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Chang C, He X, Di R, Wang X, Han M, Liang C, Chu M. Thyroid Transcriptomic Profiling Reveals the Follicular Phase Differential Regulation of lncRNA and mRNA Related to Prolificacy in Small Tail Han Sheep with Two FecB Genotypes. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:849. [PMID: 35627234 PMCID: PMC9141851 DOI: 10.3390/genes13050849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) accounts for a large proportion of RNA in animals. The thyroid gland has been established as an important gland involved in animal reproduction, however, little is known of its gene expression patterns and potential roles in the sheep. Herein, RNA-Seq was used to detect reproduction-related differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) and mRNAs (DEGs) in the follicular phase (FT) FecBBB (MM) and FecB++ (ww) genotypes of Small Tail Han (STH) sheep thyroids. Overall, 29 DELs and 448 DEGs in thyroid between MM and ww sheep were screened. Moreover, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that targets of DELs and DEGs were annotated in biological transitions, such as cell cycle, oocyte meiosis and methylation, which in turn affect reproductive performance in sheep. In addition, we constructed co-expression and networks of lncRNAs-mRNAs. Specifically, XLOC_075176 targeted MYB, XLOC_014695 targeted VCAN, 106991527 targeted CASR, XLOC_075176 targeted KIFC1, XLOC_360232 targeted BRCA2. All these differential lncRNAs and mRNAs expression profiles in the thyroid provide a new resource for elucidating the regulatory mechanism underlying STH sheep prolificacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Chang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (C.C.); (X.H.); (R.D.); (X.W.)
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China;
| | - Xiaoyun He
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (C.C.); (X.H.); (R.D.); (X.W.)
| | - Ran Di
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (C.C.); (X.H.); (R.D.); (X.W.)
| | - Xiangyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (C.C.); (X.H.); (R.D.); (X.W.)
| | - Miaoceng Han
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China;
| | - Chen Liang
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China;
| | - Mingxing Chu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (C.C.); (X.H.); (R.D.); (X.W.)
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2
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Malpotra S, Singh MK, Palta P. MeDIP-sequencing for profiling global DNA methylation in buffalo embryos produced by in vitro fertilization. Anim Biotechnol 2021:1-17. [PMID: 34612161 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2021.1981356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technique like in vitro fertilization has contributed immensely in producing genetically improved livestock. Production of embryos under in vitro conditions can affect global DNA methylation pattern during the course of embryonic development. The present study is aimed at the generation and comparison of global DNA methylome of embryos at 2-cell, 8-cell and blastocyst stage of buffalo embryos produced by in vitro fertilization using MeDIP-Sequencing. It is observed that there is a profound difference in the global DNA methylation profile of IVF embryos at different developmental stages. These differences are manifested throughout the course of embryonic development. Pathways like Wnt signaling pathway, gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor pathway and integrin signaling were found to be majorly affected by hypermethylation of DNA in IVF embryos throughout the development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Malpotra
- Embryo Biotechnology Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (Deemed University), Karnal, India
| | - Manoj Kumar Singh
- Embryo Biotechnology Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (Deemed University), Karnal, India
| | - Prabhat Palta
- Embryo Biotechnology Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (Deemed University), Karnal, India
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3
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Kumar S, Singh MK, Chauhan MS. Expression of the developmental important candidate genes in oocytes, embryos, embryonic stem cells, cumulus cells, and fibroblast cells of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Gene Expr Patterns 2021; 41:119200. [PMID: 34329769 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2021.119200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The present study was undertaken to study the expression of the developmental important gene transcripts in immature oocytes, mature oocytes, different stages of IVF produced embryos, embryonic stem (ES), cumulus (BCC), fetal fibroblast (BFF), newborn fibroblast (NBF) and adult fibroblast (BAF) cells of buffalo by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The expression of GLUT1, HSP70.1, POL A Polymerase, GDF9, BMP15, and SURVIVIN transcripts was found in immature oocytes, mature oocytes, 2-cell, 4-cell, 8-16 cell, morula, and the blastocyst. Interestingly, the CX43 expression was found in oocytes, embryos, and other cell types, but it was not detected in the blastocyst. However, the IFNT expression was found in the blastocyst only, but not in other cells. The buffalo ES cells showed the expression of intracellular and cell surface markers (NANOG, OCT4, SOX2, FOXD3, SSEA-3, SSEA-4, TRA-1-60, and TRA-1-81) and alkaline phosphatase activity. Two ES cell lines (S-line and M-line-II) were continued to survive up to 98th passages (~630 days) and 97th passages (~624 days), respectively. It was interesting to note that GLUT1, CX43, HSP70.1, POL A Polymerase, GDF9, BMP15, and SURVIVIN transcripts (except the IFNT) were expressed in buffalo ES, BCC, BFF, NBF and BAF cells. This is the first preliminary report that the buffalo ES, BCC, BFF, NBF, and BAF cells expressed the several developmental important candidate genes. It is concluded that the expression of the major developmental important genes was not only expressed in the oocytes and embryos but also expressed in the ES, BCC, BFF, NBF, and BAF cells of buffalo.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kumar
- Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, 132001, Haryana, India.
| | - M K Singh
- Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, 132001, Haryana, India.
| | - M S Chauhan
- Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, 132001, Haryana, India.
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4
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Jia B, Xiang D, Fu X, Shao Q, Hong Q, Quan G, Wu G. Proteomic Changes of Porcine Oocytes After Vitrification and Subsequent in vitro Maturation: A Tandem Mass Tag-Based Quantitative Analysis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:614577. [PMID: 33425922 PMCID: PMC7785821 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.614577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation of immature germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes is a promising strategy in pigs but still results in reduced oocyte quality due to inevitable cryodamages. Recently, there has been more focus on the molecular changes of oocytes after vitrification, but the alteration in the proteome level remains elusive. The aim of this study therefore was to decipher the proteomic characteristics of porcine GV oocytes following vitrification and in vitro maturation (IVM) by using tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative approach and bioinformatics analysis. A total of 4,499 proteins were identified, out of which 153 presented significant difference. There were 94 up-regulated and 59 down-regulated proteins expressed differentially in the vitrified oocytes. Functional classification and enrichment analyses revealed that many of these proteins were involved in metabolism, signal transduction, response to stimulus, immune response, complement, coagulation cascades, and so on. Moreover, a parallel reaction monitoring technique validated the reliability of TMT data through quantitative analysis for 10 candidate proteins. In conclusion, our results provided a novel perspective of proteomics to comprehend the quality change in the vitrified porcine GV oocytes after IVM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoyu Jia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Decai Xiang
- Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, China
| | - Xiangwei Fu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Qingyong Shao
- Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, China
| | - Qionghua Hong
- Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, China
| | - Guobo Quan
- Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, China
| | - Guoquan Wu
- Yunnan Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resource Conservation and Germplasm Enhancement, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, China
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Fernández M, Pannella M, Baldassarro VA, Flagelli A, Alastra G, Giardino L, Calzà L. Thyroid Hormone Signaling in Embryonic Stem Cells: Crosstalk with the Retinoic Acid Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8945. [PMID: 33255695 PMCID: PMC7728128 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
While the role of thyroid hormones (THs) during fetal and postnatal life is well-established, their role at preimplantation and during blastocyst development remains unclear. In this study, we used an embryonic stem cell line isolated from rat (RESC) to study the effects of THs and retinoic acid (RA) on early embryonic development during the pre-implantation stage. The results showed that THs play an important role in the differentiation/maturation processes of cells obtained from embryoid bodies (EB), with thyroid hormone nuclear receptors (TR) (TRα and TRβ), metabolic enzymes (deiodinases 1, 2, 3) and membrane transporters (Monocarboxylate transporters -MCT- 8 and 10) being expressed throughout in vitro differentiation until the Embryoid body (EB) stage. Moreover, thyroid hormone receptor antagonist TR (1-850) impaired RA-induced neuroectodermal lineage specification. This effect was significantly higher when cells were treated with retinoic acid (RA) to induce neuroectodermal lineage, studied through the gene and protein expression of nestin, an undifferentiated progenitor marker from the neuroectoderm lineage, as established by nestin mRNA and protein regulation. These results demonstrate the contribution of the two nuclear receptors, TR and RA, to the process of neuroectoderm maturation of the in vitro model embryonic stem cells obtained from rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Fernández
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy; (M.F.); (L.G.)
| | - Micaela Pannella
- Fondazione IRET, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy;
| | - Vito Antonio Baldassarro
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research in Life Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy; (V.A.B.); (A.F.); (G.A.)
| | - Alessandra Flagelli
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research in Life Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy; (V.A.B.); (A.F.); (G.A.)
| | - Giuseppe Alastra
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research in Life Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy; (V.A.B.); (A.F.); (G.A.)
| | - Luciana Giardino
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy; (M.F.); (L.G.)
- Fondazione IRET, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy;
| | - Laura Calzà
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy; (M.F.); (L.G.)
- Fondazione IRET, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy;
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research in Life Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra, 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, BO, Italy; (V.A.B.); (A.F.); (G.A.)
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6
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Rosales M, Nuñez M, Abdala A, Mesch V, Mendeluk G. Thyroid hormones in ovarian follicular fluid: Association with oocyte retrieval in women undergoing assisted fertilization procedures. JBRA Assist Reprod 2020; 24:245-249. [PMID: 32155015 PMCID: PMC7365548 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20200004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Our aim was to analyze the role of thyroid hormones in follicular fluid (FF) in relation to the number of oocytes retrieved in women recruited for an assisted fertilization procedure. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of 51 women 37.5±3.3 years, range 29-42, evaluated after a controlled ovarian stimulation protocol in a University Hospital. FF was sampled by transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration after ovarian hyperstimulation and we measured T3 (T3f), T4 (T4f), TSH (TSHf) and free T4 (T4ff). The oocyte maturation rate was calculated as: Number of metaphase II oocytes/Number of oocytes retrieved x 100. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS-19 software. Results: Hormone levels in FF were: TSHf 1.3µIU/ml (0.4 - 2.7), T3f: 1.52±0.46 nmol/L, T4f 88.8±30.9nmol/L and T4ff: 15.44±2.57pmol/L. The number of oocytes recovered was dependent onT4f following the equation: Log (oocyte) = 0.379+0.042*T4f (r:0.352, p=0.012). After a logistic regression model analysis, T3f showed a tendency to be associated with the OMR: OR (95 % CI)= 0.977 (0.954 to 1.001), p=0.057. Conclusions: The correlation found between thyroid hormones and the number of oocytes retrieved suggests an interaction between thyroid and gonadal axes in relation to follicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Rosales
- Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Cátedra de Bioquímica Clínica I, Laboratorio de Endocrinología. Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Fisiopatología y Bioquímica Clínica (INFIBIOC). Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Myriam Nuñez
- Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Fisiopatología y Bioquímica Clínica (INFIBIOC). Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea Abdala
- Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Matemática. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Viviana Mesch
- Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Cátedra de Bioquímica Clínica I, Laboratorio de Endocrinología. Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Fisiopatología y Bioquímica Clínica (INFIBIOC). Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Mendeluk
- Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Fisiopatología y Bioquímica Clínica (INFIBIOC). Buenos Aires, Argentina.,5Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Cátedra de Bioquímica Clínica II, Laboratorio de Fertilidad Masculina. Buenos Aires, Argentina
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7
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Paes VM, Lima LF, Ferreira ACA, Lobo CH, Alves BG, Rodrigues APR, Oliveira AC, Figueiredo JR, Feugang JM. The subtle balance of insulin and thyroxine on survival and development of in vitro cultured caprine preantral follicles enclosed in ovarian tissue. Theriogenology 2020; 147:10-17. [PMID: 32074494 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have reported the importance of thyroid hormones on the development of later preantral and antral follicles, but their interactions with other hormones and effects in regulating early preantral follicle growth remain unclear. Here we investigated the in vitro effects of thyroxine combined with insulin on caprine preantral follicle survival and development. Sliced ovarian tissues were cultured for 1 or 7 days using 10 ng/mL (low) or 10 μg/mL (high) insulin in the presence of thyroxine at 0, 0.5, 1 or 2 μg/mL. Post-culture, we evaluated the follicular survival and development, assessed the expression of apoptotic-related genes (Bcl2/Bax) and receptors of insulin and thyroid hormones, and quantified the estradiol and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production levels. Follicular survival in low-insulin culture conditions was enhanced by the presence of 0.5 μg/mL thyroxine (P < 0.05) as compared to the thyroxine-free medium but remained similar to non-cultured control in the presence of 2 μg/mL (P > 0.05). Significantly higher ROS production was measured from Day 1 to Day 7 in low-insulin culture media containing 0.5 or 2 μg/mL thyroxine (P < 0.05). When compared to high insulin level, the presence of thyroxine in low insulin culture conditions yielded higher stromal cell density (P < 0.05), increased estradiol production on Day 1, and higher Bcl2/Bax ratio on Day 7. Cultures with high levels of both insulin and thyroxine led to follicles and oocytes with larger diameters (P < 0.05). The RNA transcript levels of insulin and thyroid receptors were reduced in the presence of high insulin cultures when compared to controls (non-cultured). In conclusion, the combination of low concentrations of insulin and thyroxine better maintained follicle survival, while high levels ensured better follicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- V M Paes
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocyte and Preantral follicles, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil; Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States
| | - L F Lima
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocyte and Preantral follicles, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - A C A Ferreira
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocyte and Preantral follicles, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - C H Lobo
- Oncells Biotechnology, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - B G Alves
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocyte and Preantral follicles, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - A P R Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocyte and Preantral follicles, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - A C Oliveira
- Superior Institute of Biomedical Science, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - J R Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Manipulation of Oocyte and Preantral follicles, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - J M Feugang
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, United States.
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Santana PDPB, da Silva ALDC, Ramos RTJ, Gonçalves AA, da Costa NN, Ramos PDCA, Silva TVG, Cordeiro MDS, Santos SDSD, Ohashi OM, Miranda MDS. Contributions of RNA-seq to improve in vitro embryo production (IVP). Anim Reprod 2019; 16:249-259. [PMID: 33224284 PMCID: PMC7673591 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2017-0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In Vitro Embryo Production (IVP) is widely used to improve the reproductive efficiency of livestock animals, however increasing the embryo development rates and pregnancy outcomes is still a challenge for some species. Thus, the lack of biological knowledge hinders developing specie-specific IVP protocols. Therefore, the contributions of RNA-seq to generate relevant biological knowledge and improve the efficiency of IVP in livestock animals are reviewed herein.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Arnaldo Algaranhar Gonçalves
- Laboratory of In Vitro Fertilization, Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Nathalia Nogueira da Costa
- Laboratory of In Vitro Fertilization, Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marcela da Silva Cordeiro
- Laboratory of In Vitro Fertilization, Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | | | - Otávio Mitio Ohashi
- Laboratory of In Vitro Fertilization, Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Moysés Dos Santos Miranda
- Laboratory of In Vitro Fertilization, Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
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Caballero J, Blondin P, Vigneault C, Sirard MA, Richard FJ. The use of adenosine to inhibit oocyte meiotic resumption in Bos taurus during pre-IVM and its potential to improve oocyte competence. Theriogenology 2019; 142:207-215. [PMID: 31614287 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
One of the major challenges of artificial reproductive technologies is to develop new methods for producing greater numbers of embryos. An oocyte fosters the ability to develop into an embryo before oocyte meiotic resumption. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of adenosine (ADO), a purine nucleoside found in follicular fluid, on the inhibition of oocyte meiotic resumption and the production of blastocysts. The results showed the efficacy of ADO to inhibit oocyte meiotic resumption. The use of ADO (3 mM) during a pre-in vitro maturation (pre-IVM) culture period of 6 h resulted in a significant increase (p < 0.05) of blastocysts compared to control conditions with no pre-IVM culture period. No effect on the percentage of cleavage was observed. The effect of adenosine on blastocyst yield was time- and concentration-dependent with an optimum effect at 3 mM for 6 h. Supplementing the ADO pre-IVM culture medium with estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, progesterone, epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-2 or reelin did not improve the blastocyst yield. Transcriptional analyses of ADO-treated cumulus cells revealed that NRP1, RELN, MAN1A1, THRA and GATM were up-regulated. Finally, bioinformatic analysis identified mitochondrial function as the top canonical pathway affected by ADO. This opens up new opportunities for further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Caballero
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Patrick Blondin
- L'Alliance Boviteq Inc, 19320 Grand Rang St-François, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, J2T 5H1, Canada
| | - Christian Vigneault
- L'Alliance Boviteq Inc, 19320 Grand Rang St-François, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, J2T 5H1, Canada
| | - Marc-André Sirard
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - François J Richard
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des Sciences de L'agriculture et de L'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada.
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10
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Rho NY, Ashkar FA, Revay T, Madan P, Rho GJ, King WA, Favetta LA. De novo transcription of thyroid hormone receptors is essential for early bovine embryo development in vitro. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 30:779-788. [PMID: 29179810 DOI: 10.1071/rd17165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid hormone receptor (THR) α and THRβ mediate the genomic action of thyroid hormones (THs) that affect bovine embryo development. However, little is known about THRs in the preimplantation embryo. The aim of the present study was to investigate the importance of THRs in in vitro preimplantation bovine embryos. THR transcripts and protein levels were detected in developing preimplantation embryos up to the blastocyst stage. Embryonic transcription of THRs was inhibited by α-amanitin supplementation, and both maternal and embryonic transcription were knocked down by short interference (si) RNA microinjection. In the control group, mRNA and protein levels of THRs increased after fertilisation. In contrast, in both the transcription inhibition and knockdown groups there were significant (P<0.05) decreases in mRNA expression of THRs from the 2-cell stage onwards. However, protein levels of THRs were not altered at 2-cell stage, although they did exhibit a significant (P<0.05) decrease from the 4-cell stage. Moreover, inhibition of de novo transcripts of THRs using siRNA led to a significant (P<0.01) decrease in the developmental rate and cell number, as well as inducing a change in embryo morphology. In conclusion, THRs are transcribed soon after fertilisation, before major activation of the embryonic genome, and they are essential for bovine embryo development in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- N-Y Rho
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - F A Ashkar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - T Revay
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - P Madan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - G-J Rho
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, Republic of Korea
| | - W A King
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - L A Favetta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
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Martinez G, Hograindleur JP, Jeammet L, Le Blévec E, Coutton C, Mermillod P, Lambeau G, Schmitt E, Ray PF, Arnoult C. Enzymatic activity of mouse group X-sPLA2 improves in vitro production of preimplantation bovine embryos. Theriogenology 2019; 131:113-122. [PMID: 30959437 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are widely used for both humans and domestic animals. In bovine species, in vitro embryo production is increasingly used and significant efforts are being made to optimize media and culture conditions. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) are lipolytic enzymes that hydrolyze glycerophospholipids to produce free fatty acids and lysophospholipids that have been found to be critical for many biological processes. Mouse group X secreted PLA2 (mGX) is abundant in the male reproductive tract and its use during sperm capacitation has been shown to improve in vitro production of viable embryos in a mouse model. Here, we examined its effect in the bovine species, testing the impact of mGX on the three steps involved in vitro production of preimplantation embryos: oocyte maturation, fertilization and preimplantation development. We found that incubating cumulus oocyte complexes (COC) or gametes with mGX resulted in increased blastocyst hatching and blastocyst production, respectively. The increases of embryo production induced by the phospholipase mGX were not observed for the catalytically inactive mutant H48Q-mGX, suggesting that these effects require the enzymatic activity of mGX. We also tested bGIB, a bovine homolog of mGX. bGIB failed to improve blastocyst production, underlining the high specificity of mGX. In conclusion, the results presented show that the effects of mGX are not restricted to the mouse model and that it is potent in the bovine species as well. This result strengthens the potential of mGX as a "pro-fertility drug" for mammalian reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Martinez
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, France; Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble, F-38000, France; IMV Technologies, ZI N 1 Est, F-61300, L'Aigle, France
| | - Jean-Pascal Hograindleur
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, France; Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble, F-38000, France
| | - Louise Jeammet
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, IPMC, F-06560, Valbonne, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Emilie Le Blévec
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, France; Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble, F-38000, France
| | - Charles Coutton
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, France; Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble, F-38000, France
| | - Pascal Mermillod
- Laboratoire Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA UMR 7247, Inra-Cnrs-Université de Tours-Haras Nationaux, F-37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Gérard Lambeau
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, IPMC, F-06560, Valbonne, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Eric Schmitt
- IMV Technologies, ZI N 1 Est, F-61300, L'Aigle, France
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, France; Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble, F-38000, France; CHU de Grenoble, UM GI-DPI, Grenoble, F-38000, France
| | - Christophe Arnoult
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, F-38000, France; Institute for Advanced Biosciences INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Grenoble, F-38000, France.
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12
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Salleh N, Sayem ASM, Giribabu N, Khaing SL. Expression of proteins related to thyroid hormone function in the uterus is down-regulated at the day of implantation in hypothyroid pregnant rats. Cell Biol Int 2019; 43:486-494. [PMID: 30761678 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hypothyroidism has been linked to infertility, but the mechanisms underlying infertility-related hypothyroidism have yet to be fully elucidated. Therefore, in this study, effects of hypothyroidism on expression of the proteins related to thyroid hormone function in the uterus, which were thought to play a role implantation, including thyroid hormone receptor (TR), thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR), retinoic acid receptor (RAR) and extracellular kinase (ERK) were identified. Pregnant female rats were rendered hypothyroid by giving methimazole (MMI), orally. Following hypothyroid induction, rats were grouped into control (non-treated) and received subcutaneous thyroxine at 20, 40, and 80 μg/kg/day for five consecutive days. At Day 6, which is the day of implantation (GD 6), rats were sacrificed and the number of embryo implantation site in the uterus was calculated. Then, uterine horns were harvested and expression of the above proteins and their mRNAs were identified by Western blotting and real-time PCR, respectively. In non-treated hypothyroid pregnant rats, the number of embryo implantation sites decreased as compared to euthyroid and hypothyroid rats receiving thyroxine treatment. Similarly, expression of TRα-1, TRβ-1, TSHR, ERK1/2 and RAR proteins and mRNA in the uterus of non-treated hypothyroid rats also decreased (P < 0.05 when compared to euthyroid and thyroxine-treated hypothyroid rats). In conclusion, downregulated expression of the thyroid hormone related proteins in the uterus at the day of implantation might result in infertility as reported in hypothyroid condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naguib Salleh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Abu Sadat Md Sayem
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia.,Department of Pharmacy, University of Science and Technology Chittagong, Zakir Hossain Road, Foy's Lake, Khulshi, Chittagong, 4202, Bangladesh
| | - Nelli Giribabu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Si Lay Khaing
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Piccirilli D, Baldini E, Massimiani M, Camaioni A, Salustri A, Bernardini R, Centanni M, Ulisse S, Moretti C, Campagnolo L. Thyroid hormone regulates protease expression and activation of Notch signaling in implantation and embryo development. J Endocrinol 2018; 236:1-12. [PMID: 28993437 DOI: 10.1530/joe-17-0436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
A clinical association between thyroid dysfunction and pregnancy complications has been extensively reported; however, the molecular mechanisms through which TH might regulate key events of pregnancy have not been elucidated yet. In this respect, we performed in vivo studies in MMI-induced hypothyroid pregnant mice, evaluating the effect of hypothyroidism on the number of implantation sites, developing embryos/resorptions and pups per litter, at 4.5, 10.5, 18.5 days post-coitum (dpc) and at birth. We also studied the expression of major molecules involved in implantation and placentation, such as the proteases ISPs, MMPs, TIMPs and Notch pathway-related genes. Our results demonstrate that hypothyroidism may have a dual effect on pregnancy, by initially influencing implantation and by regulating placental development at later stages of gestation. To further elucidate the role of TH in implantation, we performed in vitro studies by culturing 3.5 dpc blastocysts in the presence of TH, with or without endometrial cells used as the feeder layer, and studied their ability to undergo hatching and outgrowth. We observed that, in the presence of endometrial feeder cells, TH is able to anticipate blastocyst hatching by upregulating the expression of blastocyst-produced ISPs, and to enhance blastocyst outgrowth by upregulating endometrial ISPs and MMPs. These results clearly indicate that TH is involved in the bidirectional crosstalk between the competent blastocyst and the receptive endometrium at the time of implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diletta Piccirilli
- Department of Biomedicine and PreventionUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Enke Baldini
- Department of Surgical Sciences'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Micol Massimiani
- Department of Biomedicine and PreventionUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Camaioni
- Department of Biomedicine and PreventionUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonietta Salustri
- Department of Biomedicine and PreventionUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marco Centanni
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies'Sapienza' University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Ulisse
- Department of Surgical Sciences'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Costanzo Moretti
- Department of Systems' Medicine University of Rome Tor VergataUOC of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Section of Reproductive Endocrinology Fatebenefratelli Hospital, 'Isola Tiberina', Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Campagnolo
- Department of Biomedicine and PreventionUniversity of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Santana PPB, da Silva BB, Silva TVG, Costa NN, Cordeiro MS, Santos SSD, Ohashi OM, Miranda MS. Addition of L-arginine to the fertilization medium enhances subsequent bovine embryo development rates. Theriogenology 2016; 85:1132-8. [PMID: 26733119 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although L-Arginine (ARG) has been reported as a promising bovine sperm capacitation agent, its effects on embryo development are still poorly understood. Herein, we compared the effects of ARG and/or heparin (HEP) addition to the fertilization medium for bovine oocytes on sperm capacitation and embryo development. We chose 10 mM ARG based on blastocyst development rates in a titration experiment. Addition of ARG and/or HEP to the fertilization medium resulted in similar rates of blastocyst development (P > 0.05). However, when ARG, but not HEP, was combined with a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor (N-Nitro-L-ARG-methyl ester, 10 mM) blastocyst development was decreased (P < 0.05). To assess the effects on capacitation, bovine sperm were incubated for 0, 3, and 6 hours in fertilization medium containing ARG and/or HEP and/or N-Nitro-L-ARG-methyl esterand acrosomal exocytosis rates were evaluated using fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugated Pisum sativum lectin (FITC-PSA) staining and flow cytometry. With HEP, acrosomal exocytosis rates were highest by 3 hours of incubation; however, by 6 hours, rates were similar for HEP and/or ARG (P > 0.05) and higher than those in control media (P < 0.05). Although both ARG and HEP increased sperm NO production (P < 0.05), combination with L-NAME only precluded acrosomal exocytosis when ARG added alone in the medium (P > 0.05). These results suggest that although both ARG and HEP supported sperm capacitation, only the effects of the former were driven via NO production. Moreover, ARG was also as effective as HEP at improving blastocyst development rates. Therefore, ARG may be used as a low-cost alternative sperm capacitation agent for bovine in vitro embryo production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila P B Santana
- Department of Biology, Federal Rural University of Amazon, Capitão-Poço, Pará, Brazil.
| | - Bruno B da Silva
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Thiago V G Silva
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Nathalia N Costa
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Marcela S Cordeiro
- Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Pará, Castanhal, Pará, Brazil
| | - Simone S D Santos
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Otávio M Ohashi
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Moysés S Miranda
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
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15
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Stojsin-Carter A, Mahboubi K, Costa NN, Gillis DJ, Carter TF, Neal MS, Miranda MS, Ohashi OM, Favetta LA, King WA. Systemic and local anti-Mullerian hormone reflects differences in the reproduction potential of Zebu and European type cattle. Anim Reprod Sci 2016; 167:51-8. [PMID: 26898391 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2016.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate plasma anti-Mullerian hormone (Pl AMH), follicular fluid AMH (FF AMH) and granulosa cell AMH transcript (GC AMH) levels and their relationships with reproductive parameters in two cattle subspecies, Bos taurus indicus (Zebu), and Bos taurus taurus (European type cattle). Two-dimensional ultrasound examination and serum collection were performed on Zebu, European type and crossbreed cows to determine antral follicle count (AFC), ovary diameter (OD) and Pl AMH concentration. Slaughterhouse ovaries for Zebu and European type cattle were collected to determine FF AMH concentrations, GC AMH RNA levels, AFC, oocyte number, cleavage and blastocyst rate. Additionally GC AMH receptor 2 (AMHR2) RNA level was measured for European type cattle. Relationship between AMH and reproductive parameters was found to be significantly greater in Zebu compared to European cattle. Average Pl AMH mean ± SE for Zebu and European cattle was 0.77 ± 0.09 and 0.33 ± 0.24 ng/ml respectively (p = 0.01), whereas average antral FF AMH mean ± SE for Zebu and European cattle was 4934.3 ± 568.5 and 2977.9 ± 214.1 ng/ml respectively (p < 0.05). This is the first published report of FF and GC AMH in Zebu cattle. Levels of GC AMHR2 RNA in European cattle were correlated to oocyte number (p = 0.01). Crossbred animals were found more similar to their maternal Zebu counterparts with respect to their Pl AMH to AFC and OD relationships. These results demonstrate that AMH reflects differences between reproduction potential of the two cattle subspecies therefore can potentially be used as a reproductive marker. Furthermore these results reinforce the importance of separately considering the genetic backgrounds of animals when collecting or interpreting bovine AMH data for reproductive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Stojsin-Carter
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Kiana Mahboubi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Nathalia N Costa
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Augusto Corrêa 1, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Daniel J Gillis
- School of Computer Science, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Timothy F Carter
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Michael S Neal
- ONE Fertility, 3210 Harvester Rd, Burlington, ON L7N 3T1, Canada
| | - Moyses S Miranda
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Augusto Corrêa 1, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Otavio M Ohashi
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Augusto Corrêa 1, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Laura A Favetta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - W Allan King
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Effect of cortisol on bovine oocyte maturation and embryo development in vitro. Theriogenology 2015; 85:323-9. [PMID: 26456184 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Revised: 07/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are important mediators of key cellular events. Herein, we investigated the effect of adding cortisol to the IVM medium on the acquisition of developmental competency in bovine oocytes. Cortisol (0.01, 0.1, or 1 μg/mL) had no effect on cleavage rates or cell numbers of resulting blastocysts; however, supplementation with 0.1 μg/mL during IVM increased blastocyst rates of in vitro-fertilized bovine oocytes as compared to untreated controls (41 ± 10% vs. 21 ± 1.2%, P < 0.05, respectively). This concentration was chosen to assess changes in the relative expression of potential GC target genes. Oocytes matured in the presence of cortisol and their corresponding cumulus cells did not show changes in expression for genes analyzed as compared to untreated controls. Notably, blastocysts from oocytes matured in cortisol-supplemented medium expressed higher relative levels of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), fatty acid synthase (FASN), and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). This study supports a role for cortisol in the acquisition of bovine oocyte competence. This is evidenced by increased blastocyst development rates and presumably related to elevated embryonic transcripts with roles in glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as the cellular response to stress.
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17
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Abstract
Thyroid hormones (THs) have been shown to improve in vitro embryo production in cattle by increasing blastocyst formation rate, and the average cell number of blastocysts and by significantly decreasing apoptosis rate. To better understand those genetic aspects that may underlie enhanced early embryo development in the presence of THs, we characterized the bovine embryonic transcriptome at the blastocyst stage, and examined differential gene expression profiles using a bovine-specific microarray. We found that 1212 genes were differentially expressed in TH-treated embryos when compared with non-treated controls (>1.5-fold at P < 0.05). In addition 23 and eight genes were expressed uniquely in control and treated embryos, respectively. The expression of genes specifically associated with metabolism, mitochondrial function, cell differentiation and development were elevated. However, TH-related genes, including those encoding TH receptors and deiodinases, were not differentially expressed in treated embryos. Furthermore, the over-expression of 52 X-chromosome linked genes in treated embryos suggested a delay or escape from X-inactivation. This study highlights the significant impact of THs on differential gene expression in the early embryo; the identification of TH-responsive genes provides an insight into those regulatory pathways activated during development.
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Santana PDPB, Silva TVG, da Costa NN, da Silva BB, Carter TF, Cordeiro MDS, da Silva BJM, Santos SDSD, Herculano AM, Adona PR, Ohashi OM, Miranda MDS. Supplementation of bovine embryo culture medium with L-arginine improves embryo quality via nitric oxide production. Mol Reprod Dev 2014; 81:918-27. [PMID: 25236163 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a cell-signaling molecule that regulates a variety of molecular pathways. We investigated the role of NO during preimplantation embryonic development by blocking its production with an inhibitor or supplementing in vitro bovine embryo cultures with its natural precursor, L-arginine, over different periods. Endpoints evaluated included blastocyst rates, development kinetics, and embryo quality. Supplementation with the NO synthase inhibitor N-Nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME) from Days 1 to 8 of culture decreased blastocyst (P < 0.05) and hatching (P < 0.05) rates. When added from Days 1 to 8, 50 mM L-arginine decreased blastocyst rates (P < 0.001); in contrast, when added from Days 5 to 8, 1 mM L-arginine improved embryo hatching rates (P < 0.05) and quality (P < 0.05) as well as increased POU5F1 gene expression (P < 0.05) as compared to the untreated control. Moreover, NO levels in the medium during this culture period positively correlated with the increased embryo hatching rates and quality (P < 0.05). These data suggest exerts its positive effects during the transition from morula to blastocyst stage, and that supplementing the embryo culture medium with L-arginine favors preimplantation development of bovine embryos.
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Colicchia M, Campagnolo L, Baldini E, Ulisse S, Valensise H, Moretti C. Molecular basis of thyrotropin and thyroid hormone action during implantation and early development. Hum Reprod Update 2014; 20:884-904. [PMID: 24943836 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmu028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Implantation and early embryo development are finely regulated processes in which several molecules are involved. Evidence that thyroid hormones (TH: T4 and T3) might be part of this machinery is emerging. An increased demand for TH occurs during gestation, and any alteration in maternal thyroid physiology has significant implications for both maternal and fetal health. Not only overt but also subclinical hypothyroidism is associated with infertility as well as with obstetric complications, including disruptions and disorders of pregnancy, labor, delivery, and troubles in early neonatal life. METHODS We searched the PubMed and Google Scholar databases for articles related to TH action on ovary, endometrium, trophoblast maturation and embryo implantation. In addition, articles on the regulation of TH activity at cellular level have been reviewed. The findings are hereby summarized and critically discussed. RESULTS TH have been shown to influence endometrial, ovarian and placental physiology. TH receptors (TR) and thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone: TSH) receptors (TSHR) are widely expressed in the feto-maternal unit during implantation, and both the endometrium and the trophoblast might be influenced by TH either directly or through TH effects on the synthesis and activity of implantation-mediating molecules. Interestingly, due to the multiplicity of mechanisms involved in TH action (e.g. differential expression of TR isoforms, heterodimeric receptor partners, interacting cellular proteins, and regulating enzymes), the TH concentration in blood is not always predictive of their cellular availability and activity at both genomic and nongenomic level. CONCLUSIONS In addition to the known role of TH on the hormonal milieu of the ovarian follicle cycle, which is essential for a woman's fertility, evidence is emerging on the importance of TH signaling during implantation and early pregnancy. Based on recent observations, a local action of TH on female reproductive organs and the embryo during implantation appears to be crucial for a successful pregnancy. Furthermore, an imbalance in the spatio-temporal expression of factors involved in TH activity might induce early arrest of pregnancy in women considered as euthyroid, based on their hormonal blood concentration. In conclusion, alterations of the highly regulated local activity of TH may play a crucial, previously underestimated, role in early pregnancy and pregnancy loss. Further studies elucidating this topic should be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Colicchia
- Department of Systems' Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, UOC of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Section of Reproductive Endocrinology Fatebenefratelli Hospital, 'Isola Tiberina' 00187, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Campagnolo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Enke Baldini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, 'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Ulisse
- Department of Experimental Medicine, 'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Herbert Valensise
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Fatebenefratelli Hospital 'Isola Tiberina', 00187 Rome, Italy
| | - Costanzo Moretti
- Department of Systems' Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, UOC of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Section of Reproductive Endocrinology Fatebenefratelli Hospital, 'Isola Tiberina' 00187, Rome, Italy
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20
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The effect of nutrition and metabolic status on the development of follicles, oocytes and embryos in ruminants. Animal 2014; 8:1031-44. [PMID: 24774511 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731114000937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of nutrition and energy reserves on the fertility of ruminants has been extensively described. However, the metabolic factors and the molecular mechanisms involved in the interactions between nutrition and ovarian function are still poorly understood. These factors could be hormonal (either reproductive and/or metabolic) and/or dietary and metabolic (glucose, amino acids and fatty acids). In this review, we briefly summarize the impact of those nutrients (fatty acids, glucose and amino acids) and metabolic hormones (insulin/IGF-I, growth hormone, T3/4, ghrelin, apelin and the adipokines (leptin, adiponectin and resistin)) implicated in the development of ovarian follicles, oocytes and embryos in ruminants. We then discuss the current hypotheses on the mechanisms of action of these factors on ovarian function. We particularly describe the role of some energy sensors including adenosine monophosphate-activated kinase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in the ovarian cells.
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21
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Santana PPB, Carvalho CMF, da Costa NN, Silva TVG, Ramos PCA, Cordeiro MS, Santos SSD, Khayat AS, Ohashi OM, Miranda MS. Effect of dexamethasone on development of in vitro-produced bovine embryos. Theriogenology 2014; 82:10-6. [PMID: 24656431 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Revised: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Studies in somatic cells have shown that glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone (DEX) may trigger or prevent apoptosis depending on the cell type in culture. Because the dysregulation of apoptosis may lower in vitro embryo production efficiency, we sought to investigate the effects of supplementing IVC medium with DEX (0.1 μg/mL) on embryo morphology, development kinetics, and apoptosis rates of in vitro-produced bovine preimplantation embryos. Embryo morphology was graded on Day 7, and development rates were assessed on Days 4 and 7 of IVC. Apoptosis was evaluated via annexin/propidium iodide staining under fluorescence microscopy where a cell labeled with annexin, propidium iodide, or both would be considered apoptotic. An embryo was counted in the apoptosis rates, if it displayed at least one such labeled cell. Although DEX supplementation did not reduce apoptosis rates, it had a positive impact on developmental kinetics and cell number both on Days 4 and 7 of embryo culture. Presumably, such effect resulted from increased cell proliferation rather than a direct inhibition of apoptosis. Further studies may evaluate the mechanisms by which glucocorticoids may affect embryo development, as DEX supplementation could become a tool to improve in vitro embryo yield in mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila P B Santana
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Para, Brazil.
| | - Carla M F Carvalho
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Para, Brazil
| | - Nathália N da Costa
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Para, Brazil
| | - Thiago V G Silva
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Para, Brazil
| | - Priscilla C A Ramos
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Para, Brazil
| | - Marcela S Cordeiro
- Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Pará, Abaetetuba, Para, Brazil
| | - Simone S D Santos
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Para, Brazil
| | - André S Khayat
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Para, Brazil
| | - Otávio M Ohashi
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Para, Brazil
| | - Moysés S Miranda
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Para, Brazil
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