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Gómez-Guzmán JA, Parra-Bracamonte GM, Velazquez MA. Impact of Heat Stress on Oocyte Developmental Competence and Pre-Implantation Embryo Viability in Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2280. [PMID: 39123806 PMCID: PMC11311040 DOI: 10.3390/ani14152280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Rectal and vaginal temperatures are utilised in both in vivo and in vitro models to study the effects of heat stress on oocyte competence and embryo viability in cattle. However, uterine temperature increases by only 0.5 °C in heat-stressed cows, significantly lower than simulated increases in in vitro models. Temperature variations within oviducts and ovarian follicles during heat stress are poorly understood or unavailable, and evidence is lacking that oocytes and pre-implantation embryos experience mild (40 °C) or severe (41 °C) heat stress inside the ovarian follicle and the oviduct and uterus, respectively. Gathering detailed temperature data from the reproductive tract and follicles is crucial to accurately assess oocyte competence and embryo viability under realistic heat stress conditions. Potential harm from heat stress on oocytes and embryos may result from reduced nutrient availability (e.g., diminished blood flow to the reproductive tract) or other unidentified mechanisms affecting tissue function rather than direct thermal effects. Refining in vivo stress models in cattle is essential to accurately identify animals truly experiencing heat stress, rather than assuming heat stress exposure as done in most studies. This will improve model reliability and aid in the selection of heat-tolerant animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier A. Gómez-Guzmán
- Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Tamaulipas, Mexico; (J.A.G.-G.); (G.M.P.-B.)
| | - Gaspar M. Parra-Bracamonte
- Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Reynosa 88710, Tamaulipas, Mexico; (J.A.G.-G.); (G.M.P.-B.)
| | - Miguel A. Velazquez
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
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Annes K, de Lima CB, Ispada J, dos Santos ÉC, Fontes PK, Nichi M, Nogueira MFG, Sudano MJ, Milazzotto MP. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) selectively modulates the metabolic and lipid profile of bovine embryos according to their kinetics of development. Theriogenology 2023; 204:1-7. [PMID: 37030172 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Supplementation of culture media with IGF-1 during in vitro culture of embryos has had controversial results over the years. In the present study, we show that differences previously observed in response to IGF addition might be related to intrinsic heterogeneity of the embryos. In other words, the effects exerted by IGF-1 are dependent on the characteristics of the embryos and their ability to modulate metabolism and overcome stressful conditions, such as the ones found in a non-optimized in vitro culture system. To test this hypothesis, in vitro produced bovine embryos with distinct morphokinetics (fast- and slow-cleavage) were submitted to treatment with IGF-1 and then evaluated for embryo production rates, total cell number, gene expression and lipid profile. Our results show that remarkable differences were found when fast and slow embryos treated with IGF-1 were compared. Fast embryos respond by upregulating genes related to mitochondrial function, stress response, and lipid metabolism, whereas slow embryos presented lower mitochondrial efficiency and lipid accumulation. We conclude that indeed the treatment with IGF-1 selectively affects embryonic metabolism according to early morphokinetics phenotypes, and this information is relevant for decision-making in the design of more appropriate in vitro culture systems.
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Wooldridge LK, Keane JA, Rhoads ML, Ealy AD. Bioactive supplements influencing bovine in vitro embryo development. J Anim Sci 2022; 100:6620796. [PMID: 35772761 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovum pickup and in vitro production (IVP) of bovine embryos are replacing traditional multiple ovulation embryo transfer (MOET) as the primary means for generating transferable embryos from genetically elite sires and dams. However, inefficiencies in the IVP process limit the opportunities to produce large numbers of transferable embryos. Also, the post-transfer competency of IVP embryos is inferior to embryos produced by artificial insemination or MOET. Numerous maternal, paternal, embryonic, and culture-related factors can have adverse effects on IVP success. This review will explore the various efforts made on describing how IVP embryo development and post-transfer competency may be improved by supplementing hormones, growth factors, cytokines, steroids and other bioactive factors found in the oviduct and uterus during early pregnancy. More than 40 of these factors, collectively termed as embryokines, are reviewed here. Several embryokines contain abilities to promote embryo development, including improving embryo survivability, improving blastomere cell numbers, and altering the distribution of blastomere cell types in blastocysts. A select few embryokines also can benefit pregnancy retention after IVP embryo transfer and improve neonatal calf health and performance, although very few embryokine-supplemented embryo transfer studies have been completed. Also, supplementing several embryokines at the same time holds promise for improving IVP embryo development and competency. However, more work is needed to explore the post-transfer consequences of adding these putative embryokines for any adverse outcomes, such as large offspring syndrome and poor postnatal health, and to specify the specific embryokine combinations that will best represent the ideal conditions found in the oviduct and uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia K Wooldridge
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Jessica A Keane
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Michelle L Rhoads
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Alan D Ealy
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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Hansen PJ, Tríbulo P. Regulation of present and future development by maternal regulatory signals acting on the embryo during the morula to blastocyst transition - insights from the cow. Biol Reprod 2019; 101:526-537. [PMID: 31220231 PMCID: PMC8127039 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The preimplantation embryo has a remarkable ability to execute its developmental program using regulatory information inherent within itself. Nonetheless, the uterine environment is rich in cell signaling molecules termed embryokines that act on the embryo during the morula-to-blastocyst transition, promoting blastocyst formation and programming the embryo for subsequent developmental events. Programming can not only affect developmental processes important for continuance of development in utero but also affect characteristics of the offspring during postnatal life. Given the importance of embryokines for regulation of embryonic development, it is likely that some causes of infertility involve aberrant secretion of embryokines by the uterus. Embryokines found to regulate development of the bovine embryo include insulin-like growth factor 1, colony stimulating factor 2 (CSF2), and dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 1. Embryo responses to CSF2 exhibit sexual dimorphism, suggesting that sex-specific programming of postnatal function is caused by maternal signals acting on the embryo during the preimplantation period that regulate male embryos differently than female embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Paula Tríbulo
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Córdoba (IRAC), Zona Rural General Paz, Córdoba, Argentina
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Effects of sex on response of the bovine preimplantation embryo to insulin-like growth factor 1, activin A, and WNT7A. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2018; 18:16. [PMID: 30055575 PMCID: PMC6064047 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-018-0176-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations in maternal environment can sometimes affect embryonic development in a sexually-dimorphic manner. The objective was to determine whether preimplantation bovine embryos respond to three maternally-derived cell signaling molecules in a sex-dependent manner. RESULTS Actions of three embryokines known to increase competence of bovine embryos to develop to the blastocyst stage, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), activin A, and WNT member 7A (WNT7A), were evaluated for actions on embryos produced in vitro with X- or Y- sorted semen from the same bull. Each embryokine was tested in embryos produced by in vitro fertilization of groups of oocytes with either pooled sperm from two bulls or with sperm from individual bulls. Embryos were treated with IGF1, activin A, or WNT7A on day 5 of culture. All three embryokines increased the proportion of cleaved zygotes that developed to the blastocyst stage and the effect was similar for female and male embryos. As an additional test of sexual dimorphism, effects of IGF1 on blastocyst expression of a total of 127 genes were determined by RT-qPCR using the Fluidigm Delta Gene assay. Expression of 18 genes was affected by sex, expression of 4 genes was affected by IGF1 and expression of 3 genes was affected by the IGF1 by sex interaction. CONCLUSION Sex did not alter how IGF1, activin A or WNT7A altered developmental competence to the blastocyst stage. Thus, sex-dependent differences in regulation of developmental competence of embryos by maternal regulatory signals is not a general phenomenon. The fact that sex altered how IGF1 regulates gene expression is indicative that there could be sexual dimorphism in embryokine regulation of some aspects of embryonic function other than developmental potential to become a blastocyst.
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Ashry M, Rajput SK, Folger JK, Knott JG, Hemeida NA, Kandil OM, Ragab RS, Smith GW. Functional role of AKT signaling in bovine early embryonic development: potential link to embryotrophic actions of follistatin. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:1. [PMID: 29310676 PMCID: PMC5759257 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-017-0318-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND TGF-β signaling pathways regulate several crucial processes in female reproduction. AKT is a non-SMAD signaling pathway regulated by TGF-β ligands essential for oocyte maturation and early embryonic development in the mouse, but its regulatory role in bovine early embryonic development is not well established. Previously, we demonstrated a stimulatory role for follistatin (a binding protein for specific members of TGF-β superfamily) in early bovine embryonic development. The objectives of the present studies were to determine the functional role of AKT signaling in bovine early embryonic development and embryotrophic actions of follistatin. METHODS We used AKT inhibitors III and IV as pharmacological inhibitors of AKT signaling pathway during the first 72 h of in vitro embryo culture. Effects of AKT inhibition on early embryonic development and AKT phosphorylation were investigated in the presence or absence of exogenous follistatin. RESULTS Pharmacological inhibition of AKT signaling resulted in a significant reduction in early embryo cleavage, and development to the 8- to 16-cell and blastocyst stages (d7). Treatment with exogenous follistatin increased AKT phosphorylation and rescued the inhibitory effect of AKT inhibitors III and IV on AKT phosphorylation and early embryonic development. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, results suggest a potential requirement of AKT for bovine early embryonic development, and suggest a potential role for follistatin in regulation of AKT signaling in early bovine embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ashry
- Laboratory of Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Genomics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Sandeep K. Rajput
- Laboratory of Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Genomics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Joseph K. Folger
- Laboratory of Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Genomics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Jason G. Knott
- Developmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Nabil A. Hemeida
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Omaima M. Kandil
- Department of Animal Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Veterinary Research Division, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Refaat S. Ragab
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - George W. Smith
- Laboratory of Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Genomics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
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Exogenous growth factors do not affect the development of individually cultured murine embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2017; 35:523-531. [PMID: 29270871 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-017-1103-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of multiple growth factors on the development of individually cultured murine embryos. METHODS Embryos produced by in vitro fertilization using in vitro (IVM) or in vivo (IVO) matured oocytes from three strains of mice (CF1, Swiss Webster, B6D2F1) were cultured individually (10 μl) in the absence (control) or presence of growth factors (paf, epidermal growth factor [EGF], insulin-like growth factor 1 [IGF-1], and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor [GM-CSF]). Blastocyst formation, hatching, and blastocyst cell numbers (trophectoderm, inner cell mass, and total) were evaluated on days 4 and 5 of culture. Post-hatching development of CF1 IVO embryos was also evaluated in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS The presence of growth factors did not improve the proportion of embryos forming blastocysts or initiating hatching for any of the types of embryos tested. The only significant (P < 0.05) effect of growth factors was a decrease in the proportion of embryos that formed blastocysts by day 5 in CF1 IVM embryos. The presence of growth factors also did not affect blastocyst cell numbers. For CF1 IVO embryos, the presence of growth factors during culture did not affect the proportion of embryos that attached to fibronectin-coated dishes, the size of the resulting outgrowths, or in vivo development following transfer. CONCLUSION Combinations of paf, EGF, GM-CSF, and IGF-1 did not improve development of murine embryos cultured individually in a sequential medium containing a defined protein source.
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Ascari IJ, Alves NG, Jasmin J, Lima RR, Quintão CCR, Oberlender G, Moraes EA, Camargo LSA. Addition of insulin-like growth factor I to the maturation medium of bovine oocytes subjected to heat shock: effects on the production of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial activity and oocyte competence. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2017; 60:50-60. [PMID: 28445838 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study was performed to investigate the effects of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) addition to in vitro maturation (IVM) medium on apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, ROS production, and developmental competence of bovine oocytes subjected to heat shock. Two temperatures (conventional: 24 h at 38.5°C, or heat shock: 12 h at 41°C followed by 12 h at 38.5°C) and 3 IGF-I concentrations (0, 25, and 100 ng/mL) were tested during IVM. The oocytes were then fertilized in vitro, and the presumptive zygotes were cultured until reaching the blastocyst stage. There was no interaction between temperature and IGF-I concentration for any variable evaluated (P > 0.05). The addition of IGF-I did not alter the proportion of nuclear maturation, TUNEL-positive oocytes and caspase-3 activity, or blastocyst proportion on Days 7 and 8 post-fertilization. Furthermore, the total number of cells and the number of cells in the inner cell mass (ICM) in the blastocyst were not altered (P > 0.05). However, IGF-I increased (P < 0.05) the mitochondrial membrane potential and the production of ROS in oocytes and decreased (P < 0.05) the proportion of apoptotic cells in the ICM in blastocysts. Heat shock increased (P < 0.05) the proportion of TUNEL-positive oocytes and ROS production and reduced (P < 0.05) the mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, heat shock increased (P < 0.05) the apoptosis proportion in the ICM cells. In conclusion, supplementing IVM medium with IGF-I may increase the mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS production in oocytes and decrease apoptosis in the ICM in blastocysts. Heat shock for 12 h compromised oocyte developmental competence and increased apoptosis within the ICM cells of the blastocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- I J Ascari
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - N G Alves
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - J Jasmin
- NUMPEX-Bio, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Campus Duque de Caxias, Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - R R Lima
- Department of Exact Sciences, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, Brazil
| | - C C R Quintão
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation - Dairy Cattle, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - G Oberlender
- Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of South Minas Gerais, Muzambinho, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - E A Moraes
- School of Animal Science, Federal University of Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - L S A Camargo
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation - Dairy Cattle, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Bertoldo MJ, Locatelli Y, O'Neill C, Mermillod P. Impacts of and interactions between environmental stress and epigenetic programming during early embryo development. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 27:1125-36. [PMID: 24965854 DOI: 10.1071/rd14049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The processes of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) involve a variety of interventions that impact on the oocyte and embryo. Critically, these interventions cause considerable stress and coincide with important imprinting events throughout gametogenesis, fertilisation and early embryonic development. It is now accepted that the IVM and in vitro development of gametes and embryos can perturb the natural course of development to varying degrees of severity. Altered gene expression and, more recently, imprinting disorders relating to ART have become a focused area of research. Although various hypotheses have been put forward, most research has been observational, with little attempt to discover the mechanisms and periods of sensitivity during embryo development that are influenced by the culture conditions following fertilisation. The embryo possesses innate survival factor signalling pathways, yet when an embryo is placed in culture, this signalling in response to in vitro stress becomes critically important in mitigating the effects of stresses caused by the in vitro environment. It is apparent that not all embryos possess this ability to adequately adapt to the stresses experienced in vitro, most probably due to an inadequate oocyte. It is speculated that it is important that embryos use their survival signalling mechanisms to maintain normal epigenetic programming. The seeming redundancy in the function of various survival signalling pathways would support this notion. Any invasion into the natural, highly orchestrated and dynamic process of sexual reproduction could perturb the normal progression of epigenetic programming. Therefore the source of gametes and the subsequent culture conditions of gametes and embryos are critically important and require careful attention. It is the aim of this review to highlight avenues of research to elucidate the effects of stress and the relationship with epigenetic programming. The short- and long-term health and viability of human and animal embryos derived in vitro will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Bertoldo
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Yann Locatelli
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Christopher O'Neill
- Centre for Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Kolling Institute for Medical Research, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Pascal Mermillod
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
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Barnea E, Almogi-Hazan O, Or R, Mueller M, Ria F, Weiss L, Paidas M. Immune regulatory and neuroprotective properties of preimplantation factor: From newborn to adult. Pharmacol Ther 2015; 156:10-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2015.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Barnea ER, Lubman DM, Liu YH, Absalon-Medina V, Hayrabedyan S, Todorova K, Gilbert RO, Guingab J, Barder TJ. Insight into PreImplantation Factor (PIF*) mechanism for embryo protection and development: target oxidative stress and protein misfolding (PDI and HSP) through essential RIKP [corrected] binding site. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100263. [PMID: 24983882 PMCID: PMC4077574 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2013] [Accepted: 05/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Endogenous PIF, upon which embryo development is dependent, is secreted only by viable mammalian embryos, and absent in non-viable ones. Synthetic PIF (sPIF) administration promotes singly cultured embryos development and protects against their demise caused by embryo-toxic serum. To identify and characterize critical sPIF-embryo protein interactions novel biochemical and bio-analytical methods were specifically devised. Methods FITC-PIF uptake/binding by cultured murine and equine embryos was examined and compared with scrambled FITC-PIF (control). Murine embryo (d10) lysates were fractionated by reversed-phase HPLC, fractions printed onto microarray slides and probed with Biotin-PIF, IDE and Kv1.3 antibodies, using fluorescence detection. sPIF-based affinity column was developed to extract and identify PIF-protein interactions from lysates using peptide mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). In silico evaluation examined binding of PIF to critical targets, using mutation analysis. Results PIF directly targets viable cultured embryos as compared with control peptide, which failed to bind. Multistep Biotin-PIF targets were confirmed by single-step PIF-affinity column based isolation. PIF binds protein disulfide isomerases a prolyl-4-hydroxylase β-subunit, (PDI, PDIA4, PDIA6-like) containing the antioxidant thioredoxin domain. PIF also binds protective heat shock proteins (70&90), co-chaperone, BAG-3. Remarkably, PIF targets a common RIPK site in PDI and HSP proteins. Further, single PIF amino acid mutation significantly reduced peptide-protein target bonding. PIF binds promiscuous tubulins, neuron backbones and ACTA-1,2 visceral proteins. Significant anti-IDE, while limited anti-Kv1.3b antibody-binding to Biotin-PIF positive lysates HPLC fractions were documented. Conclusion Collectively, data identifies PIF shared targets on PDI and HSP in the embryo. Such are known to play a critical role in protecting against oxidative stress and protein misfolding. PIF-affinity-column is a novel utilitarian method for small molecule targets direct identification. Data reveals and completes the understanding of mechanisms involved in PIF-induced autotrophic and protective effects on the embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eytan R. Barnea
- Research & Development, SIEP The Society for the Investigation of Early Pregnancy, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, United States of America
- Research & Development, BioIncept, LLC, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Camden, New Jersey, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - David M. Lubman
- Department Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Yan-Hui Liu
- Department Surgery, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Victor Absalon-Medina
- Reproductive Medicine, Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Soren Hayrabedyan
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Krassimira Todorova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Robert O. Gilbert
- Reproductive Medicine, Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Joy Guingab
- Chemical Biology and Proteomics, Banyan Biomarkers, Alachua, Florida, United States of America
| | - Timothy J. Barder
- Research & Development, Eprogen, Downers Grove, Illinois, United States of America
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IGF-I slightly improves nuclear maturation and cleavage rate of bovine oocytes exposed to acute heat shock in vitro. ZYGOTE 2014; 23:514-24. [DOI: 10.1017/s096719941400015x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
SummaryAn in vitro model of embryo production was used to examine the effects of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I on maturation and developmental competence of oocytes exposed to heat shock. Cumulus–oocyte complexes were matured at 38.5°C or exposed to acute heat shock (HS; 41.5°C), with or without 100 ng/ml IGF-I, for 22 h through in vitro maturation. The experimental groups were control (C), C + IGF-I, HS, and HS + IGF-I. Oocytes were fertilized at the end of maturation, and the proportion of cleaved embryos was recorded 44 h later. HS during maturation increased the proportion of TUNEL-positive oocytes (P < 0.05). HS did not have any effect on cortical granule translocation but impaired resumption of meiosis, expressed as a decreased proportion of oocytes with nuclei in metaphase I (P < 0.05) and metaphase II (MII; P < 0.05). HS decreased the proportion of oocytes that cleaved (P < 0.05), in particular those oocytes that further developed to 4-cell-stage embryos (P < 0.05). IGF-I alleviated, to some extent, the deleterious effects of HS on the oocytes as reflected by a reduced proportion of TUNEL-positive oocytes (P < 0.03). While not significant, IGF-I tended to increase the proportion of MII-stage oocytes (P < 0.08) and 4-cell-stage cleaved embryos (P < 0.06). Further examination is required to explore whether IGF-I also affects the developmental competence of oocytes exposed to HS.
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Guardieiro MM, Machado GM, Bastos MR, Mourão GB, Carrijo LHD, Dode MAN, Leroy JLMR, Sartori R. A diet enriched in linoleic acid compromises the cryotolerance of embryos from superovulated beef heifers. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 26:511-20. [DOI: 10.1071/rd12403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary rumen-protected fat rich in linoleic acid may affect the superovulatory response and embryo yield; however, its effects on in vivo embryo cryotolerance are unknown in zebu cattle. The present study evaluated the production and cryotolerance after freezing or vitrification of embryos from Nelore heifers supplemented with rumen-protected polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Forty heifers kept in pasture were randomly distributed into two groups according to the type of feed supplement (F, supplement with rumen-protected PUFA, predominantly linoleic; C, control fat-free supplement with additional corn). Supplements were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Each heifer underwent both treatments in a crossover design with 70 days between replicates. After 50 days feeding, heifers were superovulated. Embryos were evaluated morphologically and vitrified or frozen. After thawing or warming, embryo development was evaluated in vitro. There was no difference between the F and C groups (P > 0.10) in terms of embryo production. Regardless of the cryopreservation method used, Group C embryos had a greater hatching rate after 72 h in vitro culture than Group F embryos (44.3 ± 4.2% (n = 148) vs 30.9 ± 4.0% (n = 137), respectively; P = 0.04). Moreover, vitrified and frozen embryos had similar hatching rates (P > 0.10). In conclusion, dietary rumen-protected PUFA rich in linoleic acid did not improve embryo production and compromised the cryotolerance of conventionally frozen or vitrified embryos from Nelore heifers.
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14
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Pereira FTV, Oliveira LJ, Barreto RDSN, Mess A, Perecin F, Bressan FF, Mesquita LG, Miglino MA, Pimentel JR, Neto PF, Meirelles FV. Fetal-maternal interactions in the synepitheliochorial placenta using the eGFP cloned cattle model. PLoS One 2013; 8:e64399. [PMID: 23724045 PMCID: PMC3665810 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background To investigate mechanisms of fetal-maternal cell interactions in the bovine placenta, we developed a model of transgenic enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (t-eGFP) expressing bovine embryos produced by nuclear transfer (NT) to assess the distribution of fetal-derived products in the bovine placenta. In addition, we searched for male specific DNA in the blood of females carrying in vitro produced male embryos. Our hypothesis is that the bovine placenta is more permeable to fetal-derived products than described elsewhere. Methodology/Principal Findings Samples of placentomes, chorion, endometrium, maternal peripheral blood leukocytes and blood plasma were collected during early gestation and processed for nested-PCR for eGFP and testis-specific Y-encoded protein (TSPY), western blotting and immunohistochemistry for eGFP detection, as well as transmission electron microscopy to verify the level of interaction between maternal and fetal cells. TSPY and eGFP DNA were present in the blood of cows carrying male pregnancies at day 60 of pregnancy. Protein and mRNA of eGFP were observed in the trophoblast and uterine tissues. In the placentomes, the protein expression was weak in the syncytial regions, but intense in neighboring cells on both sides of the fetal-maternal interface. Ultrastructurally, our samples from t-eGFP expressing NT pregnancies showed to be normal, such as the presence of interdigitating structures between fetal and maternal cells. In addition, channels-like structures were present in the trophoblast cells. Conclusions/Significance Data suggested that there is a delivery of fetal contents to the maternal system on both systemic and local levels that involved nuclear acids and proteins. It not clear the mechanisms involved in the transfer of fetal-derived molecules to the maternal system. This delivery may occur through nonclassical protein secretion; throughout transtrophoblastic-like channels and/or by apoptotic processes previously described. In conclusion, the bovine synepitheliochorial placenta displays an intimate fetal-maternal interaction, similar to other placental types for instance human and mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lilian J. Oliveira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Rodrigo da Silva Nunes Barreto
- Department of Surgery - Anatomy of Domestic and Wild Animals - College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences - University of São Paulo, Butantã, Brazil
| | - Andrea Mess
- Department of Surgery - Anatomy of Domestic and Wild Animals - College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences - University of São Paulo, Butantã, Brazil
| | - Felipe Perecin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Fernandes Bressan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Ligia Garcia Mesquita
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Production - College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences - University of São Paulo, Butantã, Brazil
| | - Maria Angelica Miglino
- Department of Surgery - Anatomy of Domestic and Wild Animals - College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences - University of São Paulo, Butantã, Brazil
| | - José RodrigoValim Pimentel
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Paulo Fantinato Neto
- Department of Surgery - Anatomy of Domestic and Wild Animals - College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences - University of São Paulo, Butantã, Brazil
| | - Flávio Vieira Meirelles
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
- Center for Cell-based Theraphy, College of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
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15
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O’Kusky J, Ye P. Neurodevelopmental effects of insulin-like growth factor signaling. Front Neuroendocrinol 2012; 33:230-51. [PMID: 22710100 PMCID: PMC3677055 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2012.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2012] [Revised: 05/09/2012] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling greatly impacts the development and growth of the central nervous system (CNS). IGF-I and IGF-II, two ligands of the IGF system, exert a wide variety of actions both during development and in adulthood, promoting the survival and proliferation of neural cells. The IGFs also influence the growth and maturation of neural cells, augmenting dendritic growth and spine formation, axon outgrowth, synaptogenesis, and myelination. Specific IGF actions, however, likely depend on cell type, developmental stage, and local microenvironmental milieu within the brain. Emerging research also indicates that alterations in IGF signaling likely contribute to the pathogenesis of some neurological disorders. This review summarizes experimental studies and shed light on the critical roles of IGF signaling, as well as its mechanisms, during CNS development.
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Affiliation(s)
- John O’Kusky
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V5Z 1M9
| | - Ping Ye
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
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16
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Preimplantation factor negates embryo toxicity and promotes embryo development in culture. Reprod Biomed Online 2011; 23:517-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2011.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2011] [Revised: 06/10/2011] [Accepted: 06/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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17
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Velazquez MA, Hadeler KG, Herrmann D, Kues WA, Ulbrich SE, Ulbrich S, Meyer HHD, Rémy B, Beckers JF, Sauerwein H, Niemann H. In vivo oocyte developmental competence is reduced in lean but not in obese superovulated dairy cows after intraovarian administration of IGF1. Reproduction 2011; 142:41-52. [PMID: 21543511 DOI: 10.1530/rep-10-0512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated the role of IGF1 in lactating lean and non-lactating obese dairy cows by injecting 1 μg IGF1 into the ovaries prior to superovulation. This amount of IGF1 has been linked with pregnancy loss in women with the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and was associated with impaired bovine oocyte competence in vitro. Transcript abundance and protein expression of selected genes involved in apoptosis, glucose metabolism, and the IGF system were analyzed. Plasma concentrations of IGF1 and leptin, and IGF1 in uterine luminal fluid (ULF), were also measured. IGF1 treatment decreased embryo viability in lean cows to the levels observed in obese cows. Obese cows were not affected by IGF1 treatment and showed elevated levels of IGF1 (in both plasma and ULF) and leptin. Blastocysts from lean cows treated with IGF1 showed a higher abundance of SLC2A1 and IGFBP3 transcripts. IGF1 treatment reduced protein expression of tumor protein 53 in blastocysts of lean cows, whereas the opposite was observed in obese cows. IGF1 in plasma and ULF was correlated only in the control groups. Blastocyst transcript abundance of IGF1 receptor and IGFBP3 correlated positively with IGF1 concentrations in both plasma and ULF in lean cows. The detrimental microenvironment created by IGF1 injection in lean cows and the lack of effect in obese cows resemble to a certain extent the situation observed in PCOS patients, where IGF1 bioavailability is increased in normal-weight women but reduced in obese women, suggesting that this bovine model could be useful for studying IGF1 involvement in PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Velazquez
- Department of Biotechnology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), Neustadt, Germany
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18
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Bonilla AQS, Ozawa M, Hansen PJ. Timing and dependence upon mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling for pro-developmental actions of insulin-like growth factor 1 on the preimplantation bovine embryo. Growth Horm IGF Res 2011; 21:107-111. [PMID: 21459028 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2011.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2010] [Revised: 02/05/2011] [Accepted: 03/07/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF1) increases the proportion of embryos that develop to the blastocyst stage. The objective of the present study was to determine whether the pro-developmental actions of IGF1 are exerted before or after Day 4 of development (i.e., on events occurring through the period of genomic activation versus events coincident with compaction and blastocoel formation) and whether mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways mediate effects of IGF1. Treatment with IGF1 increased the proportion becoming blastocysts at concentrations of 10, 100 and 200 ng/mL, with 100 ng/mL being more effective than 10 or 200 ng/mL. At Day 8, the percent of oocytes that became blastocysts was 30, 34, 43, and 36%, respectively (SEM=2.6). As compared to controls (30.4%), IGF1 increased the percent of oocytes that were blastocysts at Day 8 when added from Days 4 to 8 (42%) or Days 0 to 8 post-insemination (40%) but there was no significant effect when IGF1 was added from Days 0 to 4 (37%; SEM=2.2). Actions of IGF1 to increase blastocyst development were reduced when embryos were co-treated with the MAPK inhibitor PD98059. The percentage of oocytes becoming a blastocyst at Day 8 was 21 versus 37% for 0 and 100 ng/mL in the absence of inhibitor and 24 versus 29% in the presence of inhibitor (IGF1×inhibitor interaction, P<0.05; pooled SEM=1.3). In conclusion, IGF1 promotes development to the blastocyst stage by regulating MAPK-dependent events at Day 4 or later of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Q S Bonilla
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-0910, USA
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19
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Aparicio IM, Garcia-Herreros M, Fair T, Lonergan P. Identification and regulation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 during bovine embryo development. Reproduction 2010; 140:83-92. [PMID: 20427566 DOI: 10.1530/rep-10-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the presence and regulation of glycogen synthase kinase-3alpha (GSK3A) and GSK-3beta (GSK3B) in bovine embryos and their possible roles in embryo development. Our results show that GSK3A and GSK3B are present in bovine embryos at the two-cell stage to the hatched blastocyst stage. Bovine embryo development was associated with an increase in the phosphorylation of both isoforms, being statistically significant at blastocyst and hatched blastocyst stages, compared with earlier stages. Inhibition of GSK3 with CT99021 (3 microM) resulted in a significant increase in the percentage and quality of blastocysts, while inhibition of GSK3 with lithium chloride (LiCl; 20 mM) significantly reduced at the proportion of eight-cell embryos on day 3 and inhibited blastocyst formation. The use of LY294002 (10 microM), a specific inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase, also produced a significant decrease in embryo development. In addition, treatment with LiCl and LY294002 produced a significant decrease in the serine phosphorylation of both isoforms of GSK3. Finally, CT99021 and LiCl reduced the phosphorylation of beta-catenin on Ser45 in two-cell embryos, while LY294002 increased it. Despite the fact that LiCl inhibited GSK3 activity, as demonstrated by beta-catenin phosphorylation, its effects on the bovine embryo could be mediated through other signaling pathways leading finally to a decrease in the phosphorylation of GSK3 and a reduction in embryo development. Therefore, in conclusion, GSK3A/B serine phosphorylation was positively correlated with embryo development, indicating the importance of an accurate regulation of GSK3 activity during developmental stages to achieve normal bovine embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- I M Aparicio
- School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine, College of Life Sciences, Veterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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20
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Papaleo E, Unfer V, Baillargeon J, Chiu T. Contribution of myo-inositol to reproduction. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2009; 147:120-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2009.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2009] [Revised: 08/11/2009] [Accepted: 09/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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21
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Loureiro B, Bonilla L, Block J, Fear JM, Bonilla AQS, Hansen PJ. Colony-stimulating factor 2 (CSF-2) improves development and posttransfer survival of bovine embryos produced in vitro. Endocrinology 2009; 150:5046-54. [PMID: 19797121 PMCID: PMC2775977 DOI: 10.1210/en.2009-0481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we tested the role of colony-stimulating factor 2 (CSF2) as one of the regulatory molecules that mediate maternal effects on embryonic development during the preimplantation period. Our objective was to verify effects of CSF2 on blastocyst yield, determine posttransfer survival, and evaluate properties of the blastocyst formed after CSF2 treatment. In vitro, CSF2 increased the percentage of oocytes that became morulae and blastocysts. Blastocysts that were treated with CSF2 tended to have a greater number of inner cell mass cells and had a higher ratio of inner cell mass to trophectoderm cells. There was no effect of CSF2 on the incidence of apoptosis. Treatment with CSF2 from d 5 to 7 after insemination increased embryonic survival as indicated by improved pregnancy rate at d 30-35 of gestation. Moreover, treatment with CSF2 from either d 1-7 or 5-7 after insemination reduced pregnancy loss after d 30-35. Results indicate that treatment with CSF2 can affect embryonic development and enhance embryo competence for posttransfer survival. The fact that treatment with CSF2 during such a narrow window of development altered embryonic function much later in pregnancy suggests that CSF2 may exert epigenetic effects on the developing embryo that result in persistent changes in function during the embryonic and fetal periods of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Loureiro
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-0910, USA.
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22
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Moss JI, Pontes E, Hansen PJ. Insulin-like growth factor-1 protects preimplantation embryos from anti-developmental actions of menadione. Arch Toxicol 2009; 83:1001-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-009-0458-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2009] [Accepted: 06/30/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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23
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Velazquez MA, Zaraza J, Oropeza A, Webb R, Niemann H. The role of IGF1 in the in vivo production of bovine embryos from superovulated donors. Reproduction 2009; 137:161-80. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-08-0362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
IGF1 plays an important role in bovine follicular growth, acquisition of oocyte competence and embryo viability. Current data also indicate a critical role for IGF1 in both the ovarian response and the embryo yield following the superovulatory treatments. IGF1 can have either positive or negative effects on embryo viability which is related to the concentration of IGF1 induced by superovulation treatment. These effects impact either on oocyte competence or directly on the embryo. Concentrations in the physiological range appear to result in the production of higher quality embryos, mainly due to the mitogenic and the anti-apoptotic activities of IGF1. However, high superovulatory responses are associated with decreased embryo viability and a concomitant increase in apoptosis. Studies in mice suggest that this increase in apoptosis is related to the downregulation of the IGF1 receptor in the embryo associated with high IGF1 concentrations. Strategies capable of controlling the IGF1 concentrations could be one approach to improve superovulation responses. A range of possible approaches for research within the IGF system in gonadotrophin-stimulated cattle is discussed in this review, including the possible use of superovulated female cattle as an alternative animal experimental model for research on reproductive disorders in humans associated with abnormal IGF1 concentrations.
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