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Bagheri MJ, Rezazadeh Valojerdi M, Salehnia M. The Effects of Endometrial Mesenchymal Stem Cells on The In Vitro Maturation of Germinal Vesicle Oocytes in Hanging Drop and Sodium Alginate Hydrogel Co-Culture Systems. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2024; 18:278-285. [PMID: 38973282 PMCID: PMC11245584 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2023.2006017.1487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to investigate the co-culture effects of human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (EnMSCs) with mouse oocytes to enhance their maturation and development by using the hanging drop and sodium alginate hydrogel methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this experimental study, we prepared human EnMSCs (2.5×105 cells/mL) and co-cultured them with partially denuded mouse oocytes by the hanging drop (n=120) and sodium alginate hydrogel (n=120) methods. Control oocytes (n=230, total) were cultured in both systems in the absence of human EnMSCs for 18 hours. Both survival and maturation rates of the oocytes were analysed morphologically. After insemination with capacitated sperm, the fertilization and development of the embryos up to the blastocyst stage were assessed and compared statistically for all of the study groups via one-way ANOVA and the t tests. RESULTS Oocytes cultured in the hanging drop method had a significantly higher survival rate than their control group (92.60 ± 4.36% vs. 84.20 ± 3.12%, P=0.018). There were no significant differences between the two experimental groups in terms of survival. The mean percent of oocytes that reached the metaphase II (MII) stage was 64.35 ± 3.19% and fertilised was 62.25 ± 4.43% in the hanging drop method; these rates were 63.43 ± 1.92% and 58.14 ± 4.14 in sodium alginate hydrogel method, respectively. These rates were higher than their controls (P<0.050), but there were no statistical differences between the two experimental groups (P>0.050). Among the studied groups, the highest significant blastocyst rate (32.55 ± 2.18%) was observed in the hanging drop experimental group (P=0.0017). CONCLUSION The results of this study show that human EnMSCs improve the survival, maturation, and development rates of oocytes and they could have future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Jafar Bagheri
- Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mojdeh Salehnia
- Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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2
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Gödöny K, Herczeg R, Gyenesei A, Várnagy Á, Bognár Z, Kovács GL, Szekeres-Barthó J, Mauchart P, Nagy B, Erostyák J, Kovács K, Bódis J. Clinical Benefits of Decreased Photo-Oxidative Stress on Human Embryo Development. Med Princ Pract 2024; 33:112-121. [PMID: 38262379 PMCID: PMC11095584 DOI: 10.1159/000536358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Early embryonic development is characterized by rapid cell division and gene activation, making the embryo extremely sensitive to environmental influences. Light exposure can affect embryonic development through a direct toxic effect on the embryo via the generation of reactive oxygen species. In a previous study, we demonstrated the positive effect of improved light-protected embryo culture conditions implemented in our laboratory. This study aimed to investigate the changes in human embryo development under light protection during the conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). MATERIALS AND METHODS We tested the potential beneficial effect of light filters to reduce the risk of toxic effects of light. IVF outcomes were compared between two experimental conditions, light protection with red light filters versus no light protection as a control. RESULTS Blastocyst development rate in IVF was significantly higher in the light-protected group than in the group treated under conventional conditions (46.6 vs. 26.7%). In the case of ICSI, we obtained a similar result (44.5 vs. 31.6%). The rate of cryopreservation with at least one embryo was higher in the light-protected phase (32.8%) than in the conventionally manipulated phase (26.8%). The abortion rate was also significantly lower during the light-protected period in IVF, resulting in a higher live birth rate. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of light protection to reduce the embryotoxic wavelengths of light in IVF centers may improve the blastocyst development rate and embryo quality while maintaining embryo safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina Gödöny
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- HUN-REN-PTE Human Reproduction Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Róbert Herczeg
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Attila Gyenesei
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ákos Várnagy
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- HUN-REN-PTE Human Reproduction Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Bognár
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gábor L Kovács
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Júlia Szekeres-Barthó
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- HUN-REN-PTE Human Reproduction Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Péter Mauchart
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- HUN-REN-PTE Human Reproduction Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Bernadett Nagy
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- HUN-REN-PTE Human Reproduction Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - János Erostyák
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Physics, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Kálmán Kovács
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- HUN-REN-PTE Human Reproduction Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - József Bódis
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- HUN-REN-PTE Human Reproduction Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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3
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Baouche M, Ochota M, Mermillod P, Locatelli Y, Nizanski W. Feline Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells as a feeder layer for oocytes maturation and embryos culture in vitro. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1252484. [PMID: 37869498 PMCID: PMC10590214 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1252484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Due to their capacity to release growth factors and cytokines, co-culture using mesenchymal stem cells has been considered a good alternative to promoting the maturation of the oocytes and the embryo's development quality in vitro in different mammalian species. In this regard, we investigated the effect of feline Wharton's jelly MSCs as feeders layer in oocyte maturation-consequently, the development of resulting embryos in co-culture. Methods Oocytes with dark cytoplasm and a few layers of cumulus cells were collected and subjected to in vitro maturation and embryo culture using commercial media with and without MSCs addition. The oocytes' nuclear maturation and the degree of cumulus expansion in different groups were assessed after 24 h; the development of the embryo was evaluated every 12 h until day eight. Results Although MSCs increased the proportion of cumulus cells oocytes exhibiting cumulus expansion, there were no significant differences in the percentage of matured oocytes (metaphase II) among the groups (p > 0.05). However, the embryo development differs significantly, with a higher cleavage, morula, and blastocyst percentage in oocytes matured with MSC co-culture conditions than in commercial media alone (p < 0.05). Also, we observed higher morula and blastocyst rates in the embryos co-cultured with MSCs during the in vitro culture (p > 0.05). Conclusion Based on our results, the co-culture with MSCs during the oocyte maturation resulted in better embryo development, as well as the MSCs addition during embryo culture returned an increased number of morula and blastocysts. Further research is needed to fully understand and optimize the use of MSCs in oocyte maturation and embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meriem Baouche
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Ochota
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Pascal Mermillod
- Physiology of Reproduction and Behaviors (PRC), INRAE, CNRS, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Yann Locatelli
- Physiology of Reproduction and Behaviors (PRC), INRAE, CNRS, University of Tours, Tours, France
- Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Réserve Zoologique de la Haute Touche, Obterre, France
| | - Wojciech Nizanski
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
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Shafiei G, Moghani-Ghoroghi F, Miyan J, Almasi M, Kashani IR, Nikzad H, Hosseini ES, Moshkdanian G. Melatonin protects against visible light-induced oxidative stress and promotes the implantation potential of mouse blastocyst in vitro. Res Vet Sci 2023; 155:29-35. [PMID: 36610243 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2022.12.003] [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: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Improvement of embryo culture media using antioxidant agents could help to improve embryo quality against environmental factors such as visible light and could overcome implantation failures. The usefulness of the melatonin against the effect of light on the expression of the primary implantation receptors, ErbB1 and ErbB4 on pre-implantation mouse embryo was investigated. Two-cell mouse embryos were exposed to the 1600 LUX light for 30 min then randomly divided into 3 groups including: Melatonin-Treated; Luzindole Treated and Simple media as a Control group. After 72-96 The expanded blastocysts were examined for morphological quality of the embryos by Hoechst and propidium iodide staining and for the expression of ErbB1 and ErbB4 by Real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry. The expression of the Sirt3 gene was also assayed. Furthermore, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were examined by DCFH-DA fluorescence intensity and radical cation respectively. The number of cells in the inner cell mass (ICM) and outer cell mass (OCM) were elevated significantly in the Melatonin-treated group suggesting increased viability and proliferation. Furthermore, we found that melatonin significantly increased the expression levels of ErbB1, ErbB4, and Sirt3 genes, and the protein expression of ErbB1, ErbB4 correlated with intracellular ROS levels and TAC significantly increased after melatonin treatment. Together, these results demonstrate that melatonin could be helpful to improve preimplantation embryos through its effects in decreasing ROS levels and increasing expression of implantation-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Golnaz Shafiei
- Department of Anatomy, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Jaleel Miyan
- Neurobiology Research Group, Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Majid Almasi
- Gametogenesis Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Iraj Ragerdi Kashani
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Nikzad
- Gametogenesis Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | | | - Ghazaleh Moshkdanian
- Gametogenesis Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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5
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Toxic effect of light on oocyte and pre-implantation embryo: a systematic review. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:3161-3169. [PMID: 34448882 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03139-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In the female reproductive tract, oocytes and embryos are in a dark environment, while during the in vitro fertilization (IVF) they are exposed to various visible and invisible lights such as daylight, microscope, and laminar hood fluorescent lights. Studies have shown that light could damage cellular compartments of oocytes and embryos and consequently decrease rates of fertilization, development, and blastocyst formation. However, due to the lack of consensus about the effects of light on the embryos, and subsequently the inability to make definitive decisions regarding the light exposure management to improve IVF results, in the present study, we systematically reviewed the effect of light with different wavelengths and intensities on pre-implantation embryos. The toxic impact of light depends on the wavelength, intensity, and duration of light exposure and also the stage of embryo. Therefore, reducing the observation time of embryos out of the incubator and also using light filters can alleviate the detrimental effect of light in IVF labs.
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6
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Azari M, Kafi M, Asaadi A, Pakniat Z, Abouhamzeh B. Bovine oocyte developmental competence and gene expression following co-culturing with ampullary cells: An experimental study. Int J Reprod Biomed 2021; 19:371-380. [PMID: 33997596 PMCID: PMC8106812 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v19i4.9063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is no sufficient information on the impact of bovine ampullary oviductal epithelial cells (BAOECs) on in vitro oocyte maturation competence and gene expression. Objective This study aimed to examine the oocyte developmental competence following co-culturing with a monolayer of fresh and frozen-thawed ampullary cells. Materials and Methods Bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were distributed into three groups: control group; where in COCs were cultured in cell-free media for 24 hr and FML and FTML groups in which the COCs were cultured in maturation media for 18 hr and then transferred into a media containing fresh and frozen-thawed BAOECs monolayer, respectively (BAOECs were extracted from the oviducts of slaughtered cattle and were then cultured freshly or frozen-thawed) for a further 6 hr. After 24 hr, the expanded COCs were evaluated for nuclear maturation, fertilization rate, and gene expression (GDF9, StAR, CASP3, and FSHr). Results Nuclear maturation rate in the FTML group was significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.02). The fertilization rate of FTML group was significantly higher than the control and FML groups (p = 0.05 and p = 0.03, respectively). In terms of gene expression, GDF9 were upregulated in the presence of the BAOECs during the last 6 hr of the in vitro maturation (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the expression of the StAR gene in the FTML group was higher than the other groups (p = 0.02). Conclusion Ampullary cells co-culturing (especially frozen-thawed cells) for in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes yields encourages the results and demonstrates the beneficial effect of co-culture on gene expression and developmental competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Azari
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Kafi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Anise Asaadi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zohreh Pakniat
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Beheshteh Abouhamzeh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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7
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In vitro maturation on ovarian granulosa cells encapsulated in agarose matrix improves developmental competence of porcine oocytes. Theriogenology 2021; 164:42-50. [PMID: 33540369 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In vivo, mammalian oocytes are surrounded by granulosa cells (GCs) that exist in a three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment with soft stiffness. The GCs play an important role for the in vivo growth and development of oocytes, through bidirectional communication between oocytes and GCs. To mimic the cellular microenvironment of a 3D organized follicle, this study designed a co-culture system using porcine ovarian GCs (pGCs) encapsulated in agarose matrix for in vitro maturation (IVM) of pig oocytes. We report the effects of our newly designed co-culture system on IVM and development of pig oocytes. Immature cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) were matured on a 1% (w/v) agarose matrix encapsulated without or with pGCs. The number of pGCs within the agarose matrix was optimized by analyzing the in vitro development of parthenogenetic embryos. Moreover, the role of the ovarian stromal pGCs as feeder cells was assessed by analyzing the PA embryonic development. Subsequently, the effect of pGCs encapsulated in a 3D agarose matrix was evaluated for the developmental competence of pig oocytes by analyzing blastocyst formation after parthenogenetic activation (PA), intra-oocyte GSH and ROS contents, expression levels of BMP15 and BAX, TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated d-UTP nick end-labeling) assay, protein expression levels of BMP15, and intra-oocyte ATP levels. The optimized number of pGCs (5 × 104 cells/well) in a 3D agarose matrix led to a significantly higher blastocyst formation, increased BMP15 gene and protein expression, and intra-oocyte ATP levels; moreover, it induced significantly lower intra-oocyte ROS contents, pro-apoptotic BAX gene expression, and apoptotic index, compared to control. Our results demonstrate that application of pGCs as feeder cells encapsulated in the agarose matrix for IVM effectively increases the developmental competence of porcine oocytes.
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Gonçalves MF, Asensi KD, Nascimento ALL, de Barros JHO, Santos RDA, Andrade CBVD, Kasai-Brunswick TH, Frajblat M, Ortiga-Carvalho TM, Goldenberg RCDS. Human Menstrual Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Cells Improve Mouse Embryonic Development. Tissue Eng Part A 2020; 26:769-779. [PMID: 32493133 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2020.0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a constant need for improving embryo culture conditions in assisted reproduction. One possibility is to use mesenchymal stem/stromal cells derived from menstrual blood (mbMSCs), with an endometrial origin. In this study, we sought to analyze the expansion of mouse embryos in a direct coculture model with mbMSCs. Our results showed that after five passages, mbMSCs presented a spindle-shaped morphology, with surface markers that were comparable with the normal mesenchymal cell phenotype. mbMSCs could differentiate into adipogenic and osteogenic lineages and secrete angiopoetin-2 and hepatocyte growth factor. The coculture experiments employed 103 two-cell-stage embryos that were randomly divided into two groups: control (n = 50), embryos cultured in GV-Blast medium, and cocultured mbMSCs (n = 53), embryos cocultured with GV-Blast and mbMSCs. Typically, two to three embryos were placed in a well with 200 μL of culture medium and observed until developmental day 5. After 5 days, the cocultured group had more embryos in the blastocyst stage (69.8%) when compared with the control group (30%) (p < 0.001). It was also found that nearly 57% of blastocysts in the cocultured group reached the hatching stage, while only 13% achieved this stage in the control group (p < 0.001). Analyses of cultured mbMSCs and growth media, in the presence or absence of an embryo, were also performed. Immunofluorescence detected similar levels of collagen I and III and fibronectin in both mbMSCs and cocultured mbMSCs, and similar amounts of growth factors, VEGF, PDGF-AA, and PDGF-BB, were also observed in the conditioned medium, regardless of embryo presence. The present study describes, for the first time, an easy, noninvasive, and autologous method that could potentially increase blastocyst growth rates during assisted reproductive procedures (i.e., in vitro fertilization). It is proposed that this mbMSC coculture strategy enriches the embryonic microenvironment and promotes embryo development. This technique may complement or replace existing assisted reproduction methods and is directly relevant to the field of personalized medicine. Impact statement The study demonstrates a novel and potentially personalized assisted reproduction approach. The search for alternative and autologous methods provides assisted reproduction patients with a better chance of a successful pregnancy. In this study, mesenchymal cells derived from menstrual blood resembled the outside uterine surface and could potentially be employed for improving embryo outgrowth. Our protocol enriches the embryonic microenvironment and facilitates high-quality single-embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karina Dutra Asensi
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Anna Luiza Lima Nascimento
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Rosana de Almeida Santos
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Tais Hanae Kasai-Brunswick
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,National Center of Structural Biology and Bioimaging, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcel Frajblat
- Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tania M Ortiga-Carvalho
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Regina Coeli Dos Santos Goldenberg
- Carlos Chagas Filho Institute of Biophysics, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology for Regenerative Medicine-REGENERA, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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9
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Bódis J, Gödöny K, Várnagy Á, Kovács K, Koppán M, Nagy B, Erostyák J, Herczeg R, Szekeres-Barthó J, Gyenesei A, Kovács GL. How to Reduce the Potential Harmful Effects of Light on Blastocyst Development during IVF. Med Princ Pract 2020; 29:558-564. [PMID: 32474560 PMCID: PMC7768157 DOI: 10.1159/000509016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Earlier findings revealed the damaging effect of visible light on zygotes and gametes. The aim of our study is to eliminate or significantly reduce the potentially harmful effects of light exposure during in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and to investigate the effect of light protection on embryo development and implantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS To protect sperm cells, oocytes, and embryos from the potential harmful effects of light exposure during laboratory procedures, we created a dark environment for the cells and applied red filters on laboratory lamps and UV or infrared filters in the microscopes in order to eliminate white light exposure of the cells throughout all work stages. RESULTS The fertilization rate was significantly (p = 0.011) higher in light-protected ICSI cycles. Blastocyst development rates (blastocyst/embryo) were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in light-protected embryos than in those manipulated in conventional light conditions both in IVF (20.9% difference) and ICSI (38.6% difference). Numbers of clinical pregnancies/transfers of ICSI fertilized day 5 blastocysts were also significantly (p = 0.040) higher in light-protected conditions. CONCLUSIONS These data show that light protection has a positive effect on fertilization rate and increases the blastocyst development as well as the number of clinical pregnancies/transfers. Implementation of this light protection method in IVF centers may improve the success rate while maintaining maximal embryo safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- József Bódis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Gödöny
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ákos Várnagy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Kálmán Kovács
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Miklós Koppán
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Bernadett Nagy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary,
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, Pécs, Hungary,
| | - János Erostyák
- Institute of Physics, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, Pécs, Hungary
| | | | - Julia Szekeres-Barthó
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, Pécs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, Pécs, Hungary
| | | | - Gabor L Kovács
- MTA-PTE Human Reproduction Scientific Research Group, Pécs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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10
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Lv B, Liu C, Chen Y, Qi L, Wang L, Ji Y, Xue Z. Light-induced injury in mouse embryos revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing. Biol Res 2019; 52:48. [PMID: 31466525 PMCID: PMC6716870 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-019-0256-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Light exposure is a common stress factor in in vitro manipulation of embryos in the reproductive center. Many studies have shown the deleterious effects of high-intensity light exposure in different animal embryos. However, no transcriptomic studies have explored the light-induced injury and response in preimplantation embryos. Results Here, we adopt different time-courses and illumination intensities to treat mouse embryos at the 2-cell stage and evaluate their effects on blastulation. Meanwhile, single-cell transcriptomes from the 2-cell to blastocyst stage were analyzed after high-intensity light exposure. These data show that cells at each embryonic stage can be categorized into different light conditions. Further analyses of differentially expressed genes and GO terms revealed the light-induced injury as well as the potential repair response after high-intensity lighting. Maternal-to-zygote transition is also affected by the failure to remove maternal RNAs and deactivate zygotic genome expression. Conclusion Our work revealed an integrated response to high-intensity lighting, involving morphological changes, long-lasting injury effects, and intracellular damage repair mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Lv
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Chaojie Liu
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yu Chen
- School of Life Sciences and Environment, Avans University of Applied Sciences, Breda, 4818 AJ, The Netherlands
| | - Lingbin Qi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yazhong Ji
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China.
| | - Zhigang Xue
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China. .,Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China.
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11
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Ascari IJ, Martins SC, Camargo LSA, Mendez-Otero R. Development of bovine embryos in vitro in coculture with murine mesenchymal stem cells and embryonic fibroblasts. Mol Biol Rep 2018; 45:1827-1837. [PMID: 30145640 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-018-4329-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite the progress on development of new culture media, in vitro-produced embryos still display lower quality when compared to the in vivo-produced counterparts. Coculture has been reconsidered as an alternative to improve embryo quality. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) have been extensively used as feeder layers due to their capacity to release growth factors. In the present study we investigated the effect of these feeder layers in oocyte maturation and/or embryo development under in vitro conditions. Oocytes were matured in control (CTRL) conditions or in coculture with MSC or MEF. In vitro fertilization and embryo culture until fourth day were performed in CTRL condition for all groups. Embryos from fourth day on were then cultured until the eighth day in CTRL or in coculture system. No significant differences for metaphase II stage and apoptosis in oocytes were found among the groups. There was also no difference among the groups when we evaluated blastocyst formation on the seventh and eighth day, with exception of a higher hatched blastocyst rate in the group maturated and cultivated in CTRL condition when compared to the group matured and cocultured with MSC. Also no difference was observed in the number of cells in the whole embryos, in the inner cell mass, in the trophoblast and at apoptotic stage on the eighth day. We conclude that coculture with MSC or MEF during maturation and/or embryo development do not enhance the in vitro production of bovine embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan J Ascari
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Sávio C Martins
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade José do Rosário Vellano, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Rosalia Mendez-Otero
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
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12
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Swain JE. Novel Imaging Techniques to Assess Gametes and Preimplantation Embryos. Hum Reprod 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/9781118849613.ch6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jason E. Swain
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor MI USA
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13
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Jasmin, Peters VM, Spray DC, Mendez-Otero R. Effect of mesenchymal stem cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts on the development of preimplantation mouse embryos. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2016; 52:497-506. [PMID: 26744031 PMCID: PMC5140089 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-015-9997-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in assisted reproduction techniques, the poor quality and failures in embryo in vitro development remain as drawbacks resulting in low pregnancy rate. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) have been widely used to support embryonic stem cells. Mesenchymal cells (MSCs) have also been shown to release bioactive factors. In the present study, we have evaluated the ability of MSCs and MEFs to support early development of mouse embryos. The embryos were cultivated alone or in coculture with inactivated MSC or MEF for 4 d. After 4 d in culture, the percentage of blastocyst formation in coculture with MSC (91.7 ± 4.3%) or MEF (95.1 ± 3.3%) was higher than in the control group (72.2 ± 9.0%). We did not observe any difference in proliferation or apoptosis. However, the blastocysts cocultured with MSC or MEF presented a significantly higher number of cells within the inner cell mass per embryo when compared to the controls. The MSC and MEF groups presented also a higher cell number and diameter when compared to the control (CTRL). In summary, our data indicate that coculture with MSC or MEF improves early embryonic development and quality in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Centro de Biologia da Reprodução, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Vera Maria Peters
- Centro de Biologia da Reprodução, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - David C Spray
- Dept. of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY, USA
| | - Rosalia Mendez-Otero
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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14
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Swain JE. Could time-lapse embryo imaging reduce the need for biopsy and PGS? J Assist Reprod Genet 2013; 30:1081-90. [PMID: 23842747 PMCID: PMC3790111 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-013-0048-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Accepted: 07/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To review relevant studies examining the relationship between embryo morpho-kinetics and aneuploidy. METHODS Search of Pubmed and Medline using relevant keywords pertaining to morphology, morphokinetics and embryonic aneuploidy, as well as examination of various reference lists and conference proceedings. RESULTS An abundance of publications, both preliminary and peer-reviewed, have emerged regarding the usefulness of time-lapse imaging in tracking embryo development and improving embryo selection. Recently, these publications have explored ability to not only predict blastocyst formation and implantation, but also the ability to detect embryonic chromosomal aneuploidy. Of the two peer-reviewed retrospective studies on morpho-kinetics and embryonic aneuploidy, one demonstrates that early cleavage timings can indicate chromosomal complement, while the other demonstrates that key events following the maternal-zygotic transition can be markers of aneuploidy. A recent paper also demonstrates improved outcomes following IVF using a selection algorithm to identify embryos at "low risk" of chromosomal abnormalities. However, the predictive nature of these events and timings is far from ideal. Additionally, results may be dependent upon the day of biopsy and method utilized for chromosomal assessment. CONCLUSION With continued effort, the combination of multiple morphologic endpoint assessments and developmental timings and refinement of modeling systems may improve the predictive ability to determine embryonic aneuploidy. This may help select a subset of embryos that are less likely to carry chromosomal abnormalities and improve assisted reproductive outcomes. However, embryo biopsy, followed by preimplantation genetic screening/comprehensive chromosomal screening still remains the most reliable method to assess chromosomal complement of preimplantation embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason E Swain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, University of Michigan, 475 Market Place Bldg 1 Ste B, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, USA,
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15
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Antioxidants rescue stressed embryos at a rate comparable with co-culturing of embryos with human umbilical cord mesenchymal cells. J Assist Reprod Genet 2011; 28:343-9. [PMID: 21207131 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-010-9529-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2010] [Accepted: 12/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE During laboratory manipulations, oocytes and embryos are inevitably exposed to suboptimal conditions that interfere with the normal development of embryos. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, we examined the effects of antioxidants, feeder cells and a conditioned medium on embryo development and cleavage rate following exposure of the embryos to suboptimal conditions. We exposed mouse two-cell embryos to visible light and divided them into four groups: control (E-ctr), co-culture (Co-c), conditioned medium (Cndm) and antioxidant-plus medium (Aopm). We used human umbilical cord matrix-derived mesenchymal cells for co-culture. A group of embryos was not exposed to visible light and served as the non-exposed control (NE-ctr) group. RESULTS The developmental rate was higher in NE-ctr embryos than in the E-ctr group. Exposed embryos in the various groups showed a comparable developmental rate at different stages. Blastomere number significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the Co-c and Aopm groups compared with the E-ctr and Cndm groups. No significant difference was observed between the Co-c and Aopm groups. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that in suboptimal conditions, antioxidants could improve the embryo cleavage rate in the same way as feeder cells. Antioxidants probably improve embryo quality through their ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species.
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Nematollahi-mahani SN, Nematollahi-mahani A, Moshkdanian G, Shahidzadehyazdi Z, Labibi F. The role of co-culture systems on developmental competence of preimplantation mouse embryos against pH fluctuations. J Assist Reprod Genet 2009; 26:597-604. [PMID: 19937465 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-009-9363-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2009] [Accepted: 10/28/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the effect of pH fluctuations of culture media, and the role of co-culture systems on embryo development. METHODS Mouse embryos were incubated in phosphate buffered solutions (PBSs) with different pH for various lengths of time. After 3 h incubation of embryos at various pH, the embryos were transferred into four media with human (HEF) and mouse (MEF) embryonic fibroblast cells, and without feeder cells; HTF and MEM-alpha. Developmental rate at day three (morula), four (expanded blastocyst) and five (hatching or hatched blastocyst) was evaluated. RESULTS Developmental rate at day three, four and five decreased when the incubation time at pH 6.2 and 8 increased to 3 h and more. In addition, significantly less embryos incubated at pH 6.2 and 8 developed to hatching and hatched blastocysts compared with pH 7.35. Embryos incubated at pH 6.2, co-cultured with MEF or HEF showed a significant improvement (P < 0.05) at day three in HEF compared to HTF, and at day five in MEF compared to HTF. At pH 8, a significant improvement (P < 0.05) was observed at day five in HEF and MEF compared to MEM-alpha. CONCLUSIONS Mouse 2-cell embryos could tolerate minor pH fluctuations, but that major pH changes affect subsequent development. Besides, feeder cells could improve embryo development, especially when embryos are prone to rise or fall in pH.
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