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Wang M, Zhu T, Liu C, Jin L, Fei P, Zhang B. Oviduct-mimicking microfluidic chips decreased the ROS concentration in the in vitro fertilized embryos of CD-1 mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113567. [PMID: 36007278 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The process of the assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle is extremely complicated, and various factors in each step may influence the final clinical outcomes; thus, optimizing culture conditions for embryos is crucial in the ART cycle, particularly when the traditional petri-dish method remains unchanged for decades. In the current study, we intend to culture embryos in a dynamic environment on chips to optimize the embryo culture conditions. METHODS Multilayer soft lithography technology was utilized to establish a microfluidics-based oviduct. Mouse primary oviduct epithelial cells were identified by immunofluorescence staining and then loaded into the chip to coculture with the embryos. The development potential parameters of embryos on chips with cells, on chips without cells, and in drops were compared, as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) in embryos. RESULTS There were no obvious differences regarding the fertilization rate, 4-Cell embryo rate, cleavage rate, high-quality embryo rate, or blastocyst formation rate. However, the intracellular ROS levels in 4-Cell stage embryos on chips with cells were statistically significantly lower than those in drops (P < 0.001). This organ-on-chip device allowed the probability of mammalian embryo culture in a microfluidic-based manner. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrated that this novel oviduct-on-chip model may optimize embryo culture conditions by reducing intracellular ROS levels, which may be a competent alternative to the existing stable embryo culture system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tingting Zhu
- School of Optical and Electronic Information, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Fei
- School of Optical and Electronic Information, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Effects of embryo density on cell number of day 3 embryos cultured in a 30-μl drop: a retrospective cohort study. ZYGOTE 2022; 30:487-494. [PMID: 35293302 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199421000812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
For individual cultures, findings on regulating embryo density by changing the microdrop volume are contradictory. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between embryo density and the developmental outcome of day 3 embryos after adjusting covariates. In total, 1196 embryos from 206 couples who had undergone in vitro fertilization treatment were analyzed retrospectively. Three embryo densities were used routinely, i.e. one embryo in a drop (30 μl/embryo), two embryos in a drop (15 μl/embryo) and three embryos in a drop (10 μl/embryo). Embryo quality on day 3 was evaluated, both the cell number of day 3 embryos and the proportion of successful implantations served as endpoints. Maternal age, paternal age, antral follicles and level of anti-Müllerian hormone, type of infertility, controlled ovarian stimulation protocol, length of stimulation, number of retrieved oocytes, number of zygotes (two pronuclei) and insemination type were covariates and adjusted. After adjusting fully for all covariates, the cell number of day 3 embryos was significantly increased by 0.40 (95% CI 0.00, 0.79; P = 0.048) and 0.78 (95% CI 0.02, 1.54; P = 0.044) in the 15 μl/embryo and 10 μl/embryo group separately, compared with the 30 μl/embryo group. The proportions of implanted embryos were 42.1%, 48.7% and 0.0% in the 30 μl/embryo, 15 μl/embryo and 10 μl/embryo groups respectively. There was no statistical significance (P = 0.22) between the 30 μl/embryo group and the 15 μl/embryo group. After adjusting for confounders that were significant in univariate analysis, embryo density was still not associated with day 3 embryo implantation potential (P > 0.05). In a 30-μl microdrop, culturing embryos with an embryo density of both 15 and 10 μl/embryo increased the cell number of day 3 embryos, which did not benefit embryo implanting potential, compared with individual culture of 30 μl/embryo.
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Shi C, Sun TC, Meng SH, Wang P, Liang R, Duan SN, Han HJ, Liu YN, Shen H, Chen X. Embryo Density and Its Neutrality in Day-3 Embryo Development: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Int J Endocrinol 2022; 2022:6368678. [PMID: 35313456 PMCID: PMC8934215 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6368678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many studies have shown that embryo density has an impact on day-3 embryo-developmental outcomes; however, embryo density remains controversial in clinical practice. We aimed to evaluate the association between embryo density and day-3 embryo-developmental outcomes in real world with the largest sample size. METHODS In 2018, we identified 10941 day-3 embryos from all female patients (n = 1568) in the study. The embryos were allocated to three embryonic densities: 30 μl/embryo (individual culture), 15 μl/embryo, and 10 μl/embryo (group culture). The primary outcomes were cleaving speed, quality, and proportion of successful implantations. The generalized estimate equation (GEE) model was used both in the univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression analyses to investigate the relationship between embryo density and embryo-developmental outcomes. RESULTS There were 3064, 5695, and 2182 embryos in the 30 μl/embryo group, 15 μl/embryo group, and 10 μl/embryo group, respectively. The proportions of 7-10 cell embryos were 57.2%, 56.1%, and 58.3% in three densities with no statistical significance (P=0.37), respectively. The proportions of morphologically good embryos were 20%, 20.3%, and 20% in three densities with no statistical significance (P=0.85), respectively. Proportions of implanted embryos were 37.7%, 37.1%, and 27.8% with no statistical significance (P=0.36), respectively. After adjustment for confounders, which were significant in the univariate analysis, the embryo density was still not associated with day-3 embryo-cleaving speed, day-3 embryo quality, and day-3 embryo-implanting potential (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION In a 30 μl microdrop, the culturing embryos with embryo densities of 15, 10, and 30 μl/embryo (from zygotes to day 3) had similar developmental outcomes. The embryo density had no impact on day-3 embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Shi
- Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Tie Cheng Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Shi Hui Meng
- Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Rong Liang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Sheng Nan Duan
- Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Hong Jing Han
- Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Ya Nan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Huan Shen
- Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Reproductive Medical Center, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100044, China
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Liu J, Wang Z, Gao Z, Zhang H, Gu J, Zhao X, Wei Q, Ma B. Sealed culture system for supporting mouse preimplantation embryo development in vitro. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:879-884. [PMID: 32448404 DOI: 10.1071/rd19086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the possibility of a sealed culture system in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tubes to maintain embryo development. The embryo density that could support the development of 2-cell stage mouse embryos to the hatching stage was determined. At an embryo density of 1:2 (100 embryos cultured in 200μL CZB medium that had been pretreated with a reference gas containing 5% O2), the developmental rate was higher and fewer embryos exhibited reactive oxygen species- or hypoxia-induced injury compared with other sealed culture groups. Expression of growth factors (insulin-like growth factor (IGF) 1, IGF2, epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor-α) and their receptors was evaluated, with similar expression patterns seen for embryos in sealed culture (5% O2, embryo density of 1:2) compared with the control group (embryos cultured in microdrops and placed in a 37°C, 5% CO2 water-jacketed incubator; P>0.05). After transfer of blastocysts generated by the sealed culture into recipients, there were no obvious differences in the rate of normal live pups births between the sealed culture and control groups (P>0.05). Thus, the sealed embryo culture system in PCR tubes is feasible for use in situations which cannot use a traditional incubator, such as in space and during the transport of embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; and Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; and Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Zhen Gao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; and Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; and Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Jianfeng Gu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; and Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Xiaoe Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; and Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Qiang Wei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; and Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Baohua Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; and Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China; and Corresponding author:
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Ruíz M, Santamaría-López E, Blasco V, Hernáez MJ, Caligara C, Pellicer A, Fernández-Sánchez M, Prados N. Effect of Group Embryo Culture under Low-Oxygen Tension in Benchtop Incubators on Human Embryo Culture: Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:1522-1533. [PMID: 31994003 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00150-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the efficacy of group embryo culture under low-oxygen tension in benchtop incubators on human embryo development in vitro. The study was designed as a prospective, patient blind, randomized, controlled trial of a complex intervention. One hundred forty-eight women undergoing IVF were recruited in our fertility practice and randomized into two groups: intervention group (study culture strategy) or control group (control culture strategy). Intervention group embryos were cultured grouped under low-oxygen tension in benchtop incubators while control group embryos were cultured individually under atmospheric oxygen tension in large-box incubators. Using the study culture strategy, there were a significantly higher implantation rate (65.1% vs 49.2%; RR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.17-1.73) and live birth delivery rate per embryo transfer (52.7% vs 39.5%; RR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.02-1.75) with the first fresh embryo transfer. Cumulative implantation rate (56.7% vs 43.6%; RR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.05-1.62) and cumulative live birth rate per embryo transfer (47.4% vs 36.2%; RR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.01-1.69) were also statistically significantly increased in the study culture strategy. Human embryos exposed to our study culture condition strategy had statistically significant increased cumulative implantation rate and cumulative live birth rate per embryo transferred. Our findings suggest that this strategy specially favours poor quality embryos. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT01904006.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Ruíz
- IVI-RMA Seville, Avda. República Argentina 58, ES-41011, Seville, Spain.,IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), ES-46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - Esther Santamaría-López
- IVI-RMA Seville, Avda. República Argentina 58, ES-41011, Seville, Spain.,IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), ES-46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - Víctor Blasco
- IVI-RMA Seville, Avda. República Argentina 58, ES-41011, Seville, Spain.,IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), ES-46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - María José Hernáez
- IVI-RMA Seville, Avda. República Argentina 58, ES-41011, Seville, Spain.,IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), ES-46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - Cinzia Caligara
- IVI-RMA Seville, Avda. República Argentina 58, ES-41011, Seville, Spain.,IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), ES-46026, Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Pellicer
- IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), ES-46026, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Valencia University, ES-46010, Valencia, Spain.,IVI-RMA Rome, Largo Ildebrando Pizzetti 1, IT-00197, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuel Fernández-Sánchez
- IVI-RMA Seville, Avda. República Argentina 58, ES-41011, Seville, Spain. .,IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), ES-46026, Valencia, Spain. .,Departamento de Cirugía, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda. Sánchez Pizjuan S/N, ES-41009, Seville, Spain. .,Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, ES-41013, Seville, Spain.
| | - Nicolás Prados
- IVI-RMA Seville, Avda. República Argentina 58, ES-41011, Seville, Spain.,IVI Foundation, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), ES-46026, Valencia, Spain.,Departamento de Biología Molecular e Ingeniería Bioquímica, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, ES-41013, Seville, Spain
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Kelley RL, Gardner DK. Individual culture and atmospheric oxygen during culture affect mouse preimplantation embryo metabolism and post-implantation development. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 39:3-18. [PMID: 31122833 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.03.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does single embryo culture under atmospheric or reduced oxygen alter preimplantation metabolism and post-implantation development compared with culture in groups? DESIGN Mouse embryos were cultured under 5% or 20% oxygen, individually or in groups of 10. Spent media were analysed after 48, 72 and 96 h of culture. Blastocysts were assessed by outgrowth assay or transferred to pseudo-pregnant recipients, and fetal and placental weight, length and morphology were assessed. RESULTS Compared with group culture, individually cultured blastocysts had lower net consumption of glucose and aspartate and higher glutamate production. Atmospheric oxygen reduced uptake of glucose and aspartate and increased production of glutamate and ornithine compared with 5% oxygen. Combining 20% oxygen and single culture resulted in further metabolic changes: decreased leucine, methionine and threonine consumption. Under 5% oxygen, individual culture decreased placental labyrinth area but had no other effects on fetal and placental development or outgrowth size compared with group culture. Under 20% oxygen, however, individual culture reduced outgrowth size and fetal and placental weight compared with group-cultured embryos. CONCLUSIONS Preimplantation metabolism of glucose and amino acids is altered by both oxygen and individual culture, and fetal weight is reduced by individual culture under atmospheric oxygen but not 5% oxygen. This study raises concerns regarding the increasing prevalence of single embryo culture in human IVF and adds to the existing evidence regarding the detrimental effects of atmospheric oxygen during embryo culture. Furthermore, these data demonstrate the cumulative nature of stress during embryo culture and highlight the importance of optimizing each element of the culture system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Kelley
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville Victoria 3010, Australia.
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Embryo density may affect embryo quality during in vitro culture in a microwell group culture dish. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2017; 296:345-353. [PMID: 28551726 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-017-4403-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Culturing embryos in groups is a common practice in mammalian embryology. Since the introduction of different microwell dishes, it is possible to identify oocytes or embryos individually. As embryo density (embryo-to-volume ratio) may affect the development and viability of the embryos, the purpose of this study was to assess the effect of different embryo densities on embryo quality. METHODS Data of 1337 embryos from 228 in vitro fertilization treatment cycles were retrospectively analyzed. Embryos were cultured in a 25 μl microdrop in a microwell group culture dish containing 9 microwells. Three density groups were defined: Group 1 with 2-4 (6.3-12.5 μl/embryo), Group 2 with 5-6 (4.2-5.0 μl/embryo), and Group 3 with 7-9 (2.8-3.6 μl/embryo) embryos. RESULTS Proportion of good quality embryos was higher in Group 2 on both days (D2: 18.9 vs. 31.5 vs. 24.7%; p < 0.001; D3: 19.7 vs. 27.1 vs. 21.2%; p = 0.029; Group 1. vs. Group 2. vs. Group 3). Cell number on Day 3 differed between Groups 1 and 2 (6.8 ± 2.2; 7.3 ± 2.1; p = 0.004) and Groups 2 and 3 (7.3 ± 2.1 vs. 7.0 ± 2.0; p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS Culturing 5-6 embryos together in a culture volume of 25 μl may benefit embryo quality. As low egg number, position, and distance of the embryos may influence embryo quality, results should be interpreted with caution.
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Sugimura S, Akai T, Imai K. Selection of viable in vitro-fertilized bovine embryos using time-lapse monitoring in microwell culture dishes. J Reprod Dev 2017; 63:353-357. [PMID: 28552887 PMCID: PMC5593086 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2017-041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventionally, in vitro-fertilized (IVF) bovine embryos for transfer are morphologically evaluated at day 7–8 of embryo culture. This method is, however, subjective and results in unreliable selection. We
previously described a novel selection system for IVF bovine blastocysts for transfer that traces the development of individual embryos with time-lapse monitoring in our specially developed microwell culture dishes (LinKID
micro25). The system can noninvasively identify prognostic factors that reflect viability after transfer. By assessing a combination of identified prognostic factors —timing of the first cleavage; number of blastomeres at the end
of the first cleavage; and number of blastomeres at the onset of lag-phase, which results in temporary developmental arrest during the fourth or fifth cell cycle— the pregnancy rate was improved over using conventional
morphological evaluation. Time-lapse monitoring with LinKID micro25 could facilitate objective and reliable selection of healthy IVF bovine embryos. Here, we review the novel bovine embryo selection system that allows for
prediction of viability after transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Sugimura
- Department of Biological Production, Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Tomonori Akai
- Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd., Kashiwa, Chiba 277-0871, Japan
| | - Kei Imai
- Department of Sustainable Agriculture, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido 069-8501, Japan
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Kelley RL, Gardner DK. In vitro culture of individual mouse preimplantation embryos: the role of embryo density, microwells, oxygen, timing and conditioned media. Reprod Biomed Online 2017; 34:441-454. [PMID: 28268069 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Single embryo culture is suboptimal compared with group culture, but necessary for embryo monitoring, and culture systems should be improved for single embryos. Pronucleate mouse embryos were used to assess the effect of culture conditions on single embryo development. Single culture either before or after compaction reduced cell numbers (112.2 ± 3.1; 110.2 ± 3.5) compared with group culture throughout (127.0 ± 3.4; P < 0.05). Reduction of media volume from 20 µl to 2 µl increased blastocyst cell numbers in single embryos cultured in 5% oxygen (84.4 ± 3.2 versus 97.8 ± 2.8; P < 0.05), but not in 20% oxygen (55.2 ± 2.9 versus 57.1 ± 2.8). Culture in microwell plates for the EmbryoScope and Primo Vision time-lapse systems changed cleavage timings and increased inner cell mass cell number (24.1 ± 1.0; 23.4 ± 1.2) compared with a 2 µl microdrop (18.4 ± 1.0; P < 0.05). Addition of embryo-conditioned media to single embryos increased hatching rate and blastocyst cell number (91.5 ± 4.7 versus 113.1 ± 4.4; P < 0.01). Single culture before or after compaction is therefore detrimental; oxygen, media volume and microwells influence single embryo development; and embryo-conditioned media may substitute for group culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Kelley
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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10
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Kelley RL, Gardner DK. Combined effects of individual culture and atmospheric oxygen on preimplantation mouse embryos in vitro. Reprod Biomed Online 2016; 33:537-549. [PMID: 27569702 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Embryos are routinely cultured individually, although this can reduce blastocyst development. Culture in atmospheric (20%) oxygen is also common, despite multiple detrimental effects on embryos. Although frequently occurring together, the consequences of this combination are unknown. Mouse embryos were cultured individually or grouped, under physiological (5%) or atmospheric (20%) oxygen. Embryos were assessed by time-lapse and blastocyst cell allocation. Compared with the control group (5% oxygen group culture), 5-cell cleavage (t5) was delayed in 5% oxygen individual culture and 20% oxygen group culture (59.91 ± 0.23, 60.70 ± 0.29, 63.06 ± 0.32 h post-HCG respectively, P < 0.05). Embryos in 20% oxygen individual culture were delayed earlier (3-cell cleavage), and at t5 cleaved later than embryos in other treatments (66.01 ± 0.40 h, P < 0.001), this delay persisting to blastocyst hatching. Compared with controls, hatching rate and cells per blastocyst were reduced in 5% oxygen single culture and 20% oxygen group culture (134.1 ± 3.4, 104.5 ± 3.2, 73.4 ± 2.2 cells, P < 0.001), and were further reduced in 20% oxygen individual culture (57.0 ± 2.8 cells, P < 0.001), as was percentage inner cell mass. These data indicate combining individual culture and 20% oxygen is detrimental to embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Kelley
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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Thongkittidilok C, Tharasanit T, Songsasen N, Sananmuang T, Buarpung S, Techakumphu M. Epidermal growth factor improves developmental competence and embryonic quality of singly cultured domestic cat embryos. J Reprod Dev 2015; 61:269-76. [PMID: 25985792 PMCID: PMC4547984 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2014-167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the influence of EGF on the expression of EGF receptors (EGFR) and developmental competence of embryos cultured individually versus those cultured in groups. Cat oocytes were in vitro matured and fertilized (IVM/IVF), and cleaved embryos were randomly assigned to one of seven culture conditions: one group each in which embryos were subjected to group culture supplemented with or without 5 ng/ml EGF and five groups in which embryos were subjected to single-embryo culture supplemented with EGF (0, 5, 25, 50 or 100 ng/ml). Morulae, blastocysts and hatching blastocysts were assessed at days 5 and 7; post IVF, respectively, and total blastocyst cell numbers were assessed at day 7. Relative mRNA expressions of EGFR of 2–4-cell embryos, 8–16-cell embryos, morulae and blastocysts cultured in groups or singly with or without EGF supplementation were examined. OCT3/4 and Ki67 in blastocysts derived from the group
or single-embryo culture systems with or without EGF supplementation were localized. A higher rate of embryos cultured in groups developed to blastocysts than individually incubated cohorts. Although EGF increased blastocyst formation in the single-embryo culture system, EGF did not affect embryo development in group culture. Expression levels of EGFR decreased in morulae and blastocysts cultured with EGF. An increased ratio of Ki67-positive cells to the total number of cells in the blastocyst was observed in singly cultured embryos in the presence of EGF. However, EGF did not affect the expression of OCT3/4. These findings indicate that EGF enhanced developmental competence of cat embryos cultured singly by stimulating cell proliferation and modulating the EGFR expression at various developmental stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chommanart Thongkittidilok
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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12
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Absalón-Medina VA, Butler WR, Gilbert RO. Preimplantation embryo metabolism and culture systems: experience from domestic animals and clinical implications. J Assist Reprod Genet 2014; 31:393-409. [PMID: 24682781 PMCID: PMC3969471 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0179-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advantages of in vitro embryo production in many species, widespread use of this technology is limited by generally lower developmental competence of in vitro derived embryos compared to in vivo counterparts. Regardless, in vivo or in vitro gametes and embryos face and must adjust to multiple microenvironments especially at preimplantation stages. Moreover, the embryo has to be able to further adapt to environmental cues in utero to result in the birth of live and healthy offspring. Enormous strides have been made in understanding and meeting stage-specific requirements of preimplantation embryos, but interpretation of the data is made difficult due to the complexity of the wide array of culture systems and the remarkable plasticity of developing embryos that seem able to develop under a variety of conditions. Nevertheless, a primary objective remains meeting, as closely as possible, the preimplantation embryo requirements as provided in vivo. In general, oocytes and embryos develop more satisfactorily when cultured in groups. However, optimization of individual culture of oocytes and embryos is an important goal and area of intensive current research for both animal and human clinical application. Successful culture of individual embryos is of primary importance in order to avoid ovarian superstimulation and the associated physiological and psychological disadvantages for patients. This review emphasizes stage specific shifts in embryo metabolism and requirements and research to optimize in vitro embryo culture conditions and supplementation, with a view to optimizing embryo culture in general, and culture of single embryos in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. A. Absalón-Medina
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agricultural Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - W. R. Butler
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agricultural Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - R. O. Gilbert
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
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Thongkittidilok C, Tharasanit T, Sananmuang T, Buarpung S, Techakumphu M. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) enhances developmental competence of cat embryos cultured singly by modulating the expression of its receptor (IGF-1R) and reducing developmental block. Growth Horm IGF Res 2014; 24:76-82. [PMID: 24726100 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2014.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2013] [Revised: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to determine the effects of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and the mRNA expression of IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) during the in vitro development of cat embryos cultured in groups versus singly. METHODS Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured and fertilized in vitro with frozen-thawed semen. Cleaved embryos (48h post-fertilization) were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: 1) group embryo culture without IGF-1 (10 embryos per 50μl droplet), 2) single-embryo culture without IGF-1, and 3) to 6) single-embryo culture (50μl droplet per embryo) supplemented with different concentrations of IGF-1 (5, 25, 50 and 100ng/ml, respectively). During in vitro culture, the embryos were analyzed for development to the morula, blastocyst and hatching blastocyst stage. Relative mRNA expression of IGF-1R was also examined by qPCR at the morula and blastocyst stages. In addition, the mRNA expression of IGF-1R in morula-stage embryos treated with IGF-1 was determined. The influence of IGF-1 to preimplantation embryo development was then explored by co-incubation with 0.5μM IGF-1R inhibitor (Picropodophyllin; PPP). RESULTS Group embryo culture led to a significantly higher blastocyst development rate compared with single-embryo culture (P<0.05). The poor development of singly cultured embryos coincided with the significantly lower IGF-1R expression in morulae than in group-cultured morulae. IGF-1 (25 or 50ng/ml) supplementation significantly improved the blastocyst formation rate of single embryos to a level similar to group culture by promoting the morula-to-blastocyst transition. IGF-1 supplementation (25 or 50ng/ml) of singly cultured embryos upregulated the expression of IGF-1R mRNA in morula-stage embryos to the same level as that observed in group-cultured embryos (without IGF-1). The beneficial effects of IGF-1 on singly cultured embryo were (P<0.05) suppressed by PPP even in the group culture embryo without growth factor supplementation. CONCLUSION IGF-1 supplementation improves the developmental competence of feline embryos cultured individually and also increases IGF-1R gene expression to levels similar to group-cultured embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chommanart Thongkittidilok
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Chulalongkorn University, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Theerawat Tharasanit
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Chulalongkorn University, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Thanida Sananmuang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Chulalongkorn University, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Sirirak Buarpung
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Chulalongkorn University, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Mongkol Techakumphu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Chulalongkorn University, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
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Sugimura S, Akai T, Hashiyada Y, Aikawa Y, Ohtake M, Matsuda H, Kobayashi S, Kobayashi E, Konishi K, Imai K. Effect of embryo density on in vitro development and gene expression in bovine in vitro-fertilized embryos cultured in a microwell system. J Reprod Dev 2012; 59:115-22. [PMID: 23154384 PMCID: PMC3934200 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2012-113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To identify embryos individually during in vitro development, we
previously developed the well-of-the-well (WOW) dish, which contains 25 microwells. Here
we investigated the effect of embryo density (the number of embryos per volume of medium)
on in vitro development and gene expression of bovine in
vitro-fertilized embryos cultured in WOW dishes. Using both conventional
droplet and WOW culture formats, 5, 15, and 25 bovine embryos were cultured in 125 µl
medium for 168 h. The blastocysts at Day 7 were analyzed for number of cells and
expression of ten genes (CDX2, IFN-tau,
PLAC8, NANOG, OCT4,
SOX2, AKR1B1, ATP5A1,
GLUT1 and IGF2R). In droplet culture, the rates of
formation of >4-cell cleavage embryos and blastocysts were significantly lower in
embryos cultured at 5 embryos per droplet than in those cultured at 15 or 25 embryos per
droplet, but not in WOW culture. In both droplet and WOW culture, developmental kinetics
and blastocyst cell numbers did not differ among any groups. IFN-tau
expression in embryos cultured at 25 embryos per droplet was significantly higher than in
those cultured at 15 embryos per droplet and in artificial insemination (AI)-derived
blastocysts. Moreover, IGF2R expression was significantly lower in the
25-embryo group than in the 5-embryo group and in AI-derived blastocysts. In WOW culture,
these expressions were not affected by embryo density and were similar to those in
AI-derived blastocysts. These results suggest that, as compared with conventional droplet
culture, in vitro development and expression of IFN-tau
and IGF2R in the microwell system may be insensitive to embryo
density.
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15
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Dai SJ, Xu CL, Wang J, Sun YP, Chian RC. Effect of culture medium volume and embryo density on early mouse embryonic development: tracking the development of the individual embryo. J Assist Reprod Genet 2012; 29:617-23. [PMID: 22430392 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-012-9744-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Accepted: 03/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the optimal volume or density of embryos for the well-of-the-well (WOW) system in order to track the development of individual embryos and to determine whether the WOW system can reverse the negative impact of culturing embryos singly. METHODS (1) Mouse embryos (groups of nine at the 2-cell stage) were cultured in 6.25 μl, 12.50 μl, 25.00 μl and 50.00 μl of droplets of culture medium under paraffin oil; (2) Groups of three, six, nine and twelve embryos at the 2-cell stage were cultured in 50 μl of droplet of culture medium under paraffin oil; (3) Groups of nine embryos at the 2-cell stage were cultured in 50 μl of droplet under paraffin oil with or without nine micro-wells made on the bottom of the Petri dish into each of which were placed one of the nine embryos (WOW system). Also single 2-cell stage embryos was cultured individually in 5.5 μl of droplet of culture medium under paraffin oil with or without a single micro-well made on the bottom of the Petri dish (WOW system for single culture). At the end of culture, the percentages of blastocyst development, hatching and hatched blastocysts were compared in each group. The blastocysts were fixed for differential staining. RESULTS The blastocyst development was significantly higher (P < 0.05) when nine embryos were cultured in 50 μl of droplet of culture medium compared with other volumes. The blastocyst development was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in single embryo culture compared to group embryo culture with or without the WOW system. The blastocyst development was not improved when single embryo cultured individually in a micro-well was compared to single embryo cultured individually without micro-well. The total cell numbers of blastocysts were significantly higher in group embryo culture than single embryo culture regardless of whether the WOW system was used. In addition, the total cell numbers of blastocysts were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in single embryo culture with the WOW system than without. CONCLUSIONS Group embryo culture is superior to single embryo culture for blastocyst development. The WOW system with 50 μl of droplet of culture medium can be used to track the individual development of embryo cultured in groups while preserving good embryonic development. The reduced embryonic development with single embryo culture cannot be ameliorated by the WOW system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Jun Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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16
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Abstract
Embryo density is defined as the embryo-to-volume ratio achieved during in vitro culture; in other words, it is the number of embryos in a defined volume of culture medium. The same density can be achieved by manipulating either the number of embryos in a given volume of medium, or manipulating the volume of the medium for a given number of embryos: for example, a microdrop with five embryos in a 50 μl volume under oil has the same embryo-to-volume ratio (1:10 μl) as a microdrop with one embryo in a 10 μl volume under oil (1:10 μl). Increased embryo density can improve mammalian embryo development in vitro; however, the mechanism(s) responsible for this effect may be different with respect to which method is used to increase embryo density.Standard, flat sterile plastic petri dishes are the most common, traditional platform for embryo culture. Microdrops under a mineral oil overlay can be prepared to control embryo density, but it is critical that dish preparation is consistent, where appropriate techniques are applied to prevent microdrop dehydration during preparation, and results of any data collection are reliable, and repeatable. There are newer dishes available from several manufacturers that are specifically designed for embryo culture; most are readily available for use with human embryos. The concept behind these newer dishes relies on fabrication of conical and smaller volume wells into the dish design, so that embryos rest at the lowest point in the wells, and where putative embryotrophic factors may concentrate.Embryo density is not usually considered by the embryologist as a technique in and of itself; rather, the decision to culture embryos in groups or individually is protocol-driven, and is based more on convenience or the need to collect data on individual embryos. Embryo density can be controlled, and as such, it can be utilized as a simple, yet effective tool to improve in vitro development of human embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Reed
- Center for Reproductive Medicine of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
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