Phase I/II study of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization with cisplatin powder and degradable starch microspheres for unresectable hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer refractory to systemic standard chemotherapy

577

Background: We conducted a phase I/II study of novel transcatheter arterial chemoembolization with cisplatin powder and degradable starch microspheres (DSM) to determine the recommended dose (RD) and to assess the efficacy and safety.

Methods: Cisplatin powder and DSM mixing solution was administered followed by the injection of DSM alone via hepatic artery every 4 weeks. In phase I, cohorts of 3 patients received escalating dose of cisplatin (50, 65 and 80mg/m2), and RD was estimated during the first cycle. In the phase II, more RD patients were added to assess tumor response, toxicity, hepatic progression free survival (H-PFS) and 6-month overall survival (OS) rate.

Results: A total of 24 patients (male 16, female 8; mean age 63.0, range 45-79; colon 15, rectal 9) were enrolled in this study. FOLFOX had previously been administered to all patients, irinotecan-containing regimen to 12 and bevacizumab and/or cetuximab to 14. During phase I (n= 9 patients), maximum tolerated dose was not reached and cisplatin 80 mg/m2 was recommended for a phase II. Phase II enrolled 15 patients. The following grade 3 toxicities were observed: platelets reduction 16.6%, aspartate transaminase elevation 38.8%, alanine transaminase elevation 16.6%, hyponatremia 11.1%, cholecystitis 5.5%. The tumor response rate was 53.3% (CR 0, PR 8, SD 6, and PD 1). The median H-PFS was 6.3 months (95% CI; 2.71 to 9.88) and 6 -month OS rate was 86.7%.

Conclusions: This phase I/II study demonstrates that novel transcatheter arterial chemoembolization with 80 mg/m2 cisplatin powder and DSM is well tolerable, and can produce a high response rate with encouraging survival duration. Further clinical trials are warranted.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase II study of segmental transcatheter arterial chemoembolization using ethiodized oil mixed with cisplatin powder for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

292

Background: Conventional transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) using with ethiodized oil mixed with epirubicin or doxorubicin hydrochloride mainly has been widely adapted for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, cisplatin has stronger effect for HCC than epirubicin and in the recent years cisplatin powder was commercially available in Japan and then we can use cisplatin powder mixed with ethiodized oil for HCC. We conducted a phase II study to assess the safety and efficacy of segmental or subsegmental (Seg/Subseg) TACE using a suspension of cisplatin powder mixed with ethiodized oil for unresectable HCC.

Methods: Twenty patients with single-nodule HCC that was not indicated for surgical treatment or local ablation therapy were enrolled in this study. Seg/Subseg-TACE was performed by using a 2-F tip microcatheter at a distal portion of the subsegmental artery supplying the tumor. Subsequently, the feeding artery was embolized with gelatin sponge particles. The suspension was prepared by mixing 100 mg of cisplatin powder with 10 ml of ethiodized oil. Primary endpoint of this phase II trial was 2-year local disease free survival (DFS); secondary endpoints evaluated were the safety, time to progression (TTP), and 2-year overall survival (OS) rate.

Results: A total of 20 patients (male 15, female 5; mean age 72.4, range 62-83; Child Pugh's A 20) were treated single nodule HCC with Seg/subseg TACE. Median tumor size was 2.6cm (range1.2-5.0cm). The 2-year local DFS was 63.2 %. The following grade 3 or 4 toxicities were observed: platelets reduction 5%, aspartate transaminase elevation 55%, alanine transaminase elevation 40% and alkaline phosphatase elevation 5%. The median TTP was 17.6 months (95%CI, 5.25 to 29.9) and the 2-year OS rate was 94.7%.

Conclusions: This phase II study demonstrates that segmental or subsegmental transcatheter arterial chemoembolization using a suspension of cisplatin powder mixed with ethiodized oil is well tolerable, and may achieve significant local tumor control and prolong survival. Further clinical trials are warranted.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase I/II study of arterial infusion with 5-fluorouracil combined with systemic gemcitabine for unresectable pancreatic cancer

307

Background: Unresectable pancreatic cancer is poorly responsive to conventional therapies. We conducted a phase I/II study to ascertain the recommended dose (RD) of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in arterial infusion chemotherapy combined with systemic gemcitabine in unresectable pancreatic cancer and to evaluate the safety and efficacy.

Methods: 5-FU was administered through the pancreatic and hepatic arteries via the port system as a 5-hour infusion on days 1, 8, and 15 every 4 weeks for 5 cycles. Gemcitabine was administered in 30-minute intravenous infusion at the same days. In phase I, escalating 5-FU doses for level 1 and 2 was set at 750mg and 1,000mg/m2, respectively. Dose of coadministered gemcitabine (1,000 mg/m2) was fixed. Using a 3+3 study design, dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was assessed, and RD was estimated in the first cycle. In phase II, more RD patients were added to assess tumor response, toxicity, overall survival and progression-free survival.

Results: During the phase I, 7 patients were enrolled. DLT was not observed. One patient dropped out of this study because of insufficient drug distribution via the port system. Assuming RD at 1,000mg/m2 of 5-FU, the phase II enrolled a total of 16 patients (metastatic, 14; local advanced, 2). The tumor response rate was 68.8% (CR 0, PR 11, SD 2, PD 3). The grade 3 toxicities of neutropenia (6%) and thrombocytopenia (6%) were observed. Median overall and progression-survival times (all patients) were 9.8 and 6.2 months, respectively.

Conclusions: Arterial infusion 5-FU 1,000mg/m2 combined with full-dose systemic gemcitabine was tolerable and can produce a high response rate with encouraging survival duration for unresectable pancreatic cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

198 THE EFFECT OF SOURCE AND IN VITRO MATURATION ON THE ABUNDANCE OF MATERNAL mRNA OF SELECTED GENES IN FOLLICULAR BOVINE OOCYTES AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON IN VITRO DEVELOPMENT

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of oocyte source and in vitro maturation (IVM) on the expression of selected genes in bovine oocytes and their contribution to in vitro embryo development. Follicular oocytes were collected either by ovum pick-up from live cows or by the aspiration of ovaries of slaughtered cows following storage in Dulbecco’s PBS at 15°C for overnight. In vitro maturation was performed according to the method of (Imai et al. 2006 J. Reprod. Dev. 52, 19–29 suppl.). Gene expression was assessed before and after IVM by real-time PCR. The following genes were investigated: GAPDH, G6PDH, ACTB, H2A, CCNB1, MnSOD, OCT4, SOX2, CX43, HSP70, GLUT8, PAP, GDF9, COX1, ATP1A1, CDH1, CTNNB1, AQP3, DYNLL1, DYNC 1/1, and PMSB1. In brief, mRNA was extracted from 20 oocytes per sample using a Qiagen RNeasy Micro Kit (Qiagen, Valencia, CA). Gene expression was analysed by a Roche Light Cycler 480 device and software (Roche, Indianapolis, IN). Relative expression of each gene was normalized to CCNB1, which in preliminary experiments appeared the most stably expressed irrespective of oocyte source and meiotic stage. Three replications were performed. Data were analysed by paired t-test. In immature ovum pick-up oocytes, genes related to metabolism (GAPDH, G6PDH, GLUT8) and stress (MnSOD, HSP70), and also OCT4, ATP1A1, and DYNC1/1 showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher expression compared with immature oocytes collected from slaughtered-stored ovaries. The expression of GDF9, GLUT8, CTNNB1, and PMSB1 was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced during IVM irrespective of the oocyte source. In a second experiment, IVF IVM oocytes showing an early (at 22 to 25 h after IVF) or late (at 27 to 30 h after IVF) first cleavage were either cultured in vitro or analysed for gene expression at the 2-cell stage. A higher (P < 0.05) rate of early-cleaving oocytes developed to the blastocyst stage compared with the rate of late-cleaving ones (46.2% v. 15.6%, respectively). Nevertheless, only ATP1A1 showed significantly reduced (P < 0.05) expression in late-cleaving embryos compared with early-cleaving ones. Our results suggest that although removal and storage of ovaries and IVM caused a reduction in the relative abundance of several genes in oocytes, in most cases, this did not affect embryo development. Among the genes studied, only ATP1A1 was correlated with in vitro development.

26 EFFECT OF TREATMENT OF BOVINE DONOR CELLS WITH MOUSE EMBRYONIC STEM CELL EXTRACT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF EMBRYOS AFTER NUCLEAR TRANSFER

The efficiency of somatic cell cloning is very low, probably because of incomplete reprogramming of the somatic cell nucleus. In recent studies, it is suggested that transient exposure of donor somatic cells to mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC) extract enhances pluripotency of the cells in vitro (Bru et al. 2008 Exp. Cell Res. 314, 1634–1642; Xu et al. 2009 Anat. Rec. 292, 1229–1234). In the present study, we examined the effect of treatment of donor cells with mouse ESC extract on the in vitro development of bovine NT embryos. First, in order to examine effect of treatment of donor cells with streptolysin O (SLO), which reversibly permeabilizes the plasma membrane, we compared the in vitro development of NT embryos using donor cells treated with 5 μg mL–1 SLO (SLO group) and untreated donor cells (control group). As donor cells for NT, bovine fibroblast cells of passages 3 to 5 were used. Fibroblasts were treated with 5 μg mL–1 SLO for 45 min, and then incubated for resealing in DMEM including 2 mM CaCl2 for 60 min. NT was performed as previously described (Akagi et al. 2003 Mol. Reprod. Dev. 66, 264–272). After in vitro culture for 8 days, blastocyst formation and cell number of blastocysts were examined. There were no significant differences between SLO and control groups in the fusion rate (80% and 72%, respectively), cleavage rate (60% and 65%, respectively), developmental rate to the blastocyst stage of NT embryos (31% and 28%, respectively), and blastocyst cell number (127 ± 6 and 112 ± 14, respectively). These results suggest that SLO treatment of donor cells has no negative effect on the in vitro development of NT embryos. Next, we examined the in vitro developmental ability of NT embryos using donor cells treated with mouse ESC extract (ES extract group). After SLO treatment for 45 min, permeabilized fibroblast cells were treated with mouse ESC extract for 45 min, and then incubated in DMEM including 2 mM CaCl2 for 60 min, and used for producing NT embryos. There were no differences between ES extract and control groups in the fusion rate (68% and 69%, respectively), cleavage rate (86.7% and 80.6%, respectively), and developmental rate to the blastocyst stage of NT embryos (39.8% and 43.5%, respectively). The cell number of NT embryos at the blastocyst stage in ES extract group (201 ± 30) was significantly (t-test; P < 0.05) higher than that in control group (140 ± 14). In conclusion, treatment of bovine donor cell with mouse ESC extract did not affect the in vitro developmental ability of NT embryos, but improved the quality of blastocysts.

118 A SINGLE INTRAUTERINE INFUSION OF SUSTAINED RELEASE RECOMBINANT BOVINE INTERFERON τ ON DAY 13 EXTENDS CORPUS LUTEUM LIFESPAN IN CYCLIC COWS

Bovine interferon (bIFN) τ has been implicated as a mediator of maternal recognition of pregnancy in cattle. (Geshi et al. 2001 Theriogenology 55, 325) reported that daily intrauterine infusion of recombinant (r) bIFNτ from Day 13 to 24 extended interestrous intervals in heifers. The objective of this study was to determine whether a single infusion of sustained release bIFNτ into the uterine horn would extend corpus luteum lifespan in cyclic cows. RbIFNτ was prepared from the Silkwarm-Baculovirus gene expression system (1 mg mL–1, 1 × 108 IU mg–1, Nagaya et al. 2004 J. Vet. Med. Sci. 66, 1395–1401). Two sustained release carriers, liposome and aluminum hydroxide (Al) gel were tested. Liposome encapsulated (lipo) BSA (control) and rbIFNτ were prepared from a lipid mixture solution contained 2 mg of each protein by the Bangham method including lyophilization and rehydration. The same amount of BSA or rbIFNτ was adsorbed to Al-gel containing 2.5 mg Al. Adsorption was allowed to proceed for 5 min at room temperature and unbound proteins were removed by centrifugation. Subsequently, lipo- or Al-gel adsorbed BSA and rbIFNτ were adjusted to 0.5 mL with saline and loaded into 0.5-mL AI straws. BIFNτ free from liposome or unbound to Al-gel was measured by RIA. Eight Japanese Black cows were used in this study. Their signs of oestrus were monitored twice a day. Cows were randomly assigned to four groups, receiving a single infusion of 1) lipo-BSA (n = 3); 2) lipo-rbIFN τ (n = 3); 3) BSA with Al-gel (n = 4); or 4) rbIFNτ with Al-gel (n = 4) on Day 13 (oestrus = Day 0). The BSA or rbIFNτ solution was introduced into the uterine horn ipsilateral to the corpus luteum by the cervical route. Blood samples were collected and rectal temperatures were recorded immediately preceding the infusion (0 h), thereafter every 3 h until 12 h, and 24 h after the infusion. Total white blood cells (WBC) were counted. Data were analysed by ANOVA using the STATVIEW program. Unbound bIFNτ in liposomal encapsulation and adsorption to Al-gel were estimated to be ∼90% and 2%, respectively. Corpus luteum lifespan was normal in controls (lipo-BSA; 21.6 ± 0.33 and BSA in Al-gel; 21.2 ± 0.25 days) but was extended in cows receiving rbIFNτ with Al-gel (27.0 ± 0.40 days; P < 0.01), whereas lipo-rbIFNτ was less effective. Rectal temperatures increased following rbIFNτ treatment with a peak at 6 h after infusion (P < 0.05). Correspondingly, total WBC was decreased following rbIFNτ treatment with a minimum at 9 h. Those changes were larger in liposomal encapsulation than in adsorbed to Al-gel. In conclusion, a single infusion of bIFNτ adsorbed to Al-gel can extend corpus luteum lifespan in cyclic cows.

221 EFFECT OF STAGE OF CORPUS LUTEUM DEVELOPMENT ON THE IN VITRO PRODUCTION OF BOVINE EMBRYOS

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of stage of corpus luteum (CL) development on the in vitro production of bovine embryos. Ovaries were classified according to the expected day of the oestrous cycle based on the morphology of the ovaries. Ovaries with a corpus hemorrhagicum and the remnant of the follicular lumen filled with blood were considered the early luteal stage (Days 2 to 4; Day 0 = day of ovulation, n = 46). Ovaries with a large mass of orange tissue in the CL were classified as the midluteal stage (Days 7 to 10, n = 42). Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC) were collected by aspiration of 2- to 6-mm follicles. The COC were classified into the following grades: COC with >3 compact layers of cumulus cells and evenly granulated cytoplasm were classified into Grade 1; COC with >3 layers cumulus cells and evenly granulated cytoplasm were classified into Grade 2; COC with partially remaining cumulus cells and abnormal cytoplasm were classified into Grade 3; COC without cumulus cells or those with expanded cumulus cells were classified into Grades 4 and 5, respectively. Grades 1 and 2 COC were in vitro matured for 20 h in TCM-199 supplemented with 5% calf serum and 0.02 mg mL–1 of FSH at 38.5°C under an atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air. Matured COC were inseminated with 5 × 106 sperm for 18 h. Presumptive zygotes were cultured in CR1aa medium supplemented with 5% calf serum at 38.5°C under an atmosphere of 5% O2, 5% CO2, and 90% N2 for 9 days (fertilization = Day 0). The mean number of COC and the proportion of COC classified as Grades 1 and 2 were analysed by ANOVA. Cleavage rates on Day 3 and blastocyst rates on Days 7 to 9 were analysed by a chi-square test. The mean number of recovered oocytes in the early luteal stage (18.7 ± 9.5) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the number in the midluteal stage (12.2 ± 5.7). The proportion of Grades 1 and 2 oocytes in the early luteal stage [66.7% (531/789)] was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than that in the midluteal stage [51.6% (252/484)]. The cleavage and blastocyst rates in the early luteal stage [60.9% (181/297) and 32.7% (97/297), respectively] were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those in the midluteal stage [50.7% (76/150) and 20.7% (31/150) respectively].The present study suggests that the stage of development of the CL in bovine ovaries influences the number of recovered oocytes per ovary and the development of in vitro production of bovine embryos.

213 THE EFFECTS OF SERICIN SUPPLEMENTATION IN IN VITRO CULTURE MEDIUM ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND CRYOSURVIVAL OF BOVINE IN VITRO-MATURED - IN VITRO-FERTILIZED EMBRYOS

The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of the silk protein sericin as an alternative protein supplement for bovine embryo cultures. The effects of sericin supplementation in in vitro culture (IVC) medium on the development and cryosurvival of bovine IVM-IVF embryos were investigated. Cumulus–oocyte complexes were collected from 2- to 8-mm follicles of ovaries obtained from a local abattoir. They were matured for 20 to 22 h in TCM-199 supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 0.002 AU mL–1 of FSH, and 1 μg mL–1 of oestradiol-17β at 38.5°C under an atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air. After IVF (Day 0), presumptive zygotes were cultured in SOF medium (IVC medium) containing amino acids and supplemented with either 5% FBS (FBS group: n = 400) or sericin at 3 different concentrations (wt/vol; 0.05%: n = 493; 0.1%: n = 419; or 0.15%: n = 520; sericin groups) at 38.5°C under an atmosphere of 5% CO2, 5% O2, and 90% N2 for 5 days. They were then transferred into each IVC medium supplemented with 0.1 mM β-mercaptoethanol and cultured for an additional 4 days (9 days in total). Cleavage rates were recorded on Day 2 of IVC. The excellent expanded blastocysts harvested on Days 7 and 8 were used for freezing (FBS group: n = 51, 0.05% sericin group: n = 56, 0.1% sericin group: n = 44, 0.15% sericin group: n = 44). They were frozen in m-PBS supplemented with 1.5 M ethylene glycol, 0.1 M sucrose, 20% calf serum, and 4 mg mL–1 of BSA. After thawing, they were cultured in TCM-199 supplemented with 20% FBS and 0.1 mM β-mercaptoethanol under the same atmosphere used for IVC for 72 h. Rates of the embryos that reexpanded and developed to the hatching and hatched blastocyst stages were determined at, respectively, 24, 48, and 72 h after thawing. Rates of cleavage and blastocyst formation were expressed as mean ± SD and were analysed by ANOVA. The post-thaw survival rates of frozen embryos were analysed by Fisher’s exact test and chi-square test. Four replications were performed. Cleavage and blastocyst formation rates did not differ among the groups (FBS: 61.6 ± 15.1 and 22.1 ± 3.5%; 0.05% sericin: 71.6 ± 12.0 and 19.4 ± 6.7%; 0.1% sericin: 70.3 ± 4.7 and 18.4 ± 5.6%; 0.15% sericin: 66.9 ± 10.3 and 17.9 ± 6.9%, respectively). There were no significant differences in post-thaw survival rates after 24 h among the FBS (88.2%), 0.05% sericin (92.9%), 0.1% sericin (84.1%), and 0.15% sericin (93.2%) groups. However, post-thaw survival rates after 72 h in the 0.05% sericin (83.9%) and FBS (82.4%) groups were significantly higher than those in the 0.1% sericin (56.8%) and 0.15% sericin (61.4%) groups (P < 0.05). These results indicate the feasibility of sericin as an alternative protein supplement for bovine embryo culture. Additionally, in this study, 0.05% sericin was shown to be the best concentration for survival of the resultant embryos after freezing and thawing.

154 THE EFFECT OF OXYGEN TENSION ON IN VITRO DEVELOPMENT OF BOVINE EMBRYOS IN POLYDIMETHYLSILOXANE-BASED WELL OF THE WELL DISHES PREPARED UNDER ATMOSPHERIC OR REDUCED AIR PRESSURE

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a non-toxic silicon compound. Its excellent optical characteristics and easy preparation make it a good candidate material for the molding of custom-shaped dishes for embryo culture. We investigated the feasibility of PDMS-based well of the well (WOW) dishes for in vitro culture of bovine embryos under different oxygen tensions. The WOW dishes with 25 micro-wells (each of 175 μm depth and 250 μm width in diameter arranged in 5 columns and 5 rows) were molded from PDMS prepared either under atmospheric (Experiment 1) or reduced (0.1 MPa) (Experiment 2) air pressure to remove air bubbles. Presumptive zygotes obtained by the in vitro maturation and fertilization of follicular oocytes were placed and cultured for 7 days in traditional micro-drops of culture medium (Control) or in the micro-wells of PDMS-based WOW dishes (PDMS-WOW), both covered by paraffin oil. The culture medium was CR1aa supplemented with 5% calf serum. The culture drop size was 125 μL (5 μL/oocyte) in both groups. Embryo development and blastocyst cell numbers between Control and PDMS-WOW groups were compared either under 20% or 5% O2 tensions. There was no statistical difference in cleavage and blastocyst rates (ranging between 82.3-86.4% and 34.0-45.8%, respectively) between Control and PDMS-WOW embryos irrespective of oxygen tension and dish production method. In Experiment 1, the mean total cell numbers in blastocysts were lower in the PDMS-WOW group than that in Control under 20% O2 (105.0 ± 5.5 and 130.4 ± 9.9, respectively) (P < 0.05, ANOVA); however, the application of 5% O2 significantly improved the cell numbers and eliminated the difference between the PDMS-WOW and Control groups (135.4 ± 6.2 and 148.0 ± 9.0, respectively). In Experiment 2, there was no significant difference in mean total cell numbers in blastocysts between the PDMS-WOW and Control either under 20% O2 (97.2 ± 5.7 and 103.9 ± 8.9, respectively) or 5% O2 (147.5 ± 12.1 and 157.3 ± 3.9, respectively). The numbers and rates of inner cell mass and trophectoderm cells did not differ between the Control and PDMS-WOW groups, irrespective of O2 tension and production method. Our results demonstrate that bovine embryos can develop to the blastocyst stage in PDMS-based WOW dishes; however, it may express detrimental effects on embryonic cell numbers, which can be neutralized by the application of low O2 tension during culture or reduced air pressure during the PDMS preparation. This work was supported by the Research and Development Program for New Bio-Industry Initiatives.

278 EFFECT OF FOLLICULAR WAVE SYNCHRONIZATION AND SUPERSTIMULATION ON THE NORMALITY OF BOVINE EMBRYOS PRODUCED IN VITRO

We previously reported that follicular wave synchronization by dominant follicle removal on Day 5 and the start of a superstimulatory treatment on Day 7 after ovum pick-up (OPU) was effective to increase oocyte quality (Imai et al. 2008 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 20, 182). The present study was designed to examine the effect of superstimulatory treatment-induced follicular wave synchronization on quality of embryos obtained by OPU and in vitro production. Japanese Black cows were reared under the same feeding and environmental conditions and 2 OPU sessions were conducted in each cow. The first OPU session was performed in 7 cows at arbitrary days of estrous cycle using a 7.5-MHz linear transducer with needle connected to an ultrasound scanner. Then, follicles larger than 8 mm in diameter were aspirated and CIDR was inserted on Day 5 (the day of first OPU session = Day 0). The cows then received 30 mg of FSH twice a day from Days 7 to 10 in decreasing doses (4, 4, 3, 3, 2, 2, 1, 1 mg per shot) by i.m. injections. Cloprostenol (PGF; 0.75 mg) was administered in the morning of Day 9. The second OPU session was performed 48 h after PGF administration (Day 11) and only follicles larger than 5 mm in diameter were aspirated. The CIDR was removed from the cows just before OPU. Grade 1 and 2 cumulus oocyte complexes were in vitro matured, fertilized (IVF), and cultured as described by Imai et al. (2006 J. Reprod. Dev. 52, Suppl. S19-29). Some zygotes were fixed and stained to check their sperm penetration. Embryo development was monitored by time-lapse cinematography for 168 h after IVF. Cleavage pattern of embryos was classified morphologically into normal and abnormal (including those with multiple fragments, protrusions, 3 to 4 blastomeres, and uneven cell division) groups at their first cleavage. Normal penetration rate of second OPU session was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of the first OPU session. There were no differences in the mean percentage of total blastocyst and grade 1 blastocyst rates between the first (45.2 and 46.9%, respectively) and second (47.5 and 41.8%, respectively) OPU sessions. However, the rates of blastocysts developing from embryos that were beyond the 4-cell stage at 48 h after IVF was significantly (P < 0.05) higher after the second OPU session (81.2%) than after the first OPU session (67.4%). Furthermore, a significant difference (P < 0.05) was found in the rates of normal cleavage at the first cell division in embryos that developed to the blastocyst stage between the first and second OPU sessions (53.3% and 73.9%, respectively). These results indicate that superstimulatory treatment-induced follicular wave synchronization improved the normality of fertilization and development of cattle oocytes obtained by OPU. This work was supported by the Research and Development Program for New Bio-industry Initiatives.

Effect of radiation monitoring method and formula differences on estimated physician dose during percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Currently, one or two dosimeters are used to monitor radiation exposure in most cardiac laboratories. In addition, several different formulas are used to convert exposure data into an effective dose (ED).

PURPOSE

To clarify the effect of monitoring methods and formula selection on the estimated ED for physicians during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The ED of physicians during cardiac catheterization was determined using an optically stimulated luminescence dosimeter (Luxel badge). Two Luxel badges were worn: one beneath a personal lead apron (0.35-mm lead equivalent) at the chest and one outside of the apron at the neck.

RESULTS

The difference in the average ED of seven physicians was approximately fivefold (range 1.13-5.43 mSv/year) using the six different formulas in the clinical evaluation. The estimated physician ED differed markedly according to both the monitoring method and formula selected.

CONCLUSION

ED estimation is dependent on both the monitoring method and the formula used. Therefore, it is important that comparisons among laboratories are based on the same monitoring method and same formula for calculating the ED.

Fruit and vegetable intake and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Japan

BACKGROUND

There has been little interest in the role of nutrition in the prevention of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We investigated the relationship between dietary intake of vegetables, fruit, and antioxidants and the risk of ALS in Japan.

METHODS

Between 2000 and 2004, we recruited 153 ALS patients aged 18-81 years with disease duration of 3 years within the study period in accordance with El Escorial World Federation of Neurology criteria. Three hundred and six gender- and age-matched controls were randomly selected from the general population. Information on dietary factors was collected using a validated self-administered diet history questionnaire.

RESULTS

A higher consumption of all fruits and vegetables and fruit alone in the highest quartiles was associated with a statistically significantly reduced risk of ALS. Although not statistically significant, a beneficial association between intake of all vegetables, green and yellow vegetables and other vegetables and ALS was found. No statistically significant dose-response relationship was observed between intake of beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E and the risk of ALS.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that higher intake of food rich in antioxidants such as fruit and vegetables confer protection against the development of ALS.

223 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE LENGTH OF CELL CYCLES, CLEAVAGE PATTERN, AND DEVELOPMENTAL COMPETENCE DURING IN VITRO CULTURE OF IN VITRO-MATURED/IN VITRO-FERTILIZED BOVINE OOCYTES

In in vitro embryo production systems, there is a need to select embryos with good developmental competence at the early stages. This study was conducted to determine whether there was any relationship between the duration of the first 3 cell cycles, the cleavage pattern of the first cell division, and the developmental competence of embryos during in vitro culture. A total of 320 in vitro-matured and in vitro-fertilized bovine oocytes were cultured in microdrops of CR1aa medium supplemented with 5% calf serum covered by mineral oil in 5% CO2 and 20% O2 at 38.5°C. The kinetics of embryo development were measured by time-lapse cinematography. Embryos were classified according to their cleavage pattern at the first cell division. Of 285 cleaved embryos, 119 had 2 blastomeres of the same size (normal cleavage: NC), 49 had 2 blastomeres with multiple small fragments (multiple fragments: MF), 34 had 2 blastomeres and a protrusion (protrusion: PT), 45 showed direct cleavage from 1 cell to 3 or 4 blastomeres (3–4BL), and 60 oocytes cleaved to 2 blastomeres of different sizes (unequal blastomeres: UB). (Twenty-two embryos belonged to 2 classes.) After 175 h of culture, blastocysts were either subjected to differential inner cell mass/trophectoderm (ICM/TE) staining or karyotyped. The first and second cell cycles (mean ± SEM) of viable embryos (that could develop to the blastocyst stage) were significantly shorter than those of nonviable embryos (24.9 ± 0.3 h and 8.7 ± 0.1 h v. 26.6 ± 0.7 h and 10.0 ± 0.1 h, respectively); however, the length of the third cell cycle did not differ (P < 0.05, paired t-test). The duration of 1 cell stage in the NC group was significantly shorter than that of MF, PT, 3–4BL, and UB groups (24.7 ± 0.4 h, 26.6 ± 0.5 h, 26.3 ± 0.6 h, 26.0 ± 0.2 h, and 27.7 ± 0.9 h, respectively). The length of the second and third cell cycles did not differ among the groups. The percentage of NC embryos that developed to the blastocyst stage was similar to that of the 3–4BL group (66.9 and 56.7%, respectively) but was significantly higher than those of the MF, PT, and UB groups (40.5, 26.5, and 35.6%, respectively; P < 0.05, ANOVA). The mean cell numbers of NC blastocysts did not differ from those of the MF, 3–4BL, and UB groups but were higher than those of PT embryos (147.1, 155.6, 121.6, 146.4, and 115.1, respectively). There was no difference in ICM/TE rates between the groups. Unlike NC, MF, PT, and UB embryos, most (6 of 8 karyotyped) 3–4BL blastocysts had abnormal ploidy, such as haploid, triploid, mixoploid, or chaotic chromosome numbers, in blastomeres. Our results revealed that not only the length of the first cell cycles, but also the cleavage pattern during first cell division can be a marker of developmental competence and should be considered for the selection of good-quality embryos for embryo transfer. This work was supported by the Research and Development Program for New Bio-industry Initiatives.

208 TIME LAPSE CINEMATOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF CLEAVAGE AND BLASTULATION IN BOVINE EMBRYOS OBTAINED BY OVUM PICKUP AND IN VITRO FERTILIZATION

Since the 1980s, several different bovine in vitro embryo production systems have been developed, and more than 291 000 embryos have been transferred throughout the world (Thibier M 2007 IETS Newsletter 25(4), 15–20). However, we have limited knowledge about the cleavage pattern of the first, second, and third cell divisions and the developmental activities of embryos during in vitro culture (IVC). The present study was conducted to determine the developmental activities of bovine embryos obtained by ovum pickup (OPU), in vitro maturation (IVM), and in vitro fertilization (IVF). We analyzed embryonic development by time-lapse cinematography (TLC). A total of 92 cumulus–oocyte complexes were collected by OPU from Japanese Black cows and were subjected to IVM and IVF as reported previously (Imai et al. 2006 J. Reprod. Dev. 52(Suppl.), S19–S29). Inseminated oocytes were cultured in microdrops of CR1aa medium supplemented with 5% calf serum covered by mineral oil in 5% CO2 in air at 38.5°C. Kinetics of embryo development were measured by TLC for 168 h after IVF by using a Cultured Cell Monitoring System (CCM–M1.4ZS, Astec, Fukuoka, Japan). A total of 672 photographs of the embryos were taken (1 photograph every 15 min) during IVC. Image stacks were analyzed by the CCM–M1.4 software. Timing of the first, second, and third cell divisions, blastulation, and embryonic contractions were recorded. The results are reported as time (h) passed after insemination. In total, 75 (81.5%) embryos cleaved and 61 (66.3%) embryos developed to the blastocyst stage. The first, second, and third cell divisions in these viable embryos occurred at 24.0 ± 0.5, 32.1 ± 0.2, and 39.4 ± 0.4 h (mean ± SE) after IVF, respectively. On the other hand, in nonviable embryos (those that failed to develop to the blastocyst stage; n = 14), these cell divisions occurred at 29.5 ± 2.2, 41.3 ± 3.3, and 57.2 ± 7.6 h after IVF, respectively. There tended to be a difference (P = 0.06; paired t-test) in the timing of the first cell division between viable and nonviable embryos. Blastulation of embryos began at 114.4 ± 1.1 h, embryos developed to the blastocyst stage at 127.3 ± 1.4 h, and blastocysts began to expand at 138.4 ± 1.7 h after IVF, respectively. During blastocyst development, embryonic contractions (shrinkage attributable to the rupture of the blastocoele) and tight-shrinkage (shrinking of the embryo to less than 70% of its surface area) were observed in all embryos. The mean numbers of contractions and tight-shrinkages in blastocysts were 5.3 ± 2.7 and 2.1 ± 1.0 times, respectively. The frequency of contractions from the beginning of blastulation to the blastocyst stage was significantly lower (P < 0.01) than after the blastocyst stage. It took 6.9 ± 4.6 h for the embryos to re-expand after the tight-shrinkages. These results indicate that viable in vitro-produced embryos can be selected at early stages by TLC. Further studies are necessary to clarify the importance of the pulsating activity in OPU–IVF embryos. This work was supported by the Research and Development Program for New Bio-industry Initiatives.

298 EFFECT OF TWO DIFFERENT DOSES OF FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE IN ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE GEL BY A SINGLE INJECTION ON ESTRUS AND SUPEROVULATORY RESPONSE IN HOLSTEIN CATTLE

We investigated the effect of administration of different dosage of FSH in aluminum hydroxide gel (Gel; an adjuvant and absorbent of large molecules) by a single injection on induction of estrus, superovulatory response, and embryo recovery in Holstein cattle. In this study, six cloprostenol-synchronized [PGF (0.75 mg, IM); Clopromate C; Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals Co., Tokyo, Japan], nonlactating Holstein cows were divided into three groups (Gel-40, Gel-30, Controls) between days 8 and 11 (day 0 = the day of estrus) in a Latin square design. Forty mg (Gel-40 group) FSH (Antrin-R10; Kawasaki Mitaka Pharmaceutical Co., Tokyo, Japan) or 30 mg (Gel-30 group) FSH were mixed with 5 mL Gel and administered by a single injection into fat in the ischiorectal fossa. The control group received 40 mg pFSH twice daily for 4 d in decreasing doses (8, 8, 6, 6, 4, 4, 2, and 2 mg) into the ischiorectal fossa. Then, all cows received PGF (0.75 mg, IM) twice on the third day of the treatment, and cows were inseminated at 48 and 60 h after second PGF treatment; embryo recovery was performed 7 d later. Follicular development was monitored ultrasonically every 24 h from the first FSH treatment to ovulation, and the numbers of medium (MF, 5–8 mm) and large (LF, >8 mm) sized follicles, and corpora lutea (CL) were counted on the day of embryo recovery. Estrous status was determined by walking activity of cows as an estrous index. Each cow was fitted with a pedometer (Gyuho; Comtec, Miyazaki, Japan) that measures total amount of walking activity per hour, and data of individual cows were sent to a personal computer in real time. Estrus was defined as an increase in number of steps to more than the value of mean steps plus standard deviation recorded for the preceding 240 h. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. There was no significant difference among the Gel-40, Gel-30, and control groups for the mean ( � SD) duration of estrus (22.3 � 5.2 h, 18.0 � 2.8 h and 18.5 � 5.3 h, respectively), increments of estrous activity (398.3 � 135.3%, 388.9 � 44.4% and 393.9 � 82.1%, respectively), and the mean interval from the first PGF to onset of estrus (35.5 � 2.2 h, 37.8 � 5.7 h and 39.3 � 5.6 h, respectively). There was no significant difference among the Gel-40, Gel-30, and control groups for the mean number of large follicles at the time of estrus (21.3 � 10.2, 21.5 � 7.6 and 21.0 � 9.4, respectively), number of CL at the time of ova/embryo collection (21.5 � 10.2, 19.2 � 4.9, and 20.5 � 9.5, respectively), the total number of ova/embyos recovered (12.3 � 8.3, 12.5 � 7.8, and 13.8 � 9.2, respectively), or transferable embyos (3.3 � 4.8, 4.5 � 3.5, and 5.5 � 4.5, respectively). Results suggested that administration of 30 mg of FSH in 5 mL Gel by a single injection in the ischiorectal fossa was effective in inducing superstimulation in Holstein cattle. This work was supported by a grant of the Research Project for Utilizing Advanced Technology (04–1676).

206 EFFECT OF FOLLICULAR WAVE SYNCHRONIZATION AND SUPERSTIMULATION ON IN VITRO EMBRYO PRODUCTION

We previously reported that follicular wave synchronization, by removal of the dominant follicle on Day 5 after ovum pickup (OPU), was effective in increasing oocyte quality in the developing follicles (Imai et al. 2006 32th Annual Conference of the IETS, poster presentation no. 277). The current study was designed to examine the effect of superstimulatory treatment to induce subsequent follicular wave synchronization on embryo production by OPU and IVM-IVF-IVC in Holstein dry cows. Cows were reared under the same feeding and environmental conditions, and 2 OPU sessions were conducted in each cow. In the first session, OPU was performed in 8 cows on arbitrary days of the estrous cycle by using a 7.5-MHz linear transducer with needle (Cova needle, Misawa Medical, Tokyo, Japan) connected to an ultrasound scanner (SSD-1200, Aloka, Tokyo, Japan). Follicles larger than 8 mm in diameter were then aspirated and a CIDR was inserted on Day 5 (the day of first OPU session = Day 0). Cows then received 30 mg of FSH (Antrin-R10; Kawasaki Mitaka Pharmaceutical Co., Tokyo, Japan) twice a day from Days 7 to 10 in decreasing doses (6, 6, 4, 4, 3, 3, 2, 2 mg) by i.m. injection. Cloprostenol (PGF; Clopromate C; Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals Co., Tokyo, Japan; 0.75 mg) was administered in the morning of Day 9 (third day of superstimulation). The second OPU session was performed 48 h after PGF administration (Day 11), and only follicles larger than 5 mm in diameter were aspirated. The CIDR was removed from the cows just before OPU. Collected oocytes were evaluated by their cumulus cell morphology, cytoplasmic color, and density. Grades 1 and 2 COC were matured, fertilized, and cultured as described by Imai et al. [2006 J. Reprod. Dev. 52(Suppl.), S19–S29]. Embryo development was assessed by the cleavage rate on Day 2 and by the blastocyst formation rate on Days 7 to 8 (the day of insemination = Day 0). Data were analyzed by Student's t-test. There were no differences in the mean (� SD) number of aspirated follicles or collected oocytes between the first (32.5 � 6.8 and 26.0 � 12.7, respectively) and second (29.3 � 10.4 and 19.0 � 9.4, respectively) OPU sessions (P > 0.1). The percentage of Grade 1 and 2 oocytes for the second OPU session (90.5 � 13.8%) was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than for the first OPU session (63.1 � 6.3%), and significant differences were found for cleavage (79.4 � 14.1, 61.8 � 25.1, P < 0.01) and blastocyst rates (68.1 � 16.7, 24.2 � 22.3, P < 0.001) between sessions. The mean numbers of blastocysts obtained per session were 4.3 � 2.9 and 12.8 � 8.7 in the first and second sessions, respectively (P < 0.01). These results indicate that superstimulatory treatment and subsequent follicular wave synchronization were effective on in vitro embryo production by increasing the oocyte quality.