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Haug LM, Jochems R, Gaustad AH, Kommisrud E, Myromslien FD, Grindflek E, Alm-Kristiansen AH. Liquid storage of porcine in vitro-produced blastocysts; a practical approach for short storage. ZYGOTE 2023; 31:441-450. [PMID: 37288532 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199423000308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Commercial application of embryo transfer in pig breeding is dependent on the storage of embryos. The aim of this study was to assess the embryo quality of in vitro-produced blastocysts after 3 h liquid storage at 37°C in CO2-free medium by evaluating morphology, in vitro developmental capacity and apoptosis. Blastocysts at days 5 and 6 post-fertilization were randomly allocated to the storage group (HEPES-buffered NCSU-23 medium including bovine serum albumin in a portable embryo transport incubator at 37°C) or a control group (porcine blastocyst medium in a conventional culture incubator). Thereafter, blastocysts were evaluated for morphology and stained to assess apoptosis straight after the 3 h storage period or after a further 24 h conventional incubation. There was no significant difference between the storage and control group after 3 h storage and the further 24 h conventional incubation for any of the parameters, nor for apoptosis straight after the 3 h storage. Embryos that reached the blastocyst stage at day 5 showed less apoptosis (6.6% vs 10.9%, P = 0.01) and a trend for a higher rate of developmental capacity (70.6% vs 51.5%, P = 0.089) than embryos reaching the blastocyst stage on day 6. In conclusion, in vitro-produced porcine blastocysts can be stored for 3 h at physiological temperature in transportable incubators using a CO2-independent medium without compromising quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Marijke Haug
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
| | | | | | - Elisabeth Kommisrud
- Department of Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
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2
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Nanassy L, Schoepper B, Schultze-Mosgau A, Depenbusch M, Eggersmann TK, Hiller RAF, Griesinger G. Evaluation of live birth rates and perinatal outcomes following two sequential vitrification/warming events at the zygote and blastocyst stages. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2357-2365. [PMID: 37582908 PMCID: PMC10504135 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02909-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the outcome of sequential cryopreservation-thawing of zygotes followed by the cryopreservation-thawing of blastocysts in the course of an IVF treatment on live birth rate and neonatal parameters. METHODS Single center, retrospective chart review for the time period of 2015-2020. Clinical and perinatal outcomes were compared between frozen embryo transfer cycles utilizing twice-cryopreserved (n = 182) vs. once-cryopreserved (n = 282) embryos. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to adjust for relevant confounders. RESULTS After adjustment for maternal age, gravidity, parity, body mass index (BMI), paternal age, fertilization method used, the number of oocytes retrieved in the fresh cycle, fertilization rate, and transfer medium, the transfer of twice-cryopreserved embryos resulted in a reduced probability of live birth (OR, 0.52; 95% CI 0.27-0.97; p=0.041) compared to once-cryopreserved embryos. No differences in the sex ratio, the mean gestational age, the mean length at birth, or the mean birth weight were found between the two groups. CONCLUSION The circumstantial use of sequential double vitrification-warming in course of treatment is associated with a reduced (but still reasonable) live birth rate compared to once-cryopreserved embryos. As the neonatal outcomes of twice-cryopreserved embryos are similar to once-cryopreserved embryos, this treatment option appears still valid as a rescue scenario in selected cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laszlo Nanassy
- Universitäres Kinderwunschzentrum, Lübeck und Manhagen, Ratzeburger Allee 111-125, 23562, Lübeck, Germany.
| | - Beate Schoepper
- Universitäres Kinderwunschzentrum, Lübeck und Manhagen, Ratzeburger Allee 111-125, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Askan Schultze-Mosgau
- Universitäres Kinderwunschzentrum, Lübeck und Manhagen, Ratzeburger Allee 111-125, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Marion Depenbusch
- Universitäres Kinderwunschzentrum, Lübeck und Manhagen, Ratzeburger Allee 111-125, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Tanja K Eggersmann
- Universitäres Kinderwunschzentrum, Lübeck und Manhagen, Ratzeburger Allee 111-125, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Roman A F Hiller
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Georg Griesinger
- Universitäres Kinderwunschzentrum, Lübeck und Manhagen, Ratzeburger Allee 111-125, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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3
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Dellaqua TT, Franchi FF, Dos Santos PH, Giroto AB, Nunes SG, de Lima VAV, Guilherme VB, Fontes PK, Sudano MJ, de Souza Castilho AC. Molecular phenotypes of bovine blastocyst derived from in vitro-matured oocyte supplemented with PAPP-A. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:1263-1272. [PMID: 36653723 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10072-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) regulates cellular lipid content, whereas pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) increases IGF-1 bioavailability. Using in vitro-matured cumulus-oocyte complexes, we aimed to evaluate the impact of PAPP-A on the blastocyst lipid content, embryo cryotolerance and embryonic transcriptional profile. We determined that PAPP-A did not affect the lipid content of oocytes, blastocysts, or blastocyst yield (P > 0.05). However, PAPP-A modulated the embryo transcriptional profiles by downregulating PPARGC1A and AKR1B1, which are related to lipid metabolism; CASP9, a pro-apoptotic gene; and IFN-τ, a marker of embryo quality (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the use of PAPP-A improved blastocyst re-expansion in the first 3 h of culture after vitrification (P < 0.05). Although PAPP-A did not affect the blastocyst lipid content or embryo production, we suggest that embryonic transcriptional modulation could contribute to maintain the balance in embryo lipid metabolism. Furthermore, PAPP-A's approach seems to control key intracellular pathways that improve post-cryopreservation development of blastocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaisy Tino Dellaqua
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Fagali Franchi
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Priscila Helena Dos Santos
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Sarah Gomes Nunes
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Patrícia Kubo Fontes
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Mateus José Sudano
- Center of Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, SP, Brazil
- Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Anthony César de Souza Castilho
- University of Western São Paulo, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil.
- University of Western São Paulo (UNOESTE) - Campus II, Rodovia Raposo Tavares, km 572, Presidente Prudente, SP, Brasil.
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4
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Wiesak T, Goryszewska-Szczurek E. Effect of vitrification on the expression of genes in porcine blastocysts derived from in vitro matured oocytes. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2022; 68:239-246. [PMID: 35722676 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2022.2072788] [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] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the effect of vitrification on the expression of genes that are crucial for porcine early embryo development; cathepsin B (CTSB), growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9), caudal type homeobox 2 (CDX2), and OCT-4, which play an important role in the maintenance of embryonic cell pluripotency. Their gene expression was investigated in expanded blastocysts (day 6-7) derived from in vitro matured oocytes. The quantitative real-time PCR method was used to assess the amount of relative specific transcripts in 20 vitrified (treatment group) and 32 fresh non-vitrified (control group) blastocysts. Vitrification was performed using 7.5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) plus 7.5% ethylene glycol (EG), and in the final step, 15% DMSO plus 15% EG and a 0.5 M sucrose solution and cryotop as a vitrification device. The blastocysts were warmed in 1 M, 0.5 M, and 0.25 M sucrose solution and kept in a culture medium for six hours before their fixation and further qPCR analysis. A significant upregulation in the targeted genes CTSB (p<.006), GDF9 (p<.04), and CDX2 (p<.003) was observed in the vitrified embryos compared to the fresh control group. Interestingly, the OCT-4 mRNA expression level was not affected by vitrification and remained comparable to that of the fresh non-vitrified embryos. In summary, the results of this pilot study showed, that vitrification induced substantial alteration in the expression of CTSB, GDF9, and CDX2 genes but did not influence the expression of OCT-4 gene in porcine in vitro derived blastocysts. Our data on the expression of developmentally important genes in vitrified porcine blastocyst may facilitate: (1) future improvements in culture conditions and/or cryopreservation protocol and (2) understanding the mechanism(s) of cryoinjuries inducing compromised post-thaw embryo development followed by the poor pregnancy outcome after blastocyst transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Wiesak
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Ewelina Goryszewska-Szczurek
- Department of Gamete and Embryo Biology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
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5
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Cuello C, Martinez CA, Cambra JM, González-Plaza A, Parrilla I, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Gil MA, Martinez EA. Vitrification Effects on the Transcriptome of in vivo-Derived Porcine Morulae. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:771996. [PMID: 34869745 PMCID: PMC8633305 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.771996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the reported promising farrowing rates after non-surgical and surgical transfers of vitrified porcine morulae and blastocysts produced in vivo (range: 70–75%), the pregnancy loss is 5–15 fold higher with vitrified than with fresh embryos. The present study aimed to investigate whether vitrification affects the transcriptome of porcine morulae, using microarrays and RT-qPCR validation. Morulae were obtained surgically from weaned sows (n = 13) on day 6 (day 0 = estrus onset). A total of 60 morulae were vitrified (treatment group). After 1 week of storage, the vitrified morulae were warmed. Vitrified-warmed and non-vitrified fresh morulae (control; n = 40) were cultured for 24 h to assess embryo survival by stereomicroscopy after. A total of 30 vitrified/warmed embryos that were deemed viable and 30 fresh control embryos (three pools of 10 for each experimental group) were selected for microarray analysis. Gene expression was assessed with a GeneChip® Porcine Genome Array (Affymetrix). An ANOVA analysis p-unadjusted <0.05 and a fold change cut-off of ±1.5 were set to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Data analysis and biological interpretation were performed using the Partek Genomic Suite 7.0 software. The survival rate of morulae after vitrification and warming (92.0 ± 8.3%) was similar to that of the control (100%). A total of 233 DEGs were identified in vitrified morulae (38 upregulated and 195 downregulated), compared to the control group. Nine pathways were significantly modified. Go-enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly related to the Biological Process functional group. Up-regulated DEGs were involved in glycosaminoglycan degradation, metabolic pathways and tryptophan metabolism KEGG pathways. The pathways related to the down-regulated DEGs were glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, protein export and fatty acid elongation. The disruption of metabolic pathways in morulae could be related to impaired embryo quality and developmental potential, despite the relatively high survival rates after warming observed in vitro. In conclusion, vitrification altered the gene expression pattern of porcine morulae produced in vivo, generating alterations in the transcriptome that may interfere with subsequent embryo development and pregnancy after embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Cuello
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum," Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina A Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Josep M Cambra
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum," Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Alejandro González-Plaza
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum," Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum," Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Maria A Gil
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum," Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Emilio A Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum," Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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6
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Cryopreservation of Gametes and Embryos and Their Molecular Changes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910864. [PMID: 34639209 PMCID: PMC8509660 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of freezing cells or tissues and depositing them in liquid nitrogen at -196 °C is called cryopreservation. Sub-zero temperature is not a physiological condition for cells and water ice crystals represent the main problem since they induce cell death, principally in large cells like oocytes, which have a meiotic spindle that degenerates during this process. Significantly, cryopreservation represents an option for fertility preservation in patients who develop gonadal failure for any condition and those who want to freeze their germ cells for later use. The possibility of freezing sperm, oocytes, and embryos has been available for a long time, and in 1983 the first birth with thawed oocytes was achieved. From the mid-2000s forward, the use of egg vitrification through intracytoplasmic sperm injection has improved pregnancy rates. Births using assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have some adverse conditions and events. These risks could be associated with ART procedures or related to infertility. Cryopreservation generates changes in the epigenome of gametes and embryos, given that ART occurs when the epigenome is most vulnerable. Furthermore, cryoprotective agents induce alterations in the integrity of germ cells and embryos. Notably, cryopreservation extensively affects cell viability, generates proteomic profile changes, compromises crucial cellular functions, and alters sperm motility. This technique has been widely employed since the 1980s and there is a lack of knowledge about molecular changes. The emerging view is that molecular changes are associated with cryopreservation, affecting metabolism, cytoarchitecture, calcium homeostasis, epigenetic state, and cell survival, which compromise the fertilization in ART.
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7
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Jung SE, Ahn JS, Kim YH, Oh HJ, Kim BJ, Kim SU, Ryu BY. Autophagy modulation alleviates cryoinjury in murine spermatogonial stem cell cryopreservation. Andrology 2021; 10:340-353. [PMID: 34499811 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryopreservation can expand the usefulness of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in various fields. However, previous investigations that have attempted to modulate cryoinjury-induced mechanisms to increase cryoprotective efficiency have mainly focused on apoptosis and necrosis. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to establish an effective molecular-based cryoprotectant for SSC cryopreservation via autophagy modulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS To determine the efficacy of autophagy modulation, we assessed the recovery rate and relative proliferation rate and performed western blotting for the determination of autophagy flux, immunocytochemistry and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for SSC characterization, and spermatogonial transplantation for in vivo SSC functional activity. RESULTS The results showed that a basal level of autophagy caused a higher relative proliferation rate (pifithrin-μ 0.01 μM, 184.2 ± 11.2%; 3-methyladenine 0.01 μM, 175.3 ± 10.3%; pifithrin-μ 0.01 μM + 3-methyladenine 0.01 μM, P3, 224.6 ± 22.3%) than the DMSO control (100 ± 6.2%). All treatment groups exhibited normal characteristics, suggesting that these modulators could be used as effective cryoprotectants without changing the properties of the undifferentiated germ cells. According to the results of the in vivo spermatogonial transplantation assay, the colonies per total number of cultured SSCs was significantly higher in the pifithrin-μ 0.01 μM (1596.7 ± 172.5 colonies), 3-methyladenine 0.01 μM (1522.1 ± 179.2 colonies), and P3 (1727.5 ± 196.5 colonies) treatment groups than in the DMSO control (842.8 ± 110.08 colonies), which was comparable to that of the fresh control (1882.1 ± 132.1 colonies). DISCUSSION A basal level of autophagy is more essential for resilience in frozen SSCs after thawing, rather than the excessive activation or inhibition of autophagy. CONCLUSION A basal level of autophagy plays a critical role in the pro-survival response of frozen SSCs after thawing; herein, a new approach by which SSC cryoprotective efficiency can be improved was identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Eun Jung
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Seop Ahn
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Hee Kim
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hui-Jo Oh
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Bang-Jin Kim
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sun-Uk Kim
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea.,Futuristic Animal Resource and Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Buom-Yong Ryu
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
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8
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Arshad U, Sagheer M, González-Silvestry FB, Hassan M, Sosa F. Vitrification improves in-vitro embryonic survival in Bos taurus embryos without increasing pregnancy rate post embryo transfer when compared to slow-freezing: A systematic meta-analysis. Cryobiology 2021; 101:1-11. [PMID: 34186088 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2021.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Objectives were to use meta-analytic approaches to compare slow-freezing (SF) and vitrification (VF) methods of cryopreservation on in-vitro (n = 12,211) and in-vivo (n = 3473) survival of Bos taurus embryos. The literature was systematically reviewed and data from 40 manuscripts including 78 experiments, and comprising 183 treatment means, were used for the analyses. The in-vitro parameters included rates of re-expansion, hatching, and survival of blastocysts either at 24 h or 72 h post-thawing/warming and total number (TN) of embryonic cells, whereas in-vivo parameters evaluated pregnancy rate between 35 and 60 d post embryo transfer (ET). Mixed models were fitted using MIXED and GLIMMIX procedures of SAS. Additionally, classical meta-analytical statistics were also fitted using METAN and METAREG procedures of STATA. The final models included the fixed effects of methods of cryopreservation and random effects of the experiment. Rates (LSM ± SEM) of re-expansion (0.36 ± 0.07 vs. 0.48 ± 0.08), hatching (0.25 ± 0.05 vs. 0.42 ± 0.07), and survival (0.57 ± 0.09 vs. 0.76 ± 0.07) at 72 h post-thawing/warming were lower (P < 0.05) in SF than VF, respectively. The TN of embryonic cells (96.89 ± 7.15 vs. 117.83 ± 7.15) remained lower (P < 0.05) in SF than VF, however, the relative risk (RR) of pregnancy rate post ET remained similar (RR = 1.0, CI = 0.8-1.2; P > 0.05) between both methods. Collectively, VF technique has a short-term protective effect against cryodamage of preimplantation embryos, however, it might be dysregulating genes involved in pregnancy success post ET in cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman Arshad
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan; Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611, USA
| | - Masroor Sagheer
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Fátima B González-Silvestry
- Departamento de Ciencias Pecuarias, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuautitlán Izcalli, 54714, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Mubbashar Hassan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sub-campus of University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, 35200, Pakistan
| | - Froylan Sosa
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611, USA.
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9
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Xu J, Zhang D, Ju S, Sun L, Zhang S, Wu C, Rui R, Dai J. Mitophagy is involved in the mitochondrial dysfunction of vitrified porcine oocytes. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:427-436. [PMID: 34032339 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is considered a crucial factor aggravating oocyte viability after vitrification-warming. To clarify the role of mitophagy in mitochondrial extinction of vitrified porcine oocytes, mitochondrial function, ultrastructural characteristics, mitochondria-lysosomes colocalization, and mitophagic proteins were detected with or without chloroquine (CQ) treatment. The results showed that vitrification caused mitochondrial dysfunction, including increasing reactive oxygen species production, decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential, and mitochondrial DNA copy number. Damaged mitochondrial cristae and mitophagosomes were observed in vitrified oocytes. A highly fused fluorescence distribution of mitochondria and lysosomes was also observed. In the detection of mitophagic flux, mitophagy was demonstrated as increasing fluorescence aggregation of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B (LC3B), enhanced colocalization between LC3B, and voltage-dependent anion channels 1 (VDAC1), and upregulated LC3B-II/I protein expression ratio. CQ inhibited the degradation of mitophagosomes in vitrified oocytes, manifested as decreased mitochondria-lysosomes colocalization, increased fluorescence fraction of VDAC1 overlapping LC3B, increased LC3B-II/I protein expression ratio, and p62 accumulation. The inhibition of mitophagosomes degradation by CQ aggravated mitochondrial dysfunction, including increased oxidative damage, reduced mitochondrial function, and further led to loss of oocyte viability and developmental potentiality. In conclusion, mitophagy is involved in the regulation of mitochondrial function during porcine oocyte vitrification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiehuan Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, China.,Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Defu Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Division of Animal Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Municipal Key Laboratory of Agri-genetics and Breeding, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiqiang Ju
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lingwei Sun
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Division of Animal Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Municipal Key Laboratory of Agri-genetics and Breeding, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai, China
| | - Shushan Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Division of Animal Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Municipal Key Laboratory of Agri-genetics and Breeding, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai, China
| | - Caifeng Wu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Division of Animal Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Municipal Key Laboratory of Agri-genetics and Breeding, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Rui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianjun Dai
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Division of Animal Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Municipal Key Laboratory of Agri-genetics and Breeding, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai, China
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10
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Xingzhu D, Qingrui Z, Keren C, Yuxi L, Yunpeng H, Shien Z, Xiangwei F. Cryopreservation of Porcine Embryos: Recent Updates and Progress. Biopreserv Biobank 2021; 19:210-218. [PMID: 33625892 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2020.0074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation of embryos is important for long-distance embryo transfer and conservation of genetic resources. Porcine research is important for animal husbandry and biomedical research. However, porcine embryos are difficult to cryopreserve because of their high cytoplasmic lipid content and sensitivity to chilling stress. Vitrification is more efficient than slow freezing, and vitrification is mostly used in embryo cryopreservation. So far, the vitrification process of porcine embryos has been continuously improved, resulting in improved survival rates of warmed embryos and farrowing rates after the transplant procedure. It is worth noting that automatic vitrification has made great progress, which is expected to promote the standardization and application of vitrification. In this article, the vitrification process of porcine embryos at the blastula stage and early development stages is reviewed in detail. In addition, the efficiency of different vitrification systems was compared. In addition, we summarize technology that can improve the survival rate of cryopreserved porcine embryos, such as delipidation methods (including physical delipidation and chemical delipidation) and medium improvements (including chemically defined media and adding antioxidants). Meanwhile, gene expression changes during cryopreservation are also elaborated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Du Xingzhu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuan Qingrui
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Keren
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Luo Yuxi
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hou Yunpeng
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhu Shien
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Fu Xiangwei
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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11
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Cuello C, Martinez CA, Cambra JM, Parrilla I, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Gil MA, Martinez EA. Effects of Vitrification on the Blastocyst Gene Expression Profile in a Porcine Model. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031222. [PMID: 33513717 PMCID: PMC7865857 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to investigate the impact of vitrification on the transcriptome profile of blastocysts using a porcine (Sus scrofa) model and a microarray approach. Blastocysts were collected from weaned sows (n = 13). A total of 60 blastocysts were vitrified (treatment group). After warming, vitrified embryos were cultured in vitro for 24 h. Non-vitrified blastocysts (n = 40) were used as controls. After the in vitro culture period, the embryo viability was morphologically assessed. A total of 30 viable embryos per group (three pools of 10 from 4 different donors each) were subjected to gene expression analysis. A fold change cut-off of ±1.5 and a restrictive threshold at p-value < 0.05 were used to distinguish differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The survival rates of vitrified/warmed blastocysts were similar to those of the control (nearly 100%, n.s.). A total of 205 (112 upregulated and 93 downregulated) were identified in the vitrified blastocysts compared to the control group. The vitrification/warming impact was moderate, and it was mainly related to the pathways of cell cycle, cellular senescence, gap junction, and signaling for TFGβ, p53, Fox, and MAPK. In conclusion, vitrification modified the transcriptome of in vivo-derived porcine blastocysts, resulting in minor gene expression changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Cuello
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Cam-pus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (C.C.); (J.M.C.); (I.P.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Bue-navista s/n, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina A. Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden;
- Correspondence:
| | - Josep M. Cambra
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Cam-pus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (C.C.); (J.M.C.); (I.P.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Bue-navista s/n, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Cam-pus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (C.C.); (J.M.C.); (I.P.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Bue-navista s/n, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, SE-58185 Linköping, Sweden;
| | - Maria A. Gil
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Cam-pus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (C.C.); (J.M.C.); (I.P.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Bue-navista s/n, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Emilio A. Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Cam-pus for Higher Education and Research “Campus Mare Nostrum”, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (C.C.); (J.M.C.); (I.P.); (M.A.G.); (E.A.M.)
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Carretera Bue-navista s/n, 30120 Murcia, Spain
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12
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A New Concept in Minimally Invasive Embryo Transfer. ANNALS OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/aoas-2020-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Considerable variation in embryo transfer (ET) catheter types, diverging opinions on their quality and functionality, complications following the insertion of catheters, low efficiency of the application of ET methods in humans, and their widely varying efficiency in animals demonstrate the need to improve ET methods and to look for new types of catheters. Such an opportunity is offered by the introduction of catheters made of new-generation biomaterials. This study was aimed to introduce a new generation of biomaterials into reproductive biotechnology. New-generation materials were compared with materials that have been used for many years, and the functionality of newly produced catheters was compared in vivo. Five types of biomaterials were tested: polycaprolactone (PCL), dibutyryl chitin (DBC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and polylactide (PLA). The study was carried out in two stages. Firstly, the basic utility parameters such as geometric stability, surface structure and catheter resistance were evaluated. Subsequently, the biocompatibility of selected biomaterials in embryo cultures was examined, and the development potential of the obtained blastocysts was evaluated. In the second stage, in vivo with live animals, the biomaterials were tested for biocompatibility and the obtained catheters were examined for their ET functionality. Efficiency with the use of the newly produced catheters was determined, the quality of the blastocysts obtained after embryo culture in the uterus was assessed, and oviducts were subjected to histopathological examination after embryo transfer. Of the tested biomaterials, only polyethylene (PE) showed adequate biological and material properties and proved suitable for production of ET catheters.
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13
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Jia B, Xiang D, Guo J, Jiao D, Quan G, Hong Q, Fu X, Wei H, Wu G. Successful vitrification of early-stage porcine cloned embryos. Cryobiology 2020; 97:53-59. [PMID: 33065107 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2020.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the survival and development of porcine cloned embryos vitrified by Cryotop carrier at the zygote, 2- and 4-cell stages. The quality of resultant blastocysts was evaluated according to their total cell number, apoptotic cell rate, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, glutathione (GSH) content and mRNA expression levels of genes related to embryonic development. The survival rates of zygotes, 2- and 4-cell embryos after vitrification did not differ from those of their fresh counterparts. Vitrification still resulted in significantly decreased blastocyst formation rates of these early-stage embryos. Moreover, the total cells, apoptotic rate, ROS and GSH levels in resultant blastocysts were unaffected by vitrification. The mRNA expression levels of PCNA, CPT1, POU5F1 and DNMT3B in the blastocysts derived from vitrified early-stage embryos were significantly higher than those in the fresh blastocysts, but there was no change in expression of CDX2 and DNMT3A genes. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that the early-stage porcine cloned embryos including zygotes, 2- and 4-cells can be successfully vitrified, with respectable blastocyst yield and quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoyu Jia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650201, China
| | - Decai Xiang
- Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, Yunnan, 650224, China
| | - Jianxiong Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650201, China
| | - Deling Jiao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650201, China
| | - Guobo Quan
- Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, Yunnan, 650224, China
| | - Qionghua Hong
- Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, Yunnan, 650224, China
| | - Xiangwei Fu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Hongjiang Wei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650201, China.
| | - Guoquan Wu
- Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, Yunnan, 650224, China.
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14
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Zhang L, Qi X, Ning W, Shentu L, Guo T, Zhang X, Li Y, Ma Y, Yu T, Knott JG, Cao Z, Zhang Y. Single-Cell Transcriptome Profiling Revealed That Vitrification of Somatic Cloned Porcine Blastocysts Causes Substantial Perturbations in Gene Expression. Front Genet 2020; 11:640. [PMID: 32793277 PMCID: PMC7394247 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Xin Qi
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Ning
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Luyan Shentu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Tenglong Guo
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiangdong Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Yunsheng Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Yangyang Ma
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Tong Yu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Jason G Knott
- Developmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Zubing Cao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Yunhai Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
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15
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Nowak A, Kochan J, Świętek E, Kij B, Prochowska S, Witarski W, Bugno-Poniewierska M, Niżański W. Survivability and developmental competences of domestic cat (Felis catus) oocytes after Cryotech method vitrification. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:992-997. [PMID: 32516454 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of the Cryotech technique for the vitrification of domestic cat (Felis catus) oocytes, as a model for other feline species threatened with extinction. This technique, in which oocytes are stored in a minimal volume of medium, is already widely used in human assisted reproductive technology. In the first part of this study, a viability test (EtBr/FDA) was used to evaluate the toxicity of the vitrification media (solutions). After IVM, oocytes were placed in vitrification and warming solutions according to the manufacturer's procedure, with or without exposure to liquid nitrogen. The solutions and the vitrification procedure each caused a reduction in oocyte viability, with survival rates of 71.4% in oocytes exposed to the Cryotech media (without cooling in liquid nitrogen), and 62% in oocytes that were vitrified. In the second part of the experiment, parthenogenetic activation was used to evaluate the developmental potential of oocytes previously vitrified using the Cryotech method. After warming, the oocytes were activated using a combination of 0.7 µM ionomycin in TCM 199 medium (5 min) followed by 2 mM 6-DMAP in TCM 199 supplemented with 10% FBS (3 hr), then cultured and evaluated every 24 hr for parthenogenetic cleavage. In the experimental group, 23/50 (46%) cleaved embryos were obtained. Domestic cat oocytes, vitrified by the Cryotech method, are characterized by high survival rates. However, it is necessary to improve the technique to increase the developmental competence of embryos obtained from vitrified oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Nowak
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Anatomy and Genomics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Joanna Kochan
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Anatomy and Genomics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ewa Świętek
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Anatomy and Genomics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Barbara Kij
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Anatomy and Genomics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Sylwia Prochowska
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Wojciech Witarski
- Department of Animal Molecular Biology, National Institute of Animal Production, Krakow, Poland
| | - Monika Bugno-Poniewierska
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Anatomy and Genomics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Wojciech Niżański
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
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Makri D, Efstathiou P, Michailidou E, Maalouf WE. Apoptosis triggers the release of microRNA miR-294 in spent culture media of blastocysts. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:1685-1694. [PMID: 32440932 PMCID: PMC7376808 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01796-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To study whether members of the miR-290-295 cluster in spent culture medium (SCM) of embryos are correlated with morphokinetics and apoptosis. Methods Cryopreserved 1-cell stage mouse embryos were cultured to the blastocyst stage, development was monitored by time-lapse, 59 SCM were collected, and miR-291a and miR-294 were detected with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Blastocysts were immuno-stained for sexing (H2AK119ub) and for apoptosis (TUNEL). Each embryo and SCM were individually processed. Correlations were run between the miRNAs and developmental events (t2, t3, t4, t5, t8, tSB, tB, ECC2, ECC3, s2, s3, dB) and apoptosis (apoptotic cells/total cell number %). MiR-294 SCM and cell levels were compared in 40 blastocysts. Apoptosis was induced in 15 blastocysts with UV radiation and SCM samples were analyzed for miR-294. Results MiR-291a and miR-294 are released in variable levels by mouse blastocysts. Their release is similar between male and female embryos. No significant correlations were found between these miRNAs and development. MiR-294 was significantly positively correlated with apoptosis (r = 0.560, p < 0.001). Cellular expression was lower in blastocysts that released miR-294 in high levels compared with null, low, and medium release embryos (p < 0.01). UV radiation caused apoptosis which triggered higher secretion of miR-294 in 15 blastocysts versus 13 control embryos (p < 0.01). Conclusion(s) MicroRNAs are important regulators of preimplantation development. Apoptosis triggers the release of miR-294 by blastocysts which possibly serves a secretory role for embryo-maternal communication. SCM miRNA analysis is possible for individually cultured embryos and future studies can investigate miRNAs as noninvasive markers of embryo quality. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s10815-020-01796-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra Makri
- School of Medicine, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics, and Gynaecology, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Panagiota Efstathiou
- School of Medicine, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics, and Gynaecology, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Eftychia Michailidou
- School of Medicine, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics, and Gynaecology, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Walid E Maalouf
- School of Medicine, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics, and Gynaecology, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
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Shin KT, Nie ZW, Zhou W, Zhou D, Kim JY, Ock SA, Niu YJ, Cui XS. Connexin 43 Knockdown Induces Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Affects Early Developmental Competence in Porcine Embryos. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2020; 26:287-296. [PMID: 32036801 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927620000033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Connexin 43 (CX43) is a component of gap junctions. The lack of functional CX43 induces oxidative stress, autophagy, and apoptosis in somatic cells. However, the role of CX43 in the early development of porcine embryos is still unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of CX43, and its underlying molecular mechanisms, on the developmental competence of early porcine embryos. We performed CX43 knockdown by microinjecting dsRNA into parthenogenetically activated porcine parthenotes. The blastocyst development rate and the total number of cells in the blastocysts were significantly reduced by CX43 knockdown. Results from FITC-dextran assays showed that CX43 knockdown significantly increased membrane permeability. ZO-1 protein was obliterated in CX43 knockdown blastocysts. Mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production were significantly reduced following CX43 knockdown. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were significantly increased in the CX43 knockdown group compared to those in control embryos. Moreover, CX43 knockdown induced autophagy and apoptosis. Our findings indicate that CX43 is essential for the development and preimplantation of porcine embryos and maintains mitochondrial function, cell junction structure, and cell homeostasis by regulating membrane permeability, ROS generation, autophagy, and apoptosis in early embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Tae Shin
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk, Cheongju361-763, Republic of Korea
| | - Zheng-Wen Nie
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk, Cheongju361-763, Republic of Korea
| | - Wenjun Zhou
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk, Cheongju361-763, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongjie Zhou
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk, Cheongju361-763, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Yeon Kim
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk, Cheongju361-763, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun A Ock
- Animal Biotechnology Division, National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Jeonju55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Ying-Jie Niu
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk, Cheongju361-763, Republic of Korea
| | - Xiang-Shun Cui
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk, Cheongju361-763, Republic of Korea
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