Release of sICAM-1 in Oocytes and In Vitro Fertilized Human Embryos |
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Authors: | Monica Borgatti Roberta Rizzo Maria Beatrice Dal Canto Daniela Fumagalli Mario Mignini Renzini Rubens Fadini Marina Stignani Olavio Roberto Baricordi Roberto Gambari |
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Institution: | 1. BioPharmaNet, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.; 2. Department of Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.; 3. BIOGENESI Reproductive Medicine Centre, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Monza, Italy.; 4. Biotechnology Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.;University of Kansas Medical Center, United States of America |
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Abstract: | BackgroundDuring the last years, several studies have reported the significant relationship between the production of soluble HLA-G molecules (sHLA-G) by 48–72 hours early embryos and an increased implantation rate in IVF protocols. As consequence, the detection of HLA-G modulation was suggested as a marker to identify the best embryos to be transferred. On the opposite, no suitable markers are available for the oocyte selection.Methodology/Principal FindingsThe major finding of the present paper is that the release of ICAM-1 might be predictive of oocyte maturation. The results obtained are confirmed using three independent methodologies, such as ELISA, Bio-Plex assay and Western blotting. The sICAM-1 release is very high in immature oocytes, decrease in mature oocytes and become even lower in in vitro fertilized embryos. No significant differences were observed in the levels of sICAM-1 release between immature oocytes with different morphological characteristics. On the contrary, when the mature oocytes were subdivided accordingly to morphological criteria, the mean sICAM-I levels in grade 1 oocytes were significantly decreased when compared to grade 2 and 3 oocytes.Conclusions/SignificanceThe reduction of the number of fertilized oocytes and transferred embryos represents the main target of assisted reproductive medicine. We propose sICAM-1 as a biochemical marker for oocyte maturation and grading, with a possible interesting rebound in assisted reproduction techniques. |
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