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Maclellan LJ, Albertini DF, Stokes JE, Carnevale EM. Use of confocal microscopy and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to assess viability of equine oocytes from young and old mares after vitrification. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:2565-2576. [PMID: 37725179 PMCID: PMC10643763 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02935-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of vitrification on oocyte developmental competence as a function of donor age remains an important issue in assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). METHODS Equine germinal vesicle (GV) or metaphase II (M(II) oocytes were vitrified using the Cryotop® method. Spindle organization and chromosome alignment were evaluated from confocal imaging data sets of in vivo (IVO) or in vitro (IVM) matured oocytes subjected to vitrification or not. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) from the same groups was used to assess developmental potential. RESULTS An increase in chromosome misalignment was observed in spindles from older mares when compared to those of younger mares (P < 0.05). When MII oocytes subjected to vitrification were examined following warming, there was no difference in the percentage of oocytes displaying chromosome misalignment. Next, GV oocytes, collected from the ovaries of younger and older mares, were compared between fresh IVM and IVM following vitrification and warming. For nonvitrified samples, an age difference was again noted for spindle organization and chromosome alignment, with a higher (P < 0.05) percentage of normal bipolar meiotic spindles with aligned chromosomes observed in nonvitrified oocytes from young versus older mares. Vitrification led to a reduction of spindle length (P < 0.05) for oocytes from old mares, whether vitrified at GV or MII stages, whereas this effect was not observed in oocytes from young mares except those vitrified at GV and subjected to IVM. Oocyte developmental potential after vitrification was evaluated after ICSI of vitrified and warmed MII or GV oocytes from young mares. From 25 MII oocytes, 18 oocytes were injected with sperm, and six blastocysts were produced, which, upon transfer to mares' uteri, resulted in four pregnancies. Immature (GV) oocytes collected from live mares were also vitrified, warmed, and matured in vitro before ICSI. In this group, nonvitrified, control, and vitrified oocytes did not differ (P > 0.05) with respect to the incidence of maturation to MII, cleavage after ICSI, or blastocyst development. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate an effect of maternal age in an equine model at the level of meiotic spindle integrity and chromosome positioning that is influenced by both the meiotic stage at which oocytes are vitrified and whether meiotic maturation occurred in vivo or in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa J Maclellan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 1601 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80523, USA
- Seven Creeks Equine Reproduction, Euroa, 3666, Australia
| | | | - Joanne E Stokes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 1601 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80523, USA
| | - Elaine M Carnevale
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 1601 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80523, USA.
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Angel-Velez D, Meese T, Hedia M, Fernandez-Montoro A, De Coster T, Pascottini OB, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Govaere J, Van Soom A, Pavani K, Smits K. Transcriptomics Reveal Molecular Differences in Equine Oocytes Vitrified before and after In Vitro Maturation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24086915. [PMID: 37108081 PMCID: PMC10138936 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, in vitro embryo production in horses has become an established clinical practice, but blastocyst rates from vitrified equine oocytes remain low. Cryopreservation impairs the oocyte developmental potential, which may be reflected in the messenger RNA (mRNA) profile. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the transcriptome profiles of metaphase II equine oocytes vitrified before and after in vitro maturation. To do so, three groups were analyzed with RNA sequencing: (1) fresh in vitro matured oocytes as a control (FR), (2) oocytes vitrified after in vitro maturation (VMAT), and (3) oocytes vitrified immature, warmed, and in vitro matured (VIM). In comparison with fresh oocytes, VIM resulted in 46 differentially expressed (DE) genes (14 upregulated and 32 downregulated), while VMAT showed 36 DE genes (18 in each category). A comparison of VIM vs. VMAT resulted in 44 DE genes (20 upregulated and 24 downregulated). Pathway analyses highlighted cytoskeleton, spindle formation, and calcium and cation ion transport and homeostasis as the main affected pathways in vitrified oocytes. The vitrification of in vitro matured oocytes presented subtle advantages in terms of the mRNA profile over the vitrification of immature oocytes. Therefore, this study provides a new perspective for understanding the impact of vitrification on equine oocytes and can be the basis for further improvements in the efficiency of equine oocyte vitrification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Angel-Velez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
- Research Group in Animal Sciences-INCA-CES, Universidad CES, Medellin 050021, Colombia
| | - Tim Meese
- Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mohamed Hedia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt
| | - Andrea Fernandez-Montoro
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Tine De Coster
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Osvaldo Bogado Pascottini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Nieuwerburgh
- Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Govaere
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Krishna Pavani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Katrien Smits
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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3
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Janosikova M, Petricakova K, Ptacek M, Savvulidi FG, Rychtarova J, Fulka J. New approaches for long-term conservation of rooster spermatozoa. Poult Sci 2022; 102:102386. [PMID: 36599200 PMCID: PMC9817176 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.102386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In contrast to the livestock industry, sperm cryopreservation has not yet been successfully established in the poultry industry. This is because poultry sperm cells have a unique shape and membrane fluidity, differing from those of livestock sperm. The objective of this review is to discuss the cellular and molecular characteristics of rooster spermatozoa as a cause for their generally low freezability. Furthermore, here, we discuss novel developments in the field of semen extenders, cryoprotectants, and freezing processes, all with the purpose of increasing the potential of rooster sperm cryopreservation. Currently, it is very important to improve cryopreservation of rooster sperm on a global scale for the protection of gene resources due to the incidence of epidemics such as avian influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Janosikova
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Praha, Suchdol, Czech Republic,Corresponding author:
| | - Kristyna Petricakova
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Praha, Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Ptacek
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Praha, Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Filipp Georgijevic Savvulidi
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 165 00 Praha, Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Rychtarova
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Institute of Animal Science, 104 00 Praha, Uhříněves, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Fulka
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Institute of Animal Science, 104 00 Praha, Uhříněves, Czech Republic
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Choi HW, Jang H. Application of Nanoparticles and Melatonin for Cryopreservation of Gametes and Embryos. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:4028-4044. [PMID: 36135188 PMCID: PMC9497981 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44090276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation of gametes and embryos, a technique widely applied in human infertility clinics and to preserve desirable genetic traits of livestock, has been developed over 30 years as a component of the artificial insemination process. A number of researchers have conducted studies to reduce cell toxicity during cryopreservation using adjuvants leading to higher gamete and embryo survival rates. Melatonin and Nanoparticles are novel cryoprotectants and recent studies have investigated their properties such as regulating oxidative stresses, lipid peroxidation, and DNA fragmentation in order to protect gametes and embryos during vitrification. This review presented the current status of cryoprotectants and highlights the novel biomaterials such as melatonin and nanoparticles that may improve the survivability of gametes and embryos during this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Woo Choi
- Department of Animal Science, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea
| | - Hoon Jang
- Department of Life Sciences, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-63-270-3359
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Guo Z, Chen W, Lv L, Liu D. Meta-analysis of melatonin treatment and porcine somatic cell nuclear transfer embryo development. Anim Reprod 2021; 18:e20210031. [PMID: 34840610 PMCID: PMC8607851 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2021-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Porcine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) plays an important role in many areas of research. However, the low efficiency of SCNT in porcine embryos limits its applications. Porcine embryos contain high concentrations of lipid, which makes them vulnerable to oxidative stress. Some studies have used melatonin to reduce reactive oxygen species damage. At present there are many reports concerning the effect of exogenous melatonin on porcine SCNT. Some studies suggest that the addition of melatonin can increase the number of blastocyst cells, while others indicate that melatonin can reduce the number of blastocyst cells. Therefore, a meta-analysis was carried out to resolve the contradiction. In this study, a total of 63 articles from the past 30 years were analyzed, and six papers were finally selected. Through the analysis, it was found that the blastocyst rate was increased by adding exogenous melatonin. Melatonin had no effect on cleavage rate or the number of blastocyst cells, but did decrease the number of apoptotic cells. This result is crucial for future research on embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhua Guo
- Key Laboratory of Combining Farming and Animal Husbandry, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin, P. R., China
| | - Wengui Chen
- Animal Science and Technology College, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R., China
| | - Lei Lv
- Wood Science Research Institute of Heilongjiang Academy of Forestry, Harbin, P. R., China
| | - Di Liu
- Key Laboratory of Combining Farming and Animal Husbandry, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin, P. R., China
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Angel-Velez D, De Coster T, Azari-Dolatabad N, Fernandez-Montoro A, Benedetti C, Bogado Pascottini O, Woelders H, Van Soom A, Smits K. New Alternative Mixtures of Cryoprotectants for Equine Immature Oocyte Vitrification. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113077. [PMID: 34827809 PMCID: PMC8614364 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Oocyte cryopreservation allows female gametes to be conserved for long periods, which would be of benefit for mares of high genetic merit, but its efficiency is not satisfactory yet. Therefore, the aim of this study was to optimize a vitrification protocol for equine oocytes using a systematic approach. We performed a side-by-side comparison of different cryoprotective agents (CPAs) during the vitrification and warming of equine oocytes. In the first experiment, a fixed mixture of CPAs that enter the oocyte was used, and three sugars were compared, which cannot penetrate the oocyte but provide protection through an osmotic effect. In the second experiment, one sugar from the first experiment was selected to compare three mixtures of CPAs that enter the oocyte. Overall, the embryo development was reduced after oocyte cryopreservation when compared to fresh oocytes. Yet, we were able to produce embryos with all six cryoprotective agent mixtures, and we identified one promising combination of cryoprotectants, consisting of propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, and galactose, that resulted in blastocyst rates in the same range as the fresh control group. Abstract Equine oocyte vitrification would benefit the growing in vitro embryo production programs, but further optimization of the protocol is necessary to reach clinical efficiency. Therefore, we aimed to perform a direct comparison of non-permeating and permeating cryoprotective agents (CPAs) during the vitrification and warming of equine immature oocytes. In the first experiment, cumulus oocytes complexes (COCs) were vitrified comparing sucrose, trehalose, and galactose in combination with ethylene glycol (EG) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). In the second experiment, the COCs were vitrified using three mixtures of permeating CPAs in a 50:50 volume ratio (ethylene glycol-dimethyl sulfoxide (ED), propylene glycol-ethylene glycol (PE), and propylene glycol-dimethyl sulfoxide (PD)) with galactose and warmed in different galactose concentrations (0.3 or 0.5 mol/L). Overall, all the treatments supported blastocyst formation, but the developmental rates were lower for all the vitrified groups in the first (4.3 to 7.6%) and the second (3.5 to 9.4%) experiment compared to the control (26.5 and 34.2%, respectively; p < 0.01). In the first experiment, the maturation was not affected by vitrification. The sucrose exhibited lower cleavage than the control (p = 0.02). Although the galactose tended to have lower maturation than trehalose (p = 0.060) and control (p = 0.069), the highest numerical cleavage and blastocyst rates were obtained with this CPA. In the second experiment, the maturation, cleavage, and blastocyst rates were similar between the treatments. Compared to the control, only the ED reached similar maturation (p = 0.02) and PE similar cleavage (p = 0.1). The galactose concentration during warming did not affect the maturation, cleavage, or blastocyst rates (p > 0.1), but the PE-0.3 exhibited the highest blastocyst rate (15.1%) among the treatments, being the only one comparable to the control (34.2%). As such, PE–galactose provides a valuable option for equine immature oocyte vitrification and should be considered for the future optimization of the protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Angel-Velez
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (T.D.C.); (N.A.-D.); (A.F.-M.); (C.B.); (O.B.P.); (A.V.S.); (K.S.)
- Research Group in Animal Sciences—INCA-CES, Universidad CES, Medellin 050021, Colombia
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +32-4-5614-4543
| | - Tine De Coster
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (T.D.C.); (N.A.-D.); (A.F.-M.); (C.B.); (O.B.P.); (A.V.S.); (K.S.)
| | - Nima Azari-Dolatabad
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (T.D.C.); (N.A.-D.); (A.F.-M.); (C.B.); (O.B.P.); (A.V.S.); (K.S.)
| | - Andrea Fernandez-Montoro
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (T.D.C.); (N.A.-D.); (A.F.-M.); (C.B.); (O.B.P.); (A.V.S.); (K.S.)
| | - Camilla Benedetti
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (T.D.C.); (N.A.-D.); (A.F.-M.); (C.B.); (O.B.P.); (A.V.S.); (K.S.)
| | - Osvaldo Bogado Pascottini
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (T.D.C.); (N.A.-D.); (A.F.-M.); (C.B.); (O.B.P.); (A.V.S.); (K.S.)
- Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Henri Woelders
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (T.D.C.); (N.A.-D.); (A.F.-M.); (C.B.); (O.B.P.); (A.V.S.); (K.S.)
| | - Katrien Smits
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (T.D.C.); (N.A.-D.); (A.F.-M.); (C.B.); (O.B.P.); (A.V.S.); (K.S.)
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Correia LFL, Alves BRC, Batista RITP, Mermillod P, Souza-Fabjan JMG. Antifreeze proteins for low-temperature preservation in reproductive medicine: A systematic review over the last three decades. Theriogenology 2021; 176:94-103. [PMID: 34600433 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) are synthesized by diverse non-mammalian species, allowing them to survive in severely cold environments. Since the 1990s, the scientific literature reports their use for low-temperature preservation of germplasm. The aim of this systematic review was to compile available scientific evidence regarding the use of AFP for low-temperature preservation of several reproductive specimens. Internet databases were consulted using the terms: "antifreeze protein" OR "AFP" OR "antifreeze glycoprotein" OR "AFGP" OR "ice-binding protein" OR "IBP" OR "thermal hysteresis protein" AND "cryopreservation". From 56 articles, 87 experiments testing AFPs in low-temperature preservation of gametes, embryos or reproductive tissues/cells were fully analyzed and outcomes were annotated. A positive outcome was considered as a statistically significant improvement on any parameter evaluated after low-temperature preservation with AFP, whereas a negative outcome included worsening of any evaluated parameter, in comparison to untreated groups or groups treated with a lower concentration of AFP. The findings indicated that research on the use of AFP as a cryoprotectant for reproductive specimens has increased markedly over the past decade. Some experiments reported both positive and negative results, which depended, on AFP concentration in the preservation media. Variation in the outcomes associated with species was also observed. Among the 66 experiments conducted in mammals, 77.3% resulted in positive, and 28.8% in negative outcomes after the use of AFP. In fishes, positive and negative outcomes were observed in 71.4% and 33.3% of 21 experiments, respectively. Most positive outcomes included preserving cell post-warming survival. The beneficial effect of AFP supports its use in cryobiological approaches used in human and veterinary medicines and animal protein industry. Moreover, combination of different AFP types, or AFP with antioxidants, or even the use of AFP-biosimilar, comprise some promising approaches to be further explored in cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas F L Correia
- Departamento de Patologia e Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bruna R C Alves
- Departamento de Patologia e Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ribrio I T P Batista
- Departamento de Patologia e Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pascal Mermillod
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR7247, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE), Nouzilly, Indre-et-Loire, France
| | - Joanna M G Souza-Fabjan
- Departamento de Patologia e Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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8
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De Coster T, Velez DA, Van Soom A, Woelders H, Smits K. Cryopreservation of equine oocytes: looking into the crystal ball. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:453-467. [PMID: 32172776 DOI: 10.1071/rd19229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Invitro embryo production has evolved rapidly in the horse over the past decade, but blastocyst rates from vitrified equine oocytes remain quite poor and further research is needed to warrant application. Oocyte vitrification is affected by several technical and biological factors. In the horse, short exposure of immature oocytes to the combination of permeating and non-permeating cryoprotective agents has been associated with the best results so far. High cooling and warming rates are also crucial and can be obtained by using minimal volumes and open cryodevices. Vitrification of invivo-matured oocytes has yielded better results, but is less practical. The presence of the corona radiata seems to partially protect those factors that are necessary for the construction of the normal spindle and for chromosome alignment, but multiple layers of cumulus cells may impair permeation of cryoprotective agents. In addition to the spindle, the oolemma and mitochondria are also particularly sensitive to vitrification damage, which should be minimised in future vitrification procedures. This review presents promising protocols and novel strategies in equine oocyte vitrification, with a focus on blastocyst development and foal production as most reliable outcome parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tine De Coster
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; and Corresponding authors. ;
| | - Daniel Angel Velez
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; and Corresponding authors. ;
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Henri Woelders
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Katrien Smits
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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9
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Ducheyne KD, Rizzo M, Daels PF, Stout TAE, de Ruijter-Villani M. Vitrifying immature equine oocytes impairs their ability to correctly align the chromosomes on the MII spindle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:1330-1338. [PMID: 30967171 DOI: 10.1071/rd18276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitrified-warmed immature equine oocytes are able to complete the first meiotic division, but their subsequent developmental competence is compromised. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of vitrifying immature horse oocytes on the chromosome and spindle configuration after IVM. Cumulus-oocytes complexes (COCs) were collected and divided into two groups based on mare age (young ≤14 years; old ≥16 years). COCs were then either directly matured invitro or vitrified and warmed before IVM. Spindle morphology and chromosome alignment within MII stage oocytes were assessed using immunofluorescent staining, confocal microscopy and three-dimensional image analysis. Vitrification reduced the ability of oocytes to reach MII and resulted in ultrastructural changes to the meiotic spindle, including shortening of its long axis, and an increased incidence of chromosomes failing to align properly at the metaphase plate. We hypothesise that aberrant chromosome alignment is an important contributor to the reduced developmental competence of vitrified equine oocytes. Contrary to expectation, oocytes from young mares were more severely affected than oocytes from older mares; we propose that the reduced effect of vitrification on oocytes from older mares is related to pre-existing compromise of spindle assembly checkpoint control mechanisms in these mares.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaatje D Ducheyne
- Department of Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; and Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3684CM Utrecht, Netherlands; and Corresponding author
| | - Marilena Rizzo
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3684CM Utrecht, Netherlands; and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Messina University, Viale Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Peter F Daels
- Department of Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3684CM Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marta de Ruijter-Villani
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3684CM Utrecht, Netherlands
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Zhao X, Wang D, Wu Z, Pan B, Yang H, Zeng C, Zhang M, Liu G, Han H, Zhou G. Female Reproductive Performance in the Mouse: Effect of Oral Melatonin. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23081845. [PMID: 30044372 PMCID: PMC6222631 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23081845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Although melatonin has some of the broadest ranges of actions on the physiology of vertebrates, especially on their reproductive processes, the mechanism by which melatonin regulates animal reproduction is still incompletely understood. This study was designed to determine the effect of oral melatonin on the reproductive performance of female mice. Female ICR mice (7 weeks old) were given melatonin-containing water (3, 30 and 300 μg/mL; melatonin) or water only (control) until 10 weeks of age. Then, some of the mice were successfully mated (confirmed by vaginal plugs), and the number of live births and their weights were recorded. Some mice were used for a histological analysis of the number of follicles in the ovaries. Others were used for oocyte collection after superovulation, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) was performed. The mRNA expression of the apopotosis-related genes (BAX, BCL2) in the IVF embryos were analyzed. After melatonin administration, the mice showed similar serum melatonin levels to that of the control. The number of antral follicles per mm² unit area in the 30 μg/mL melatonin-treated group (14.60) was significantly higher than that of the control (7.78), which was lower than that of the 3 μg/mL melatonin-treated group (12.29). The litter size was significantly higher in the 3 μg/mL melatonin-treated group (15.5) than in the control (14.3). After IVF, the hatched blastocyst formation rate in the 30 μg/mL melatonin-treated group (85.70%) was significantly higher than that of the control (72.10%), and it was the same for the BCL2/BAX expression ratio. Although oral melatonin did not appear to have an effect on the serum melatonin rhythm in the mouse, melatonin did increase litter size at the 3 μg/mL dose level, and improved the developmental competency of IVF embryos at the 30 μg/mL level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Zhao
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Dian Wang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Zhenzheng Wu
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Bo Pan
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Haoxuan Yang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Changjun Zeng
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Ming Zhang
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
| | - Guoshi Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Hongbing Han
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Guangbin Zhou
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
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Drews B, Milojevic V, Giller K, Ulbrich S. Fatty acid profile of blood plasma and oviduct and uterine fluid during early and late luteal phase in the horse. Theriogenology 2018; 114:258-265. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Canesin HS, Brom-de-Luna JG, Choi YH, Ortiz I, Diaw M, Hinrichs K. Blastocyst development after intracytoplasmic sperm injection of equine oocytes vitrified at the germinal-vesicle stage. Cryobiology 2017; 75:52-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2017.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Santos ECDS, Somfai T, Appeltant R, Dang-Nguyen TQ, Noguchi J, Kaneko H, Kikuchi K. Effects of polyethylene glycol and a synthetic ice blocker during vitrification of immature porcine oocytes on survival and subsequent embryo development. Anim Sci J 2016; 88:1042-1048. [DOI: 10.1111/asj.12730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tamas Somfai
- Institute of Livestock and Glassland Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO); Ibaraki Japan
| | - Ruth Appeltant
- Division of Animal Sciences; Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO); Ibaraki Japan
| | - Thanh Quang Dang-Nguyen
- Division of Animal Sciences; Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO); Ibaraki Japan
| | - Junko Noguchi
- Division of Animal Sciences; Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO); Ibaraki Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kaneko
- Division of Animal Sciences; Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO); Ibaraki Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kikuchi
- Division of Animal Sciences; Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO); Ibaraki Japan
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Improved development by melatonin treatment after vitrification of mouse metaphase II oocytes. Cryobiology 2016; 73:335-342. [PMID: 27725165 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2016.09.171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Revised: 09/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The study was aimed to investigate the effect of melatonin on the development potential of mouse MII oocytes after cryopreservation. Mouse MII oocytes were subjected first to vitrification/warming and 2 h of in vitro culture (phase 1), then to parthenogenetic activation (PA) followed by in vitro culture of parthenogenetic embryos (phase 2). Different concentrations of melatonin (0, 10-9, 10-6 mol/L) were added to the medium during either phase 1, phase 2 or both phases. The fresh oocytes were used as control. When melatonin was used during both phases, 10-9 mol/L melatonin-treated group showed similar rates of cleavage and 4-cell embryo development compared with control, which were significantly higher than those of melatonin-free group, while the rates in either 10-6 mol/L melatonin-treated or melatonin-free groups were significantly lower than that in control. When 10-9 mol/L melatonin was added during either phase 1 or phase 2, both cleavage and 4-cell embryo development rates of either group were significantly lower than those of control. After oocyte vitrification/warming and PA, the ROS levels increased significantly and maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT) related genes (Dcp1a, Dcp2, Hspa1a, Eif1ax, Pou5f1, Sox2) expression were disorganized. However, after 10-9 mol/L melatonin supplementation, the ROS levels decreased significantly compared with melatonin-free group, and the gene expressions were almost recovered to normal level of control group. These results demonstrated that 10-9 mol/L melatonin supplementation could increase the developmental potential of vitrified-warmed mouse MII oocytes, which may result from ROS scavenging activities and recovery of normal levels of the expressions of MZT-related genes.
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Li W, Cheng K, Zhang Y, Meng Q, Zhu S, Zhou G. No effect of exogenous melatonin on development of cryopreserved metaphase II oocytes in mouse. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2015; 6:42. [PMID: 26380081 PMCID: PMC4568589 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-015-0041-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study was conducted to investigate effect of exogenous melatonin on the development of mouse mature oocytes after cryopreservation. Results First, mouse metaphase II (MII) oocytes were vitrified in the open-pulled straws (OPS). After warming, they were cultured for 1 h in M2 medium containing melatonin at different concentrations (0, 10−9, 10−7, 10−5, 10−3 mol/L). Then the oocytes were used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) levels (fluorescence microscopy), and the developmental potential after parthenogenetic activation. The experimental results showed that the ROS level and cleavage rate in 10−3 mol/L melatonin group was significantly lower than that in melatonin-free group (control). The GSH levels and blastocyst rates in all melatonin-treated groups were similar to that in control. Based on the above results, we detected the expression of gene Hsp90aa1, Hsf1, Hspa1b, Nrf2 and Bcl-x1 with qRT-PCR in oocytes treated with 10−7, or 10−3 mol/L melatonin and untreated control. After warming and culture for 1 h, the oocytes showed higher Hsp90aa1 expression in 10−7 mol/L melatonin-treated group than in the control (P < 0.05); the Hsf1, Hsp90aa1 and Bcl-x1 expression were significantly decreased in 10−3 mol/L melatonin-treated group when compared to the control. Based on the above results and previous research, we detected the development of vitrified-warmed oocytes treated with either 10−7 or 0 mol/L melatonin by in vitro fertilization. No difference was observed between them. Conclusions Our results indicate that the supplementation of melatonin (10−9 to 10−3 mol/L) in culture medium and incubation for 1 h did not improve the subsequent developmental potential of vitrified-warmed mouse MII oocytes, even if there were alteration in gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University (Chengdu Campus), Wenjiang, 611130 P.R. China ; Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 P.R. China
| | - Keren Cheng
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, Utah USA
| | - Yue Zhang
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University (Chengdu Campus), Wenjiang, 611130 P.R. China
| | - Qinggang Meng
- Nanjing Biomedical Research Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210089 P.R. China
| | - Shi'en Zhu
- Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, Utah USA
| | - Guangbin Zhou
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University (Chengdu Campus), Wenjiang, 611130 P.R. China
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Cryopreservation of mammalian oocytes and embryos: current problems and future perspectives. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2014; 57:903-14. [DOI: 10.1007/s11427-014-4689-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Khalil W, Gabr SA, Shamiah SM, El-Haif A, Abdel-Khal A. In vitro Maturation, Fertilization and Embryo Development of Immature
Buffalo Oocytes Vitrified by Different Cryodevice Types. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.3923/ajava.2014.428.439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Curcio BR, Gastal MO, Pereira GR, Corcini CD, Landim-Alvarenga FC, Barros SS, Nogueira CE, Deschamps JC, Gastal EL. Ultrastructural Morphology and Nuclear Maturation Rates of Immature Equine Oocytes Vitrified with Different Solutions and Exposure Times. J Equine Vet Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2013.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Cruz MHC, Leal CLV, da Cruz JF, Tan DX, Reiter RJ. Role of melatonin on production and preservation of gametes and embryos: a brief review. Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 145:150-60. [PMID: 24559971 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Revised: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this brief review is to clarify the role of melatonin in the production and preservation of mammalian gametes and embryos. Melatonin is an indoleamine synthesized from tryptophan in the pineal gland and other organs that operates as a hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis modulator and regulates the waxing and waning of seasonal reproductive competence in photoperiodic mammals. A major function of the melatonin rhythm is to transmit information about the length of the daily photoperiod to the circadian and circannual systems in order to provide time-of-day and time-of-year information, respectively, to the organism. Melatonin is also a powerful antioxidant and anti-apoptotic agent, which is due to its direct scavenging of toxic oxygen derivatives and its ability to reduce the formation of reactive species. Mammalian gametes and embryos are highly vulnerable to oxidative stress due to the presence of high lipid levels; during artificial breeding procedures, these structures are exposed to dramatic changes in the microenvironment, which have a direct bearing on their function and viability. Free radicals influence the balance between oxidation-reduction reactions, disturb the transbilayer-phospholipid asymmetry of the plasma membrane and enhance lipid peroxidation. Melatonin, due to its amphiphilic nature, is undoubtedly useful in tissues by protecting them from free radical-mediated oxidative damage and cellular death. The supplementation of melatonin to semen extender or culture medium significantly improves sperm viability, oocyte competence and blastocyst development in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Helena Coelho Cruz
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, USP, 13635-900 Pirassununga SP, Brazil.
| | - Claudia Lima Verde Leal
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, USP, 13635-900 Pirassununga SP, Brazil
| | - Jurandir Ferreira da Cruz
- Department of Plant Science and Animal Science, Southwest Bahia State University, UESB, 45083-900 Vitória da Conquista BA, Brazil
| | - Dun-Xian Tan
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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Abstract
This paper reviews current equine assisted reproduction techniques. Embryo transfer is the most common equine ART, but is still limited by the inability to superovulate mares effectively. Immature oocytes may be recovered by transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration of immature follicles, or from ovaries postmortem, and can be effectively matured in vitro. Notably, the in vivo-matured oocyte may be easily recovered from the stimulated preovulatory follicle. Standard IVF is still not repeatable in the horse; however, embryos and foals can be produced by surgical transfer of mature oocytes to the oviducts of inseminated recipient mares or via intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Currently, ICSI and in vitro embryo culture are routinely performed by only a few laboratories, but reported blastocyst development rates approach those found after bovine IVF (i.e. 25%–35%). Nuclear transfer can be relatively efficient (up to 26% live foal rate per transferred embryo), but few laboratories are working in this area. Equine blastocysts may be biopsied via micromanipulation, with normal pregnancy rates after biopsy, and accurate genetic analysis. Equine expanded blastocysts may be vitrified after collapsing them via micromanipulation, with normal pregnancy rates after warming and transfer. Many of these recently developed techniques are now in clinical use.
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Smits K, Hoogewijs M, Woelders H, Daels P, Van Soom A. Breeding or Assisted Reproduction? Relevance of the Horse Model Applied to the Conservation of Endangered Equids. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 47 Suppl 4:239-48. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02082.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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