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Feugang JM, Gad A, Menjivar NG, Ishak GM, Gebremedhn S, Gastal MO, Dlamini NH, Prochazka R, Gastal EL, Tesfaye D. Seasonal influence on miRNA expression dynamics of extracellular vesicles in equine follicular fluid. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2024; 15:137. [PMID: 39380110 PMCID: PMC11462823 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-024-01097-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian follicular fluid (FF) is a dynamic environment that changes with the seasons, affecting follicle development, ovulation, and oocyte quality. Cells in the follicles release tiny particles called extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing vital regulatory molecules, such as microRNAs (miRNAs). These miRNAs are pivotal in facilitating communication within the follicles through diverse signaling and information transfer forms. EV-coupled miRNA signaling is implicated to be associated with ovarian function, follicle and oocyte growth and response to various environmental insults. Herein, we investigated how seasonal variations directly influence the ovulatory and anovulatory states of ovarian follicles and how are they associated with follicular fluid EV-coupled miRNA dynamics in horses. RESULTS Ultrasonographic monitoring and follicular fluid aspiration of preovulatory follicles in horses during the anovulatory (spring: non-breeding) and ovulatory (spring, summer, and fall: breeding) seasons and subsequent EV isolation and miRNA profiling identified significant variation in EV-miRNA cargo content. We identified 97 miRNAs with differential expression among the groups and specific clusters of miRNAs involved in the spring transition (miR-149, -200b, -206, -221, -328, and -615) and peak breeding period (including miR-143, -192, -451, -302b, -100, and let-7c). Bioinformatic analyses showed enrichments in various biological functions, e.g., transcription factor activity, transcription and transcription regulation, nucleic acid binding, sequence-specific DNA binding, p53 signaling, and post-translational modifications. Cluster analyses revealed distinct sets of significantly up- and down-regulated miRNAs associated with spring anovulatory (Cluster 1) and summer ovulation-the peak breeding season (Clusters 4 and 6). CONCLUSIONS The findings from the current study shed light on the dynamics of FF-EV-coupled miRNAs in relation to equine ovulatory and anovulatory seasons, and their roles in understanding the mechanisms involved in seasonal shifts and ovulation during the breeding season warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean M Feugang
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
| | - Ahmed Gad
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory (ARBL), Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Nico G Menjivar
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory (ARBL), Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Ghassan M Ishak
- Department of Surgery and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, 10011, Iraq
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
| | | | - Melba O Gastal
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
| | - Notsile H Dlamini
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA
| | - Radek Prochazka
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Liběchov, 27721, Czech Republic
| | - Eduardo L Gastal
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
| | - Dawit Tesfaye
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory (ARBL), Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
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Hyde KA, Aguiar FLN, Alvarenga PB, Rezende AL, Alves BG, Alves KA, Gastal GDA, Gastal MO, Gastal EL. Characterization of preantral follicle clustering and neighborhood patterns in the equine ovary. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275396. [PMID: 36194590 PMCID: PMC9531796 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the transition from quiescent primordial follicles to activated primary follicles is vital for characterizing ovarian folliculogenesis and improving assisted reproductive techniques. To date, no study has investigated preantral follicle crowding in the ovaries of livestock or characterized these crowds according to follicular morphology and ovarian location (portions and regions) in any species. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the crowding (clustering and neighborhood) patterns of preantral follicles in the equine ovary according to mare age, follicular morphology and developmental stage, and spatial location in the ovary. Ovaries from mares (n = 8) were collected at an abattoir and processed histologically for evaluation of follicular clustering using the Morisita Index and follicular neighborhoods in ovarian sections. Young mares were found to have a large number of preantral follicles with neighbors (n = 2,626), while old mares had a small number (n = 305). Moreover, young mares had a higher number of neighbors per follicle (2.6 ± 0.0) than old mares (1.2 ± 0.1). Follicle clustering was shown to be present in all areas of the ovary, with young mares having more clustering overall than old mares and a tendency for higher clustering in the ventral region when ages were combined. Furthermore, follicles with neighbors were more likely to be morphologically normal (76.5 ± 6.5%) than abnormal (23.5 ± 6.5%). Additionally, morphologically normal activated follicles had increased odds of having neighbors than normal resting follicles, and these normal activated follicles had more neighbors (2.6 ± 0.1) than normal resting follicles (2.3 ± 0.1 neighbors). In the present study, it was demonstrated that preantral follicles do crowd in the mare ovary and that clustering/neighborhood patterns are dynamic and differ depending on mare age, follicular morphology, and follicular developmental stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendall A. Hyde
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Francisco L. N. Aguiar
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Sousa Campus, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Paraíba, Sousa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Paula B. Alvarenga
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Amanda L. Rezende
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Benner G. Alves
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Kele A. Alves
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Gustavo D. A. Gastal
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, United States of America
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental INIA La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Melba O. Gastal
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Eduardo L. Gastal
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Ishak GM, Feugang JM, Pechanova O, Pechan T, Peterson DG, Willard ST, Ryan PL, Gastal EL. Follicular-fluid proteomics during equine follicle development. Mol Reprod Dev 2022; 89:298-311. [PMID: 35762042 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The complex composition of the follicular fluid (FF), the intimate proximity to the oocyte, and the continual changes in their composition have a major effect on folliculogenesis and oogenesis. To date, the profiling of FF proteomes during follicle selection, development, and ovulation has not been comprehensively investigated. Therefore, a shotgun proteomics approach and bioinformatics analyses were used to profile the proteomes of equine FF harvested in vivo from follicles at the following development stages: predeviation (18-20 mm), deviation (22-25 mm), postdeviation (26-29 mm), preovulatory (30-35 mm), and impending ovulation. A total of 294 proteins were detected in FF (FDR <1%), corresponding to 65 common proteins and 124, 142, 167, 132, and 142 proteins in the predeviation, deviation, postdeviation, preovulatory, and impending ovulation groups, respectively. The higher expression of properdin and several other proteins belonging to the complement system during the deviation time and ovulation suggested their contribution in the selection of the future dominant follicle and ovulation. Apolipoprotein A-1 and antithrombin-III appeared to be important throughout folliculogenesis. The "complement and coagulation cascades" was the major KEGG pathway across all stages of follicle development. The significant expression of several proteins belonging to the serine-type endopeptidase indicated their likely contribution to follicle and oocyte development. Our data provide an extensive description and functional analyses of the equine FF proteome during follicle selection, development, and ovulation. This information will help improve understanding of the ovarian function and ovulatory dysfunctions and might serve as a reference for future biomarker discovery for oocyte quality assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghassan M Ishak
- Department of Surgery and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
| | - Jean M Feugang
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - Olga Pechanova
- Institute for Genomics, Biocomputing & Biotechnology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - Tibor Pechan
- Institute for Genomics, Biocomputing & Biotechnology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - Daniel G Peterson
- Institute for Genomics, Biocomputing & Biotechnology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - Scott T Willard
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - Peter L Ryan
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - Eduardo L Gastal
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
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4
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Alves BG, Alves KA, Hyde KA, Aguiar FLN, Souza SS, Brandão FAS, Garcia EC, Pinto Y, Gastal MO, Figueiredo JR, Teixeira DIA, Gastal EL. Heterotopic autotransplantation of equine ovarian tissue using intramuscular versus subvulvar grafting sites: Preliminary results. Theriogenology 2021; 172:123-132. [PMID: 34237633 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.05.015] [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: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian tissue transplantation (OTT) is a technique well established and successfully applied in humans using mainly orthotopic or heterotopic transplantation sites. In livestock, OTT is still in its infancy and, therefore, different aspects of the technique, including the efficiency of different heterotopic OTT sites as well as the potential effect of age (i.e., young vs. old mares) in the ovarian graft quality, need to be investigated. The present study investigated the efficacy of the intramuscular (IM) or the novel subvulvar mucosa (SV) heterotopic autotransplantation sites to maintain the survivability of the grafts for 3 and 7 days post-OTT. Ovarian biopsy fragments were obtained in vivo and distributed to the following treatments: Fresh control group (ovarian fragments immediately fixed), SV-3, IM-3, SV-7, and IM-7. During and after graft harvesting, the macroscopic characteristics of the grafts (i.e., adherence, morphology, and bleeding) were scored, and the percentages of morphologically normal and developing preantral follicles as well as the follicular and stromal cell densities of the grafts were evaluated. The results were that similar (P > 0.05) macroscopic scores were observed between both transplantation sites 7 days post-OTT, with positive correlations (P < 0.01) found among adherence, morphology, and bleeding of the grafts. A lower (P < 0.05) percentage of morphologically normal follicles was found 7 days post-OTT in the SV site (82%) compared with the Fresh control group (99%) and IM site (95%); however, the percentages of developing follicles were similar (P > 0.05) between both transplantation sites 7 days post-OTT (30-43%). Although similar (P > 0.05) follicular densities were found in both transplantation sites in young and old mares at 3 and 7 days post-OTT, large individual variation in the follicular depletion rate was observed regardless of transplantation site. The Fresh control group and SV-7 treatments had higher (P < 0.05) stromal cell densities in young and old mares compared with both IM-7 treatments. When comparing transplant sites between young and old mares, the follicular density in old mares and the stromal cell density in young mares were greater (P < 0.05) in the SV than in the IM site. In conclusion, even though the transplantation sites differentially affected some end points, overall comparable findings of the OTT technique using both heterotopic autotransplantation sites (i.e., IM and SV) for equine ovarian tissue were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- B G Alves
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA; Postgraduate Program in Animal Bioscience, Federal University of Goiás, Jataí, GO, Brazil; Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - K A Alves
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA; Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - K A Hyde
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - F L N Aguiar
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Sousa Campus, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Paraíba, Sousa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - S S Souza
- Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging Applied to Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - F A S Brandão
- Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging Applied to Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - E C Garcia
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Bioscience, Federal University of Goiás, Jataí, GO, Brazil
| | - Y Pinto
- Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging Applied to Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - M O Gastal
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - J R Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - D I A Teixeira
- Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging Applied to Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - E L Gastal
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA.
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5
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Souza SS, Alves BG, Alves KA, Brandão FAS, Brito DCC, Gastal MO, Rodrigues APR, Figueireod JR, Teixeira DIA, Gastal EL. Heterotopic autotransplantation of ovarian tissue in a large animal model: Effects of cooling and VEGF. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241442. [PMID: 33147235 PMCID: PMC7641372 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterotopic and orthotopic ovarian tissue autotransplantation techniques, currently used in humans, will become promising alternative methods for fertility preservation in domestic and wild animals. Thus, this study describes for the first time the efficiency of a heterotopic ovarian tissue autotransplantation technique in a large livestock species (i.e., horses) after ovarian fragments were exposed or not to a cooling process (4°C/24 h) and/or VEGF before grafting. Ovarian fragments were collected in vivo via an ultrasound-guided biopsy pick-up method and surgically autografted in a subcutaneous site in both sides of the neck in each mare. The blood flow perfusion at the transplantation site was monitored at days 2, 4, 6, and 7 post-grafting using color-Doppler ultrasonography. Ovarian grafts were recovered 7 days post-transplantation and subjected to histological analyses. The exposure of the ovarian fragments to VEGF before grafting was not beneficial to the quality of the tissue; however, the cooling process of the fragments reduced the acute hyperemia post-grafting. Cooled grafts compared with non-cooled grafts contained similar values for normal and developing preantral follicles, vessel density, and stromal cell apoptosis; lower collagen type III fibers and follicular density; and higher stromal cell density, AgNOR, and collagen type I fibers. In conclusion, VEGF exposure before autotransplantation did not improve the quality of grafted tissues. However, cooling ovarian tissue for at least 24 h before grafting can be beneficial because satisfactory rates of follicle survival and development, stromal cell survival and proliferation, as well as vessel density, were obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samara S. Souza
- Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging Applied to Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Benner G. Alves
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Kele A. Alves
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Fabiana A. S. Brandão
- Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging Applied to Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Danielle C. C. Brito
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Melba O. Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Ana P. R. Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | - José R. Figueireod
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Dárcio I. A. Teixeira
- Laboratory of Diagnostic Imaging Applied to Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Eduardo L. Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, United States of America
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Harvesting, processing, and evaluation of in vitro-manipulated equine preantral follicles: A review. Theriogenology 2020; 156:283-295. [PMID: 32905900 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.06.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian ovary is responsible for essential stages of folliculogenesis and hormonal production, regulating the female physiological functions during the menstrual/estrous cycles. The mare has been considered an attractive model for comparative studies due to the striking similarities shared with women regarding in vivo and in vitro folliculogenesis. The ovarian follicular population in horses contains a large number of oocytes enclosed in preantral follicles that are yet to be explored. Therefore, the in vitro manipulation of equine preantral follicles aims to avoid the process of atresia and promote the development of follicles with competent oocytes. In this regard, after ovarian tissue harvesting, the use of appropriate processing techniques, as well as suitable approaches to evaluating equine preantral follicles and ovarian tissue, are necessary. Although high-quality equine ovarian tissue can be obtained from several sources, some critical aspects, such as the age of the animals, ovarian cyclicity, reproductive phase, and the types of ovarian structures, should be considered. Therefore, this review will focus on providing an update on the most current advances concerning the critical factors able to influence equine preantral follicle quality and quantity. Also, the in vivo strategies used to harvest equine ovarian tissue, the approaches to manipulating ovarian tissue post-harvesting, the techniques for processing ovarian tissue, and the classical approaches used to evaluate preantral follicles will be discussed.
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Aguiar FLN, Gastal GDA, Alves KA, Alves BG, Figueiredo JR, Gastal EL. Supportive techniques to investigate in vitro culture and cryopreservation efficiencies of equine ovarian tissue: A review. Theriogenology 2020; 156:296-309. [PMID: 32891985 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.06.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
During the reproductive lifespan of a female, only a limited quantity of oocytes are naturally ovulated; therefore, the mammalian ovary possesses a substantial population of preantral follicles available to be handled and explored in vitro. Hence, the manipulation of preantral follicles enclosed in ovarian tissue aims to recover a considerable population of oocytes of high-value animals for potential application in profitable assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). For this purpose, the technique of preantral follicle in vitro culture (IVC) has been the most common research tool, achieving extraordinary results with offspring production in the mouse model. Although promising outcomes have been generated in livestock animals after IVC of preantral follicles, the quantity and quality of embryo production with those oocytes are still poor. In recent years, the mare has become an additional model for IVC studies due to remarkable similarities with women and livestock animals regarding in vivo and in vitro ovarian folliculogenesis. For a successful IVC system, several factors should be carefully considered to provide an optimum culture environment able to support the viability and growth of preantral follicles enclosed in ovarian tissue. The cryopreservation of the ovarian tissue is another important in vitro manipulation technique that has been used to preserve the reproductive potential in humans and, in the future, may be used in highly valuable domestic animals or endangered species. Several improvements in cryopreservation protocols are necessary to support the utilization of ovarian tissue of different species in follow-up ARTs (e.g., ovarian fragment transplantation). This review aims to provide an update on the most current advances regarding supportive in vitro techniques used in equids to evaluate and manipulate preantral follicles and ovarian tissue, as well as methodological approaches used during IVC and cryopreservation techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- F L N Aguiar
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA; Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles (LAMOFOPA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Sousa Campus, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Paraíba, Sousa, Paraíba, Brazil.
| | - G D A Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA; National Institute of Agricultural Research, INIA La Estanzuela, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - K A Alves
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA; Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles (LAMOFOPA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil; Postgraduate Program of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - B G Alves
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA; Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles (LAMOFOPA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil; Animal Bioscience Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Goiás, Jataí, Goiás, Brazil
| | - J R Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles (LAMOFOPA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - E L Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA.
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Effect of cryopreservation techniques on proliferation and apoptosis of cultured equine ovarian tissue. Theriogenology 2019; 126:88-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Ishak GM, Bashir ST, Dutra GA, Gastal GDA, Gastal MO, Cavinder CA, Feugang JM, Gastal EL. In vivo antral follicle wall biopsy: a new research technique to study ovarian function at the cellular and molecular levels. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:71. [PMID: 30055625 PMCID: PMC6064614 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0380-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In vivo studies involving molecular markers of the follicle wall associated with follicular fluid (FF) milieu are crucial for a better understanding of follicle dynamics. The inability to obtain in vivo samples of antral follicle wall (granulosa and theca cells) without jeopardizing ovarian function has restricted advancement in knowledge of folliculogenesis in several species. The purpose of this study in mares was to develop and validate a novel, minimally invasive in vivo technique for simultaneous collection of follicle wall biopsy (FWB) and FF samples, and repeated collection from the same individual, during different stages of antral follicle development. We hypothesized that the in vivo FWB technique provides samples that maintain the normal histological tissue structure of the follicle wall layers, offers sufficient material for various cellular and molecular techniques, and allows simultaneous retrieval of FF. METHODS In Experiment 1 (ex vivo), each follicle was sampled using two techniques: biopsy forceps and scalpel blade (control). In Experiment 2 (in vivo), FWB and FF samples from 10-, 20-, and 30-mm follicles were repeatedly and simultaneously obtained through transvaginal ultrasound-guided technique. RESULTS In Experiment 1, the thickness of granulosa, theca interna, and theca externa layers was not influenced (P > 0.05) by the harvesting techniques. In Experiment 2, the overall recovery rates of FWB and FF samples were 97 and 100%, respectively. However, the success rate of obtaining samples with all layers of the follicle wall and clear FF varied according to follicle size. The expression of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) was mostly confined in the theca interna layer, with the estradiol-related receptor alpha (ERRα) in the granulosa and theca interna layers. The 30-mm follicle group had greater (P < 0.05) LHR expression in the theca interna and ERRα in the granulosa layer compared to the other groups. The overall expression of LHR and ERRα, and the intrafollicular estradiol were higher (P < 0.05 - P < 0.0001) in the 30-mm follicle group. CONCLUSION The in vivo technique developed in this study can be repeatedly and simultaneously used to provide sufficient FWB and FF samples for various cellular and molecular studies without jeopardizing the ovarian function, and has the potential to be translated to other species, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Ishak
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, 1205 Lincoln Drive, MC 4417, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
- Department of Surgery and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - S T Bashir
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, 1205 Lincoln Drive, MC 4417, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
| | - G A Dutra
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, 1205 Lincoln Drive, MC 4417, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
| | - G D A Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, 1205 Lincoln Drive, MC 4417, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
| | - M O Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, 1205 Lincoln Drive, MC 4417, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
| | - C A Cavinder
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - J M Feugang
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - E L Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, 1205 Lincoln Drive, MC 4417, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA.
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Alves BG, Alves KA, Gastal GDA, Gastal MO, Figueiredo JR, Gastal EL. Spatial distribution of preantral follicles in the equine ovary. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198108. [PMID: 29897931 PMCID: PMC5999074 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Comprehensive studies on spatial distribution of preantral follicles in the ovary are scarce. Considering that preantral follicles represent the main ovarian reserve, harvesting of these follicles is crucial for the development/use of assisted reproductive techniques. Therefore, knowledge on follicle spatial distribution can be helpful for targeting areas with richer number of preantral follicles through biopsy procedures. The aim of this study was to assess the distribution and localization of equine preantral follicles according to: (i) age, (ii) ovarian portion (lateral and intermediary) and region (dorsal and ventral), (iii) distance from the geometric center, and (iv) follicular class. Ovaries from young and old mares (n = 8) were harvested in a slaughterhouse and submitted to histological processing for further evaluation. For data analyses, a novel methodology was developed according to the geometric center of each histological section for a precise determination of preantral follicle distribution. Results indicated that (i) equine preantral follicles are clustered and located near to the ovarian geometric center, and that aging induced their dispersion through the ovarian cortex; (ii) the distance from the geometric center was shorter for developing follicles than primordial; and (iii) secondary follicles were more distant from the geometric center but closer to the ovulation fossa. In conclusion, the spatial distribution of preantral follicles was successfully determined in the equine ovary and was affected by age, region, and portion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benner G. Alves
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Kele A. Alves
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Gustavo D. A. Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Melba O. Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, United States of America
| | - José R. Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles (LAMOFOPA), State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Eduardo L. Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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11
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Gastal G, Aguiar F, Rodrigues A, Scimeca J, Apgar G, Banz W, Feugang J, Gastal E. Cryopreservation and in vitro culture of white-tailed deer ovarian tissue. Theriogenology 2018; 113:253-260. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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12
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Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) effects on developmental competence of equine preantral follicles in short-term culture. Theriogenology 2018; 105:169-173. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 09/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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13
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Aguiar F, Lunardi F, Lima L, Bruno J, Alves B, Magalhães-Padilha D, Cibin F, Berioni L, Apgar G, Lo Turco E, Gastal E, Figueiredo J. Role of EGF on in situ culture of equine preantral follicles and metabolomics profile. Res Vet Sci 2017; 115:155-164. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2016] [Revised: 04/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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14
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Brandão FAS, Alves BG, Alves KA, Souza SS, Silva YP, Freitas VJF, Teixeira DIA, Gastal EL. Laparoscopic ovarian biopsy pick-up method for goats. Theriogenology 2017; 107:219-225. [PMID: 29179058 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.10.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Biopsy pick-up (BPU) has been considered a safe method to harvest ovarian fragments from live animals. However, no studies have been reported on the use of BPU to collect in vivo ovarian tissue in goats. The goals of this study were: (i) to test different biopsy needle sizes to collect ovarian tissue in situ using the BPU method (Experiment 1), and (ii) to study ovarian tissue features such as preantral follicle density, morphology, class distribution, and stromal cell density in ovarian fragments obtained in vivo through a laparoscopic BPU method (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, goat ovaries (n = 20) were collected in a slaughterhouse and subjected to in situ BPU. Three needles (16, 18, and 20G) were tested. In Experiment 2, the most efficient biopsy needle from Experiment 1 was used to perform laparoscopic BPU in goats (n = 8). In Experiment 1, the recovery rate was greater (P < 0.05; range 50-62%) with 16G and 18G needles than the 20G (17%) needle. The mean weight of ovarian fragments collected by the 16G needle was greater (P < 0.05) than the 18G and the 20G needle. In Experiment 2, 62 biopsy attempts were performed and 52 ovarian fragments were collected (90% success rate). Overall, 2054 preantral follicles were recorded in 5882 histological sections analyzed. Mean preantral follicular density was 28.4 ± 1.3 follicles per cm2. The follicular density differed (P < 0.05) among animals and ovarian fragments within the same animal. The mean stromal cell density in the ovarian fragments was 37.1 ± 0.5 cells per 2500 μm2, and differed (P < 0.05) among animals. Moreover, preantral follicle density and stromal cell density were associated (P < 0.001). The percentage of morphologically normal follicles was 70.1 ± 1.2, and differed (P < 0.05) among animals. The majority (79%) of the morphologically normal follicles was classified as primordial follicles, and differed (P < 0.05) among animals and between ovaries. In summary, a laparoscopic BPU method has been developed to harvest ovarian tissue in vivo with a satisfactory success rate in goats. Furthermore, this study described for the first time that goat ovarian biopsy fragments have a high heterogeneity in follicular density, morphology, class distribution, and stromal cell density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana A S Brandão
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Benner G Alves
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Kele A Alves
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Samara S Souza
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Yago P Silva
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Vicente J F Freitas
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Dárcio I A Teixeira
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Eduardo L Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA.
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15
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Gastal G, Aguiar F, Alves B, Alves K, de Tarso S, Ishak G, Cavinder C, Feugang J, Gastal E. Equine ovarian tissue viability after cryopreservation and in vitro culture. Theriogenology 2017; 97:139-147. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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16
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Claes A, Ball BA, Scoggin KE, Roser JF, Woodward EM, Davolli GM, Squires EL, Troedsson MH. The influence of age, antral follicle count and diestrous ovulations on estrous cycle characteristics of mares. Theriogenology 2017; 97:34-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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17
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Max MC, Silva CB, González SM, Lindquist AG, Búfalo I, Gomes RG, Morotti F, Costa CB, Barreiros T, Lisboa LA, Seneda MM. The development and integrity of equine pre-antral follicles cultured in vitro with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) supplementation. Reprod Domest Anim 2017; 52:899-904. [PMID: 28580717 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of different concentrations of FSH (10, 50, 100 and 200 ng/ml) in supplemented MEM+ on the development of equine pre-antral follicles that were cultured in vitro for 2 or 6 days. The ovaries (n = 5) from mares in seasonal anoestrus were collected from a local abattoir. Ten ovarian tissue fragments of approximately 3 × 3 × 1 mm were obtained from each animal. The fragments were cultured in situ for 2 days (D2) or 6 days (D6) in MEM+ or MEM+ supplemented with FSH at four different concentrations, establishing the following 11 groups: control (D0); MEM + (D2); MEM + (D6); MEM + 10 ng/ml of FSH (D2); MEM + 10 ng/ml of FSH (D6); MEM + 50 ng/ml of FSH (D2); MEM + 50 ng/ml of FSH (D6); MEM + 100 ng/ml of FSH (D2); MEM + 100 ng/ml of FSH (D6); MEM + 200 ng/ml of FSH (D2); and MEM + 200 ng/ml of FSH (D6). Follicles were observed in only 9.65% (388 of 4,018) of the histological sections. Of the 861 follicles evaluated, 488 were in the primordial stage, and 373 were in various developmental stages; 59.7% were morphologically normal. Regarding the integrity of the pre-antral follicles, the groups with 100 ng/ml FSH of 2-days culture as well as 50, 100 and 200 ng/ml FSH of 6-days culture provided the best results. In conclusion, the in vitro culture of abattoir-derived equine ovarian fragments presented better morphological integrity when supplemented with FSH for 6 days, in comparison with the MEM culture group. However, no clear effects were observed with FSH regarding the promotion of activation from a primordial to a developing follicle.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Max
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - C B Silva
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - S M González
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - A G Lindquist
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - I Búfalo
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - R G Gomes
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - F Morotti
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - C B Costa
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Trr Barreiros
- Laboratory of Biotechnology of Animal Reproduction, UENP, Bandeirantes, PR, Brazil
| | - L A Lisboa
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - M M Seneda
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
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18
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Gastal G, Alves B, Alves K, Paiva S, de Tarso S, Ishak G, Bashir S, Gastal E. Effects of Cryoprotectant Agents on Equine Ovarian Biopsy Fragments in Preparation for Cryopreservation. J Equine Vet Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2016.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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19
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Ovarian features in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns and does. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177357. [PMID: 28542265 PMCID: PMC5444630 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The knowledge about ovarian reserve is essential to determine the reproductive potential and to improve the methods of fertility control for overpopulated species, such as white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of age on the female reproductive tract of white-tailed deer, focusing on ovarian features. Genital tracts from 8 prepubertal and 10 pubertal females were used to characterize the preantral follicle population and density, morphology, distribution of follicular classes; stromal cell density; and apoptosis in the ovary. In addition, uterus and ovary weights and dimensions were recorded; and the number and the size of antral follicles and corpus luteum in the ovary were quantified. Overall, fawns had a greater (P < 0.05) preantral follicle population, percentage of normal follicles, and preantral follicle density than does. The mean stromal cell density in ovaries of fawns and does differed among animals but not between age groups. The apoptotic signaling did not differ (P > 0.05) between the ovaries of fawns and does. However, apoptotic ovarian cells negatively (P < 0.001) affected the preantral follicle morphology and density, and conversely, a positive correlation was observed with stromal cell density. As expected, the uteri and ovaries were larger (P < 0.002) and heavier (P < 0.001) in does than in fawns. In conclusion, this study has shown, for the first time, the preantral follicle population and distribution of classes, rate of morphologically normal follicles, and density of preantral follicles and stromal cells in white- tailed deer. Therefore, the findings herein described lead to a better understanding of the white-tailed deer ovarian biology, facilitating the development of new methods of fertility control.
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20
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Aguiar FLN, Gastal GDA, Ishak GM, Gastal MO, Teixeira DIA, Feugang JM, Figueiredo JR, Gastal EL. Effects of FSH addition to an enriched medium containing insulin and EGF after long-term culture on functionality of equine ovarian biopsy tissue. Theriogenology 2017; 99:124-133. [PMID: 28708493 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.04.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The effect of FSH supplementation on an enriched cultured medium containing insulin (10 ng/mL) and EGF (50 ng/mL) was investigated on in vitro culture of equine ovarian biopsy tissue. Ovarian tissue fragments were collected from mares (n = 10) and distributed in the following treatments: noncultured control, cultured control, and cultured + FSH. Both treated groups were cultured for 7 or 15 days. The end points evaluated were: follicular morphology, estradiol levels in the culture medium, fluorescence intensity for TUNEL, EGFR and Ki-67 detection, and gene expression of GDF-9, BMP-15, and Cyclin-D2 in the ovarian tissue. After seven days of culture, medium supplemented with FSH had a similar (P > 0.05) percentage of morphologically normal follicles compared to the noncultured control group. Estradiol levels increased (P < 0.05) from Day 7 to Day 15 of culture for both treated groups. No difference (P > 0.05) was observed for TUNEL and EGFR intensity between the noncultured control group and the treated groups after 15 days of culture. Ki-67 intensity did not differ (P > 0.05) between treated groups after 15 days of culture, but decreased (P < 0.05) when compared with the noncultured control group. Similar (P > 0.05) mRNA expression for GDF-9, BMP-15, and Cyclin-D2 was observed among all treatments after 15 days of culture. In conclusion, an enriched medium supplemented or not with FSH was able to maintain the functionality of equine ovarian biopsy tissue after a long-term in vitro culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- F L N Aguiar
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles (LAMOFOPA), State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil; Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - G D A Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - G M Ishak
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - M O Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - D I A Teixeira
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles (LAMOFOPA), State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - J M Feugang
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, MS, USA
| | - J R Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles (LAMOFOPA), State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - E L Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA.
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21
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Gastal GDA, Alves BG, Alves KA, Souza MEM, Vieira AD, Varela AS, Figueiredo JR, Feugang JM, Lucia T, Gastal EL. Ovarian fragment sizes affect viability and morphology of preantral follicles during storage at 4°C. Reproduction 2017; 153:577-587. [PMID: 28246309 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The method of transportation and the conditions imposed on the ovarian tissue are pivotal aspects for the success of ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the size of the ovarian tissue (e.g. whole ovary, biopsy size and transplant size) during different times of storage (0, 6, 12 and 24 h) on the structural integrity of equine ovarian tissue transported at 4°C. Eighteen pairs of ovaries from young mares (<10 years old) were harvested in a slaughterhouse and processed to simulate the fragment sizes (biopsy and transplant size groups) or kept intact (whole ovary group) and stored at 4°C for up to 24 h in α-MEM-enriched solution. The effect of the size of the ovarian tissue was observed on the morphology of preantral follicles, stromal cell density, DNA fragmentation and mitochondrial membrane potential. The results showed that (i) biopsy size fragments had more morphologically normal preantral follicles after 24 h of storage at 4°C; (ii) mitochondrial membrane potential was the lowest during each storage time when the whole ovary was used; (iii) DNA fragmentation rate in the ovarian cells of all sizes of fragments increased as storage was prolonged and (iv) transplant size fragments had increased stromal cell density during storage at cool temperature. In conclusion, the biopsy size fragment was the best to preserve follicle morphology for long storage (24 h); however, transportation/storage should be prior determined according to the distance (time of transportation) between patient and reproduction centers/clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- G D A Gastal
- Department of Animal ScienceFood and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
| | - B G Alves
- Department of Animal ScienceFood and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
| | - K A Alves
- Department of Animal ScienceFood and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
| | - M E M Souza
- Department of Animal ScienceFood and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
| | - A D Vieira
- Laboratory of Animal ReproductionFaculty of Veterinary Medicine
| | - A S Varela
- Institute of Biological SciencesFederal University of Pelotas, Capão do Leão, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - J R Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral FolliclesFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - J M Feugang
- Department of Animal and Dairy SciencesMississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - T Lucia
- Laboratory of Animal ReproductionFaculty of Veterinary Medicine
| | - E L Gastal
- Department of Animal ScienceFood and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
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22
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Alves KA, Alves BG, Gastal GDA, Haag KT, Gastal MO, Figueiredo JR, Gambarini ML, Gastal EL. Preantral follicle density in ovarian biopsy fragments and effects of mare age. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 29:867-875. [DOI: 10.1071/rd15402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The aims of the present study were to: (1) evaluate preantral follicle density in ovarian biopsy fragments within and among mares; (2) assess the effects of mare age on the density and quality of preantral follicles; and (3) determine the minimum number of ovarian fragments and histological sections needed to estimate equine follicle density using a mathematical model. The ovarian biopsy pick-up method was used in three groups of mares separated according to age (5–6, 7–10 and 11–16 years). Overall, 336 preantral follicles were recorded with a mean follicle density of 3.7 follicles per cm2. Follicle density differed (P < 0.05) among animals, ovarian fragments from the same animal, histological sections and age groups. More (P < 0.05) normal follicles were observed in the 5–6 years (97%) than the 11–16 years (84%) age group. Monte Carlo simulations showed a higher probability (90%; P < 0.05) of detecting follicle density using two experimental designs with 65 histological sections and three to four ovarian fragments. In summary, equine follicle density differed among animals and within ovarian fragments from the same animal, and follicle density and morphology were negatively affected by aging. Moreover, three to four ovarian fragments with 65 histological sections were required to accurately estimate follicle density in equine ovarian biopsy fragments.
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23
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Alves KA, Alves BG, Gastal GDA, de Tarso SGS, Gastal MO, Figueiredo JR, Gambarini ML, Gastal EL. The Mare Model to Study the Effects of Ovarian Dynamics on Preantral Follicle Features. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149693. [PMID: 26900687 PMCID: PMC4762659 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian tissue collected by biopsy procedures allows the performance of many studies with clinical applications in the field of female fertility preservation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of reproductive phase (anestrous vs. diestrous) and ovarian structures (antral follicles and corpus luteum) on the quality, class distribution, number, and density of preantral follicles, and stromal cell density. Ovarian fragments were harvested by biopsy pick-up procedures from mares and submitted to histological analysis. The mean preantral follicle and ovarian stromal cell densities were greater in the diestrous phase and a positive correlation of stromal cell density with the number and density of preantral follicles was observed. The mean area (mm2) of ovarian structures increased in the diestrous phase and had positive correlations with number of preantral follicles, follicle density, and stromal cell density. Biopsy fragments collected from ovaries containing an active corpus luteum had a higher follicle density, stromal cell density, and proportion of normal preantral follicles. In conclusion, our results showed: (1) the diestrous phase influenced positively the preantral follicle quality, class distribution, and follicle and stromal cell densities; (2) the area of ovarian structures was positively correlated with the follicle and stromal cell densities; and (3) the presence of an active corpus luteum had a positive effect on the quality of preantral follicles, and follicle and stromal densities. Therefore, herein we demonstrate that the presence of key ovarian structures favors the harvest of ovarian fragments containing an appropriate number of healthy preantral follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kele A. Alves
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, lllinois, United States of America
- Center for Studies and Research in Animal Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Benner G. Alves
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, lllinois, United States of America
| | - Gustavo D. A. Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, lllinois, United States of America
| | - Saulo G. S. de Tarso
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, lllinois, United States of America
| | - Melba O. Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, lllinois, United States of America
| | - José R. Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles (LAMOFOPA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Maria L. Gambarini
- Center for Studies and Research in Animal Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Eduardo L. Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, lllinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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24
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Maia VN, Batista AM, Cunha Neto S, Silva DMF, Adrião M, Wischral A. Expression of angiogenic factors and luteinizing hormone receptors in the corpus luteum of mares induced to ovulate with deslorelin acetate. Theriogenology 2015; 85:461-5. [PMID: 26476595 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Revised: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The effects of deslorelin acetate use in inducing ovulation need to be clarified to improve the results of equine embryo transfer. The mRNA abundance for angiogenic factors and LH receptor (LHR) in corpus luteum (CL) was studied in mares with natural (control group [CG]) and induced ovulation with deslorelin acetate (treatment group [TG]; follicles: ≥ 35 mm). Transrectal ultrasonography was used to verify the ovulation day, and on Days 4, 8, and 12 after ovulation (Day 0), CL samples were obtained through ultrasound-guided biopsy. The messenger RNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and LHR genes were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. A positive correlation was observed between VEGF and LHR (P < 0.00001, r = 0.78), and it was possible to detect higher LHR expression in the TG than in the CG on Day 4 (P < 0.05). Moreover, this expression was higher on Days 4 and 8 than on Day 12 in the TG. Basic fibroblast growth factor was also expressed in luteal tissue on all days for both groups; however, these differences were not significant. In conclusion, deslorelin acetate was effective for the induction of ovulation in mares, resulting in higher expression of LHR, especially on the fourth day after ovulation. In addition, VEGF expression was influenced by induced ovulation, with a lower level on Day 12, which is expected in nonpregnant mares.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor N Maia
- Mauricio de Nassau University, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - André M Batista
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | - Diogo M F Silva
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Manoel Adrião
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Aurea Wischral
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
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25
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Number and density of equine preantral follicles in different ovarian histological section thicknesses. Theriogenology 2015; 83:1048-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Revised: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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26
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Araújo VR, Gastal MO, Figueiredo JR, Gastal EL. In vitro culture of bovine preantral follicles: a review. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2014; 12:78. [PMID: 25117631 PMCID: PMC4148547 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-12-78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Preantral follicles are the majority of the ovarian follicle population and their use as a source of homogeneous oocytes for bovine reproductive biotechnologies could result in a substantial advance in this field. However, while in other species embryos and offspring have been produced, in bovine species the results have been limited to the follicular activation of small (primordial) preantral follicles and formation of early antral follicles from large (secondary) preantral follicles after in vitro culture. Therefore, this review will highlight the basic aspects of bovine folliculogenesis by focusing on preantral follicles, the methods of harvesting preantral follicles, the main results from in vitro follicular culture during the last 20 years, and the potential candidate substances (basic supplements, growth factors, and hormones) for improving the efficiency of in vitro follicle growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valdevane R Araújo
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, 1205 Lincoln Drive, MC 4417, Carbondale, IL 62901 USA
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles (LAMOFOPA), Veterinary Faculty, State University of Ceará, Av. Paranjana 1700, Campus do Itaperi, Fortaleza, CE 60740-903 Brazil
| | - Melba O Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, 1205 Lincoln Drive, MC 4417, Carbondale, IL 62901 USA
| | - José R Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocytes and Preantral Follicles (LAMOFOPA), Veterinary Faculty, State University of Ceará, Av. Paranjana 1700, Campus do Itaperi, Fortaleza, CE 60740-903 Brazil
| | - Eduardo L Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, 1205 Lincoln Drive, MC 4417, Carbondale, IL 62901 USA
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27
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Siristatidis C, Vogiatzi P, Bettocchi S, Basios G, Mastorakos G, Vrachnis N. Transvaginal ovarian trauma, poor responders and improvement of success rates in IVF: anecdotal data and a hypothesis. Med Hypotheses 2014; 83:227-31. [PMID: 24837687 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2014.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In this report, we propose an intervention capable of improving IVF outcomes in subfertile women with poor ovarian response. This intervention derives from anecdotal data and observations in our daily practice, but most importantly from trials on experimental models and subfertile women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Our hypothesis suggests that transvaginal induction of trauma to the ovary in the cycle preceding IVF should benefit poor ovarian responders and their lowered pregnancy rates by increasing - at least - the number of retrieved oocytes during oocyte retrieval. Up-to-the minute data show that, via this means, there is a unique response of the ovarian surface epithelium and stroma to the induced trauma. The potential pathways of this beneficial response involve an improvement of the raised gonadotrophins to act either through the mechanical reduction of the size of the ovary or through alterations of the hormonal profile by lowering LH, inhibin and local androgen concentrations through hypothalamic-pituitary axis feedbacks, the induction of increased blood flow to the ovaries, a differentiated local immune reaction and a non-elucidated as yet role of reactive oxygen species. In this report, we also describe the technique and the associated possible negative points while we try to point out the needed research steps to ensure its efficiency before it enters daily clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Siristatidis
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, Rimini 1, Chaidari, 12642 Athens, Greece.
| | - Paraskevi Vogiatzi
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, Rimini 1, Chaidari, 12642 Athens, Greece.
| | - Stefano Bettocchi
- 1st Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.
| | - George Basios
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, Rimini 1, Chaidari, 12642 Athens, Greece.
| | - George Mastorakos
- 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, Aretaieion Hospital, Athens, Greece.
| | - Nikos Vrachnis
- 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, Aretaieion Hospital, Athens, Greece.
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28
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In vitro culture of equine preantral follicles obtained via the Biopsy Pick-Up method. Theriogenology 2013; 79:911-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2012] [Revised: 12/01/2012] [Accepted: 01/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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