Mitochondrial DNA in the Oocyte and the Developing Embryo

Telomere length determines the mitochondrial copy number in blastocyst-stage embryos

Telomere length (TL) and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mt-cn) are associated with embryonic development. Here, we investigated the correlation between TL and mt-cn in bovine embryos to determine whether TL regulates mt-cn. TL and mt-cn were closely correlated in embryos derived from six bulls. Treatment of embryos with a telomerase inhibitor (TMPyP) and siTERT shortened the TL and reduced mt-cn in blastocysts. RNA-sequencing of blastocysts developed with TMPyP revealed differentially expressed genes associated with transforming growth factor-β1 signaling and inflammation. In conclusion, TL regulates mt-cn in embryos.

Deregulation of oxidative phosphorylation pathways in embryos derived in vitro from prepubertal and pubertal heifers based on whole-transcriptome sequencing

BACKGROUND

Although, oocytes from prepubertal donors are known to be less developmentally competent than those from adult donors it does not restrain their ability to produce full-term pregnancies. The transcriptomic profile of embryos could be used as a predictor for embryo's individual developmental competence. The aim of the study was to compare transcriptomic profile of blastocysts derived from prepubertal and pubertal heifers oocytes. Bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were obtained by ovum pick- up method from prepubertal and pubertal heifers. After in vitro maturation COCs were fertilized and cultured to the blastocyst stage. Total RNA was isolated from both groups of blastocysts and RNA-seq was performed. Gene ontology analysis was performed by DAVID (Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery).

RESULTS

A higher average blastocyst rate was obtained in the pubertal than in the pre-pubertal group. There were no differences in the quality of blastocysts between the examined groups. We identified 436 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between blastocysts derived from researched groups, of which 247 DEGs were downregulated in blastocysts derived from pubertal compared to prepubertal heifers oocytes, and 189 DEGs were upregulated. The genes involved in mitochondrial function, including oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) were found to be different in studied groups using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes (KEGG) pathway analysis and 8 of those DEGs were upregulated and 1 was downregulated in blastocysts derived from pubertal compared to prepubertal heifers oocytes. DEGs associated with mitochondrial function were found: ATP synthases (ATP5MF-ATP synthase membrane subunit f, ATP5PD- ATP synthase peripheral stalk subunit d, ATP12A- ATPase H+/K + transporting non-gastric alpha2 subunit), NADH dehydrogenases (NDUFS3- NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit core subunit S3, NDUFA13- NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit A13, NDUFA3- NADH: ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit A3), cytochrome c oxidase (COX17), cytochrome c somatic (CYCS) and ubiquinol cytochrome c reductase core protein 1 (UQCRC1). We found lower number of apoptotic cells in blastocysts derived from oocytes collected from prepubertal than those obtained from pubertal donors.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite decreased expression of genes associated with OXPHOS pathway in blastocysts from prepubertal heifers oocytes, the increased level of ATP12A together with the lower number of apoptotic cells in these blastocysts might support their survival after transfer.

Advancing Age May Decrease Mitochondrial Activity in Cumulus Cells

Background: The goal of this study was to compare mitochondrial activity in cumulus cells (CCs) between young and advancing-aged women, the factors that affect mitochondrial activity, and their association with blastocyst quality. Materials and methods: This prospective study included 80 infertile women who underwent ICSI between May and October 2023. Participants were divided into two groups: older and younger than 38. The oocyte mitochondrial activity from CCs was evaluated using MitoTracker, and the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) was also evaluated. Results: The univariate and multivariate analyses revealed a significant difference in the MFI between the woman ≥ 38 age group and the lower age group (162.68 ± 79.87 vs. 228.39 ± 121.38; p-value = 0.005; 95%CI 19.97, 111.45). The factors that affected the MFI were women ≥ 38 years of age (p-value = 0.005; 95%CI -111.45, -19.91), total gonadotropin dosages (p-value = 0.006; 95%CI -0.08, 0.01), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) triggering (p-value = 0.006; 95%CI 36.46, 210.06). However, only women aged ≥38 years remained statistically significant after a multivariable regression analysis (p-value = 0.014; 95%CI -121.00, -14.30). In addition, only male age (mean age ± SD = 38.26 ± 5.13) was associated with high blastocyst quality in univariate and mixed multivariate analyses (OR 0.91; 95%CI 0.56, 3.04). The chemical pregnancy rate was not significantly different between the two age groups (34.5% vs. 56.7%; p-value = 0.162; 95%CI 0.2, 1.30). Conclusion: Advancing age decreased mitochondrial activity in CCs but did not affect blastocyst quality. By contrast, male age may be a predictor of high-grade blastocyst quality.

Mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction in ovarian aging and potential interventions

Mitochondria plays an essential role in regulating cellular metabolic homeostasis, proliferation/differentiation, and cell death. Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in many age-related pathologies. Evidence supports that the dysfunction of mitochondria and the decline of mitochondrial DNA copy number negatively affect ovarian aging. However, the mechanism of ovarian aging is still unclear. Treatment methods, including antioxidant applications, mitochondrial transplantation, emerging biomaterials, and advanced technologies, are being used to improve mitochondrial function and restore oocyte quality. This article reviews key evidence and research updates on mitochondrial damage in the pathogenesis of ovarian aging, emphasizing that mitochondrial damage may accelerate and lead to cellular senescence and ovarian aging, as well as exploring potential methods for using mitochondrial mechanisms to slow down aging and improve oocyte quality.

Mitogenomic architecture and evolution of the soil ciliates Colpoda

Colpoda are cosmopolitan unicellular eukaryotes primarily inhabiting soil and benefiting plant growth, but they remain one of the least understood taxa in genetics and genomics within the realm of ciliated protozoa. Here, we investigate the architecture of de novo assembled mitogenomes of six Colpoda species, using long-read sequencing and involving 36 newly isolated natural strains in total. The mitogenome sizes span from 43 to 63 kbp and typically contain 28-33 protein-coding genes. They possess a linear structure with variable telomeres and central repeats, with one Colpoda elliotti strain isolated from Tibet harboring the longest telomeres among all studied ciliates. Phylogenomic analyses reveal that Colpoda species started to diverge more than 326 million years ago, eventually evolving into two distinct groups. Collinearity analyses also reveal significant genomic divergences and a lack of long collinear blocks. One of the most notable features is the exceptionally high level of gene rearrangements between mitochondrial genomes of different Colpoda species, dominated by gene loss events. Population-level mitogenomic analysis on natural strains also demonstrates high sequence divergence, regardless of geographic distance, but the gene order remains highly conserved within species, offering a new species identification criterion for Colpoda species. Furthermore, we identified underlying heteroplasmic sites in the majority of strains of three Colpoda species, albeit without a discernible recombination signal to account for this heteroplasmy. This comprehensive study systematically unveils the mitogenomic structure and evolution of these ancient and ecologically significant Colpoda ciliates, thus laying the groundwork for a deeper understanding of the evolution of unicellular eukaryotes.IMPORTANCEColpoda, one of the most widespread ciliated protozoa in soil, are poorly understood in regard to their genetics and evolution. Our research revealed extreme mitochondrial gene rearrangements dominated by gene loss events, potentially leading to the streamlining of Colpoda mitogenomes. Surprisingly, while interspecific rearrangements abound, our population-level mitogenomic study revealed a conserved gene order within species, offering a potential new identification criterion. Phylogenomic analysis traced their lineage over 326 million years, revealing two distinct groups. Substantial genomic divergence might be associated with the lack of extended collinear blocks and relaxed purifying selection. This study systematically reveals Colpoda ciliate mitogenome structures and evolution, providing insights into the survival and evolution of these vital soil microorganisms.

Salidroside Supplementation Affects In Vitro Maturation and Preimplantation Embryonic Development by Promoting Meiotic Resumption

Salidroside (Sal) possesses several pharmacological activities, such as antiaging, and anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer activities, and proliferation-promoting activities, but the effects of Sal on oocytes have rarely been reported. In the present study, we evaluated the beneficial effects of Sal, which is mainly found in the roots of Rhodiola. Porcine cumulus oocyte complexes were cultured in IVM medium supplemented (with 250 μmol/L) with Sal or not supplemented with Sal. The maturation rate in the Sal group increased from 88.34 ± 4.32% to 94.12 ± 2.29%, and the blastocyst rate in the Sal group increased from 30.35 ± 3.20% to 52.14 ± 7.32% compared with that in the control group. The experimental groups showed significant improvements in the cumulus expansion area. Sal reduced oocyte levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhanced intracellular GSH levels. Sal supplementation enhanced the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ATP level, and mtDNA copy number, which shows that Sal enhances the cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes. Oocytes in the Sal group exhibited slowed apoptosis and reduced DNA breakage. Cell cycle signals and oocyte meiosis play important roles in oocyte maturation. The mRNA expressions of the MAPK pathway and MAPK phosphorylation increased significantly in the Sal group. The mRNA expression of the oocyte meiosis gene also increased significantly. These results show that Sal enhances the nuclear maturation of oocytes. Moreover, Sal increased the number of blastocyst cells, the proliferation of blastocysts, and the expressions of pluripotency genes. Sal down-regulated apoptosis-related genes and the apoptotic cell rate of blastocysts. In summary, our results demonstrate that Sal is helpful to improving the quality of porcine oocytes in vitro, and their subsequent embryonic development.

Deficiency of the mitochondrial ribosomal subunit, MRPL50, causes autosomal recessive syndromic premature ovarian insufficiency

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a common cause of infertility in women, characterised by amenorrhea and elevated FSH under the age of 40 years. In some cases, POI is syndromic in association with other features such as sensorineural hearing loss in Perrault syndrome. POI is a heterogeneous disease with over 80 causative genes known so far; however, these explain only a minority of cases. Using whole-exome sequencing (WES), we identified a MRPL50 homozygous missense variant (c.335T > A; p.Val112Asp) shared by twin sisters presenting with POI, bilateral high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss, kidney and heart dysfunction. MRPL50 encodes a component of the large subunit of the mitochondrial ribosome. Using quantitative proteomics and western blot analysis on patient fibroblasts, we demonstrated a loss of MRPL50 protein and an associated destabilisation of the large subunit of the mitochondrial ribosome whilst the small subunit was preserved. The mitochondrial ribosome is responsible for the translation of subunits of the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation machinery, and we found patient fibroblasts have a mild but significant decrease in the abundance of mitochondrial complex I. These data support a biochemical phenotype associated with MRPL50 variants. We validated the association of MRPL50 with the clinical phenotype by knockdown/knockout of mRpL50 in Drosophila, which resulted abnormal ovarian development. In conclusion, we have shown that a MRPL50 missense variant destabilises the mitochondrial ribosome, leading to oxidative phosphorylation deficiency and syndromic POI, highlighting the importance of mitochondrial support in ovarian development and function.

Combination of CNP, MT and FLI during IVM Significantly Improved the Quality and Development Abilities of Bovine Oocytes and IVF-Derived Embryos

Oocyte maturation is a critical step in the completion of female gametogenesis in the ovary; thus, for subsequent fertilization and embryogenesis. Vitrification of embryo also has been shown to be closely associated with oocyte maturation. To improve the quality and developmental potential of bovine oocytes derived from in vitro maturation (IVM), Pre-IVM with C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), melatonin (MT) and in combination, IGF1, FGF2, LIF (FLI) were supplemented in the IVM medium. In this current study, we cultured bovine oocytes in Pre-IVM with CNP for 6 h before transferring them to the IVM medium supplemented with MT and FLI. The developmental potential of bovine oocytes was then investigated by measuring the reactive oxygen species (ROS), the intracellular glutathione (GSH) and ATP levels, the transzonal projections (TZP), the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), cacline-AM, and the expression of related genes (cumulus cells (CCs), oocytes, blastocysts). The results revealed that oocytes treated with a combination of CNP, MT, and FLI had dramatically improved the percentage of oocytes developed to blastocyst, ATP content, GSH levels, TZP intensity, the ΔΨm, cacline-AM fluorescence intensity, and considerably reduced ROS levels of oocytes. Furthermore, the survival rate and the hatched rate after vitrification of the CNP+MT+FLI group were significantly higher than those other groups. Thus, we speculated that CNP+MT+FLI increases the IVM of bovine oocytes. In conclusion, our findings deepen our understanding and provide new perspectives on targeting the combination of CNP, MT and FLI to enhance the quality and developmental potential of bovine oocytes.

Mitochondrial function of human embryo: Decline in their quality with maternal aging

Background

Female fertility declines with age, due to increased chromosomal aneuploidy and possible reduced mitochondrial function in the embryo.

Methods

This review outlines how mitochondrial function in human embryos, as predicted from oxygen consumption rate (OCR) measurements, changes in preimplantation stage, and what factors, particularly maternal age, affect mitochondrial function in embryos.

Main findings

The structure of the mitochondrial inner membrane and its respiratory function developed with embryo development, while the copy number of mitochondrial DNA per specimen was transiently reduced compared with that of the oocyte. The undifferentiated state of the inner cell mass cells appears to be associated with a low OCR. In contrast, the copy number of mitochondrial DNA increased in trophoblast cells and mitochondrial aerobic metabolism increased.The OCRs at morulae stage decreased with maternal age, but there was no relationship between maternal age and the copy number of mitochondrial DNA at any stages. The higher oxygen spent at the morula stage; the shorter time was needed for development to the mid-stage blastocyst.

Conclusions

The mitochondrial respiratory function of human embryos developed along with embryonic growth. Mitochondrial function at morula stage declined with their maternal age and reduced mitochondrial function decreased the rate of development from morula to blastocyst.

Mitochondrial DNA copy number in cumulus granulosa cells as a predictor for embryo morphokinetics and chromosome status

While morphokinetic evaluation of embryos has become the most commonly used technique in IVF to select embryos for transfer, studies have demonstrated that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number is correlated with embryo viability and transfer outcomes. Correspondingly, this cohort study aims to evaluate the association between the mtDNA copy number in cumulus granulosa cells (CGCs) with embryo morphokinetic parameters and chromosomal status. Real-time PCR was employed to measure the mtDNA copy number of the 129 CGCs in samples obtained from 30 patients undergoing the IVF-IMSI program at Morula IVF Jakarta between July and October 2020. Bivariate and multiple analyses were utilized to determine its relationship with embryo morphokinetics, blastocyst yield, and chromosomal status. According to the analysis, there was a significant correlation between the mtDNA copy number and the blastocyst status after adjusting for the maternal age and sperm morphology (coefficient 0.832, p value = 0.032, RR value 2.299). Moreover, a significant link was observed between mtDNA copy number in CGC and early embryo developmental phase M1 (t2-t8), using the equation of M1 is 5.702-0.271 mtDNA copy number of CGCs + 0.017 maternal age + 0.013 sperm motility -0.115 sperm morphology (p value = 0.032). However, no correlation was found between the mtDNA copy number in CGCs with the other morphokinetic parameters (M2: tC-tEB, M3: t2-tEB, DC, RC, MN with p > 0.05), or the chromosomal status of the embryos (euploid: 139.44 ± 133.12, aneuploid: 142.40 ± 111.30, p = 0.806). In conclusion, our study suggests that mtDNA copy number in CGCs can serve as a useful biomarker for blastocyst status and early embryo developmental phase but not for chromosomal status.

The Interplay between Telomeres, Mitochondria, and Chronic Stress Exposure in the Aging Egg

While at the organismal level, biological aging can be estimated by telomere length and DNA methylation signatures, reliable biomarkers that can predict reproductive age are much needed to gauge the quality of an oocyte. Reproductive medicine and fertility centers often merely quantitate the ovarian reserve to predict the likelihood of fertilization and pregnancy in women of advanced reproductive age. It is highly important to address the level of age-related decline in oocyte quality since it leads to an increased risk of miscarriages and aneuploidy. Conversely, the pathways behind oocyte aging remain, in large part, elusive. Telomere shortening upon chronic stress exposure regulates mitochondria function and biogenesis by various pathways; therefore, establishing a link between these two important players and extrapolating them for the aging of oocytes will be the purpose of our commentary.

IGF2 reduces meiotic defects in oocytes from obese mice and improves embryonic developmental competency

BACKGROUND

Maternal obesity is a global issue that has devastating effects across the reproductive spectrum such as meiotic defects in oocytes, consequently worsening pregnancy outcomes. Different studies have shown that such types of meiotic defects originated from the oocytes of obese mothers. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop strategies to reduce the incidence of obesity-related oocyte defects that adversely affect pregnancy outcomes. Multiple growth factors have been identified as directly associated with female reproduction; however, the impact of various growth factors on female fertility in response to obesity remains poorly understood.

METHODS

The immature GV-stage oocytes from HFD female mice were collected and cultured in vitro in two different groups (HFD oocytes with and without 50 nM IGF2), however; the oocytes from ND mice were used as a positive control. HFD oocytes treated with or without IGF2 were further used to observe the meiotic structure using different analysis including, the spindle and chromosomal analysis, reactive oxygen species levels, mitochondrial functional activities, and early apoptotic index using immunofluorescence. Additionally, the embryonic developmental competency and embryos quality of IGF2-treated zygotes were also determined.

RESULTS

In our findings, we observed significantly reduced contents of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) in the serum and oocytes of obese mice. Our data indicated supplementation of IGF2 in a culture medium improves the blastocyst formation: from 46% in the HFD group to 61% in the HFD + IGF2-treatment group (50 nM IGF2). Moreover, adding IGF2 to the culture medium reduces the reactive oxygen species index and alleviates the frequency of spindle/chromosome defects. We found increased mitochondrial functional activity in oocytes from obese mice after treating the oocytes with IGF2: observed elevated level of adenosine triphosphate, increased mitochondrial distribution, higher mitochondrial membrane potentials, and reduced mitochondrial ultrastructure defects. Furthermore, IGF2 administration also increases the overall protein synthesis and decreases the apoptotic index in oocytes from obese mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, our findings are strongly in favor of adding IGF2 in culture medium to overcome obesity-related meiotic structural-developmental defects by helping ameliorate the known sub-optimal culturing conditions that are currently standard with assisted reproduction technologies.

Oxidative Stress and Human Ovarian Response—From Somatic Ovarian Cells to Oocytes Damage: A Clinical Comprehensive Narrative Review

Basic scientific research on human reproduction and oxidative damage has been extensively performed; however, a more clinical view is still lacking. As a result, exhaustive data on the influence of oxidative stress on human ovarian response and, consequently, on fertility are still lacking. This narrative review aims at summarizing the role of oxidative stress in different conditions associated to female infertility and to list some of the main antioxidant agents. A systematic literature search was performed in May 2022 to retrieve studies regarding the oxidative stress and the human ovarian response from somatic ovarian cells to oocytes damage. Only human studies were included and the authors focused their review, in particular, on clinical implications in order to define a new research perspective on the assessment of any eventual strategy to preserve women’s fertility. Thereby, the authors evaluated the contribution of DNA repair pathways in improving women’s fertility by reducing the DNA damage associated with aging or diseases, such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome, and eventually, in prolonging the reproductive lifespan after cancer treatment.

Preovulatory serum estradiol concentration is positively associated with oocyte ATP and follicular fluid metabolite abundance in lactating beef cattle

Cattle induced to ovulate a small, physiologically immature preovulatory follicle had reduced oocyte developmental competence that resulted in decreased embryo cleavage and day 7 embryo quality compared with animals induced to ovulate a more advanced follicle. RNA-sequencing was performed on oocytes and their corresponding cumulus cells approximately 23 h after gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) administration to induce the preovulatory gonadotropin surge suggested reduced capacity for glucose metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation in the cumulus cells and oocytes from follicles ≤11.7 mm, respectively. We hypothesized that induced ovulation of a small, physiologically immature preovulatory follicle results in a suboptimal follicular microenvironment and reduced oocyte metabolic capacity. We performed a study with the objective to determine the impact of preovulatory follicle diameter and serum estradiol concentration at GnRH administration on oocyte metabolic competence and follicular fluid metabolome profiles. We synchronized the development of a preovulatory follicle and collected the follicle contents via transvaginal aspiration approximately 19 h after GnRH administration in lactating beef cows (n = 319). We determined ATP levels and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in 110 oocytes and performed ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry metabolomic studies on 45 follicular fluid samples. Intraoocyte ATP and the amount of ATP produced per mtDNA copy number were associated with serum estradiol concentration at GnRH and time from GnRH administration to follicle aspiration (P < 0.05). mtDNA copy number was not related to follicle diameter at GnRH, serum estradiol concentration at GnRH, or any potential covariates (P > 0.10). We detected 90 metabolites in the aspirated follicular fluid. We identified 22 metabolites associated with serum estradiol concentration at GnRH and 63 metabolites associated with follicular fluid progesterone concentration at the time of follicle aspiration (FDR < 0.10). Pathway enrichment analysis of significant metabolites suggested altered proteinogenesis, citric acid cycle, and pyrimidine metabolism in follicles of reduced estrogenic capacity pre-gonadotropin surge or reduced progesterone production by the time of follicle aspiration.

Tea polyphenols alleviate the adverse effects of diabetes on oocyte quality

Maternal diabetes mellitus reduces oocyte quality, such as abnormalities of spindle assembly and chromosome segregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, decrease of fertilization rate, increase of ROS, and so on. So, it is important to research how to restore the decreased oocyte quality induced by maternal diabetes mellitus. Polyphenols are the most abundant bioactive components of green tea. It is reported that tea polyphenols have many health functions, for instance anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-obesity, and anti-diabetes. Thus, we hypothesize that tea polyphenols may play a crucial role in alleviating adverse effects of diabetes on oocyte quality. In the present study, we researched the effects of tea polyphenols on diabetic oocyte maturation in vitro. Compared with the control, oocytes from diabetic mice displayed a lower maturation rate and a higher frequency of spindle defects and chromosome misalignment. However, tea polyphenols significantly increased the oocyte maturation rate, and reduced the incidence of abnormal spindle assembly and chromosome segregation. Tea polyphenols also obviously decreased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in diabetic oocytes, and increased the expression of antioxidant genes (Sod1 and Sod2). Abnormal mitochondrial membrane potential was also alleviated in diabetic oocytes, and the expression of genes regulating mitochondrial fusion (Opa1, Mfn1 and Mfn2) and fission (Drp1) was significantly increased while tea polyphenols were added. Meanwhile, tea polyphenols reduced DNA damage in diabetic oocytes which may be mediated by the increased expression of Rad51, related to DNA damage repair. Our results suggest that tea polyphenols would, at least partially, restore the adverse effects of diabetes mellitus on oocyte quality.

Procyanidin B2 Protects Aged Oocytes Against Meiotic Defects Through Cortical Tension Modulation

Defects in meiotic process are the main factors responsible for the decreased developmental competence in aged oocytes. Our recent research indicated that natural antioxidant procyanidin B2 (PCB2) promoted maturation progress in oocytes from diabetic mice. However, the effect of PCB2 on aging-induced chromosome abnormalities and the underlying mechanism have not been explored. Here, we found that PCB2 recovered aging-caused developmental arrest during meiotic maturation, germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) rate was significantly higher in aged oocytes treated with PCB2 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, we discovered that cortical mechanics were altered during aging process, cortical tension-related proteins were aberrantly expressed in aged oocytes (P < 0.001). PCB2 supplementation efficaciously antagonized aging-induced decreased cortical tension (P < 0.001). Moreover, PCB2 restored spindle morphology (P < 0.01), maintained proper chromosome alignment (P < 0.05), and dramatically reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) level (P < 0.05) in aged oocytes. Collectively, our results reveal that PCB2 supplementation is a feasible approach to protect oocytes from reproductive aging, contributing to the improvement of oocytes quality.

Concurrent Measurement of Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number and ATP Concentration in Single Bovine Oocytes

To sustain energy-demanding developmental processes, oocytes must accumulate adequate stores of metabolic substrates and mitochondrial numbers prior to the initiation of maturation. In the past, researchers have utilized pooled samples to study oocyte metabolism, and studies that related multiple metabolic outcomes in single oocytes, such as ATP concentration and mitochondrial DNA copy number, were not possible. Such scenarios decreased sensitivity to intraoocyte metabolic relationships and made it difficult to obtain adequate sample numbers during studies with limited oocyte availability. Therefore, we developed and validated procedures to measure both mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and ATP quantity in single oocytes. Validation of our procedures revealed that we could successfully divide oocyte lysates into quarters and measure consistent results from each of the aliquots for both ATP and mtDNA copy number. Coefficient of variation between the values retrieved for mtDNA copy number and ATP quantity quadruplicates were 4.72 ± 0.98 and 1.61 ± 1.19, respectively. We then utilized our methodology to concurrently measure mtDNA copy number and ATP quantity in germinal vesicle (GV) and metaphase two (MII) stage oocytes. Our methods revealed a significant increase in ATP levels (GV = 628.02 ± 199.53 pg, MII = 1326.24 ± 199.86 pg, p < 0.001) and mtDNA copy number (GV = 490,799.4 ± 544,745.9 copies, MII = 1,087,126.9 ± 902,202.8 copies, p = 0.035) in MII compared to GV stage oocytes. This finding is consistent with published literature and provides further validation of the accuracy of our methods. The ability to produce consistent readings and expected results from aliquots of the lysate from a single oocyte reveals the sensitivity and feasibility of using this method.

Reproductive senescence impairs the energy metabolism of human luteinized granulosa cells

RESEARCH QUESTION

Female age is the single greatest factor influencing reproductive performance and granulosa cells are considered as potential biomarkers of oocyte quality. Is there an age effect on the energy metabolism of human mural granulosa cells?

DESIGN

Observational prospective cohort and experimental study including 127 women who had undergone IVF cycles. Women were allocated to two groups: a group of infertile patients aged over 38 years and a control group comprising oocyte donors aged less than 35 years. Individuals with pathologies that could impair fertility were excluded from both groups. Following oocyte retrieval, cumulus and granulosa cells were isolated and their bioenergetic properties (oxidative phosphorylation parameters, rate of aerobic glycolysis and adenine nucleotide concentrations) were analysed and compared.

RESULTS

Human mural luteinized granulosa and cumulus cells present high rates of aerobic glycolysis that cannot be increased further when mitochondrial ATP synthesis is inhibited. Addition of follicular fluid to the experimental media is necessary to reach the full respiratory capacity of the cells. Granulosa cells from aged women present lower mitochondrial respiration (12.8 ± 1.6 versus 11.2 ± 1.6 pmol O₂/min/mg; P = 0.046), although mitochondrial mass is not decreased, and lower aerobic glycolysis, than those from young donors (12.9 ± 1.3 versus 10.9 ± 0.5 mpH/min/mg; P = 0.009). The concurrent decrease in the two energy supply pathways leads to a decrease in the cellular energy charge (0.87 ± 0.01 versus 0.83 ± 0.02; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Human mural luteinized granulosa cells exhibit a reduction in their energy metabolism as women age that is likely to influence female reproductive potential.

Biological and clinical effects of a resveratrol-based multivitamin supplement on intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles: a single-center, randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Resveratrol display's positive effects on follicle growth and development in preclinical studies while there is scantly information from clinical trials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological and clinical impact of a resveratrol-based multivitamin supplement on intracytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles.

METHODS

A randomized, single-center controlled trial conducted at the University Center of Assisted Reproductive Technologies involving 101 women infertile women undergoing ICSI cycles was conducted. A pretreatment with a daily resveratrol based nutraceutical was administered to the Study Group; Control Group received folic acid. The primary outcomes were the number of developed mature follicles (>16 mm), total oocytes and MII oocytes recovered, the fertilization rate and the number of cleavage embryos/blastocysts obtained. Secondary endpoints were the duration and dosage of gonadotropins, the number of embryos for transfer, implantation, biochemical, clinical pregnancy rates, live birth and miscarriage rates.

RESULTS

A significantly higher number of oocytes and MII oocytes were retrieved in the Study Group than in Control Group (p = .03 and p = .04, respectively). A higher fertilization rate (p = .004), more cleavage embryos/patient (p = .01), blastocytes/patients (p = .01) and cryopreserved embryos (p = .03) were obtained in the Study Group. No significant differences in biochemical or clinical pregnancy, live birth, and miscarriage rates were revealed, but a trend to a higher live birth rate was revealed in the Study Group.

CONCLUSIONS

A 3 months period of dietary supplementation with a resveratrol-based multivitamin nutraceutical leads to better biological effects on ICSI cycles.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov registration identifier: NCT04386499.

GAS6 ameliorates advanced age-associated meiotic defects in mouse oocytes by modulating mitochondrial function

Previously, we reported that the silencing of growth arrest-specific gene 6 (Gas6) expression in oocytes impairs cytoplasmic maturation by suppressing mitophagy and inducing mitochondrial dysfunction, resulting in fertilization failure. Here, we show that oocyte aging is accompanied by an increase in meiotic defects associated with chromosome misalignment and abnormal spindle organization. Intriguingly, decreased Gas6 mRNA and protein expression were observed in aged oocytes from older females. We further explored the effect of GAS6 on the quality and fertility of aged mouse oocytes using a GAS6 rescue analysis. After treatment with the GAS6 protein, aged oocytes matured normally to the meiosis II (MII) stage. Additionally, maternal age-related meiotic defects were reduced by GAS6 protein microinjection. Restoring GAS6 ameliorated the mitochondrial dysfunction induced by maternal aging. Ultimately, GAS6-rescued MII oocytes exhibited increased ATP levels, reduced ROS levels and elevated glutathione (GSH) levels, collectively indicating improved mitochondrial function in aged oocytes. Thus, the age-associated decrease in oocyte quality was prevented by restoring GAS6. Importantly, GAS6 protein microinjection in aged oocytes also rescued fertility. We conclude that GAS6 improves mitochondrial function to achieve sufficient cytoplasmic maturation and attenuates maternal age-related meiotic errors, thereby efficiently safeguarding oocyte quality and fertility.

The rate of oocytes with granular cytoplasm is higher in women with endometrioma in ICSI cycles

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of endometrioma on oocyte morphology and fertility outcome in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)cycles. The study material was obtained from 114 ICSI cycles of infertile women aged between 20 and 38 years with ovarian endometriomas and unexplained infertility. In total, 644 mature oocytes were included in the analysis. The rates of specific oocyte morphological abnormalities were similar between the two groups however the central granulation rate was significantly higher in the group with endometrioma (p < .05). Fertilisation rate were not significantly different between the groups (p ≥ .05) however the numbers of metaphase 2 (MII) oocytes and embryos were lower in the endometrioma group (p ≤ .05). Endometrioma was associated with a higher rate of oocytes with granular cytoplasm, despite the fertilisation rate the numbers of the MII oocytes and embryo were affected.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? The association between endometrioma and infertility is a well-known condition, but the possible mechanisms of the effects of endometrioma on women's fertility is still debated and controversial. There is limited data on the effect of endometrioma on oocyte morphology. Low oocyte quality and lower fertilisation rates might be the main cause of adverse pregnancy outcomes during in vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles.What do the results of this study add? Endometrioma was associated with a higher rate of oocytes with granular cytoplasm, and lower metaphase 2 oocytes and embryos.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Future studies using further oocyte quality assessment methods and prospective observational studies including live-birth rate should be designed to better understand how endometrioma affects fertility outcomes.

Mitochondrial Respiration in Drosophila Ovaries after a Full Cycle of Oogenesis under Simulated Microgravity

Studies of the function of the female reproductive system in zero gravity are urgent for the future exploration of deep space. Female reproductive cells, oocytes, are rich in mitochondria, which allow oocytes to produce embryos. The rate of cellular respiration was determined to assess the functional state of the mitochondrial apparatus in Drosophila melanogaster ovaries in which the full cycle of oogenesis took place under simulated microgravity. Since cellular respiration depends on the state of the cytoskeleton, the contents of the main cytoskeletal proteins were determined by Western blotting. To modulate the structure of the cytoskeleton, essential phospholipids were administered per os at a dosage of 500 mg/kg in medium. The results of this study show that after a full cycle of oogenesis under simulated microgravity, the rate of cellular respiration in the fruit fly ovaries increases, apparently due to complex II of the respiratory chain. At the same time, we did not find any changes in the area of oocytes or in the content of proteins in the respiratory chain. However, changes were found in the relative contents of proteins of the actin cytoskeleton. There were no changes of essential phospholipids and no increase in the rate of cellular respiration of the ovaries after exposure to simulated microgravity. However, in the control, the administration of essential phospholipids led to a decrease in the efficiency of oxygen consumption in the flies’ ovaries due to complexes IV–V.

The mitochondrial DNA copy number of cumulus granulosa cells may be related to the maturity of oocyte cytoplasm

STUDY QUESTION

Is the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number of cumulus granulosa cells (CGCs) related to the maturation of oocyte cytoplasm?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Compared with the mtDNA copy number of CGCs from germinal vesicles (GV), CGCs from Metaphase I (MI) oocytes appear to have a lower mtDNA copy number.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

The growth and development of CGCs and oocyte are synchronised. The interaction between CGCs and the oocyte provides the appropriate balance of energy, which is necessary for mammalian oocyte development. Moreover, in the oocyte-cumulus complex (OCC), mature oocytes with higher mtDNA copy numbers tend to have corresponding CGCs with higher mtDNA copy numbers.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This is a prospective study of 302 OCCs obtained from 70 women undergoing in vitro fertilisation with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) at the Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, between 24 February 2018 and 21 December 2019. The CGCs were divided into three groups (GV, MI and MII stages) based on the maturation status of their corresponding oocyte. The sample sizes (n = 302) of CGCs in the three stages were 63 (CGCGV), 70 (CGCMI) and 169 (CGCMII), respectively. Some of the samples (n = 257) was used to quantify the mtDNA copy number, while the rest (n = 45) were used to analyse the expression level of mitochondrial genes. Furthermore, we retrieved 82 immature oocytes from among the 257 OCCs used for mtDNA copy numbers, including 36 GV oocytes and 46 MI oocytes, for analysis of oocyte mtDNA.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

We selected genes with high consistency of real-time PCR results to accurately measure the mtDNA copy number by testing the efficacy and the reproducibility in whole genome amplification (WGA) samples from a human embryonic stem cell line. The CGCs of each oocyte were individually isolated. The mtDNA copy number and gene expression of the CGCs were assessed using real-time PCR techniques. Mitochondrial DNA copy number of the corresponding immature oocytes was also evaluated.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

MT-ND1, MT-CO1 and β-globin genes were chosen for the assessment of mtDNA content, and mRNA expressions of MT-ND1, MT-CO1, PGC-1α and TFAM were also measured. The genome of 257 CGCs and 82 immature oocytes were amplified according to the multiple displacement amplification (MDA) protocol, and RNA was extracted from 45 CGCs. Compared with CGCGV, CGCMI had a significantly lower mtDNA copy number. In the MT-ND1 assay, the CGCGV: CGCMI was [270 ± 302]: [134 ± 201], P = 0.015. In the MT-CO1 assay, CGCGV: CGCMI was [205 ± 228]: [92 ± 112], P = 0.026. There was no statistical difference in mtDNA between CGCGV and CGCMII. In the MT-ND1 assay, CGCGV: CGCMII was [270 ± 302]: [175 ± 223], P = 0.074. In the MT-CO1 assay, CGCGV: CGCMII was [205 ± 228]: [119 ± 192], P = 0.077. No statistical difference of mtDNA copy number was observed between CGCMI and CGCMII. In the MT-ND1 assay, CGCMI: CGCMII was [134 ± 201]: [175 ± 223], P = 0.422. In the MT-CO1 assay, CGCMI: CGCMII was [92 ± 112]: [119 ± 192], P = 0.478. To verify the reliability of the above results, we further analysed the mtDNA copy number of CGCs of 14 patients with GV, MI and MII oocytes, and the results showed that the mtDNA copy number of CGCMI may be lower. The mtDNA copy number of CGCGV and CGCMI was statistically different in the MT-ND1 assay where CGCGV: CGCMI was [249 ± 173]: [118 ± 113], P = 0.016, but in the MT-CO1 assay, CGCGV: CGCMI was [208 ± 199]: [83 ± 98], P = 0.109. There was no significant difference in mtDNA between CGCGV and CGCMII. In the MT-ND1 assay, CGCGV: CGCMII was [249 ± 173]: [185 ± 200], P = 0.096. In the MT-CO1 assay, CGCGV: CGCMII was [208 ± 199]: [114 ± 139], P = 0.096. There was also no significant difference in mtDNA between CGCMI and CGCMII. In the MT-ND1 assay, CGCMI: CGCMII was [118 ± 113]: [185 ± 200], P = 0.198. In the MT-CO1 assay, CGCMI: CGCMII was [83 ± 98]: [114 ± 139], P = 0.470. Moreover, there were no statistical differences in the expression levels of MT-ND1, MT-CO1, PGC-1α and TFAM between CGCGV, CGCMI and CGCMII (P > 0.05).

LARGE SCALE DATA

N/A.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Due to the ethical issues, the study did not quantify the mtDNA content of MII oocytes. Thus, whether the change in mtDNA copy number in CGCs is related to the different developmental stages of oocytes has not been further confirmed. Moreover, the sample size was relatively small.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The mtDNA copy number of CGCs decreases from the GV phase to the MI phase and stays steady from the MI to MII stage. At different stages of oocyte maturation, the mtDNA of CGCs may undergo self-degradation and replication to meet the energy requirements of the corresponding oocyte and the maturation of the oocyte cytoplasm.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

Funding was provided by the National Key R&D Program of China (Grant 2018YFC1003100, to L.H.), the science and technology major project of the Ministry of Science and Technology of Hunan Province, China (grant 2017SK1030, to G.L.), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant 81873478, to L.H.), and Merck Serono China Research Fund for Fertility Experts (to L.H.). There is no conflict of interest.

Equine maternal aging affects oocyte lipid content, metabolic function and developmental potential

Advanced maternal age is associated with a decline in fertility and oocyte quality. We used novel metabolic microsensors to assess effects of mare age on single oocyte and embryo metabolic function, which has not yet been similarly investigated in mammalian species. We hypothesized that equine maternal aging affects the metabolic function of oocytes and in vitro-produced early embryos, oocyte mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number, and relative abundance of metabolites involved in energy metabolism in oocytes and cumulus cells. Samples were collected from preovulatory follicles from young (≤14 years) and old (≥20 years) mares. Relative abundance of metabolites in metaphase II oocytes (MII) and their respective cumulus cells, detected by liquid and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, revealed that free fatty acids were less abundant in oocytes and more abundant in cumulus cells from old vs young mares. Quantification of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, respectively measured as oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) in a microchamber containing oxygen and pH microsensors, demonstrated reduced metabolic function and capacity in oocytes and day-2 embryos originating from oocytes of old when compared to young mares. In mature oocytes, mtDNA was quantified by real-time PCR and was not different between the age groups and not indicative of mitochondrial function. Significantly more sperm-injected oocytes from young than old mares resulted in blastocysts. Our results demonstrate a decline in oocyte and embryo metabolic activity that potentially contributes to the impaired developmental competence and fertility in aged females.

Nuclear and cytoplasmic quality of oocytes derived from serum-free culture of secondary follicles in vitro

In vitro culture of follicles is a promising technology to generate large quantities of mature oocytes and it could offer a novel option of assisted reproductive technologies. Here we described a 2-dimensional follicular serum-free culture system with 3-dimensional effect that can make secondary follicles develop into antral follicles (78.52%), generating developmentally mature oocytes in vitro (66.45%). The oocytes in this serum-free system completed the first meiosis; spindle assembly and chromosome congression in most oocytes matured from follicular culture were normal. However, these oocytes showed significantly lower activation and embryonic development rates, and their ability to produce Ca²⁺ oscillations was also lower in response to parthenogenetic activation, after which a 2-cell embryonic developmental block occurred. Oocytes matured from follicular culture displayed increased abnormal mitochondrial distribution and increased reactive oxygen species levels when compared to in vivo matured oocytes. These data are important for understanding the reasons for reduced developmental potential of oocytes matured from follicular culture, and for further improving the cultivation system.

Elevated mitochondrial DNA copy number found in ubiquinone-deficient clk-1 mutants is not rescued by ubiquinone precursor 2-4-dihydroxybenzoate

Inside mitochondria reside semi-autonomous genomes, called mtDNA. mtDNA is multi-copy per cell and mtDNA copy number can vary from hundreds to thousands of copies per cell. The variability of mtDNA copy number between tissues, combined with the lack of variability of copy number within a tissue, suggest a homeostatic copy number regulation mechanism. Mutations in the gene encoding the Caenorhabditis elegans hydroxylase, CLK-1, result in elevated mtDNA. CLK-1's canonical role in ubiquinone biosynthesis results in clk-1 mutants lacking ubiquinone. Importantly, clk-1 mutants also exhibit slowed biological timing phenotypes (pharyngeal pumping, defecation, development) and an activated stress response (UPR^mt). These biological timing and stress phenotypes have been attributed to ubiquinone deficiency; however, it is unknown whether the mtDNA phenotype is also due to ubiquinone deficiency. To test this, in animals carrying the uncharacterized clk-1 (ok1247) mutant allele, we supplemented with an exogenous ubiquinone precursor 2-4-dihydroxybenzoate (DHB), which has previously been shown to restore ubiquinone biosynthesis. We measured phenotypes as a function of DHB across a log-scale range. Unlike the biological timing and stress phenotypes, the elevated mtDNA phenotype was not rescued. Since CLK-1's canonical role is in ubiquinone biosynthesis and DHB does not rescue mtDNA copy number, we infer CLK-1 has an additional function in homeostatic mtDNA copy number regulation.

Pyometra does not affect some molecular quality-related parameters of canine oocytes

Cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex (CEH/P) significantly perturbs the reproductive performance of affected bitches and ovariohysterectomy (OHE) is a commonly applied treatment. Thus the only way to take advantage of the genetic potential of valuable females is application of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) mainly in vitro embryo production (IVP) or in some exceptional cases animal cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). The aim of our study was to examine a potential effect of the CEH/P status on the quality of oocytes from females subjected to OHE. In total, 828 immature oocytes collected from ovaries of 33 bitches (21 control, 12 CEH/P) were subjected to genetic analyses (mRNA expression of two maternal-effect genes: GDF-9, OCT4 and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content). Oocytes of CEH/P females were characterized by a higher mtDNA content (471 696) than gametes of their healthy counterparts (368 175; P<0.005). Transcripts for the two genes were detected in all samples and the mRNA level was not affected by the CEH/P status. In conclusion, the CEH/P complex does not exert a negative effect on oocyte quality reflected by the two parameters examined in this study.

Mitochondrial Ca2+ Overload Leads to Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress and Delayed Meiotic Resumption in Mouse Oocytes

Overweight or obese women seeking pregnancy is becoming increasingly common. Human maternal obesity gives rise to detrimental effects during reproduction. Emerging evidence has shown that these abnormities are likely attributed to oocyte quality. Oxidative stress induces poor oocyte conditions, but whether mitochondrial calcium homeostasis plays a key role in oocyte status remains unresolved. Here, we established a mitochondrial Ca²⁺ overload model in mouse oocytes. Knockdown gatekeepers of the mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uniporters Micu1 and Micu2 as well as the mitochondrial sodium calcium exchanger NCLX in oocytes both increased oocytes mitochondrial Ca²⁺ concentration. The overload of mitochondria Ca²⁺ in oocytes impaired mitochondrial function, leaded to oxidative stress, and changed protein kinase A (PKA) signaling associated gene expression as well as delayed meiotic resumption. Using this model, we aimed to determine the mechanism of delayed meiosis caused by mitochondrial Ca²⁺ overload, and whether oocyte-specific inhibition of mitochondrial Ca²⁺ influx could improve the reproductive abnormalities seen within obesity. Germinal vesicle breakdown stage (GVBD) and extrusion of first polar body (PB1) are two indicators of meiosis maturation. As expected, the percentage of oocytes that successfully progress to the germinal vesicle breakdown stage and extrude the first polar body during in vitro culture was increased significantly, and the expression of PKA signaling genes and mitochondrial function recovered after appropriate mitochondrial Ca²⁺ regulation. Additionally, some indicators of mitochondrial performance-such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and mitochondrial membrane potential-recovered to normal. These results suggest that the regulation of mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake in mouse oocytes has a significant role during oocyte maturation as well as PKA signaling and that proper mitochondrial Ca²⁺ reductions in obese oocytes can recover mitochondrial performance and improve obesity-associated oocyte quality.

IGF2 improves the developmental competency and meiotic structure of oocytes from aged mice

Advanced maternal-age is a major factor adversely affecting oocyte quality, consequently worsening pregnancy outcomes. Thus, developing strategies to reduce the developmental defects associated with advanced maternal-age would benefit older mothers. Multiple growth factors involved in female fertility have been extensively studied; however, the age-related impacts of various growth factors remain poorly studied. In the present study, we identified that levels of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) are significantly reduced in the serum and oocytes of aged mice. We found that adding IGF2 in culture medium promotes oocyte maturation and significantly increases the proportion of blastocysts: from 41% in the untreated control group to 64% (50 nM IGF2) in aged mice (p < 0.05). Additionally, IGF2 supplementation of the culture medium reduced reactive oxygen species production and the incidence of spindle/chromosome defects. IGF2 increases mitochondrial functional activity in oocytes from aged mice: we detected increased ATP levels, elevated fluorescence intensity of mitochondria, higher mitochondrial membrane potentials, and increased overall protein synthesis, as well as increased autophagy activity and decreased apoptosis. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that IGF2 supplementation in culture media improves oocyte developmental competence and reduces meiotic structure defects in oocytes from aged mice.

Asiatic acid protects oocytes against in vitro aging-induced deterioration and improves subsequent embryonic development in pigs

As a pentacyclic triterpene in Centella asiatica, asiatic acid (AA) is a powerful antioxidant with many bioactivities. In the present research, we investigated whether AA has the potential to rescue the decrease in porcine oocyte quality that occurs during in vitro aging (IVA). Mature porcine oocytes were collected and then continuously cultured for an additional 24 h or 48 h with or without AA in maturation medium as an IVA model. The results revealed that AA supplementation reduced the percentage of abnormal aged porcine oocytes during IVA. Furthermore, AA supplementation effectively maintained aged porcine oocyte developmental competence, both parthenogenetic activation and in vitro fertilization. The number of sperm that bound to the zona pellucida on aged porcine oocytes was higher in the AA-supplemented group than in the non-supplemented group. Moreover, AA supplementation not only blocked IVA-induced oxidative stress but also maintained intracellular GSH levels and reduced the percentage of early apoptosis aged porcine oocytes. Mitochondrial functions were disordered during the IVA process. The intracellular ATP levels and mitochondrial membrane potential in aged porcine oocytes were dramatically increased by AA supplementation. Therefore, AA has beneficial effects on porcine oocyte quality and developmental potential maintenance during IVA.

Mitochondrial DNA content decreases during in vitro human embryo development: insights into mitochondrial DNA variation in preimplantation embryos donated for research

OBJECTIVE

To assess the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) load and variation in human oocytes and during preimplantation embryo development using specimens donated for research.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Not applicable.

PATIENTS

A total of 50 in vitro fertilization patients and 11 oocyte donors whose specimens were obtained between July 2017 and July 2018.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

All specimens were separately collected. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed with SurePlex DNA Amplification System (Illumina). Primers for the adenosine triphosphate 8 mitochondrial gene and the β-actin were used. Data were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance with the Scheffé multiple pairwise comparison for categorical variables and by linear regression for numerical variables.

RESULTS

Human metaphase II (MII) oocytes had significantly more total mtDNA copy number than day 3 embryos, and day 3 embryos had more total and per-cell mtDNA copy number than aneuploid blastocysts. There was a significant decrease in mtDNA content associated with failed-fertilized oocytes compared to noninseminated metaphase II oocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

During preimplantation development, before implantation, human embryos undergo a significant decrease in total mtDNA content and no increase in mtDNA content at the blastocyst stage. Oocytes need to carry a correct threshold of mitochondrial load in the oocyte in order to successfully fertilize. An active degradation of mtDNA before implantation occurs after fertilization takes place. These findings could be used to improve knowledge about the best embryo culture conditions and would serve as a basis for further studies addressing again the use of mtDNA content as an embryo viability marker.

Aging-related mitochondrial alterations in bovine oocytes

Advanced maternal age is an emerging health problem which involves many functional and structural alterations in oocytes, and its study is relevant to design better approaches to improve the reproductive function in women of advanced age. A constraint to this type of studies is the limited amount of samples and the ethical problems of working with human gametes. This study aims to characterize the in vitro-induced age-related modifications in a bovine model, as well as to determine if this model is a reliable approach to study human aging. For this purpose, we have focused on aging-related alterations related to oocyte mitochondrial dysfunction, a key hallmark in aging. Morphological and bioenergetic in vitro-induced alterations in bovine oocytes were compared to an in vivo aged group and to the already reported information regarding humans and other animal models. Parameters monitored included ooplasmic volume; mitochondrial mass, distribution and aggregation, assessed by MitoTracker Green; mitochondrial activity, monitored by JC-1; and the mitochondrial levels of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), quantified using MitoPY. Results show a significant decrease in oocyte cytoplasmic volume after both in vitro and in vivo aging (p < 0.001). Additionally, the levels of H₂O₂ increased significantly after in vitro and in vivo aging (p < 0.001) and mitochondrial aggregation patterns were significantly different after 30 h of in vitro maturation, with MII oocytes presenting small aggregates inside the cytoplasm, whereas aged oocytes had a lack of granularity (p < 0.001). In contrast, there were no differences between the different aging groups in terms of mitochondrial mass, distribution and activity. In conclusion, this in vitro approach of inducing aging-related alterations may be considered as a reliable approach to study the aging process in human female gametes, since it causes the same types of alterations in both species.

Blastocyst mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is not affected by oocyte vitrification: a sibling oocyte study

PURPOSE

To evaluate whether mtDNA content at the blastocyst stage differs between embryos derived from fresh or vitrified sibling oocytes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed between March 2017 and September 2018, including 504 blastocysts from 94 couples undergoing preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A), using fresh oocytes together with previously vitrified oocytes. Trophectoderm biopsies were performed and subjected to next generation sequencing.

RESULTS

On average, 1.8 ± 1.0 oocyte vitrification cycles were performed per patient. Between fresh and vitrified cycles, no difference was observed between the number of fertilized oocytes (5.3 ± 4.2 versus 5.5 ± 3.0). Blastulation rate on day 5 per fertilized oocyte was significantly higher in the fresh group (62% ± 29% versus 44% ± 31%; p < 0.001). For the 504 biopsied blastocysts, 294 fresh versus 210 vitrified, no significant differences were found in the euploid rate, 40.5% versus 38.6% (p = 0.667), and mtDNA content, 30.1 (± 10.6) versus 30.0 (± 12.5) (p = 0.871), respectively. Regardless of the origin of the oocytes, aneuploid blastocysts contained significantly higher mtDNA values compared with the euploid ones (31.4 versus 28.0; p = 0.001). Furthermore, top-quality blastocysts had a significantly lower mtDNA content compared with moderate and poor-quality blastocysts (p < 0.001) and blastocysts biopsied on day 5 showed significantly lower mtDNA content compared with day 6 or day 7 blastocysts (p < 0.001). However, when analyzing the blastocyst mtDNA content according to the ploidy state, no differences were found for blastocyst quality or day of biopsy between blastocysts originating from fresh or vitrified oocytes.

CONCLUSION

Oocyte vitrification does not affect the mtDNA content of trophectoderm biopsies.

Mechanistic insights into the reduced developmental capacity of in vitro matured oocytes and importance of cumulus cells in oocyte quality determination

In vitro maturation of oocytes is a promising assisted reproductive technology (ART) for infertility treatment, although it is still not a routine technique for human ART due to reduced embryonic development. The aim of the present study was to clarify the possible reasons for reduced capacity of in vitro matured oocytes. Our results showed that the oocytes matured in vitro displayed increased abnormal mitochondrial distribution, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased reactive oxygen species levels when compared to in vivo matured oocytes. These results were not different in oocytes matured in vitro with or without cumulus cells. Notably, in vitro matured oocytes displayed increased mitochondrial DNA numbers probably due to functional compensation. In vitro matured oocytes showed significantly lower activation and embryonic development rates, and their ability to produce Ca²⁺ oscillations was much lower in response to parthenogenetic activation, especially in oocytes matured in vitro without cumulus cells with nearly half of them failing to produce calcium waves upon strontium chloride stimulation. These data are important for understanding the reasons for reduced developmental potential of in vitro matured oocytes and the importance of cumulus cells for oocyte quality.

Maternal spindle transfer overcomes embryo developmental arrest caused by ooplasmic defects in mice

The developmental potential of early embryos is mainly dictated by the quality of the oocyte. Here, we explore the utility of the maternal spindle transfer (MST) technique as a reproductive approach to enhance oocyte developmental competence. Our proof-of-concept experiments show that replacement of the entire cytoplasm of oocytes from a sensitive mouse strain overcomes massive embryo developmental arrest characteristic of non-manipulated oocytes. Genetic analysis confirmed minimal carryover of mtDNA following MST. Resulting mice showed low heteroplasmy levels in multiple organs at adult age, normal histology and fertility. Mice were followed for five generations (F5), revealing that heteroplasmy was reduced in F2 mice and was undetectable in the subsequent generations. This pre-clinical model demonstrates the high efficiency and potential of the MST technique, not only to prevent the transmission of mtDNA mutations, but also as a new potential treatment for patients with certain forms of infertility refractory to current clinical strategies.

Equine Aging and the Oocyte: A Potential Model for Reproductive Aging in Women

Numerous similarities in reproductive aging have been documented between the mare and woman. Aging is associated with a decline in fertility. In mares and women, oocyte transfer procedures were initially used to establish that oocyte donor age is associated with oocyte quality. Age-associated differences in oocytes include altered morphology, gene expression, and developmental potential. Reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial dysfunction are thought to be important contributors to loss of oocyte quality. In the woman, aneuploidy is a primary consideration with maternal aging. Although misalignment of chromosomes during meiosis has been observed in the mare, less is known in this area. Reproductive aging will be reviewed in the mare and compared with the woman with emphasis on factors that affect oocyte quality and developmental potential. Areas in which the mare could be used as a research model to study reproductive aging in women will be highlighted.

Mitochondrial dynamics and metabolism in induced pluripotency

Somatic cells can be reprogrammed to pluripotency by either ectopic expression of defined factors or exposure to chemical cocktails. During reprogramming, somatic cells undergo dramatic changes in a wide range of cellular processes, such as metabolism, mitochondrial morphology and function, cell signaling pathways or immortalization. Regulation of these processes during cell reprograming lead to the acquisition of a pluripotent state, which enables indefinite propagation by symmetrical self-renewal without losing the ability of reprogrammed cells to differentiate into all cell types of the adult. In this review, recent data from different laboratories showing how these processes are controlled during the phenotypic transformation of a somatic cell into a pluripotent stem cell will be discussed.

Mitochondrial DNA replication is initiated at blastocyst formation in equine embryos

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection is the technique of choice for equine IVF and, in a research setting, 18-36% of injected oocytes develop to blastocysts. However, blastocyst development in clinical programs is lower, presumably due to a combination of variable oocyte quality (e.g. from old mares), suboptimal culture conditions and marginal fertility of some stallions. Furthermore, mitochondrial constitution appears to be critical to developmental competence, and both maternal aging and invitro embryo production (IVEP) negatively affect mitochondrial number and function in murine and bovine embryos. The present study examined the onset of mitochondrial (mt) DNA replication in equine embryos and investigated whether IVEP affects the timing of this important event, or the expression of genes required for mtDNA replication (i.e. mitochondrial transcription factor (TFAM), mtDNA polymerase γ subunit B (mtPOLB) and single-stranded DNA binding protein (SSB)). We also investigated whether developmental arrest was associated with low mtDNA copy number. mtDNA copy number increased (P<0.01) between the early and expanded blastocyst stages both invivo and invitro, whereas the mtDNA:total DNA ratio was higher in invitro-produced embryos (P=0.041). Mitochondrial replication was preceded by an increase in TFAM but, unexpectedly, not mtPOLB or SSB expression. There was no association between embryonic arrest and lower mtDNA copy numbers.

The capability of L-carnitine-mediated antioxidant on cock during aging: evidence for the improved semen quality and enhanced testicular expressions of GnRH1, GnRHR, and melatonin receptors MT 1/2

Precise natural anti-oxidative compounds have facilitated the research of infertile gametes and the development of novel bio-therapeutics, especially the molecules that are based on the reduction of oxidative stress, such as L-carnitine (LC). In addition to, the defect in the functioning of sperm mitochondrial and the decreasing seminal antioxidant ability due to aging, its essential role in permitting the mitochondrial import and oxidation of long chain fatty acids is worthy. Therefore, current study was designed to investigate the effects of dietary LC on semen quality, seminal antioxidant activity, and their implications for the fertility in aged cocks for 12 wk. Supplementation of the feed with two different doses of LC (50 and 150 mg/kg body weight/day) for 12 wk showed significantly increased in the reproductive activity of cock, in comparison to the control group. Seminal analysis showed that supplementation of LC significantly increased (P < 0.05) the sperm motility, concentration, livability, semen quality factor, seminal malondialdehyde concentration, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities. In addition, addition of LC significantly increased (P < 0.05) the plasma concentration of testosterone and prostaglandin E2 but posed no significant effect on the concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone. Furthermore, the findings of artificial insemination showed significant increased (P < 0.05) in the percentage of fertility in LC groups, while the percentage hatchability and mortality remained unchanged. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that LC significantly increased (P < 0.05) the testicular immunopositivity of MT1 and MT2. Moreover, the administration of LC to the aged cocks enhanced (P < 0.05) GnRH1 and GnRHR mRNA levels when compared with untreated cocks. The results of the present study suggest that LC treatment of aged cocks increases the seminal antioxidant enzymes and sexual hormones levels, which may improve the semen quality by increasing the expression of GnRH1 and melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) activities. Collectively, LC could be a suitable feed supplementation to increase reproductive activities through enhancing semen quality in aging cocks.

Electron transport chain biogenesis activated by a JNK-insulin-Myc relay primes mitochondrial inheritance in Drosophila

Oogenesis features an enormous increase in mitochondrial mass and mtDNA copy number, which are required to furnish mature eggs with an adequate supply of mitochondria and to curb the transmission of deleterious mtDNA variants. Quiescent in dividing germ cells, mtDNA replication initiates upon oocyte determination in the Drosophila ovary, which necessitates active mitochondrial respiration. However, the underlying mechanism for this dynamic regulation remains unclear. Here, we show that an feedforward insulin-Myc loop promotes mitochondrial respiration and biogenesis by boosting the expression of electron transport chain subunits and of factors essential for mtDNA replication and expression, and for the import of mitochondrial proteins. We further reveal that transient activation of JNK enhances the expression of the insulin receptor and initiates the insulin-Myc signaling loop. This signaling relay promotes mitochondrial biogenesis in the ovary, and thereby plays a role in limiting the transmission of deleterious mtDNA mutations. Our study demonstrates cellular mechanisms that couple mitochondrial biogenesis and inheritance with oocyte development.

Evidence that growth hormone can improve mitochondrial function in oocytes from aged mice

Decline in successful conception decreases more rapidly after 38 years of age owing to follicular depletion and decreased oocyte quality. However, limited information is available regarding the underlying mechanism and the useful treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of growth hormone supplementation on oocyte maturation in vivo in aged and young mice and to determine its effect on mitochondrial function. The influence of three different doses of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) (0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks before ovarian stimulation was analyzed. Superovulated oocytes were released from the oviduct of 12-week-old and 40-week-old female C57BL/6J mice 14-16 h after administration of human chorionic gonadotropin. Ovarian follicle and morphological analysis and oocyte maturation parameters were then evaluated. This study is the first, to our knowledge, to report that medium- and high-dose rhGH significantly increases antral follicles in aged mice but anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels. Furthermore, derived oocytes, MII-stage oocyte rate, ATP levels, mitochondrial membrane potential and frequencies of homogeneous mitochondrial distribution increased. In contrast, in both aged and young mice, the mtDNA copy numbers per oocyte were similar before rhGH administration, and upon saline administration, they did not differ significantly. We conclude that medium-dose rhGH supplementation before standard ovarian stimulation regimens improves oocyte quality in aged mice, probably by enhancing mitochondrial functionality.

Cleavage stage mitochondrial DNA is correlated with preimplantation human embryo development and ploidy status

PURPOSE

To evaluate whether the mitoscore of cleavage stage embryos might correlate with developmental kinetics and the ploidy status.

MATERIALS

This retrospective single-center study involved all cycles between April 2016 and April 2018 in which preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) on day 3 was performed. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content and embryo ploidy were determined on 375 single blastomere biopsies by next generation sequencing (NGS). After intracytoplasmic sperm injection, a time-lapse imaging system (embryoscope) was used to follow the development. The median mtDNA content of cleavage stage embryos (49.4) was used to stratify the embryos into two groups to compare embryo development and ploidy status: low mitoscore group (≤ 49.4) and high mitoscore group (> 49.4).

RESULTS

The total number of euploid embryos was equal between both mitoscore groups (32.1% versus 33.5%; p = 0.854). However, embryos in the low mitoscore group had a significantly higher cell number on day 3 (8.13 ± 1.59 versus 7.62 ± 1.5; p = 0.0013) and showed a significantly faster development up until the 8-cell stage. Mitoscore was not different between euploid and aneuploid embryos, with the same blastomere number at the time of biopsy. Furthermore, absence of cavitation within 118 h after insemination was correlated with higher mitoscore values (60.22 ± 42.23 versus 50.97 ± 13.37; p = 0.006) and a lower chance of being euploid (17.1% versus 47.4%; p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

mtDNA content of cleavage stage embryos correlates with time-lapse parameters. Early blastulation is correlated with a lower mtDNA content and a higher chance of euploidy.

Melatonin rescues the aneuploidy in mice vitrified oocytes by regulating mitochondrial heat product

Vitrification of germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes has been shown to be closely associated with decreased rates of meiosis maturation and increased rates of aneuploidy. However, little is known about the effects of melatonin on these events in mice vitrified GV oocytes. In this study, the effects of melatonin on meiosis maturation potential and the incidence rate of aneuploidy in mouse vitrified oocytes were analyzed by supplementing in vitro maturation (IVM) solution with melatonin at different concentrations. This study, for the first time, showed that the mitochondrial heat production was markedly increased in vitrified oocytes (P < 0.05), which compromised the first polar body extrusion (PBE) of vitrified oocytes (73.3% vs. 85.1%, P < 0.05). However, 10^-11 mol/L melatonin could significantly decrease mitochondrial heat production and ROS level (9.1 vs. 12.0 pixels, P < 0.05), meanwhile increase ATP level (1.1 vs. 0.88 pmol, P < 0.05) and mtDNA copies (107438 vs. 67869, P < 0.05), which rescued the abnormal chromosome alignment (32% vs. 69%, P < 0.05) and reduced the incidence of aneuploidy (15.6% vs. 38.5%, P < 0.05) in vitrified oocytes. The meiosis maturation ability of vitrified oocytes with melatonin supplementation was similar to that of fresh ones (83.4% vs. 85.1%, P > 0.05). Collectively, our data revealed that melatonin has a protective action against vitrification-induced injuries of oocytes meiosis maturation.

Aging in the Drosophila ovary: contrasting changes in the expression of the piRNA machinery and mitochondria but no global release of transposable elements

Background

Evolutionary theory indicates that the dynamics of aging in the soma and reproductive tissues may be distinct. This difference arises from the fact that only the germline lineage establishes future generations. In the soma, changes in the landscape of heterochromatin have been proposed to have an important role in aging. This is because redistribution of heterochromatin during aging has been linked to the derepression of transposable elements and an overall loss of somatic gene regulation. A role for changes in the chromatin landscape in the aging of reproductive tissues is less well established. Whether or not epigenetic factors, such as heterochromatin marks, are perturbed in aging reproductive tissues is of interest because, in special cases, epigenetic variation may be heritable. Using mRNA sequencing data from late-stage egg chambers in Drosophila melanogaster, we characterized the landscape of altered gene and transposable element expression in aged reproductive tissues. This allowed us to test the hypothesis that reproductive tissues may differ from somatic tissues in their response to aging.

Results

We show that age-related expression changes in late-stage egg chambers tend to occur in genes residing in heterochromatin, particularly on the largely heterochromatic 4th chromosome. However, these expression differences are seen as both decreases and increases during aging, inconsistent with a general loss of heterochromatic silencing. We also identify an increase in expression of the piRNA machinery, suggesting an age-related increased investment in the maintenance of genome stability. We further identify a strong age-related reduction in the expression of mitochondrial transcripts. However, we find no evidence for global TE derepression in reproductive tissues. Rather, the observed effects of aging on TEs are primarily strain and family specific.

Conclusions

These results identify unique responses in somatic versus reproductive tissue with regards to aging. As in somatic tissues, female reproductive tissues show reduced expression of mitochondrial genes. In contrast, the piRNA machinery shows increased expression during aging. Overall, these results also indicate that global loss of TE control observed in other studies may be unique to the soma and sensitive to genetic background and TE family.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-5668-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Mitochondrial function in immature bovine oocytes is improved by an increase of cellular cyclic AMP

Although in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes is important for assisted reproduction, the rate of development of embryos from IVM oocytes is lower than from their in vivo counterparts. It has been shown that an artificial increase of intracellular cAMP before culture significantly improves oocyte developmental competence in cattle and mice. Here, we revealed that forskolin and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine treatment of prophase-stage oocytes induced the expression of genes required for glycolysis, fatty acid degradation, and the mitochondrial electron transport system and improved mitochondrial functions and ATP levels in oocytes without involving nuclear maturation. We propose the existence of a comprehensive energy-supply system in oocytes under follicle-stimulating hormone stimulation as a potential explanation of how oocytes acquire developmental competence.

Mitofusin1 in oocyte is essential for female fertility

Mitofusins (Mfn) are the important regulators of mitochondrial organization in mammalian cells; however, their roles during oocyte development remain unknown. In the present study, we generated mice with oocyte-specific knockout of Mfn1 or Mfn2 (Mfn1^fl/fl;Zp3-Cre or Mfn2^fl/fl;Zp3-Cre). We report that deletion of Mfn1, but not Mfn2, in oocytes leads to female mice sterility, associated with the defective folliculogenesis and impaired oocyte quality. In specific, follicles are arrested at secondary stage in Mfn1^fl/fl;Zp3-Cre mice, accompanying with the reduced proliferation of granulosa cells. Moreover, alterations of mitochondrial structure and distribution pattern are readily observed in Mfn1-null oocytes. Consistent with this, mitochondrial activity and function are severely disrupted in oocytes from Mfn1^fl/fl;Zp3-Cre mice. In addition, the differentially expressed genes in Mfn1-deleted oocytes are also identified by whole-transcriptome sequencing. In sum, these results demonstrate that Mfn1-modulated mitochondrial function is essential for oocyte development and folliculogenesis, providing a novel mechanism determining female fertility.

Effects of nutrition and genetics on fertility in dairy cows

Optimal reproductive function in dairy cattle is mandatory to maximise profits. Dairy production has progressively improved milk yields, but, until recently, the trend in reproductive performance has been the opposite. Nutrition, genetics, and epigenetics are important aspects affecting the reproductive performance of dairy cows. In terms of nutrition, the field has commonly fed high-energy diets to dairy cows during the 3 weeks before calving in an attempt to minimise postpartum metabolic upsets. However, in the recent years it has become clear that feeding high-energy diets during the dry period, especially as calving approaches, may be detrimental to cow health, or at least unnecessary because cows, at that time, have low energy requirements and sufficient intake capacity. After calving, dairy cows commonly experience a period of negative energy balance (NEB) characterised by low blood glucose and high non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations. This has both direct and indirect effects on oocyte quality and survival. When oocytes are forced to depend highly on the use of energy resources derived from body reserves, mainly NEFA, their development is compromised due to a modification in mitochondrial β-oxidation. Furthermore, the indirect effect of NEB on reproduction is mediated by a hormonal (both metabolic and reproductive) environment. Some authors have attempted to overcome the NEB by providing the oocyte with external sources of energy via dietary fat. Conversely, fertility is affected by a large number of genes, each with small individual effects, and thus it is unlikely that the decline in reproductive function has been directly caused by genetic selection for milk yield per se. It is more likely that the decline is the consequence of a combination of homeorhetic mechanisms (giving priority to milk over other functions) and increased metabolic pressure (due to a shortage of nutrients) with increasing milk yields. Nevertheless, genetics is an important component of reproductive efficiency, and the incorporation of genomic information is allowing the detection of genetic defects, degree of inbreeding and specific single nucleotide polymorphisms directly associated with reproduction, providing pivotal information for genetic selection programs. Furthermore, focusing on improving bull fertility in gene selection programs may represent an interesting opportunity. Conversely, the reproductive function of a given cow depends on the interaction between her genetic background and her environment, which ultimately modulates gene expression. Among the mechanisms modulating gene expression, microRNAs (miRNAs) and epigenetics seem to be most relevant. Several miRNAs have been described to play active roles in both ovarian and testicular function, and epigenetic effects have been described as a consequence of the nutrient supply and hormonal signals to which the offspring was exposed at specific stages during development. For example, there are differences in the epigenome of cows born to heifers and those born to cows, and this epigenome seems to be sensitive to the availability of methyl donor compounds of the dam. Lastly, recent studies in other species have shown the relevance of paternal epigenetic marks, but this aspect has been, until now, largely overlooked in dairy cattle.

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in parafacial respiratory group induced by maternal cigarette smoke exposure in rat offspring

Cigarette smoke (CS) exposure negatively affects neurodevelopment. We established a CS exposure rat model to determine how maternal CS exposure induces oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in parafacial respiratory group (pFRG) essential to central chemoreceptive regulation of normal breathing. Pregnant rats were exposed to CS during gestational days 1-20, and the offspring were studied on postnatal day 2. Our data showed that maternal CS exposure resulted in elevated accumulation of ROS, which left a footprint on DNA and lipid with increases in 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and malondialdehyde contents. Furthermore, maternal CS exposure induced decreases in manganese superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase activities as well as reduction in glutathione content in pFRG in the offspring. Moreover, maternal exposure to CS led to mitochondrial ultrastructure changes, mitochondrial swelling, reduction in ATP generation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and increase in mitochondrial DNA copy number. These findings suggest that maternal exposure to CS alters normal development of pFRG that is critical for normal respiratory control.