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Vasconcelos EM, Braga RF, Leal GR, Carvalho RPR, Machado-Neves M, Sudano MJ, Souza-Fabjan JMG. Impact of reducing lipid content during in vitro embryo production: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Theriogenology 2024; 222:31-44. [PMID: 38615434 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
There is still no consensus regarding the role of lipid modulators during in vitro embryo production. Thus, we investigated how lipid reducers during the in vitro maturation of oocytes (IVM) or in vitro culture (IVC) of embryos impact their cryotolerance. A literature search was performed using three databases, recovering 43 articles for the systematic review, comprising 75 experiments (13 performed in IVM, 62 in IVC) and testing 13 substances. In 39 % of the experiments, an increase in oocyte and/or embryo survival after cryopreservation was reported, in contrast to 48 % exhibiting no effect, 5 % causing negative effects, and 8 % influencing in a dose-dependent manner. Of the 75 experiments extracted during IVM and IVC, 41 quantified the lipid content. Of those that reduced lipid content (n = 26), 50 % increased cryotolerance, 34 % had no effect, 8 % harmed oocyte/embryo survival, and 8 % had different results depending on the concentration used. Moreover, 28 out of the 43 studies were analyzed under a meta-analytical approach at the IVC stage in cattle. There was an improvement in the cryotolerance of bovine embryos when the lipid content was reduced. Forskolin, l-carnitine, and phenazine ethosulfate positively affected cryotolerance, while conjugated linoleic acid had no effect and impaired embryonic development. Moreover, fetal bovine serum has a positive impact on cryotolerance. SOF and CR1aa IVC media improved cryotolerance, while mSOF showed no effect. In conclusion, lipid modulators did not unanimously improve cryotolerance, especially when used in IVM, but presented positive effects on cryotolerance during IVC when reaching lipid reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erlandia M Vasconcelos
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brasil Filho, 64, CEP, 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Rachel F Braga
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brasil Filho, 64, CEP, 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriela R Leal
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brasil Filho, 64, CEP, 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Renner P R Carvalho
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | | | - Mateus J Sudano
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Joanna M G Souza-Fabjan
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Av. Vital Brasil Filho, 64, CEP, 24230-340, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
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Lee SH, Rinaudo PF. Metabolic regulation of preimplantation embryo development in vivo and in vitro: Molecular mechanisms and insights. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 726:150256. [PMID: 38909536 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150256] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Understanding of embryonic development has led to the clinical application of Assisted Reproductive technologies (ART), with the resulting birth of millions of children. Recent developments in metabolomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics have brought to light new insights into embryonic growth dynamics, with implications spanning reproductive medicine, stem cell research, and regenerative medicine. The review explores the key metabolic processes and molecular pathways active during preimplantation embryo development, including PI3K-Akt, mTOR, AMPK, Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β, Notch and Jak-Stat signaling pathways. We focused on analyzing the differences occurring in vitro as opposed to in vivo development and we discussed significant physiological and clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok Hee Lee
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Paolo F Rinaudo
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
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Saber YHA, Ibrahim S, Mahmoud KGM, Ahmed WM, Ragab RSA, Seida AAM. Expression profile of viability and stress response genes as a result of resveratrol supplementation in vitrified and in vitro produced cattle embryos. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:692. [PMID: 38796562 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09614-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resveratrol, a potent antioxidant, is known to induce the up-regulation of the internal antioxidant system. Therefore, it holds promise as a method to mitigate cryopreservation-induced injuries in bovine oocytes and embryos. This study aimed to (i) assess the enhancement in the quality of in vitro produced bovine embryos following resveratrol supplementation and (ii) monitor changes in the expression of genes associated with oxidative stress (GPX4, SOD, CPT2, NFE2L2), mitochondrial function (ATP5ME), endoplasmic reticulum function (ATF6), and embryo quality (OCT4, DNMT1, CASP3, ELOVL5). METHODS AND RESULTS Three groups of in vitro bovine embryos were cultured with varying concentrations of resveratrol (0.01, 0.001, and 0.0001 µM), with a fourth group serving as a control. Following the vitrification process, embryos were categorized as either good or poor quality. Blastocysts were then preserved at - 80 °C for RNA isolation, followed by qRT-PCR analysis of selected genes. The low concentrations of resveratrol (0.001 µM, P < 0.05 and 0.0001 µM, P < 0.01) significantly improved the blastocyst rate compared to the control group. Moreover, the proportion of good quality vitrified embryos increased significantly (P < 0.05) in the groups treated with 0.001 and 0.0001 µM resveratrol compared to the control group. Analysis of gene expression showed a significant increase in OCT4 and DNMT1 transcripts in both good and poor-quality embryos treated with resveratrol compared to untreated embryos. Additionally, CASP3 expression was decreased in treated good embryos compared to control embryos. Furthermore, ELOVL5 and ATF6 transcripts were down-regulated in treated good embryos compared to the control group. Regarding antioxidant-related genes, GPX4, SOD, and CPT2 transcripts increased in the treated embryos, while NFE2L2 mRNA decreased in treated good embryos compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS Resveratrol supplementation at low concentrations effectively mitigated oxidative stress and enhanced the cryotolerance of embryos by modulating the expression of genes involved in oxidative stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasser H A Saber
- Department of Animal Reproduction and A.I, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Sally Ibrahim
- Department of Animal Reproduction and A.I, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Karima Gh M Mahmoud
- Department of Animal Reproduction and A.I, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Wahid M Ahmed
- Department of Animal Reproduction and A.I, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Refaat S A Ragab
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Adel A M Seida
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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Zhao B, Li H, Zhang H, Ren S, Li Y, Wang X, Lan X, Qiao H, Ma H, Zhang Y, Wang Y. The effect of L-carnitine supplementation during in vitro maturation on oocyte maturation and somatic cloned embryo development. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100853. [PMID: 38367331 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2023.100853] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
The quality of the recipient cytoplasm was reported as a crucial factor in maintaining the vitality of SCNT embryos and SCNT efficiency for dairy cows. Compared with oocytes matured in vivo, oocytes matured in vitro showed abnormal accumulation and metabolism of cytoplasmic lipids. L-carnitine treatment was found to control fatty acid transport into the mitochondrial β-oxidation pathway, which improved the process of lipid metabolism. The results of this study show that 0.5 mg/ml L-carnitine significantly reduced the cytoplasmic lipid content relative to control. No significant difference was observed in the rate of oocyte nuclear maturation, but the in vitro developmental competence of SCNT embryos was improved in terms of increased blastocyst production and lower apoptotic index in the L-carnitine treatment group. In addition, the pregnancy rate with SCNT embryos in the treatment group was significantly higher than in the control group. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that adding L-carnitine to the maturation culture medium could improve the developmental competence of SCNT embryos both in vitro and in vivo by reducing the lipid content of the recipient cytoplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baobao Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Heqiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Subi Ren
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yuelin Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xinrui Lan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Hailian Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Huiming Ma
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics in Ningxia, Department of Histology and Embryology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
| | - Yongsheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
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Berteli TS, Vireque AA, Borges ED, Da Luz CM, Navarro PA. Membrane lipid changes in mouse blastocysts induced by ovarian stimulation, IVF and oocyte vitrification. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 46:887-902. [PMID: 37095039 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Is the membrane lipid profile of mice blastocysts affected by ovarian stimulation, IVF and oocyte vitrification? Could supplementation of vitrification media with L-carnitine and fatty acids prevent membrane phospholipid changes in blastocysts from vitrified oocytes? DESIGN Experimental study comparing the lipid profile of murine blastocysts produced from natural mating, superovulated cycles or after IVF submitted or not to vitrification. For in-vitro experiments, 562 oocytes from superovulated females were randomly divided into four groups: fresh oocytes fertilized in vitro and vitrified groups: Irvine Scientific (IRV); Tvitri-4 (T4) or T4 supplemented with L-carnitine and fatty acids (T4-LC/FA). Fresh or vitrified-warmed oocytes were inseminated and cultured for 96 h or 120 h. The lipid profile of nine of the best quality blastocysts from each experimental group was assessed by multiple reaction monitoring profiling method. Significantly different lipids or transitions between groups were found using univariate statistics (P < 0.05; fold change = 1.5) and multivariate statistical methods. RESULTS A total of 125 lipids in blastocysts were profiled. Statistical analysis revealed several classes of phospholipids affected in the blastocysts by ovarian stimulation, IVF, oocyte vitrification, or all. L-carnitine and fatty acid supplements prevented, to a certain extent, changes in phospholipid and sphingolipid contents in the blastocysts. CONCLUSION Ovarian stimulation alone, or in association with IVF, promoted changes in phospholipid profile and abundance of blastocysts. A short exposure time to the lipid-based solutions during oocyte vitrification was sufficient to induce changes in the lipid profile that were sustained until the blastocyst stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thalita S Berteli
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.; National Institute of Hormones and Women's Health, CNPq, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90035-003, Brazil..
| | - Alessandra A Vireque
- Invitra - Assisted Reproductive Technologies Ltd - Supera Innovation and Technology Park, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eduardo D Borges
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.; National Institute of Hormones and Women's Health, CNPq, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Caroline M Da Luz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.; National Institute of Hormones and Women's Health, CNPq, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Paula A Navarro
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.; National Institute of Hormones and Women's Health, CNPq, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 90035-003, Brazil
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Lipinska P, Pawlak P, Warzych E. Species and embryo genome origin affect lipid droplets in preimplantation embryos. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1187832. [PMID: 37250899 PMCID: PMC10217358 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1187832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian embryo development is affected by multiple metabolism processes, among which energy metabolism seems to be crucial. Therefore the ability and the scale of lipids storage in different preimplantation stages might affect embryos quality. The aim of the present studies was to show a complex characterization of lipid droplets (LD) during subsequent embryo developmental stages. It was performed on two species (bovine and porcine) as well as on embryos with different embryo origin [after in vitro fertilization (IVF) and after parthenogenetic activation (PA)]. Embryos after IVF/PA were collected at precise time points of development at the following stages: zygote, 2-cell, 4-cell, 8/16-cell, morula, early blastocyst, expanded blastocyst. LD were stained with BODIPY 493/503 dye, embryos were visualized under a confocal microscope and images were analyzed with the ImageJ Fiji software. The following parameters were analyzed: lipid content, LD number, LD size and LD area within the total embryo. The most important results show that lipid parameters in the IVF vs. PA bovine embryos differ at the most crucial moments of embryonic development (zygote, 8-16-cell, blastocyst), indicating possible dysregulations of lipid metabolism in PA embryos. When bovine vs. porcine species are compared, we observe higher lipid content around EGA stage and lower lipid content at the blastocyst stage for bovine embryos, which indicates different demand for energy depending on the species. We conclude that lipid droplets parameters significantly differ among developmental stages and between species but also can be affected by the genome origin.
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Catandi GD, Cheng MH, Chicco AJ, Chen T, Carnevale EM. L-carnitine enhances developmental potential of bovine oocytes matured under high lipid concentrations in vitro. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 252:107249. [PMID: 37119563 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107249] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Maternal obesity elevates non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) follicular concentrations. Bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) matured in vitro under high NEFA have altered metabolism and reduced quality. Systemically, obesity promotes altered mitochondrial metabolism linked to L-carnitine insufficiency. We hypothesized that L-carnitine supplementation during IVM of bovine COCs in the presence of high NEFA would lessen the negative effects of exposure to excessive lipids on embryonic development and oxidative stress. COCs were collected from abattoir ovaries and matured in four groups: CON (control), LC (3 mM L-carnitine), HN (high NEFA: 200uM oleic, 150uM palmitic and 75uM stearic acid), and HNLC (HN and LC). Mature oocytes were assayed for aerobic and anaerobic metabolism utilizing oxygen and pH microsensors or fertilized in vitro (D0). Cleavage (D3) and blastocyst (D7, D8) rates were assessed. D3 embryos with ≥ 4 cells were stained for cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS. D8 blastocysts were assayed for gene transcript abundance of metabolic enzymes. Oocyte metabolism was not affected by IVM treatment. D3 formation of embryos with ≥ 4 cells were lower in LC or HN than CON or HNLC; blastocyst rates were greater for CON and lower for HN than LC and HNLC. D3 embryo mitochondrial and cytosolic ROS were reduced in HNLC when compared to other groups. IVM in HN altered blastocyst gene transcript abundance when compared to CON, but not LC or HNLC. In conclusion, supplementation with L-carnitine protects oocytes exposed to high NEFA during IVM and improves their developmental competence, suggesting that high lipid exposure may lead to L-carnitine insufficiency in bovine oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovana D Catandi
- Equine Reproduction Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3101 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Ming-Hao Cheng
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Adam J Chicco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Tom Chen
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA; School of Biomedical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Elaine M Carnevale
- Equine Reproduction Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3101 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
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Silva BR, Silva JRV. Mechanisms of action of non-enzymatic antioxidants to control oxidative stress during in vitro follicle growth, oocyte maturation, and embryo development. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 249:107186. [PMID: 36638648 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In vitro follicle growth and oocyte maturation still has a series of limitations, since not all oocytes matured in vitro have the potential to develop in viable embryos. One of the factors associated with low oocyte quality is the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during in vitro culture. Therefore, this review aims to discuss the role of non-enzymatic antioxidants in the control of oxidative stress during in vitro follicular growth, oocyte maturation and embryonic development. A wide variety of non-enzymatic antioxidants (melatonin, resveratrol, L-ascorbic acid, L-carnitine, N-acetyl-cysteine, cysteamine, quercetin, nobiletin, lycopene, acteoside, mogroside V, phycocyanin and laminarin) have been used to supplement culture media. Some of them, like N-acetyl-cysteine, cysteamine, nobiletin and quercetin act by increasing the levels of glutathione (GSH), while melatonin and resveratrol increase the expression of antioxidant enzymes and minimize oocyte oxidative stress. L-ascorbic acid reduces free radicals and reactive oxygen species. Lycopene positively regulates the expression of many antioxidant genes. Additionally, L-carnitine protects DNA against ROS-induced damage, while acteoside and laminarin reduces the expression of proapoptotic genes. Mogrosides increases mitochondrial function and reduces intracellular ROS levels, phycocyanin reduces lipid peroxidation, and lycopene neutralizes the adverse effects of ROS. Thus, it is very important to know their mechanisms of actions, because the combination of two or more antioxidants with different activities has great potential to improve in vitro culture systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca R Silva
- Laboratory of Physiology and Biotechnology of Reproduction, Federal University of Ceara, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | - José R V Silva
- Laboratory of Physiology and Biotechnology of Reproduction, Federal University of Ceara, Sobral, CE, Brazil.
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Vitrification and in-straw warming do not affect pregnancy rates of biopsied bovine embryos. Theriogenology 2022; 191:221-230. [PMID: 35998405 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In the cattle industry, in vivo or in vitro embryo production combined with genotyping and cryopreservation technologies allows the selection and conservation of embryos carrying genes for desirable traits. This study aimed to assess the efficiency of a vitrification method suitable for in-straw warming of biopsied in vivo derived (IVD) bovine embryos. Three experiments were carried out using two methodologies: the Cryotop®, the gold standard vitrification and 3-step warming methodology, or the VitTrans, a vitrification/in-straw 1-step warming method that enables direct embryo transfer to the uterus. In experiment 1, intact and biopsied in vitro produced (IVP) day 7 expanded blastocysts were vitrified using the Cryotop® and warmed in 1- or 3-steps. No differences in survival rates were recorded at 24 h after warming for intact or biopsied IVP blastocysts irrespective of the warming procedure. In experiment 2, the effect of the time from trophectoderm (TE) biopsy to vitrification/in-straw warming on post-warming survival rate was assessed. No significant differences in survival were observed when blastocysts were vitrified/in-straw warmed immediately after biopsy or after 3 h in culture when compared to intact blastocysts. In experiment 3, IVD embryos were vitrified 3 h after biopsy using the Cryotop® or the VitTrans method and pregnancy rates were assessed at day 60 after transfer. Fresh, biopsied embryos served as control. Similar pregnancy rates were observed when IVD biopsied embryos were transferred fresh or vitrified/warmed by the Cryotop® or VitTrans method. No significant effect of the embryo quality or developmental stage was detected on the percentage of pregnant recipients when IVD biopsied embryos were transferred fresh or after vitrification. While fresh female IVD embryos produced significantly higher pregnancy rates than male embryos, there were no differences in pregnancy rates when male or female vitrified/warmed embryos were transferred. About 81% from the biopsies analyzed successfully determined the embryo sex, confirming that DNA was there, and it was efficiently amplified. To conclude, our findings indicate that both vitrification methodologies produced similar post-warming outcomes for both intact and biopsied IVP embryos. Besides, vitrification/in-straw warming of biopsied IVD bovine embryos did not affect the viability to originate pregnancy, being a useful option for their direct transfer in field conditions.
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Ghanem N, Zayed M, Mohamed I, Mohammady M, Shehata MF. Co-expression of candidate genes regulating growth performance and carcass traits of Barki lambs in Egypt. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:260. [PMID: 35953554 PMCID: PMC9372007 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03263-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Sheep are considered one of the main sources of animal protein in Egypt and the producers of sheep mutton eagers to find biological criteria for selecting fast-growing lambs that reach market weight early. Therefore, the present study aimed to find a link between the expression profile of selected candidate genes with growth performance and carcass traits of Barki lambs. Thirty-eight Barki lambs were kept and fed individually after weaning till 12 months of age and were divided into 3 groups according to growth performance (fast, intermediate, and slow-growing). Three samples were taken from different body tissues (eye muscle, liver, and fat tail) of each group, directly during slaughtering and stored at − 80 °C until RNA isolation. Real-time PCR was used to profile selected candidate genes (RPL7, CTP1, FABP4, ADIPOQ, and CAPN3) and GAPDH was used as a housekeeping gene. The results indicated that the final body weight was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) greater in the fast (49.9 kg) and intermediate (40.7 kg) compared to slow-growing animals (30.8 kg). The hot carcass weight was heavier (P ≤ 0.05) in the fast and intermediate-growing (24.57 and 19.07 kg) than slow-growing lambs (15.10 kg). The blood profiles of T3 and T4 hormones in addition to other parameters such as total protein, total lipids, and calcium level showed no clear variations among different experimental groups. At the molecular level, our data demonstrated upregulation of genes involved in protein biosynthesis (RPL7), fatty acid oxidation (CPT1), and lipolysis (FABP4) in the fast and intermediate-growing lambs in all studied tissues which facilitate protein accretion, energy expenditure, and fatty acid partitioning required for muscle building up. Moreover, the expression profile of the gene involved in muscle development (CAPN3) was increased in fast and intermediate-growing compared to slow-growing lambs in order to support muscle proper development. On the other hand, a candidate gene involved in lipogenesis (ADIPOQ) was expressed similarly in fat and liver tissues; however, its expression was increased in muscles of fast and intermediate-growing lambs compared to slow-growing animals. In conclusion, the current study indicated that the expression profile of genes involved in metabolic activities of liver, muscle, and adipose tissue is linked with the growth performance of lambs although no variations were detected in blood parameters. This provides an evidence for the importance of co-expression of these genes in body tissues to determine the final body weight and carcass characteristics of Barki sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasser Ghanem
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, El-Gamaa Street, Giza, 12613, Egypt. .,Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University Research Park, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed Zayed
- Department of Animal and Poultry Breeding, Animal and Poultry Division, Desert Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ismail Mohamed
- Department of Animal and Poultry Breeding, Animal and Poultry Division, Desert Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mona Mohammady
- Department of Animal and Poultry Breeding, Animal and Poultry Division, Desert Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - M F Shehata
- Department of Animal and Poultry Breeding, Animal and Poultry Division, Desert Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
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Ghanem N, Fakruzzaman M, Batawi AH, Kong IK. Post-thaw viability, developmental and molecular deviations in in vitro produced bovine embryos cultured with l-carnitine at different levels of fetal calf serum. Theriogenology 2022; 191:54-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Moniruzzaman M, Modak A, Islam M, Khatun A, Alam M, Akter I, Kabir AKMA, Hashem M. L–carnitine improves developmental competence of buffalo oocytes in vitro. ASIAN PACIFIC JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTION 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/2305-0500.356843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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13
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El-Sokary MMM, El-Naby ASAHH, El Hameed ARA, Mahmoud KGM, Scholkamy TH. Impact of L-carnitine supplementation on the in vitro developmental competence and cryotolerance of buffalo embryos. Vet World 2021; 14:3164-3169. [PMID: 35153408 PMCID: PMC8829399 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2021.3164-3169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim: Despite many trials, buffalo embryos have poor cryosurvivability because of their high lipid content. L-carnitine was found to be a lipid-reducing agent when added to oocyte and embryo culture media. The study aimed to determine the most effective concentration of L-carnitine to improve the oocyte developmental competence and cryotolerance of buffalo embryos.
Materials and Methods: In vitro maturation and embryo culture media were supplemented with four concentrations of L-carnitine: 0 (control), 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mM. Good-quality embryos on 7 days were vitrified using mixtures of dimethyl sulfoxide and ethylene glycol at two concentrations (3.5 and 7 M).
Results: The result showed that the cleavage and morula rates were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the 0.5 mM group. Blastocyst rates were significantly (p<0.05) higher at both 0.5 and 1 mM. The rates of viable embryos directly after thawing were significantly (p<0.05) increased in the 0.5 mM group. No significant difference was found in embryos cultured for 24 h after warming among all the groups.
Conclusion: The addition of L-carnitine at a concentration of 0.5 mM to the culture media improves the oocyte developmental competence and cryotolerance of buffalo embryos directly after warming but not after 24 h of culture. Nevertheless, further studies must identify how L-carnitine exerts its beneficial micromechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amal R. Abd El Hameed
- Department of Animal Reproduction and A.I., Veterinary Research Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Karima Gh. M. Mahmoud
- Department of Animal Reproduction and A.I., Veterinary Research Division, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - T. H. Scholkamy
- Department of Field Investigations, Animal Reproduction Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt
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14
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Báez F, Gómez B, de Brun V, Rodríguez-Osorio N, Viñoles C. Effect of Ethanol on Parthenogenetic Activation and α-Tocopherol Supplementation during In Vitro Maturation on Developmental Competence of Summer-Collected Bovine Oocytes. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2021; 43:2253-2265. [PMID: 34940132 PMCID: PMC8929142 DOI: 10.3390/cimb43030158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of α-tocopherol during in vitro maturation (IVM) is an alternative to minimize the adverse effects of heat stress on oocyte competence. However, α-tocopherol is diluted in ethanol, which can induce oocyte parthenogenetic activation (PA). This study aimed to evaluate the role of ethanol concentration on PA and the effect of α-tocopherol supplementation during IVM on the developmental competence and the expression of key genes in blastocysts derived from summer-collected oocytes. All in vitro embryo production was conducted at 5% O2, 5% CO2 at 38.5 °C. Experiment 1: oocytes were cultured with or without 0.05% ethanol. As positive PA control matured oocytes were subjected to 3% or 7% ethanol for 7 min. Oocytes from all groups were placed in fertilization medium (22 h) and culture medium (9 days). Ethanol at 0.05% during IVM did not induce oocyte PA, however, 3% and 7% ethanol were effective parthenogenetic inductors. Experiment 2: oocytes were cultured in maturation medium supplemented with 0, 50, 100 and 200 μM α-tocopherol, diluted in 0.05% ethanol. After in vitro fertilization and embryo culture, we assessed blastocyst apoptotic index and the transcription of a panel of genes. The results showed that supplementation with 100 μM α-tocopherol reduced apoptotic index and increased the expression of SOD2. In conclusion, 100 μM α-tocopherol, diluted in 0.05% ethanol, can be used during IVM to embryonic quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Báez
- Instituto Superior de la Carne, Centro Universitario Regional Noreste, Universidad de la República, Ruta 5, km 386, Tacuarembó 45000, Uruguay;
- Correspondence:
| | - Belén Gómez
- Instituto Superior de la Carne, Centro Universitario Regional Noreste, Universidad de la República, Ruta 5, km 386, Tacuarembó 45000, Uruguay;
| | - Victoria de Brun
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología y Metabolismo Animal, Universidad de la República, Laspalces 1620, Montevideo 45000, Uruguay;
| | - Nélida Rodríguez-Osorio
- Unidad de Genómica y Bioinformática, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Centro Universitario Regional Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República, Rivera 1350, Salto 50000, Uruguay;
| | - Carolina Viñoles
- Centro de Salud Reproductiva de Rumiantes en Sistemas Agroforestales, Centro Universitario Regional Noreste, Universidad de la República, Ruta 26, km 408, Cerro Largo 37000, Uruguay;
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15
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Cajas YN, Cañón-Beltrán K, Núñez-Puente C, Gutierrez-Adán A, González EM, Agirregoitia E, Rizos D. Nobiletin-induced partial abrogation of deleterious effects of AKT inhibition on preimplantation bovine embryo development in vitro. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:1427-1442. [PMID: 34617564 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab184] [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: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
During preimplantational embryo development, PI3K/AKT regulates cell proliferation and differentiation and nobiletin modulates this pathway to promote cell survival. Therefore, we aimed to establish whether, when the AKT cascade is inhibited using inhibitors III and IV, nobiletin supplementation to in vitro culture media during the minor (2 to 8-cell stage, MNEGA) or major (8 to 16-cell stage, MJEGA) phases of EGA is able to modulate the development and quality of bovine embryos. In vitro zygotes were cultured during MNEGA or MJEGA phase in SOF + 5% FCS or supplemented with: 15 μM AKT-InhIII; 10 μM AKT-InhIV; 10 μM nobiletin; nobiletin+AKT-InhIII; nobiletin+AKT-InhIV; 0.03% DMSO. Embryo development was lower in treatments with AKT inhibitors, while combination of nobiletin with AKT inhibitors was able to recover their adverse developmental effect and also increase blastocyst cell number. The mRNA abundance of GPX1, NFE2L2, and POU5F1 was partially increased in 8- and 16-cell embryos from nobiletin with AKT inhibitors. Besides, nobiletin increased the p-rpS6 level whether or not AKT inhibitors were present. In conclusion, nobiletin promotes bovine embryo development and quality and partially recovers the adverse developmental effect of AKT inhibitors which infers that nobiletin probably uses another signalling cascade that PI3K/AKT during early embryo development in bovine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia N Cajas
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Karina Cañón-Beltrán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Núñez-Puente
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutierrez-Adán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Encina M González
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ekaitz Agirregoitia
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), 28040, Madrid, Spain
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16
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Carrillo-González DF, Hernández-Herrera DY, Maldonado-Estrada JG. The role of L-carnitine in bovine embryo metabolism. A review of the effect of supplementation with a metabolic modulator on in vitro embryo production. Anim Biotechnol 2021; 34:413-423. [PMID: 34154517 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2021.1938593] [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: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Early embryo development is driven first by the maternal RNAs and proteins accumulated during the oocyte's cytoplasmic maturation and then after the embryo genome activation. In mammalian cells, ATP generation occurs via oxidative pathways or by glycolysis, whereas in embryonic stem cells, the consumption of glucose, pyruvate, lipids, and amino acids results in ATP synthesis. Although the bovine embryo has energy reserves in glycogen and lipids, the glycogen concentration is deficient. Conversely, lipids represent the most abundant energy reservoir of bovine embryos, where lipid droplets-containing triacylglycerols are the main fatty acid stores. Oocytes of many mammalian species contain comparatively high amounts of lipids stored as droplets in the ooplasm. L-carnitine has been described as a cofactor that facilitates the mobilization of fatty acids present in the oocyte's cytoplasm into the mitochondria to facilitate β-oxidation processes. However, the L-carnitine effects by addition to media in the in vitro produced embryos on the quality are highly disputed and contradictory by different researchers. This review's objective was to explore the effect that the addition of L-carnitine on culture media could have on the overall bovine embryo production in vitro, from the oocyte metabolism to the modulation of gene expression in the developing embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego F Carrillo-González
- OHVRI Research Group, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.,Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, School of Zootechny, University of Sucre, Sincelejo, Colombia
| | | | - Juan G Maldonado-Estrada
- OHVRI Research Group, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
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17
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Nobiletin enhances the development and quality of bovine embryos in vitro during two key periods of embryonic genome activation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11796. [PMID: 34083641 PMCID: PMC8175487 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91158-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro culture can alter the development and quality of bovine embryos. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate whether nobiletin supplementation during EGA improves embryonic development and blastocyst quality and if it affects PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In vitro zygotes were cultured in SOF + 5% FCS (Control) or supplemented with 5, 10 or 25 µM nobiletin (Nob5, Nob10, Nob25) or with 0.03% dimethyl-sulfoxide (CDMSO) during minor (2 to 8-cell stage; MNEGA) or major (8 to 16-cell stage; MJEGA) EGA phase. Blastocyst yield on Day 8 was higher in Nob5 (42.7 ± 1.0%) and Nob10 (44.4 ± 1.3%) for MNEGA phase and in Nob10 (61.0 ± 0.8%) for MJEGA phase compared to other groups. Mitochondrial activity was higher and lipid content was reduced in blastocysts produced with nobiletin, irrespective of EGA phase. The mRNA abundance of CDK2, H3-3B, H3-3A, GPX1, NFE2L2 and PPARα transcripts was increased in 8-cells, 16-cells and blastocysts from nobiletin groups. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed immunoreactive proteins for p-AKT forms (Thr308 and Ser473) in bovine blastocysts produced with nobiletin. In conclusion, nobiletin supplementation during EGA has a positive effect on preimplantation bovine embryonic development in vitro and corroborates on the quality improvement of the produced blastocysts which could be modulated by the activation of AKT signaling pathway.
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18
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Lipid profile of bovine grade-1 blastocysts produced either in vivo or in vitro before and after slow freezing process. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11618. [PMID: 34078963 PMCID: PMC8172931 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90870-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, in vitro embryo production (IVP) is successfully commercially applied in cattle. However, the high sensitivity of embryos to cryopreservation in comparison to in vivo (IVD) embryos slows the dissemination of this biotechnology. Reduced cryotolerance is frequently associated with lipid accumulation in the cytoplasm mainly due to in vitro culture conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the lipid composition of biopsied and sexed embryos, produced either in vivo or in vitro from the same Holstein heifers before and after a slow freezing protocol. Lipid extracts were analysed by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry, which enabled the detection of 496 features. Our results highlighted a lipid enrichment of IVP embryos in triglycerides and oxidised glycerophospholipids and a reduced abundance in glycerophospholipids. The slow freezing process affected the lipid profiles of IVP and IVD embryos similarly. Lysophosphatidylcholine content was reduced when embryos were frozen/thawed. In conclusion, the embryonic lipid profile is impacted by IVP and slow freezing protocols but not by sex. Lysophosphatidylcholine seemed highly sensitive to cryopreservation and might contribute to explain the lower quality of frozen embryos. Further studies are required to improve embryo freezability by modulating the lipidome.
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19
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Lipid Metabolism in Bovine Oocytes and Early Embryos under In Vivo, In Vitro, and Stress Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073421. [PMID: 33810351 PMCID: PMC8038040 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipids are a potential reservoir of energy for initial embryonic development before activation of the embryonic genome and are involved in plasma membrane biosynthesis. Excessive lipid droplet formation is detrimental to cryotolerance and is related to alterations in mitochondrial function, which likely affects lipid metabolism. Increased lipid accumulation in in vitro produced embryos is a consequence of the stress during in vitro embryonic development process. There are several open questions concerning embryo lipid metabolism and developmental potential. Oocyte maturation and embryo development in vivo and in vitro may vary if the donors are subjected to any type of stress before follicle puncture because crucial changes in oocyte/embryonic metabolism occur in response to stress. However, little is known about lipid metabolism under additional stress (such as heat stress). Therefore, in this review, we aimed to update the information regarding the energy metabolism of oocytes and early bovine embryos exhibiting developmental competence, focusing on lipid metabolic pathways observed under in vivo, in vitro, and stress conditions.
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20
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Cellular and molecular alterations of buffalo oocytes cultured under two different levels of oxygen tension during in vitro maturation. ZYGOTE 2021; 29:314-324. [PMID: 33622439 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199420000945] [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: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to monitor the cellular and molecular changes of buffalo cumulus-oocytes complexes (COCs) cultured under high or low oxygen levels. Morphologically good quality COCs (n = 1627) were screened using brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) staining and placed into three groups (BCB+, BCB- and control). All groups of COCs were cultured under low (5%) or high (20%) oxygen tensions. Intracellular and molecular changes including oocyte ultrastructure, lipid contents, mitochondrial activity and transcript abundance of genes regulating different pathways were analyzed in the matured oocyte groups. The results revealed that oxygen tension did not affect cumulus expansion rates, however the BCB+ group had a higher (P ≤ 0.05) expansion rate compared with the BCB- group. BCB- oocytes recorded the lowest meiotic progression rate (P ≤ 0.05) under high oxygen levels that was linked with an increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared with the BCB+ oocytes. Ultrastructure examination indicated that BCB+ oocytes had a higher rate of cortical granules migration compared with BCB- under low oxygen tension. In parallel, our results indicated the upregulation of NFE2L2 in groups of oocytes cultured under high oxygen tension that was coupled with reduced mitochondrial activity. In contrast, the expression levels of MAPK14 and CPT2 genes were increased (P ≤ 0.05) in groups of oocytes cultured under low compared with high oxygen tension that was subsequently associated with increased mitochondrial activity. In conclusion, data from the present investigation indicated that low oxygen tension is a favourable condition for maintaining the mitochondrial activity required for nuclear maturation of buffalo oocytes. However, low-quality oocytes (BCB-) responded negatively to high oxygen tension by reducing the expression of gene-regulating metabolic activity (CPT2). This action was an attempt by BCB- oocytes to reduce the increased levels of endogenously produced ROS that was coupled with decreased expression of the gene controlling meiotic progression (MAPK14) in addition to nuclear maturation rate.
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21
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Marsico TV, Sales JNDS, Ferreira CR, Sudano MJ, Viana JHM, Camargo LSDA, Eberlin MN, Seneda MM, Baruselli PS. Characteristic MALDI-MS lipid profiles of Gir, Holstein and crossbred (Gir x Holstein) oocytes recovered by ovum pick-up. Livest Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2020.104380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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22
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Cañón-Beltrán K, Giraldo-Giraldo J, Cajas YN, Beltrán-Breña P, Hidalgo CO, Vásquez N, Leal CLV, Gutiérrez-Adán A, González EM, Rizos D. Inhibiting diacylglycerol acyltransferase-1 reduces lipid biosynthesis in bovine blastocysts produced in vitro. Theriogenology 2020; 158:267-276. [PMID: 33002770 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.09.014] [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: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Diacylglycerol acyltransferase-1 (DGAT1) is one of the DGAT enzymes that catalyzes the final step in the synthesis of triacylglycerol, which is a major component of the lipid droplets in embryos. Intracellular lipids accumulated in embryos produced in vitro have been associated with reduced cryotolerance and quality. The objective of the present study was to investigate the influence of DGAT1 inhibition on embryo development, quality, and post-vitrification survival, in addition to expression profiles of selected lipid metabolism-regulating and oxidative stress genes. Bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes were matured and fertilized in vitro and were cultured in synthetic oviduct fluid (SOF) supplemented with 5% fetal calf serum (FCS) alone (Control) or with 1, 5, 10 or 50 μM DGAT1 inhibitor (A922500®; D1, D5, D10, and D50, respectively) or 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide (CDMSO: vehicle for DGAT1 inhibitor dilution) from 54 h post-insemination until Day 8 post insemination. No differences were found in blastocyst yield on days 7 and 8 in Control, CDMSO, D10, and D50 groups. Embryos cultured with 10 or 50 μM DGAT1 inhibitor had greater mitochondrial activity (P < 0.01), and increased number of cells (P < 0.05), while the cytoplasmic lipid content was reduced (P < 0.01), the latter associated with altered expression profiles of selected genes regulating lipid metabolism or genes related with oxidative stress (transcript abundance increased for SLC2A1 and SLC2A5 and decreased for DGAT1 and GPX1). Importantly, the survival rate of blastocysts produced with 10 μM DGAT1 was higher than that of Control, CDMSO and D50 groups at 72 h after vitrification and warming (73.8 vs 57.1, 55.9 and 56.1%, respectively, P < 0.001). In conclusion, inhibition of DGAT1 synthesis in bovine embryos produced in vitro abrogates the negative effect of FCS by decreasing their lipid content, increasing mitochondria activity and improving embryo cryotolerance, as well as favoring the expression of lipid metabolism regulating and oxidative stress-related transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Cañón-Beltrán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Loja, Ecuador
| | - J Giraldo-Giraldo
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain; Reproductive Biotechnology Laboratory, School of Biosciences, Science Faculty, National University of Colombia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Y N Cajas
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - P Beltrán-Breña
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - C O Hidalgo
- Department of Animal Selection and Reproduction, The Regional Agri-Food Research and Development Service of Asturias (SERIDA), Gijon, Spain
| | - N Vásquez
- Reproductive Biotechnology Laboratory, School of Biosciences, Science Faculty, National University of Colombia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - C L V Leal
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain; Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - A Gutiérrez-Adán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - E M González
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
| | - D Rizos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain.
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23
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Kaabi AM, Barakat IAH, Alajmi RA, Abdel-Daim MM. Use of black seed (Nigella sativa) honey bee to improve sheep oocyte maturation medium. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:33872-33881. [PMID: 32535822 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09504-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Sheep are important livestock and a source of milk, meat, and wool globally. The increasing demand for animal protein requires increased productivity in sheep. In vitro fertilization and maturation can improve sheep productivity. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of honey bee addition as a supplementation medium on in vitro maturation improvement, gene expression of matured sheep oocytes, and determine the optimum concentration from honey bee for in vitro maturation of sheep oocytes. Cumulus oocyte complexes were obtained from the ovaries of slaughtered female sheep. Grade A and B oocytes were cultured for 24 h in medium without honey bee (control, G1) or medium supplemented with 5% (G2), 10% (G3), or 20% (G4) honey bee. Oocyte maturation rate, glutathione concentration, and the expression of candidate genes (GDF-9, BAX, Cyclin B, C-MOS, IGF1) were determined in the matured oocytes. The maturation rate of sheep oocyte was better in the presence of 5% and 10% honey bee; the mean number of oocytes in metaphase II stage was higher than that in G1 and G4 groups. Glutathione concentration was highest in G2 (10.93 ± 0.57). In general, gene expression levels were similar in G2 and G3, which were greater that in G1 and G4. In conclusion, the optimal concentration of black seeds honey bee that can be added to the maturation medium is 5% to obtain the highest mean MII and glutathione concentration values, and to improve gene expression in in vitro matured sheep oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaishah M Kaabi
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim Abdalla Hassan Barakat
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Cell Biology Department, National Research Center, 33 Bohouth St., Dokki, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Reem A Alajmi
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed M Abdel-Daim
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt.
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24
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Carrillo-González DF, Rodríguez-Osorio N, Long CR, Vásquez-Araque NA, Maldonado-Estrada JG. l-Carnitine Supplementation during In Vitro Maturation and In Vitro Culture Does not Affect the Survival Rates after Vitrification and Warming but Alters Inf-T and ptgs2 Gene Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165601. [PMID: 32764334 PMCID: PMC7460650 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
l-carnitine is a potent antioxidant used for in vitro culture systems. Controversial results have been reported using l-carnitine in culture medium at different stages of in vitro bovine embryo production. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (n = 843) were in vitro-fertilized and cultured and added (treatment group) or not added (control group) with l-carnitine. At day three of culture, each group was subdivided into two subgroups receiving no l-carnitine (group 1), 3.8 mM l-carnitine added during in vitro maturation (group 2), 1.5 mM added during the in vitro culture (group 3), and 3.8 mM and 1.5 mM added during the maturation and culture, respectively (group 4). At day 8, blastocyst embryos were examined for mitochondrial activity, the presence of lipid droplets, total cell number, gene expression, and cryotolerance by vitrification. The data were analyzed with a one-way analysis of variance. l-carnitine added in the late in vitro culture significantly reduced mitochondrial activity and lipid content, and upregulated ifn-τ and ptgs2 gene expression compared to controls (p < 0.05). l-carnitine supplementation did not significantly affect the embryo rate production or survival rate after vitrification and warming (p > 0.05). l-carnitine supplementation significantly improved embryo potential to develop viable pregnancies in agreement with a study reporting improved pregnancy rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego F. Carrillo-González
- One Health and Veterinary Innovative Research and Development (OHVRI) Group, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Antioquia, Medellin 050034, Colombia;
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, School of Zootechny, Universidad de Sucre, Sincelejo 700001, Colombia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +57-31-12-782241
| | - Nélida Rodríguez-Osorio
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, University of the Republic of Uruguay, Salto Campus, Rivera 1350, Salto 50000, Uruguay;
| | - Charles R. Long
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA;
| | - Neil A. Vásquez-Araque
- Grupo de investigación Biotecnología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Medellín, Medellín 050034, Colombia;
| | - Juan G. Maldonado-Estrada
- One Health and Veterinary Innovative Research and Development (OHVRI) Group, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Antioquia, Medellin 050034, Colombia;
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Production of in vitro bovine embryos supplemented with l-carnitine in different oxygen tensions and the relation to nitric oxide. ZYGOTE 2020. [DOI: 10.1017/s0967199420000258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
SummaryThe aim of this study was to evaluate the production of bovine embryos in vitro when supplemented with l-carnitine for 24 h beginning on day 5 (d 5) under two different oxygen tensions (20% or 5%) and the relationship of nitric oxide (NO) in in vitro culture (IVC) medium to embryo development. Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC; n = 837) were matured in vitro for 24 h and fertilization was performed for 18 h. Zygotes were cultured in vitro for 9 days after in vitro fertilization in synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF) medium with 5% fetal calf serum. At d 5 the plates were assigned to one of four treatment groups: high (20%) or low (5%) O2 tension either with or without the addition of 3.03 mM l-carnitine (High-Cont, High-Lcar, Low-Cont, Low-Lcar). The concentration of NO in the culture medium was evaluated on d 5, d 6 and d 9. On d 7, parts of the embryos were submitted for evaluation of intracellular lipid droplets. The cleavage rate was similar (P > 0.05) between high and low O2 tension and the blastocyst rate was similar in all conditions evaluated. The hatching rate was higher (P < 0.05) for Low-Cont. The NO concentration was higher at d 9 under low O2 tension (P < 0.1). The addition of 3.03 mM l-carnitine between d 5 and d 6 of IVC was not efficient in reducing cytoplasmic lipid content of bovine embryos. Additionally, IVC at a low oxygen tension without l-carnitine promoted better conditions for embryo development. A higher concentration of NO in medium was observed under low O2 tension.
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Carrillo-González DF, Maldonado-Estrada JG. L-carnitine supplementation in culture media improves the pregnancy rate of in vitro produced embryos with sexed semen from Bos taurus indicus cows. Trop Anim Health Prod 2020; 52:2559-2565. [PMID: 32440939 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-020-02281-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The in vitro embryo production industry in the actual world presents some difficulties related to low embryonic production rates, a problem that could be associated with in vitro culture conditions that differed from the in vivo (oviductal) conditions, mainly related to cytoplasmic lipid accumulation. L-carnitine is known as a modulator of β-oxidation in the developing embryo, as it has been demonstrated that it improves embryo quality without affecting the in vitro embryo production rate. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effect of L-carnitine supplemented during the in vitro maturation and culture processes on the implantation rate of in vitro produced embryos. Supplementation with 3.8 mM of L-carnitine was used during in vitro maturation, and later, during late in vitro culture, it was added at 1.5 mM. A control group contained no L-carnitine supplementation. Bovine oocytes obtained by ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration from healthy Bos taurus indicus cows were matured, fertilized and cultured in vitro. Multiparous F1 (Bos taurus taurus × Bos taurus indicus) cows were used as recipients. Overall, 460 oocytes were processed in three independent replicates from in vitro maturation until day 8 of the in vitro culture. No significant difference was found between treatments of in vitro embryo production. However, pregnancy rate at days 45 and 72 was significantly higher in blastocysts derived from L-carnitine treatment (31.55 ± 9.78%) compared to the control group (18.68 ± 6.31%). In conclusion, addition of L-carnitine at 3.8 mM and 1.5 mM in the maturation, and culture medium after day 3 of in vitro production process, significantly improved pregnancy rate after embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego F Carrillo-González
- One Health and Veterinary Innovative Research and Development (OHVRI) Group, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Antioquia, 050034, Medellin, Colombia. .,Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, School of Zootechny, Universidad de Sucre, Sincelejo, Colombia.
| | - Juan G Maldonado-Estrada
- One Health and Veterinary Innovative Research and Development (OHVRI) Group, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Antioquia, 050034, Medellin, Colombia
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Is it possible to alter the embryo lipid accumulation with reduction of fetal bovine serum and use of l-carnitine for in vitro maturation of bubaline oocytes? ZYGOTE 2020. [DOI: 10.1017/s096719941900073x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
SummaryIn vitro embryo production (IVEP) is a procedure that can promote genetic improvement in a short time frame. However, the success rates obtained with this biotechnology in water buffaloes are still inconsistent, and can be associated with the high concentration of lipids in the cytoplasm of oocytes and embryos. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of reduced concentration of fetal bovine serum (FBS) and/or use of l-carnitine during in vitro maturation (IVM) on the preimplantation development and lipid accumulation in bubaline embryos. In a first experiment, the lowest concentration of FBS in the IVM medium (0%, 2.5%, 5% or 10%) was determined, and the lowest concentration that maintained good embryo development rates was 5%. In a second experiment, the addition of 5 mM of l-carnitine into the maturation medium was evaluated. The blastocysts produced were submitted to lipid evaluation involving staining followed by observation using optical (Oil Red O) and confocal (BODIPY 493/503) microscopy. No difference was observed between the 5% and 10% FBS groups, which were superior to the 0% and 2.5% groups. Furthermore, the performance of the groups treated with 5% and 10% FBS was better than the groups supplemented with l-carnitine. There was no difference regarding embryo lipid accumulation. The results indicated that it is possible to reduce the FBS concentration to 5% in in vitro maturation medium for production of bubaline embryos, and supplementation with 5 mM l-carnitine does not increase embryo production.
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Dias LRO, Leme LO, Sprícigo JFW, Pivato I, Dode MAN. Effect of delipidant agents during in vitro culture on the development, lipid content, gene expression and cryotolerance of bovine embryos. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 55:11-20. [PMID: 31650647 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In vitro produced embryos are still sensitive to the freezing process which can be explained, in part, by the high-lipid accumulation that characterizes these embryos. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of delipidating agents, L-carnitine and the trans-10 cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomer, on blastocyst development, lipid content, gene expression and cryotolerance when added to embryo culture media. Embryos were cultured in four different media: T1: control (n = 616), synthetic oviduct fluid (SOF) media with 5% foetal bovine serum (FBS); T2: L-carnitine (n = 648), SOF medium with 5% FBS and 0.6 mg/ml of L-carnitine; T3: CLA (n = 627), SOF medium with 5% FBS and 100 μM trans-10 cis-12 CLA; and T4: L-carnitine + CLA: (n = 597), SOF medium with 5% FBS plus 0.6 mg/ml L-carnitine and 100 μM trans-10 cis-12 CLA. Supplementation of culture medium with either or both delipidating agents reduced (p < .05) blastocyst rate on D7 (T1 = 49 ± 3.5; T2 = 39 ± 3.0; T3 = 42 ± 3.9 and T4 = 39 ± 3.9), but did not affected gene expression (p > .05). Although embryos cultured in the presence of L-carnitine contained fewer (p < .05) lipid droplets than the control embryos, they showed a lower re-expansion rate 24 hr post-thaw than those (p < .05). In conclusion, although L-carnitine reduced the amount of lipids in cultured embryos, the use of L-carnitine and CLA during in vitro culture was not able to improve the embryo production and the response to cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ivo Pivato
- University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Margot Alves Nunes Dode
- University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.,EMBRAPA Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF, Brazil
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Alves GP, Cordeiro FB, Bruna de Lima C, Annes K, Cristina Dos Santos É, Ispada J, Fontes PK, Nogueira MFG, Nichi M, Milazzotto MP. Follicular environment as a predictive tool for embryo development and kinetics in cattle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:451-461. [PMID: 30301510 DOI: 10.1071/rd18143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicular fluid composition and the transcription pattern of granulosa cells were analysed to better comprehend associations between embryo development and morphokinetics. Bovine follicles were punctured and their respective follicular fluid and granulosa cells were collected. Cumulus-oocyte complexes derived from these follicles were matured and fertilised invitro. Embryo morphology and kinetics were evaluated at 40h after insemination, when embryos were classified as fast (FCL, four or more cells), slow (SCL, 2-3 cells) or non-cleaved (NCL). Their development was followed until the blastocyst stage. Glucose, pyruvate, cholesterol and oestradiol were quantified in the follicular fluid and the transcription pattern of 96 target genes was evaluated in granulosa cells by large-scale quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Follicular fluid from the blastocyst group had increased levels of glucose, total cholesterol and pyruvate compared to the non-blastocyst group, whereas higher levels of oestradiol were observed in the follicular fluid of embryos and blastocysts with fast cleavage. The transcriptional pattern revealed altered metabolic pathways between groups, such as lipid metabolism, cellular stress and cell signalling. In conclusion, both follicular fluid and granulosa cells are associated with the possibility of identifying follicles that may generate embryos with high potential to properly develop to the blastocyst stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gláucia Pereira Alves
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centre of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Federal University of ABC, Av dos Estados, 5005, CEP 09210190, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Bertuccez Cordeiro
- Laboratorio para Investigaciones Biomédicas, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Camila Bruna de Lima
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centre of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Federal University of ABC, Av dos Estados, 5005, CEP 09210190, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Kelly Annes
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centre of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Federal University of ABC, Av dos Estados, 5005, CEP 09210190, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Érika Cristina Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centre of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Federal University of ABC, Av dos Estados, 5005, CEP 09210190, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Ispada
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centre of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Federal University of ABC, Av dos Estados, 5005, CEP 09210190, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Kubo Fontes
- Institute of Biosciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Campus Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Fabio Gouveia Nogueira
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Sciences and Languages, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Campus Assis, Assis, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcílio Nichi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcella Pecora Milazzotto
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Centre of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Federal University of ABC, Av dos Estados, 5005, CEP 09210190, Santo André, SP, Brazil
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Dubeibe Marin DF, da Costa NN, di Paula Bessa Santana P, de Souza EB, Ohashi OM. Importance of lipid metabolism on oocyte maturation and early embryo development: Can we apply what we know to buffalo? Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 211:106220. [PMID: 31785645 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.106220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The knowledge about the biological events that regulate lipid metabolism in oocytes and embryos in buffalo is scarce. Lipogenesis, lipolysis, transport and oxidation of fatty acids (FAs) occur in gametes and embryonic cells of all mammalian species, as an intrinsic component of energy metabolism. In oocytes and cumulus cells, degradation of lipids is responsible for the production of ATP that is essential for the metabolic processes that lead to oocyte maturation in in vivo and in vitro culture conditions. Similarly, throughout embryo development, blastomeres have the capacity to use exogenous and/or endogenous lipid reserves to serve as an energy source necessary for early embryonic development. In addition, supplementation of culture media with L-carnitine to promote lipid metabolism during in vitro oocyte maturation and early embryonic development leads to an improved embryo quality. The limited scientific evidence available in buffalo indicates there is relatively greater oocyte lipid content as compared with many other species that undergoes a dynamic distribution during folliculogenesis and follicle maturation and that has a positive effect on oocyte maturation and embryo development when there is L-carnitine supplementation of the media. Advances in the understanding of the biological peculiarities of lipid metabolism, and the consequences of its alteration on the quality of buffalo gametes and embryos, therefore, are necessary to design specific culture media and laboratory procedures as a strategy to increase in vitro-derived embryo production rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Fernando Dubeibe Marin
- Biological Sciences Institute, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Federal University of Pará, (Universidade Federal do Pará-UFPA), Belém, Pará, 66075-110, Brazil.
| | - Nathalia Nogueira da Costa
- Biological Sciences Institute, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Federal University of Pará, (Universidade Federal do Pará-UFPA), Belém, Pará, 66075-110, Brazil
| | | | - Eduardo Baia de Souza
- Biological Sciences Institute, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Federal University of Pará, (Universidade Federal do Pará-UFPA), Belém, Pará, 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Otavio Mitio Ohashi
- Biological Sciences Institute, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Federal University of Pará, (Universidade Federal do Pará-UFPA), Belém, Pará, 66075-110, Brazil
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31
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Abstract
Human embryo studies have proposed the use of additional morphological evaluations related to the moment of the first cell divisions as relevant to embryo viability. Nevertheless, there are still not enough data available related to morphokinetic analysis and its relationship with lipid composition in embryos. Therefore, the aim of this study was to address the lipid profile of bovine embryos with different developmental kinetics: fast (four or more cells) and slow (two or three cells) at 40 h post-insemination (hpi), at three time points of in vitro culture (40, 112 and 186 hpi) and compare these to profiles of in vivo embryos. The lipid profiles of embryos were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry, which mainly detected pools of membrane lipids such as phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin. In addition to their structural function, these lipid classes have an important role in cell signalling, particularly regarding events such as stress and pregnancy. Different patterns of lipids in the fast and slow groups were revealed in all the analyzed stages. Also, differences between in vitro embryos were more pronounced at 112 hpi, a critical moment due to embryonic genome activation. At the blastocyst stage, in vitro-produced embryos, despite the kinetics, had a closer lipid profile when compared with in vivo blastocysts. In conclusion, the kinetics of development had a greater effect on the membrane lipid profiles throughout the embryo culture, especially at the 8-16-cell stage. The in vitro environment affects lipid composition and may compromise cell signalling and function in blastocysts.
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32
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Laskowski D, Andersson G, Humblot P, Sirard MA, Sjunnesson Y, Ferreira CR, Pirro V, Båge R. Lipid profile of bovine blastocysts exposed to insulin during in vitro oocyte maturation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 30:1253-1266. [PMID: 29655403 DOI: 10.1071/rd17248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Insulin is a key hormone with important functions in energy metabolism and is involved in the regulation of reproduction. Hyperinsulinaemia is known to impair fertility (for example, in obese mothers); therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of elevated insulin concentrations during the sensitive period of oocyte maturation on gene expression and lipid profiles of the bovine Day-8 embryo. Two different insulin concentrations were used during in vitro oocyte maturation (INS10=10µgmL-1 and INS0.1=0.1µgmL-1) in order to observe possible dose-dependent effects or thresholds for hyperinsulinaemia in vitro. By investigating gene expression patterns by an mRNA microarray in combination with lipid profile analysis by desorption electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) of embryos derived from insulin-treated oocytes, we gained further insights regarding molecular responses of embryos to insulin provocation during the first days of development. Lipid metabolism appeared to be influenced on multiple levels according to gene expression results but the profiles collected in positive-ion mode by DESI-MS (showing mostly ubiquinone, cholesteryl esters and triacylglycerols) did not differ significantly from controls. There are parallels in follicular development of ruminants and humans that make this bovine model relevant for comparative research on early human embryonic development during hyperinsulinaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Laskowski
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Göran Andersson
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7023, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Patrice Humblot
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marc-André Sirard
- Departement des Sciences Animales, Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction, Pavillon Des Services, Local 2732, University Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Ylva Sjunnesson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Christina R Ferreira
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2084, USA
| | - Valentina Pirro
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2084, USA
| | - Renée Båge
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
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33
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Xu L, Mesalam A, Lee KL, Song SH, Khan I, Chowdhury MMR, Lv W, Kong IK. Improves the In Vitro Developmental Competence and Reprogramming Efficiency of Cloned Bovine Embryos by Additional Complimentary Cytoplasm. Cell Reprogram 2019; 21:51-60. [PMID: 30735075 PMCID: PMC6383574 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2018.0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is a useful technology; however, its efficiency is low. In this study, we investigated the effects of cytoplasmic transfer into enucleated oocytes on the developmental competence and quality of cloned preimplantation bovine embryos via terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling, quantitative reverse transcription PCR, and immunocytochemistry. We used cytoplasm injection cloning technology (CICT), a new technique via which the cytoplasmic volume of an enucleated oocyte could be restored by injecting ∼30% of the cytoplasm of a donor oocyte. The percentages of embryos that underwent cleavage and formed a blastocyst were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the CICT group than in the SCNT group (28.9 ± 0.8% vs. 20.2 ± 1.3%, respectively). Furthermore, the total cell number per day 8 blastocyst was significantly higher in the CICT group than in the SCNT group (176.2 ± 6.5 vs. 119.3 ± 7.7, p < 0.05). Moreover, CICT increased mitochondrial activity, as detected using MitoTracker® Green. The mRNA levels of DNA methyltransferase 1 and DNA methyltransferase 3a were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the CICT group than in the SCNT group. The mRNA level of DNA methyltransferase 3b was lower in the CICT group than in the SCNT group; however, this difference was not significant (p > 0.05). Taken together, these data suggest that CICT improves the in vitro developmental competence and quality of cloned bovine embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianguang Xu
- 1 Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Plus), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Ayman Mesalam
- 1 Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Plus), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea.,2 Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Kyeong-Lim Lee
- 1 Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Plus), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Hwan Song
- 1 Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Plus), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Imran Khan
- 1 Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Plus), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - M M R Chowdhury
- 1 Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Plus), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea.,3 Animal Genetic Resources Research Center, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Namwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Wenfa Lv
- 4 Division of Animal Reproduction and Breeding, Department of Animal Science, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Republic of China
| | - Il-Keun Kong
- 1 Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Plus), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea.,5 Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
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Veshkini A, Mohammadi-Sangcheshmeh A, Ghanem N, Abazari-Kia AH, Mottaghi E, Kamaledini R, Deldar H, Ozturk I, Gastal EL. Oocyte maturation with royal jelly increases embryo development and reduces apoptosis in goats. Anim Reprod 2018; 15:124-134. [PMID: 34122643 PMCID: PMC8186877 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-2017-ar986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Royal jelly (RJ) was supplemented to goat oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM)
medium at three different concentrations (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/ml). Maturation rate, embryo
cleavage, and blastocyst rate were recorded. Gene expression of apoptosis-related transcripts
was investigated in matured oocytes. Percentage of oocytes that reached MII-stage was increased
in RJ-treated groups compared to the control group. Glutathione (GSH) content of mature oocytes
was enhanced when RJ was added to IVM medium at any supplementation compared with control.
Percentage of cleaved embryos and blastocysts was higher in the RJ-treated groups at a concentration
of 5 than in the 2.5 mg/ml and control group. Total number of cells per blastocyst was not different
in the control and RJ-treated group at 5 mg/ml. However, number of apoptotic cells per blastocyst
was higher in the control group than in the RJ-treated group at 5 mg/ml. Expression profile
of Bax, and p53 was down-regulated while
Bcl-2 was up-regulated in oocytes treated with RJ at 5 and 10 mg/ml compared with
the control group. Addition of RJ at concentrations of 5 mg/ml improved embryo production
through increasing maturation rate. RJ seems to improve the IVM microenvironment by reducing
expression of genes inducing apoptosis, enhancing GSH content, and reducing incidence of
apoptosis in blastocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arash Veshkini
- Department of Transgenic Animal Science, Stem Cell Technology Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Nasser Ghanem
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | | | - Elmira Mottaghi
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Tehran Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Kamaledini
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Tehran Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Deldar
- Department of Animal Science, College of Animal Science and Fisheries, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran
| | - Irfan Ozturk
- Department of Biometry Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Harran University, Sanliurfa, Turkey
| | - Eduardo Leite Gastal
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
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35
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Gómez E, Carrocera S, Uzbekova S, Martín D, Murillo A, Alonso-Guervós M, Goyache F, Muñoz M. Protein in culture and endogenous lipid interact with embryonic stages in vitro to alter calf birthweight after embryo vitrification and warming. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 29:1932-1943. [PMID: 27890045 DOI: 10.1071/rd16213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Short-term protein removal in vitro improves long-term blastocyst competence to survive vitrification. We investigated the mechanisms and effects underlying protein removal. Day-6 morulae and early blastocysts were cultured individually with and without protein for 24h. Development and lipid content were analysed in expanded blastocysts derived from morulae (M-XB) and from early blastocysts (EB-XB). Expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism, stress responses and apoptosis was analysed in fresh and vitrified-warmed M-XB produced with and without protein. Pregnancy rates, birth rates and birthweight (BW) were recorded after transfer of embryos. Day-7 EB-XB production rates (with, 66.9±6.2 and without, 68.8±6.0 protein) were higher than M-XB rates (with, 21.4±4.6 and without, 9.4±4.6 protein; P<0.005). EB-XB showed fewer lipids than M-XB (P=0.03). In fresh M-XB, expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP1) was lower with (4.1±2.2) than without (13.6±2.2) protein, contrary to results obtained for Patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 2, Hormone-sensitive lipase and Bcl-2-associated X protein (P<0.05). Protein did not affect pregnancy rates and birth phenotypes (P>0.05). However, BW was higher (P<0.01) in calves born from vitrified M-XB (48.6±3.4kg) than from EB-XB (39.8±2.9kg). Such effects were more pronounced in females (P<0.001). Calves from fresh embryos did not show BW differences. These results indicate that embryonic kinetics and vitrification impact birth phenotypes, at least in females. Alterations might involve exogenous protein and mobilisation of lipid stocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Gómez
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal, SERIDA, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain
| | - S Carrocera
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal, SERIDA, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain
| | - S Uzbekova
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique , UMR8 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - D Martín
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal, SERIDA, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain
| | - A Murillo
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal, SERIDA, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain
| | - M Alonso-Guervós
- Unidad de Microscopía Fotónica y Proceso de Imágenes, Servicios Científico Técnicos, Universidad de Oviedo, Instituto Universitario de Oncología de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - F Goyache
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal, SERIDA, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain
| | - M Muñoz
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal, SERIDA, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain
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36
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Verma M, Pandey S, Bhat IA, Mukesh B, Anand J, Chandra V, Sharma GT. Impact of l-carnitine on lipid content and post thaw survivability of buffalo embryos produced in vitro. Cryobiology 2018; 82:99-105. [PMID: 29626464 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to see the impact of L-Carnitine (LC) on lipid biosynthesis and metabolism of buffalo embryos, and post thaw blastocyst survivability. In vitro fertilized (IVF) embryos were derived from slaughterhouse derived COCs and cultured in different doses of LC i.e. 0, 1 mM, 1.5 mM, 2 mM starting at 48 h post IVF. Blastocyst rate was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in 1.5 mM group than control and 1.0 mM group. Lipid content was measured indirectly by fluorescent intensity of lipid droplets after Nile red staining, and it was lower (p < 0.05) in treated than control groups. CPT1B, DGAT2 and DGAT1 mRNA expression was up regulated (p < 0.05) while AMPKg1 expression was down regulated in 1.5 mM and 2 mM groups compared to other groups (p < 0.05). mRNA expression of GLUT1, OCT4 and IFN-tau was higher (P < 0.05) in 1.5 mM group than the control group. Expression of BAX was down regulated at 1.5 mM LC. Blastocyts were vitrified by a modified OPS method and post thaw survivability of blastocysts was higher (P < 0.05) in 1.5 mM LC than other groups. In post thaw blastocysts, mRNA expression of GLUT1, OCT4 and IFN-tau was higher (P < 0.05) in 1.5 mM than other groups. Thus, it can be concluded that supplementation of l-carnitine (1.5 mM) in embryo culture media improved the quality of buffalo embryo production and post thaw blastocysts survivability by reducing fatty acid synthesis, enhancing fatty acid metabolism, and reducing lipid droplet formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megha Verma
- Division of Physiology & Climatology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243 122, UP, India
| | - Sriti Pandey
- Division of Physiology & Climatology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243 122, UP, India
| | - Irfan A Bhat
- Division of Physiology & Climatology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243 122, UP, India
| | - B Mukesh
- Division of Physiology & Climatology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243 122, UP, India
| | - J Anand
- Division of Physiology & Climatology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243 122, UP, India
| | - Vikash Chandra
- Division of Physiology & Climatology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243 122, UP, India.
| | - G Taru Sharma
- Division of Physiology & Climatology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, 243 122, UP, India
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Agarwal A, Sengupta P, Durairajanayagam D. Role of L-carnitine in female infertility. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:5. [PMID: 29373970 PMCID: PMC5785901 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0323-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND L-carnitine (LC), and its acetylated form, acetyl L-carnitine (ALC), have immense functional capabilities to regulate the oxidative and metabolic status of the female reproductive system. The vulnerability of this system to free radicals demand for advanced strategies to combat them. For this purpose, the 'quasi vitamins' LC and ALC can be used either individually, or in combination with each other or with other antioxidants. MAIN BODY This review (a) summarizes the effects of carnitines on female fertility along with the findings from various in vivo and in vitro studies involving human, animal and assisted reproductive technology, and (b) proposes their mechanism of actions in improving female fertility through their integrated actions on reducing cellular stress, maintaining hormonal balance and enhancing energy production. They reportedly aid β-oxidation in oocytes, maintain its cell membrane stability by acetylation of phospholipids and amphiphilic actions, prevent free radical-induced DNA damage and also stabilize acetyl Co-A/Co-A ratio for adequate acetyl storage as energy supply to maintain the robustness of reproductive cells. CONCLUSION While both LC and ALC have their applications in improving female fertility, ALC is preferred for its better antioxidant properties and LC for amelioration of energy supply to the cells. These beneficial effects show great promise in its application as a treatment option for women facing infertility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Mail Code X-11, 10681 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
| | - Pallav Sengupta
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, MAHSA University, Jalan SP2, Bandar Saujana Putra, 42610, Jenjarum, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Damayanthi Durairajanayagam
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sungai Buloh Campus, Jalan Hospital, 47000, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
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Supplementation of l-carnitine during in vitro maturation improves embryo development from less competent bovine oocytes. Theriogenology 2017; 102:16-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Murillo A, Muñoz M, Martín-González D, Carrocera S, Martínez-Nistal A, Gómez E. Low serum concentration in bovine embryo culture enhances early blastocyst rates on Day-6 with quality traits in the expanded blastocyst stage similar to BSA-cultured embryos. Reprod Biol 2017; 17:162-171. [PMID: 28479126 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In bovine, single in vitro embryo culture in protein-free medium from Day-6 to Day-7 leads to expanded blastocyst (XB) with improved pregnancy and birth rates after cryopreservation. Under these conditions, early blastocysts (EB) progress to the XB stage at higher rates than morulae (M). However, embryo production with BSA in culture prior to Day-6 leads to low EB rates. We investigated whether a very low FCS concentration (0.1%) in culture from Day-1 to Day-6 would improve EB rates and, subsequently, increase XB rates on Day-7 after single culture in protein-free medium. The quality of embryos produced was evaluated in terms of survival to cryopreservation, apoptosis percentage, lipid accumulation and transfer to recipients. On Day-6, EB rates from embryos cultured with FCS were higher than with BSA (P=0.022). On Day-7, XB rates were higher in embryos from Day-6 EB than from Day-6M, both with and without FCS (P<0.005). After vitrification/warming of Day-7 XB, 100% embryos survived at 24h in all treatments, and total cell number and apoptosis percentage were not affected by the presence of FCS or embryonic stage on Day-6. Cryopreserved and fresh embryos produced with FCS until Day-6, and then deprived of protein and cultured individually, led to pregnancies after ET. In conclusion, minute FCS concentration improves EB rates on Day-6 leading, after one-day single culture without protein, to more XBs. The quality of XB produced with FCS compares well with XB produced with BSA in terms of apoptosis, lipid accumulation and pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Murillo
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal, SERIDA, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain.
| | - M Muñoz
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal, SERIDA, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain
| | - D Martín-González
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal, SERIDA, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain
| | - S Carrocera
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal, SERIDA, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain
| | - A Martínez-Nistal
- Unidad de Microscopía Fotónica y Proceso de Imágenes, Servicios Científico Técnicos, Universidad de Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - E Gómez
- Centro de Biotecnología Animal, SERIDA, Camino de Rioseco 1225, 33394 Gijón, Spain
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Held-Hoelker E, Klein SL, Rings F, Salilew-Wondim D, Saeed-Zidane M, Neuhoff C, Tesfaye D, Schellander K, Hoelker M. Cryosurvival of in vitro produced bovine embryos supplemented with l-Carnitine and concurrent reduction of fatty acids. Theriogenology 2017; 96:145-152. [PMID: 28532831 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Lipid accumulation is associated with reduced embryonic quality, causing limited survival after cryopreservation. Therefore, in the present study we aimed to reveal the effects of supplementation of a lipid reducing agent, l-carnitine and the removal of fatty acids during in vitro culture on the morphological as well as on the molecular level. To accomplish that, presumptive zygotes were cultured in 4 contrasting groups: namely SOFaa medium supplemented with BSA, (BSA), SOFaa medium supplemented with fatty acid free BSA (FAF), SOFaa medium supplemented with BSA as well as l-Carnitine (BSA + LC) and SOFaa medium concurrently supplemented with fatty acid free BSA and l-Carnitine (FAF + LC). Considering the developmental rates, no impact of different treatments was observed. Conversely, treatment groups clearly affected lipid content, with the lowest amounts detected in embryos derived from FAF and BSA + LC groups, implicating that both removal of fatty acids and supplementation of LC reduces lipid content effectively. Importantly, survival rates after cryopreservation show that LC significantly affects the kinetics of re-expansion, with the highest hatching rates detected for embryos cultured in FAF + LC (p < 0.05). Noteworthy, the highest cryotolerance did not go along with lowest lipid contents. Finally, metabolic alterations between the groups were reflected in different abundances of selected candidate genes related to lipid metabolism and oxidative stress response, like AMPKA1, ACC and PGC1 α or KEAP1 and SOD1. All in all, highly beneficial effects on survival rates after cryopreservation have been detected when embryos were cultured in absence of fatty acids and concurrent presence of l-Carnitine. Highest cryotolerance, however, did not correlate with lowest lipid contents.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Held-Hoelker
- Research Station Frankenforst, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bonn, Königswinter, Germany; Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115 Bonn, Germany.
| | - S L Klein
- Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - F Rings
- Research Station Frankenforst, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bonn, Königswinter, Germany
| | - D Salilew-Wondim
- Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - M Saeed-Zidane
- Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - C Neuhoff
- Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - D Tesfaye
- Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - K Schellander
- Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - M Hoelker
- Research Station Frankenforst, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bonn, Königswinter, Germany; Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, University of Bonn, Endenicher Allee 15, 53115 Bonn, Germany
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Milazzotto MP, Goissis MD, Chitwood JL, Annes K, Soares CA, Ispada J, Assumpção MEOÁ, Ross PJ. Early cleavages influence the molecular and the metabolic pattern of individually cultured bovine blastocysts. Mol Reprod Dev 2016; 83:324-36. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - James Lee Chitwood
- Department of Animal Science; University of California; Davis California
| | - Kelly Annes
- Center of Natural and Human Sciences; Universidade Federal do ABC; Santo Andre Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - Carlos Alexandre Soares
- Center of Natural and Human Sciences; Universidade Federal do ABC; Santo Andre Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - Jéssica Ispada
- Center of Natural and Human Sciences; Universidade Federal do ABC; Santo Andre Sao Paulo Brazil
| | | | - Pablo Juan Ross
- Department of Animal Science; University of California; Davis California
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Mehaisen GMK, Saeed AM, Gad A, Abass AO, Arafa M, El-Sayed A. Antioxidant Capacity of Melatonin on Preimplantation Development of Fresh and Vitrified Rabbit Embryos: Morphological and Molecular Aspects. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0139814. [PMID: 26439391 PMCID: PMC4595475 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryo cryopreservation remains an important technique to enhance the reconstitution and distribution of animal populations with high genetic merit. One of the major detrimental factors to this technique is the damage caused by oxidative stress. Melatonin is widely known as an antioxidant with multi-faceted ways to counteract the oxidative stress. In this paper, we investigated the role of melatonin in protecting rabbit embryos during preimplantation development from the potential harmful effects of oxidative stress induced by in vitro culture or vitrification. Rabbit embryos at morula stages were cultured for 2 hr with 0 or 10−3 M melatonin (C or M groups). Embryos of each group were either transferred to fresh culture media (CF and MF groups) or vitrified/devitrified (CV and MV groups), then cultured in vitro for 48 hr until the blastocyst stage. The culture media were used to measure the activity of antioxidant enzymes: glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as the levels of two oxidative substrates: lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO). The blastocysts from each group were used to measure the expression of developmental-related genes (GJA1, POU5F1 and Nanog) and oxidative-stress-response-related genes (NFE2L2, SOD1 and GPX1). The data showed that melatonin promoted significantly (P<0.05) the blastocyst rate by 17% and 12% in MF and MV groups compared to their controls (CF and CV groups). The GST and SOD activity significantly increased by the treatment of melatonin in fresh or vitrified embryos, while the levels of LPO and NO decreased (P<0.05). Additionally, melatonin considerably stimulated the relative expression of GJA1, NFE2L2 and SOD1 genes in MF and MV embryos compared to CF group. Furthermore, melatonin significantly ameliorated the reduction of POU5F1 and GPX1 expression induced by vitrification. The results obtained from the current investigation provide new and clear molecular aspects regarding the mechanisms by which melatonin promotes development of both fresh and vitrified rabbit embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gamal M. K. Mehaisen
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
- * E-mail:
| | - Ayman M. Saeed
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Animal Production Research Institute, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Gad
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
- Cairo University Research Park (CURP), Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmed O. Abass
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Arafa
- Animal Health Research Institute, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ashraf El-Sayed
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
- Cairo University Research Park (CURP), Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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Bang J, Jin J, Ghanem N, Choi B, Fakruzzaman M, Ha A, Lee K, Uhm S, Ko D, Koo B, Lee J, Kong I. Quality improvement of transgenic cloned bovine embryos using an aggregation method: Effects on cell number, cell ratio, embryo perimeter, mitochondrial distribution, and gene expression profile. Theriogenology 2015; 84:509-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Revised: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Baldoceda L, Gagné D, Ferreira CR, Robert C. Genetic influence on the reduction in bovine embryo lipid content by l-carnitine. Reprod Fertil Dev 2015; 28:RD14215. [PMID: 25568931 DOI: 10.1071/rd14215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The decreased rate of pregnancy obtained in cattle using frozen in vitro embryos compared with in vivo embryos has been associated with over-accumulation of intracellular lipid, which causes cell damage during cryopreservation. It is believed that the higher lipid content of blastomeres of bovine embryos produced in vitro results in darker-coloured cytoplasm, which could be a consequence of impaired mitochondrial function. In this study, l-carnitine was used as a treatment to reduce embryonic lipid content by increasing metabolism in cultured bovine embryos. We have observed previously that in vivo embryos of different dairy breeds collected from cows housed and fed under the same conditions differed in lipid content and metabolism. As such, breed effects between Holstein and Jersey were also examined in terms of general appearance, lipid composition, mitochondrial activity and gene expression. Adding l-carnitine to the embryo culture medium reduced the lipid content in both breeds due to increased mitochondrial activity. The response to l-carnitine was weaker in Jersey than in Holstein embryos. Our results thus show that genetics influence the response of bovine embryos to stimulation of mitochondrial metabolism.
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