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Andrews CJ, Yapura J, Potter MA, McGlade K, Thomas DG. Prolonged glucocorticoid administration affects oocyte morphology in cats (Felis catus) undergoing an ovarian stimulation protocol. Theriogenology 2023; 208:77-87. [PMID: 37302246 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
While captivity-related stress and the associated rise in baseline glucocorticoid (GC) concentrations have been linked to ovarian quiescence in some felid species, no study has examined the effects of elevated GC on oocyte quality. This study examined the effects of exogenous GC administration on the ovarian response and oocyte quality of domestic cats after an ovarian stimulation protocol. Entire mature female cats were divided into treatment (n = 6) and control (n = 6) groups. Cats in the GC treatment (GCT) group were given 1 mg kg-1 oral prednisolone daily from Day 0-45. All cats (n = 12) were given 0.088 mg kg-1 day-1 progesterone orally from Day 0-37, before treatment with 75 IU eCG im to induce follicular growth on Day 40, followed by 50 IU hCG im 80 h later to induce ovulation. Cats were ovariohysterectomised 30 h after the hCG treatment. Blood samples were collected on Days 0, 10, 30 and 40 (prior to eCG treatment), 80 h after eCG treatment, and on Day 45 for cortisol, glucose, prednisolone, oestradiol, and progesterone analysis. Cortisol concentrations did not differ between treatment groups throughout the study. Mean glucose concentrations were higher in the GCT cats (P = 0.004). Prednisolone was undetectable in all samples. Oestradiol and progesterone concentrations confirmed that the eCG treatment stimulated follicular activity and ovulation in all cats. Following ovariohysterectomy, the ovarian responses were graded (1 = excellent, 4 = poor) and oocytes retrieved from the oviducts. Each oocyte was given a total oocyte score (TOS: using an 9-point scale, 8 = best) based on four parameters: oocyte morphology, size, ooplasm uniformity and granularity, and zona pellucida (ZP) thickness and variation. Ovulation was confirmed in all cats, with a mean of 10.5 ± 1.1 ovulations per cat. Ovarian mass, ovarian response, number of ovulations, and oocyte recovery did not differ between groups. Oocyte diameter did not differ between the groups, but the ZP was thinner in the GCT group (3.1 ± 0.3 μm vs. 4.1 ± 0.3 μm, P = 0.03). The TOS was similar between treatment and control cats, but the ooplasm grade was lower (1.5 ± 0.1 vs. 1.9 ± 0.1, P = 0.01) and there was a tendency for ZP grade to be poorer (0.8 ± 0.1 vs. 1.2 ± 0.2; P = 0.08) in the treatment group. In conclusion, the GC treatment resulted in morphological changes to oocytes collected following ovarian stimulation. Whether these changes would affect fertility warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Andrews
- Animal Science Group, School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand.
| | - Jimena Yapura
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand.
| | - Murray A Potter
- Wildlife and Ecology Group, School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand.
| | - Kevanne McGlade
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand.
| | - David G Thomas
- Animal Science Group, School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand.
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Dufour J, Sabry R, Khokhar JY, Favetta LA. Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) effects on the cortisol stress response in bovine granulosa cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2023; 88:105549. [PMID: 36596389 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2022.105549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Maternal stress can result in changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and lead to stress-related behaviours in offspring. Under physiological conditions, delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) appears to be detrimental for fertility. However, cannabis is also commonly used for stress-relief. THC acts on the endocannabinoid receptors in granulosa cells (GCs), which affect oocyte competency. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of THC on in vitro bovine granulosa cell viability, apoptosis, and stress response pathway. GCs were cultured in vitro in the presence of clinically relevant therapeutic and recreational plasma doses of THC. Cortisol doses reflecting normal and elevated plasma levels were used to evaluate the effects of THC under induced stress in vitro. No effect of THC was observed on cell viability or apoptosis. High and low cortisol concentrations caused significant increases in 11β-HSD1 mRNA expression (n = 6, p < 0.0001). Interestingly, when combined with high [THC], there was a significant decrease in 11β-HSD1 expression compared to high and low cortisol treatments alone (p < 0.001, p < 0.05). GR expression was unaffected by cortisol treatments, and low [THC] treatment maintained increased expression in the presence of high and low cortisol treatments (n = 6, p < 0.01, p < 0.0001). Our findings represent a foundation to obtain useful data for evaluating THC potential therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaustin Dufour
- Reproductive Health and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Reem Sabry
- Reproductive Health and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Jibran Y Khokhar
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Laura A Favetta
- Reproductive Health and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
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Chen F, Hao L, Zheng K, Zhu S, Dai Z, Shi W, Wang X, Li X, Yang X, Zhao Q. Potential influence of COVID-19 and dexamethasone on the reproductive system: what we know and can expect. HUM FERTIL 2022:1-12. [DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2022.2142919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Chen
- Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Lanting Hao
- Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Kai Zheng
- Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Shiheng Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Zhiqing Dai
- Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Wenhao Shi
- Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Xinya Li
- Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Xinyuan Yang
- Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Department of Physiology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
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Identification of Candidate Salivary, Urinary and Serum Metabolic Biomarkers for High Litter Size Potential in Sows (Sus scrofa). Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12111045. [DOI: 10.3390/metabo12111045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The selection of sows that are reproductively fit and produce large litters of piglets is imperative for success in the pork industry. Currently, low heritability of reproductive and litter-related traits and unfavourable genetic correlations are slowing the improvement of pig selection efficiency. The integration of biomarkers as a supplement or alternative to the use of genetic markers may permit the optimization and increase of selection protocol efficiency. Metabolite biomarkers are an advantageous class of biomarkers that can facilitate the identification of cellular processes implicated in reproductive condition. Metabolism and metabolic biomarkers have been previously implicated in studies of female mammalian fertility, however a systematic analysis across multiple biofluids in infertile and high reproductive potential phenotypes has not been explored. In the current study, the serum, urinary and salivary metabolomes of infertile (INF) sows and high reproductive potential (HRP) sows with a live litter size ≥ 13 piglets were examined using LC-MS/MS techniques, and a data pipeline was used to highlight possible metabolite reproductive biomarkers discriminating the reproductive groups. The metabolomes of HRP and INF sows were distinct, including significant alterations in amino acid, fatty acid, membrane lipid and steroid hormone metabolism. Carnitines and fatty acid related metabolites were most discriminatory in separating and classifying the HRP and INF sows based on their biofluid metabolome. It appears that urine is a superior biofluid than saliva and serum for potentially predicting the reproductive potential level of a given female pig based on the performance of the resultant biomarker models. This study lays the groundwork for improving gilt and sow selection protocols using metabolomics as a tool for the prediction of reproductive potential.
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Zhao C, Biondic S, Vandal K, Björklund ÅK, Hagemann-Jensen M, Sommer TM, Canizo J, Clark S, Raymond P, Zenklusen DR, Rivron N, Reik W, Petropoulos S. Single-cell multi-omics of human preimplantation embryos shows susceptibility to glucocorticoids. Genome Res 2022; 32:1627-1641. [PMID: 35948369 PMCID: PMC9528977 DOI: 10.1101/gr.276665.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The preconceptual, intrauterine, and early life environments can have a profound and long-lasting impact on the developmental trajectories and health outcomes of the offspring. Given the relatively low success rates of assisted reproductive technologies (ART; ∼25%), additives and adjuvants, such as glucocorticoids, are used to improve the success rate. Considering the dynamic developmental events that occur during this window, these exposures may alter blastocyst formation at a molecular level, and as such, affect not only the viability of the embryo and the ability of the blastocyst to implant, but also the developmental trajectory of the first three cell lineages, ultimately influencing the physiology of the embryo. In this study, we present a comprehensive single-cell transcriptome, methylome, and small RNA atlas in the day 7 human embryo. We show that, despite no change in morphology and developmental features, preimplantation glucocorticoid exposure reprograms the molecular profile of the trophectoderm (TE) lineage, and these changes are associated with an altered metabolic and inflammatory response. Our data also suggest that glucocorticoids can precociously mature the TE sublineages, supported by the presence of extravillous trophoblast markers in the polar sublineage and presence of X Chromosome dosage compensation. Further, we have elucidated that epigenetic regulation-DNA methylation and microRNAs (miRNAs)-likely underlies the transcriptional changes observed. This study suggests that exposures to exogenous compounds during preimplantation may unintentionally reprogram the human embryo, possibly leading to suboptimal development and longer-term health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhao
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Savana Biondic
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Axe Immunopathologie, H2X 0A9 Montréal, Canada
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, H3T 1J4 Montréal, Canada
| | - Katherine Vandal
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Axe Immunopathologie, H2X 0A9 Montréal, Canada
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, H3T 1J4 Montréal, Canada
| | - Åsa K Björklund
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, SE-752 37 Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Theresa Maria Sommer
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jesica Canizo
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Axe Immunopathologie, H2X 0A9 Montréal, Canada
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, H3T 1J4 Montréal, Canada
| | - Stephen Clark
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom
| | - Pascal Raymond
- Département de Biochimie et Médecine Moléculaire, Université de Montréal, H3T 1J4 Montréal, Canada
| | - Daniel R Zenklusen
- Département de Biochimie et Médecine Moléculaire, Université de Montréal, H3T 1J4 Montréal, Canada
| | - Nicolas Rivron
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolf Reik
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge CB10 1RQ, United Kingdom
- Center for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Petropoulos
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Axe Immunopathologie, H2X 0A9 Montréal, Canada
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, H3T 1J4 Montréal, Canada
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Zhu H, Shi L, Wang R, Cui L, Wang J, Tang M, Qian H, Wei M, Wang L, Zhou H, Xu W. Global Research Trends on Infertility and Psychology From the Past Two Decades: A Bibliometric and Visualized Study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:889845. [PMID: 35903282 PMCID: PMC9317298 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.889845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the global scientific output of research on infertility and psychology; explore the current status and trends in this field through the cooperation of authors, countries, and institutions; shed light on the direction of clinical infertility research in the future, and provide inspiration for targeted diagnosis and treatment of infertility. Methods Research publications on infertility and psychology from the past two decades were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Bibliometric analyses were performed using VOSviewer software and the bibliometrix R package. Network maps were generated to evaluate the collaborations between different authors, countries, institutions, and keywords. Results A total of 151 articles related to the study of infertility and psychology were identified. We observed a gradual increase in the number of publications from 2001 to 2021, and the trend has been relatively stable in the past eight years. Human Reproduction (England), as the leading journal publishing the most papers (29 articles), was cited in the most journals (1208 times). Boivin J was the most prolific author (16 articles), with the largest number of citations (890 times) and the highest h-index (14) during the past decades. Boivin J was also the leader with the highest publication frequency and more active cooperation with other top authors. The United Kingdom (34 papers) and Cardiff University (25 articles) contributed the most publications and were the leading contributors in this field. Active cooperation between countries and between institutions was observed, and analyses of articles and references were also shown. The main hot topics included matters related to women (39 times), in-vitro salt (31 times), infertility (30 times), couples (25 times), and impact (24 times). Conclusion Our study results provide a comprehensive overview of the development of scientific literature, allowing relevant authors and research teams to recognize the current research status in this field. At the same time, infertility and psychology may soon become hotspots and should be closely monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongkun Zhu
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingli Shi
- Department of Reproduction, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Lijuan Cui
- Department of Pathology, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Wang
- Department of Reproduction, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Mengyu Tang
- Department of Reproduction, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Haiqing Qian
- Department of Reproduction, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Minggang Wei
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lihong Wang
- Department of Reproduction, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Huifang Zhou
- Department of Gynaecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenting Xu
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Department of Reproduction, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
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Casillas F, Betancourt M, Juárez-Rojas L, Ducolomb Y, López A, Ávila-Quintero A, Zamora J, Ommati MM, Retana-Márquez S. Chronic Stress Detrimentally Affects In Vivo Maturation in Rat Oocytes and Oocyte Viability at All Phases of the Estrous Cycle. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092478. [PMID: 34573444 PMCID: PMC8465826 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Recently, a significant relationship between stress and reproductive failure in women was reported; being one of the possible causes of infertility. The World Health Organization recognizes infertility as a global public health issue; therefore, the interest in understanding the main causes of this issue has increased over the last few decades. Thus, many studies have reported that stress can adversely alter the functionality of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis; as well as being one of the reasons of subfertility in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization. Therefore, it can be assumed that stress is closely related to poor in vitro fertilization outcomes. In chronically stressed female rats, irregular estrous cyclicity, increased corticosterone levels, decreased oocyte viability, and increased percentage of abnormal oocytes were obtained in all estrous cycle phases, resulting in reduced oocyte maturation during proestrus. Oocyte maturation disturbed by chronic stress is a crucial factor by which chronic stress disrupts female reproduction. Abstract Background: Stress has been considered as one of the causes of decreased reproductive function in women. However, direct evidence of the effect of chronic stress on oocytes depending on estrous cycle phases is limited. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of chronic stress on the viability, integrity, and maturation of rat oocytes depending on estrous cycle phases, specifically proestrus, estrus, and diestrus. Methods: For this purpose, adult female rats were stressed daily by cold water immersion (15 °C) for 30 consecutive days. Results: In chronically stressed female rats, irregular estrous cyclicity, increased corticosterone levels, decreased oocyte viability, and an increased percentage of abnormal oocytes were obtained in all the estrous cycle phases, resulting in reduced oocyte maturation during proestrus. Conclusion: Oocyte maturation disturbed by chronic stress is a crucial factor by which chronic stress disrupts female reproduction
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahiel Casillas
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Iztapalapa Campus, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City 09340, Mexico; (F.C.); (L.J.-R.); (A.Á.-Q.); (J.Z.)
| | - Miguel Betancourt
- Department of Health Sciences, Iztapalapa Campus, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City 09340, Mexico; (M.B.); (Y.D.); (A.L.)
| | - Lizbeth Juárez-Rojas
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Iztapalapa Campus, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City 09340, Mexico; (F.C.); (L.J.-R.); (A.Á.-Q.); (J.Z.)
| | - Yvonne Ducolomb
- Department of Health Sciences, Iztapalapa Campus, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City 09340, Mexico; (M.B.); (Y.D.); (A.L.)
| | - Alma López
- Department of Health Sciences, Iztapalapa Campus, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City 09340, Mexico; (M.B.); (Y.D.); (A.L.)
| | - Alejandra Ávila-Quintero
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Iztapalapa Campus, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City 09340, Mexico; (F.C.); (L.J.-R.); (A.Á.-Q.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jimena Zamora
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Iztapalapa Campus, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City 09340, Mexico; (F.C.); (L.J.-R.); (A.Á.-Q.); (J.Z.)
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Ommati
- Department of Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China;
| | - Socorro Retana-Márquez
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Iztapalapa Campus, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City 09340, Mexico; (F.C.); (L.J.-R.); (A.Á.-Q.); (J.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-55-4050-5395
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Pourheydar M, Hasanzadeh S, Razi M, Pourheydar B, Najafi G. Effects of liraglutide on sperm characteristics and fertilization potential following experimentally induced diabetes in mice. VETERINARY RESEARCH FORUM : AN INTERNATIONAL QUARTERLY JOURNAL 2021; 12:109-116. [PMID: 33953881 PMCID: PMC8094147 DOI: 10.30466/vrf.2019.96822.2315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The current study was conducted to analyze the dose-dependent effects of liraglutide against the diabetes-induced detrimental impact on sperm parameters and fertilization potential. For this purpose, 42 adult male mice were randomly divided into control (with no intervention) and experimental groups. Next, the experimental group was subdivided into diabetic, 1.20 mg kg-1 liraglutide-received diabetic, 1.80 mg kg-1 liraglutide-received diabetic, 1.20 mg kg-1 liraglutide-received non-diabetic and 1.80 mg kg-1 liraglutide-received non-diabetic groups. All chemicals were administrated subcutaneously. Following 42 days, the animals were euthanized, and sperm samples were collected. The sperm count, motility, viability, DNA integrity, and maturity were analyzed and compared between groups. Moreover, the sperm fertilization potential was investigated by in vitro fertilization (IVF). For this purpose, the preimplantation embryo development at 2-cell, 4-cell, morula, and blastocyst stages was investigated and compared. Observations revealed that diabetes significantly diminished sperm count, motility, viability, chromatin condensation, and DNA integrity percentages versus a control group. On the other hand, 1.20 mg kg-1 and 1.80 mg kg-1 of liraglutide did not improve sperm motility and viability, while ameliorated sperm count and chromatin condensation and DNA integrity in diabetic animals. The diabetic animals represented diminished preimplantation embryo development, which was not altered in liraglutide-received groups. In conclusion, at least in administrated doses, liraglutide could not improve the sperm viability and motility and, via this mechanism, could not induce an appropriate/beneficial effect on IVF outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Pourheydar
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Shapour Hasanzadeh
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Mazdak Razi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Bagher Pourheydar
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Najafi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
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Raad G, Tanios J, Azoury J, Daher A, Fakih C, Bakos HW. Neurophysiology of cognitive behavioural therapy, deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation used in conjunction with ART treatments: a narrative review. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:324-338. [PMID: 33238001 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve clinical pregnancy after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse. It could be due to male or female factors, each requiring different treatment options. ART treatment exposes couples to numerous psychological stressors. Therefore, it has been recommended by the ESHRE Psychology and Counselling Guideline Development Group recently that psychosocial support should be offered as a complementary therapy during infertility treatments. In this context, the efficiency of different psychological interventions, such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), deep breathing (DB), and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), was evaluated in several clinical trials in terms of couples' mental health and pregnancy outcomes. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The neurophysiology of CBT, DB and PMR, which are used in interventional studies, in both men and women undergoing ART, has not yet been fully elucidated. This review represents a comprehensive report, aiming to collate novel insights into the neurobiological processes and physiological mechanisms that occur during the practice of CBT, DB and PMR. SEARCH METHODS PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library were interrogated to conduct this comprehensive literature review. The search was carried out using combinations of MeSH terms and keywords: infertility, assisted reproductive techniques, IVF, ICSI, emotions, psychological stress, cognitive behavioural therapy, mind-body therapies and relaxation. Relevant information related to the mechanism of action of stress management techniques were obtained from original articles and reviews published in English without taking into consideration the time of publication. Moreover, as it was not the major focus of the review, only recent systematic reviews (2015-2019) pinpointing the effects of psychological interventions on infertility treatment outcomes were also retrieved from the above-mentioned databases. OUTCOMES CBT, DB and PMR may modify the activity of stress-related brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hypothalamus and hippocampus, as demonstrated by functional MRI and electroencephalogram studies. Furthermore, applying these techniques was associated with mood improvements and a decline in stress biomarkers, and, hypothetically, reducing stress biomarkers attenuates the stress-induced effects on ART outcomes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Increasing the knowledge of fertility staff, researchers and physicians regarding the mechanisms of action of these stress management techniques has several advantages. For instance, understanding the underlying neurophysiological pathways would assist practitioners to engage ART couples in the practice of these techniques. Also, it may enhance the quality of the support programmes and psychological research. Accordingly, this will ensure that these interventions reach their full potential and therefore improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georges Raad
- IVF Department, Al-Hadi Laboratory and Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Judy Tanios
- Embryology Department, IVF Lebanon, Hazmieh, Lebanon
| | - Joseph Azoury
- Azoury IVF clinic, Mount-Lebanon Hospital, Hazmieh, Lebanon
| | - Alain Daher
- Ob-Gyn department, St Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Chadi Fakih
- IVF Department, Al-Hadi Laboratory and Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hassan W Bakos
- Monash IVF Group, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Environmental and Life Sciences Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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González R, Pericuesta E, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Sjunnesson YCB. Effect of an altered hormonal environment by blood plasma collected after adrenocorticotropic administration on embryo development and gene expression in porcine embryos. Theriogenology 2020; 162:15-21. [PMID: 33388725 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Early embryonic development may be affected by adrenal hyperactivity in stressful situations which may lead to endocrine changes in the embryo environment. A sensitive period in porcine embryo development is the 4-cell stage when the embryo genome activation occurs. A mixed in vivo-in vitro system was implemented to test whether an altered milieu around this stage could affect embryo development and blastocyst quality in the porcine model. After in vitro maturation and fertilisation, presumptive zygotes were exposed for 24 h to plasma collected after ovulation from adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-treated, non-ACTH-treated sows; and, medium without plasma, supplemented with bovine serum albumin. Subsequently, embryo development and differences in gene expression were tested among treatments. Cleavage and blastocyst rates did not differ between treatments. Blastocyst quality by morphology assessment was similar when all the resulting blastocysts were included in the analysis. However, when only expanded blastocysts (and onwards) were included in the analysis, the blastocysts from the non-ACTH plasma group showed better quality score. Blastocyst quality by morphological assessment was not mirrored by the transcription levels of various important genes for embryo development whose gene expression profile did not significantly differ among groups. It is likely that the effect of the altered environment provided by plasma from ACTH-treated sows was too short to affect embryo development. Therefore, a brief exposure to an altered endocrine environment may not have harmful consequences for the embryo once fertilisation occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel González
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Reproduction. the Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala (CRU), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7054, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Eva Pericuesta
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra de La Coruña, Km 5.9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Adán
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra de La Coruña, Km 5.9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ylva C B Sjunnesson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Reproduction. the Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala (CRU), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7054, SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
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11
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Rozkova I, Brusentsev E, Igonina T, Ragaeva D, Petrova O, Tikhonova MA, Akopyan AA, Amstislavskaya TG, Antonov YV, Amstislavsky S. Sham surgical embryo transfer affects offspring neurodevelopment and manifestation of hypertensive phenotype in ISIAH rats. Hypertens Pregnancy 2020; 39:283-294. [PMID: 32400240 DOI: 10.1080/10641955.2020.1762894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The study investigates how surgery during pregnancy, i.e., sham operation associated with embryo transfer, affects hypertensive phenotype in ISIAH rats genetically predisposed to hypertension. ISIAH rats born after maternal surgery at fourth day of pregnancy were compared with naturally conceived controls. Surgery during pregnancy in ISIAH rats caused acceleration of neurodevelopment in young offspring, as well as aggravating hypertension, suppressing exploratory activity, reducing hippocampal BDNF expression, and compensatory increasing of hippocampal neuronal density in adult ISIAH offspring. Maternal surgery during early pregnancy caused alterations in offspring phenotype in hypertensive ISIAH rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Rozkova
- Department of Animal Genetics, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics" , Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Eugeny Brusentsev
- Department of Animal Genetics, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics" , Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Tatyana Igonina
- Department of Animal Genetics, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics" , Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Diana Ragaeva
- Department of Animal Genetics, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics" , Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Olga Petrova
- Department of Animal Genetics, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics" , Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Maria A Tikhonova
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Scientific Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine" , Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Anna A Akopyan
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Scientific Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine" , Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Tamara G Amstislavskaya
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Scientific Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medicine" , Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Yegor V Antonov
- Department of Animal Genetics, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics" , Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Sergey Amstislavsky
- Department of Animal Genetics, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution "Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics" , Novosibirsk, Russia
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12
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Čikoš Š, Babeľová J, Špirková A, Burkuš J, Kovaříková V, Šefčíková Z, Fabian D, Koppel J. Glucocorticoid receptor isoforms and effects of glucocorticoids in ovulated mouse oocytes and preimplantation embryos†. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:351-364. [PMID: 30188986 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy196] [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: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate possible involvement of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in mediating effects of maternal stress or therapeutically administered glucocorticoids on early embryo, we analyzed the expression of GR subtypes in ovulated mouse oocytes and preimplantation embryos. RT-PCR analysis results showed that GRα and GRγ transcripts are relatively highly expressed in mouse oocytes, and both transcripts are present at lower amounts in preimplantation embryos. We also detected low expression of two other splice variants, GRβ and a transcript orthologous to the human GR-P subtype, mainly at the blastocyst stage. Using western blot analysis, we detected several GR protein bands that differed in size between oocytes and preimplantation embryos. To compare the effects of corticosterone (a major endogenous glucocorticoid in rodents) and dexamethasone (a synthetic glucocorticoid) on early embryos, we cultured mouse preimplantation embryos in the presence of these glucocorticoids. Corticosterone showed a strong inhibitory effect on embryo development (starting from a 50 μM concentration), without a significant influence on apoptosis incidence. On the other hand, dexamethasone induced apoptosis in early embryo cells (starting from a 1.5 μM concentration), and its effect on embryo development was less detrimental than that found with the same dose of corticosterone. In summary, our results showed that different GR subtypes are expressed in ovulated mouse oocytes and preimplantation embryos and that the composition of GR subtypes changes during early embryo development. Moreover, we found significant differences in the effects of the two glucocorticoids on early embryo development, which might be associated with activation of different GR subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Štefan Čikoš
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Janka Babeľová
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Alexandra Špirková
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Ján Burkuš
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Kovaříková
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Šefčíková
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Dušan Fabian
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Juraj Koppel
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej, Košice, Slovakia
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13
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Tetsuka M, Tanakadate M. Activation of HSD11B1 in the bovine cumulus-oocyte complex during IVM and IVF. Endocr Connect 2019; 8:1029-1039. [PMID: 31252401 PMCID: PMC6652248 DOI: 10.1530/ec-19-0188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The bovine cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) is capable of converting cortisone, an inert glucocorticoid to active cortisol. This mechanism is mediated by 11β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase type 1 (HSD11B1), whose expression dramatically increases in the mature COC. In this study, we investigate the time course expression of HSD11B1 and the enzyme activity in the bovine COC undergoing maturation and fertilization in relation to key events taking place in the COC. Bovine COCs were subjected to in vitro maturation (IVM) and fertilization (IVF). The activities of HSD11B1 and HSD11B2, which mediates the opposite reaction, were measured using a radiometric conversion assay. In parallel studies, cumulus expansion, P4 production and the expression of genes associated with ovulation were measured. The reductive activity of HSD11B1 increased in the latter half of IVM and remained high during IVF, whereas the oxidative activity of HSD11B2 remained unchanged over both periods. Consequently, the net glucocorticoid metabolism in the bovine COC shifted from inactivation to activation around the time of ovulation and fertilization. The increase in HSD11B1 expression lagged behind that of P4 increase and cumulus expansion but ahead of the expressions of genes responsible for PGE2 synthesis. The reductive activity of HSD11B1 was well correlated with the cumulus expansion rate. This outcome indicates that the ability of the cumulus to activate glucocorticoids is related to its ability to synthesize hyaluronan. These results also indicate that the activation of HSD11B1 is an integral part of the sequential events taking place at the ovulation and fertilization in the bovine COC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masafumi Tetsuka
- Department of Life and Food Science, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
- Correspondence should be addressed to M Tetsuka:
| | - Misato Tanakadate
- Department of Life and Food Science, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
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14
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Li QN, Li L, Hou G, Wang ZB, Hou Y, Liu ZH, Schatten H, Sun QY. Glucocorticoid exposure affects female fertility by exerting its effect on the uterus but not on the oocyte: lessons from a hypercortisolism mouse model. Hum Reprod 2019; 33:2285-2294. [PMID: 30388225 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the impact of glucocorticoid (GC) on female reproduction? SUMMARY ANSWER Corticosterone (CORT) exposure causes little damage to oocyte quality or developmental competence but has an adverse effect on the uterus, which causes decreased implantation, embryo death and subsequent infertility. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Chronic treatment with high GC doses is effective in controlling most allergic diseases but may lead to metabolic disorders such as obesity that are closely related with reproductive function. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Hypercortisolism was induced in a female mouse model by supplementing the drinking water with 100 μg/ml of CORT. Controls received vehicle (1% v/v ethanol) only. After 4 weeks treatment mice were either mated or killed in estrus for hormone and organ measurements. In the first experiment, treatment with CORT or control continued during pregnancy but in the second CORT treatment was stopped after mating. To identify the effects of GC exposure on the uterus, blastocysts were generated by IVF of oocytes from CORT and control mice and replaced into recipients receiving the opposite treatment. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The effects of hypercortisolism on female mice were first characterized by living body fat content, body weight, food intake, hormone and biochemical measurements, a glucose tolerance test and an insulin resistance test. Fertility was determined with or without CORT-treatment during pregnancy. Oocyte quality was assessed by oocyte maturation, mitochondrial distribution, reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial DNA mutations and morphology of blastocysts produced in vivo or in vitro. Blastocyst cross-transfer was done to evaluate the causes of embryonic development failure. Fetus development and uterus morphology evaluation as well as culture of oocytes in vitro with gradient concentrations of CORT were also carried out. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In the hypercortisolism female mouse model, body weight and food intake were much higher than in the control, and corticosterone, estradiol, cholesterol (CHO) and triglycerides (TG) in the plasma of CORT-treated mice was significantly increased. The hypercortisolism female mice were infertile when CORT-treatment was sustained during pregnancy but fertile if CORT-treatment was stopped after mating. The rate of successful implantation in hypercortisolism mice with sustained CORT-treatment during pregnancy was significantly lower than in the control, and the implanted embryos could not develop beyond 13.5 dpc. Blastocyst cross-transfer showed that blastocysts from CORT-treated mice could develop to term in the uterus of control mice, but blastocysts from control mice failed to develop to term when they were transferred into CORT-treated mice, providing evidence that the infertility was mainly caused by an altered uterine environment. CORT administration did not affect oocyte maturation, mitochondrial distribution, ROS production and blastocyst morphology, but increased mitochondrial DNA mutations. Culture of oocytes in vitro with gradient concentrations of CORT showed that only very high concentrations of CORT caused damage to oocyte developmental competence. LARGE SCALE DATA NA. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The mouse model has the advantages of a consistent genetic and physiological background and openness to experimental manipulation over clinical studies but may not represent the human situation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings show that special care should be taken when administering CORT during pregnancy, and provide important information concerning female reproduction when treating patients by subjecting them to chronic GC exposure. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (Nos. 2016YFA0100400 and 2017YFC1000600) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31472055). The authors have no conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Nan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guanmei Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Science, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhen-Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhong-Hua Liu
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Heide Schatten
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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15
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Bonyadi F, Hasanzadeh S, Malekinejad H, Najafi G. Cyclopiazonic acid decreases sperm quality and in vitro fertilisation rate in mice. WORLD MYCOTOXIN J 2018. [DOI: 10.3920/wmj2018.2337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The presence of cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) as a mycotoxin has been reported in feed and foodstuffs. The aim of this investigation was to determine the effects of CPA on reproductive functions of male mice. In this experiment, 40 mature male mice were randomly assigned into five groups (n=8): control, control-sham, CPA (0.03 mg/kg, body weight (BW)), CPA (0.06 mg/kg, BW) and CPA (0.12 mg/kg, BW). Following 28 days exposure to CPA, sperm quality parameters, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) capacity of sperms, serum testosterone level, Leydig cells number and serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were analysed. The results revealed a significant (P<0.05) reduction in sperm count, sperm viability, sperm motility, chromatin quality of sperm, sperms with intact DNA, IVF rate, testosterone level, Leydig cell distribution and TAC in comparison to the control group. The most prominent detrimental effects of CPA were found at the highest given dose level. Our results suggest that CPA at higher dose levels exerts detrimental effects on the male reproductive system. Moreover, these descriptive warrant further investigations into the specific mechanisms of action and the effects of CPA on spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Bonyadi
- Department of Basic Science, Histology section, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - S. Hasanzadeh
- Department of Basic Science, Histology section, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - H. Malekinejad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - G. Najafi
- Department of Basic Science, Anatomy and Embryology section, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
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16
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Azad F, Nejati V, Shalizar-Jalali A, Najafi G, Rahmani F. Royal jelly protects male mice against nicotine-induced reproductive failure. VETERINARY RESEARCH FORUM : AN INTERNATIONAL QUARTERLY JOURNAL 2018; 9:231-238. [PMID: 30357078 PMCID: PMC6198156 DOI: 10.30466/vrf.2018.32088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the possible protective effect of royal jelly (RJ) on sperm parameters and sperm malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and in vitro fertilizing potential in nicotine (NIC) exposed male mice. Thrtiy-six male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6). Group 1 received normal saline, group 2 received 100 mg kg-1 per day RJ, groups 3 and 4 received NIC at doses of 0.50 and 1.00 mg kg-1 per day, respectively and groups 5 and 6 received NIC at doses of 0.50 and 1.00 mg kg-1 per day, respectively plus RJ. Caudal epididymal sperm characteristics, lipid peroxidation and in vitro fertilizing capacity and embryo development were evaluated after 35 days. The NIC treatment caused a significant decrease in sperm motility and viability and fertilization rate along with poor blastocyst formation and increased sperm DNA damage and MDA levels. Moreover, the incidences of chromatin abnormality in spermatozoa were significantly higher in NIC-exposed mice than those of control. Nevertheless, RJ treatment improved sperm parameters and in vitro fertilization outcome as well as sperm lipid peroxidation level. Data from the current study suggest that RJ has a potential repro-protective action against NIC-induced sperm abnormalities and embryotoxicity in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farnam Azad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran;
| | - Vahid Nejati
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran;
| | - Ali Shalizar-Jalali
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Gholamreza Najafi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Rahmani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran;
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17
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Gong S, Sun GY, Zhang M, Yuan HJ, Zhu S, Jiao GZ, Luo MJ, Tan JH. Mechanisms for the species difference between mouse and pig oocytes in their sensitivity to glucorticoids. Biol Reprod 2018; 96:1019-1030. [PMID: 28419184 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although in vitro exposure to physiological concentrations of glucorticoids did not affect maturation of mouse oocytes, it significantly inhibited nuclear maturation of pig oocytes. Studies on this species difference in oocyte sensitivity to glucocorticoids will contribute to our understanding of how stress/glucocorticoids affect oocytes. We showed that glucorticoid receptors (NR3C1) were expressed in both oocytes and cumulus cells (CCs) of both pigs and mice; however, while cortisol inhibition of oocyte maturation was overcome by NR3C1 inhibitor RU486 in pigs, it could not be relieved by RU486 in mice. The mRNA level of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (HSD11B1) was significantly higher than that of HSD11B2 in pig cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), whereas HSD11B2 was exclusively expressed in mouse COCs. Pig and mouse cumulus-denuded oocytes (DOs) expressed HSD11B2 predominantly and exclusively, respectively. In the presence of cortisol, although inhibiting HSD11B2 decreased maturation rates of COCs in both species, inhibiting HSD11B1 improved maturation of pig COCs while having no effect on mouse COCs. Cortisol-cortisone interconversion observation confirmed high HSD11B1 activities in pig oocytes but none in mouse oocytes, a higher HSD11B2 activity in mouse than in pig oocytes, and a rapid cortisol-cortisone interconversion in pig COCs catalyzed by HSD11B1 from CCs and HSD11B2 from DOs. In conclusion, the species difference in glucocorticoid sensitivity between pig and mouse oocytes is caused by their different contents/ratios of HSD11B1 and HSD11B2, which maintain different concentrations of active glucocorticoids. While cortisol inhibited pig oocytes by interacting with NR3C1, glucocorticoid suppression of mouse oocytes was apparently not mediated by NR3C1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Gong
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City, P. R. China
| | - Guang-Yi Sun
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City, P. R. China
| | - Min Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City, P. R. China
| | - Hong-Jie Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City, P. R. China
| | - Shuai Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City, P. R. China
| | - Guang-Zhong Jiao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City, P. R. China
| | - Ming-Jiu Luo
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City, P. R. China
| | - Jing-He Tan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City, P. R. China
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18
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Roh S, Kim SW, Jung YG, Park JI. Improvement of pregnancy rate by intrauterine administration of dexamethasone and recombinant human leukemia inhibitory factor at the time of embryo transfer in cattle. J Vet Sci 2017; 17:569-576. [PMID: 27030197 PMCID: PMC5204036 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2016.17.4.569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Revised: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Bovine embryos (day 5) were cultured to day 10 with or without 100 ng/mL PGF2α in medium supplemented with control; 100 nM Dex; 1,000 U/mL recombinant human leukemia inhibitory factor (rhLIF); or Dex+rhLIF. Although the rates to development to the blastocyst were not significantly different among groups, the hatching rate after additional culture with Dex +/or rhLIF was significantly higher in all supplemented groups than the control (p < 0.05). In the presence of PGF2α, the hatching rate was significantly restored in all supplemented groups relative to the group treated with only PGF2α and the control (p < 0.05). Embryo transfer (ET) was performed with blastocysts (day 7). PGF2α levels of control recipient cows were significantly higher in the circulatory blood samples collected 60 min after ET than in samples collected 60 min before ET (p < 0.005), and were decreased in cows injected with loading medium supplemented with Dex+rhLIF (p < 0.005). Pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the ET group that received supplemented embryo-loading medium than in the non-supplemented control (p < 0.05). The intrauterine administration of Dex and rhLIF at ET prevented increased PGF2α in circulatory blood and resulted in enhanced pregnancy rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangho Roh
- School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Se-Woong Kim
- School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | | | - Jong-Im Park
- Department of Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea
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19
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Yuan HJ, Han X, He N, Wang GL, Gong S, Lin J, Gao M, Tan JH. Glucocorticoids impair oocyte developmental potential by triggering apoptosis of ovarian cells via activating the Fas system. Sci Rep 2016; 6:24036. [PMID: 27040909 PMCID: PMC4819190 DOI: 10.1038/srep24036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies indicate that stress damages oocytes with increased secretion of glucorticoids. However, although injection of female mice with cortisol decreased oocyte competence, exposure of mouse oocytes directly to physiological or stress-induced concentrations of glucorticoids did not affect oocyte maturation and embryo development. This study has explored the mechanisms by which glucocorticoids impair oocyte competence. Female mice were injected with cortisol and the effects of cortisol-injection on oocyte competence, ovarian cell apoptosis and Fas/FasL activation were observed. The results showed that cortisol-injection decreased (a) oocyte developmental potential, (b) the E2/P4 ratio in serum and ovaries, and (c) expression of insulin-like growth factor 1, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glucocorticoid receptor in mural granulosa cells (MGCs), while increasing levels of (a) cortisol in serum and ovaries, (b) apoptosis in MGCs and cumulus cells (CCs), (c) FasL secretion in ovaries and during oocyte maturation in vitro, and (d) Fas in MGCs, CCs and oocytes. The detrimental effects of cortisol-injection on oocyte competence and apoptosis of MGCs and CCs were significantly relieved when the gld (generalized lymphoproliferative disorder) mice harboring FasL mutations were observed. Together, the results suggested that glucocorticoids impair oocyte competence by triggering apoptosis of ovarian cells via activating the Fas system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Jie Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City 271018, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Han
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City 271018, P. R. China
| | - Nan He
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City 271018, P. R. China
| | - Guo-Liang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City 271018, P. R. China
| | - Shuai Gong
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City 271018, P. R. China
| | - Juan Lin
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City 271018, P. R. China
| | - Min Gao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City 271018, P. R. China
| | - Jing-He Tan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-an City 271018, P. R. China
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Kadam KM, Mande PV, Gawas N, Ahire S, Khole LVV. Autoantibodies to Heat-Shock Protein, HSPA5, and Epitope Spreading: High-Dose Dexamethasone Therapy Rescues Ovarian Function in Experimental Autoimmune Ovarian Insufficiency Mouse Model. Am J Reprod Immunol 2016; 75:580-93. [PMID: 26840828 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Role of autoantibodies to heat-shock protein 70 isoform, HSPA5, both alone or in combination with other antigenic peptides in epitope spreading and effect of high-dose dexamethasone to overcome this. METHOD OF STUDY Experimental autoimmune premature ovarian insufficiency mouse model generated by immunization with immunodominant epitopes of HSPA5 alone or in combination with other antigenic peptides. Two doses of dexamethasone treatment are given to the latter group. Immunosorbent assay and Western blot analysis were undertaken to detect cross-reactivity. Hormonal estimations, histological evaluation, and fertility studies were performed to assess treatment efficacy. RESULTS One of the immunodominant epitopes of HSPA5 led to epitope spreading. Of the two doses, 100 mg was more effective in rescuing fertility. CONCLUSIONS We postulate that the shared immunodominant peptide could be included in a peptide array to detect both HSAP5 and HSP90β autoantibodies for early diagnosis or prognosis of aPOI and customized glucocorticoid therapy for such subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaushiki M Kadam
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Purvi V Mande
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Nilesh Gawas
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Sarika Ahire
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Late Vrinda V Khole
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
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Effect of cortisol on bovine oocyte maturation and embryo development in vitro. Theriogenology 2015; 85:323-9. [PMID: 26456184 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Revised: 07/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are important mediators of key cellular events. Herein, we investigated the effect of adding cortisol to the IVM medium on the acquisition of developmental competency in bovine oocytes. Cortisol (0.01, 0.1, or 1 μg/mL) had no effect on cleavage rates or cell numbers of resulting blastocysts; however, supplementation with 0.1 μg/mL during IVM increased blastocyst rates of in vitro-fertilized bovine oocytes as compared to untreated controls (41 ± 10% vs. 21 ± 1.2%, P < 0.05, respectively). This concentration was chosen to assess changes in the relative expression of potential GC target genes. Oocytes matured in the presence of cortisol and their corresponding cumulus cells did not show changes in expression for genes analyzed as compared to untreated controls. Notably, blastocysts from oocytes matured in cortisol-supplemented medium expressed higher relative levels of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), fatty acid synthase (FASN), and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). This study supports a role for cortisol in the acquisition of bovine oocyte competence. This is evidenced by increased blastocyst development rates and presumably related to elevated embryonic transcripts with roles in glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as the cellular response to stress.
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González R, Kumaresan A, Bergqvist AS, Sjunnesson YCB. Blood plasma collected after adrenocorticotropic hormone administration during the preovulatory period in the sow negatively affects in vitro fertilization by disturbing spermatozoa function. Theriogenology 2014; 83:1128-39. [PMID: 25623229 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Successful fertilization is essential for reproduction and might be negatively affected by stressful events, which could alter the environment where fertilization occurs. The aim of the study was to determine whether an altered hormonal profile in blood plasma caused by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) administration could affect in vitro fertilization in the pig model. In experiment 1, gametes were exposed for 24 hours to plasma from ACTH-treated, non-ACTH-treated sows, or medium with BSA. Fertilization, cleavage, and blastocyst rates were lower in the ACTH group compared with the no ACTH or BSA control groups (P < 0.01). In experiment 2, the exposure of matured oocytes for 1 hour before fertilization to the same treatments did not have an impact on their ability to undergo fertilization or on embryo development. In experiment 3, spermatozoa were incubated for 0, 1, 4, and 24 hours under the same conditions. There was no effect of treatment on sperm viability. The percentage of acrosome-reacted spermatozoa remained higher in the ACTH group compared with the non-ACTH-treated group through the incubation period (P < 0.001). Protein tyrosine phosphorylation (PTP) patterns were also affected by treatment (P < 0.001). The presence of an atypical PTP pattern was higher in the ACTH group at all the analyzed time points compared with the BSA and no ACTH groups (P < 0.001). In conclusion, this altered environment may not affect oocyte competence but might affect the sperm fertilizing ability through alterations in the acrosome reaction and correct sequence of PTP patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- R González
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - A Kumaresan
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden; Cattle Yard, LPM, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - A S Bergqvist
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Y C B Sjunnesson
- Division of Reproduction, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
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Aslam MA, Groothuis TG, Smits MA, Woelders H. Effect of Corticosterone and Hen Body Mass on Primary Sex Ratio in Laying Hen (Gallus gallus), Using Unincubated Eggs1. Biol Reprod 2014; 90:76. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.115352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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González R, Sjunnesson YCB. Effect of blood plasma collected after adrenocorticotropic hormone administration during the preovulatory period in the sow on oocyte in vitro maturation. Theriogenology 2013; 80:673-83. [PMID: 23886600 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2013] [Revised: 06/23/2013] [Accepted: 06/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Reproduction may be affected by stressful events changing the female endocrine or metabolic profile. An altered environment during oocyte development could influence the delicate process of oocyte maturation. Here, the effect of simulated stress by media supplementation with blood plasma from sows after adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) administration during the preovulatory period was assessed. Oocytes were matured for 46 hours in the presence of plasma from ACTH-treated sows, or plasma from NaCl-treated control sows, or medium without plasma (BSA group). The plasma used had been collected at 36 and 12 hours (±2 hours) before ovulation (for the first 24 hours + last 22 hours of maturation, respectively). Subsequent fertilization and embryo development were evaluated. Actin cytoskeleton and mitochondrial patterns were studied by confocal microscopy both in the oocytes and the resulting blastocysts. Nuclear maturation did not differ between treatments. Subtle differences were observed in the actin microfilaments in oocytes; however, mitochondrial patterns were associated with the treatment (P < 0.001). These differences in mitochondrial patterns were not reflected by in vitro outcomes, which were similar in all groups. In conclusion, an altered hormonal environment provided by a brief exposure to plasma from ACTH-treated sows during in vitro oocyte maturation could induce alterations in actin cytoskeleton and mitochondrial patterns in oocytes. However, these changes might not hamper the subsequent in vitro embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- R González
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden.
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Abdel-Ghani MA, Shimizu T, Asano T, Suzuki H. In vitro maturation of canine oocytes co-cultured with bovine and canine granulosa cell monolayers. Theriogenology 2012; 77:347-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2010] [Revised: 07/21/2011] [Accepted: 08/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Calounova G, Livera G, Zhang XQ, Liu K, Gosden RG, Welsh M. The Src homology 2 domain-containing adapter protein B (SHB) regulates mouse oocyte maturation. PLoS One 2010; 5:e11155. [PMID: 20585392 PMCID: PMC2886836 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0011155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2010] [Accepted: 05/24/2010] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
SHB (Src homology 2 domain-containing adapter protein B) is involved in receptor tyrosine kinase signaling. Mice deficient in the Shb gene have been found to exhibit a transmission ratio distortion with respect to inheritance of the Shb null allele among offspring and this phenomenon was linked to female gamete production. Consequently, we postulated that Shb plays a role for oocyte biology and thus decided to investigate oocyte formation, meiotic maturation, and early embryo development in relation to absence of the Shb gene. Oogenesis was apparently accelerated judging from the stages of oocyte development on fetal day 18.5 and one week postnatally in Shb -/- mice; but in adulthood ovarian follicle maturation was impaired in these mice. Completion of meiosis I (first polar body extrusion) was less synchronized, with a fraction of oocytes showing premature polar body extrusion in the absence of Shb. In vitro fertilization of mature oocytes isolated from Shb +/+, +/- and -/- mice revealed impaired early embryo development in the -/- embryos. Moreover, the absence of Shb enhanced ERK (extracellular-signal regulated kinase) and RSK (ribosomal S6 kinase) signaling in oocytes and these effects were paralleled by an increased ribosomal protein S6 phosphorylation and activation. It is concluded that SHB regulates normal oocyte and follicle development and that perturbation of SHB signaling causes defective meiosis I and early embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriel Livera
- Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, UMR-U967, INSERM/CEA/Paris Diderot-Paris 7 University, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Xiao-Qun Zhang
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kui Liu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Roger G. Gosden
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Michael Welsh
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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