Published in:
01-08-2014 | Fertility Preservation
Efficacy of ovarian tissue cryopreservation in a major European center
Authors:
L. Bastings, J. Liebenthron, J. R. Westphal, C. C. M. Beerendonk, H. van der Ven, B. Meinecke, M. Montag, D. D. M. Braat, R. Peek
Published in:
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
|
Issue 8/2014
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Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the effect of cryopreservation and thawing of ovarian tissue from oncological patients opting for fertility preservation on ovarian tissue viability.
Methods
In this prospective cohort study, the ovarian tissue viability before and after cryopreservation and thawing was measured for 25 newly diagnosed oncological patients who had their ovarian tissue cryopreserved. Outcome measures were follicle integrity (histology), follicle viability (Calcein viability assay), steroid hormone production (estradiol and progesterone production in vitro) and overall tissue viability (glucose uptake in vitro). This study was conducted at a Cryobank for storage of ovarian tissue in a university hospital.
Results
Cryopreserved/thawed ovarian tissue showed a decreased glucose uptake when compared to tissue that had not been cryopreserved. In addition, a diminished E2 and P4 production was observed after cryopreservation and thawing, despite the fact that numbers of viable follicles as determined by the Calcein viability assay were comparable. Histological examination revealed a higher percentage of degenerated follicles after cryopreservation and thawing.
Conclusions
Ovarian tissue cryopreservation and thawing impairs the viability of ovarian tissue in oncological patients opting for fertility preservation.