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Colombo M, Alkali IM, Luvoni GC. Microenvironment factors promoting the quality of vitrified cat oocytes. Theriogenology 2023; 196:275-283. [PMID: 36442286 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In oocyte cryopreservation programs, vitrification has overthrown conventional slow freezing both in veterinary and human medicine. In animals, its feasibility in field conditions makes it the preferred technique for the safeguard of genetic resources from zoo or wild animals, including threatened felids, for which the domestic cat is an excellent model. However, many cellular injuries, such as cytoskeleton, mitochondria and meiotic spindle alterations, DNA damage, zona pellucida hardening and cumulus cell loss, might occur following vitrification. After warming, although the exact mechanisms are still unclear, degeneration is a frequent outcome for cat vitrified oocytes. For immature (germinal vesicle) gametes, in vitro maturation after warming is a challenge, and cleavage after fertilization barely reaches 15-30%, while for mature (metaphase II) cryopreserved gametes it can get to 30-50%. Anyway, the progression to late embryos stages is often impaired, and improvements are needed. Standard cryopreservation protocol and the use of conventional in vitro culture systems after warming may not be enough for vitrified oocytes to recover and demonstrate their full developmental potential. Physical or chemical factors applied to oocytes undergoing vitrification, as an enrichment to the vitrification step, or to the culture microenvironment, could create more favorable conditions and promote vitrified oocyte survival and development. From the use of three-dimensional culture systems to the regulation of metabolic activities and cellular pathways, this review aims to explore all the possibilities employed so far, including the studies performed by our own lab, and the future perspectives, to present the most effective strategies for cat oocyte vitrification and the best time for their application (i.e., before, during, or after vitrification-warming).
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Colombo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali (DIVAS), Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900, Lodi, Italy.
| | - Isa Mohammed Alkali
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali (DIVAS), Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900, Lodi, Italy.
| | - Gaia Cecilia Luvoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali (DIVAS), Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900, Lodi, Italy.
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2
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The Use of Commercial Microvolume Techniques for Feline Oocyte Vitrification. Animals (Basel) 2022; 13:ani13010036. [PMID: 36611646 PMCID: PMC9817506 DOI: 10.3390/ani13010036] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This project aimed to compare the three most popular commercial oocyte vitrification techniques to determine their suitability for the vitrification of felid germlines in rescue and conservation programs. The present study aimed to determine the viability and developmental competence of feline oocytes after IVM and vitrification using a commercial vitrification method. In the first experiment, oocytes were vitrified after in vitro maturation (IVM) using the Kitazato, Cryotech, and Vitrolife methods. The oocytes were stained with fluorescein diacetate and ethidium bromide to evaluate their viability. The differences between Vitrolife and the control, Cryotech and Kitazato were statistically significant (p < 0.05), and between the control and Kitazato, were highly significant (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences between the control and Cryotech, Vitrolife and Cryotech, or Kitazato and Vitrolife. In the second part of the experiment, oocytes, after IVM and vitrification using three commercial methods, were subjected to fertilization. After vitrification, IVF was performed. We observed 35% of embryonic divisions in the group where Vitrolife and Kitazato media were used and 45% in the control group. In the presented experiment, vitrification with Vitrolife media gave slightly better results for survival and fertilization, while in the case of emergency protocol vitrification, all of the above methods may be useful to protect material derived from valuable wild felids.
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Magnotti C, Cerqueira V, Villasante A, Romero J, Watanabe I, Oliveira R, Farias J, Merino O, Valdebenito, Figueroa E. Spermatological characteristics and effects of cryopreservation in Lebranche mullet spermatozoa (Mugil liza Valenciennes, 1836): first report of ultra-rapid freezing. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 241:106986. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.106986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Arayatham S, Buntasana S, Padungros P, Tharasanit T. Membrane-permeable trehalose improves the freezing ability and developmental competence of in-vitro matured feline oocytes. Theriogenology 2022; 181:16-23. [PMID: 35007820 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Oocytes are highly sensitive to cryopreservation, which frequently results in an irreversible loss of developmental competence. We examined the effect of membrane-permeable trehalose on the freezing ability of feline oocytes matured in vitro. In Experiment 1, intracellular trehalose (trehalose hexaacetate; Tre-(OAc)6) was synthesized from trehalose precursor and subjected to spectroscopic characterization. The membrane permeability of the Tre-(OAc)6 was investigated by incubating oocytes with different concentrations of Tre-(OAc)6 (3, 15, and 30 mM). Optimum concentration and the toxicity of Tre-(OAc)6 were assessed in Experiment 2. The effects of Tre-(OAc)6 on freezing ability in terms of apoptotic gene expression and developmental competence of in-vitro matured oocytes were examined in Experiments 3 and 4, respectively. The Tre-(OAc)6 permeated into the ooplasm of cat oocytes in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The highest concentration of intracellular trehalose was detected when the oocytes were incubated for 24 h with 30 mM Tre-(OAc)6. For the toxicity test, incubation of oocytes with 3 mM Tre-(OAc)6 for 24 h did not affect maturation rate and embryo development. However, high doses of Tre-(OAc)6 (15 and 30 mM) significantly reduced maturation and fertilization rates (p < 0.05). In addition, frozen-thawed oocytes treated with 3 mM Tre-(OAc)6 significantly upregulated anti-apoptotic (BCL-2) gene expression compared with the control (0 mM) and other Tre-(OAc)6 concentrations (15 and 30 mM). Oocyte maturation in the presence of 3 mM Tre-(OAc)6 prior to cryopreservation significantly improved oocyte developmental competence in terms of cleavage and blastocyst rates when compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Our results lead us to infer that increasing the levels of intracellular trehalose by Tre-(OAc)6 during oocyte maturation improves the freezing ability of feline oocytes, albeit at specific concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saengtawan Arayatham
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Supanat Buntasana
- Green Chemistry for Fine Chemical Productions STAR, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Panuwat Padungros
- Green Chemistry for Fine Chemical Productions STAR, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Theerawat Tharasanit
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand; Veterinary Clinical Stem Cells and Bioengineering Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
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Tharasanit T, Thuwanut P. Oocyte Cryopreservation in Domestic Animals and Humans: Principles, Techniques and Updated Outcomes. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11102949. [PMID: 34679970 PMCID: PMC8533007 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte cryopreservation plays important roles in basic research and the application of models for genetic preservation and in clinical situations. This technology provides long-term storage of gametes for genetic banking and subsequent use with other assisted reproductive technologies. Until recently, oocytes have remained the most difficult cell type to freeze, as the oocytes per se are large with limited surface area to cytoplasm ratio. They are also highly sensitive to damage during cryopreservation, and therefore the success rate of oocyte cryopreservation is generally poor when compared to noncryopreserved oocytes. Although advancement in oocyte cryopreservation has progressed rapidly for decades, the improvement of cryosurvival and clinical outcomes is still required. This review focuses on the principles, techniques, outcomes and prospects of oocyte cryopreservation in domestic animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theerawat Tharasanit
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Veterinary Clinical Stem Cells and Bioengineering Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Correspondence:
| | - Paweena Thuwanut
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
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Ciani F, Maruccio L, Cocchia N, d’Angelo D, Carotenuto D, Avallone L, Namagerdi AA, Tafuri S. Antioxidants in assisted reproductive technologies: An overview on dog, cat, and horse. J Adv Vet Anim Res 2021; 8:173-184. [PMID: 33860028 PMCID: PMC8043350 DOI: 10.5455/javar.2021.h500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are widely used as a tool to improve reproductive performance in both humans and animals. In particular, in the veterinary field, ARTs are used to improve animal genetics, recover endangered animals, and produce offspring in the event of subfertility or infertility in males or females. However, the use of ARTs did not improve the fertilization rate in some animals due to various factors such as the difficulty in reproducing an anatomical and humoral substrate typical of the natural condition or due to the increase in catabolites and their difficult elimination. The in vitro environment allows the production and increase in the concentration of substances, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), which could be harmful to gametes. If produced in high concentration, the ROS becomes deleterious, both in vitro and in vivo systems. It has been seen that the use of antioxidants can help neutralize or counteract the production of ROS. The present study aims to report the latest findings regarding the use of antioxidants in ARTs of some domestic species, such as dogs, cats, and horses, compared to other animal species, such as cattle, in which ARTs have instead developed more widely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ciani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Lucianna Maruccio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Natascia Cocchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Danila d’Angelo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Avallone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Simona Tafuri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Meiotic Status Does Not Affect the Vitrification Effectiveness of Domestic Cat Oocytes. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10081371. [PMID: 32784705 PMCID: PMC7459794 DOI: 10.3390/ani10081371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Assisted reproduction techniques (ART) are crucial for preserving endangered animal species. Cryopreservation by vitrification can maintain gamete viability for a long time. Efforts to preserve endangered species within the Felidae family are focused on developing appropriate ART procedures. The domestic cat is a good biomedical model. Unfortunately, the current state of knowledge on vitrification of cat oocytes is inconclusive and the efficiency of ART procedures is low. A key example concerns how the meiotic status of the oocyte influences suitability for vitrification. This is the main question of this study. First, we conducted a toxicity test to make sure that the vitrification solution (VS) we proposed does not have a toxic effect on cat oocytes. Next, we performed vitrification on cat oocytes before (nonmature) and after in vitro maturation (IVM) and checked their developmental potential. There was no negative impact of the applied VS on oocyte maturation and fertilization, demonstrating a possibility to obtain embryos in vitro regardless of the meiotic status. There is a need for more research on vitrification of the domestic cat oocytes as a model species for wild cats. Abstract Cryopreservation is important for animal fertility and biodiversity. Unfortunately, cryopreservation of feline oocytes is still an experimental technique. The aims of this study were to analyze the potential toxicity of the cryoprotectants in the vitrification solution (VS) on cat oocytes and to investigate whether the meiotic status of oocytes influences their developmental potential after vitrification. Two experiments were conducted with the VS composed of 20% ethylene glycol, 20% dimethyl sulfoxide, 20% fetal calf serum, 1.5 M trehalose, and 10% Ficoll PM-70: (1) toxicity assessment of the VS on immature cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs), and subsequently in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro fertilization; (2) assessment of the influence of the meiotic status on vitrification effectiveness, where immature and in vitro matured COCs were vitrified on the Cryotop. After rewarming, vitrified oocytes were subjected to IVM (immature) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with fresh epididymal sperm. The toxicity test revealed no negative effect of oocyte exposure to the applied VS on their developmental potential (p > 0.05). Although the vitrification procedure itself significantly reduced the meiotic competence of oocytes, their meiotic status before vitrification (immature vs. in vitro matured) did not influence fertilization and morula rates. The only parameter affected by vitrification was the rate of oocytes suitable for ICSI, which was significantly lower for immature oocytes. Regardless of the meiotic status of vitrified oocytes, morphologically normal morulae were obtained. Moreover, the two meiotic stages examined are suitable for vitrification, with mature oocytes being a better choice when a well-equipped laboratory is available.
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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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Luvoni GC, Colombo M. Cold case: Small animal gametes cryobanking. Theriogenology 2020; 150:445-451. [PMID: 32164990 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.02.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Germplasm preservation of animals, whether they are valuable domestic breeds or rare species, is the main goal of gamete cryobanking. Dogs and cats act as models for this purpose thanks to the wide availability of biological material which can be employed to experiment protocols that can then be applied to wild animals. This review is focused on spermatozoa, oocytes and gonadal tissues cryobanking in small domestic animals, which is still an unsolved case. Like in a courtroom, evidences of cryoinjuries affecting cellular structures will be presented, penalties as loss of functionality due to cellular alterations will be described, and appeal as strategies to protect gametes from damages or rescue their functionality will be discussed. Differences and similarities between single cell or tissue cryopreservation will be highlighted, together with the rationale for the choice of one type of preservation or another and the fundamental principles which they are based on. The deep analysis of different aspects that still hamper the success of cryopreservation in small animals can help clarify where research is most needed. Therefore, as in a cold case, investigation should remain open in order to hopefully find the solution and make these procedures more and more efficient in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Cecilia Luvoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute, la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare "Carlo Cantoni", Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Martina Colombo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute, la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare "Carlo Cantoni", Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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10
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Colombo M, Morselli MG, Apparicio M, Luvoni GC. Granulosa cells in three-dimensional culture: A follicle-like structure for domestic cat vitrified oocytes. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55 Suppl 2:74-80. [PMID: 31913547 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Follicle-like structures are three-dimensional matrices joint with living cells that allow the in vitro development of female gametes in more physiological conditions. They have been shown to be beneficial to fresh oocytes in different species, and in this study, domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) granulosa cells were used to create a functional follicle-like structure aimed at supporting the in vitro maturation of conspecific vitrified oocytes, key players of fertility preservation programmes that usually struggle to acquire their full developmental competence after warming. Cat granulosa cells were cultured for up to 6 days in three-dimensional barium alginate microcapsules (i.e. follicle-like structures) or in two-dimensional monolayers, and their steroidogenic ability (estradiol and progesterone secretion) was assessed to confirm their functionality. The same systems were used (on day 2 or 6 of granulosa cells culture) for the in vitro maturation (IVM) of Cryotop® vitrified immature cat oocytes and compared with microdrops of IVM medium without cells (control). Granulosa cells were able to maintain their functionality in vitro in both the conditions, even if with a different extent of hormonal secretion along culture (p = .02). Vitrified oocytes resumed meiosis at higher rates when cultured with 2 days old granulosa cells (p = .03), but full maturation rates slightly raised when granulosa cells were cultured longer, albeit without differences with the control group. This study paved the road for the creation of enriched culture systems in the domestic cat, but innovations are strongly needed for vitrified oocytes that deserve better chances to develop in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Colombo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute, la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare "Carlo Cantoni", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Giorgia Morselli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute, la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare "Carlo Cantoni", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maricy Apparicio
- Programa de Mestrado em Ciência Animal, Universidade de Franca (UNIFRAN), Franca, Brasil.,Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Brasil
| | - Gaia Cecilia Luvoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute, la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare "Carlo Cantoni", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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ARTs in Wild Felid Conservation Programmes in Poland and in the World. J Vet Res 2019; 63:457-464. [PMID: 31572828 PMCID: PMC6749728 DOI: 10.2478/jvetres-2019-0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
With the exception of the domestic cat, all felid species (Felidae) are currently threatened with extinction in their natural habitat. To develop effective and optimal wild cat conservation programmes with assisted reproductive technology (ART) it is necessary to combine advances from different disciplines of science, starting from the biology of the species, through research into the population and habitat, assisted reproductive technologies, establishment of gene banks, developing bioinformatic systems, and ending with biodiversity and endangered species management. In the last few years knowledge of felid reproduction has expanded considerably thanks to comparative studies utilising the domestic cat as a research model for endangered wild cats. Basic reproductive techniques utilised in both domestic cat breeding and rescuing wild felid populations that are threatened with extinction include semen collection and cryopreservation, artificial insemination, oocyte collection, in vitro maturation, in vitro fertilisation, somatic cloning, and embryo transfer. The main directions in which assisted reproductive technologies are being developed in wild cat conservation implementations and the contribution of Polish research centres in advancing these methods are presented.
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12
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Colombo M, Morselli MG, Tavares MR, Apparicio M, Luvoni GC. Developmental Competence of Domestic Cat Vitrified Oocytes in 3D Enriched Culture Conditions. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E329. [PMID: 31181674 PMCID: PMC6616943 DOI: 10.3390/ani9060329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryoinjuries severely affect the competence of vitrified oocytes (VOs) to develop into embryos after warming. The use of culture conditions that provide physical and chemical support and resemble the in vivo microenvironment in which oocytes develop, such as 3D scaffolds and coculture systems, might be useful to improve VOs outcomes. In this study, an enriched culture system of 3D barium alginate microcapsules was employed for the in vitro embryo production of domestic cat VOs. Cryotop vitrified-warmed oocytes were in vitro matured for 24 h in the 3D system with or without fresh cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) in coculture, whereas a control group of VOs was cultured in traditional 2D microdrops of medium. After in vitro fertilization, presumptive embryos were cultured in 3D or 2D systems according to the maturation conditions. Vitrified oocytes were able to mature and develop into embryos in 3D microcapsules (17.42 ± 11.83%) as well as in 2D microdrops (14.96 ± 8.80%), but the coculture with companion COCs in 3D resulted in similar proportions of VOs embryo development (18.39 ± 16.67%; p = 1.00), although COCs presence allowed for blastocyst formation (0.95 ± 2.52%). In conclusion, embryos until late developmental stages were obtained from cat VOs, and 3D microcapsules were comparable to 2D microdrops, but improvements in post-warming conditions are still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Colombo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute, la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare "Carlo Cantoni", Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 10, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Maria Giorgia Morselli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute, la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare "Carlo Cantoni", Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 10, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Mariana Riboli Tavares
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil.
| | - Maricy Apparicio
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Reprodução Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal 14884-900, Brazil.
| | - Gaia Cecilia Luvoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute, la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare "Carlo Cantoni", Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 10, 20133 Milano, Italy.
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13
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Snoeck F, Szymanska KJ, Sarrazin S, Ortiz-Escribano N, Leybaert L, Van Soom A. Blocking connexin channels during vitrification of immature cat oocytes improves maturation capacity after warming. Theriogenology 2018; 122:144-149. [PMID: 30268031 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In the domestic cat, nuclear maturation and embryo development after vitrification of immature oocytes have been obtained but developmental competence after warming remains low. It has been reported that during folliculogenesis, the association and communication between the oocyte and the surrounding cumulus cells through connexin-based gap junctions is essential for normal oocyte and follicular development. Gap junctions result from the head-to-head interaction of two hemichannels; however, there is always a population of hemichannels not incorporated into gap junctions. These unopposed hemichannels are normally closed but may open under certain stress conditions, potentially also during vitrification and warming, turning them into toxic pores inducing cell injury and cell death. The aim of our study was to test whether inhibiting connexin 37 (Cx37) and connexin 43 (Cx43) channels with the connexin-targeting peptide Gap26 during vitrification and warming of cat immature cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) could improve oocyte maturation and competence of resultant blastocysts derived by parthenogenetic activation. In the first experiment, our immunostainings confirmed the presence of Cx43 protein in the cytoplasm of immature cat oocytes and in the plasma membranes of cumulus cells. In the second experiment, COCs were randomly divided in three different groups: a control group (control), a group vitrified without Gap26 (vitrified) and a group vitrified with Gap26 (vitrified-peptide). The maturation rate was checked and oocytes from all three different experimental groups were parthenogenetically activated and cultured in vitro until day 8. After vitrification and warming, 49% of the oocytes in the control group matured, while this was 8% and 19% in the vitrified and vitrified-peptide groups, respectively. Compared to the vitrified group, oocytes in the vitrified-peptide group had significantly larger maturation rates. No blastocysts were detected at day 8 in the vitrified group, while 2% and 13% of the oocytes further developed to blastocyst at day 8 in the vitrified-peptide and control non-vitrified group, respectively. We conclude that the use of Gap26 in vitrification and warming media to vitrify immature cat oocytes improves maturation success and allows such oocytes to reach the blastocyst stage (2%) at day 8 after parthenogenetic activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Féline Snoeck
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Katarzyna Joanna Szymanska
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Basic Medical Sciences - Physiology Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven Sarrazin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Nerea Ortiz-Escribano
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Basic Medical Sciences - Physiology Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Turathum B, Roytrakul S, Changsangfa C, Sroyraya M, Tanasawet S, Kitiyanant Y, Saikhun K. Missing and overexpressing proteins in domestic cat oocytes following vitrification and in vitro maturation as revealed by proteomic analysis. Biol Res 2018; 51:27. [PMID: 30124164 PMCID: PMC6100730 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-018-0176-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The domestic cat serves as an animal model for assisted reproductive studies of endangered felid species. To date, there are no data on the protein alterations following cryopreservation of oocytes in felid family. Methods Immature (germinal vesicle) domestic cat oocytes were vitrified in the vitrification solution containing 35% ethylene glycol, 20% DMSO and 0.5 mM sucrose. The vitrified-warmed oocytes were matured (metaphase II) in vitro and subjected to proteomic analysis using 1DE SDS-PAGE prefractionation combined with LC–MS/MS. Results A total of 1712 proteins were identified in in vitro matured oocytes. Of the 1712 proteins, 1454 proteins were found in both groups, whereas, 258 proteins were differentially expressed between control and vitrified-warmed groups. In vitrified-warmed oocytes, the missing proteins were membrane and nuclear proteins; whereas, apoptosis and DNA repair proteins were overrepresented. Conclusions The identified missing and overexpressed proteins in vitrified-warmed oocytes represent potential markers of cryoinjuries and the developmental pathways of oocytes. The findings of differential expressed proteins may contribute to effective ways of proteome analysis of oocyte/embryo quality in order to assess safety of cryopreservation in felid species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bongkoch Turathum
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Sittiruk Roytrakul
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathumthani, 12121, Thailand
| | - Chinarat Changsangfa
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Morakot Sroyraya
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Supita Tanasawet
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, 90110, Thailand
| | - Yindee Kitiyanant
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Kulnasan Saikhun
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand.
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SONOWAL J, BARUA PM, BORAH P, DAS A, DEURI NK, DUTTA DJ, SHARMA RK, CHOUDHURY MD, KALITA DJ. Effect of antioxidant on in-vitro maturation of vitrified bovine oocytes. THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v87i12.79828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of -tocopherol on in-vitro maturation of vitrified bovine oocytes. The cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) recovered from follicles (3–5 mm diameter) by aspiration and slicing techniques were equally divided into 5 (five) groups consisting 66 COCs in each. The vitrified bovine oocytes were sub-grouped into control and treatment group. The vitrified- and non-vitrified- control group of oocytes were in-vitro matured in TCM-199 media without supplementation of vitamin E. In three vitrified treatment groups, the oocytes were in-vitro cultured in TCM-199 media supplemented with vitamin E (-tocopherol) @ 50 μM, 100 μM and 200 μM, respectively. The mean percentage of cumulus cell expansion and polar body formation in non-vitrified control and vitrified control groups were 85.18±2.57 and 65.38±1.83, and 51.67±1.94 and 30.26±0.16, respectively. The rate of cumulus cell expansion and polar body formation in the oocytes of three vitrified treatment groups media supplemented with vitamin E @ 50 μM, 100 μM and 200 μM were 56.39±3.49 and 34.62±1.83, 69.95±3.20 and 56.23±1.61, and 54.44±4.73 and 31.62±4.50% respectively. Mean percentage of both cumulus cell expansion and polar body formation in the non-vitrified control group were significantly higher than that in the vitrified control group. In the treatment group supplemented with vitamin E @ 100 μM, both cumulus cells expansion and polar body formation were significantly higher than that in media supplemented with 50 μM and 200 μM vitamin E as well as in vitrified control group.
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Arayatham S, Tiptanavattana N, Tharasanit T. Effects of vitrification and a Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 inhibitor on the meiotic and developmental competence of feline oocytes. J Reprod Dev 2017; 63:511-517. [PMID: 28804108 PMCID: PMC5649101 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2017-004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Oocyte cryopreservation is the technique of choice for the long-term storage of female gametes. However, it induces an irreversible loss of oocyte viability and function. We examined the effects of vitrification and a
Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) inhibitor (ROCKi) on the meiotic and developmental competence of feline oocytes. We examined the expression of LIM kinase (LIMK) 1 and 2, with and
without ROCKi treatment. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in vitro with 0, 10, 20, and 40 µM ROCKi. The oocytes were subsequently assessed for maturation rate and embryo development following
in vitro fertilization. We repeated the COC experiment, but vitrified and warmed the COCs prior to culture. We detected LIMK1 and LIMK2 expression in feline oocytes, which could
be downregulated by ROCKi treatment. The ROCKi at 10 µM affected neither meiotic nor developmental competence (P > 0.05, versus control). However, high concentrations of ROCKi during maturation induced meiotic arrest at
metaphase I. Appropriate concentrations of ROCKi significantly improved the normal fertilization rate of vitrified warmed oocytes (49.4 ± 3.4%) compared with that of the control (42.8 ± 8.6%, P < 0.05). The ROCKi also
significantly improved the embryo cleavage rate (36.1 ± 3.8%) as compared with the non-treated control (27.4 ± 2.5%, P < 0.05). Thus, this study revealed that the main mediators of the ROCK cascade (LIM kinases) are expressed
in feline oocytes. The ROCKi (10 µM) did not compromise the meiotic or developmental competence of feline oocytes. In addition, 10 µM ROCKi improved the cytoplasmic maturation of vitrified–warmed oocytes as indicated by their
fertilization competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saengtawan Arayatham
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Narong Tiptanavattana
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Theerawat Tharasanit
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Mahesh YU, Gibence HRW, Shivaji S, Rao BS. Effect of different cryo-devices on in vitro maturation and development of vitrified-warmed immature buffalo oocytes. Cryobiology 2017; 75:106-116. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Fernandez-Gonzalez L, Jewgenow K. Cryopreservation of feline oocytes by vitrification using commercial kits and slush nitrogen technique. Reprod Domest Anim 2016; 52 Suppl 2:230-234. [PMID: 27885726 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive techniques are a valuable tool for conservation breeding of endangered species. Cryopreservation methods are the basis of gamete banks, supporting genetic diversity preservation. Unfortunately, cryopreservation of feline oocytes is still considered an experimental technique. The aim of this study was to compare two commercial kits, with our protocol for vitrification of cat oocytes (IZW), which comprises a three-step method with ethylene glycol, DMSO, fetal calf serum, trehalose and Ficoll PM-70. Furthermore, we applied slush nitrogen (SN2 ) for ultra-rapid freezing to improve survival rates. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were collected from domestic cat ovaries by slicing and vitrified at immature stage using Cryotop as storage device. Vit Kit® Freeze/Thaw (n = 89) showed the lowest maturation percentage obtained after warming (10.1%). A significant difference in maturation percentage of oocytes was found between Kitazato® kit (38.7%, n = 137) and IZW protocol (24.5%, n = 143). The cleavage after ICSI of warmed and matured oocytes (20.7% and 28.6%, respectively) and the morula percentage (18. 2% and 22.5%, respectively), however, did not reveal any significant difference between the two methods. Application of SN2 did not result in any improvement of oocytes' cryopreservation. Maturation percentage of the oocytes vitrified by IZW method with SN2 (n = 144) decreased until 6.1%, without any cleavage after fertilization. For Kitazato® (n = 62), only 17.7% were able to undergo maturation and cleavage percentage dropped to 18.2%, not reaching morula stage. These data demonstrate that feline oocytes can be vitrified either by our IZW method or by commercial Kitazato® kit, but the use of SN2 is improving neither maturation nor cleavage percentages when combined with these procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - K Jewgenow
- Leibniz-Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
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19
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Herrick JR, Wang C, Machaty Z. The effects of permeating cryoprotectants on intracellular free-calcium concentrations and developmental potential of in vitro-matured feline oocytes. Reprod Fertil Dev 2016; 28:599-607. [DOI: 10.1071/rd14233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryos produced from vitrified feline oocytes have resulted in pregnancies, but the efficiency of oocyte vitrification in cats is still low. Our objectives were to evaluate the effects of exposing feline oocytes to ethylene glycol (EG), propanediol (PrOH) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on changes in intracellular free-calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i), the time needed for enzymatic digestion of the zona pellucida (ZP), the incidence of parthenogenetic activation and degeneration and embryonic development following in vitro fertilisation (IVF). All of the chemicals tested altered [Ca2+]i, but changes in [Ca2+]i, resistance of the ZP to enzymatic digestion and the incidence of parthenogenetic activation (<5% for all treatments) were not affected (P > 0.05) by extracellular Ca2+. Exposure to EG (>44.1%) and DMSO (19.7%) increased (P < 0.05) oocyte degeneration compared with control oocytes and oocytes exposed to PrOH (≤2.5%). Following exposure to a combination of PrOH and DMSO (10% v/v each), blastocyst development (per cleaved embryo; 52.1%) was similar (P > 0.05) to control oocytes (64.4%). When oocytes were vitrified with PrOH and DMSO, 28.3% of surviving (intact plasma membrane) oocytes cleaved following IVF, but no blastocyst developed. When a non-permeating cryoprotectant (galactose, 0.25 M) was added to the vitrification medium, 47.7% of surviving oocytes cleaved and 14.3% developed to the blastocyst stage.
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20
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Vitrification of Rattus norvegicus immature cumulus-oocyte complexes using hyaluronic acid. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s11626-015-9940-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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21
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Cocchia N, Corteggio A, Altamura G, Tafuri S, Rea S, Rosapane I, Sica A, Landolfi F, Ciani F. The effects of superoxide dismutase addition to the transport medium on cumulus-oocyte complex apoptosis and IVF outcome in cats (Felis catus). Reprod Biol 2014; 15:56-64. [PMID: 25726378 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2014.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2013] [Revised: 08/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of superoxide dismutase (SOD) addition to the ovary transport medium (4°C, 3-72 h) on ovarian cell viability and apoptosis and in vitro embryo production (IVEP) in domestic cats. The ovaries collected from 76 mixed-breed domestic queens were randomly assigned to the control or SOD-treated groups and incubated for 3, 24, 48 or 72 h. The ovaries were then subjected to the following: (1) fixed in formalin to assess the incidence of apoptosis (fragmented DNA in situ detection kit), (2) stored at -196°C in liquid nitrogen to evaluate the expression of the pro-apoptotic Bax gene and the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene (RT-PCR), and (3) used to obtain the cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) in order to test the cell viability (carboxyfluorescein or trypan blue staining) and IVEP. The incidence of apoptosis appeared to be higher in the control compared with the SOD-treated ovaries. The ovarian expression of Bax was lower and the Bcl-2 expression was higher in the SOD-treated group compared with the control group. The presence of SOD in the transport medium increased the viability of COCs and IVEP compared with the control medium. In summary, the supplementation of the ovary transport medium with SOD reduced cellular apoptosis and enhanced COC survival and IVEP in domestic cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natascia Cocchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions - University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino n. 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Annunziata Corteggio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions - University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino n. 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Altamura
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions - University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino n. 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Tafuri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions - University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino n. 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Silviana Rea
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions - University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino n. 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Isabella Rosapane
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions - University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino n. 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sica
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions - University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino n. 1, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Ciani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions - University of Naples Federico II, Via F. Delpino n. 1, 80137 Naples, Italy.
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Rajaei F, Abedpour N, Salehnia M, Jahanihashemi H. The effect of vitrification on mouse oocyte apoptosis by cryotop method. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2014; 17:200-5. [PMID: 23999716 DOI: 10.6091/ibj.1184.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oocyte cryopreservation is one of the most important topics in the field of assisted reproductive technology to preserve women fertility, but relationship between cryopreservation and apoptosis is still a matter of debate. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of vitrification on apoptosis in mouse oocytes by Cryotop method. METHOD A total of 200 germinal vesicle (GV) and 200 metaphase II (MII) oocytes were obtained from ovaries and fallopian tubes of NMRI mice, respectively and divided into control and experimental groups. Oocytes in experimental group were vitrified by Cryotop using vitrification medium and were kept in liquid nitrogen for one month. The survival rate of oocytes was evaluated after 2 hour incubation time. Then, the oocyte apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL technique and compared with those in control group. The data was compared statistically using SPSS software and chi-square test. RESULTS The survival rates of vitrified GV (93%) and MII oocytes (88%) showed a significant decrease compared with the control group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in survival rate of both vitrified oocyte groups. The incidence of apoptosis in vitrified and control GV oocytes showed no significant difference (13% vs. 7%), but the rate of apoptosis in vitrified MII oocytes increased significantly not only in comparison with MII control group (25% vs. 5%) but also with vitrified GV oocytes (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The results indicate that vitrification increases apoptosis in mouse MII oocytes and apoptosis may play a role in MII oocyte injury after vitrification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzad Rajaei
- Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.
| | - Neda Abedpour
- Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.
| | - Mojdeh Salehnia
- Dept. of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Jahanihashemi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.
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Recent progress in cryopreservation of bovine oocytes. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:570647. [PMID: 24738063 PMCID: PMC3971499 DOI: 10.1155/2014/570647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Principle of oocyte cryoinjury is first overviewed and then research history of cryopreservation using bovine oocytes is summarized for the last two decades with a few special references to recent progresses. Various types of cryodevices have been developed to accelerate the cooling rate and applied to the oocytes from large domestic species enriched with cytoplasmic lipid droplets. Two recent approaches include the qualitative improvement of IVM oocytes prior to the vitrification and the short-term recovery culture of vitrified-warmed oocytes prior to the subsequent IVF. Supplementation of L-carnitine to IVM medium of bovine oocytes has been reported to reduce the amount of cytoplasmic lipid droplets and improve the cryotolerance of the oocytes, but it is still controversial whether the positive effect of L-carnitine is reproducible. Incidence of multiple aster formation, a possible cause for low developmental potential of vitrified-warmed bovine oocytes, was inhibited by a short-term culture of the postwarm oocytes in the presence of Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase (ROCK) inhibitor. Use of an antioxidant α-tocopherol, instead of the ROCK inhibitor, also supported the revivability of the postwarm bovine oocytes. Further improvements of the vitrification procedure, combined with pre- and postvitrification chemical treatment, would overcome the high sensitivity of bovine oocytes to cryopreservation.
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Reproduction and Advances in Reproductive Studies in Carnivores. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 753:205-39. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0820-2_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Mikołajewska N, Müller K, Niżański W, Jewgenow K. Vitrification of domestic cat oocytes--effect on viability and integrity of subcellular structures. Reprod Domest Anim 2013; 47 Suppl 6:295-9. [PMID: 23279523 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2012] [Accepted: 07/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cryopreservation of female gametes is a crucial part of assisted reproduction techniques. The domestic cat is a model for both wild felids and human research. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different vitrification protocols applied to feline oocytes at different maturational stages on the preservation of oocyte viability and integrity of subcellular structures. The vitrification solutions consisted of 20% ethylene glycol, 20% DMSO, 20% FCS, and 1.5 m Trehalose with and without 10% Ficoll PM-70. Markers for cell viability (PI/FDA), cytoskeleton organization (Anti-α-Tubulin-FITC antibody, Phalloidin-TRITC), as well as nuclear configuration (DAPI) were used for evaluation of vitrified-warmed oocytes. Our results show that 52% and 41% of live mature and immature oocytes, respectively and until 32% of microtubules, 28% of nuclear configuration and 36% of microfilaments in the normal pattern can be obtained with protocol described in this paper. According to our data, Ficoll PM-70 essentially improves the oocytes survival upon vitrification.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Mikołajewska
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Science, Wroclaw, Poland
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Luvoni GC. Cryosurvival of ex situ and in situ feline oocytes. Reprod Domest Anim 2013; 47 Suppl 6:266-8. [PMID: 23279515 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cryosurvival of feline oocytes preserved as isolated cells (ex situ) or enclosed in ovarian follicles (in situ) has been demonstrated, and significant advances have recently been achieved. However, an ideal protocol for oocyte cryopreservation has not been established to date because of extreme sensitivity of the structural complex to chilling injury. Several factors, such as stage of maturation, membrane permeability and plasticity of the cytoskeleton, affect cryosurvival of the oocyte. Also, intercellular communications between cumulus cells and oocyte are compromised after freezing or vitrification of ex situ or in situ cumulus-oocyte complexes, which has a detrimental effect on oocyte maturational competence. Despite these issues, embryo development, pregnancies and live kittens have been obtained after in vitro fertilization (by ICSI) and transfer of embryos derived from cryopreserved oocytes. It is a general belief that the efficiency of cryopreservation would increase through a better understanding of oocyte responses to cryoprotectants, cooling rates and all the physical events occurring during the exposure of feline oocytes to low temperatures. Cryobanking of feline oocytes would significantly contribute to the preservation of rare genotypes and to the maintenance of a valuable source of genetic material for research applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- G C Luvoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute, la Produzione Animale, e la Sicurezza Alimentare, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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Apparicio M, Ruggeri E, Luvoni GC. Vitrification of Immature Feline Oocytes with a Commercial Kit for Bovine Embryo Vitrification. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 48:240-4. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02138.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Alves AE, Kozel AC, Luvoni GC. Vitrification with DAP 213 and Cryotop ofEx SituandIn SituFeline Cumulus-Oocyte Complexes. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 47:1003-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02006.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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29
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In vivo survival of domestic cat oocytes after vitrification, intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer. Theriogenology 2012; 77:531-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2011] [Revised: 07/18/2011] [Accepted: 08/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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30
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Tharasanit T, Manee-In S, Buarpung S, Chatdarong K, Lohachit C, Techakumphu M. Successful pregnancy following transfer of feline embryos derived from vitrified immature cat oocytes using ‘stepwise’ cryoprotectant exposure technique. Theriogenology 2011; 76:1442-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2011] [Revised: 06/09/2011] [Accepted: 06/13/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Cha SK, Kim BY, Kim MK, Kim YS, Lee WS, Yoon TK, Lee DR. Effects of various combinations of cryoprotectants and cooling speed on the survival and further development of mouse oocytes after vitrification. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2011; 38:24-30. [PMID: 22384414 PMCID: PMC3283046 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2011.38.1.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2010] [Revised: 12/09/2010] [Accepted: 12/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were to analyze efficacy of immature and mature mouse oocytes after vitrification and warming by applying various combinations of cryoprotectants (CPAs) and/or super-rapid cooling using slush nitrogen (SN(2)). METHODS Four-week old ICR female mice were superovulated for GV- and MII-stage oocytes. Experimental groups were divided into two groups. Ethylene glycol (EG) only group: pre-equilibrated with 1.5 M EG for 2.5 minutes and then equilibrated with 5.5 M EG and 1.0 M sucrose for 20 seconds. EG+dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) group: pre-equilibrated with 1.3 M EG+1.1 M DMSO for 2.5 minutes and equilibrated with 2.7 M EG+2.1 M DMSO+0.5 M sucrose for 20 seconds. The oocytes were loaded onto grids and plunged into SN(2) or liquid nitrogen (LN(2)). Stored oocytes were warmed by a five-step method, and then their survival, maturation, cleavage, and developmental rates were observed. RESULTS The EG only and EG+DMSO groups showed no significant difference in survival of immature oocytes vitrified after warming. However, maturation and cleavage rates after conventional insemination were greater in the EG only group than in the EG+DMSO group. In mature oocytes, survival, cleavage, and blastocyst formation rates after warming showed no significant difference when EG only or EG+DMSO was applied. Furthermore, cleavage and blastocyst formation rates of MII oocytes vitrified using SN(2) were increased in both the EG only and EG+DMSO groups. CONCLUSION A combination of CPAs in oocyte cryopreservation could be formulated according to the oocyte stage. In addition, SN(2) may improve the efficiency of vitrification by reducing cryoinjury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Kyung Cha
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University College of Medicine, CHA University, Seoul, Korea
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Kim BY, Yoon SY, Cha SK, Kwak KH, Fissore RA, Parys JB, Yoon TK, Lee DR. Alterations in calcium oscillatory activity in vitrified mouse eggs impact on egg quality and subsequent embryonic development. Pflugers Arch 2011; 461:515-26. [DOI: 10.1007/s00424-011-0955-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2010] [Revised: 02/24/2011] [Accepted: 03/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Asimakopoulos B, Kotanidis L, Nikolettos N. In vitro maturation and fertilization of vitrified immature human oocytes, subsequent vitrification of produced embryos, and embryo transfer after thawing. Fertil Steril 2011; 95:2123.e1-2. [PMID: 21256484 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.12.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2010] [Revised: 11/15/2010] [Accepted: 12/22/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report on the capability of vitrified immature human oocytes to undergo in vitro maturation, fertilization, and embryo development, and to report on the post-thaw survival of vitrified embryos. DESIGN Case report. SETTING University-based IVF unit. PATIENT(S) Two women (34 and 36 years old) undergoing IVF therapy. INTERVENTION(S) Immature oocytes, retrieved after ovarian stimulation, were vitrified. Post-thaw, they underwent in vitro maturation and fertilization by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The produced embryos were vitrified at day 2. In one case, the embryos were thawed and transferred. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Post-thaw survival of vitrified immature oocytes, capability for in vitro maturation, fertilization, embryo development; post-thaw survival of vitrified embryos. RESULT(S) In the first case, six immature oocytes survived after thawing and matured after in vitro maturation. Five of them underwent ICSI, four fertilized, and three cleaved. The embryos were vitrified for future use. In the second case, two out of three immature oocytes survived after thawing. They were normally fertilized and cleaved, and the embryos were vitrified. Later, the embryos were thawed and transferred to the patient. CONCLUSION(S) These cases demonstrate that vitrified immature oocytes can undergo post-thaw in vitro maturation and fertilization. The produced embryos are capable to undergo vitrification and thawing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byron Asimakopoulos
- IVF Unit, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, and Laboratory of Physiology, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Thrace, Greece.
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JEWGENOW K, WIEDEMANN C, BERTELSEN MF, RINGLEB J. Cryopreservation of mammalian ovaries and oocytes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-1090.2010.00124.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Prentice JR, Anzar M. Cryopreservation of Mammalian oocyte for conservation of animal genetics. Vet Med Int 2010; 2011. [PMID: 20886016 PMCID: PMC2945659 DOI: 10.4061/2011/146405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2010] [Accepted: 08/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The preservation of the female portion of livestock genetics has become an international priority; however, in situ conservation strategies are extremely expensive. Therefore, efforts are increasingly focusing on the development of a reliable cryopreservation method for oocytes, in order to establish ova banks. Slow freezing, a common method for cryopreservation of oocytes, causes osmotic shock (solution effect) and intracellular ice crystallization leading to cell damage. Vitrification is an alternative method for cryopreservation in which cells are exposed to a higher concentration of cryoprotectants and frozen with an ultra rapid freezing velocity, resulting in an ice crystal free, solid glass-like structure. Presently, vitrification is a popular method for cryopreservation of embryos. However, vitrification of oocytes is still challenging due to their complex structure and sensitivity to chilling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Prentice
- Canadian Animal Genetic Resources, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon Research Centre, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N 0X2
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