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Jin H, Han Y, Zenker J. Cellular mechanisms of monozygotic twinning: clues from assisted reproduction. Hum Reprod Update 2024:dmae022. [PMID: 38996087 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmae022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monozygotic (MZ) twins are believed to arise from the fission of a single fertilized embryo at different stages. Monochorionic MZ twins, who share one chorion, originate from the splitting of the inner cell mass (ICM) within a single blastocyst. In the classic model for dichorionic MZ twins, the embryo splits before compaction, developing into two blastocysts. However, there are a growing number of ART cases where a single blastocyst transfer results in dichorionic MZ twins, indicating that embryo splitting may occur even after blastocyst formation. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE For monochorionic MZ twins, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the cellular mechanisms involved in ICM splitting, drawing from both ART cases and animal experiments. In addition, we critically re-examine the classic early splitting model for dichorionic MZ twins. We explore cellular mechanisms leading to two separated blastocysts in ART, potentially causing dichorionic MZ twins. SEARCH METHODS Relevant studies including research articles, reviews, and conference papers were searched in the PubMed database. Cases of MZ twins from IVF clinics were found by using combinations of terms including 'monozygotic twins' with 'IVF case report', 'ART', 'single embryo transfer', or 'dichorionic'. The papers retrieved were categorized based on the implicated mechanisms or as those with unexplained mechanisms. Animal experiments relating to MZ twins were found using 'mouse embryo monozygotic twins', 'mouse 8-shaped hatching', 'zebrafish janus mutant', and 'nine-banded armadillo embryo', along with literature collected through day-to-day reading. The search was limited to articles in English, with no restrictions on publication date or species. OUTCOMES For monochorionic MZ twins, ART cases and mouse experiments demonstrate evidence that a looser ICM in blastocysts has an increased chance of ICM separation. Physical forces facilitated by blastocoel formation or 8-shaped hatching are exerted on the ICM, resulting in monochorionic MZ twins. For dichorionic MZ twins, the classic model resembles artificial cloning of mouse embryos in vitro, requiring strictly controlled splitting forces, re-joining prevention, and proper aggregation, which allows the formation of two separate human blastocysts under physiological circumstances. In contrast, ART procedures involving the transfer of a single blastocysts after atypical hatching or vitrified-warmed cycles might lead to blastocyst separation. Differences in morphology, molecular mechanisms, and timing across various animal model systems for MZ twinning can impede this research field. As discussed in future directions, recent developments of innovative in vitro models of human embryos may offer promising avenues for providing fundamental novel insights into the cellular mechanisms of MZ twinning during human embryogenesis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Twin pregnancies pose high risks to both the fetuses and the mother. While single embryo transfer is commonly employed to prevent dizygotic twin pregnancies in ART, it cannot prevent the occurrence of MZ twins. Drawing from our understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying monochorionic and dichorionic MZ twinning, along with insights into the genetic mechanisms, could enable improved prediction, prevention, and even intervention strategies during ART procedures. REGISTRAITON NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbin Jin
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Yang Han
- Division of Cellular and Developmental Biology, Molecular and Cell Biology Department, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer Zenker
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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2
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McGraw MS, Bishman JA, Daigneault BW. Efficiency of embryo complementation and pluripotency maintenance following multiple passaging of in vitro-derived bovine embryos. Reprod Fertil Dev 2024; 36:RD24018. [PMID: 38902907 DOI: 10.1071/rd24018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Context Current methods to obtain bovine embryos of high genetic merit include approaches that require skilled techniques for low-efficiency cloning strategies. Aims The overall goal herein was to identify the efficacy of alternative methods for producing multiple embryos through blastomere complementation while determining maintenance of cell pluripotency. Methods Bovine oocytes were fertilised in vitro to produce 4-cell embryos from which blastomeres were isolated and cultured as 2-cell aggregates using a well-of-the-well system. Aggregates were returned to incubation up to 7days (Passage 1). A second passage of complement embryos was achieved by splitting 4-cell Passage 1 embryos. Passaged embryos reaching the blastocyst stage were characterised for cell number and cell lineage specification in replicate with non-reconstructed zona-intact embryos. Key results Passage 1 and 2 embryo complements yielded 29% and 25% blastocyst development, respectively. Passage 1 embryos formed blastocysts, but with a reduction in expression of SOX2 and decreased size compared to non-reconstructed zona-intact embryos. Passage 2 embryos had a complete lack of SOX2 expression and a reduction in transcript abundance of SOX2 and SOX17, suggesting loss of pluripotency markers that primarily affected inner cell mass (ICM) and hypoblast formation. Conclusions In vitro fertilised bovine embryos can be reconstructed with multiple passaging to generate genetically identical embryos. Increased passaging drives trophectoderm cell lineage specification while compromising ICM formation. Implications These results may provide an alternative strategy for producing genetically identical bovine embryos through blastomere complementation with applications towards the development of trophoblast and placental models of early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura S McGraw
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, 2250 Shealy Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Jordan A Bishman
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, 2250 Shealy Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Bradford W Daigneault
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, 2250 Shealy Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Travaglione A, Candela A, De Gregorio V, Genovese V, Cimmino M, Barbato V, Talevi R, Gualtieri R. Individually Cultured Bovine Zygotes Successfully Develop to the Blastocyst Stage in an Extremely Confined Environment. Cells 2024; 13:868. [PMID: 38786090 PMCID: PMC11119105 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100868] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The possibility of detecting the developmental competence of individually cultured embryos through analysis of spent media is a major current trend in an ART setting. However, individual embryo culture is detrimental compared with high-density group culture due to the reduced concentration of putative embryotropins. The main aim of this study was to identify an individual culture system that is not detrimental over high-density group culture in the bovine model. Blastocyst rates and competence were investigated in a conventional (GC) group, semi-confined group (MG), and individual culture (MS) in a commercial microwell device. Main findings showed that: (1) individual embryos can be continuously cultured for 7 days in ~70 nL microwells (MS) without detrimental effects compared with the GC and MG; (2) MS and MG blastocysts had a reduced number of TUNEL-positive cells compared to GC blastocysts; (3) though blastocyst mean cell numbers, mitochondrial activity, and lipid content were not different among the three culture conditions, MS blastocysts had a higher frequency of small-sized lipid droplets and a reduced mean droplet diameter compared with GC and MG blastocysts. Overall, findings open the way to optimize the development and competence of single embryos in an ART setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Roberto Gualtieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Complesso Universitario Di Monte S. Angelo, Via Cinthia, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.T.); (A.C.); (V.D.G.); (V.G.); (M.C.); (V.B.); (R.T.)
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Veraguas-Dávila D, Zapata-Rojas C, Aguilera C, Saéz-Ruiz D, Saravia F, Castro FO, Rodriguez-Alvarez L. Proteomic Analysis of Domestic Cat Blastocysts and Their Secretome Produced in an In Vitro Culture System without the Presence of the Zona Pellucida. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4343. [PMID: 38673927 PMCID: PMC11050229 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084343] [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: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Domestic cat blastocysts cultured without the zona pellucida exhibit reduced implantation capacity. However, the protein expression profile has not been evaluated in these embryos. The objective of this study was to evaluate the protein expression profile of domestic cat blastocysts cultured without the zona pellucida. Two experimental groups were generated: (1) domestic cat embryos generated by IVF and cultured in vitro (zona intact, (ZI)) and (2) domestic cat embryos cultured in vitro without the zona pellucida (zona-free (ZF group)). The cleavage, morula, and blastocyst rates were estimated at days 2, 5 and 7, respectively. Day 7 blastocysts and their culture media were subjected to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The UniProt Felis catus database was used to identify the standard proteome. No significant differences were found in the cleavage, morula, or blastocyst rates between the ZI and ZF groups (p > 0.05). Proteomic analysis revealed 22 upregulated and 20 downregulated proteins in the ZF blastocysts. Furthermore, 14 proteins involved in embryo development and implantation were present exclusively in the culture medium of the ZI blastocysts. In conclusion, embryo culture without the zona pellucida did not affect in vitro development, but altered the protein expression profile and release of domestic cat blastocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Veraguas-Dávila
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Departamento de Ciencias Agrarias, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Universidad Católica del Maule, Km 6 Los Niches, Curicó 3340000, Chile
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile; (C.Z.-R.); (D.S.-R.); (F.S.); (F.O.C.); (L.R.-A.)
| | - Camila Zapata-Rojas
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile; (C.Z.-R.); (D.S.-R.); (F.S.); (F.O.C.); (L.R.-A.)
| | - Constanza Aguilera
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Natural Sciences, San Sebastián University, Concepción 4081339, Chile;
| | - Darling Saéz-Ruiz
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile; (C.Z.-R.); (D.S.-R.); (F.S.); (F.O.C.); (L.R.-A.)
| | - Fernando Saravia
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile; (C.Z.-R.); (D.S.-R.); (F.S.); (F.O.C.); (L.R.-A.)
| | - Fidel Ovidio Castro
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile; (C.Z.-R.); (D.S.-R.); (F.S.); (F.O.C.); (L.R.-A.)
| | - Lleretny Rodriguez-Alvarez
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Av. Vicente Méndez 595, Chillan 3780000, Chile; (C.Z.-R.); (D.S.-R.); (F.S.); (F.O.C.); (L.R.-A.)
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Zeng Y, Hoshino Y, Susami K, Honda S, Minami N, Ikeda S. Evaluating histone modification analysis of individual preimplantation embryos. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:75. [PMID: 38238676 PMCID: PMC10795292 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-09984-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously reported a modification of the CUT&Tag method (NTU-CAT) that allows genome-wide histone modification analysis in individual preimplantation embryos. In the present study, NTU-CAT was further simplified by taking advantage of the Well-of-the-Well (WOW) system, which enables the processing of multiple embryos in a shorter time with less reagent and cell loss during the procedure (WOW-CUT&Tag, WOW-CAT). RESULTS WOW-CAT allowed histone modification profiling from not only a single blastocyst but also from a portion of it. WOW-CAT generated similar H3K4me3 profiles as NTU-CAT, but they were closer to the profiles produced by chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing, such as a valley-like trend and relatively lower false positive rates, indicating that WOW-CAT may attenuate the bias of Tn5 transposase to cut open chromatin regions. Simultaneous WOW-CAT of two halves of single blastocysts was conducted to analyze two different histone modifications (H3K4me3 and H3K27ac) within the same embryo. Furthermore, trophectoderm cells were biopsied and subjected to WOW-CAT in anticipation of preimplantation diagnosis of histone modifications. WOW-CAT allowed the monitoring of epigenetic modifications in the main body of the embryo. For example, analysis of H3K4me3 modifications of XIST and DDX3Y in trophectoderm biopsies could be used to sex embryos in combination with quantitative PCR, but without the need for deep sequencing. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest the applicability of WOW-CAT for flexible epigenetic analysis of individual embryos in preimplantation epigenetic diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiren Zeng
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Yoichiro Hoshino
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Kazuki Susami
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Shinnosuke Honda
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Naojiro Minami
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Shuntaro Ikeda
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan.
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Veraguas-Dávila D, Caamaño D, Saéz-Ruiz D, Vásquez Y, Saravia F, Castro FO, Rodríguez-Alvarez L. Zona pellucida removal modifies the expression and release of specific microRNAs in domestic cat blastocysts. ZYGOTE 2023; 31:544-556. [PMID: 37724015 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199423000436] [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] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
The in vitro culture of domestic cat embryos without the zona pellucida affects their implantation capacity. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have an important role in embryo-maternal communication and implantation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of specific miRNAs in domestic cat blastocysts cultured without the zona pellucida. Two experimental groups were done: (1) domestic cat embryos cultured with the zona pellucida (zona intact control group, ZI); and (2) cultured without the zona pellucida (zona free group, ZF). The cleavage, morula and blastocyst rates were evaluated. The blastocysts and their spent medium were used for miRNA expression analysis using RT-qPCR (miR-21, miR-24, mi25, miR-29, miR-96, miR-98, miR-103, miR-191, miR-196, miR-199, miR-130, miR-155 and miR-302). The pre-mature microRNAs (pre-miRNAs) and miRNAs were evaluated in the blastocysts and only miRNAs were evaluated in the spent medium. No differences were observed in the cleavage, morula and blastocyst rates between the ZF and ZI groups (P > 0.05). For miRNAs analysis, miR-103 and miR-191 had the most stable expression and were selected as internal controls. ZF blastocysts had a higher expression of miR-21, miR-25, miR-29 and miR-199 and a lower expression of miR-96 than their ZI counterparts (P < 0.05). Furthermore, higher levels of miR-21, miR-25 and miR-98 were detected in the spent medium of ZF blastocysts (P < 0.05). In conclusion, in vitro culture of domestic cat embryos without the zona pellucida modifies the expression of miR-21, miR-25, miR-29, miR-199 and miR-96 at the blastocyst stage and the release of miR-21, miR-25 and miR-98.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Veraguas-Dávila
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Departamento de Ciencias Agrarias, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Católica del Maule, Los Niches, Curicó, Chile
| | - Diego Caamaño
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Darling Saéz-Ruiz
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Yazmín Vásquez
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Fernando Saravia
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Fidel Ovidio Castro
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
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7
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Gonzalez Fernandez J, Moncayo Arlandi J, Ochando A, Simon C, Vilella F. The role of extracellular vesicles in intercellular communication in human reproduction. Clin Sci (Lond) 2023; 137:281-301. [PMID: 36762584 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Embryo-maternal cross-talk has emerged as a vitally important process for embryo development and implantation, which is driven by secreted factors and extracellular vesicles (EVs). The EV cargo of bioactive molecules significantly influences target cells and primes them for critical stages of reproductive biology, including embryo development, adhesion, and implantation. Recent research has suggested that EVs and their cargo represent a powerful non-invasive tool that can be leveraged to assess embryo and maternal tissue quality during assisted reproduction treatments. Here, we review the current scientific literature regarding the intercellular cross-talk between embryos and maternal tissues from fertilization to implantation, focusing on human biology and signaling mechanisms identified in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Gonzalez Fernandez
- Carlos Simon Foundation, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Javier Moncayo Arlandi
- Carlos Simon Foundation, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Ochando
- Carlos Simon Foundation, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos Simon
- Carlos Simon Foundation, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Felipe Vilella
- Carlos Simon Foundation, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain
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Salamone D, Maserati M. Horse Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Using Zona Pellucida-Enclosed and Zona-Free Oocytes. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2647:269-281. [PMID: 37041341 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3064-8_15] [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] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Horse cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is an attractive scientific and commercial endeavor. Moreover, SCNT allows generating genetically identical animals from elite, aged, castrated, or deceased equine donors. Several variations in the horse SCNT method have been described, which may be useful for specific applications. This chapter describes a detailed protocol for horse cloning, thus including SCNT protocols using zona pellucida (ZP)-enclosed or ZP-free oocytes for enucleation. These SCNT protocols are under routine use for commercial equine cloning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Salamone
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Agronomía, Departamento de Producción Animal, Buenos Aires, Laboratorio Biotecnología Animal (LabBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción Animal (INPA), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Marc Maserati
- Embryo Production In Vitro Clonagem/In Vitro Equinos, Mogi Mirim, São Paulo, Brazil
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Analysis of trophectoderm markers in domestic cat blastocysts cultured without zona pellucida. ZYGOTE 2022; 30:841-848. [PMID: 36043362 DOI: 10.1017/s096719942200034x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Domestic cat embryos generated by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and cultured without the zona pellucida have a reduced implantation capacity after embryo transfer at the blastocyst stage. The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of trophectoderm markers in domestic cat blastocysts cultured without the zona pellucida. Two experimental groups were selected: (1) domestic cat embryos generated by IVF and cultured in vitro normally (zona intact group, ZI); and (2) domestic cat embryos generated by IVF and cultured in vitro without a zona pellucida (zona-free group, ZF). In the ZF group, the zona pellucida of the presumptive zygote was removed and these were cultured using the well of the well (WOW) system. In vitro culture was carried out for 7 days. The cleavage, morula and blastocyst rates were estimated. Finally, the relative expression levels of the trophectoderm markers TEAD4, YAP1, CDX2 and EOMES, the cell adhesion marker E-cadherin and the apoptosis marker CASP3 were evaluated by RT-qPCR in the blastocysts. The Wilcoxon test was used to evaluate differences (P < 0.05). No differences were observed in the cleavage, morula and blastocyst rates between the ZF and ZI groups. No differences were found in the expression of TEAD4, CDX2, E-cadherin and CASP3 between groups. The expression of YAP1 and EOMES was higher in ZF blastocysts than in ZI blastocysts. In conclusion, the in vitro culture without the zona pellucida generates an overexpression of YAP1 and EOMES in the domestic cat blastocysts. More studies are needed to confirm if this overexpression might affect in vivo development.
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Karcz A, Van Soom A, Smits K, Verplancke R, Van Vlierberghe S, Vanfleteren J. Electrically-driven handling of gametes and embryos: taking a step towards the future of ARTs. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:1852-1875. [PMID: 35510672 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc01160j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Electrical stimulation of gametes and embryos and on-chip manipulation of microdroplets of culture medium serve as promising tools for assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). Thus far, dielectrophoresis (DEP), electrorotation (ER) and electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) proved compatible with most laboratory procedures offered by ARTs. Positioning, entrapment and selection of reproductive cells can be achieved with DEP and ER, while EWOD provides the dynamic microenvironment of a developing embryo to better mimic the functions of the oviduct. Furthermore, these techniques are applicable for the assessment of the developmental competence of a mammalian embryo in vitro. Such research paves the way towards the amelioration and full automation of the assisted reproduction methods. This article aims to provide a summary on the recent developments regarding electrically stimulated lab-on-chip devices and their application for the manipulation of gametes and embryos in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Karcz
- Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST), Imec and Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium.
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4 entrance 4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4 entrance 4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Katrien Smits
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4 entrance 4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Rik Verplancke
- Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST), Imec and Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Campus Sterre, building S4, Krijgslaan 281, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Vanfleteren
- Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST), Imec and Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium.
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The use of insulin-transferrin-selenium (ITS), and folic acid on individual in vitro embryo culture systems in cattle. Theriogenology 2022; 184:153-161. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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12
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Fancsovits P, Pribenszky C, Lehner A, Murber A, Kaszas Z, Nemes A, Urbancsek J. Prospective-randomized study comparing clinical outcomes of IVF treatments where embryos were cultured individually or in a microwell group culture dish. Biol Futur 2022; 73:229-236. [PMID: 35278201 DOI: 10.1007/s42977-022-00113-8] [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: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Culturing embryos together in a microdrop of media may improve embryo quality, based on the results of animal studies, however individual identification of the embryos in such a system is not possible. The microwell group culture dish contains 9 or 16 microwells with a minimal well-to-well distance and a specific well morphology that facilitates paracrine and autocrine effects. The microwell group culture dish enables individual identification of the embryos while providing the environment that comes with similar benefits as group culture. Our aim was to investigate whether embryo culture in the microwell group culture dish (Primo Vision Dish, Vitrolife) improves IVF outcomes compared to individual culture in human IVF treatment. Five hundred thirty-two IVF-ET cycles were enrolled in this prospective randomized study in a university hospital. IVF cycles were randomized into microwell group culture and individual culture groups. Primary outcome measure was clinical pregnancy rate and secondary outcome measures were embryo quality, fertilization, implantation, delivery and embryo utilization rates. Fertilization rate in ICSI cycles was significantly higher in the microwell group culture group (70.6% vs. 64.9%, P = 0.001). Clinical pregnancy rate was 50.8% in the group culture and 40.6% in the individual culture (P = 0.022). Live birth rate was 41.5% in microwell and 32.9% in individual culture (P = 0.0496). Embryo utilization rate was higher in microwell group culture than in individual culture (80.6% vs. 75.0%; P < 0.001). Microwell group culture has a beneficial effect on IVF outcome and it also allows following up individual embryo development.ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01774006.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Fancsovits
- Division of Assisted Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, Baross u. 27, Budapest, 1088, Hungary.
| | - Csaba Pribenszky
- Department of Animal Hygiene, Herdhealth and Veterinary Ethology, University of Veterinary Science, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Adam Lehner
- Division of Assisted Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, Baross u. 27, Budapest, 1088, Hungary
| | - Akos Murber
- Division of Assisted Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, Baross u. 27, Budapest, 1088, Hungary
| | - Zita Kaszas
- Division of Assisted Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, Baross u. 27, Budapest, 1088, Hungary
| | - Annamaria Nemes
- Division of Assisted Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, Baross u. 27, Budapest, 1088, Hungary
| | - Janos Urbancsek
- Division of Assisted Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, Baross u. 27, Budapest, 1088, Hungary
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Tesfaye D, Menjivar N, Gebremedhn S. Current knowledge and the future potential of extracellular vesicles in mammalian reproduction. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:174-189. [PMID: 35231266 DOI: 10.1071/rd21277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which contain various functional classes of vesicles, namely exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies, represent the major nano-shuttle to transfer bioactive molecules from donor to recipient cells to facilitate cell-to-cell communication in the follicular, oviduct, and uterine microenvironments. In addition to transferring various molecular cargos in the form of miRNAs, mRNAs, proteins, lipids, and DNA molecules, the relative proportion of those molecular cargos in the reproductive fluids can be associated with the physiological and pathological condition of the host animal. Inside the follicle, EV-mediated circulation of miRNAs has been reported to be associated with the growth status of the enclosed oocytes, the metabolic status, and the advanced maternal aging of the animal. Importantly, EVs have the potential to protect their cargo molecules from extracellular degradation or modification while travelling to the recipient cells. This fact together with the enormous availability in almost all biological fluids and spent culture media make them attractive in the search for biomarkers of oocyte/embryo developmental competence, receptive maternal environment and a multitude of reproductive pathophysiological conditions. One of the key factors that have contributed to the lower efficiency of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) is the absence of several maternal in vivo factors in the ART procedures. For this, several studies have been conducted to supplement various components present in the follicular and oviductal fluids into the existing ART procedures and significant positive impacts have been observed in terms of embryo cleavage rate, blastocyst rate, resistance to stress, and survival after cryopreservation. The potential of EVs in shuttling protective messages against environmental and physiological stressors has been evidenced. The effective use of the EV-coupled molecular signals against stress-associated conditions has the potential to pave the path for the application of these protective signals against oxidative stress-associated pathological conditions including PCOS, ageing, and endometritis. In this review, we provide current knowledge and potential future use of EVs as remedies in reproductive pathophysiological conditions, mainly in follicular and oviductal microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawit Tesfaye
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3051 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Nico Menjivar
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3051 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
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14
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Mestres E, Matia-Algué Q, Villamar A, Casals A, Acacio M, García-Jiménez M, Martínez-Casado A, Castelló C, Calderón G, Costa-Borges N. Characterization and comparison of commercial oils used for human embryo culture. Hum Reprod 2021; 37:212-225. [PMID: 34791223 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab245] [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: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are there significant differences between the available commercial oil brands used for human IVF? SUMMARY ANSWER Important differences have been detected among the tested oil brands in their potential to stabilize culture conditions and, more importantly, in their direct effect on embryo development and viability. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Mineral oil is a critical component of the human culture system due to its protective and stabilizing roles during in vitro embryo development. Many different oils are available on the market, with differences in their viscosity, density and overall quality. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Thirteen different commercial oil brands were compared. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Each oil was firstly analyzed to assess its viscosity, density, peroxide value and potential oxidation. Secondly, the capacity of each oil to reduce pH, osmolality and temperature fluctuations during embryo culture and manipulation was compared. Lastly, a sensitive mouse embryo assay (MEA) protocol, previously optimized to detect toxicity in oils samples, was used to compare the overall quality of the different brands in terms of embryo developmental rates up to the blastocyst stage. At the end of the MEAs, a triple labeling protocol was applied to analyze Oct4+ cells, apoptotic cells and total cell counts in the blastocysts obtained by fluorescence microscopy. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Significant divergences were detected in the rise of osmolality and the equilibration and stability of pH between different oils, which could be correlated to their physico-chemical characteristics. In particular, oil samples with a higher viscosity tended to offer an additional protection against fluctuations in the culture conditions, however, the differences in temperature stability between oils were minor. Two out of the 13 oil samples, which were commercially available, were identified as embryo-toxic by applying the MEA protocol with increased sensitivity for toxicity detection. Additionally, substantial differences in the total number of cells and the number of cells in the inner cell mass of the obtained blastocysts were also detected between oil groups. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION A single lot of oil was used for each brand and, thus, lot-to-lot variations in oil quality could not be determined. However, several bottles from the same oil were included to account for potential intra-lot variability. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Commercial oils differ in both their physical characteristics and their performance in maintaining the stability of the culture conditions during in vitro embryo culture. Oil selection is important for embryo culture success. Additionally, the detection of embryo-toxic oils which had already been released to the human IVF market showcases the importance of applying sensitive MEA protocols for a better detection of toxicity in this type of samples. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was privately funded. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Mestres
- Embryotools R&D Center, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Q Matia-Algué
- Embryotools R&D Center, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Villamar
- Embryotools R&D Center, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Casals
- Embryotools R&D Center, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Acacio
- Embryotools R&D Center, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M García-Jiménez
- Embryotools R&D Center, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Martínez-Casado
- Embryotools R&D Center, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Castelló
- Embryotools R&D Center, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - G Calderón
- Embryotools R&D Center, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - N Costa-Borges
- Embryotools R&D Center, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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15
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Veraguas-Davila D, Cordero MF, Saez S, Saez-Ruiz D, Gonzalez A, Saravia F, Castro FO, Rodriguez-Alvarez L. Domestic cat embryos generated without zona pellucida are capable of developing in vitro but exhibit abnormal gene expression and a decreased implantation rate. Theriogenology 2021; 174:36-46. [PMID: 34416562 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The removal of the zona pellucida has been used to improve the in vitro development of domestic cat embryos generated by IVF and SCNT. However, the in vivo development of domestic cat embryos generated without the zona pellucida has not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of zona pellucida removal on the in vitro and in vivo development of domestic cat embryos generated by IVF. For this purpose, two experimental groups were created: 1) domestic cat embryos cultured in vitro (Zona-intact group, ZI) and 2) domestic cat embryos cultured in vitro without the zona pellucida (Zona-free group, ZF). Domestic cat embryos were generated by IVF and cultured in vitro for 8 days. In the ZF group, the zona pellucida was removed after IVF, and embryos were cultured using the well of the well system (WOW). Cleavage, morula and blastocyst rates were evaluated in both groups. The diameter and total cell number of blastocysts were assessed. Relative expression of pluripotency (OCT4, SOX2 and NANOG), differentiation (CDX2 and GATA6) and apoptotic markers (BAX and BCL2) was evaluated in blastocysts. Finally, to evaluate in vivo development, embryos at days 5, 6 and 7 of development were transferred into recipient domestic cats, and ultrasonography was performed to evaluate implantation. No differences were observed in the cleavage, morula or blastocyst rates between embryos from the ZI and ZF groups. The diameter (mean ± SD) of blastocysts from the ZF group was greater (253.4 ± 83.3 μm) than that from the ZI group (210.5 ± 78.5 μm). No differences were observed in the relative expression of OCT4, CDX2 or GATA6. However, the relative expression of SOX2 and NANOG was significantly reduced in ZF blastocysts compared to ZI blastocysts. Furthermore, the relative expression of BAX was higher in ZF blastocysts than in ZI blastocysts. Finally, four pregnancies were confirmed after the transfer of ZI embryos (n = 110). However, no pregnancies were observed after the transfer of ZF embryos at the morula or blastocyst stage (n = 56). In conclusion, domestic cat embryos cultured without the zona pellucida were able to develop in vitro until the blastocyst stage. However, the removal of the zona pellucida negatively affected the gene expression of pluripotency and apoptosis markers, and ZF embryos were unable to implant. This might indicate that the removal of the zona pellucida is detrimental for the implantation and in vivo development of domestic cat embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Veraguas-Davila
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepcion, Chillán, Chile.
| | - Maria Francisca Cordero
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepcion, Chillán, Chile
| | - Soledad Saez
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepcion, Chillán, Chile
| | - Darling Saez-Ruiz
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepcion, Chillán, Chile
| | - Alejandro Gonzalez
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepcion, Chillán, Chile
| | - Fernando Saravia
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepcion, Chillán, Chile
| | - Fidel Ovidio Castro
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepcion, Chillán, Chile
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16
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Vajta G, Parmegiani L, Machaty Z, Chen WB, Yakovenko S. Back to the future: optimised microwell culture of individual human preimplantation stage embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:2563-2574. [PMID: 33864207 PMCID: PMC8581087 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02167-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Although in vitro culture of human embryos is a crucial step in assisted reproduction, the lack of focused research hampers worldwide standardisation and consistent outcomes. Only 1.2% of research papers published in five leading journals in human reproduction in 2019 focused on in vitro culture conditions, creating the impression that the optimisation process has approached its limits. On the other hand, in vitro culture of mammalian embryos is based on old principles, while there is no consensus on basic issues as density, time, medium change, gas atmosphere and small technical details including the way of drop preparation. This opinion paper aims to highlight and analyse the slow advancement in this field and stimulate research for simple and affordable solutions to meet the current requirements. A possible way for advancement is discussed in detail. Selection of embryos with the highest developmental competence requires individual culture and modification of the widely used "drop under oil" approach. Current use of three-dimensional surfaces instead of large flat bottoms is restricted to time-lapse systems, but these wells are designed for optical clarity, not for the needs of embryos. The size and shape of the original microwells (Well of the Well; WOW) offer a practical and straightforward solution to combine the benefits of communal and individual incubation and improve the overall quality of cultured embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Vajta
- RVT Australia, Cairns, QLD 4870 Australia
- VitaVitro Biotech Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Zoltan Machaty
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN USA
| | | | - Sergey Yakovenko
- Altravita IVF Clinic, Moscow, Russia
- Biophysics Department, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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17
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Contreras-Benicio D, Castro-Valenzuela BE, Grado-Ahuir JA, Burrola-Barraza M. Well-of-the-well (WOW) versus polyester mesh (PM): a comparison of single-embryo culture systems in bovines. REV COLOMB CIENC PEC 2021. [DOI: 10.17533/udea.rccp.v35n2a03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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18
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Lam KKW, Wong JYY, Cheung TM, Li RHW, Ng EHY, Yeung WSB. A retrospective analysis of artificial oocyte activation in patients with low or no fertilisation in intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2021; 42:648-653. [PMID: 34382499 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2021.1922878] [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] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is commonly used to treat severe male factor infertility in assisted reproduction. A small percentage of patients face suboptimal fertilisation rate or even fertilisation failure despite having ICSI. Artificial oocyte activation (AOA) has been proposed as a suitable method to overcome their problem. This is a retrospective cohort analysis of ICSI cycles undergoing AOA. Injected metaphase II oocytes were exposed to either calcium ionophore (A23187) after ICSI or injection of calcium chloride during ICSI followed by incubation with A23187 after ICSI. The previous ICSI cycles of the patients formed the historical control group. Thirty-four AOA cycles were analysed. The normal fertilisation rate (52.1%) was significantly improved in the AOA group. The percentage of failed fertilisation cycles (11.8%) were significantly reduced in the AOA group. The cumulative clinical pregnancy rate (47.1%) and live birth rate (29.4%) were significantly increased when compared to the previous cycles. Subgroup analysis revealed that the performance of the A23187 only protocol and the concomitant injection of calcium chloride protocol were comparable in terms of laboratory parameters and pregnancy outcomes. AOA is an effective method to improve the fertilisation rate and pregnancy outcome of infertile couples with previous fertilisation problem after ICSI.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? A failed and low fertilisation rate after ICSI is not uncommon in assisted reproduction. AOA is normally used to improve fertilisation but there are discrepancies in the efficacy of the treatment.What do the results of this study add? AOA improves the fertilisation rate and pregnancy outcomes of couples with suboptimal fertilisation rate and fertilisation failure in previous ICSI cycles. The efficacies of two AOA protocols were comparable. The A23187 only protocol was recommended because of its simplicity.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? AOA should be considered as a routine procedure for infertile couples with compromised fertilisation rates in previous ICSI cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin K W Lam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jacki Y Y Wong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Tak-Ming Cheung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Raymond H W Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ernest H Y Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - William S B Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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19
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Ma Y, Gu M, Chen L, Shen H, Pan Y, Pang Y, Miao S, Tong R, Huang H, Zhu Y, Sun L. Recent advances in critical nodes of embryo engineering technology. Theranostics 2021; 11:7391-7424. [PMID: 34158857 PMCID: PMC8210615 DOI: 10.7150/thno.58799] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The normal development and maturation of oocytes and sperm, the formation of fertilized ova, the implantation of early embryos, and the growth and development of foetuses are the biological basis of mammalian reproduction. Therefore, research on oocytes has always occupied a very important position in the life sciences and reproductive medicine fields. Various embryo engineering technologies for oocytes, early embryo formation and subsequent developmental stages and different target sites, such as gene editing, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technologies, have all been established and widely used in industrialization. However, as research continues to deepen and target species become more advanced, embryo engineering technology has also been developing in a more complex and sophisticated direction. At the same time, the success rate also shows a declining trend, resulting in an extension of the research and development cycle and rising costs. By studying the existing embryo engineering technology process, we discovered three critical nodes that have the greatest impact on the development of oocytes and early embryos, namely, oocyte micromanipulation, oocyte electrical activation/reconstructed embryo electrofusion, and the in vitro culture of early embryos. This article mainly demonstrates the efforts made by researchers in the relevant technologies of these three critical nodes from an engineering perspective, analyses the shortcomings of the current technology, and proposes a plan and prospects for the development of embryo engineering technology in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youwen Ma
- School of Mechanical and Electric Engineering, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Robotics, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Mingwei Gu
- School of Mechanical and Electric Engineering, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Robotics, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Liguo Chen
- School of Mechanical and Electric Engineering, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Robotics, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Hao Shen
- School of Mechanical and Electric Engineering, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Robotics, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yifan Pan
- School of Mechanical and Electric Engineering, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Robotics, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yan Pang
- School of Mechanical and Electric Engineering, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Robotics, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Sheng Miao
- School of Mechanical and Electric Engineering, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Robotics, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Ruiqing Tong
- Cardiology, Dushuhu Public Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, China
| | - Haibo Huang
- School of Mechanical and Electric Engineering, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Robotics, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yichen Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Cambridge-Suda Genomic Resource Center, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Lining Sun
- School of Mechanical and Electric Engineering, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Robotics, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics & Systems, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
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20
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Vajta G, Parmegiani L, Machaty Z, Chen WB, Yakovenko S. Back to the future: optimised microwell culture of individual human preimplantation stage embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021. [PMID: 33864207 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02167-4.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Although in vitro culture of human embryos is a crucial step in assisted reproduction, the lack of focused research hampers worldwide standardisation and consistent outcomes. Only 1.2% of research papers published in five leading journals in human reproduction in 2019 focused on in vitro culture conditions, creating the impression that the optimisation process has approached its limits. On the other hand, in vitro culture of mammalian embryos is based on old principles, while there is no consensus on basic issues as density, time, medium change, gas atmosphere and small technical details including the way of drop preparation. This opinion paper aims to highlight and analyse the slow advancement in this field and stimulate research for simple and affordable solutions to meet the current requirements. A possible way for advancement is discussed in detail. Selection of embryos with the highest developmental competence requires individual culture and modification of the widely used "drop under oil" approach. Current use of three-dimensional surfaces instead of large flat bottoms is restricted to time-lapse systems, but these wells are designed for optical clarity, not for the needs of embryos. The size and shape of the original microwells (Well of the Well; WOW) offer a practical and straightforward solution to combine the benefits of communal and individual incubation and improve the overall quality of cultured embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Vajta
- RVT Australia, Cairns, QLD, 4870, Australia. .,VitaVitro Biotech Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China.
| | | | - Zoltan Machaty
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | | | - Sergey Yakovenko
- Altravita IVF Clinic, Moscow, Russia.,Biophysics Department, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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21
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Physical parameters of bovine activated oocytes and zygotes as predictors of development success. ZYGOTE 2021; 29:358-364. [PMID: 33736736 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199421000058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The worldwide production of in vitro-produced embryos in livestock species continues to grow. The current gold standard for selecting quality oocytes and embryos is morphologic assessment, yet this method is subjective and varies based on experience. There is a need for a non-invasive, objective method of selecting viable oocytes and embryos. The aim of this study was to determine if ooplasm area, diameter including zona pellucida (ZP), and ZP thickness of artificially activated oocytes and in vitro fertilized (IVF) zygotes are indicative of development success in vitro and correlated with embryo quality, as assessed by total blastomere number. Diameter affected the probability of development to the blastocyst stage in activated oocytes on day 7 (P < 0.01) and day 8 (P < 0.001), and had a tendency to affect IVF zygotes on day 8 (P = 0.08). Zona pellucida thickness affected the probability of development on day 7 (P < 0.01) and day 8 (P < 0.001) in activated oocytes, and day 8 for IVF zygotes (P < 0.05). An interaction between ZP thickness and diameter was observed on days 7 and 8 (P < 0.05) in IVF zygotes. Area did not significantly affect the probability of development, but was positively correlated with blastomere number on day 8 for IVF zygotes (P = 0.01, conditional R2 = 0.09). Physical parameters of bovine zygotes have the potential for use as a non-invasive, objective selection method. Upon further development, methods used in this study could be integrated into embryo production systems to improve IVF success.
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22
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Wang Y, Wang S, Qian X, Kuai Y, Xu Y. The Inclusion Principles of Human Embryos in the WOW-Based Time-Lapse System: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:549216. [PMID: 34381419 PMCID: PMC8350438 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.549216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A time-lapse system (TLS) with a well-of-the-well (WOW) dish, which allows individual identification and the possibility of autocrine and paracrine signaling between group-cultured embryos, has been widely used in clinic. However, there is a need to re-think the inclusion principles of human embryos in WOW-based TLS, especially for grade IV (G4) embryos, which are considered to potentially have detrimental effects on surrounding embryos. Here, we carried out a single-center, large-cohort, retrospective study, comprising 303 patients undergoing IVF (148 cases) and ICSI (155 cases), with a total of 3282 embryos, to compare embryonic development until the blastocyst stage in the group culture system with or without G4 embryos. Further, LC-MS/MS was used to analyze the G1-G4 embryo secretome to understand the influence of G4 embryos on the group culture microenvironment. We proved that polypronuclear (PPN) embryos positively contribute to the development of the neighboring embryos through secretion of ILIAP, ITI-H4, and keratin. Existence of more than one G4 embryo had a negative effect on the other embryos (p < 0.05). Moreover, G4 embryos were found to secrete KLKB1 and VTDB, which might harm the neighboring embryos. Thus, our study clarified that when embryos are subjected to group culture in WOW-based TLS, the PPN-derived embryos need not be removed, and it is important to ensure that no more than one G4 embryo is present to avoid negative effects on the neighboring embryos.
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23
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Fabozzi G, Albricci L, Cimadomo D, Amendola MG, Sanges F, Maggiulli R, Ubaldi FM, Rienzi L. Blastulation rates of sibling oocytes in two IVF culture media: an evidence-based workflow to implement newly commercialized products. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 42:311-322. [PMID: 33288477 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION An evidence-based novel commercially available continuous IVF culture medium in compliance with an efficient quality-management system is proposed. DESIGN Non-interventional study on sibling oocytes. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles among women aged 42 years or younger that used ejaculated spermatozoa and retrieved four to eight oocytes were included. Sibling oocytes were randomized for culture in the novel Geri-medium or continuous single culture medium (CSCM). Primary outcome measure was blastulation rate per cohort of inseminated oocytes; 1182 oocytes were required to outline down to a 7% difference (power = 80%). RESULTS A total of 181 cohorts of sibling oocytes were included. Geri-medium (n = 631 oocytes) and CSCM (n = 643 oocytes) resulted in similar blastulation rates (mean ± SD: 42.8% ± 30.1% versus 43.1% ± 29.0%; Wilcoxon signed rank test = 0.77). Blastocysts cultured in the former (n = 275 versus n = 277) showed longer timings during preimplantation development (P < 0.01) and were poorer quality (26% versus 18%; P = 0.03). Euploidy rate was no different in cycles that underwent preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (n = 113) (117/237 [49%] versus 117/249 blastocysts [47%]; P = 0.6). Ongoing implantation rate was comparable in the study arms after euploid (29/47 [63%] versus 14/ 34 [41%]; P = 0.1) or untested (12/31 [39%] versus 7/18 [39%]; P = 0.3) transfers. CONCLUSION Blastulation rate among cohorts of sibling oocytes cultured in the same incubator is a fast, reliable and comprehensive performance indicator to validate novel commercially available culture medium. The media tested were considered similarly efficient. The differences in blastocyst morphology and developmental timings warrant further investigation, although euploidy and ongoing implantation rates were similar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Fabozzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, via G de Notaris 2b, Rome 00197, Italy.
| | - Laura Albricci
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, via G de Notaris 2b, Rome 00197, Italy
| | - Danilo Cimadomo
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, via G de Notaris 2b, Rome 00197, Italy
| | - Maria Giulia Amendola
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, via G de Notaris 2b, Rome 00197, Italy
| | - Federica Sanges
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, via G de Notaris 2b, Rome 00197, Italy
| | - Roberta Maggiulli
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, via G de Notaris 2b, Rome 00197, Italy
| | - Filippo Maria Ubaldi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, via G de Notaris 2b, Rome 00197, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- Clinica Valle Giulia, GENERA Center for Reproductive Medicine, via G de Notaris 2b, Rome 00197, Italy
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Veraguas D, Aguilera C, Echeverry D, Saez-Ruiz D, Castro FO, Rodriguez-Alvarez L. Embryo aggregation allows the production of kodkod (Leopardus guigna) blastocysts after interspecific SCNT. Theriogenology 2020; 158:148-157. [PMID: 32961350 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The kodkod (Leopardus guigna) is a small felid endemic of Chile and is considered a vulnerable species. Domestic cat oocytes have been successfully used as recipient cytoplast to reprogram somatic cells from different felids by interspecific somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT). The developmental competence of felid embryos generated by iSCNT can be improved by the aggregation method using a zona-free culture system. The objective of this research was to evaluate the developmental competence of kodkod embryos generated by iSCNT using domestic cat oocytes and the aggregation method. For this purpose, five experimental group were done: (1) cat embryos generated by IVF, (2) cat embryos generated by SCNT (Ca1x), (3) aggregated cat embryos generated by SCNT (Ca2x), (4) kodkod embryos generated by iSCNT (K1x) and (5) aggregated kodkod embryos generated by iSCNT (K2x). Cleavage, morulae and blastocyst rates were estimated. The blastocyst diameter was evaluated. The gene expression level of pluripotency (OCT4, SOX2 and NANOG) and differentiation markers (CDX2 and GATA6) was analyzed in blastocysts. Morulae rate was higher in the IVF group and when cloned embryos were cultured in aggregates (IVF: 68.2%, Ca2x: 58.0% and K2x: 62.4%) compared to individually cultured kodkod embryos (K1x: 37.0%) (P < 0.05). Embryo aggregation increased blastocysts formation in the Ca2x group (30.9%) to a similar rate compared to the IVF group (44.5%) (P > 0.05). No blastocysts were generated in the K1x group, whereas blastocysts formation was obtained in K2x group (5.9%). The diameter of blastocysts from the K2x group (172.8 μm) was significantly lower than blastocysts from the Ca2x group (P < 0.05). The relative expression of OCT4 was lower in blastocysts from Ca1x than in blastocysts from IVF (P < 0.05). Furthermore, CDX2 expression was lower in blastocysts from Ca2x than in blastocysts from Ca1x and IVF groups (P < 0.05). In kodkod embryos, only one blastocyst from the K2x group expressed OCT4. No expression of SOX2, NANOG, CDX2 and GATA6 was detected in kodkod blastocysts. In conclusion, after iSCNT, domestic cat oocytes support the development of kodkod embryos until the morula stage. The aggregation method increases the morulae rate of kodkod cloned embryos and allows blastocysts formation. However, kodkod blastocysts have a poor morphological quality and a lacking expression of pluripotency and differentiation markers, probably caused by an incomplete nuclear reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Veraguas
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepcion, Chillán, Chile
| | - Constanza Aguilera
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepcion, Chillán, Chile
| | - Diana Echeverry
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepcion, Chillán, Chile
| | - Darling Saez-Ruiz
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepcion, Chillán, Chile
| | - Fidel Ovidio Castro
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepcion, Chillán, Chile
| | - Lleretny Rodriguez-Alvarez
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepcion, Chillán, Chile.
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25
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Kalleas D, McEvoy K, Horne G, Roberts SA, Brison DR. Live birth rate following undisturbed embryo culture at low oxygen in a time-lapse incubator compared to a high-quality benchtop incubator. HUM FERTIL 2020; 25:147-153. [PMID: 32098536 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2020.1729423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Time-lapse (TL) incubators are increasingly used in in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratories but there have been few studies of their effectiveness in comparison to other incubator types. Moreover, the design of most studies has been limited by the quality of the control incubator. We have therefore performed a one-year pseudo-randomized prospective study of IVF cycles using a TL incubator (EmbryoScope™) (n = 243) or a conventional incubator (K-System G-185 Flatbed) (n = 203). The two groups were well matched in terms of clinical parameters: IVF cycle attempt number, IVF/ICSI, age, number and day (3 or 5) of embryo transfer. Embryos were selected for transfer using conventional (non-TL) morphological grading. The EmbryoScope group had an increased chance of a live birth (43.2% vs. 34.5%; OR = 1.43 [95%CI: 0.96-2.13]) with significantly reduced early pregnancy loss (5.8% vs. 13.8%; OR = 0.37 [0.19-0.74]) compared to the K-System incubator. There was a higher proportion of 4-cell embryos on day 2 and 8-cell embryos on day 3 in the EmbryoScope, compared to the K-Systems. The use of TL incubators is appropriate in ART by virtue of their high specification, facility for low oxygen culture and provision of minimally disturbed culture conditions which limit exposure of human embryos to environmental stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Kalleas
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old St Mary's Hospital Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Keith McEvoy
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old St Mary's Hospital Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Gregory Horne
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old St Mary's Hospital Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Stephen A Roberts
- Centre for Biostatistics, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel R Brison
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old St Mary's Hospital Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK.,Maternal & Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
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26
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Hyttel P, de Figueiredo Pessôa LV, Secher JBM, Dittlau KS, Freude K, Hall VJ, Fair T, Assey RJ, Laurincik J, Callesen H, Greve T, Stroebech LB. Oocytes, embryos and pluripotent stem cells from a biomedical perspective. Anim Reprod 2019; 16:508-523. [PMID: 32435294 PMCID: PMC7234146 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2019-0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The veterinary and animal science professions are rapidly developing and their inherent and historical connection to agriculture is challenged by more biomedical and medical directions of research. While some consider this development as a risk of losing identity, it may also be seen as an opportunity for developing further and more sophisticated competences that may ultimately feed back to veterinary and animal science in a synergistic way. The present review describes how agriculture-related studies on bovine in vitro embryo production through studies of putative bovine and porcine embryonic stem cells led the way to more sophisticated studies of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) using e.g. gene editing for modeling of neurodegeneration in man. However, instead of being a blind diversion from veterinary and animal science into medicine, these advanced studies of human iPSC-derived neurons build a set of competences that allowed us, in a more competent way, to focus on novel aspects of more veterinary and agricultural relevance in the form of porcine and canine iPSCs. These types of animal stem cells are of biomedical importance for modeling of iPSC-based therapy in man, but in particular the canine iPSCs are also important for understanding and modeling canine diseases, as e.g. canine cognitive dysfunction, for the benefit and therapy of dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poul Hyttel
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Katarina Stoklund Dittlau
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, and Leuven Brain Institute (LBI), Leuven, Belgium.,VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kristine Freude
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vanessa J Hall
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Trudee Fair
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Remmy John Assey
- Department of Anatomy and Pathology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania
| | - Jozef Laurincik
- Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nitra, Slovakia.,The Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Henrik Callesen
- Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Tjele, Denmark
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Parameters of the Mouse Embryo Assay that affect detection of peroxides in mineral oil. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 39:547-555. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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28
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Ueno S, Ito M, Uchiyama K, Okimura T, Yabuuchi A, Kobayashi T, Kato K. Closed embryo culture system improved embryological and clinical outcome for single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer: A single-center large cohort study. Reprod Biol 2019; 19:139-144. [PMID: 30948345 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
While some studies have shown that the closed embryo culture system (CCS) is a possible improvement over standard embryo culture systems (STS) in terms of early embryonic development, information on clinical outcomes of culturing blastocysts following single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer (SVBT) in the CCS and STS remains limited. Therefore, the objective of this single-center, large-cohort, retrospective study was to compare embryonic development until the blastocyst stage and clinical outcomes following SVBT between CCS and STS. From May 2017 to October 2018, 2420 oocytes from 1402 patients who underwent in vitro fertilization and blastocyst culture after minimal stimulation were divided into two groups (CCS and STS). The main outcome measures in the two groups were embryological (blastocyst formation rates and utilized blastocyst rates) and clinical outcomes (ongoing pregnancy rates) after a single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer (SVBT). There were no significant differences in the blastocyst formation rates between the CCS and STS groups (59.6% versus 59.1%, p = 0.81). However, there were significant differences in utilized blastocyst rates (51.0% versus 46.6%, p < 0.05). Ongoing pregnancy rates per SVBT cycle were significantly higher in the CCS group than in the STS group (41.4% versus 34.4%, p < 0.05). Moreover, after applying multivariable logistic regression analysis, the type of embryo culture system (CCS to STS, adjusted odds ratios: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.04-1.91) was correlated with ongoing pregnancy. Our study suggests that compared to STS, CCS could improve utilized blastocyst rates and ongoing pregnancy rates to a greater extent, following SVBT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Ueno
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3, Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Motoki Ito
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3, Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Kazuo Uchiyama
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3, Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Tadashi Okimura
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3, Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Akiko Yabuuchi
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3, Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Tamotsu Kobayashi
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3, Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Keiichi Kato
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3, Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan.
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Kelley RL, Gardner DK. Individual culture and atmospheric oxygen during culture affect mouse preimplantation embryo metabolism and post-implantation development. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 39:3-18. [PMID: 31122833 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.03.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does single embryo culture under atmospheric or reduced oxygen alter preimplantation metabolism and post-implantation development compared with culture in groups? DESIGN Mouse embryos were cultured under 5% or 20% oxygen, individually or in groups of 10. Spent media were analysed after 48, 72 and 96 h of culture. Blastocysts were assessed by outgrowth assay or transferred to pseudo-pregnant recipients, and fetal and placental weight, length and morphology were assessed. RESULTS Compared with group culture, individually cultured blastocysts had lower net consumption of glucose and aspartate and higher glutamate production. Atmospheric oxygen reduced uptake of glucose and aspartate and increased production of glutamate and ornithine compared with 5% oxygen. Combining 20% oxygen and single culture resulted in further metabolic changes: decreased leucine, methionine and threonine consumption. Under 5% oxygen, individual culture decreased placental labyrinth area but had no other effects on fetal and placental development or outgrowth size compared with group culture. Under 20% oxygen, however, individual culture reduced outgrowth size and fetal and placental weight compared with group-cultured embryos. CONCLUSIONS Preimplantation metabolism of glucose and amino acids is altered by both oxygen and individual culture, and fetal weight is reduced by individual culture under atmospheric oxygen but not 5% oxygen. This study raises concerns regarding the increasing prevalence of single embryo culture in human IVF and adds to the existing evidence regarding the detrimental effects of atmospheric oxygen during embryo culture. Furthermore, these data demonstrate the cumulative nature of stress during embryo culture and highlight the importance of optimizing each element of the culture system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Kelley
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville Victoria 3010, Australia.
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30
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Microfluidic Devices for Gamete Processing and Analysis, Fertilization and Embryo Culture and Characterization. Bioanalysis 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-6229-3_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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31
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Rubessa M, Ambrosi A, Gonzalez-Pena D, Polkoff KM, Wheeler MB. Non-invasive nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of male and female embryo metabolites during in vitro embryo culture. Metabolomics 2018; 14:113. [PMID: 30830365 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-018-1414-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the past 20+ years, several studies of bovine embryo production showed how the ratio of male to female embryos changes if embryos are made in vivo or in vitro. It is known that in in vitro systems, the sex ratio is in favor of males when there are high levels of glucose, and favors females when the principal energetic substrate is one other than glucose, like citrate. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the embryo metabolism during three important periods of in vitro development: the early development (from day 1 until day 3), the middle of culture (day 3 until day 5), and later development (day 5 until day 7). METHODS To obtain this information we evaluated the spent medium from each time period by 1H NMR. RESULTS Our results confirm that embryo metabolism is different between sexes. The new information obtained by identifies markers that we can use to predict the embryo sex. CONCLUSION These results open a new, non-invasive method to evaluate sex of the embryos before the transfer. In the first period of embryo culture, valine concentration is good indicator (66.7% accurate), while in the last phase of culture, pyruvate depletion is the best marker (64% accurate) to evaluate the sex of the embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Rubessa
- Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, 1207 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Andrea Ambrosi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Dianelys Gonzalez-Pena
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, 1207 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Kathryn M Polkoff
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, 1207 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Matthew B Wheeler
- Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, USA.
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, 1207 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
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32
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Saini M, Selokar NL, Palta P, Chauhan MS, Manik RS, Singla SK. An update: Reproductive handmade cloning of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 197:1-9. [PMID: 30122268 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The first birth of a cloned animal produced through the Handmade cloning (HMC) technique was reported more than 15 years ago in cattle. This method of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has subsequently been evolving as a much simpler alternative to the classical micromanipulator-based SCNT. Several farm animal species such as cattle, buffalo, pigs, sheep, and goats have been successfully cloned using HMC. In buffalo, HMC technique is now well established, and several births of cloned calves have been reported by us. Several factors such as source of somatic cells, quality of recipient oocytes, cell cycle stage prior to SCNT, electrofusion and culture conditions, and epigenetic status of somatic cells, have been optimized leading to the production of good quality cloned embryos. The preservation through cloning of proven breeding bulls that have died by producing live offspring using somatic cells isolated from frozen semen as donor cells and birth of a cloned calf from urine-derived cells are impressive examples of the success of HMC in buffalo. In conclusion, HMC is a valued reproductive technique in buffalo that offers the opportunity to make multiple copies of highly valuable animals, particularly proven breeding bulls. In this review, there is a discussion of the advancement of the HMC technique in buffalo and factors responsible for the efficient production of cloned embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Saini
- ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, 132001, India
| | | | - Prabhat Palta
- ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, 132001, India
| | | | - Radhey S Manik
- ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, 132001, India
| | - Suresh K Singla
- ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, 132001, India.
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33
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A microwell culture system that allows group culture and is compatible with human single media. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018; 35:1869-1880. [PMID: 29998386 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1252-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE A microwell culture system that facilitates group culture, such as well-of-the-well (WOW), improves embryonic development in an individual culture. We examined the effect of WOW on embryonic development in vitro with commercially available human single culture media. METHODS Using four different commercial human single culture media, in vitro development and imprinted gene expression of bovine embryos cultured in WOW were compared to droplet culture (one zygote per drop). To determine the effects of microwell and group culture on embryonic development, different numbers of embryos were cultured in droplet or WOW. Diffusion simulation of accumulating metabolites was conducted using the finite volume method. RESULTS WOW had a positive effect on bovine embryonic development, regardless of the type of single culture media. Imprinted gene expression was not different between droplet- and WOW-derived blastocysts. The microwell and group cultures in WOW showed a significant positive effect on the rate of total blastocysts and the rate of development to the expanded and hatching blastocyst stages. The assumed cumulative metabolite concentration of WOW with one embryo was 1.47 times higher than that of droplet culture with one embryo. Furthermore, the concentration of WOW with three embryos was 1.54 times higher than that of WOW with one embryo. CONCLUSIONS In using human single culture media, a microwell culture system that allows group culture could be a powerful clinical tool for improving the success of assisted reproductive technologies.
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Suyatno, Kitamura Y, Ikeda S, Minami N, Yamada M, Imai H. Long-term culture of undifferentiated spermatogonia isolated from immature and adult bovine testes. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:236-249. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2017] [Revised: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Suyatno
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology; Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
- Indonesian Agency for Agricultural Research and Development; Pasar Minggu Jakarta Selatan Indonesia
| | - Yuka Kitamura
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology; Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
| | - Shuntaro Ikeda
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Functional Anatomy; Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
| | - Naojiro Minami
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology; Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
| | - Masayasu Yamada
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology; Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
| | - Hiroshi Imai
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology; Graduate School of Agriculture; Kyoto University; Kyoto Japan
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35
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Ikeda S, Sugimoto M, Kume S. Lipofection of siRNA into bovine 8-16-cell stage embryos using zona removal and the well-of-the-well culture system. J Reprod Dev 2018; 64:199-202. [PMID: 29353869 PMCID: PMC5902909 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2017-137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bovine preimplantation embryos exhibit dramatic biological changes between before and after the 8-16-cell stage. Here we report a simple lipofection method to transfect siRNA into bovine
8-16-cell stage embryos using zona removal and the well-of-the-well (WOW) culture system. Bovine one-cell embryos produced in vitro were freed from the zona pellucida and
cultured up to the 8-16-cell stage in WOW dishes. The 8-16-cell embryos were lipofected with siRNA and the transfection efficiency was assessed at 48 h of transfection. Lipofection with a
red fluorescent non-targeting siRNA revealed the importance of zona removal for transfection of siRNA into embryos. Using this method, we knocked down the methionine adenosyltransferase 2A
(MAT2A) gene, achieving a significant reduction in MAT2A expression (P < 0.05) concomitant with the marked inhibition of blastocyst development. Our
proposed method, tentatively named ‘Octo-lipofection’, may be useful to analyze gene functions in bovine preimplantation embryos without expensive equipment and skill-intensive
techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuntaro Ikeda
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Functional Anatomy, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Miki Sugimoto
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Functional Anatomy, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Shinichi Kume
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Functional Anatomy, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
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36
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Kashaninejad N, Shiddiky MJA, Nguyen N. Advances in Microfluidics‐Based Assisted Reproductive Technology: From Sperm Sorter to Reproductive System‐on‐a‐Chip. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201700197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Navid Kashaninejad
- Queensland Micro‐ and Nanotechnology Centre Nathan Campus Griffith University 170 Kessels Road Brisbane QLD 4111 Australia
| | | | - Nam‐Trung Nguyen
- Queensland Micro‐ and Nanotechnology Centre Nathan Campus Griffith University 170 Kessels Road Brisbane QLD 4111 Australia
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Abstract
The phenotype of the human embryo conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF), that is its morphology, developmental kinetics, physiology and metabolism, can be affected by numerous components of the laboratory and embryo culture system (which comprise the laboratory environment). The culture media formulation is important in determining embryo phenotype, but this exists within a culture system that includes oxygen, temperature, pH and whether an embryo is cultured individually or in a group, all of which can influence embryo development. Significantly, exposure of an embryo to one suboptimal component of the culture system of laboratory typically predisposes the embryo to become more vulnerable to a second stressor, as has been well documented for atmospheric oxygen and individual culture, as well as for oxygen and ammonium. Furthermore, the inherent viability of the human embryo is derived from the quality of the gametes from which it is created. Patient age, aetiology, genetics, lifestyle (as well as ovarian stimulation in women) are all known to affect the developmental potential of gametes and hence the embryo. Thus, as well as considering the impact of the IVF laboratory environment, one needs to be aware of the status of the infertile couple, as this impacts how their gametes and embryos will respond to an in vitro environment. Although far from straight forward, analysing the interactions that exist between the human embryo and its environment will facilitate the creation of more effective and safer treatments for the infertile couple.
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38
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Wu L, Han W, Wang J, Zhang X, Liu W, Xiong S, Han S, Liu J, Gao Y, Huang G. Embryo culture using a time-lapse monitoring system improves live birth rates compared with a conventional culture system: a prospective cohort study. HUM FERTIL 2017; 21:255-262. [DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2017.1335886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lihong Wu
- Chongqing Reproductive and Genetics Institute, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Han
- Chongqing Reproductive and Genetics Institute, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiang Wang
- Chongqing Reproductive and Genetics Institute, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- Chongqing Reproductive and Genetics Institute, Chongqing, China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Chongqing Reproductive and Genetics Institute, Chongqing, China
| | - Shun Xiong
- Chongqing Reproductive and Genetics Institute, Chongqing, China
| | - Shubiao Han
- Chongqing Reproductive and Genetics Institute, Chongqing, China
| | - Junxia Liu
- Chongqing Reproductive and Genetics Institute, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Chongqing Reproductive and Genetics Institute, Chongqing, China
| | - Guoning Huang
- Chongqing Reproductive and Genetics Institute, Chongqing, China
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Kelley RL, Gardner DK. In vitro culture of individual mouse preimplantation embryos: the role of embryo density, microwells, oxygen, timing and conditioned media. Reprod Biomed Online 2017; 34:441-454. [PMID: 28268069 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Single embryo culture is suboptimal compared with group culture, but necessary for embryo monitoring, and culture systems should be improved for single embryos. Pronucleate mouse embryos were used to assess the effect of culture conditions on single embryo development. Single culture either before or after compaction reduced cell numbers (112.2 ± 3.1; 110.2 ± 3.5) compared with group culture throughout (127.0 ± 3.4; P < 0.05). Reduction of media volume from 20 µl to 2 µl increased blastocyst cell numbers in single embryos cultured in 5% oxygen (84.4 ± 3.2 versus 97.8 ± 2.8; P < 0.05), but not in 20% oxygen (55.2 ± 2.9 versus 57.1 ± 2.8). Culture in microwell plates for the EmbryoScope and Primo Vision time-lapse systems changed cleavage timings and increased inner cell mass cell number (24.1 ± 1.0; 23.4 ± 1.2) compared with a 2 µl microdrop (18.4 ± 1.0; P < 0.05). Addition of embryo-conditioned media to single embryos increased hatching rate and blastocyst cell number (91.5 ± 4.7 versus 113.1 ± 4.4; P < 0.01). Single culture before or after compaction is therefore detrimental; oxygen, media volume and microwells influence single embryo development; and embryo-conditioned media may substitute for group culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Kelley
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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Abstract
Time-lapse (TL) embryo monitoring is the latest technology that is proposed for embryo evaluation and selection for transfer. TL technology enables us to collect significantly more information about the in vitro development of the embryos that can be obtained through the daily-once evaluation under the light microscope. In addition, the embryos do not need to be removed from the culture environment for this. The extra morphokinetic information and the undisturbed culture conditions could both be beneficial for the cultured embryo cohort. Many morphokinetic parameters have been tested in relation to variety of laboratory (e.g. blastocyst development) and clinical (implantation and live-birth rate) outcomes. Most of these studies are retrospective in nature and suffer from methodological problems (heterogeneous patient population, culture conditions not standardized, and small sample size). Several groups attempted to build algorithms, however, have not yet been confirmed externally as attempts so far could not reproduce the expected predictive abilities. Therefore, these algorithms cannot be universally accepted. The latest algorithm proposed for embryo selection was developed based on data from 24 clinics using local stimulation and laboratory procedures. It groups embryos into five categories (KIDScore) based on in and out of range kinetic events. The algorithm was tested in subsets of patients using various fertilization methods or culture conditions and its predictive ability remained the same. The authors, therefore, feel comfortable to recommend it for routine use in any laboratory using TL technology. There is, however, still limited prospective, randomized trial data testing the algorithms. This article reviews TL technology, retrospective and prospective reports on various morphokinetic parameters, and the benefits and shortcomings of currently available algorithms.
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Hur YS, Ryu EK, Yoon SH, Lim KS, Lee WD, Lim JH. Comparison of static culture, micro-vibration culture, and micro-vibration culture with co-culture in poor ovarian responders. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2016; 43:146-51. [PMID: 27689036 PMCID: PMC5039306 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2016.43.3.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective This study was conducted to compare the effects of static culture, dynamic culture, and the combination of dynamic culture with specialized surfaces involving co-culture on human embryonic development. Embryos cultured using conventional static culture (SC) techniques served as a control group. We compared dynamic culture using micro-vibration culture (MVC) and micro-vibration with co-culture (MCoC), in which autologous cumulus cells were used as a specialized surface. Methods We conducted a chart review of patients who were treated between January 2011 and November 2014 in order to compare embryonic development rates and pregnancy rates among the groups. Zygotes were cultured in micro-droplets, and embryos were subsequently selected for transfer. Some surplus embryos were cryopreserved, and the others were cultured for blastocyst development. A micro-vibrator was set at the frequency of 42 Hz for duration of 5 seconds per 60 minutes to facilitate embryo development. Results No significant differences among the groups were present in patient's characteristics. However, the clinical pregnancy rates were significantly higher in the MVC group and the MCoC group than in the SC group. No significant differences were found in the blastocyst development rate between the SC group and the MVC group, but the blastocyst development rate in the MCoC group was significantly higher than in the SC and MVC groups. Conclusion The clinical pregnancy rate was significantly increased by the application of micro-vibration to the embryonic cultures of poor responders. The blastocyst development rate was significantly increased by the application of MCoC to surplus embryos.
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Le Gac S, Nordhoff V. Microfluidics for mammalian embryo culture and selection: where do we stand now? Mol Hum Reprod 2016; 23:213-226. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaw061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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Kelley RL, Gardner DK. Combined effects of individual culture and atmospheric oxygen on preimplantation mouse embryos in vitro. Reprod Biomed Online 2016; 33:537-549. [PMID: 27569702 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Embryos are routinely cultured individually, although this can reduce blastocyst development. Culture in atmospheric (20%) oxygen is also common, despite multiple detrimental effects on embryos. Although frequently occurring together, the consequences of this combination are unknown. Mouse embryos were cultured individually or grouped, under physiological (5%) or atmospheric (20%) oxygen. Embryos were assessed by time-lapse and blastocyst cell allocation. Compared with the control group (5% oxygen group culture), 5-cell cleavage (t5) was delayed in 5% oxygen individual culture and 20% oxygen group culture (59.91 ± 0.23, 60.70 ± 0.29, 63.06 ± 0.32 h post-HCG respectively, P < 0.05). Embryos in 20% oxygen individual culture were delayed earlier (3-cell cleavage), and at t5 cleaved later than embryos in other treatments (66.01 ± 0.40 h, P < 0.001), this delay persisting to blastocyst hatching. Compared with controls, hatching rate and cells per blastocyst were reduced in 5% oxygen single culture and 20% oxygen group culture (134.1 ± 3.4, 104.5 ± 3.2, 73.4 ± 2.2 cells, P < 0.001), and were further reduced in 20% oxygen individual culture (57.0 ± 2.8 cells, P < 0.001), as was percentage inner cell mass. These data indicate combining individual culture and 20% oxygen is detrimental to embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Kelley
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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Ledda S, Idda A, Kelly J, Ariu F, Bogliolo L, Bebbere D. A novel technique for in vitro maturation of sheep oocytes in a liquid marble microbioreactor. J Assist Reprod Genet 2016; 33:513-8. [PMID: 26852233 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0666-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this work was to develop a microbioreactor using liquid marble (LM) as a novel system for oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) in small volumes. METHODS Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) obtained from slaughterhouse sheep ovaries were in vitro matured in a LM system prepared by placing a drop (30 μl containing 10 COCs) suspended in TCM 199 supplemented with 10 % (v/v) oestrus sheep serum (OSS) and 0.1 IU FSH and LH onto a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) particle bed (LM group). As a control group (CTRL group), COCs were in vitro matured in standard volume and conditions (600 μl of IVM medium in a four-well dish). After 24-h culture at 38.5 °C in 5 % CO2 in air, COCs were released from LM and the following parameters were evaluated: (a) percentage of MII oocytes, (b) oocyte developmental competence following in vitro fertilization (IVF) or parthenogenetic activation (PA) and embryo culture for 8 days in synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF) medium at 38.5 °C in 5 % O2, 5 % CO2, and 90 % N2. RESULTS The results indicated similar percentage of MII oocytes in LM and CTRL groups (88.0 vs. 92.0 %). No differences were observed in blastocyst rate after IVF (LM 47.5 % vs. CTRL 50.2 %, P=0.637) or PA (LM 44.4 % vs. CTRL 48.3 %, P=0.426). CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that LM microbioreactor is a viable technique that provides a suitable microenvironment to induce oocyte in vitro maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ledda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari via Vienna 2, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
| | - A Idda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari via Vienna 2, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - J Kelly
- Turretfield Research Centre, South Australian Research and Development Institute, Rosedale, South Australia, 5350, Australia
| | - F Ariu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari via Vienna 2, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - L Bogliolo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari via Vienna 2, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - D Bebbere
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari via Vienna 2, 07100, Sassari, Italy
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Rubessa M, Ambrosi A, Gonzalez-Pena D, M. Polkoff K, E. Denmark S, B. Wheeler M. Non-invasive analysis of bovine embryo metabolites during <em>in vitro</em> embryo culture using nuclear magnetic resonance. AIMS BIOENGINEERING 2016. [DOI: 10.3934/bioeng.2016.4.538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Wydooghe E, Vandaele L, Heras S, De Sutter P, Deforce D, Peelman L, De Schauwer C, Van Soom A. Autocrine embryotropins revisited: how do embryos communicate with each other in vitro when cultured in groups? Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2015; 92:505-520. [PMID: 26608222 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In the absence of the maternal genital tract, preimplantation embryos can develop in vitro in culture medium where all communication with the oviduct or uterus is absent. In several mammalian species, it has been observed that embryos cultured in groups thrive better than those cultured singly. Here we argue that group-cultured embryos are able to promote their own development in vitro by the production of autocrine embryotropins that putatively serve as a communication tool. The concept of effective communication implies an origin, a signalling agent, and finally a recipient that is able to decode the message. We illustrate this concept by demonstrating that preimplantation embryos are able to secrete autocrine factors in several ways, including active secretion, passive outflow, or as messengers bound to a molecular vehicle or transported within extracellular vesicles. Likewise, we broaden the traditional view that inter-embryo communication is dictated mainly by growth factors, by discussing a wide range of other biochemical messengers including proteins, lipids, neurotransmitters, saccharides, and microRNAs, all of which can be exchanged among embryos cultured in a group. Finally, we describe how different classes of messenger molecules are decoded by the embryo and influence embryo development by triggering different pathways. When autocrine embryotropins such as insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) or platelet activating factor (PAF) bind to their appropriate receptor, the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway will be activated which is important for embryo survival. On the other hand, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is activated when compounds such as hyaluronic acid and serotonin bind to their respective receptors, thereby acting as growth factors. By activating the peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor family (PPAR) pathway, lipophilic autocrine factors such as prostaglandins or fatty acids have both survival and anti-apoptotic functions. In conclusion, considering different types of messenger molecules simultaneously will be crucial to understanding more comprehensively how embryos communicate with each other in group-culture systems. This approach will assist in the development of novel media for single-embryo culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Wydooghe
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Leen Vandaele
- Animal Sciences Unit, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), B-9090, Melle, Belgium
| | - Sonia Heras
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Petra De Sutter
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital, Ghent University, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dieter Deforce
- Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Peelman
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Catharina De Schauwer
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics, and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Hardarson T, Bungum M, Conaghan J, Meintjes M, Chantilis SJ, Molnar L, Gunnarsson K, Wikland M. Noninferiority, randomized, controlled trial comparing embryo development using media developed for sequential or undisturbed culture in a time-lapse setup. Fertil Steril 2015; 104:1452-9.e1-4. [PMID: 26409153 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.08.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study whether a culture medium that allows undisturbed culture supports human embryo development to the blastocyst stage equivalently to a well-established sequential media. DESIGN Randomized, double-blinded sibling trial. SETTING Independent in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics. PATIENT(S) One hundred twenty-eight patients, with 1,356 zygotes randomized into two study arms. INTERVENTION(S) Embryos randomly allocated into two study arms to compare embryo development on a time-lapse system using a single-step medium or sequential media. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Percentage of good-quality blastocysts on day 5. RESULT(S) Percentage of day 5 good-quality blastocysts was 21.1% (standard deviation [SD] ± 21.6%) and 22.2% (SD ± 22.1%) in the single-step time-lapse medium (G-TL) and the sequential media (G-1/G-2) groups, respectively. The mean difference (-1.2; 95% CI, -6.0; 3.6) between the two media systems for the primary end point was less than the noninferiority margin of -8%. There was a statistically significantly lower number of good-quality embryos on day 3 in the G-TL group [50.7% (SD ± 30.6%) vs. 60.8% (SD ± 30.7%)]. Four out of the 11 measured morphokinetic parameters were statistically significantly different for the two media used. The mean levels of ammonium concentration in the media at the end of the culture period was statistically significantly lower in the G-TL group as compared with the G-2 group. CONCLUSION(S) We have shown that a single-step culture medium supports blastocyst development equivalently to established sequential media. The ammonium concentrations were lower in the single-step media, and the measured morphokinetic parameters were modified somewhat. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01939626.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mona Bungum
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Joe Conaghan
- Pacific Fertility Center, San Francisco, California
| | - Marius Meintjes
- Frisco Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Dallas/Austin, Texas
| | | | | | | | - Matts Wikland
- Fertilitetscentrum, Carlanderska Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Paramio MT, Izquierdo D. Current status of in vitro embryo production in sheep and goats. Reprod Domest Anim 2015; 49 Suppl 4:37-48. [PMID: 25277431 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Sheep and goat production is an important economic activity in Spain with an increasing interest in milk production. Multiovulation and Embryo Transfer (MOET) and In vitro Embryo Production (IVEP) are assisted reproductive technologies aimed at increasing the genetic diffusion of females. In vitro embryo production is a multi-step methodology comprising the following procedures: (i) In vitro Maturation (IVM) of oocytes recovered directly from the follicles, (ii) In vitro Fertilization (IVF) or co-incubation of capacitated spermatozoa with in vitro matured oocytes and (iii) In vitro culture (IVC) of zygotes up to the blastocyst stage. In vitro embryo production from oocytes recovered from prepubertal females is called JIVET (Juvenile in vitro Embryo Transfer) and allows shortened generation intervals and increased genetic gain. Embryo production together with embryo cryoconservation would allow large-scale embryo marketing, a pathogen-free genetic movement and easier and cheaper germplasm commercial transactions. Commercial Embryo activity in small ruminants is low compared to cows in the European Union (data from the European Embryo Transfer Association) and in the world (data from the International Embryo Transfer Association). There is less IVEP research in small ruminants compared to other livestock species. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of the current status of IVEP of small ruminant with an emphasis on (i) description of the main methodologies currently used for IVM, IVF and IVC of embryos (ii) comparing procedures and outputs from JIVET and IVEP of adult females and (iii) the future research perspectives of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-T Paramio
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University Autonomous of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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49
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Saadeldin IM, Kim SJ, Lee BC. Blastomeres aggregation as an efficient alternative for trophoblast culture from porcine parthenogenetic embryos. Dev Growth Differ 2015; 57:362-368. [DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2015] [Revised: 04/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Islam M. Saadeldin
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology; College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute for Veterinary Science; Seoul National University; Seoul 151-742 Korea
- Department of Physiology; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Zagazig University; Zagazig 44519 Egypt
| | - Su Jin Kim
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology; College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute for Veterinary Science; Seoul National University; Seoul 151-742 Korea
| | - Byeong Chun Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology; College of Veterinary Medicine and the Research Institute for Veterinary Science; Seoul National University; Seoul 151-742 Korea
- Designed Animal and Transplantation; Institute of Green Bio Science Technology; Seoul National University; Pyeongchang 232-916 Korea
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Thongkittidilok C, Tharasanit T, Songsasen N, Sananmuang T, Buarpung S, Techakumphu M. Epidermal growth factor improves developmental competence and embryonic quality of singly cultured domestic cat embryos. J Reprod Dev 2015; 61:269-76. [PMID: 25985792 PMCID: PMC4547984 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2014-167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the influence of EGF on the expression of EGF receptors (EGFR) and developmental competence of embryos cultured individually versus those cultured in groups. Cat oocytes were in vitro matured and fertilized (IVM/IVF), and cleaved embryos were randomly assigned to one of seven culture conditions: one group each in which embryos were subjected to group culture supplemented with or without 5 ng/ml EGF and five groups in which embryos were subjected to single-embryo culture supplemented with EGF (0, 5, 25, 50 or 100 ng/ml). Morulae, blastocysts and hatching blastocysts were assessed at days 5 and 7; post IVF, respectively, and total blastocyst cell numbers were assessed at day 7. Relative mRNA expressions of EGFR of 2–4-cell embryos, 8–16-cell embryos, morulae and blastocysts cultured in groups or singly with or without EGF supplementation were examined. OCT3/4 and Ki67 in blastocysts derived from the group
or single-embryo culture systems with or without EGF supplementation were localized. A higher rate of embryos cultured in groups developed to blastocysts than individually incubated cohorts. Although EGF increased blastocyst formation in the single-embryo culture system, EGF did not affect embryo development in group culture. Expression levels of EGFR decreased in morulae and blastocysts cultured with EGF. An increased ratio of Ki67-positive cells to the total number of cells in the blastocyst was observed in singly cultured embryos in the presence of EGF. However, EGF did not affect the expression of OCT3/4. These findings indicate that EGF enhanced developmental competence of cat embryos cultured singly by stimulating cell proliferation and modulating the EGFR expression at various developmental stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chommanart Thongkittidilok
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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