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Each human spermatozoon contains two remodeled centrioles that it contributes to the zygote. There, the centrioles reconstitute a centrosome that assembles the sperm aster and participate in pronuclei migration and cleavage. Thus, centriole abnormalities may be a cause of male factor infertility and failure to carry pregnancy to term. However, the precise mechanisms by which sperm centrioles contribute to embryonic development in humans are still unclear, making the search for a link between centriole abnormalities and impaired male fecundity particularly difficult. Most previous investigations into the role of mammalian centrioles during fertilization have been completed in murine models; however, because mouse sperm and zygotes appear to lack centrioles, these studies provide information that is limited in its applicability to humans. Here, we review studies that examine the role of the sperm centrioles in the early embryo, with particular emphasis on humans. Available literature includes case studies and case-control studies, with a few retrospective studies and no prospective studies reported. This literature has provided some insight into the morphological characteristics of sperm centrioles in the zygote and has allowed identification of some centriole abnormalities in rare cases. Many of these studies suggest centriole involvement in early embryogenesis based on phenotypes of the embryo with only indirect evidence for centriole abnormality. Overall, these studies suggest that centriole abnormalities are present in some cases of sperm with asthenoteratozoospermia and unexplained infertility. Yet, most previously published studies have been restricted by the laborious techniques (like electron microscopy) and the limited availability of centriolar markers, resulting in small-scale studies and the lack of solid causational evidence. With recent progress in sperm centriole biology, such as the identification of the unique composition of sperm centrioles and the discovery of the atypical centriole, it is now possible to begin to fill the gaps in sperm centriole epidemiology and to identify the etiology of sperm centriole dysfunction in humans.

Introduction Primary ovarian ectopic pregnancy (OEP) is one of the the rarest form of extratubal pregnancies and its pathophysciological mechanism is not fully understood. On the otherhand, OEP after intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection with embryo transfer (ICSI-ET) is even more rare and just a few cases have been reported in literature. Materials and methods A case with OEP after ICSI-ET presented and managed by conservative laparoscopic approach. Also, literature associated with OEP after ICSI-ET have been summarized. Pubmed search using “Ovarian ectopic pregnancy” and “ICSI-ET” keywords revealed four similar case in the literature. Conclusion Underlying pathophysiological mechanism of OEP after ICSI-ET is unclear. Indeed, gynecologists should be aware about the development of the OEP after ICSI-ET. Early diagnosis will give the opportunity to use conservative managements for these infertile patients.

Reaffirming the Universal Declaration's recognition of the human rights of the unborn child, this book explores the implications of this recognition for modern international human rights law, establishing a case for restoring legal protection for children at risk of abortion.

Successful embryo formation and implantation are critical steps during in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. Analysis of the embryo morphology in still one of the most common approaches of selection in assisted reproduction, with the obvious drawback of being to some extent subjective. Accordingly, there is urgent need of biochemical markers facilitating the prediction of successful oocyte fertilization and embryo implantation during IVF procedure. As reported in literature, the only biochemical marker so far proposed for the selection of the most promising embryo obtained by IVF is represented by the release of in vitro cultured human embryo (24-, 48- and 72-hours embryo) of soluble histocompatibility leukocyte antigen-G(sHLA-G) molecules. On the contrary, no suitable markers were available for the oocyte selection. Recently, Bio-plex analysis has allowed the quantification of sHLA-G levels in cumulus-oocyte complex (COCs) obtained from 42 women and maturated by \"in vitro maturation procedure\". The results demonstrate detectable amounts of sHLA-G molecules ranging from 300 to 800 pg/mL in 14/73 (19%) COCs that generated mature oocytes and complete absence of detectable sHLA-G antigens in the supernatants of COCs that corresponded to immature oocytes. The detection of sHLA-G molecules in the COC culture supernatants of matured oocytes could be proposed as a marker to identify gametes with higher functionality. Using Bio-plex assay, another molecule has been identified in culture supernatants of human in vitro maturated oocytes and in vitro fertilized embryos: soluble inter-cellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1). The sICAM-1 release is very high in immature oocytes, decrease in mature oocytes and become even lower in in vitro fertilized embryos. Therefore sICAM-1 could be a biochemical marker for oocyte maturation and grading. In conclusion, these two molecules could be proposed, in addition to morphological approaches, as non-invasive markers to help assisted reproduction procedures in the selection of matured oocytes and fertilized embryos. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]

Neste artigo buscaremos compreender uma parte da controvérsia em torno da liberação do uso de células tronco embrionárias em pesquisas. Deveremos nos centrar nos posicionamentos contrários a esta liberação, empreendidos especialmente por agentes ligados à Igreja Católica. Analisaremos os argumentos e estratégias utilizados por estes agentes para se posicionar contra a liberação, adotando uma posição “em defesa da vida”, e as diferentes formas como esta posição é defendida nas diferentes instâncias envolvidas nesta controvérsia. A centralidade da presença de elementos de base teológica/doutrinal e de elementos de base científica será observada em cada uma das instâncias da Instituição Católica, constituindo parte impor- tante da construção da legitimidade de seu argumento contra liberação do uso das células tronco embrionárias em pesquisas.