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Dey P, Monferini N, Donadini L, Lodde V, Franciosi F, Luciano AM. A spotlight on factors influencing the in vitro folliculogenesis of isolated preantral follicles. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024:10.1007/s10815-024-03277-5. [PMID: 39373807 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03277-5] [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: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Female fertility preservation via complete in vitro folliculogenesis is still chimerical. Due to many factors affecting the efficiency of isolation and culture of preantral follicles, the improvement of techniques geared to fertility preservation in higher mammals seems to be at an impasse. We need an objective view of the current stand to understand how to progress further. As such, a survey was conducted to analyze the relative distribution of studies performed in ten mammalian species on preantral follicle culture available on PubMed. Using the bovine as a reference model, we explore some factors influencing data variation that contribute to the difficulty in reproducing studies. While years of research have enabled the recapitulation of folliculogenesis from as modest as the early antral follicle stage ex vivo, in vitro preantral folliculogenesis remains elusive. Herein, we revisit the classical evidence that laid the foundations for understanding preantral folliculogenesis and review the length, breadth, and depth of information that the era of big data has currently levied. Moving forward, we recognize the urgency of synthesizing the multi-disciplinary approaches to mimic folliculogenesis in vitro to achieve a translational landscape of infertility at individual and large-scale conservation levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pritha Dey
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory (ReDBioLab), Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Noemi Monferini
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory (ReDBioLab), Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ludovica Donadini
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory (ReDBioLab), Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory (ReDBioLab), Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Franciosi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory (ReDBioLab), Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Maria Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory (ReDBioLab), Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy.
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Pietroforte S, Dey P, Ibáñez E, Luciano AM, Lodde V, Franciosi F, Popovic M, Vassena R, Zambelli F. Meiotic maturation failure in primary ovarian insufficiency: insights from a bovine model. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:2011-2020. [PMID: 38951359 PMCID: PMC11339010 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03160-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Oocytes from women presenting primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) generate viable embryos at a lower rate than non-POI women, but the mechanisms responsible for the lower oocyte quality remain elusive. Due to the scarcity of human oocytes for research, animal models provide a promising way forward. We aimed at investigating the molecular events characterizing final maturation in POI oocytes in a well-defined POI-like bovine model. METHODS Single-cell RNA-sequencing of bovine control and POI-like, GV, and MII oocytes (n = 5 per group) was performed. DEseq2 was used to identify differentially expressed genes. Further, a Gene set enrichment analysis and a transcriptomic meta-analysis between bovine and human oocytes were performed. RESULTS In control cows, we found 2223 differentially expressed genes between the GV and MII stages. Specifically, the affected genes were related to RNA processing and transport, protein synthesis, organelle remodeling and reorganization, and metabolism. The meta-analysis with a set of young human oocytes at different maturation stages revealed 315 conserved genes through the GV-MII transition in cows and humans, mostly related to meiotic progression and cell cycle. Gene expression analysis between GV and MII of POI-like oocytes showed no differences in terms of differentially expressed genes, pointing towards a substantial failure to properly remodel the transcriptome in the POI model, and with the clustering analysis indicating that the cow's genetic background had a higher impact than the oocyte's maturation stage. CONCLUSION Overall, we have identified and characterized a valuable animal model of POI, paving the way to identifying new molecular mechanisms involved in POI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pietroforte
- Basic Research Laboratory - Eugin Group, Barcelona, 08006, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Pritha Dey
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Lodi, 26900, Italy
| | - Elena Ibáñez
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain
| | - Alberto Maria Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Lodi, 26900, Italy
| | - Valentina Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Lodi, 26900, Italy
| | - Federica Franciosi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Lodi, 26900, Italy
| | - Mina Popovic
- Basic Research Laboratory - Eugin Group, Barcelona, 08006, Spain.
| | - Rita Vassena
- Basic Research Laboratory - Eugin Group, Barcelona, 08006, Spain
- Current address, Fecundis, Barcelona, 08006, Spain
| | - Filippo Zambelli
- Basic Research Laboratory - Eugin Group, Barcelona, 08006, Spain.
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Dey P, Monferini N, Donadini L, Lodde V, Franciosi F, Luciano AM. Method of Isolation and In Vitro Culture of Primordial Follicles in Bovine Animal Model. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2770:171-182. [PMID: 38351454 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3698-5_13] [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: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The mammalian ovary is a substantial source of oocytes arranged into follicles at various stages of folliculogenesis, from the primordial to the ovulatory ones. Primordial follicles constitute the most abundant source of gametes inside the mammalian ovary at any given time.The isolation of a high number of primordial follicles, together with the development of protocols for in vitro follicle growth, would provide a powerful tool to fully exploit the female reproductive potential and boost the rescue and restoration of fertility in assisted reproduction technologies in human medicine, animal breeding, and preservation of threatened species. However, the most significant limitation is the lack of efficient methods for isolating a healthy and homogeneous population of viable primordial follicles suitable for in vitro culture. Here, we provide a fast and high-yield strategy for the mechanical isolation of primordial follicles from limited portions of the ovarian cortex in the bovine animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pritha Dey
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Noemi Monferini
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ludovica Donadini
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Franciosi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Maria Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Alvarez RH, Duarte KMR, Carvalho JBP, Rocha CC, Junior GAA, Trevisol E, Melo AJF, Pugliesi G. Ovarian morphology and follicular dynamics associated with ovarian aging in Bos indicus beef cows. Anim Reprod Sci 2023:107279. [PMID: 37353462 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107279] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
This study characterizes the ovarian volume, antral follicle count (AFC), and ovarian dynamics of cows at different ages. Nellore cows (Bos taurus indicus) were used in two experiments. In Experiment 1, 57 lactating cows ranging in age from 3 to 23 years had their estrous cycle synchronized based on progesterone/estradiol treatments. The ovaries were scanned by ultrasound to record ovarian volume and AFC prior to follicle aspiration (AFC1). A second AFC (AFC2) was performed 5 days later to count only the growing antral follicles. In Experiment 2, six long-lived (14- to 23-year-old) and three young (4- to 8-year-old) non-lactating cows were submitted to daily ovarian scanning ultrasound during an interovulatory interval. Blood samples were collected during the estrous cycle to assess serum progesterone concentration. Data were analyzed using Student's t-test, ANOVA, and regression analysis tests. In Experiment 1, there were more (P < 0.05) antral follicles in AFC1 (31.4 ± 3.5) than in AFC2 (22.6 ± 2.4). In AFC1, the volume of the right ovary (6.03 ± 0.5 cm3) was greater (P < 0.01) than that of the left one (4.53 ± 0.4 cm3), although the AFC did not differ between the two ovaries (15.3 ± 1.8 and 16.3 ± 1.8, respectively). In both AFC1 and AFC2, there was a decline in the number of antral follicles as the age of the cow increased (P < 0.01). Ovarian volume (average of both ovaries) was related (P < 0.01) with AFC (R² = 0.1499) and cow age (R² = 0.0911). In Experiment 2, young and old cows under the age of 20 had a pattern of follicular growth waves, while cows over 20 years old did not have waves of follicular growth. The progesterone profiles and corpus luteum size during the estrous cycle did not differ between the groups. In conclusion, although cows had increased ovarian volume and decreased follicular population as they age, the follicular growth pattern and corpus luteum functionality appear to be unaffected by age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael H Alvarez
- Agency for Agribusiness Technology of São Paulo (APTA/SAA), Piracicaba, SP, Brazil.
| | - Keila M R Duarte
- Agency for Agribusiness Technology of São Paulo (APTA/SAA), Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - João B P Carvalho
- Agency for Agribusiness Technology of São Paulo (APTA/SAA), Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
| | - Cecília C Rocha
- Animal Reproduction Department/FMVZ/USP, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Alfredo J F Melo
- Agency for Agribusiness Technology of São Paulo (APTA/SAA), Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
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Garcia Barros R, Lodde V, Franciosi F, Luciano AM. A refined culture system of oocytes from early antral follicles promotes oocyte maturation and embryo development in cattle. Reproduction 2023; 165:221-233. [PMID: 36473031 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In brief The proposed culture system improves the current state of in vitro culture of growing oocytes in the bovine species and allows access to the untapped gamete reserve, thus improving reproductive efficiency. Abstract The present study aimed to improve the in vitro culture of bovine oocytes collected from early antral follicles (EAFs) to support the progressive acquisition of meiotic and developmental competence. The rationale that drove the development of such a culture system was to maintain as much as possible the physiological conditions that support the oocyte growth and differentiation in vivo. To this extent, oocytes were cultured for 5 days, which parallels the transition from early to medium antral follicles (MAFs) in the bovine, and supports promoting a 3D-like structure were provided. Additionally, the main hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone, estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone) were added in concentrations similar to the ones previously observed in bovine EAFs. The meiotic arrest was imposed using cilostamide. The cultured cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) reached a mean diameter of 113.4 ± 0.75 µm and showed a progressive condensation of the chromatin enclosed in the germinal vesicle (GV), together with a gradual decrease in the global transcriptional activity, measured by 5-ethynyl uridine incorporation. The described morpho-functional changes were accompanied by an increased ability to mature and develop to the blastocyst stage in vitro, although not matching the rates obtained by MAF-retrieved oocytes. The described system improves the current state of in vitro culture of growing oocytes in the bovine species, and it can be used to increase the number of gametes usable for in vitro embryo production in animals of high genetic merit or with specific desirable traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Garcia Barros
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory (Redbiolab), Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory (Redbiolab), Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Franciosi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory (Redbiolab), Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Maria Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory (Redbiolab), Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Bevilaqua JR, Rodrigues NN, Rossi GF, Pupin MAF, Silva MO, Borges MS, Fernandes LG, Mercadante MEZ, Monteiro FM, Oliveira MEF. Effect of follicular wave stage on potential fertility predictors and their repeatability coefficient in prepubertal Bos indicus (Nellore) and Bos taurus (Caracu) heifers. Animal 2022; 16:100678. [PMID: 36493570 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2022.100678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In an attempt to develop accessible methods for the precocious individual selection based on phenotypic attributes related to reproductive superiority, this study evaluated the effects of follicular wave stages (emergence and dominance) and the repeatability coefficients of potential fertility predictors (vulvar morphometry, uterine biometry, echogenicity and echotexture, ovarian biometry, and antral follicle count - AFC) in two breeds of purebred prepubertal heifers. Nellore (n = 30) and Caracu (n = 28) heifers were submitted to a sequence of 11 evaluations conducted every 48 h (D0 - random day of the antral follicular wave until D20) to study potential fertility indicators under natural conditions. The data obtained were compared according to breed and follicular wave stage. Statistical analysis included the fixed effects of breed, evaluation day, and their statistical interaction and was performed using MIXED, GENMOD, GLM, and CORR procedures of the SAS program. Breed was found to influence rima height, ovarian area, and AFC, which were greater in Nellore heifers (P < 0.02). The follicular wave stage also influenced most of the potential predictors, highlighting AFC which was higher in the presence of a dominant follicle in both breeds (P < 0.0001). The repeatability coefficients for vulvar width (0.76 and 0.66), ovarian area (0.70 and 0.62), and AFC (0.76 and 0.74) were considered to be high in Nellore and Caracu heifers, respectively. Only ovarian biometry was able to predict AFC (Pearson correlation coefficient ≥ 0.66; P < 0.0001) in prepubertal heifers. The results indicate that most of the phenotypic reproductive parameters analyzed can be characterized throughout prepuberty using a single measure since they are intrinsic attributes of the individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Bevilaqua
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, Via de Acesso Professor Paulo Donato Castelane - Vila Industrial, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - N N Rodrigues
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, Via de Acesso Professor Paulo Donato Castelane - Vila Industrial, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - G F Rossi
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, Via de Acesso Professor Paulo Donato Castelane - Vila Industrial, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - M A F Pupin
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, Via de Acesso Professor Paulo Donato Castelane - Vila Industrial, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - M O Silva
- Beef Cattle Research Center, Institute of Animal Science (IZ), Road Carlos Tonani, 94 - Zona Industrial, Sertãozinho, SP, Brazil
| | - M S Borges
- Beef Cattle Research Center, Institute of Animal Science (IZ), Road Carlos Tonani, 94 - Zona Industrial, Sertãozinho, SP, Brazil
| | - L G Fernandes
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, Via de Acesso Professor Paulo Donato Castelane - Vila Industrial, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - M E Z Mercadante
- Beef Cattle Research Center, Institute of Animal Science (IZ), Road Carlos Tonani, 94 - Zona Industrial, Sertãozinho, SP, Brazil
| | - F M Monteiro
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, Via de Acesso Professor Paulo Donato Castelane - Vila Industrial, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil; Beef Cattle Research Center, Institute of Animal Science (IZ), Road Carlos Tonani, 94 - Zona Industrial, Sertãozinho, SP, Brazil
| | - M E F Oliveira
- Department of Pathology, Reproduction and One Health, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, Via de Acesso Professor Paulo Donato Castelane - Vila Industrial, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil.
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Fonseca É, Marques CC, Pimenta J, Jorge J, Baptista MC, Gonçalves AC, Pereira RMLN. Anti-Aging Effect of Urolithin A on Bovine Oocytes In Vitro. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11072048. [PMID: 34359176 PMCID: PMC8300261 DOI: 10.3390/ani11072048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Post-ovulatory and maternal oocyte aging impair female reproductive capacity through several mechanisms that are not fully understood. Urolithin A (UA) is a natural compound previously identified to exert an anti-aging effects in several cells, which has never been used in bovine germinal cells. Our goal was to study UA effect on the developmental potential of the female gamete and the surround cumulus cells obtained from young and adult cows. A model for in vitro aging of female gametes was implemented to study different problems associated with reproductive aging and fertility impairment. Results confirmed that aging exerts a harmful effect on oocyte quality measured by using different parameters and gene expression levels of cumulus cells. Moreover, UA supplementation was an effective way to prevent oocyte aging, improving the subsequent bovine embryonic development. Abstract Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction have been associated with the age-related decline of oocyte quality and strategies for their prevention are currently quested. Urolithin A (UA) is a natural metabolite with pro-apoptotic and antioxidant effects, capable of preventing the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria in different aged cells. UA has never been tested in bovine oocytes. Our aim was to study the effect of UA on the developmental potential of cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) and granulosa cells’ (GCs) expression of important genes related to reproductive competence. Nuclear maturation progression, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and developmental competence of physiologically mature (22 h) and in vitro aged oocytes (30 h of IVM) obtained from prepubertal and adult females, either supplemented with UA or not were assessed. Additionally, the amount of mRNA of several genes (NFE2L2, NQO1, and mt-DN5) and the number of mt-ND5 DNA copies were quantified in cultured GCs from prepubertal and adult females, either supplemented with UA or not. Our study confirmed the harmful effect of oocyte aging on the nuclear maturation progression, MMP, developmental competence and gene expression levels. UA treatment during in vitro maturation enhanced (p < 0.05) the maturation rate and subsequent developmental capacity of aged oocytes. A positive effect (p < 0.05) of UA on physiological maturation, MMP and embryonic development was also identified. UA also interfered on the expression profile of NFE2L2 and NQO1 genes in GCs cultures. Our findings demonstrate that UA supplementation is an effective way to prevent oocyte aging and improves the subsequent bovine embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Élisa Fonseca
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Quinta da Fonte Boa, 2005-048 Santarem, Portugal; (É.F.); (C.C.M.); (J.P.); (M.C.B.)
| | - Carla Cruz Marques
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Quinta da Fonte Boa, 2005-048 Santarem, Portugal; (É.F.); (C.C.M.); (J.P.); (M.C.B.)
| | - Jorge Pimenta
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Quinta da Fonte Boa, 2005-048 Santarem, Portugal; (É.F.); (C.C.M.); (J.P.); (M.C.B.)
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joana Jorge
- Group of Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, University Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.J.); (A.C.G.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Conceição Baptista
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Quinta da Fonte Boa, 2005-048 Santarem, Portugal; (É.F.); (C.C.M.); (J.P.); (M.C.B.)
| | - Ana Cristina Gonçalves
- Group of Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, University Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.J.); (A.C.G.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rosa M. L. N. Pereira
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Quinta da Fonte Boa, 2005-048 Santarem, Portugal; (É.F.); (C.C.M.); (J.P.); (M.C.B.)
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-243767300
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Lodde V, Luciano AM, Musmeci G, Miclea I, Tessaro I, Aru M, Albertini DF, Franciosi F. A Nuclear and Cytoplasmic Characterization of Bovine Oocytes Reveals That Cysteamine Partially Rescues the Embryo Development in a Model of Low Ovarian Reserve. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11071936. [PMID: 34209664 PMCID: PMC8300191 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Women’s reproductive performance starts declining in the mid-30s, and by age 40–45, the possibility of becoming pregnant becomes very small. Reproductive aging is a physiological process of fertility decline characterized by a decrease in quality and stockpile of eggs (also called ovarian reserve) in most mammals. However, young individuals too can show an accelerated reproductive aging that similarly results in a low ovarian reserve and hypofertility. This syndrome, called premature ovarian failure (POF), is becoming a relevant problem due to the general tendency to postpone the first pregnancy. In this study, we used bovine ovaries that were classified in two categories, according to the number of follicles visible on the ovarian surface, and analyzed some parameters of egg maturation. We observed that eggs from the ‘aging-like’ ovaries carry several defects that impair maturation. However, one of the parameters was improved upon supplementation with a scavenger of free radicals, providing a proof of concept that in-depth knowledge of the cellular mechanisms is essential to find solutions to everyday-life problems. Abstract Decreased oocyte quality is a major determinant of age-associated fertility decline. Similarly, individuals affected by early ovarian aging carry low-quality oocytes. Using an established bovine model of early ovarian aging, we investigated key features of ‘quality’ oocyte maturation, associated with the onset of egg aneuploidy and reproductive aging, such as histone modifications, mitochondria distribution and activity, reduced glutathione (GSH) content, and gap junction functionality. Bovine ovaries were classified according to the antral follicle count (AFC), and the retrieved oocytes were processed immediately or matured in vitro. We observed alterations in several cellular processes, suggesting a multifactorial etiology of the reduced oocyte quality. Furthermore, we performed a rescue experiment for one of the parameters considered. By adding cysteamine to the maturation medium, we experimentally increased the free radical scavenger ability of the ‘low competence’ oocytes and obtained a higher embryo development. Our findings show that adopting culture conditions that counteract the free radicals has a positive impact on the quality of ‘compromised’ oocytes. Specifically, cysteamine treatment seems to be a promising option for treating aging-related deficiencies in embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Lab., Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare ‘Carlo Cantoni’, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (V.L.); (A.M.L.); (G.M.); (I.T.); (M.A.)
| | - Alberto Maria Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Lab., Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare ‘Carlo Cantoni’, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (V.L.); (A.M.L.); (G.M.); (I.T.); (M.A.)
| | - Giulia Musmeci
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Lab., Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare ‘Carlo Cantoni’, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (V.L.); (A.M.L.); (G.M.); (I.T.); (M.A.)
| | - Ileana Miclea
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnologies, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Irene Tessaro
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Lab., Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare ‘Carlo Cantoni’, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (V.L.); (A.M.L.); (G.M.); (I.T.); (M.A.)
| | - Mariella Aru
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Lab., Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare ‘Carlo Cantoni’, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (V.L.); (A.M.L.); (G.M.); (I.T.); (M.A.)
| | | | - Federica Franciosi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Lab., Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare ‘Carlo Cantoni’, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy; (V.L.); (A.M.L.); (G.M.); (I.T.); (M.A.)
- Correspondence:
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9
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Luciano AM, Barros RG, Soares ACS, Buratini J, Lodde V, Franciosi F. Recreating the Follicular Environment: A Customized Approach for In Vitro Culture of Bovine Oocytes Based on the Origin and Differentiation State. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2273:1-15. [PMID: 33604842 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1246-0_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian ovary is a large source of oocytes organized into follicles at various stages of folliculogenesis. However, only a limited number of them can be used for in vitro embryo production (IVEP), while most have yet to complete growth and development to attain full meiotic and embryonic developmental competence. While the in vitro growth of primordial follicles in the ovarian cortex has the potential to produce mature oocytes, it is still at an experimental stage. The population of early antral follicles (EAFs), instead, may represent a reserve of oocytes close to completing the growth phase, which might be more easily exploited in vitro and could increase the number of female gametes dedicated to IVEP.Here we present in vitro culture strategies that have been developed utilizing physiological parameters to support the specific needs of oocytes at distinct stages of differentiation, in order to expand the source of female gametes for IVEP by maximizing the attainment of fertilizable oocytes. Furthermore, these culture systems provide powerful tools to dissect the molecular processes that direct the final differentiation of the mammalian oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Maria Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Rodrigo Garcia Barros
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ana Caroline Silva Soares
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Jose Buratini
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil.,Biogenesi, Reproductive Medicine Centre, Monza, Italy
| | - Valentina Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Franciosi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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10
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KEKAN PM, INGOLE SD, NAVEKAR AS, BHARUCHA SV, KHARDE SD. Determination of anti-mullerian hormone in serum and ovarian histopathology of buffaloes. THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v90i4.104201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Present study was undertaken to assess AMH concentration in serum and histopathological study of AFC in buffalo ovaries. Total 30 pair of ovary were collected in 10% Neutral Buffer Formalin. Blood samples were also collected before slaughtering the buffalo animals for estimation of AMH concentration. Before processing, 10 serial sections of each pair of ovary was done for histopathological examinations. All the serial sections of the ovaries were processed as per the standard procedure. On the basis of histopathological examinations and follicle count, animals were categorized as cyclic and anestrus. Out of 30 pairs of ovary, 18 pairs were identified as anestrus and 12 as cyclic. The mean number of primordial, antral and growing ovarian follicles count of cyclic buffaloes were 0.42±0.07, 0.15±0.03 and 4.47±0.03 and 0.49±0.02, 0.16±0.03 and 0.41±0.06 for anestrus buffaloes, respectively. Growing follicles were significantly higher in cyclic as compared to anestrous buffaloes. However, the difference of primordial and antral follicle count remained non-significant in cyclic and anestrous buffaloes. Whereas, AMH concentration in cyclic buffaloes (273.50±48.52) was significantly higher than anestrous buffaloes (79.40±7.80). Therefore, it is concluded that, anti-mullerian hormone is an endocrine marker and can predict the fertility of animal. Also, follicular count is positively correlated with AMH concentration.
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11
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Akbarinejad V, Gharagozlou F, Vojgani M, Ranji A. Evidence for quadratic association between serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentration and fertility in dairy cows. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 218:106457. [PMID: 32507251 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
In cattle, results of some but not other studies indicated there has been an association of circulating anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentration with reproductive variables. Considering the inconsistency in results among previous studies, there was evaluation of associations between circulating AMH and reproductive performance in dairy cows, and to this end, the prevailing data of serum AMH concentration and reproductive variables were used (n = 172). Preliminarily, association of AMH concentration with reproductive indices were analyzed using linear and quadratic models. Subsequently, cows were categorized based on AMH concentrations in four equal quartiles, including cows with the least (Q1; n = 43), moderately lesser (Q2; n = 43), moderately greater (Q3; n = 43) and greatest (Q4; n = 43) AMH concentrations, and reproductive variables were compared among the respective AMH quartiles. Initially, assessments indicated reproductive variables were not linearly associated with serum AMH (P > 0.05); however, for all reproductive variables except days to first breeding service (DFS) there was a quadratic association with serum AMH (P < 0.05). Results from analysis of reproductive performance in various AMH quartiles indicated there was a longer period of DFS for cows in Q3 than Q1 (P < 0.05). First postpartum insemination to conception and calving to conception intervals were shorter for cows in Q3 than Q1 and Q4 (P < 0.05) and for cows in Q2 than Q1 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, results from the present study indicate cows with intermediate AMH concentrations had greater reproductive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Akbarinejad
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - F Gharagozlou
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Vojgani
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - A Ranji
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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12
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Implications of miRNA expression pattern in bovine oocytes and follicular fluids for developmental competence. Theriogenology 2020; 145:77-85. [PMID: 32004821 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Developmental competence determines the oocyte capacity to support initial embryo growth, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are still ill-defined. Changes in microRNA (miRNA) expression pattern have been described during follicular growth in several species. Therefore, aim of this study was to investigate whether miRNA expression pattern in cow oocyte and follicular fluid (FF) is associated with the acquisition of developmental competence. Samples were collected from ovaries with more than, or fewer than, 10 mid-antral follicles (H- and L-ovaries) because previous studies demonstrated that this parameter is a reliable predictor of oocyte competence. After miRNA deep sequencing and bioinformatic data analysis, we identified 58 miRNAs in FF and 6 in the oocyte that were differentially expressed between H- and L-ovaries. Overall, our results indicate that miRNA levels both in FF and in the ooplasm must remain within specific thresholds and that changes in either direction compromising oocyte competence. Some of the miRNAs found in FF (miR-769, miR-1343, miR-450a, miR-204, miR-1271 and miR-451) where already known to regulate follicle growth and their expression pattern indicate that they are also involved in the acquisition of developmental competence. Some miRNAs were differentially expressed in both compartments but with opposite patterns, suggesting that miRNAs do not flow freely between FF and oocyte. Gene Ontology analysis showed that the predicted gene targets of most differentially expressed miRNAs are part of a few signalling pathways. Regulation of maternal mRNA storage and mitochondrial activity seem to be the processes more functionally relevant in determining oocyte quality. In conclusion, our data identified a few miRNAs in the follicular fluid and in the ooplasm that modulate the oocyte developmental competence. This provides new insights that could help with the management of cattle reproductive efficiency.
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13
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Liu H, Shi W, Wang D, Zhao X. Association analysis of mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms with oocyte number in pigs. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:805-809. [PMID: 30611314 DOI: 10.1071/rd18219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In pigs, correlations between mitochondrial (mt) DNA polymorphisms and economic traits have been widely reported across and within swine breeds. In fecundity studies, the number of oocytes within ovaries was highly correlated with litter size. However, the effect of mitochondrial polymorphisms on porcine oocyte number remained unclear. In this study, 181 porcine ovaries were collected to analyse the relationship between oocyte number and mtDNA polymorphisms. There were considerable differences in oocyte numbers among different ovaries from commercial pig breeds, ranging from 2.7×105 to 1.3×106. Mitochondrial D-loop sequencing discovered 53 polymorphic sites. Association analysis revealed that 13 variations were associated with the number of oocytes (P<0.05). A C323T polymorphism showed the largest value between the C and T carriers, which differed at 105 oocytes (P<0.05). The 53 polymorphic sites generated 45 haplotypes, which clustered into two haplogroups, A and B. Haplogroup A had a higher number of oocytes than Haplogroup B (P<0.05), whereas Haplotype H6 in Haplogroup A had the highest number of oocytes (~7.5×105) of all haplotypes studied (P<0.05). The results of this study highlight a correlation between mtDNA polymorphisms and oocyte number, and suggest the potential application of mtDNA polymorphism analyses in pig selection and breeding practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Wenshu Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Dan Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
| | - Xingbo Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, No. 2 Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, P. R. China
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14
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Cushman RA, Soares ÉM, Yake HK, Patterson AL, Rosasco SL, Beard JK, Northrop EJ, Rich JJJ, Miles JR, Chase CC, Gonda MG, Perry GA, McNeel AK, Summers AF. Brangus cows have ovarian reserve parameters more like Brahman than Angus cows. Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 209:106170. [PMID: 31514925 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.106170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Bos indicus females have more surface antral follicles than Bos taurus females; however, histological studies demonstrated no difference in total number of primordial follicles between these two biological types of cattle. Primordial follicle density in the ovary was less in Nelore ovaries compared to Angus ovaries, but no studies have examined the primordial follicle density in Bos indicus cross-bred females. It, therefore, was hypothesized that primordial follicle density in the ovary would decrease as percentage Bos indicus increased. Ovaries were collected from cross-bred Angus (n = 32, no Bos indicus influence), Brangus (n = 15), or Brahman (n = 9) cows and prepared for histological evaluation. There was no difference in total number of primordial follicles per ovary between breeds (P > 0.10). When numbers of primordial follicles were expressed on a per gram of ovarian tissue basis, there were fewer primordial follicles per gram of ovarian tissue in Brangus and Brahman cows than in Angus cows (P < 0.05). Brangus cows did not differ from Brahman cows in primordial follicle density (P > 0.10). Differences in primordial follicle density could indicate differences in capacity of ovarian stroma to produce factors necessary for oogonial proliferation and primordial follicle formation among breeds. Identifying these factors could improve the aprroach for culturing pre-antral follicles of cattle. Furthermore, these results explain why ultrasonographic antral follicle counts may need to be adjusted to a greater threshold to predict size of the ovarian reserve and determine ovarian reserve related reproductive traits in Bos indicus females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Cushman
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, USA.
| | - Émerson M Soares
- Federal University of Santa Maria, Animal Science Department, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Hannah K Yake
- University of Tennessee, Animal Science Department, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | | | - Shelby L Rosasco
- New Mexico State University, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - Joslyn K Beard
- New Mexico State University, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - Emmalee J Northrop
- South Dakota State University, Department of Animal Science, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - Jerica J J Rich
- South Dakota State University, Department of Animal Science, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - Jeremy R Miles
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - Chadwick C Chase
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - Michael G Gonda
- South Dakota State University, Department of Animal Science, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - George A Perry
- South Dakota State University, Department of Animal Science, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - Anthony K McNeel
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - Adam F Summers
- New Mexico State University, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Las Cruces, NM, USA.
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15
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Velásquez A, Mellisho E, Castro FO, Rodríguez-Álvarez L. Effect of BMP15 and/or AMH during in vitro maturation of oocytes from involuntarily culled dairy cows. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 86:209-223. [PMID: 30548943 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The high metabolic activity to which the dairy cattle are exposed to maintain milk production altered steroid metabolism that affects reproductive physiology and reduce oocyte competence. Our aims were (a) to characterize the competence of immature oocytes collected from dairy cattle based on the expression of genes in cumulus cells (CCs) and (b) to improve oocyte competence to support preimplantation embryo development by the supplementation of maturation medium with bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and/or anti-mullerian hormone (AMH). Oocyte donors were identified at the moment of ovary collection and grouped by involuntarily culled dairy cows (Holstein breed) or beef cattle. The embryo development speed to blastocyst of the cull dairy cattle versus beef cattle (control group) was lower. Besides, <10% of oocytes (with CC biopsies) derived from dairy cattle were able to develop to the blastocyst stage. In addition, a higher level of expression and a positive correlation were observed in the expression of most of the genes evaluated (LUM, KRT18, KRT8, CLIC3, BMPR1B, and SLC38A3) in the cumulus-oocyte complexes that produced blastocysts versus those which did not develop correctly (arrested development). Further, use of BMP15 in the maturation of oocytes from dairy cattle seems to increase competence, modulating the expression of OCT4, SOX2, CDX2, GATA6, and TP1 in resulting blastocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Velásquez
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Edwin Mellisho
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Fidel Ovidio Castro
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - Lleretny Rodríguez-Álvarez
- Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán, Chile
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16
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Zangirolamo AF, Morotti F, da Silva NC, Sanches TK, Seneda MM. Ovarian antral follicle populations and embryo production in cattle. Anim Reprod 2018; 15:310-315. [PMID: 34178154 PMCID: PMC8202465 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2018-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive biotechniques such as embryo production are important tools to increase the
reproductive performance in cattle in a short time. In this context, the antral follicle count
(AFC), which reflects the population of antral follicles present in an ovary, has been indicated
as an important phenotypic characteristic related to female fertility and closely correlated
to the performance of in vivo and in vitro embryo production
(IVEP). A positive correlation was evidenced between AFC and oocyte retrieval by ovum pick
up (OPU) sessions and and with the number of embryos produced. Several studies have reported
that females with a high AFC had greater embryo yields compared to those with medium and low
AFC. However, controversial results were obtained by studies conducted in different bovine
breeds. Many conflicting data may be due to the differences in the experimental design, particularly
regarding the classification of animals in AFC groups, subspecies particularities, herd
aptitude or even issues related to animal management. Therefore, aspects such as the choice
of donor, type of aspirated follicles and the stage of follicular wave need to be clarified.
Thus, this text aims to discuss the use of AFC as a reproductive tool and its applications in
the in vivo and in vitro production of embryos, besides
describing consistent results and new challenges regarding AFC and embryo production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Fonseca Zangirolamo
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Laboratório de Reprodução Animal (DCV-CCA-UEL), Londrina, PR, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology for Dairy Production Chain (INCT-LEITE), Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Fabio Morotti
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Laboratório de Reprodução Animal (DCV-CCA-UEL), Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Nathalia Covre da Silva
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Laboratório de Reprodução Animal (DCV-CCA-UEL), Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Tamires Korchovei Sanches
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Laboratório de Reprodução Animal (DCV-CCA-UEL), Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Marcelo M Seneda
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Laboratório de Reprodução Animal (DCV-CCA-UEL), Londrina, PR, Brazil
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17
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Rosa CO, Marinho LSR, da Rosa PRA, De Cesaro MP, Lunardelli PA, Silva-Santos KC, Basso AC, Bordignon V, Seneda MM. Molecular characteristics of granulosa and cumulus cells and oocyte competence in Nelore cows with low and high numbers of antral follicles. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53:921-929. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.13189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- CO Rosa
- Department of Veterinary Clinics; Laboratory of Biotechnology the Animal Reproduction-ReproA; State University of Londrina; Londrina Brazil
| | - LSR Marinho
- Department of Veterinary Clinics; Laboratory of Biotechnology the Animal Reproduction-ReproA; State University of Londrina; Londrina Brazil
| | - PRA da Rosa
- Department of Large Animal Clinics; Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction-BioRep; Federal University of Santa Maria; Santa Maria Brazil
| | - MP De Cesaro
- Department of Large Animal Clinics; Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction-BioRep; Federal University of Santa Maria; Santa Maria Brazil
| | | | - KC Silva-Santos
- Department of Veterinary Clinics; Laboratory of Biotechnology the Animal Reproduction-ReproA; State University of Londrina; Londrina Brazil
| | - AC Basso
- In Vitro Brasil LTDA; Mogi Mirim Brazil
| | - V Bordignon
- Department of Animal Science; McGill University; Sainte Anne de Bellevue Canada
| | - MM Seneda
- Department of Veterinary Clinics; Laboratory of Biotechnology the Animal Reproduction-ReproA; State University of Londrina; Londrina Brazil
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18
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Maculan R, Pinto TLC, Moreira GM, Vasconcelos GLD, Sanches JA, Rosa RG, Bonfim RR, Gonçalves TDM, Souza JCD. Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), antral follicle count (AFC), external morphometrics and fertility in Tabapuã cows. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 189:84-92. [PMID: 29279199 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The intense selection of characteristics related to animal performance may affect the reproductive efficiency of beef cows negatively. Selection for fertility along with production traits is, therefore, readily justifiable. The objective of the present study was to evaluate possible relationships among AFC, serum AMH concentrations and external morphometrics with reproductive efficiency in Tabapuã (a Brazilian Bos indicus beef breed) females. Antral follicle counts and external morphometrics were measured in nulliparous (n = 162), primiparous (n = 80) and multiparous (n = 351) cows, from four farms. Age at first parturition (AFP), parturition interval (PI), maternal ability (MA), precocity, rusticity and survival (PRS) and overall reproductive efficiency (RE) were evaluated according to the Brazilian Association of Zebu Breeders (ABCZ) data bank indexes. A single blood sample per animal was collected at random stages of the reproductive cycle from a subset of animals (nulliparous = 84, primiparous and multiparous = 136) to determine serum AMH concentrations. The AFC classes were defined as lesser (<28), intermediate (28-50) and greater (>50). Correlations between all variables and the effects of parity and AFC on reproductive traits, AMH and external genitalia size were analyzed by the PROCORR and by the PROCGENMOD procedures of SAS® (SAS, Cary, NC, USA), respectively. Antral follicle count did not differ (P = 0.71) among nulliparous (38.6 ± 23.96) primiparous (47.54 ± 26.16) and multiparous (41.08 ± 25) cows and was negatively correlated with pregnancy interval (PI), such that, as PI decreased (r = -0.28; P < 0.005), AFC increased. Vulva width was not affected (P = 0.08) by parity and was larger (P < 0.05) for females in the greater AFC class (8.81 ± 0.12 cm) compared with the intermediate (8.42 ± 0.11 cm) and lesser (8.38 ± 0.13 cm) classes. As vulva width increased, parturition interval decreased (r = -0.15; P < 0.005) and overall reproductive efficiency increased (r = 0.17, p < 0.005). Thoracic depth was associated with greater AFCs (r = 0.10; P < 0.001). Anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) for animals in the greater AFC class (1.15 ± 0.09 ng/mL) compared with the lesser (0.44 ± 0.02 ng/mL) and intermediate (0.73 ± 0.05 ng/mL) classes. Vulva width, AFC, external morphometrics and AMH concentrations were moderately associated, considering the low heritability of fertility traits, and should be studied further to be considered in the selection for fertility in Bos indicus cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Maculan
- Animal Science Department, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Ricardo Garcia Rosa
- Animal Science Department, Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, MG, Brazil.
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19
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Akbarinejad V, Gharagozlou F, Vojgani M. Temporal effect of maternal heat stress during gestation on the fertility and anti-Müllerian hormone concentration of offspring in bovine. Theriogenology 2017; 99:69-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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20
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Tessaro I, Modina SC, Franciosi F, Sivelli G, Terzaghi L, Lodde V, Luciano AM. Effect of oral administration of low-dose follicle stimulating hormone on hyperandrogenized mice as a model of polycystic ovary syndrome. J Ovarian Res 2015; 8:64. [PMID: 26437930 PMCID: PMC4594749 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-015-0192-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a widespread reproductive disorder characterized by a disruption of follicular growth and anovulatory infertility. In women with PCOS, follicular growth and ovulation can be induced by subcutaneous injections of low doses of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of oral administration of recombinant human FSH (rhFSH) on follicle development in a PCOS murine model. Moreover, since it is unlikely that intact rhFSH is present into the circulation after oral administration, the biological activity of a peptide fragment, derived from the predicted enzymatic cleavage sites with the FSH molecule, was investigated in vitro on cumulus-enclosed oocytes (COCs). Methods Female peripubertal mice were injected with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) diluted in sesame oil for 20 consecutive days and orally treated with a saline solution of rhFSH. A control group received only sesame oil and saline solution. At the end of treatments, blood was analyzed for hormone concentrations and ovaries were processed for morphological analysis. The presumptive bioactive peptide was added during in vitro maturation of bovine COCs and the effects on cumulus expansion and on maturation rate were evaluated. Results DHEA treatment increased serum levels of testosterone, estradiol and progesterone as well as the percentage of cystic follicles. Orally administered rhFSH restored estradiol level and reduced the percentage of cystic follicles. Despite these results indicating a reduction of the severity of PCOS in the mouse model, the presumptive bioactive peptide did not mimic the effect of rhFSH and failed to induce bovine cumulus expansion and oocyte maturation in vitro. Conclusions Although further studies are needed, the present data supports the concept that orally administrated FSH could attenuate some of the characteristic of PCOS in the mouse model. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13048-015-0192-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Tessaro
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, Milan, 20133, Italy.
| | - Silvia C Modina
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, Milan, 20133, Italy. .,Interdepartmental Research Centre for the Study of Biological Effects of Nano-concentrations (CREBION), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, Milan, 20133, Italy.
| | - Federica Franciosi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, Milan, 20133, Italy.
| | - Giulia Sivelli
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, Milan, 20133, Italy.
| | - Laura Terzaghi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, Milan, 20133, Italy.
| | - Valentina Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, Milan, 20133, Italy.
| | - Alberto M Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, Milan, 20133, Italy. .,Interdepartmental Research Centre for the Study of Biological Effects of Nano-concentrations (CREBION), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, Milan, 20133, Italy.
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McNeel AK, Cushman RA. Influence of puberty and antral follicle count on calving day in crossbred beef heifers. Theriogenology 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Velazquez MA. Impact of maternal malnutrition during the periconceptional period on mammalian preimplantation embryo development. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2015; 51:27-45. [PMID: 25498236 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2014.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Revised: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
During episodes of undernutrition and overnutrition the mammalian preimplantation embryo undergoes molecular and metabolic adaptations to cope with nutrient deficits or excesses. Maternal adaptations also take place to keep a nutritional microenvironment favorable for oocyte development and embryo formation. This maternal-embryo communication takes place via several nutritional mediators. Although adaptive responses to malnutrition by both the mother and the embryo may ensure blastocyst formation, the resultant quality of the embryo can be compromised, leading to early pregnancy failure. Still, studies have shown that, although early embryonic mortality can be induced during malnutrition, the preimplantation embryo possesses an enormous plasticity that allows it to implant and achieve a full-term pregnancy under nutritional stress, even in extreme cases of malnutrition. This developmental strategy, however, may come with a price, as shown by the adverse developmental programming induced by even subtle nutritional challenges exerted exclusively during folliculogenesis and the preimplantation period, resulting in offspring with a higher risk of developing deleterious phenotypes in adulthood. Overall, current evidence indicates that malnutrition during the periconceptional period can induce cellular and molecular alterations in preimplantation embryos with repercussions for fertility and postnatal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Velazquez
- Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK.
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Effect of α-linolenic acid on oocyte maturation and embryo development of prepubertal sheep oocytes. Theriogenology 2014; 82:686-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Revised: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Luciano AM, Franciosi F, Lodde V, Tessaro I, Corbani D, Modina SC, Peluso JJ. Oocytes isolated from dairy cows with reduced ovarian reserve have a high frequency of aneuploidy and alterations in the localization of progesterone receptor membrane component 1 and aurora kinase B. Biol Reprod 2013; 88:58. [PMID: 23325810 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.106856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocytes isolated from cows of reproductive age with reduced antral follicle counts (AFC) have a diminished capacity of embryonic development, which may be related to alterations in the mechanism that directs the proper segregation of chromosomes. Because we demonstrated that progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) is involved in chromosome congression and metaphase II (MII) plate formation, the present study was designed to determine 1) if the decrease in oocyte developmental competence observed in dairy cows with a reduced AFC is due to a higher incidence of aneuploidy and 2) whether alterations in PGRMC1 contributes to the incidence of aneuploidy. Oocytes from ovaries with reduced AFC and age-matched controls were matured in vitro and the occurrence of aneuploidy determined as well as the mRNA level and localization of PGRMC1. Although oocytes from ovaries with reduced AFC were capable of undergoing meiosis in vitro, these oocytes showed a 3-fold increase in aneuploidy compared to oocytes isolated from control ovaries (P < 0.05). Although Pgrmc1 mRNA levels were not altered, PGRMC1 and aurora kinase B (AURKB) failed to localize to precise focal points on MII chromosomes of oocytes from ovaries with reduced AFC. Furthermore, when oocytes of control ovaries were cultured with an inhibitor of AURKB activity, their MII plate was disrupted and PGRMC1 was not properly localized to the chromosomes. These results suggest that alterations in PGRMC1 and/or AURKB localization account in part for the increased aneuploidy and low development competence of oocytes from ovaries with reduced AFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Maria Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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