@article { author = {Ashourzadeh, Sareh and Khalili, Mohammad Ali and Omidi, Marjan and Nottola, Stefania A and Faramarzi, Azita}, title = {Supplementation of IVM culture media with GDF-9 can potentially enhance oocyte quality, fertilization and embryo development in ICSI procedure}, journal = {Central Asian Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Innovation}, volume = {1}, number = {2}, pages = {44-54}, year = {2021}, publisher = {Central Asian Scientific Press (CAS Press)}, issn = {2783-0993}, eissn = {2783-0993}, doi = {10.22034/CAJMPSI.2021.02.01}, abstract = {In vitro maturation (IVM) of human oocytes is important in assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratories. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF-9) additions into IVM medium, and co-culture of cumulus cells (CCs) on IVM outcome. 385 immature oocytes in germinal vesicle (GV) stage were divided into four groups based on the IVM culture condition;   1) GV oocytes cultured in standard IVM medium (control), 2) GV oocytes co- cultured with CCs, 3) GV oocytes treated with GDF-9, and 4) GV oocytes co- cultured with CCs and treated with GDF-9, simultaneously. The presence of meiotic spindle (MS) and zona pellucida (ZP) birefringence were assessed in IVM oocytes, followed by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Finally, fertilization rate and embryo development in two-day-old embryos were evaluated. Maturation rates of GV oocytes were similar a whole groups following 24-48 h of incubation. A significant higher rate of oocytes matured in the medium treated with CCs reached 2 pronuclear (2PN) stage compared with those matured in the standard medium, respectively (76.5% vs. 51.6%, P= 0.01). The percentage of oocytes with visible MS was higher in all treated groups, but this difference was significant between the oocytes matured in medium supplemented with GDF-9 and control group (45% vs. 26.6% respectively, P= 0.05). Co-culturing of GV oocytes with CCs and/or supplementation of IVM medium with GDF-9 are potentially involved in improvement of fertilization and embryo development. Also, MS assessment provides an early predictor of embryo development.}, keywords = {IVM,GV,GDF-9,Cumulus Cells,fertilization,Embryo Development}, url = {http://www.cajmpsi.com/article_130219.html}, eprint = {http://www.cajmpsi.com/article_130219_bc8003e241fd59e78af54f88d24a668a.pdf} }