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Paulsen B, Piechota S, Barrachina F, Giovannini A, Kats S, Potts KS, Rockwell G, Marchante M, Estevez SL, Noblett AD, Figueroa AB, Aschenberger C, Kelk DA, Forti M, Marcinyshyn S, Wiemer K, Sanchez M, Belchin P, Lee JA, Buyuk E, Slifkin RE, Smela MP, Fortuna PRJ, Chatterjee P, McCulloh DH, Copperman AB, Ordonez-Perez D, Klein JU, Kramme CC. Rescue in vitro maturation using ovarian support cells of human oocytes from conventional stimulation cycles yields oocytes with improved nuclear maturation and transcriptomic resemblance to in vivo matured oocytes. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:2021-2036. [PMID: 38814543 PMCID: PMC11339229 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03143-4] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Determine if the gene expression profiles of ovarian support cells (OSCs) and cumulus-free oocytes are bidirectionally influenced by co-culture during in vitro maturation (IVM). METHODS Fertility patients aged 25 to 45 years old undergoing conventional ovarian stimulation donated denuded immature oocytes for research. Oocytes were randomly allocated to either OSC-IVM culture (intervention) or Media-IVM culture (control) for 24-28 h. The OSC-IVM culture condition was composed of 100,000 OSCs in suspension culture with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH), androstenedione, and doxycycline supplementation. The Media-IVM control lacked OSCs and contained the same supplementation. A limited set of in vivo matured MII oocytes were donated for comparative evaluation. Endpoints consisted of MII formation rate, morphological and spindle quality assessment, and gene expression analysis compared to in vitro and in vivo controls. RESULTS OSC-IVM resulted in a statistically significant improvement in MII formation rate compared to the Media-IVM control, with no apparent effect on morphology or spindle assembly. OSC-IVM MII oocytes displayed a closer transcriptomic maturity signature to IVF-MII controls than Media-IVM control MII oocytes. The gene expression profile of OSCs was modulated in the presence of oocytes, displaying culture- and time-dependent differential gene expression during IVM. CONCLUSION The OSC-IVM platform is a novel tool for rescue maturation of human oocytes, yielding oocytes with improved nuclear maturation and a closer transcriptomic resemblance to in vivo matured oocytes, indicating a potential enhancement in oocyte cytoplasmic maturation. These improvements on oocyte quality after OSC-IVM are possibly occurring through bidirectional crosstalk of cumulus-free oocytes and ovarian support cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Paulsen
- Gameto Inc., 430 E. 29th St Fl 14, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | | | | | | | - Simone Kats
- Gameto Inc., 430 E. 29th St Fl 14, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | | | | | | | - Samantha L Estevez
- Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Marta Sanchez
- Ruber Juan Bravo University Hospital, Eugin Group, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Belchin
- Ruber Juan Bravo University Hospital, Eugin Group, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joseph A Lee
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Erkan Buyuk
- Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rick E Slifkin
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Merrick Pierson Smela
- Wyss Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrick R J Fortuna
- Wyss Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pranam Chatterjee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Alan B Copperman
- Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, New York, NY, USA
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Le XTH, Nguyen DP, Nguyen TT, Le TK, Vuong LN, Ho TM. Live birth after vitrification of oocytes from capacitation in vitro maturation. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1985-1989. [PMID: 38990423 PMCID: PMC11339008 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03200-y] [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: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Female fertility preservation is a rapidly growing field in medicine. Oocyte cryopreservation and assisted reproductive technique with vitrified-warmed oocytes have been successful with in vivo matured oocytes after conventional ovarian stimulation protocols. The use of in vitro matured oocytes after vitrification and warming has been limited. Capacitation in vitro maturation (CAPA-IVM) represents the latest refinement of IVM protocols and provides in vitro matured oocytes with improved competence. This case report describes the first successful live birth following oocyte vitrification from a CAPA-IVM cycle. This milestone achievement holds a significant promise to expand fertility preservation options and improve accessibility for women wishing to cryopreserve their eggs for future use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuyen T H Le
- IVMFD Phu Nhuan, My Duc Phu Nhuan Hospital, 43R/2-4 Ho Van Hue, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
| | - Dung P Nguyen
- IVMFD Phu Nhuan, My Duc Phu Nhuan Hospital, 43R/2-4 Ho Van Hue, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Thao T Nguyen
- IVMFD Phu Nhuan, My Duc Phu Nhuan Hospital, 43R/2-4 Ho Van Hue, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tien K Le
- IVMFD Phu Nhuan, My Duc Phu Nhuan Hospital, 43R/2-4 Ho Van Hue, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Lan N Vuong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tuong M Ho
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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Fan Y, Wang J, Ye T, Yang D, Zhang Q, Zhang C, Yan B, Wang Q, Ding D, Chen B, Zou W, Ji D, Zou H, Zhang Z. Application of amphiregulin in IVM culture of immature human oocytes and pre-insemination culture for COCs in IVF cycles. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1428147. [PMID: 38957445 PMCID: PMC11217178 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1428147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Amphiregulin (AR) is a growth factor that resembles the epidermal growth factor (EGF) and serves various functions in different cells. However, no systematic studies or reports on the role of AR in human oocytes have currently been performed or reported. This study aimed to explore the role of AR in human immature oocytes during in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) in achieving better embryonic development and to provide a basis for the development of a pre-insemination culture medium specific for cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs). Methods First, we examined the concentration of AR in the follicular fluid (FF) of patients who underwent routine IVF and explored the correlation between AR levels and oocyte maturation and subsequent embryonic development. Second, AR was added to the IVM medium to culture immature oocytes and investigate whether AR could improve the effects of IVM. Finally, we pioneered the use of a fertilization medium supplemented with AR for the pre-insemination culture of COCs to explore whether the involvement of AR can promote the maturation and fertilization of IVF oocytes, as well as subsequent embryonic development. Results A total of 609 FF samples were examined, and a positive correlation between AR levels and blastocyst formation was observed. In our IVM study, the development potential and IVM rate of immature oocytes, as well as the fertilization rate of IVM oocytes in the AR-added groups, were ameliorated significantly compared to the control group (All P < 0.05). Only the IVM-50 group had a significantly higher blastocyst formation rate than the control group (P < 0.05). In the final IVF study, the maturation, fertilization, high-quality embryo, blastocyst formation, and high-quality blastocyst rates of the AR-added group were significantly higher than those of the control group (All P < 0.05). Conclusion AR levels in the FF positively correlated with blastocyst formation, and AR involvement in pre-insemination cultures of COCs can effectively improve laboratory outcomes in IVF. Furthermore, AR can directly promote the in vitro maturation and developmental potential of human immature oocytes at an optimal concentration of 50 ng/ml.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqi Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Tingting Ye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Dandan Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qiqi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Bo Yan
- Department of Second Clinical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qiushuang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ding Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Beili Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Weiwei Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Dongmei Ji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huijuan Zou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Kong S, Cai B, Li X, Zhou Z, Fang X, Yang X, Cai D, Luo X, Guo S, Nie Q. Assessment of selective breeding effects and selection signatures in Qingyuan partridge chicken and its strains. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103626. [PMID: 38513549 PMCID: PMC10966089 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103626] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Qingyuan partridge chicken (QYM) is a highly regarded native breed in China, highly esteemed for its exceptional breeding characteristics. However, the investigation into the selection signatures and its strains remains largely unexplored. In this study, blood sampling, DNA extracting, and high-depth resequencing were performed in 27 QYMs. Integrating the genomic data of 14 chicken (70 individuals) breeds from other researches, to analyze the genetic structure, selection signatures, and effects of selective breeding within QYM and its 3 strains (QYMA, QYMB, and QYMC). Population structure analysis revealed an independent QYM cluster, which exhibited distinct from other breeds, with each of its 3 strains displaying distinct clustering patterns. Linkage disequilibrium analysis highlighted QYMB's notably slower decay rate, potentially influenced by selection pressure from various production indicators. Examination of selection signatures uncovered genes and genetic mechanisms associated with genomic changes resulting from extensive selective breeding within the QYM and its strains. Intriguingly, diacylglycerol kinase beta (DGKB) and catenin alpha 2 (CTNNA2) were identified as commonly selected genes across the 3 QYM strains, linked to energy metabolism, muscle development, and fat metabolism. Our research validates the substantial impact of selective breeding on QYM and its strains, concurrently identifying genomic regions and signaling pathways associated with their distinctive characters. This research also establishes a fundamental framework for advancing yellow-feathered broiler breeding strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaofen Kong
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Agriculture, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bolin Cai
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Agriculture, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojing Li
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhen Zhou
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Agriculture, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Fang
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Agriculture, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Yang
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Agriculture, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Danfeng Cai
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Agriculture, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuehui Luo
- Qingyuan Chicken Research Institute, Qingcheng District, Qingyuan City, China
| | - Suyin Guo
- Animal Epidemic Prevention Center, Qingcheng District, Qingyuan City, China
| | - Qinghua Nie
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Agriculture, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, and Key Laboratory of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, China.
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5
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Saucedo-Cuevas L, Ma MPQ, Le AH, Akin N, Pham TD, Ho TM, Pita G, Gonzalez-Neira A, De Vos M, Smitz J, Anckaert E, Vuong LN. Epigenetic variation in neonatal tissues in infants conceived using capacitation-in vitro maturation vs. in vitro fertilization. Fertil Steril 2024; 121:506-518. [PMID: 38052376 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.11.040] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate alterations of the global DNA methylation profile in placenta, cord blood, and neonatal buccal smears in infants conceived using in vitro maturation (IVM) with a prematuration step (capacitation-IVM [CAPA-IVM]) vs. in vitro fertilization (IVF). DESIGN Analysis of data from the offspring of participants in a randomized controlled trial. SETTING Private clinic. PATIENTS Forty-six women with polycystic ovary syndrome and/or high antral follicle count and their offspring (58 newborns). INTERVENTION(S) Women with polycystic ovary syndrome and/or a high antral follicle count participating in the clinical trial were randomized to undergo CAPA-IVM or conventional IVF. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) At delivery, biological samples including cord blood, placental tissue, and a neonatal buccal smear were collected. Genome-wide DNA methylation was determined using the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip. Variability in methylation was also considered, and mean variances for the two treatment categories were compared. RESULTS In neonatal buccal smears, there were no significant differences between the CAPA-IVM and conventional IVF groups on the basis of the CpG probe after linear regression analysis using a significant cut-off of false-discovery rate <0.05 and |Δβ|≥0.05. In cord blood, only one CpG site showed a significant gain of methylation in the CAPA-IVM group. In the placenta, CAPA-IVM was significantly associated with changes in methylation at five CpG sites. Significantly more variable DNA methylation was found in five probes in the placenta, 54 in cord blood, and two in buccal smears after IVM of oocytes. In cord blood samples, 20 CpG sites had more variable methylation in the conventional IVF vs. IVM group. Isolated CpG sites showing differences in methylation in cord blood were not associated with changes in gene expression of the overlapping genes. CONCLUSION(S) Capacitation-IVM appeared to be associated with only a small amount of epigenetic variation in cord blood, placental tissue, and neonate buccal smears. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03405701 (www. CLINICALTRIALS gov).
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Saucedo-Cuevas
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Mai P Q Ma
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Anh H Le
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nazli Akin
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Toan D Pham
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tuong M Ho
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Guillermo Pita
- Human Genotyping Unit-CeGen, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Gonzalez-Neira
- Human Genotyping Unit-CeGen, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Michel De Vos
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Perinatology, and Reproductology, Institute of Professional Education, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Johan Smitz
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Ellen Anckaert
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Lan N Vuong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
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Gilchrist RB, Ho TM, De Vos M, Sanchez F, Romero S, Ledger WL, Anckaert E, Vuong LN, Smitz J. A fresh start for IVM: capacitating the oocyte for development using pre-IVM. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:3-25. [PMID: 37639630 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While oocyte IVM is practiced sporadically it has not achieved widespread clinical practice globally. However, recently there have been some seminal advances in our understanding of basic aspects of oocyte biology and ovulation from animal studies that have led to novel approaches to IVM. A significant recent advance in IVM technology is the use of biphasic IVM approaches. These involve the collection of immature oocytes from small antral follicles from minimally stimulated patients/animals (without hCG-priming) and an ∼24 h pre-culture of oocytes in an advanced culture system ('pre-IVM') prior to IVM, followed by routine IVF procedures. If safe and efficacious, this novel procedure may stand to make a significant impact on human ART practices. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The objectives of this review are to examine the major scientific advances in ovarian biology with a unique focus on the development of pre-IVM methodologies, to provide an insight into biphasic IVM procedures, and to report on outcomes from animal and clinical human data, including safety data. The potential future impact of biphasic IVM on ART practice is discussed. SEARCH METHODS Peer review original and review articles were selected from PubMed and Web of Science searches for this narrative review. Searches were performed using the following keywords: oocyte IVM, pre-IVM, biphasic IVM, CAPA-IVM, hCG-triggered/primed IVM, natural cycle IVF/M, ex-vivo IVM, OTO-IVM, oocyte maturation, meiotic competence, oocyte developmental competence, oocyte capacitation, follicle size, cumulus cell (CC), granulosa cell, COC, gap-junction communication, trans-zonal process, cAMP and IVM, cGMP and IVM, CNP and IVM, EGF-like peptide and IVM, minimal stimulation ART, PCOS. OUTCOMES Minimizing gonadotrophin use means IVM oocytes will be collected from small antral (pre-dominant) follicles containing oocytes that are still developing. Standard IVM yields suboptimal clinical outcomes using such oocytes, whereas pre-IVM aims to continue the oocyte's development ex vivo, prior to IVM. Pre-IVM achieves this by eliciting profound cellular changes in the oocyte's CCs, which continue to meet the oocyte's developmental needs during the pre-IVM phase. The literature contains 25 years of animal research on various pre-IVM and biphasic IVM procedures, which serves as a large knowledge base for new approaches to human IVM. A pre-IVM procedure based on c-type natriuretic peptide (named 'capacitation-IVM' (CAPA-IVM)) has undergone pre-clinical human safety and efficacy trials and its adoption into clinical practice resulted in healthy live birth rates not different from conventional IVF. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Over many decades, improvements in clinical IVM have been gradual and incremental but there has likely been a turning of the tide in the past few years, with landmark discoveries in animal oocyte biology finally making their way into clinical practice leading to improved outcomes for patients. Demonstration of favorable clinical results with CAPA-IVM, as the first clinically tested biphasic IVM system, has led to renewed interest in IVM as an alternative, low-intervention, low-cost, safe, patient-friendly ART approach, and especially for patients with PCOS. The same new approach is being used as part of fertility preservation in patients with cancer and holds promise for social oocyte freezing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B Gilchrist
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tuong M Ho
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Michel De Vos
- Brussels IVF, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Flor Sanchez
- Centro de Estudios e Investigaciones en Biología y Medicina Reproductiva, Lima, Peru
| | - Sergio Romero
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology and Fertility Preservation, Cayetano Heredia University (UPCH), Lima, Peru
- Centro de Fertilidad y Reproducción Asistida, Lima, Peru
| | - William L Ledger
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
- City Fertility, Global CHA IVF Partners, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ellen Anckaert
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lan N Vuong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Johan Smitz
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Pham HH, Le AH, Nguyen TC, Ma MPQ, Akin N, Pham TD, Nguyen MHN, Le HL, Huynh BG, Smitz J, Ho TM, Vuong LN. Effect of single versus grouped culture of human cumulus-oocyte complexes in PCOS women treated with biphasic in vitro maturation: A sibling oocyte pilot study. Reprod Med Biol 2024; 23:e12587. [PMID: 38854775 PMCID: PMC11157497 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study investigated the differences in the maturation rate of single versus grouped cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) culture methods for capacitation in vitro maturation (CAPA-IVM) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods This study was performed at My Duc Phu Nhuan Hospital, Vietnam from October 1, 2020 to October 24, 2021. Women aged 18-37 years with a diagnosis of PCOS were recruited. COCs from each woman were randomly divided into two groups: single or grouped culture during CAPA-IVM culture. The primary outcome was the maturation rate. Results A total of 322 COCs from 15 eligible women included were randomly assigned to the two study groups. The maturation rate was comparable between the single and grouped culture groups (61.3% vs. 64.8%; p = 0.56). There were no significant differences in the number of 2-pronuclei fertilized oocytes, number of day-3 embryos, and number of good-quality embryos in the two culture method groups. In the single culture group, COCs morphology was associated with the day-3 embryo formation rate but not the maturation rate. Conclusions Comparable oocyte maturation and embryology outcomes between single and grouped COCs culture utilizing sibling COCs derived from women with PCOS suggest the feasibility of both methods for CAPA-IVM culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huy H. Pham
- IVMFD Phu NhuanMy Duc Phu Nhuan HospitalHo Chi Minh CityVietnam
- HOPE Research CenterMy Duc HospitalHo Chi Minh CityVietnam
| | - Anh H. Le
- IVMFD Phu NhuanMy Duc Phu Nhuan HospitalHo Chi Minh CityVietnam
- HOPE Research CenterMy Duc HospitalHo Chi Minh CityVietnam
| | - Tri C. Nguyen
- HOPE Research CenterMy Duc HospitalHo Chi Minh CityVietnam
| | - Mai P. Q. Ma
- Follicle Biology LaboratoryFree University of Brussels (VUB)BrusselsBelgium
| | - Nazli Akin
- Follicle Biology LaboratoryFree University of Brussels (VUB)BrusselsBelgium
| | - Toan D. Pham
- HOPE Research CenterMy Duc HospitalHo Chi Minh CityVietnam
| | | | - Ho L. Le
- IVMFD Phu NhuanMy Duc Phu Nhuan HospitalHo Chi Minh CityVietnam
- HOPE Research CenterMy Duc HospitalHo Chi Minh CityVietnam
| | - Bao G. Huynh
- HOPE Research CenterMy Duc HospitalHo Chi Minh CityVietnam
- IVFMDMy Duc HospitalHo Chi Minh CityVietnam
| | - Johan Smitz
- Follicle Biology LaboratoryFree University of Brussels (VUB)BrusselsBelgium
| | - Tuong M. Ho
- HOPE Research CenterMy Duc HospitalHo Chi Minh CityVietnam
- IVFMDMy Duc HospitalHo Chi Minh CityVietnam
| | - Lan N. Vuong
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh CityHo Chi Minh CityVietnam
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Piechota S, Marchante M, Giovannini A, Paulsen B, Potts KS, Rockwell G, Aschenberger C, Noblett AD, Figueroa AB, Sanchez M, Barrachina F, Wiemer K, Guzman L, Belchin P, Pierson Smela M, Fortuna PRJ, Chatterjee P, Tran ND, Kelk DA, Forti M, Marcinyshyn S, Smith T, McCulloh DH, Fernandez-Gonzalez MJ, Abittan B, Ortiz S, Klein JU, Klatsky P, Ordonez-Perez D, Kramme CC. Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived ovarian support cell co-culture improves oocyte maturation in vitro after abbreviated gonadotropin stimulation. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2456-2469. [PMID: 37815487 PMCID: PMC10694404 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can in vitro maturation (IVM) and developmental competence of human oocytes be improved by co-culture with ovarian support cells (OSCs) derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)? SUMMARY ANSWER OSC-IVM significantly improves the rates of metaphase II (MII) formation and euploid Day 5 or 6 blastocyst formation, when compared to a commercially available IVM system. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY IVM has historically shown highly variable performance in maturing oocytes and generating oocytes with strong developmental capacity, while limited studies have shown a positive benefit of primary granulosa cell co-culture for IVM. We recently reported the development of OSCs generated from hiPSCs that recapitulate dynamic ovarian function in vitro. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The study was designed as a basic science study, using randomized sibling oocyte specimen allocation. Using pilot study data, a prospective sample size of 20 donors or at least 65 oocytes per condition were used for subsequent experiments. A total of 67 oocyte donors were recruited to undergo abbreviated gonadotropin stimulation with or without hCG triggers and retrieved cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were allocated between the OSC-IVM or control conditions (fetal-like OSC (FOSC)-IVM or media-only IVM) in three independent experimental design formats. The total study duration was 1 April 2022 to 1 July 2023. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Oocyte donors between the ages of 19 and 37 years were recruited for retrieval after informed consent, with assessment of anti-Mullerian hormone, antral follicle count, age, BMI and ovarian pathology used for inclusion and exclusion criteria. In experiment 1, 27 oocyte donors were recruited, in experiment 2, 23 oocyte donors were recruited, and in experiment 3, 17 oocyte donors and 3 sperm donors were recruited. The OSC-IVM culture condition was composed of 100 000 OSCs in suspension culture with hCG, recombinant FSH, androstenedione, and doxycycline supplementation. IVM controls lacked OSCs and contained either the same supplementation, FSH and hCG only (a commercial IVM control), or FOSCs with the same supplementation (Media control). Experiment 1 compared OSC-IVM, FOSC-IVM, and a Media control, while experiments 2 and 3 compared OSC-IVM and a commercial IVM control. Primary endpoints in the first two experiments were the MII formation (i.e. maturation) rate and morphological quality assessment. In the third experiment, the fertilization and embryo formation rates were assessed with genetic testing for aneuploidy and epigenetic quality in blastocysts. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We observed a statistically significant improvement (∼1.5×) in maturation outcomes for oocytes that underwent IVM with OSCs compared to control Media-IVM and FOSC-IVM in experiment 1. More specifically, the OSC-IVM group yielded a MII formation rate of 68% ± 6.83% SEM versus 46% ± 8.51% SEM in the Media control (P = 0.02592, unpaired t-test). FOSC-IVM yielded a 51% ± 9.23% SEM MII formation rate which did not significantly differ from the media control (P = 0.77 unpaired t-test). Additionally, OSC-IVM yielded a statistically significant ∼1.6× higher average MII formation rate at 68% ± 6.74% when compared to 43% ± 7.90% in the commercially available IVM control condition (P = 0.0349, paired t-test) in experiment 2. Oocyte morphological quality between OSC-IVM and the controls did not significantly differ. In experiment 3, OSC-IVM oocytes demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in Day 5 or 6 euploid blastocyst formation per COC compared to the commercial IVM control (25% ± 7.47% vs 11% ± 3.82%, P = 0.0349 logistic regression). Also in experiment 3, the OSC-treated oocytes generated blastocysts with similar global and germline differentially methylated region epigenetic profiles compared commercial IVM controls or blastocysts after either conventional ovarian stimulation. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION While the findings of this study are compelling, the cohort size remains limited and was powered on preliminary pilot studies, and the basic research nature of the study limits generalizability compared to randomized control trials. Additionally, use of hCG-triggered cycles results in a heterogenous oocyte cohort, and potential differences in the underlying maturation state of oocytes pre-IVM may limit or bias findings. Further research is needed to clarify and characterize the precise mechanism of action of the OSC-IVM system. Further research is also needed to establish whether these embryos are capable of implantation and further development, a key indication of their clinical utility. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Together, these findings demonstrate a novel approach to IVM with broad applicability to modern ART practice. The controls used in this study are in line with and have produced similar to findings to those in the literature, and the outcome of this study supports findings from previous co-culture studies that found benefits of primary granulosa cells on IVM outcomes. The OSC-IVM system shows promise as a highly flexible IVM approach that can complement a broad range of stimulation styles and patient populations. Particularly for patients who cannot or prefer not to undergo conventional gonadotropin stimulation, OSC-IVM may present a viable path for obtaining developmentally competent, mature oocytes. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) A.D.N., A.B.F., A.G., B.P., C.A., C.C.K., F.B., G.R., K.S.P., K.W., M.M., P.C., S.P., and M.-J.F.-G. are shareholders in the for-profit biotechnology company Gameto Inc. P.R.J.F. declares paid consultancy for Gameto Inc. P.C. also declares paid consultancy for the Scientific Advisory Board for Gameto Inc. D.H.M. has received consulting services from Granata Bio, Sanford Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, Gameto, and Buffalo IVF, and travel support from the Upper Egypt Assisted Reproduction Society. C.C.K., S.P., M.M., A.G., B.P., K.S.P., G.R., and A.D.N. are listed on a patent covering the use of OSCs for IVM: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/492,210. Additionally, C.C.K. and K.W. are listed on three patents covering the use of OSCs for IVM: U.S. Patent Application No. 17/846,725, U.S Patent Application No. 17/846,845, and International Patent Application No.: PCT/US2023/026012. C.C.K., M.P.S., and P.C. additionally are listed on three patents for the transcription factor-directed production of granulosa-like cells from stem cells: International Patent Application No.: PCT/US2023/065140, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/326,640, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/444,108. The remaining authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Marta Sanchez
- Ruber Juan Bravo University Hospital, Eugin Group, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Pedro Belchin
- Ruber Juan Bravo University Hospital, Eugin Group, Madrid, Spain
| | - Merrick Pierson Smela
- Wyss Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrick R J Fortuna
- Wyss Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pranam Chatterjee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - David H McCulloh
- Gameto Inc., New York, NY, USA
- Biogenetics Corporation, Mountainside, NJ, USA
- Sperm and Embryo Bank of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Biogenetics Laboratory, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- ReproART, Georgian American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tbilisi, GA, USA
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9
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Gong X, Shen L, Zhang H, Ai J, Gilchrist RB, Zhao Y. CAPA-IVM improves the cytoplasmic quality of in vitro-matured oocytes from unstimulated mice. Theriogenology 2023; 212:117-128. [PMID: 37717515 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.09.004] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian tissue oocyte (OTO) in vitro maturation (IVM) is a strategy to improve fertility preservation efficiency. Here, the effects of capacitation IVM (CAPA-IVM) on OTO function were investigated. Immature cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from unstimulated 28-day-old mouse ovaries (mimicking OTOs) underwent CAPA-IVM, standard IVM (S-IVM) or in vivo maturation following ovarian stimulation (OS; positive control), and oocyte meiotic maturation and cytoplasmic quality were assessed. CAPA-IVM resulted in improved oocyte meiotic maturation (P < 0.05) and cumulus expansion (P < 0.0001) compared to S-IVM, with expansion comparable to the OS group. MII OTO ROS was lower after CAPA-IVM than S-IVM (P < 0.0001) but not as low as in the OS group (P = 0.036). CAPA-IVM resulted in a better oocyte mitochondrial distribution than S-IVM (P < 0.05) and was similar to the OS group (P > 0.05). Mitochondrial membrane potential in MII OTOs was higher after CAPA-IVM than S-IVM and OS (P < 0.0001). Compared with S-IVM, CAPA-IVM resulted in lower rates of spindle/chromosome configuration and cortical granule distribution abnormalities (P < 0.05), which were similar to OS levels (P > 0.05). MII OTO intracellular Ca2+ levels were similar in the CAPA-IVM and OS groups (P > 0.05), while S-IVM decreased intracellular Ca2+ (P < 0.05). CAPA-IVM and S-IVM decreased mitochondrial Ca2+ levels (P < 0.05). CAPA-IVM increased expression of antioxidant genes (Sod2 and Sirt1) and Egfr (P < 0.05) but not apoptotic genes (Bcl2, Bax and Bcl2/Bax; P > 0.05). CAPA-IVM increased the OTO maturation rate and quality of oocytes from unstimulated mice to the extent that many features of oocyte cytoplasmic quality were comparable to superovulated in vivo matured oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqi Gong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Lin Shen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hanwang Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jihui Ai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Yiqing Zhao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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10
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Akin N, Ates G, von Mengden L, Herta AC, Meriggioli C, Billooye K, Stocker WA, Ghesquiere B, Harrison CA, Cools W, Klamt F, Massie A, Smitz J, Anckaert E. Effects of lactate, super-GDF9, and low oxygen tension during bi-phasic in vitro maturation on the bioenergetic profiles of mouse cumulus-oocyte complex†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:432-449. [PMID: 37531262 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad085] [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: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro maturation (IVM) is an alternative assisted reproductive technology with reduced hormone-related side effects and treatment burden compared to conventional IVF. Capacitation (CAPA)-IVM is a bi-phasic IVM system with improved clinical outcomes compared to standard monophasic IVM. Yet, CAPA-IVM efficiency compared to conventional IVF is still suboptimal in terms of producing utilizable blastocysts. Previously, we have shown that CAPA-IVM leads to a precocious increase in cumulus cell (CC) glycolytic activity during cytoplasmic maturation. In the current study, considering the fundamental importance of CCs for oocyte maturation and cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) microenvironment, we further analyzed the bioenergetic profiles of maturing CAPA-IVM COCs. Through a multi-step approach, we (i) explored mitochondrial function of the in vivo and CAPA-IVM matured COCs through real-time metabolic analysis with Seahorse analyzer, and to improve COC metabolism (ii) supplemented the culture media with lactate and/or super-GDF9 (an engineered form of growth differentiation factor 9) and (iii) reduced culture oxygen tension. Our results indicated that the pre-IVM step is delicate and prone to culture-related disruptions. Lactate and/or super-GDF9 supplementations failed to eliminate pre-IVM-induced stress on COC glucose metabolism and mitochondrial respiration. However, when performing pre-IVM culture under 5% oxygen tension, CAPA-IVM COCs showed similar bioenergetic profiles compared to in vivo matured counterparts. This is the first study providing real-time metabolic analysis of the COCs from a bi-phasic IVM system. The currently used analytical approach provides the quantitative measures and the rational basis to further improve IVM culture requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazli Akin
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gamze Ates
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging and Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lucia von Mengden
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Cecilia Meriggioli
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Katy Billooye
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - William A Stocker
- Department of Physiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Brecht Ghesquiere
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Craig A Harrison
- Department of Physiology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Wilfried Cools
- Support for Quantitative and Qualitative Research (SQUARE) Core Facility, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fabio Klamt
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ann Massie
- Laboratory of Neuro-Aging and Viro-Immunotherapy, Center for Neurosciences (C4N), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Johan Smitz
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ellen Anckaert
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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11
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Liang R, Sheng M, Li X, Jin J, Yi Y. Transcriptomic analysis reveals that the anti-PCOS effects of Zishen Qingre Lishi Huayu recipe may involve pathways and genes related to autophagy, steroidogenesis, oxidative stress, and inflammation in granulosa cells. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 314:116551. [PMID: 37121450 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Zishen Qingre Lishi Huayu recipe (ZQLHR) is a Chinese medicine compound composed of nine herbs for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is used to nourish kidneys, clear heat, reduce dampness and dissipation blood stasis by promoting diuresis and blood circulation, dredging the meridians and harmonizing menstruation in the treatment of PCOS. Several clinical studies have shown that ZQLHR is effective in the treatment of PCOS, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY In this study, we researched on the effects and mechanism of action of ZQLHR during treatment of human granulosa cells (hGCs) obtained from PCOS patients in order to provide a scientific basis for the clinical application of ZQLHR in the treatment of PCOS, emphasize the importance of some genes that have been reported to play a role in the pathogenesis or therapeutic mechanisms of PCOS from the perspective of disease treatment, and identify some new genes and signaling pathways that may play an important role in the treatment of PCOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS KGN cells (a granulosa cell-like tumor cell line) were subjected to a cell counting kit-8 assay to explore the appropriate intervention concentration and duration of ZQLHR. Treated with or without ZQLHR (ZQLHR and control groups), the hGCs obtained from PCOS patients were sequenced using RNA sequencing, and the genes thus detected were further analyzed through Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment analysis, gene set enrichment analysis, and individuation gene analysis. These genes were also compared with PCOS-related genes in other databases. To further verify the authenticity of the differentially expressed genes between the two groups, the expression of eight randomly selected vital genes and three proteins of interest was verified through real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot experiment respectively. RESULTS The best intervention concentration and duration for ZQLHR to promote the proliferation of KGN cells were 0.2% and 48 h respectively in this experiment. Multiple signaling pathways and 55 focus differentially expressed genes, both related to autophagy, steroidogenesis, oxidative stress-related longevity, inflammation, and complications of PCOS, may play an important role in the therapeutic mechanism of action of ZQLHR. The expression of eight genes is consistent with the result of RNA sequencing, and the expression of three proteins of interest is the same as expected. CONCLUSIONS The promotion of hGCs proliferation upon treatment with ZQLHR may be a manifestation of ZQLHR in the treatment of PCOS patients. The positive effects of ZQLHR against PCOS may involve pathways and genes related to autophagy, steroidogenesis, oxidative stress-related longevity, and inflammation in hGCs. Some components of ZQLHR applied for the treatment of PCOS may also be effective for the treatment of some complications of PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruining Liang
- Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330000, China; Department of Reproductive Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330000, China; Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330000, China.
| | - Mengzhen Sheng
- Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330000, China.
| | - Xin Li
- Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330000, China.
| | - Jing Jin
- Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330000, China.
| | - Yao Yi
- Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330000, China; Department of Reproductive Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330000, China; Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330000, China.
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12
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Pham HH, Le AH, Nguyen AM, Ha UD, Nguyen TC, Pham TD, Le HL, Le TK, Huynh BG, Ho TM, Vuong LN. Cumulative live birth rate after oocyte in vitro maturation with a pre-maturation step in women with polycystic ovary syndrome or high antral follicle count. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:827-835. [PMID: 36821006 PMCID: PMC10224896 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02752-9] [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: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study evaluated the 24-month cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or high antral follicle count (AFC) who underwent oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) with pre-maturation step (CAPA-IVM). METHODS This multicenter, retrospective study was performed at IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, and IVFMD Phu Nhuan, My Duc Phu Nhuan Hospital from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2019. All women with PCOS or high AFC treated with a CAPA-IVM cycle were included. Cumulative live birth was defined as at least one live birth resulting from the initiated CAPA-IVM cycle. Where a woman did not return for embryo transfer, outcomes were followed up until 24 months from the day of oocyte aspiration. Logistic regression was performed to identify factors predicting the CLBR. RESULTS Data from 374 women were analyzed, 368 of whom had embryos for transfer (98.4%), and six had no embryos for transfer (1.6%). The oocyte maturation rate was 63.2%. The median number of frozen embryos was 4 [quartile 1, 2; quartile 3, 6]. Cumulative clinical pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy rates were 60.4% and 43.6%, respectively. At 24 months after starting CAPA-IVM treatment, the CLBR was 38.5%. Multivariate analysis showed that patient age and number of frozen embryos were significant predictors of cumulative live birth after CAPA-IVM. CONCLUSIONS CAPA-IVM could be considered as an alternative to in vitro fertilization for the management of infertility in women with PCOS or a high AFC who require assisted reproductive technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huy H Pham
- IVMFD Phu Nhuan, My Duc Phu Nhuan Hospital, 43R/2-4 Ho Van Hue, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
| | - Anh H Le
- IVMFD Phu Nhuan, My Duc Phu Nhuan Hospital, 43R/2-4 Ho Van Hue, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Anh M Nguyen
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Uyen D Ha
- IVMFD Phu Nhuan, My Duc Phu Nhuan Hospital, 43R/2-4 Ho Van Hue, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tri C Nguyen
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Toan D Pham
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Ho L Le
- IVMFD Phu Nhuan, My Duc Phu Nhuan Hospital, 43R/2-4 Ho Van Hue, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tien K Le
- IVMFD Phu Nhuan, My Duc Phu Nhuan Hospital, 43R/2-4 Ho Van Hue, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Bao G Huynh
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tuong M Ho
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Lan N Vuong
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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Dang X, Fang L, Zhang Q, Liu B, Cheng JC, Sun YP. AREG upregulates secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine expression in human granulosa cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 561:111826. [PMID: 36462647 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a secreted glycoprotein and the expression of ovarian SPARC peaks during ovulation and luteinization. Besides, SPARC expression was induced by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in rat granulosa cells. Amphiregulin (AREG) is the most abundant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligand expressed in human granulosa cells and follicular fluid. AREG mediates the physiological functions of luteinizing hormone (LH)/hCG in the ovary. However, to date, the biological function of SPARC in the human ovary remains undetermined, and whether AREG regulates SPARC expression in human granulosa cells is unknown. In this study, we show that AREG upregulated SPARC expression via EGFR in a human granulosa-like tumor cell line, KGN. Treatment of AREG activated ERK1/2, JNK, p38 MAPK, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways and all of them were required for the AREG-induced SPARC expression. Using RNA-sequencing, we identified that steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) was a downstream target gene of SPARC. In addition, we demonstrated that SPARC mRNA levels were positively correlated with the levels of StAR mRNA in the primary culture of human granulosa cells. Moreover, SPARC protein levels were positively correlated with progesterone levels in follicular fluid of in vitro fertilization patients. This study provides the regulatory role of AREG on the expression of SPARC and reveals the novel function of SPARC in progesterone production in granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Dang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lanlan Fang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Qian Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Boqun Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jung-Chien Cheng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ying-Pu Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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Clark KL, Davis JS. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) promotes follicular growth and alters expression of genes that regulate the cell cycle and the Hippo pathway in cultured neonatal mouse ovaries. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 454:116253. [PMID: 36152675 PMCID: PMC10416762 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a synthetic chemical resistant to biodegradation and is environmentally persistent. PFOA is found in many consumer products and is a major source of water contamination. While PFOA has been identified as a contaminant of concern for reproductive health, little is known about the effects of PFOA on ovarian follicular development and growth. Recent evidence indicates that the Hippo pathway is an important regulator of ovarian physiology. Here, we investigated the effects of PFOA on ovarian folliculogenesis during the neonatal period of development and potential impacts on the Hippo signaling pathway. Post-natal day 4 (PND4) neonatal ovaries from CD-1 mice were cultured with control medium (DMSO <0.01% final concentration) or PFOA (50 μM or 100 μM). After 96 h, ovaries were collected for histological analysis of folliculogenesis, gene and protein expression, and immunostaining. Results revealed that PFOA (50 μM) increased the number of secondary follicles, which was accompanied by increases in mRNA transcripts and protein of marker of proliferation marker Ki67 with no impacts on apoptosis markers Bax, Bcl2, or cleaved caspase-3. PFOA treatment (50 μM and 100 μM) stimulated an upregulation of transcripts for cell cycle regulators Ccna2, Ccnb2, Ccne1, Ccnd1, Ccnd2, and Ccnd3. PFOA also increased abundance of transcripts of Hippo pathway components Mst1/2, Lats1, Mob1b, Yap1, and Taz, as well as downstream Hippo pathway targets Areg, Amotl2, and Cyr61, although it decreased transcripts for anti-apoptotic Birc5. Inhibition of the Hippo pathway effector YAP1 with Verteporfin resulted in the attenuation of PFOA-induced follicular growth and proliferation. Together, these findings suggest that occupationally relevant levels of PFOA (50 μM) can stimulate follicular activation in neonatal ovaries potentially through activation of the Hippo pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendra L Clark
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, 4101 Woolworth Ave, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - John S Davis
- Olson Center for Women's Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Veterans Affairs Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System, 4101 Woolworth Ave, Omaha, NE 68105, USA.
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Wang W, He X, Di R, Wang X, Chu M. Photoperiods induced the circRNA differential expression in the thyroid gland of OVX+E 2 ewes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:974518. [PMID: 36105406 PMCID: PMC9464909 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.974518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are non-coding RNAs newly identified and play important roles in RNA regulation. However, little is known regarding photoperiods induced circRNAs in the thyroid gland. In this study, we performed a comprehensive analysis of circRNA profiles in the thyroid gland of OVX+E2 ewes at different photoperiods by whole transcriptome sequencing. A total of 37,470 novel circRNAs were detected in different photoperiods (42 days of short photoperiod treatment, SP42; 42 days of long photoperiod treatment, LP42; SP42 transfer to LP42, SPLP42), with a total of 817 circRNAs for SP42-LP42 (down: 132; up: 114), LP42-SPLP42 (down: 136; up: 112) and SP42-SPLP42 (down: 182; up: 141) having differentially expressed. Functional enrichment annotation analysis of DE-circRNAs for GO and KEGG by R package, features that influence photoperiod response in Sunite ewes through the Inositol phosphate metabolism, cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, Calcium signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and Oocyte meiosis. In addition, competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network analysis revealed target binding sites for identified miRNAs in DE-cirRNAs such as oar-miR-10b, oar-miR-200c, oar-miR-21, oar-miR-370-3p, oar-miR-377-3p, oar-miR-181a, oar-miR-432, and oar-miR-495-3p. These results of this study will provide some new information for understanding circRNA function as well as the changes in the sheep thyroid gland under different photoperiods.
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