ABSTRACT
A large proportion of human oocytes received from exogenous gonadotropin-stimulated cycles have different morphological attributes, or dysmorphisms. The presence of dysmorphism can affect the fertilization rate, the embryo quality and subsequently the frequency of occurrence of implantation and pregnancy. Special attention is paid to oocytes with cytoplasmic attributes such as alteration of cytoplasmic granularity, the appearance of vacuoles, lipofuscin bodies and visible (large) aggregates of smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a type of the organelle forming an interconnected network of flattened, membrane-enclosed sacs or tubes. One of the main functions of ER in the oocyte is storage and redistribution of calcium, which provides cell activation during fertilization. Furthermore, complex of ER and mitochondria is necessary for accumulation of energy, synthesis of lipids and triglycerides, as well as synthesis of cytosolic and nuclear membranes during the early stages of cleavage. The appearance of anomalously large aggregates of ER in oocytes correlates with a low fertilization rate, low embryo quality, and pregnancy rate. The aim of the manuscript is to summarize current understanding of the mechanism of formation of such pathology of oocytes, together with special aspects of their fertilization and embryo quality.
