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Johannah Corselli

Publications and source records attributed to Johannah Corselli.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

Luteal phase serum cell-free DNA as a marker of failed pregnancy after assisted reproductive technology.

PURPOSE: DNA-damaging factors have been reported in patients that failed to achieve pregnancy after assisted reproductive technologies (ART). The hypothesis was that increased circulating cell-free DNA released by damaged cells could predict unfavorable conditions leading to failed ART treatment. The objective was to compare the relative concentrations of cell-free DNA in the luteal phase sera of nonpregnant versus pregnant patients. METHODS: Frozen-thawed sera (30 IVF cases) were obtained 1 week after embryo transfer. There were 16 pregnant and 14 nonpregnant cases and controls consisting of male sera (n = 8 cases). Modified isocratic capillary electrophoresis was performed and the images analyzed for cell-free DNA. RESULTS: Circulating cell-free DNA were identified in the sera of all patients. The serum concentrations of high (12 kb) and low (1 kb) molecular weight cell-free DNA were similar for both nonpregnant and pregnant patients. Male control sera had higher cell-free DNA concentrations compared with females. Evaluation of sera from a control case showed no fluctuations in cell-free DNA concentrations throughout specific days of the menstrual cycle. CONCLUSIONS: The results do not support the use of the luteal phase cell-free DNA concentration as a marker for failed pregnancies. The equal concentrations of high and low molecular weight cell-free DNA and ladder band-like gel patterns suggested cell apoptosis as the source of DNA.

Adult↗

Mouse embryonic stem cells for quality control testing in assisted reproductive technology programs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell assay with the sperm motility test or 1-cell mouse embryo bioassay for embryotoxic materials. STUDY DESIGN: Cryo-preserved-thawed mouse ES-D3 cells, 1-cell mouse embryos and donor sperm were incubated for 1-4 days in culture medium exposed to a control and 4 different test materials. ES cell viability (eosin method), apoptosis (Sybr-Gold fluorescence), development of blastocysts and sperm motility parameters were measured. RESULTS: The initial viabilities of ES cell were determined to be 37.0 +/- 4.2% (n = 225) and 54.8 +/- 7.4% (n = 218) by the eosin and Sybr Gold methods, respectively. Reduced viability of ES cells in latex glove-treated medium (25.6 +/- 0.3% and 25.7 +/- 0.3% versus control, 32.8 +/- 0.2% and 33.5 +/- 1.0% by eosin or Sybr Gold, respectively, p < 0.05) was consistent with standard bioassays. However, toxicity in the syringe was detected only by the ES cell assay. The ES cell assay sensitivities were 33% and 67% (eosin and Sybr Gold methods, respectively), and specificities were 100% for both methods. CONCLUSION: Mouse ES cell assay based on Sybr-Gold asssessment was as effective as standard bioassays for detecting embryotoxicity. The results suggested that the mouse ES assay could be used for testing contact materials and DNA-modifying agents. More studies are needed to refine and enhance the sensitivity of the ES cell assay for routine use in assisted reproductive technology clinics.

Animals↗