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Faheem MS, Ghanem N, Samy R, Barkawi AH. Molecular, enzymatic responses and in vitro embryonic developmental competency of heat-shocked buffalo embryos co-cultured with granulosa cells monolayer. Theriogenology 2023; 211:203-211. [PMID: 37659251 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.08.009] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
The present study was designed to establish a suitable alternative approach to mitigate the adverse effect of high culture temperature on in vitro embryo development and the related molecular response in buffalo. Pre-cultured granulosa cells (GCs) were used as a monolayer during in vitro embryo culture until day 8 (day of fertilization = D0). Post fertilization, presumptive embryos were randomly assigned into two culture conditions: embryos cultured in the presence of GCs monolayer under normal culture temperature (N: 38.5 °C; GEN group) or heat shock (H: 40.5 °C; GEH group) and their counterpart groups of embryos cultured without GCs (EN and EH groups). Additionally, two groups of GCs monolayer were cultured without embryos up to day 8 under 38.5 °C (GN) or 40.5 °C (GH) for further spent culture media enzymatic analyses. Heat shock was administered for the first 2 h of culture then continued at 38.5 °C until day 8. The results indicated that under heat treatment, GCs enhanced (P ≤ 0.05) embryo cleavage and development (day 8) rates, which were comparable to the embryos cultured at 38.5 °C. On the molecular level, blastocysts of the GEH group showed similar expressions of metabolism-regulating genes (CPT2 and SlC2A1/GLUT1) and an antioxidant gene (SOD2) when compared to the blastocysts of the EN group. The relative expression of HSP90 was significantly up-regulated under heat shock and/or co-culture conditions. However, HSF1 expression was increased (P ≤ 0.05) in the GEH group. No statistical differences were observed among the study groups for the pluripotency gene NANOG, and stress resistance transcript NFE2L2. Regarding the enzymatic profile, the concentrations of SOD, total protein, and MDA were decreased (P ≤ 0.05) in the GEH group compared to the cultured GCs without embryos (GH group). In conclusion, GCs as a monolayer have a beneficial impact on alleviating heat stress at the zygote stage through the regulatory mechanisms of metabolic activity, defense system, and heat shock response genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa S Faheem
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt; Cairo University Research Park (CURP), Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Nasser Ghanem
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Romysa Samy
- Cairo University Research Park (CURP), Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ashraf Hesham Barkawi
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt; Dubai Police Academy, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Ding S, Fang J, Liu G, Veeramuthu D, Naif Abdullah AD, Yin Y. The impact of different levels of cysteine on the plasma metabolomics and intestinal microflora of sows from late pregnancy to lactation. Food Funct 2019; 10:691-702. [PMID: 30663724 DOI: 10.1039/c8fo01838c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cysteine (Cys) is a semi-essential amino acid that is synthesized from methionine in mammals and affects their physiological state. This study aimed at investigating the effects of different Cys levels on the birth weight and survival rate of piglets as well as the plasma biochemical parameters, intestinal microbial diversity, and plasma metabolome of sows during late pregnancy. The results showed that 0.4% Cys supplementation increased the birth weight of piglets and decreased the calcium, triglyceride, and bilirubin levels in sows, whereas 0.5% Cys supplementation reduced the gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels and increased the serum glucose levels in sows at farrowing. Intestinal microbial analysis demonstrated that 0.4% Cys supplementation increased the diversity of fecal and intestinal microbiota compared with 0.5% Cys supplementation. In addition, plasma metabolomics identified 11 differential metabolites among the 0.4% Cys, 0.5% Cys, and control (basal diet) groups. The serum hypotaurine levels in sows increased by 0.4% and 0.5% Cys supplementation, and the serum acetylcysteine levels increased by 0.5% Cys supplementation; however, the differences in hypotaurine and acetylcysteine levels between the 0.4% and 0.5% Cys groups were not significant. Furthermore, Pearson analysis revealed a positive correlation between the hypotaurine levels and the abundance of Lactobacillus or Pseudobutyrivibrio and a negative correlation between the acetylcysteine levels and the abundance of Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014. Overall, the results indicated that 0.4% Cys supplementation increased the birth weight of piglets, increased the differential metabolites beneficial for combating antioxidative stress in embryos enhancing the intestinal microbial abundance in sows, and increased the diversity of fecal microbiota in sows. Thus, these findings suggest that 0.4% Cys supplementation is highly beneficial for maintaining the health of sows during late pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujuan Ding
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process, CAS Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Changsha, Hunan 410125, China.
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Co-culture of human embryos with autologous cumulus cell clusters and its beneficial impact of secreted growth factors on preimplantation development as compared to standard embryo culture in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). MIDDLE EAST FERTILITY SOCIETY JOURNAL 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mefs.2017.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Hu K, Yu Y. Metabolite availability as a window to view the early embryo microenvironment in vivo. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:1027-1038. [PMID: 28722155 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
A preimplantation embryo exists independent of blood supply, and relies on energy sources from its in vivo environment (e.g., oviduct and uterine fluid) to sustain its development. The embryos can survive in this aqueous environment because it contains amino acids, proteins, lactate, pyruvate, oxygen, glucose, antioxidants, ions, growth factors, hormones, and phospholipids-albeit the concentration of each component varies by species, stage of the estrous cycle, and anatomical location. The dynamic nature of this environment sustains early development from the one-cell zygote to blastocyst, and is reciprocally influenced by the embryo at each embryonic stage. Focusing on embryo metabolism allowed us to identify how the local environment was deliberately selected to meet the dynamic needs of the preimplantation embryo, and helped reveal approaches to improve the in vitro culture of human embryos for improved implantation rates and pregnancy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailun Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Reproductive Medical Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Reproductive Medical Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Rizos D, Maillo V, Sánchez-Calabuig MJ, Lonergan P. The Consequences of Maternal-Embryonic Cross Talk During the Periconception Period on Subsequent Embryonic Development. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1014:69-86. [PMID: 28864985 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-62414-3_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The periconception period comprises the final maturation of sperm and the processes of fertilization and early embryonic development, which take place in the oviduct. The final goal of these important events is to lead to establishment of pregnancy leading to the birth of healthy offspring. Studies in rodents and domestic animals have demonstrated that environmental conditions experienced during early development affect critical aspects of future growth, metabolism, gene expression, and physiology. Similarly, in vitro culture of embryos can be associated with changes in fetal growth, gene expression and regulation, and postnatal behavior.In the oviduct, the cross talk between the mother and gametes/embryo begins after ovulation, between the oocyte and the female reproductive tract, and continues with the sperm and the early embryo after successful fertilization. These signals are mainly the result of direct interaction of gametes and embryos with oviductal and endometrial cells, influencing the microenvironment at the specific location. Identifying and understanding the mechanisms involved in this cross talk during the critical period of early reproductive events leading to pregnancy establishment could potentially lead to improvements in current in vitro embryo production systems in domestic mammals and humans. In this review, we discuss current knowledge of the short- and long-term consequences of in vitro embryo production on embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Rizos
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruña Km. 5,9, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Veronica Maillo
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruña Km. 5,9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria-Jesús Sánchez-Calabuig
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Ctra. de la Coruña Km. 5,9, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Hennings JM, Zimmer RL, Nabli H, Davis JW, Sutovsky P, Sutovsky M, Sharpe-Timms KL. Improved Murine Blastocyst Quality and Development in a Single Culture Medium Compared to Sequential Culture Media. Reprod Sci 2015; 23:310-7. [PMID: 26668049 DOI: 10.1177/1933719115618281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Validate single versus sequential culture media for murine embryo development. DESIGN Prospective laboratory experiment. SETTING Assisted Reproduction Laboratory. ANIMALS Murine embryos. INTERVENTIONS Thawed murine zygotes cultured for 3 or 5 days (d3 or d5) in single or sequential embryo culture media developed for human in vitro fertilization. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES On d3, zygotes developing to the 8 cell (8C) stage or greater were quantified using 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI), and quality was assessed by morphological analysis. On d5, the number of embryos reaching the blastocyst stage was counted. DAPI was used to quantify total nuclei and inner cell mass nuclei. Localization of ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) and ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L3 (UCHL3) was reference points for evaluating cell quality. RESULTS Comparing outcomes in single versus to sequential media, the odds of embryos developing to the 8C stage on d3 were 2.34 time greater (P = .06). On d5, more embryos reached the blastocyst stage (P = <.0001), hatched, and had significantly more trophoblast cells (P = .005) contributing to the increased total cell number. Also at d5, localization of distinct cytoplasmic UCHL1 and nuclear UCHL3 was found in high-quality hatching blastocysts. Localization of UCHL1 and UCHL3 was diffuse and inappropriately dispersed throughout the cytoplasm in low-quality nonhatching blastocysts. CONCLUSIONS Single medium yields greater cell numbers, an increased growth rate, and more hatching of murine embryos. Cytoplasmic UCHL1 and nuclear UHCL3 localization patterns were indicative of embryo quality. Our conclusions are limited to murine embryos but one might speculate that single medium may also be more beneficial for human embryo culture. Human embryo studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Hennings
- Division of Reproductive and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA Division of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Randall L Zimmer
- Division of Reproductive and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Henda Nabli
- Division of Reproductive and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - J Wade Davis
- Department of Health Management and Informatics, School of Medicine, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA Department of Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, The University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA Biostatistics and Research Design, Galena Hall, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Reproductive and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA Division of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Miriam Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Kathy L Sharpe-Timms
- Division of Reproductive and Perinatal Research, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA Division of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Columbia, MO, USA
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Logan DJ, Shan J, Bhatia SN, Carpenter AE. Quantifying co-cultured cell phenotypes in high-throughput using pixel-based classification. Methods 2015; 96:6-11. [PMID: 26687239 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2015.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Biologists increasingly use co-culture systems in which two or more cell types are grown in cell culture together in order to better model cells' native microenvironments. Co-cultures are often required for cell survival or proliferation, or to maintain physiological functioning in vitro. Having two cell types co-exist in culture, however, poses several challenges, including difficulties distinguishing the two populations during analysis using automated image analysis algorithms. We previously analyzed co-cultured primary human hepatocytes and mouse fibroblasts in a high-throughput image-based chemical screen, using a combination of segmentation, measurement, and subsequent machine learning to score each cell as hepatocyte or fibroblast. While this approach was successful in counting hepatocytes for primary screening, segmentation of the fibroblast nuclei was less accurate. Here, we present an improved approach that more accurately identifies both cell types. Pixel-based machine learning (using the software ilastik) is used to seed segmentation of each cell type individually (using the software CellProfiler). This streamlined and accurate workflow can be carried out using freely available and open source software.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Logan
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, United States.
| | - Jing Shan
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, MIT, E25-518, 77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States.
| | - Sangeeta N Bhatia
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, United States; Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, MIT, E25-518, 77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115, United States; Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, MIT, E25-330, 77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States; Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, MIT, 38-401, 77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States; David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, 76-158, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 4000 Jones Bridge Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815-6789, United States.
| | - Anne E Carpenter
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, United States.
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Thongkittidilok C, Tharasanit T, Sananmuang T, Buarpung S, Techakumphu M. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) enhances developmental competence of cat embryos cultured singly by modulating the expression of its receptor (IGF-1R) and reducing developmental block. Growth Horm IGF Res 2014; 24:76-82. [PMID: 24726100 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2014.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2013] [Revised: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to determine the effects of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and the mRNA expression of IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) during the in vitro development of cat embryos cultured in groups versus singly. METHODS Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured and fertilized in vitro with frozen-thawed semen. Cleaved embryos (48h post-fertilization) were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: 1) group embryo culture without IGF-1 (10 embryos per 50μl droplet), 2) single-embryo culture without IGF-1, and 3) to 6) single-embryo culture (50μl droplet per embryo) supplemented with different concentrations of IGF-1 (5, 25, 50 and 100ng/ml, respectively). During in vitro culture, the embryos were analyzed for development to the morula, blastocyst and hatching blastocyst stage. Relative mRNA expression of IGF-1R was also examined by qPCR at the morula and blastocyst stages. In addition, the mRNA expression of IGF-1R in morula-stage embryos treated with IGF-1 was determined. The influence of IGF-1 to preimplantation embryo development was then explored by co-incubation with 0.5μM IGF-1R inhibitor (Picropodophyllin; PPP). RESULTS Group embryo culture led to a significantly higher blastocyst development rate compared with single-embryo culture (P<0.05). The poor development of singly cultured embryos coincided with the significantly lower IGF-1R expression in morulae than in group-cultured morulae. IGF-1 (25 or 50ng/ml) supplementation significantly improved the blastocyst formation rate of single embryos to a level similar to group culture by promoting the morula-to-blastocyst transition. IGF-1 supplementation (25 or 50ng/ml) of singly cultured embryos upregulated the expression of IGF-1R mRNA in morula-stage embryos to the same level as that observed in group-cultured embryos (without IGF-1). The beneficial effects of IGF-1 on singly cultured embryo were (P<0.05) suppressed by PPP even in the group culture embryo without growth factor supplementation. CONCLUSION IGF-1 supplementation improves the developmental competence of feline embryos cultured individually and also increases IGF-1R gene expression to levels similar to group-cultured embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chommanart Thongkittidilok
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Chulalongkorn University, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Theerawat Tharasanit
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Chulalongkorn University, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Thanida Sananmuang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Chulalongkorn University, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Sirirak Buarpung
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Chulalongkorn University, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Mongkol Techakumphu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Chulalongkorn University, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
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Combelles CMH, Holick EA, Racowsky C. Release of superoxide dismutase-1 by day 3 embryos of varying quality and implantation potential. J Assist Reprod Genet 2012; 29:305-11. [PMID: 22274808 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-012-9711-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2011] [Accepted: 01/10/2012] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine if the antioxidant superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1 or Cu,Zn-SOD) is released by cultured human cleavage-stage embryos and to assess any link between SOD1 and implantation potential. METHODS Women (n = 91; ≤40 years old) undergoing IVF treatment with transfer of one or two 8-cell embryos that resulted in 0 or 100% implantation were included. Following individual embryo culture, spent medium samples (n = 122) were collected and levels of SOD1 protein were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. SOD1 detection and concentration in embryo spent medium were analyzed in relation to embryo fragmentation and symmetry scores, and implantation (viable fetus at >12 weeks). RESULTS Cleavage-stage embryos release SOD1 protein into the spent culture medium. Neither detection nor concentration of SOD1 was related to implantation. There was a positive relationship between increased embryo fragmentation scores and SOD1 release, with no apparent association with symmetry. In non-pregnant cycles, the release of SOD1 decreased with increasing maternal age. CONCLUSIONS While SOD1 does not predict implantation potential of select good-quality embryos, our data support the need to evaluate the biological significance of released SOD1 by embryos of varying quality and from patients of varying age.
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Abstract
Embryo density is defined as the embryo-to-volume ratio achieved during in vitro culture; in other words, it is the number of embryos in a defined volume of culture medium. The same density can be achieved by manipulating either the number of embryos in a given volume of medium, or manipulating the volume of the medium for a given number of embryos: for example, a microdrop with five embryos in a 50 μl volume under oil has the same embryo-to-volume ratio (1:10 μl) as a microdrop with one embryo in a 10 μl volume under oil (1:10 μl). Increased embryo density can improve mammalian embryo development in vitro; however, the mechanism(s) responsible for this effect may be different with respect to which method is used to increase embryo density.Standard, flat sterile plastic petri dishes are the most common, traditional platform for embryo culture. Microdrops under a mineral oil overlay can be prepared to control embryo density, but it is critical that dish preparation is consistent, where appropriate techniques are applied to prevent microdrop dehydration during preparation, and results of any data collection are reliable, and repeatable. There are newer dishes available from several manufacturers that are specifically designed for embryo culture; most are readily available for use with human embryos. The concept behind these newer dishes relies on fabrication of conical and smaller volume wells into the dish design, so that embryos rest at the lowest point in the wells, and where putative embryotrophic factors may concentrate.Embryo density is not usually considered by the embryologist as a technique in and of itself; rather, the decision to culture embryos in groups or individually is protocol-driven, and is based more on convenience or the need to collect data on individual embryos. Embryo density can be controlled, and as such, it can be utilized as a simple, yet effective tool to improve in vitro development of human embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Reed
- Center for Reproductive Medicine of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
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Abstract
Adiponectin can play an important role in regulating the female reproductive function and embryo development and can affect the embryo at very early stages of pregnancy--during the preimplantation period. Disturbances in the maternal adiponectin system are associated with several diseases, including diabetes type 2, obesity, and some female reproductive disorders. Adiponectin receptors are expressed in oocytes and preimplantation embryos and can be activated by adiponectin produced by maternal adipose tissue or organs of the female reproductive tract. Adiponectin can affect proliferation and survival of cells in preimplantation embryos, and these effects are isoform dependent. Experimental results suggest involvement of various protein kinases, including mitogen-activated protein kinases, in the regulation of these processes by adiponectin. Actions of adiponectin on lipid and glucose metabolism can increase the energy supply to the embryo, and final targets of adiponectin signaling are metabolic enzymes, glucose transporters, and fatty acid transporters. The involvement of several signaling molecules, such as AMPK/PRKA, PI3K, or AKT/PKB, in the regulation of metabolic processes by adiponectin has been demonstrated in preimplantation embryos. In summary, adiponectin produced in an endocrine/paracrine/autocrine manner can significantly influence preimplantation embryo development, uterine receptivity, and embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Cikoš
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4, Košice, Slovak Republic.
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