A Systematic Review of Oocyte Morphological Features and Their Association with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF/ICSI) Outcomes

Saadatian , Zahra; Navid , Shadan

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Volume 3, Issue 2 (6-2025)

Health Res Develop 2025, 3(2): 29-43

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A Systematic Review of Oocyte Morphological Features and Their Association with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF/ICSI) Outcomes

Zahra Saadatian¹

, Shadan Navid ^*²

1- Assistant Professor of Medical Genetics, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
2- Assistant Professor of Anatomical Sciences, Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Science, Gonabad, Iran , navidshadan@gmail.com

Abstract: (102 Views)

Background and purpose: The selection of oocytes with optimal developmental potential can significantly improve the overall success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF). This is particularly crucial in countries where legal, cultural, or religious constraints limit the generation of surplus embryos. This systematic review aimed to assess the association between oocyte morphological characteristics and IVF/ICSI outcomes.
Materials and methods: This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed using electronic databases including MEDLINE, ISI Web of Knowledge, Science Citation Index, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and Ovid. Only English-language studies were included, and case reports were excluded. Inclusion/exclusion criteria, study screening processes, and quality assessment protocols were clearly defined and implemented. The keywords used in the search were also listed as article keywords.
Results:Findings indicate that specific morphological features of oocytes—such as zona pellucida thickness, homogeneity of central cytoplasmic granulation, and presence of a meiotic spindle detectable via polarized light microscopy—are positively associated with higher success rates in IVF/ICSI. However, characteristics such as the shape of the polar body and the perivitelline space yielded inconsistent results across studies. These observations suggest a predictive potential for certain morphological markers, although the lack of standardized assessment criteria remains a major limitation
Conclusion: Morphological assessment of oocytes appears to be a useful tool for selecting high-quality oocytes and improving IVF outcomes. Nevertheless, further research is required to standardize evaluation criteria and validate their predictive value across broader clinical settings.

Keywords: Oocyte Quality, Meiotic Spindle, Zona Pellucida

Full-Text [PDF 1880 kb] (10 Downloads)

Type of Study: Review | Subject: General
Received: 2025/04/16 | Accepted: 2025/06/4 | Published: 2025/06/8

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Saadatian Z, Navid S. (2025). A Systematic Review of Oocyte Morphological Features and Their Association with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF/ICSI) Outcomes. Health Res Develop. 3(2), 29-43.
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