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Cajas YN, Cañón-Beltrán K, de la Blanca MGM, Sánchez JM, Fernandez-Fuertes B, González EM, Rizos D. Role of reproductive fluids and extracellular vesicles in embryo–maternal interaction during early pregnancy in cattle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:117-138. [PMID: 35231231 DOI: 10.1071/rd21275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The coordinated interaction between the developing embryo and the maternal reproductive tract is essential for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy in mammals. An early cross-talk is established between the oviduct/uterus and the gametes and embryo. This dialogue will shape the microenvironment in which gamete transport, fertilisation, and early embryonic development occur. Due to the small size of the gametes and the early embryo relative to the volume of the oviductal and uterine lumina, collection of tissue and fluid adjacent to these cells is challenging in cattle. Thus, the combination of in vivo and in vitro models seems to be the most appropriate approach to better understand this fine dialogue. In this respect, the aim of this review is to summarise the recent findings in relation to gamete/embryo-maternal interaction during the pre-elongation period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia N Cajas
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; and Laboratorio de Biotecnología de la Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Cuenca (UC), EC010205 Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Karina Cañón-Beltrán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; and Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Ambientales, Programa de Medicina Veterinaria, Fundación Universitaria Juan de Castellanos (JdC), 150001 Tunja, Colombia
| | - María Gemma Millán de la Blanca
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José M Sánchez
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Fernandez-Fuertes
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Encina M González
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Robert C. Nurturing the egg: the essential connection between cumulus cells and the oocyte. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:149-159. [PMID: 35231386 DOI: 10.1071/rd21282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The determinants of oocyte quality remain uncertain. Under suitable conditions, which have yet to be defined, the gamete grows and acquires the competence to resume meiosis, be fertilised and undergo embryonic development at least beyond genome activation, after which the blastomere is autonomous enough to adapt to the specificity of its environment. This review describes the central role played by the oocyte in reproductive success and how communication between cumulus cells and the oocyte are essential to proper oogenesis and the quality of the resulting gamete. While most attempts to improve oocyte quality have been directed at gonadotrophin-based systemic endocrine signalling, it is proposed that parallel control of fertility may act locally within ovarian follicles through intimate cooperation between somatic cells and the oocyte via the network of transzonal projections. This intercellular communication may prove to be more sensitive to environmental conditions than systemic endocrine signalling, which is essential for many non-reproductive tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claude Robert
- Département des sciences animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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Ratchamak R, Ratsiri T, Chumchai R, Boonkum W, Chankitisakul V. Relationship of the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) with Ovarian Responses and Embryo Production in Superovulated Thai-Holstein Crossbreds under Tropical Climate Conditions. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8110270. [PMID: 34822643 PMCID: PMC8623316 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8110270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Heat stress strongly negatively affects reproductive traits in dairy cattle. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of heat stress in superstimulated Thai-Holstein crossbreds under tropical climate conditions. Data included 75 records from 12 superovulated Thai-Holstein crossbreds between 2018 and 2020. Cows were superstimulated with conventional treatment. The mean temperature-humidity index (THI) was evaluated for three data collection periods: during the 9, 21 and 42-day periods before the insemination day to determine the period in which THI mostly affected superstimulation responses. The THI levels/thresholds were determined and interpreted together with the superovulatory response. A significantly negative correlation was obtained for the THI during the period 9 days before insemination. Negative effects on the number of large follicles and corpora lutea began at a THI of 72 and were apparently severe after a THI of 77, similar to the ovulation rate, fertilized ova and transferable embryos (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, more degenerated embryos were found with THI values (p < 0.05). The superovulatory response in Thai-Holstein crossbreds under tropical climate conditions is highly affected by heat stress starting at a THI of 72 and becomes more severe at a THI higher than 77.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruthaiporn Ratchamak
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (R.R.); (T.R.); (R.C.); (W.B.)
| | - Thanaporn Ratsiri
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (R.R.); (T.R.); (R.C.); (W.B.)
| | - Rujira Chumchai
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (R.R.); (T.R.); (R.C.); (W.B.)
| | - Wuttigrai Boonkum
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (R.R.); (T.R.); (R.C.); (W.B.)
- Network Center for Animal Breeding and Omics Research, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Vibuntita Chankitisakul
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (R.R.); (T.R.); (R.C.); (W.B.)
- Network Center for Animal Breeding and Omics Research, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +66-86-6585988
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54
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Crowe AD, Lonergan P, Butler ST. Invited review: Use of assisted reproduction techniques to accelerate genetic gain and increase value of beef production in dairy herds. J Dairy Sci 2021; 104:12189-12206. [PMID: 34538485 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The contribution of the calf enterprise to the profit of the dairy farm is generally considered small, with beef bull selection on dairy farms often not considered a high priority. However, this is likely to change in the future as the rapid rate of expansion of the dairy herd in some countries is set to plateau and improvements in dairy herd fertility combine to reduce the proportion of dairy breed calves required on dairy farms. This presents the opportunity to increase the proportion of beef breed calves born, increasing both the value of calf sales and the marketability of the calves. Beef embryos could become a new breeding tool for dairies as producers need to reassess their breeding policy as a consequence of welfare concerns and poor calf prices. Assisted reproductive technologies can contribute to accelerated genetic gain by allowing an increased number of offspring to be produced from genetically elite dams. There are the following 3 general classes of donor females of interest to an integrated dairy-beef system: (1) elite dairy dams, from which oocytes are recovered from live females using ovum pick-up and fertilized in vitro with semen from elite dairy bulls; (2) elite beef dams, where the oocytes are recovered from live females using ovum pick-up and fertilized with semen from elite beef bulls; and (3) commercial beef dams (≥50% beef genetics), where ovaries are collected from the abattoir postslaughter, and oocytes are fertilized with semen from elite beef bulls that are suitable for use on dairy cows (resulting embryo with ≥75% beef genetics). The expected benefits of these collective developments include accelerated genetic gain for milk and beef production in addition to transformation of the dairy herd calf crop to a combination of good genetic merit dairy female calves and premium-quality beef calves. The aim of this review is to describe how these technologies can be harnessed to intensively select for genetic improvement in both dairy breed and beef breed bulls suitable for use in the dairy herd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan D Crowe
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, D04 N2E5 Ireland; Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 C996 Ireland
| | - Pat Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, D04 N2E5 Ireland.
| | - Stephen T Butler
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 C996 Ireland.
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Contreras-Benicio D, Castro-Valenzuela BE, Grado-Ahuir JA, Burrola-Barraza M. Well-of-the-well (WOW) versus polyester mesh (PM): a comparison of single-embryo culture systems in bovines. REV COLOMB CIENC PEC 2021. [DOI: 10.17533/udea.rccp.v35n2a03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Karasahin T, Alkan H, Satilmis F, Dursun S, Erdem H. Effect of flunixin meglumine treatment during and after embryo transfer on the pregnancy rate in cattle. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:1555-1561. [PMID: 34523163 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the effect of flunixin meglumine treatment during and after the transfer of in vivo produced embryos to Angus (cows) and Holstein (cows and heifers) breeds of cattle on pregnancy rate. Holstein cows were used as donors in the study. A double dose of prostaglandin F2α was administered to the recipient animals for synchronization. Uterine flushing was performed in donors on day 7 after artificial insemination. A total of 295 transferable embryos were obtained. These embryos were transferred to Angus cows (n = 85), Holstein heifers (n = 80) and Holstein cows (n = 130). After the transfer, these animals were divided into three subgroups. The first subgroup (TI) was administered flunixin meglumine during embryo transfer, and the second subgroup (TII) was administered flunixin meglumine both during embryo transfer and on days 8 and 9 after the transfer. The third subgroup (TIII) was not administered anything and it was considered the control group. Pregnancy examination of the recipients was performed on days 30-35 after the transfer using real-time ultrasonography. The pregnancy rates after embryo transfer were found to be 43.52% in Angus cows, 42.5% in Holstein heifers, and 24.61% in Holstein cows (p < .05). When the animals were not classified according to breed, the pregnancy rates in subgroups TI, TII and TIII were found to be 29.29%, 45.10% and 29.79%, respectively (p < .05). In addition, the pregnancy rates were higher in TII and TIII subgroups of Angus cows and Holstein heifers compared to that of Holstein cows (p < .05). As a result, the pregnancy rates obtained after embryo transfer in Angus cows and Holstein heifers were found to be higher than that in Holstein cows. In addition, it was concluded that the administration of flunixin meglumine during and during/after embryo transfer has a positive effect on pregnancy rates in Angus cows and Holstein heifers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahir Karasahin
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aksaray University, Aksaray, Turkey
| | - Hasan Alkan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Fatma Satilmis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Sukru Dursun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aksaray University, Aksaray, Turkey
| | - Huseyin Erdem
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
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57
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Contreras DA, Galina CS, Chenoweth P. Prospects for increasing the utilization of cattle embryo transfer by small-scale milk and meat producers in tropical regions. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:1479-1485. [PMID: 34494313 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Small community cattle farmers in the tropics are facing challenges to deliver quality products whilst under pressure to increase milk and beef yields per cow. These challenges could be partially met by crossbreeding Bos taurus with Bos indicus (F1) cattle utilizing embryo transfer (ET) technology. The Bos taurus infusion would increase milk production, whilst the Bos indicus influence can improve resistance to the harsh environment of the tropics. Here, individuals from existing herds can be used to produce F1 embryos which benefit from hybrid vigour. Resultant female offspring would in turn receive an F1 embryo on reaching breeding maturity. This approach would help to provide a cost-effective, systematic approach to improve productivity in dairy and beef cattle in the tropics. However, full usage of ET, including in vitro applications, in the tropics will require improvements in procedures, resources and education.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Contreras
- Departamento de Medicina y Zootecnia de Rumiantes, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Carlos S Galina
- Departamento de Reproducción, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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Silvestri G, Canedo-Ribeiro C, Serrano-Albal M, Labrecque R, Blondin P, Larmer SG, Marras G, Tutt DA, Handyside AH, Farré M, Sinclair KD, Griffin DK. Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy Improves Live Birth Rates with In Vitro Produced Bovine Embryos: A Blind Retrospective Study. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092284. [PMID: 34571932 PMCID: PMC8465548 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately one million in vitro produced (IVP) cattle embryos are transferred worldwide each year as a way to improve the rates of genetic gain. The most advanced programmes also apply genomic selection at the embryonic stage by SNP genotyping and the calculation of genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs). However, a high proportion of cattle embryos fail to establish a pregnancy. Here, we demonstrate that further interrogation of the SNP data collected for GEBVs can effectively remove aneuploid embryos from the pool, improving live births per embryo transfer (ET). Using three preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) approaches, we assessed 1713 cattle blastocysts in a blind, retrospective analysis. Our findings indicate aneuploid embryos have a 5.8% chance of establishing a pregnancy and a 5.0% chance of given rise to a live birth. This compares to 59.6% and 46.7% for euploid embryos (p < 0.0001). PGT-A improved overall pregnancy and live birth rates by 7.5% and 5.8%, respectively (p < 0.0001). More detailed analyses revealed donor, chromosome, stage, grade, and sex-specific rates of error. Notably, we discovered a significantly higher incidence of aneuploidy in XY embryos and, as in humans, detected a preponderance of maternal meiosis I errors. Our data strongly support the use of PGT-A in cattle IVP programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Silvestri
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NH, UK; (G.S.); (C.C.-R.); (M.S.-A.); (A.H.H.); (M.F.)
| | - Carla Canedo-Ribeiro
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NH, UK; (G.S.); (C.C.-R.); (M.S.-A.); (A.H.H.); (M.F.)
| | - María Serrano-Albal
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NH, UK; (G.S.); (C.C.-R.); (M.S.-A.); (A.H.H.); (M.F.)
| | - Remi Labrecque
- L’Alliance Boviteq Inc., Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2T 5H1, Canada; (R.L.); (P.B.); (S.G.L.); (G.M.)
| | - Patrick Blondin
- L’Alliance Boviteq Inc., Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2T 5H1, Canada; (R.L.); (P.B.); (S.G.L.); (G.M.)
| | - Steven G. Larmer
- L’Alliance Boviteq Inc., Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2T 5H1, Canada; (R.L.); (P.B.); (S.G.L.); (G.M.)
| | - Gabriele Marras
- L’Alliance Boviteq Inc., Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2T 5H1, Canada; (R.L.); (P.B.); (S.G.L.); (G.M.)
| | - Desmond A.R. Tutt
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham LE12 5RD, UK; (D.A.R.T.); (K.D.S.)
| | - Alan H. Handyside
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NH, UK; (G.S.); (C.C.-R.); (M.S.-A.); (A.H.H.); (M.F.)
| | - Marta Farré
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NH, UK; (G.S.); (C.C.-R.); (M.S.-A.); (A.H.H.); (M.F.)
| | - Kevin D. Sinclair
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham LE12 5RD, UK; (D.A.R.T.); (K.D.S.)
| | - Darren K. Griffin
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NH, UK; (G.S.); (C.C.-R.); (M.S.-A.); (A.H.H.); (M.F.)
- Correspondence:
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Gimeno I, García-Manrique P, Carrocera S, López-Hidalgo C, Valledor L, Martín-González D, Gómez E. The Metabolic Signature of In Vitro Produced Bovine Embryos Helps Predict Pregnancy and Birth after Embryo Transfer. Metabolites 2021; 11:484. [PMID: 34436426 PMCID: PMC8399324 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11080484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro produced (IVP) embryos show large metabolic variability induced by breed, culture conditions, embryonic stage and sex and gamete donors. We hypothesized that the birth potential could be accurately predicted by UHPLC-MS/MS in culture medium (CM) with the discrimination of factors inducing metabolic variation. Day-6 embryos were developed in single CM (modified synthetic oviduct fluid) for 24 h and transferred to recipients as fresh (28 ETs) or frozen/thawed (58 ETs) Day-7 blastocysts. Variability was induced with seven bulls, slaughterhouse oocyte donors, culture conditions (serum + Bovine Serum Albumin [BSA] or BSA alone) prior to single culture embryonic stage records (Day-6: morula, early blastocyst, blastocyst; Day-7: expanding blastocyst; fully expanded blastocysts) and cryopreservation. Retained metabolite signals (6111) were analyzed as a function of pregnancy at Day-40, Day-62 and birth in a combinatorial block study with all fixed factors. We identified 34 accumulated metabolites through 511 blocks, 198 for birth, 166 for Day-62 and 147 for Day-40. The relative abundance of metabolites was higher within blocks from non-pregnant (460) than from pregnant (51) embryos. Taxonomy classified lipids (12 fatty acids and derivatives; 224 blocks), amino acids (12) and derivatives (3) (186 blocks), benzenoids (4; 58 blocks), tri-carboxylic acids (2; 41 blocks) and 5-Hydroxy-l-tryptophan (2 blocks). Some metabolites were effective as single biomarkers in 95 blocks (Receiver Operating Characteristic - Area Under the Curve [ROC-AUC]: 0.700-1.000). In contrast, more accurate predictions within the largest data sets were obtained with combinations of 2, 3 and 4 single metabolites in 206 blocks (ROC-AUC = 0.800-1.000). Pregnancy-prone embryos consumed more amino acids and citric acid, and depleted less lipids and cis-aconitic acid. Big metabolic differences between embryos support efficient pregnancy and birth prediction when analyzed in discriminant conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Gimeno
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain; (I.G.); (S.C.); (D.M.-G.)
| | - Pablo García-Manrique
- Molecular Mass Spectrometry Unit, Scientific and Technical Services, University of Oviedo, Catedrático Rodrigo Uria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
| | - Susana Carrocera
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain; (I.G.); (S.C.); (D.M.-G.)
| | - Cristina López-Hidalgo
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, University Institute of Biotechnology of Asturias (IUBA), University of Oviedo, Catedrático Rodrigo Uria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (C.L.-H.); (L.V.)
| | - Luis Valledor
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, University Institute of Biotechnology of Asturias (IUBA), University of Oviedo, Catedrático Rodrigo Uria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (C.L.-H.); (L.V.)
| | - David Martín-González
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain; (I.G.); (S.C.); (D.M.-G.)
| | - Enrique Gómez
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain; (I.G.); (S.C.); (D.M.-G.)
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Pérez-Gómez A, González-Brusi L, Bermejo-Álvarez P, Ramos-Ibeas P. Lineage Differentiation Markers as a Proxy for Embryo Viability in Farm Ungulates. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:680539. [PMID: 34212020 PMCID: PMC8239129 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.680539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic losses constitute a major burden for reproductive efficiency of farm animals. Pregnancy losses in ungulate species, which include cattle, pigs, sheep and goats, majorly occur during the second week of gestation, when the embryo experiences a series of cell differentiation, proliferation, and migration processes encompassed under the term conceptus elongation. Conceptus elongation takes place following blastocyst hatching and involves a massive proliferation of the extraembryonic membranes trophoblast and hypoblast, and the formation of flat embryonic disc derived from the epiblast, which ultimately gastrulates generating the three germ layers. This process occurs prior to implantation and it is exclusive from ungulates, as embryos from other mammalian species such as rodents or humans implant right after hatching. The critical differences in embryo development between ungulates and mice, the most studied mammalian model, have precluded the identification of the genes governing lineage differentiation in livestock species. Furthermore, conceptus elongation has not been recapitulated in vitro, hindering the study of these cellular events. Luckily, recent advances on transcriptomics, genome modification and post-hatching in vitro culture are shedding light into this largely unknown developmental window, uncovering possible molecular markers to determine embryo quality. In this review, we summarize the events occurring during ungulate pre-implantation development, highlighting recent findings which reveal that several dogmas in Developmental Biology established by knock-out murine models do not hold true for other mammals, including humans and farm animals. The developmental failures associated to in vitro produced embryos in farm animals are also discussed together with Developmental Biology tools to assess embryo quality, including molecular markers to assess proper lineage commitment and a post-hatching in vitro culture system able to directly determine developmental potential circumventing the need of experimental animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Pérez-Gómez
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Leopoldo González-Brusi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Bermejo-Álvarez
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Priscila Ramos-Ibeas
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
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61
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Garcia-Ispierto I, Llobera-Balcells M, López-Gatius F. Inducing ovulation with human chorionic gonadotrophin improves the pregnancy rate in lactating dairy cows receiving an in vitro-produced embryo. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:1145-1147. [PMID: 34038000 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
While the global use of in vitro-produced embryos in dairy cattle is on the rise, several technical aspects of embryo transfer procedures have not yet been optimized. This study compares the effects of inducing ovulation using human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) versus gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) at the end of a 5-day progesterone(P4)-based protocol for oestrous synchronization on the pregnancy rate of lactating dairy cow recipients of in vitro-produced embryos. Fresh embryos were transferred on Day-seven post-oestrus to ovulating cows receiving GnRH or hCG (groups GnRH and hCG, n = 60 each). Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasound on Day 28 post-oestrus. Forty-nine cows became pregnant: 16 in GnRH (26.7%) and 33 in hCG (55%). Taking GnRH-treated cows as reference, the odds ratio for pregnancy of hCG-treated cows was 3.3 (p = .002). In conclusion, hCG treatment given at the end of a 5-day P4-based protocol for oestrous synchronization improved the pregnancy rate in lactating dairy cows receiving an in vitro-produced embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Garcia-Ispierto
- Animal Science, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain.,Agrotecnio Centre, Lleida, Spain
| | | | - Fernando López-Gatius
- Agrotecnio Centre, Lleida, Spain.,Transfer in Bovine Reproduction SLu, Barbastro, Spain
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Ramos-Ibeas P, Gimeno I, Cañón-Beltrán K, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Rizos D, Gómez E. Senescence and Apoptosis During in vitro Embryo Development in a Bovine Model. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:619902. [PMID: 33392207 PMCID: PMC7775420 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.619902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, infertility affects up to 14% of couples under reproductive age, leading to an exponential rise in the use of assisted reproduction as a route for conceiving a baby. In the same way, thousands of embryos are produced in cattle and other farm animals annually, leading to increased numbers of individuals born. All reproductive manipulations entail deviations of natural phenotypes and genotypes, with in vitro embryo technologies perhaps showing the biggest effects, although these alterations are still emerging. Most of these indications have been provided by animal models, in particular the bovine species, due to its similarities to human early embryo development. Oocytes and embryos are highly sensitive to environmental stress in vivo and in vitro. Thus, during in vitro culture, a number of stressful conditions affect embryonic quality and viability, inducing subfertility and/or long-term consequences that may reach the offspring. A high proportion of the embryos produced in vitro are arrested at a species-specific stage of development during the first cell divisions. These arrested embryos do not show signs of programmed cell death during early cleavage stages. Instead, defective in vitro produced embryos would enter a permanent cell cycle arrest compatible with cellular senescence, in which they show active metabolism and high reactive oxygen species levels. Later in development, mainly during the morula and blastocyst stages, apoptosis would mediate the elimination of certain cells, accomplishing both a physiological role in to balancing cell proliferation and death, and a pathological role preventing the transmission of damaged cells with an altered genome. The latter would acquire relevant importance in in vitro produced embryos that are submitted to stressful environmental stimuli. In this article, we review the mechanisms mediating apoptosis and senescence during early embryo development, with a focus on in vitro produced bovine embryos. Additionally, we shed light on the protective role of senescence and apoptosis to ensure that unhealthy cells and early embryos do not progress in development, avoiding long-term detrimental effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Ramos-Ibeas
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Gimeno
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Gijón, Spain
| | - Karina Cañón-Beltrán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Adán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Enrique Gómez
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Gijón, Spain
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Improving Pregnancy Success After Embryo Transfer. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:skaa336. [PMID: 33141878 PMCID: PMC7608910 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2023] Open
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