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Sfakianoudis K, Zikopoulos A, Grigoriadis S, Seretis N, Maziotis E, Anifandis G, Xystra P, Kostoulas C, Giougli U, Pantos K, Simopoulou M, Georgiou I. The Role of One-Carbon Metabolism and Methyl Donors in Medically Assisted Reproduction: A Narrative Review of the Literature. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4977. [PMID: 38732193 PMCID: PMC11084717 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094977] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
One-carbon (1-C) metabolic deficiency impairs homeostasis, driving disease development, including infertility. It is of importance to summarize the current evidence regarding the clinical utility of 1-C metabolism-related biomolecules and methyl donors, namely, folate, betaine, choline, vitamin B12, homocysteine (Hcy), and zinc, as potential biomarkers, dietary supplements, and culture media supplements in the context of medically assisted reproduction (MAR). A narrative review of the literature was conducted in the PubMed/Medline database. Diet, ageing, and the endocrine milieu of individuals affect both 1-C metabolism and fertility status. In vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques, and culture conditions in particular, have a direct impact on 1-C metabolic activity in gametes and embryos. Critical analysis indicated that zinc supplementation in cryopreservation media may be a promising approach to reducing oxidative damage, while female serum homocysteine levels may be employed as a possible biomarker for predicting IVF outcomes. Nonetheless, the level of evidence is low, and future studies are needed to verify these data. One-carbon metabolism-related processes, including redox defense and epigenetic regulation, may be compromised in IVF-derived embryos. The study of 1-C metabolism may lead the way towards improving MAR efficiency and safety and ensuring the lifelong health of MAR infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Sfakianoudis
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, 14-16, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece; (K.S.); (K.P.)
| | - Athanasios Zikopoulos
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.Z.); (N.S.); (C.K.); (U.G.); (I.G.)
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, Truro TR1 3LJ, UK
| | - Sokratis Grigoriadis
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.G.); (E.M.); (P.X.)
| | - Nikolaos Seretis
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.Z.); (N.S.); (C.K.); (U.G.); (I.G.)
| | - Evangelos Maziotis
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.G.); (E.M.); (P.X.)
| | - George Anifandis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larisa, Greece;
| | - Paraskevi Xystra
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.G.); (E.M.); (P.X.)
| | - Charilaos Kostoulas
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.Z.); (N.S.); (C.K.); (U.G.); (I.G.)
| | - Urania Giougli
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.Z.); (N.S.); (C.K.); (U.G.); (I.G.)
| | - Konstantinos Pantos
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, 14-16, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece; (K.S.); (K.P.)
| | - Mara Simopoulou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.G.); (E.M.); (P.X.)
| | - Ioannis Georgiou
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (A.Z.); (N.S.); (C.K.); (U.G.); (I.G.)
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Bellido-Quispe DK, Mujica Lengua FR, Contreras Huamani M, Palomino JM. Effect of chemical activators after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) on embryo development in alpacas. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 263:107432. [PMID: 38401395 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107432] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Low motility and low sperm concentration are characteristics of alpaca semen. Thus, the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique represents an alternative to improve the reproductive capacity of the male. However, the effect of post-ICSI activation in alpaca is not yet known. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of chemical activators on alpaca embryo development after ICSI. Alpaca ovaries were collected from a local slaughterhouse and transported to the laboratory. Category I, II and III oocytes were matured for 30 h at 38.5 °C. After ICSI, injected oocytes were randomly divided and activated as follows: i) 5 μM ionomycin for 5 min, ii) 7% ethanol for 4 min, iii) 5 μM ionomycin for 5 min, window period 3 h plus 7% ethanol for 4 min, iv) 5 μM ionomycin for 5 min, window period 3 h, a second ionomycin treatment for 5 min, followed by 1.9 mM 6-DMAP for 3 h, v) 10 mM SrCl2 for 3 h. Culture was carried out for 5 days in SOFaa at 38.5 °C. The cleavage rate was the lowest in the SrCl2 group, morula development was the lowest in the SrCl2 and without activation groups, and blastocyst stage was not different between groups (P<0.05). The rates with SrCl2 were lower in total embryos produced, whereas in transferable embryos they were lower with 2Io/6-DMAP and with SrCl2 (P<0.05). In conclusion, alpaca oocyte activation is more efficient with ionomycin and ethanol to produce transferable embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dionet Keny Bellido-Quispe
- Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, Estación Experimental Agraria Canaán, Laboratorio de Biotecnología Reproductiva, Ayacucho, Peru.
| | - Fidel Rodolfo Mujica Lengua
- Universidad Nacional de San Cristóbal de Huamanga, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Laboratorio de Biotecnología, Ayacucho, Peru
| | - Mijaíl Contreras Huamani
- Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, Estación Experimental Agraria Canaán, Laboratorio de Biotecnología Reproductiva, Ayacucho, Peru
| | - J Manuel Palomino
- Universidad Científica del Sur, Carrera de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnica, Lima, Peru
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The Therapeutic and Diagnostic Potential of Phospholipase C Zeta, Oocyte Activation, and Calcium in Treating Human Infertility. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030441. [PMID: 36986540 PMCID: PMC10056371 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Oocyte activation, a fundamental event during mammalian fertilisation, is initiated by concerted intracellular patterns of calcium (Ca2+) release, termed Ca2+ oscillations, predominantly driven by testis-specific phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ). Ca2+ exerts a pivotal role in not just regulating oocyte activation and driving fertilisation, but also in influencing the quality of embryogenesis. In humans, a failure of Ca2+ release, or defects in related mechanisms, have been reported to result in infertility. Furthermore, mutations in the PLCζ gene and abnormalities in sperm PLCζ protein and RNA, have been strongly associated with forms of male infertility where oocyte activation is deficient. Concurrently, specific patterns and profiles of PLCζ in human sperm have been linked to parameters of semen quality, suggesting the potential for PLCζ as a powerful target for both therapeutics and diagnostics of human fertility. However, further to PLCζ and given the strong role played by Ca2+ in fertilisation, targets down- and up-stream of this process may also present a significantly similar level of promise. Herein, we systematically summarise recent advancements and controversies in the field to update expanding clinical associations between Ca2+-release, PLCζ, oocyte activation and human fertility. We discuss how such associations may potentially underlie defective embryogenesis and recurrent implantation failure following fertility treatments, alongside potential diagnostic and therapeutic avenues presented by oocyte activation for the diagnosis and treatment of human infertility.
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Liao X, Wu L, Yin D, Tian D, Zhou C, Liu J, Li S, Zhou J, Nie Y, Liao H, Peng C. The role of zinc in follicular development. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:4527-4534. [PMID: 36848006 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08331-6] [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: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Follicles consist of specialized somatic cells that encase a single oocyte. Follicle development is a process regulated by a variety of endocrine, paracrine, and secretory factors that work together to select follicles for ovulation. Zinc is an essential nutrient for the human body and is involved in many physiological processes, such as follicle development, immune response, homeostasis, oxidative stress, cell cycle progression, DNA replication, DNA damage repair, apoptosis, and aging. Zinc deficiency can lead to blocked oocyte meiotic process, cumulus expansion, and follicle ovulation. In this mini-review, we summarize the the role of zinc in follicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyue Liao
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Dise Ases Prevention of Hunan Province, Department of Education, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City On Biological Toxicology and Ecological Restoration, Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Liujianxiong Wu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Dise Ases Prevention of Hunan Province, Department of Education, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City On Biological Toxicology and Ecological Restoration, Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Dan Yin
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Dise Ases Prevention of Hunan Province, Department of Education, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City On Biological Toxicology and Ecological Restoration, Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Dewei Tian
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Dise Ases Prevention of Hunan Province, Department of Education, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City On Biological Toxicology and Ecological Restoration, Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Cuilan Zhou
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Dise Ases Prevention of Hunan Province, Department of Education, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City On Biological Toxicology and Ecological Restoration, Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Dise Ases Prevention of Hunan Province, Department of Education, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City On Biological Toxicology and Ecological Restoration, Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Suyun Li
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Dise Ases Prevention of Hunan Province, Department of Education, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City On Biological Toxicology and Ecological Restoration, Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, 30# Jiefang Road, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, PR China
| | - Yulin Nie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, 30# Jiefang Road, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, PR China
| | - Hongqing Liao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, 30# Jiefang Road, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, PR China.
| | - Cuiying Peng
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, Key Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Dise Ases Prevention of Hunan Province, Department of Education, Key Laboratory of Hengyang City On Biological Toxicology and Ecological Restoration, Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China.
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Cabeza JP, Cámera J, Briski O, Felipe MY, Salamone DF, Gambini A. Preimplantation Developmental Competence of Bovine and Porcine Oocytes Activated by Zinc Chelation. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12243560. [PMID: 36552480 PMCID: PMC9774810 DOI: 10.3390/ani12243560] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
After sperm-oocyte fusion, intracytoplasmic rises of calcium (Ca) induce the release of zinc (Zn) out of the oocyte (Zn sparks). Both phenomena are known to play an essential role in the oocyte activation process. Our work aimed to explore different protocols for activating bovine and porcine oocytes using the novel zinc chelator 1,10-phenanthroline (PHEN) and to compare developmental rates and quality to bovine IVF and parthenogenetic ionomycin-induced embryos in both species. Different incubation conditions for the zinc chelator were tested, including its combination with ionomycin. Embryo quality was assessed by immunofluorescence of SOX2, SOX17, OCT4, and CDX2 and total cell number at the blastocyst stage. Even though blastocyst development was achieved using a zinc chelator in bovine, bypassing calcium oscillations, developmental rates, and blastocyst quality were compromised compared to embryos generated with sperm-induced or ionomycin calcium rise. On the contrary, zinc chelation is sufficient to trigger oocyte activation in porcine. Additionally, we determined the optimal exposure to PHEN for this species. Zinc chelation and artificial induction of calcium rise combined did not improve developmental competence. Our results contribute to understanding the role of zinc during oocyte activation and preimplantation embryo development across different mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan P. Cabeza
- Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1417DSE, Argentina
| | - Juan Cámera
- Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1417DSE, Argentina
| | - Olinda Briski
- Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1417DSE, Argentina
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción Animal (INPA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1417DSE, Argentina
| | - Minerva Yauri Felipe
- Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1417DSE, Argentina
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción Animal (INPA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1417DSE, Argentina
| | - Daniel F. Salamone
- Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1417DSE, Argentina
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción Animal (INPA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1417DSE, Argentina
| | - Andrés Gambini
- Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1417DSE, Argentina
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
- Correspondence:
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Malin K, Witkowska-Piłaszewicz O, Papis K. The many problems of somatic cell nuclear transfer in reproductive cloning of mammals. Theriogenology 2022; 189:246-254. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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