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Rashki Ghaleno L, Pennisi CP, Shahverdi A, Dardmeh F, Alipour H, Rezazadeh Valojerdi M. Exploring the Role of Hyaluronic Acid in Reproductive Biology and Beyond: Applications in Assisted Reproduction and Tissue Engineering. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2300621. [PMID: 38580620 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA) plays a prominent role in various aspects of reproductive biology and assisted reproductive technologies (ART). This review describes the multifaceted influence of HA, ranging from primordial germ cell migration, ovarian follicle development, and ovulation in females to sperm structure, physiology, motility, and capacitation in males. In addition, HA also plays an important role in fertilization and promotes embryo implantation by mediating cellular adhesion and communication within the uterus. Against this physiological background, the review examines the current applications of HA in the context of ART. In addition, the article addresses the emerging field of reproductive tissue engineering, where HA-based hydrogels offer promising perspectives as they can support the development of mature oocytes and spermatogenesis in vitro. Overall, this review highlights the integral role of HA in the intricate mechanisms of reproductive biology and its growing importance for improving ART outcomes and the field of tissue engineering of the reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Rashki Ghaleno
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences and Advanced Medical Technologies, Royan Institute, ACECR, Tehran, 19395-4644, Iran
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, 19395-4644, Iran
| | - Cristian Pablo Pennisi
- Regenerative Medicine, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, 9260, Denmark
| | - Abdolhossein Shahverdi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, 19395-4644, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Dardmeh
- Regenerative Medicine, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, 9260, Denmark
| | - Hiva Alipour
- Regenerative Medicine, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, 9260, Denmark
| | - Mojtaba Rezazadeh Valojerdi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, 19395-4644, Iran
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, 14115-111, Iran
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Transmission of Mycoplasma bovis infection in bovine in vitro embryo production. Theriogenology 2023; 199:43-49. [PMID: 36689817 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.01.011] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) causes several costly diseases in cattle and has a negative effect on cattle welfare. There is no effective commercial vaccine, and antimicrobial resistance is common. Maintaining a closed herd is the best method to minimize the risk of introduction of M. bovis. Assisted reproduction is crucial in a closed herd to make genetic improvements. M. bovis has been found in commercial semen, and contaminated semen has been the source of disease in naïve dairy herds. The objective of this study was to evaluate M. bovis transmission in bovine in vitro embryo production (IVP) using several possible exposure routes. We used a wild-type M. bovis strain isolated from semen at a final concentration of 106 CFU/mL to infect cumulus-oocyte complexes, spermatozoa, and 5-day-old embryos. We also used naturally contaminated semen in fertilization. Blastocysts were collected on day 7-8 and zona pellucida (ZP)-intact embryos were either washed 12 times, including trypsin washes as recommended by the International Embryo Technology Society (IETS), or left unwashed. Washed and unwashed embryos, follicular fluids, maturation medium, cumulus cells, fertilization medium, and G1 and G2 culture media, as well as all wash media were analyzed using enrichment culture followed by real-time PCR detection of M. bovis. Altogether, 76 pools containing 363 unwashed embryos and 52 pools containing 261 IETS washed embryos were analyzed after oocytes, spermatozoa, or 5-day-old embryos were infected with M. bovis or naturally contaminated semen was used in fertilization. We could not detect M. bovis in any of the embryo pools. M. bovis was not found in any of 12 wash media from different exposure experiments. M. bovis did not affect the blastocyst rate, except when using experimentally infected semen. Contrary to an earlier study, which used a cell co-culture system, we could not demonstrate M. bovis in embryo wash media or tight adherence of M. bovis to ZP-intact embryos. Naturally infected semen did not transmit M. bovis to embryos. We conclude that by using our IVP system, the risk of M. bovis transmission via IVP embryos to recipient cows is very low.
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Tian J, Wang Z, Li X, Li X, Kong Z, Zhang S, Li Y, Lu Z. Comparative iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic analysis of spotted seal ( Phoca largha) pups inhabiting different environments. ALL LIFE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/26895293.2022.2099467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jiashen Tian
- Dalian Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Marine Mammals, Liaoning Ocean and Fisheries Science Research Institute, Dalian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Dalian Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Marine Mammals, Liaoning Ocean and Fisheries Science Research Institute, Dalian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Li
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhongren Kong
- Dalian Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Marine Mammals, Liaoning Ocean and Fisheries Science Research Institute, Dalian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shengjiu Zhang
- Dalian Sun Asia Tourism Holding Co., Ltd., Dalian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingdong Li
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases in Northeast China, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhichuang Lu
- Dalian Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology for Endangered Marine Mammals, Liaoning Ocean and Fisheries Science Research Institute, Dalian, People’s Republic of China
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Stoecklein KS, Garcia-Guerra A, Duran BJ, Prather RS, Ortega MS. Actions of FGF2, LIF, and IGF1 on bovine embryo survival and conceptus elongation following slow-rate freezing. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2022.1040064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Culture environment during in vitro embryo production can affect embryo phenotype and pregnancy outcomes, making culture modifications a logical approach for improving embryo competence. Previously, the addition of the growth factors FGF2, LIF, and IGF1, termed FLI, to the culture medium improved bovine embryo development, and re-expansion following cryopreservation. The objective of this study was to investigate the survival of cryopreserved FLI treated embryos at day 15 of pregnancy and evaluate conceptus transcriptomes. Embryos were produced using in vitro fertilization of abattoir-derived oocytes, cultured to the blastocyst stage in the presence or absence of FLI (+/- FLI), and cryopreserved by slow-rate freezing. Thawed embryos were transferred into non-lactating recipient beef cows and eight days later conceptuses were recovered and analyzed. For a subset of conceptuses whole transcriptome analysis was performed by using the NovaSeq 6000. There was no detectable difference in conceptus recovery or average conceptus length between the two groups. There were 32 differentially expressed transcripts, 23 up-regulated and nine down-regulated in the +FLI group compared to -FLI. Genes were involved in interferon signaling, prostaglandin synthesis, and placental development. This study reveals that embryos cultured with or without FLI and cryopreserved by slow-rate freezing have similar developmental competence up to day 15 of development. Nevertheless, differences in gene expression exhibit an effect of FLI on conceptus signaling during elongation.
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Gimeno I, García-Manrique P, Carrocera S, López-Hidalgo C, Muñoz M, Valledor L, Martín-González D, Gómez E. Non-Invasive Identification of Sex in Cultured Bovine Embryos by UHPLC-MS/MS Metabolomics. Metabolomics 2022; 18:53. [PMID: 35842860 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-022-01910-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Different gene expression between male and female bovine embryos leads to metabolic differences. OBJECTIVE We used UHPLC-MS/MS to identify sex metabolite biomarkers in embryo culture medium (CM). METHODS Embryos were produced in vitro under highly variable conditions, i.e., fertilized with 7 bulls, two breeds, and cultured with BSA or BSA + serum until Day-6. On Day-6, embryos were cultured individually for 24 h. CM of Day-7 embryos (86 female and 81 male) was collected, and Day-6 and Day-7 embryonic stages recorded. RESULTS A study by sample subsets with fixed factors (culture, bull breed, and Day-6 and Day-7 stages) tentatively identified 31 differentially accumulated metabolites through 182 subsets. Day-6 and Day-7 stage together affected 13 and 11 metabolites respectively, while 19 metabolites were affected by one or another stage and/or day. Culture supplements and individual bull changed 19 and 15 metabolites, respectively. Single bull exerted the highest influence (20 metabolites with the significantly highest p values). Lipid (93 subsets; 11 metabolites) and amino acid (55 subsets; 13 metabolites) were the most relevant classes for sex identification. CONCLUSIONS Single biomarker led to inefficient sex diagnosis, while metabolite combinations accurately identified sex. Our study is a first in non-invasive sex identification in cattle by overcoming factors that induce metabolic variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Gimeno
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394, Gijón, Spain
| | - Pablo García-Manrique
- Molecular Mass Spectrometry Unit, Scientific and Technical Services, University of Oviedo, Catedrático Rodrigo Uria s/n, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Susana Carrocera
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394, Gijón, Spain
| | - Cristina López-Hidalgo
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, University Institute of Biotechnology of Asturias (IUBA), University of Oviedo, Catedrático Rodrigo Uria s/n, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Marta Muñoz
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394, Gijón, Spain
| | - Luis Valledor
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, University Institute of Biotechnology of Asturias (IUBA), University of Oviedo, Catedrático Rodrigo Uria s/n, 33006, Oviedo, Spain
| | - David Martín-González
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394, Gijón, Spain
| | - Enrique Gómez
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394, Gijón, Spain.
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Amaral TF, Diaza AG, Heredia D, Melo GD, Estrada-Cortés E, Jensen LM, Pohler K, Hansen PJ. Actions of DKK1 on the preimplantation bovine embryo to affect pregnancy establishment, placental function and postnatal phenotype†. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:945-955. [PMID: 35765194 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac128] [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: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
One mechanism by which the maternal environment regulates the early embryo is by secretion of cell-signaling molecules. One of these is dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 1 (DKK1). Objectives were to A) resolve discrepancies in the literature regarding effects of DKK1 in the bovine embryo on development of trophectoderm (TE) and competence to establish pregnancy after embryo transfer and B) determine whether there are long-term consequences of DKK1 on placental function and postnatal phenotype. Embryos produced in vitro were cultured with vehicle or 100 ng/mL recombinant human DKK1 from day 5 to 7.5 of development (i.e. the morula and blastocyst stages of development). DKK1 increased the number of cells positive for the TE marker CDX2 at day 7.5 of development while having no effect on numbers of cells positive for the inner cell mass marker SOX2. There was no effect of DKK1 on pregnancy or calving rate after transfer of blastocysts produced with Y-sorted semen to either lactating dairy cows or suckling beef cows. Treatment with DKK1 at the morula-to-blastocyst stages programmed placental function, as measured by an effect of DKK1 on plasma concentrations of pregnancy associated glycoproteins and placental lactogen at day 160 of gestation (although not on other days examined). DKK1 treatment also resulted in calves that were heavier at birth as compared to calves derived from control embryos. After birth, DKK1 calves grew slower than controls. Results confirm that DKK1 alters the developmental program of the bovine embryo to affect both prenatal and postnatal phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago F Amaral
- Department of Animal Sciences, Donald Henry Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and the Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville FL, USA.,Current position: Zoetis, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
| | - Angela Gonella Diaza
- North Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Marianna, FL, USA
| | - Daniella Heredia
- North Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Marianna, FL, USA
| | - Gabriela D Melo
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77845, USA
| | - Eliab Estrada-Cortés
- Department of Animal Sciences, Donald Henry Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and the Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville FL, USA.,Campo Experimental Centro Altos de Jalisco, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Tepatitlán de Morelos, Jalisco, México
| | - Laura M Jensen
- Department of Animal Sciences, Donald Henry Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and the Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville FL, USA
| | - Ky Pohler
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77845, USA
| | - Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, Donald Henry Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and the Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville FL, USA
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Valente RS, Marsico TV, Sudano MJ. Basic and applied features in the cryopreservation progress of bovine embryos. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 239:106970. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.106970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Skrutková Langmajerová M, Pelcová M, Vedrová P, Celá A, Glatz Z. Capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry as a tool for the noninvasive target metabolomic analysis of underivatized amino acids for evaluating embryo viability in assisted reproduction. Electrophoresis 2021; 43:679-687. [PMID: 34897743 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202100328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Monitoring metabolite uptake and excretion in the culture medium is a noninvasive technique that is used for the metabolic study of cleaving embryos after in vitro fertilization. Low sample consumption, the versatility of the detection, and optimal sensitivity and selectivity are essential elements for extracellular metabolome analyses, and can be conveniently achieved by combining CE with mass spectrometric detection. This paper reports a method for amino acid determination in a limited volume sample (8 μL) of spent culture media collected after the cultivation of in vitro fertilized embryos. Special attention was focused on the sample preparation procedure. The sample was processed with acetonitrile, which facilitates online sample preconcentration via field-amplified sample stacking, and undesired sample evaporation was significantly reduced by the simultaneous addition of dimethyl sulfoxide. Key parameters that affected electrophoretic separation and mass spectrometric detection were investigated, including the type of buffers and organic solvent, optimization of their concentrations, and finally the settings for their ionization. The separation and quantification of 19 amino acids were achieved using 15% acetic acid as the background electrolyte with a sheath liquid consisting of an equimolar mixture of methanol and water. The applicability of the optimized system was demonstrated by determining the amino acid profile in 40 samples of spent cultivation medium in this pilot study. This developed method also has great potential for amino acid analyses in minute sample volumes of other biological matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta Pelcová
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Vedrová
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Celá
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Glatz
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
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Yousefian I, Zare-Shahneh A, Goodarzi A, Baghshahi H, Fouladi-Nashta AA. The effect of Tempo and MitoTEMPO on oocyte maturation and subsequent embryo development in bovine model. Theriogenology 2021; 176:128-136. [PMID: 34607131 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are one of the factors which reduces oocyte quality and viability of the in vitro produced embryos. Oocyte mitochondria are the major source of ROS production, hence, and the addition of mitochondrion-specific antioxidants could be suggested to minimize the damage caused by ROS during culture. MitoTEMPO, a targeted mitochondrial antioxidant, is formed by conjugating TEMPO to triphenylphosphonium and has an activity like that of superoxide dismutase. It can pass through lipid bilayers easily and accumulate selectively in mitochondria. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of MitoTEMPO and its non-targeted form, TEMPO, on the developmental competence of bovine oocytes. Accordingly, oocytes were cultured in maturation medium supplemented with either five mM TEMPO (T5) or one μM MitoTEMPO (M1), or T5 + M1 (MT15), or without the antioxidants (C). Nuclear maturation to metaphase II (MII) stage, intracellular glutathione (GSH) content and ROS levels in matured oocytes were analyzed. In addition, cleavage after in vitro fertilization, and blastocyst rates, total cell number in blastocysts as well as the relative abundance of apoptosis-related genes (BAX and BCL2) in blastocysts were determined. Results revealed that the proportion of oocytes at the MII stage, embryos at the blastocyst stage and total cell number in blastocysts increased significantly in the M1 group compared to the C and T5 groups. The levels of intracellular GSH and ROS in oocytes decreased in the M1 group than in the C group (P < 0.05). The expression level of the pro-apoptotic gene (BAX) reduced in blastocysts from the M1 group in comparison to the C and T5 groups (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the expression level of anti-apoptotic gene (BCL2) in obtained blastocysts was not affected by TEMPO and MitoTEMPO. However, the ratio of BAX/BCL2 in blastocysts from the M1 and MT15 groups decreased significantly compared to the C group. These findings suggest that MitoTEMPO can mitigate the adverse effects of oxidative stress on the developmental competence of bovine oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Yousefian
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | - A Zare-Shahneh
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.
| | - A Goodarzi
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | - H Baghshahi
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | - A A Fouladi-Nashta
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Campus, UK
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Sang L, Xiao Y, Jiang Z, Forde N, Tian XC, Lonergan P, Hansen PJ. Atlas of receptor genes expressed by the bovine morula and corresponding ligand-related genes expressed by uterine endometrium. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:694-704. [PMID: 34596291 PMCID: PMC8558826 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23534] [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: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Regulation of the mammalian embryo involves cell‐signaling molecules produced by the maternal oviduct and endometrium. Here, datasets on the transcriptome of the gestational Days 5 and 6 bovine morula and Day 5 maternal endometrium were examined to identify receptor genes expressed by the morula and expression of the corresponding ligand‐related genes in the endometrium. A total of 175 receptor genes were identified in the morula, including 48 encoding for growth factors or WNT signaling molecules, 25 for cytokines and chemokines, 35 involved in juxtacrine and matricellular signaling and 25 encoding for receptors for small molecules. Some of the highly‐expressed pairs of endometrial ligand and embryo receptor genes included MDK and its receptors ITGB1, SDC4 and LRP2, WNT5A (RYK), VEGFA (ITGB1), GPI (AMFR), and the hedgehog proteins IHH and DHH (HHIP). The most highly expressed receptors for small molecules were GPRC5C (retinoic acid receptor), PGRMC1 (progesterone), and CHRNB2 (acetylcholine). There were also 84 genes encoding for cell signaling ligands expressed by the morula, with the most highly expressed being GPI, AIMP1, TIMP1, IK, and CCN2. The atlas of receptor and ligand genes should prove useful for understanding details of the communication between the embryo and mother that underlies optimal embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Sang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.,Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Yao Xiao
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zongliang Jiang
- School of Animal Sciences, AgCenter, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Niamh Forde
- Department of Discovery and Translational Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Xiuchun Cindy Tian
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Gimeno I, García-Manrique P, Carrocera S, López-Hidalgo C, Valledor L, Martín-González D, Gómez E. The Metabolic Signature of In Vitro Produced Bovine Embryos Helps Predict Pregnancy and Birth after Embryo Transfer. Metabolites 2021; 11:484. [PMID: 34436426 PMCID: PMC8399324 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11080484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro produced (IVP) embryos show large metabolic variability induced by breed, culture conditions, embryonic stage and sex and gamete donors. We hypothesized that the birth potential could be accurately predicted by UHPLC-MS/MS in culture medium (CM) with the discrimination of factors inducing metabolic variation. Day-6 embryos were developed in single CM (modified synthetic oviduct fluid) for 24 h and transferred to recipients as fresh (28 ETs) or frozen/thawed (58 ETs) Day-7 blastocysts. Variability was induced with seven bulls, slaughterhouse oocyte donors, culture conditions (serum + Bovine Serum Albumin [BSA] or BSA alone) prior to single culture embryonic stage records (Day-6: morula, early blastocyst, blastocyst; Day-7: expanding blastocyst; fully expanded blastocysts) and cryopreservation. Retained metabolite signals (6111) were analyzed as a function of pregnancy at Day-40, Day-62 and birth in a combinatorial block study with all fixed factors. We identified 34 accumulated metabolites through 511 blocks, 198 for birth, 166 for Day-62 and 147 for Day-40. The relative abundance of metabolites was higher within blocks from non-pregnant (460) than from pregnant (51) embryos. Taxonomy classified lipids (12 fatty acids and derivatives; 224 blocks), amino acids (12) and derivatives (3) (186 blocks), benzenoids (4; 58 blocks), tri-carboxylic acids (2; 41 blocks) and 5-Hydroxy-l-tryptophan (2 blocks). Some metabolites were effective as single biomarkers in 95 blocks (Receiver Operating Characteristic - Area Under the Curve [ROC-AUC]: 0.700-1.000). In contrast, more accurate predictions within the largest data sets were obtained with combinations of 2, 3 and 4 single metabolites in 206 blocks (ROC-AUC = 0.800-1.000). Pregnancy-prone embryos consumed more amino acids and citric acid, and depleted less lipids and cis-aconitic acid. Big metabolic differences between embryos support efficient pregnancy and birth prediction when analyzed in discriminant conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Gimeno
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain; (I.G.); (S.C.); (D.M.-G.)
| | - Pablo García-Manrique
- Molecular Mass Spectrometry Unit, Scientific and Technical Services, University of Oviedo, Catedrático Rodrigo Uria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain;
| | - Susana Carrocera
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain; (I.G.); (S.C.); (D.M.-G.)
| | - Cristina López-Hidalgo
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, University Institute of Biotechnology of Asturias (IUBA), University of Oviedo, Catedrático Rodrigo Uria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (C.L.-H.); (L.V.)
| | - Luis Valledor
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, University Institute of Biotechnology of Asturias (IUBA), University of Oviedo, Catedrático Rodrigo Uria s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (C.L.-H.); (L.V.)
| | - David Martín-González
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain; (I.G.); (S.C.); (D.M.-G.)
| | - Enrique Gómez
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain; (I.G.); (S.C.); (D.M.-G.)
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Rabaglino MB, O’Doherty A, Bojsen-Møller Secher J, Lonergan P, Hyttel P, Fair T, Kadarmideen HN. Application of multi-omics data integration and machine learning approaches to identify epigenetic and transcriptomic differences between in vitro and in vivo produced bovine embryos. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252096. [PMID: 34029343 PMCID: PMC8143403 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy rates for in vitro produced (IVP) embryos are usually lower than for embryos produced in vivo after ovarian superovulation (MOET). This is potentially due to alterations in their trophectoderm (TE), the outermost layer in physical contact with the maternal endometrium. The main objective was to apply a multi-omics data integration approach to identify both temporally differentially expressed and differentially methylated genes (DEG and DMG), between IVP and MOET embryos, that could impact TE function. To start, four and five published transcriptomic and epigenomic datasets, respectively, were processed for data integration. Second, DEG from day 7 to days 13 and 16 and DMG from day 7 to day 17 were determined in the TE from IVP vs. MOET embryos. Third, genes that were both DE and DM were subjected to hierarchical clustering and functional enrichment analysis. Finally, findings were validated through a machine learning approach with two additional datasets from day 15 embryos. There were 1535 DEG and 6360 DMG, with 490 overlapped genes, whose expression profiles at days 13 and 16 resulted in three main clusters. Cluster 1 (188) and Cluster 2 (191) genes were down-regulated at day 13 or day 16, respectively, while Cluster 3 genes (111) were up-regulated at both days, in IVP embryos compared to MOET embryos. The top enriched terms were the KEGG pathway "focal adhesion" in Cluster 1 (FDR = 0.003), and the cellular component: "extracellular exosome" in Cluster 2 (FDR<0.0001), also enriched in Cluster 1 (FDR = 0.04). According to the machine learning approach, genes in Cluster 1 showed a similar expression pattern between IVP and less developed (short) MOET conceptuses; and between MOET and DKK1-treated (advanced) IVP conceptuses. In conclusion, these results suggest that early conceptuses derived from IVP embryos exhibit epigenomic and transcriptomic changes that later affect its elongation and focal adhesion, impairing post-transfer survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria B. Rabaglino
- Quantitative Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Group, Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Alan O’Doherty
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jan Bojsen-Møller Secher
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Poul Hyttel
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Trudee Fair
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Haja N. Kadarmideen
- Quantitative Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Group, Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
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Adeniyi T, Horne G, Ruane PT, Brison DR, Roberts SA. Clinical efficacy of hyaluronate-containing embryo transfer medium in IVF/ICSI treatment cycles: a cohort study. Hum Reprod Open 2021; 2021:hoab004. [PMID: 33718621 PMCID: PMC7937422 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoab004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does the duration of embryo exposure to hyaluronic acid (HA) enriched medium improve the rate of live birth events (LBEs)? SUMMARY ANSWER The use of embryo transfer (ET) medium rich in HA improves LBE (a singleton or twin live birth) regardless of the duration of exposure evaluated in this study, but does not alter gestation or birthweight (BW). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY HA-enriched medium is routinely used for ET in ART to facilitate implantation, despite inconclusive evidence on safety and efficacy. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION A cohort study was performed evaluating clinical treatment outcomes before and after HA-enriched ET medium was introduced into routine clinical practice. In total, 3391 fresh ET procedures were performed using low HA and HA-rich medium in women undergoing publicly funded IVF/ICSI treatment cycles between May 2011 and April 2015 were included in this cohort study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS A total of 1018 ET performed using low HA medium were compared with 1198, and 1175 ET following exposure to HA-rich medium for 2-4 h (long HA exposure) or for 10-30 min (short HA exposure), respectively. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to compare clinical outcomes including BW, gestational age and sex ratios between groups, whilst adjusting for patient age, previous attempt, incubator type and the number of embryos transferred. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The use of HA-rich medium for ET was positively and significantly associated with improved clinical pregnancy rate and LBE, for both exposure durations: long HA (odds ratio (OR) = 1.21, 95% CI: 0.99-1.48), short HA (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.02-1.72) and pooled OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.03-1.54, relative to the use of low HA medium. A comparative analysis of the risks of early pregnancy loss following long HA exposure (OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.54-1.06), short HA exposure (OR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.54-1.30) and late miscarriage (OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.51-1.53) (OR = 1.41, 95% CI 0.72-2.77), were lower and not statistically significant. Similarly, ordinary regression analysis of the differences in BW at both HA exposures; pooled OR = -0.9 (-117.1 to 115.3), and adjusted BW between both HA cohorts; pooled OR = -13.8 (-106.1 to 78.6) did not show any differences. However, a difference in gestational age (pooled OR -0.3 (-3.4 to 2.9)) and sex ratio (pooled OR 1.43 (0.95-2.15)) were observed but these were not statistically significant relative to low HA medium. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION The strength of a randomized treatment allocation was not available in this evaluation study, therefore effects of unmeasured or unknown confounding variables cannot be ruled out. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The result of this large cohort study strengthens the case for using HA-rich medium routinely at transfer, while adding the important clinical information that duration of exposure may not be critical. The composition and effects of commercial IVF culture media on success rate and safety remains a major controversy despite increasing calls for transparency and evidence-based practice in ART. Nonetheless, the lack of differences in BW and gestational age observed in this study were reassuring. However, an appraisal of clinical outcomes and appropriate research investigations are required for the continuous evaluation of efficacy and safety of HA. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS T.A. is funded by a Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowship (CDRF) grant (reference: ICA-CDRF-2015-01-068) from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the National Institute for Health Research or the Department of Health. The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tope Adeniyi
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Gregory Horne
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Peter T Ruane
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel R Brison
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old Saint Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Stephen A Roberts
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Centre for Biostatistics, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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14
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Hansen PJ. The incompletely fulfilled promise of embryo transfer in cattle-why aren't pregnancy rates greater and what can we do about it? J Anim Sci 2020; 98:skaa288. [PMID: 33141879 PMCID: PMC7608916 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Typically, bovine embryos are transferred into recipient females about day 7 after estrus or anticipated ovulation, when the embryo has reached the blastocyst stage of development. All the biological and technical causes for failure of a female to produce a blastocyst 7 d after natural or artificial insemination (AI) are avoided when a blastocyst-stage embryo is transferred into the female. It is reasonable to expect, therefore, that pregnancy success would be higher for embryo transfer (ET) recipients than for inseminated females. This expectation is not usually met unless the recipient is exposed to heat stress or is classified as a repeat-breeder female. Rather, pregnancy success is generally similar for ET and AI. The implication is that either one or more of the technical aspects of ET have not yet been optimized or that underlying female fertility that causes an embryo to die before day 7 also causes it to die later in pregnancy. Improvements in pregnancy success after ET will depend upon making a better embryo, improving uterine receptivity, and forging new tools for production and transfer of embryos. Key to accelerating progress in improving pregnancy rates will be the identification of phenotypes or phenomes that allow the prediction of embryo competence for survival and maternal capacity to support embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
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15
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Huang H, Liu L, Li C, Liang Z, Huang Z, Wang Q, Li S, Zhao Z. Fat mass- and obesity-associated (FTO) gene promoted myoblast differentiation through the focal adhesion pathway in chicken. 3 Biotech 2020; 10:403. [PMID: 32903970 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-020-02386-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The action of FTO on myoblasts proliferation and differentiation and molecular mechanism underlying it were investigated by transfecting with FTO lentiviral overexpression vector and gene expression profile sequencing. Compared with the control group, myoblasts with FTO transfection was significantly enhanced proliferation; the expression of MYOG and MYOD mRNA was significantly increased. In cells transfected with FTO, 129 differentially expressed genes were determined compared with control group, with 104 up-regulated and 25 down-regulated genes. Twelve pathways (Phagosome, Focal adhesion, Adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes, Endocytosis, Cardiac muscle contraction, Toll-like receptor, Ribosome, Tight junction, Regulation of actin cytoskeleton, Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, Adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes and MAPK) were significantly enriched. Eight genes known to be directly or indirectly related to skeletal muscle development (LAMA5, SPP1, CAV3, RASGRF1, FAK, PDGFB, PDGFRα, and RAC2) were enriched in the focal adhesion and expressed differentially. Altogether, these data suggested that FTO stimulated differentiation of myoblasts through regulation of eight genes enriched in the focal adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huayun Huang
- Institute of Poultry Science, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Jiangsu, 225125 People's Republic of China
| | - Longzhou Liu
- Institute of Poultry Science, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Jiangsu, 225125 People's Republic of China
- College of Animal Science, Yangtze University, Jinzhou, 8060550 People's Republic of China
| | - Chunmiao Li
- Institute of Poultry Science, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Jiangsu, 225125 People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong Liang
- Institute of Poultry Science, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Jiangsu, 225125 People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenyang Huang
- Institute of Poultry Science, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Jiangsu, 225125 People's Republic of China
| | - Qianbao Wang
- Institute of Poultry Science, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Jiangsu, 225125 People's Republic of China
| | - Shoufeng Li
- Institute of Poultry Science, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Jiangsu, 225125 People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenhua Zhao
- Institute of Poultry Science, Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences, Jiangsu, 225125 People's Republic of China
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Siqueira LG, Silva MVG, Panetto JC, Viana JH. Consequences of assisted reproductive technologies for offspring function in cattle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 32:82-97. [PMID: 32188560 DOI: 10.1071/rd19278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal fetuses, neonates and adult offspring derived by assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have been reported in humans, rodents and domestic animals. The use of ART has also been associated with an increased likelihood of certain adult diseases. These abnormalities may arise as a result of an excess of or missing maternally derived molecules during invitro culture, because the invitro environment is artificial and suboptimal for embryo development. Nonetheless, the success of ART in overcoming infertility or improving livestock genetics is undeniable. Limitations of invitro embryo production (IVEP) in cattle include lower rates of the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy and an increased incidence of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Moreover, recent studies demonstrated long-term effects of IVEP in cattle, including increased postnatal mortality, altered growth and a slight reduction in the performance of adult dairy cows. This review addresses the effects of an altered preimplantation environment on embryo and fetal programming and offspring development. We discuss cellular and molecular responses of the embryo to the maternal environment, how ART may disturb programming, the possible role of epigenetic effects as a mechanism for altered phenotypes and long-term effects of ART that manifest in postnatal life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz G Siqueira
- Embrapa Gado de Leite, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil 36038-330; and Corresponding author.
| | | | - João C Panetto
- Embrapa Gado de Leite, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil 36038-330
| | - João H Viana
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília, DF, Brazil 70770-917
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17
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Abstract
Development of assisted reproductive technologies has been driven by the goals of reducing the incidence of infertility, increasing the number of offspring from genetically elite animals, facilitating genetic manipulation, aiding preservation and long-distance movement of germplasm, and generating research material. Superovulation is associated with reduced fertilization rate and alterations in endometrial function. In vitro production of embryos can have a variety of consequences. Most embryos produced in vitro are capable of establishing pregnancy and developing into healthy neonatal animals. However, in vitro production is associated with reduced ability to develop to the blastocyst stage, increased incidence of failure to establish pregnancy, placental dysfunction, and altered fetal development. Changes in the developmental program mean that some consequences of being produced in vitro can extend into adult life. Reduced competence of the embryo produced in vitro to develop to the blastocyst stage is caused largely by disruption of events during oocyte maturation and fertilization. Conditions during embryo culture can affect embryo freezability and competence to establish pregnancy after transfer. Culture conditions, including actions of embryokines, can also affect the postnatal phenotype of the resultant progeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-0910, USA;
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18
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Fernández S, Morado S, Cetica P, Córdoba M. Hyaluronic acid capacitation induces intracellular signals modulated by membrane-associated adenylate cyclase and tyrosine kinase involved in bovine in vitro fertilization. Theriogenology 2020; 148:174-179. [PMID: 32182525 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Heparin is the most commonly used in vitro capacitation inducer in the bovine. However, hyaluronic acid (HA) has been recently used for capacitation induction as well as for other reproductive biotechnologies, such as sperm selection and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Our aim was to induce sperm capacitation with heparin or HA in order to study mAC and TK intracellular signals and their relation with cleavage and blastocyst rates after IVF as well as with the oxidative status of the potential bovine embryos. 2,5-dideoxyadenosine and genistein were used as mAC and TK inhibitors, respectively. Sperm capacitation was analyzed using CTC technique, sperm plasma membrane and acrosome integrity were determined using trypan blue stain and differential interference contrast, and mitochondrial activity was evaluated using fluorochrome JC-1. Cleavage rate was analyzed 48h and blastocyst production 7-8 days after IVF, while cytosolic oxidative activity was determined using RedoxSensor Red CC-1 fluorochrome 7h after IVF. When mAC and TK inhibitors were added to sperm samples, only capacitation decreased significantly both in HA and heparin treated samples (P < 0.05), but plasma membrane and acrosome integrity percentages were not affected in any of these groups (P > 0.05). Sperm mitochondrial membrane potential only decreased in heparin treated samples in the presence of both inhibitors (P < 0.05). Oocytes activated with HA sperm treated samples with the addition of 2,5-dideoxyadenosine and genistein presented a lower cytosolic oxidative status than those activated with sperm treated with HA alone (P < 0.05). On the other hand, oocytes activated with heparin treated sperm samples presented a lower cytosolic oxidative status only in the presence of 2,5-dideoxyadenosine (P < 0.05). Therefore, mAC and TK present a differential participation in heparin and HA sperm induced capacitation and mitochondrial function as well as in IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Fernández
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Cátedra de Química Biológica, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - S Morado
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Cátedra de Química Biológica, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - P Cetica
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Cátedra de Química Biológica, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Córdoba
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Cátedra de Química Biológica, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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19
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Ruane PT, Buck CJ, Babbington PA, Aboussahoud W, Berneau SC, Westwood M, Kimber SJ, Aplin JD, Brison DR. The effects of hyaluronate-containing medium on human embryo attachment to endometrial epithelial cells in vitro. Hum Reprod Open 2020; 2020:hoz033. [PMID: 32128453 PMCID: PMC7047226 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoz033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does embryo transfer medium containing hyaluronate (HA) promote the attachment phase of human embryo implantation? SUMMARY ANSWER HA-containing medium does not promote human blastocyst attachment to endometrial epithelial cells in vitro. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Embryo transfer media containing high concentrations of HA are being used to increase implantation and live birth rates in IVF treatment, although the mechanism of action is unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Expression of HA-interacting genes in frozen-thawed oocytes/embryos was assessed by microarray analysis (n = 21). Fresh and frozen human blastocysts (n = 98) were co-cultured with human endometrial epithelial Ishikawa cell layers. Blastocyst attachment and the effects of a widely used HA-containing medium were measured. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Human embryos surplus to treatment requirements were donated with informed consent from several ART centres. Blastocyst-stage embryos were transferred at day 6 to confluent Ishikawa cell layers; some blastocysts were artificially hatched. Blastocyst attachment was monitored from 1 to 48 h, and the effects of blastocyst pre-treatment for 10 min with HA-containing medium were determined. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Human embryos expressed the HA receptor genes CD44 and HMMR, hyaluronan synthase genes HAS1–3, and hyaluronidase genes HYAL1–3, at all stages of preimplantation development. Attachment of partially hatched blastocysts to Ishikawa cells at 24 and 48 h was related to trophectoderm grade (P = 0.0004 and 0.007, respectively, n = 34). Blastocysts of varying clinical grades that had been artificially hatched were all attached within 48 h (n = 21). Treatment of artificially hatched blastocysts with HA-containing medium did not significantly affect attachment at early (1–6 h) or late (24 and 48 h) time points, compared with control blastocysts (n = 43). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Using an adenocarcinoma-derived cell line to model embryo-endometrium attachment may not fully recapitulate in vivo interactions. The high levels of blastocyst attachment seen with this in vitro model may limit the sensitivity with which the effects of HA can be observed. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Morphological trophectoderm grade can be correlated with blastocyst attachment in vitro. HA-containing medium may increase pregnancy rates by mechanisms other than promoting blastocyst attachment to endometrium. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was funded by a grant from the Wellbeing of Women, the NIHR Local Comprehensive Research Network and NIHR Manchester Clinical Research Facility, the Department of Health Scientist Practitioner Training Scheme, and the Ministry of Higher Education, The State of Libya. None of the authors has any conflict of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter T Ruane
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL UK
| | - Chelsea J Buck
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Phoebe A Babbington
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
| | - Wedad Aboussahoud
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL UK
| | - Stéphane C Berneau
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL UK
| | - Melissa Westwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL UK
| | - Susan J Kimber
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Michael Smith Building, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - John D Aplin
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL UK
| | - Daniel R Brison
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.,Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL UK.,Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
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20
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Gómez E, Carrocera S, Martín D, Pérez-Jánez JJ, Prendes J, Prendes JM, Vázquez A, Murillo A, Gimeno I, Muñoz M. Efficient one-step direct transfer to recipients of thawed bovine embryos cultured in vitro and frozen in chemically defined medium. Theriogenology 2020; 146:39-47. [PMID: 32036059 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Direct transfer (DT) of cryopreserved embryos to recipients facilitates on-farm application. We analyzed a new freezing/thawing (F/T) procedure for in vitro produced (IVP) embryos, integrating: 1) an ethylene-glycol based system; 2) a culture step without protein; and 3) a synthetic protein substitute (CRYO3) in cryopreservation medium. IVP embryos from abattoir ovaries were cultured in groups in BSA-containing synthetic oviduct fluid with or without 0.1% fetal calf serum (FCS) until Day-6. Morulae and early blastocysts were subsequently cultured without protein from Day-6 onwards. Day 7 and Day 8 expanded blastocysts (EXB) were subjected to F/T or vitrification/warming (V/W). Thawed and warmed EXB were cultured in vitro, and development rates, cell counts and dead cells were analyzed in surviving embryos. V/W improved survival over F/T (live and hatching rates at 2 h, 24 h and 48 h) (P < 0.0001), and FCS before Day 6 did not affect in vitro survival. After F/T, embryos had lower cell counts in the ICM, TE and total cells than after V/W. Day-7 embryos after F/T showed % apoptotic, % pycnotic and % total dead cells higher (p < 0.05) than their Day-8 counterparts, probably because F/T reduced the numbers of ICM cells within Day-8 embryos. Thereafter, Day-7 blastocysts were transferred to heifers in an experimental herd. There were no differences in birth rates with frozen (-FCS [n = 40]: 45%; +FCS [n = 14]: 28%), vitrified (-FCS [n = 47]: 53%; +FCS [n = 11]: 36%) and fresh (-FCS [n = 30]: 47%; +FCS [n = 17]: 53%) embryos. However, frozen embryos produced with FCS showed 5/9 miscarriages after Day-40. Calves born from frozen (n = 22), vitrified (n = 29) and fresh (n = 22) transfers did not differ in birth weight, gestation length and daily gain weight (P > 0.10). Subsequently, transfer of frozen embryos (n = 29) derived from oocytes collected from live, hormonally stimulated cows in experimental herd, led to pregnancy rates of 57% (heifers) and 40% (dry cows). with EXB on Day-62 Finally, embryos produced with BSA were transferred to cows in an on-field trial (frozen [n = 80]; fresh [n = 58]), with no differences in pregnancy rates (days 30-40). Pregnancy and birth rates could not be predicted from in vitro approaches. The new F/T system yields pregnancy and birth rates comparable to vitrified and fresh embryos without birth overweight. The absence of products of animal origin, defined chemical composition, and direct transfer entail sanitary, manufacturing and application advantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Gómez
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal-SERIDA, Camino de Rioseco 1225, Gijón, 33394, Spain.
| | - Susana Carrocera
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal-SERIDA, Camino de Rioseco 1225, Gijón, 33394, Spain
| | - David Martín
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal-SERIDA, Camino de Rioseco 1225, Gijón, 33394, Spain
| | - Juan José Pérez-Jánez
- Cooperativa de Agricultores y Usuarios de Gijón, Carretera Carbonera 2230, Polígono Industrial de Roces 5, Gijón, 33211, Spain
| | - Javier Prendes
- Cooperativa de Agricultores y Usuarios de Gijón, Carretera Carbonera 2230, Polígono Industrial de Roces 5, Gijón, 33211, Spain
| | - José Manuel Prendes
- Cooperativa de Agricultores y Usuarios de Gijón, Carretera Carbonera 2230, Polígono Industrial de Roces 5, Gijón, 33211, Spain
| | - Alejandro Vázquez
- Asturian Biotechnology, Galeno, 2248, Polígono Industrial de Roces 5, Gijón, 33211, Spain
| | - Antonio Murillo
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal-SERIDA, Camino de Rioseco 1225, Gijón, 33394, Spain
| | - Isabel Gimeno
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal-SERIDA, Camino de Rioseco 1225, Gijón, 33394, Spain
| | - Marta Muñoz
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal-SERIDA, Camino de Rioseco 1225, Gijón, 33394, Spain
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21
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Saeed-Zidane M, Tesfaye D, Mohammed Shaker Y, Tholen E, Neuhoff C, Rings F, Held E, Hoelker M, Schellander K, Salilew-Wondim D. Hyaluronic acid and epidermal growth factor improved the bovine embryo quality by regulating the DNA methylation and expression patterns of the focal adhesion pathway. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223753. [PMID: 31661494 PMCID: PMC6818761 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion pathway is one of the key molecular pathways affected by suboptimal culture conditions during embryonic development. The epidermal growth factor (EGF) and hyaluronic acid (HA) are believed to be involved in the focal adhesion pathway function by regulating the adherence of the molecules to the extracellular matrix. However, regulatory and molecular mechanisms through which the EGF and HA could influence the embryo development is not clear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of continued or stage specific supplementation of EGF and/or HA on the developmental competence and quality of bovine preimplantation embryos and the subsequent consequences on the expression and DNA methylation patterns of genes involved in the focal adhesion pathway. The results revealed that, the supplementation of EGF or HA from zygote to the blastocysts stage reduced the level of reactive oxygen species and increased hatching rate after thawing. On the other hand, HA decreased the apoptotic nuclei and increased blastocyst compared to EGF supplemented group. Gene expression and DNA methylation analysis in the resulting blastocysts indicated that, combined supplementation of EGF and HA increased the expression of genes involved in focal adhesion pathway while supplementation of EGF, HA or a combination of EGF and HA during the entire preimplantation period changed the DNA methylation patterns of genes involved in focal adhesion pathway. On the other hand, blastocysts developed in culture media supplemented with EGF + HA until the 16-cell stage exhibited higher expression level of genes involved in focal adhesion pathway compared to those supplemented after the 16-cell stage. Conversely, the DNA methylation level of candidate genes was increased in the blastocysts obtained from embryos cultured in media supplemented with EGF + HA after 16-cell stage. In conclusion, supplementation of bovine embryos with EGF and/or HA during the entire preimplantation period or in a stage specific manner altered the DNA methylation and expression patterns of candidate genes involved in the focal adhesion pathway which was in turn associated with the observed embryonic developmental competence and quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Saeed-Zidane
- Institute of Animal Science, Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Animal and Poultry Physiology Department, Animal and Poultry Production Division, Desert Research Center, Mataria, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dawit Tesfaye
- Institute of Animal Science, Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Teaching and Research Station Frankenforst, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bonn, Königswinter, Germany
- Center of Integrated Dairy Research, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Yousri Mohammed Shaker
- Animal and Poultry Physiology Department, Animal and Poultry Production Division, Desert Research Center, Mataria, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ernst Tholen
- Institute of Animal Science, Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christiane Neuhoff
- Institute of Animal Science, Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Franca Rings
- Teaching and Research Station Frankenforst, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bonn, Königswinter, Germany
| | - Eva Held
- Institute of Animal Science, Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Teaching and Research Station Frankenforst, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bonn, Königswinter, Germany
| | - Michael Hoelker
- Institute of Animal Science, Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Teaching and Research Station Frankenforst, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bonn, Königswinter, Germany
- Center of Integrated Dairy Research, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Karl Schellander
- Institute of Animal Science, Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Teaching and Research Station Frankenforst, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bonn, Königswinter, Germany
- Center of Integrated Dairy Research, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dessie Salilew-Wondim
- Institute of Animal Science, Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- * E-mail:
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22
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Marsico TV, de Camargo J, Valente RS, Sudano MJ. Embryo competence and cryosurvival: Molecular and cellular features. Anim Reprod 2019; 16:423-439. [PMID: 32435286 PMCID: PMC7234140 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2019-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Global cattle genetic market is experiencing a change of strategy, large genetic companies, traditionally recognized in the artificial insemination field, have also begun to operate in the embryo market. Consequently, the demand for in vitro produced (IVP) embryos has grown. However, the overall efficiency of the biotechnology process remains low. Additionally, the lack of homogeneity of post-cryopreservation survival results of IVP embryos still impairing a massive dissemination of this biotechnology in the field. A great challenge for in vitro production labs is to increase the amount of embryos produced with exceptional quality after each round of in vitro fertilization. Herein, we discuss the molecular and cellular features associated with the competence and cryosurvival of IVP embryos. First, morphofunctional, cellular and molecular competence of the embryos were addressed and a relationship between embryo developmental ability and quality were established with cryosurvival and pregnancy success. Additionally, determinant factors of embryo competence and cryosurvival were discussed including the following effects: genotype, oocyte quality and follicular microenvironment, in vitro production conditions, and lipids and other determining molecules. Finally, embryo cryopreservation aspects were addressed and an embryo-focused approach to improve cryosurvival was presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thamiris V. Marsico
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, SP, Brasil.
| | - Janine de Camargo
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brasil.
| | - Roniele S. Valente
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, SP, Brasil.
| | - Mateus J. Sudano
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, SP, Brasil.
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brasil.
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23
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Hansen PJ, Tríbulo P. Regulation of present and future development by maternal regulatory signals acting on the embryo during the morula to blastocyst transition - insights from the cow. Biol Reprod 2019; 101:526-537. [PMID: 31220231 PMCID: PMC8127039 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The preimplantation embryo has a remarkable ability to execute its developmental program using regulatory information inherent within itself. Nonetheless, the uterine environment is rich in cell signaling molecules termed embryokines that act on the embryo during the morula-to-blastocyst transition, promoting blastocyst formation and programming the embryo for subsequent developmental events. Programming can not only affect developmental processes important for continuance of development in utero but also affect characteristics of the offspring during postnatal life. Given the importance of embryokines for regulation of embryonic development, it is likely that some causes of infertility involve aberrant secretion of embryokines by the uterus. Embryokines found to regulate development of the bovine embryo include insulin-like growth factor 1, colony stimulating factor 2 (CSF2), and dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 1. Embryo responses to CSF2 exhibit sexual dimorphism, suggesting that sex-specific programming of postnatal function is caused by maternal signals acting on the embryo during the preimplantation period that regulate male embryos differently than female embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Paula Tríbulo
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Córdoba (IRAC), Zona Rural General Paz, Córdoba, Argentina
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24
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Tríbulo P, Rivera RM, Ortega Obando MS, Jannaman EA, Hansen PJ. Production and Culture of the Bovine Embryo. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 2006:115-129. [PMID: 31230276 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9566-0_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A protocol for production of bovine embryos from oocytes collected from ovaries obtained from an abattoir is described. The protocol includes methods for in vitro maturation of oocytes, capacitation of sperm, fertilization, and development of the resultant embryos to the blastocyst stage. The protocol can be easily modified to use oocytes collected by ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Tríbulo
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | | | | | - Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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25
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Mogas T. Update on the vitrification of bovine oocytes and invitro-produced embryos. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:105-117. [PMID: 32188546 DOI: 10.1071/rd18345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The combined use of reproductive technologies, such as transvaginal ovum-pick up and invitro embryo production followed by direct transfer of cryopreserved embryos, has great potential for enhancing genetic selection and optimising cross-breeding schemes in beef and dairy cattle production systems. This, along with an effective cryopreservation procedure for cow oocytes, will enable the long-term conservation of female genetic traits and the advance of embryo biotechnology in this species. However, the low fertilisation rates and developmental competence of cryopreserved oocytes still need to be improved. Over the past two decades, many research efforts tried to overcome individual features of the bovine oocyte that make it notoriously difficult to cryopreserve. In addition, pregnancy rates associated with invitro-produced (IVP) embryos remain lower than those obtained using invivo counterparts. This, together with a lack of a standard methodology for IVP embryo cryopreservation that provides easier and more practical logistics for the transfer of IVP embryos on farms, has hindered international genetic trade and the management of embryo banks. This review updates developments in oocyte and IVP embryo vitrification strategies targeting high production efficiency and better outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Mogas
- Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain. Email
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26
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Hu K, Yu Y. Metabolite availability as a window to view the early embryo microenvironment in vivo. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:1027-1038. [PMID: 28722155 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
A preimplantation embryo exists independent of blood supply, and relies on energy sources from its in vivo environment (e.g., oviduct and uterine fluid) to sustain its development. The embryos can survive in this aqueous environment because it contains amino acids, proteins, lactate, pyruvate, oxygen, glucose, antioxidants, ions, growth factors, hormones, and phospholipids-albeit the concentration of each component varies by species, stage of the estrous cycle, and anatomical location. The dynamic nature of this environment sustains early development from the one-cell zygote to blastocyst, and is reciprocally influenced by the embryo at each embryonic stage. Focusing on embryo metabolism allowed us to identify how the local environment was deliberately selected to meet the dynamic needs of the preimplantation embryo, and helped reveal approaches to improve the in vitro culture of human embryos for improved implantation rates and pregnancy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailun Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Reproductive Medical Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Reproductive Medical Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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27
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Murillo A, Muñoz M, Martín-González D, Carrocera S, Martínez-Nistal A, Gómez E. Low serum concentration in bovine embryo culture enhances early blastocyst rates on Day-6 with quality traits in the expanded blastocyst stage similar to BSA-cultured embryos. Reprod Biol 2017; 17:162-171. [PMID: 28479126 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In bovine, single in vitro embryo culture in protein-free medium from Day-6 to Day-7 leads to expanded blastocyst (XB) with improved pregnancy and birth rates after cryopreservation. Under these conditions, early blastocysts (EB) progress to the XB stage at higher rates than morulae (M). However, embryo production with BSA in culture prior to Day-6 leads to low EB rates. We investigated whether a very low FCS concentration (0.1%) in culture from Day-1 to Day-6 would improve EB rates and, subsequently, increase XB rates on Day-7 after single culture in protein-free medium. The quality of embryos produced was evaluated in terms of survival to cryopreservation, apoptosis percentage, lipid accumulation and transfer to recipients. On Day-6, EB rates from embryos cultured with FCS were higher than with BSA (P=0.022). On Day-7, XB rates were higher in embryos from Day-6 EB than from Day-6M, both with and without FCS (P<0.005). After vitrification/warming of Day-7 XB, 100% embryos survived at 24h in all treatments, and total cell number and apoptosis percentage were not affected by the presence of FCS or embryonic stage on Day-6. Cryopreserved and fresh embryos produced with FCS until Day-6, and then deprived of protein and cultured individually, led to pregnancies after ET. In conclusion, minute FCS concentration improves EB rates on Day-6 leading, after one-day single culture without protein, to more XBs. The quality of XB produced with FCS compares well with XB produced with BSA in terms of apoptosis, lipid accumulation and pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Murillo
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal, SERIDA, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain.
| | - M Muñoz
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal, SERIDA, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain
| | - D Martín-González
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal, SERIDA, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain
| | - S Carrocera
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal, SERIDA, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain
| | - A Martínez-Nistal
- Unidad de Microscopía Fotónica y Proceso de Imágenes, Servicios Científico Técnicos, Universidad de Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - E Gómez
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal, SERIDA, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain
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28
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Zohara BF, Azizunnesa, Islam MF, Alam MGS, Bari FY. Survival of embryos after transfer within multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) programme. Small Rumin Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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29
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Fouladi-Nashta AA, Raheem KA, Marei WF, Ghafari F, Hartshorne GM. Regulation and roles of the hyaluronan system in mammalian reproduction. Reproduction 2017; 153:R43-R58. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Hyaluronan (HA) is a non-sulphated glycosaminoglycan polymer naturally occurring in many tissues and fluids of mammals, including the reproductive system. Its biosynthesis by HA synthase (HAS1–3) and catabolism by hyaluronidases (HYALs) are affected by ovarian steroid hormones. Depending upon its molecular size, HA functions both as a structural component of tissues in the form of high-molecular-weight HA or as a signalling molecule in the form of small HA molecules or HA fragments with effects mediated through interaction with its specific cell-membrane receptors. HA is produced by oocytes and embryos and in various segments of the reproductive system. This review provides information about the expression and function of members of the HA system, including HAS, HYALs and HA receptors. We examine their role in various processes from folliculogenesis through oocyte maturation, fertilisation and early embryo development, to pregnancy and cervical dilation, as well as its application in assisted reproduction technologies. Particular emphasis has been placed upon the role of the HA system in pre-implantation embryo development and embryo implantation, for which we propose a hypothetical sequential model.
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30
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Barnwell CV, Farin PW, Ashwell CM, Farmer WT, Galphin SP, Farin CE. Differences in mRNA populations of short and long bovine conceptuses on Day 15 of gestation. Mol Reprod Dev 2016; 83:424-41. [PMID: 27013032 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The majority of pregnancy loss in cattle occurs between Days 8 and 16 of gestation, coincident with the initiation of conceptus elongation and the onset of maternal recognition of pregnancy. Differences in conceptus length on the same day of gestation may be related to an inherent lack of developmental competency or may simply be a consequence of asynchrony with the maternal environment. The objective of this work was to characterize differential patterns of mRNA expression between short and long bovine conceptuses recovered on Day 15 of gestation. Embryos were produced from super-ovulated Holstein donor cows, and groups of Grade-1 and Grade-3 compact morulas were transferred into recipient heifers at Day 6.5 of their cycle. Conceptuses were recovered at Day 15 of gestation, and measured to assess overall length and area. Total RNA was extracted and analyzed on individual GeneChip Bovine Genome Arrays (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA). Gene expression was compared between conceptuses derived from the transfer of Grade-1 versus Grade-3 embryos; no differences were identified in the profiles of Day-15 conceptuses of these different embryo grades. When gene expression was compared between conceptuses classified as either short (mean length of 4.2 ± 0.1 mm [standard error]) or long (24.7 ± 1.9 mm) upon recovery at Day 15 of gestation, a total of 348 genes were differentially expressed. Of these, 221 genes were up-regulated and 127 were down-regulated in long compared to short conceptuses. In summary, differences in gene expression were identified between conceptuses recovered on Day 15 of gestation, based on their length. These data may be used to identify genes and cellular pathways involved in enhanced conceptus elongation that could serve as markers of successful pregnancy. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 424-441, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callie V Barnwell
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Peter W Farin
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Christopher M Ashwell
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - William T Farmer
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Samuel P Galphin
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Charlotte E Farin
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
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31
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In vitro bovine embryo production in a synthetic medium: Embryo development, cryosurvival, and establishment of pregnancy. Theriogenology 2015; 84:1053-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Revised: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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32
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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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33
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Torner E, Bussalleu E, Briz MD, Yeste M, Bonet S. Embryo development and sex ratio of in vitro-produced porcine embryos are affected by the energy substrate and hyaluronic acid added to the culture medium. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 26:570-7. [PMID: 23657201 DOI: 10.1071/rd13004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 03/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, the effects of replacing glucose with pyruvate-lactate and supplementing these in vitro culture (IVC) media with hyaluronic acid (HA) on porcine embryo development and sex ratio were examined. The in vitro-produced (IVP) porcine embryos were cultured in NCSU-23 medium with 0.0, 0.5 or 1.0mgmL(-1) HA, and with either 5.55mM glucose (IVC-Glu) or pyruvate (0.17mM)-lactate (2.73mM) from 0 to 48h post insemination (h.p.i.) and then with glucose from 48 to 168h.p.i. (IVC-PL). Those embryos cultured with IVC-PL had significantly higher blastocyst rates (23.7±1.5%) than those cultured with IVC-Glu (14.27±2.75%). At 1.0mgmL(-1), HA tended to skew the sex ratio of blastocysts towards males in those embryos cultured in IVC-PL, and led to a significant decrease in the blastocyst rate compared with embryos cultured in the presence of 0.5 and 0.0mgmL(-1) HA and IVC-Glu (4.28±0.28% vs 11.01±1.42% and 10.14±2.77%, respectively) and IVC-PL (14.37±1.35% vs 20.96±2.85% and 22.99±1.39%, respectively). In contrast, there were no significant differences in the total cell number per blastocyst or in apoptosis rates. In conclusion, pyruvate and lactate were the preferred energy substrates in the early stages of IVP porcine embryos. Moreover, 1.0mgmL(-1) HA significantly decreased the percentage of blastocyst rates in both the IVC-Glu and IVC-PL groups, but only by a preferential loss of female embryos for those cultured in IVC-PL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Torner
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, s/n, 17071 Girona, Spain
| | - Eva Bussalleu
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, s/n, 17071 Girona, Spain
| | - M Dolors Briz
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, s/n, 17071 Girona, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, University Campus, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Bonet
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Campus Montilivi, s/n, 17071 Girona, Spain
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34
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Muñoz M, Uyar A, Correia E, Díez C, Fernandez-Gonzalez A, Caamaño JN, Martínez-Bello D, Trigal B, Humblot P, Ponsart C, Guyader-Joly C, Carrocera S, Martin D, Marquant Le Guienne B, Seli E, Gomez E. Prediction of pregnancy viability in bovine in vitro-produced embryos and recipient plasma with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. J Dairy Sci 2014; 97:5497-507. [PMID: 24997663 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-8067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
We analyzed embryo culture medium (CM) and recipient blood plasma using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) metabolomics to predict pregnancy outcome. Individually cultured, in vitro-produced (IVP) blastocysts were transferred to recipients as fresh and vitrified-warmed. Spent CM and plasma samples were evaluated using FTIR. The discrimination capability of the classifiers was assessed for accuracy, sensitivity (pregnancy), specificity (nonpregnancy), and area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC). Within all IVP fresh embryos (birth rate=52%), high AUC were obtained at birth, especially with expanded blastocysts (CM: 0.80±0.053; plasma: 0.89±0.034). The AUC of vitrified IVP embryos (birth rate = 31%) were 0.607±0.038 (CM, expanded blastocysts) and 0.672±0.023 (plasma, all stages). Recipient plasma generally predicted pregnancy outcome better than did embryo CM. Embryos and recipients with improved pregnancy viability were identified, which could increase the economic benefit to the breeding industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Muñoz
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal-Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Camino de Rioseco 1225, La Olla - Deva, 33394 Gijón, Asturias, Spain
| | - A Uyar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 310 Cedar street, LSOG 304B, New Haven, CT 06520; Department of Computer Engineering, Okan University, Tuzla Kampusu, 34959, Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - E Correia
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal-Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Camino de Rioseco 1225, La Olla - Deva, 33394 Gijón, Asturias, Spain
| | - C Díez
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal-Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Camino de Rioseco 1225, La Olla - Deva, 33394 Gijón, Asturias, Spain
| | - A Fernandez-Gonzalez
- Servicios Científico Técnicos (Oviedo), Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - J N Caamaño
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal-Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Camino de Rioseco 1225, La Olla - Deva, 33394 Gijón, Asturias, Spain
| | - D Martínez-Bello
- U.T.E. Bos-Lugar de Bos, Guísamo 15640 Bergondo, A Coruña, Spain
| | - B Trigal
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal-Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Camino de Rioseco 1225, La Olla - Deva, 33394 Gijón, Asturias, Spain
| | - P Humblot
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7054, SE75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - C Ponsart
- Union Nationale des Cooperatives D' Elevage et Insemination Animale (UNCEIA), Department of Research and Development, 13 rue Jouet, 94704 Maisons Alfort, France
| | - C Guyader-Joly
- UNCEIA, Station Expérimentale, 484 Chemin Darefin, 38300 Chateauvillain, France
| | - S Carrocera
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal-Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Camino de Rioseco 1225, La Olla - Deva, 33394 Gijón, Asturias, Spain
| | - D Martin
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal-Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Camino de Rioseco 1225, La Olla - Deva, 33394 Gijón, Asturias, Spain
| | - B Marquant Le Guienne
- Union Nationale des Cooperatives D' Elevage et Insemination Animale (UNCEIA), Department of Research and Development, 13 rue Jouet, 94704 Maisons Alfort, France
| | - E Seli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 310 Cedar street, LSOG 304B, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - E Gomez
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal-Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Camino de Rioseco 1225, La Olla - Deva, 33394 Gijón, Asturias, Spain.
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Dobbs KB, Rodriguez M, Sudano MJ, Ortega MS, Hansen PJ. Dynamics of DNA methylation during early development of the preimplantation bovine embryo. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66230. [PMID: 23799080 PMCID: PMC3683128 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There is species divergence in control of DNA methylation during preimplantation development. The exact pattern of methylation in the bovine embryo has not been established nor has its regulation by gender or maternal signals that regulate development such as colony stimulating factor 2 (CSF2). Using immunofluorescent labeling with anti-5-methylcytosine and embryos produced with X-chromosome sorted sperm, it was demonstrated that methylation decreased from the 2-cell stage to the 6–8 cell stage and then increased thereafter up to the blastocyst stage. In a second experiment, embryos of specific genders were produced by fertilization with X- or Y-sorted sperm. The developmental pattern was similar to the first experiment, but there was stage × gender interaction. Methylation was greater for females at the 8-cell stage but greater for males at the blastocyst stage. Treatment with CSF2 had no effect on labeling for DNA methylation in blastocysts. Methylation was lower for inner cell mass cells (i.e., cells that did not label with anti-CDX2) than for trophectoderm (CDX2-positive). The possible role for DNMT3B in developmental changes in methylation was evaluated by determining gene expression and degree of methylation. Steady-state mRNA for DNMT3B decreased from the 2-cell stage to a nadir for D 5 embryos >16 cells and then increased at the blastocyst stage. High resolution melting analysis was used to assess methylation of a CpG rich region in an intronic region of DNMT3B. Methylation percent decreased between the 6–8 cell and the blastocyst stage but there was no difference in methylation between ICM and TE. Results indicate that DNA methylation undergoes dynamic changes during the preimplantation period in a manner that is dependent upon gender and cell lineage. Developmental changes in expression of DNMT3B are indicative of a possible role in changes in methylation. Moreover, DNMT3B itself appears to be under epigenetic control by methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle B Dobbs
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
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Mara L, Casu S, Carta A, Dattena M. Cryobanking of farm animal gametes and embryos as a means of conserving livestock genetics. Anim Reprod Sci 2013; 138:25-38. [PMID: 23477753 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2013.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2012] [Revised: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 02/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In the last few decades, farm animal genetic diversity has rapidly declined, mainly due to changing market demands and intensification of agriculture. But, since the removal of single species can affect the functioning of global ecosystems, it is in the interest of international community to conserve the livestock genetics and to maintain biodiversity. Increasing awareness on the reduction of breed diversity has prompted global efforts for conservation of farm animal breeds. The goals of conservation are to keep genetic variation as gene combinations in a reversible form and to keep specific genes of interest. For this purpose two types of strategies are usually proposed: in situ and ex situ conservation. In situ conservation is the breed maintaining within the livestock production system, in its environment through the enhancement of its production characteristics. Ex situ in vivo conservation is the safeguard of live animals in zoos, wildlife parks, experimental farms or other specialized centres. Ex situ in vitro conservation is the preservation of genetic material in haploid form (semen and oocytes), diploid (embryos) or DNA sequences. In the last few years, ex situ in vitro conservation programs of livestock genetic resources have focused interest on cryopreservation of gametes, embryos and somatic cells as well as testis and ovarian tissues, effectively lengthening the genetic lifespan of individuals in a breeding program even after the death. However, although significant progress has been made in semen, oocytes and embryo cryopreservation of several domestic species, a standardized procedure has not been established yet. The aim of the present review is to describe the cryobanking purposes, the collection goals, the type of genetic material to store and the reproductive biotechnologies utilized for the cryopreservation of farm animal gametes and embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Mara
- Agris-Sardegna, DIRPA, Reproduction Division, S.S. 291 Km 18.6, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | - Sara Casu
- Agris-Sardegna, DIRPA, Genetic and biotechnology division, S.S. 291 Km 18.6, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - A Carta
- Agris-Sardegna, DIRIP, Production and Technology Division, Italy
| | - M Dattena
- Agris-Sardegna, DIRPA, Reproduction Division, S.S. 291 Km 18.6, 07100 Sassari, Italy
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Sakatani M, Bonilla L, Dobbs KB, Block J, Ozawa M, Shanker S, Yao J, Hansen PJ. Changes in the transcriptome of morula-stage bovine embryos caused by heat shock: relationship to developmental acquisition of thermotolerance. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2013; 11:3. [PMID: 23320502 PMCID: PMC3583805 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-11-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Accepted: 01/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While initially sensitive to heat shock, the bovine embryo gains thermal resistance as it progresses through development so that physiological heat shock has little effect on development to the blastocyst stage by Day 5 after insemination. Here, experiments using 3' tag digital gene expression (3'DGE) and real-time PCR were conducted to determine changes in the transcriptome of morula-stage bovine embryos in response to heat shock (40 degrees C for 8 h) that could be associated with thermotolerance. RESULTS Using 3'DGE, expression of 173 genes were modified by heat shock, with 94 genes upregulated by heat shock and 79 genes downregulated by heat shock. A total of 38 differentially-regulated genes were associated with the ubiquitin protein, UBC. Heat shock increased expression of one heat shock protein gene, HSPB11, and one heat shock protein binding protein, HSPBP1, tended to increase expression of HSPA1A and HSPB1, but did not affect expression of 64 other genes encoding heat shock proteins, heat shock transcription factors or proteins interacting with heat shock proteins. Moreover, heat shock increased expression of five genes associated with oxidative stress (AKR7A2, CBR1, GGH, GSTA4, and MAP2K5), decreased expression of HIF3A, but did not affect expression of 42 other genes related to free radical metabolism. Heat shock also had little effect on genes involved in embryonic development. Effects of heat shock for 2, 4 and 8 h on selected heat shock protein and antioxidant genes were also evaluated by real-time PCR. Heat shock increased steady-state amounts of mRNA for HSPA1A (P<0.05) and tended to increase expression of HSP90AA1 (P<0.07) but had no effect on expression of SOD1 or CAT. CONCLUSIONS Changes in the transcriptome of the heat-shocked bovine morula indicate that the embryo is largely resistant to effects of heat shock. As a result, transcription of genes involved in thermal protection is muted and there is little disruption of gene networks involved in embryonic development. It is likely that the increased resistance of morula-stage embryos to heat shock as compared to embryos at earlier stages of development is due in part to developmental acquisition of mechanisms to prevent accumulation of denatured proteins and free radical damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miki Sakatani
- Kyushu-Okinawa Agricultural Research Center, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Kumamoto, 861-1192, Japan
| | - Luciano Bonilla
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0910, USA
- Present address: Minitube International Center for Biotechnology, Mt. Horeb, WI, 53572, USA
| | - Kyle B Dobbs
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0910, USA
| | - Jeremy Block
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0910, USA
- Ovatech LLC, Gainesville Florida, FL, 32608, USA
| | - Manabu Ozawa
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0910, USA
- Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Savita Shanker
- Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - JiQiang Yao
- Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0910, USA
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Okuyama M, Funahashi H. Glycosaminoglycans improves early development of zona-free 8-cell rat embryos to blastocysts in a chemically defined medium, but not the pregnancy rate following transfer of the blastocysts. J Reprod Dev 2012; 58:295-301. [PMID: 22382694 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.11-092h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to clarify the possible role of the zona pellucida (ZP) in early development of rat embryos and to determine the effect of glycosaminoglycans on the development of ZP-free 8-cell embryos before or after embryo transfer at the blastocyst stage. Eight-cell embryos were divided into three groups comprised of, 1) intact controls, 2) embryos with the ZP was removed with acidic solution and 3) pairs of ZP-free 8-cell embryos aggregated in a small hollow. These embryos were cultured in a chemically defined mR1ECM for 24 h. Developmental ability to the blastocyst stage and mean cell number in the blastocyst was lower in ZP-free embryos than in intact controls. When these blastocysts were transferred, the farrowing rate and efficiency of embryos developed to term were also lower in ZP-free embryos, but not in the aggregated ones. Supplementation with hyaluronan (HA; 63-250 µg/ml) or heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HS; 15 µg/ml) significantly improved blastocyst formation of ZP-free embryos and the cell number in the blastocyst by reducing the incidence of apoptosis. However, there were no beneficial effects of HA or HS on farrowing and newborn rates after transfer of the blastocysts. In conclusion, the ZP plays roles in maintaining successful development of early rat embryos at least from the 8-cell stage not only to the blastocyst stage but also to posttransfer stages. Glycosaminoglycans, such as HA or HS, appear to contribute to successful cleavage during early development to the blastocyst stage but may be insufficient to maintain the posttransfer survival of ZP-free embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanobu Okuyama
- Department of Animal Science, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
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39
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Block J, Hansen PJ, Loureiro B, Bonilla L. Improving post-transfer survival of bovine embryos produced in vitro: actions of insulin-like growth factor-1, colony stimulating factor-2 and hyaluronan. Theriogenology 2011; 76:1602-9. [PMID: 21890189 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2011] [Revised: 07/15/2011] [Accepted: 07/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Technologies for in vitro embryo production have the potential to enhance the efficiency of cattle production systems. However, utilization of in vitro-produced embryos for transfer remains limited throughout much of the world. Despite improvements over the past two decades, problems associated with the production of bovine embryos in vitro still exist which limit the widespread commercial application of this technology. In particular, bovine embryos produced in vitro have a reduced capacity to establish and maintain pregnancy as compared with their in vivo-derived counterparts. Embryo competence for survival following transfer is improved by in vivo culture in the sheep oviduct, thus indicating that standard embryo culture conditions are sub-optimal. Therefore, one strategy to improve post-transfer survival is to modify embryo culture media to more closely mimic the in vivo microenvironment. The maternal environment in which the bovine embryo develops in vivo contains various growth factors, cytokines, hormones, and other regulatory molecules. In addition to affecting bovine embryo development in vitro, recent research indicates that embryo competence for survival following transfer can also be improved when such molecules are added to embryo culture medium. Among the specific molecules that can increase post-transfer embryo survival are insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), colony stimulating factor-2 (CSF-2) and hyaluronan. This paper will review the effects IGF-1, CSF-2 and hyaluronan on post-culture embryo viability and discuss the potential mechanisms through which each of these molecules improves post-transfer survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Block
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.
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Hansen PJ, Block J, Loureiro B, Bonilla L, Hendricks KEM. Effects of gamete source and culture conditions on the competence of in vitro-produced embryos for post-transfer survival in cattle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2010; 22:59-66. [PMID: 20003846 DOI: 10.1071/rd09212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
One limitation to the use of in vitro-produced embryos in cattle production systems is the fact that pregnancy rates after transfer to recipients are typically lower than when embryos produced in vivo are transferred. Conceptually, the oocyte and spermatozoon from which the embryo is derived could affect competence for post-transfer survival. There are sire differences in embryonic survival after transfer, but there is little evidence that an embryo's ability to establish pregnancy is determined by sex sorting of spermatozoa by flow cytometry. The role of the source of the oocyte as a determinant of embryonic survival after transfer has not been examined carefully. Conditions for embryo culture after fertilisation can have an impact on the ability of the embryo to establish pregnancy following transfer. Among the specific molecules produced in the reproductive tract of the cow that have been shown to improve competence of in vitro-produced embryos for post-transfer survival are colony-stimulating factor 2, insulin-like growth factor-1 (for recipients exposed to heat stress) and hyaluronan (for less-advanced embryos). There is also a report that embryo competence for post-transfer survival can be improved by inclusion of a carbon-activated air filtration system in the incubator used to culture embryos. Progress in developing culture systems to improve embryonic competence for survival after transfer would be hastened by the development of in vitro assays that accurately predict the potential of an embryo to establish pregnancy after transfer. A group of 52 genes has been identified that are differentially expressed in embryos that developed to term v. embryos that did not establish pregnancy. Perhaps a gene microarray consisting of these genes, alone or in combination with other genes, could be used to screen embryos for competence to establish pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-0910, USA.
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Hasler JF. Synthetic media for culture, freezing and vitrification of bovine embryos. Reprod Fertil Dev 2010; 22:119-25. [DOI: 10.1071/rd09224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Media designed for the recovery, holding and cryopreservation of bovine and equine embryos are available from several commercial sources. In years past, some of these media contained bovine serum, although inclusion of serum in embryo transfer media is now largely discontinued due to issues relating to storage and biosecurity. Currently, bovine serum albumin (BSA) is included in most commercially manufactured media intended for use in embryo transfer (ET). Although BSA poses less risk than serum for the transmission of infectious disease, its inclusion still entails risk of viral contamination. The present review briefly describes the various components of ET media and the development of efficacious ET media containing no products of animal origin. An evaluation of the efficacy of recovery, holding, slow controlled freezing and vitrification media in both research and commercial ET embryo transfer settings is also presented.
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Sifer C, Mour P, Tranchant S, Visentin E, Hafhouf E, Sermondade N, Martin-Pont B, Benzacken B, Lévy R. Y a-t-il un intérêt à utiliser un milieu de transfert embryonnaire enrichi en acide hyaluronique lors de tentatives de FIV/ICSI ? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 37:884-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gyobfe.2009.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2009] [Accepted: 09/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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