1
|
Six R, Benedetti C, Fan Y, Guan X, Gansemans Y, Hedia M, Bogado Pascottini O, Pavani KC, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Deforce D, Smits K, Van Soom A, Peelman L. Expression profile and gap-junctional transfer of microRNAs in the bovine cumulus-oocyte complex. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1404675. [PMID: 39055654 PMCID: PMC11269113 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1404675] [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: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNA) are important regulators of oocyte maturation, playing a key role in modulating gene expression both in a temporal- and spatial-specific manner. These small non-coding RNAs are involved in important processes during oocyte maturation, acting as messengers between the oocyte and its surrounding cumulus cells. Despite its significance, the bidirectional communication mechanism is still unknown. To test miRNA communication between oocyte and surrounding cumulus cells through the gap junctions the gap junctions were either blocked with carbenoxolone or not. MiRNA sequencing of oocytes at 1, 6, and 22 h of in vitro maturation was then performed. Among the differentially expressed miRNAs, bta-miR-21-5p, a regulator of cumulus cell viability and oocyte maturation, was the only previously known miRNA. Furthermore, by labeling a bta-miR-21-5p mimic with FAM, crossing of this miRNA through the gap junctions within the cumulus-oocyte complex could be visualized and internalization in the oocyte was confirmed by RT-qPCR. In conclusion, this study provides, for the first time, evidence that miRNA communication within the bovine cumulus-oocyte complex is enabled through the gap junctional network.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R. Six
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - C. Benedetti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Y. Fan
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - X. Guan
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Y. Gansemans
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mohamed Hedia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - O. Bogado Pascottini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - K. C. Pavani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - F. Van Nieuwerburgh
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - D. Deforce
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - K. Smits
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - A. Van Soom
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - L. Peelman
- Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yurchuk T, Likszo P, Witek K, Petrushko M, Skarzynski DJ. New Approach to the Cryopreservation of GV Oocytes and Cumulus Cells through the Lens of Preserving the Intercellular Gap Junctions Based on the Bovine Model. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6074. [PMID: 38892259 PMCID: PMC11172894 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Differences in structural and functional properties between oocytes and cumulus cells (CCs) may cause low vitrification efficiency for cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs). We have suggested that the disconnection of CCs and oocytes in order to further cryopreservation in various ways will positively affect the viability after thawing, while further co-culture in vitro will contribute to the restoration of lost intercellular gap junctions. This study aimed to determine the optimal method of cryopreservation of the suspension of CCs to mature GV oocytes in vitro and to determine the level of mRNA expression of the genes (GJA1, GJA4; BCL2, BAX) and gene-specific epigenetic marks (DNMT3A) after cryopreservation and in vitro maturation (IVM) in various culture systems. We have shown that the slow freezing of CCs in microstraws preserved the largest number of viable cells with intact DNA compared with the methods of vitrification and slow freezing in microdroplets. Cryopreservation caused the upregulation of the genes Cx37 and Cx43 in the oocytes to restore gap junctions between cells. In conclusion, the presence of CCs in the co-culture system during IVM of oocytes played an important role in the regulation of the expression of the intercellular proteins Cx37 and Cx43, apoptotic changes, and oocyte methylation. Slow freezing in microstraws was considered to be an optimal method for cryopreservation of CCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taisiia Yurchuk
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (P.L.)
- Department of Cryobiology of Reproductive System, Institute for Problems of Cryobiology and Cryomedicine of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 61-016 Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Pawel Likszo
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (P.L.)
| | - Krzysztof Witek
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (P.L.)
| | - Maryna Petrushko
- Department of Cryobiology of Reproductive System, Institute for Problems of Cryobiology and Cryomedicine of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 61-016 Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Dariusz J. Skarzynski
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (P.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Du S, Wang Y, Yang X, Liu X, Deng K, Chen M, Yan X, Lu F, Shi D. Beneficial effects of fibroblast growth factor 10 supplementation during in vitro maturation of buffalo cumulus-oocyte complexes. Theriogenology 2023; 201:126-137. [PMID: 36893617 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.02.023] [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: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) is an important regulator of the mammalian cumulus-oocyte complex that plays a crucial role in oocyte maturation. In this study, we investigated the effects of FGF10 supplementation on the in vitro maturation (IVM) of buffalo oocytes and its related mechanisms. During IVM, the maturation medium was supplemented with a range of concentrations of FGF10 (0, 0.5, 5, and 50 ng/mL) and the resulting effects were corroborated using aceto-orcein staining, TUNEL apoptosis assay, detection of Cdc2/Cdk1 kinase in oocytes, and real-time quantitative PCR. In matured oocytes, the 5 ng/mL-FGF10 treatment resulted in a significantly increased nuclear maturation rate, which increased the activity of maturation-promoting factor (MPF) and enhanced buffalo oocyte maturation. Furthermore, it treatment significantly inhibited the apoptosis of cumulus cells, while simultaneously promoting its proliferation and expansion. This treatment also increased the absorption of glucose in cumulus cells. Thus, our results indicate that adding an appropriate concentration of FGF10 to a maturation medium during IVM can be beneficial to the maturation of buffalo oocytes and improve the potential of embryo development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Du
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, China; Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yanxin Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaofen Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaohua Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Kai Deng
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Mengjia Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xi Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Fenghua Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.
| | - Deshun Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Angel-Velez D, Meese T, Hedia M, Fernandez-Montoro A, De Coster T, Pascottini OB, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Govaere J, Van Soom A, Pavani K, Smits K. Transcriptomics Reveal Molecular Differences in Equine Oocytes Vitrified before and after In Vitro Maturation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24086915. [PMID: 37108081 PMCID: PMC10138936 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, in vitro embryo production in horses has become an established clinical practice, but blastocyst rates from vitrified equine oocytes remain low. Cryopreservation impairs the oocyte developmental potential, which may be reflected in the messenger RNA (mRNA) profile. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the transcriptome profiles of metaphase II equine oocytes vitrified before and after in vitro maturation. To do so, three groups were analyzed with RNA sequencing: (1) fresh in vitro matured oocytes as a control (FR), (2) oocytes vitrified after in vitro maturation (VMAT), and (3) oocytes vitrified immature, warmed, and in vitro matured (VIM). In comparison with fresh oocytes, VIM resulted in 46 differentially expressed (DE) genes (14 upregulated and 32 downregulated), while VMAT showed 36 DE genes (18 in each category). A comparison of VIM vs. VMAT resulted in 44 DE genes (20 upregulated and 24 downregulated). Pathway analyses highlighted cytoskeleton, spindle formation, and calcium and cation ion transport and homeostasis as the main affected pathways in vitrified oocytes. The vitrification of in vitro matured oocytes presented subtle advantages in terms of the mRNA profile over the vitrification of immature oocytes. Therefore, this study provides a new perspective for understanding the impact of vitrification on equine oocytes and can be the basis for further improvements in the efficiency of equine oocyte vitrification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Angel-Velez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
- Research Group in Animal Sciences-INCA-CES, Universidad CES, Medellin 050021, Colombia
| | - Tim Meese
- Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mohamed Hedia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt
| | - Andrea Fernandez-Montoro
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Tine De Coster
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Osvaldo Bogado Pascottini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Nieuwerburgh
- Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Govaere
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Krishna Pavani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Katrien Smits
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Angel-Velez D, De Coster T, Azari-Dolatabad N, Fernández-Montoro A, Benedetti C, Pavani K, Van Soom A, Bogado Pascottini O, Smits K. Embryo morphokinetics derived from fresh and vitrified bovine oocytes predict blastocyst development and nuclear abnormalities. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4765. [PMID: 36959320 PMCID: PMC10036495 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31268-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryo development is a dynamic process and critical stages may go unnoticed with the use of traditional morphologic assessments, especially the timing of embryonic divisions and aberrant zygotic cleavage patterns. Bovine embryo development is impaired after oocyte vitrification, but little is known about the underlying morphokinetic behavior. Here, bovine zygotes from fresh (n = 708) and vitrified oocytes (n = 182) were monitored by time-lapse imaging and the timing and nature of early blastomere divisions were modeled to find associations with blastocyst development at day 8. The predictive potential of morphokinetic parameters was analyzed by logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to determine optimal cut-off values. Lag-phase was highly correlated with embryo development. Remarkably, 100% of zygotes that reached the blastocyst stage showed a lag-phase. Fast first cleavage increased the chance of blastocyst development to 30% with a cut-off of 32 h and 22 min. Aberrant zygotic cleavage events, including multipolar division, unequal blastomere sizes, and membrane ruffling resulted in decreased blastocyst development. Multipolar division leads to uneven blastomeres, which was associated with anuclear and multinuclear blastomeres, indicating genome segregation errors. Moreover, we described for the first time morphokinetics of embryos derived from vitrified bovine oocytes. Vitrification severely affected blastocyst development, although lower cryoprotectant concentration in equilibration solutions seems to be less detrimental for embryo yield. Impaired development was linked to slow cleavages, lower lag-phase incidence, and increased early embryonic arrest. Typically, less than 15% of the embryos produced from vitrified oocytes reached more than eight cells. Interestingly, the rate of abnormal first cleavage events was not affected by oocyte vitrification. In conclusion, time to first cleavage, the presence of a lag-phase, and the absence of aberrant zygotic cleavage were the best predictors of bovine blastocyst development for both fresh and vitrified oocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Angel-Velez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction, and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
- Research Group in Animal Sciences - INCA-CES, Universidad CES, Medellin, Colombia.
| | - Tine De Coster
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction, and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Nima Azari-Dolatabad
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction, and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Andrea Fernández-Montoro
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction, and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Camilla Benedetti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction, and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Krishna Pavani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction, and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000, Gent, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction, and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Osvaldo Bogado Pascottini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction, and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Katrien Smits
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction, and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ma R, Yu S, Cui Y, Pan Y, Wang M, Wang L, Wang J, Zhao L, Zhang H. Epidermal growth factor regulates autophagy activity and endocytosis of yak cumulus cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Front Vet Sci 2023; 9:1081643. [PMID: 36699336 PMCID: PMC9868291 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1081643] [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: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autophagy and endocytosis are crucial biological activities in mammalian follicle development and oocyte maturation, which are easily affected by external environmental factors. Epidermal growth factor (EGF), as an important component of follicular fluid, regulates the growth and apoptosis of follicular cells. However, its regulatory mechanism of autophagy and endocytosis in mammals, especially in large domestic animals such as plateau yak, remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanism of EGF on autophagy and endocytosis in yak cumulus cells. Methods Yak cumulus cells were treated with different concentrations of EGF and appropriate concentrations of EGFR inhibitor gefitinib (10 μM). The dynamic expression levels of Atg5, Beclin1, LC3, Cav1 and Cav2 were detected by immunofluorescence staining, qRT-PCR and Western-blot. Results EGF inhibited autophagy in yak cumulus cells by down-regulating the expression of Atg5, Beclin1, and LC3. The level of autophagy varied with the concentration of ligands, and the inhibition was most significant at 100 ng/mL. Noteworthy, EGF can promote endocytosis by regulating the expression of Cav1 and Cav2, but the EGFR-mediated signaling pathway is not the main way to regulate the expression of these proteins. Discussion These results provide a reference for further exploring the effects of growth factors on livestock germ cells and the regulatory role of autophagy-endocytosis crosstalk mechanism in follicle development and oocyte maturation, to improve the fecundity of yaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Sijiu Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,*Correspondence: Sijiu Yu ✉
| | - Yan Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Yan Cui ✉
| | - Yangyang Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Meng Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Libin Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jinglei Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China,Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yang B, Hao T, Yang S, Hao H, Du W, Zhu H, Zhang P, Zhao X. Study on the expression patterns and function of JUNO and CD9 in bovine oocytes during in vitro maturation. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58:81-88. [PMID: 36107170 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14262] [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: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization proteins JUNO and CD9 play vital roles in sperm-egg fusion, but little is known about their expression patterns during in vitro maturation (IVM) and their function during in vitro fertilization (IVF) of bovine oocytes. In this study, qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of JUNO and CD9 genes in bovine oocytes and cumulus cells. Then, fertilization rate of MII oocytes treated with (i) JUNO antibody (1, 5 and 25 μg/ml) or (ii) CD9 antibody (1, 5 and 25 μg/ml) or (iii) CD9 antibody (5 μg/ml) + JUNO antibody (5 μg/ml) were recorded. Our results showed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of JUNO and CD9 genes significantly increased from bovine GV oocytes to MII oocytes, and similar mRNA expression patterns of JUNO and CD9 were also detected in cumulus cells. All groups of oocytes treated with CD9 antibody or JUNO antibody showed significantly decreased fertilization rates (p < .05). Particularly, the fertilization ability of oocytes treated with CD9 antibody (5 μg/ml) + JUNO antibody (5 μg/ml) sharply decreased to 3.48 ± 0.11%. In conclusion, our study revealed the expression levels of JUNO and CD9 genes in oocytes and cumulus cells increased during IVM of bovine oocytes, with JUNO protein playing a major role in the fertilization of bovine oocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baigao Yang
- Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Tong Hao
- Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Sha Yang
- Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Haisheng Hao
- Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Weihua Du
- Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Huabin Zhu
- Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Peipei Zhang
- Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Xueming Zhao
- Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhao T, Pan Y, Li Q, Ding T, Niayale R, Zhang T, Wang J, Wang Y, Zhao L, Han X, Baloch AR, Cui Y, Yu S. Leukemia inhibitory factor enhances the development and subsequent blastocysts quality of yak oocytes in vitro. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:997709. [PMID: 36213393 PMCID: PMC9533679 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.997709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a multipotent cytokine of the IL-6 family which plays a critical role in the maturation and development of oocytes. This study evaluated the influence of LIF on the maturation and development ability of yak oocytes, and the quality of subsequent blastocysts under in vitro culture settings. Different concentrations of LIF (0, 25, 50, and 100 ng/mL) were added during the in vitro culture of oocytes to detect the maturation rate of oocytes, levels of mitochondria, reactive oxygen species (ROS), actin, and apoptosis in oocytes, mRNA transcription levels of apoptosis and antioxidant-related genes in oocytes, and total cell number and apoptosis levels in subsequent blastocysts. The findings revealed that 50 ng/mL LIF could significantly increase the maturation rate (p < 0.01), levels of mitochondria (p < 0.01) and actin (p < 0.01), and mRNA transcription levels of anti-apoptotic and antioxidant-related genes in yak oocytes. Also, 50 ng/mL LIF could significantly lower the generation of ROS (p < 0.01) and apoptosis levels of oocytes (p < 0.01). In addition, blastocysts formed from 50 ng/mL LIF-treated oocytes showed significantly larger total cell numbers (p < 0.01) and lower apoptosis rates (p < 0.01) than the control group. In conclusion, the addition of LIF during the in vitro maturation of yak oocytes improved the quality and the competence of maturation and development in oocytes, as well as the quality of subsequent blastocysts. The result of this study provided some insights into the role and function of LIF in vitro yak oocytes maturation, as well as provided fundamental knowledge for assisted reproductive technologies in the yak.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yangyang Pan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qin Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tianyi Ding
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Robert Niayale
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Tongxiang Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jinglei Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yaying Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Abdul Rasheed Baloch
- Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Yan Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, China
| | - Sijiu Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- Gansu Province Livestock Embryo Engineering Research Center, Lanzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Sijiu Yu
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mohan Jeena L, Kumar D, Rahangdale S, Pratap Singh A, Chandra Sarkhel B. Transcriptional profile of cumulus associated GJA1, PTX3, PRSS35, and SERPINE2 genes with oocytes and embryonic development in water buffalo. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:6285-6293. [PMID: 35460443 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07435-9] [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: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the present study, the potential of different groups of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC's) for in vitro maturation (IVM) and embryonic development was assessed in two groups of COC's of water buffalo. Further, the expression pattern of cumulus-associated GJA1, PTX3, PRSS35, and SERPINE2 genes and their effects on embryonic development was analyzed. Slaughterhouse-derived buffalo COC's were graded into groups A and B. An equal number of 410 COC's were taken in both groups. IVM was carried out using Slaughterhouse-derived buffalo epididymis. A remarkable degree of cumulus expansion was noticed in group A (92.68%) as compared to group B (81.25%) oocytes. On in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo culture, group A produced a significantly higher rate of cleavage and blastocyst (92.682 ± 0.7179% and 42.682 ± 0.9683%) as compared to group B (85.365 ± 0.7608% and 31.707 ± 0.9688%). Also, the transcriptional analysis of cumulus-associated genes revealed significantly higher expression in group A as compared to group B. RESULTS It was revealed that oocytes having good cumulus mass had a higher developmental potential. Based on differential gene expression of cumulus-associated genes, different quality of COC's, and the resultant embryos after IVF, it was concluded that these genes could be used as a marker for predicting the developmental competence of the oocytes. CONCLUSION We concluded that morphologically good quality of COC's had a higher developmental competence, and also the differential expressions of cumulus-associated genes in cumulus cells and embryos. So, we can conclude that these genes could be used as marker genes for predicting the developmental competence of buffalo's oocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lalit Mohan Jeena
- Animal Biotechnology Center, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, 482004, India.
| | - Dharmendra Kumar
- Animal Biotechnology Center, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, 482004, India
| | - Sandeep Rahangdale
- Animal Biotechnology Center, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, 482004, India
| | - Ajit Pratap Singh
- Animal Biotechnology Center, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, 482004, India
| | - Bikash Chandra Sarkhel
- Animal Biotechnology Center, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, 482004, India
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Impact of equilibration duration combined with temperature on the outcome of bovine oocyte vitrification. Theriogenology 2022; 184:110-123. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
11
|
Meng L, Hu H, Liu Z, Zhang L, Zhuan Q, Li X, Fu X, Zhu S, Hou Y. The Role of Ca 2 + in Maturation and Reprogramming of Bovine Oocytes: A System Study of Low-Calcium Model. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:746237. [PMID: 34765601 PMCID: PMC8577575 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.746237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
[Ca2+]i is essential for mammalian oocyte maturation and early embryonic development, as those processes are Ca2+ dependent. In the present study, we investigated the effect of [Ca2+]i on in vitro maturation and reprogramming of oocytes in a lower calcium model of oocyte at metaphase II (MII) stage, which was established by adding cell-permeant Ca2+ chelator BAPTA-AM to the maturation medium. Results showed that the extrusion of the first polar body (PB1) was delayed, and oocyte cytoplasmic maturation, including mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum distribution, was impaired in lower calcium model. The low-calcium-model oocytes presented a poor developmental phenotype of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos at the beginning of activation of zygotic genome. At the same time, oxidative stress and apoptosis were observed in the low-calcium-model oocytes; subsequently, an RNA-seq analysis of the lower-calcium-model oocytes screened 24 genes responsible for the poor oocyte reprogramming, and six genes (ID1, SOX2, DPPA3, ASF1A, MSL3, and KDM6B) were identified by quantitative PCR. Analyzing the expression of these genes is helpful to elucidate the mechanisms of [Ca2+]i regulating oocyte reprogramming. The most significant difference gene in this enriched item was ID1. Our results showed that the low calcium might give rise to oxidative stress and apoptosis, resulting in impaired maturation of bovine oocytes and possibly affecting subsequent reprogramming ability through the reduction of ID1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongmei Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiqiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Luyao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Qingrui Zhuan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangwei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shien Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunpeng Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
López A, Betancourt M, Ducolomb Y, Rodríguez JJ, Casas E, Bonilla E, Bahena I, Retana-Márquez S, Juárez-Rojas L, Casillas F. DNA damage in cumulus cells generated after the vitrification of in vitro matured porcine oocytes and its impact on fertilization and embryo development. Porcine Health Manag 2021; 7:56. [PMID: 34663451 PMCID: PMC8522150 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-021-00235-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The evaluation of the DNA damage generated in cumulus cells after mature cumulus-oocyte complexes vitrification can be considered as an indicator of oocyte quality since these cells play important roles in oocyte developmental competence. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if matured cumulus-oocyte complexes exposure to cryoprotectants (CPAs) or vitrification affects oocytes and cumulus cells viability, but also if DNA damage is generated in cumulus cells, affecting fertilization and embryo development. Results The DNA damage in cumulus cells was measured using the alkaline comet assay and expressed as Comet Tail Length (CTL) and Olive Tail Moment (OTM). Results demonstrate that oocyte exposure to CPAs or vitrification reduced oocyte (75.5 ± 3.69%, Toxicity; 66.7 ± 4.57%, Vitrification) and cumulus cells viability (32.7 ± 5.85%, Toxicity; 7.7 ± 2.21%, Vitrification) compared to control (95.5 ± 4.04%, oocytes; 89 ± 4.24%, cumulus cells). Also, significantly higher DNA damage expressed as OTM was generated in the cumulus cells after exposure to CPAs and vitrification (39 ± 17.41, 33.6 ± 16.69, respectively) compared to control (7.4 ± 4.22). In addition, fertilization and embryo development rates also decreased after exposure to CPAs (35.3 ± 16.65%, 22.6 ± 3.05%, respectively) and vitrification (32.3 ± 9.29%, 20 ± 1%, respectively). It was also found that fertilization and embryo development rates in granulose-intact oocytes were significantly higher compared to denuded oocytes in the control groups. However, a decline in embryo development to the blastocyst stage was observed after CPAs exposure (1.66 ± 0.57%) or vitrification (2 ± 1%) compared to control (22.3 ± 2.51%). This could be attributed to the reduction in both cell types viability, and the generation of DNA damage in the cumulus cells. Conclusion This study demonstrates that oocyte exposure to CPAs or vitrification reduced viability in oocytes and cumulus cells, and generated DNA damage in the cumulus cells, affecting fertilization and embryo development rates. These findings will allow to understand some of the mechanisms of oocyte damage after vitrification that compromise their developmental capacity, as well as the search for new vitrification strategies to increase fertilization and embryo development rates by preserving the integrity of the cumulus cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alma López
- Biological and Health Sciences Program, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City, Mexico.,Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Miguel Betancourt
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Yvonne Ducolomb
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juan José Rodríguez
- Genetic and Environmental Toxicology Research Unit, FES-Zaragoza-UMIEZ Campus II, National Autonomous University of Mexico, 09230, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Casas
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Edmundo Bonilla
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Iván Bahena
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Socorro Retana-Márquez
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, Av. San Rafael Atlixco 186, Leyes de Reforma, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Lizbeth Juárez-Rojas
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, Av. San Rafael Atlixco 186, Leyes de Reforma, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Fahiel Casillas
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, Av. San Rafael Atlixco 186, Leyes de Reforma, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
De Coster T, Velez DA, Van Soom A, Woelders H, Smits K. Cryopreservation of equine oocytes: looking into the crystal ball. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:453-467. [PMID: 32172776 DOI: 10.1071/rd19229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Invitro embryo production has evolved rapidly in the horse over the past decade, but blastocyst rates from vitrified equine oocytes remain quite poor and further research is needed to warrant application. Oocyte vitrification is affected by several technical and biological factors. In the horse, short exposure of immature oocytes to the combination of permeating and non-permeating cryoprotective agents has been associated with the best results so far. High cooling and warming rates are also crucial and can be obtained by using minimal volumes and open cryodevices. Vitrification of invivo-matured oocytes has yielded better results, but is less practical. The presence of the corona radiata seems to partially protect those factors that are necessary for the construction of the normal spindle and for chromosome alignment, but multiple layers of cumulus cells may impair permeation of cryoprotective agents. In addition to the spindle, the oolemma and mitochondria are also particularly sensitive to vitrification damage, which should be minimised in future vitrification procedures. This review presents promising protocols and novel strategies in equine oocyte vitrification, with a focus on blastocyst development and foal production as most reliable outcome parameters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tine De Coster
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; and Corresponding authors. ;
| | - Daniel Angel Velez
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; and Corresponding authors. ;
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Henri Woelders
- Wageningen Livestock Research, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Katrien Smits
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Turhan A, Pereira MT, Schuler G, Bleul U, Kowalewski MP. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF1alpha) inhibition modulates cumulus cell function and affects bovine oocyte maturation in vitro†. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:479-491. [PMID: 33095229 PMCID: PMC7876663 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Various metabolic and hormonal factors expressed in cumulus cells are positively correlated with the in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes. However, the role of hypoxia sensing both during maturation of cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) as well as during the resumption of meiosis remains uncertain. HIF1alpha plays major roles in cellular responses to hypoxia, and here we investigated its role during bovine COC maturation by assessing the expression of related genes in cumulus cells. COCs were divided into the following groups: immature (control), in vitro matured (IVM/control), or matured in the presence of a blocker of HIF1alpha activity (echinomycin, IVM/E). We found an inhibition of cumulus cell expansion in IVM/E, compared with the IVM/control. Transcript levels of several factors (n = 13) were assessed in cumulus cells. Decreased expression of HAS2, TNFAIP6, TMSB4, TMSB10, GATM, GLUT1, CX43, COX2, PTGES, and STAR was found in IVM/E (P < 0.05). Additionally, decreased protein levels were detected for STAR, HAS2, and PCNA (P < 0.05), while activated-Caspase 3 remained unaffected in IVM/E. Progesterone output decreased in IVM/E. The application of PX-478, another blocker of HIF1alpha expression, yielded identical results. Negative effects of HIF1alpha suppression were further observed in the significantly decreased oocyte maturation and blastocyst rates from COCs matured with echinomycin (P < 0.05) or PX-478 (P < 0.05). These results support the importance of HIF1alpha for COC maturation and subsequent embryo development. HIF1alpha is a multidirectional factor controlling intercellular communication within COCs, steroidogenic activity, and oocyte development rates, and exerting effects on blastocyst rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aslihan Turhan
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Farm Animals, Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Miguel Tavares Pereira
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard Schuler
- Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Bleul
- Department of Farm Animals, Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mariusz P Kowalewski
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kornienko EV, Romanova AB, Ikonopistseva MV, Malenko GP. Optimization of triacetate cellulose hollow fiber vitrification (HFV) method for cryopreservation of in vitro matured bovine oocytes. Cryobiology 2020; 97:66-70. [PMID: 33038413 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2020.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the current work was to evaluate applicability of triacetate cellulose hollow fiber vitrification (HFV) method for cryopreservation of groups of in vitro matured bovine oocytes (12-17 oocytes per device). We also attempted to optimize HFV protocol by altering concentration of non-permeating cryoprotectant (sucrose) in vitrification solution and concentration of extracellular Ca2+ by using a calcium-free base medium for preparation of vitrification/rewarming solutions with ethylene glycol (EG) as a single permeating cryoprotectant. Neither of modifications of HFV protocol significantly affected survival or fertilization rates of the vitrified bovine oocytes. Embryo development rates in the vitrification groups were lower than those in the control (31.2% of blastocysts at Day 8 post IVF). Use of vitrification/rewarming solutions with lower Ca2+ concentration and EG did not significantly improve embryo development rates. An increase of sucrose concentration in vitrification solution from 0.5 to 1.0 M significantly improved blastocyst yield on Day 8 post IVF (21.1-23.4% vs 3.1-3.5%; p < 0.05). Obtained results indicated that sufficient dehydration of the oocytes and/or the solution surrounding them in hollow fiber before immersion into liquid nitrogen is an important factor for successful vitrification. Use of HFV method allowed simplification and standardization of vitrification/rewarming procedures. Triacetate cellulose hollow fibers can be used successfully for cryopeservation of groups of in vitro matured bovine oocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina V Kornienko
- Centre of Experimental Embryology and Reproductive Biotechnology, Ul. Kostyakova, 12, Building 4, 127422, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Anastasia B Romanova
- Centre of Experimental Embryology and Reproductive Biotechnology, Ul. Kostyakova, 12, Building 4, 127422, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Maria V Ikonopistseva
- Centre of Experimental Embryology and Reproductive Biotechnology, Ul. Kostyakova, 12, Building 4, 127422, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Galina P Malenko
- Centre of Experimental Embryology and Reproductive Biotechnology, Ul. Kostyakova, 12, Building 4, 127422, Moscow, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Development and ultrastructure of bovine matured oocytes vitrified using electron microscopy grids. Theriogenology 2020; 158:258-266. [PMID: 32998079 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.09.009] [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: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to establish a methodology of cryopreservation of cattle oocytes and the quality assessment of oocytes and subsequent embryos produced in vitro under our laboratory conditions. Previously in vitro matured (IVM) oocytes were vitrified in minimum volume by ultra-rapid cooling technique. The oocytes were put into the equilibration solution (3% ethylene glycol in M199-HEPES + 10% foetal bovine serum) for 12 min, transferred to vitrification solution (30% ethylene glycol + 1 M sucrose in M199-HEPES + 10% foetal bovine serum) at room temperature for 25 s, then placed onto nickel electron microscopy grids and plunged into liquid nitrogen. After warming 75% of the oocytes were assessed as viable. Part of viable oocytes was taken for electron microscopy, the remaining oocytes were fertilized in vitro, and the presumptive zygotes were cultured until the blastocyst stage. Embryo cleavage and blastocyst rates in vitrified group after warming were 64.98% and 17.3%, resp. versus 70.72% and 25.54% in the control group (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in the blastocyst total cell number, TUNEL and dead cell indexes between both groups. Ultrastructure of vitrified oocytes showed damages in smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) vesicles and lipid droplets as well as irregular arrangement of solitary cortical granules. Several mitochondria were damaged and the microtubules around the chromosomes were less occurred compared to the control group. However, the extent of injuries was lower than reported by other authors studying the ultrastructure of vitrified bovine oocytes, what is also supported by the better development of our oocytes after IVF. In conclusion, the designed oocyte vitrification technique ensures obtaining the blastocysts of the quality comparable to the fresh oocytes.
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Numerous factors affect vitrification success and post-thaw development of oocytes after in vitro fertilization. Therefore, elaboration of an optimal methodology ensuring higher cryotolerance of oocytes and subsequent blastocyst yield is still of great interest. This paper describes and evaluates critical factors affecting the success of oocyte vitrification. In particular, an appropriate oocyte stage such as maturation status (germinal vesicle stage, metaphase II stage), presence/absence of cumulus cells before vitrification, and the effect of follicle size, as well as different culture systems and media for in vitro production of embryos, the types and concentrations of cryoprotectants, and cooling and warming rates at vitrification are considered. Special attention is paid to various cryocarriers used for low-volume vitrification, which ensures safe storage of oocytes/embryos in liquid nitrogen and their successful post-thaw recovery. At the end, we focussed on how age of oocyte donors (heifers, cows) influences post-thaw development. This review summarizes results of recently published studies describing different methodologies of cryopreservation and post-thaw oocyte development with the main focus on vitrification of bovine oocytes.
Collapse
|
18
|
Embryo development after vitrification of immature and in vitro-matured equine oocytes. Cryobiology 2020; 92:251-254. [PMID: 31962104 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2020.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Effects of meiotic stage and cumulus status on development of equine oocytes after vitrification was evaluated. Immature oocytes with corona radiata (IMM); in vitro-matured oocytes with corona radiata (MAT CR+); and in vitro-matured oocytes denuded of cumulus (MAT CR-) were vitrified using the Cryotech® method. Warming medium was equilibrated either in 5% CO2 or Air. IMM oocytes underwent in vitro maturation after warming. Recovery, survival, and maturation rates, and cleavage and blastocyst rates after ICSI, were evaluated. Recovery was higher for oocytes warmed in CO2- than Air-equilibrated medium (86 ± 3 vs. 76.9 ± 4%, respectively). Maturation for all vitrified-warmed oocyte treatments (37 ± 6.5 to 45.9 ± 5.8%) was not different from control (50 ± 4.1%), except for MAT CR- CO2 (20.3 ± 4.6%). Cleavage for MAT CR- CO2 and Air groups was similar to control (67.7 ± 12.1, 71.4 ± 8.1, and 78 ± 5.3%, respectively). One blastocyst was produced (MAT CR + CO2), representing the first equine blastocyst reported after vitrification of an in vitro-matured oocyte.
Collapse
|
19
|
Dos Santos-Neto PC, Vilariño M, Cuadro F, Barrera N, Crispo M, Menchaca A. Cumulus cells during in vitro fertilization and oocyte vitrification in sheep: Remove, maintain or add? Cryobiology 2020; 92:161-167. [PMID: 31917962 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2020.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to evaluate the developmental competence of immature and matured ovine oocytes after removing, maintaining or adding cumulus cells (CC) associated to vitrification by Cryotop method. Three experiments were performed involving 3,144 oocytes. In Experiment 1, CC were removed from immature, matured or fertilized oocytes subjected to in vitro embryo production. In Experiment 2, oocytes were vitrified either in MI or MII stage with or without CC, while a control group with CC remained unvitrified. In Experiment 3, oocytes partially denuded from CC were vitrified either in MI or MII stage, and a co-culture of fresh CC was added or not soon after warming to complete in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro fertilization (IVF), or IVF, respectively, while a control group remained unvitrified. In Experiment 1, the cleavage rate, development rate on Day 6 and blastocyst rate on Day 8 were improved when CC were maintained until the end of IVF (P < 0.05). In Experiment 2, vitrification of oocytes with enclosed CC showed a tendency to increase cleavage (P = 0.06) and improved blastocyst rate (P < 0.05). In Experiment 3, adding CC as co-culture after vitrification-warming tended to improve cleavage rate (P = 0.06) and increased hatching rate (P < 0.05). Regarding oocyte stage, vitrification of in vitro matured oocytes resulted in greater developmental competence than immature stages (P < 0.05). In conclusion, CC seems to have a relevant role for in vitro embryo development in either fresh or vitrified oocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P C Dos Santos-Neto
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Uruguay, Fundación IRAUy, Camino Cruz del Sur 2250, Montevideo, Uruguay; Programa de Posgrado, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la Republica, Av. Lasplaces 1550, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - M Vilariño
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Uruguay, Fundación IRAUy, Camino Cruz del Sur 2250, Montevideo, Uruguay; Programa de Posgrado, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la Republica, Av. Lasplaces 1550, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - F Cuadro
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Uruguay, Fundación IRAUy, Camino Cruz del Sur 2250, Montevideo, Uruguay; Programa de Posgrado, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la Republica, Av. Lasplaces 1550, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - N Barrera
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Uruguay, Fundación IRAUy, Camino Cruz del Sur 2250, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - M Crispo
- Programa de Posgrado, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la Republica, Av. Lasplaces 1550, Montevideo, Uruguay; Unidad de Animales Transgénicos y de Experimentación, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Mataojo 2020, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - A Menchaca
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Uruguay, Fundación IRAUy, Camino Cruz del Sur 2250, Montevideo, Uruguay; Programa de Posgrado, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la Republica, Av. Lasplaces 1550, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Gutnisky C, Morado S, Gadze T, Donato A, Alvarez G, Dalvit G, Cetica P. Morphological, biochemical and functional studies to evaluate bovine oocyte vitrification. Theriogenology 2019; 143:18-26. [PMID: 31830686 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.11.037] [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: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of vitrification on morphological, biochemical and functional parameters of matured bovine oocytes at different recovery times. To this end, matured bovine oocytes were vitrified using the Cryotech® kit (a minimum-volume system) and then incubated in maturation medium for different post-warming durations (0 h, 3 h or 21 h). Morphology, viability and biochemical parameters were assessed at each time point mentioned above and the recovery of the metaphase plate was analyzed at 2 h, 3 h and 4 h post-warming. The vitrification-warming process did not affect the viability or morphology of oocytes at any time point. However, the recovery of the metaphase plate occurred mostly between 3 and 4 h rather than at 2 h after warming (P < 0.05). Both control and vitrified-warmed oocytes showed changes in cytosolic oxidative activity, quantification of active mitochondria, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and redox status at the different time points studied (P < 0.05). However, differences between control and vitrified-warmed oocytes were found only in the quantification of active mitochondria and ROS production (P < 0.05). Finally, in vitro fertilization and embryo culture were carried out as functional studies to establish whether vitrification-warming affected oocyte competence, and a significant decrease was found both in the cleavage rate and embryo development (P < 0.05). We concluded that major improvements in oocyte vitrification, at list with Cryotech® kit, are still needed to avoid variations in oocyte metabolism which could contribute to the reduction in the developmental competence of bovine oocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Gutnisky
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Unidad Ejecutora de Investigaciones en Producción Animal (INPA, UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - S Morado
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - T Gadze
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - A Donato
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G Alvarez
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Unidad Ejecutora de Investigaciones en Producción Animal (INPA, UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G Dalvit
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - P Cetica
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Instituto de Investigación y Tecnología en Reproducción Animal (INITRA), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Unidad Ejecutora de Investigaciones en Producción Animal (INPA, UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Vandenberghe LTM, Heindryckx B, Smits K, Szymanska K, Ortiz-Escribano N, Ferrer-Buitrago M, Pavani K, Peelman L, Deforce D, De Sutter P, Van Soom A, De Schauwer C. Platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase 1B3 (PAFAH1B3) is required for the formation of the meiotic spindle during in vitro oocyte maturation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 30:1739-1750. [PMID: 30008286 DOI: 10.1071/rd18019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a well-described autocrine growth factor involved in several reproductive processes and is tightly regulated by its hydrolysing enzyme, PAF acetylhydrolase 1B (PAFAH1B). This intracellular enzyme consists of three subunits: one regulatory, 1B1, and two catalytic, 1B2 and 1B3. PAFAH1B3 has remained uncharacterised until now. Here, we report that PAFAH1B3 is present during the different stages of the first meiotic division in bovine, murine and human oocytes. In these species, the PAFAH1B3 subunit was clearly present in the germinal vesicle, while at metaphase I and II, it localised primarily at the meiotic spindle structure. In cattle, manipulation of the microtubules of the spindle by nocodazole, taxol or cryopreservation revealed a close association with PAFAH1B3. On the other hand, disruption of the enzyme activity either by P11, a selective inhibitor of PAFAH1B3, or by PAFAH1B3 antibody microinjection, caused arrest at the MI stage with defective spindle morphology and consequent failure of first polar body extrusion. In conclusion, our results show that one of the catalytic subunits of PAFAH1B, namely PAFAH1B3, is present in bovine, murine and human oocytes and that it plays a functional role in spindle formation and meiotic progression during bovine oocyte maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L T M Vandenberghe
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - B Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - K Smits
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - K Szymanska
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - N Ortiz-Escribano
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - M Ferrer-Buitrago
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - K Pavani
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - L Peelman
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Heidestraat 19, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - D Deforce
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - P De Sutter
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - A Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - C De Schauwer
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Rheem SMAE, Elsharkawy S. Effect of Cumulus Cells on the Efficiency of Vitrified-Thawed Immature Cattle Oocytes. OPEN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2019; 09:669-678. [DOI: 10.4236/ojog.2019.95066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
|
23
|
Snoeck F, Szymanska KJ, Sarrazin S, Ortiz-Escribano N, Leybaert L, Van Soom A. Blocking connexin channels during vitrification of immature cat oocytes improves maturation capacity after warming. Theriogenology 2018; 122:144-149. [PMID: 30268031 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.09.011] [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: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In the domestic cat, nuclear maturation and embryo development after vitrification of immature oocytes have been obtained but developmental competence after warming remains low. It has been reported that during folliculogenesis, the association and communication between the oocyte and the surrounding cumulus cells through connexin-based gap junctions is essential for normal oocyte and follicular development. Gap junctions result from the head-to-head interaction of two hemichannels; however, there is always a population of hemichannels not incorporated into gap junctions. These unopposed hemichannels are normally closed but may open under certain stress conditions, potentially also during vitrification and warming, turning them into toxic pores inducing cell injury and cell death. The aim of our study was to test whether inhibiting connexin 37 (Cx37) and connexin 43 (Cx43) channels with the connexin-targeting peptide Gap26 during vitrification and warming of cat immature cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) could improve oocyte maturation and competence of resultant blastocysts derived by parthenogenetic activation. In the first experiment, our immunostainings confirmed the presence of Cx43 protein in the cytoplasm of immature cat oocytes and in the plasma membranes of cumulus cells. In the second experiment, COCs were randomly divided in three different groups: a control group (control), a group vitrified without Gap26 (vitrified) and a group vitrified with Gap26 (vitrified-peptide). The maturation rate was checked and oocytes from all three different experimental groups were parthenogenetically activated and cultured in vitro until day 8. After vitrification and warming, 49% of the oocytes in the control group matured, while this was 8% and 19% in the vitrified and vitrified-peptide groups, respectively. Compared to the vitrified group, oocytes in the vitrified-peptide group had significantly larger maturation rates. No blastocysts were detected at day 8 in the vitrified group, while 2% and 13% of the oocytes further developed to blastocyst at day 8 in the vitrified-peptide and control non-vitrified group, respectively. We conclude that the use of Gap26 in vitrification and warming media to vitrify immature cat oocytes improves maturation success and allows such oocytes to reach the blastocyst stage (2%) at day 8 after parthenogenetic activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Féline Snoeck
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Katarzyna Joanna Szymanska
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Basic Medical Sciences - Physiology Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven Sarrazin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Nerea Ortiz-Escribano
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Basic Medical Sciences - Physiology Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
SummaryCumulus cells (CCs) play an important role in the regulation of female gamete development, meiotic maturation, oocyte-sperm interaction, capacitation and acrosome reaction. However, their role in maintaining oocyte competence after vitrification is unclear as controversial data on their protecting action against oocyte cryoinjuries are available. Here we described the effects of vitrification on the ultrastructure of human CCs collected from women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). In total, 50 patches of CCs, sampled from high-quality human cumulus-oocyte complexes, were randomly allocated into two groups after patient informed consent: 1, fresh CCs (controls, n = 25); 2, vitrified CCs (n = 25). Samples were then prepared and observed by transmission electron microscopy. In fresh CCs, in which small cell clusters were visible, cell membranes were joined by focal gap junctions. Microvilli were rare and short. Nuclei, mitochondria, smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER), Golgi apparatus and lipid droplets appeared well preserved; vacuoles were scarce. After vitrification, we observed two populations of CCs: light CCs, with a smooth appearance and few short microvilli; and dark CCs, with numerous and long microvilli. In both, most of the organelles appeared similar to those of fresh CCs. Lipid droplets were denser and more numerous, with respect to fresh CCs. They were mainly located in the peri-nuclear and sub-plasmalemmal regions. Numerous packed electron-negative vacuoles were visible. The vitrification procedure did not cause alterations in the fine structure of major organelles, except for an increased amount of lipid droplets and vacuoles. This specific sensitivity of human CCs to vitrification should be considered during ARTs.
Collapse
|
25
|
Ishii T, Tomita K, Sakakibara H, Ohkura S. Embryogenesis of vitrified mature bovine oocytes is improved in the presence of multi-layered cumulus cells. J Reprod Dev 2017; 64:95-99. [PMID: 29057767 PMCID: PMC5830364 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2017-095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of multi-layered cumulus cells (MCCs) during vitrification and in vitro fertilization (IVF) of mature bovine oocytes and embryogenesis after IVF. The rates of cleavage and blastocyst formation were higher in vitrified and fertilized oocytes with MCCs than in denuded oocytes (P < 0.05), but were comparable to the rates in fresh oocytes with MCCs or without (denuded). When the MCC-enclosed oocytes were denuded before IVF, blastocyst formation rate reduced compared with that in vitrified oocytes with MCCs (P < 0.05). This suggested that the MCCs surrounding the mature bovine oocytes play important roles during cryopreservation: protecting them against freezing and promoting their survival and development post IVF, thereby increasing the success rates of IVF and embryonic development. Herein, we showed for the first time that calves could be produced using only 14-19 vitrified mature oocytes with MCCs from the ovaries of individual cows post slaughter.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toshimichi Ishii
- Department of Livestock Improvement and Reproduction, Mie Prefectural Livestock Research Center, Mie 515-2324, Japan
| | - Kensuke Tomita
- Department of Livestock Improvement and Reproduction, Mie Prefectural Livestock Research Center, Mie 515-2324, Japan
| | - Hideo Sakakibara
- Department of Livestock Improvement and Reproduction, Mie Prefectural Livestock Research Center, Mie 515-2324, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ohkura
- Laboratory of Animal Production Science, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ortiz-Escribano N, Bogado Pascottini O, Woelders H, Vandenberghe L, De Schauwer C, Govaere J, Van den Abbeel E, Vullers T, Ververs C, Roels K, Van De Velde M, Van Soom A, Smits K. An improved vitrification protocol for equine immature oocytes, resulting in a first live foal. Equine Vet J 2017; 50:391-397. [DOI: 10.1111/evj.12747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N. Ortiz-Escribano
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Ghent University; Merelbeke Belgium
| | - O. Bogado Pascottini
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Ghent University; Merelbeke Belgium
| | - H. Woelders
- Animal Breeding and Genomics Centre; Wageningen UR Livestock Research; Wageningen the Netherlands
| | - L. Vandenberghe
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Ghent University; Merelbeke Belgium
| | - C. De Schauwer
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Ghent University; Merelbeke Belgium
| | - J. Govaere
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Ghent University; Merelbeke Belgium
| | - E. Van den Abbeel
- Department for Reproductive Medicine; Ghent University Hospital; Ghent Belgium
| | - T. Vullers
- Animal Embryo Centre; Maria-Hoop the Netherlands
| | - C. Ververs
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Ghent University; Merelbeke Belgium
| | - K. Roels
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Ghent University; Merelbeke Belgium
| | - M. Van De Velde
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Ghent University; Merelbeke Belgium
| | - A. Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Ghent University; Merelbeke Belgium
| | - K. Smits
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Ghent University; Merelbeke Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Free cholesterol and cholesterol esters in bovine oocytes: Implications in survival and membrane raft organization after cryopreservation. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180451. [PMID: 28686720 PMCID: PMC5501518 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Part of the damage caused by cryopreservation of mammalian oocytes occurs at the plasma membrane. The addition of cholesterol to cell membranes as a strategy to make it more tolerant to cryopreservation has been little addressed in oocytes. In order to increase the survival of bovine oocytes after cryopreservation, we proposed not only to increase cholesterol level of oocyte membranes before vitrification but also to remove the added cholesterol after warming, thus recovering its original level. Results from our study showed that modulation of membrane cholesterol by methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MβCD) did not affect the apoptotic status of oocytes and improved viability after vitrification yielding levels of apoptosis closer to those of fresh oocytes. Fluorometric measurements based on an enzyme-coupled reaction that detects both free cholesterol (membrane) and cholesteryl esters (stored in lipid droplets), revealed that oocytes and cumulus cells present different levels of cholesterol depending on the seasonal period. Variations at membrane cholesterol level of oocytes were enough to account for the differences found in total cholesterol. Differences found in total cholesterol of cumulus cells were explained by the differences found in both the content of membrane cholesterol and of cholesterol esters. Cholesterol was incorporated into the oocyte plasma membrane as evidenced by comparative labeling of a fluorescent cholesterol. Oocytes and cumulus cells increased membrane cholesterol after incubation with MβCD/cholesterol and recovered their original level after cholesterol removal, regardless of the season. Finally, we evaluated the effect of vitrification on the putative raft molecule GM1. Cholesterol modulation also preserved membrane organization by maintaining ganglioside level at the plasma membrane. Results suggest a distinctive cholesterol metabolic status of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) among seasons and a dynamic organizational structure of cholesterol homeostasis within the COC. Modulation of membrane cholesterol by MβCD improved survival of bovine oocytes and preserved integrity of GM1-related rafts after vitrification.
Collapse
|
28
|
Tashima K, Kubo Y, Hirabayashi M, Hochi S. Downsizing cumulus cell layers to improve cryotolerance of germinal vesicle-stage bovine oocytes. Theriogenology 2017; 95:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
29
|
Increasing of blastocyst rate and gene expression in co-culture of bovine embryos with adult adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells. J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 33:1395-1403. [PMID: 27475633 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0779-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite advances in the composition of defined embryo culture media, co-culture with somatic cells is still used for bovine in vitro embryo production (IVEP) in many laboratories worldwide. Granulosa cells are most often used for this purpose, although recent work suggests that co-culture with stem cells of adult or embryonic origin or their derived biomaterials may improve mouse, cattle, and pig embryo development. MATERIALS AND METHODS In experiment 1, in vitro produced bovine embryos were co-cultured in the presence of two concentrations of bovine adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal cells (b-ATMSCs; 103 and 104 cells/mL), in b-ATMSC preconditioned medium (SOF-Cond), or SOF alone (control). In experiment 2, co-culture with 104 b-ATMSCs/mL was compared to the traditional granulosa cell co-culture system (Gran). RESULTS In experiment 1, co-culture with 104 b-ATMSCs/mL improved blastocyst rates in comparison to conditioned and control media (p < 0.05). Despite that it did not show difference with 103 b-ATMSCs/mL (p = 0.051), group 104 b-ATMSCs/mL yielded higher results of blastocyst production. In experiment 2, when compared to group Gran, co-culture with 104 b-ATMSCs/mL improved not only blastocyst rates but also quality as assessed by increased total cell numbers and mRNA expression levels for POU5F1 and G6PDH (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Co-culture of bovine embryos with b-ATMSCs was more beneficial than the traditional co-culture system with granulosa cells. We speculate that the microenvironmental modulatory potential of MSCs, by means of soluble substances and exosome secretions, could be responsible for the positive effects observed. Further experiments must be done to evaluate if this beneficial effect in vitro also translates to an increase in offspring following embryo transfer. Moreover, this study provides an interesting platform to study the basic requirements during preimplantation embryo development, which, in turn, may aid the improvement of embryo culture protocols in bovine and other species.
Collapse
|