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Jung S, Sul H, Oh D, Jung YG, Lee J, Hyun SH. Slow freezing cryopreservation of Korean bovine blastocysts with an additional sucrose pre-equilibration step. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1400899. [PMID: 38659455 PMCID: PMC11039926 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1400899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Embryo cryopreservation is a valuable technique used for preserving genetic resources for long periods. However, the survival rate of embryos is dependent on the method used. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the efficiency of slow freezing method but with an additional dehydration step prior to freezing to overcome the formation of ice crystals. Methods Oocytes collected from the ovaries of native Korean cattle subjected to in vitro fertilization were cultured for 7 days until the formation of expanded blastocysts. Before freezing, the blastocysts were placed in four pre-equilibration media: a control medium with no addition of sucrose, and three experimental media with the addition of 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 M sucrose, respectively. Then, the pre-equilibrated embryos were frozen. Embryo survival and hatching rates were evaluated morphologically at 24, 48, and 72 h after thawing. Immunofluorescence staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, and gene expression analysis of the re-expanded blastocytes were examined 24 h after freeze-thawing. Results The survival rate was significantly higher in the 0.1 M group than in the control group (p < 0.05), and the hatching rate at 72 h was significantly higher in the 0.25 and 0.5 M groups than in the control group (p < 0.05). TUNEL-positive cells were significantly lower in the 0.25 M group than in the control group (12.5 ± 0.9 vs. 8.3 ± 0.8; p < 0.05). The gene expression of BCL2 associated X, heat shock protein 70 kDa, and aquaporin 3 in the 0.25 M group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion Our study revealed that treatment with 0.25 M sucrose before slow freezing improved the viability of bovine embryos after freeze-thawing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungki Jung
- Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- ET Biotech Co. Ltd., Jangsu, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Dongjin Oh
- Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Joohyeong Lee
- Department of Companion Animal Industry, Semyung University, Jecheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hwan Hyun
- Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Veterinary Biosecurity and Protection, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
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Woo SM, Yang SG, Kim YW, Koo DB, Park HJ. Ochratoxin A triggers endoplasmic reticulum stress through PERK/NRF2 signaling and DNA damage during early embryonic developmental competence in pigs. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 269:115757. [PMID: 38064788 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OTA), a mycotoxin found in foods, has a deleterious effect on female reproduction owing to its endocrine-disrupting activity mediated through endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. However, the mechanisms of OTA-induced ER stress in pig embryos during in vitro culture (IVC) are not yet fully understood. In the present study, porcine embryos were cultured for two days in an IVC medium supplemented with 0.5, 1.0, and 5.0 μM OTA, which led to an OTA-induced reduction in the developmental rate of blastocysts. The mRNA-seq transcriptome analysis revealed that the reduced blastocyst development ability of OTA-exposed porcine embryos was caused by ER stress, ultimately resulting in the accumulation of ROS and the occurrence of apoptosis. The expression levels of some UPR/PERK signaling-related genes (DDIT3, EIF2AK3, EIF2S1, NFE2L2, ATF4, EIF2A, and KEAP1) were found to differ in OTA-exposed pig embryos. OTA induces DNA damage by triggering an increase in RAD51/γ-H2AX levels and suppressing p-NRF2 activity. This effect is mediated through intracellular ROS and superoxide accumulation in the nuclei of porcine embryos. The cytotoxicity of OTA increased the activation of the PERK signal pathways (p-PERK, PERK, p-eIF2α, eIF2α, ATF4, and CHOP) in porcine embryos, with abnormal distribution of the ER observed around the nucleus. Collectively, our findings indicate that ER stress is a major cause of decline in the development of porcine embryos exposed to OTA. Therefore, OTA exposure induces ER stress and DNA damage via oxidative stress by disrupting PERK/NRF2 signaling activity in the developmental competence of porcine embryos during IVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Min Woo
- Department of Biotechnology, Daegu University, 201 Daegudae-ro, Jillyang, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38453, Republic of Korea; Institute of Infertility, Daegu University, 201 Daegudae-ro, Jillyang, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38453, Republic of Korea
| | - Seul-Gi Yang
- Department of Biotechnology, Daegu University, 201 Daegudae-ro, Jillyang, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38453, Republic of Korea; Institute of Infertility, Daegu University, 201 Daegudae-ro, Jillyang, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38453, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye-Won Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Daegu University, 201 Daegudae-ro, Jillyang, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38453, Republic of Korea; Institute of Infertility, Daegu University, 201 Daegudae-ro, Jillyang, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38453, Republic of Korea
| | - Deog-Bon Koo
- Department of Biotechnology, Daegu University, 201 Daegudae-ro, Jillyang, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38453, Republic of Korea; Institute of Infertility, Daegu University, 201 Daegudae-ro, Jillyang, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38453, Republic of Korea; Department of Companion Animal Industry, Daegu University, 201 Daegudae-ro, Jillyang, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38453, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyo-Jin Park
- Department of Biotechnology, Daegu University, 201 Daegudae-ro, Jillyang, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38453, Republic of Korea; Institute of Infertility, Daegu University, 201 Daegudae-ro, Jillyang, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38453, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Faheem MS, Ghanem N, Samy R, Barkawi AH. Molecular, enzymatic responses and in vitro embryonic developmental competency of heat-shocked buffalo embryos co-cultured with granulosa cells monolayer. Theriogenology 2023; 211:203-211. [PMID: 37659251 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
The present study was designed to establish a suitable alternative approach to mitigate the adverse effect of high culture temperature on in vitro embryo development and the related molecular response in buffalo. Pre-cultured granulosa cells (GCs) were used as a monolayer during in vitro embryo culture until day 8 (day of fertilization = D0). Post fertilization, presumptive embryos were randomly assigned into two culture conditions: embryos cultured in the presence of GCs monolayer under normal culture temperature (N: 38.5 °C; GEN group) or heat shock (H: 40.5 °C; GEH group) and their counterpart groups of embryos cultured without GCs (EN and EH groups). Additionally, two groups of GCs monolayer were cultured without embryos up to day 8 under 38.5 °C (GN) or 40.5 °C (GH) for further spent culture media enzymatic analyses. Heat shock was administered for the first 2 h of culture then continued at 38.5 °C until day 8. The results indicated that under heat treatment, GCs enhanced (P ≤ 0.05) embryo cleavage and development (day 8) rates, which were comparable to the embryos cultured at 38.5 °C. On the molecular level, blastocysts of the GEH group showed similar expressions of metabolism-regulating genes (CPT2 and SlC2A1/GLUT1) and an antioxidant gene (SOD2) when compared to the blastocysts of the EN group. The relative expression of HSP90 was significantly up-regulated under heat shock and/or co-culture conditions. However, HSF1 expression was increased (P ≤ 0.05) in the GEH group. No statistical differences were observed among the study groups for the pluripotency gene NANOG, and stress resistance transcript NFE2L2. Regarding the enzymatic profile, the concentrations of SOD, total protein, and MDA were decreased (P ≤ 0.05) in the GEH group compared to the cultured GCs without embryos (GH group). In conclusion, GCs as a monolayer have a beneficial impact on alleviating heat stress at the zygote stage through the regulatory mechanisms of metabolic activity, defense system, and heat shock response genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa S Faheem
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt; Cairo University Research Park (CURP), Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Nasser Ghanem
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Romysa Samy
- Cairo University Research Park (CURP), Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ashraf Hesham Barkawi
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt; Dubai Police Academy, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Khan I, Mesalam A, Heo YS, Lee SH, Nabi G, Kong IK. Heat Stress as a Barrier to Successful Reproduction and Potential Alleviation Strategies in Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2359. [PMID: 37508136 PMCID: PMC10376617 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, the adverse effects of global warming on all living beings have been unanimously recognized across the world. A high environmental temperature that increases the respiration and rectal temperature of cattle is called heat stress (HS), and it can affect both male and female reproductive functions. For successful reproduction and fertilization, mature and healthy oocytes are crucial; however, HS reduces the developmental competence of oocytes, which compromises reproduction. HS disturbs the hormonal balance that plays a crucial role in successful reproduction, particularly in reducing the luteinizing hormone and progesterone levels, which leads to severe problems such as poor follicle development with a poor-quality oocyte and problems related to maturity, silent estrus, abnormal or weak embryo development, and pregnancy loss, resulting in a declining reproduction rate and losses for the cattle industry. Lactating cattle are particularly susceptible to HS and, hence, their reproduction rate is substantially reduced. Additionally, bulls are also affected by HS; during summer, semen quality and sperm motility decline, leading to compromised reproduction. In summer, the conception rate is reduced by 20-30% worldwide. Although various techniques, such as the provision of water sprinklers, shade, and air conditioning, are used during summer, these methods are insufficient to recover the normal reproduction rate and, therefore, special attention is needed to improve reproductive efficiency and minimize the detrimental effect of HS on cattle during summer. The application of advanced reproductive technologies such as the production of embryos in vitro, cryopreservation during the hot season, embryo transfer, and timed artificial insemination may minimize the detrimental effects of HS on livestock reproduction and recover the losses in the cattle industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Khan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol-daero, Dalseo-gu, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
| | - Ayman Mesalam
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Yun Seok Heo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol-daero, Dalseo-gu, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
- Department of Premedicine, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, 1095 Dalgubeol-daero, Dalseo-gu, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo-Hyun Lee
- Department of Animal Science, Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Ghulam Nabi
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
| | - Il-Keun Kong
- Department of Animal Science, Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
- The King Kong Corp., Ltd., Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
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5
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Lee SH, Sun MH, Jiang WJ, Li XH, Heo G, Zhou D, Chen Z, Cui XS. Alpha-lipoic acid attenuates heat stress-induced apoptosis via upregulating the heat shock response in porcine parthenotes. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8427. [PMID: 37225872 PMCID: PMC10209172 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35587-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Heat stress (HS) is a long-standing hurdle that animals face in the living environment. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a strong antioxidant synthesized by plants and animals. The present study evaluated the mechanism of ALA action in HS-induced early porcine parthenotes development. Parthenogenetically activated porcine oocytes were divided into three groups: control, high temperature (HT) (42 °C for 10 h), and HT + ALA (with 10 µM ALA). The results show that HT treatment significantly reduced the blastocyst formation rate compared to the control. The addition of ALA partially restored the development and improved the quality of blastocysts. Moreover, supplementation with ALA not only induced lower levels of reactive oxygen species and higher glutathione levels but also markedly reduced the expression of glucose regulatory protein 78. The protein levels of heat shock factor 1 and heat shock protein 40 were higher in the HT + ALA group, which suggests activation of the heat shock response. The addition of ALA reduced the expression of caspase 3 and increased the expression of B-cell lymphoma-extra-large protein. Collectively, this study revealed that ALA supplementation ameliorated HS-induced apoptosis by suppressing oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stresses via activating the heat shock response, which improved the quality of HS-exposed porcine parthenotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song-Hee Lee
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Ming-Hong Sun
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Wen-Jie Jiang
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Xiao-Han Li
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Geun Heo
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongjie Zhou
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Zhi Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang-Shun Cui
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea.
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Liu S, Ju AQ, Duan AY, Zhan CL, Gao LP, Ma X, Yang SB. Presence of Ginsenoside Re during in vitro maturation protects porcine oocytes from heat stress. Reprod Domest Anim 2022; 57:1572-1583. [PMID: 36001037 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14234] [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: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Heat stress (HS) affects the development of porcine gametes and embryos negatively, induces the decrease of reproductive ability significantly, threatens global pig production. Ginsenoside Re (GRe), is a main bioactive component of ginseng, shows very specific anti-apoptotic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. To investigate the alleviating effect of GRe on the in vitro maturation of porcine oocyte under the HS, the polar body extrusion rate, intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH), ATP content, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were assessed. For the current study, porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) randomly divided into four groups: the control, GRe, HS and HS+GRe group. The results showed that HS inhibited the cumulus cell expansion and polar body extrusion rate, the levels of GSH and MMP, the ATP content, the gene expression of Nrf2 of porcine oocytes and the parthenogenetic activation (PA) embryo development competence, but GRe treatment could partly neutralize these adverse effects. Moreover, HS increased the ROS formation and percentage of apoptosis, the gene expression of HSP90, CASP3 and CytoC of porcine oocytes, but GRe could weaken the effect on Cyto C and BAX expression induced by HS. Taken together, these results showed that the presence of GRe during in vitro maturation protects porcine oocytes from HS. These findings lay a foundation for GRe may be used as a potential protective drug to protect porcine oocytes against HS damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Jilin, China
| | - An-Qi Ju
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Jilin, China
| | - Ao-Yi Duan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Jilin, China
| | - Cheng-Lin Zhan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Jilin, China
| | - Le-Peng Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Jilin, China
| | - Xin Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Jilin, China
| | - Shu-Bao Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, China
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Agarwal A, Maldonado Rosas I, Anagnostopoulou C, Cannarella R, Boitrelle F, Munoz LV, Finelli R, Durairajanayagam D, Henkel R, Saleh R. Oxidative Stress and Assisted Reproduction: A Comprehensive Review of Its Pathophysiological Role and Strategies for Optimizing Embryo Culture Environment. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11030477. [PMID: 35326126 PMCID: PMC8944628 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11030477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress (OS) due to an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants has been established as an important factor that can negatively affect the outcomes of assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs). Excess ROS exert their pathological effects through damage to cellular lipids, organelles, and DNA, alteration of enzymatic function, and apoptosis. ROS can be produced intracellularly, from immature sperm, oocytes, and embryos. Additionally, several external factors may induce high ROS production in the ART setup, including atmospheric oxygen, CO2 incubators, consumables, visible light, temperature, humidity, volatile organic compounds, and culture media additives. Pathological amounts of ROS can also be generated during the cryopreservation-thawing process of gametes or embryos. Generally, these factors can act at any stage during ART, from gamete preparation to embryo development, till the blastocyst stage. In this review, we discuss the in vitro conditions and environmental factors responsible for the induction of OS in an ART setting. In addition, we describe the effects of OS on gametes and embryos. Furthermore, we highlight strategies to ameliorate the impact of OS during the whole human embryo culture period, from gametes to blastocyst stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (R.F.); (R.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | | | | | - Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Florence Boitrelle
- Reproductive Biology, Fertility Preservation, Andrology, CECOS, Poissy Hospital, 78300 Poissy, France;
- Department BREED, UVSQ, INRAE, Paris Saclay University, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Lina Villar Munoz
- Citmer Reproductive Medicine, IVF LAB, Mexico City 11520, Mexico; (I.M.R.); (L.V.M.)
| | - Renata Finelli
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (R.F.); (R.H.)
| | - Damayanthi Durairajanayagam
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Sungai Buloh Campus, Jalan Hospital, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Ralf Henkel
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (R.F.); (R.H.)
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W2 1NY, UK
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, Cape Town 7530, South Africa
- LogixX Pharma, Theale RG7 4AB, UK
| | - Ramadan Saleh
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt;
- Ajyal IVF Center, Ajyal Hospital, Sohag 82524, Egypt
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Báez F, Gómez B, de Brun V, Rodríguez-Osorio N, Viñoles C. Effect of Ethanol on Parthenogenetic Activation and α-Tocopherol Supplementation during In Vitro Maturation on Developmental Competence of Summer-Collected Bovine Oocytes. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2021; 43:2253-2265. [PMID: 34940132 PMCID: PMC8929142 DOI: 10.3390/cimb43030158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of α-tocopherol during in vitro maturation (IVM) is an alternative to minimize the adverse effects of heat stress on oocyte competence. However, α-tocopherol is diluted in ethanol, which can induce oocyte parthenogenetic activation (PA). This study aimed to evaluate the role of ethanol concentration on PA and the effect of α-tocopherol supplementation during IVM on the developmental competence and the expression of key genes in blastocysts derived from summer-collected oocytes. All in vitro embryo production was conducted at 5% O2, 5% CO2 at 38.5 °C. Experiment 1: oocytes were cultured with or without 0.05% ethanol. As positive PA control matured oocytes were subjected to 3% or 7% ethanol for 7 min. Oocytes from all groups were placed in fertilization medium (22 h) and culture medium (9 days). Ethanol at 0.05% during IVM did not induce oocyte PA, however, 3% and 7% ethanol were effective parthenogenetic inductors. Experiment 2: oocytes were cultured in maturation medium supplemented with 0, 50, 100 and 200 μM α-tocopherol, diluted in 0.05% ethanol. After in vitro fertilization and embryo culture, we assessed blastocyst apoptotic index and the transcription of a panel of genes. The results showed that supplementation with 100 μM α-tocopherol reduced apoptotic index and increased the expression of SOD2. In conclusion, 100 μM α-tocopherol, diluted in 0.05% ethanol, can be used during IVM to embryonic quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Báez
- Instituto Superior de la Carne, Centro Universitario Regional Noreste, Universidad de la República, Ruta 5, km 386, Tacuarembó 45000, Uruguay;
- Correspondence:
| | - Belén Gómez
- Instituto Superior de la Carne, Centro Universitario Regional Noreste, Universidad de la República, Ruta 5, km 386, Tacuarembó 45000, Uruguay;
| | - Victoria de Brun
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología y Metabolismo Animal, Universidad de la República, Laspalces 1620, Montevideo 45000, Uruguay;
| | - Nélida Rodríguez-Osorio
- Unidad de Genómica y Bioinformática, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Centro Universitario Regional Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Rivera 1350, Salto 50000, Uruguay;
| | - Carolina Viñoles
- Centro de Salud Reproductiva de Rumiantes en Sistemas Agroforestales, Centro Universitario Regional Noreste, Universidad de la República, Ruta 26, km 408, Cerro Largo 37000, Uruguay;
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Amaral CDS, Correa GRE, Serrano Mujica LK, Fiorenza MF, Rosa SG, Nogueira CW, Portela VM, Comim FV, Schoenau W, Smirnova NP, Antoniazzi AQ. Heat stress modulates polymorphonuclear cell response in early pregnancy cows: I. interferon pathway and oxidative stress. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257418. [PMID: 34543299 PMCID: PMC8452032 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the major causes of early pregnancy loss is heat stress. In ruminants, interferon tau (IFNT) is the embryo signal to the mother. Once the interferon signaling pathway is activated, it drives gene expression for interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) and alters neutrophils responses. The aim of the present study was to evaluate interferon (IFN) pathway, ISGs and gene expression in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and oxidative stress in dairy cows under heat stress. Pregnant cows had their estrous cycle synchronized and randomly assigned to a comfort or heat stress group. Blood samples were collected at artificial insemination (AI) and on Days 10, 14 and 18 following AI. Pregnant cows were pregnancy checked by ultrasound on Day 30 and confirmed on Day 60 post-AI. Results are presented as mean ± SEM. The corpus luteum (CL) diameter was not different between groups of pregnant cows; concentration of progesterone of pregnant cows on Day 18 following AI was greater in comfort group compared to heat stressed group. Comfort pregnant cows had higher expression of all analyzed genes from interferon pathway, except for IFNAR1, on both Days 14 and 18. Conversely, heat stressed cows did not show altered expression of IFNT pathway genes and ISGs between Days 10, 14, and 18 after AI. The oxidative stress, determined as malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, was greater in heat stress group on Days 10, 14 and 18, independent of pregnancy status. Heat stress negatively influences expression of ISGs, IFN pathway gene expression in neutrophils, and oxidative stress. Our data suggest that lower conception rates in cows under heat stress are multifactorial, with the association of interferon pathway activation and the unbalanced oxidative stress being main contributing factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina dos Santos Amaral
- Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | - Mariani Farias Fiorenza
- Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Suzan Gonçalves Rosa
- Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Cristina Wayne Nogueira
- Synthesis, Reactivity and Organocalcogens Pharmacological and Toxicological Assessment Laboratory, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Valério Marques Portela
- Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Fábio Vasconcellos Comim
- Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - William Schoenau
- Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Alfredo Quites Antoniazzi
- Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Kasimanickam R, Kasimanickam V. Impact of heat stress on embryonic development during first 16 days of gestation in dairy cows. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14839. [PMID: 34290309 PMCID: PMC8295254 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94278-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective was to elucidate the effects of heat stress (HS) on embryo development during first 16 gestational days (GD) and circulating hormone concentrations on GD-16 in lactating Holstein cows. Cows in HS and control (CON) groups were exposed to temperature humidity index (THI) of ≥ 73 and < 73, respectively, for 3 weeks before the experiment. GD-7 (67 vs 49%) and GD-16 (52 vs. 31%) conception rates following single insemination were greater (P < 0.01) for CON compared with HS cows. Control cows produced more GD-7 transferrable embryos following superovulation compared with HS cows (84.8 vs 53.1%; P < 0.001). Mean (± SEM) length (45.2 ± 10.6 vs. 59.2 ± 9.1 mm) and weight (31.4 ± 4.3 vs. 42.4 ± 6.2 mg) of GD-16 conceptus were greater for CON compared with HS cows (P < 0.05). Control cows yielded more filamentous conceptus (≥ 25 mm) compared with HS cows (71 vs 45%; P < 0.05). Progesterone (2.09-fold) was higher, and cortisol (1.86-fold), prolactin (1.60-fold), substance-P (1.55-fold), Isoprostane-8 (1.34-fold) and prostaglandin F metabolites (1.97-fold) were lower in CON compared with HS cows (P < 0.05). Progesterone positively, and substance-P, isoprostane-8 and the THI negatively were associated with GD-16 conceptus length (P < 0.05). In conclusion, altered hormones concentrations in heat-stressed cows plausibly resulted in lower GD-7 and GD-16 conception rates, fewer GD-7 transferable embryos, and stunted GD-16 conceptus elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramanathan Kasimanickam
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.
| | - Vanmathy Kasimanickam
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.,AARVEE Animal Biotech LLC, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA
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Lee S, Kang HG, Jeong PS, Kim MJ, Park SH, Song BS, Sim BW, Kim SU. Heat stress impairs oocyte maturation through ceramide-mediated apoptosis in pigs. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 755:144144. [PMID: 33288257 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Heat stress (HS) is an emerging issue that greatly impairs the reproductive performance of animals and humans. In particular, disruption of oocyte maturation due to HS is considered a major cause of impaired reproductive performance. HS is known to induce ceramide generation, which causes reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial dysfunction, thereby inducing apoptosis. Therefore, we investigated whether inhibition of ceramide generation ameliorates HS-induced apoptosis in porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) using specific inhibitors of the de novo (fumonisin B1, FB1) and hydrolytic pathways (desipramine, Des) of ceramide formation. We investigated the effects of FB1 and Des supplementation under HS conditions (41.5 °C for 44 h) on in vitro maturation (IVM) of porcine COCs. After IVM, HS significantly reduced proportion of COCs exhibiting fully expanded cumulus cells and the rate of metaphase II in oocytes. After parthenogenetic activation (PA), HS significantly reduced the rates of cleavage and blastocyst formation with a lower total cell number and a higher percentage of apoptosis in blastocysts. However, FB1 or Des supplementation under HS avoided detrimental effects of HS on expansion of cumulus cells, nuclear maturation of oocytes, and embryonic development after PA including the rates of cleavage and blastocyst formation, total cell number, and the percentage of apoptosis in blastocysts. Furthermore, FB1 or Des addition under HS, compared with HS alone, significantly decreased ceramide generation, ROS production, cytochrome C expression, and apoptosis and increased mitochondrial membrane potential in COCs, reaching levels comparable with those of the control. Taken together, our results indicate that HS impaired oocyte maturation through ceramide-mediated apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanghoon Lee
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungcheongbuk-do 28116, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Gu Kang
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungcheongbuk-do 28116, Republic of Korea
| | - Pil-Soo Jeong
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungcheongbuk-do 28116, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Ju Kim
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungcheongbuk-do 28116, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Hyun Park
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungcheongbuk-do 28116, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong-Seok Song
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungcheongbuk-do 28116, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Woong Sim
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungcheongbuk-do 28116, Republic of Korea; National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungcheongbuk-do 28116, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Uk Kim
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungcheongbuk-do 28116, Republic of Korea; National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungcheongbuk-do 28116, Republic of Korea; Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea.
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