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Lonergan P. Embryo transfer: past, present, future - a personal perspective. Anim Reprod 2024; 21:e20240068. [PMID: 39175992 PMCID: PMC11340787 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2024-0068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Embryo transfer is just one of a range of assisted reproductive technologies - often the last one in a sequence of others - that has revolutionised the cattle breeding industry. The number of in vitro-produced embryos transferred annually now surpasses the number derived by traditional superovulation by a factor of four. Although issues with cryotolerance of IVP embryos, embryo loss, and, in some cases, calf birth weight remain to be fully resolved, IVP embryos are likely here to stay as a tool for genetic improvement in dairy herds, offering increased flexibility in sire usage allowing multiple pregnancies from elite dam-bull combinations to be generated and the ability to produce more embryos per unit time than traditional superovulation. What follows is a short personal look back at the last 30 years; if you are looking for deep insights into the underlying biology regulating embryo development, this is not the place to look! Please refer to some of the excellent recent reviews and research papers cited herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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2
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Bazer FW, Johnson GA. Early Embryonic Development in Agriculturally Important Species. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1882. [PMID: 38997994 PMCID: PMC11240814 DOI: 10.3390/ani14131882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The fertilization of oocytes ovulated by pigs, sheep, cows, and horses is not considered a limiting factor in successful establishment of pregnancy. Pig, sheep, and cow embryos undergo cleavage to the blastocyst stage, hatch from the zona pellucida, and undergo central-type implantation. Hatched blastocysts of pigs, sheep, and cows transition from tubular to long filamentous forms to establish surface area for exchange of nutrients and gases with the uterus. The equine blastocyst, surrounded by external membranes, does not elongate but migrates throughout the uterine lumen before attaching to the uterine luminal epithelium (LE) to begin implantation. Pregnancy recognition signaling in pigs requires the trophectoderm to express interleukin 1 beta, estrogens, prostaglandin E2, and interferon gamma. Sheep and cow conceptus trophectoderm expresses interferon tau that induces interferon regulatory factor 2 that inhibits transcription of estrogen and oxytocin receptors by uterine epithelia. This prevents oxytocin-induced luteolytic pulses of prostaglandin F2-alpha from regressing the corpora lutea, as well as ensuring the secretion of progesterone required for maintenance of pregnancy. The pregnancy recognition signal produced by equine blastocysts is not known. Implantation in these species requires interactions between extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and integrins as the conceptus undergoes apposition and firm attachment to the uterine LE. This review provides details with respect to early embryonic development and the transition from spherical to filamentous conceptuses in pigs, sheep, and cows, as well as pre-implantation development of equine blastocysts and implantation of the conceptuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuller W. Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2471, USA
| | - Gregory A. Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2471, USA;
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3
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Marques JCS, Maciel JPO, Denis-Robichaud J, Conceicao RS, Bega AM, Moore S, Sirard MA, Baes CF, Cerri RLA. The effect of progesterone concentrations during superovulation of Holstein heifers in a randomized trial. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:9677-9690. [PMID: 37641352 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-23065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different progesterone (P4) concentrations during the follicular growth on the intensity of estrous expression, ovarian response to the superovulatory treatment, and embryo production and quality in superovulated heifers. A total of 63 Holstein heifers were randomly assigned into 2 experimental groups: Low P4 (n = 31) and High P4 (n = 32). Animals received a pre-synchronization protocol followed by a protocol of superovulation that included the allocated P4 treatment. Activity was monitored continuously by an automated activity monitor, and estrus characteristics (maximum intensity and duration) were recorded. Embryo collection was performed 7 d post artificial insemination (AI). Embryos were counted and graded from good or excellent (1) to degenerated (4). The outcomes of interest were: number and diameter of follicles at the time of AI, ovulation success (confirmed 7 d post-AI), time to estrus event, maximum intensity and duration of estrus, number and quality of embryos. Data were analyzed according to the type of outcome variable using logistic, linear, or Poisson regression models. A total of 105 embryos (High P4: n = 42; Low P4: n = 63) were graded for quality. Different P4 levels did not affect the maximum intensity (High P4 = 497.8 ± 23.9%; Low P4 = 542.2 ± 23.5%) or the duration (High P4 = 13.5 ± 1.5 h; Low P4 = 14.3 ± 1.4 h) of estrus. Heifers in the High P4 treatment had greater number of follicles at time of AI (High P4 = 16.6 ± 1.6 follicles; Low P4 = 13.9 ± 1.2 follicles), but with smaller diameter (High P4 = 11.3 ± 0.1 mm; Low P4 = 12.0 ± 0.1 mm) compared with Low P4. High P4 heifers tended to have better embryo quality compared with Low P4 heifers (odds ratio = 1.98; 95% CI = 0.90-4.35). High P4 heifers had less embryos than Low P4 heifers, but this was modified by the CIDR (intravaginal implant of P4) removal to estrus interval (interval 0-21 h: mean ratio = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.42-1.87; interval 22-46 h: mean ratio = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.27-0.96). Although estrous expression was not associated with embryo quality, as the duration and the maximum intensity of estrous expression increased, the number of embryos recovered 7 d post-AI increased (duration: mean ratio = 1.04; 95% CI = 1.03-1.05; maximum intensity: mean ratio = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.42-1.58). In conclusion, P4 during the follicular growth, and intensity of estrus, are playing a role in regulating the quality and the number of embryos produced by superovulated heifers. This study was supported by contributions from Resilient Dairy Genome Project and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C S Marques
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - J P O Maciel
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Rural Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 52171-900, Canada
| | - J Denis-Robichaud
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - R S Conceicao
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - A M Bega
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University, Botucatu 18168-000, Canada
| | - S Moore
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - M A Sirard
- Department of Animal Sciences, Laval University, Quebec G1K 7P4, Canada
| | - C F Baes
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - R L A Cerri
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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Besenfelder U, Havlicek V. The interaction between the environment and embryo development in assisted reproduction. Anim Reprod 2023; 20:e20230034. [PMID: 37700910 PMCID: PMC10494886 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0034] [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: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
It can be assumed that the natural processes of selection and developmental condition in the animal provide the best prerequisites for embryogenesis resulting in pregnancy and subsequent birth of a healthy neonate. In contrast, circumventing the natural selection mechanisms and all developmental conditions in a healthy animal harbors the risk of counteracting, preventing or reducing the formation of embryos or substantially restricting their genesis. Considering these facts, it seems to be obvious that assisted reproductive techniques focusing on early embryonic stages serve an expanded and unselected germ cell pool of oocytes and sperm cells, and include the culture of embryos outside their natural habitat during and after fertilization for manipulation and diagnostic purposes, and for storage. A significant influence on the early embryonic development is seen in the extracorporeal culture of bovine embryos (in vitro) or stress on the animal organism (in vivo). The in vitro production per se and metabolic as well as endocrine changes in the natural environment of embryos represent adequate models and serve for a better understanding. The purpose of this review is to give a brief presentation of recent techniques aimed at focusing more on the complex processes in the Fallopian tube to contrast in vivo and in vitro prerequisites and abnormalities in early embryonic development and serve to identify potential new ways to make the use of ARTs more feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urban Besenfelder
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vitezslav Havlicek
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Vienna, Austria
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Rabel RAC, Marchioretto PV, Bangert EA, Wilson K, Milner DJ, Wheeler MB. Pre-Implantation Bovine Embryo Evaluation-From Optics to Omics and Beyond. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2102. [PMID: 37443900 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 80% of the ~1.5 million bovine embryos transferred in 2021 were in vitro produced. However, only ~27% of the transferred IVP embryos will result in live births. The ~73% pregnancy failures are partly due to transferring poor-quality embryos, a result of erroneous stereomicroscopy-based morphological evaluation, the current method of choice for pre-transfer embryo evaluation. Numerous microscopic (e.g., differential interference contrast, electron, fluorescent, time-lapse, and artificial-intelligence-based microscopy) and non-microscopic (e.g., genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and nuclear magnetic resonance) methodologies have been tested to find an embryo evaluation technique that is superior to morphologic evaluation. Many of these research tools can accurately determine embryo quality/viability; however, most are invasive, expensive, laborious, technically sophisticated, and/or time-consuming, making them futile in the context of in-field embryo evaluation. However accurate they may be, using complex methods, such as RNA sequencing, SNP chips, mass spectrometry, and multiphoton microscopy, at thousands of embryo production/collection facilities is impractical. Therefore, future research is warranted to innovate field-friendly, simple benchtop tests using findings already available, particularly from omics-based research methodologies. Time-lapse monitoring and artificial-intelligence-based automated image analysis also have the potential for accurate embryo evaluation; however, further research is warranted to innovate economically feasible options for in-field applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Chanaka Rabel
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Paula V Marchioretto
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Bangert
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Kenneth Wilson
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Derek J Milner
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Matthew B Wheeler
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, Carle-Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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Santos A, Minela T, Branen J, Pursley JR. Time to increase in pregnancy-specific protein B following artificial insemination is a direct determinant of subsequent pregnancy loss in lactating dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:3734-3747. [PMID: 37028965 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Increasing progesterone (P4) during early conceptus development may be crucial for establishment of pregnancy in dairy cattle. The objective of this study was to determine if human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) at various times after ovulation will increase serum P4 during elongation and increase the chances for, and reduce variability to, initial increase in pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) following artificial insemination (AI). Time to PSPB increase was defined as the first day of increase in concentrations of PSPB between d 18 and 28 after ovulation in cows with ≥12.5% increases for 3 consecutive days compared with baseline. Lactating cows (n = 368) synchronized to Double-Ovsynch (first service) or Ovsynch (second or greater service) received one of 4 treatments: no hCG (control), or 3,000 IU of hCG on d 2 (D2), 2 and 5 (D2+5), or 5 (D5) after ovulation. All cows were examined via ultrasound on d 5 and 10 postovulation to determine percentage of cows with hCG-induced accessory CL (aCL) and to quantify and measure all luteal structures. Samples for serum P4 were collected on d 0, 5, 19, and 20 postovulation. The P4 was increased in D2, D2+5, and D5 groups compared with control. The D2+5 and D5 treatments increased aCL and P4 compared with D2 and control. The D2 treatment increased P4 on d 5 after ovulation compared with control. Serum PSPB samples were collected daily from all cows on d 18 through 28 after ovulation for determination of d of PSPB increase. Pregnancy diagnoses were performed via ultrasound examination on d 35, 63, and 100 after ovulation and AI. The D5 treatment reduced percentage of cows with, and increased the time to, PSPB increase. Primiparous cows with ipsilateral aCL had reduced pregnancy loss before d 100 postovulation compared with cows with contralateral aCL. Cows that had PSPB increase >21 d postovulation had 4× greater chances of pregnancy loss compared with cows that had PSPB increase on d 20 or 21. The highest quartile of P4 on d 5, but not on d 19 and 20, was associated with reduced time to PSPB increase. Time to PSPB increase appears to be an important measurement to understand reasons for pregnancy loss in lactating dairy cows. Increasing P4 utilizing hCG after ovulation did not enhance early pregnancy or reduce pregnancy losses in lactating dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Santos
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824
| | - T Minela
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824
| | - J Branen
- BioTracking Inc., Moscow, ID 83843
| | - J R Pursley
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824.
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Villanacci R, Buzzaccarini G, Marzanati D, Vanni VS, De Santis L, Alteri A, Candiani M, Pagliardini L, Papaleo E. Delayed blastocyst development is influenced by the level of progesterone on the day of trigger. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:361-370. [PMID: 36542311 PMCID: PMC9935760 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02682-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the association between progesterone (P) level on the day of trigger and time to blastulation in IVF cycles. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study with autologous IVF cycles performed at our Institution from January 2019 to December 2021. A total of 1109 IVF cycles were included. The primary outcome was to compare time to blastulation in terms of percentage of expanded (grade 3) blastocysts on day 5 according to progesterone level at trigger. RESULTS A total of 3517 blastocysts were analyzed. After dividing progesterone level in quartiles (Q1, P < 0.50 ng/ml; Q2 0.50 ng/ml ≤ P ≤ 0.78 ng/ml; Q3, 0.79 ng/ml ≤ P ≤ 1.15 ng/ml; Q4, P > 1.15 ng/ml), we observed a delay in blastocyst development according to the increasing level of progesterone at trigger (analysis by rank, P-value = 0.01). After adjusting for confounding factors at the multivariate analysis, the percentage of day 5 blastocysts was reduced for Q3 (- 13.8%, 95% CI from - 20.5 to - 7.0%, p < 0.001) and Q4 (- 7.7%, 95% CI from - 15.5 to 0.0%, p = 0.05) compared to Q1 (reference). CONCLUSIONS Progesterone levels on day of trigger correlate to the percentage of expanded (grade 3) blastocysts on day 5 and a delayed blastocyst development day 5 is expected for high progesterone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Villanacci
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Buzzaccarini
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Daria Marzanati
- Reproductive Sciences Lab, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Stella Vanni
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia De Santis
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Alteri
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Candiani
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Pagliardini
- Reproductive Sciences Lab, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Enrico Papaleo
- Gynecology/Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
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Sozoniuk M, Jamioł M, Kankofer M, Kowalczyk K. Reference gene selection in bovine caruncular epithelial cells under pregnancy-associated hormones exposure. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12742. [PMID: 35882953 PMCID: PMC9325760 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17069-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Examination of transcriptional regulation occurring during pregnancy establishment and maintenance requires the identification of endogenous reference genes characterized by high expression stability. Since the expression of some reference genes may be modulated by pregnancy-associated hormones, the goal of our study was to identify suitable reference genes unaffected by hormonal treatment. In our study bovine caruncular epithelial cells were subjected to progesterone, estrogen and prostaglandin F2α treatment. Ten candidate reference genes (ACTR1A, CNOT11, HDAC1, HPRT1, RPL19, RPS9, SDHA, SUZ12, UXT and ZNF131) were evaluated with the use of four approaches (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, delta Ct). We found that RPS9 and SUZ12 displayed the highest expression stability in the tested material. Moreover, HPRT1 and SDHA were found inappropriate for RT-qPCR data normalization as they demonstrated the highest expression variability out of all candidates analysed. Hence geNorm calculations shown that the use of just two best-performing genes would be sufficient for obtaining reliable results, we propose that RPS9 and SUZ12 be used as suitable endogenous controls in future studies investigating gene expression in normal and compromised pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Sozoniuk
- Institute of Plant Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka Street 15, 20-950, Lublin, Poland
| | - Monika Jamioł
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Science in Lublin, Akademicka Street 12, 20-033, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Marta Kankofer
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Science in Lublin, Akademicka Street 12, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kowalczyk
- Institute of Plant Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka Street 15, 20-950, Lublin, Poland
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Sustainable Intensification of Beef Production in the Tropics: The Role of Genetically Improving Sexual Precocity of Heifers. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12020174. [PMID: 35049797 PMCID: PMC8772995 DOI: 10.3390/ani12020174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tropical pasture-based beef production systems play a vital role in global food security. The importance of promoting sustainable intensification of such systems has been debated worldwide. Demand for beef is growing together with concerns over the impact of its production on the environment. Implementing sustainable livestock intensification programs relies on animal genetic improvement. In tropical areas, the lack of sexual precocity is a bottleneck for cattle efficiency, directly impacting the sustainability of production systems. In the present review we present and discuss the state of the art of genetic evaluation for sexual precocity in Bos indicus beef cattle, covering the definition of measurable traits, genetic parameter estimates, genomic analyses, and a case study of selection for sexual precocity in Nellore breeding programs. Abstract Increasing productivity through continued animal genetic improvement is a crucial part of implementing sustainable livestock intensification programs. In Zebu cattle, the lack of sexual precocity is one of the main obstacles to improving beef production efficiency. Puberty-related traits are complex, but large-scale data sets from different “omics” have provided information on specific genes and biological processes with major effects on the expression of such traits, which can greatly increase animal genetic evaluation. In addition, genetic parameter estimates and genomic predictions involving sexual precocity indicator traits and productive, reproductive, and feed-efficiency related traits highlighted the feasibility and importance of direct selection for anticipating heifer reproductive life. Indeed, the case study of selection for sexual precocity in Nellore breeding programs presented here show that, in 12 years of selection for female early precocity and improved management practices, the phenotypic means of age at first calving showed a strong decreasing trend, changing from nearly 34 to less than 28 months, with a genetic trend of almost −2 days/year. In this period, the percentage of early pregnancy in the herds changed from around 10% to more than 60%, showing that the genetic improvement of heifer’s sexual precocity allows optimizing the productive cycle by reducing the number of unproductive animals in the herd. It has a direct impact on sustainability by better use of resources. Genomic selection breeding programs accounting for genotype by environment interaction represent promising tools for accelerating genetic progress for sexual precocity in tropical beef cattle.
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Li D, Hu Z, Chen Q, Chai W, Cai R, Kuang Y, Lu X. Neonatal outcomes and congenital malformations in children born after progestin-primed ovarian stimulation protocol. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:965863. [PMID: 36440198 PMCID: PMC9681814 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.965863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to assess the safety of progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) protocol regarding the neonatal outcomes and congenital malformations in babies born after in vitro fertilization (IVF) and frozen embryo transfer (FET). METHODS In this large retrospective cohort study, a total of 16,493 infants born between 1 September 2013 and 31 July 2021 from IVF and FET cycles after treatment with either PPOS (n = 15,245) or gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant) (n = 1,248) were finally enrolled. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of congenital malformations. The secondary outcome measures were rates of low birth weight (LBW), very low birth weight (VLBW), preterm birth (PTB), very preterm birth (VPTB), and early neonatal death. RESULTS Birth characteristics for both singletons and twins regarding the sex of infants, gestational age, birth weight, and birth length were comparable between the PPOS group and the GnRH-ant group. Rates of LBW, VLBW, PTB, VPTB, and early neonatal death were also similar. The reanalysis using propensity score matching (PSM) and multivariable logistic regression indicated that the PPOS protocol could not increase the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes compared with the GnRH-ant protocol. Furthermore, no significant difference was observed in the overall incidence of congenital malformations in live-born babies. After PSM and controlling for all confounders, the results remained insignificant with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.66 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.32-1.34] and 2.43 [95% CI 0.97-6.06], respectively, for singletons and twins. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that compared with GnRH-ant treatment for IVF, the PPOS protocol could not produce a negative effect on the newborn population in terms of neonatal outcomes and congenital malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Renfei Cai
- *Correspondence: Xuefeng Lu, ; Yanping Kuang, ; Renfei Cai,
| | - Yanping Kuang
- *Correspondence: Xuefeng Lu, ; Yanping Kuang, ; Renfei Cai,
| | - Xuefeng Lu
- *Correspondence: Xuefeng Lu, ; Yanping Kuang, ; Renfei Cai,
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11
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Sang L, Xiao Y, Jiang Z, Forde N, Tian XC, Lonergan P, Hansen PJ. Atlas of receptor genes expressed by the bovine morula and corresponding ligand-related genes expressed by uterine endometrium. Mol Reprod Dev 2021; 88:694-704. [PMID: 34596291 PMCID: PMC8558826 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Regulation of the mammalian embryo involves cell‐signaling molecules produced by the maternal oviduct and endometrium. Here, datasets on the transcriptome of the gestational Days 5 and 6 bovine morula and Day 5 maternal endometrium were examined to identify receptor genes expressed by the morula and expression of the corresponding ligand‐related genes in the endometrium. A total of 175 receptor genes were identified in the morula, including 48 encoding for growth factors or WNT signaling molecules, 25 for cytokines and chemokines, 35 involved in juxtacrine and matricellular signaling and 25 encoding for receptors for small molecules. Some of the highly‐expressed pairs of endometrial ligand and embryo receptor genes included MDK and its receptors ITGB1, SDC4 and LRP2, WNT5A (RYK), VEGFA (ITGB1), GPI (AMFR), and the hedgehog proteins IHH and DHH (HHIP). The most highly expressed receptors for small molecules were GPRC5C (retinoic acid receptor), PGRMC1 (progesterone), and CHRNB2 (acetylcholine). There were also 84 genes encoding for cell signaling ligands expressed by the morula, with the most highly expressed being GPI, AIMP1, TIMP1, IK, and CCN2. The atlas of receptor and ligand genes should prove useful for understanding details of the communication between the embryo and mother that underlies optimal embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Sang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.,Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Yao Xiao
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zongliang Jiang
- School of Animal Sciences, AgCenter, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Niamh Forde
- Department of Discovery and Translational Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Xiuchun Cindy Tian
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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12
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Bezerra FTG, Paulino LRFM, Silva BR, Silva AWB, Souza Batista ALP, Silva JRV. Effects of epidermal growth factor and progesterone on oocyte meiotic resumption and the expression of maturation-related transcripts during prematuration of oocytes from small and medium-sized bovine antral follicles. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:1190-1199. [PMID: 32943135 DOI: 10.1071/rd20099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and progesterone (P4) on growth, the resumption of meiosis and expression of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E(eIF4E), poly(A)-specific ribonuclease (PARN), oocyte-specific histone H1 (H1FOO), oocyte maturation factor Mos (cMOS), growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF9) and cyclin B1 (CCNB1) mRNA in oocytes from small and medium-sized antral follicles after prematuration and maturation invitro. Oocytes from small (<2.0mm) and medium (3.0-6.0mm) antral follicles were cultured in medium containing EGF (10ng mL-1), P4 (100 µM) or both. After culture, growth rate, resumption of meiosis and eIF4E, PARN, H1FOO, cMOS, GDF9 and CCNB1 mRNA levels were evaluated. P4 increased cMOS, H1FOO and CCNB1 mRNA levels after the culture of oocytes from small antral follicles, and EGF increased CCNB1 mRNA levels in these oocytes. In the medium-sized antral follicles, P4 alone or in combination with EGF increased oocyte diameter after prematuration invitro. In these oocytes, the presence of either EGF or P4 in the culture medium increased cMOS mRNA levels. In conclusion, P4 increases cMOS, H1FOO and CCNB1 mRNA levels after the culture of oocytes from small antral follicles. P4 and the combination of EGF and P4 promote the growth of oocytes from medium-sized antral follicles, and both EGF and P4 increase cMOS mRNA levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Taiã G Bezerra
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction, Federal University of Ceara, Sobral-CE, Brazil
| | - Laís R F M Paulino
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction, Federal University of Ceara, Sobral-CE, Brazil
| | - Bianca R Silva
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction, Federal University of Ceara, Sobral-CE, Brazil
| | - Anderson W B Silva
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction, Federal University of Ceara, Sobral-CE, Brazil
| | - Ana L P Souza Batista
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction, Federal University of Ceara, Sobral-CE, Brazil
| | - José R V Silva
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction, Federal University of Ceara, Sobral-CE, Brazil; and Corresponding author.
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Kusama K, Rashid MB, Kowsar R, Marey MA, Talukder AK, Nagaoka K, Shimada M, Khatib H, Imakawa K, Miyamoto A. Day 7 Embryos Change the Proteomics and Exosomal Micro-RNAs Content of Bovine Uterine Fluid: Involvement of Innate Immune Functions. Front Genet 2021; 12:676791. [PMID: 34262596 PMCID: PMC8273763 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.676791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to characterize proteins and exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) in the uterine flushings (UF) of cows associated with Day 7 (D7) pregnancy using the embryo donor cows of the embryo transfer program. Superovulated cows either were inseminated (AI cows) or remained non-inseminated (Ctrl cows). UF was collected on D7 in the presence of multiple embryos (AI cows) or without embryos (Ctrl cows) and subjected to isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification protein analysis. A total of 336 proteins were identified, of which 260 proteins were more than 2-fold higher in AI cows than Ctrl cows. Gene ontology analysis revealed that many differentially expressed proteins were involved in “neutrophil-related” and “extracellular vesicular exosome-related” terms. In silico analysis of proteins with higher concentrations in the UF of AI identified 18 uniquely expressed proteins. Exosomes were isolated from the UF, from which RNA was subjected to miRNA-seq, identifying 37 miRNAs. Of these, three miRNAs were lower, and six miRNAs were higher in the UF of AI cows than those of Ctrl ones. The principal component analysis displayed a close association in miRNA and protein between bta-miR-29a, bta-miR-199b, SUGT1, and PPID. In addition, the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that SUGT1 was the best predictor for the presence of embryos in the uterus. These findings suggest that the presence of multiple D7 embryos in the uterus can lead to significant changes in the protein composition and exosomal miRNA contents of UF, which could mediate innate immunological interactions between the pre-hatching embryo and the uterus in cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Kusama
- Department of Endocrine Pharmacology, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mohammad B Rashid
- Global Agromedicine Research Center (GAMRC), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
| | - Rasoul Kowsar
- Global Agromedicine Research Center (GAMRC), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan.,Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohamed A Marey
- Global Agromedicine Research Center (GAMRC), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan.,Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Anup K Talukder
- Global Agromedicine Research Center (GAMRC), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan.,Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Health, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh
| | - Kentaro Nagaoka
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Shimada
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hasan Khatib
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Kazuhiko Imakawa
- Research Institute of Agriculture, Tokai University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Akio Miyamoto
- Global Agromedicine Research Center (GAMRC), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
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14
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Lonergan P, Sánchez JM. Symposium review: Progesterone effects on early embryo development in cattle. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:8698-8707. [PMID: 32622590 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The causes of low fertility in dairy cattle are complex and multifactorial and may be due to compromised follicle development affecting oocyte quality, a suboptimal reproductive tract environment incapable of supporting normal embryo development, or a combination of both. Progesterone (P4) plays a key role in reproductive events associated with establishment and maintenance of pregnancy, through its effects on oocyte quality and its action on the uterine endometrium. Reduced P4 concentrations during growth of the ovulatory follicle are associated with lower fertility, and low concentrations of circulating P4 after ovulation have been associated with reductions in conceptus growth and elongation, decreased interferon-τ (IFNT) production, and lower pregnancy rates in cattle. In contrast, elevated concentrations of circulating P4 in the period immediately following conception have been associated with advancement of conceptus elongation, increased IFNT production, and, in some cases, higher pregnancy rates in cattle. Despite the potential beneficial effects of exogenous P4 supplementation on fertility, results of supplementation studies have been inconsistent. As part of the 2019 ADSA Reproduction Symposium, focusing on the etiology of pregnancy losses in dairy cattle, the aim of this review is to highlight recent findings from our group and others in relation to embryo-maternal interaction during bovine pregnancy establishment and the role of P4 in uterine biology and embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - J M Sánchez
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
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15
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Carr S, Jia Y, Crites B, Hamilton C, Burris W, Edwards JL, Matthews J, Bridges PJ. Form of Supplemental Selenium in Vitamin-Mineral Premixes Differentially Affects Early Luteal and Gestational Concentrations of Progesterone, and Postpartum Concentrations of Prolactin in Beef Cows. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10060967. [PMID: 32503110 PMCID: PMC7341279 DOI: 10.3390/ani10060967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Soils with inadequate levels of selenium are widespread in the northwest, northeast, and southeast USA. Therefore, dietary supplementation of forage-grazing beef cattle with additional selenium is recommended in these regions for optimal growth, immune function, and fertility. We have reported that the form of selenium provided to Angus-cross cows can affect circulating concentrations of progesterone on day 6 of the estrous cycle, a time when increased progesterone is known to promote fertility. Hence, we sought to confirm this initial finding, determine the effect of the form of selenium on peripheral concentrations of progesterone during gestation, and determine the effect of the form of selenium on circulating concentrations of prolactin during lactation. Cows were supplemented with equimolar amounts of either an inorganic form, or a 1:1 mixture of inorganic and organic forms of selenium throughout this study. We confirmed our original finding that the mixed (1:1 inorganic to organic selenium) supplement increased systemic progesterone in the early luteal phase of the estrous cycle, and determined that cows maintained on this same supplement had elevated concentrations of progesterone throughout gestation. Interestingly, these same cows revealed a treatment-induced decrease in systemic prolactin during late lactation. The form of selenium provided to cows can be manipulated to affect reproductive responses and offers a viable management tool to improve fertility in cows in regions with selenium-deficient soils. Abstract Soils with marginal to deficient levels of selenium (Se) are widespread in the northwest, northeast, and southeast US. Supplementation to the diet of forage-grazing beef cattle with a vitamin-mineral mix containing additional Se is recommended in these geographic regions. We have reported that the form of supplemental Se provided to Angus-cross beef cows can affect circulating levels of progesterone (P4) on day 6 of the estrous cycle, a time when increased P4 is known to promote fertility. The objectives of this study were to (1) confirm and expand upon our initial report that the form of Se provided to cows affects early luteal-phase concentrations of systemic P4, (2) determine the effects of the form of Se on concentrations of P4 during gestation, and (3) determine the effects of the form of Se on concentrations of prolactin (PRL) during lactation. Throughout this study, Angus-cross beef cows had ad libitum access to a vitamin-mineral mix containing 35 ppm of Se in either an inorganic form (ISe) or a 1:1 mix of inorganic and organic forms (MIX). We observed a MIX-induced increase (p = 0.006) in systemic concentrations of P4 on day 7 but not on days 4 or 10 of the estrous cycle, consistent with our earlier report. We observed a MIX-induced increase (p = 0.02) in the systemic concentration of P4 at months 1, 3, 5, and 7 of gestation, and a MIX-induced decrease (p < 0.05) in systemic concentrations of PRL at months 5 and 6 of lactation. In summary, the form of Se provided to cows can be manipulated to affect the early luteal phase and gestational concentrations of P4, and postpartum concentrations of PRL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Carr
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; (S.C.); (Y.J.); (B.C.); (C.H.); (W.B.); (J.M.)
| | - Yang Jia
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; (S.C.); (Y.J.); (B.C.); (C.H.); (W.B.); (J.M.)
| | - Benjamin Crites
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; (S.C.); (Y.J.); (B.C.); (C.H.); (W.B.); (J.M.)
| | - Charles Hamilton
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; (S.C.); (Y.J.); (B.C.); (C.H.); (W.B.); (J.M.)
| | - Walter Burris
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; (S.C.); (Y.J.); (B.C.); (C.H.); (W.B.); (J.M.)
| | - J. Lannett Edwards
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Institute of Agriculture, AgResearch, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA;
| | - James Matthews
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; (S.C.); (Y.J.); (B.C.); (C.H.); (W.B.); (J.M.)
| | - Phillip J. Bridges
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; (S.C.); (Y.J.); (B.C.); (C.H.); (W.B.); (J.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-859-257-4877
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16
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Abstract
Assisted reproduction techniques (ARTs) provide access to early stage embryos whose analysis and assessment deliver valuable information. The handling of embryos, including the in vitro production of bovine embryos, is a rapidly evolving area which nonetheless exposes the embryos to unnatural conditions for a period of time. The Fallopian tube provides innumerable quantitative and qualitative factors, all of which guarantee the successful development of the embryo. It is well known that the Fallopian tube can be bypassed, using embryo transfer, resulting in successful implantation in the target recipient animal and the birth of calves. However, the question arises as to whether such circumvention has a negative impact on the embryo during this sensitive development period. First crosstalk between the embryo and its environment confirms mutual recognition activities and indicate bilateral effects. Nowadays, in vitro production of bovine embryos is a well-established technology. However, it is still evident that in vitro generated embryos are not qualitatively comparable to embryos obtained ex vivo. To counteract these differences, comparative studies between in vitro and ex vivo embryos are advantageous, as embryos grown in their physiological environment can provide a blueprint or gold standard against which to compare embryos produced in vitro. Attempts to harness the bovine oviduct were sometimes very invasive and did not result in wide acceptance and routine use. Long-term development and refinement of transvaginal endoscopy for accessing the bovine oviduct has meanwhile been routinely applied for research as well as in practice. Comparative studies combining in vitro development with development in the cattle oviduct revealed that the environmental conditions to which the embryo is exposed before activation of the embryonic genome can have detrimental and lasting effects on its further development. These effects are manifested as deviations in gene expression profiles and methylation signatures as well as frequency of whole chromosomal or segmental aberrations. Furthermore, it was shown that hormonal superstimulation (multiple ovulation and embryo transfer), varying progesterone concentrations as well as metabolic disorders caused by high milk production, markedly affected embryo development in the postpartum period. Assisted reproductive techniques that allow the production and handling of extra numbers of generated embryos promise to have a very high impact on scientific and practical application. Any influence on the early embryonic life, both in animals and in vitro, is accompanied by a sensitive change in embryonic activity and should be assessed in vivo on the basis of physiological conditions before being used for ART.
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Genome-wide scan highlights the role of candidate genes on phenotypic plasticity for age at first calving in Nellore heifers. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6481. [PMID: 32296097 PMCID: PMC7160148 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63516-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Age at first calving (AFC) plays an important role in the economic efficiency of beef cattle production. This trait can be affected by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, leading to physiological changes in response to heifers’ adaptation to a wide range of environments. Genome-wide association studies through the reaction norm model were carried out to identify genomic regions associated with AFC in Nellore heifers, raised under different environmental conditions (EC). The SNP effects for AFC were estimated in three EC levels (Low, Medium, and High, corresponding to average contemporary group effects on yearling body weight equal to 159.40, 228.6 and 297.6 kg, respectively), which unraveled shared and unique genomic regions for AFC in Low, Medium, and High EC levels, that varied according to the genetic correlation between AFC in different EC levels. The significant genomic regions harbored key genes that might play an important biological role in controlling hormone signaling and metabolism. Shared genomic regions among EC levels were identified on BTA 2 and 14, harboring candidate genes associated with energy metabolism (IGFBP2, IGFBP5, SHOX, SMARCAL1, LYN, RPS20, MOS, PLAG1, CHCD7, and SDR16C6). Gene set enrichment analyses identified important biological functions related to growth, hormone levels affecting female fertility, physiological processes involved in female pregnancy, gamete generation, ovulation cycle, and age at puberty. The genomic regions highlighted differences in the physiological processes linked to AFC in different EC levels and metabolic processes that support complex interactions between the gonadotropic axes and sexual precocity in Nellore heifers.
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18
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Impact of progestin ovarian stimulation on newborn outcomes: a meta-analysis. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:1203-1212. [PMID: 32215824 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01755-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare progestin ovarian stimulation protocols with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (agonists and antagonists) protocols on newborn outcomes. METHODS The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and BioMed Central databases were searched for studies comparing progestin prime ovarian stimulation (PPOS) protocols with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues. Data were pooled by meta-analysis using a random effects model. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary endpoint was the risk of newborn congenital malformations. RESULTS A total of 4 studies involving 9274 live-born infants were included. No important harm was observed with PPOS in terms of congenital malformations (OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.63-1.34; p = 0.65) (very low quality of evidence (QOE)) and low birth weight (OR 1.06; 95% CI 0.95-1.18; p = 0.29) (very low QOE) as compared with GnRH-a short protocols. In addition, a trend to a lower risk of preterm birth (OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.80-1.02; p = 0.10) (very low QOE) was found among patients treated with a PPOS protocol. CONCLUSIONS PPOS protocols, compared with GnRH-a protocols, are associated with a similar congenital malformation risk profile. Therefore, PPOS might represent a safe and appealing treatment option for infertile patients.
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19
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Chen L, Pan X, Guo W, Gan Z, Zhang YH, Niu Z, Huang T, Cai YD. Investigating the gene expression profiles of cells in seven embryonic stages with machine learning algorithms. Genomics 2020; 112:2524-2534. [PMID: 32045671 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2020.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The development of embryonic cells involves several continuous stages, and some genes are related to embryogenesis. To date, few studies have systematically investigated changes in gene expression profiles during mammalian embryogenesis. In this study, a computational analysis using machine learning algorithms was performed on the gene expression profiles of mouse embryonic cells at seven stages. First, the profiles were analyzed through a powerful Monte Carlo feature selection method for the generation of a feature list. Second, increment feature selection was applied on the list by incorporating two classification algorithms: support vector machine (SVM) and repeated incremental pruning to produce error reduction (RIPPER). Through SVM, we extracted several latent gene biomarkers, indicating the stages of embryonic cells, and constructed an optimal SVM classifier that produced a nearly perfect classification of embryonic cells. Furthermore, some interesting rules were accessed by the RIPPER algorithm, suggesting different expression patterns for different stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China; College of Information Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of PMMP, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - XiaoYong Pan
- Institute of Image Processing and Pattern Recognition, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Key Laboratory of System Control and Information Processing, Ministry of Education of China, 200240 Shanghai, China.
| | - Wei Guo
- Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Zijun Gan
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Yu-Hang Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Zhibin Niu
- College of Intelligence and Computing, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Tao Huang
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Yu-Dong Cai
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
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Challenges in studying preimplantation embryo-maternal interaction in cattle. Theriogenology 2020; 150:139-149. [PMID: 31973965 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of the complex embryo-maternal interactions during the preimplantation period requires the analysis of the very early stages of pregnancy encompassing early embryonic development, maternal recognition and the events leading to implantation. Despite the fact that embryo development until blastocyst stage is somewhat autonomous (i.e., does not require contact with the maternal reproductive tract and can be successfully recapitulated in vitro), many studies on ruminant embryo production have focused on the fundamental question of why: (i) only 30%-40% of immature oocytes develop to the blastocyst stage and (ii) the quality of such blastocysts continually lags behind that of blastocysts produced in vivo. Clear evidence indicates that in vitro culture conditions are far from optimal with deficiencies being manifested in short- and long-term effects on the embryo. Thus, enhanced knowledge of mechanisms controlling embryo-maternal interactions would allow the design of novel strategies to improve in vitro embryo conditions and reproductive outcomes in cattle.
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21
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Willmore A, Davis TL. Effect of chronic administration of a gonadotropin-releasing agonist on luteal function and pregnancy rates in dairy cattle. Anim Sci J 2019; 90:1432-1443. [PMID: 31502373 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Increased embryonic losses may be associated with inadequate progesterone (P4) concentrations in high-producing lactating dairy cattle. The objectives of the present studies were to determine if chronic administration of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, Deslorelin, would increase circulating P4 concentrations and subsequently increase pregnancy rates in dairy cattle. Administration of Deslorelin for 12 days increased (p < .05) luteal volume and circulating P4 concentrations in primiparous lactating dairy cows, but increased only luteal volumes in multiparous cows. Treatment with Deslorelin increased Day 45 pregnancy rates in cows as compared to untreated controls. Chronic treatment with Deslorelin in dairy cattle; (a) increased luteal volume of the primary CL, (b) induced accessory CL, (c) increased circulating P4 concentration in primiparous cows only, (d) did not lengthen the estrous cycle upon removal of treatment, and (e) increased pregnancy rates. Although luteal volume was increased in multiparous cows and circulating P4 concentrations were not with Deslorelin treatment, there was an apparent effect on pregnancy rates. This hormonal strategy may represent a suitable model to address local effects of P4 and GnRH/luteinizing hormone on uterine environment and subsequent embryonic survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Willmore
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Tracy L Davis
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA.,Center for Reproductive Biology, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA
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Huang J, Xie Q, Lin J, Lu X, Wang N, Gao H, Cai R, Kuang Y. Neonatal outcomes and congenital malformations in children born after dydrogesterone application in progestin-primed ovarian stimulation protocol for IVF: a retrospective cohort study. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2019; 13:2553-2563. [PMID: 31440037 PMCID: PMC6667350 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s210228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Dydrogesterone (DYG) has been demonstrated to be an alternative progestin in the progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) protocol with comparable oocyte retrieval and pregnancy outcomes. However, its safety regarding neonatal outcomes and congenital malformations is still unclear. Patients and methods This retrospective cohort study included 3556 live-born infants after in vitro fertilization and vitrified embryo transfer cycles using the DYG + human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) protocol (n=1429) or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-agonist short protocol (n=2127) from January 2014 to December 2017. Newborn information was gathered from standardized follow-up questionnaires and/or access to medical records within 7 days after birth. Associations between ovarian stimulation protocols and outcome measures were analyzed by binary logistic regression after adjusting for confounding factors. Results In both singletons and twins, birth characteristics regarding mode of delivery, newborn gender, gestational age, birthweight, length at birth and Z-scores were comparable between the two protocols. For adverse neonatal outcomes, the two protocols showed no significant differences on the rates of low birthweight, very low birthweight, preterm birth, very preterm birth, small-for-gestational age, large-for-gestational age and early neonatal death after adjustment. Furthermore, the incidence of major congenital malformations in the DYG + hMG protocol (1.12%) was similar to that in the GnRH-agonist short protocol (1.08%), with the adjusted odds ratio of 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.40–2.39) and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.33–2.41) in singletons and twins, respectively. Conclusion Our data suggested that compared with the conventional GnRH-agonist short protocol, application of DYG in the PPOS protocol was a safe option for the newborn population without compromising neonatal outcomes or increasing congenital malformation risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialyu Huang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Xie
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaying Lin
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuefeng Lu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Ningling Wang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyuan Gao
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Renfei Cai
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanping Kuang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, People's Republic of China
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Postovulatory treatment with GnRH on day 5 reduces pregnancy loss in recipients receiving an in vitro produced expanded blastocyst. Theriogenology 2019; 141:202-210. [PMID: 31606718 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The present study tested the hypothesis that administration of GnRH on day 5 of the estrous cycle in embryo transfer (ET) recipients would increase progesterone (P4) concentrations, embryo size, and improve fertility. Holstein and cross-bred Holstein heifers (n = 1562) were synchronized using a modified 5-day CIDR-Synch protocol as follows (All AM treatments): D-8, CIDR inserted; D-3, CIDR removed and PGF2α (500 μg cloprostenol) treatment; D-2, second PGF2α; D0, GnRH (G1, 100 μg gonadorelin acetate) to induce ovulation. On D5 in the afternoon, heifers were assigned in a completely randomized design to one of two treatments: Control (untreated) or GnRH (200 μg). Transfer of day 7 fresh IVP embryos was performed between D6 and D8 after G1. Data collected from each heifer included: embryo stage and quality, body condition score, technician performing ET, interval from G1 to ET, and number of previous transfers. All heifers were evaluated by transrectal ultrasonography on D5, D33, and D60 and a subset of heifers was scanned on D12 (n = 718; to determine ovulation to treatment) and another subset on D33 (n = 295; 16 s video to determine embryo and amniotic vesicle size). Serum P4 was determined from a subset of heifers on D12 (n = 467) and on D21 (n = 837) and pregnancy specific protein B (PSPB) on D28 (n = 843). Pregnancies per ET (P/ET) were analyzed by logistic regression and continuous outcomes by ANOVA. Ovulation to D5 GnRH, defined by the presence of an accessory CL on D12, was 83.9% (302/360) in GnRH-treated heifers vs. 3.3% (12/358) in Controls (P < 0.001). On D12, P4 was greater (P < 0.001) in GnRH-treated heifers (7.2 ± 0.1 ng/ml) vs Controls (6.0 ± 0.1 ng/ml). There was greater P/ET at D33 and D60 of pregnancy for Stage 7 than Stage 6 embryos. Treatment with GnRH did not alter P/ET with either embryo stage but decreased pregnancy loss between D33 and D60 in heifers receiving Stage 7 embryos. Presence of an accessory CL at the D33 pregnancy diagnosis was associated with a larger reduction in pregnancy loss from D33 to D60 in recipients of Stage 7 embryos (11.6 vs 27.6%). Although there was no GnRH effect on embryo size, the presence of an accessory CL was associated (P < 0.05) with larger amniotic vesicle volume in recipients of Stage 7 embryos. In addition, greater PSPB was linked to greater amniotic vesicle volume (P = 0.01) and to reduced pregnancy loss (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, treatment with GnRH on D5 caused ovulation and formation of an accessory CL, increased circulating P4, and reduced pregnancy loss in heifers receiving a Stage 7 but not a Stage 6 IVP embryo.
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Lonergan P, Sánchez JM, Mathew DJ, Passaro C, Fair T. Embryo development in cattle and interactions with the reproductive tract. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:118-125. [PMID: 32188547 DOI: 10.1071/rd18409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryo mortality is a major contributor to poor reproductive efficiency and profitability in cattle production systems. Coordinated interaction between the developing embryo or conceptus and the maternal reproductive tract is essential for pregnancy establishment in mammals. Up to the blastocyst stage, the embryo can grow in the absence of contact with the oviduct or uterus; however, conceptus elongation after hatching and before implantation, a characteristic of ruminant early development, is entirely maternally driven and is essential to ensure that sufficient quantities of interferon-τ (IFNT) are secreted by the developing conceptus to abrogate the mechanisms that bring about luteolysis. Surprisingly, many questions, such as the threshold level of IFNT required for pregnancy maintenance, remain unanswered. Failure of the conceptus to elongate undoubtedly results in embryonic loss and is thus believed to contribute greatly to reproductive failure in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 N2E, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - José María Sánchez
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 N2E, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Daniel J Mathew
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 N2E, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Claudia Passaro
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 N2E, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Trudee Fair
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 N2E, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Melo TP, Fortes MRS, Bresolin T, Mota LFM, Albuquerque LG, Carvalheiro R. Multitrait meta-analysis identified genomic regions associated with sexual precocity in tropical beef cattle. J Anim Sci 2018; 96:4087-4099. [PMID: 30053002 DOI: 10.1093/jas/sky289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Multitrait meta-analyses are a strategy to produce more accurate genome-wide association studies, especially for complex phenotypes. We carried out a meta-analysis study for traits related to sexual precocity in tropical beef cattle (Nellore and Brahman) aiming to identify important genomic regions affecting these traits. The traits included in the analyses were age at first calving (AFC), early pregnancy (EP), age at first corpus luteum (AGECL), first postpartum anoestrus interval (PPAI), and scrotal circumference (SC). The traits AFC, EP, and SCN were measured in Nellore cattle, while AGECL, PPAI, and SCB were measured in Brahman cattle. Meta-analysis resulted in 108 significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), at an empirical threshold P-value of 1.39 × 10-5 (false discovery rate [FDR] < 0.05). Within 0.5 Mb of the significant SNP, candidate genes were annotated and analyzed for functional enrichment. Most of the closest genes to the SNP with higher significance in each chromosome have been associated with important roles in reproductive function. They are TSC22D2, KLF7, ARHGAP29, 7SK, MAP3K5, TLE3, WDR5, TAF3, TMEM68, PPP1R15B, NR2F2, GALR1, SUFU, and KCNU1. We did not observe any significant SNP in BTA5, BTA12, BTA17, BTA18, BTA19, BTA20, BTA22, BTA23, BTA25, and BTA28. Although the majority of significant SNPs are in BTA14, it was identified significant associations in multiple chromosomes (19 out of 29 autosomes), which is consistent with the postulation that reproductive traits are complex polygenic phenotypes. Five proposed association regions harbor the majority of the significant SNP (76%) and were distributed over four chromosomes (P < 1.39 × 10-5, FDR < 0.05): BTA2 (5.55%) from 95 to 96 Mb, BTA4 (5.55%) from 94.1 to 94.8 Mb, BTA14 (59.26%) from 24 to 25 Mb and 29 to 30 Mb, and BTA21 (5.55%) from 6.7 Mb to 11.4 Mb. These regions harbored key genes related to reproductive function. Moreover, these genes were enriched for functional groups associated with immune response, maternal-fetal tolerance, pregnancy maintenance, embryo development, fertility, and response to stress. Further studies including other breeds and precocity traits could confirm the importance of these regions and identify new candidate regions for sexual precocity in beef cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaise P Melo
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, FCAV/ UNESP - Sao Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina R S Fortes
- The University of Queensland, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.,The University of Queensland, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tiago Bresolin
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, FCAV/ UNESP - Sao Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucio F M Mota
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, FCAV/ UNESP - Sao Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucia G Albuquerque
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, FCAV/ UNESP - Sao Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Roberto Carvalheiro
- Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, FCAV/ UNESP - Sao Paulo State University, Jaboticabal, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
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Nishimura TK, Martins T, da Silva MI, Lafuente BS, de Garla Maio JR, Binelli M, Pugliesi G, Saran Netto A. Importance of body condition score and ovarian activity on determining the fertility in beef cows supplemented with long-acting progesterone after timed-AI. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 198:27-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.08.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Kourousekos GD, Theodosiadou EK, Lymberopoulos AG, Belibasaki S, Boscos C. Effect of aflatoxin B 1 on blood serum oestradiol-17β and progesterone concentrations during the luteal phase and the synchronized oestrus of goats. Anim Reprod 2018; 15:75-83. [PMID: 33365099 PMCID: PMC7746212 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-2017-ar939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of prolonged aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) administration on blood
serum oestradiol-17β and progesterone concentrations in goats during the luteal
phase and the synchronized oestrus was investigated. Thirty-six Greek indigenous primiparous
goats were used, during the oestrus period; 12 goats received, per os, 50 μg (treated
group T50) and 12 goats received 100 μg (treated group T100) AFB1/day/head,
respectively, for approximately 1.5 month, while 12 goats served as controls (C). On day 36
of the experiment, each goat was injected, i.m, 0.5 ml prostaglandin F2α
(PGF2α). Blood samples were collected from each goat twice a week, before
PGF2α injection, as well as every 4 hours from the onset to the end of the
synchronized oestrus. Oestradiol-17β and progesterone concentrations in blood
serum were determined using radioimmunoassay. During the whole luteal(s) phase(s), linear
regression analysis revealed a significant negative dependence (P < 0.05) of oestradiol-17β
and a significant positive dependence (P < 0.05) of progesterone over group (C = 0, T50 =
50, T100 = 100), in a dose dependent manner. During the synchronized oestrus, multiple linear
regression analysis revealed a significant negative dependence (P < 0.05) of oestradiol-17β,
as well as a significant positive dependence (P < 0.05) of progesterone over group (C = 0,
T50 = 50, T100 = 100) and over time (hours, from the onset to the end of the synchronized oestrus).
No significant differences were noticed among the three groups, regarding the body weight
of the goats from the onset to the end of AFB1 administration, the occurrence or
the duration of the synchronized oestrus presented by the goats (P > 0.05). In conclusion,
prolonged AFB1 administration at doses of 100 or even of 50 μg/day/head
changes the hormonal pattern in blood during the luteal phase and the synchronized oestrus
of goats, being in oestrus period.
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Wang N, Lin J, Zhu Q, Fan Y, Wang Y, Fu Y, Kuang Y. Comparison of neonatal outcomes and live-birth defects after progestin-primed ovarian stimulation versus conventional ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization: A large retrospective cohort study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2018; 97:e11906. [PMID: 30142796 PMCID: PMC6112954 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000011906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) is a new ovarian stimulation regimen for in vitro fertilization (IVF), with the advantages of an oral administration route and more control over preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. Assessing the safety of this novel regimen is an important premise for its routine practice.We conducted a large retrospective cohort study for infants born between August 2014 and April 2017 from IVF and embryo transfer cycles after either PPOS and the conventional gonadotropin-releasing hormone-agonist (GnRH-a) short protocol at our center. Around 1589 live-born infants were finally enrolled, corresponding to 1258 frozen-thawed (FET) cycles, which led to 855 live-born infants from PPOS (659 FET cycles) and 734 live-born infants from the short protocol (599 FET cycles).Birth characteristics regarding gestational age, birth weight and length, infant sex, and early neonatal death were comparable between the 2 groups. The incidence of live-birth defects in the PPOS group (1.52%) was similar to that in the short protocol group (1.63%) and was not statistically significant. For birth defects, the risk significantly increased for multiple births, and the adjusted odds ratio was 3.14 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25-7.88). No associations were found between congenital birth defects and maternal age, body mass index (BMI), the duration of infertility, method of insemination, infant sex, embryo stage at transfer, the number of embryos transferred or ovarian stimulation regimen.Our study shows that the neonatal outcomes and risk of congenital malformations were similar between the PPOS and conventional GnRH-a short protocol. However, multiple pregnancy led to a higher likelihood of birth defects.
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Zhao G, Li Y, Kang X, Huang L, Li P, Zhou J, Shi Y. The study of blood transcriptome profiles in Holstein cows with miscarriage during peri-implantation. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2018; 32:38-48. [PMID: 29879815 PMCID: PMC6325397 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.17.0793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective In this study, the transcriptome profile of cow experiencing miscarriage during peri-implantation was investigated. Methods Total transcriptomes were checked by RNA sequencing, and the analyzed by bioinformatics methods, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analysed with hierarchical clustering and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Results The results suggested that serum progesterone levels were significantly decreased in cows that miscarried as compared to the pregnant cows at 18, 21, 33, 39, and 51 days after artificial insemination. The RNA sequencing results suggested that 32, 176, 5, 10, and 2 DEGs were identified in the pregnant cows and miscarried cows at 18, 21, 33, 39, and 51 d after artificial insemination. And 15, 101, 1, 2, and 2 DEGs were upregulated, and 17, 74, 4, and 8 DEGs were downregulated in the cows in the pregnant and miscarriage groups, respectively at 18, 21, 33, and 39, but no gene was downregulated at 51 d after artificial insemination. These DEGs were distributed to 13, 20, 3, 6, and 20 pathways, and some pathway essential for pregnancy, such as cell adhesion molecules, tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Conclusion This analysis has identified several genes and related pathways crucial for pregnancy and miscarriage in cows, as well as these genes supply molecular markers to predict the miscarriage in cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoli Zhao
- Department of Animal Husbandry, Agricultural College of Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 75004, China
| | - Yanyan Li
- Helan Mountain Diary Company of Ningxia, Yinchuan, Ningxia 75004, China
| | - Xiaolong Kang
- Department of Animal Husbandry, Agricultural College of Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 75004, China
| | - Liang Huang
- Helan Mountain Diary Company of Ningxia, Yinchuan, Ningxia 75004, China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Animal Husbandry, Agricultural College of Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 75004, China
| | - Jinghang Zhou
- Department of Animal Husbandry, Agricultural College of Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 75004, China
| | - Yuangang Shi
- Department of Animal Husbandry, Agricultural College of Ningxia University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 75004, China
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Pradieé J, Sánchez-Calabuig M, Castaño C, O'Brien E, Esteso M, Beltrán-Breña P, Maillo V, Santiago-Moreno J, Rizos D. Fertilizing capacity of vitrified epididymal sperm from Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica). Theriogenology 2018; 108:314-320. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Blavy P, Friggens N, Nielsen K, Christensen J, Derks M. Estimating probability of insemination success using milk progesterone measurements. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:1648-1660. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-12453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Ricci A, Carvalho P, Amundson M, Fricke P. Characterization of luteal dynamics in lactating Holstein cows for 32 days after synchronization of ovulation and timed artificial insemination. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:9851-9860. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Kusama K, Nakamura K, Bai R, Nagaoka K, Sakurai T, Imakawa K. Intrauterine exosomes are required for bovine conceptus implantation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 495:1370-1375. [PMID: 29196267 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.11.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Exosomes, extracellular vesicles, are present in uterine flushing fluids (UFs), which are involved in conceptus-endometrial interactions during peri-implantation periods. Despite several studies on intrauterine exosomes conducted, the roles conceptus and endometrial exosomes play during peri-implantation periods have not been well characterized. To investigate the effect of bovine intrauterine exosomes on conceptus implantation, exosomes isolated from bovine UFs during peri-implantation periods were subjected to global protein analysis. The analysis detected 596 exosomal proteins, including ruminants' pregnancy recognition factor IFNT, and 172 differentially expressed proteins with more than 1.5-fold changes in UFs on days 17, 20 and 22 pregnancy (day of conceptus implantation is initiated on days 19-19.5). Treatment of primary bovine endometrial epithelial cells with exosomes from day 17 UFs up-regulated the expression of apoptosis-related genes, and treatment with exosomes from day 20 and 22 UFs up-regulated the expression of adhesion molecule. Based on these findings, intrauterine exosomes should be considered as an essential constituent for successful implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Kusama
- Animal Resource Science Center, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Ibaraki, 319-0206, Japan
| | - Keigo Nakamura
- Animal Resource Science Center, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Ibaraki, 319-0206, Japan
| | - Rulan Bai
- Animal Resource Science Center, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Ibaraki, 319-0206, Japan
| | - Kentaro Nagaoka
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Sakurai
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Tokyo University of Science, Chiba, 278-8510, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Imakawa
- Animal Resource Science Center, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Ibaraki, 319-0206, Japan.
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Gupta A, Singh J, Dufort I, Robert C, Dias FCF, Anzar M. Transcriptomic difference in bovine blastocysts following vitrification and slow freezing at morula stage. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0187268. [PMID: 29095916 PMCID: PMC5667772 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation is known for its marked deleterious effects on embryonic health. Bovine compact morulae were vitrified or slow-frozen, and post-warm morulae were cultured to the expanded blastocyst stage. Blastocysts developed from vitrified and slow-frozen morulae were subjected to microarray analysis and compared with blastocysts developed from unfrozen control morulae for differential gene expression. Morula to blastocyst conversion rate was higher (P < 0.05) in control (72%) and vitrified (77%) than in slow-frozen (34%) morulae. Total 20 genes were upregulated and 44 genes were downregulated in blastocysts developed from vitrified morulae (fold change ≥ ± 2, P < 0.05) in comparison with blastocysts developed from control morulae. In blastocysts developed from slow-frozen morulae, 102 genes were upregulated and 63 genes were downregulated (fold change ≥ ± 1.5, P < 0.05). Blastocysts developed from vitrified morulae exhibited significant changes in gene expression mainly involving embryo implantation (PTGS2, CALB1), lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species generation (HSD3B1, AKR1B1, APOA1) and cell differentiation (KRT19, CLDN23). However, blastocysts developed from slow-frozen morulae showed changes in the expression of genes related to cell signaling (SPP1), cell structure and differentiation (DCLK2, JAM2 and VIM), and lipid metabolism (PLA2R1 and SMPD3). In silico comparison between blastocysts developed form vitrified and slow-frozen morulae revealed similar changes in gene expression as between blastocysts developed from vitrified and control morulae. In conclusion, blastocysts developed form vitrified morulae demonstrated better post-warming survival than blastocysts developed from slow-frozen morulae but their gene expression related to lipid metabolism, steroidogenesis, cell differentiation and placentation changed significantly (≥ 2 fold). Slow freezing method killed more morulae than vitrification but those which survived up to blastocyst stage did not express ≥ 2 fold change in their gene expression as compared with blastocysts from control morulae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisha Gupta
- Agriculture and Agri-food, Saskatoon Research and Development Center, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Jaswant Singh
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Isabelle Dufort
- Centre de recherche en biologie de la reproduction, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et del'alimentation Pavillon INAF, local 2742 Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Claude Robert
- Centre de recherche en biologie de la reproduction, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et del'alimentation Pavillon INAF, local 2742 Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Fernanda Caminha Faustino Dias
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Muhammad Anzar
- Agriculture and Agri-food, Saskatoon Research and Development Center, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
- * E-mail: ,
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Forde N, Lonergan P. Interferon-tau and fertility in ruminants. Reproduction 2017; 154:F33-F43. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Establishment of pregnancy in domestic ruminants includes pregnancy recognition signalling by the conceptus, implantation and placentation. Despite the high fertilisation success rate in ruminants, a significant amount of embryo loss occurs, primarily during early gestation. Interferon-tau (IFNT), a type I interferon that is exclusively secreted by the cells of the trophectoderm of the ruminant conceptus, has been recognised as the primary agent for maternal recognition of pregnancy in ruminants. It produces its antiluteolytic effect on the corpus luteum by inhibiting the expression of oxytocin receptors in the uterine epithelial cells, which prevents pulsatile, luteolytic secretion of prostaglandin F2α by the uterine endometrium. While the importance of IFNT in maternal recognition of pregnancy and prevention of luteolysis in ruminants is unequivocal, important questions, for example, relating to the threshold level of IFNT required for pregnancy maintenance, remain unanswered. This paper reviews data linking IFNT with measures of fertility in ruminants.
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Wilsher S. The uterus and early pregnancy failure in the mare. EQUINE VET EDUC 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.12844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Wilsher
- The Paul Mellon Laboratory of Equine Reproduction “Brunswick” Newmarket UK
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Zhu X, Ye H, Fu Y. Comparison of neonatal outcomes following progesterone use during ovarian stimulation with frozen-thawed embryo transfer. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7835. [PMID: 28798414 PMCID: PMC5552824 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08472-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Progesterone soft capsules (brand name: Utrogestan) were demonstrated to be an effective oral alternative to prevent premature LH surges both in normal-ovulatory and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients. However, its safety in terms of neonatal outcomes is unclear. To evaluate whether Utrogestan use increase the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes compared with short protocol in patients undergoing IVF/ICSI treatments in combination with frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET), we performed a retrospective analysis including 1008 FET cycles, with embryos originated from either Utrogestan + hMG protocol (n = 499), or short protocol (n = 509), which led to 546 live-born infants. The neonatal characteristics regarding preterm birth (PTB), low birth weight (LBW), gestational age and mode of delivery were comparable in the two groups. The incidence of live-birth defect was 0.68% (2/293) in the Utrogestan + hMG protocol compared with 0.79% (2/253) in the short protocol. No early neonatal death or intrauterine death were recorded in either group. To date, the data do not indicate an elevated rate of abnormality at birth after progesterone use during ovarian stimulation but further study with larger populations is needed to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuxian Zhu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Rd., Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Hongjuan Ye
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Rd., Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Yonglun Fu
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Rd., Shanghai, 200000, China.
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Establishment of critical timing of progesterone supplementation on corpus luteum and embryo development in beef heifers. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 180:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Imakawa K, Bai R, Fujiwara H, Ideta A, Aoyagi Y, Kusama K. Continuous model of conceptus implantation to the maternal endometrium. J Endocrinol 2017; 233:R53-R65. [PMID: 28213399 DOI: 10.1530/joe-16-0490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
As placental morphology as well as trophoblast characteristics exhibit wide diversity across mammalian species, underling molecules were also thought to vary greatly. In the majority of cases, however, regardless of the mode of implantation, physiological and biochemical processes in conceptus implantation to the maternal endometrium including the kinds of gene expression and their products are now considered to share many similarities. In fact, recent progress has identified that in addition to the hormones, cytokines, proteases and cell adhesion molecules classically characterized, molecules related to lymphocyte homing and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are all required for the progression of conceptus implantation to placentation. In this review, therefore, the newest findings are all incorporated into the molecular and cellular events related to conceptus implantation to the maternal endometrium; primarily from non-invasive bovine placentation and also from invasive human implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Imakawa
- Animal Resource Science CenterGraduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kasama, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Rulan Bai
- Animal Resource Science CenterGraduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kasama, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Fujiwara
- Faculty of MedicineInstitute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Atsushi Ideta
- Zennoh Embryo Transfer CenterKamishihoro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yoshito Aoyagi
- Zennoh Embryo Transfer CenterKamishihoro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kazuya Kusama
- Animal Resource Science CenterGraduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kasama, Ibaraki, Japan
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Carvalho P, Consentini C, Weaver S, Barleta R, Hernandez L, Fricke P. Temporarily decreasing progesterone after timed artificial insemination decreased expression of interferon-tau stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) in blood leukocytes, serum pregnancy-specific protein B concentrations, and embryo size in lactating Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:3233-3242. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-11996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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41
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Lonergan P, Forde N, Spencer T. Role of progesterone in embryo development in cattle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 28:66-74. [PMID: 27062875 DOI: 10.1071/rd15326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Progesterone (P4) from the corpus luteum is critical for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy and plays a major role in regulating endometrial secretions essential for stimulating and mediating changes in conceptus growth and differentiation throughout early pregnancy in ruminants. Numerous studies have demonstrated an association between elevated systemic P4 and acceleration in conceptus elongation. A combination of in vivo and in vitro experiments found that the effects of P4 on conceptus elongation are indirect and mediated through P4-induced effects in the endometrium. Despite effects on elongation, data on the effects of post-insemination supplementation with P4 on pregnancy rates are conflicting. This review highlights the effects of P4 on conceptus development and examines strategies that have been undertaken to manipulate P4 concentrations to increase fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pat Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Niamh Forde
- Division of Reproduction and Early Development, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, Clarendon Way, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Thomas Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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42
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Cameron EZ, Edwards AM, Parsley LM. Developmental sexual dimorphism and the evolution of mechanisms for adjustment of sex ratios in mammals. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2016; 1389:147-163. [PMID: 27862006 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2016] [Revised: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sex allocation theory predicts biased offspring sex ratios in relation to local conditions if they would maximize parental lifetime reproductive return. In mammals, the extent of the birth sex bias is often unpredictable and inconsistent, leading some to question its evolutionary significance. For facultative adjustment of sex ratios to occur, males and females would need to be detectably different from an early developmental stage, but classic sexual dimorphism arises from hormonal influences after gonadal development. Recent advances in our understanding of early, pregonadal sexual dimorphism, however, indicate high levels of dimorphism in gene expression, caused by chromosomal rather than hormonal differences. Here, we discuss how such dimorphism would interact with and link previously hypothesized mechanisms for sex-ratio adjustment. These differences between males and females are sufficient for offspring sex both to be detectable to parents and to provide selectable cues for biasing sex ratios from the earliest stages. We suggest ways in which future research could use the advances in our understanding of sexually dimorphic developmental physiology to test the evolutionary significance of sex allocation in mammals. Such an approach would advance our understanding of sex allocation and could be applied to other taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elissa Z Cameron
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Amy M Edwards
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Laura M Parsley
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
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43
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Kusama K, Bai R, Ideta A, Aoyagi Y, Okuda K, Imakawa K. Regulation of epithelial to mesenchymal transition in bovine conceptuses through the interaction between follistatin and activin A. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 434:81-92. [PMID: 27321969 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Dynamic changes in bovine conceptus and endometrium occur during early gestation, in which the conceptus undergoes epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) after the conceptus attachment to endometrium. To characterize EMT inducing factors, we initially undertook iTRAQ analysis with bovine uterine flushing (UF) obtained from pregnant animals on days 17 (P17: pre-attachment) and 20 (P20: post-attachment). The iTRAQ analysis demonstrated that follistatin (FST), an inhibitor of activin A, increased in P20 UF. We then found that FST decreased in P22 conceptuses, whereas elevated activin A found in P20 UF and endometria was further increased on P22. In addition, phosphorylated SMAD2 increased in P22 conceptuses. In bovine trophoblast cells, the treatment with P22 UF or activin An up-regulated EMT marker expressions, which were inhibited by FST. These results suggest that the initiation of bovine conceptus EMT could be regulated through the spatiotemporal expression of FST or activin A during the peri-attachment period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Kusama
- Laboratory of Theriogenology and Animal Breeding, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Rulan Bai
- Laboratory of Theriogenology and Animal Breeding, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Atsushi Ideta
- Zennoh Embryo Transfer Center, Hokkaido, 080-1407, Japan
| | - Yoshito Aoyagi
- Zennoh Embryo Transfer Center, Hokkaido, 080-1407, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Okuda
- Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Imakawa
- Laboratory of Theriogenology and Animal Breeding, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan; Animal Resource Science Center, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Ibaraki, 319-0206, Japan.
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44
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Yuan B, Liang S, Jin YX, Kwon JW, Zhang JB, Kim NH. Progesterone influences cytoplasmic maturation in porcine oocytes developing in vitro. PeerJ 2016; 4:e2454. [PMID: 27672508 PMCID: PMC5028735 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Progesterone (P4), an ovarian steroid hormone, is an important regulator of female reproduction. In this study, we explored the influence of progesterone on porcine oocyte nuclear maturation and cytoplasmic maturation and development in vitro. We found that the presence of P4 during oocyte maturation did not inhibit polar body extrusions but significantly increased glutathione and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels relative to that in control groups. The incidence of parthenogenetically activated oocytes that could develop to the blastocyst stage was higher (p < 0.05) when oocytes were exposed to P4 as compared to that in the controls. Cell numbers were increased in the P4-treated groups. Further, the P4-specific inhibitor mifepristone (RU486) prevented porcine oocyte maturation, as represented by the reduced incidence (p < 0.05) of oocyte first polar body extrusions. RU486 affected maturation promoting factor (MPF) activity and maternal mRNA polyadenylation status. In general, these data show that P4 influences the cytoplasmic maturation of porcine oocytes, at least partially, by decreasing their polyadenylation, thereby altering maternal gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao Yuan
- Department of Laboratory Animal, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin university, Changchun, Jilin, P.R.China.,Department of Animal Sciences, Molecular Embryology Laboratory, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Korea
| | - Shuang Liang
- Department of Animal Sciences, Molecular Embryology Laboratory, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Korea
| | - Yong-Xun Jin
- Department of Laboratory Animal, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin university, Changchun, Jilin, P.R.China.,Department of Animal Sciences, Molecular Embryology Laboratory, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Korea
| | - Jeong-Woo Kwon
- Department of Animal Sciences, Molecular Embryology Laboratory, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Korea
| | - Jia-Bao Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Animal, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin university, Changchun, Jilin, P.R.China
| | - Nam-Hyung Kim
- Department of Laboratory Animal, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin university, Changchun, Jilin, P.R.China.,Department of Animal Sciences, Molecular Embryology Laboratory, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Korea
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45
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Stevenson J, Lamb G. Contrasting effects of progesterone on fertility of dairy and beef cows. J Dairy Sci 2016; 99:5951-5964. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-10130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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46
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Wiltbank MC, Baez GM, Garcia-Guerra A, Toledo MZ, Monteiro PL, Melo LF, Ochoa JC, Santos JE, Sartori R. Pivotal periods for pregnancy loss during the first trimester of gestation in lactating dairy cows. Theriogenology 2016; 86:239-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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47
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Fricke PM, Carvalho PD, Lucy MC, Curran F, Herlihy MM, Waters SM, Larkin JA, Crowe MA, Butler ST. Effect of manipulating progesterone before timed artificial insemination on reproductive and endocrine parameters in seasonal-calving, pasture-based Holstein-Friesian cows. J Dairy Sci 2016; 99:6780-6792. [PMID: 27320671 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-11229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Fertility to timed AI (TAI) is profoundly affected by progesterone (P4) levels during hormonal synchronization protocols. Holstein-Friesian dairy cows managed in a seasonal-calving, pasture-based production system were randomly assigned to 2 treatments to manipulate P4 before TAI during growth of the preovulatory follicle. Cows in the first treatment (High P4; n=30) were submitted to a Double-Ovsynch protocol {Pre-Ovsynch [GnRH; 7 d, PGF2α; 3 d, GnRH] followed 7 d later by Breeding-Ovsynch [GnRH (G1); 7 d PGF2α; 24 h, PGF2α; 32 h, GnRH (G2); 16 h, TAI]}. Cows in the second treatment (n=30; Low P4) received the same Double-Ovsynch protocol but with an additional PGF2α treatment 24 h after G1. Overall, synchronization rate did not differ between treatments and was 92% (55/60). Unexpectedly, 37% of Low P4 cows were detected in estrus ~24 h before scheduled TAI and were inseminated ~16 h before scheduled TAI. Overall, P4 did not differ between treatments at G1, whereas High P4 cows had greater P4 concentrations at PGF2α and G2 than Low P4 cows. High P4 cows had the smallest mean follicle diameter at G2, whereas Low P4 cows with no estrus before TAI had intermediate mean follicle diameter at G2, and Low P4 cows with estrus before TAI had the largest mean follicle diameter. Low P4 cows with estrus before TAI had larger corpora lutea 15 d after TAI than Low P4 cows without estrus before TAI or High P4 cows. In accordance with corpus luteum size on d 15, High P4 cows and Low P4 cows without estrus before TAI had lower P4 from 4 to 46 d after TAI than Low P4 cows with estrus before TAI. Relative mRNA levels of the interferon-stimulated genes ISG15, MX1, MX2, and OAS1 were greater for Low P4 than for High P4 cows, whereas relative mRNA levels of RTP4 were greater for High P4 than for Low P4 cows 18 d after TAI. Treatment did not affect plasma pregnancy-associated glycoprotein concentrations after TAI; however, pregnancy-associated glycoprotein concentrations were affected by pregnancy status and parity. Treatment did not affect pregnancy per artificial insemination at 29, 39, or 60 d after TAI, and no pregnancy losses were observed from 39 to 60 d after TAI. We concluded that (1) Low P4 cows were more likely to express estrus than High P4 cows; (2) the subpopulation of Low P4 cows that expressed estrus had larger preovulatory follicles and greater P4 concentrations after TAI; and (3) regardless of estrus before TAI, all Low P4 cows had greater mRNA expression for 5 of 6 interferon-stimulated genes than High P4 cows 18 d after TAI.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M Fricke
- Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison 53706.
| | - P D Carvalho
- Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison 53706
| | - M C Lucy
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211
| | - F Curran
- Animal Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
| | - M M Herlihy
- Animal Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
| | - S M Waters
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, County Meath, Ireland
| | - J A Larkin
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Grange, Dunsany, County Meath, Ireland
| | - M A Crowe
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - S T Butler
- Animal Research Department, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland
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48
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Maillo V, Gaora PÓ, Forde N, Besenfelder U, Havlicek V, Burns GW, Spencer TE, Gutierrez-Adan A, Lonergan P, Rizos D. Oviduct-Embryo Interactions in Cattle: Two-Way Traffic or a One-Way Street? Biol Reprod 2015; 92:144. [PMID: 25926440 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.127969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the effect of the presence of single or multiple embryos on the transcriptome of the bovine oviduct. In experiment 1, cyclic (nonbred, n = 6) and pregnant (artificially inseminated, n = 11) heifers were slaughtered on Day 3 after estrus, and the ampulla and isthmic regions of the oviduct ipsilateral to the corpus luteum were separately flushed. Oviductal epithelial cells from the isthmus region, in which all oocytes/embryos were located, were snap-frozen for microarray analysis. In experiment 2, heifers were divided into cyclic (nonbred, n = 6) or pregnant (multiple embryo transfer, n = 10) groups. In vitro-produced presumptive zygotes were transferred endoscopically to the ipsilateral oviduct on Day 1.5 postestrus (n = 50 zygotes/heifer). Heifers were slaughtered on Day 3, and oviductal isthmus epithelial cells were recovered for RNA sequencing. Microarray analysis in experiment 1 failed to detect any difference in the transcriptome of the oviductal isthmus induced by the presence of a single embryo. In experiment 2, following multiple embryo transfer, RNA sequencing revealed 278 differentially expressed genes, of which 123 were up-regulated and 155 were down-regulated in pregnant heifers. Most of the down-regulated genes were related to immune function. In conclusion, the presence of multiple embryos in the oviduct resulted in the detection of differentially expressed genes in the oviductal isthmus; failure to detect changes in the oviduct transcriptome in the presence of a single embryo may be due to the effect being local and undetectable under the conditions of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peadar Ó Gaora
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Niamh Forde
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Urban Besenfelder
- Reproduction Centre-Wieselburg, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vitezslav Havlicek
- Reproduction Centre-Wieselburg, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregory W Burns
- Department of Animal Sciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Department of Animal Sciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington
| | | | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
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49
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Ricci A, Carvalho PD, Amundson MC, Fourdraine RH, Vincenti L, Fricke PM. Factors associated with pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) levels in plasma and milk of Holstein cows during early pregnancy and their effect on the accuracy of pregnancy diagnosis. J Dairy Sci 2015; 98:2502-14. [PMID: 25660740 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-8974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Lactating Holstein cows (n = 141) were synchronized to receive their first timed artificial insemination (TAI). Blood and milk samples were collected 25 and 32 d after TAI, and pregnancy status was determined 32 d after TAI using transrectal ultrasonography. Cows diagnosed pregnant with singletons (n = 48) continued the experiment in which blood and milk samples were collected and pregnancy status was assessed weekly using transrectal ultrasonography from 39 to 102 d after TAI. Plasma and milk samples were assayed for pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) levels using commercial ELISA kits. Compared to ultrasonography, accuracy was 92% for the plasma PAG ELISA test and 89% for the milk PAG ELISA test 32 d after TAI. Plasma and milk PAG levels for pregnant cows increased from 25 d to an early peak 32 d after TAI. Plasma and milk PAG levels then decreased from 32 d after TAI to a nadir from 53 to 60 d after TAI for the plasma PAG assay and from 46 to 67 d after TAI for the milk PAG assay followed by an increase from 74 to 102 d after TAI. Overall, plasma PAG levels were approximately 2-fold greater compared with milk PAG levels, and primiparous cows had greater PAG levels in plasma and milk compared with multiparous cows. The incidence of pregnancy loss from 32 to 102 d after TAI based on ultrasonography was 13% for cows diagnosed with singleton pregnancies, and plasma and milk PAG levels decreased to nonpregnant levels within 7 to 14 d after pregnancy loss. Both plasma and milk PAG levels were negatively correlated with milk production for both primiparous and multiparous cows. We conclude that stage of gestation, parity, pregnancy loss, and milk production were associated with plasma and milk PAG levels after TAI similarly. Based on plasma and milk PAG profiles, the optimal time to conduct a first pregnancy diagnosis is around 32 d after AI, coinciding with an early peak in PAG levels. Because of the occurrence of pregnancy loss, all pregnant cows should be retested 74 d after AI or later when plasma and milk PAG levels in pregnant cows have rebounded from their nadir.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ricci
- Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison 53706; Department of Veterinary Science, Università di Torino, Grugliasco 10090, Italy
| | - P D Carvalho
- Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison 53706
| | - M C Amundson
- Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison 53706
| | | | - L Vincenti
- Department of Veterinary Science, Università di Torino, Grugliasco 10090, Italy
| | - P M Fricke
- Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison 53706.
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50
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Stuart CC, Vaughan JL, Kershaw-Young CM, Wilkinson J, Bathgate R, de Graaf SP. Effects of varying doses of β-nerve growth factor on the timing of ovulation, plasma progesterone concentration and corpus luteum size in female alpacas (Vicugna pacos). Reprod Fertil Dev 2015; 27:1181-6. [DOI: 10.1071/rd14037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovulation in camelids is induced by the seminal plasma protein ovulation-inducing factor (OIF), recently identified as β-nerve growth factor (β-NGF). The present study measured the total protein concentration in alpaca seminal plasma using a bicinchoninic acid (BCA) protein quantification assay and found it to be 22.2 ± 2.0 mg mL–1. To measure the effects of varying doses of β-NGF on the incidence and timing of ovulation, corpus luteum (CL) size and plasma progesterone concentration, 24 female alpacas were synchronised and treated with either: (1) 1 mL 0.9% saline (n = 5); (2) 4 µg buserelin (n = 5); (3) 1 mg β-NGF protein (n = 5); (4) 0.1 mg β-NGF (n = 5); or (5) 0.01 mg β-NGF (n = 4). Females were examined by transrectal ultrasonography at 1–2-h intervals between 20 and 45 h after treatment or until ovulation occurred, as well as on Day 8 to observe the size of the CL, at which time blood was collected to measure plasma progesterone concentrations. Ovulation was detected in 0/5, 5/5, 5/5, 3/5 and 0/4 female alpacas treated with saline, buserelin, 1, 0.1 and 0.01 mg β-NGF, respectively. Mean ovulation interval (P = 0.76), CL diameter (P = 0.96) and plasma progesterone concentration (P = 0.96) did not differ between treatments. Mean ovulation interval overall was 26.2 ± 1.0 h. In conclusion, buserelin and 1 mg β-NGF are equally effective at inducing ovulation in female alpacas, but at doses ≤0.1 mg, β-NGF is not a reliable method for the induction of ovulation.
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