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Burks CA, Purdue-Smithe A, DeVilbiss E, Mumford S, Weinerman R. Frozen autologous and donor oocytes are associated with differences in clinical and neonatal outcomes compared with fresh oocytes: a Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System Analysis. F S Rep 2024; 5:40-46. [PMID: 38524209 PMCID: PMC10958684 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2023.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To study the clinical and neonatal outcomes of embryos derived from frozen oocytes relative to fresh oocytes in both autologous and donor oocyte cycles after fresh embryo transfer (ET). Design This is a retrospective cohort study using the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System database between 2014 and 2015. Setting The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System database was used to identify autologous and donor oocyte cycles that resulted in a fresh ET during 2014 and 2015. Patients There were 154,706 total cycles identified that used embryos derived from fresh or frozen oocytes and resulted in a fresh ET, including 139,734 autologous oocyte cycles and 14,972 donor oocyte cycles. Interventions Generalized linear regression models were used to compare the clinical and neonatal outcomes of frozen oocytes relative to fresh oocytes. Models were adjusted for maternal age, body mass index, smoking status, parity, infertility diagnosis, number of embryos transferred, and preimplantation genetic testing. An additional sensitivity analysis was performed to examine singleton pregnancies separately. Main Outcome Measures The live birth (LB) rate was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include pregnancy and birthweight outcomes. Results Differences in clinical and neonatal outcomes between fresh and frozen-thawed oocytes after fresh ET were observed. Specifically, our study found a higher incidence of high-birthweight infants after the use of frozen oocytes relative to fresh oocytes in both autologous oocytes (12.5% [frozen] vs. 4.5% [fresh], adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 2.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.65-4.3) and donor oocyte cycles (6.2% [frozen] vs. 4.6% [fresh], aRR 1.42, 95% CI 1.1-1.83). This finding remained true when the analysis was restricted to singleton gestations only for both groups: autologous (17.3% [frozen] vs. 7.1% [fresh], aRR 2.77, 95% CI 1.74-4.42) and donor oocytes (9.4% [frozen] vs. 7.8% [fresh], aRR 1.38, 95% CI 1.07-1.77). Additionally, we observed a decrease in LB (aRR 0.81, 95% CI 0.77-0.85); clinical pregnancy (aRR 0.83, 95% CI 0.8-0.87); and an increase in biochemical pregnancy loss (aRR 1.22, 95% CI 1.05-1.43) after the use of frozen oocytes in donors, but not autologous cycles. Conclusions Our findings of an increased incidence of high-birthweight infants after the transfer of embryos derived from frozen oocytes in both autologous and donor oocyte cycles raise questions about oocyte vitrification and deserve further study. Additionally, the finding of a decreased likelihood of LB with frozen-donor oocytes compared with fresh donor oocytes is an important finding, especially because more patients are seeking to use frozen oocytes in their donor egg cycles. Future research should be directed toward these findings to optimize the use of frozen oocytes in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexandra Purdue-Smithe
- Division of Women’s Health, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth DeVilbiss
- Division of Population Health Research, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sunni Mumford
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Philadelphia
| | - Rachel Weinerman
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
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"Comparison of two closed vitrification methods for vitrifying dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) embryos". Theriogenology 2021; 173:123-127. [PMID: 34371439 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A total of 184 dromedary camel embryos were vitrified using a novel vitrification kit specifically developed for camel embryos. These embryos were vitrified using a 3-step process by exposing them to vitrification solutions (VS) containing 20% foetal calf serum (FCS) with (+) or without (-) the addition of bovine serum albumin (BSA). Embryos were then further divided into two groups (<or ≥ 500 μm), vitrified using a closed vitrification system and stored on a Cryolock® embryo storage device or vitrified using solid surface vitrification of the Cryologic Vitrification Method (CVM)™ and stored on a Fibreplug™ embryo storage device. Embryos were then warmed and transferred in pairs, of approximately equal size, into recipient camels on Day 6 after ovulation. A total of 92 embryos were vitrified using the Cryolock; 86 embryos (C-BSA, n = 46; C + BSA, n = 40) survived warming, and were then transferred into 43 recipients. The pregnancy rate (PR) per recipient was 17% (C-BSA: 4/23) and 45% (C + BSA: 9/20) at 20 days after transfer but reduced to 9% and 30% at 60 days of gestation, respectively. For the Fibreplug group, a total of 92 embryos were vitrified, 86 embryos (F-BSA, n = 44; F + BSA, n = 42) survived warming, and were transferred into 43 recipients. The PR per recipient was 73% (F-BSA: 16/22) and 48% (F + BSA: 10/21) at 20 days after transfer but reduced to 50% (11/22) and 33% (7/21) at 60 days of gestation, respectively. Of the 39 pregnancies at 20 days after transfer, 77% (30/39) resulted from embryos with a diameter of 300-450 μm and 23% (9/39) were from embryos with a diameter of 500-850 μm. In conclusion, 1) significantly higher pregnancy rates were achieved when embryos were vitrified using the Fibreplug than using the Cryolock; 2) the effect of BSA on embryo vitrification is dependent on embryo storage device type and embryo diameter; 3) smaller vitrified embryos (<500 μm) tend to produce higher pregnancy rates than larger embryos (≥500 μm), however, the negative effect of embryo size on embryo vitrification is reduced when embryos are frozen using the original novel vitrification kit (no BSA) solid surface vitrification using the CVM.
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Van Heertum K, Lam L, Richardson B, Cartwright MJ, Mesiano SA, Cameron MJ, Weinerman R. Blastocyst Vitrification and Trophectoderm Biopsy Cumulatively Alter Embryonic Gene Expression in a Mouse Model. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:2961-2971. [PMID: 33826099 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00560-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Although embryo vitrification has been used extensively in human assisted reproductive technology (ART) and animal models, epidemiologic evidence and randomized controlled trials suggest differences in pregnancy/perinatal outcomes (birthweight, risk for preterm birth, and pre-eclampsia) between babies born from fresh versus frozen embryo transfers. To address the uncertainty surrounding the effects of laboratory manipulations of embryos on clinical outcomes, we subjected mouse blastocysts to increasing levels of manipulation for transcriptome analysis. Blastocysts were randomly divided into four groups: no manipulation (control), single vitrification/thaw (1 vit), double vitrification/thaw (2 vit), and single vitrification/thaw plus trophectoderm biopsy and again vitrified/thawed (2 vit + bx). Three sets of 15 blastocysts in each group were pooled for RNA sequencing, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways were determined by statistical analysis. Blastocysts were also stained for ZO-1 and F-actin to assess cytoskeletal integrity. Freeze/thaw and biopsy manipulation affected multiple biological pathways. The most significant differences were detected in genes related to innate immunity, apoptosis, and mitochondrial function, with the magnitude of change proportional to the extent to manipulation. Significant disruptions were also seen in cytoskeletal staining, with greater disruptions seen with greater of manipulation. Our data suggests that embryo vitrification and biopsy affect embryo gene transcription, with several identified DEGs that may have plausible mechanisms for the clinical outcomes seen in human offspring following ART. Further study is required to determine whether these alterations in gene expression are associated with clinical differences seen in children born from fresh or frozen embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Van Heertum
- University Hospitals Fertility Center/Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Lisa Lam
- CCRM New York Fertility, New York, NY, 10019, USA
| | - Brian Richardson
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Michael J Cartwright
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Sam A Mesiano
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Mark J Cameron
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Rachel Weinerman
- University Hospitals Fertility Center/Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
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Skidmore JA. The use of some assisted reproductive technologies in old world camelids. Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 207:138-145. [PMID: 31208849 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The use of camels for racing, milking and as show animals is growing in popularity, thus there is increased enthusiasm to breed more of the genetically superior animals. This review highlights recent developments in assisted reproductive techniques in camels, such as embryo transfer and artificial insemination, to ensure more rapid genetic progress. This paper discusses the difficulties involved in handling the semen due to its high viscosity and ways to reduce it. It also examines methods for short term liquid storage of fresh semen with and without the use of antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress. The widespread use of AI in camels is hindered by the lack of a reliable method for deep freezing and long term storage but various freezing protocols, cryoprotectants and freezing and thawing methods are discussed as well as different insemination techniques. Embryo transfer requires the donor to be superovulated and the recipients synchronized. This review discusses different protocols used for superovulation of donor animals and the problems involved. It also examines various methods to synchronize recipients, or how to make best use of non-synchronized or non ovulated recipients. Cryopreservation of embryos would greatly improve the wider use of ET and spread of genetics worldwide so methods for slow cooling and new methods of vitrification with promising results are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian A Skidmore
- Camel Reproduction Centre, P.O. Box 79914, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
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Chen L, Barnett RE, Horstmann M, Bamberger V, Heberle L, Krebs N, Colbourne JK, Gómez R, Weiss LC. Mitotic activity patterns and cytoskeletal changes throughout the progression of diapause developmental program in Daphnia. BMC Cell Biol 2018; 19:30. [PMID: 30594127 PMCID: PMC6310958 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-018-0181-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Diapause is a form of dormancy that is genetically predetermined to allow animals to overcome harsh environmental conditions. It is induced by predictive environmental cues bringing cellular activity levels into a state of suspended animation. Entering diapause requires organismal, molecular and cellular adaptation to severely reduced energy flows. Cells must therefore have evolved strategies that prepare them for periods with limited metabolic resources. However, changes that occur on the (sub-)cellular level have not been thoroughly described. Results We investigated mitotic activity and we monitored cytoskeletal network changes in successive stages of diapausing and non-diapausing Daphnia magna embryos using (immuno-)fluorescent labeling. We find that embryos destined to diapause show a delayed and 2.5x slower mitotic activity in comparison to continuously developing embryos. Development is halted when D. magna embryos reach ~ 3500 cells, whereupon mitotic activity is absent and cytoskeletal components are severely reduced, rendering diapause cells compact and condensed. Conclusion In the initiation phase of diapause, the slower cell division rate points to prolonged interphase duration, preparing the cells for diapause maintenance. During diapause, cytoskeletal depletion and cellular condensation may be a means to save energy resources. Our data provide insights into the sub-cellular change of diapause in Daphnia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luxi Chen
- Department of Animal Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity, Ruhr-University Bochum, NDEF 05/751, Universitaetsstrasse 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Rosemary E Barnett
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Martin Horstmann
- Department of Animal Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity, Ruhr-University Bochum, NDEF 05/751, Universitaetsstrasse 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Verena Bamberger
- Department of Animal Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity, Ruhr-University Bochum, NDEF 05/751, Universitaetsstrasse 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Lea Heberle
- Department of Animal Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity, Ruhr-University Bochum, NDEF 05/751, Universitaetsstrasse 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Nina Krebs
- Department of Animal Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity, Ruhr-University Bochum, NDEF 05/751, Universitaetsstrasse 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - John K Colbourne
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Rocío Gómez
- Departamento de Biología. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Linda C Weiss
- Department of Animal Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity, Ruhr-University Bochum, NDEF 05/751, Universitaetsstrasse 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany.
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Costa RDS, Capuzzo CDS, Ribeiro CDS, Verissimo-Silveira R, Siqueira-Silva DHD, Senhorini JA, Ninhaus-Silveira A. Morphological evaluation of Prochilodus lineatus embryos after vitrification-thawing in high-osmolarity cryoprotectant solution. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53:1353-1358. [PMID: 30011097 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13249] [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: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to vitrify embryos of Prochilodus lineatus in a high-osmolarity cryoprotectant solution, evaluating, after the vitrification-thawing process, their morphological changes. Thus, 240 embryos in the 20-somite phase (20S) were exposed for 20 min to one main internal cryoprotectant solution (1,2-propanediol-PROP), divided into four immersion sequence steps of five minutes each. The first three steps were performed in solutions containing only a main internal cryoprotectant (PROP-2, 3 and 4 M), and the fourth step in a high-osmolarity solution combining internal (PROP + dimethyl sulphoxide-Me2 SO) and external cryoprotectants (sucrose-SUC). The final concentration of vitrification was PROP 5 M + Me2 SO 5 M + SUC 0.2 M. During vitrification, the straws exhibited a translucent solid appearance; however, during thawing, their structure became totally opaque and white. After thawing, the embryos suffered an increase in volume and presented morphological changes including protrusions on the surface of the yolk sac, yolk sac rupture, and optical vesicle degradation. On the inside, we observed intercellular spaces and a yolk syncytial layer (YSL) with altered chromatin. Yet, structures such as somites, neural tube, endoderm and epidermis presented cells with a nucleus and integral mitochondria. We conclude that the use of the tested cryoprotectant solution permits the formation of a vitreous solid and preserves part of the cells of the blastoderm. Yet, the heating protocol does not control recrystallization, resulting in the formation of serious morphological anomalies that prevent the preservation of the embryonic unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael da Silva Costa
- Department of Biology and Animal Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Ilha Solteira, Brazil.,Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | - Caio de Souza Capuzzo
- Department of Biology and Animal Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Ilha Solteira, Brazil
| | - Cristiele da Silva Ribeiro
- Department of Biology and Animal Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Ilha Solteira, Brazil
| | - Rosicleire Verissimo-Silveira
- Department of Biology and Animal Science, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Ilha Solteira, Brazil
| | | | - José Augusto Senhorini
- National Center for Research and Conservation of Continental Fish at the Chico Mendes Institute of Biodiversity Conservation - CEPTA/ICMBio, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Ninhaus-Silveira
- Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
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Panzani D, Rota A, Tesi M, Fanelli D, Camillo F. Update on Donkey Embryo Transfer and Cryopreservation. J Equine Vet Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2017.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Fathi M, Moawad AR, Badr MR. Production of blastocysts following in vitro maturation and fertilization of dromedary camel oocytes vitrified at the germinal vesicle stage. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194602. [PMID: 29543888 PMCID: PMC5854426 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation of oocytes would serve as an alternative to overcome the limited availability of dromedary camel oocytes and facilitate improvements in IVP techniques in this species. Our goal was to develop a protocol for the vitrification of camel oocytes at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage using different cryoprotectant combinations: 20% EG and 20% DMSO (VS1), 25% EG plus 25% DMSO (VS2) or 25% EG and 25% glycerol (VS3) and various cryo-carriers; straws or open pulled-straw (OPS) or solid surface vitrification (SSV); and Cryotop. Viable oocytes were cultured in vitro for 30 h. Matured oocytes were fertilized with epididymal spermatozoa and then cultured in vitro in modified KSOMaa medium for 7 days. Survival and nuclear maturation rates were significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05) in oocytes exposed to VS3 (44.8% and 34.0%, respectively) than those exposed to VS1 (68.2% and 48.0%, respectively) and VS2 (79.3% and 56.9%, respectively). Although recovery rates were significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05) in SSV and Cryotop vitrified oocytes (66.9% to 71.1%) than those vitrified by straws with VS1 or VS2 solutions (86.3% to 91.0%), survival rates were higher in the SSV and Cryotop groups (90.7% to 94.8%) than in the straw and OPS groups (68.2% to 86.5%). Among vitrified groups, maturation and fertilization rates were the highest in the Cryotop-VS2 group (51.8% and 39.2%, respectively). These values were comparable to those seen in the controls (59.2% and 44.6%, respectively). Cleavage (22.5% to 27.9%), morula (13.2% to 14.5%), and blastocyst (6.4% to 8.5%) rates were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) in SSV and Cryotop groups than in straws. No significant differences were observed in these parameters between the Cryotop and control groups. We report for the first time that dromedary oocytes vitrified at the GV-stage have the ability to be matured, fertilized and subsequently develop in vitro to produce blastocysts at frequencies comparable to those obtained using fresh oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Fathi
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Adel R. Moawad
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
- * E-mail:
| | - Magdy R. Badr
- Department of Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Animal Reproduction Research Institute, Agriculture Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
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Gurgul A, Romanek J, Pawlina-Tyszko K, Szmatoła T, Opiela J. Evaluation of changes arising in the pig mesenchymal stromal cells transcriptome following cryopreservation and Trichostatin A treatment. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0192147. [PMID: 29390033 PMCID: PMC5794156 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation is an important procedure in maintenance and clinical applications of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). Although the methods of cell freezing using various cryoprotectants are well developed and allow preserving structurally intact living cells, the freezing process can be considered as a severe cellular stress associated with ice formation, osmotic damage, cryoprotectants migration/cytotoxicity or rapid cell shrinkage. The cellular response to freezing stress is aimed at the restoring of homeostasis and repair of cell damage and is crucial for cell viability. In this study we evaluated the changes arising in the pig mesenchymal stromal cell transcriptome following cryopreservation and showed the vast alterations in cell transcriptional activity (5,575 genes with altered expression) suggesting the engagement in post-thawing cell recovery of processes connected with cell membrane tension regulation, membrane damage repair, cell shape maintenance, mitochondria-connected energy homeostasis and apoptosis mediation. We also evaluated the effect of known gene expression stimulator—Trichostain A (TSA) on the frozen/thawed cells transcriptome and showed that TSA is able to counteract to a certain extent transcriptome alterations, however, its specificity and advantages for cell recovery after cryopreservation require further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Gurgul
- National Research Institute of Animal Production, Department of Genomics and Molecular Biology, Balice, Poland
| | - Joanna Romanek
- National Research Institute of Animal Production, Department of Animal Reproduction Biotechnology, Balice, Poland
| | - Klaudia Pawlina-Tyszko
- National Research Institute of Animal Production, Department of Genomics and Molecular Biology, Balice, Poland
| | - Tomasz Szmatoła
- National Research Institute of Animal Production, Department of Genomics and Molecular Biology, Balice, Poland
| | - Jolanta Opiela
- National Research Institute of Animal Production, Department of Animal Reproduction Biotechnology, Balice, Poland
- * E-mail:
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Herrid M, Vajta G, Skidmore JA. Current status and future direction of cryopreservation of camelid embryos. Theriogenology 2017; 89:20-25. [PMID: 28043352 PMCID: PMC7103127 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 3 decades, and similar to the horse industry, fresh embryo transfer has been widely practiced on large commercial scales in different camelid species, especially the dromedary camel and alpaca. However, the inability to cryopreserve embryos significantly reduces its broader application, and as such limits the capacity to utilize elite genetic resources internationally. In addition, cryopreservation of the semen of camelids is also difficult, suggesting an extreme sensitivity of the germplasm to cooling and freezing. As a result, genetic resources of camelids must continue to be maintained as living collections of animals. Due to concerns over disease outbreaks such as that of the highly pathogenic Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in the Middle East and Asia, there is an urgent need to establish an effective gene banking system for camelid species, especially the camel. The current review compares and summarizes recent progress in the field of camelid embryo cryopreservation, identifying four possible reasons for the slow development of an effective protocol and describing eight future directions to improve the current protocols. At the same time, the results of a recent dromedary camel embryo transfer study which produced a high morphologic integrity and survival rate of Open Pulled Straw-vitrified embryos are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Herrid
- Camel Reproduction Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - G Vajta
- BGI Shenzhen, Beishan Industrial Zone, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China; Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
| | - J A Skidmore
- Camel Reproduction Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
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State of actin cytoskeleton and development of slow-frozen and vitrified rabbit pronuclear zygotes. Cryobiology 2015; 72:14-20. [PMID: 26687386 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2015.11.009] [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: 07/27/2015] [Revised: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
This study was focused on the effect of cryopreservation on the state of actin cytoskeleton and development of rabbit pronuclear zygotes. Zygotes were collected from superovulated females and immediately used for 1) slow-freezing in a solution containing 1.5 M 1,2-propanediol and 0.2 M sucrose, or 2) vitrification in a solution containing 42.0% (v/v) of ethylene glycol, 18.0% (w/v) of dextran and 0.3 M sucrose as cryoprotectants. After thawing or warming, respectively, zygotes were evaluated for 1) actin distribution, 2) in vitro or 3) in vivo development to blastocyst. Comparing actin filaments distribution, a significantly higher number of vitrified zygotes with actin distributed in cell border was observed (55 ± 7.7 vs. 74 ± 6.1% for slow-frozen vs. vitrified, respectively). After 24 and 72 h of in vitro development, significant differences in the cleavage and morula rate among the groups were observed (9 ± 2.4 and 3 ± 1.3 vs. 44 ± 3.0 and 28 ± 2.7% for slow-frozen vs. vitrified, respectively). None of the slow-frozen zygotes reached the blastocyst stage, in contrast to the vitrified counterparts (11 ± 1.9%). Under in vivo culture conditions, a significant difference in blastocyst rate was observed between vitrified and fresh embryos (6 ± 1.5 vs. 35 ± 4.4% respectively). Our results showed that alterations in actin cytoskeleton and deteriorated development are more evident in slow-frozen than vitrified pronuclear zygotes. Vitrification method seems to be a more effective option for rabbit zygotes cryopreservation, although pronuclear zygotes manipulation per se resulted in a notable decrease in embryo development.
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12
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Herrid M, Billah M, Malo C, Skidmore JA. Optimization of a vitrification protocol for hatched blastocysts from the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius). Theriogenology 2015; 85:585-90. [PMID: 26603656 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.09.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Revised: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to modify and optimize a vitrification protocol (open pulled straw) that was originally designed for human oocytes and embryos, to make it suitable for the cryopreservation of camel hatched blastocysts. The original open pulled straw protocol was a complex process with 15-minute exposure of oocytes/embryos in 7.5% ethylene glycol (EG) and 7.5% dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO) for equilibration, and cooling in 16% EG + 16% Me2SO + 1 M sucrose. Recognizing a need to better control the cryoprotectant (CPA) concentrations, while avoiding toxicity to the embryos, the effects on the survival rate and developmental potential of camel embryos in vitro were investigated using two different methods of loading the CPAs into the embryos (stepwise and semicontinuous increase in concentration), two different loading temperature/time (room temperature ∼24 °C/15 min and body 37 °C/3 min), and the replacement of Me2SO with EG alone or in combination with glycerol (Gly). A total of 145 in vivo-derived embryos were subjected to these processes, and after warming their morphological quality and integrity, and re-expansion was assessed after 0, 2, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours of culture. Exposure of embryos in a stepwise method was more beneficial to the survival of embryos than was the semicontinuous process, and loading of CPAs at 37 °C with a short exposure time (3 minutes) resulted in an outcome comparable to the original processing at room temperature with a longer exposure time (15 minutes). The replacement of the Me2SO + EG mixture with EG only or a combination of EG + Gly in the vitrification medium significantly improved the outcome of all these evaluation criteria (P < 0.05). The modified protocol of loading EG at 37 °C for 3 minutes has increased the embryo survival of the original protocol from 67% to 91% and the developmental rate from 57% to 83% at 5-day culture. These results were comparable to or better than those reported in human or other species, indicating that this optimized method is well suited to any commercial embryo transfer program in the dromedary camel.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Herrid
- Camel Reproduction Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M Billah
- Camel Reproduction Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - C Malo
- Camel Reproduction Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - J A Skidmore
- Camel Reproduction Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
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Dasiman R, Rahman NSA, Othman S, Mustafa MF, Mohd. Yusoff NJ, Jusof WHW, Rajikin MH, Froemming GRA, Khan NAMN. Cytoskeletal alterations in different developmental stages of in vivo cryopreserved preimplantation murine embryos. Med Sci Monit Basic Res 2013; 19:258-66. [PMID: 24092420 PMCID: PMC3853339 DOI: 10.12659/msmbr.884019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 05/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the effects of vitrification and slow freezing on actin, tubulin, and nuclei of in vivo preimplantation murine embryos at various developmental stages using a Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM). MATERIAL/METHODS Fifty female mice, aged 4-6 weeks, were used in this study. Animals were superovulated, cohabitated overnight, and sacrificed. Fallopian tubes were excised and flushed. Embryos at the 2-cell stage were collected and cultured to obtain 4- and 8-cell stages before being cryopreserved using vitrification and slow freezing. Fixed embryos were stained with fluorescence-labelled antibodies against actin and tubulin, as well as DAPI for staining the nucleus. Labelled embryos were scanned using CLSM and images were analyzed with Q-Win software V3. RESULTS The fluorescence intensity of both vitrified and slow-frozen embryos was significantly lower for tubulin, actin, and nucleus as compared to non-cryopreserved embryos (p<0.001). Intensities of tubulin, actin, and nucleus in each stage were also decreased in vitrified and slow-frozen groups as compared to non-cryopreserved embryos. CONCLUSIONS Cryopreservation of mouse embryos by slow freezing had a more detrimental effect on the actin, tubulin, and nucleus structure of the embryos compared to vitrification. Vitrification is therefore superior to slow freezing in terms of embryonic cryotolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razif Dasiman
- Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nor-Shahida Abdul Rahman
- Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Salina Othman
- Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd-Fazirul Mustafa
- Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Norhazlin Jusoh Mohd. Yusoff
- Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wan-Hafizah W. Jusof
- Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hamim Rajikin
- Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
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Majewska M, Panasiewicz G, Szafranska B. Expression of pregnancy-associated glycoprotein family in the epitheliochorial placenta of two Camelidae species (C. dromedarius and C. bactrianus). Acta Histochem 2013; 115:669-76. [PMID: 23498309 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2013.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2012] [Revised: 01/31/2013] [Accepted: 02/03/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This study describes placental morphology and immunolocalization of the placental pregnancy associated glycoprotein-like family (PAGs) identified in two selected taxa of Old-World camels of the Camelidae family: Camelus dromedarius (Cd) and Camelus bactrianus (Cb). Placental tissues of Cd from days 140-293 post-coitum (dpc), term (404 dpc); and of Cb from term (440 dpc) were examined. Histological staining (hematoxylin/eosin and propidium iodine) revealed the development of the placental structure, while chorionic folding increased the feto-placental surface during the progress of pregnancy. The camelid placenta during early pregnancy is similar to the diffuse epitheliochorial type, and during later stages of pregnancy resembles the synepitheliochorial (cotyledonary) type. Placental expression of the PAGs was detected (Alexa 488 - green) within camelid trophectoderm cells (TRD - chorionic epithelium as outer layer of embryonic cells) among all placental cells with nuclei stained by propidium iodide (red). The PAGs, identified in both Camelidae taxa, were named CbPAGs and CdPAGs. Placental CbPAG and CdPAG expression is restricted to the TRD cells, which are differentially developed throughout gestation. Cross-reactivity of polyvalent anti-pPAG polyclonals with the CbPAGs and CdPAGs revealed high structural similarities of the PAG-like epitopes in pigs and camels. This is the first study identifying PAG expression in chorionic cells of the camel placenta.
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15
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González R, Sjunnesson YCB. Effect of blood plasma collected after adrenocorticotropic hormone administration during the preovulatory period in the sow on oocyte in vitro maturation. Theriogenology 2013; 80:673-83. [PMID: 23886600 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2013] [Revised: 06/23/2013] [Accepted: 06/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Reproduction may be affected by stressful events changing the female endocrine or metabolic profile. An altered environment during oocyte development could influence the delicate process of oocyte maturation. Here, the effect of simulated stress by media supplementation with blood plasma from sows after adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) administration during the preovulatory period was assessed. Oocytes were matured for 46 hours in the presence of plasma from ACTH-treated sows, or plasma from NaCl-treated control sows, or medium without plasma (BSA group). The plasma used had been collected at 36 and 12 hours (±2 hours) before ovulation (for the first 24 hours + last 22 hours of maturation, respectively). Subsequent fertilization and embryo development were evaluated. Actin cytoskeleton and mitochondrial patterns were studied by confocal microscopy both in the oocytes and the resulting blastocysts. Nuclear maturation did not differ between treatments. Subtle differences were observed in the actin microfilaments in oocytes; however, mitochondrial patterns were associated with the treatment (P < 0.001). These differences in mitochondrial patterns were not reflected by in vitro outcomes, which were similar in all groups. In conclusion, an altered hormonal environment provided by a brief exposure to plasma from ACTH-treated sows during in vitro oocyte maturation could induce alterations in actin cytoskeleton and mitochondrial patterns in oocytes. However, these changes might not hamper the subsequent in vitro embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- R González
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden.
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Dalcin L, Silva RC, Paulini F, Silva BDM, Neves JP, Lucci CM. Cytoskeleton structure, pattern of mitochondrial activity and ultrastructure of frozen or vitrified sheep embryos. Cryobiology 2013; 67:137-45. [PMID: 23770514 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2013.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Revised: 05/23/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Even though sheep embryo cryopreservation is a commonly used procedure the survival and pregnancy outcomes can vary greatly. This study investigated whether cryopreservation was causing subtle changes in ultrastructure, mitochondrial activity or cytoskeletal integrity. Sheep embryos were either slow cooled in 1.5 M EG (n = 22), or vitrified in 20% EG + 20% DMSO with 0.5 M sucrose in Open Pulled Straws (OPS) (n = 24). One hour after warming the cryopreserved embryos differed from control embryos in that they had no mitochondrial activity combined with cytoskeletal disorganization and large vesicles. Vitrified embryos also showed many points of cytoskeleton disruption. Ultrastructural alterations resulting from actin filaments disorganization were observed in both cryopreserved groups. This includes areas presenting no cytoplasmic organelles, Golgi complex located far from the nucleus and a decrease of specialized intercellular junctions. Additionally, large vesicles were observed in vitrified morulae and early blastocysts. The alterations after cryopreservation were proportional to embryo quality as assessed using the stereomicroscope. Even in the absence of mitochondrial activity, grade I and II cryopreserved embryos contained mitochondria with normal ultrastructure. Embryos classified as grade I or II in the stereomicroscope revealed mild ultrastructural alterations, meaning that this tool is efficient to evaluate embryos after cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Dalcin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
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Anouassi A, Tibary A. Development of a large commercial camel embryo transfer program: 20 years of scientific research. Anim Reprod Sci 2013; 136:211-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2012.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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18
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Panzani D, Rota A, Crisci A, Kindahl H, Govoni N, Camillo F. Embryo quality and transcervical technique are not the limiting factors in donkey embryo transfer outcome. Theriogenology 2012; 77:563-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2011] [Revised: 08/30/2011] [Accepted: 08/30/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Cuello C, Sanchez-Osorio J, Almiñana C, Gil MA, Parrilla I, Roca J, Vazquez JM, Martinez EA, Rodriguez-Martinez H. Superfine open pulled straws vitrification of porcine blastocysts does not require pretreatment with cytochalasin B and/or centrifugation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2010; 22:808-17. [DOI: 10.1071/rd09160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2009] [Accepted: 11/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the in vitro development of and cytoskeletal disruption suffered by in vivo-derived porcine blastocysts subjected to superfine open pulled straws (SOPS) vitrification. Blastocysts were either untreated prior to SOPS vitrification or were subjected to one of the following three pretreatment protocols: (1) centrifugation (12 min, 13 000g); (2) 25 min equilibration with 7.5 μg mL–1 cytochalasin B; or (3) equilibration with cytochalasin B followed by centrifugation. After 24 h culture, fresh (n = 32) and vitrified–warmed (n = 188) blastocysts were evaluated by stereomicroscopy, with survival and hatching rates recorded. Some blastocysts were stained with 4′,6′-diamidino-2-phenylindole and processed for cytoskeletal evaluation. Three cytoskeletal patterns were identified: Grade I, intact cytoskeleton; Grade II, gross maintenance of integrity, but with some clumps of actin within the cytoplasm; and Grade III, a highly disrupted cytoskeleton. There were no differences in the survival, hatching and cell death rats, total cell number or cytoskeletal integrity between the different vitrification groups. Cell death was greater for vitrified blastocysts than for fresh blastocysts (3.6 ± 0.4% v. 0.4 ± 0.7%, respectively; P < 0.05) and the percentage of blastocysts with a Grade I cytoskeletal pattern was lower for vitrified compared with fresh blastocysts (60.8% v. 92%, respectively; P < 0.05). The vitrified–warmed blastocysts that hatched during culture exhibited a Grade I cytoskeletal pattern. In conclusion, successful SOPS vitrification of porcine blastocysts does not require pretreatment with cytochalasin B and/or centrifugation.
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