O-207 Which infertile patients mostly deserve to have a sperm DNA fragmentation index done? Findings from a cross-sectional study
AbstractStudy questionCurrent scientific guidelines do not clearly suggest which patients would benefit the most from a sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) test.Summary answerWe aimed to investigate potential predictive factors for altered SDF in a homogenous cohort of white-European men presenting for primary couple ’s infertility.What is known alreadyHigh SDF has been associated with reduced fertilization rates, reduced chances of natural conception and an increased risk of early pregnancy loss.Study design, size, durationData from 478 consecutive men with normal or altered SDF were analysed. Infertility was defined accordin...
Source: Human Reproduction - August 6, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research

O-206 Meiotic segregation analysis for reciprocal translocation carriers: Assessment of factors influencing meiotic segregation patterns
In conclusion, a carrier ’s gender, involvement of an Acr-ch, and location of breakpoints may influence the segregation patterns. Besides, involvement of an Acr-ch, female gender, and lower TAR1 are independent risk factors for alternate segregation. These results may provide more appropriate genetic counseling for couple s with balanced translocation.Trial registration numberno (Source: Human Reproduction)
Source: Human Reproduction - August 6, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research

P-186 Volumetric imaging provides insight into the 3D ultrastructural organization of maturing human oocytes
In conclusion, the volumetric imaging, followed by advanced image analysis, maximizes the amount of morphological data obtained from a single human oocyte.Limitations, reasons for cautionThe imaging procedure was pioneered on a small number of hormonally-primed oocytes, which failed to complete development in vivo. There is a trade-off between resolution, the size of the 3D volume, and imaging time. Block-face ion milling during FIB-SEM imaging inevitably results in sample destruction.Wider implications of the findingsThis proof-of-concept study opens up new possibilities to study the delicate architecture of scarce human ...
Source: Human Reproduction - August 6, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research

P-181 Morphine regulates BMP4 growth factor and is involved in in-vitro early embryo development and PGCs formation
AbstractStudy questionTo elucidate if morphine can alter embryo development.Summary answerChronic morphine treatment regulates BMP4 growth factor, in terms of gene expression and H3K27me3 enrichment and promotes in-vitro blastocysts development and PGC formation.What is known alreadyBMP4 is a member of the bone morphogenetic protein family, which acts mainly through SMAD dependent pathway, to play an important role in early embryo development. Indeed, BMP4 enhances pluripotency in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and, specifically, is involved in blastocysts formation and primordial germ cells (PGCs) generation. Although...
Source: Human Reproduction - August 6, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research

P-180 Bisphenols are present in culture media used for ART and cell culture
AbstractStudy questionDo plastic laboratory consumables and cell culture media used in human ART contain bisphenols?Summary answerHuman embryo development media contained bisphenols close to the nanomolar concentration range while no release of bisphenols by plastic consumables was detected under routine conditions.What is known alreadyThe deleterious effect of the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA) on female fertility raised concerns regarding ART outcome. BPA was detected neither in media nor in the majority of plastic consumables used in ART, however it might have already been replaced by its structural analogs, incl...
Source: Human Reproduction - August 6, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research

P-473 Should couples be educated on how to try to conceive (TTC) before an infertility diagnosis? A comparative study of fertile, subfertile and infertile couples
This study is part of a randomized controlled trial on the effects of timed intercourse in psychosocial outcomes. Data was collected between July 2016 and November 2019  via an advertising strategy and obstetrics/gynecology centers. Inclusion criteria were: i) adult in a marital/cohabitation heterosexual relationship>1 year; ii) not knowing of any condition that can prevent pregnancy; iii) being actively TTC; iv) female age>22<42 years old; v) no previous children. Measurements were carried out online.Participants/materials, setting, methodsOur final sample had 399 subjects (252 women). Participants rated the use...
Source: Human Reproduction - August 6, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research

O-011 You are what your father ate- epigenetic implications
AbstractAn unhealthy life style, obesity and excess of dietary fats or chronic consumption of processed foods create a harmful environment for sperm health. In the current presentation our most recent findings will be presented on male exposures related to an unhealthy life style and the effects measured on clinical sperm and/or embryo parameters in humans. Next, epigenetic implications will be shown from male obesity, “healthy” and “unhealthy” foods and other related determinants (such as advanced age) before conception. Our results lend support for the existence of epigenetic windows of susceptibility in life. If...
Source: Human Reproduction - August 6, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research

O-092 Sperm phenotype, ICSI outcome and genetic diagnosis in case of severe asthenozoospermia with multiple morphological abnormalities of the flagellum
AbstractStudy questionWhat are the feasibility and outcome of ICSI in case of presumably genetic severe asthenozoospermia with Multiple Morphological Abnormalities of the Flagellum (MMAF phenotype)?Summary answerICSI outcome for couples with MMAF phenotype does not differ from that of other couples requiring ICSI, regardless to the genetic etiologyWhat is known alreadySevere asthenozoospermia, especially when associated with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagellum (MMAF phenotype), results in male infertility. Recent findings confirm that a genetic etiology is frequently responsible for this phenotype. ...
Source: Human Reproduction - August 6, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research

O-072 Markers of cardiometabolic health of adolescents conceived through assisted reproductive technologies (ART) appear reassuring
In this study we did not detect any adverse effect of ART on cardiometabolic health at adolescence, in contrast to some studies. Given the lack of consensus, future well-designed and appropriately-powered studies are necessary to investigate cardiometabolic health in ART adults.Trial registration numbernot applicable (Source: Human Reproduction)
Source: Human Reproduction - August 6, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research

P –597 Placental expression of neurokinin B and its receptor NK3R is increased in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: results of a preliminary study
AbstractStudy questionIs the placental expression of neurokinin B (NKB) and its receptors NK1R, NK2R and NK3R affected by the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? Summary answer: The placental expression of NKB and NK3R is increased in PCOS, while the expression of NK1R and NK2R is not affected. What is known already: Women with PCOS are at increased risk of pregnancy complications and poor pregnancy outcomes. Defective placentation is among the proposed mechanisms involved. Altered NKB placental expression has been associated with several conditions characterized by placental dysfunction, such as pre-eclampsia and intra-uter...
Source: Human Reproduction - August 6, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research

P –596 Association of oleic acid production in cumulus-granulosa cells with glutathione of in vitro matured oocytes
AbstractStudy questionDoes oleic acid production in cumulus-granulosa cells affect glutathione levels of in vitro matured oocytes?Summary answerOleic acid availability in cumulus-granulosa cells is associated with a higher glutathione level in in vitro matured oocytes.What is known alreadyThe monounsaturated fatty acid oleic acid is de novo synthesized by desaturation of stearic acid and can promote steroidogenesis and oocyte development in vitro. The endogenous antioxidant glutathione content in metaphase II oocyte is significantly higher than immature stages and is related to the normal oocyte maturation.Study design, si...
Source: Human Reproduction - August 6, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research

P –595 Systematic dydrogesterone supplementation of artificial endometrial preparation cycles for frozen-thawed embryo transfer during Covid–19 pandemic: a good way to limit monitoring visits and optimize outcomes
AbstractStudy questionDoes systematic dydrogesterone supplementation in artificial cycles (AC) for frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) during Covid –19 pandemic modify outcomes compared to prior individualized supplementation adjusted on serum progesterone (P) levels ?Summary answerSystematic dydrogesterone supplementation in AC for FET is associated with similar outcomes compared to prior individualized supplementation in patients with low P levels.What is known alreadyIn AC for FET using vaginal P for endometrial preparation, low serum P levels following P administration have been associated with decreased pregnancy an...
Source: Human Reproduction - August 6, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research

P –594 Ovarian stimulation with luteinizing hormone supplementation: the impact of timing on ovarian response and ICSI outcomes
The objective of the present study was to further investigate this hypothesis in a larger population, and in subpopulations of patients stratified by age and response to COS.Study design, size, durationThis historical cohort study included data obtained via chart review of 1278 ICSI cycles performed in 1278 patients between 2015 and 2018, in a private university-affiliated in vitro fertilization center. Post hoc power analysis was calculated, given α of 5%, sample size of 1278, and effect size for implantation rate. The achieved power was superior to 99%.Participants/materials, setting, methodsTwo groups were formed accor...
Source: Human Reproduction - August 6, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research

P –593 Self-monitoring of hormones via a urine-based hormonal assay — a topical endeavour into telemedicine in medically-assisted reproduction (MAR)
AbstractStudy questionHow can cycle monitoring using a urine-based hormonal assay device improve current clinical practice in medically assisted reproduction (MAR)?Summary answerA urine-based hormonal assay has the potential to overcome the inconvenience of blood tests and reduce the frequency of appointments, waiting times and patient burden.What is known alreadyCycle monitoring via ultrasound and serum-based hormonal assays during MAR can provide information on the ovarian response and assist in optimising treatment strategies and reducing complications, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). However, blood te...
Source: Human Reproduction - August 6, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research

P –592 Safety and effectiveness of follitropin alfa biosimilar to originator follitropin alfa in real-world clinical practice: A Multinational Comparative, Prospective Cohort Study
AbstractStudy questionAre safety and effectiveness of Ovaleap ® (follitropin alfa), and Gonal-f®, comparable in one treatment cycle of ART in routine clinical practice?Summary answerSafety in terms of incidence proportions of OHSS and OHSS severity, as well as pregnancy and live birth rates, were similar between Ovaleap ® and Gonal-f®.What is known alreadyOvaleap ® (Theramex), a r-hFSH, is a biosimilar medicinal product to Gonal-f® (Merck). As a biosimilar, it went through a rigorous series of physio-chemical, in vitro, in vivo tests and confirmatory Phase I and III studies, to demonstrate similarity/equivalence in q...
Source: Human Reproduction - August 6, 2021 Category: Reproduction Medicine Source Type: research