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Souza-Fabjan JMG, Leal GR, Monteiro CAS, Batista RITP, Barbosa NO, Freitas VJF. In vitro embryo production in small ruminants: what is still missing? Anim Reprod 2023; 20:e20230055. [PMID: 38025995 PMCID: PMC10681138 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro embryo production (IVEP) is an extremely important tool for genetic improvement in livestock and it is the biotechnology that has grown the most recently. However, multiple ovulation followed by embryo transfer is still considered the leading biotechnology for embryo production in small ruminants. This review aimed to identify what is still missing for more efficient diffusion of IVEP in small ruminants, going through the IVEP steps and highlighting the main factors affecting the outcomes. Oocyte quality is essential for the success of IVEP and an aspect to be considered in small ruminants is their reproductive seasonality and strategies to mitigate the effect of season. The logistics for oocyte collection from live females is more complex than in cattle, and tools to simplify this collection system and/or to promote an alternative way of recovering oocytes may be an important point in this scenario. The heterogeneity of oocytes collected from growing follicles in live females or from ovaries collected from abattoirs remains a challenge, and there is a demand to standardize/homogenize the hormonal stimulatory protocols and IVM protocols for each source of oocytes. The use of sexed semen is technically possible, however the low market demand associated with the high costs of the sexing process prevents the routine use of this technique, but its higher availability is an important aspect aiming for greater dissemination of IVEP. New noninvasive approaches for embryo selection are key factors since the selection for transfer or cryopreservation is another difficulty faced among laboratories. Embryo selection is based on morphological traits, although these are not necessarily reliable in predicting pregnancy. Several issues described in this review must be considered by researchers in other to promote the diffusion of IVEP in small ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriela Ramos Leal
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Vicente José Figueirêdo Freitas
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Controle da Reprodução, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil
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Lorenzo-Torres A, Rangel-Santos R, Ruíz-Flores A, Ambríz-García DA. In vitro embryo production from ewes at different physiological stages. J Vet Sci 2023; 24:e10. [PMID: 36560839 PMCID: PMC9899946 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.22168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The collection of ovaries from slaughterhouses is an important source of oocytes for in vitro embryo production. On the other hand, the physiological stage of slaughtered females varies and influences embryo production. OBJECTIVES The study examined the in vitro efficiency of embryos and demi-embryos from young, non-pregnant adult, and pregnant adult ewes from a local slaughterhouse. METHODS One thousand three hundred ovaries were collected from August to October 2020. The recovered oocytes were matured, fertilized, and cultured at 5% CO2, 38.5°C, and 100% humidity. Embryo bisection was performed in 96 blastocysts (n = 32 per treatment). The demi-embryo pairs were incubated for their reconstitution for 12 h. SAS was used for data analysis. RESULTS The number of oocytes collected from the experimental group of non-pregnant adult ewes was higher (p ≤ 0.007) than those collected from the group of pregnant adult ewes (2.67 ± 0.19 vs. 2.18 ± 0.15 oocytes/group, respectively). The blastocyst rate was higher (p ≤ 0.0001) in the non-pregnant adult group (36.39%) than in the young (17.96%). The ratio of demi-embryos that recovered the blastocoelic cavity was higher (p < 0.05) in the young group (81.25%) than in the pregnant adult group (59.38%). The diameter of the demi-embryos was higher (p < 0.05) in the non-pregnant adult group (186.54 ± 8.70 μm) than those in the young and pregnant adult groups. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the in vitro embryo production efficiency was highest when using oocytes from non-pregnant adult ewes under the conditions of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Lorenzo-Torres
- Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Posgrado en Producción Animal del Departamento de Zootecnia, Estado de México, C.P. 56230, México
| | - Raymundo Rangel-Santos
- Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Posgrado en Producción Animal del Departamento de Zootecnia, Estado de México, C.P. 56230, México.
| | - Agustín Ruíz-Flores
- Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Posgrado en Producción Animal del Departamento de Zootecnia, Estado de México, C.P. 56230, México
| | - Demetrio Alonso Ambríz-García
- Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Ciudad de México, C.P. 09310, México
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Sanchez DJD, Vasconcelos FR, Teles-Filho ACA, Viana AGA, Martins AMA, Sousa MV, Castro MS, Ricart CA, Fontes W, Bertolini M, Bustamante-Filho IC, Moura AA. Proteomic profile of pre-implantational ovine embryos produced in vivo. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:586-603. [PMID: 33460477 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The present study was conducted to decipher the proteome of in vivo-produced pre-implantation ovine embryos. Ten locally adapted Morana Nova ewes received hormonal treatment and were inseminated 12 hr after ovulation. Six days later, 54 embryos (morula and blastocyst developmental state) were recovered from eight ewes and pooled to obtain sufficient protein for proteomic analysis. Extracted embryo proteins were analysed by LC-MS/MS, followed by identification based on four database searches (PEAKS, Proteome Discoverer software, SearchGUI software, PepExplorer). Identified proteins were analysed for gene ontology terms, protein clusters and interactions. Genes associated with the ovine embryo proteome were screened for miRNA targets using data sets of TargetScan (http://www.targetscan.org) and mIRBase (http://www.mirbase.org) servers. There were 667 proteins identified in the ovine embryos. Biological processes of such proteins were mainly related to cellular process and regulation, and molecular functions, to binding and catalytic activity. Analysis of the embryo proteins revealed 49 enriched functional clusters, linked to energy metabolism (TCA cycle, pyruvate and glycolysis metabolism), zona pellucida (ZP), MAPK signalling pathway, tight junction, binding of sperm to ZP, translation, proteasome, cell cycle and calcium/phospholipid binding. Sixteen miRNAs were related to 25 pre-implantation ovine embryo genes, all conserved in human, bovine and ovine species. The interaction network generated by miRNet showed four key miRNAs (hsa-mir-106b-5p; hsa-mir-30-5p; hsa-mir-103a-5p and hsa-mir-106a-5p) with potential interactions with embryo-expressed genes. Functional analysis of the network indicated that miRNAs modulate genes related to cell cycle, regulation of stem cell and embryonic cell differentiation, among others. Retrieved miRNAs also modulate the expression of genes involved in cell signalling pathways, such as MAPK, Wnt, TGF-beta, p53 and Toll-like receptor. The current study describes the first major proteomic profile of 6-day-old ovine embryos produced in vivo, setting a comprehensive foundation for our understanding of embryo physiology in the ovine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deisy J D Sanchez
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Fabio R Vasconcelos
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | - Arabela G A Viana
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Aline M A Martins
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Marcelo V Sousa
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Mariana S Castro
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Carlos A Ricart
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Wagner Fontes
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Bertolini
- The School of Veterinay Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Arlindo A Moura
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
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Souza-Fabjan JMG, Batista RITP, Correia LFL, Paramio MT, Fonseca JF, Freitas VJF, Mermillod P. In vitro production of small ruminant embryos: latest improvements and further research. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:31-54. [PMID: 38769678 DOI: 10.1071/rd20206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
This review presents the latest advances in and main obstacles to the application of invitro embryo production (IVEP) systems in small ruminants. This biotechnology is an extremely important tool for genetic improvement for livestock and is essential for the establishment of other biotechnologies, such as cloning and transgenesis. At present, the IVEP market is almost non-existent for small ruminants, in contrast with the trends observed in cattle. This is probably related to the lower added value of small ruminants, lower commercial demand and fewer qualified professionals interested in this area. Moreover, there are fewer research groups working on small ruminant IVEP than those working with cattle and pigs. The heterogeneity of oocytes collected from growing follicles in live females or from ovaries collected from abattoirs remains a challenge for IVEP dissemination in goats and sheep. Of note, although the logistics of oocyte collection from live small ruminant females are more complex than in the bovine, in general the IVEP outcomes, in terms of blastocyst production, are similar. We anticipate that after appropriate training and repeatable results, the commercial demand for small ruminant invitro -produced embryos may increase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna M G Souza-Fabjan
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, Niterói-RJ, CEP 24230-340, Brazil; and Corresponding author
| | - Ribrio I T P Batista
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, Niterói-RJ, CEP 24230-340, Brazil
| | - Lucas F L Correia
- Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho, 64, Niterói-RJ, CEP 24230-340, Brazil
| | - Maria Teresa Paramio
- Departament de Ciencia Animal i dels Aliments, Facultat de Veterinaria, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Valles, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jeferson F Fonseca
- Embrapa Caprinos e Ovinos, Rodovia MG 133, km 42, Campo Experimental Coronel Pacheco, Coronel Pacheco-MG, CEP 36155-000, Brazil
| | - Vicente J F Freitas
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Controle da Reprodução, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, CEP 60714-903, Brazil
| | - Pascal Mermillod
- Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE), UMR7247, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France
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D'Occhio MJ, Campanile G, Zicarelli L, Visintin JA, Baruselli PS. Adhesion molecules in gamete transport, fertilization, early embryonic development, and implantation-role in establishing a pregnancy in cattle: A review. Mol Reprod Dev 2020; 87:206-222. [PMID: 31944459 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cell-cell adhesion molecules have critically important roles in the early events of reproduction including gamete transport, sperm-oocyte interaction, embryonic development, and implantation. Major adhesion molecules involved in reproduction include cadherins, integrins, and disintegrin and metalloprotease domain-containing (ADAM) proteins. ADAMs on the surface of sperm adhere to integrins on the oocyte in the initial stages of sperm-oocyte interaction and fusion. Cadherins act in early embryos to organize the inner cell mass and trophectoderm. The trophoblast and uterine endometrial epithelium variously express cadherins, integrins, trophinin, and selectin, which achieve apposition and attachment between the elongating conceptus and uterine epithelium before implantation. An overview of the major cell-cell adhesion molecules is presented and this is followed by examples of how adhesion molecules help shape early reproductive events. The argument is made that a deeper understanding of adhesion molecules and reproduction will inform new strategies that improve embryo survival and increase the efficiency of natural mating and assisted breeding in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J D'Occhio
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Giuseppe Campanile
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Zicarelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - José A Visintin
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pietro S Baruselli
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Overexpression of signal transducers and activators of transcription in embryos derived from vitrified oocytes negatively affect E-cadherin expression and embryo development. Cryobiology 2015; 70:239-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2015.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2014] [Revised: 12/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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The effect of vitrification of immature bovine oocytes to the subsequent in vitro development and gene expression. ZYGOTE 2014; 23:933-42. [DOI: 10.1017/s0967199414000653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
SummaryImmature bovine oocytes were vitrified using the cryotop method and their post-warming survivability and capability to undergo in vitro maturation, fertilization and subsequent embryonic development were evaluated. In addition throughout the embryonic 2-cell, 4-cell, morula and blastocyst stages, the expression of four developmentally important genes (Cx43, CDH1, DNMT1 and HSPA14) was analysed using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Immature oocytes (n = 550) were randomly assigned to non-vitrified (fresh) or cryotop vitrification groups using ethylene glycol (EG) with 1,2 propanediol (PROH) or dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO). After warming, oocytes survivability, embryo cleavage and embryonic developmental rates were not statistically different between the two cryoprotectants groups. However, the DMSO group had a lower (P < 0.05) oocyte maturation rate compared with the fresh and PROH groups. For morula and blastocyst rates, the DMSO group achieved a lower (P < 0.05) morula rate compared with the fresh group, while at the blastocyst stage, there were no differences between fresh and both cryoprotectants groups. For molecular analysis, at the 4-cell stage, most studied genes showed an inconsistent pattern of expression either from the PROH or DMSO groups. Noteworthily, these differences were limited at the morula and blastocyst stages. In conclusion, the cryotop method is sufficient for vitrification of immature bovine oocytes, both for embryonic developmental competence and at the molecular level. Moreover, PROH showed some advantage over DMSO as a cryoprotectant.
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