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Chow DJX, Schartner EP, Corsetti S, Upadhya A, Morizet J, Gunn-Moore FJ, Dunning KR, Dholakia K. Quantifying DNA damage following light sheet and confocal imaging of the mammalian embryo. Sci Rep 2024; 14:20760. [PMID: 39237572 PMCID: PMC11377761 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-71443-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Embryo quality assessment by optical imaging is increasing in popularity. Among available optical techniques, light sheet microscopy has emerged as a superior alternative to confocal microscopy due to its geometry, enabling faster image acquisition with reduced photodamage to the sample. However, previous assessments of photodamage induced by imaging may have failed to measure more subtle impacts. In this study, we employed DNA damage as a sensitive indicator of photodamage. We use light sheet microscopy with excitation at a wavelength of 405 nm for imaging embryo autofluorescence and compare its performance to laser scanning confocal microscopy. At an equivalent signal-to-noise ratio for images acquired with both modalities, light sheet microscopy reduced image acquisition time by ten-fold, and did not induce DNA damage when compared to non-imaged embryos. In contrast, imaging with confocal microscopy led to significantly higher levels of DNA damage within embryos and had a higher photobleaching rate. Light sheet imaging is also capable of inducing DNA damage within the embryo but requires multiple cycles of volumetric imaging. Collectively, this study confirms that light sheet microscopy is faster and safer than confocal microscopy for imaging live embryos, indicating its potential as a label-free diagnostic for embryo quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren J X Chow
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Centre of Light for Life, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Erik P Schartner
- Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Stella Corsetti
- SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, UK.
| | - Avinash Upadhya
- Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Centre of Light for Life, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Josephine Morizet
- SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, UK
| | - Frank J Gunn-Moore
- School of Biology, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, UK
| | - Kylie R Dunning
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Centre of Light for Life, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kishan Dholakia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
- Centre of Light for Life, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
- SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, UK.
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2
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Sobkowiak A, Fluks M, Kosyl E, Milewski R, Szpila M, Tamborski S, Szkulmowski M, Ajduk A. The number of nuclei in compacted embryos, assessed by optical coherence microscopy, is a non-invasive and robust marker of mouse embryo quality. Mol Hum Reprod 2024; 30:gaae012. [PMID: 38407286 PMCID: PMC10978378 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaae012] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Optical coherence microscopy (OCM) visualizes nuclei in live, unlabeled cells. As most cells are uninucleated, the number of nuclei in embryos may serve as a proxy of the cell number, providing important information on developmental status of the embryo. Importantly, no other non-invasive method currently allows for the cell number count in compacted embryos. We addressed the question of whether OCM, by providing the number of nuclei in compacted mouse embryos, may help evaluate embryo quality. We subjected compacted embryonic Day 3 (E3.0: 72 h after onset of insemination) mouse embryos to OCM scanning and correlated nuclei number and developmental potential. Implantation was assessed using an outgrowth assay (in vitro model meant to reflect embryonic ability to implant in vivo). Embryos with more cells at E3.0 (>18 cells) were more likely to reach the blastocyst stage by E4.0 and E5.0 (P ≪ 0.001) and initiate hatching by E5.0 (P < 0.05) than those with fewer cells (<12 cells). Moreover, the number of cells at E3.0 strongly correlated with the total number of cells in E4.0 and E5.0 embryos (ρ = 0.71, P ≪ 0.001 and ρ = 0.61, P ≪ 0.001, respectively), also when only E4.0 and E5.0 blastocysts were considered (ρ = 0.58, P ≪ 0.001 and ρ = 0.56, P ≪ 0.001, respectively). Additionally, we observed a strong correlation between the number of cells at E3.0 and the number of trophectoderm cells in E4.0 and E5.0 blastocysts (ρ = 0.59, P ≪ 0.001 and ρ = 0.57, P ≪ 0.001, respectively). Importantly, embryos that had more cells at E3.0 (>18 cells) were also more likely to implant in vitro than their counterparts with fewer cells (<12 cells; P ≪ 0.001). Finally, we tested the safety of OCM imaging, demonstrating that OCM scanning affected neither the amount of reactive oxygen species nor mitochondrial activity in the embryos. OCM also did not hinder their preimplantation development, ability to implant in vitro, or to develop to term after transfer to recipient females. Our data indicate that OCM imaging provides important information on embryo quality. As the method seems to be safe for embryos, it could be a valuable addition to the current repertoire of embryo evaluation methods. However, our study was conducted only on mouse embryos, so the proposed protocol would require optimization in order to be applied in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Sobkowiak
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Fluks
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Kosyl
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Robert Milewski
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Medical University of Bialystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Marcin Szpila
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Szymon Tamborski
- Department of Biophotonics and Optical Engineering, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Toruń, Poland
| | - Maciej Szkulmowski
- Department of Biophotonics and Optical Engineering, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Toruń, Poland
| | - Anna Ajduk
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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3
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Pisaturo V, Alteri A, Tilleman K, Mortimer D. Shedding light on the ART laboratory. Reprod Biomed Online 2024; 48:103713. [PMID: 38244347 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
This commentary examines the impact of light conditions in the assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratory, specifically considering gametes and embryo culture. While these processes traditionally occur in the absence of light within the female reproductive tract, laboratory conditions often involve exposure to varying wavelengths, intensities and light sources. Although literature reports describe potential detrimental effects of certain wavelengths of light on biological material, these findings are often based on experiments that might not reflect actual laboratory conditions. Current ART laboratory practices aim to minimize light exposure; however, some procedures necessitate light exposure, typically involving microscopy. Results from the authors' cross-sectional survey on light-intensity practices in ART laboratories revealed the frequent use of inadequate lighting, leading to errors and impacting staff well-being. A failure mode and effects analysis was used to identify potential failure modes and their impacts due to poor lighting. Overall, this manuscript stresses the importance of maintaining proper ambient lighting in the ART laboratory, balancing the potentially detrimental effects of light on gametes and embryos against the need for proper lighting for accurate procedures and staff well-being. Adequate lighting not only ensures the safety of reproductive cells, but also improves process management and the operators' psychological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Pisaturo
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urology, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Alteri
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy..
| | - Kelly Tilleman
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - David Mortimer
- Oozoa Biomedical, Inc., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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4
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Gödöny K, Herczeg R, Gyenesei A, Várnagy Á, Bognár Z, Kovács GL, Szekeres-Barthó J, Mauchart P, Nagy B, Erostyák J, Kovács K, Bódis J. Clinical Benefits of Decreased Photo-Oxidative Stress on Human Embryo Development. Med Princ Pract 2024; 33:112-121. [PMID: 38262379 PMCID: PMC11095584 DOI: 10.1159/000536358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Early embryonic development is characterized by rapid cell division and gene activation, making the embryo extremely sensitive to environmental influences. Light exposure can affect embryonic development through a direct toxic effect on the embryo via the generation of reactive oxygen species. In a previous study, we demonstrated the positive effect of improved light-protected embryo culture conditions implemented in our laboratory. This study aimed to investigate the changes in human embryo development under light protection during the conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). MATERIALS AND METHODS We tested the potential beneficial effect of light filters to reduce the risk of toxic effects of light. IVF outcomes were compared between two experimental conditions, light protection with red light filters versus no light protection as a control. RESULTS Blastocyst development rate in IVF was significantly higher in the light-protected group than in the group treated under conventional conditions (46.6 vs. 26.7%). In the case of ICSI, we obtained a similar result (44.5 vs. 31.6%). The rate of cryopreservation with at least one embryo was higher in the light-protected phase (32.8%) than in the conventionally manipulated phase (26.8%). The abortion rate was also significantly lower during the light-protected period in IVF, resulting in a higher live birth rate. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of light protection to reduce the embryotoxic wavelengths of light in IVF centers may improve the blastocyst development rate and embryo quality while maintaining embryo safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina Gödöny
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- HUN-REN-PTE Human Reproduction Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Róbert Herczeg
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Attila Gyenesei
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ákos Várnagy
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- HUN-REN-PTE Human Reproduction Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Bognár
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gábor L Kovács
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Júlia Szekeres-Barthó
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- HUN-REN-PTE Human Reproduction Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Péter Mauchart
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- HUN-REN-PTE Human Reproduction Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Bernadett Nagy
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- HUN-REN-PTE Human Reproduction Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - János Erostyák
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Institute of Physics, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Kálmán Kovács
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- HUN-REN-PTE Human Reproduction Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - József Bódis
- National Laboratory on Human Reproduction, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- HUN-REN-PTE Human Reproduction Research Group, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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5
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Morizet J, Chow D, Wijesinghe P, Schartner E, Dwapanyin G, Dubost N, Bruce GD, Anckaert E, Dunning K, Dholakia K. UVA Hyperspectral Light-Sheet Microscopy for Volumetric Metabolic Imaging: Application to Preimplantation Embryo Development. ACS PHOTONICS 2023; 10:4177-4187. [PMID: 38145166 PMCID: PMC10739996 DOI: 10.1021/acsphotonics.3c00900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Cellular metabolism is a key regulator of energetics, cell growth, regeneration, and homeostasis. Spatially mapping the heterogeneity of cellular metabolic activity is of great importance for unraveling the overall cell and tissue health. In this regard, imaging the endogenous metabolic cofactors, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) (NAD(P)H) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), with subcellular resolution and in a noninvasive manner would be useful to determine tissue and cell viability in a clinical environment, but practical use is limited by current imaging techniques. In this paper, we demonstrate the use of phasor-based hyperspectral light-sheet (HS-LS) microscopy using a single UVA excitation wavelength as a route to mapping metabolism in three dimensions. We show that excitation solely at a UVA wavelength of 375 nm can simultaneously excite NAD(P)H and FAD autofluorescence, while their relative contributions can be readily quantified using a hardware-based spectral phasor analysis. We demonstrate the potential of our HS-LS system by capturing dynamic changes in metabolic activity during preimplantation embryo development. To validate our approach, we delineate metabolic changes during preimplantation embryo development from volumetric maps of metabolic activity. Importantly, our approach overcomes the need for multiple excitation wavelengths, two-photon imaging, or significant postprocessing of data, paving the way toward clinical translation, such as in situ, noninvasive assessment of embryo viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Morizet
- SUPA,
School of Physics and Astronomy, University
of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews Fife KY16, U.K.
| | - Darren Chow
- Robinson
Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5501, Australia
- Australian
Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale Biophotonics, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5505, Australia
- Institute
for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The
University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5505, Australia
| | - Philip Wijesinghe
- SUPA,
School of Physics and Astronomy, University
of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews Fife KY16, U.K.
| | - Erik Schartner
- Robinson
Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5501, Australia
- Institute
for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The
University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5505, Australia
- Centre
of Light for Life, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - George Dwapanyin
- SUPA,
School of Physics and Astronomy, University
of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews Fife KY16, U.K.
| | - Nicolas Dubost
- SUPA,
School of Physics and Astronomy, University
of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews Fife KY16, U.K.
| | - Graham D. Bruce
- SUPA,
School of Physics and Astronomy, University
of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews Fife KY16, U.K.
| | - Ellen Anckaert
- Faculty of
Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit
Brussel, Brussels 1070, Belgium
| | - Kylie Dunning
- Robinson
Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5501, Australia
- Australian
Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale Biophotonics, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5505, Australia
- Institute
for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The
University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5505, Australia
| | - Kishan Dholakia
- SUPA,
School of Physics and Astronomy, University
of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews Fife KY16, U.K.
- Centre
of Light for Life, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
- School
of Biological Sciences, The University of
Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
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6
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Karcz A, Van Soom A, Smits K, Van Vlierberghe S, Verplancke R, Pascottini OB, Van den Abbeel E, Vanfleteren J. Development of a Microfluidic Chip Powered by EWOD for In Vitro Manipulation of Bovine Embryos. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:bios13040419. [PMID: 37185494 PMCID: PMC10136516 DOI: 10.3390/bios13040419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Digital microfluidics (DMF) holds great potential for the alleviation of laboratory procedures in assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). The electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) technology provides dynamic culture conditions in vitro that may better mimic the natural embryo microenvironment. Thus far, EWOD microdevices have been proposed for in vitro gamete and embryo handling in mice and for analyzing the human embryo secretome. This article presents the development of the first microfluidic chip utilizing EWOD technology designed for the manipulation of bovine embryos in vitro. The prototype sustains the cell cycles of embryos manipulated individually on the chips during in vitro culture (IVC). Challenges related to the chip fabrication as well as to its application during bovine embryo IVC in accordance with the adapted on-chip protocol are thoroughly discussed, and future directions for DMF in ARTs are indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Karcz
- Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST), Imec and Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Katrien Smits
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Campus Sterre, Building S4, Krijgslaan 281, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rik Verplancke
- Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST), Imec and Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium
| | - Osvaldo Bogado Pascottini
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Etienne Van den Abbeel
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Vanfleteren
- Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST), Imec and Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium
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7
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Shafiei G, Moghani-Ghoroghi F, Miyan J, Almasi M, Kashani IR, Nikzad H, Hosseini ES, Moshkdanian G. Melatonin protects against visible light-induced oxidative stress and promotes the implantation potential of mouse blastocyst in vitro. Res Vet Sci 2023; 155:29-35. [PMID: 36610243 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2022.12.003] [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: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Improvement of embryo culture media using antioxidant agents could help to improve embryo quality against environmental factors such as visible light and could overcome implantation failures. The usefulness of the melatonin against the effect of light on the expression of the primary implantation receptors, ErbB1 and ErbB4 on pre-implantation mouse embryo was investigated. Two-cell mouse embryos were exposed to the 1600 LUX light for 30 min then randomly divided into 3 groups including: Melatonin-Treated; Luzindole Treated and Simple media as a Control group. After 72-96 The expanded blastocysts were examined for morphological quality of the embryos by Hoechst and propidium iodide staining and for the expression of ErbB1 and ErbB4 by Real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry. The expression of the Sirt3 gene was also assayed. Furthermore, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were examined by DCFH-DA fluorescence intensity and radical cation respectively. The number of cells in the inner cell mass (ICM) and outer cell mass (OCM) were elevated significantly in the Melatonin-treated group suggesting increased viability and proliferation. Furthermore, we found that melatonin significantly increased the expression levels of ErbB1, ErbB4, and Sirt3 genes, and the protein expression of ErbB1, ErbB4 correlated with intracellular ROS levels and TAC significantly increased after melatonin treatment. Together, these results demonstrate that melatonin could be helpful to improve preimplantation embryos through its effects in decreasing ROS levels and increasing expression of implantation-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Golnaz Shafiei
- Department of Anatomy, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Jaleel Miyan
- Neurobiology Research Group, Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Majid Almasi
- Gametogenesis Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Iraj Ragerdi Kashani
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Nikzad
- Gametogenesis Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | | | - Ghazaleh Moshkdanian
- Gametogenesis Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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8
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Fluks M, Tamborski S, Szkulmowski M, Ajduk A. Optical coherence microscopy allows for quality assessment of immature mouse oocytes. Reproduction 2022; 164:83-95. [PMID: 35900349 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In brief Optical coherence microscopy is a label-free and non-invasive imaging technique capable of 3D subcellular structure visualization. Here we show that this method allows for quality assessment of immature mouse oocytes based on their chromatin conformation and can be a valuable addition to the toolkit used in assisted reproduction procedures. Abstract The success of assisted reproductive technologies, and particularly in vitro maturation, is tightly linked to the quality of oocytes. Therefore, there is a need for robust, reliable, and easy-to-assess biomarkers of oocyte developmental competence. Microscopy techniques visualizing oocyte intracellular structure could provide such biomarkers. However, fluorescence imaging methods, applied frequently in biology and allowing for detailed structural and dynamic studies of single cells, require fluorescent tags to visualize cellular architecture and may cause short- and long-term photo-damage. On the other hand, traditional light microscopy, although relatively non-invasive, does not provide detailed structural information. Optical coherence microscopy (OCM) is a promising alternative, as it does not require sample pre-processing or labelling and can provide 3D images of intracellular structures. Here we applied OCM to assess the chromatin conformation of immature mouse oocytes, a feature that corresponds with their transcriptional status and developmental competence and cannot be examined by traditional light microscopy. We showed that OCM distinguished oocytes with so-called non-surrounded nucleoli (NSN) and surrounded nucleoli (SN) chromatin conformation with very high sensitivity and specificity and that OCM scanning did not decrease the quality of oocytes. Finally, we cross-referenced OCM data with the oocyte ability to undergo normal nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation and proven that indeed oocytes scored with OCM as NSN mature less effectively than oocytes scored as SN. Our results suggest that OCM may be a valuable addition to the imaging toolkit used in assisted reproduction procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Fluks
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Szymon Tamborski
- Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland
| | - Maciej Szkulmowski
- Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland
| | - Anna Ajduk
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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9
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The effect of discrete wavelengths of visible light on the developing murine embryo. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:1825-1837. [PMID: 35737174 PMCID: PMC9428105 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02555-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE A current focus of the IVF field is non-invasive imaging of the embryo to quantify developmental potential. Such approaches use varying wavelengths to gain maximum biological information. The impact of irradiating the developing embryo with discrete wavelengths of light is not fully understood. Here, we assess the impact of a range of wavelengths on the developing embryo. METHODS Murine preimplantation embryos were exposed daily to wavelengths within the blue, green, yellow, and red spectral bands and compared to an unexposed control group. Development to blastocyst, DNA damage, and cell number/allocation to blastocyst cell lineages were assessed. For the longer wavelengths (yellow and red), pregnancy/fetal outcomes and the abundance of intracellular lipid were investigated. RESULTS Significantly fewer embryos developed to the blastocyst stage when exposed to the yellow wavelength. Elevated DNA damage was observed within embryos exposed to blue, green, or red wavelengths. There was no effect on blastocyst cell number/lineage allocation for all wavelengths except red, where there was a significant decrease in total cell number. Pregnancy rate was significantly reduced when embryos were irradiated with the red wavelength. Weight at weaning was significantly higher when embryos were exposed to yellow or red wavelengths. Lipid abundance was significantly elevated following exposure to the yellow wavelength. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that the impact of light is wavelength-specific, with longer wavelengths also impacting the embryo. We also show that effects are energy-dependent. This data shows that damage is multifaceted and developmental rate alone may not fully reflect the impact of light exposure.
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10
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Ramírez-Domínguez LB, Agarwal A, Roychoudhury S, Jiménez-Medina I, Moreno-Fernández S, Izquierdo-Martínez M, Kesari K, Flores-Leal A, Villar-Muñoz L, Maldonado-Rosas I. Interplay of Oxidants and Antioxidants in Mammalian Embryo Culture System. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1391:243-258. [PMID: 36472826 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-12966-7_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
One principal purpose of assisted reproductive technology (ART) is to produce viable and good quality embryos. However, a variety of environmental factors may induce epigenetic changes in the embryo. Moreover, laboratory conditions including the culture media may also affect embryo development. Therefore, media change is an important factor in maintaining proper oxidant/antioxidant balance during embryo culture. Alterations in the oxidant/antioxidant balance are related to various cellular responses such as an increase in the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and consequent lipid peroxidation (LPO), DNA damage, and apoptosis. The current study focuses on the role of external factors on embryo culture and the ability of antioxidants to enhance in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes. Indeed, an optimization of media culture by the addition of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants in animal models and human embryos in ART has been updated in this study, with an emphasis on comparing the available results and their possible reasons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashok Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Kavindra Kesari
- Department of Applied Physics, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
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11
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From Zygote to Blastocyst: Application of Ultrashort Lasers in the Field of Assisted Reproduction and Developmental Biology. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11101897. [PMID: 34679594 PMCID: PMC8534476 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11101897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the use of lasers in medical diagnosis and therapies, as well as in fundamental biomedical research is now almost routine, advanced laser sources and new laser-based methods continue to emerge. Due to the unique ability of ultrashort laser pulses to deposit energy into a microscopic volume in the bulk of a transparent material without disrupting the surrounding tissues, the ultrashort laser-based microsurgery of cells and subcellular components within structurally complex and fragile specimens such as embryos is becoming an important tool in developmental biology and reproductive medicine. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of ultrashort laser pulse interaction with the matter, advantages of their application for oocyte and preimplantation embryo microsurgery (e.g., for oocyte/blastomere enucleation and embryonic cell fusion), as well as for nonlinear optical microscopy for studying the dynamics of embryonic development and embryo quality assessment. Moreover, we focus on ultrashort laser-based approaches and techniques that are increasingly being applied in the fundamental research and have the potential for successful translation into the IVF (in vitro fertilization) clinics, such as laser-mediated individual embryo labelling and controlled laser-assisted hatching.
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12
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Toxic effect of light on oocyte and pre-implantation embryo: a systematic review. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:3161-3169. [PMID: 34448882 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03139-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In the female reproductive tract, oocytes and embryos are in a dark environment, while during the in vitro fertilization (IVF) they are exposed to various visible and invisible lights such as daylight, microscope, and laminar hood fluorescent lights. Studies have shown that light could damage cellular compartments of oocytes and embryos and consequently decrease rates of fertilization, development, and blastocyst formation. However, due to the lack of consensus about the effects of light on the embryos, and subsequently the inability to make definitive decisions regarding the light exposure management to improve IVF results, in the present study, we systematically reviewed the effect of light with different wavelengths and intensities on pre-implantation embryos. The toxic impact of light depends on the wavelength, intensity, and duration of light exposure and also the stage of embryo. Therefore, reducing the observation time of embryos out of the incubator and also using light filters can alleviate the detrimental effect of light in IVF labs.
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13
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Masuda Y, Hasebe R, Kuromi Y, Kobayashi M, Iwamoto M, Hishinuma M, Ohbayashi T, Nishimura R. Three-dimensional live imaging of bovine embryos by optical coherence tomography. J Reprod Dev 2021; 67:149-154. [PMID: 33487605 PMCID: PMC8075722 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2020-151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
While embryo transfer (ET) is widely practiced, many of the transferred embryos fail to develop in cattle. To establish a more effective method for selecting
bovine embryos for ET, here we quantified morphological parameters of living embryos using three-dimensional (3D) images non-invasively captured by optical
coherence tomography (OCT). Seven Japanese Black embryos produced by in vitro fertilization that had reached the expanded blastocyst stage
after 7 days of culture were transferred after imaged by OCT. Twenty-two parameters, including thickness and volumes of the inner cell mass, trophectoderm, and
zona pellucida, and volumes of blastocoel and whole embryo, were quantified from 3D images. Four of the seven recipients became pregnant. We suggest that these
22 parameters can be potentially employed to evaluate the quality of bovine embryos before ET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasumitsu Masuda
- Department of Animal Science, Tottori Livestock Research Center, Tottori 689-2503, Japan
| | - Ryo Hasebe
- SCREEN Holdings Co., Ltd., Kyoto 612-8486, Japan
| | | | | | - Misaki Iwamoto
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan
| | - Mitsugu Hishinuma
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Ohbayashi
- Organization for Research Initiative and Promotion, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8550, Japan
| | - Ryo Nishimura
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Joint Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan
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14
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McLennan HJ, Saini A, Dunning KR, Thompson JG. Oocyte and embryo evaluation by AI and multi-spectral auto-fluorescence imaging: Livestock embryology needs to catch-up to clinical practice. Theriogenology 2020; 150:255-262. [PMID: 32088032 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A highly accurate 'non-invasive quantitative embryo assessment for pregnancy' (NQEAP) technique that determines embryo quality has been an elusive goal. If developed, NQEAP would transform the selection of embryos from both Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer (MOET), and even more so, in vitro produced (IVP) embryos for livestock breeding. The area where this concept is already having impact is in the field of clinical embryology, where great strides have been taken in the application of morphokinetics and artificial intelligence (AI); while both are already in practice, rigorous and robust evidence of efficacy is still required. Even the translation of advances in the qualitative scoring of human IVF embryos have yet to be translated to the livestock IVP industry, which remains dependent on the MOET-standardised 3-point scoring system. Furthermore, there are new ways to interrogate the biochemistry of individual embryonic cells by using new, light-based methodologies, such as FLIM and hyperspectral microscopy. Combinations of these technologies, in particular combining new imaging systems with AI, will lead to very accurate NQEAP predictive tools, improving embryo selection and recipient pregnancy success.
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Affiliation(s)
- H J McLennan
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics & Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - A Saini
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics & Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - K R Dunning
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics & Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - J G Thompson
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics & Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.
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15
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‘There is only one thing that is truly important in an IVF laboratory: everything’ Cairo Consensus Guidelines on IVF Culture Conditions. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 40:33-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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16
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Bapary MAJ, Takano J, Soma S, Sankai T. Effect of blue light‐emitting diode light and antioxidant potential in a somatic cell. Cell Biol Int 2019; 43:1296-1306. [DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad A. J. Bapary
- Tsukuba Primate Research CenterNational Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition 305‐0843 Ibaraki Japan
- Department of Fisheries Technology and Quality ControlFaculty of Fisheries, Sylhet Agricultural University 3100 Sylhet Bangladesh
| | - Jun‐ichiro Takano
- Tsukuba Primate Research CenterNational Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition 305‐0843 Ibaraki Japan
| | - Shogo Soma
- Tsukuba Primate Research CenterNational Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition 305‐0843 Ibaraki Japan
| | - Tadashi Sankai
- Tsukuba Primate Research CenterNational Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition 305‐0843 Ibaraki Japan
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17
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The effect of light exposure on the cleavage rate and implantation capacity of preimplantation murine embryos. J Reprod Immunol 2019; 132:21-28. [PMID: 30852462 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
During assisted reproduction the embryos are subjected to light. We investigated the relationship between light exposure and the developmental- and implantation capacity of mouse embryos. In vitro cultured embryos were exposed to white or red filtered light, then transferred to the uteri of pseudo-pregnant females. The mice were sacrificed on day 8.5 and implantation sites were counted. The number of nucleic acid containing (PI+) extracellular vesicles (EVs) in culture media of light-exposed and control embryos, as well as, the effect of the EVs on IL-10 production of CD8+ spleen cells was determined by flow cytometry. DNA fragmentation in control and light exposed embryos was detected in a TUNEL assay. The effect of light on the expression of apoptosis-related molecules was assessed in an apoptosis array. Light exposure significantly reduced the implantation capacity of the embryos. The harmful effect was related to the wavelength, rather than to the brightness of the light. Culture media of light exposed groups contained significantly higher number of PI + EVs than those of the control embryos, and failed to induce IL-10 production of spleen cells. The number of nuclei with fragmented DNA, was significantly higher in embryos treated with white light, than in the other two groups. In conclusion exposure to white light impairs the implantation potential of in vitro cultured mouse embryos. These effects are partly corrected by using a red filter. Since there is no information on the light sensitivity of human embryos, embryo manipulation during IVF and ICSI should be performed with caution.
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