1
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Dan N, Shelake S, Luo WC, Rahman M, Lu J, Bogner RH, Lu X. Impact of controlled ice nucleation on intracellular dehydration, ice formation and their implications on T cell freeze-thaw viability. Int J Pharm 2024; 665:124694. [PMID: 39265855 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124694] [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: 06/15/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
Cryopreservation is important in manufacturing of cell therapy products, influencing their safety and effectiveness. During freezing and thawing, intracellular events such as dehydration and ice formation can impact cell viability. In this study, the impact of controlling the ice nucleation temperature on intracellular events and viability were investigated. A model T cell line, Jurkat cells, were evaluated in commercially relevant cryoformulations (2.5 and 5 % v/v DMSO in Plasma-Lyte A) using a cryomicroscopic setup to monitor the dynamic changes cells go through during freeze-thaw as well as a controlled rate freezer to study bulk freeze-thaw. The equilibrium freezing temperatures of the studied formulations and a DMSO/Plasma-Lyte A liquidus curve were determined using DSC. The cryomicroscopic studies revealed that an ice nucleation temperature of -6°C, close to the equilibrium freezing temperatures of cryoformulations, led to more intracellular dehydration and less intracellular ice formation during freezing compared to either a lower ice nucleation temperature (-10 °C) or uncontrolled ice nucleation. The cell membrane integrity and post thaw viability in bulk cryopreservation consistently demonstrated the advantage of the higher ice nucleation temperature, and the correlation between the cellular events and cell viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirnoy Dan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Sagar Shelake
- Johnson and Johnson Innovative Medicine, Malvern, PA, 19355, USA
| | - Wei-Chung Luo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Mohsina Rahman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Jonathan Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Robin H Bogner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Xiuling Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
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2
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Olexiková L, Makarevich A, Dujíčková L, Kubovičová E, Chrenek P. Factors affecting cryotolerance of mammalian oocytes. Cryobiology 2024; 116:104946. [PMID: 39069220 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2024.104946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Cryopreservation of oocytes is an important tool for preserving genetic resources and for farm animals breeding. Processes taking place during vitrification affect oocytes and result in their reduced developmental capacity and lower fertilisation rates of cryopreserved oocytes. Further improvement in cryopreservation techniques is still required. Several authors already summarized the actual state and perspectives of oocyte cryopreservation as well as potential approaches to improve their development after thawing. The aim of this review is to specify factors affecting cryotolerance of mammalian oocytes, especially bovine in vitro matured oocytes, and to identify the areas, where more efforts were made to improve the success of oocyte cryopreservation. These factors include oocyte lipid content, membrane composition, mRNA protection, cytoskeleton stabilization and application of such potential stimulators of cell cryotolerance as antioxidants, growth factors or antifreeze proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Olexiková
- National Agricultural and Food Centre (NPPC), Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecka 2, 95141, Lužianky, Slovak Republic.
| | - Alexander Makarevich
- National Agricultural and Food Centre (NPPC), Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecka 2, 95141, Lužianky, Slovak Republic
| | - Linda Dujíčková
- National Agricultural and Food Centre (NPPC), Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecka 2, 95141, Lužianky, Slovak Republic
| | - Elena Kubovičová
- National Agricultural and Food Centre (NPPC), Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecka 2, 95141, Lužianky, Slovak Republic
| | - Peter Chrenek
- National Agricultural and Food Centre (NPPC), Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra, Hlohovecka 2, 95141, Lužianky, Slovak Republic; Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 94976, Nitra, Slovak Republic
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3
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Chen Y, Liu Y, Zuo X, Zhao Q, Sun M, Cui M, Zhao X, Du Y. Identification of significant imaging features for sensing oocyte viability. Microsc Res Tech 2023; 86:181-192. [PMID: 36278826 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24248] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The evaluation of oocyte viability in the laboratory is limited to the morphological assessment by naked eyes, but the realization that most normal-appearing oocytes may conceal abnormalities prompts the search for automated approaches that can detect the abnormalities imperceptible to naked eyes. In this study, we developed an image processing pipeline applicable to bright-field microscope images to quantify the causal relationship between the quantitative imaging features and the developmental potential of oocytes. We acquired 19 imaging features of approximately 700 oocytes and determined two imaging subtypes, namely viable and nonviable subtypes that correlated closely with a viability fluorescence indicator and cleavage rates. The causal relationship between these imaging features and oocyte viability was derived from a viability-oriented Bayesian network that was developed based on the Bayesian information criterion and Tabu search. Our experimental results revealed that entropy with mean Gray Level Co-Occurrence Matrix energy describing the uniformity and texture roughness of cytoplasm were salient features for the automated selection of promising oocytes that exhibited excellent developmental potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhe Chen
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yaowei Liu
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoying Zuo
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qili Zhao
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Mingzhu Sun
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Maosheng Cui
- Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Innovation Team of Pig Feeding, Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary of Tianjin, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yue Du
- Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Intelligent Robotics, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Institute of Intelligence Technology and Robotic Systems, Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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4
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Jaiswal AN, Vagga A. Cryopreservation: A Review Article. Cureus 2022; 14:e31564. [DOI: 10.7759/cureus.31564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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5
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Qin B, Zhang Q, Hu XM, Mi TY, Yu HY, Liu SS, Zhang B, Tang M, Huang JF, Xiong K. How does temperature play a role in the storage of extracellular vesicles? J Cell Physiol 2020; 235:7663-7680. [PMID: 32324279 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) contain specific proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids that can be passed to other cells as signal molecules to alter their function. However, there are many problems and challenges in the conversion and clinical application of EVs. Storage and protection of EVs is one of the issues that need further research. To adapt to potential clinical applications, this type of problem must be solved. This review summarizes the storage practices of EVs in recent years, and explains the impact of temperature on the quality and stability of EVs during storage based on current research, and explains the potential mechanisms involved in this effect as much as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Qin
- Department of Neurobiology and Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology and Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xi-Min Hu
- Clinical Medicine Eight-year Program, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Tuo-Yang Mi
- Department of Neurobiology and Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hai-Yang Yu
- Department of Neurobiology and Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shen-Shen Liu
- Department of Neurobiology and Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology and Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mu Tang
- Department of Neurobiology and Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ju-Fang Huang
- Department of Neurobiology and Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Kun Xiong
- Department of Neurobiology and Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, Hunan, China
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6
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Cooling of in vitro-produced bovine embryos: Effects of medium and time on gene expression, DNA fragmentation and embryonic survival. Livest Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2019.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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7
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Cryopreservation of Sperm: Effects on Chromatin and Strategies to Prevent Them. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1166:149-167. [PMID: 31301051 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-21664-1_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cryopreservation is a technique that can keep sperm alive indefinitely, enabling the conservation of male fertility. It involves the cooling of semen samples and their storage at -196 °C in liquid nitrogen. At this temperature all metabolic processes are arrested. Sperm cryopreservation is of fundamental importance for patients undergoing medical or surgical treatments that could induce sterility, such as cancer patients about to undergo genotoxic chemotherapy or radiotherapy, as it offers these patients not only the hope of future fertility but also psychological support in dealing with the various stages of the treatment protocols.Despite its importance for assisted reproduction technology (ART) and its success in terms of babies born, this procedure can cause cell damage and impaired sperm function. Various studies have evaluated the impact of cryopreservation on chromatin structure, albeit with contradictory results. Some, but not all, authors found significant sperm DNA damage after cryopreservation. However, studies attempting to explain the mechanisms involved in the aetiology of cryopreservation-induced DNA damage are still limited. Some reported an increase in sperm with activated caspases after cryopreservation, while others found an increase in the percentage of oxidative DNA damage. There is still little and contradictory information on the mechanism of the generation of DNA fragmentation after cryopreservation. A number of defensive strategies against cryoinjuries have been proposed in the last decade. Most studies focused on supplementing cryoprotectant medium with various antioxidant molecules, all aimed at minimising oxidative damage and thus improving sperm recovery. Despite the promising results, identification of the ideal antioxidant treatment method is still hampered by the heterogeneity of the studies, which describe the use of different antioxidant regimens at different concentrations or in different combinations. For this reason, additional studies are needed to further investigate the use of antioxidants, individually and in combination, in the cryopreservation of human sperm, to determine the most beneficial conditions for optimal sperm recovery and preservation of fertility.
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8
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9
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Cryoprotectant agents and cooling effect on embryos of Macrobrachium amazonicum. ZYGOTE 2018; 26:111-118. [PMID: 29655380 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199417000661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
SummaryThere are few reports of cryopreservation and injuries in Macrobrachium amazonicum embryos. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the effects of cryoprotectants agents and cooling on stage VIII of this species. Fertilized eggs from ovigerous females were removed from the incubation chamber, then placed in 10 ml Falcon tubes with a cryoprotectant solution and saline-free calcium solution. Thus, the embryos underwent a cooling curve of 1°C per min until reaching 5°C, and then were stored for 2 h. The tubes containing the embryos were washed to remove the cryoprotectant, acclimated for 5 min and then transferred to 50 ml incubators. At the end of the 24-h period, living embryos from each tube were counted and tabulated. A pool of embryos was fixed with 4% formaldehyde and then subjected to histology using 3-mm thick sections and stained with haematoxylin/eosin. Another pool was used for biometric analysis in which length, width and volume were analyzed. The cryoprotectants agents used were: dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), methyl alcohol, ethylene glycol at 1, 5 and 10% and sucrose (0.5 M). Variance analysis was performed followed by Tukey's honest significant difference (HSD) test at 5% significance level. DMSO cryoprotectant affected embryo survival the least with rates of 71.8, 36.2 and 0% for concentrations of 1, 5 and 10%, respectively. Ethylene glycol caused 100% mortality at all the concentrations used. It was not possible to observe the interference of cooling and cryoprotectants on embryonic structures in this study.
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10
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Cholesterol added prior to vitrification on the cryotolerance of immature and in vitro matured bovine oocytes. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184714. [PMID: 28910399 PMCID: PMC5598999 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examines whether incorporating cholesterol-loaded methyl-β-cyclodextrin (CLC) in the bovine oocyte plasma membrane improves oocyte tolerance to vitrification. In vitro matured oocytes were incubated with 2 mg/ml BODIPY-labeled CLC for different time intervals in FCS or PVA supplemented medium or exposed to different CLC concentrations to examine the subcellular localization of cholesterol by confocal microscopy live-cell imaging. Subsequently, the effects of optimized CLC concentrations and incubation times prior to vitrification on early embryo development were assessed. Then, we evaluated the effects of pretreatment with 2 mg/ml CLC for 30 min before the vitrification of immature (GV) and in vitro matured (MII) oocytes on developmental competence and gene expression. Our results indicate a high plasma membrane labeling intensity after 30 min of incubation with 2 mg/ml CLC for 30 min, regardless of the holding medium used. When oocytes were incubated with 1 mg/ml, 2 mg/ml and 3 mg/ml of CLC, intense labeling was observed at the plasma membrane after 40, 30 and 20 min, respectively. CLC pre-treatment before the vitrification of bovine oocytes did not affect subsequent cleavage and embryo development rates irrespective of CLC concentrations, incubation times or meiotic stage. However, pretreatment seems to improve the quality of embryos derived from vitrified oocytes, mainly when oocytes were vitrified at the GV stage.
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11
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Cryopreservation triggers DNA fragmentation and ultrastructural damage in spermatozoa of oligoasthenoteratozoospermic men. MARMARA MEDICAL JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.5472/marumj.344797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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12
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Kamoshita M, Kato T, Fujiwara K, Namiki T, Matsumura K, Hyon SH, Ito J, Kashiwazaki N. Successful vitrification of pronuclear-stage pig embryos with a novel cryoprotective agent, carboxylated ε-poly-L-lysine. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176711. [PMID: 28448636 PMCID: PMC5407792 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitrification is a powerful tool for the efficient production of offspring derived from cryopreserved oocytes or embryos in mammalian species including domestic animals. Genome editing technologies such as transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/ CRISPR-associated (Cas)9 are now available even for domestic species, suggesting that the vitrification of embryos at the pronuclear stage (PN) will be more important because they could provide genomic host cells to be targeted by TALENs or CRISPR/Cas9. Although we reported the successful production of piglets derived from vitrified PN embryos by a solid-surface vitrification method with glutathione supplementation, further improvements are required. The cryoprotective agent (CPA) carboxylated ε-poly-L-lysine (COOH-PLL) was introduced in 2009. COOH-PLL reduces the physical and physiological damage caused by cryopreservation in mammalian stem cells and the vitrification of mouse oocytes and embryos. Those results suggested that vitrification of COOH-PLL may help improve the developmental ability of pig embryos vitrified at the PN stage. However, it remains unclear whether COOH-PLL is available as a CPA for the vitrification of embryos in domestic species. In this study, we evaluated COOH-PLL as a CPA with ethylene glycol (EG) and Cryotop as a device for the vitrification of PN pig embryos. Exposure to vitrification solution supplemented with COOH-PLL up to 30% did not decrease developmental ability to the 2-cell stage and the blastocyst stage. After warming, most of the vitrified embryos survived regardless of the concentration of COOH-PLL (76.0 ± 11.8% to 91.8 ± 4.6%). However, the vitrified embryos without COOH-PLL showed a lower development rate up to the blastocyst stage (1.3 ± 1.0%) compared to the fresh embryos (28.4 ± 5.0%) (p<0.05). In contrast, supplementation of 20% (w/v) COOH-PLL in the vitrification solution dramatically improved the developmental ability to blastocysts of the vitrified embryos (19.4 ± 4.6%) compared to those without COOH-PLL (p<0.05). After the transfer of embryos vitrified with 30% (v/v) EG and 20% (w/v) COOH-PLL, we successfully obtained 15 piglets from 8 recipients. Taken together, our present findings demonstrate for the first time that COOH-PLL is an effective CPA for embryo vitrification in the pig. COOH-PLL is a promising CPA for further improvements in the vitrification of oocytes and embryos in mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maki Kamoshita
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Tsubasa Kato
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Katsuyoshi Fujiwara
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Takafumi Namiki
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | | | - Suong-Hyu Hyon
- Center for Fiber and Textile Science, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Junya Ito
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Naomi Kashiwazaki
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
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13
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Jang TH, Park SC, Yang JH, Kim JY, Seok JH, Park US, Choi CW, Lee SR, Han J. Cryopreservation and its clinical applications. Integr Med Res 2017; 6:12-18. [PMID: 28462139 PMCID: PMC5395684 DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation is a process that preserves organelles, cells, tissues, or any other biological constructs by cooling the samples to very low temperatures. The responses of living cells to ice formation are of theoretical interest and practical relevance. Stem cells and other viable tissues, which have great potential for use in basic research as well as for many medical applications, cannot be stored with simple cooling or freezing for a long time because ice crystal formation, osmotic shock, and membrane damage during freezing and thawing will cause cell death. The successful cryopreservation of cells and tissues has been gradually increasing in recent years, with the use of cryoprotective agents and temperature control equipment. Continuous understanding of the physical and chemical properties that occur in the freezing and thawing cycle will be necessary for the successful cryopreservation of cells or tissues and their clinical applications. In this review, we briefly address representative cryopreservation processes, such as slow freezing and vitrification, and the available cryoprotective agents. In addition, some adverse effects of cryopreservation are mentioned.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ji Hyun Yang
- College of Medicine, Inje University, Busan, Korea
| | | | | | - Ui Seo Park
- College of Medicine, Inje University, Busan, Korea
| | | | - Sung Ryul Lee
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, College of Medicine, Inje University, Busan, Korea
| | - Jin Han
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, College of Medicine, Inje University, Busan, Korea
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Zhang Z, Wang T, Hao Y, Panhwar F, Chen Z, Zou W, Ji D, Chen B, Zhou P, Zhao G, Cao Y. Effects of trehalose vitrification and artificial oocyte activation on the development competence of human immature oocytes. Cryobiology 2016; 74:43-49. [PMID: 27956222 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2016.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Sucrose and trehalose are conventional cryoprotectant additives for oocytes and embryos. Ethanol can artificially enhance activation of inseminated mature oocytes. This study aims to investigate whether artificial oocyte activation (AOA) with ethanol can promote the development competence of in vitro matured oocytes. A total of 810 human immature oocytes, obtained from 325 patients undergoing normal stimulated oocyte retrieval cycles, were in vitro maturated (IVM) either immediately after collection (Fresh group n = 291)) or after being vitrified as immature oocytes (Vitrified group n = 519). These groups were arbitrarily assigned. All fresh and vitrified oocytes which matured after a period of IVM then underwent intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Half an hour following ICSI, they were either activated by 7% ethanol (AOA group) or left untreated (Non-AOA group). Fertilization, cleavage rate, blastocyst quality and aneuploidy rate were then evaluated. High-quality blastocysts were only obtained in both the fresh and vitrified groups which had undergone AOA after ICSI. Trehalose vitrification slightly, but not significantly, increased the formation rates of high-quality embryos (21.7% VS 15.4%, P > 0.05) and blastocysts (15.7% VS 7.69%, P > 0.05)) when compared with sucrose vitrification. Aneuploidy was observed in 12 of 24 (50%) of the AOA derived high quality blastocysts. High-quality blastocysts only developed from fresh or vitrified immature oocytes if the ICSI was followed by AOA. This information may be important for human immature oocytes commonly retrieved in normal stimulation cycles and may be particularly important for certain patient groups, such as cancer patients. AOA with an appropriate concentration of ethanol can enhance the developmental competence of embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiguo Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; Insititute of Reproduction and Genetics of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; Biopreservation and Artifical Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Tianjuan Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Yan Hao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Fazil Panhwar
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Electronic Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Zhongrong Chen
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Electronic Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Weiwei Zou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Dongmei Ji
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Beili Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Electronic Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China.
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China.
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15
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Use of methanol as cryoprotectant and its effect on sox genes and proteins in chilled zebrafish embryos. Cryobiology 2015; 71:1-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2015.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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16
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[Vitrification: Principles and results]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 44:485-95. [PMID: 25869444 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgyn.2015.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Sperm and embryos cryopreservation is a commonly applied technique for several years. Recently authorized in France, vitrification tends to replace gradually the conventional technique of slow freezing, so upsetting the practices in the management of patients. It allows from now on the cryopreservation of oocytes and opens new perspectives in egg donation either still in fertility preservation. This review thus attempted to examine the contribution of vitrification in the freezing of oocytes and human embryos at various stages of development. If obviously vitrification appears as the current method of choice for the cryopreservation of oocytes as well as blastocysts, the results are less cut as regards embryos to early stages. No increase in adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes in children conceived from vitrified oocytes or embryos is noted in the literature.
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Cocchia N, Corteggio A, Altamura G, Tafuri S, Rea S, Rosapane I, Sica A, Landolfi F, Ciani F. The effects of superoxide dismutase addition to the transport medium on cumulus-oocyte complex apoptosis and IVF outcome in cats (Felis catus). Reprod Biol 2014; 15:56-64. [PMID: 25726378 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2014.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2013] [Revised: 08/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of superoxide dismutase (SOD) addition to the ovary transport medium (4°C, 3-72 h) on ovarian cell viability and apoptosis and in vitro embryo production (IVEP) in domestic cats. The ovaries collected from 76 mixed-breed domestic queens were randomly assigned to the control or SOD-treated groups and incubated for 3, 24, 48 or 72 h. The ovaries were then subjected to the following: (1) fixed in formalin to assess the incidence of apoptosis (fragmented DNA in situ detection kit), (2) stored at -196°C in liquid nitrogen to evaluate the expression of the pro-apoptotic Bax gene and the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene (RT-PCR), and (3) used to obtain the cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) in order to test the cell viability (carboxyfluorescein or trypan blue staining) and IVEP. The incidence of apoptosis appeared to be higher in the control compared with the SOD-treated ovaries. The ovarian expression of Bax was lower and the Bcl-2 expression was higher in the SOD-treated group compared with the control group. The presence of SOD in the transport medium increased the viability of COCs and IVEP compared with the control medium. In summary, the supplementation of the ovary transport medium with SOD reduced cellular apoptosis and enhanced COC survival and IVEP in domestic cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natascia Cocchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions - University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino n. 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Annunziata Corteggio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions - University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino n. 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Altamura
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions - University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino n. 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Tafuri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions - University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino n. 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Silviana Rea
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions - University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino n. 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Isabella Rosapane
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions - University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino n. 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sica
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions - University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino n. 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Ciani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions - University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino n. 1, 80137 Naples, Italy.
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Paoli D, Lombardo F, Lenzi A, Gandini L. Sperm Cryopreservation: Effects on Chromatin Structure. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 791:137-50. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-7783-9_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Jang W, Lee S, Choi H, Lim J, Heo Y, Cui X, Kim N. Vitrification of immaturemouse oocytes by the modified‐cut standard straw method. Cell Biol Int 2013; 38:164-71. [DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Woo‐In Jang
- Department of Animal SciencesChungbuk National UniversityCheongjuChungbuk361‐763South Korea
| | - Seung‐Eun Lee
- Stem Cell Research CenterJeju National UniversityJejuKorea
| | - Hyun‐Yong Choi
- Department of Animal SciencesChungbuk National UniversityCheongjuChungbuk361‐763South Korea
| | - Joon‐Gyo Lim
- Department of Animal SciencesChungbuk National UniversityCheongjuChungbuk361‐763South Korea
| | - Young‐Tae Heo
- Department of Animal SciencesChungbuk National UniversityCheongjuChungbuk361‐763South Korea
| | - Xiang‐Shun Cui
- Department of Animal SciencesChungbuk National UniversityCheongjuChungbuk361‐763South Korea
| | - Nam‐Hyung Kim
- Department of Animal SciencesChungbuk National UniversityCheongjuChungbuk361‐763South Korea
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Clark NA, Swain JE. Oocyte cryopreservation: searching for novel improvement strategies. J Assist Reprod Genet 2013; 30:865-75. [PMID: 23779099 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-013-0028-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2013] [Accepted: 05/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To highlight emerging techniques aimed at improving oocyte cryopreservation. METHODS Review of available and relevant literature through Pubmed and Medline searches. RESULTS Oocyte cryopreservation is an increasingly common procedure utilized for assisted reproduction and may benefit several patient populations. Therefore, improving efficiency is paramount in realizing the tremendous promise of this approach. However, in addition to numerous studies looking to improve oocyte cryopreservation efficacy via examination of variables involved with protocol methodology, such as type/concentration of cryoprotectant (CPA), type of storage device, or cooling/warming rates, there are more novel approaches for improvement. These alternate approaches include utilizing different the stages of oocytes, examining alteration of basal media and buffer composition, optimizing CPA exchange protocols and device loading through use of automated technology, as well as examination/manipulation of oocyte cellular composition to improve cryotolerance. Finally, elucidating more accurate or insightful indicators of "success" is crucial for continued improvement of oocyte cryopreservation. CONCLUSION Oocyte cryopreservation has improved dramatically in recent years and is receiving widespread clinical use. Novel approaches to further improve success, as well as improved methods to assess this success will aid in continued improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie A Clark
- Department of OB/GYN, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
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Zhou GB, Zeng Y, Meng QG, Liu Y, Dai YP, Zhu SE, Bunch TD, Hou YP. Decreased Expression of CD9 in Bovine Oocytes After Cryopreservation and the Relationship to Fertilization Capacity. Mol Reprod Dev 2013; 80:451-9. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Bin Zhou
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding; College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University (Chengdu Campus); Wenjiang, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology; College of Biological Sciences, and College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University; Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yan Zeng
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology; College of Biological Sciences, and College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University; Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Qing-Gang Meng
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences; Utah State University; Logan, Utah
| | - Ying Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology; College of Biological Sciences, and College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University; Beijing, P.R. China
- Department of Animal Science; Aarhus University; Tjele Denmark
| | - Yun-Ping Dai
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology; College of Biological Sciences, and College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University; Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Shi-En Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology; College of Biological Sciences, and College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University; Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Thomas D. Bunch
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences; Utah State University; Logan, Utah
| | - Yun-Peng Hou
- State Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology; College of Biological Sciences, and College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University; Beijing, P.R. China
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Aydin MS, Senturk GE, Ercan F. Cryopreservation increases DNA fragmentation in spermatozoa of smokers. Acta Histochem 2013; 115:394-400. [PMID: 23164243 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2012.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2012] [Revised: 10/03/2012] [Accepted: 10/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Smoking causes subfertility due to deterioration of spermatozoa including decreased concentration and abnormal morphology. Although evidence on the deleterious effects of smoking on spermatozoa parameters is well known, its interference with cryopreservation is not clear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cryopreservation on sperm parameters and DNA fragmentation in non-smokers and smokers. Semen samples were obtained from 40 normospermic male volunteers of whom 20 were non-smokers and 20 smokers. Samples were analyzed in terms of motility, concentration, morphology, and DNA fragmentation before freezing and 1 and 3 months after freezing and thawing. Ultrastructural alterations were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. Sperm morphology seemed to be more affected after cryopreservation in samples obtained from smokers. Ultrastructural examination showed alterations in the integrity of the membranes and increased subacrosomal swelling. Before freezing, the increase in DNA fragmentation rate in smokers was not statistically significant compared to that of non-smokers. However, after thawing, the DNA fragmentation rates were significantly high in both non-smokers and smokers compared to their respective rates before freezing. The extent of the increase in DNA fragmentation rate was significantly higher in smokers after thawing compared to that of non-smokers. In conclusion, cryopreservation causes alterations in membrane integrity and increases DNA fragmentation, thus triggering relatively negative effects on the sperm samples of smokers compared to that of non-smokers.
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Hirose M, Kamoshita M, Fujiwara K, Kato T, Nakamura A, Wojcikiewicz RJH, Parys JB, Ito J, Kashiwazaki N. Vitrification procedure decreases inositol 1,4,5-trisphophate receptor expression, resulting in low fertility of pig oocytes. Anim Sci J 2013; 84:693-701. [PMID: 23607492 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2012] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Although cryopreservation of mammalian oocytes is an important technology, it is well known that unfertilized oocytes, especially in pigs, are highly sensitive to low temperature and that cryopreserved oocytes show low fertility and developmental ability. The aim of the present study was to clarify why porcine in vitro matured (IVM) oocytes at the metaphase II (MII) stage showed low fertility and developmental ability after vitrification. In vitro matured cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were vitrified with Cryotop and then evaluated for fertility through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Although sperm-penetrated oocytes were observed to some extent (30-40%), the rate of pronuclear formation was low (9%) and none of them progressed to the two-cell stage. The results suggest that activation ability of cryopreserved oocytes was decreased by vitrification. We examined the localization and expression level of the type 1 inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate receptor (IP3 R1), the channel responsible for Ca(2+) release during IVF in porcine oocytes. Localization of IP3 R1 close to the plasma membrane and total expression level of IP3 R1 protein were both decreased by vitrification. In conclusion, our present study indicates that vitrified-warmed porcine COCs showed a high survival rate but low fertility after IVF. This low fertility seems to be due to the decrease in IP3 R1 by the vitrification procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiko Hirose
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Sagamihara, Japan
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Zhou GB, Li N. Bovine Oocytes Cryoinjury and How to Improve Their Development Following Cryopreservation. Anim Biotechnol 2013; 24:94-106. [DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2012.755466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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25
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Lin C, Han CC, Tsai S. Effect of thermal injury on embryos of banded coral shrimp (Stenopus hispidus) under hypothermal conditions. Cryobiology 2013; 66:3-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2012.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2011] [Revised: 05/07/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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26
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Mori M, Kasa S, Isozaki Y, Kamori T, Yamaguchi S, Ueda S, Kuwano T, Eguchi M, Isayama K, Nishimura S, Tabata S, Yamauchi N, Hattori MA. Improvement of the cellular quality of cryopreserved bovine blastocysts accompanied by enhancement of the ATP-binding cassette sub-family B member 1 expression. Reprod Toxicol 2013; 35:17-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2012.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2012] [Revised: 10/23/2012] [Accepted: 11/07/2012] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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27
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Li DG, Zhu Y, Xing FY, Li SG, Chen XJ, Jiang MX. Microtubule organisation, pronuclear formation and embryonic development of mouse oocytes after intracytoplasmic sperm injection or parthenogenetic activation and then slow-freezing with 1,2-propanediol. Reprod Fertil Dev 2013; 25:609-16. [DOI: 10.1071/rd12124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Accepted: 05/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of cryopreservation on oocytes at different times after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and parthenogenetic activation. The study was performed in mouse oocytes fertilised by ICSI, or in artificially-activated oocytes, which were cryopreserved immediately, one hour or five hours later through slow-freezing. After thawing, the rates of survival, fertilisation–activation, embryonic development of oocytes–zygotes and changes in the cytoskeleton and ploidy were observed. Our results reveal a significant difference in survival rates of 0-, 1- and 5-h cryopreserved oocytes following ICSI and artificial activation. Moreover, significant differences in two pronuclei (PN) development existed between the 0-, 1- and 5-h groups of oocytes frozen after ICSI, while the rates of two-PN development of activated oocytes were different between the 1-h and 5-h groups. Despite these initial differences, there was no difference in the rate of blastocyst formation from two-PN zygotes following ICSI or artificial activation. However, compared with ICSI or artificially-activated oocytes cryopreserved at 5 h, many oocytes from the 0- and 1-h cryopreservation groups developed to zygotes with abnormal ploidy; this suggests that too little time before cryopreservation can result in some activated oocytes forming abnormal ploidy. However, our results also demonstrate that spermatozoa can maintain normal fertilisation capacity in frozen ICSI oocytes and the procedure of freeze–thawing did not affect the later development of zygotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dun-Gao Li
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
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Díez C, Muñoz M, Caamaño JN, Gómez E. Cryopreservation of the Bovine Oocyte: Current Status and Perspectives. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 47 Suppl 3:76-83. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02029.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Human Sperm Cryopreservation: Update on Techniques, Effect on DNA Integrity, and Implications for ART. Adv Urol 2011; 2012:854837. [PMID: 22194740 PMCID: PMC3238352 DOI: 10.1155/2012/854837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2011] [Revised: 09/22/2011] [Accepted: 09/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation of human spermatozoa-introduced in the 1960's-has been recognized as an efficient procedure for management of male fertility before therapy for malignant diseases, vasectomy or surgical infertility treatments, to store donor and partner spermatozoa before assisted reproduction treatments and to ensure the recovery of a small number of spermatozoa in severe male factor infertility. Despite the usefulness of it, cryopreservation may lead to deleterious changes of sperm structure and function: while the effects of cryopreservation on cells are well documented, to date there is no agreement in the literature on whether or not cryopreservation affects sperm chromatin integrity or on the use of a unique and functional protocol for the freezing-thawing procedure. Therefore, sperm cryopreservation is an important component of fertility management and much of its successful application seems to affect the reproductive outcome of assisted reproduction technologies (ART): appropriate use of cryoprotectants before and sperm selection technologies after cryopreservation seem to have the greatest impact on preventing DNA fragmentation, thus improving sperm cryosurvival rates.
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Artificial oocyte activation and human failed-matured oocyte vitrification followed by in vitro maturation. ZYGOTE 2011; 21:71-6. [DOI: 10.1017/s0967199411000530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
SummaryThe investigation presented in this paper was conducted on the effect of oocytes activation on frozen–thawed human immature oocytes followed by in vitro maturation (IVM). A total of 386 failed-matured oocytes (germinal vesicle (GV) and metaphase I (MI) stages) was randomly divided into two groups: fresh group and vitrification group, GV group and MI group, respectively). The matured oocytes were subject to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) after IVM had been carried out. The vitrification group was randomly divided into two groups: controlled and artificial oocyte activation (AOA). The injected oocytes in the controlled group were cultured in cleavage medium. The AOA group oocytes were activated by exposing them to 7% anhydrous alcohol for 6 min then cultured in cleavage medium as well. The rates of fertilization and early embryonic development were compared between the controlled and AOA groups. In MI vitrification group, the high-quality embryo formation rate and blastocyst formation rate were significantly higher in the AOA group than in the controlled group (P < 0.01). In the GV vitrification group, the high-quality embryo formation rate was significantly higher in the AOA group than in the controlled group (P < 0.05). These results indicate that AOA may be good for early embryonic development of vitrified immature human oocytes.
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Positive effects of Forskolin (stimulator of lipolysis) treatment on cryosurvival of in vitro matured porcine oocytes. Theriogenology 2011; 75:268-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2010] [Revised: 08/20/2010] [Accepted: 08/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Saragusty J, Arav A. Current progress in oocyte and embryo cryopreservation by slow freezing and vitrification. Reproduction 2011; 141:1-19. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-10-0236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 328] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Preservation of female genetics is currently done primarily by means of oocyte and embryo cryopreservation. The field has seen much progress during its four-decade history, progress driven predominantly by research in humans, cows, and mice. Two basic cryopreservation techniques rule the field – controlled-rate freezing, the first to be developed, and vitrification, which, in recent years, has gained a foothold. While much progress has been achieved in human medicine, the cattle industry, and in laboratory animals, this is far from being the case for most other mammals and even less so for other vertebrates. The major strides and obstacles in human and other vertebrate oocyte and embryo cryopreservation will be reviewed here.
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IVM and gene expression of sheep cumulus–oocyte complexes following different methods of vitrification. Reprod Biomed Online 2010; 20:26-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2009.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2009] [Revised: 05/26/2009] [Accepted: 10/07/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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34
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Positive effects of Taxol pretreatment on morphology, distribution and ultrastructure of mitochondria and lipid droplets in vitrification of in vitro matured porcine oocytes. Anim Reprod Sci 2009; 115:158-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2008.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2008] [Revised: 11/23/2008] [Accepted: 12/01/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Impact of insemination technique, semen quality and oocyte cryopreservation on pronuclear morphology of zygotes derived from sibling oocytes. ZYGOTE 2009; 18:61-8. [PMID: 19500447 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199409005516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Pronuclear morphology seems to be an important predictive value of zygote development and integrity. In this study we want to evaluate the effect of insemination technique, male factor and oocyte cryopreservation on pronuclear morphology of zygotes derived from sibling oocytes in our Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy. Subjects (n = 190) were submitted to IVF cycles with non-frozen and frozen sibling oocytes. Morphological evaluations were assessed using zygote pronuclear morphology (pronuclei, nucleoli and axis) in four groups: Group 1: 144 zygotes from 85 conventional IVF cycles with non-frozen oocytes; Group 2: 164 zygotes from 85 intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles with Group 1 patients' sibling frozen oocytes; Group 3: 221 zygotes from 123 ICSI cycles with non-frozen oocytes; Group 4: 197 zygotes from 123 ICSI cycles with Group 3 patients' sibling frozen oocytes. No differences between Group 1 and Group 2 were seen. Group 3 was statistically different from Group 4 in relation to the nucleolar morphology. Oocyte cryopreservation procedure modified the nucleolar morphology of zygotes only in the presence of poor semen quality.
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Gerelchimeg B, Li-Qing L, Zhong Z, Jiang-Tian T, Qing-Ran K, Jun S, Xue-Dong W, Zhong-Hua L. Effect of chilling on porcine germinal vesicle stage oocytes at the subcellular level. Cryobiology 2009; 59:54-8. [PMID: 19394324 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2009.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2008] [Revised: 04/10/2009] [Accepted: 04/16/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The potential subcellular consequence of chilling on porcine germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes was examined. Prior to in vitro maturation (IVM), Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) freshly collected from antral follicles (3-6mm in diameter) were evenly divided into four groups and immediately incubated in PVA-TL-HEPES medium at the temperature of 39 degrees C (control group), 23 degrees C (room temperature), 15 degrees C and 10 degrees C for 10min, respectively. Following 42h of IVM at 39 degrees C, the survival rates were examined. There was no significant difference between the survival rate of 23 degrees C chilled group and control group (77.92 and 91.89%), but the survival rate of 15 and 10 degrees C chilled group were significantly decreased (46.34 and 4.81%, P<0.01). A further experiment on 15 degrees C group showed that most oocytes died from 2 to 4h of IVM. In order to investigate the effects of chilling on oocytes at the subcellular level, the control and 15 degrees C chilled group COCs fixed at different time points of the IVM cultures (2, 2.5, 3, 3.5 and 4h of IVM) were prepared for transmission electron microscope (TEM) observation. As the result, compared with the control group, there were two significant changes in the ultrastructural morphology of 15 degrees C treatment group: (1) dramatic reduction of heterogeneous lipid, (2) disorganized mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum-lipid vesicles (M-E-L) combination. These results indicate that 15 degrees C is a critical chilling temperature for porcine GV stage oocyte and the alteration of cellular chemical composition and the destruction of M-E-L combination maybe responsible for chilling injury of porcine oocyte at this stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bou Gerelchimeg
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Heilongjiang Province, China
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Tsai S, Rawson DM, Zhang T. Studies on chilling sensitivity of early stage zebrafish (Danio rerio) ovarian follicles. Cryobiology 2009; 58:279-86. [PMID: 19233154 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2009.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2008] [Revised: 12/22/2008] [Accepted: 02/10/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Cryopreservation of fish gametes is of great importance in aquaculture, conservation and human genomic research. The creation of gamete cryobanks allows the storage of genetic material of targeted species for almost unlimited time periods. Cryopreservation has been successfully applied to fish sperm of many species, but there has been no success with fish embryos and oocytes. One of the obstacles to fish oocyte cryopreservation is their high chilling sensitivity and especially at subzero temperatures. Although studies on late stage oocyte cryopreservation has been carried out, there have been no reported studies on cryopreservation of early stage ovarian follicles. The aim of this study is to investigate the chilling sensitivity of early stage zebrafish ovarian follicles before developing protocols for their cryopreservation. Experiments were conducted with stage I (primary growth), stage II (cortical alveolus) and stage III (vetillogenesis) ovarian follicles, which were chilled in KCl buffer and L-15 medium for up to 144h at -1 degrees C in a low temperature bath. Ovarian follicles were also exposed to 2M methanol or 2M DMSO in L-15 medium for up to 168h at -1 and -5 degrees C, respectively. Control follicles were kept at 28 degrees C. Ovarian follicle viability was assessed using trypan blue staining. The results showed that stage I and II ovarian follicles are less sensitive to chilling than stage III follicles. These results were also confirmed following in vitro maturation of the chilled ovarian follicles. The results also showed that L-15 medium is more beneficial than KCl buffer for ovarian follicles at all stages. The presence of both methanol and DMSO reduced chilling sensitivity of ovarian follicles at all stages with methanol being the most effective. The study indicated that stage I and II follicles are less sensitive to chilling than stage III follicles, and that early stage zebrafish ovarian follicles may be better candidates for cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Tsai
- LIRANS Institute of Research in the Applied Natural Sciences, University of Bedfordshire, Great Marlings, Luton, UK
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Yavin S, Aroyo A, Roth Z, Arav A. Embryo cryopreservation in the presence of low concentration of vitrification solution with sealed pulled straws in liquid nitrogen slush. Hum Reprod 2008; 24:797-804. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/den397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Gavish Z, Ben-Haim M, Arav A. Cryopreservation of whole murine and porcine livers. Rejuvenation Res 2008; 11:765-72. [PMID: 18729808 DOI: 10.1089/rej.2008.0706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Preservation of vascularized organs, such as the liver, is limited to 24 h before destructive processes disqualify them for transplantation. This narrow window of opportunity prevents the performance of optimal pathogen screening and matching tests and possibly results in the need for retransplantation. Numerous problems are associated with freezing and thawing a whole liver while preserving its viability upon thawing, including complicated geometry, poor heat transfer, release of latent heat, and the difficulty of generating a uniform cooling rate. On the basis of our past success with sheep ovaries, we have now applied our novel freezing technique to a larger solid organ, the liver. Whole rat and pig livers were frozen and thawed using directional solidification apparatus, and viability of these livers was tested by means of integrity and functionality in vitro and in auxiliary liver transplantation. The thawed rat and porcine livers were intact and demonstrated >80% viability. Histology revealed normal architecture. Bile production and blood flow following auxiliary transplantation were normal as well. Our encouraging results in applying this novel cryopreservation technique in rat and pig livers suggest that this method may enable better human organ donor-recipient matching in the future.
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Cui MS, Fan YP, Wu Y, Hao ZD, Liu S, Chen XJ, Zeng SM. Porcine cumulus cell influences ooplasmic mitochondria-lipid distributions, GSH-ATP contents and calcium release pattern after electro-activation. Theriogenology 2008; 71:412-21. [PMID: 18789518 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2008] [Revised: 07/08/2008] [Accepted: 08/07/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to explore mechanisms of the influence of porcine cumulus cells (CC) on oocyte maturation. Immature porcine oocytes were matured in groups of denuded oocyte (DOs), cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), denuded oocytes co-cultured with CC (DoCC), or with cumulus-oocyte complexes (DoCOCs). Ooplasmic mitochondria-lipid distributions, glutathione (GSH)-adenosine triphosphate (ATP) contents, calcium release pattern, and developmental competence after parthenogenetic activation were assessed after IVM. The portion of matured oocytes after IVM and the developmental competence and GSH content in single oocytes were lower in DOs than in COCs (P<0.05). In contrast, the maturation rate and development in DoCOCs and COCs were higher than in DoCC and DOs (P<0.05). The blastocyst rate in DoCOCs was higher than in DOs (P<0.05), and ATP content in COCs was higher than in all other groups (P<0.01). In addition, the rate of oocytes with damaged oolemma in DOs (35%) was significantly higher than in COCs (3%), DoCOCs (7%), and DoCC (10%). The rate of oocytes with evenly distributed mitochondria was 70% in DOs, which was significantly lower than in COCs and DoCC (89 and 84%, respectively). The percentage of oocytes with normal lipid droplets distributions in COCs (70%) was significantly higher than in three other groups, whereas both percentages in DoCC and DoCOCs were higher than in DOs (P<0.05). The duration of [Ca(2+)] rise in DOs was longer than in three other groups, whereas the duration was shortest in COCs. The amplitude of the [Ca(2+)] rise in DOs was significantly lower than in other groups (P<0.05), but the amplitude did not differ significantly among DoCC, DoCOCs and COCs. In conclusion, the presence of porcine CC during IVM functionally affected ooplasmic mitochondria-lipid distributions and GSH-ATP contents, which may affect the calcium release pattern and developmental competence of oocytes after electro-activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Cui
- Laboratory of Animal Embryonic Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, PR China
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41
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Abstract
Chilling injury is the major limiting factor for successful cryopreservation of both human and animal oocytes. Maternal hyperthermia is the main reason for summer infertility in dairy cows. In this paper, we will present evidence for the involvement of membrane lipid composition and its thermotrophic behavior and the mechanism by which chilling injury and/or heat stress disrupt oocytes' developmental competence. Although oocyte and single zygote are similar in shape and size, the oocyte is known to be very sensitive to cryopreservation, whereas, the zygote is successfully cryopreserved. Recently, we have shown that the lipid-phase transition (LPT) in human MII oocytes occurs at about 20 degrees C, while the LPT temperature of zygotes is lower by 10 degrees C. Similarly, the LPT in oocytes collected from dairy cows was found to be elevated by 10 degrees C in the summer vs. the winter. This feature was associated with alterations in membrane lipid composition. In particular, during the winter, the oocyte membrane is composed mainly of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids while in the hot summer, it is composed of more saturated fatty acids. In another study, we showed that exposure of bovine oocytes to physiologically relevant heat shock increases the proportion of oocytes that undergo apoptosis, presumably via sphingomyelin hydrolysis and ceramide formation (i.e. the sphingomyelin apoptosis pathway). Using a mouse model, we have recently shown that hyperthermia of 1.5 degrees C affects the follicle enclosed oocyte as determined by lower developmental competence. Given the importance of the membrane's composition and integrity, it appears that alterations in the oocyte-membrane underlie the disruption of developmental competence in mammalian oocytes exposed to thermal stress (i.e. chilling injury or heat shock).
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Arav
- Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Organization, the Volcani Center, P.O. Box 6, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel.
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Vieira AD, Forell F, Feltrin C, Rodrigues JL. Calves Born after Direct Transfer of Vitrified BovineIn Vitro-produced Blastocysts Derived from Vitrified Immature Oocytes. Reprod Domest Anim 2007; 43:314-318. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2007.00899.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Bogliolo L, Ariu F, Fois S, Rosati I, Zedda MT, Leoni G, Succu S, Pau S, Ledda S. Morphological and biochemical analysis of immature ovine oocytes vitrified with or without cumulus cells. Theriogenology 2007; 68:1138-49. [PMID: 17868798 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2007.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2007] [Revised: 08/02/2007] [Accepted: 08/03/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The cryopreservation of oocytes is an open problem as a result of their structural sensitivity to the freezing process. This study examined (i) the survival and meiotic competence of ovine oocytes vitrified at the GV stage with or without cumulus cells; (ii) the viability and functional status of cumulus cells after cryopreservation; (iii) the effect of cytochalasin B treatment before vitrification; (iv) chromatin and spindle organization; (v) the maturation promoting factor (MPF) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity of vitrified oocytes after in vitro maturation. Sheep oocytes were vitrified at different times during in vitro maturation (0, 2, and 6 h) with (COCs) or without cumulus cells (DOs). After warming and in vitro maturation, oocytes denuded at 0 h culture showed a significantly higher survival and meiotic maturation rate compared to the other groups. Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide double staining of COCs and microinjection of Lucifer Yellow revealed extensive cumulus cell membrane damage and reduced oocyte-cumulus cell communications after vitrification. Cytochalasin B treatment of COCs before vitrification exerted a negative effect on oocyte survival. After in vitro maturation, the number of vitrified oocytes with abnormal spindle and chromatin configuration was significantly higher compared to control oocytes, independently of the presence or absence of cumulus cells. The removal of cumulus cells combined with vitrification significantly decreased the MPF and MAPK levels. This study provides evidence that the removal of cumulus cells before vitrification enhances oocyte survival and meiotic competence, while impairing the activity of important proteins that could affect the developmental competence of oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Bogliolo
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Clinic, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
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Succu S, Leoni GG, Bebbere D, Berlinguer F, Mossa F, Bogliolo L, Madeddu M, Ledda S, Naitana S. Vitrification devices affect structural and molecular status of in vitro matured ovine oocytes. Mol Reprod Dev 2007; 74:1337-44. [PMID: 17290423 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the effect of three different cryodevices on membrane integrity, tubulin polymerization, maturation promoting factor (MPF) activity and developmental competence of in vitro matured (IVM) ovine oocytes. IVM oocytes were exposed during 3 min to 7.5% DMSO and 7.5% ethylene glycol (EG) in TCM199 and 25 sec to 0.5 M sucrose, 16.5% DMSO and 16.5% EG, loaded in open pulled straws (OPS), cryoloops (CL) or cryotops (CT) and immersed into liquid nitrogen. Untreated (CTR) or exposed to vitrification solutions but not cryopreserved (EXP) oocytes were used as controls. After warming, double fluorescent staining evidenced a lower membrane integrity in vitrified groups compared to the controls (P < 0.01). After in vitro fertilization and culture OPS and CL groups evidenced a lower cleavage rate than CT and controls (P < 0.01) while blastocysts were obtained only in CL and EXP, at a lower rate than CTR (P < 0.01). All vitrified groups showed alterations in spindle conformation, which were partially recovered in OPS and CT groups. MPF activity was lower in treated compared to CTR and CT showed the lowest value (P < 0.01). After 2 hr culture MPF activity was restored in all groups except CT. Parthenogenetic activation was higher in treated compared to CTR and CT evidenced the highest value. Our results indicate that cryodevice influences not only the ability to survive cryopreservation but is also associated with molecular alterations which affect developmental competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Succu
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
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Ledda S, Bogliolo L, Succu S, Ariu F, Bebbere D, Leoni GG, Naitana S. Oocyte cryopreservation: oocyte assessment and strategies for improving survival. Reprod Fertil Dev 2007; 19:13-23. [PMID: 17389131 DOI: 10.1071/rd06126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress in cryopreservation of mammalian oocytes and embryos, many of the molecular and biochemical events that underlie this technology are poorly understood. In recent years, researchers have focused on obtaining viable oocytes that are developmentally competent. Even under the most favourable conditions, experimental approaches have achieved only limited success compared with fresh oocytes used in routine in vitro embryo production. Chilling injuries and toxic effects of the cryoprotectants are the major adverse consequences following cryoprocedures. To overcome these problems, different strategies have been developed for improving cryopreservation results. These strategies include reducing container volumes, increasing the thermal gradient, changing the cell surface/volume ratio, enhancing cryotolerance by supplementation with various additives or modifying the lipid composition of the oocyte membrane. In order to develop new strategies for reducing the various forms of stress associated with oocyte cryopreservation, it is fundamental to gain a better understanding of the major changes responsible for poor post-thaw survival. With this knowledge, we hope that oocyte cryostorage will become a fully reliable reproductive technique in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Ledda
- Department of Animal Biology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
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46
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Abstract
Vitrification is an "ice-free" cryopreservation method that has rapidly developed in recent years and might become the method of choice for oocyte cryopreservation. Five sources of damage should be considered when attempting to achieve successful oocyte cryopreservation by vitrification: (1) Solution effects (2) Crystallization (3) Glass fractures (4) Devitrification and recrystallization (5) Chilling injury. The probability of successful vitrification depends on three major factors: viscosity of the sample; cooling and warming rates; and sample volume. One of the problems associated with the vitrification solution is that it may contain high concentrations of cryoprotectants (CP), which can damage the cells through chemical toxicity and osmotic shock. In the present study, we examined the principal parameters associated with successful vitrification, and attempted to compose guidelines to the most important aspects of the vitrification process. The first step was the selection of a suitable and least toxic vitrification solution. We then evaluated the effects of cooling rate and volume on the probability of vitrification. Reduction of the sample volume, combined with accelerated cooling, enabled reduction of the CP concentration. However, in practice, a delicate balance must be maintained among all the factors that affect the probability of vitrification in order to prevent crystallization, devitrification, recrystallization, glass fractures and chilling injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Yavin
- Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel
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47
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Horvath G, Seidel GE. Vitrification of bovine oocytes after treatment with cholesterol-loaded methyl-β-cyclodextrin. Theriogenology 2006; 66:1026-33. [PMID: 16620935 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2006.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2005] [Accepted: 02/07/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
A major site of cryoinjury during cryopreservation of mammalian oocytes is the plasma membrane. Chilling can irreversibly damage plasma membrane integrity during the lipid phase transition that occurs upon cooling. Membranes containing higher cholesterol concentrations are more fluid at lower temperatures and therefore less sensitive to cooling. The purpose of this study was to determine if cryosurvival of vitrified oocytes could be improved by incubation with cholesterol-loaded methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (CLC) prior to vitrification in the presence or absence of fetal calf serum (FCS), and if cholesterol could enter oocytes through cumulus cells and the zona pellucida. Cumulus-enclosed oocytes incubated with various concentrations (0, 0.75 or 1.5 mg/mL) of CLC in the presence of FCS for 25-45 min prior to vitrification did not result in different rates of development after warming of vitrified oocytes, followed by in vitro fertilization. However, there was an increase (P<0.05) in cleavage and number of eight-cell embryos from oocytes preincubated for 1h with 2mg/mL CLC in a chemically defined system and then handled and vitrified in chemically defined media, in comparison to those not exposed to CLC prior to vitrification or to those handled and vitrified in the presence of FCS (55, 41 and 38% eight-cell embryos, respectively). Fluorescence was seen in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) previously exposed to CLC containing cholesterol labeled with a fluorescent dye; fluorescence was also seen in oocytes after removal of the cumulus cells. Oocytes not exposed to the labeled cholesterol did not fluoresce. Cholesterol from CLC readily entered cumulus cells and oocytes and improved survival in chemically defined vitrification systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Horvath
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1683, USA
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48
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Ghetler Y, Skutelsky E, Ben Nun I, Ben Dor L, Amihai D, Shalgi R. Human oocyte cryopreservation and the fate of cortical granules. Fertil Steril 2006; 86:210-6. [PMID: 16756978 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.12.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2005] [Revised: 12/05/2005] [Accepted: 12/05/2005] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of the commonly used oocyte cryopreservation protocol on the cortical granules (CGs) of human immature germinal vesicle (GV) and mature metaphase II (MII) oocytes. DESIGN Laboratory study. SETTING IVF unit. INTERVENTION(S) Unfertilized, intracytoplasmic sperm injected (ICSI) oocytes, and immature oocytes were cryopreserved using a slow freezing-rapid thawing program with 1,2-propanediol (PROH) as a cryoprotectant. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Cortical granule exocytosis (CGE) was assessed by either confocal microscopy or transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULT(S) The survival rates of frozen-thawed oocytes (mature and immature) were significantly lower compared with zygotes. Both mature and immature oocytes exhibited increased fluorescence after cryopreservation, indicating the occurrence of CGE. Mere exposure of oocytes to cryoprotectants induced CGE of 70% the value of control zygotes. The TEM revealed a drastic reduction in the amount of CGs at the cortex of frozen-thawed GV and MII oocytes, as well as appearance of vesicles in the ooplasm. CONCLUSION(S) The commonly used PROH freezing protocol for human oocytes resulted in extensive CGE. This finding explains why ICSI is needed to achieve fertilization of frozen-thawed human oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehudith Ghetler
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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49
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Ambrosini G, Andrisani A, Porcu E, Rebellato E, Revelli A, Caserta D, Cosmi E, Marci R, Moscarini M. Oocytes cryopreservation: state of art. Reprod Toxicol 2006; 22:250-62. [PMID: 16787736 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2006.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2006] [Revised: 04/26/2006] [Accepted: 04/27/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the present review article we sought to analyze, on the basis of a systematic review, the indications, rationale of oocytes cryopreservation, as well as the techniques that improved the aforementioned procedure in order to higher the pregnancy rate in women undergoing that procedure. Moreover, we pointed out the importance of oocytes cryopreservation in the research field as oocyte banking may be of utmost importance to increase the availability of oocytes for research applications such as genetic engineering or embryo cloning. Oocyte freezing has 25 year of history alternating successes and setbacks. Human oocytes have a delicate architecture but are freezable. Clinical efficiency remains low, but healthy children have been born, indicating that chromosomally normal embryos can originate from frozen oocytes. Freezing protocols are not yet optimal and it is now desirable to combine empirical and theoretical knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ambrosini
- Department of Gynecological Science and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padua School of Medicine, Padua, Italy
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50
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Rodríguez A, Gómez E, Antolín I, Duque P, Hidalgo CO, Alonso C, Tamargo C, Fernández L, Carbajo M, Facal N, Caamaño JN, Díez C. Ultrastructure and Development of Vitrified/Warmed Bovine Oocytes Matured with 9-cis Retinoic Acid. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1089/cpt.2006.4.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aida Rodríguez
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Gijón, Spain
| | - Enrique Gómez
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Gijón, Spain
| | - Isaac Antolín
- Facultad de Medicina. Julián Clavería s/n. Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Paloma Duque
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Gijón, Spain
- Present address: Centro de Fertilización in vitro de Asturias (CEFIVA), Gijón, Spain
| | - Carlos O. Hidalgo
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Gijón, Spain
| | - Cristina Alonso
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Gijón, Spain
| | - Carolina Tamargo
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Gijón, Spain
| | - Lina Fernández
- Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Vegazana, Leon, Spain
| | - Maite Carbajo
- Facultad de Veterinaria, Campus de Vegazana, Leon, Spain
| | - Nieves Facal
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Gijón, Spain
| | - José Néstor Caamaño
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Gijón, Spain
| | - Carmen Díez
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Gijón, Spain
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