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Dovolou E, Nanas I, Giannoulis T, Fytsilli A, Ntemka A, Anifandis G, Tsakmakidis I, Amiridis GS. The effects of a glyphosate-based herbicide on the bovine gametes during an in vitro embryo production model. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 350:123967. [PMID: 38631452 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Roundup® (R), while it is the most used herbicide globally, and its residues are ubiquitous in urban and suburban areas, its impact on vertebrates' safety remains highly debated. Here, in three in vitro experiments, we investigated the effects of a very low dose (1 ppm) of R on the fertilization capacity and embryo development in cattle. In the first experiment, frozen-thawed bull semen exposed to R for 1 h exhibited reduced motility parameters but unaffected fertilization ability. However, after in vitro fertilization, the rates of embryo formation were significantly lower compared to the untreated controls. In the second experiment, oocytes exposed to R during in vitro maturation showed reduced cleavage rates, and the embryo yield on days 7, 8, and 9 of embryo culture was significantly lower than that of the controls. In the third experiment, oocytes were matured in the presence of R and in a medium containing both R and Zinc, chosen to offer antioxidant protection to the oocytes. Day-7 blastocysts were analyzed for the expression of genes associated with oxidative stress, apoptosis, and epigenetic reprogramming. Exposure to R markedly suppressed embryo formation rates compared to the controls. The combination of R with Zinc restored the blastocyst yield, which on days 8 and 9 was comparable to that of the controls and higher than the groups exposed only to R on all days. The gene expression analysis revealed that R promotes oxidative stress development, triggers apoptosis, and induces epigenetic changes in developing embryos, while zinc presence alleviates these adverse effects of R. These findings imply that even at very low doses, R could be highly toxic, leading to functional abnormalities in both gametes, potentially affecting fertility in both genders.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Dovolou
- Department of Animal Science, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
| | - I Nanas
- Department of Obstetrics & Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - T Giannoulis
- Department of Animal Science, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - A Fytsilli
- Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, Laboratory of Genetics, Comparative and Evolutionary Biology, Larissa, Greece
| | - A Ntemka
- Department of Animal Science, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece; Clinic of Farm Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - G Anifandis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, ART Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - I Tsakmakidis
- Clinic of Farm Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - G S Amiridis
- Department of Obstetrics & Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
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Feng Y, Zhao X, Ruan Z, Li Z, Mo H, Lu F, Shi D. Zinc improves the developmental ability of bovine in vitro fertilization embryos through its antioxidative action. Theriogenology 2024; 221:47-58. [PMID: 38554613 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.03.013] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Zinc, an essential trace mineral, exerts a pivotal influence in various biological processes. Through zinc concentration analysis, we found that the zinc concentration in the bovine embryo in vitro culture (IVC) medium was significantly lower than that in bovine follicular fluid. Therefore, this study explored the impact of zinc sulfate on IVC bovine embryo development and investigated the underlying mechanism. The results revealed a significant decline in zygote cleavage and blastocyst development rates when zinc deficiency was induced using zinc chelator N, N, N', N'-Tetrakis (2-pyridylmethyl) ethylenediamine (TPEN) in culture medium during embryo in vitro culture. The influence of zinc-deficiency was time-dependent. Conversely, supplementing 0.8 μg/mL zinc sulfate to culture medium (CM) increased the cleavage and blastocyst formation rate significantly. Moreover, this supplementation reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, elevated the glutathione (GSH) levels in blastocysts, upregulated the mRNA expression of antioxidase-related genes, and activated the Nrf2-Keap1-ARE signaling pathways. Furthermore, 0.8 μg/mL zinc sulfate enhanced mitochondrial membrane potential, maintained DNA stability, and enhanced the quality of bovine (in vitro fertilization) IVF blastocysts. In conclusion, the addition of 0.8 μg/mL zinc sulfate to CM could enhance the antioxidant capacity, activates the Nrf2-Keap1-ARE signaling pathways, augment mitochondrial membrane potential, and stabilizes DNA, ultimately improving blastocyst quality and in vitro bovine embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China; Reproductive Medicine Center, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530003, China
| | - Ziyun Ruan
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Zhengda Li
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Hongfang Mo
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Fenghua Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China.
| | - Deshun Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding, Disease Control and Prevention, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530005, China.
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Cabeza JP, Cámera J, Briski O, Felipe MY, Salamone DF, Gambini A. Preimplantation Developmental Competence of Bovine and Porcine Oocytes Activated by Zinc Chelation. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12243560. [PMID: 36552480 PMCID: PMC9774810 DOI: 10.3390/ani12243560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
After sperm-oocyte fusion, intracytoplasmic rises of calcium (Ca) induce the release of zinc (Zn) out of the oocyte (Zn sparks). Both phenomena are known to play an essential role in the oocyte activation process. Our work aimed to explore different protocols for activating bovine and porcine oocytes using the novel zinc chelator 1,10-phenanthroline (PHEN) and to compare developmental rates and quality to bovine IVF and parthenogenetic ionomycin-induced embryos in both species. Different incubation conditions for the zinc chelator were tested, including its combination with ionomycin. Embryo quality was assessed by immunofluorescence of SOX2, SOX17, OCT4, and CDX2 and total cell number at the blastocyst stage. Even though blastocyst development was achieved using a zinc chelator in bovine, bypassing calcium oscillations, developmental rates, and blastocyst quality were compromised compared to embryos generated with sperm-induced or ionomycin calcium rise. On the contrary, zinc chelation is sufficient to trigger oocyte activation in porcine. Additionally, we determined the optimal exposure to PHEN for this species. Zinc chelation and artificial induction of calcium rise combined did not improve developmental competence. Our results contribute to understanding the role of zinc during oocyte activation and preimplantation embryo development across different mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan P. Cabeza
- Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1417DSE, Argentina
| | - Juan Cámera
- Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1417DSE, Argentina
| | - Olinda Briski
- Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1417DSE, Argentina
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción Animal (INPA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1417DSE, Argentina
| | - Minerva Yauri Felipe
- Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1417DSE, Argentina
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción Animal (INPA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1417DSE, Argentina
| | - Daniel F. Salamone
- Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1417DSE, Argentina
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción Animal (INPA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1417DSE, Argentina
| | - Andrés Gambini
- Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1417DSE, Argentina
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
- Correspondence:
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Yahfoufi ZA, Bai D, Khan SN, Chatzicharalampous C, Kohan-Ghadr HR, Morris RT, Abu-Soud HM. Glyphosate Induces Metaphase II Oocyte Deterioration and Embryo Damage by Zinc Depletion and Overproduction of Reactive Oxygen Species. Toxicology 2020; 439:152466. [PMID: 32315717 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2020.152466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Glyphosate is the most popular herbicide used in modern agriculture, and its use has been increasing substantially since its introduction. Accordingly, glyphosate exposure from food and water, the environment, and accidental and occupational venues has also increased. Recent studies have demonstrated a relationship between glyphosate exposure and a number of disorders such as cancer, immune and metabolic disorders, endocrine disruption, imbalance of intestinal flora, cardiovascular disease, and infertility; these results have given glyphosate a considerable amount of media and scientific attention. Notably, glyphosate is a powerful metal chelator, which could help explain some of its effects. Recently, our findings on 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid, another metal chelator, showed deterioration of oocyte quality. Here, to generalize, we investigated the effects of glyphosate (0 - 300 μM) on metaphase II mouse oocyte quality and embryo damage to obtain insight on its mechanisms of cellular action and the tolerance of oocytes and embryos towards this chemical. Our work shows for the first time that glyphosate exposure impairs metaphase II mouse oocyte quality via two mechanisms: 1) disruption of the microtubule organizing center and chromosomes such as anomalous pericentrin formation, spindle fiber destruction and disappearance, and defective chromosomal alignment and 2) substantial depletion of intracellular zinc bioavailability and enhancement of reactive oxygen species accumulation. Similar effects were found in embryos. These results may help clarify the effects of glyphosate exposure on female fertility and provide counseling and preventative steps for excessive glyphosate intake and resulting oxidative stress and reduced zinc bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeina A Yahfoufi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States; Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI,48201, United States
| | - David Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Sana N Khan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Charalampos Chatzicharalampous
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Hamid-Reza Kohan-Ghadr
- Michigan State University, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, Michigan 45903, United States
| | - Robert T Morris
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States; Karmaros Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, 48201, United States
| | - Husam M Abu-Soud
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States; Department of Physiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI,48201, United States; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, United States.
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5
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Wooldridge LK, Nardi ME, Ealy AD. Zinc supplementation during in vitro embryo culture increases inner cell mass and total cell numbers in bovine blastocysts1. J Anim Sci 2020; 97:4946-4950. [PMID: 31712807 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skz351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Deficiencies in current embryo culture media likely contribute to the poor blastocyst development rates and pregnancy retention rates for in vitro produced (IVP) bovine embryos. Of special concern is the lack of micronutrients in these media formulations. One micronutrient of interest is zinc, an essential trace element involved with various enzyme and transcription factor activities. The objective of this work was to describe whether zinc sulfate supplementation during in vitro embryo culture affects bovine embryo development and blastomere numbers. Either 0, 2, 20, or 40 µM zinc sulfate was supplemented to presumptive zygotes cultured in synthetic oviductal fluid containing AAs and bovine serum albumin for 8 d. None of the treatments affected cleavage rates. Percentage of blastocysts on days 7 and 8 postfertilization was not affected by supplementing 2 or 20 µM zinc but were reduced (P < 0.05) with 40 µM zinc. In blastocysts harvested on day 8, inner cell mass (ICM) and total cell number were increased (P < 0.05) with 2 µM zinc supplementation but not with the other zinc concentrations. Numbers of trophectoderm cells were not affected by zinc treatment. In conclusion, supplementing zinc during bovine embryo culture did not impact blastocyst development but improved ICM cell numbers. This improvement in ICM cell number may have implications for improved pregnancy retention rates after IVP embryo transfer as smaller ICM sizes are associated with poor pregnancy success in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia K Wooldridge
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Madison E Nardi
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Alan D Ealy
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
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6
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Wang JL, Zhang C, Liu B, Huang XM, Dai JG, Tian JH, Gao JM. Function of berberine on porcine in vitro fertilization embryo development and differential expression analysis of microRNAs. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 54:520-530. [PMID: 30578596 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The effect of berberine (Ber) on in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryo development in pigs and the associated differential expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the embryo were investigated. NCSU-23 embryonic culture medium was used for a control group, while NCSU-23 embryonic culture medium added with Ber was used for a Ber group. The embryo development rates in these groups were determined, and the zygotes, 4- and 8-cell embryos, and blastocysts were collected for cDNA microarray analysis. The development rates of 2-, 4-, 8-cell embryos and blastocysts were significantly higher in the Ber group than those in the control group (p < 0.01). The differentially expressed miRNAs in the 8-cell versus the 4-cell stage in control group as well as in the 8-cell Ber group versus the 8-cell control group overlapped, and it was found that nine miRNAs were commonly upregulated and two of them were downregulated, while there was no overlap among the other groups. The target genes of Ber-regulated miRNAs at the 8-cell stage were mainly associated with the molecular pathway of nucleic acid and protein synthesis. These findings suggest that Ber may regulate the expression of miRNAs at the 8-cell stage, which is beneficial to provide material reserves for the maternal to zygote transition of porcine embryos, thereby increasing the porcine IVF embryo development rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Li Wang
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Liu
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Meng Huang
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Ge Dai
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Hui Tian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Ming Gao
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing, China
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7
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Yoon JD, Hwang SU, Kim M, Lee G, Jeon Y, Hyun SH. GDF8 enhances SOX2 expression and blastocyst total cell number in porcine IVF embryo development. Theriogenology 2019; 129:70-76. [PMID: 30825707 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.02.007] [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: 03/18/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 8 (GDF8) is a member of the transforming growth factor-β family and a physiological regulator. According to recent studies, GDF8 can be detected in follicular fluid and the uterus, suggesting that GDF8 may affect preimplantation embryonic development and act in a paracrine manner to improve the success of late-blastocyst implantation in vivo. We investigated the effect of GDF8 supplementation during in vitro culture (IVC) of porcine embryos derived from in vitro fertilization (IVF) and parthenogenetic activation (PA) on cleavage, blastocyst formation rate, and total cell number and analysed gene transcription levels and cell linage specification in the resulting blastocysts. First, the concentration of GDF8 in porcine oviductal fluid was determined to be 139.8 pg/mL. Then, 0, 0.2, 2, or 20 ng/mL GDF8 was added to embryos throughout the entire IVC period. Our results showed that supplementation with GDF8 during porcine preimplantation embryo IVC enhanced blastocyst formation and total cell number and altered the transcriptional patterns of genes that regulate pluripotency and cavitation. Furthermore, using differential immunostaining, we demonstrated that supplementation with GDF8 enhanced the expression of the genuine inner cell mass (ICM) marker SOX2 and the ICM/trophectoderm ratio, improving IVF blastocyst quality. In conclusion, for the first time, we demonstrated the presence of the in vivo oviductal factor GDF8 in oviductal fluid. Furthermore, we found that GDF8 supplementation at 0.2 ng/mL increased the blastocyst total cell number and ICM/trophectoderm ratio by inducing the transcription of genes involved in developmental competence and the expression of genuine ICM marker SOX2 during porcine IVF embryo development in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junchul David Yoon
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology, Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea; Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon-Ung Hwang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology, Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea; Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Mirae Kim
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology, Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea; Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Gabsang Lee
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yubyeol Jeon
- Laboratory of Theriogenology and Reproductive Biotechnologies, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, 79 Gobong-ro, Iksan, Jeolabuk-do, 54596, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sang-Hwan Hyun
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology, Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea; Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea.
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Zinc supplementation of vitrification medium improves in vitro maturation and fertilization of oocytes derived from vitrified-warmed mouse ovaries. Cryobiology 2017; 74:31-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2016.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 12/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Zinc Chloride Transiently Maintains Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Pluripotency by Activating Stat3 Signaling. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0148994. [PMID: 26910359 PMCID: PMC4765890 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
An improved understanding of the pluripotency maintenance of embryonic stem (ES) cells is important for investigations of early embryo development and for cell replacement therapy, but the mechanism behind pluripotency is still incompletely understood. Recent findings show that zinc, an essential trace element in humans, is critically involved in regulating various signaling pathways and genes expression. However, its role in ES cell fate determination remains to be further explored. Here we showed that 2μM zinc chloride (ZnCl2) transiently maintained mouse ES cell pluripotency in vitro. The cultured mouse ES cells remained undifferentiated under 2μM ZnCl2 treatment in leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) withdrawal, retinoic acid (RA) or embryoid bodies (EBs) differentiation assays. In addition, ZnCl2 increased pluripotency genes expression and inhibited differentiation genes expression. Further mechanistic studies revealed that ZnCl2 transiently activated signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (Stat3) signaling through promoting Stat3 phosphorylation. Inhibition of Stat3 signaling abrogated the effects of ZnCl2 on mouse ES cell pluripotency. Taken together, this study demonstrated a critical role of zinc in the pluripotency maintenance of mouse ES cells, as well as an important regulator of Stat3 signaling.
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