ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 prevents porcine oocyte maturation

CXCR3 participates in asymmetric division of mouse oocytes by modulating actin dynamics

Extensive research has been conducted on the role of CXCR3 in immune responses and inflammation. However, the role of CXCR3 in the reproductive system, particularly in oocyte development, remains unknown. In this study, we present findings on the involvement of CXCR3 in the meiotic division process of mouse oocytes. We found CXCR3 was expressed consistently throughout the entire maturation process of mouse oocyte. Inhibition of CXCR3 impaired the asymmetric division of oocyte, while the injection of Cxcr3 mRNA was capable of restoring these defects. Further study showed that inhibition of CXCR3 perturbed spindle migration by affecting LIMK/cofilin pathway-mediated actin remodeling. Knockout of CXCR3 led to an upregulation of actin-binding protein and an increased ATP level in GV-stage oocytes, while maintaining normal actin dynamics during the process of meiosis. Additionally, we noticed the expression level of DYNLT1 is markedly elevated in CXCR3-null oocytes. DYNLT1 bound with the Arp2/3 complex, and knockdown of DYNLT1 in CXCR3-null oocytes impaired the organization of cytoplasmic actin, suggesting the regulatory role of DYNLT1 in actin organization, and the compensatory expression of DYNLT1 may contribute to maintain normal actin dynamics in CXCR3-knockout oocytes. In summary, our findings provide insights into the intricate network of actin dynamics associated with CXCR3 during oocyte meiosis.

Positive In Vitro Effect of ROCK Pathway Inhibitor Y-27632 on Qualitative Characteristics of Goat Sperm Stored at Low Temperatures

Y-27632, as a cytoskeleton protector, is commonly used for low-temperature preservation of cells. Goat sperm are prone to damage to the cytoskeleton under low-temperature conditions, leading to a loss of sperm vitality. However, the Y-27632 small molecule has not yet been used in research on low-temperature preservation of goat semen. This study aims to address the issue of low temperature-induced loss of sperm motility in goats by using Y-27632, and explore the regulation of Y-27632 on goat sperm metabolism. At a low temperature of 4 °C, different concentrations of Y-27632 were added to the sperm diluent. The regulation of Y-27632 on the quality of low temperature-preserved goat semen was evaluated by detecting goat sperm motility, antioxidant capacity, mitochondrial activity, cholesterol levels, and metabolomics analysis. The results indicated that 20 µM Y-27632 significantly increased plasma membrane integrity (p < 0.05), and acrosome integrity (p < 0.05) and sperm motility (p < 0.05), increased levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) (p < 0.01), increased total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (p < 0.05), decreased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) (p < 0.01), and significantly increased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). The levels of ATP, Ca2+, and TC in sperm increased (p < 0.01). Twenty metabolites with significant differences were identified, with six metabolic pathways having a significant impact, among which the D-glutamic acid and D-glutamine metabolic pathways had the most significant impact. The artificial insemination effect of goat semen treated with 20 μM Y-27632 was not significantly different from that of fresh semen. This study indicates that Y-27632 improves the quality of low-temperature preservation of sperm by protecting the sperm plasma membrane, enhancing sperm antioxidant capacity, regulating D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism, and promoting the application of low-temperature preservation of semen in artificial insemination technology.

Improvement of post-thaw quality and fertilizing ability of bull spermatozoa using Rho kinase inhibitor in freezing extender

In this study, it was hypothesized that the addition of an appropriate concentration of Y-27632 (a ROCK inhibitor) to the freezing extender prevents cryopreservation-induced apoptosis and improves embryonic development after in vitro fertilization (IVF). Semen samples were collected from five fertile Simmental bulls using an artificial vagina twice a week for 4 weeks. Selected samples were pooled and diluted with Tris-egg-yolk-glycerol (TEYG) extender containing different concentrations of Y-27632 (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 μM) and then frozen in liquid nitrogen. After thawing, computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA), plasma membrane integrity, and acrosome intactness were evaluated in terms of morphological abnormalities, intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA fragmentation, phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization, and apoptotic-related gene expression. Finally, groups of frozen and thawed spermatozoa were used for bovine oocyte IVF. The results show that the semen extender at a concentration of 20 μM Y-27632 effectively improved total motility (TM), curvilinear velocity (VCL), as well as the plasma membrane and acrosome integrity compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Intracellular ROS levels were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in samples treated with 30 μM Y-27632 compared to the control specimen. Furthermore, supplementation of the semen extender with 20 μM Y-27632 resulted in more viable spermatozoa compared with the control group (p < 0.05). According to qRT-PCR results, the expression levels of BAX and CASPASE-9 genes in samples treated with 30 μM Y-27632 were significantly downregulated, while the expression of BCL2 was increased compared to the control (p < 0.05). The results of IVF demonstrated that the treatment of frozen-thawed spermatozoa with 20 μM Y-27632 increased blastocyst rates compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of 20 μM Y-27632 into the freezing extender can improve the functionality and the fertilizing capacity of frozen spermatozoa due to its antioxidative and anti-apoptotic properties.

The Effects of Different Doses of ROCK Inhibitor, Antifreeze Protein III, and Boron Added to Semen Extender on Semen Freezeability of Ankara Bucks

In the presented study, the effects of ROCK inhibitor Y-27632, antifreeze protein III, and boron at two different doses were investigated on the spermatological parameters of Ankara buck semen after freeze−thawing. Ejaculates were collected from bucks using an electroejaculator during the breeding season. The ejaculates that showed appropriate characteristics were pooled and used in the dilution and freezing of semen. The extender groups were formed by adding two different doses of three different additives (ROCK inhibitor Y-27632, 5 and 20 µM; antifreeze protein III, 1 and 4 µg/mL; boron, 0.25 and 1 mM) to the control extender. The semen was diluted with the different extenders at 35−37 °C and loaded into straws. Sperm samples frozen in liquid nitrogen vapors, following equilibration, were stored in liquid nitrogen. It was observed that extender supplementation improved post-thaw motility of Ankara buck semen after freeze−thawing. Differences were significant (p < 0.01) for 5 and 10 µM doses of ROCK inhibitor (71.82% and 74.04 % motility), as well as for 0.25 and 1 mM doses of boron (76.36% and 72.08% motility), compared to the control group (66.15% motility). With respect to the evaluation of acrosomal integrity and mitochondrial activity after freeze−thawing, although supplementation provided protection at all doses, the efficacy was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). It was observed that DNA damage was improved by antifreeze protein III at 1 µg/mL (1.23% ± 0.23%) and by boron at all doses (0.25 mM: 1.83% and 1 mM: 1.18%) compared to the control group (3.37%) (p < 0.01), following the thawing process. In the present study, it was determined that some additives added to the extender provided significant improvements in buck spermatozoa motility and DNA damage after thawing.

Effects of Short-Term Inhibition of Rho Kinase on Dromedary Camel Oocyte In Vitro Maturation

Simple Summary

Our results revealed, for the first time, that short-term inhibition of Rho-associated protein kinases (ROCK) for 4 h prior to in vitro maturation (IVM) in a biphasic IVM approach improved oocyte nuclear maturation, producing more MII oocyte, through modulating the expression of cytokinesis- and antiapoptosis-related mRNA transcripts. This positive result suggests ROCK inhibitor as a potential candidate molecule to exploit in the control of oocyte meiotic maturation.

Abstract

This is the first report on a biphasic in vitro maturation (IVM) approach with a meiotic inhibitor to improve dromedary camel IVM. Spontaneous meiotic resumption poses a major setback for in vitro matured oocytes. The overall objective of this study was to improve in vitro maturation of dromedary camel oocytes using ROCK inhibitor (Y-27632) in a biphasic IVM to prevent spontaneous meiotic resumption. In the first experiment, we cultured immature cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs, n = 375) in a prematuration medium supplemented with ROCK inhibitor (RI) for 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, and 24 h before submission to normal in vitro maturation to complete 28 h. The control was cultured for 28 h in the absence of RI. In the first phase of experiment two, we cultured COCs (n = 480) in the presence or absence (control) of RI for 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, and 24 h, and conducted real-time relative quantitative PCR (qPCR) on selected mRNA transcripts. The same was done in the second phase, but qPCR was done after completion of normal IVM. Assessment of nuclear maturation showed that pre-IVM for 4 h yielded an increase in MII oocyte (54.67% vs. 26.6% of control; p < 0.05). As expected, the same group showed the highest degree (2) of cumulus expansion. In experiment 2, qPCR results showed significantly higher expression of ACTB and BCL2 in the RI group treated for 4 h when compared with the other groups. However, their relative quantification after biphasic IVM did not reveal any significant difference, except for the positive response of BCL2 and BAX/BCL2 ratio after 4 and 6 h biphasic IVM. In conclusion, RI prevents premature oocyte maturation and gave a significantly positive outcome during the 4 h treatment. This finding is a paradigm for future investigation on dromedary camel biphasic IVM and for improving the outcome of IVM in this species.

Optimal concentration of Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase (ROCK) inhibitor improved sperm membrane functionality and fertilizing ability of cryopreserved-thawed feline sperm

Sperm cryopreservation induces irreversible loss of viability and fertilizing ability. This study aimed at examining the effects of Rho-associated, coiled-coil kinase (ROCK) inhibitor on quality of frozen-thawed feline sperm. Ejaculated semen from individual cats (n = 6) was examined for the expression of LIMK1 and LIMK2 mediated ROCK cascade. The effects of ROCK inhibitor during cooling and cryopreservation on sperm quality and fertilizing ability were also examined. Feline sperm were treated with different concentrations of ROCK inhibitor (10, 20 and 40 μM) during cooling at 4 °C and cryopreservation. Sperm cooled and conventionally cryopreserved without ROCK inhibitor (0 μM) served as a control group. The ROCK cascade was confirmed in feline sperm as they expressed mRNA of LIMK1 and LIMK2 genes. Cryopreservation significantly reduced sperm quality in terms of viability (91.63 ± 3.96 vs. 60.11 ± 8.93), progressive motility (91.67 ± 3.54 vs. 46.67 ± 8.66) and acrosome integrity (93.49 ± 3.64 vs. 63.81 ± 5.31) for fresh and frozen-thawed sperm, respectively (p < 0.05). The positive effects of ROCK inhibitor on sperm quality were pronounced at 1 and 3 h post-thaw. ROCK inhibitor at 10 μM significantly improved sperm motility and membrane functionality compared to those observed in a control group (0 μM) (p < 0.05). In vitro fertilization revealed that supplement ROCK inhibitor at 10 μM during cryopreservation significantly improved in vitro fertilizing ability of the frozen-thawed sperm (p < 0.05). However, it did not subsequently increase morula and blastocyst rates (p > 0.05). Increased concentrations of ROCK inhibitor to 20 and 40 μM did not further improve the quality of frozen-thawed sperm. In conclusion, an optimal concentration (10 μM) of the ROCK inhibitor added into cooling medium could improve post-thaw sperm quality.

Profilin 1 plays feedback role in actin-mediated polar body extrusion in mouse oocytes

Mammalian oocytes undergo several crucial processes during meiosis maturation, including spindle formation and migration and polar body extrusion, which rely on the regulation of actin. As a small actin-binding protein, profilin 1 plays a central role in the regulation of actin assembly. However, the functions of profilin 1 in mammalian oocytes are uncertain. To investigate the function of profilin 1 in oocytes, immunofluorescent staining was first used to examine profilin 1 localisation. The results showed that profilin 1 was localised around the meiotic spindles and was colocalised with cytoplasmic actin. Knockdown (KD) of profilin 1 with specific morpholino microinjection resulted in failure of polar body extrusion. This failure resulted from an increase of actin polymerisation both at membranes and in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, western blot analysis revealed that the expression of Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) and phosphorylation levels of myosin light chain (MLC) were significantly altered after KD of profilin 1. Thus, the results indicate that a feedback mechanism between profilin, actin and ROCK-MLC2 regulates actin assembly during mouse oocyte maturation.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) analog phytosphingosine-1-phosphate (P1P) improves the in vitro maturation efficiency of porcine oocytes via regulation of oxidative stress and apoptosis

Phytosphingosine-1-phosphate (P1P) is a signaling sphingolipid that regulates various physiological activities. However, little is known about the effect of P1P in the context of reproduction. Thus, we aimed to investigate the influence of P1P on oocyte maturation during porcine in vitro maturation (IVM). Here, we report the expression of S1PR1-3 among P1P receptors (S1PR1-4) in cumulus cells and oocytes. When P1P was administered at concentrations of 10, 50, 100, and 1,000 nM during IVM, the metaphase II rate was significantly increased in the 1,000 nM (1 μM) P1P treatment group. Maturation rate improvement by P1P supplementation was observed only in the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF). Oocytes under the influence of P1P showed decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species levels but no significant differences in glutathione levels. In our molecular studies, P1P treatment upregulated gene expression involved in cumulus expansion (Has2 and EGF), antioxidant enzymes (SOD3 and Cat), and developmental competence (Oct4) while activating extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 and Akt signaling. P1P treatment also influenced oocyte survival by shifting the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax while inactivating JNK signaling. We further demonstrated that oocytes matured with P1P displayed significantly higher developmental competence (cleavage and blastocyst [BL] formation rate) and greater BL quality (total cell number and the ratio of apoptotic cells) when activated via parthenogenetic activation (PA) and in vitro fertilization. Despite the low levels of endogenous P1P found in animals, exogenous P1P influenced animal reproduction, as shown by increased porcine oocyte maturation as well as preimplantation embryo development. This study and its findings are potentially relevant for both human and animal-assisted reproduction.

Effects of vitrification and a Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 inhibitor on the meiotic and developmental competence of feline oocytes

Oocyte cryopreservation is the technique of choice for the long-term storage of female gametes. However, it induces an irreversible loss of oocyte viability and function. We examined the effects of vitrification and a Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) inhibitor (ROCKi) on the meiotic and developmental competence of feline oocytes. We examined the expression of LIM kinase (LIMK) 1 and 2, with and without ROCKi treatment. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in vitro with 0, 10, 20, and 40 µM ROCKi. The oocytes were subsequently assessed for maturation rate and embryo development following in vitro fertilization. We repeated the COC experiment, but vitrified and warmed the COCs prior to culture. We detected LIMK1 and LIMK2 expression in feline oocytes, which could be downregulated by ROCKi treatment. The ROCKi at 10 µM affected neither meiotic nor developmental competence (P > 0.05, versus control). However, high concentrations of ROCKi during maturation induced meiotic arrest at metaphase I. Appropriate concentrations of ROCKi significantly improved the normal fertilization rate of vitrified warmed oocytes (49.4 ± 3.4%) compared with that of the control (42.8 ± 8.6%, P < 0.05). The ROCKi also significantly improved the embryo cleavage rate (36.1 ± 3.8%) as compared with the non-treated control (27.4 ± 2.5%, P < 0.05). Thus, this study revealed that the main mediators of the ROCK cascade (LIM kinases) are expressed in feline oocytes. The ROCKi (10 µM) did not compromise the meiotic or developmental competence of feline oocytes. In addition, 10 µM ROCKi improved the cytoplasmic maturation of vitrified–warmed oocytes as indicated by their fertilization competence.

Filamin A is required for spindle migration and asymmetric division in mouse oocytes

Dynamic changes in the actin network are crucial for the cortical migration of spindles and establishment of polarity, to ensure asymmetric division during meiotic maturation. In this study, filamin A (FLNA) was found to be an essential actin regulator that controlled spindle migration and asymmetric division during oocyte meiosis. FLNA was localized in the cytoplasm and enriched at the cortex and near the chromosomes. Knockdown of FLNA impaired meiotic asymmetric division and spindle migration with a decrease in the amount of cytoplasmic actin mesh and cortical actin levels. Moreover, FLNA knockdown reduced the phosphorylation of cofilin and Rho kinase (ROCK) near the spindle. Similar phenotypes, such as decreased filament actin levels, impaired spindle migration and polar body extrusion, were observed when active cofilin (S3A) was overexpressed or ROCK was inhibited. Notably, we found that FLNA and ROCK interacted directly in mouse oocytes. Taken together, our results show that FLNA plays crucial roles in asymmetric division during meiotic maturation by regulating ROCK-cofilin-mediated actin reorganization.-Wang, H., Guo J., Lin, Z., Namgoong, S., Oh, J. S., Kim, N.-H. Filamin A is required for spindle migration and asymmetric division in mouse oocytes.

LIMK1/2 inhibitor LIMKi 3 suppresses porcine oocyte maturation

LIMKi 3 is a specific selective LIMK inhibitor against LIMK1 and LIMK2, while LIMK1 and LIMK2 are the main regulators of actin cytoskeleton to participate in many cell activities. However, the effect of LIMKi 3 in porcine oocyte meiosis is still unclear. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of LIMKi 3 and potential regulatory role of LIMK1/2 on porcine oocyte meiotic maturation. Immunofluorescent staining of p-LIMK1/2 antibody showed that LIMK1/2 was localized mainly to the cortex of porcine oocyte, which co-localized with actin. After LIMKi 3 treatment, the diffusion of COCs became weak and the rate of polar body extrusion was decreased. This could be rescued by moving oocytes to fresh medium. After prolonging the culture time of oocytes, the maturation rate of porcine oocyte increased in LIMKi 3 groups, indicating that LIMKi 3 may suppress the cell cycle during porcine oocyte maturation. We also found that after LIMKi 3 treatment actin distribution was significantly disturbed at porcine oocyte membranes and cytoplasm, indicating the conserved roles of LIMK1/2 on actin dynamics. Next we examined the meiotic spindle positioning in porcine oocyte, and the results showed that a majority of spindles were not attached to the cortex of porcine oocyte, indicating that LIMKi 3 may affect actin-mediated spindle positioning. Taken together, these results showed that LIMK1/2 inhibitor LIMKi 3 had a repressive role on porcine oocyte meiotic maturation.

Inhibition of Rho‑associated protein kinase increases the ratio of formation of blastocysts from single human blastomeres

Y‑27632 is a specific inhibitor of Rho‑associated protein kinases (ROCKs), which are downstream effectors of Rho GTPase. The present study aimed to determine the effect of the specific ROCK inhibitor, Y‑27632, on fresh human embryos and on single blastomeres obtained from discarded human embryos. A total of 784 poor‑quality embryos were included, of which 526 were allocated to blastocyst culture directly and the remaining 258 were allocated to blastomere isolation. Embryos and single blastomeres were cultured either with, or without, Y‑27632. Embryonic development was observed and recorded daily from day 5 onwards. Y‑27632 did not affect the ratio of blastocyst formation or the quality of the human embryos. The duration of blastocyst formation was compared between the two groups in the embryo culture. On day 5, the blastocyst formation ratio in the experimental group was 11.4% (26/228), which was significantly (P=0.015) lower than the corresponding rate (19.7%; 44/223) in the control group. Survival analysis of the blastocyst formation duration showed that the median formation duration in the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group. The present study also obtained 1,192 blastomeres from 258 discarded day 3 embryos, and sibling blastomeres of similar sizes were equally allocated to experimental and control groups (n=596 in each). Treatment with Y‑27632 increased the blastocyst formation ratio of human individual blastomeres, with 82 blastocysts of 596 blastomeres (13.8%), and 51 blastocysts of 596 blastomeres (8.6%) formed in the presence and absence of Y‑27632, respectively (P=0.004). Compared with the control group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of E‑cadherin in the blastocysts from blastomeres were enhanced by Y‑27632 (P=0.022). In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that Y‑27632 has different effects on the cleavage‑stage of embryos and single blastomeres. Y‑27632 increases the ratio of formation of blastocysts from single human blastomeres, but inhibits the direct formation of blastocysts from discarded human embryos.

Non-muscle tropomyosin (Tpm3) is crucial for asymmetric cell division and maintenance of cortical integrity in mouse oocytes

Tropomyosins are actin-binding cytoskeletal proteins that play a pivotal role in regulating the function of actin filaments in muscle and non-muscle cells; however, the roles of non-muscle tropomyosins in mouse oocytes are unknown. This study investigated the expression and functions of non-muscle tropomyosin (Tpm3) during meiotic maturation of mouse oocytes. Tpm3 mRNA was detected at all developmental stages in mouse oocytes. Tpm3 protein was localized at the cortex during the germinal vesicle and germinal vesicle breakdown stages. However, the overall fluorescence intensity of Tpm3 immunostaining was markedly decreased in metaphase II oocytes. Knockdown of Tpm3 impaired asymmetric division of oocytes and spindle migration, considerably reduced the amount of cortical actin, and caused membrane blebbing during cytokinesis. Expression of a constitutively active cofilin mutant and Tpm3 overexpression confirmed that Tpm3 protects cortical actin from depolymerization by cofilin. The data indicate that Tpm3 plays crucial roles in maintaining cortical actin integrity and asymmetric cell division during oocyte maturation, and that dynamic regulation of cortical actin by Tpm3 is critical to ensure proper polar body protrusion.

The Rho-GTPase effector ROCK regulates meiotic maturation of the bovine oocyte via myosin light chain phosphorylation and cofilin phosphorylation

Oocyte meiosis involves a unique asymmetric division involving spindle movement from the central cytoplasm to the cortex, followed by polar body extrusion. ROCK is a Rho-GTPase effector involved in various cellular functions in somatic cells as well as oocyte meiosis. ROCK was previously shown to promote actin organization by phosphorylating several downstream targets, including LIM domain kinase (LIMK), phosphorylated cofilin (p-cofilin), and myosin light chain (MLC). In this study, we investigated the roles of ROCK and MLC during bovine oocyte meiosis. We found that ROCK was localized around the nucleus at the oocyte's germinal-vesicle (GV) stage, but spreads to the rest of the cytoplasm in later developmental stages. On the other hand, phosphorylated MLC (p-MLC) localized at the cortex, and its abundance decreased by the metaphase-II stage. Disrupting ROCK activity, via RNAi or the chemical inhibitor Y-27632, blocked both cell cycle progression and polar body extrusion. ROCK inhibition also resulted in decreased cortical actin, p-cofilin, and p-MLC levels. Similar to the phenotype associated with inhibition of ROCK activity, inhibition of MLC kinase by the chemical inhibitor ML-7 caused defects in polar body extrusion. Collectively, our results suggest that the ROCK/MLC/actomyosin as well as ROCK/LIMK/cofilin pathways regulate meiotic spindle migration and cytokinesis during bovine oocyte maturation.

Small GTPase RhoA regulates cytoskeleton dynamics during porcine oocyte maturation and early embryo development

Mammalian oocyte maturation is distinguished by asymmetric division that is regulated primarily by cytoskeleton, including microtubules and microfilaments. Small Rho GTPase RhoA is a key regulator of cytoskeletal organization which regulates cell polarity, migration, and division. In this study, we investigated the roles of RhoA in mammalian oocyte meiosis and early embryo cleavage. (1) Disrupting RhoA activity or knock down the expression of RhoA caused the failure of polar body emission. This may have been due to decreased actin assembly and subsequent spindle migration defects. The involvement of RhoA in this process may have been though its regulation of actin nucleators ROCK, p-Cofilin, and ARP2 expression. (2) In addition, spindle morphology was also disrupted and p-MAPK expression decreased in RhoA inhibited or RhoA KD oocytes, which indicated that RhoA also regulated MAPK phosphorylation for spindle formation. (3) Porcine embryo development was also suppressed by inhibiting RhoA activity. Two nuclei were observed in one blastomere, and actin expression was reduced, which indicated that RhoA regulated actin-based cytokinesis of porcine embryo. Thus, our results demonstrated indispensable roles for RhoA in regulating porcine oocyte meiosis and cleavage during early embryo development.

Sirtuin Inhibition Adversely Affects Porcine Oocyte Meiosis

Sirtuins have been implicated in diverse biological processes, including oxidative stress, energy metabolism, cell migration, and aging. Here, we employed Sirtuin inhibitors, nicotinamide (NAM) and Sirtinol, to investigate their effects on porcine oocyte maturation respectively. The rate of polar body extrusion in porcine oocytes decreased after treatment with NAM and Sirtinol, accompanied with the failure of cumulus cell expansion. We further found that NAM and Sirtinol significantly disrupted oocyte polarity, and inhibited the formation of actin cap and cortical granule-free domain (CGFD). Moreover, the abnormal spindles and misaligned chromosomes were readily detected during porcine oocyte maturation after treatment with NAM and Sirtinol. Together, these results suggest that Sirtuins are involved in cortical polarity and spindle organization in porcine oocytes.

Aflatoxin B1 is toxic to porcine oocyte maturation

As a toxic secondary metabolite of Aspergillus species, Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a major food and feed contaminant in tropical and sub-tropical regions with high temperature and humidity. It has been reported to be toxic to the female reproductive system in laboratory and domestic animals. In the present study, the influence of acute exposure to AFB1 (10 and 50 μM, 44h) on porcine oocyte maturation and its possible mechanism were investigated. The maturation rates of oocytes decreased significantly in the presence of 50 μM of AFB1. Cell cycle analysis showed that most oocytes were arrested at germinal vesicle breakdown or meosis I stage. However, actin assembly, spindle structure and chromosome alignment were not disrupted after exposure to 50 μM AFB1. Further study showed that DNA methylation levels increased in treated oocytes (50 μM). Histone methylation levels were also analysed after treatment (50 μM): H3K27me3 and H3K4me2 levels decreased, whereas H3K9me3 level increased, indicating that epigenetic modification was affected. AFB1 treatment (50 μM) also induced oxidative stress and further led to autophagy, as shown by accumulation of reactive oxygen species, up-regulated LC3 protein expression and increased mRNA levels of ATG3, ATG5 and ATG7. Annexin V-FITC staining assay revealed that AFB1 treatment (50 μM) resulted in oocyte early apoptosis, which was confirmed by increased Bak, Bax, Bcl-xl mRNA levels. Collectively, our results suggest that AFB1 disrupts porcine oocyte maturation through changing epigenetic modifications as well as inducing oxidative stress, excessive autophagy and apoptosis.

Sirt1 protects pig oocyte against in vitro aging

Sirtuins have been widely reported to be involved in multiple biological processes. However, their function during pig oocyte aging has not been reported yet. Here, we first identify that sirt1 expression is dramatically reduced in pig in vitro-aged oocytes. Furthermore, by confocal scanning and quantitative analysis, we find the increased frequency of spindle defects and chromosome misalignment, disturbed redistribution of cortical granules and mitochondria during oocyte in vitro-aging. Importantly, these aging-associated defective phenotypes can be ameliorated through resveratrol (sirt1 activator) treatment during pig oocyte maturation, providing the evidence for the hypothesis that decreased sirt1 is one of a number of factors contributing to oocyte in vitro-aging. In summary, our data indicate a role for sirt1 in pig oocytes and uncover a striking beneficial effect of sirt1 expression on aged oocytes.

Effects of ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 on TGF-β1/CTGF pathway

Y-27632, a pyrimidine derivative, is a recently developed synthetic specific inhibitor of Rho associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase (ROCK), and it inhibits the process of hepatic fibrosis by regulating a variety of biological effects mediated by ROCK. Recent studies have found that the transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)/connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) signaling pathway is involved in liver fibrosis. TGF-β1 induces the expression of its downstream molecule CTGF, resulting in the increase of extracellular matrix and liver fibrosis. Y-27632 can inhibit the expression of TGF-β1 and CTGF. This paper attempts to explain the anti-fibrosis effect of Y-27632 in terms of the impact of Y-27632 on the TGF-β1/CTGF pathway, with an aim to better understand the functional target of Y-27632 and provide a theoretical basis for the targeted therapy of liver fibrosis.