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Luis-Calero M, Ortiz-Rodríguez JM, Fernández-Hernández P, Muñoz-García CC, Pericuesta E, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Marinaro F, Embade N, Conde R, Bizkarguenaga M, Millet Ó, González-Fernández L, Macías-García B. Preovulatory follicular fluid secretome added to in vitro maturation medium influences the metabolism of equine cumulus-oocyte complexes. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:272. [PMID: 38918770 PMCID: PMC11197253 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04129-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In vitro embryo production is a highly demanded reproductive technology in horses, which requires the recovery (in vivo or post-mortem) and in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes. Oocytes subjected to IVM exhibit poor developmental competence compared to their in vivo counterparts, being this related to a suboptimal composition of commercial maturation media. The objective of this work was to study the effect of different concentrations of secretome obtained from equine preovulatory follicular fluid (FF) on cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) during IVM. COCs retrieved in vivo by ovum pick up (OPU) or post-mortem from a slaughterhouse (SLA) were subjected to IVM in the presence or absence of secretome (Control: 0 µg/ml, S20: 20 µg/ml or S40: 40 µg/ml). After IVM, the metabolome of the medium used for oocyte maturation prior (Pre-IVM) and after IVM (Post-IVM), COCs mRNA expression, and oocyte meiotic competence were analysed. RESULTS IVM leads to lactic acid production and an acetic acid consumption in COCs obtained from OPU and SLA. However, glucose consumption after IVM was higher in COCs from OPU when S40 was added (Control Pre-IVM vs. S40 Post-IVM: 117.24 ± 7.72 vs. 82.69 ± 4.24; Mean µM ± SEM; p < 0.05), while this was not observed in COCs from SLA. Likewise, secretome enhanced uptake of threonine (Control Pre-IVM vs. S20 Post-IVM vs. S40 Post-IVM: 4.93 ± 0.33 vs. 3.04 ± 0.25 vs. 2.84 ± 0.27; Mean µM ± SEM; p < 0.05) in COCs recovered by OPU. Regarding the relative mRNA expression of candidate genes related to metabolism, Lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) expression was significantly downregulated when secretome was added during IVM at 20-40 µg/ml in OPU-derived COCs (Control vs. S20 vs. S40: 1.77 ± 0.14 vs. 1 ± 0.25 vs. 1.23 ± 0.14; fold change ± SEM; p < 0.05), but not in SLA COCs. CONCLUSIONS The addition of secretome during in vitro maturation (IVM) affects the gene expression of LDHA, glucose metabolism, and amino acid turnover in equine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), with diverging outcomes observed between COCs retrieved using ovum pick up (OPU) and slaughterhouse-derived COCs (SLA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Luis-Calero
- Departamento de Medicina Animal, Grupo de Investigación Medicina Interna Veterinaria (MINVET), Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto de Investigación INBIO G+C, Universidad de Extremadura, Av. de la Universidad s/n, Cáceres, 10004, Spain
| | - José Manuel Ortiz-Rodríguez
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences (DIMEVET), University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Bologna, 40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy
| | - Pablo Fernández-Hernández
- Departamento de Medicina Animal, Grupo de Investigación Medicina Interna Veterinaria (MINVET), Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto de Investigación INBIO G+C, Universidad de Extremadura, Av. de la Universidad s/n, Cáceres, 10004, Spain
| | - Carmen Cristina Muñoz-García
- Departamento de Medicina Animal, Grupo de Investigación Medicina Interna Veterinaria (MINVET), Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto de Investigación INBIO G+C, Universidad de Extremadura, Av. de la Universidad s/n, Cáceres, 10004, Spain
| | - Eva Pericuesta
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA-CSIC, Av. Puerta de Hierro 18, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Adán
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA-CSIC, Av. Puerta de Hierro 18, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Federica Marinaro
- Departamento de Reproducción Animal, INIA-CSIC, Av. Puerta de Hierro 18, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Nieves Embade
- Precision Medicine and Metabolism Laboratory, CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, 801 A Building, Derio, 48160, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Ricardo Conde
- Precision Medicine and Metabolism Laboratory, CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, 801 A Building, Derio, 48160, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Maider Bizkarguenaga
- Precision Medicine and Metabolism Laboratory, CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, 801 A Building, Derio, 48160, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Óscar Millet
- Precision Medicine and Metabolism Laboratory, CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, 801 A Building, Derio, 48160, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Lauro González-Fernández
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Genética, Grupo de Investigación Señalización Intracelular y Tecnología de la Reproducción (SINTREP), Instituto de Investigación INBIO G+C, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Extremadura, Av. de la Universidad s/n, Cáceres, 10004, Spain
| | - Beatriz Macías-García
- Departamento de Medicina Animal, Grupo de Investigación Medicina Interna Veterinaria (MINVET), Facultad de Veterinaria, Instituto de Investigación INBIO G+C, Universidad de Extremadura, Av. de la Universidad s/n, Cáceres, 10004, Spain.
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Kawano K, Sakaguchi K, Ninpetch N, Yanagawa Y, Katagiri S. Physiological high temperatures alter the amino acid metabolism of bovine early antral follicles. J Reprod Dev 2024; 70:184-191. [PMID: 38631860 PMCID: PMC11153115 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2023-096] [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: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Heat stress reduces the developmental competence of bovine oocytes during the growth phase; however, the detailed mechanisms remain unclear. Amino acids play various critical roles in follicular development, including protein synthesis and as energy sources. We performed in vitro growth (IVG) culture of oocyte-cumulus-granulosa complexes (OCGCs) to assess the amino acid metabolism of small follicles at high temperatures. We isolated OCGCs from early antral follicles (0.5-1.0 mm) and subjected them to IVG culture for 12 days. OCGCs in the heat shock group were cultured under a temperature cycle of (38.5°C: 5 h, 39.5°C: 5 h, 40.5°C: 5 h, and 39.5°C: 9 h) to reproduce the body temperature of lactating cows under a hot environment. OCGCs in the control group were cultured at a constant temperature of 38.5°C for 24 h. Of the surviving OCGCs, those showing similar morphology and size between the groups were selected for amino acid analysis. We analyzed the free amino acids and their metabolites in the culture medium and calculated the depletion or appearance of molecular species. The depletion of three essential amino acids (isoleucine, leucine, and valine), two non-essential amino acids (aspartic acid and glycine), and ornithine was higher in the heat shock group (P < 0.05). Alanine depletion was lower in the heat shock group (P < 0.05). We concluded that heat exposure alters the amino acid metabolism of OCGCs isolated from early antral follicles, which might be involved with the diminished developmental potential of oocytes during summer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Kawano
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
- Present: Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Sakaguchi
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Engineering, University of Edinburgh, The Hugh Robson Building, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
- Present: Laboratory of Veterinary Theriogenology, Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Nattapong Ninpetch
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture at Kamphaeng Saen, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
| | - Yojiro Yanagawa
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Seiji Katagiri
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
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Mzedawee HRH, Kowsar R, Moradi-Hajidavaloo R, Shiasi-Sardoabi R, Sadeghi K, Nasr-Esfahani MH, Hajian M. Heat shock interferes with the amino acid metabolism of bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes in vitro: a multistep analysis. Amino Acids 2024; 56:2. [PMID: 38285159 PMCID: PMC10824825 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-023-03370-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
By affecting the ovarian pool of follicles and their enclosed oocytes, heat stress has an impact on dairy cow fertility. This study aimed to determine how heat shock (HS) during in vitro maturation affected the ability of the bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) to develop, as well as their metabolism of amino acids (AAs). In this study, COCs were in vitro matured for 23 h at 38.5 °C (control; n = 322), 39.5 °C (mild HS (MHS); n = 290), or 40.5 °C (severe HS (SHS); n = 245). In comparison to the control group, the MHS and SHS groups significantly decreased the percentage of metaphase-II oocytes, as well as cumulus cell expansion and viability. The SHS decreased the rates of cleavage and blastocyst formation in comparison to the control and MHS. Compared to the control and MHS-COCs, the SHS-COCs produced significantly more phenylalanine, threonine, valine, arginine, alanine, glutamic acid, and citrulline while depleting less leucine, glutamine, and serine. Data showed that SHS-COCs had the highest appearance and turnover of all AAs and essential AAs. Heat shock was positively correlated with the appearance of glutamic acid, glutamine, isoleucine, alanine, serine, valine, phenylalanine, and asparagine. Network analysis identified the relationship between HS and alanine or glutamic acid, as well as the relationship between blastocyst and cleavage rates and ornithine. The findings imply that SHS may have an impact on the quality and metabolism of AAs in COCs. Moreover, the use of a multistep analysis could simply identify the AAs most closely linked to HS and the developmental competence of bovine COCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rasoul Kowsar
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Reza Moradi-Hajidavaloo
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Roya Shiasi-Sardoabi
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Khaled Sadeghi
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mehdi Hajian
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.
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Bresnahan DR, Catandi GD, Peters SO, Maclellan LJ, Broeckling CD, Carnevale EM. Maturation and culture affect the metabolomic profile of oocytes and follicular cells in young and old mares. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1280998. [PMID: 38283993 PMCID: PMC10811030 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1280998] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Oocytes and follicular somatic cells within the ovarian follicle are altered during maturation and after exposure to culture in vitro. In the present study, we used a nontargeted metabolomics approach to assess changes in oocytes, cumulus cells, and granulosa cells from dominant, follicular-phase follicles in young and old mares. Methods: Samples were collected at three stages associated with oocyte maturation: (1) GV, germinal vesicle stage, prior to the induction of follicle/oocyte maturation in vivo; (2) MI, metaphase I, maturing, collected 24 h after induction of maturation in vivo; and (3) MIIC, metaphase II, mature with collection 24 h after induction of maturation in vivo plus 18 h of culture in vitro. Samples were analyzed using gas and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry only when all three stages of a specific cell type were obtained from the same mare. Results and Discussion: Significant differences in metabolite abundance were most often associated with MIIC, with some of the differences appearing to be linked to the final stage of maturation and others to exposure to culture medium. While differences occurred for many metabolite groups, some of the most notable were detected for energy and lipid metabolism and amino acid abundance. The study demonstrated that metabolomics has potential to aid in optimizing culture methods and evaluating cell culture additives to support differences in COCs associated with maternal factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Bresnahan
- Department of Animal Sciences, Berry College, Mount Berry, GA, United States
| | - G D Catandi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - S O Peters
- Department of Animal Sciences, Berry College, Mount Berry, GA, United States
| | - L J Maclellan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - C D Broeckling
- Proteomic and Metabolomics Core Facility, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - E M Carnevale
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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Xia Q, Yu L, Song J, Sun Z. The role of acupuncture in women with advanced reproductive age undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer: A randomized controlled trial and follicular fluid metabolomics study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e34768. [PMID: 37682195 PMCID: PMC10489312 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000034768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of acupuncture on the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in elderly infertile patients with kidney qi deficiency, and to explore its possible mechanism from the perspective of pseudo-targeted metabolomics of follicular fluid. METHODS Sixty cases of elderly women undergoing IVF were sampled and randomly divided into 2 equal groups: the treatment and the elderly control (HA) group. In the treatment group, routine ovulation induction combined with acupuncture treatment was used. Routine ovulation induction combined with sham acupuncture was used in the HA group. Reproductive outcomes of the 2 groups were compared. The follicular fluid of patients obtained on the day of oocyte retrieval was analyzed by the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis system. RESULTS Compared with the HA group, the score of kidney qi deficiency syndrome in the treatment group was significantly decreased, and the 2 PN fertilization rate, high-quality embryo rate and cumulative pregnancy rate were significantly increased (P < .05). Through the identification of target metabolites, 3 metabolic pathways were found to be closely related to the developmental potential of oocytes, namely: Retinol metabolism pathway; Glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism pathway; Glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway. CONCLUSION From our findings, acupuncture can improve the quality of oocytes thus bettering the outcome of IVF-assisted pregnancy in elderly patients with kidney qi deficiency. TRIAL REGISTRATION ChiCTR1800018329.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingchang Xia
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lingyu Yu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Literature and Culture, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jingyan Song
- The First Clinical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhengao Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
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6
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Bittner-Schwerda L, Herrera C, Wyck S, Malama E, Wrenzycki C, Bollwein H. Brilliant Cresyl Blue Negative Oocytes Show a Reduced Competence for Embryo Development after In Vitro Fertilisation with Sperm Exposed to Oxidative Stress. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2621. [PMID: 37627412 PMCID: PMC10451622 DOI: 10.3390/ani13162621] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The extent of oxidative damage transferred by the damaged sperm to the progeny is likely to be limited by the oocyte's repair and antioxidative capacity. We aimed to assess the association between Brilliant Cresyl Blue (BCB) staining in oocytes and their competence for embryo development after in vitro fertilisation (IVF) with damaged sperm. For this purpose, bovine sperm were incubated without (non-oxidised sperm, NOX S) or with 100 µM H2O2 (oxidised sperm, OX S) and were used to fertilise in-vitro-matured bovine oocytes (BCB-pos./BCB-neg.). Unstained oocytes served as controls (US). Development was assessed at 30, 46, 60 h and on Days (D) 7 and 8 after IVF. Total cell number and apoptotic index were analysed in D7 blastocysts. BCB-neg. oocytes showed lower cleavage rates and blastocyst rates than unstained oocytes after IVF with NOX S (p < 0.05). They showed the highest reduction in D7 blastocyst rate upon fertilisation with OX S and showed a delayed embryo development at 46 and 60 h after IVF compared to embryos produced with NOX S (p < 0.05). Total cell number in blastocysts produced with BCB-neg. oocytes was lower (p < 0.05) in the embryos produced with OX S than in embryos after IVF with NOX S. In conclusion, BCB-neg. oocytes have a lower competence to support embryo development after in vitro fertilisation with oxidised sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilli Bittner-Schwerda
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zuerich, Switzerland
| | - Carolina Herrera
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zuerich, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Wyck
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zuerich, Switzerland
| | - Eleni Malama
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zuerich, Switzerland
| | - Christine Wrenzycki
- Veterinary Clinic for Reproductive Medicine and Neonatology, Chair for Molecular Reproductive Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Heinrich Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zuerich, Switzerland
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Elías-López AL, Vázquez-Mena O, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Mitochondrial dysfunction in the offspring of obese mothers and it's transmission through damaged oocyte mitochondria: Integration of mechanisms. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023:166802. [PMID: 37414229 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
In vivo and in vitro studies demonstrate that mitochondria in the oocyte, are susceptible to damage by suboptimal pre/pregnancy conditions, such as obesity. These suboptimal conditions have been shown to induce mitochondrial dysfunction (MD) in multiple tissues of the offspring, suggesting that mitochondria of oocytes that pass from mother to offspring, can carry information that can programme mitochondrial and metabolic dysfunction of the next generation. They also suggest that transmission of MD could increase the risk of obesity and other metabolic diseases in the population inter- and trans-generationally. In this review, we examined whether MD observed in offspring tissues of high energetic demand, is the result of the transmission of damaged mitochondria from obese mothers' oocytes to the offspring. The contribution of genome-independent mechanisms (namely mitophagy) in this transmission were also explored. Finally, potential interventions aimed at improving oocyte/embryo health were investigated, to see if they may provide an opportunity to halter the generational effects of MD.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Elías-López
- Dirección de Nutrición, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán", Mexico.
| | | | - A N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, UK.
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Sanei M, Kowsar R, Heidaran Ali Abadi M, Sadeghi N, Boroumand Jazi M. The relationship between bovine blastocyst formation in vitro and follicular fluid amino acids. Theriogenology 2023; 206:197-204. [PMID: 37229959 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.05.016] [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: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Follicular fluid has been found as a possible source of metabolic predictors for oocyte competence, and it is conveniently accessible during ovum pick-up (OPU). We used the OPU procedure to recover oocytes from 41 Holstein heifers for in vitro embryo production in this study. Follicular fluid was collected during OPU in order to establish a link between follicular amino acids and blastocyst formation. Each heifer's oocytes were collected, matured in vitro for 24 h and fertilized separately. The heifers were then divided into two groups based on blastocyst formation: those that produced at least one blastocyst (the blastocyst group, n = 29) and those that did not (the failed group, n = 12). The blastocyst group had higher follicular glutamine concentrations and lower aspartate levels than the failed group. Furthermore, network and Spearman correlation analyses revealed a link between blastocyst formation and aspartate (r = -0.37, p = 0.02) or glutamine (r = 0.38, p = 0.02). The receiver operator characteristic curve revealed that glutamine (AUC = 0.75) was the greatest predictor of blastocyst formation. These findings revealed that follicular amino acid levels in bovines can be used to predict blastocyst development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzyieh Sanei
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, 84156-83111, Iran
| | - Rasoul Kowsar
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, 84156-83111, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Heidaran Ali Abadi
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural Science and Engineering, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
| | - Nima Sadeghi
- FKA, Animal Husbandry and Agriculture Co, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Masoud Boroumand Jazi
- Animal Science Research Department, Isfahan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center., Agriculture, Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Esfahan, 8174835117, Iran
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9
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Sakaguchi K, Kawano K, Otani Y, Yanagawa Y, Katagiri S, Telfer EE. Relationship between Amino Acid Metabolism and Bovine In Vitro Follicle Activation and Growth. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13071141. [PMID: 37048397 PMCID: PMC10093075 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The amino acid metabolism of bovine follicles during in vitro growth (IVG) was evaluated to identify potential indicators of health during culture. The bovine ovarian cortex was sliced, prepared as strips, and cultured for 6 days. Tissue samples were examined histologically before and after 6 days of culture, and the degree of follicle activation was classified as either high or low based on the number of growing secondary follicles present (high: 7~11; low: 0~1). In a separate experiment, secondary follicles (diameter range: 100~200 μm) were manually isolated and cultured, and their growth was monitored for 6 days. Cultured follicles were classified as growth or degenerate based on diameter change during culture (growth: +60.5~74.1 μm; degenerate: -28~15.2 μm). Free amino acids and their metabolites were measured in the spent culture medium from each group. In cultured ovarian cortical strips, the concentration of α-aminoadipic acid was significantly higher in the low activation group than in the high group (p < 0.05), while those of methionine, lysine, and arginine were higher in the high activation group. In cultured isolated secondary follicles, concentrations of methionine, tyrosine, histidine, and hydroxyproline were higher in the degenerate group (p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, amino acid metabolism has the potential to serve as an indicator of primordial follicle activation and subsequent growth rate during bovine IVG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichiro Sakaguchi
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Engineering, University of Edinburgh, The Hugh Robson Building, 15 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Kohei Kawano
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Yuki Otani
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Yojiro Yanagawa
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Seiji Katagiri
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18 Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Evelyn E Telfer
- Institute of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Engineering, University of Edinburgh, The Hugh Robson Building, 15 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
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10
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Tan TCY, Dunning KR. Non-invasive assessment of oocyte developmental competence. Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 35:39-50. [PMID: 36592982 DOI: 10.1071/rd22217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte quality is a key factor influencing IVF success. The oocyte and surrounding cumulus cells, known collectively as the cumulus oocyte complex (COC), communicate bi-directionally and regulate each other's metabolic function to support oocyte growth and maturation. Many studies have attempted to associate metabolic markers with oocyte quality, including metabolites in follicular fluid or 'spent medium' following maturation, gene expression of cumulus cells and measuring oxygen consumption in medium surrounding COCs. However, these methods fail to provide spatial metabolic information on the separate oocyte and cumulus cell compartments. Optical imaging of the autofluorescent cofactors - reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) [NAD(P)H] and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) - has been put forward as an approach to generate spatially resolved measurements of metabolism within individual cells of the COC. The optical redox ratio (FAD/[NAD(P)H+FAD]), calculated from these cofactors, can act as an indicator of overall metabolic activity in the oocyte and cumulus cell compartments. Confocal microscopy, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) and hyperspectral microscopy may be used for this purpose. This review provides an overview of current optical imaging techniques that capture the inner biochemistry within cells of the COC and discusses the potential for such imaging to assess oocyte developmental competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany C Y Tan
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Kylie R Dunning
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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11
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Tan TCY, Brown HM, Thompson JG, Mustafa S, Dunning KR. Optical imaging detects metabolic signatures associated with oocyte quality. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:1014-1025. [PMID: 35863764 PMCID: PMC9562116 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte developmental potential is intimately linked to metabolism. Existing approaches to measure metabolism in the cumulus oocyte complex (COC) do not provide information on the separate cumulus and oocyte compartments. Development of an assay that achieves this may lead to an accurate diagnostic for oocyte quality. Optical imaging of the autofluorescent cofactors NAD(P)H and FAD provides a spatially resolved indicator of metabolism via the optical redox ratio ($\mathrm{FAD}/\left[\mathrm{NAD}\left(\mathrm{P}\right)\mathrm{H}+\mathrm{FAD}\right]$). This may provide an assessment of oocyte quality. Here, we determined whether the optical redox ratio is a robust methodology for measuring metabolism in the cumulus and oocyte compartments compared with oxygen consumption in the whole COC. We also determined whether optical imaging could detect metabolic differences associated with poor oocyte quality (etomoxir-treated). We used confocal microscopy to measure NAD(P)H and FAD, and extracellular flux to measure oxygen consumption. We found that the optical redox ratio was an accurate reflection of metabolism in the oocyte compartment when compared with oxygen consumption (whole COC). Etomoxir-treated COCs showed significantly lower levels of NAD(P)H and FAD compared to control. While confocal imaging demonstrated the premise, we validated this approach using hyperspectral imaging, which is clinically compatible due to its low energy dose. This confirmed lower NAD(P)H and FAD in etomoxir-treated COCs. When comparing imaged vs non-imaged COCs, subsequent preimplantation development and post-transfer viability were comparable. Collectively, these results demonstrate that label-free optical imaging of metabolic cofactors is a safe and sensitive assay for measuring metabolism and has potential to assess oocyte developmental competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany C Y Tan
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale Biophotonics, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Hannah M Brown
- Victorian Heart Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jeremy G Thompson
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale Biophotonics, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Fertilis Pty Ltd, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Sanam Mustafa
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale Biophotonics, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kylie R Dunning
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale Biophotonics, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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12
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Culture conditions for in vitro maturation of oocytes – A review. REPRODUCTION AND BREEDING 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbre.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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13
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Leese HJ, Brison DR, Sturmey RG. The Quiet Embryo Hypothesis: 20 years on. Front Physiol 2022; 13:899485. [PMID: 35634152 PMCID: PMC9131187 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.899485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This article revisits the hypothesis, proposed in 2002, that the successful development of oocytes and preimplantation mammalian embryos is associated with a metabolism which is “quiet” rather than “active”, within limits which had yet to be defined. A distinction was drawn between Functional Quietness, Loss of quietness in response to stress and Inter-individual differences in embryo metabolism and here we document applications of the hypothesis to other areas of reproductive biology. In order to encompass the requirement for “limits” and replace the simple distinction between “quiet” and “active”, evidence is presented which led to a re-working of the hypothesis by proposing the existence of an optimal range of metabolic activity, termed a “Goldilocks zone”, within which oocytes and embryos with maximum developmental potential will be located. General and specific mechanisms which may underlie the Goldilocks phenomenon are proposed and the added value that may be derived by expressing data on individual embryos as distributions rather than mean values is emphasised especially in the context of the response of early embryos to stress and to the concept of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease. The article concludes with a cautionary note that being “quietly efficient” may not always ensure optimal embryo survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry J. Leese
- Centre for Atherothrombosis and Metabolic Disease, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Henry J. Leese,
| | - Daniel R. Brison
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Old St. Mary’s Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, St Mary’s Hospital, Medicine and Health, the University of Manchester, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Roger G. Sturmey
- Centre for Atherothrombosis and Metabolic Disease, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, United Kingdom
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, St Mary’s Hospital, Medicine and Health, the University of Manchester, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
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14
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The use of insulin-transferrin-selenium (ITS), and folic acid on individual in vitro embryo culture systems in cattle. Theriogenology 2022; 184:153-161. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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15
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Picton HM. Therapeutic Potential of In Vitro-Derived Oocytes for the Restoration and Treatment of Female Fertility. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2022; 10:281-301. [PMID: 34843385 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-020420-030319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Considerable progress has been made with the development of culture systems for the in vitro growth and maturation (IVGM) of oocytes from the earliest-staged primordial follicles and from the more advanced secondary follicles in rodents, ruminants, nonhuman primates, and humans. Successful oocyte production in vitro depends on the development of a dynamic culture strategy that replicates the follicular microenvironment required for oocyte activation and to support oocyte growth and maturation in vivo while enabling the coordinated and timely acquisition of oocyte developmental competence. Significant heterogeneity exists between the culture protocols used for different stages of follicle development and for different species. To date, the fertile potential of IVGM oocytes derived from primordial follicles has been realized only in mice. Although many technical challenges remain, significant advances have been made, and there is an increasing consensus that complete IVGM will require a dynamic, multiphase culture approach. The production of healthy offspring from in vitro-produced oocytes in a secondary large animal species is a vital next step before IVGM can be tested for therapeutic use in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Picton
- Reproduction and Early Development Research Group, Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom;
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16
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He X, Wang Y, Wu M, Wei J, Sun X, Wang A, Hu G, Jia J. Secoisolariciresinol Diglucoside Improves Ovarian Reserve in Aging Mouse by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:806412. [PMID: 35059437 PMCID: PMC8764264 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.806412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian reserve is a key factor in the reproductive function of the ovaries. Ovarian aging is characterized by a gradual decline in the quantity and quality of follicles. The underlying mechanism of ovarian aging is complex and age-related oxidative stress is considered one of the most likely factors. Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) has been shown to have good scavenging ability against reactive oxygen species (ROS) which slowly accumulates in ovarian tissues. However, it is unknown whether SDG had beneficial effects on aging ovaries. In this study, we used 37-week-old female C57BL/6J mouse as a natural reproductive aging model to evaluate the role of SDG in ovarian aging. SDG (7 and 70 mg/kg) intragastric administration was performed in the mice daily. After 8 weeks, the effects of SDG on aging ovaries were evaluated by counting the number of follicles and the expression of follicle-stimulating hormone receptors (FSHR) in the ovary. The mechanism of SDG on the aging ovaries was further explored through ovarian metabolomics. It was found that SDG can effectively increase the number of growing follicles and increase the expression of the FSHR protein. The metabolomics results showed that the ovaries in the SDG intervention group achieved better uptake and transport of nutrients, including amino acids and glucose that are necessary for the development of oocytes. At the same time, the ovaries of the SDG intervention group showed that the drug reduced ROS generation. Additionally, we found that ovarian telomere length and ovarian mitochondrial DNA copy number that are highly susceptible to ROS damage and are also related to aging. The results showed that SDG can significantly increase mitochondrial DNA copy number and slow down the process of telomere shortening. These data indicate that SDG improves ovarian reserve by inhibiting oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- XueLai He
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yong Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - MeiQi Wu
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - JiangChun Wei
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - XianDuo Sun
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - AnHua Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - GaoSheng Hu
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - JingMing Jia
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
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17
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Musson R, Gąsior Ł, Bisogno S, Ptak GE. DNA damage in preimplantation embryos and gametes: specification, clinical relevance and repair strategies. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:376-399. [PMID: 35021196 PMCID: PMC9071077 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA damage is a hazard that affects all cells of the body. DNA-damage repair (DDR) mechanisms are in place to repair damage and restore cellular function, as are other damage-induced processes such as apoptosis, autophagy and senescence. The resilience of germ cells and embryos in response to DNA damage is less well studied compared with other cell types. Given that recent studies have described links between embryonic handling techniques and an increased likelihood of disease in post-natal life, an update is needed to summarize the sources of DNA damage in embryos and their capacity to repair it. In addition, numerous recent publications have detailed novel techniques for detecting and repairing DNA damage in embryos. This information is of interest to medical or scientific personnel who wish to obtain undamaged embryos for use in offspring generation by ART. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aims to thoroughly discuss sources of DNA damage in male and female gametes and preimplantation embryos. Special consideration is given to current knowledge and limits in DNA damage detection and screening strategies. Finally, obstacles and future perspectives in clinical diagnosis and treatment (repair) of DNA damaged embryos are discussed. SEARCH METHODS Using PubMed and Google Scholar until May 2021, a comprehensive search for peer-reviewed original English-language articles was carried out using keywords relevant to the topic with no limits placed on time. Keywords included ‘DNA damage repair’, ‘gametes’, ‘sperm’, ‘oocyte’, ‘zygote’, ‘blastocyst’ and ‘embryo’. References from retrieved articles were also used to obtain additional articles. Literature on the sources and consequences of DNA damage on germ cells and embryos was also searched. Additional papers cited by primary references were included. Results from our own studies were included where relevant. OUTCOMES DNA damage in gametes and embryos can differ greatly based on the source and severity. This damage affects the development of the embryo and can lead to long-term health effects on offspring. DDR mechanisms can repair damage to a certain extent, but the factors that play a role in this process are numerous and altogether not well characterized. In this review, we describe the multifactorial origin of DNA damage in male and female gametes and in the embryo, and suggest screening strategies for the selection of healthy gametes and embryos. Furthermore, possible therapeutic solutions to decrease the frequency of DNA damaged gametes and embryos and eventually to repair DNA and increase mitochondrial quality in embryos before their implantation is discussed. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Understanding DNA damage in gametes and embryos is essential for the improvement of techniques that could enhance embryo implantation and pregnancy success. While our knowledge about DNA damage factors and regulatory mechanisms in cells has advanced greatly, the number of feasible practical techniques to avoid or repair damaged embryos remains scarce. Our intention is therefore to focus on strategies to obtain embryos with as little DNA damage as possible, which will impact reproductive biology research with particular significance for reproductive clinicians and embryologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Musson
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Łukasz Gąsior
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Simona Bisogno
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Grażyna Ewa Ptak
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
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18
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McKeegan PJ, Boardman SF, Wanless AA, Boyd G, Warwick LJ, Lu J, Gnanaprabha K, Picton HM. Intracellular oxygen metabolism during bovine oocyte and preimplantation embryo development. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21245. [PMID: 34711892 PMCID: PMC8553752 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99512-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a novel method to profile intrcellular oxygen concentration (icO2) during in vitro mammalian oocyte and preimplantation embryo development using a commercially available multimodal phosphorescent nanosensor (MM2). Abattoir-derived bovine oocytes and embryos were incubated with MM2 in vitro. A series of inhibitors were applied during live-cell multiphoton imaging to record changes in icO2 associated with mitochondrial processes. The uncoupler carbonyl cyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP) uncouples mitochondrial oxygen consumption to its maximum, while antimycin inhibits complex III to ablate mitochondrial oxygen consumption. Increasing oxygen consumption was expected to reduce icO2 and decreasing oxygen consumption to increase icO2. Use of these inhibitors quantifies how much oxygen is consumed at basal in comparison to the upper and lower limits of mitochondrial function. icO2 measurements were compared to mitochondrial DNA copy number analysed by qPCR. Antimycin treatment increased icO2 for all stages tested, suggesting significant mitochondrial oxygen consumption at basal. icO2 of oocytes and preimplantation embryos were unaffected by FCCP treatment. Inner cell mass icO2 was lower than trophectoderm, perhaps reflecting limitations of diffusion. Mitochondrial DNA copy numbers were similar between stages in the range 0.9-4 × 106 copies and did not correlate with icO2. These results validate the MM2 probe as a sensitive, non-toxic probe of intracellular oxygen concentration in mammalian oocytes and preimplantation embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J McKeegan
- Reproduction and Early Development Research Group, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Clarendon Way, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
- Centre for Anatomical and Human Sciences, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK.
| | - Selina F Boardman
- Reproduction and Early Development Research Group, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Clarendon Way, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- CARE Fertility, Manchester, England, UK
| | - Amy A Wanless
- Reproduction and Early Development Research Group, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Clarendon Way, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- Assisted Conception Unit, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| | - Grace Boyd
- Reproduction and Early Development Research Group, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Clarendon Way, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of York, Wentworth Way, York, YO10 5DD, England, UK
| | - Laura J Warwick
- Reproduction and Early Development Research Group, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Clarendon Way, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- St James's University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF, England, UK
| | - Jianping Lu
- Reproduction and Early Development Research Group, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Clarendon Way, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Keerthi Gnanaprabha
- Reproduction and Early Development Research Group, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Clarendon Way, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- GCRM Fertility, 21 Fifty Pitches Way, Glasgow, G51 4FD, Scotland, UK
| | - Helen M Picton
- Reproduction and Early Development Research Group, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Clarendon Way, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
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19
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Leese HJ, McKeegan PJ, Sturmey RG. Amino Acids and the Early Mammalian Embryo: Origin, Fate, Function and Life-Long Legacy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9874. [PMID: 34574797 PMCID: PMC8467587 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amino acids are now recognised as having multiple cellular functions in addition to their traditional role as constituents of proteins. This is well-illustrated in the early mammalian embryo where amino acids are now known to be involved in intermediary metabolism, as energy substrates, in signal transduction, osmoregulation and as intermediaries in numerous pathways which involve nitrogen metabolism, e.g., the biosynthesis of purines, pyrimidines, creatine and glutathione. The amino acid derivative S-adenosylmethionine has emerged as a universal methylating agent with a fundamental role in epigenetic regulation. Amino acids are now added routinely to preimplantation embryo culture media. This review examines the routes by which amino acids are supplied to the early embryo, focusing on the role of the oviduct epithelium, followed by an outline of their general fate and function within the embryo. Functions specific to individual amino acids are then considered. The importance of amino acids during the preimplantation period for maternal health and that of the conceptus long term, which has come from the developmental origins of health and disease concept of David Barker, is discussed and the review concludes by considering the potential utility of amino acid profiles as diagnostic of embryo health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry J. Leese
- Centre for Atherothrombosis and Metabolic Disease, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK;
| | - Paul J. McKeegan
- Centre for Anatomical and Human Sciences, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK;
| | - Roger G. Sturmey
- Centre for Atherothrombosis and Metabolic Disease, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull HU6 7RX, UK;
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, The University of Manchester, St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
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20
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Richani D, Dunning KR, Thompson JG, Gilchrist RB. Metabolic co-dependence of the oocyte and cumulus cells: essential role in determining oocyte developmental competence. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 27:27-47. [PMID: 33020823 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Within the antral follicle, the oocyte is reliant on metabolic support from its surrounding somatic cells. Metabolism plays a critical role in oocyte developmental competence (oocyte quality). In the last decade, there has been significant progress in understanding the metabolism of the cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) during its final stages of growth and maturation in the follicle. Certain metabolic conditions (e.g. obesity) or ART (e.g. IVM) perturb COC metabolism, providing insights into metabolic regulation of oocyte quality. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review provides an update on the progress made in our understanding of COC metabolism, and the metabolic conditions that influence both meiotic and developmental competence of the oocyte. SEARCH METHODS The PubMed database was used to search for peer-reviewed original and review articles. Searches were performed adopting the main terms 'oocyte metabolism', 'cumulus cell metabolism', 'oocyte maturation', 'oocyte mitochondria', 'oocyte metabolism', 'oocyte developmental competence' and 'oocyte IVM'. OUTCOMES Metabolism is a major determinant of oocyte quality. Glucose is an essential requirement for both meiotic and cytoplasmic maturation of the COC. Glucose is the driver of cumulus cell metabolism and is essential for energy production, extracellular matrix formation and supply of pyruvate to the oocyte for ATP production. Mitochondria are the primary source of ATP production within the oocyte. Recent advances in real-time live cell imaging reveal dynamic fluctuations in ATP demand throughout oocyte maturation. Cumulus cells have been shown to play a central role in maintaining adequate oocyte ATP levels by providing metabolic support through gap junctional communication. New insights have highlighted the importance of oocyte lipid metabolism for oocyte oxidative phosphorylation for ATP production, meiotic progression and developmental competence. Within the last decade, several new strategies for improving the developmental competence of oocytes undergoing IVM have emerged, including modulation of cyclic nucleotides, the addition of precursors for the antioxidant glutathione or endogenous maturation mediators such as epidermal growth factor-like peptides and growth differentiation factor 9/bone morphogenetic protein 15. These IVM additives positively alter COC metabolic endpoints commonly associated with oocyte competence. There remain significant challenges in the study of COC metabolism. Owing to the paucity in non-invasive or in situ techniques to assess metabolism, most work to date has used in vitro or ex vivo models. Additionally, the difficulty of measuring oocyte and cumulus cell metabolism separately while still in a complex has led to the frequent use of denuded oocytes, the results from which should be interpreted with caution since the oocyte and cumulus cell compartments are metabolically interdependent, and oocytes do not naturally exist in a naked state until after fertilization. There are emerging tools, including live fluorescence imaging and photonics probes, which may provide ways to measure the dynamic nature of metabolism in a single oocyte, potentially while in situ. WIDER IMPLICATIONS There is an association between oocyte metabolism and oocyte developmental competence. Advancing our understanding of basic cellular and biochemical mechanisms regulating oocyte metabolism may identify new avenues to augment oocyte quality and assess developmental potential in assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulama Richani
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Fertility & Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kylie R Dunning
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jeremy G Thompson
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Fertility & Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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21
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Kowsar R, Mansouri A, Sadeghi N, Abadi MHA, Ghoreishi SM, Sadeghi K, Miyamoto A. A multilevel analysis identifies the different relationships between amino acids and the competence of oocytes matured individually or in groups. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16082. [PMID: 32999417 PMCID: PMC7528030 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73225-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
High-protein diets contribute to an increase in urea follicular concentrations associated with decreased fertility. Urea has been shown to interfere with the epidermal growth factor (EGF)/EGFR system, which has been shown to have a beneficial effect during in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes. Of note, the number of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) in the maturation medium can change the maturation and the developmental competence of COCs. Therefore, it was hypothesized that, the presence of urea and EGF may have a differential effect on the depletion/appearance of AAs and competence of COCs matured individually (I-IVM system) or in groups (G-IVM system). In the G-IVM system, COCs increased consumption (depletion) of AAs compared with other groups in the presence of high-level urea (40 mg/dl) + EGF (10 ng/ml). In the I-IVM system, the non-cleaved COCs depleted more AAs than the cleaved COCs, in particular in the presence of urea. The combination of urea and EGF increased the depletion of AAs in the G-IVM system. However, the EGF abrogated the urea-induced depletion of AAs by the I-IVM COCs. The use of N-acetyl-L-cysteine as an EGFR inhibitor canceled urea-induced depletion of AAs. This shows the inhibiting effect of urea over the EGF/EGFR system. In the presence of urea + EGF, COCs had a lower degree of developmental competence than control in both I- and G-IVM systems. Arginine had the best predictive power to identify highly competent COCs in the G-IVM system, while glutamine was the best predictor of the cleavage in the I-IVM system. In conclusion, this multi-level study shows that COCs matured individually or in groups may have different association with AAs metabolism. These findings provide new insights into the relationships between AA metabolism and the subsequent developmental competence of COCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasoul Kowsar
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, 84156-83111, Isfahan, Iran. .,Global Agromedicine Research Center (GAMRC), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
| | - Alireza Mansouri
- Global Agromedicine Research Center (GAMRC), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Nima Sadeghi
- FKA, Animal Husbandry and Agriculture Co, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Heidaran Ali Abadi
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, 84156-83111, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Seyed Mehdi Ghoreishi
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Khaled Sadeghi
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, 84156-83111, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Akio Miyamoto
- Global Agromedicine Research Center (GAMRC), Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
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22
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Lucas CG, Chen PR, Seixas FK, Prather RS, Collares T. Applications of omics and nanotechnology to improve pig embryo production in vitro. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1531-1547. [PMID: 31478591 PMCID: PMC7183242 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
An appropriate environment to optimize porcine preimplantation embryo production in vitro is required as genetically modified pigs have become indispensable for biomedical research and agriculture. To provide suitable culture conditions, omics technologies have been applied to elucidate which metabolic substrates and pathways are involved during early developmental processes. Metabolomic profiling and transcriptional analysis comparing in vivo- and in vitro-derived embryos have demonstrated the important role of amino acids during preimplantation development. Transcriptional profiling studies have been helpful in assessing epigenetic reprogramming agents to allow for the correction of gene expression during the cloning process. Along with this, nanotechnology, which is a highly promising field, has allowed for the use of engineered nanoplatforms in reproductive biology. A growing number of studies have explored the use of nanoengineered materials for sorting, labeling, and targeting purposes; which demonstrates their potential to become one of the solutions for precise delivery of molecules into gametes and embryos. Considering the contributions of omics and the recent progress in nanoscience, in this review, we focused on their emerging applications for current in vitro pig embryo production systems to optimize the generation of genetically modified animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline G Lucas
- Division of Animal Science, National Swine Resource and Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Paula R Chen
- Division of Animal Science, National Swine Resource and Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Fabiana K Seixas
- Cancer Biotechnology Laboratory, Research Group on Cellular and Molecular Oncology, Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology, Technology Development Center, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Randall S Prather
- Division of Animal Science, National Swine Resource and Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Tiago Collares
- Cancer Biotechnology Laboratory, Research Group on Cellular and Molecular Oncology, Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology, Technology Development Center, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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23
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Bach À. Effects of nutrition and genetics on fertility in dairy cows. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:40-54. [DOI: 10.1071/rd18364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Optimal reproductive function in dairy cattle is mandatory to maximise profits. Dairy production has progressively improved milk yields, but, until recently, the trend in reproductive performance has been the opposite. Nutrition, genetics, and epigenetics are important aspects affecting the reproductive performance of dairy cows. In terms of nutrition, the field has commonly fed high-energy diets to dairy cows during the 3 weeks before calving in an attempt to minimise postpartum metabolic upsets. However, in the recent years it has become clear that feeding high-energy diets during the dry period, especially as calving approaches, may be detrimental to cow health, or at least unnecessary because cows, at that time, have low energy requirements and sufficient intake capacity. After calving, dairy cows commonly experience a period of negative energy balance (NEB) characterised by low blood glucose and high non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations. This has both direct and indirect effects on oocyte quality and survival. When oocytes are forced to depend highly on the use of energy resources derived from body reserves, mainly NEFA, their development is compromised due to a modification in mitochondrial β-oxidation. Furthermore, the indirect effect of NEB on reproduction is mediated by a hormonal (both metabolic and reproductive) environment. Some authors have attempted to overcome the NEB by providing the oocyte with external sources of energy via dietary fat. Conversely, fertility is affected by a large number of genes, each with small individual effects, and thus it is unlikely that the decline in reproductive function has been directly caused by genetic selection for milk yield per se. It is more likely that the decline is the consequence of a combination of homeorhetic mechanisms (giving priority to milk over other functions) and increased metabolic pressure (due to a shortage of nutrients) with increasing milk yields. Nevertheless, genetics is an important component of reproductive efficiency, and the incorporation of genomic information is allowing the detection of genetic defects, degree of inbreeding and specific single nucleotide polymorphisms directly associated with reproduction, providing pivotal information for genetic selection programs. Furthermore, focusing on improving bull fertility in gene selection programs may represent an interesting opportunity. Conversely, the reproductive function of a given cow depends on the interaction between her genetic background and her environment, which ultimately modulates gene expression. Among the mechanisms modulating gene expression, microRNAs (miRNAs) and epigenetics seem to be most relevant. Several miRNAs have been described to play active roles in both ovarian and testicular function, and epigenetic effects have been described as a consequence of the nutrient supply and hormonal signals to which the offspring was exposed at specific stages during development. For example, there are differences in the epigenome of cows born to heifers and those born to cows, and this epigenome seems to be sensitive to the availability of methyl donor compounds of the dam. Lastly, recent studies in other species have shown the relevance of paternal epigenetic marks, but this aspect has been, until now, largely overlooked in dairy cattle.
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24
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Kowsar R, Iranshahi VN, Sadeghi N, Riasi A, Miyamoto A. Urea influences amino acid turnover in bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes, cumulus cells and denuded oocytes, and affects in vitro fertilization outcome. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12191. [PMID: 30111879 PMCID: PMC6093885 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30774-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
High-protein diets often lead to an increase in urea concentration in follicular fluid of dairy cows, which may reduce oocyte competence. In the present study, maturation media were supplemented with urea (0, 20, 40 mg/dl), and amino acids (AAs) turnover was evaluated in the 24-h spent media of specimens (cell types), bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), cumulus cells (CCs), or denuded oocytes (DOs). The main effects of urea and cell type, and their interaction were significant on the individual turnover (expect threonine, glycine, and tyrosine) and total turnover, depletion, and appearance of AAs. The results showed a high level of urea and DOs increased the depletion of all AAs and that of essential and non-AAs, respectively. Sensitivity analysis revealed the highest sensitivity of isoleucine, lysine, and tryptophan to urea, especially in DOs. Principal component analysis (PCA) evaluated the strong correlations between the turnover of: (1) glutamine, aspartic acid or glycine, and developmental competence and fertilization of COCs; (2) serine, isoleucine, valine or glutamic acid, and cleavage rate of DOs; and (3) serine, glutamine, aspartic acid or alanine, and CCs viability. In conclusion, urea significantly changed the turnover of AAs by COCs, CCs and DOs, and reduced the subsequent developmental competence of bovine oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasoul Kowsar
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, 84156-83111, Iran.
- Graduate School of Animal and Food Hygiene, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
| | - Vahid Norozian Iranshahi
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, 84156-83111, Iran
| | - Nima Sadeghi
- FKA, Animal Husbandry and Agriculture Co., Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ahmad Riasi
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, 84156-83111, Iran
| | - Akio Miyamoto
- Graduate School of Animal and Food Hygiene, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
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25
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Moore SG, O'Gorman A, Brennan L, Fair T, Butler ST. Follicular fluid and serum metabolites in Holstein cows are predictive of genetic merit for fertility. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 29:658-669. [PMID: 26511586 DOI: 10.1071/rd15182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aims of the present study were to: (1) characterise the metabolome of follicular fluid and serum in dairy cows with similar genetic merit for milk production but with extremes of good (Fert+) or poor (Fert-) genetic merit for fertility; and (2) identify potential biomarkers of dairy cow fertility. Follicular fluid from the first wave dominant follicle and serum were collected on Day 7 of the oestrous cycle. The most pronounced effect of genotype was noted in the serum, where the abundance of total polyunsaturated fatty acids and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids was greater in Fert+ cows, and the abundance of total saturated fatty acids was greater in Fert- cows. The abundance of nine fatty acids (arachidic acid, heneicosanoic acid, myristic acid, behenic acid, myristoleic acid, heptadecenoic acid, cis-11-eicosanoic acid, nervonic acid and γ-linolenic acid) in follicular fluid was affected by genotype. Concentrations of cysteine, leucine, ornithine, proline and tyrosine in follicular fluid, and asparagine, creatinine, cysteine, methionine, proline and valine in serum, were also affected by genotype. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the follicular fluid and serum fatty acids and follicular fluid amino acids that were significantly affected by genotype were highly predictive of fertility genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- S G Moore
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 C996, Ireland
| | - A O'Gorman
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - L Brennan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - T Fair
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, D04 V1W8, Ireland
| | - S T Butler
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 C996, Ireland
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26
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Forde N, O'Gorman A, Whelan H, Duffy P, O'Hara L, Kelly AK, Havlicek V, Besenfelder U, Brennan L, Lonergan P. Lactation-induced changes in metabolic status and follicular-fluid metabolomic profile in postpartum dairy cows. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 28:1882-1892. [PMID: 26072962 DOI: 10.1071/rd14348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim was to investigate the effect of lactation on the composition of pre-ovulatory follicular fluid (FF). Forty in-calf primiparous heifers and 20 maiden heifers were enrolled. Immediately after calving, half of the cows were dried off while the remainder were milked twice daily. Serum samples were collected twice weekly from two weeks pre- to 84 days postpartum (dpp). FF was analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Serum concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate were higher, while glucose, insulin and Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) concentrations were lower in lactating cows compared with non-lactating cows and heifers (P<0.01). Principal component analysis of FF metabolites revealed a clear separation of the lactating group from both non-lactating cows and heifers. The amino acids tyrosine, phenylalanine and valine and fatty acids heneicosanoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were all lower in FF from lactating compared with dry cows (P<0.05). FF from lactating cows was higher in aminoadipic acid, α-aminobutyric acid, glycine and serine while histidine, leucine, lysine, methionine and ornithine were all lower than in dry cows and heifers (P<0.05). The ratio of n6:n3 was higher in lactating cows compared with both non-lactating cows and heifers, whereas total n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, pentadecanoic, linolenic, elaidic and arachidonic acids were all lower in the FF of lactating cows than both non-lactating cows and heifers (P<0.05). In conclusion, lactation induces distinct changes in the overall metabolic status of postpartum lactating dairy cows which are associated with divergent metabolite profiles in FF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niamh Forde
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Aoife O'Gorman
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Helena Whelan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Pat Duffy
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Lydia O'Hara
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Alan K Kelly
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Vitezslav Havlicek
- Reproduction Centre - Wieselburg, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210, Austria
| | - Urban Besenfelder
- Reproduction Centre - Wieselburg, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, A-1210, Austria
| | - Lorraine Brennan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Pat Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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27
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Krisher RL, Heuberger AL, Paczkowski M, Stevens J, Pospisil C, Prather RS, Sturmey RG, Herrick JR, Schoolcraft WB. Applying metabolomic analyses to the practice of embryology: physiology, development and assisted reproductive technology. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 27:602-20. [PMID: 25763765 DOI: 10.1071/rd14359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The advent of metabolomics technology and its application to small samples has allowed us to non-invasively monitor the metabolic activity of embryos in a complex culture environment. The aim of this study was to apply metabolomics technology to the analysis of individual embryos from several species during in vitro development to gain an insight into the metabolomics pathways used by embryos and their relationship with embryo quality. Alanine is produced by both in vivo- and in vitro-derived human, murine, bovine and porcine embryos. Glutamine is also produced by the embryos of these four species, but only those produced in vitro. Across species, blastocysts significantly consumed amino acids from the culture medium, whereas glucose was not significantly taken up. There are significant differences in the metabolic profile of in vivo- compared with in vitro-produced embryos at the blastocyst stage. For example, in vitro-produced murine embryos consume arginine, asparagine, glutamate and proline, whereas in vivo-produced embryos do not. Human embryos produce more alanine, glutamate and glutamine, and consume less pyruvate, at the blastocyst compared with cleavage stages. Glucose was consumed by human blastocysts, but not at a high enough level to reach significance. Consumption of tyrosine by cleavage stage human embryos is indicative of blastocyst development, although tyrosine consumption is not predictive of blastocyst quality. Similarly, although in vivo-produced murine blastocysts consumed less aspartate, lactate, taurine and tyrosine than those produced in vitro, consumption of these four amino acids by in vitro-derived embryos with high octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) expression, indicative of high quality, did not differ from those with low Oct4 expression. Further application of metabolomic technologies to studies of the consumption and/or production of metabolites from individual embryos in a complete culture medium could transform our understanding of embryo physiology and improve our ability to produce developmentally competent embryos in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Krisher
- National Foundation for Fertility Research, 10290 RidgeGate Circle, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
| | - Adam L Heuberger
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, Colorado State University, 2021 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Melissa Paczkowski
- National Foundation for Fertility Research, 10290 RidgeGate Circle, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
| | - John Stevens
- Fertility Laboratories of Colorado, 10290 RidgeGate Circle, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
| | - Courtney Pospisil
- Fertility Laboratories of Colorado, 10290 RidgeGate Circle, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
| | - Randall S Prather
- Division of Animal Science, University of Missouri, 920 East Campus Drive, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Roger G Sturmey
- Centre for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, The Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Kingston Upon Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
| | - Jason R Herrick
- National Foundation for Fertility Research, 10290 RidgeGate Circle, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
| | - William B Schoolcraft
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, 10290 RidgeGate Circle, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
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28
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Uppangala S, Pudakalakatti S, D'souza F, Salian SR, Kalthur G, Kumar P, Atreya H, Adiga SK. Influence of sperm DNA damage on human preimplantation embryo metabolism. Reprod Biol 2016; 16:234-241. [PMID: 27492188 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2016.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the embryo metabolic response to sperm induced specific abnormalities could help in developing the metabolic markers to prevent the transfer of embryos carrying sperm mediated defects. In this study, NMR based metabolic profiling of the embryo spent media was employed in 34 patients undergoing ICSI cycles. Processed ejaculates were tested for DNA damage using comet assay. Relative intensities of the metabolites from 74 embryo spent media samples from 34 patients and 23 medium controls were profiled using 1H NMR and compared between 'male-factor' and control groups. Relative intensities in the subgroups which are independent of patients with male factor or tubal factors, but related to the extent of sperm DNA damage were also compared. Sperm characteristics including DNA damage levels (Olive tail moment, OTM) were significantly different between 'male factor' and control groups (P<0.001-0.0001). Of the metabolites analyzed, glutamine intensity was significantly lower in 'male factor' group (P<0.01) whereas, pyruvate intensity was significantly lower in embryos derived from the processed sperm fraction having <1.0 OTM (P=0.003). In contrast glutamine and alanine intensities were significantly higher in the embryos derived from sperm population having OTM <1.0. (P=0.03 & 0.005 respectively). Pyruvate to alanine ratio was significantly lower in <1.0 OTM group (P<0.0001). This study indicates that increased level of sperm DNA damage in the processed ejaculate affects embryo metabolism which could be related to embryonic genetic integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhashree Uppangala
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India
| | | | - Fiona D'souza
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India
| | - Sujith Raj Salian
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India
| | - Guruprasad Kalthur
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India
| | - Pratap Kumar
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India
| | - Hanudatta Atreya
- NMR Research Centre, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India; Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India.
| | - Satish Kumar Adiga
- Division of Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India.
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29
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Krisher RL, Schoolcraft WB, Katz-Jaffe MG. Omics as a window to view embryo viability. Fertil Steril 2015; 103:333-41. [PMID: 25639968 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.12.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Revised: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The advent of advanced omics technologies and the application of these techniques to the analysis of extremely limited material have opened the door to the investigation of embryo physiology in a focused, in-depth approach never before possible. The application of noninvasive metabolomic and proteomic platforms to understanding embryo viability permits the characterization of individual embryos in culture. Initial clinical data have highlighted the promise of these technologies for the development of noninvasive embryo selection criteria. In this way, a complex view of embryo function can be compiled and related to embryo development, quality, and outcome. Application of knowledge gained from omics will transform both our understanding of embryo physiology as well as our ability to select viable embryos for transfer in assisted reproductive technology.
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30
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Velazquez MA. Impact of maternal malnutrition during the periconceptional period on mammalian preimplantation embryo development. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2015; 51:27-45. [PMID: 25498236 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2014.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Revised: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
During episodes of undernutrition and overnutrition the mammalian preimplantation embryo undergoes molecular and metabolic adaptations to cope with nutrient deficits or excesses. Maternal adaptations also take place to keep a nutritional microenvironment favorable for oocyte development and embryo formation. This maternal-embryo communication takes place via several nutritional mediators. Although adaptive responses to malnutrition by both the mother and the embryo may ensure blastocyst formation, the resultant quality of the embryo can be compromised, leading to early pregnancy failure. Still, studies have shown that, although early embryonic mortality can be induced during malnutrition, the preimplantation embryo possesses an enormous plasticity that allows it to implant and achieve a full-term pregnancy under nutritional stress, even in extreme cases of malnutrition. This developmental strategy, however, may come with a price, as shown by the adverse developmental programming induced by even subtle nutritional challenges exerted exclusively during folliculogenesis and the preimplantation period, resulting in offspring with a higher risk of developing deleterious phenotypes in adulthood. Overall, current evidence indicates that malnutrition during the periconceptional period can induce cellular and molecular alterations in preimplantation embryos with repercussions for fertility and postnatal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Velazquez
- Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK.
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31
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Sutton-McDowall ML, Purdey M, Brown HM, Abell AD, Mottershead DG, Cetica PD, Dalvit GC, Goldys EM, Gilchrist RB, Gardner DK, Thompson JG. Redox and anti-oxidant state within cattle oocytes following in vitro maturation with bone morphogenetic protein 15 and follicle stimulating hormone. Mol Reprod Dev 2015; 82:281-94. [PMID: 25721374 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Revised: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The developmental competence of cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) can be increased during in vitro oocyte maturation with the addition of exogenous oocyte-secreted factors, such as bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15), in combination with hormones. FSH and BMP15, for example, induce different metabolic profiles within COCs-namely, FSH increases glycolysis while BMP15 stimulates FAD and NAD(P)H accumulation within oocytes, without changing the redox ratio. The aim of this study was to investigate if this BMP15-induced NAD(P)H increase was due to de novo NADPH production. Cattle COCs were cultured with FSH and/or recombinant human BMP15, resulting in a significant decrease in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity (P < 0.05). Inhibition of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) during this process decreased NAD(P)H intensity threefold in BMP15-treated oocytes, suggesting that BMP15 stimulates IDH and NADPH production via the tricarboxylic acid cycle. As NADPH is a reducing agent, reduced glutathione (GSH), H2O2, and mitochondrial activity were also measured to assess the general redox status of the oocyte. FSH alone decreased GSH levels whereas the combination of BMP15 and FSH sustained higher levels. Expression of genes encoding glutathione-reducing enzymes were also lower in oocytes cultured in the presence of FSH alone. BMP15 supplementation further promoted mitochondrial localization patterns that are consistent with enhanced developmental competence. Metabolomics revealed significant consumption of glutamine and production of alanine by COCs matured with both FSH and BMP15 compared to the control (P < 0.05). Hence, BMP15 supplementation differentially modulates reductive metabolism and mitochondrial localization within the oocyte. In comparison, FSH-stimulation alone decreases the oocytes' ability to regulate cellular stress, and therefore utilizes other mechanisms to improve developmental competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie L Sutton-McDowall
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, The University of Adelaide, Medical School, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Australian Research Council Center of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Australia; Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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32
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Leese HJ. History of oocyte and embryo metabolism. Reprod Fertil Dev 2015; 27:567-71. [DOI: 10.1071/rd14278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The basic pattern of metabolism in mammalian oocytes and early embryos was established in the 1960s and 1970s, largely in terms of the consumption of oxygen and the utilisation of nutrients present in culture media at the time, mainly glucose, pyruvate and lactate. The potential importance of endogenous fuels was also recognised but was largely ignored, only to be rediscovered quite recently. The 1980s and 1990s saw the arrival of a ‘new generation’ of culture media, characterised metabolically by the addition of amino acids, an initiative driven strongly by the need to improve embryo culture and selection methods in assisted reproductive technologies. This trend has continued alongside some basic metabolic studies and the general recognition of the importance of metabolism in all aspects of biology. A framework for future studies on oocyte and early embryo metabolism has been provided by: (1) the developmental origins of health and disease concept and recognition of the relationship between development, epigenetics and metabolism; (2) the need to understand cell signalling within, and between the cells of, the early embryo; and (3) the importance of identifying the mechanisms underlying dialogue between the oocyte and early embryo and the female reproductive tract.
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33
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Bloise E, Feuer SK, Rinaudo PF. Comparative intrauterine development and placental function of ART concepti: implications for human reproductive medicine and animal breeding. Hum Reprod Update 2014; 20:822-39. [PMID: 24947475 PMCID: PMC4196686 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmu032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of children conceived using assisted reproductive technologies (ART) has reached >5 million worldwide and continues to increase. Although the great majority of ART children are healthy, many reports suggest a forthcoming risk of metabolic complications, which is further supported by the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis of suboptimal embryo/fetal conditions predisposing adult cardiometabolic pathologies. Accumulating evidence suggests that fetal and placental growth kinetics are important features predicting post-natal health, but the relationship between ART and intrauterine growth has not been systematically reviewed. METHODS Relevant studies describing fetoplacental intrauterine phenotypes of concepti generated by in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) in the mouse, bovine and human were comprehensively researched using PubMed and Google Scholar. Intrauterine growth plots were created from tabular formatted data available in selected reports. RESULTS ART pregnancies display minor but noticeable alterations in fetal and placental growth curves across mammalian species. In all species, there is evidence of fetal growth restriction in the earlier stages of pregnancy, followed by significant increases in placental size and accelerated fetal growth toward the end of gestation. However, there is a species-specific effect of ART on birthweights, that additionally vary in a culture condition-, strain-, and/or stage at transfer-specific manner. We discuss the potential mechanisms that underlie these changes, and how they are affected by specific components of ART procedures. CONCLUSIONS ART may promote measurable alterations to intrauterine growth trajectory and placental function. Key findings include evidence that birthweight is not a reliable marker of fetal stress, and that increases in embryo manipulation result in more deviant fetal growth curves. Because growth kinetics in early life are particularly relevant to adult metabolic physiology, we advise more rigorous assessment of fetal growth and placental function in human ART pregnancies, as well as continued follow-up of ART offspring throughout post-natal life. Finally, strategies to minimize embryo manipulations should be adopted whenever possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrrico Bloise
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sky K Feuer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Paolo F Rinaudo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Gu L, Liu H, Gu X, Boots C, Moley KH, Wang Q. Metabolic control of oocyte development: linking maternal nutrition and reproductive outcomes. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 72:251-71. [PMID: 25280482 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1739-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2014] [Revised: 09/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Obesity, diabetes, and related metabolic disorders are major health issues worldwide. As the epidemic of metabolic disorders continues, the associated medical co-morbidities, including the detrimental impact on reproduction, increase as well. Emerging evidence suggests that the effects of maternal nutrition on reproductive outcomes are likely to be mediated, at least in part, by oocyte metabolism. Well-balanced and timed energy metabolism is critical for optimal development of oocytes. To date, much of our understanding of oocyte metabolism comes from the effects of extrinsic nutrients on oocyte maturation. In contrast, intrinsic regulation of oocyte development by metabolic enzymes, intracellular mediators, and transport systems is less characterized. Specifically, decreased acid transport proteins levels, increased glucose/lipid content and elevated reactive oxygen species in oocytes have been implicated in meiotic defects, organelle dysfunction and epigenetic alteration. Therefore, metabolic disturbances in oocytes may contribute to the diminished reproductive potential experienced by women with metabolic disorders. In-depth research is needed to further explore the underlying mechanisms. This review also discusses several approaches for metabolic analysis. Metabolomic profiling of oocytes, the surrounding granulosa cells, and follicular fluid will uncover the metabolic networks regulating oocyte development, potentially leading to the identification of oocyte quality markers and prevention of reproductive disease and poor outcomes in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Gu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, 1 Weigang, Nanjing, 210095, Jiangsu, China,
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Matoba S, Bender K, Fahey AG, Mamo S, Brennan L, Lonergan P, Fair T. Predictive value of bovine follicular components as markers of oocyte developmental potential. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 26:337-45. [PMID: 23514964 DOI: 10.1071/rd13007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The follicle is a unique micro-environment within which the oocyte can develop and mature to a fertilisable gamete. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of a panel of follicular parameters, including intrafollicular steroid and metabolomic profiles and theca, granulosa and cumulus cell candidate gene mRNA abundance, to predict the potential of bovine oocytes to develop to the blastocyst stage in vitro. Individual follicles were dissected from abattoir ovaries, carefully ruptured under a stereomicroscope and the oocyte was recovered and individually processed through in vitro maturation, fertilisation and culture. The mean (±s.e.m.) follicular concentrations of testosterone (62.8±4.8 ngmL(-1)), progesterone (616.8±31.9 ngmL(-1)) and oestradiol (14.4±2.4 ngmL(-1)) were not different (P>0.05) between oocytes that formed (competent) or failed to form (incompetent) blastocysts. Principal-component analysis of the quantified aqueous metabolites in follicular fluid showed differences between oocytes that formed blastocysts and oocytes that degenerated; l-alanine, glycine and l-glutamate were positively correlated and urea was negatively correlated with blastocyst formation. Follicular fluid associated with competent oocytes was significantly lower in palmitic acid (P=0.023) and total fatty acids (P=0.031) and significantly higher in linolenic acid (P=0.036) than follicular fluid from incompetent oocytes. Significantly higher (P<0.05) transcript abundance of LHCGR in granulosa cells, ESR1 and VCAN in thecal cells and TNFAIP6 in cumulus cells was associated with competent compared with incompetent oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoko Matoba
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Katrin Bender
- Institute of Food and Health, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Alan G Fahey
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Solomon Mamo
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Lorraine Brennan
- Institute of Food and Health, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Trudee Fair
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Lonergan P, Fair T. The ART of studying early embryo development: progress and challenges in ruminant embryo culture. Theriogenology 2014; 81:49-55. [PMID: 24274409 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Revised: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The study of preimplantation mammalian embryo development is challenging due to difficulties in accessing in vivo-derived embryos in large numbers at the early stages and the inability to culture embryos in vitro much beyond the blastocyst stage. Nonetheless, embryos exhibit an amazing plasticity and tolerance when it comes to adapting to the environment in which they are cultured. They are capable of developing in media ranging in composition from simple balanced salt solutions to complex systems involving serum and somatic cells. At least a proportion of the blastocysts that develop in culture are developmentally competent as evidenced by the fact that live offspring have resulted following transfer. However, several studies using animal models have shown that such embryos are sensitive to environmental conditions that can affect future pre- and post-natal growth and developmental potential. This review summarises some key aspects of early embryo development and the approaches taken to study this important window in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pat Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland.
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Sutton-McDowall ML, Yelland R, MacMillan KL, Robker RL, Thompson JG. A study relating the composition of follicular fluid and blood plasma from individual Holstein dairy cows to the in vitro developmental competence of pooled abattoir-derived oocytes. Theriogenology 2014; 82:95-103. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Revised: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Zygote serine decreased uptake from the fertilization medium is associated with implantation and pregnancy. J Assist Reprod Genet 2014; 31:889-97. [PMID: 24789167 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-014-0231-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify an association between amino acids (AAs) metabolism and reproductive outcome. METHODS Prospective collection, observational study, in patients undergoing fresh, double embryo transfer (ET), in a tertiary hospital referral IVF unit. Spent day 1 and day 3 media were collected. Concentrations of taurine, aspartic acid, proline, and serine in the medium were determined using a liquid-chromatography mass-spectrometer (LCMS/MS). Data was analyzed according to excretion versus uptake, and a cut-off value was calculated based on a receiver operating curve (ROC). Pregnancy rates were also calculated after stratification into subgroups in accordance with AA metabolism. RESULTS Seven out of 19 patients conceived (36.8 %). The ORs for pregnancy when the zygotes secreted aspartic acid, serine and proline above the cut-off value were 2.9, 5.67 and 5.21 (p < 0.05). When both transferred embryos were above the cut-off value of serine the PR's were 62.5 %, 12.5 % when both were below, and 33.3 % when one was above and the other below (p = 0.04). Similar results were obtained for proline; PR's were 66.7, 18.7 and 28.6 % respectively, but with a borderline statistical significance (p = 0.08). The same trend was observed in the case of aspartic acid but not near statistical significance. No differences in PRs were found in association with taurine turnover during fertilization or any of the studied AAs during the cleavage stage. There was no correlation between zygote or embryo AAs metabolism and embryo morphology. CONCLUSIONS Serine and possibly proline decreased uptake from the fertilization medium is associated with pregnancy and might be useful for embryo selection.
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The effect of nutrition and metabolic status on the development of follicles, oocytes and embryos in ruminants. Animal 2014; 8:1031-44. [PMID: 24774511 DOI: 10.1017/s1751731114000937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of nutrition and energy reserves on the fertility of ruminants has been extensively described. However, the metabolic factors and the molecular mechanisms involved in the interactions between nutrition and ovarian function are still poorly understood. These factors could be hormonal (either reproductive and/or metabolic) and/or dietary and metabolic (glucose, amino acids and fatty acids). In this review, we briefly summarize the impact of those nutrients (fatty acids, glucose and amino acids) and metabolic hormones (insulin/IGF-I, growth hormone, T3/4, ghrelin, apelin and the adipokines (leptin, adiponectin and resistin)) implicated in the development of ovarian follicles, oocytes and embryos in ruminants. We then discuss the current hypotheses on the mechanisms of action of these factors on ovarian function. We particularly describe the role of some energy sensors including adenosine monophosphate-activated kinase and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in the ovarian cells.
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Seli E, Babayev E, Collins SC, Nemeth G, Horvath TL. Minireview: Metabolism of female reproduction: regulatory mechanisms and clinical implications. Mol Endocrinol 2014; 28:790-804. [PMID: 24678733 DOI: 10.1210/me.2013-1413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Female fertility is highly dependent on successful regulation of energy metabolism. Central processes in the hypothalamus monitor the metabolic state of the organism and, together with metabolic hormones, drive the peripheral availability of energy for cellular functions. In the ovary, the oocyte and neighboring somatic cells of the follicle work in unison to achieve successful metabolism of carbohydrates, amino acids, and lipids. Metabolic disturbances such as anorexia nervosa, obesity, and diabetes mellitus have clinically important consequences on human reproduction. In this article, we review the metabolic determinants of female reproduction and their role in infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emre Seli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences (E.S., E.B., S.C., T.L.H.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (G.N., T.L.H.), University of Szeged, Faculty of Medicine, Szeged, Hungary 6701; Department of Comparative Medicine (T.L.H.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520; and the Department of Neurobiology (T.L.H.), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
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Gook DA, Edgar DH, Lewis K, Sheedy JR, Gardner DK. Impact of oxygen concentration on adult murine pre-antral follicle development in vitro and the corresponding metabolic profile. Mol Hum Reprod 2013; 20:31-41. [PMID: 24013158 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gat062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxygen concentration during in vitro culture has a significant effect on the physiology of embryos, altering metabolic profile and developmental outcome. Although atmospheric oxygen has been used routinely for the culture of ovarian follicles, oxygen concentration may also be critical for follicle growth but the optimal concentration has not been determined. In this study, mechanically isolated primary and secondary follicles (80-140 µm diameter) from adult mouse ovaries were cultured in serum-free conditions for 8 days in either 5 or 20% oxygen to determine growth (follicular diameter), morphology and viability. For each oxygen concentration, half of the medium was replaced on Days 2, 4 and 6 or on Day 4 only. In the latter group, metabolic analysis of spent follicular culture media was performed by (1)H-NMR. The proportion of viable, growing follicles was significantly (P < 0.0001) higher in 5% than in 20% oxygen (59% versus 8%). Reducing the frequency of medium replacement during culture in 5% oxygen resulted in significantly (P < 0.001) more viable follicles (79 versus 46%). In 20% oxygen, poor follicular viability was observed irrespective of the frequency of medium replacement (8 and 10% respectively). Metabolic profiles showed marked differences in amino acid and carbohydrate utilization with respect to both oxygen concentration and between Days 4 and 8 of development. Metabolites which significantly discriminated between oxygen concentration at both time points were glucose consumption, lactate utilization, alanine, alanyl-glutamine, leucine and proline. In conclusion, the poor in vitro follicular development previously observed in minimal culture conditions may reflect the use of 20% oxygen. Frequent medium replenishment is not necessary and does not overcome the detrimental effect of high oxygen on follicle viability. Further optimization of culture conditions would benefit from metabolic analyses and the use of 5% oxygen should be tested further for impact on functional aspects of follicle culture such as steroid production which is currently unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra A Gook
- Reproductive Services, Royal Women's Hospital, Grattan Street, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
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Hemmings KE, Maruthini D, Vyjayanthi S, Hogg JE, Balen AH, Campbell BK, Leese HJ, Picton HM. Amino acid turnover by human oocytes is influenced by gamete developmental competence, patient characteristics and gonadotrophin treatment. Hum Reprod 2013; 28:1031-44. [PMID: 23335609 PMCID: PMC3600837 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can amino acid profiling differentiate between human oocytes with differing competence to mature to metaphase II (MII) in vitro? SUMMARY ANSWER Oocytes which remained arrested at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage after 24 h of in vitro maturation (IVM) displayed differences in the depletion/appearance of amino acids compared with oocytes which progressed to MII and patient age, infertile diagnosis and ovarian stimulation regime significantly affected oocyte amino acid turnover during IVM. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Amino acid profiling has been proposed as a technique which can distinguish between human pronucleate zygotes and cleavage stage embryos with the potential to develop to the blastocyst stage and implant to produce a pregnancy and those that arrest. Most recently, the amino acid turnover by individual bovine oocytes has been shown to be predictive of oocyte developmental competence as indicated by the gamete's capacity to undergo fertilization and early cleavage divisions in vitro. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The study was conducted between March 2005 and March 2010. A total of 216 oocytes which were at the GV or metaphase I (MI) stages at the time of ICSI were donated by 67 patients. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTINGS, METHODS The research was conducted in university research laboratories affiliated to a hospital-based infertility clinic. Oocytes were cultured for 24 h and the depletion/appearance of amino acids was measured during the final 6 h of IVM. Amino acid turnover was analysed in relation to oocyte meiotic progression, patient age, disease aetiology and controlled ovarian stimulation regime. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The depletion/appearance of key amino acids was linked to the maturation potential of human oocytes in vitro. Oocytes which arrested at the GV stage (n = 9) depleted significantly more valine and isoleucine than those which progressed to MI (n = 32) or MII (n = 107) (P < 0.05). Glutamate, glutamine, arginine and valine depletion or appearance differed in MII versus degenerating oocytes (n = 20) (P < 0.05). Glutamine, arginine, methionine, phenylalanine, total depletion and total turnover all differed in oocytes from patients aged < 35 years versus patients ≥35 years (P < 0.05). MII oocytes obtained following ovarian stimulation with recombinant FSH depleted more isoleucine (P < 0.05) and more alanine and lysine (P < 0.05) appeared than oocytes from hMG-stimulated cycles. MII oocytes from patients with a polycystic ovary (PCO) morphology (n = 33) depleted more serine (P < 0.05) than oocytes from women with normal ovaries (n = 61). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Immature oocytes collected at the time of ICSI were used as the model for human oocyte maturation. These oocytes have therefore failed to respond to the ovulatory hCG trigger in vivo (they are meiotically incompetent), and have limited capacity to support embryo development in vitro. The lack of cumulus cells and stress of the conditions in vitro may have influenced turnover of amino acids, and owing to the small sample sizes further studies are required to confirm these findings. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The findings provide support for the hypothesis that oocyte metabolism reflects oocyte quality. Longitudinal studies are required to link these functional metabolic indices of human oocyte quality with embryo developmental competence. Oocyte amino acid profiling may be a useful tool to quantify the impact of new assisted reproduction technologies (ART) on oocyte quality. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This project was funded by the UK Biology and Biotechnology Research Council (BB/C007395/1) and the Medical Research Council (G 0800250). K.E.H was in receipt of a British Fertility Society/Merck Serono studentship. H.J.L. is a shareholder in Novocellus Ltd, a company which seeks to devise a non-invasive biochemical test of embryo health.
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Affiliation(s)
- K E Hemmings
- Division of Reproduction and Early Development, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK.
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McRae C, Sharma V, Fisher J. Metabolite Profiling in the Pursuit of Biomarkers for IVF Outcome: The Case for Metabolomics Studies. Int J Reprod Med 2013; 2013:603167. [PMID: 25763388 PMCID: PMC4334075 DOI: 10.1155/2013/603167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. This paper presents the literature on biomarkers of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) outcome, demonstrating the progression of these studies towards metabolite profiling, specifically metabolomics. The need for more, and improved, metabolomics studies in the field of assisted conception is discussed. Methods. Searches were performed on ISI Web of Knowledge SM for literature associated with biomarkers of oocyte and embryo quality, and biomarkers of IVF outcome in embryo culture medium, follicular fluid (FF), and blood plasma in female mammals. Results. Metabolomics in the field of female reproduction is still in its infancy. Metabolomics investigations of embryo culture medium for embryo selection have been the most common, but only within the last five years. Only in 2012 has the first metabolomics investigation of FF for biomarkers of oocyte quality been reported. The only metabolomics studies of human blood plasma in this context have been aimed at identifying women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Conclusions. Metabolomics is becoming more established in the field of assisted conception, but the studies performed so far have been preliminary and not all potential applications have yet been explored. With further improved metabolomics studies, the possibility of identifying a method for predicting IVF outcome may become a reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. McRae
- School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - V. Sharma
- The Leeds Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Seacroft Hospital, Leeds LS14 6UH, UK
| | - J. Fisher
- School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
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