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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics

Published in:

01-01-2013 | Fertility Preservation

Quality and functionality of human ovarian tissue after cryopreservation using an original slow freezing procedure

Authors: Sandra Sanfilippo, Michel Canis, Sergio Romero, Benoît Sion, Pierre Déchelotte, Jean-Luc Pouly, Laurent Janny, Johan Smitz, Florence Brugnon

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 1/2013

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the efficiency of an original slow freezing protocol on the quality and function of human ovarian cortex.

Methods

Human ovarian tissues were cryopreserved using a freezing medium supplemented with propanediol and raffinose as cryoprotectants and antioxidants (L-glutamine, taurine). Samples were then frozen using a faster cooling rate than the usual one. Viability and morphology of follicles, DNA fragmentation in follicles and stroma as well as histology of the vascular endothelium were analyzed before and after freezing/thawing. Moreover, a functional analysis was performed based on the evaluation of follicular growth and development in thawed ovarian tissues that were cultured in vitro.

Results

Our freezing/thawing protocol allows preservation of a high proportion of viable follicles and the preservation of the different follicle developmental stages (p > 0.05 versus fresh control). 70.5 ± 5.2 % of follicles retained an intact morphology after cryopreservation (p = 0.04). Stroma cells but not follicles exhibited a slight increase of DNA fragmentation after thawing (p < 0.05). Microvessel endothelium within thawed tissues appeared to be preserved. Granulosa cells showed signs of proliferation in follicles cultured for 12 days. Secretion of 17β-oestradiol significantly increased during in vitro culture.

Conclusions

This protocol leads to good preservation of ovarian integrity and functionality post-thawing and thus appears as a suitable technique of ovarian tissue cryopreservation in clinical settings. Further research could be extended to optimize conditions of in vitro culture.

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Title: Quality and functionality of human ovarian tissue after cryopreservation using an original slow freezing procedure
Authors: Sandra Sanfilippo
Michel Canis
Sergio Romero
Benoît Sion
Pierre Déchelotte
Jean-Luc Pouly
Laurent Janny
Johan Smitz
Florence Brugnon
Publication date: 01-01-2013
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 1/2013
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-012-9917-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Quality and functionality of human ovarian tissue after cryopreservation using an original slow freezing procedure

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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