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Bellido-Quispe DK, Arcce IML, Pinzón-Osorio CA, Campos VF, Remião MH. Chemical activation of mammalian oocytes and its application in camelid reproductive biotechnologies: A review. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 266:107499. [PMID: 38805838 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107499] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian oocyte activation is a critical process occurring post-gamete fusion, marked by a sequence of cellular events initiated by an upsurge in intracellular Ca2+. This surge in calcium orchestrates the activation/deactivation of specific kinases, leading to the subsequent inactivation of MPF and MAPK activities, alongside PKC activation. Despite various attempts to induce artificial activation using distinct chemical compounds as Ca2+ inducers and/or Ca2+-independent agents, the outcomes have proven suboptimal. Notably, incomplete suppression of MPF and MAPK activities persists, necessitating a combination of different agents for enhanced efficiency. Moreover, the inherent specificity of activation methods for each species precludes straightforward extrapolation between them. Consequently, optimization of protocols for each species and for each technique, such as PA, ICSI, and SCNT, is required. Despite recent strides in camelid biotechnologies, the field has seen little advancement in chemical activation methods. Only a limited number of chemical agents have been explored, and the effects of many remain unknown. In ICSI, despite obtaining blastocysts with different chemical compounds that induce Ca2+ and calcium-independent increases, viable offspring have not been obtained. However, SCNT has exhibited varying outcomes, successfully yielding viable offspring with a reduced number of chemical activators. This article comprehensively reviews the current understanding of the physiological activation of oocytes and the molecular mechanisms underlying chemical activation in mammals. The aim is to transfer and apply this knowledge to camelid reproductive biotechnologies, with emphasis on chemical activation in PA, ICSI, and SCNT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - César Augusto Pinzón-Osorio
- Laboratório de Fisiopatologia e Biotécnicas da Reprodução Animal (FiBRA), Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Farias Campos
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Mariana Härter Remião
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brazil
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Kashir J, Mistry BV, Rajab MA, BuSaleh L, Abu-Dawud R, Ahmed HA, Alharbi S, Nomikos M, AlHassan S, Coskun S, Assiri AM. The mammalian sperm factor phospholipase C zeta is critical for early embryo division and pregnancy in humans and mice. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:1256-1274. [PMID: 38670547 PMCID: PMC11145019 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae078] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are sperm phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) profiles linked to the quality of embryogenesis and pregnancy? SUMMARY ANSWER Sperm PLCζ levels in both mouse and humans correlate with measures of ideal embryogenesis whereby minimal levels seem to be required to result in successful pregnancy. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY While causative factors underlying male infertility are multivariable, cases are increasingly associated with the efficacy of oocyte activation, which in mammals occurs in response to specific profiles of calcium (Ca2+) oscillations driven by sperm-specific PLCζ. Although sperm PLCζ abrogation is extensively linked with human male infertility where oocyte activation is deficient, less is clear as to whether sperm PLCζ levels or localization underlies cases of defective embryogenesis and failed pregnancy following fertility treatment. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A cohort of 54 couples undergoing fertility treatment were recruited at the assisted reproductive technology laboratory at the King Faisal Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The recruitment criteria for males was a minimum sperm concentration of 5×106 sperm/ml, while all female patients had to have at least five oocytes. Sperm PLCζ analysis was performed in research laboratories, while semen assessments were performed, and time-lapse morphokinetic data were obtained, in the fertility clinic as part of routine treatment. The CRISPR/Cas9 system was concurrently used to induce indels and single-nucleotide mutations within the Plcζ gene to generate strains of Plcζ mutant mice. Sperm PLCζ was evaluated using immunofluorescence and immunoblotting with an antibody of confirmed consistent specificity against PLCζ. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We evaluated PLCζ profiles in sperm samples from 54 human couples undergoing fertility treatment in the context of time-lapse morphokinetic analysis of resultant embryos, correlating such profiles to pregnancy status. Concurrently, we generated two strains of mutant Plcζ mice using CRISPR/Cas9, and performed IVF with wild type (WT) oocytes and using WT or mutant Plcζ sperm to generate embryos. We also assessed PLCζ status in WT and mutant mice sperm in the context of time-lapse morphokinetic analysis and breeding outcomes. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A significant (P ≤ 0.05) positive relationship was observed between both PLCζ relative fluorescence and relative density with the times taken for both the second cell division (CC2) (r = 0.26 and r = 0.43, respectively) and the third cell division (S2) (r = 0.26). Examination of localization patterns also indicated significant correlations between the presence or absence of sperm PLCζ and CC2 (r = 0.27 and r = -0.27, respectively; P ≤ 0.025). Human sperm PLCζ levels were at their highest in the ideal times of CC2 (8-12 h) compared to time ranges outside the ideal timeframe (<8 and >12 h) where levels of human sperm PLCζ were lower. Following assignment of PLCζ level thresholds, quantification revealed a significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) rate of successful pregnancy in values larger than the assigned cut-off for both relative fluorescence (19% vs 40%, respectively) and relative density (8% vs 54%, respectively). Immunoblotting indicated a single band for PLCζ at 74 kDa in sperm from WT mice, while a single band was also observed in sperm from heterozygous of Plcζ mutant mouse sperm, but at a diminished intensity. Immunofluorescent analysis indicated the previously reported (Kashir et al., 2021) fluorescence patterns in WT sperm, while sperm from Plcζ mutant mice exhibited a significantly diminished and dispersed pattern at the acrosomal region of the sperm head. Breeding experiments indicated a significantly reduced litter size of mutant Plcζ male mice compared to WT mice, while IVF-generated embryos using sperm from mutant Plcζ mice exhibited high rates of polyspermy, and resulted in significantly reduced numbers of these embryos reaching developmental milestones. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The human population examined was relatively small, and should be expanded to examine a larger multi-centre cohort. Infertility conditions are often multivariable, and it was not possible to evaluate all these in human patients. However, our mutant Plcζ mouse experiments do suggest that PLCζ plays a significant role in early embryo development. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS We found that minimal levels of PLCζ within a specific range were required for optimal early embryogenesis, correlating with increased pregnancy. Levels of sperm PLCζ below specific thresholds were associated with ineffective embryogenesis and lower pregnancy rates, despite eliciting successful fertilization in both mice and humans. To our knowledge, this represents the first time that PLCζ levels in sperm have been correlated to prognostic measures of embryogenic efficacy and pregnancy rates in humans. Our data suggest for the first time that the clinical utilization of PLCζ may stand to benefit not just a specific population of male infertility where oocyte activation is completely deficient (wherein PLCζ is completely defective/abrogated), but also perhaps the larger population of couples seeking fertility treatment. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) J.K. is supported by a faculty start up grant awarded by Khalifa University (FSU-2023-015). This study was also supported by a Healthcare Research Fellowship Award (HF-14-16) from Health and Care Research Wales (HCRW) to J.K., alongside a National Science, Technology, and Innovation plan (NSTIP) project grant (15-MED4186-20) awarded by the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) for J.K. and A.M.A. The authors declare no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Kashir
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bhavesh V Mistry
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A Rajab
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lujain BuSaleh
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raed Abu-Dawud
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, MSH Medical School, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hala A Ahmed
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Alharbi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michail Nomikos
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Saad AlHassan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Serdar Coskun
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M Assiri
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Yu W, Peng X, Cai X, Xu H, Wang C, Liu F, Luo D, Tang S, Wang Y, Du X, Gao Y, Tian T, Liang S, Chen C, Kim NH, Yuan B, Zhang J, Jiang H. Transcriptome analysis of porcine oocytes during postovulatory aging. Theriogenology 2024:S0093-691X(24)00209-7. [PMID: 38821784 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.05.035] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Decreased oocyte quality is a significant contributor to the decline in female fertility that accompanies aging in mammals. Oocytes rely on mRNA stores to support their survival and integrity during the protracted period of transcriptional dormancy as they await ovulation. However, the changes in mRNA levels and interactions that occur during porcine oocyte maturation and aging remain unclear. In this study, the mRNA expression profiles of porcine oocytes during the GV, MII, and aging (24 h after the MII stage) stages were explored by transcriptome sequencing to identify the key genes and pathways that affect oocyte maturation and postovulatory aging. The results showed that 10,929 genes were coexpressed in porcine oocytes during the GV stage, MII stage, and aging stage. In addition, 3037 genes were expressed only in the GV stage, 535 genes were expressed only in the MII stage, and 120 genes were expressed only in the aging stage. The correlation index between the GV and MII stages (0.535) was markedly lower than that between the MII and aging stages (0.942). A total of 3237 genes, which included 1408 upregulated and 1829 downregulated genes, were differentially expressed during porcine oocyte postovulatory aging (aging stage vs. MII stage). Key functional genes, including ATP2A1, ATP2A3, ATP2B2, NDUFS1, NDUFA2, NDUFAF3, SREBF1, CYP11A1, CYP3A29, GPx4, CCP110, STMN1, SPC25, Sirt2, SYCP3, Fascin1/2, PFN1, Cofilin, Tmod3, FLNA, LRKK2, CHEK1/2, DDB1/2, DDIT4L, and TONSL, and key molecular pathways, such as the calcium signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, TGF-β signaling pathway, PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, FoxO signaling pathway, gap junctions, and thermogenesis, were found in abundance during porcine postovulatory aging. These genes are mainly involved in the regulation of many biological processes, such as oxidative stress, calcium homeostasis, mitochondrial function, and lipid peroxidation, during porcine oocyte postovulatory aging. These results contribute to a more in-depth understanding of the biological changes, key regulatory genes and related biological pathways that are involved in oocyte aging and provide a theoretical basis for improving the efficiency of porcine embryo production in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Yu
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, Jilin, China
| | - Xinyue Peng
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, Jilin, China
| | - Xiaoshi Cai
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, Jilin, China
| | - Hong Xu
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, Jilin, China
| | - Chen Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, Jilin, China
| | - Fengjiao Liu
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, Jilin, China
| | - Dan Luo
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, Jilin, China
| | - Shuhan Tang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, Jilin, China
| | - Yue Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, Jilin, China
| | - Xiaoxue Du
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, Jilin, China
| | - Yan Gao
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, Jilin, China
| | - Tian Tian
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, Jilin, China; Center of Reproductive Medicine & Center of Prenatal Diagnosis, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, Jilin, China
| | - Shuang Liang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, Jilin, China
| | - Chengzhen Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, Jilin, China
| | - Nam-Hyung Kim
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, Jilin, China
| | - Bao Yuan
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, Jilin, China
| | - Jiabao Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, Jilin, China
| | - Hao Jiang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, Jilin, China.
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Ezoe K, Onogi S, Sawado A, Amagai A, Kato K. Maternal and obstetric outcomes following the transfer of embryos warmed with fatty acid-supplemented solutions. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:343. [PMID: 38704546 PMCID: PMC11069166 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06546-4] [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: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitrification procedures decrease intracytoplasmic lipid content and impair developmental competence. Adding fatty acids (FAs) to the warming solution has been shown to recover the lipid content of the cytoplasm and improve developmental competence and pregnancy outcomes. However, the influence of the FA supplementation on live birth rates after embryo transfers and perinatal outcomes remains unknown. In the present study, we examined the influence of FA-supplemented warming solutions on live birth rates, pregnancy complications, and neonatal outcomes after single vitrified-warmed cleavage-stage embryo transfers (SVCTs). METHODS The clinical records of 701 treatment cycles in 701 women who underwent SVCTs were retrospectively analyzed. Vitrified embryos were warmed using solutions (from April 2022 to June 2022, control group) or FA-supplemented solutions (from July 2022 to September 2022, FA group). The live birth rate, pregnancy complications, and perinatal outcomes were compared between the control and FA groups. RESULTS The live birth rate per transfer was significantly higher in the FA group than in the control group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis further demonstrated a higher probability of live births in the FA group than in the control group. Miscarriage rates, the incidence and types of pregnancy complications, the cesarean section rate, gestational age, incidence of preterm delivery, birth length and weight, incidence of low birth weight, infant sex, and incidence of birth defects were all comparable between the control and FA groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis further demonstrated no adverse effects of FA-supplemented warming solutions. CONCLUSIONS FA-supplemented warming solutions improved live birth rates after SVCTs without exerting any adverse effects on maternal and obstetric outcomes. Therefore, FA-supplemented solutions can be considered safe and effective for improving clinical outcomes and reducing patient burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Ezoe
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjyuku, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Sachie Onogi
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjyuku, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Ayano Sawado
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjyuku, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Ayumi Amagai
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjyuku, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Keiichi Kato
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjyuku, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan.
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Sawado A, Ezoe K, Miki T, Ohata K, Amagai A, Shimazaki K, Okimura T, Kato K. Fatty acid supplementation during warming improves pregnancy outcomes after frozen blastocyst transfers: a propensity score-matched study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9343. [PMID: 38653766 PMCID: PMC11039611 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60136-0] [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: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the viability of human blastocysts after warming with fatty acids (FAs) using an in vitro outgrowth model and to assess pregnancy outcomes after a single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer (SVBT). For the experimental study, we used 446 discarded vitrified human blastocysts donated for research purposes by consenting couples. The blastocysts were warmed using FA-supplemented (FA group) or non-FA-supplemented (control group) solutions. The outgrowth area was significantly larger in the FA group (P = 0.0428), despite comparable blastocyst adhesion rates between the groups. Furthermore, the incidence of outgrowth degeneration was significantly lower in the FA group than in the control group (P = 0.0158). For the clinical study, we retrospectively analyzed the treatment records of women who underwent SVBT in natural cycles between January and August 2022. Multiple covariates that affected the outcomes were used for propensity score matching as follows: 1342 patients in the FA group were matched to 2316 patients in the control group. Pregnancy outcomes were compared between the groups. The rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy, and ongoing pregnancy significantly increased in the FA group after SVBTs (P = 0.0091-0.0266). These results indicate that warming solutions supplemented with FAs improve blastocyst outgrowth and pregnancy outcomes after SVBTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayano Sawado
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Kenji Ezoe
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan.
| | - Tetsuya Miki
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Kazuki Ohata
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Ayumi Amagai
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Kiyoe Shimazaki
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Tadashi Okimura
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Keiichi Kato
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan.
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Tong KY, Liu WW, Sun LW, Liu DY, Xiang YZ, Li C, Chai LW, Chen K, Huang GN, Li JY. Novel PLCZ1 mutation caused polyspermy during in vitro fertilization. Asian J Androl 2024:00129336-990000000-00168. [PMID: 38445955 DOI: 10.4103/aja202376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Failure of oocyte activation, including polyspermy and defects in pronuclear (PN) formation, triggers early embryonic developmental arrest. Many studies have shown that phospholipase C zeta 1 ( PLCZ1 ) mutations cause failure of PN formation following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI); however, whether PLCZ1 mutation is associated with polyspermy during in vitro fertilization (IVF) remains unknown. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed to identify candidate mutations in couples with primary infertility. Sanger sequencing was used to validate the mutations. Multiple PLCZ1 -mutated sperm were injected into human and mouse oocytes to explore whether PN formation was induced. Assisted oocyte activation (AOA) after ICSI was performed to overcome the failure of oocyte activation. We identified three PLCZ1 mutations in three patients who experienced polyspermy during IVF cycles, including a novel missense mutation c.1154C>T, p.R385Q. PN formation failure was observed during the ICSI cycle. However, injection of multiple PLCZ1 -mutated sperm induced PN formation, suggesting that the Ca 2+ oscillations induced by the sperm exceeded the necessary threshold for PN formation. AOA after ICSI enabled normal fertilization, and all patients achieved successful pregnancies. These findings expand the mutational spectrum of PLCZ1 and suggest an important role for PLCZ1 in terms of blocking polyspermy. Furthermore, this study may benefit genetic diagnoses in cases of abnormal fertilization and provide potential appropriate therapeutic measures for these patients with sperm-derived polyspermy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Ya Tong
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
| | - Wei-Wei Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
| | - Li-Wei Sun
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
| | - Dong-Yun Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
| | - Ye-Zhou Xiang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
| | - Chong Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
| | - Lu-Wei Chai
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
| | - Ke Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
| | - Guo-Ning Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
| | - Jing-Yu Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Human Embryo Engineering, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400012, China
- Chongqing Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 400012, China
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7
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Li L, Xin J, Wang H, Wang Y, Peng W, Sun N, Huang H, Zhou Y, Liu X, Lin Y, Fang J, Jing B, Pan K, Zeng Y, Zeng D, Qin X, Bai Y, Ni X. Fluoride disrupts intestinal epithelial tight junction integrity through intracellular calcium-mediated RhoA/ROCK signaling and myosin light chain kinase. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 257:114940. [PMID: 37099960 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Fluoride is a common contaminant of groundwater and agricultural commodity, which poses challenges to animal and human health. A wealth of research has demonstrated its detrimental effects on intestinal mucosal integrity; however, the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. This study aimed to investigate the role of the cytoskeleton in fluoride-induced barrier dysfunction. After sodium fluoride (NaF) treatment of the cultured Caco-2 cells, both cytotoxicity and cytomorphological changes (internal vacuoles or massive ablation) were observed. NaF lowered transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and enhanced paracellular permeation of fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran 4 (FD-4), indicating Caco-2 monolayers hyperpermeability. In the meantime, NaF treatment altered both the expression and distribution of the tight junction protein ZO-1. Fluoride exposure increased myosin light chain II (MLC2) phosphorylation and triggered actin filament (F-actin) remodeling. While inhibition of myosin II by Blebbistatin blocked NaF-induced barrier failure and ZO-1 discontinuity, the corresponding agonist Ionomycin had effects comparable to those of fluoride, suggesting that MLC2 serves as an effector. Given the mechanisms upstream of p-MLC2 regulation, further studies demonstrated that NaF activated RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), strikingly increasing the expression of both. Pharmacological inhibitors (Rhosin, Y-27632 and ML-7) reversed NaF-induced barrier breakdown and stress fiber formation. The role of intracellular calcium ions ([Ca2+]i) in NaF effects on Rho/ROCK pathway and MLCK was investigated. We found that NaF elevated [Ca2+]i, whereas chelator BAPTA-AM attenuated increased RhoA and MLCK expression as well as ZO-1 rupture, thus, restoring barrier function. Collectively, abovementioned results suggest that NaF induces barrier impairment via Ca2+-dependent RhoA/ROCK pathway and MLCK, which in turn triggers MLC2 phosphorylation and rearrangement of ZO-1 and F-actin. These results provide potential therapeutic targets for fluoride-induced intestinal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianxin Li
- Animal Microecology Institute, College of Veterinary, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinge Xin
- Animal Microecology Institute, College of Veterinary, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hesong Wang
- Baiyun Branch, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yadong Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Gastroenterology of Guangdong Province, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiqi Peng
- Baiyun Branch, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ning Sun
- Animal Microecology Institute, College of Veterinary, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Haonan Huang
- Animal Microecology Institute, College of Veterinary, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanxi Zhou
- Animal Microecology Institute, College of Veterinary, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xingmei Liu
- Animal Microecology Institute, College of Veterinary, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Gastroenterology of Guangdong Province, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Fang
- Animal Microecology Institute, College of Veterinary, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Bo Jing
- Animal Microecology Institute, College of Veterinary, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Kangcheng Pan
- Animal Microecology Institute, College of Veterinary, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Zeng
- Animal Microecology Institute, College of Veterinary, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dong Zeng
- Animal Microecology Institute, College of Veterinary, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiang Qin
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
| | - Yang Bai
- Baiyun Branch, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Gastroenterology of Guangdong Province, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xueqin Ni
- Animal Microecology Institute, College of Veterinary, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Bafleh WS, Abdulsamad HMR, Al-Qaraghuli SM, El Khatib RY, Elbahrawi RT, Abdukadir AM, Alsawae SM, Dimassi Z, Hamdan H, Kashir J. Applications of advances in mRNA-based platforms as therapeutics and diagnostics in reproductive technologies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1198848. [PMID: 37305677 PMCID: PMC10250609 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1198848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent COVID-19 pandemic led to many drastic changes in not only society, law, economics, but also in science and medicine, marking for the first time when drug regulatory authorities cleared for use mRNA-based vaccines in the fight against this outbreak. However, while indeed representing a novel application of such technology in the context of vaccination medicine, introducing RNA into cells to produce resultant molecules (proteins, antibodies, etc.) is not a novel principle. It has been common practice to introduce/inject mRNA into oocytes and embryos to inhibit, induce, and identify several factors in a research context, while such aspects have also been proposed as potential therapeutic and diagnostic applications to combat infertility in humans. Herein, we describe key areas where mRNA-based platforms have thus far represented potential areas of clinical applications, describing the advantages and limitations of such applications. Finally, we also discuss how recent advances in mRNA-based platforms, driven by the recent pandemic, may stand to benefit the treatment of infertility in humans. We also present brief future directions as to how we could utilise recent and current advancements to enhance RNA therapeutics within reproductive biology, specifically with relation to oocyte and embryo delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wjdan S. Bafleh
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Haia M. R. Abdulsamad
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sally M. Al-Qaraghuli
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Riwa Y. El Khatib
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rawdah Taha Elbahrawi
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Azhar Mohamud Abdukadir
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Zakia Dimassi
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hamdan Hamdan
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center (HEIC), Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Junaid Kashir
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Science, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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9
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Hirose N, Kikuchi Y, Kageyama A, Sugita H, Sakurai M, Kawata Y, Terakawa J, Wakayama T, Ito J, Kashiwazaki N. Successful Production of Offspring Derived from Phospholipase C Zeta-Deficient Sperm by Additional Artificial Activation. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13040980. [PMID: 37109509 PMCID: PMC10143324 DOI: 10.3390/life13040980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
During mammalian fertilization, repetitive rises of intracellular calcium called calcium oscillations are required for full activation of oocytes. Therefore, oocytes such as round spermatid injected or somatic cell nuclear transferred require additional artificial activation which mimics the calcium oscillations. It is well recognized that sperm specific phospholipase C (PLCζ) is a strong candidate as the sperm factor which can induce calcium oscillations and, at least in mammals, the genetic mutation of PLCζ in human causes male infertility due to the lack of calcium oscillations in the oocytes. Recent studies showed that the sperm lacking PLCζ (Plcz1-/-) still could induce rise(s) of intracellular calcium in the oocytes after IVF but not intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In the ICSI oocytes, no pronuclear formation or development to the two-cell stage was observed. However, it is still unclear whether additional activation treatment can rescue the low developmental ability of Plcz1-/--sperm-derived oocytes after ICSI. In this study, we examined whether oocytes injected with a Plcz1-/- sperm can develop to term by additional artificial activation. In oocytes injected a Plcz1-/- sperm and Plcz1-/- and eCS (another candidate of the sperm factor) double knockout sperm (Plcz1-/-eCS-/-), the rates of pronuclear formation were very low (2.0 ± 2.3% and 6.1 ± 3.7%, respectively) compared to control (92.1 ± 2.6%). However, these rates were dramatically improved by additional procedures of PLCζ-mRNA injection or SrCl2 treatment (Plcz1-/- sperm + PLCζ mRNA, Plcz1-/- sperm + SrCl2 and Plcz1-/-eCS-/- sperm + PLCζ mRNA; 64.2 ± 10.8%, 89.2 ± 2.4% and 72.6 ± 5.4%, respectively). Most of the oocytes were developed to the two-cell stage. After embryo transfer, healthy pups were obtained in all these groups (Plcz1-/- sperm + PLCζ mRNA:10.0 ± 2.8%, Plcz1-/- sperm + SrCl2:4.0 ± 4.3% and Plcz1-/-eCS-/- sperm + PLCζ mRNA: 10.0 ± 5.7%). The rate in Plcz1-/- sperm + SrCl2 group was significantly lower than that in control (26.0 ± 2.4%). Taken together, our present results show that additional activation treatment such as SrCl2 and PLCζ mRNA can fully support to develop to term even in oocyte injected Plcz1-/- sperm. In addition, PLCζ-induced oocyte activation is more suitable for successful development to term compared to that such as phenomenon induced by SrCl2. These findings will contribute to improvement for male-dependent human infertility and reproductive technologies in other mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Hirose
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Kikuchi
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Atsuko Kageyama
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa 252-0206, Japan
| | - Hibiki Sugita
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa 252-0206, Japan
| | - Miu Sakurai
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa 252-0206, Japan
| | - Yui Kawata
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa 252-0206, Japan
| | - Jumpei Terakawa
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa 252-0206, Japan
| | - Teruhiko Wakayama
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
- Advanced Biotechnology Center, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Junya Ito
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa 252-0206, Japan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa 252-0206, Japan
- Center for Human and Animal Symbiosis Science, Azabu University, Kanagawa 252-0206, Japan
| | - Naomi Kashiwazaki
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa 252-0206, Japan
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa 252-0206, Japan
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10
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The Therapeutic and Diagnostic Potential of Phospholipase C Zeta, Oocyte Activation, and Calcium in Treating Human Infertility. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030441. [PMID: 36986540 PMCID: PMC10056371 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Oocyte activation, a fundamental event during mammalian fertilisation, is initiated by concerted intracellular patterns of calcium (Ca2+) release, termed Ca2+ oscillations, predominantly driven by testis-specific phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ). Ca2+ exerts a pivotal role in not just regulating oocyte activation and driving fertilisation, but also in influencing the quality of embryogenesis. In humans, a failure of Ca2+ release, or defects in related mechanisms, have been reported to result in infertility. Furthermore, mutations in the PLCζ gene and abnormalities in sperm PLCζ protein and RNA, have been strongly associated with forms of male infertility where oocyte activation is deficient. Concurrently, specific patterns and profiles of PLCζ in human sperm have been linked to parameters of semen quality, suggesting the potential for PLCζ as a powerful target for both therapeutics and diagnostics of human fertility. However, further to PLCζ and given the strong role played by Ca2+ in fertilisation, targets down- and up-stream of this process may also present a significantly similar level of promise. Herein, we systematically summarise recent advancements and controversies in the field to update expanding clinical associations between Ca2+-release, PLCζ, oocyte activation and human fertility. We discuss how such associations may potentially underlie defective embryogenesis and recurrent implantation failure following fertility treatments, alongside potential diagnostic and therapeutic avenues presented by oocyte activation for the diagnosis and treatment of human infertility.
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11
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Tavalaee M, Naderi N, Esfandiari N, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Assisted Oocyte Activation following Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: A Sensible Option for Infertile Couples with Severe Teratozoospermia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2023; 17:92-98. [PMID: 36906825 PMCID: PMC10009512 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2023.1973580.1395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
The intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has significantly improved male factor infertility treatment; however, complete fertilization failure still occurs in 1-5% of ICSI treatment cycles mainly due to oocyte activation failure. It is estimated that around 40-70% of oocyte activation failure is associated with sperm factors after ICSI. Assisted oocyte activation (AOA) as an effective approach to avoid total fertilization failure (TFF) has been proposed following ICSI. In the literature, several procedures have been described to overcome failed oocyte activation. These include mechanical, electrical, or chemical stimuli initiating artificial Ca2+ rises in the cytoplasm of oocytes. AOA in couples with previous failed fertilization and those with globozoospermia has resulted in varying degrees of success. The aim of this review is to examine the available literature on AOA in teratozoospermic men undergoing ICSI-AOA and determine whether the ICSI-AOA should be considered as an adjunct fertility procedure for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marziyeh Tavalaee
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Nushin Naderi
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Navid Esfandiari
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.,Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center, Isfahan, Iran
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12
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Satouh Y, Sato K. Reorganization, specialization, and degradation of oocyte maternal components for early development. Reprod Med Biol 2023; 22:e12505. [PMID: 36726596 PMCID: PMC9884333 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Oocyte components are maternally provided, solely determine oocyte quality, and coordinately determine embryo quality with zygotic gene expression. During oocyte maturation, maternal organelles are drastically reorganized and specialized to support oocyte characteristics. A large number of maternal components are actively degraded after fertilization and gradually replaced by zygotic gene products. The molecular basis and the significance of these processes on oocyte/embryo quality are not fully understood. Methods Firstly, recent findings in organelle characteristics of other cells or oocytes from model organisms are introduced for further understanding of oocyte organelle reorganization/specialization. Secondly, recent progress in studies on maternal components degradation and their molecular mechanisms are introduced. Finally, future applications of these advancements for predicting mammalian oocyte/embryo quality are discussed. Main findings The significance of cellular surface protein degradation via endocytosis for embryonic development, and involvement of biogenesis of lipid droplets in embryonic quality, were recently reported using mammalian model organisms. Conclusion Identifying key oocyte component characteristics and understanding their dynamics may lead to new applications in oocyte/embryo quality prediction and improvement. To implement these multidimensional concepts, development of new technical approaches that allow us to address the complexity and efficient studies using model organisms are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhkoh Satouh
- Laboratory of Molecular Traffic, Institute for Molecular and Cellular RegulationGunma UniversityMaebashiJapan
| | - Ken Sato
- Laboratory of Molecular Traffic, Institute for Molecular and Cellular RegulationGunma UniversityMaebashiJapan
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Amagai A, Ezoe K, Miki T, Shimazaki K, Okimura T, Kato K. Fatty acid supplementation into warming solutions improves pregnancy outcomes after single vitrified-warmed cleavage stage embryo transfers. Reprod Med Biol 2023; 22:e12517. [PMID: 37168396 PMCID: PMC10165886 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12517] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to examine the embryonic development of human 4-cell stage embryos after warming with fatty acids (FAs) and to assess the pregnancy outcomes after single vitrified-warmed cleavage stage embryo transfers (SVCTs). Methods Experimental study: A total of 217 discarded, vitrified human 4-cell stage embryos donated for research by consenting couples were used. The embryos were warmed using the fatty acid (FA)-supplemented solutions (FA group) or nonsupplemented solutions (control group). The developmental rate, morphokinetics, and outgrowth competence were analyzed. Clinical study: The treatment records of women undergoing SVCT in natural cycles between April and September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed (April-June 2022, control group; July-September 2022, FA group). Results Experimental study: The rate of morphologically good blastocysts was significantly higher in the FA group than in the control group (p = 0.0302). The morphokinetics during cleavage, morula, and blastocyst stages were comparable between the groups. The outgrowth was significantly increased in the FA group (p = 0.0438). Clinical study: The rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy, and ongoing pregnancy after SVCTs were significantly increased in the FA group (p = 0.0223-0.0281). Conclusions Fatty acid-supplemented warming solutions effectively improve embryo development to the blastocyst stage and pregnancy outcomes after SVCTs.
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Zhang X, Li L, Zhang W, Luo Y, Mao Y, Du H, Li L. Embryo development and live birth resulted from artificial oocyte activation after microdissection testicular sperm extraction with ICSI in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1123541. [PMID: 36896176 PMCID: PMC9989460 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1123541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The application of microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) to retrieve the sperm of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) has greatly increased. Patients with NOA often have poor quality sperm. Unfortunately, there are few studies on artificial oocyte activation (AOA) performed on patients who successfully retrieved motile and immotile sperm by micro-TESE after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Therefore, this study sought to obtain more comprehensive evidence-based data and embryo development outcomes to aid consultation of patients with NOA who opted to receive assisted reproductive techniques and to determine whether AOA needs to be performed in different motile sperm after ICSI. METHODS This retrospective study involved 235 patients with NOA who underwent micro-TESE to retrieve adequate sperm for ICSI between January 2018 and December 2020. A total of 331 ICSI cycles were performed in the 235 couples. Embryological, clinical, and neonatal outcomes were demonstrated comprehensively between motile sperm and immotile sperm using AOA and non-AOA treatment. RESULTS Motile sperm injection with AOA (group 1) showed significantly higher fertility rate (72.77% vs. 67.59%, p=0.005), 2 pronucleus (2PN) fertility rate (64.33% vs. 60.22%, p=0.036), and miscarriage rate (17.65% vs. 2.44%, p=0.018) compared with motile sperm injection with non-AOA (group 2). Group 1 had comparable available embryo rate (41.29% vs. 40.74%, p=0.817), good embryo rate (13.44% vs. 15.44%, p=0.265), and without an embryo for transfer rate (10.85% vs. 9.90%, p=0.815) compared with group 2. Immotile sperm injection with AOA (group 3) displayed significantly higher fertility rate (78.56% vs. 67.59%, p=0.000), 2PN fertility rate (67.36% vs. 60.22%, p=0.001), without an embryo for transfer rate (23.76% vs. 9.90%, p=0.008), and miscarriage rate (20.00% vs. 2.44%, p=0.014), but significantly lower available embryo rate (26.63% vs.40.74%, p=0.000) and good embryo rate (15.44% vs. 6.99%, p=0.000) compared with group 2. In groups 1, 2, and 3, the rates of implantation (34.87%, 31.85% and 28.00%, respectively; p=0.408), clinical pregnancy (43.87%, 41.00%, and 34.48%, respectively; p=0.360) and live birth (36.13%, 40.00%, and 27.59%, respectively; p=0.194) were similar. DISCUSSION For those patients with NOA from whom adequate sperm were retrieved for ICSI, AOA could improve fertilization rate, but not embryo quality and live birth outcomes. For patients with NOA and only immotile sperm, AOA can help achieve acceptable fertilization rate and live birth outcomes. AOA is recommended for patients with NOA only when immotile sperm are injected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Disease, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Disease, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenhong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Disease, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Disease, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuling Mao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Disease, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongzi Du
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Disease, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Lei Li, ; Hongzi Du,
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Disease, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Lei Li, ; Hongzi Du,
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Tourzani DA, Yin Q, Jackson EA, Rando OJ, Visconti PE, Gervasi MG. Sperm Energy Restriction and Recovery (SER) Alters Epigenetic Marks during the First Cell Cycle of Development in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:640. [PMID: 36614081 PMCID: PMC9820464 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The sperm energy restriction and recovery (SER) treatment developed in our laboratory was shown to improve fertilization and blastocyst development following in vitro fertilization (IVF) in mice. Here, we investigated the effects of SER on early embryogenesis. Developmental events observed during the first cell cycle indicated that progression through the pronuclear stages of SER-generated embryos is advanced in comparison with control-generated embryos. These findings prompted further analysis of potential effects of SER on pronuclear chromatin dynamics, focusing on the key H3K4me3 and H3K27ac histone modifications. Nearly all the SER-generated embryos displayed H3K4me3 in the male pronuclei at 12 h post-insemination (HPI), while a subset of the control-generated embryos did not. Additionally, SER-generated embryos displayed a more homogenous intensity of H3K27ac at 8 and 12 HPI compared to control embryos. These changes in histone modifications during the first cell cycle were accompanied by differences in gene expression at the two-cell stage; both of these changes in early embryos could potentially play a role in the improved developmental outcomes of these embryos later in development. Our results indicate that sperm incubation conditions have an impact on early embryo development and can be useful for the improvement of assisted reproductive technology outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darya A. Tourzani
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Qiangzong Yin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Erica A. Jackson
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Oliver J. Rando
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Pablo E. Visconti
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Maria G. Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Integrated Sciences Building, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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Esbert M, Carmody A, Ballesteros A, Seli E, Scott RT. Calcium Ionophore A23187 treatment to rescue unfertilized oocytes: a prospective randomized analysis of sibling oocytes. Reprod Biomed Online 2022; 45:878-883. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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17
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Liang R, Fang F, Li S, Chen X, Zhang X, Lu Q. Is there any effect on imprinted genes H19, PEG3, and SNRPN during AOA? Open Med (Wars) 2022; 17:174-184. [PMID: 35071778 PMCID: PMC8760930 DOI: 10.1515/med-2022-0410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Assisted oocyte activation (AOA) has been proposed as an effective technique to overcome the problem of impaired fertilization after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) but the safety of AOA remains a concern. We aimed to investigate if AOA induces imprinting effects on embryos. We used 13 cleavage embryos, nine blastocysts, and eight placentas from 15 patients. The subjects were divided into six groups by tissue type and with or without AOA. The methylation levels of imprinted genes (H19, paternally expressed gene [PEG3] and small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide N [SNRPN]) were tested by pyrosequencing. We observed different methylation levels among cleavage embryos. The variability was much more remarkable between cleavage embryos than blastocysts and placenta tissues. The methylation levels were especially higher in SNRPN and lower in the H19 gene in AOA embryos than those without AOA. No significant difference was found either among blastocysts or among placenta tissues regardless of AOA. The methylation levels of the three genes in blastocysts were very similar to those in the placenta. Compared to conventional ICSI, AOA changed imprinting methylation rates at H19 and SNRPN in cleavage embryos but not in the blastocyst stage and placenta. We recommend that blastocyst transfer should be considered for patients undergoing AOA during in vitro fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Liang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People’s Hospital , Beijing , 100044 , China
| | - Fang Fang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People’s Hospital , Beijing , 100044 , China
| | - Sen Li
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Guangdong Province , Guangzhou , 510317 , China
| | - Xi Chen
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People’s Hospital , Beijing , 100044 , China
| | - Xiaohong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People’s Hospital , Beijing , 100044 , China
| | - Qun Lu
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People’s Hospital , Beijing , 100044 , China
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Kashir J, Ganesh D, Jones C, Coward K. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Open 2022; 2022:hoac003. [PMID: 35261925 PMCID: PMC8894871 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoac003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oocyte activation deficiency (OAD) is attributed to the majority of cases underlying failure of ICSI cycles, the standard treatment for male factor infertility. Oocyte activation encompasses a series of concerted events, triggered by sperm-specific phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ), which elicits increases in free cytoplasmic calcium (Ca2+) in spatially and temporally specific oscillations. Defects in this specific pattern of Ca2+ release are directly attributable to most cases of OAD. Ca2+ release can be clinically mediated via assisted oocyte activation (AOA), a combination of mechanical, electrical and/or chemical stimuli which artificially promote an increase in the levels of intra-cytoplasmic Ca2+. However, concerns regarding safety and efficacy underlie potential risks that must be addressed before such methods can be safely widely used. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Recent advances in current AOA techniques warrant a review of the safety and efficacy of these practices, to determine the extent to which AOA may be implemented in the clinic. Importantly, the primary challenges to obtaining data on the safety and efficacy of AOA must be determined. Such questions require urgent attention before widespread clinical utilization of such protocols can be advocated. SEARCH METHODS A literature review was performed using databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, etc. using AOA, OAD, calcium ionophores, ICSI, PLCζ, oocyte activation, failed fertilization and fertilization failure as keywords. Relevant articles published until June 2019 were analysed and included in the review, with an emphasis on studies assessing large-scale efficacy and safety. OUTCOMES Contradictory studies on the safety and efficacy of AOA do not yet allow for the establishment of AOA as standard practice in the clinic. Heterogeneity in study methodology, inconsistent sample inclusion criteria, non-standardized outcome assessments, restricted sample size and animal model limitations render AOA strictly experimental. The main scientific concern impeding AOA utilization in the clinic is the non-physiological method of Ca2+ release mediated by most AOA agents, coupled with a lack of holistic understanding regarding the physiological mechanism(s) underlying Ca2+ release at oocyte activation. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The number of studies with clinical relevance using AOA remains significantly low. A much wider range of studies examining outcomes using multiple AOA agents are required. WIDER IMPLICATIONS In addition to addressing the five main challenges of studies assessing AOA safety and efficacy, more standardized, large-scale, multi-centre studies of AOA, as well as long-term follow-up studies of children born from AOA, would provide evidence for establishing AOA as a treatment for infertility. The delivery of an activating agent that can more accurately recapitulate physiological fertilization, such as recombinant PLCζ, is a promising prospect for the future of AOA. Further to PLCζ, many other avenues of physiological oocyte activation also require urgent investigation to assess other potential physiological avenues of AOA. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS D.G. was supported by Stanford University’s Bing Overseas Study Program. J.K. was supported by a Healthcare Research Fellowship Award (HF-14-16) made by Health and Care Research Wales (HCRW), alongside a National Science, Technology, and Innovation plan (NSTIP) project grant (15-MED4186-20) awarded by the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). The authors have no competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Kevin Coward
- Correspondence address. Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OS3 9DU, UK. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3577-4041
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19
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Kageyama A, Suyama A, Kinoshita R, Ito J, Kashiwazaki N. Dynamic changes of intracellular zinc ion level during maturation, fertilization, activation, and development in mouse oocytes. Anim Sci J 2022; 93:e13759. [PMID: 35880318 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Although it is well known that calcium oscillations are required for fertilization in all mammalian species studied to date, recent studies also showed the ejection of zinc into the extracellular milieu in a series of coordinated events, called "zinc spark," during mammalian fertilization. These results led us to the hypothesis that a zinc ion-dependent signal is important for oocyte maturation, fertilization (activation), and further embryonic development. In this study, we evaluated the amounts and localization of intracellular zinc ions during maturation, fertilization, activation, and embryonic development in mouse oocytes. Our results show that abundant zinc ions are present in both immature and mature oocytes. After in vitro fertilization, the amounts of zinc ions were dramatically decreased at the pronuclear (PN) stage. Artificial activation by cycloheximide, SrCl2 , and TPEN also reduced the amounts of zinc ions in the PN stage. On the other hand, PN embryos derived from sperm injection still showed high level of zinc ions. However, the amounts of zinc ions rapidly increased at the blastocysts regardless of activation method. We showed here that the amounts of zinc ions dramatically changed during maturation, fertilization, activation, and development in mouse oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuko Kageyama
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Ayumi Suyama
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Ruka Kinoshita
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Junya Ito
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan.,School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan.,Center for Human and Animal Symbiosis Science, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Naomi Kashiwazaki
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan.,School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
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20
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Uh K, Hay A, Chen P, Reese E, Lee K. Design of novel oocyte activation methods: The role of zinc. Biol Reprod 2021; 106:264-273. [PMID: 34935887 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab235] [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: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte activation occurs at the time of fertilization and is a series of cellular events initiated by intracellular Ca2+ increases. Consequently, oocytes are alleviated from their arrested state in meiotic metaphase II (MII), allowing for the completion of meiosis. Oocyte activation is also an essential step for somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and an important tool to overcome clinical infertility. Traditional artificial activation methods aim to mimic the intracellular Ca2+ changes which occur during fertilization. Recent studies emphasize the importance of cytoplasmic Zn2+ on oocyte maturation and the completion of meiosis, thus suggesting artificial oocyte activation approaches that are centered around the concentration of available Zn2+in oocytes. Depletion of intracellular Zn2+ in oocytes with heavy metal chelators leads to successful oocyte activation in the absence of cellular Ca2+ changes, indicating that successful oocyte activation does not always depends on intracellular Ca2+ increases. Current findings lead to new approaches to artificially activate mammalian oocytes by reducing available Zn2+ contents, and the approaches improve the outcome of oocyte activation when combined with existing Ca2+ based oocyte activation methods. Here, we review the important role of Ca2+ and Zn2+ in mammalian oocyte activation and development of novel oocyte activation approaches based on Zn2+ availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungjun Uh
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA
| | - Alayna Hay
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Paula Chen
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA
| | - Emily Reese
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA
| | - Kiho Lee
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA
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21
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Yin M, Li M, Li W, Wu L, Yan Z, Zhao J, Ouyang J, Lyu Q, Yan Z, Li B. Efficacy of artificial oocyte activation in patients with embryo developmental problems: a sibling oocyte control study. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2021; 305:1225-1231. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-021-06329-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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22
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Yin M, Yu W, Li W, Zhu Q, Long H, Kong P, Lyu Q. DNA methylation and gene expression changes in mouse pre- and post-implantation embryos generated by intracytoplasmic sperm injection with artificial oocyte activation. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:163. [PMID: 34732215 PMCID: PMC8567642 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00845-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The application of artificial oocyte activation (AOA) after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is successful in mitigating fertilization failure problems in assisted reproductive technology (ART). Nevertheless, there is no relevant study to investigate whether AOA procedures increase developmental risk by disturbing subsequent gene expression at different embryonic development stages. METHODS We used a mouse model to explore the influence of AOA treatment on pre- and post-implantation events. Firstly, the developmental potential of embryos with or without AOA treatment were assessed by the rates of fertilization and blastocyst formation. Secondly, transcriptome high-throughput sequencing was performed among the three groups (ICSI, ICSI-AOA and dICSI-AOA groups). The hierarchical clustering and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) analysis were used. Subsequently, Igf2r/Airn methylation analysis were detected using methylation-specific PCR sequencing following bisulfite treatment. Finally, birth rate and birth weight were examined following mouse embryo transfer. RESULTS The rates of fertilization and blastocyst formation were significantly lower in oocyte activation-deficient sperm injection group (dICSI group) when compared with the ICSI group (30.8 % vs. 84.4 %, 10.0 % vs. 41.5 %). There were 133 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the ICSI-AOA group and ICSI group, and 266 DEGs between the dICSI-AOA group and ICSI group. In addition, the imprinted gene, Igf2r is up regulated in AOA treatment group compared to control group. The Igf2r/Airn imprinted expression model demonstrates that AOA treatment stimulates maternal allele-specific mehtylation spreads at differentially methylated region 2, followed by the initiation of paternal imprinted Airn long non-coding (lnc) RNA, resulting in the up regulated expression of Igf2r. Furthermore, the birth weight of newborn mice originating from AOA group was significantly lower compared to that of ICSI group. The pups born following AOA treatment did not show any other abnormalities during early development. All offspring mated successfully with fertile controls. CONCLUSIONS AOA treatment affects imprinted gene Igf2r expression and mehtylation states in mouse pre- and post-implantation embryo, which is regulated by the imprinted Airn. Nevertheless, no significant differences were found in post-natal growth of the pups in the present study. It is hoped that this study could provide valuable insights of AOA technology in assisted reproduction biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingru Yin
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200011, Shanghai, China.
| | - Weina Yu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200011, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenzhi Li
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200011, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianqian Zhu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200011, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Long
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200011, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengcheng Kong
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 201204, Shanghai, China.
| | - Qifeng Lyu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200011, Shanghai, China.
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23
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Maddirevula S, Coskun S, Al-Qahtani M, Aboyousef O, Alhassan S, Aldeery M, Alkuraya FS. ASTL is mutated in female infertility. Hum Genet 2021; 141:49-54. [PMID: 34704130 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-021-02388-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Female infertility is a relatively common phenotype with a growing number of single gene causes although these account for only a minority of cases. Here, we report a consanguineous family in which adult females who are homozygous for a truncating variant in ASTL display markedly reduced fertility in a pattern strikingly similar to Astl-/- female mice. ASTL encodes ovastacin, which is known to trigger zona pellucida hardening (ZPH) as part of the cortical reaction upon fertilization. ZPH is required for normal early embryonic development and its absence can be caused by pathogenic variants in other zona pellucida proteins that result in a similar infertility phenotype in humans and mouse. This is the first report of ASTL-related infertility in humans and suggests that the inclusion of ASTL in female infertility gene panels is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sateesh Maddirevula
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Serdar Coskun
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center and College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mashael Al-Qahtani
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar Aboyousef
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad Alhassan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Meshael Aldeery
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fowzan S Alkuraya
- Department of Translational Genomics, Center for Genomic Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, 11533, Saudi Arabia.
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24
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Optimal Treatment of 6-Dimethylaminopurine Enhances the In Vivo Development of Canine Embryos by Rapid Initiation of DNA Synthesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147757. [PMID: 34299380 PMCID: PMC8303139 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Artificial activation of oocytes is an important step for successful parthenogenesis and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Here, we investigated the initiation of DNA synthesis and in vivo development of canine PA embryos and cloned embryos produced by treatment with 1.9 mM 6-dimethylaminopurine (6-DMAP) for different lengths of time. For experiments, oocytes for parthenogenesis and SCNT oocytes were cultured for 4 min in 10 μM calcium ionophore, and then divided into 2 groups: (1) culture for 2 h in 6-DMAP (DMAP-2h group); (2) culture for 4 h in DMAP (DMAP-4h group). DNA synthesis was clearly detected in all parthenogenetic (PA) embryos and cloned embryos incorporated BrdU 4 h after activation in DMAP-2h and DMAP-4h groups. In vivo development of canine parthenogenetic fetuses was observed after embryo transfer and the implantation rates of PA embryos in DMAP-2h were 34%, which was significantly higher than those in DMAP-4h (6.5%, p < 0.05). However, in SCNT, there was no significant difference in pregnancy rate (DMAP-2h: 41.6% vs. DMAP-4h: 33.3%) and implantation rates (DMAP-2h: 4.94% vs. DMAP-4h: 3.19%) between DMAP-2h and DMAP-4h. In conclusion, the use of DMAP-2h for canine oocyte activation may be ideal for the in vivo development of PA zygotes, but it was not more effective in in vivo development of canine reconstructed SCNT oocytes. The present study demonstrated that DMAP-2h treatment on activation of canine parthenogenesis and SCNT could effectively induce the onset of DNA synthesis during the first cell cycle.
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25
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Lee HC, Edmonds ME, Duncan FE, O'Halloran TV, Woodruff TK. Zinc exocytosis is sensitive to myosin light chain kinase inhibition in mouse and human eggs. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:228-239. [PMID: 32119740 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc dynamics are essential for oocyte meiotic maturation, egg activation, and preimplantation embryo development. During fertilisation and egg activation, the egg releases billions of zinc atoms (Zn2+) in an exocytotic event termed the 'zinc spark'. We hypothesised that this zinc transport and exocytosis is dependent upon the intracellular trafficking of cortical granules (CG) which requires myosin-actin-dependent motors. Treatment of mature mouse and human eggs with ML-7, a myosin light chain kinase inhibitor (MLCK), resulted in an 80% reduction in zinc spark intensity compared to untreated controls when activated with ionomycin. Moreover, CG migration towards the plasma membrane was significantly decreased in ML-7-treated eggs compared with controls when activated parthenogenetically with ionomycin. In sperm-induced fertilisation via intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), ML-7-treated mouse eggs exhibited decreased labile zinc intensity and cortical CG staining. Collectively, these data demonstrate that ML-7 treatment impairs zinc release from both murine and human eggs after activation, demonstrating that zinc exocytosis requires myosin light chain kinase activity. Further, these results provide additional support that zinc is likely stored and released from CGs. These data underscore the importance of intracellular zinc trafficking as a crucial component of egg maturation necessary for egg activation and early embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi Chang Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Maxwell E Edmonds
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Francesca E Duncan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Thomas V O'Halloran
- Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Teresa K Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
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26
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Ohata K, Ezoe K, Miki T, Kouraba S, Fujiwara N, Yabuuchi A, Kobayashi T, Kato K. Effects of fatty acid supplementation during vitrification and warming on the developmental competence of mouse, bovine and human oocytes and embryos. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 43:14-25. [PMID: 34049810 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does fatty acid supplementation in vitrification and warming media influence developmental competence in oocytes after vitrification and warming? DESIGN Mouse oocytes and four-cell embryos were vitrified and warmed with solutions supplemented with fatty acid and cultured to the blastocyst stage. To study lipid metabolism after vitrification, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to analyse the expression of genes related to beta oxidation in mouse embryos vitrified and warmed with or without fatty acids. The effects of fatty acid supplementation in the warming solutions on the developmental competence of bovine and human embryos were analysed. Blastocyst outgrowth assay was used to evaluate the potential of human blastocysts for adhesion to fibronectin. RESULTS The neutral lipid content of mouse oocytes in the fatty acid 1% supplementation group was significantly higher than in the fatty acid 0% group (P = 0.0032). The developmental rate to the blastocyst stage was significantly higher in the fatty acid 1% group than in the fatty acid 0% group in mice (P = 0.0345). Fatty acid supplementation in warming solution upregulated Acaa2 and Hadha in mouse embryos. Fatty acids significantly improved the developmental ability of bovine embryos to the blastocyst stage (P = 0.0048). Warming with 1% fatty acid supplementation significantly increased the proportion of human blastocysts with morphological grade A inner cell mass (P = 0.0074) and trophectoderm (P = 0.0323). CONCLUSIONS Fatty acid supplementation in the warming solutions improved the developmental competence of vitrified-warmed mouse oocytes by activating the beta-oxidation pathway. Fatty acid supplementation enhanced the developmental rate of bovine embryos to the blastocyst stage and improved morphological characteristics of human embryos vitrified at the cleavage stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Ohata
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Tokyo Shinjuku-ku 160-0023, Japan
| | - Kenji Ezoe
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Tokyo Shinjuku-ku 160-0023, Japan.
| | - Tetsuya Miki
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Tokyo Shinjuku-ku 160-0023, Japan
| | - Shizu Kouraba
- Towako Medical Research Center, 2-5-2 Asahidai, Ishikawa Nomi-shi 923-1211, Japan
| | - Nanoha Fujiwara
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Tokyo Shinjuku-ku 160-0023, Japan
| | - Akiko Yabuuchi
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Tokyo Shinjuku-ku 160-0023, Japan
| | - Tamotsu Kobayashi
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Tokyo Shinjuku-ku 160-0023, Japan
| | - Keiichi Kato
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Tokyo Shinjuku-ku 160-0023, Japan.
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27
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Pioltine EM, Costa CB, Barbosa Latorraca L, Franchi FF, dos Santos PH, Mingoti GZ, de Paula-Lopes FF, Nogueira MFG. Treatment of in vitro-Matured Bovine Oocytes With Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid Modulates the Oxidative Stress Signaling Pathway. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:623852. [PMID: 33681203 PMCID: PMC7933469 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.623852] [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: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In several species, oocyte and embryo competence are improved by the addition of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inhibitors to in vitro maturation (IVM) medium and/or in vitro culture (IVC) medium. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of three concentrations of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA; 50, 200, and 1,000 μM), a chemical chaperone for relieving ER stress, during IVM of bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) for 24 h. Treated oocytes were analyzed for nuclear maturation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial activity, and abundance of target transcripts. In addition, the number of pronuclei in oocytes was evaluated after 18-20 h of insemination, and the rates of blastocyst and hatched blastocyst formation were evaluated after 7 and 8/9 days of culture, respectively. We further evaluated the transcript abundance of embryonic quality markers. Our findings showed that supplementation of IVM medium with 200 μM of TUDCA decreased ROS production and increased abundance of transcripts related to antioxidant activity in oocytes (CAT, GPX1, and HMOX1) and embryos (GPX1 and PRDX3). Interestingly, high concentration of TUDCA (1,000 μM) was toxic to oocytes, reducing the nuclear maturation rate, decreasing mitochondrial activity, and increasing the abundance of ER stress (HSPA5) and cellular apoptosis (CASP3 and CD40) related transcripts. The results of this study suggest that treatment with 200 μM of TUDCA is associated with a greater resistance to oxidative stress and indirectly with ER stress relief in bovine oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Mariano Pioltine
- Multi-user Laboratory of Phytomedicines Pharmacology, and Biotechnology (PhitoPharmaTec), Institute of Biosciences, Department of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Camila Bortoliero Costa
- Multi-user Laboratory of Phytomedicines Pharmacology, and Biotechnology (PhitoPharmaTec), Institute of Biosciences, Department of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | | | - Fernanda Fagali Franchi
- Multi-user Laboratory of Phytomedicines Pharmacology, and Biotechnology (PhitoPharmaTec), Institute of Biosciences, Department of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Priscila Helena dos Santos
- Multi-user Laboratory of Phytomedicines Pharmacology, and Biotechnology (PhitoPharmaTec), Institute of Biosciences, Department of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Gisele Zoccal Mingoti
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production and Animal Health, São Paulo State University, Araçatuba, Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo Fábio Gouveia Nogueira
- Multi-user Laboratory of Phytomedicines Pharmacology, and Biotechnology (PhitoPharmaTec), Institute of Biosciences, Department of Pharmacology, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
- Laboratory of Embryonic Micromanipulation, School of Sciences and Languages, Department of Biological Sciences, São Paulo State University, Assis, Brazil
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28
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Xu Z, Yao G, Niu W, Fan H, Ma X, Shi S, Jin H, Song W, Sun Y. Calcium Ionophore (A23187) Rescues the Activation of Unfertilized Oocytes After Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection and Chromosome Analysis of Blastocyst After Activation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:692082. [PMID: 34335469 PMCID: PMC8320372 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.692082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium is a crucial factor in regulating the biological behavior of cells. The imbalance of calcium homeostasis in cytoplasm will cause abnormal behavior of cells and the occurrence of diseases. In intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle, the dysfunction of oocyte activation caused by insufficient release of Ca2+ from endoplasmic reticulum is one of the main reasons for repeated fertilization failure. Calcium ionophore (A23187) is a highly selective calcium ionophore, which can form stable complex with Ca2+ and pass through the cell membrane at will, effectively increasing intracellular Ca2+ levels. It has been reported that calcium ionophore (A23187) can activate oocytes and obtain normal embryos. However, there are few studies on unfertilized oocytes after calcium ionophore (A23187) rescue activation in ICSI cycle. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of calcium ionophore (A23187) rescue activation on the activation of unfertilized oocytes, embryonic development potential, embryonic development timing and chromosomal aneuploidy, and to compare and analyze the clinical data of patients with calcium ionophore (A23187) activation in clinical application. The results showed that a certain proportion of high-quality blastocysts with normal karyotype could be obtained after calcium ionophore (A23187) rescue activation of unfertilized oocytes, and it did not have a significant effect on the timing of embryo development. In clinical practice, direct activation with calcium ionophore (A23187) after ICSI was better than rescue activation the next day. In conclusions, the studies on the effectiveness and safety of calcium ionophore (A23187) rescue activation for oocytes with ICSI fertilization failure can enable some patients to obtain usable, high-quality embryos during the first ICSI cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwen Xu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guidong Yao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Guidong Yao, ; Yingpu Sun,
| | - Wenbin Niu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huiying Fan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xueshan Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Senlin Shi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Haixia Jin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenyan Song
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yingpu Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Guidong Yao, ; Yingpu Sun,
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Tejera A, Alegre Ferri L, Gamiz Izquierdo P, Beltrán Torregrosa D, Alejandro Remohí J, Meseguer Escrivá M. Treatment with Calcium Ionophore Improves The Results in Patients with Previous Unsuccessful Attempts at The Fertilization: A Cohort Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2021; 15:286-293. [PMID: 34913298 PMCID: PMC8530221 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2021.136168.1013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study is to evaluate artificial oocyte activation (AOA) with calcium ionophore (CaI) in a subsequent attempt at fertilisation in patients after extremely low or failed fertilisation. We assessed improvements in fertilisation, implantation and pregnancy rates as well as cancellation rates in these patients. Finally, was evaluated the result testing in addition to delivery rate and obstetric outcomes in children born after AOA. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a retrospective observational study conducted in an IVF laboratory of an IVI clinic (IVIRMA Valencia, Spain). One group (509 mature oocytes from 66 patients) received a first intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) without AOA, which resulted in either a failed fertilisation or very low values (<30%). This group was compared with a second group (616 mature oocytes from the same 66 patients) that used AOA. Outcome was compared by McNemar's test and the dependent t tests. RESULTS AOA plus CaI resulted in enhanced fertilisation (51 vs. 13.1%), ongoing pregnancy (47 vs. 21.7%), and implantation (31.1 vs. 13.1%) rates, and less chances for cancelling the cycle (22.7 vs. 69.3%). There were no observed adverse effects in obstetric and perinatal outcomes after the use of AOA. CONCLUSION Our findings support the use of AOA for a given population of patients where fertilisation was affected during previous attempts. After AOA, we observed a significant increase in reproductive success due to the increased number of embryos available for embryo selection and, therefore, enhanced chances for success. The use of this artificial technique is comforting after checking non-existence of detrimental effects on the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Tejera
- Instituto Valenciano de InfertilidadUniversidad de
ValenciaValenciaSpain
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Diagnosis and Treatment of Male Infertility-Related Fertilization Failure. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9123899. [PMID: 33271815 PMCID: PMC7761017 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9123899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects approximately 15% of reproductive-aged couples worldwide, of which up to 30% of the cases are caused by male factors alone. The origin of male infertility is mostly attributed to sperm abnormalities, of which many are caused by genetic defects. The development of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has helped to circumvent most male infertility conditions. However, there is still a challenging group of infertile males whose sperm, although having normal sperm parameters, are unable to activate the oocyte, even after ICSI treatment. While ICSI generally allows fertilization rates of 70 to 80%, total fertilization failure (FF) still occurs in 1 to 3% of ICSI cycles. Phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) has been demonstrated to be a critical sperm oocyte activating factor (SOAF) and the absence, reduced, or altered forms of PLCζ have been shown to cause male infertility-related FF. The purpose of this review is to (i) summarize the current knowledge on PLCζ as the critical sperm factor for successful fertilization, as well as to discuss the existence of alternative sperm-induced oocyte activation mechanisms, (ii) describe the diagnostic tests available to determine the cause of FF, and (iii) summarize the beneficial effect of assisted oocyte activation (AOA) to overcome FF.
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Abstract
The process of embryonic development is crucial and radically influences preimplantation embryo competence. It involves oocyte maturation, fertilization, cell division and blastulation and is characterized by different key phases that have major influences on embryo quality. Each stage of the process of preimplantation embryonic development is led by important signalling pathways that include very many regulatory molecules, such as primary and secondary messengers. Many studies, both in vivo and in vitro, have shown the importance of the contribution of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as important second messengers in embryo development. ROS may originate from embryo metabolism and/or oocyte/embryo surroundings, and their effect on embryonic development is highly variable, depending on the needs of the embryo at each stage of development and on their environment (in vivo or under in vitro culture conditions). Other studies have also shown the deleterious effects of ROS in embryo development, when cellular tissue production overwhelms antioxidant production, leading to oxidative stress. This stress is known to be the cause of many cellular alterations, such as protein, lipid, and DNA damage. Considering that the same ROS level can have a deleterious effect on the fertilizing oocyte or embryo at certain stages, and a positive effect at another stage of the development process, further studies need to be carried out to determine the rate of ROS that benefits the embryo and from what rate it starts to be harmful, this measured at each key phase of embryonic development.
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Santella L, Limatola N, Chun JT. Cellular and molecular aspects of oocyte maturation and fertilization: a perspective from the actin cytoskeleton. ZOOLOGICAL LETTERS 2020; 6:5. [PMID: 32313685 PMCID: PMC7158055 DOI: 10.1186/s40851-020-00157-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Much of the scientific knowledge on oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryonic development has come from the experiments using gametes of marine organisms that reproduce by external fertilization. In particular, echinoderm eggs have enabled the study of structural and biochemical changes related to meiotic maturation and fertilization owing to the abundant availability of large and transparent oocytes and eggs. Thus, in vitro studies of oocyte maturation and sperm-induced egg activation in starfish are carried out under experimental conditions that resemble those occurring in nature. During the maturation process, immature oocytes of starfish are released from the prophase of the first meiotic division, and acquire the competence to be fertilized through a highly programmed sequence of morphological and physiological changes at the oocyte surface. In addition, the changes in the cortical and nuclear regions are essential for normal and monospermic fertilization. This review summarizes the current state of research on the cortical actin cytoskeleton in mediating structural and physiological changes during oocyte maturation and sperm and egg activation in starfish and sea urchin. The common denominator in these studies with echinoderms is that exquisite rearrangements of the egg cortical actin filaments play pivotal roles in gamete interactions, Ca2+ signaling, exocytosis of cortical granules, and control of monospermic fertilization. In this review, we also compare findings from studies using invertebrate eggs with what is known about the contributions made by the actin cytoskeleton in mammalian eggs. Since the cortical actin cytoskeleton affects microvillar morphology, movement, and positioning of organelles and vesicles, and the topography of the egg surface, these changes have impacts on the fertilization process, as has been suggested by recent morphological studies on starfish oocytes and eggs using scanning electron microscopy. Drawing the parallelism between vitelline layer of echinoderm eggs and the zona pellucida of mammalian eggs, we also discuss the importance of the egg surface in mediating monospermic fertilization. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigia Santella
- Department of Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Napoli 80121, Italy
| | - Nunzia Limatola
- Department of Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Napoli 80121, Italy
| | - Jong Tai Chun
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, Napoli 80121, Italy
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Influence of oocyte selection, activation with a zinc chelator and inhibition of histone deacetylases on cloned porcine embryo and chemically activated oocytes development. ZYGOTE 2020; 28:286-290. [PMID: 32285760 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199419000856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of alternative protocols to improve oocyte selection, embryo activation and genomic reprogramming on in vitro development of porcine embryos cloned by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). In Experiment 1, in vitro-matured oocytes were selected by exposure to a hyperosmotic sucrose solution prior to micromanipulation. In Experiment 2, an alternative chemical activation protocol using a zinc chelator as an adjuvant (ionomycin + N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN) + N-6-dimethylaminopurine (6-DMAP)) was compared with a standard protocol (ionomycin + 6-DMAP) for the activation of porcine oocytes or SCNT embryos. In Experiment 3, presumptive cloned zygotes were incubated after chemical activation in a histone deacetylase inhibitor (Scriptaid) for 15 h, with the evaluation of embryo yield and total cell number in day 7 blastocysts. In Experiment 1, cleavage rates tended to be higher in sucrose-treated oocytes than controls (123/199, 61.8% vs. 119/222, 53.6%, respectively); however, blastocyst rates were similar between groups. In Experiment 2, cleavage rates were higher in zygotes treated with TPEN than controls but no difference in blastocyst rates between groups occurred. For Experiment 3, the exposure to Scriptaid did not improve embryo development after cloning. Nevertheless, the total number of cells was higher in cloned zygotes treated with Scriptaid than SCNT controls. In conclusion, oocyte selection by sucrose as well as treatments with zinc chelator and an inhibitor of histone deacetylases did not significantly improve blastocyst yield in cloned and parthenotes. However, the histone deacetylases inhibitor produced a significant improvement in the blastocyst quality.
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Kashir J. Increasing associations between defects in phospholipase C zeta and conditions of male infertility: not just ICSI failure? J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:1273-1293. [PMID: 32285298 PMCID: PMC7311621 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01748-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Oocyte activation is a fundamental event at mammalian fertilization. In mammals, this process is initiated by a series of characteristic calcium (Ca2+) oscillations, induced by a sperm-specific phospholipase C (PLC) termed PLCzeta (PLCζ). Dysfunction/reduction/deletion of PLCζ is associated with forms of male infertility where the sperm is unable to initiate Ca2+ oscillations and oocyte activation, specifically in cases of fertilization failure. This review article aims to systematically summarize recent advancements and controversies in the field to update expanding clinical associations between PLCζ and various male factor conditions. This article also discusses how such associations may potentially underlie defective embryogenesis and recurrent implantation failure following fertility treatments, alongside potential diagnostic and therapeutic PLCζ approaches, aiming to direct future research efforts to utilize such knowledge clinically. METHODS An extensive literature search was performed using literature databases (PubMed/MEDLINE/Web of Knowledge) focusing on phospholipase C zeta (PLCzeta; PLCζ), oocyte activation, and calcium oscillations, as well as specific male factor conditions. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Defective PLCζ or PLCζ-induced Ca2+ release can be linked to multiple forms of male infertility including abnormal sperm parameters and morphology, sperm DNA fragmentation and oxidation, and abnormal embryogenesis/pregnancies. Such sperm exhibit absent/reduced levels, and abnormal localization patterns of PLCζ within the sperm head. CONCLUSIONS Defective PLCζ and abnormal patterns of Ca2+ release are increasingly suspected a significant causative factor underlying abnormalities or insufficiencies in Ca2+ oscillation-driven early embryogenic events. Such cases could potentially strongly benefit from relevant therapeutic and diagnostic applications of PLCζ, or even alternative mechanisms, following further focused research efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Kashir
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. .,School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK. .,Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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Sato K, Tokmakov AA. Toward the understanding of biology of oocyte life cycle in Xenopus Laevis: No oocytes left behind. Reprod Med Biol 2020; 19:114-119. [PMID: 32273815 PMCID: PMC7138939 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For the past more than 25 years, we have been focusing on the developmental and reproductive biology of the female gametes, oocytes, and eggs, of the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis. METHODS The events associated with the life cycle of these cells can be classified into the four main categories: first, oogenesis and cell growth in the ovary during the first meiotic arrest; second, maturation and ovulation that occur simultaneously and result in the acquisition of fertilization competence and the second meiotic arrest; third, fertilization, that is sperm-induced transition from egg to zygote; and fourth, egg death after spontaneous activation in the absence of fertilizing sperm. MAIN FINDINGS Our studies have demonstrated that signal transduction system involving tyrosine kinase Src and other oocyte/egg membrane-associated molecules such as uroplakin III and some other cytoplasmic proteins such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) play important roles for successful ovulation, maturation, fertilization, and initiation of embryonic development. CONCLUSION We summarize recent advances in understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying life cycle events of the oocytes and eggs. Our further intention is to discuss and predict potentially promising impact of the recent findings on the challenges facing reproductive biology and medicine, as well as societal contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken‐ichi Sato
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling and DevelopmentDepartment of Industrial Life SciencesFaculty of Life SciencesKyoto Sangyo UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Alexander A. Tokmakov
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling and DevelopmentDepartment of Industrial Life SciencesFaculty of Life SciencesKyoto Sangyo UniversityKyotoJapan
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Feitosa WB, Lopes E, Visintin JA, Assumpção MEOD. Endoplasmic reticulum distribution during bovine oocyte activation is regulated by protein kinase C via actin filaments. J Cell Physiol 2020; 235:5823-5834. [PMID: 31960444 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization-induced [Ca2+ ]i oscillations generally depend on the release of calcium ions from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Since ER is the main store of calcium ions, it plays an important role in oocyte fertilization. However, the mechanism of ER organization at oocyte activation is unknown. Here, we show that protein kinase C (PKC) is involved in ER distribution during bovine oocyte activation, but not involved in cell cycle resumption and spindle organization. Actin filaments were affected by PKC pharmacological inhibition. In addition, similar to PKC results, the actin-depolymerizing drug cytochalasin B affected the ER distribution during oocyte activation. Specifically, we have demonstrated that ER organization during bovine oocyte activation is regulated by PKC possibly through its action on actin filaments regulation. Taken together, the results presented here provide further information on the pathway involved in the regulation of ER organization during oocyte activation and new insight into the functional role of PKC and actin filaments during this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weber Beringui Feitosa
- Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Everton Lopes
- Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jose Antonio Visintin
- Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Lin E, Li Z, Huang Y, Ru G, He P. High Dosages of Equine Chorionic Gonadotropin Exert Adverse Effects on the Developmental Competence of IVF-Derived Mouse Embryos and Cause Oxidative Stress-Induced Aneuploidy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:609290. [PMID: 33634101 PMCID: PMC7900142 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.609290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropins play vital roles in the regulation of female reproductive ability and fertility. Our study aimed to determine the effects of superovulation induced by increasing doses of equine chorionic gonadotropin [eCG; also referred to as pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG)] on the developmental competence of mouse embryos and on aneuploidy formation during in vitro fertilization (IVF). eCG dose-dependently enhanced the oocyte yield from each mouse. Administration of 15 IU eCG significantly reduced the fertilization rate and the formation of four-cell embryos and blastocysts and increased the risk of chromosome aneuploidy. The IVF-derived blastocysts in the 15 IU eCG treatment group had the fewest total cells, inner cell mass (ICM) cells and trophectoderm (TE) cells. Moreover, more blastocysts and fewer apoptotic cells were observed in the 0, 5, and 10 IU eCG treatment groups than in the 15 IU eCG treatment group. We also investigated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and variations in several variables: mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP); active mitochondria; mitochondrial superoxide production; adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content; spindle structures; chromosome karyotypes; microfilament distribution; and the expression of Aurora B [an important component of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC)], the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) protein mitotic arrest deficient 2 like 1 (MAD2L1), and the DNA damage response (DDR) protein γH2AX. Injection of 15 IU eCG increased ROS levels, rapidly reduced MMP, increased active mitochondria numbers and mitochondrial superoxide production, reduced ATP content, increased abnormal spindle formation rates, and induced abnormalities in chromosome number and microfilament distribution, suggesting that a high dose of eCG might alter developmental competence and exert negative effects on IVF-obtained mouse embryos. Additionally, the appearance of γH2AX and the significantly increased expression of Aurora B and MAD2L1 suggested that administration of relatively high doses of eCG caused Aurora B-mediated SAC activation triggered by ROS-induced DNA damage in early mouse IVF-derived embryos for self-correction of aneuploidy formation. These findings improve our understanding of the application of gonadotropins and provide a theoretical basis for gonadotropin treatment.
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Wakai T, Mehregan A, Fissore RA. Ca 2+ Signaling and Homeostasis in Mammalian Oocytes and Eggs. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2019; 11:cshperspect.a035162. [PMID: 31427376 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a035162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Changes in the intracellular concentration of calcium ([Ca2+]i) represent a vital signaling mechanism enabling communication between and among cells as well as with the environment. Cells have developed a sophisticated set of molecules, "the Ca2+ toolkit," to adapt [Ca2+]i changes to specific cellular functions. Mammalian oocytes and eggs, the subject of this review, are not an exception, and in fact the initiation of embryo devolvement in all species is entirely dependent on distinct [Ca2+]i responses. Here, we review the components of the Ca2+ toolkit present in mammalian oocytes and eggs, the regulatory mechanisms that allow these cells to accumulate Ca2+ in the endoplasmic reticulum, release it, and maintain basal and stable cytoplasmic concentrations. We also discuss electrophysiological and genetic studies that have uncovered Ca2+ influx channels in oocytes and eggs, and we analyze evidence supporting the role of a sperm-specific phospholipase C isoform as the trigger of Ca2+ oscillations during mammalian fertilization including its implication in fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Wakai
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Aujan Mehregan
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
| | - Rafael A Fissore
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003
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Liu Y, Deng X, Wu D, Jin M, Yu B. PKCδ promotes fertilization of mouse embryos in early development via the Cdc25B signaling pathway. Exp Ther Med 2019; 18:3281-3290. [PMID: 31602201 PMCID: PMC6777331 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.7959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase C type δ (PKCδ) is involved in B-cell signaling and the regulation of growth, apoptosis and differentiation of a variety of cell types. Cell division cycle 25 (Cdc25) is a key mediator of cell cycle progression that activates cyclin-dependent kinase complexes that drive the cell cycle and participates in the regulation of DNA damage checkpoints. Cdc25B is a member of the Cdc25 family of phosphatases. The present study investigated the role and mechanism of PKCδ in regulating the fertilization of mouse embryos in early development. The expression and subcellular localization of PKCδ and Cdc25B were detected using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and immunofluorescence in one-cell stage mouse embryos. Specific small interfering RNAs targeting PKCδ were used to knockdown the expression of PKCδ. Subsequently, Scansite software was used to predict the target of phosphorylated Cdc25B. Western blotting was used to measure the effects of phosphorylation and dephosphorylation in one-cell stage mouse embryos at different cell cycle phases. PKCδ was expressed during M phase and served a positive role in one-cell stage mouse embryos. Immunofluorescence data revealed that PKCδ and Cdc25B were expressed during G1, S, G2 and M phases of the cell cycle. Furthermore, phosphorylated levels of Cdc25B-Ser96 were observed during G2 and M phases. Microinjection with mimics of phosphorylated Cdc25B-Ser96 mRNA promoted the development of one-cell stage mouse embryos. When PKCδ was suppressed, microinjection with mimics of phosphorylated Cdc25B-Ser96 mRNA reversed the inhibition of PKCδ. To conclude, PKCδ serves a positive role in the first cell cycle of mouse embryos by phosphorylating Cdc25B-Ser96, and provides novel insights for the regulation of early embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchun Liu
- Department of Biochemical and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, P.R. China.,Liaoning Blood Center, Shenyang, Liaoning 110044, P.R. China
| | - Xin Deng
- Experimental Center of The Functional Subjects China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
| | - Didi Wu
- Department of Biochemical and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, P.R. China
| | - Minglin Jin
- Department of Biochemical and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, P.R. China
| | - Bingzhi Yu
- Department of Biochemical and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, P.R. China
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Ferrer-Buitrago M, Dhaenens L, Lu Y, Bonte D, Vanden Meerschaut F, De Sutter P, Leybaert L, Heindryckx B. Human oocyte calcium analysis predicts the response to assisted oocyte activation in patients experiencing fertilization failure after ICSI. Hum Reprod 2019; 33:416-425. [PMID: 29329390 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can human oocyte calcium analysis predict fertilization success after assisted oocyte activation (AOA) in patients experiencing fertilization failure after ICSI? SUMMARY ANSWER ICSI-AOA restores the fertilization rate only in patients displaying abnormal Ca2+ oscillations during human oocyte activation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Patients capable of activating mouse oocytes and who showed abnormal Ca2+ profiles after mouse oocyte Ca2+ analysis (M-OCA), have variable responses to ICSI-AOA. It remains unsettled whether human oocyte Ca2+ analysis (H-OCA) would yield an improved accuracy to predict fertilization success after ICSI-AOA. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Sperm activation potential was first evaluated by MOAT. Subsequently, Ca2+ oscillatory patterns were determined with sperm from patients showing moderate to normal activation potential based on the capacity of human sperm to generate Ca2+ responses upon microinjection in mouse and human oocytes. Altogether, this study includes a total of 255 mouse and 122 human oocytes. M-OCA was performed with 16 different sperm samples before undergoing ICSI-AOA treatment. H-OCA was performed for 11 patients who finally underwent ICSI-AOA treatment. The diagnostic accuracy to predict fertilization success was calculated based on the response to ICSI-AOA. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Patients experiencing low or total failed fertilization after conventional ICSI were included in the study. All participants showed moderate to high rates of activation after MOAT. Metaphase II (MII) oocytes from B6D2F1 mice were used for M-OCA. Control fertile sperm samples were used to obtain a reference Ca2+ oscillation profile elicited in human oocytes. Donated human oocytes, non-suitable for IVF treatments, were collected and vitrified at MII stage for further analysis by H-OCA. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE M-OCA and H-OCA predicted the response to ICSI-AOA in 8 out of 11 (73%) patients. Compared to M-OCA, H-OCA detected the presence of sperm activation deficiencies with greater sensitivity (75 vs 100%, respectively). ICSI-AOA never showed benefit to overcome fertilization failure in patients showing normal capacity to generate Ca2+ oscillations in H-OCA and was likely to be beneficial in cases displaying abnormal H-OCA Ca2+ oscillations patterns. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The scarce availability of human oocytes donated for research purposes is a limiting factor to perform H-OCA. Ca2+ imaging requires specific equipment to monitor fluorescence changes over time. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS H-OCA is a sensitive test to diagnose gamete-linked fertilization failure. H-OCA allows treatment counseling for couples experiencing ICSI failures to either undergo ICSI-AOA or to participate in gamete donation programs. The present data provide an important template of the Ca2+ signature observed during human fertilization in cases with normal, low and failed fertilization after conventional ICSI. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Flemish fund for scientific research (FWO-Vlaanderen, G060615N). The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ferrer-Buitrago
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - L Dhaenens
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Y Lu
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - D Bonte
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - F Vanden Meerschaut
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - P De Sutter
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - L Leybaert
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - B Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Abstract
SummaryFertilization in higher plants induces many structural and physiological changes in the fertilized egg, and represents the transition from the haploid female gamete to the diploid zygote, the first cell of a sporophyte. Some changes are induced extremely rapidly following fusion with sperm cells and are the preclusions of egg activation. This review focuses on the early changes that occur in the egg after fusion with sperm cells, but before nuclear fusion. Reported changes include cell shrinkage, cell wall formation, polarity change, oscillation in Ca2+ concentration, and DNA synthesis. In addition, the current understanding of egg activation is summarized and the possible functional relevance of the changes is explored.
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Wang H, Zhai N, Chen Y, Fu C, Huang K. OTA induces intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction and tight junction disruption in IPEC-J2 cells through ROS/Ca 2+-mediated MLCK activation. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 242:106-112. [PMID: 29966834 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.06.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a frequent contaminant of feed and food worldwide. The toxicity of OTA on intestinal barrier was investigated in porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2). We observed that OTA induced intestinal barrier dysfunction as indicated by the reduction in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and elevation in paracellular permeability to 4 kDa dextran. The barrier dysfunction was accompanied with tight junction disruption including a down-regulation in ZO-1 expression and redistribution of Occludin and ZO-1. Moreover, OTA exposure increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, elevated the intracellular calcium level ([Ca2+]c) and activated myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). Simultaneously, NAC, a ROS scavenger, blocked OTA-induced ROS generation, [Ca2+]c elevation, barrier dysfunction and tight junction disruption, suggesting that OTA-induced ROS generation may act as a trigger. Next, we found that OTA-induced MLCK activation was inhibited by BAPTA-AM, the cytosolic Ca2+ chelator, demonstrating that OTA-induced MLCK activation is dependent on [Ca2+]c elevation. Furthermore, inhibition of MLCK with ML-7 or inhibition of [Ca2+]c elevation with BAPTA-AM markedly prevented OTA-induced barrier dysfunction and tight junction disruption. Taken together, our results indicated that OTA induces ROS generation, and then elevates the [Ca2+]c and MLCK activity in turn, which finally induces barrier dysfunction and disrupts tight junction in IPEC-J2 cell monolayers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders in Domestic Animals and Fowls, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Nianhui Zhai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders in Domestic Animals and Fowls, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ying Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders in Domestic Animals and Fowls, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chongyang Fu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders in Domestic Animals and Fowls, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Kehe Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Nutritional and Metabolic Disorders in Domestic Animals and Fowls, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu Province, China.
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43
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Goto T, Kanda K, Nishikata T. Non-centrosomal microtubule structures regulated by egg activation signaling contribute to cytoplasmic and cortical reorganization in the ascidian egg. Dev Biol 2018; 448:161-172. [PMID: 31030741 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
In the first ascidian cell cycle, cytoplasmic and cortical reorganization is required for distributing maternal factors to their appropriate positions, resulting in the formation of the embryonic axis. This cytoplasmic reorganization is considered to depend on the cortical microfilament network in the first phase and on the sperm astral microtubule (MT) in the second phase. Recently, we described three novel MT structures: a deeply extended MT meshwork (DEM) in the entire subcortical region of the unfertilized egg, transiently accumulated MT fragments (TAF) in the vegetal pole, and a cortical MT array in the posterior vegetal cortex (CAMP). Particularly, our previous study showed CAMP to contribute to the movement of myoplasm. In addition, it is very similar to the parallel MT array, which appears during cortical rotation in Xenopus eggs. However, how these MT structures are organized is still unclear. Here, we investigated the relationship between the egg activation pathway and MT structures during the first ascidian cell cycle. First, we carefully analyzed cell cycle progression through meiosis I and II and the first mitosis, and successfully established a standard time table of cell cycle events. Using this time table as a reference, we precisely described the behavior of novel MT structures and revealed that it was closely correlated with cell cycle events. Moreover, pharmacological experiments supported the relationship between these MT structures and the signal transduction mechanisms that begin after fertilization, including Ca2+ signaling, MPF signaling, and MEK/MAPK signaling. Especially, CAMP formation was directed by activities of cyclin-dependent kinases. As these MT structures are conserved, at least, within chordate group, we emphasize the importance of understanding the controlling mechanisms of MT dynamics, which is important for embryonic axis determination in the ascidian egg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyuki Goto
- Frontiers of Innovative Research in Science and Technology (FIRST), Konan University, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Kazumasa Kanda
- Frontiers of Innovative Research in Science and Technology (FIRST), Konan University, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Takahito Nishikata
- Frontiers of Innovative Research in Science and Technology (FIRST), Konan University, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan.
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44
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Ermakov A, Daks A, Fedorova O, Shuvalov O, Barlev NA. Ca 2+ -depended signaling pathways regulate self-renewal and pluripotency of stem cells. Cell Biol Int 2018; 42:1086-1096. [PMID: 29851182 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Ca2+ -mediated signaling is widely spread in nature and plays critical role in the individual development of various organisms ranging from microorganisms to mammals. In vertebrates, Ca2+ is involved in important developmental events: fertilization, body plan establishment, and organogenesis. The two later events are defined by embryonic stem cells (ESCs). ESCs are capable of self-renewal and are pluripotent by nature, that is, can give rise to all types of cells that make up the body. Given the paramount importance of Ca2+ signalization in the development, it is therefore not surprising this process also plays role in the biology of stem cells. In this review, we scrutinize the published experimental data on the role of Ca2+ ions in embryonic stem cells self-renewal and pluripotency. In line with this, we also discuss possible mechanisms of p53 inhibition as a major hindrance to self-renewal of ESCs. Finally, we argue about the role of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the largest family of heteromeric transmembrane receptors, and GPCR-mediated signalization in stem cells, and propose the role for the GPCR-G-protein-PLC-Ca2+ -downstream signaling pathway in the regulation of pluripotency of both mouse and human ESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexandra Daks
- Institute of Cytology RAS, Saint-Petersburg 194064, Russia
| | - Olga Fedorova
- Institute of Cytology RAS, Saint-Petersburg 194064, Russia
| | - Oleg Shuvalov
- Institute of Cytology RAS, Saint-Petersburg 194064, Russia
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45
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Liu L, Li S, Li H, Yu D, Li C, Li G, Cao Y, Feng C, Deng X. Protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ) involved in the regulation of pAkt1 (Ser473) on the release of mouse oocytes from diplotene arrest. Cell Biochem Funct 2018; 36:221-227. [PMID: 29774951 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Liu
- Department of Physiology; Basic Medical Scientific Research College, CMU; Shenyang PR China
- Central Laboratory of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital; China Medical University (CMU); Shenyang PR China
| | - Sen Li
- Department of Neurology; the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, CMU; Shenyang PR China
| | - Hanwen Li
- Department of Anorectum; the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, CMU; Shenyang PR China
| | - Dahai Yu
- IVF Center; Affiliated Shengjing Hospital, CMU; Shenyang PR China
| | - Chunyu Li
- Department of Anorectum; the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, CMU; Shenyang PR China
| | - Gensong Li
- Department of Physiology; Basic Medical Scientific Research College, CMU; Shenyang PR China
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of Physiology; Basic Medical Scientific Research College, CMU; Shenyang PR China
| | - Chen Feng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; CMU; Shenyang PR China
| | - Xin Deng
- Department of Physiology; Basic Medical Scientific Research College, CMU; Shenyang PR China
- Central Laboratory of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital; China Medical University (CMU); Shenyang PR China
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46
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Sperm-borne phospholipase C zeta-1 ensures monospermic fertilization in mice. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1315. [PMID: 29358633 PMCID: PMC5778054 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-19497-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm entry in mammalian oocytes triggers intracellular Ca2+ oscillations that initiate resumption of the meiotic cell cycle and subsequent activations. Here, we show that phospholipase C zeta 1 (PLCζ1) is the long-sought sperm-borne oocyte activation factor (SOAF). Plcz1 gene knockout (KO) mouse spermatozoa fail to induce Ca2+ changes in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In contrast to ICSI, Plcz1 KO spermatozoa induced atypical patterns of Ca2+ changes in normal fertilizations, and most of the fertilized oocytes ceased development at the 1–2-cell stage because of oocyte activation failure or polyspermy. We further discovered that both zona pellucida block to polyspermy (ZPBP) and plasma membrane block to polyspermy (PMBP) were delayed in oocytes fertilized with Plcz1 KO spermatozoa. With the observation that polyspermy is rare in astacin-like metalloendopeptidase (Astl) KO female oocytes that lack ZPBP, we conclude that PMPB plays more critical role than ZPBP in vivo. Finally, we obtained healthy pups from male mice carrying human infertile PLCZ1 mutation by single sperm ICSI supplemented with Plcz1 mRNA injection. These results suggest that mammalian spermatozoa have a primitive oocyte activation mechanism and that PLCζ1 is a SOAF that ensures oocyte activation steps for monospermic fertilization in mammals.
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47
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Wu DY, Zhang X, Miao YL. Reprogramming of Aged Cells into Pluripotent Stem Cells by Nuclear Transfer. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 2045:271-281. [PMID: 29511974 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2018_118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells have the potential to differentiate into specialized cell types under specific conditions in vivo or in vitro, which are used to cure many diseases related to aging. Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) can reprogram differential somatic cells into cloned embryos and embryonic stem cells can be derived from these cloned embryos. Recipient oocytes have healthier mitochondria and can improve the metabolism competence, lessen the ROS damage, and rejuvenate mitochondrial function of aged cells during reprogramming. Here, we describe a protocol to isolate aged somatic cells and reprogram them into embryonic stem cells by SCNT. These stem cells can be used to differentiate into regenerative somatic cells and replace the aged cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Ya Wu
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yi-Liang Miao
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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48
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Satouh Y, Nozawa K, Yamagata K, Fujimoto T, Ikawa M. Viable offspring after imaging of Ca2+ oscillations and visualization of the cortical reaction in mouse eggs. Biol Reprod 2017; 96:563-575. [PMID: 28339615 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
– During mammalian fertilization, egg Ca 2+ oscillations are known to play pivotal roles in triggering downstream events such as resumption of the cell cycle and the establishment of blocks to polyspermy. However, viable offspring have not been obtained after monitoring Ca 2+ oscillations, and their spatiotemporal links to subsequent events are still to be examined. Therefore, the development of imaging methods to avoid phototoxic damage while labeling these events is required. Here, we examined the usefulness of genetically encoded Ca 2+ indicators for optical imaging (GECOs), in combination with spinning-disk confocal imaging. The Ca 2+ imaging of fertilized mouse eggs with GEM-, G-, or R-GECO recorded successful oscillations (8.19 ± 0.31, 7.56 ± 0.23, or 7.53 ± 0.27 spikes in the first 2 h, respectively), similar to those obtained with chemical indicators. Then, in vitro viability tests revealed that imaging with G- or R-GECO did not interfere with the rate of development to the blastocyst stage (61.8 or 70.0%, respectively, vs 75.0% in control). Furthermore, two-cell transfer to recipient female mice after imaging with G- or R-GECO resulted in a similar birthrate (53.3 or 52.0%, respectively) to that of controls (48.7%). Next, we assessed the quality of the cortical reaction (CR) in artificially activated or fertilized eggs using fluorescently labeled Lens culinaris agglutinin fluorescein isothiocyanate. Multicolor imaging demonstrated that the first few Ca 2+ spikes are sufficient for the completion of the CR and subsequent hardening of the zona pellucida in mouse eggs. These methods provide a framework for studying Ca 2+ dynamics in mammalian fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhkoh Satouh
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kaori Nozawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuo Yamagata
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology, Kindai University, Kinokawa, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Takao Fujimoto
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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49
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Ferrer-Buitrago M, Bonte D, De Sutter P, Leybaert L, Heindryckx B. Single Ca 2+ transients vs oscillatory Ca 2+ signaling for assisted oocyte activation: limitations and benefits. Reproduction 2017; 155:R105-R119. [PMID: 29122969 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Oocyte activation is a calcium (Ca2+)-dependent process that has been investigated in depth, in particular, regarding its impact on assisted reproduction technology (ART). Following a standard model of signal transduction, Ca2+ drives the meiotic progression upon fertilization in all species studied to date. However, Ca2+ changes during oocyte activation are species specific, and they can be classified in two modalities based on the pattern defined by the Ca2+ signature: a single Ca2+ transient (e.g. amphibians) or repetitive Ca2+ transients called Ca2+ oscillations (e.g. mammals). Interestingly, assisted oocyte activation (AOA) methods have highlighted the ability of mammalian oocytes to respond to single Ca2+ transients with normal embryonic development. In this regard, there is evidence supporting that cellular events during the process of oocyte activation are initiated by different number of Ca2+ oscillations. Moreover, it was proposed that oocyte activation and subsequent embryonic development are dependent on the total summation of the Ca2+ peaks, rather than to a specific frequency pattern of Ca2+ oscillations. The present review aims to demonstrate the complexity of mammalian oocyte activation by describing the series of Ca2+-linked physiological events involved in mediating the egg-to-embryo transition. Furthermore, mechanisms of AOA and the limitations and benefits associated with the application of different activation agents are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minerva Ferrer-Buitrago
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST)Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Davina Bonte
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST)Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Petra De Sutter
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST)Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Physiology GroupDepartment of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST)Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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50
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Kashir J, Nomikos M, Lai FA. Phospholipase C zeta and calcium oscillations at fertilisation: The evidence, applications, and further questions. Adv Biol Regul 2017; 67:148-162. [PMID: 29108881 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2017.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Oocyte activation is a fundamental event at mammalian fertilisation, initiated by a series of characteristic calcium (Ca2+) oscillations in mammals. This characteristic pattern of Ca2+ release is induced in a species-specific manner by a sperm-specific enzyme termed phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ). Reduction or absence of functional PLCζ within sperm underlies male factor infertility in humans, due to mutational inactivation or abrogation of PLCζ protein expression. Underlying such clinical implications, a significant body of evidence has now been accumulated that has characterised the unique biochemical and biophysical properties of this enzyme, further aiding the unique clinical opportunities presented. Herein, we present and discuss evidence accrued over the past decade and a half that serves to support the identity of PLCζ as the mammalian sperm factor. Furthermore, we also discuss the potential novel avenues that have yet to be examined regarding PLCζ mechanism of action in both the oocyte, and the sperm. Finally, we discuss the advances that have been made regarding the clinical therapeutic and diagnostic applications of PLCζ in potentially treating male infertility as a result of oocyte activation deficiency (OAD), and also possibly more general cases of male subfertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Kashir
- College of Biomedical & Life Sciences, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Alfaisal University, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Department of Comparative Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Michail Nomikos
- College of Medicine, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - F Anthony Lai
- College of Biomedical & Life Sciences, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; College of Medicine, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
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