markers. While some aberrations have been correlated with suboptimal treatment outcomes, their reliability remains a subject of ongoing research.

Venturing beyond morphological assessments, the article delves into cutting-edge methods for evaluating oocyte quality. Metabolomic analysis, gene expression profiling, and the measurement of oxygen consumption emerge as powerful tools in the quest for more nuanced and accurate indicators of oocyte competence. These innovative techniques peer deeper into the metabolic and genetic machinery of oocytes, potentially unraveling hidden facets of their quality.

Recommendations
While acknowledging the current limitations in oocyte quality evaluation, the article charts a course for the future. It articulates the imperative of conducting large-scale studies that encompass a spectrum of factors, including patient-specific parameters and laboratory conditions. This holistic approach is envisioned as the path to refining predictive models and creating a more accurate classification system for oocyte quality.

Postscript
In summary, the article accentuates the pivotal role of oocyte quality assessment in the landscape of ART. It underscores the ongoing research endeavors aimed at refining the accuracy of evaluation methods. The fusion of traditional morphological scoring with modern cytoplasmic and molecular predictors holds the promise of yielding a more comprehensive classification system for oocyte quality. Such advancements bear the potential to revolutionize ART outcomes, offering renewed hope and possibilities to couples with fertility issues.

Christina Anagnostopoulou: Short Biography
Christina Anagnostopoulou obtained her BSc in 2000 and her MSc in 2003 from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece. In the following years, she has received further training in the field of assisted reproduction in Aberdeen, UK and in Cleveland, USA. Overall, she has more than 20 years of experience in clinical embryology while working in several IVF labs.

Christina is an ESHRE Certified Senior Clinical Embryologist since 2012. From 2011 until 2019 she was an invited faculty for ART training at the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Reproductive Medicine. Her research interests include clinical embryology, andrology, preimplantation genetic diagnosis, and genetics. She has been a frequent invited speaker at national and international conferences and has published several articles in scientific journals.