1
|
Hillyear LM, Zak LJ, Beckitt T, Griffin DK, Harvey SC, Harvey KE. Morphokinetic Profiling Suggests That Rapid First Cleavage Division Accurately Predicts the Chances of Blastulation in Pig In Vitro Produced Embryos. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:783. [PMID: 38473168 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050783] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The study of pig preimplantation embryo development has several potential uses: from agriculture to the production of medically relevant genetically modified organisms and from rare breed conservation to acting as a physiologically relevant model for progressing human and other (e.g., endangered) species' in vitro fertilisation technology. Despite this, barriers to the widespread adoption of pig embryo in vitro production include lipid-laden cells that are hard to visualise, slow adoption of contemporary technologies such as the use of time-lapse incubators or artificial intelligence, poor blastulation and high polyspermy rates. Here, we employ a commercially available time-lapse incubator to provide a comprehensive overview of the morphokinetics of pig preimplantation development for the first time. We tested the hypotheses that (a) there are differences in developmental timings between blastulating and non-blastulating embryos and (b) embryo developmental morphokinetic features can be used to predict the likelihood of blastulation. The abattoir-derived oocytes fertilised by commercial extended semen produced presumptive zygotes were split into two groups: cavitating/blastulating 144 h post gamete co-incubation and those that were not. The blastulating group reached the 2-cell and morula stages significantly earlier, and the time taken to reach the 2-cell stage was identified to be a predictive marker for blastocyst formation. Reverse cleavage was also associated with poor blastulation. These data demonstrate the potential of morphokinetic analysis in automating and upscaling pig in vitro production through effective embryo selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy M Hillyear
- School of Psychology and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury CT1 1QU, UK
| | - Louisa J Zak
- Topigs Norsvin Research Center, Meerendonkweg 25, 5216 TZ Den Bosch, The Netherlands
| | | | - Darren K Griffin
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK
| | - Simon C Harvey
- Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich, Medway ME4 4TB, UK
| | - Katie E Harvey
- School of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Meng XH, Chen BB, Liu XW, Zhang JX, Xie S, Liu LJ, Wen LF, Deng AM, Mao ZH. Inferring Causal Relationships Between Metabolites and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Using Summary Statistics from Genome‑Wide Association Studies. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:832-839. [PMID: 37831368 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01376-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology. Previous studies have suggested that metabolites may play a pivotal mediating role in the progression of phenotypic variations. Although several metabolites had been identified as potential markers for PCOS, the relationship between blood metabolites and PCOS was not comprehensively explored. Previously, Pickrell et al. designed a robust approach to infer evidence of a causal relationship between different phenotypes using independently putative causal SNPs. Our previous paper extended this approach to make it more suitable for cases where only a few independently putative causal SNPs were identified to be significantly associated with the phenotypes (i.e., metabolites). When the most significant SNPs in each independent locus (the independent lead SNPs) with p-values of < 1 × 10-5 were used, 3 metabolites (2-tetradecenoyl carnitine, threitol, 1-docosahexaenoylglycerophosphocholine) causally influencing PCOS and 2 metabolites (asparagine and phenyllactate) influenced by PCOS were identified, (relative likelihood r < 0.01). Under a less stringent threshold of r < 0.05, 7 metabolites (trans-4-hydroxyproline, glutaroyl carnitine, stachydrine, undecanoate, 7-Hoca, N-acetylalanine and 2-hydroxyisobutyrate) were identified. Taken together, this study can provide novel insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying PCOS; whether these metabolites can serve as biomarkers to predict PCOS in clinical practice warrants further investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-He Meng
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Hereditary Birth Defects Prevention and Control, Changsha Hospital for Maternal & Child Health Care Affiliated to Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.
| | - Bin-Bin Chen
- Center of Genetics, Changsha Jiangwan Maternity Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiao-Wen Liu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Hereditary Birth Defects Prevention and Control, Changsha Hospital for Maternal & Child Health Care Affiliated to Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Jing-Xi Zhang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Hereditary Birth Defects Prevention and Control, Changsha Hospital for Maternal & Child Health Care Affiliated to Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Shun Xie
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Hereditary Birth Defects Prevention and Control, Changsha Hospital for Maternal & Child Health Care Affiliated to Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lv-Jun Liu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Hereditary Birth Defects Prevention and Control, Changsha Hospital for Maternal & Child Health Care Affiliated to Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Li-Feng Wen
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Hereditary Birth Defects Prevention and Control, Changsha Hospital for Maternal & Child Health Care Affiliated to Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Ai-Min Deng
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Hereditary Birth Defects Prevention and Control, Changsha Hospital for Maternal & Child Health Care Affiliated to Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.
| | - Zeng-Hui Mao
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Hereditary Birth Defects Prevention and Control, Changsha Hospital for Maternal & Child Health Care Affiliated to Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tao R, Bi J, Zhu F, Wang X, Jia C, Xu H, He X, Li J. Division Behaviors and Their Effects on Preimplantation Development of Pig Embryos. Reprod Domest Anim 2022; 57:1016-1028. [PMID: 35662274 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14168] [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: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Quality of preimplantation embryos could affect development efficiency after embryo transfer. However, assessment of preimplantation embryos was unsatisfied especially in pig embryos to date. Therefore, the present study was design to investigate available and applicable parameters which indicating development potential and quality of porcine preimplantation embryos produced by handmade cloning (HMC), parthenogenetic activation without zona pellucida (PAZF) and with zona pellucida (PAZI). Results firstly detected a common division behavior that formation of uneven division with two unequal size blastomeres (UD 2-cell), especially in HMC embryos, the proportion of UD 2-cell was significantly higher than that of equal size blastomeres (ED 2-cell) with 72.56 ± 4.56 vs. 24.57 ± 1.92. Formation of UD 2-cell might due to spindle migrates along the long axis in 1-cell stage, and the cleavage furrow not formed in the center of cytoplasm. In the two sister blastomeres of UD 2-cell, unevenly distribution of organelles (mitochondria and lipid droplet) was observed with lower proportion in the smaller one (p<0.05). Althoug no difference of blastocyst rate was observed between UD and ED 2-cell embryos, the cell number per blastocyst from UD 2-cell embryos was lower than that from ED 2-cell embryos (44.15 ± 2.05 vs. 51.55 ± 1.83). Besides, because of nonsynchronized division of each blastomeres, another common behavior that three cleavage routes were observed in all of HMC/PAZF/PAZI embryos that T1 (2-cell → 3-cell → 4-cell → ≥ 5-cell → morula → blastocyst), T2 (2-cell → 3-cell → 4-cell → morula → blastocyst), and T3 (2-cell → 3-cell / 4-cell → morula → blastocyst). Therefore, in pig in vitro produced embryos, division behaviors of uneven volume of cytoplasm and nonsynchronized cell cycles were observed at the early embryonic developmental stage, which might be another potential factor to evaluate embryonic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruixin Tao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiaying Bi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fuquan Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuguang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urimuqi, China
| | - Chao Jia
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongxia Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xu He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Juan Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Graham CF, Windsor S, Ajduk A, Trinh T, Vincent A, Jones C, Coward K, Kalsi D, Zernicka-Goetz M, Swann K, Thomas ALR. Dynamic shapes of the zygote and two-cell mouse and human. Biol Open 2021; 10:273839. [PMID: 34935907 PMCID: PMC8713988 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse zygote morphokinetics were measured during interphase, the mitotic period, cytokinesis, and two-cell stage. Sequences of rounder-distorted-rounder shapes were revealed, as were changing patterns of cross section area. A calcium chelator and an actin-disrupting agent inhibited the area changes that occurred between pronuclear envelope breakdown and cytokinesis. During cell division, two vortices developed in each nascent cell and they rotated in opposite directions at each end of the cell, a pattern that sometimes persisted for up to 10 h. Exchange with the environment may have been promoted by these shape and area cycles and persisting circulation in the cytoplasm may have a similar function between a cell's interior and periphery. Some of these movements were sporadically also seen in human zygotes with abnormal numbers of pronuclei and the two-cell stages that developed from these compromised human zygotes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chris F Graham
- Zoology Department, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, UK.,Nuffield Department of Women's Reproductive Health, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Shane Windsor
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Bristol, Queens Building, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TR, UK
| | - Anna Ajduk
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, POLAND
| | - Thanh Trinh
- Nuffield Department of Women's Reproductive Health, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK.,Cleveland Clinic Fertility Center, 26900 Cedar Rd., Beachwood, OH 44122, USA
| | - Anna Vincent
- Oxford Fertility, Oxford University, Oxford Business Park North, Alec Issigonis Way, Oxford, OX4 2HW, UK
| | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Women's Reproductive Health, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Kevin Coward
- Nuffield Department of Women's Reproductive Health, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Dilraj Kalsi
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9D, UK
| | | | - Karl Swann
- School of Biosciences, Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Adrian L R Thomas
- Zoology Department, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Huang X, Hong L, Wu Y, Chen M, Kong P, Ruan J, Teng X, Wei Z. Raman Spectrum of Follicular Fluid: A Potential Biomarker for Oocyte Developmental Competence in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:777224. [PMID: 34858993 PMCID: PMC8632455 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.777224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder in reproductive women where abnormal folliculogenesis is considered as a common characteristic. Our aim is to evaluate the potential of follicular fluid (FF) Raman spectra to predict embryo development and pregnancy outcome, so as to prioritize the best promising embryo for implantation, reducing both physiological and economical burdens of PCOS patients. In addition, the altered metabolic profiles will be identified to explore the aetiology and pathobiology of PCOS. In this study, follicular fluid samples obtained from 150 PCOS and 150 non-PCOS women were measured with Raman spectroscopy. Individual Raman spectrum was analyzed to find biologic components contributing to the occurrence of PCOS. More importantly, the Raman spectra of follicular fluid from the 150 PCOS patients were analyzed via machine-learning algorithms to evaluate their predictive value for oocyte development potential and clinical pregnancy. Mean-centered Raman spectra and principal component analysis (PCA) showed global differences in the footprints of follicular fluid between PCOS and non-PCOS women. Two Raman zones (993-1,165 cm-1 and 1,439-1,678 cm-1) were identified for describing the largest variances between the two groups, with the former higher and the latter lower in PCOS FF. The tentative assignments of corresponding Raman bands included phenylalanine and β -carotene. Moreover, it was found that FF, in which oocytes would develop into high-quality blastocysts and obtain high clinical pregnancy rate, were detected with lower quantification of the integration at 993-1,165 cm-1 and higher quantification of the integration at 1,439-1,678 cm-1 in PCOS. In addition, based on Raman spectra of PCOS FF, the machine-learning algorithms via the fully connected artificial neural network (ANN) achieved the overall accuracies of 90 and 74% in correctly assigning oocyte developmental potential and clinical pregnancy, respectively. The study suggests that the PCOS displays unique metabolic profiles in follicular fluid which could be detected by Raman spectroscopy. Specific bands in Raman spectra have the biomarker potential to predict the embryo development and pregnancy outcome for PCOS patients. Importantly, these data may provide some valuable biochemical information and metabolic signatures that will help us to understand the abnormal follicular development in PCOS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Huang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Hong
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Miaoxin Chen
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengcheng Kong
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingling Ruan
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoming Teng
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyun Wei
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Vajta G, Parmegiani L, Machaty Z, Chen WB, Yakovenko S. Back to the future: optimised microwell culture of individual human preimplantation stage embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021. [PMID: 33864207 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-021-02167-4.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Although in vitro culture of human embryos is a crucial step in assisted reproduction, the lack of focused research hampers worldwide standardisation and consistent outcomes. Only 1.2% of research papers published in five leading journals in human reproduction in 2019 focused on in vitro culture conditions, creating the impression that the optimisation process has approached its limits. On the other hand, in vitro culture of mammalian embryos is based on old principles, while there is no consensus on basic issues as density, time, medium change, gas atmosphere and small technical details including the way of drop preparation. This opinion paper aims to highlight and analyse the slow advancement in this field and stimulate research for simple and affordable solutions to meet the current requirements. A possible way for advancement is discussed in detail. Selection of embryos with the highest developmental competence requires individual culture and modification of the widely used "drop under oil" approach. Current use of three-dimensional surfaces instead of large flat bottoms is restricted to time-lapse systems, but these wells are designed for optical clarity, not for the needs of embryos. The size and shape of the original microwells (Well of the Well; WOW) offer a practical and straightforward solution to combine the benefits of communal and individual incubation and improve the overall quality of cultured embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Vajta
- RVT Australia, Cairns, QLD, 4870, Australia. .,VitaVitro Biotech Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China.
| | | | - Zoltan Machaty
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | | | - Sergey Yakovenko
- Altravita IVF Clinic, Moscow, Russia.,Biophysics Department, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nguyen HT, Dang-Nguyen TQ, Somfai T, Men NT, Viet Linh N, Xuan Nguyen B, Noguchi J, Kaneko H, Kikuchi K. Selection based on morphological features of porcine embryos produced by in vitro fertilization: Timing of early cleavages and the effect of polyspermy. Anim Sci J 2020; 91:e13401. [PMID: 32524695 PMCID: PMC7379284 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine whether a morphological approach is efficient for selecting high‐quality porcine embryos produced by in vitro fertilization (IVF) under high polyspermy conditions. Frozen‐thawed Meishan epididymal spermatozoa showing moderate and high polyspermy were subjected to IVF (1 × 105 sperms/ml). Under conditions of moderate polyspermy, 4‐cell embryos selected at 48 hr after IVF (single selection) and 8‐cell embryos selected at 79 hr after IVF from the collected 4‐cell embryos (double selection) showed high developmental competence. Likewise, 4‐ and 8‐cell embryos produced by IVF under high polyspermy conditions also showed high competence for development to blastocysts. However, blastocysts derived from high polyspermy conditions had significantly fewer cells than those produced under moderate polyspermy conditions. Furthermore, the frequency of nuclear and chromosomal abnormalities in 4‐ and 8‐cell embryos produced under conditions of high polyspermy was significantly (p < .05) higher in comparison to moderate polyspermy conditions. These findings suggest that although high polyspermy affects the frequency of nuclear and chromosomal anomalies in porcine IVF embryos, subsequent selection based on morphological features of 4‐ and 8‐cell embryos even under high polyspermy conditions, could be an alternative option for selecting porcine IVF embryos with high development ability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiep Thi Nguyen
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Japan.,The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan.,Institute of Biotechnology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thanh Quang Dang-Nguyen
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Tamas Somfai
- Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Nguyen Thi Men
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Nguyen Viet Linh
- Institute of Biotechnology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Bui Xuan Nguyen
- Institute of Biotechnology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Junko Noguchi
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kaneko
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kikuchi
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Tsukuba, Japan.,The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Effect of Triclosan Exposure on Developmental Competence in Parthenogenetic Porcine Embryo during Preimplantation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165790. [PMID: 32806749 PMCID: PMC7461051 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Triclosan (TCS) is included in various healthcare products because of its antimicrobial activity; therefore, many humans are exposed to TCS daily. While detrimental effects of TCS exposure have been reported in various species and cell types, the effects of TCS exposure on early embryonic development are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to determine if TCS exerts toxic effects during early embryonic development using porcine parthenogenetic embryos in vitro. Porcine parthenogenetic embryos were cultured in in vitro culture medium with 50 or 100 µM TCS for 6 days. Developmental parameters including cleavage and blastocyst formation rates, developmental kinetics, and the number of blastomeres were assessed. To determine the toxic effects of TCS, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction were assessed. TCS exposure resulted in a significant decrease in 2-cell rate and blastocyst formation rate, as well as number of blastomeres, but not in the cleavage rate. TCS also increased the number of apoptotic blastomeres and the production of reactive oxygen species. Finally, TCS treatment resulted in a diffuse distribution of mitochondria and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential. Our results showed that TCS exposure impaired porcine early embryonic development by inducing DNA damage, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Collapse
|
9
|
Nõmm M, Porosk R, Pärn P, Kilk K, Soomets U, Kõks S, Jaakma Ü. In vitro culture and non-invasive metabolic profiling of single bovine embryos. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:306-314. [PMID: 30092912 DOI: 10.1071/rd17446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Selecting high-quality embryos for transfer has been a difficult task when producing bovine embryos invitro. The most used non-invasive method is based on visual observation. Molecular characterisation of embryo growth media has been proposed as a complementary method. In this study we demonstrate a culture medium sampling method for identifying potential embryonic viability markers to predict normal or abnormal embryonic development. During single embryo culture, 20µL culture media was removed at Days 2, 5 and 8 after fertilisation from the same droplet (60µL). In all, 58 samples were analysed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. We demonstrate that it is possible to remove samples from the same culture medium droplets and not significantly affect blastocyst rate (25.2%). Changes in any single low molecular weight compound were not predictive enough. Combining multiple low molecular weight signals made it possible to predict Day 2 and 5 embryo development to the blastocyst stage with an accuracy of 64%. Elevated concentrations of lysophosphatidylethanolamines (m/z=453, 566, 588) in the culture media of Day 8 well-developing embryos were observed. Choline (104m/z) and citrate (215m/z) concentrations were increased in embryos in which development was retarded. Metabolic profiling provides possibilities to identify well-developing embryos before transfer, thus improving pregnancy rates and the number of calves born.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Nõmm
- Chair of Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Fr. R. Kreutzwaldi 1, Tartu 51006, Estonia
| | - Rando Porosk
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ülikooli 18, Tartu 50090, Estonia
| | - Pille Pärn
- Chair of Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Fr. R. Kreutzwaldi 1, Tartu 51006, Estonia
| | - Kalle Kilk
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ülikooli 18, Tartu 50090, Estonia
| | - Ursel Soomets
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ülikooli 18, Tartu 50090, Estonia
| | - Sulev Kõks
- Chair of Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Fr. R. Kreutzwaldi 1, Tartu 51006, Estonia
| | - Ülle Jaakma
- Chair of Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Fr. R. Kreutzwaldi 1, Tartu 51006, Estonia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kelley RL, Gardner DK. Individual culture and atmospheric oxygen during culture affect mouse preimplantation embryo metabolism and post-implantation development. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 39:3-18. [PMID: 31122833 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.03.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does single embryo culture under atmospheric or reduced oxygen alter preimplantation metabolism and post-implantation development compared with culture in groups? DESIGN Mouse embryos were cultured under 5% or 20% oxygen, individually or in groups of 10. Spent media were analysed after 48, 72 and 96 h of culture. Blastocysts were assessed by outgrowth assay or transferred to pseudo-pregnant recipients, and fetal and placental weight, length and morphology were assessed. RESULTS Compared with group culture, individually cultured blastocysts had lower net consumption of glucose and aspartate and higher glutamate production. Atmospheric oxygen reduced uptake of glucose and aspartate and increased production of glutamate and ornithine compared with 5% oxygen. Combining 20% oxygen and single culture resulted in further metabolic changes: decreased leucine, methionine and threonine consumption. Under 5% oxygen, individual culture decreased placental labyrinth area but had no other effects on fetal and placental development or outgrowth size compared with group culture. Under 20% oxygen, however, individual culture reduced outgrowth size and fetal and placental weight compared with group-cultured embryos. CONCLUSIONS Preimplantation metabolism of glucose and amino acids is altered by both oxygen and individual culture, and fetal weight is reduced by individual culture under atmospheric oxygen but not 5% oxygen. This study raises concerns regarding the increasing prevalence of single embryo culture in human IVF and adds to the existing evidence regarding the detrimental effects of atmospheric oxygen during embryo culture. Furthermore, these data demonstrate the cumulative nature of stress during embryo culture and highlight the importance of optimizing each element of the culture system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Kelley
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville Victoria 3010, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
The effects of crocetin supplementation on the blastocyst outcome, transcriptomic and metabolic profile of in vitro produced bovine embryos. Theriogenology 2019; 123:30-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
12
|
Li XX, Cao PH, Han WX, Xu YK, Wu H, Yu XL, Chen JY, Zhang F, Li YH. Non-invasive metabolomic profiling of culture media of ICSI- and IVF-derived early developmental cattle embryos via Raman spectroscopy. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 196:99-110. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
13
|
Yao T, Suzuki R, Furuta N, Suzuki Y, Kabe K, Tokoro M, Sugawara A, Yajima A, Nagasawa T, Matoba S, Yamagata K, Sugimura S. Live-cell imaging of nuclear-chromosomal dynamics in bovine in vitro fertilised embryos. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7460. [PMID: 29748644 PMCID: PMC5945782 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25698-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear/chromosomal integrity is an important prerequisite for the assessment of embryo quality in artificial reproductive technology. However, lipid-rich dark cytoplasm in bovine embryos prevents its observation by visible light microscopy. We performed live-cell imaging using confocal laser microscopy that allowed long-term imaging of nuclear/chromosomal dynamics in bovine in vitro fertilised (IVF) embryos. We analysed the relationship between nuclear/chromosomal aberrations and in vitro embryonic development and morphological blastocyst quality. Three-dimensional live-cell imaging of 369 embryos injected with mRNA encoding histone H2B-mCherry and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-α-tubulin was performed from single-cell to blastocyst stage for eight days; 17.9% reached the blastocyst stage. Abnormalities in the number of pronuclei (PN), chromosomal segregation, cytokinesis, and blastomere number at first cleavage were observed at frequencies of 48.0%, 30.6%, 8.1%, and 22.2%, respectively, and 13.0%, 6.2%, 3.3%, and 13.4%, respectively, for abnormal embryos developed into blastocysts. A multivariate analysis showed that abnormal chromosome segregation (ACS) and multiple PN correlated with delayed timing and abnormal blastomere number at first cleavage, respectively. In morphologically transferrable blastocysts, 30-40% of embryos underwent ACS and had abnormal PN. Live-cell imaging may be useful for analysing the association between nuclear/chromosomal dynamics and embryonic development in bovine embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuma Yao
- Faculty of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology (BOST), Kindai University, Wakayama, Japan
- Research and Development Center, Fuso Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd., Osaka, Japan
| | - Rie Suzuki
- Faculty of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology (BOST), Kindai University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Natsuki Furuta
- Faculty of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology (BOST), Kindai University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Yuka Suzuki
- Faculty of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology (BOST), Kindai University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Kyoko Kabe
- Faculty of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology (BOST), Kindai University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Mikiko Tokoro
- Faculty of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology (BOST), Kindai University, Wakayama, Japan
- Asada Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Asada Ladies Clinic, Aichi, Japan
| | - Atsushi Sugawara
- Department of Biological Production, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, University of Hawaii Medical School, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Akira Yajima
- Department of Biological Production, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Nagasawa
- Department of Biological Production, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoko Matoba
- Division of Animal Breeding and Reproduction Research, Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO (NILGS), Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kazuo Yamagata
- Faculty of Biology-Oriented Science and Technology (BOST), Kindai University, Wakayama, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Sugimura
- Department of Biological Production, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Dicks N, Bohrer RC, Gutierrez K, Michalak M, Agellon LB, Bordignon V. Relief of endoplasmic reticulum stress enhances DNA damage repair and improves development of pre-implantation embryos. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187717. [PMID: 29099865 PMCID: PMC5669469 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Early-cleaving embryos are known to have better capacity to reach the blastocyst stage and produce better quality embryos compared to late-cleaving embryos. To investigate the significance of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress on early embryo cleavage kinetics and development, porcine embryos produced in vitro were separated into early- and late-cleaving groups and then cultured in the absence or presence of the ER stress inhibitor tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA). Developing embryos were collected at days 3 to 7 of culture for assessment of ER stress status, incidence of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), development and total cell number. In the absence of TUDCA treatment, late-cleaving embryos exhibited ER stress, higher incidence of DNA DSBs, as well as reductions in development to the blastocyst stage and total embryo cell numbers. Treatment of late-cleaving embryos with TUDCA mitigated these effects and markedly improved embryo quality and development. These results demonstrate the importance of stress coping responses in early developing embryos, and that reduction of ER stress is a potential means to improve embryo quality and developmental competence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Dicks
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Rodrigo C. Bohrer
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Karina Gutierrez
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marek Michalak
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Luis B. Agellon
- School of Human Nutrition, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail: (VB); (LBA)
| | - Vilceu Bordignon
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail: (VB); (LBA)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lin T, Lee JE, Oqani RK, Kim SY, Cho ES, Jeong YD, Baek JJ, Jin DI. Delayed blastocyst formation or an extra day culture increases apoptosis in pig blastocysts. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 185:128-139. [PMID: 28844338 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, the timing was examined of blastocyst collection/formation or of how the duration of post-blastulation culture affected the quality and developmental competence of in vitro-produced pig parthenogenetic embryos. The earliest apoptotic signals were observed at the morula stage while the earliest cytoplasmic fragmentation was observed before the 4- to 8-cell stage of embryo development. Nuclear condensation was detected in morulae and blastocysts, but not all condensed nuclei were positive for the apoptotic signal (TUNEL staining). The mean blastocyst diameter increased with delayed blastocyst collection or extended post-blastulation culture, but decreased with delayed blastocyst formation. Delayed blastocyst collection/formation or an additional day of post-blastulation culture increased the frequencies of apoptosis, condensed nuclei, and low quality blastocysts (those showing a nuclear destruction that negated counting of the nuclei); increased the expression of the pro-apoptotic BAX gene; and reduced the ratio of ICM (inner cell mass) cells to TE (trophectoderm) cells. In addition, delayed blastocyst formation decreased POU5F1 gene expression. These results suggest that a delay in blastocyst collection/formation or an additional day of culture could increase the incidence of apoptosis, decrease the ICM:TE cell ratio, and influence the gene expression and diameter of blastocysts derived from in vitro-produced pig embryos. These findings provide a useful reference for improving the quality of in vitro-produced embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Lin
- Department of Animal Science & Biotechnology, Research Center for Transgenic Cloned Pigs, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Eun Lee
- Department of Animal Science & Biotechnology, Research Center for Transgenic Cloned Pigs, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Reza K Oqani
- Department of Animal Science & Biotechnology, Research Center for Transgenic Cloned Pigs, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - So Yeon Kim
- Department of Animal Science & Biotechnology, Research Center for Transgenic Cloned Pigs, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Seok Cho
- Department of Animal Resource Development, National Institute of Animal Science, Cheonan, 31001, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Dae Jeong
- Department of Animal Resource Development, National Institute of Animal Science, Cheonan, 31001, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Jong Baek
- Department of Animal Improvement, Chungnam Livestock Institute, Cheongyang-gun, Chungman, 33350, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Il Jin
- Department of Animal Science & Biotechnology, Research Center for Transgenic Cloned Pigs, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Redel BK, Tessanne KJ, Spate LD, Murphy CN, Prather RS. Arginine increases development of in vitro-produced porcine embryos and affects the protein arginine methyltransferase-dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase-nitric oxide axis. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 27:655-66. [PMID: 25765074 DOI: 10.1071/rd14293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Culture systems promote development at rates lower than the in vivo environment. Here, we evaluated the embryo's transcriptome to determine what the embryo needs during development. A previous mRNA sequencing endeavour found upregulation of solute carrier family 7 (cationic amino acid transporter, y+ system), member 1 (SLC7A1), an arginine transporter, in in vitro- compared with in vivo-cultured embryos. In the present study, we added different concentrations of arginine to our culture medium to meet the needs of the porcine embryo. Increasing arginine from 0.12 to 1.69mM improved the number of embryos that developed to the blastocyst stage. These blastocysts also had more total nuclei compared with controls and, specifically, more trophectoderm nuclei. Embryos cultured in 1.69mM arginine had lower SLC7A1 levels and a higher abundance of messages involved with glycolysis (hexokinase 1, hexokinase 2 and glutamic pyruvate transaminase (alanine aminotransferase) 2) and decreased expression of genes involved with blocking the tricarboxylic acid cycle (pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase, isozyme 1) and the pentose phosphate pathway (transaldolase 1). Expression of the protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT) genes PRMT1, PRMT3 and PRMT5 throughout development was not affected by arginine. However, the dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1 (DDAH1) and DDAH2 message was found to be differentially regulated through development, and the DDAH2 protein was localised to the nuclei of blastocysts. Arginine has a positive effect on preimplantation development and may be affecting the nitric oxide-DDAH-PRMT axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bethany K Redel
- Division of Animal Science, Animal Science Research Center, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Kimberly J Tessanne
- Division of Animal Science, Animal Science Research Center, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Lee D Spate
- Division of Animal Science, Animal Science Research Center, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Clifton N Murphy
- Division of Animal Science, Animal Science Research Center, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Randall S Prather
- Division of Animal Science, Animal Science Research Center, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Dos Santos ÉC, Martinho H, Annes K, da Silva T, Soares CA, Leite RF, Milazzotto MP. Raman-based noninvasive metabolic profile evaluation of in vitro bovine embryos. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2016; 21:75002. [PMID: 27385403 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.21.7.075002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The timing of the first embryonic cell divisions may predict the ability of an embryo to establish pregnancy. Similarly, metabolic profiles may be markers of embryonic viability. However, in bovine, data about the metabolomics profile of these embryos are still not available. In the present work, we describe Raman-based metabolomic profiles of culture media of bovine embryos with different developmental kinetics (fast x slow) throughout the in vitro culture. The principal component analysis enabled us to classify embryos with different developmental kinetics since they presented specific spectroscopic profiles for each evaluated time point. We noticed that bands at 1076 cm(−1) (lipids), 1300 cm(−1) (Amide III), and 2719 cm(−1) (DNA nitrogen bases) gave the most relevant spectral features, enabling the separation between fast and slow groups. Bands at 1001 cm(−1) (phenylalanine) and 2892 cm(−1) (methylene group of the polymethylene chain) presented specific patterns related to embryonic stage and can be considered as biomarkers of embryonic development by Raman spectroscopy. The culture media analysis by Raman spectroscopy proved to be a simple and sensitive technique that can be applied with high efficiency to characterize the profiles of in vitro produced bovine embryos with different development kinetics and different stages of development.
Collapse
|
18
|
de los Santos MJ, Gámiz P, de los Santos JM, Romero JL, Prados N, Alonso C, Remohí J, Dominguez F. The Metabolomic Profile of Spent Culture Media from Day-3 Human Embryos Cultured under Low Oxygen Tension. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142724. [PMID: 26562014 PMCID: PMC4643011 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite efforts made to improve the in vitro embryo culture conditions used during assisted reproduction procedures, human embryos must adapt to different in vitro oxygen concentrations and the new metabolic milieu provided by the diverse culture media used for such protocols. It has been shown that the embryo culture environment can affect not only cellular metabolism, but also gene expression in different species of mammalian embryos. Therefore we wanted to compare the metabolic footprint left by human cleavage-stage embryos under two types of oxygen atmospheric culture conditions (6% and 20% O2). The spent culture media from 39 transferred and implanted embryos from a total of 22 patients undergoing egg donation treatment was analyzed; 23 embryos came from 13 patients in the 6% oxygen concentration group, and 16 embryos from 9 patients were used in the 20% oxygen concentration group. The multivariate statistics we used in our analysis showed that human cleavage-stage embryos grown under both types of oxygen concentration left a similar metabolic fingerprint. We failed to observe any change in the net depletion or release of relevant analytes, such as glucose and especially fatty acids, by human cleavage-stage embryos under either type of culture condition. Therefore it seems that low oxygen tension during embryo culture does not alter the global metabolism of human cleavage-stage embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria José de los Santos
- IVI Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research and Fundación IVI, Valencia, Spain
- * E-mail: (FD); (MJDLS)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - José Remohí
- IVI Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research and Fundación IVI, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco Dominguez
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research and Fundación IVI, Valencia, Spain
- * E-mail: (FD); (MJDLS)
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Perkel KJ, Tscherner A, Merrill C, Lamarre J, Madan P. The ART of selecting the best embryo: A review of early embryonic mortality and bovine embryo viability assessment methods. Mol Reprod Dev 2015; 82:822-38. [PMID: 26184077 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Animal reproductive biotechnology is continually evolving. Significant advances have been made in our understanding of early embryonic mortality and embryo development in domestic animals, which has improved the selection and success of in vitro technologies. Yet our knowledge is still relatively limited such that identifying a single embryo with the highest chance of survival and development for transfer remains challenging. While invasive methods such as embryo biopsy can provide useful information regarding the genetic status of the embryos, morphological assessment remains the most common evaluation. A recent shift, however, favors alternative, adjunct approaches for non-invasive assessment of an embryo's viability and developmental potential. Various analytical techniques have facilitated the evaluation of cellular health through the metabolome, the assessment of end products of cellular metabolism, or by analyzing spent media for small RNAs. This review discusses the application of noninvasive approaches for ascertaining the health and viability of in vitro-produced bovine embryos. A comparative analysis of noninvasive techniques for embryo assessment currently being investigated in cattle and humans is also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kayla J Perkel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Allison Tscherner
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Casandra Merrill
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan Lamarre
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pavneesh Madan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Bohrer RC, Coutinho ARS, Duggavathi R, Bordignon V. The Incidence of DNA Double-Strand Breaks Is Higher in Late-Cleaving and Less Developmentally Competent Porcine Embryos. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:59. [PMID: 26134870 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.130542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies in different species, including human, mice, bovine, and swine, demonstrated that early-cleaving embryos have higher capacity to develop to the blastocyst stage and produce better quality embryos with superior capacity to establish pregnancy than late-cleaving embryos. It has also been shown that experimentally induced DNA damage delays embryo cleavage kinetics and reduces blastocyst formation. To gain additional insights into the effects of genome damage on embryo cleavage kinetics and development, the present study compared the occurrence of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) with the expression profile of genes involved in DNA repair and cell cycle control between early- and late-cleaving embryos. Porcine oocytes matured in vitro were activated, and then early-cleaving (before 24 h) and late-cleaving (between 24 and 48 h) embryos were identified and cultured separately. Developing embryos, on Days 3, 5, and 7, were used to evaluate the total cell number and presence of DSBs (by counting the number of immunofluorescent foci for phosphorylated histone H2A.x [H2AX139ph] and RAD51 proteins) and to quantify transcripts of genes involved in DNA repair and cell cycle control by quantitative RT-PCR. Early-cleaving embryos had fewer DSBs, lower transcript levels for genes encoding DNA repair and cell cycle checkpoint proteins, and more cells than late-cleaving embryos. Interestingly, at the blastocyst stage, embryos that developed from early- and late-cleaving groups had similar number of DSBs as well as transcript levels of genes induced by DNA damage. This indicates that only embryos with less DNA damage and/or superior capacity for DNA repair are able to progress to the blastocyst stage. Collectively, findings in this study revealed a negative correlation between the occurrence of DSBs and embryo cleavage kinetics and embryo developmental capacity to the blastocyst stage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Rita S Coutinho
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Raj Duggavathi
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Vilceu Bordignon
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chung YH, Hsiao YH, Kao WL, Hsu CH, Yao DJ, Chen C. Microwells support high-resolution time-lapse imaging and development of preimplanted mouse embryos. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2015; 9:022407. [PMID: 26015830 PMCID: PMC4417014 DOI: 10.1063/1.4918642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A vital aspect affecting the success rate of in vitro fertilization is the culture environment of the embryo. However, what is not yet comprehensively understood is the affect the biochemical, physical, and genetic requirements have over the dynamic development of human or mouse preimplantation embryos. The conventional microdrop technique often cultures embryos in groups, which limits the investigation of the microenvironment of embryos. We report an open microwell platform, which enables micropipette manipulation and culture of embryos in defined sub-microliter volumes without valves. The fluidic environment of each microwell is secluded from others by layering oil on top, allowing for non-invasive, high-resolution time-lapse microscopy, and data collection from each individual embryo without confounding factors. We have successfully cultured mouse embryos from the two-cell stage to completely hatched blastocysts inside microwells with an 89% success rate (n = 64), which is comparable to the success rate of the contemporary practice. Development timings of mouse embryos that developed into blastocysts are statistically different to those of embryos that failed to form blastocysts (p-value < 10(-10), two-tailed Student's t-test) and are robust indicators of the competence of the embryo to form a blastocyst in vitro with 94% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Embryos at the cleavage- or blastocyst-stage following the normal development timings were selected and transferred to the uteri of surrogate female mice. Fifteen of twenty-two (68%) blastocysts and four of ten (40%) embryos successfully developed into normal baby mice following embryo transfer. This microwell platform, which supports the development of preimplanted embryos and is low-cost, easy to fabricate and operate, we believe, opens opportunities for a wide range of applications in reproductive medicine and cell biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsiang Chung
- Institute of Nanoengineering and Microsystems, National Tsing Hua University , 30013 Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsing Hsiao
- Institute of Nanoengineering and Microsystems, National Tsing Hua University , 30013 Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Lun Kao
- Institute of Nanoengineering and Microsystems, National Tsing Hua University , 30013 Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsien Hsu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes , 35053 Zhunan, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Da-Jeng Yao
- Institute of Nanoengineering and Microsystems, National Tsing Hua University , 30013 Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chihchen Chen
- Institute of Nanoengineering and Microsystems, National Tsing Hua University , 30013 Hsinchu, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Lonergan P, Fair T. The ART of studying early embryo development: progress and challenges in ruminant embryo culture. Theriogenology 2014; 81:49-55. [PMID: 24274409 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Revised: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The study of preimplantation mammalian embryo development is challenging due to difficulties in accessing in vivo-derived embryos in large numbers at the early stages and the inability to culture embryos in vitro much beyond the blastocyst stage. Nonetheless, embryos exhibit an amazing plasticity and tolerance when it comes to adapting to the environment in which they are cultured. They are capable of developing in media ranging in composition from simple balanced salt solutions to complex systems involving serum and somatic cells. At least a proportion of the blastocysts that develop in culture are developmentally competent as evidenced by the fact that live offspring have resulted following transfer. However, several studies using animal models have shown that such embryos are sensitive to environmental conditions that can affect future pre- and post-natal growth and developmental potential. This review summarises some key aspects of early embryo development and the approaches taken to study this important window in early life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pat Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland.
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Dang-Nguyen TQ, Viet-Linh N, Somfai T, Haraguchi S, Xuan Nguyen B. Development of large and small blastomeres from 2-cell embryos produced in vitro in pigs. Anim Sci J 2014; 85:517-23. [PMID: 24506151 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2013] [Accepted: 11/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we examined the development to blastocysts of large and small blastomeres from unevenly cleaved 2-cell embryos (uneven 2-cell embryos) in pigs. Proportion of blastocysts derived from large blastomeres (52.8 ± 6.4%) was significantly higher (P<0.05) compared with small ones (32.1 ± 4.6%). However, there were no differences in total cell number, inner cell mass (ICM) cell number and ICM/total cells ratio between them. Of 53 sister blastomere pairs in the same embryos examined there were 12 pairs (22.6%) in which both blastomeres developed to blastocysts, 16 pairs (30.2%) in which only large blastomeres developed to blastocysts, and five pairs (9.4%) in which only small blastomeres developed to blastocysts. Relative total amount of active mitochondria in small blastomeres were lower (P<0.05) than that of large blastomeres and blastomeres from evenly cleaved 2-cell embryos. However, there was no difference in relative density of active mitochondria in these three types of blastomeres. In conclusion, blastocysts derived from small and large blastomeres in uneven 2-cell embryos had comparable quality in terms of cell number, ICM number, ICM/total cell ratio and distribution of active mitochondria. The results suggest that these blastomeres may contribute multiple offspring production in pigs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thanh Quang Dang-Nguyen
- Institute of Biotechnology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam; Animal Breeding and Reproduction Division, NARO Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, Tsukuba, Japan; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Novo S, Morató R, Penon O, Duran S, Barrios L, Nogués C, Plaza JA, Pérez-García L, Mogas T, Ibáñez E. Identification of bovine embryos cultured in groups by attachment of barcodes to the zona pellucida. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 26:645-52. [DOI: 10.1071/rd13066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The low number of oocytes collected from unstimulated donors by ovum pick-up means that embryos produced from each individual female have to be cultured individually or in very small groups. However, it has been demonstrated that single-embryo culture is less efficient than embryo culture in groups. To overcome this limitation, we developed a direct embryo-tagging system, which allows the collective culture of embryos from different origins whilst preserving their pedigree. Presumptive bovine zygotes were tagged with eight wheat-germ agglutinin biofunctionalised polysilicon barcodes attached to the outer surface of the zona pellucida (ZP). Four different barcodes were used to encode groups of 20–25 embryos, which were then cultured in the same drop. Cleavage, Day-7 and Day-8 blastocysts and barcode retention rates were assessed. In addition, Day-7 blastocysts were vitrified and warmed. Barcode attachment to the ZP of bovine embryos affected neither in vitro embryo development nor post-warming survival of the tagged embryos. All the embryos maintained barcodes attached until Day 8 of culture (3.63 ± 0.37 barcodes per embryo) and could be identified. In conclusion, identification of embryos by barcodes attached to the ZP is feasible and will allow the culture of embryos from different donors in the same drop.
Collapse
|
25
|
Torner E, Bussalleu E, Briz MD, Yeste M, Bonet S. Energy substrate influences the effect of the timing of the first embryonic cleavage on the development of in vitro-produced porcine embryos in a sex-related manner. Mol Reprod Dev 2013; 80:924-35. [PMID: 23959915 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
In vitro culture conditions and certain events during the earliest stages of development are linked to embryonic survival, possibly in a sex-related manner. In vitro-produced (IVP) porcine embryos cultured with glucose (IVC-Glu) or pyruvate-lactate (IVC-PL) were tested for any relationship between the timing of the first embryonic cleavage and development and sex ratio. The embryos were assigned to IVC-Glu or IVC-PL groups and classified depending on the timing of their first cleavage: 24, 26, 30, and 48 hr post-insemination (hpi). They were cultured separately in vitro and evaluated for cleavage rate and pattern, blastocyst rate and stage, cell number, apoptosis, and sex ratio. Regardless of energy source, the percentage of two-cell stage and fragmented embryos at the time of their first cleavage was, respectively, higher and lower in early-cleaving embryos. Those embryos cleaved by 24 hpi developed to blastocysts at a higher rate (IVC-Glu: 37.90 ± 3.06%; IVC-PL: 38.73 ± 4.08%) than those cleaved between 30 and 48 hpi (IVC-Glu: 5.87 ± 3.02%; IVC-PL: 8.41 ± 3.50%). Furthermore, a shift toward males was seen among embryos first cleaved before 30 hpi, versus towards females among those cleaved later. The early-cleaving embryos, only from the IVC-PL group, had a higher proportion of expanded blastocysts (81.05 ± 6.54% vs. 13.33 ± 13.33%) with higher cell numbers than their late-cleaving counterparts. Moreover, a shift toward males only appeared at the blastocyst stage in IVC-PL embryos. These findings confirm that the timing of the first cleavage influences development of IVP porcine embryos in a sex-related manner, and it depends on the main energy source of the in vitro culture medium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Torner
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Girona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Li J, Li R, Liu Y, Villemoes K, Purup S, Callesen H. Developmental kinetics of pig embryos by parthenogenetic activation or by handmade cloning. Reprod Domest Anim 2013; 48:866-73. [PMID: 23617742 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2012] [Accepted: 04/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The developmental kinetics of pig embryos produced by parthenogenetic activation without (PAZF) or with (PAZI) zona pellucida or by handmade cloning (HMC) was compared by time-lapse videography. After cumulus cell removal, the matured oocytes were either left zona intact (PAZI) or were made zona free by pronase digestion (PAZF) before they were activated (PA). Other matured oocytes were used for HMC based on foetal fibroblast cells. On Day 0 (day of PA or reconstruction), the embryos were cultured for 7 days in vitro in our time-lapse system. Pictures were taken every 30 min, and afterwards, each cell cycle was identified for each embryo to be analysed. Results showed that the PA embryos (both PAZF and PAZI) had shorter first cell cycle compared with HMC (17.4. 17.8 vs 23.6 h), but had a longer time length from four cell to morula stages (57.9, 53.8 vs 44.9 h). However, at the second cell cycle, PAZF embryos needed shorter time, while PAZI embryos had similar time length as HMC embryos, and both were longer than PAZF (23.4, 24.8 vs 14.6 h). Both PAZF and PAZI embryos used similar time to reach the blastocyst stage, and this was later than HMC embryos. In addition, when all of these embryos were grouped into viable (developed to blastocysts) and non-viable (not developed to blastocysts), the only difference in the time length was observed on the first cell cycle (18.6 vs 24.5 h), but not on the later cell cycles. In conclusion, our results not only give detailed information regarding the time schedule of in vitro-handled pig embryos, but also indicate that the first cell cycle could be used as a selecting marker for embryo viability. However, to evaluate the effect of the produced techniques, the whole time schedule of the pre-implantation developmental kinetics should be observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Effect of supplementation of different growth factors in embryo culture medium with a small number of bovine embryos on in vitro embryo development and quality. Animal 2013; 7:455-62. [DOI: 10.1017/s1751731112001991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
|
28
|
Hemmings KE, Leese HJ, Picton HM. Amino Acid Turnover by Bovine Oocytes Provides an Index of Oocyte Developmental Competence In Vitro1. Biol Reprod 2012; 86:165, 1-12. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.092585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
|
29
|
Smith GD, Takayama S, Swain JE. Rethinking in vitro embryo culture: new developments in culture platforms and potential to improve assisted reproductive technologies. Biol Reprod 2012; 86:62. [PMID: 21998170 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.095778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The preponderance of research toward improving embryo development in vitro has focused on manipulation of the chemical soluble environment, including altering basic salt composition, energy substrate concentration, amino acid makeup, and the effect of various growth factors or addition or subtraction of other supplements. In contrast, relatively little work has been done examining the physical requirements of preimplantation embryos and the role culture platforms or devices can play in influencing embryo development within the laboratory. The goal of this review is not to reevaluate the soluble composition of past and current embryo culture media, but rather to consider how other controlled and precise factors such as time, space, mechanical interactions, gradient diffusions, cell movement, and surface interactions might influence embryo development. Novel culture platforms are being developed as a result of interdisciplinary collaborations between biologists and biomedical, material, chemical, and mechanical engineers. These approaches are looking beyond the soluble media composition and examining issues such as media volume and embryo spacing. Furthermore, methods that permit precise and regulated dynamic embryo culture with fluid flow and embryo movement are now available, and novel culture surfaces are being developed and tested. While several factors remain to be investigated to optimize the efficiency of embryo production, manipulation of the embryo culture microenvironment through novel devices and platforms may offer a pathway toward improving embryo development within the laboratory of the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gary D Smith
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0617, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Optimal developmental stage for vitrification of parthenogenetically activated porcine embryos. Cryobiology 2012; 64:60-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2011.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2011] [Revised: 08/12/2011] [Accepted: 08/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
31
|
Timing of first embryonic cleavage is a positive indicator of the in vitro developmental potential of porcine embryos derived from in vitro fertilization, somatic cell nuclear transfer and parthenogenesis. Mol Reprod Dev 2011; 79:197-207. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2011] [Accepted: 11/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
32
|
Jeon Y, Jeong SH, Biswas D, Jung EM, Jeung EB, Lee ES, Hyun SH. Cleavage pattern and survivin expression in porcine embryos by somatic cell nuclear transfer. Theriogenology 2011; 76:1187-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2010] [Revised: 03/28/2011] [Accepted: 04/03/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
33
|
Single in vitro bovine embryo production: Coculture with autologous cumulus cells, developmental competence, embryo quality and gene expression profiles. Theriogenology 2011; 76:1293-303. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2011] [Revised: 05/07/2011] [Accepted: 05/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
34
|
Coutinho ARS, Assumpção MEO, Bordignon V. Presence of cleaved caspase 3 in swine embryos of different developmental capacities produced by parthenogenetic activation. Mol Reprod Dev 2011; 78:673-83. [PMID: 21887717 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2011] [Accepted: 07/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This study assessed the presence of cleaved caspase 3 (CC3) during the in vitro development of swine embryos produced by parthenogenetic activation (PA). Embryos with high and low capacity to develop into blastocysts and the exposure to a caspase inhibitor (z-DEVD-fmk) were used to investigate the effect of CC3 on embryo development. The blastocyst rate (64.3% vs. 16.4%) and the average number of nuclei per blastocyst (39.7 vs. 19.8) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in early- (before 24 hr) compared to late- (between 24 and 48 hr) cleaving embryos after PA. CC3 was mainly detected in the cytoplasm of Day-2 and -4 embryos, but was primarily localized in the nucleus of Day-5 and -6 embryos. The fluorescence signal for CC3 relative to negative controls was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in early- (2.42-fold) compared to late-cleaving (1.39-fold) embryos at Day 2 of culture. Treatment with z-DEVD-fmk during the first 24 or 48 hr of the culture period resulted in more embryos developing into blastocysts compared to the control group (55.8% and 55.1% vs. 37%, respectively; P < 0.05). This study confirmed the presence of CC3 in PA embryos from the two-cell to the blastocyst stage, and revealed that CC3 cellular-localization changed during embryo development. CC3 was shown to be more abundant in early-cleaving and more developmentally competent embryos compared to late-cleaving and less developmentally competent embryos. The inhibition of caspase activity at the beginning, but not at the end, of the culture period affected development of PA embryos.
Collapse
|
35
|
Somfai T, Inaba Y, Aikawa Y, Ohtake M, Kobayashi S, Akai T, Hattori H, Konishi K, Imai K. Culture of bovine embryos in polyester mesh sections: the effect of pore size and oxygen tension on in vitro development. Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 45:1104-9. [PMID: 19845884 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2009.01502.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of polyester mesh culture for the in vitro production of bovine embryos, as polyester mesh is an alternative way for tracking individual embryos throughout culture using time-lapse cinematography (TLC). Bovine embryos were isolated during in vitro culture using sections of three different polyethylene terephthalate (PET) mesh products. In vitro matured and fertilized bovine oocytes were cultured in the 217 × 217, 230 × 230 or 238 × 238-μm openings of PET mesh sections or in simple micro-drops (control) for 7 days under either 20% or 5% O(2) tensions. No difference in embryo developmental rates was found between the culture groups in terms of cleavage, blastocyst formation and blastocyst expansion irrespective of O(2) tension. In contrast, under 20% O(2) tension, blastocysts that developed in PET mesh with 217 × 217-μm opening had significantly higher numbers of total and trophectoderm (TE) cells than control embryos; however, the numbers and proportions of inner cell mass (ICM) cells did not differ. Under 5% O(2) tension, no difference was found among the culture groups in the numbers of total, ICM and TE cells in embryos. All three PET mesh products investigated in this study were proven to be effective to prevent embryo movement. The results demonstrate that bovine embryos can be cultured in PET mesh sections without negative side-effects and suggest that embryo distance determined by the mesh affects embryo quality at atmospheric oxygen tension. Polyethylene terephthalate mesh with 217 × 217-μm openings was found to be the most suitable for further application in TLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Somfai
- National Livestock Breeding Center, Fukushima, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Gao J, Guo Y, Wang J, Wang Z, Jin X, Cheng C, Li Y, Li K. Spectroscopic analyses on interaction of o-Vanillin-D-Phenylalanine, o-Vanillin-L-Tyrosine and o-Vanillin-L-Levodopa Schiff Bases with bovine serum albumin (BSA). SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2011; 78:1278-1286. [PMID: 21295513 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2010.12.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2010] [Revised: 12/14/2010] [Accepted: 12/25/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
In this work, three o-Vanillin Schiff Bases (o-VSB: o-Vanillin-D-Phenylalanine (o-VDP), o-Vanillin-L-Tyrosine (o-VLT) and o-Vanillin-L-Levodopa (o-VLL)) with alanine constituent were synthesized by direct reflux method in ethanol solution, and then were used to study the interaction to bovine serum albumin (BSA) molecules by fluorescence spectroscopy. Based on the fluorescence quenching calculation, the bimolecular quenching constant (K(q)), apparent quenching constant (K(sv)), effective binding constant (K(A)) and corresponding dissociation constant (K(D)) as well as binding site number (n) were obtained. In addition, the binding distance (r) was also calculated according to Foster's non-radioactive energy transfer theory. The results show that these three o-VSB can efficiently bind to BSA molecules, but the binding array order is o-VDP-BSA>o-VLT-BSA>o-VLL-BSA. Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy indicates that the o-VDP is more accessibility to tryptophan (Trp) residues of BSA molecules than to tyrosine (Tyr) residues. Nevertheless, the o-VLT and o-VLL are more accessibility to Tyr residues than to Trp residues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingqun Gao
- Department of Chemistry, Liaoning University, Shenyang, PR China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Swain JE, Smith GD. Advances in embryo culture platforms: novel approaches to improve preimplantation embryo development through modifications of the microenvironment. Hum Reprod Update 2011; 17:541-57. [PMID: 21454356 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmr006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority of research aimed at improving embryo development in vitro has focused on manipulation of the chemical environment, examining details such as energy substrate composition and impact of various growth factors or other supplements. In comparison, relatively little work has been done examining the physical requirements of preimplantation embryos and the role culture platforms or devices can play in influencing embryo development. METHODS Electronic searches were performed using keywords centered on embryo culture techniques using PUBMED through June 2010 and references were searched for additional research articles. RESULTS Various approaches to in vitro embryo culture that involve manipulations of the physical culture environment are emerging. Novel culture platforms being developed examine issues such as media volume and embryo spacing. Furthermore, methods to permit dynamic embryo culture with fluid flow and embryo movement are now available, and novel culture surfaces are being tested. CONCLUSIONS Although several factors remain to be studied to optimize efficiency, manipulations of the embryo culture microenvironment through novel culture devices may offer a means to improve embryo development in vitro. Reduced volume systems that reduce embryo spacing, such as the well-of-the-well approach, appear beneficial, although more work is needed to verify the source of their true benefit in human embryos. Emerging microfluidic technology appears to be a promising approach. However, along with the work on specialized culture surfaces, more information is required to determine the impact on human embryo development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J E Swain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Xie Y, Awonuga AO, Zhou S, Puscheck EE, Rappolee DA. Interpreting the stress response of early mammalian embryos and their stem cells. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2011; 287:43-95. [PMID: 21414586 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-386043-9.00002-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
This review analyzes and interprets the normal, pathogenic, and pathophysiological roles of stress and stress enzymes in mammalian development. Emerging data suggest that stem cells from early embryos are induced by stress to perform stress-enzyme-mediated responses that use the strategies of compensatory, prioritized, and reversible differentiation. These strategies have been optimized during evolution and in turn have aspects of energy conservation during stress that optimize and maximize the efficacy of the stress response. It is likely that different types of stem cells have varying degrees of flexibility in mediating compensatory and prioritized differentiation. The significance of this analysis and interpretation is that it will serve as a foundation for yielding tools for diagnosing, understanding normal and pathophysiological mechanisms, and providing methods for managing stress enzymes to improve short- and long-term reproductive outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Xie
- CS Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Sugimura S, Akai T, Somfai T, Hirayama M, Aikawa Y, Ohtake M, Hattori H, Kobayashi S, Hashiyada Y, Konishi K, Imai K. Time-Lapse Cinematography-Compatible Polystyrene-Based Microwell Culture System: A Novel Tool for Tracking the Development of Individual Bovine Embryos1. Biol Reprod 2010; 83:970-8. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.110.085522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
|
40
|
Dang-Nguyen TQ, Kikuchi K, Somfai T, Ozawa M, Nakai M, Maedomari N, Viet-Linh N, Kanai Y, Nguyen BX, Nagai T. Evaluation of developmental competence of in vitro-produced porcine embryos based on the timing, pattern and evenness of the first cleavage and onset of the second cleavage. J Reprod Dev 2010; 56:593-600. [PMID: 20657154 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.10-038m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The following selection markers for in vitro-produced porcine embryos were investigated: the timing, pattern and evenness of the first cleavage and the timing of the second cleavage. The embryos that cleaved by 30 h post-insemination (hpi) developed to blastocysts at a significantly higher rate (60.9%) and with a significantly higher cell number (33.6 cells) than those of embryos cleaved by 36 hpi (26.4% and 23.6 cells, respectively, P<0.05). Blastocyst proportions derived from 2- and 3-cell embryos cleaved by 30 hpi (68.2 and 65.3%, respectively) were significantly higher than those of 4- and >4-cell embryos (46.3 and 42.6%, respectively, P<0.05). The cell number per blastocyst generated from 2-cell embryos was significantly greater (37.3 cells) than those from 3-, 4- and >4-cell embryos (23.6-27.8 cells, P<0.05). Among embryos cleaved by 30 hpi, the blastocysts derived from evenly cleaved embryos (40.6 cells) were of significantly better quality than those derived from unevenly cleaved embryos (33.2 cells, P<0.05), although their blastocyst rates did not differ. The evenly cleaved embryos that underwent subsequent cleavage within 18 h had significantly higher blastocyst rates (72.7-81.0%) and quality (36.2-40.9 cells) than those without subsequent cleavage (48.3% and 22.5 cells, respectively, P<0.05) during the same period. In conclusion, the timing, pattern and evenness of the first cleavage and the timing of the second cleavage affected the developmental competence and quality of in vitro-produced porcine embryos.
Collapse
|
41
|
Krisher RL, Wheeler MB. Towards the use of microfluidics for individual embryo culture. Reprod Fertil Dev 2010; 22:32-9. [PMID: 20003843 DOI: 10.1071/rd09219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian embryo development is still relatively inefficient in vitro. Much research has been conducted on the chemical environment, or culture medium, surrounding the embryo, but little attention has been given to the actual physical culture environment, which has changed very little over the years. The application of microfluidics to embryo production in vitro is a tantalising approach that may alleviate some of the limits that traditional microdrop culture places on embryo development and research into gamete and embryo physiology. These devices may lead to enhanced in vitro embryo development and quality by more closely mimicking the in vivo environment. Initial work in this area is promising and gives us proof-of-principle that these unique microfluidic systems may indeed be applicable to in vitro culture of gametes and embryos. The present paper reviews the advantages of microfluidics for in vitro embryo production: how the platforms are manufactured, the current uses of microfluidics in assisted reproduction, static v. dynamic culture environments, individual gamete and embryo culture and the future directions of microfluidic application to in vitro embryo production and manipulation. Finally, preliminary data from our laboratory using a new microfluidic well insert for porcine, bovine and murine embryo culture is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R L Krisher
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61821, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Prediction of in-vitro developmental competence of early cleavage-stage mouse embryos with compact time-lapse equipment. Reprod Biomed Online 2010; 20:371-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2009.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2009] [Revised: 08/03/2009] [Accepted: 11/26/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
43
|
Zhang DX, Cui XS, Kim NH. Molecular characterization and polyadenylation-regulated expression of cyclin B1 and Cdc2 in porcine oocytes and early parthenotes. Mol Reprod Dev 2010; 77:38-50. [PMID: 19705412 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.21095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Meiotic maturation of mammalian oocytes is controlled by the maturation/M-phase promotion factor (MPF), a complex of Cdc2 kinase and cyclin B protein. To better understand the molecular mechanism of oocyte maturation, we characterized porcine cyclin B1 and Cdc2 genes, both of which are widely expressed in pig tissues. We further analyzed their expression profiles during in vitro maturation of pig oocyte and early embryonic development at both the mRNA and protein level. Two isoforms of cyclin B1, comprising the same open reading frame but differing in 3'-UTR length, were identified. Cyclin B1 transcripts was up-regulated after 30 hr of maturation, while Cdc2 mRNA levels were unchanged during maturation except for a sharp decline at 44 hr. Cyclin B1 protein synthesis increased with oocyte maturation. Cdc2 protein expression was relatively low during 0-18 hr, followed by a higher level of expression up to 44 hr of maturation. Poly(A)-test PCR clearly revealed that both cyclin B1 isoforms underwent cytoplasmic polyadenylation starting around 18-24 hr during maturation, while a substantial de-adenylation and degradation of Cdc2 isoforms were observed in metaphase II oocytes and during embryo development after parthenogenetic activation. Porcine MII oocytes derived from small follicles (< or = 3 mm) and bad quality 2-cell parthenotes showed lower developmental competence and lower levels of cyclin B1 protein, and Cdc2 mRNA or both gene mRNAs, respectively, compared to their control counterparts. These results suggested that cyclin B1 was regulated posttranscriptionally by cytoplasmic polyadenylation during porcine oocyte maturation. Further, the decreased expression of maternal cyclin B1 and Cdc2 at the mRNA or protein level in developmentally incompetent oocytes and embryos was responsible for, at least in part, a profound defect in further embryonic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ding-Xiao Zhang
- Department of Animal Sciences, Chungbuk National University, Chungbuk, South Korea
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Matoba S, Fair T, Lonergan P. Maturation, fertilisation and culture of bovine oocytes and embryos in an individually identifiable manner: a tool for studying oocyte developmental competence. Reprod Fertil Dev 2010; 22:839-51. [DOI: 10.1071/rd09277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2009] [Accepted: 11/26/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to successfully culture oocytes and embryos individually would facilitate the study of the relationship between follicle parameters and oocyte developmental competence, in order to identify markers of competent oocytes, as well as the ability to use small numbers of oocytes from an individual donor such as when ovum pick-up is carried out. Using a total of 3118 oocytes, the aim of the present study was to develop a system capable of supporting the development of immature bovine oocytes to the blastocyst stage in an individually identifiable manner. Initially, post-fertilisation embryo culture in the Well-of-the-Well (WOW) system, on the cell adhesive Cell-Tak or in polyester mesh was tested and shown to result in similar development to embryos cultured in standard group culture. The results demonstrate that it is possible to culture bovine oocytes to the blastocyst stage in an individually identifiable manner in all three culture systems with comparable success rates. This permits the localisation and identification of individual embryos throughout preimplantation development in vitro while retaining the developmental benefits of group culture. In terms of ease of preparation and use, culture in isolation within the strands of a polyester mesh is preferable.
Collapse
|
45
|
SOMFAI T, INABA Y, AIKAWA Y, OHTAKE M, KOBAYASHI S, KONISHI K, IMAI K. Relationship Between the Length of Cell Cycles, Cleavage Pattern and Developmental Competence in Bovine Embryos Generated by In Vitro Fertilization or Parthenogenesis. J Reprod Dev 2010; 56:200-7. [DOI: 10.1262/jrd.09-097a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tamás SOMFAI
- National Livestock Breeding Center
- National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science
| | - Yasushi INABA
- National Livestock Breeding Center
- National Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science
| | | | | | | | | | - Kei IMAI
- National Livestock Breeding Center
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Dessolle L, Freour T, Barriere P, Darai E, Ravel C, Jean M, Coutant C. A cycle-based model to predict blastocyst transfer cancellation. Hum Reprod 2009; 25:598-604. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dep439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
47
|
Cervera R, Martí-Gutiérrez N, Escorihuela E, Moreno R, Stojkovic M. Trichostatin A affects histone acetylation and gene expression in porcine somatic cell nucleus transfer embryos. Theriogenology 2009; 72:1097-110. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2009] [Revised: 06/16/2009] [Accepted: 06/27/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
48
|
Racowsky C, Ohno-Machado L, Kim J, Biggers JD. Is there an advantage in scoring early embryos on more than one day? Hum Reprod 2009; 24:2104-13. [PMID: 19493872 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dep198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was undertaken to determine what characteristics should be recorded on which days to build a predictive model for selection of Day 3 embryos. METHODS Embryos failing to form a clinical sac or that formed a viable fetus (to > or =12 weeks), and transferred singly (n = 269) or in pairs (n = 1326) were scored for early cleavage and pronuclear status on Day 1, and cell number, fragmentation, and symmetry on Days 2 and 3, with number of nuclei per blastomere also recorded on Day 2. Seven candidate models were identified using a priori clinical knowledge and univariate analyses. Each model was fit on a training-set and evaluated on a test-set with resampling, with discrimination assessed using the area under the ROC curve (AUC) and calibration assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow statistics. RESULTS Models built using Day 1, 2 or 3 scores independently on the 30 resampled data sets showed that Day 1 evaluations provided the poorest predictive value (median AUC = 0.683 versus 0.729 and 0.725, for Day 2 and 3). Combining information from Day 1, 2 and 3 marginally improved discrimination (median AUC = 0.737). Using the final Day 3 model fitted on the whole dataset, the median AUC was 0.732 (95% CI, 0.700-0.764), and 68.6% of embryos would be correctly classified with a cutoff probability equal to 0.3. CONCLUSIONS Day 2 or Day 3 evaluations alone are sufficient for morphological selection of cleavage stage embryos. The derived regression coefficients can be used prospectively in an algorithm to rank embryos for selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Racowsky
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, ASB 1+3, Rm 082, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Sturmey RG, Brison DR, Leese HJ. Symposium: innovative techniques in human embryo viability assessment. Assessing embryo viability by measurement of amino acid turnover. Reprod Biomed Online 2009; 17:486-96. [PMID: 18854101 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60234-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This review assesses the ability of non-invasive 'amino acid profiling' to predict early embryo viability. The history of amino acid supplementation of embryo culture media and the role of amino acids in early embryo development are first considered and these are followed by a review of methods to quantify amino acid depletion and production by single embryos. Data on amino acid profiling of embryos from a number of species are then discussed. It is concluded that this technology has excellent potential to improve the selection of single embryos for transfer in clinical IVF.
Collapse
|
50
|
Symposium: innovative techniques in human embryo viability assessment. Soluble human leukocyte antigen-G and pregnancy success. Reprod Biomed Online 2009; 17:470-85. [PMID: 18854100 DOI: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60233-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Non-invasive methods of assessing embryo quality are critical for pregnancy success following IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). The addition of new non-invasive morphological and biochemical analyses may further improve pregnancy success, allowing the transfer of a single embryo, thereby reducing the risks involved in multiple births following IVF/ICSI. The presence of a protein, soluble human leukocyte antigen-G (sHLA-G), in embryo cultures has been suggested as a way to non-invasively predict embryo quality and pregnancy success, especially when used in conjunction with current embryo quality assessment methods. Detection of sHLA-G in embryo culture medium has been correlated with pregnancy success in 12 studies, but three studies were not able to detect sHLA-G. This is a review of the literature on sHLA-G detection in IVF/ICSI, and reasons are proposed for the reported discrepancies, as well as guidelines for reporting of data in future studies. Furthermore, it is suggested that the use of an HLA-G transgenic mouse model would advance understanding of the mechanism of action of sHLA-G in preimplantation embryos and its correlation to embryo health and viability. Research on a mouse model, combined with clinical studies, should enable the development of a fast and reliable method for utilizing sHLA-G detection to improve pregnancy success after IVF/ICSI.
Collapse
|