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Fryc K, Nowak A, Kij-Mitka B, Kochan J, Bartlewski PM, Murawski M. Morphokinetic changes in vitrified and non-vitrified in vitro-derived ovine embryos. Theriogenology 2022; 187:58-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Xu H, Wang X, Tao R, Bi J, He X, Zhu F, Liu K, Xu Y, Li J. Optimal Stage for Cryotop Vitrification of Porcine Embryos. Cell Reprogram 2022; 24:132-141. [PMID: 35699425 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2022.0001] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Different development stages of porcine embryos have different tolerance to low temperature. Therefore, we took the porcine embryos after parthenogenetic activation (PA) as the model, to explore the optimal development stage for vitrification during morula (D4), early blastocyst (D5), and expanded blastocyst (D6) after PA (D0). Embryos were observed with microscope and analyzed by different staining after cryo-recovery for 24 hours. The quality of embryos was damaged after vitrification, including embryonic nuclei, DNA, cytoskeleton, and organelles. The re-expansion rate at 24 hours of D5 embryos was significantly higher than those of D4 and D6 embryos (D5 vs. D4 vs. D6, 27.620 ± 0.041 vs. 7.809 ± 0.027 vs. 13.970 ± 0.032, p < 0.05). Therefore, D5 embryos were selected as research objects to explore the effect of vitrification on lipid in vitrified embryos. The results showed that the expression levels of perilipin PLIN3 messenger RNA (mRNA) and triacylglycerol synthesis-related genes AGPAT1 and DGAT mRNA are significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Vitrification affected lipid synthesis, which might have an irreversible impact on embryonic development. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that the optimal stage of vitrification was D5 for early blastocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuguang Wang
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Ulumuqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Ruixin Tao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiaying Bi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xu He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fuquan Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ke Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yinxue Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Juan Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Investigation of transfer results of human embryos that were vitrified and thawed at the cleavage, morula and blastocyst stages. ZYGOTE 2020; 28:191-195. [DOI: 10.1017/s0967199419000777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
SummaryThe objective of this study was to compare the rates of clinical pregnancy after the transfer of vitrified and thawed human embryos on days 3, 4 and 5 of embryonic development. In this retrospective study, the results of 148 embryo transfer cycles, using embryos frozen and thawed over the 3-year period between January 2016 and December 2018 at the Gülhane Training and Research Hospital Department of Gynecology and Obsterics Reproductive Medical Center of the University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey were examined. Following embryo transfer – including 29 dissolved embryos frozen on day 3, 80 frozen on day 4, and 39 frozen on day 5 – results were examined in terms of clinical pregnancy rates. In this study, across all three groups, no significant differences were observed in terms of patient age, the number of oocytes collected, infertility reasons, the number of embryos dissolved, transfer day, or the number of embryos transferred. According to the transfer day, the rates of clinical pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy were significantly higher for embryos frozen on day 4 and transferred on day 5. Significantly higher rates of pregnancy and live birth were determined during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment with the freezing of human embryos on day 4 and the transfer of those embryos on day 5.
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Assadollahi V, Hassanzadeh K, Abdi M, Alasvand M, Nasseri S, Fathi F. Effect of embryo cryopreservation on derivation efficiency, pluripotency, and differentiation capacity of mouse embryonic stem cells. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:21962-21972. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vahideh Assadollahi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences Sanandaj Iran
| | - Kambiz Hassanzadeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences Sanandaj Iran
| | - Mohammad Abdi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences Sanandaj Iran
| | - Masoud Alasvand
- Department of Medical Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences Sanandaj Iran
| | - Sherko Nasseri
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences Sanandaj Iran
| | - Fardin Fathi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences Sanandaj Iran
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Yao J, Geng L, Huang R, Peng W, Chen X, Jiang X, Yu M, Li M, Huang Y, Yang X. Effect of vitrification on in vitro development and imprinted gene Grb10 in mouse embryos. Reproduction 2018; 154:97-105. [PMID: 28696244 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Vitrification of embryos is a routine procedure in IVF (in vitro fertilization) laboratories. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of vitrification on mouse preimplantation embryo development in vitro, and effect on the epigenetic status of imprinted gene Grb10 in mouse embryos. The blastocyst formation rate for vitrified 8-cell embryos was similar to the non-vitrified 8-cell embryos, whereas the blastocyst hatching rate was lower than that of the non-vitrified group. The expression level of Grb10 major-type transcript decreased significantly in vitrified blastocysts compared with non-vitrified and in vivo blastocysts. Moreover, the global DNA methylation level in 8-cell embryos and blastocysts, and the DNA methylation at CpG island 1 (CGI1) of Grb10 in blastocysts were also significantly decreased after vitrification. In vitro culture condition had no adverse effect, except for on the DNA methylation in Grb10 CGI1. These results suggest that vitrification may reduce the in vitro development of mouse 8-cell embryos and affect the expression and DNA methylation of imprinted gene Grb10.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Yao
- College of Preclinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Lixia Geng
- College of Preclinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongfu Huang
- The Second Affiliated HospitalFujian Medical University, Quanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Weilin Peng
- Quanzhou Maternity and Child Health Care HospitalQuanZhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuan Chen
- College of Preclinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohong Jiang
- Fuzhou Center for Disease Control and PreventionFuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao Yu
- College of Preclinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Li
- College of Preclinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanfang Huang
- The First Affiliated HospitalFujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- College of Preclinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China.,The Affiliated Fuzhou First HospitalFujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China.,Fuzhou Maternity and Child Health Care HospitalFuzhou, People's Republic of China
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Teixeira M, Buff S, Desnos H, Loiseau C, Bruyère P, Joly T, Commin L. Ice nucleating agents allow embryo freezing without manual seeding. Theriogenology 2017; 104:173-178. [PMID: 28863350 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Embryo slow freezing protocols include a nucleation induction step called manual seeding. This step is time consuming, manipulator dependent and hard to standardize. It requires access to samples, which is not always possible within the configuration of systems, such as differential scanning calorimeters or cryomicroscopes. Ice nucleation can be induced by other methods, e.g., by the use of ice nucleating agents. Snomax is a commercial preparation of inactivated proteins extracted from Pseudomonas syringae. The aim of our study was to investigate if Snomax can be an alternative to manual seeding in the slow freezing of mouse embryos. The influence of Snomax on the pH and osmolality of the freezing medium was evaluated. In vitro development (blastocyst formation and hatching rates) of fresh embryos exposed to Snomax and embryo cryopreserved with and without Snomax was assessed. The mitochondrial activity of frozen-thawed blastocysts was assessed by JC-1 fluorescent staining. Snomax didn't alter the physicochemical properties of the freezing medium, and did not affect embryo development of fresh embryos. After cryopreservation, the substitution of manual seeding by the ice nucleating agent (INA) Snomax did not affect embryo development or embryo mitochondrial activity. In conclusion, Snomax seems to be an effective ice nucleating agent for the slow freezing of mouse embryos. Snomax can also be a valuable alternative to manual seeding in research protocols in which manual seeding cannot be performed (i.e., differential scanning calorimetry and cryomicroscopy).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samuel Buff
- Univ Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Hugo Desnos
- Univ Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Marcy l'Etoile, France; Press Sorbonne Paris-Cité, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Thierry Joly
- Univ Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Marcy l'Etoile, France; Univ Lyon, ISARA-Lyon, Lyon, France
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Sefid F, Ostadhosseini S, Hosseini S, Ghazvini Zadegan F, Pezhman M, Nasr Esfahani MH. Vitamin K2 improves developmental competency and cryo-tolerance of in vitro derived ovine blastocyst. Cryobiology 2017; 77:34-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 06/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Momozawa K, Matsuzawa A, Tokunaga Y, Abe S, Koyanagi Y, Kurita M, Nakano M, Miyake T. Efficient vitrification of mouse embryos using the Kitasato Vitrification System as a novel vitrification device. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2017; 15:29. [PMID: 28438181 PMCID: PMC5404289 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-017-0249-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, the cryopreservation of embryos and oocytes is essential for assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratories worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the Kitasato Vitrification System (KVS) as a vitrification device for the cryopreservation of mouse embryos to determine whether this novel device can be adapted to the field of ART. METHODS In Experiment 1, blastocysts were vitrified using the KVS. Vitrified blastocysts were warmed and subsequently cultured for 72 h. In Experiment 2, 2-cell-stage embryos were vitrified using the KVS, and vitrified embryos were warmed and subsequently cultured for 96 h. In Experiment 3, we evaluated the in vivo developmental potential of vitrified 2-cell-stage embryos using the KVS, and in Experiment 4, we evaluated the cooling and warming rates for these devices using a numerical simulation. RESULTS In Experiment 1, there were no significant differences between the survival rates of the KVS and a control device. However, re-expanded (100%) and hatching (91.8%) rates were significantly higher for blastocysts vitrified using the KVS. In Experiment 2, there were no significant differences between the survival rates, or rates of development to the blastocyst stage, of vitrified and fresh embryos. In Experiment 3, after embryo transfer, 41% of the embryos developed into live offspring. In Experiment 4, the cooling and warming rates of the KVS were 683,000 and 612,000 °C/min, respectively, exceeding those of the control device. CONCLUSIONS Our study clearly demonstrates that the KVS is a novel vitrification device for the cryopreservation of mouse embryos at the blastocyst and 2-cell stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Momozawa
- 0000 0000 9206 2938grid.410786.cSchool of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, 034-8628 Japan
| | - Atsushi Matsuzawa
- Kyoto R&D Laboratory, Mitsubishi Paper Mills Limited, Kyoto, 617-8666 Japan
| | - Yukio Tokunaga
- Kyoto R&D Laboratory, Mitsubishi Paper Mills Limited, Kyoto, 617-8666 Japan
| | - Shiori Abe
- Miyake Women’s Clinic, Chiba, 266-0032 Japan
| | | | - Miho Kurita
- Miyake Women’s Clinic, Chiba, 266-0032 Japan
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Ghandy N, Karimpur Malekshah AA. Which Stage of Mouse Embryos Is More Appropriate for Vitrification? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2017; 10:357-362. [PMID: 28042416 PMCID: PMC5134751 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2016.5086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Vitrification has been shown as one of the most effective methods of
cryopreservation for mammalian embryos. However, there is no consensus which stage
of embryonic development is the most appropriate for vitrification with subsequent
maximal development after thawing. This study was carried out to explore and compare
the effect(s) of vitrification on mouse 2-cell, 4-cell, 8-cell, morula and blastocyst
stage embryos and subsequent blast formation and hatching after thawing. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, 2-cell embryos were obtained from
the oviducts of super ovulated female NMRI mice. Some embryos were randomly selected
and vitrified through a two-step media protocol and cryotop. Other embryos were cultured
to assess their development. During the ensuing days, some of these cultured embryos were
vitrified at 4-cell, 8-cell, morula and blastocyst stages. After 10 to 14 days, the embryos
were thawed to assess their survival and also cultured to determine the rate of blastocyst
formation and hatching. The results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s
post-hoc tests. Results There was no significant difference in the survival rates of vitrified embryos
at 2-cell, 4-cell, 8-cell, morula and blastocyst stages after thawing (P>0.05). The blastocyst
formation rate of vitrified 8-cell embryos was significantly higher than that of
2-cell embryos (P<0.05). The hatching rate of vitrified 4-cell, 8-cell and blastocysts
were significantly higher than that of 2-cell embryos (P<0.05). Conclusion Vitrification is suitable for cryopreservation of all stages of mouse embryonic
development. However, the best tolerance for vitrification was observed at 4and 8-cell
stages of development. Accordingly, the development of vitrified embryos to blastocysts,
following thawing, was most efficacious for 4 and 8-cell embryos. Compared to mouse
2-cell embryos, embryos vitrified as blastocysts had the highest rate of hatching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasibeh Ghandy
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Abbas Ali Karimpur Malekshah
- Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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Marco-Jiménez F, Jiménez-Trigos E, Almela-Miralles V, Vicente JS. Development of Cheaper Embryo Vitrification Device Using the Minimum Volume Method. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0148661. [PMID: 26848960 PMCID: PMC4743988 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to compare the efficiency of the Cryotop and Calibrated plastic inoculation loop (CPIL) devices for vitrification of rabbit embryos on in vitro development and implantation rate, offspring rate at birth and embryonic and fetal losses. CPIL is a simple tool used mainly by microbiologists to retrieve an inoculum from a culture of microorganisms. In experiment 1, embryos were vitrified using a Cryotop device and a CPIL device. There were no significant differences in hatched/hatching blastocyst stage rates after 48 h of culture among the vitrified groups (62±4.7% and 62±4.9%, respectively); however, the rates were significantly lower (P<0.05) than those of the fresh group (95±3.4%). In experiment 2, vitrified embryos were transferred using laparoscopic technique. The number of implanted embryos was estimated by laparoscopy as number of implantation sites at day 14 of gestation. At birth, total offspring were recorded. Embryonic and fetal losses were calculated as the difference between implanted embryos and embryos transferred and total born at birth and implanted embryos, respectively. The rate of implantation and development to term was similar between both vitrification devices (56±7.2% and 50±6.8% for implantation rate and 40±7.1% and 35±6.5% for offspring rate at birth); but significantly lower than in the fresh group (78±6.6% for implantation rate and 70±7.2% for offspring rate at birth, P<0.05). Likewise, embryonic losses were similar between both vitrification devices (44±7.2% and 50±6.8%), but significantly higher than in the fresh group (23±6.6%, P < 0.05). However, fetal losses were similar between groups (10±4.4%, 15±4.8% and 8±4.2%, for vitrified, Cryotop or CPIL and fresh, respectively). These results indicate that the CPIL device is as effective as the Cryotop device for vitrification of rabbit embryos, but at a cost of €0.05 per device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Marco-Jiménez
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal, Universidad Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Estrella Jiménez-Trigos
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Animal Production, Animal Health and Science and Food Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, CEU-Cardenal Herrera University, Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - José Salvador Vicente
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal, Universidad Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
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Amoushahi M, Salehnia M, HosseinKhani S. The effect of vitrification and in vitro culture on the adenosine triphosphate content and mitochondrial distribution of mouse pre-implantation embryos. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2014; 17:123-8. [PMID: 23748889 DOI: 10.6091/ibj.1199.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mitochondria are an important source of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in pre-implantation embryo. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of vitrification and in vitro culture of mouse embryos on their mitochondrial distribution and ATP content. METHODS The embryos at 2-PN, 4-cell and blastocyst stages were collected from the oviduct of stimulated pregnant mice and uterine horns. Then, the embryos were vitrified with the cryotop method using ethylene glycol and dimethylsulphoxide. After evaluating the survival rates of vitrified embryos, their development to hatching stages were assessed. The ATP content of collected in vivo and in vitro embryos at different stages was measured by luciferin-luciferase bioluminescence assay. The distribution of mitochondria was studied using Mito-tracker green staining under a fluorescent microscope. RESULTS The survival rates of vitrified embryos at 2-PN, 4-cell and early blastocyst stages were 84.3, 87.87 and 89.89%, respectively. The hatching rates in previous developmental stages in vitrified group were 57.44, 66.73 and 70.89% and in non-vitrified group were 66.32, 73.25 and 75.89%, respectively (P>0.05). The ATP content of in vivo or in vitro collected embryos was not significantly different in both vitrified and non-vitrified groups (P>0.05). Mitochondrial distribution of vitrified and non-vitrified 2-PN embryos was similar, but some clampings or large aggregation of mitochondria within the vitrified 4-cell embryos was prominent. CONCLUSIONS Vitrification method did not affect the mouse embryo ATP content. Also, the cellular stress was not induced by this procedure and the safety of vitrification was shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahboobeh Amoushahi
- Dept. of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojdeh Salehnia
- Dept. of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saman HosseinKhani
- Dept. of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Vajta G. Vitrification in human and domestic animal embryology: work in progress. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 25:719-27. [PMID: 22951206 DOI: 10.1071/rd12118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2012] [Accepted: 06/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the analysis of papers published in major international journals, rapidly increasing application of vitrification is one of the greatest achievements in domestic animal and especially human embryology during the first decade of our century. This review highlights factors supporting or hampering this progress, summarises results achieved with vitrification and outlines future tasks to fully exploit the benefits of this amazing approach that has changed or will change many aspects of laboratory (and also clinical) embryology. Supporting factors include the simplicity, cost efficiency and convincing success of vitrification compared with other approaches in all species and developmental stages in mammalian embryology, while causes that slow down the progress are mostly of human origin: inadequate tools and solutions, superficial teaching, improper application and unjustified concerns resulting in legal restrictions. Elimination of these hindrances seems to be a slower process and more demanding task than meeting the biological challenge. A key element of future progress will be to pass the pioneer age, establish a consensus regarding biosafety requirements, outline the indispensable features of a standard approach and design fully-automated vitrification machines executing all phases of the procedure, including equilibration, cooling, warming and dilution steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Vajta
- Institute for Resource Industries and Sustainability, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Qld 4702, Australia.
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Abstract
In vitro fertilized (IVF) human embryos have a high incidence of developmental arrest before the blastocyst stage, therefore characterization of the molecular mechanisms that regulate embryo development is urgently required. Post-transcriptional control by microRNAs (miRNAs) is one of the most investigated RNA control mechanisms, and is hypothesized to be involved actively in developmental arrest in preimplantation embryos. In this study, we extracted total RNA from mouse 2-cell and 4-cell embryos. Using a miRNA microarray, 192 miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed in 4-cell embryos and 2-cell embryos; 122 miRNAs were upregulated and 70 were downregulated in 4-cell embryos. The microarray results were confirmed by real-time quantitative RT-PCR for six miRNAs (mmu-miR-467h, mmu-miR-466d-3p, mmu-miR-292-5p, mmu-miR-154, mmu-miR-2145, and mmu-miR-706). Cdca4 and Tcf12 were identified as miR-154 target genes by target prediction analysis. This study provides a developmental map for a large number of miRNAs in 2-cell and 4-cell embryos. The function of these miRNAs and the mechanisms by which they modulate embryonic developmental arrest require further study. The results of this study have potential applications in the field of reproductive medicine.
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Ryu EK, Hur YS, Ann JY, Maeng JY, Park M, Park JH, Yoon J, Yoon SH, Hur CY, Lee WD, Lim JH. Vitrification of mouse embryos using the thin plastic strip method. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2012; 39:153-60. [PMID: 23346525 PMCID: PMC3548073 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2012.39.4.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2012] [Revised: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 10/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare vitrification optimization of mouse embryos using electron microscopy (EM) grid, cryotop, and thin plastic strip (TPS) containers by evaluating developmental competence and apoptosis rates. METHODS Mouse embryos were obtained from superovulated mice. Mouse cleavage-stage, expanded, hatching-stage, and hatched-stage embryos were cryopreserved in EM grid, cryotop, and TPS containers by vitrification in 15% ethylene glycol, 15% dimethylsulfoxide, 10 µg/mL Ficoll, and 0.65 M sucrose, and 20% serum substitute supplement (SSS) with basal medium, respectively. For the three groups in which the embryos were thawed in the EM grid, cryotop, and TPS containers, the thawing solution consisted of 0.25 M sucrose, 0.125 M sucrose, and 20% SSS with basal medium, respectively. Rates of survival, re-expansion, reaching the hatched stage, and apoptosis after thawing were compared among the three groups. RESULTS Developmental competence after thawing of vitrified expanded and hatching-stage blastocysts using cryotop and TPS methods were significantly higher than survival using the EM grid (p<0.05). Also, apoptosis positive nuclei rates after thawing of vitrified expanded blastocysts using cryotop and TPS were significantly lower than when using the EM grid (p<0.05). CONCLUSION The TPS vitrification method has the advantages of achieving a high developmental ability and effective preservation.
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de Dios Hourcade J, Pérez-Crespo M, Serrano A, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Pintado B. In vitro and in vivo development of mice morulae after storage in non-frozen conditions. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2012; 10:62. [PMID: 22913368 PMCID: PMC3517773 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-10-62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2012] [Accepted: 08/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interchange of genetically modified (GM) mice between laboratories using embryos provides several advantages. Not only is transport stress avoided, but also the health status of the recipient colony is not compromised. Embryos do not need to be shipped in frozen stage, which requires expensive packaging in addition to a certain degree of expertise in order to freeze and thaw them correctly. The aim of this study was to examine different storage conditions and their effect on embryo viability in order to establish the feasibility of practical, non-frozen conditions for embryo shipment. METHODS Mouse morulae developed in vivo (collected from donors 2.5d post coitum) or in vitro (zygotes cultured until morulae stage) were stored, combining two different media (KSOMeq or KSOM-H) and temperatures (4 degrees C, 15 degrees C and 37 degrees C) throughout 24 or 48 hours. After storage in vitro viability was assessed determining percentage of development to blastocyst and total cell number. In vivo viability was determined based on the number of implantations and living fetuses after embryo transfer of stored embryos. The storage effect at the molecular level was assessed by studying a gene pool involved in early development by quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS In vivo-produced morulae stored for 24 hours did not show differences in development up to the blastocyst stage, regardless of the storage type. Even though a decrease in the total cell number in vivo was observed, embryo development after embryo transfer was not affected. All 24 hour storage conditions tested provided a similar number of implantations and fetuses at day 14 of pregnancy. Morulae obtained from in vitro embryo culture collected at the 1-cell stage showed a decreased ability to develop to blastocyst after 24 hours of storage at 15degrees C both in KSOMeq and KSOM-H. Concomitantly, a significant decrease of embryo implantation rates after transfer to recipients was also found. In order to further characterize the effect of non-frozen storage combining a molecular approach with the ordinary in vitro culture evaluation, embryos collected at the morula stage were submitted to the same storage conditions described throughout 48 hours. In vitro culture of those embryos showed a significant decrease in their developmental rate to blastocyst in both KSOMeq and KSOM-H at 15degrees C, which also affected the total number of cells. Gene transcription studies confirmed significant alterations in retrotransposons (Erv4 and Iap) after 48 h of storage at 15degrees C. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that both KSOMeq and KSOM-H can be equally used, and that several temperature conditions allow good survival rates in vitro and in vivo. Some of these storage conditions can substitute freezing in order to maintain embryo viability for 24-48 hours, providing a reliable and less demanding technical alternative for embryo interchanges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miriam Pérez-Crespo
- Dpto. de Reproducción Animal, INIA, Ctra de la Coruña Km 5,9, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Alfredo Serrano
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, CSIC. C/ Darwin 3, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | | | - Belén Pintado
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, CSIC. C/ Darwin 3, Madrid, 28049, Spain
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Matsunari H, Maehara M, Nakano K, Ikezawa Y, Hagiwara Y, Sasayama N, Shirasu A, Ohta H, Takahashi M, Nagashima H. Hollow fiber vitrification: a novel method for vitrifying multiple embryos in a single device. J Reprod Dev 2012; 58:599-608. [PMID: 22785381 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2011-051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Current embryo vitrification methods with proven efficacy are based on the minimum volume cooling (MVC) concept by which embryos are vitrified and rewarmed ultrarapidly in a very small amount of cryopreserving solution to ensure the high viability of the embryos. However, these methods are not suitable for simultaneously vitrifying a large number of embryos. Here, we describe a novel vitrification method based on use of a hollow fiber device, which can easily hold as many as 40 mouse or 20 porcine embryos in less than 0.1 μl of solution. Survival rates of up to 100% were obtained for mouse embryos vitrified in the presence of 15% DMSO, 15% ethylene glycol and 0.5 M sucrose using the hollow fiber vitrification (HFV) method, regardless of the developmental stage of the embryos (1-cell, 2-cell, morula or blastocyst; n = 50/group). The HFV method was also proven to be effective for vitrifying porcine in vitro- and in vivo-derived embryos that are known to be highly cryosensitive. For porcine embryos, the blastocyst formation rate of in vitro maturation (IVM)-derived parthenogenetic morulae after vitrification (48/65, 73.8%) did not decrease significantly compared with non-vitrified embryos (59/65, 90.8%). Transfer of 72 in vivo-derived embryos vitrified at the morula/early blastocyst stages to 3 recipients gave rise to 29 (40.3%) piglets. These data demonstrate that the HFV method enables simultaneous vitrification of multiple embryos while still adhering to the MVC concept, and this new method is very effective for cryopreserving embryos of mice and pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitomi Matsunari
- Laboratory of Developmental Engineering, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, Kawasaki 214-8571, Japan
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Fathi R, Valojerdi MR, Yazdi PE, Ebrahimi B, Alipour H, Hassani F. Development of 4-cell mouse embryos after re-vitrification. Cryobiology 2012; 64:23-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2011.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2011] [Revised: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 11/14/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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18
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Zhang J, Cui J, Ling X, Li X, Peng Y, Guo X, Heng BC, Tong GQ. Vitrification of mouse embryos at 2-cell, 4-cell and 8-cell stages by cryotop method. J Assist Reprod Genet 2009; 26:621-8. [PMID: 19967554 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-009-9370-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2009] [Accepted: 11/13/2009] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of vitrification on the preimplantation developmental competence of mouse 2-cell, 4-cell and 8-cell stage embryos. METHODS Mouse 2-cell, 4-cell and 8-cell stage embryos were cryopreserved using the cryotop vitrification method and subsequently warmed on a later date. The embryos were then assessed by their morphology, blastocyst formation and hatching rates. Additionally, trophectoderm (TE) and inner cell mass (ICM) cell numbers were compared in hatched blastocysts from the control and experimental groups. RESULTS Vitrified embryos at the 2-cell, 4-cell and 8-cell stages appeared morphologically normal after warming. The overall survival rate of vitrified embryos at various stages after warming was 96.7% and there were no significant differences among 2-cell stage (96.0%), 4-cell stage (96.8%) and 8-cell stage (97.1%) embryos (P > 0.05). The blastocyst formation rate (69.4%) and hatching rate (52.6%) of vitrified 2-cell embryos were significantly lower than that from the control group and vitrified 8-cell embryos (P < 0.05). In the vitrified 4-cell embryo group, the blastocyst formation rate (90.3%) was similar to the 8-cell group (91.2%), but the hatching rate (60.0%) was significantly lower than that of the non-vitrified control ( 84.1%) and vitrified 8-cell embryo (78.4%) groups (P < 0.05). When further development to the fully hatched blastocyst stage was compared, hatched blastocysts derived from vitrified 2-cell, 4-cell and 8-cell embryos had significantly lower cell counts both in the ICM and TE, as compared to fresh blastocysts (P < 0.05). Among the vitrified 2-cell, 4-cell and 8-cell embryo groups, there were no significant differences in the cell counts of ICM and TE (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Although cryotop vitrification was suitable for the cryopreservation of mouse embryos from the 2-cell stage, 4-cell stage and 8-cell stage without significant loss of survival, vitrification had an adverse effect on the development of 2-cell embryos. Mouse embryos at the 8-cell stage had the best tolerance for vitrification and would yield the highest level of post-vitrification developmental competence among early cleavage stage embryos. Nevertheless, it is unclear how these findings can be extrapolated to human embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqiang Zhang
- Department of Reproduction, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210004, People's Republic of China
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