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Oliver MA, Speckhart SL, Edwards JL, Rhoads ML, Ealy AD. Human recombinant interleukin-6 improves the morphological quality of cryopreserved in vitro produced bovine blastocysts. Theriogenology 2024; 226:173-180. [PMID: 38908059 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.06.014] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
This work explored whether a well-characterized recombinant human interleukin-6 (hIL6) protein will influence in vitro produced (IVP) bovine embryo development and survival after cryopreservation. Cumulus oocyte complexes were collected from abattoir derived ovaries, matured for 24 h, and fertilized using pooled semen from Holstein bulls. Embryos were treated with 0, 25, 50, or 100 ng/mL hIL6 on day 5 post-fertilization. An increase in ICM cell numbers was observed in each hIL6 treatment, with the lowest hIL6 treatment having the same magnitude of response as the middle and highest hIL6 concentration. No effects on TE cell numbers were observed. The second study involved cryopreserving (via slow freezing) of hIL6-treated blastocysts, then examining post-thaw blastocyst survival by incubating for 24 h in the absence of hIL6 treatments. Blastocyst re-expansion and hatching rates were unaffected by any of the IL6 treatments, however, increases in both ICM and TE cell numbers were detected at 24 h post-thawing in blastocysts exposed to 100 ng/mL hIL6 but not lower concentrations before freezing. A reduction in the percentage of TUNEL-positive TE cells was observed after thawing in blastocysts exposed to 25, 50 and 100 ng/mL hIL6 before cryopreservation. No treatment-dependent changes in TUNEL-positive ICM cells were observed. In summary, hIL6 supplementation improves ICM cell numbers in bovine blastocysts to a degree that is commensurate with what has been observed when using bovine recombinant IL6. This positive effect of hIL6 on ICM cell numbers is maintained after freezing and thawing, and a novel improvement in post-thaw TE cell numbers occur in hIL6 treated embryos. This positive effect on TE cell numbers is attributed, at least in part, to an hIL6-dependent reduction in TE cell apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary A Oliver
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Savannah L Speckhart
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA; Current Address: Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - J Lannett Edwards
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Michelle L Rhoads
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Alan D Ealy
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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2
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Peralta MB, Cainelli S, Stassi AF, Angeli E, Rey F, Ortega HH, Salvetti NR, Velázquez M. Association between endometrial protein expression of IFN-γ and delayed conception after parturition in dairy cows. Vet Res Commun 2024:10.1007/s11259-024-10490-1. [PMID: 39141287 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10490-1] [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: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
The cytokine context present in the reproductive tract of cows is closely involved in normal uterine functions, including the estrous cycle and the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. However, the roles of some cytokines in the uterus, and their relation with reproductive performance remain to be elucidated. Thus, this study aimed to examine the protein expression of several cytokines such as TNFα, IL-6, IL-8, IFNγ, IL-4, and TGF-β3 in endometrial biopsies previous to conception, to evaluate the possible association with delayed conception in dairy cows. Protein expression levels were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Results showed that the protein expression levels of TNFα, IL-6, IL-4 and TGF-β3 were not associated with the parturition-conception interval, whereas the high protein expression levels of IFNγ were associated with the parturition-conception interval. Finally, the low protein expression of IL-8 showed a statistical tendency to be associated with delayed conception. This is the first report about the protein expression of IFN-γ in the endometrium of dairy cows and also, this cytokine could enhance the favorable conditions to achieve an early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M B Peralta
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - S Cainelli
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - A F Stassi
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - E Angeli
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - F Rey
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - H H Ortega
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - N R Salvetti
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICiVet-Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Mml Velázquez
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina.
- Instituto de Ecología Humana y Desarrollo Sustentable, Universidad Católica de Santa Fe (UCSF). Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Cngo. Echagüe 7151, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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3
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Speckhart SL, Oliver MA, Keane JA, Dias NW, Mercadante VRG, Biase FH, Ealy AD. Interleukin-6 supplementation improves bovine conceptus elongation and transcriptomic indicators of developmental competence†. Biol Reprod 2024; 111:43-53. [PMID: 38519105 PMCID: PMC11247277 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae045] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
A high incidence of pregnancy failures occurs in cattle during the second week of pregnancy as blastocysts transition into an elongated conceptus. This work explored whether interleukin-6 supplementation during in vitro embryo production would improve subsequent conceptus development. Bovine embryos were treated with 0 or 100 ng/mL recombinant bovine interleukin-6 beginning on day 5 post-fertilization. At day 7.5 post-fertilization, blastocysts were transferred into estrus synchronized beef cows (n = 5 recipients/treatment, 10 embryos/recipient). Seven days after transfer (day 14.5), cows were euthanized to harvest reproductive tracts and collect conceptuses. Individual conceptus lengths and stages were recorded before processing for RNA sequencing. Increases in conceptus recovery, length, and the proportion of tubular and filamentous conceptuses were detected in conceptuses derived from interleukin-6-treated embryos. The interleukin-6 treatment generated 591 differentially expressed genes in conceptuses (n = 9-10/treatment). Gene ontology enrichment analyses revealed changes in transcriptional regulation, DNA-binding, and antiviral actions. Only a few differentially expressed genes were associated with extraembryonic development, but several differentially expressed genes were associated with embryonic regulation of transcription, mesoderm and ectoderm development, organogenesis, limb formation, and somatogenesis. To conclude, this work provides evidence that interleukin-6 treatment before embryo transfer promotes pre-implantation conceptus development and gene expression in ways that resemble the generation of a robust conceptus containing favorable abilities to survive this critical period of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savannah L Speckhart
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Mary A Oliver
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Jessica A Keane
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Nicholas W Dias
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Vitor R G Mercadante
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Fernando H Biase
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Alan D Ealy
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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Kerkis I, da Silva ÁP, Araldi RP. The impact of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and mesenchymal stem cell-derived IL-6 on neurological conditions. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1400533. [PMID: 39015561 PMCID: PMC11249726 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1400533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a versatile cytokine crucial for immune response modulation, inflammation regulation, and various physiological processes in the body. Its wide-ranging functions underscore its importance in maintaining health. Dysregulated IL-6 is closely associated with many diseases, making it a key research and therapeutic target. Elevated IL-6 levels in the central nervous system worsen neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases by activating microglia and astrocytes and releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and neurotoxic molecules. Moreover, dysregulated IL-6 weakens the blood-brain barrier, exacerbating neuroinflammation and neuronal damage by allowing peripheral immune cells and inflammatory mediators to enter the brain. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show promise in modulating neuroinflammation by regulating IL-6 levels. They effectively suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, while promoting anti-inflammatory factors. This therapeutic approach highlights the importance of targeting IL-6 and other inflammatory mediators to alleviate neuroinflammation and its adverse effects on neurological disorders. This review provides a comprehensive overview of IL-6's involvement in neurological disorders, examining endogenous IL-6 and IL-6 derived from MSCs. We explore IL-6's mechanisms affecting neuronal function, survival, and immune modulation in the central nervous system. Additionally, we discuss the potential of MSC-derived IL-6 in neuroregeneration and neuroprotection. By elucidating IL-6's interplay with neurological pathologies, this review offers insights into novel therapeutic strategies targeting IL-6 signaling pathways for neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Kerkis
- Genetics Laboratory, Center of Development and Innovation, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Álvaro Prieto da Silva
- Genetics Laboratory, Center of Development and Innovation, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Pinheiro Araldi
- BioDecision Analytics Ltda., São Paulo, Brazil
- Post-graduation Program in Structural and Functional Biology, Paulista School of Medicine Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Federal University of São Paulo Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
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5
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Hansen PJ, Estrada-Cortés E, Amaral TF, Ramírez-Hernández R. Meta-analysis to determine efficacy of colony-stimulating factor 2 for improving pregnancy success after embryo transfer in cattle. Theriogenology 2024; 219:126-131. [PMID: 38428334 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Results have been inconsistent as to whether addition of colony stimulating factor 2 (CSF2) to culture medium improves embryo competence for establishment of pregnancy in cattle and humans. The purpose of the current study was to use all available experiments in cattle concerning effects of CSF2 on pregnancy success after transfer into recipient cattle. The approach was to perform a meta-analysis of all published data sets as well as data from an unpublished experiment described for the first time here. Meta-analysis failed to support the hypothesis that addition of CSF2 to embryo culture medium improves competence of bovine blastocysts to increase pregnancy or calving rates after transfer into recipient females. Thus, its general use as a culture medium additive to increase pregnancy success after embryo transfer is not recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611-0910, FL, USA.
| | - Eliab Estrada-Cortés
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611-0910, FL, USA; Campo Experimental Centro Altos de Jalisco, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Tepatitlán de Morelos, Jalisco, 47600, Mexico
| | - Thiago F Amaral
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611-0910, FL, USA
| | - Rosabel Ramírez-Hernández
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611-0910, FL, USA
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6
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Wang X, Guo L, Zhang W. Extraction of Innate Immune Genes in Dairy Cattle and the Regulation of Their Expression in Early Embryos. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:372. [PMID: 38540431 PMCID: PMC10970270 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
As more and more of the available genomic data have been published, several databases have been developed for deciphering early mammalian embryogenesis; however, less research has been conducted on the regulation of the expression of natural immunity genes during early embryonic development in dairy cows. To this end, we explored the regulatory mechanism of innate immunity genes at the whole-genome level. Based on comparative genomics, 1473 innate immunity genes in cattle were obtained by collecting the latest reports on human innate immunity genes and updated bovine genome data for comparison, and a preliminary database of bovine innate immunity genes was constructed. In order to determine the regulatory mechanism of innate immune genes in dairy cattle early embryos, we conducted weighted co-expression network analysis of the innate immune genes at different developmental stages of dairy cattle early embryos. The results showed that specific module-related genes were significantly enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis showed gene interactions in each specific module, and 10 of the highest connectivity genes were chosen as potential hub genes. Finally, combined with the results for differential expressed genes (DEGs), ATF3, IL6, CD8A, CD69, CD86, HCK, ERBB3, LCK, ITGB2, LYN, and ERBB2 were identified as the key genes of innate immunity in dairy cattle early embryos. In conclusion, the bovine innate immunity gene set was determined and the co-expression network of innate immunity genes in the early embryonic stage of dairy cattle was constructed by comparing and analyzing the whole genome of bovines and humans. The findings in this study provide the basis for exploring the involvement and regulation of innate immune genes in the early embryonic development of dairy cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Wang
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China;
| | - Lili Guo
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China;
| | - Wenguang Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China;
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China;
- Inner Mongolia Engineering Research Center of Genomic Big Data for Agriculture, Hohhot 010018, China
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7
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McKinley E, Speckhart SL, Keane JA, Oliver MA, Rhoads ML, Edwards JL, Biase FH, Ealy AD. Influences of Supplementing Selective Members of the Interleukin-6 Cytokine Family on Bovine Oocyte Competency. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:44. [PMID: 38200775 PMCID: PMC10778514 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010044] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This work explored whether supplementing selective members of the interleukin-6 (IL6) cytokine family during in vitro bovine oocyte maturation affects maturation success, cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) gene expression, fertilization success, and embryo development potential. Human recombinant proteins for IL6, IL11, and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) were supplemented to COCs during the maturation period, then fertilization and embryo culture commenced without further cytokine supplementation. The first study determined that none of these cytokines influenced the rate that oocytes achieved arrest at meiosis II. The second study identified that LIF and IL11 supplementation increases AREG transcript abundance. Supplementation with IL6 supplementation did not affect AREG abundance but reduced HAS2 transcript abundance. Several other transcriptional markers of oocyte competency were not affected by any of the cytokines. The third study determined that supplementing these cytokines during maturation did not influence fertilization success, but either LIF or IL11 supplementation increased blastocyst development. No effect of IL6 supplementation on subsequent blastocyst development was detected. The fourth experiment explored whether each cytokine treatment affects the post-thaw survivability of cryopreserved IVP blastocysts. None of the cytokines supplemented during oocyte maturation produced any positive effects on post-thaw blastocyst re-expansion and hatching. In conclusion, these outcomes implicate IL11 and LIF as potentially useful supplements for improving bovine oocyte competency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endya McKinley
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (E.M.); (S.L.S.); (J.A.K.); (M.A.O.); (M.L.R.); (F.H.B.)
| | - Savannah L. Speckhart
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (E.M.); (S.L.S.); (J.A.K.); (M.A.O.); (M.L.R.); (F.H.B.)
| | - Jessica A. Keane
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (E.M.); (S.L.S.); (J.A.K.); (M.A.O.); (M.L.R.); (F.H.B.)
| | - Mary A. Oliver
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (E.M.); (S.L.S.); (J.A.K.); (M.A.O.); (M.L.R.); (F.H.B.)
| | - Michelle L. Rhoads
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (E.M.); (S.L.S.); (J.A.K.); (M.A.O.); (M.L.R.); (F.H.B.)
| | - J. Lannett Edwards
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA;
| | - Fernando H. Biase
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (E.M.); (S.L.S.); (J.A.K.); (M.A.O.); (M.L.R.); (F.H.B.)
| | - Alan D. Ealy
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (E.M.); (S.L.S.); (J.A.K.); (M.A.O.); (M.L.R.); (F.H.B.)
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8
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Javvaji PK, Francis JR, Dhali A, Kolte AP, Mech A, Roy SC, Mishra A. Interleukin-6 stimulates in vitro development of late-stage ovine embryos. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 159:104133. [PMID: 37647796 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.104133] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The effect of interleukin-6 (IL-6) supplementation during the different phases of in vitro embryo culturing (IVC) on embryo development and embryonic gene expression was studied in ovine. IL-6 was added to IVC medium during the late phases (72-192 h; 5, 10, and 25 ng/ml IL-6) or entire period (0-192 h; 10 ng/ml IL-6) of IVC to determine its effect on embryo development. Further, the effect of IL-6 (10 ng/ml) supplementation at the 72 h of IVC on gene expressions associated with JAK/STAT signalling and pluripotency in 8-16 cell embryos (1 h post-supplementation) and compact morulae (48 h post-supplementation), and apoptosis and primitive endoderm (PrE) development in compact morulae was investigated. The supplementation of 10 ng/ml IL-6 during the late phases of IVC significantly (P < 0.05) increased blastocyst formation (35.2 ± 1.52%) compared to the control (21.1 ± 1.11%), and 5 ng/ml (25.9 ± 2.98%) or 25 ng/ml (16.5 ± 0.73%) IL-6 groups. Conversely, IL-6 (10 ng/ml) treatment throughout the IVC period significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the rate of cleavage (55.4 ± 1.57%) and blastocyst formation (14.5 ± 1.28%) compared to the control group (65.8 ± 1.35% and 21.5 ± 0.97%, respectively). In 8-16 cell embryos and compact morulae, the IL-6 treatment significantly (P < 0.05) affected the expression of genes associated with JAK/STAT signalling and pluripotency. Further, the treatment significantly (P < 0.05) downregulated BAX and CASP3, and upregulated GATA6 expression in compact morulae. In conclusion, IL-6 supplementation affected the in vitro development of ovine embryos in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The beneficial effect of IL-6 on the development of late-stage embryos was mediated through the changes in gene expressions associated with JAK/STAT signalling, pluripotency, apoptosis and PrE development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Krishna Javvaji
- ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Hosur Road, Bengaluru 560 030, India
| | - Joseph Rabinson Francis
- ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Hosur Road, Bengaluru 560 030, India
| | - Arindam Dhali
- ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Hosur Road, Bengaluru 560 030, India.
| | - Atul P Kolte
- ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Hosur Road, Bengaluru 560 030, India
| | - Anjumoni Mech
- ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Hosur Road, Bengaluru 560 030, India
| | - Sudhir C Roy
- ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Hosur Road, Bengaluru 560 030, India
| | - Ashish Mishra
- ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Hosur Road, Bengaluru 560 030, India
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9
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Speckhart SL, Oliver MA, Ealy AD. Developmental Hurdles That Can Compromise Pregnancy during the First Month of Gestation in Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1760. [PMID: 37889637 PMCID: PMC10251927 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Several key developmental events are associated with early embryonic pregnancy losses in beef and dairy cows. These developmental problems are observed at a greater frequency in pregnancies generated from in-vitro-produced bovine embryos. This review describes critical problems that arise during oocyte maturation, fertilization, early embryonic development, compaction and blastulation, embryonic cell lineage specification, elongation, gastrulation, and placentation. Additionally, discussed are potential remediation strategies, but unfortunately, corrective actions are not available for several of the problems being discussed. Further research is needed to produce bovine embryos that have a greater likelihood of surviving to term.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alan D. Ealy
- School of Animal Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (S.L.S.); (M.A.O.)
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10
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Attia MM, Khalifa MM. Virulence of Babesia bigemina in infected cattle (Bos taurus): Molecular and immunological studies. Res Vet Sci 2023; 156:7-13. [PMID: 36731184 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
This study examined 400 tick-infested cattle from the following four governorates in Egypt: Faiyum, Beni Suef, Giza, and Minya. These cattle were examined for blood parasites between January 2021 and April 2022. The infected cattle were classified into four groups based on tick infestations and clinical signs. Blood was drawn for assessing oxidative stress markers as well as for parasitological examination and molecular analysis of the 18S rRNA gene of Babesia bigemina (B. bigemina). We performed a comparison of the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) between B. bigemina-infected blood samples and non-infected blood samples used as negative controls. Babesia spp. infection increases hemolysis, which in turn increases oxidative stress marker levels and cell-mediated immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa M Attia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, 12211 Giza, Egypt.
| | - Marwa M Khalifa
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, 12211 Giza, Egypt.
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11
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Shi Y, Hu B, Wang Z, Wu X, Luo L, Li S, Wang S, Zhang K, Wang H. Functional role of GATA3 and CDX2 in lineage specification during bovine early embryonic development. Reproduction 2023; 165:325-333. [PMID: 36630554 PMCID: PMC9986393 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In brief The lineage specification during early embryonic development in cattle remains largely elusive. The present study determines the effects of trophectoderm-associated factors GATA3 and CDX2 on lineage specification during bovine early embryonic development. Abstract Current understandings of the initiation of the trophectoderm (TE) program during mammalian embryonic development lack evidence of how TE-associated factors such as GATA3 and CDX2 participate in bovine lineage specification. In this study, we describe the effects of TE-associated factors on the expression of lineage specification marker genes such as SOX2, OCT4, NANOG, GATA6, and SOX17, by using cytosine base editor system. We successfully knockout GATA3 or CDX2 in bovine embryos with a robust efficiency. However, GATA3 or CDX2 deletion does not affect the developmental potential of embryos to reach the blastocyst stage. Interestingly, GATA3 deletion downregulates the NANOG expression in bovine blastocysts. Further analysis of the mosaic embryos shows that GATA3 is required for NANOG in the TE of bovine blastocysts. Single blastocyst RNA-seq analysis reveals that GATA3 deletion disrupts the transcriptome in bovine blastocysts. Altogether, we propose that GATA3 plays an important role in maintaining TE lineage program in bovine embryos and the functional role of GATA3 is species-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Shi
- Laboratory of Mammalian Molecular Embryology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bingjie Hu
- Laboratory of Mammalian Molecular Embryology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zizengchen Wang
- Laboratory of Mammalian Molecular Embryology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaotong Wu
- Laboratory of Mammalian Molecular Embryology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lei Luo
- Laboratory of Mammalian Molecular Embryology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Laboratory of Mammalian Molecular Embryology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shaohua Wang
- Laboratory of Mammalian Molecular Embryology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Laboratory of Mammalian Molecular Embryology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huanan Wang
- Laboratory of Mammalian Molecular Embryology, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Appleby SJ, Misica‐Turner P, Oback FC, Dhali A, McLean ZL, Oback B. Double cytoplast embryonic cloning improves in vitro but not in vivo development from mitotic pluripotent cells in cattle. Front Genet 2022; 13:933534. [PMID: 36246653 PMCID: PMC9563626 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.933534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cloning multiple animals from genomically selected donor embryos is inefficient but would accelerate genetic gain in dairy cattle breeding. To improve embryo cloning efficiency, we explored the idea that epigenetic reprogramming improves when donor cells are in mitosis. We derived primary cultures from bovine inner cell mass (ICM) cells of in vitro fertilized (IVF) embryos. Cells were grown feeder-free in a chemically defined medium with increased double kinase inhibition (2i+). Adding recombinant bovine interleukin 6 to 2i+ medium improved plating efficiency, outgrowth expansion, and expression of pluripotency-associated epiblast marker genes (NANOG, FGF4, SOX2, and DPPA3). For genotype multiplication by embryonic cell transfer (ECT) cloning, primary colonies were treated with nocodazole, and single mitotic donors were harvested by mechanical shake-off. Immunofluorescence against phosphorylated histone 3 (P-H3) showed 37% of nocodazole-treated cells in metaphase compared to 6% in DMSO controls (P < 1 × 10−5), with an average of 53% of P-H3-positive cells expressing the pluripotency marker SOX2. We optimized several parameters (fusion buffer, pronase treatment, and activation timing) for ECT with mitotic embryonic donors. Sequential double cytoplast ECT, whereby another cytoplast was fused to the first cloned reconstruct, doubled cloned blastocyst development and improved morphological embryo quality. However, in situ karyotyping revealed that over 90% of mitotic ECT-derived blastocysts were tetraploid or aneuploid with extra chromosomes, compared to less than 2% in the original ICM donor cells. Following the transfer of single vs. double cytoplast embryos, there was no difference between the two methods in pregnancy establishment at D35 (1/22 = 5% vs. 4/53 = 8% for single vs. double ECT, respectively). Overall, post-implantation development was drastically reduced from embryonic mitotic clones when compared to somatic interphase clones and IVF controls. We conclude that mitotic donors cause ploidy errors during in vitro development that cannot be rescued by enhanced epigenetic reprogramming through double cytoplast cloning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Jane Appleby
- Animal Biotech, AgResearch, Hamilton, New Zealand
- School of Science, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | | | | | | | - Zachariah Louis McLean
- Animal Biotech, AgResearch, Hamilton, New Zealand
- School of Science, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Björn Oback
- Animal Biotech, AgResearch, Hamilton, New Zealand
- School of Science, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- *Correspondence: Björn Oback,
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13
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Mathew DJ, Peterson KD, Senn LK, Oliver MA, Ealy AD. Ruminant conceptus-maternal interactions: interferon-tau and beyond. J Anim Sci 2022; 100:6620787. [PMID: 35772752 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic or fetal loss in cattle is associated with problems that occur during oocyte maturation, early embryonic development, conceptus elongation, maternal recognition of pregnancy (MRP), and/or placental attachment and implantation. Many of these problems manifest as inadequate or asynchronous communication between the developing conceptus and endometrium, resulting in pregnancy failure. This review will provide an overview of how various conceptus-endometrial paracrine signaling systems control the fate of early pregnancy in cattle and other ruminants. We begin by summarizing the actions of interferon-tau, the classic MRP signal in ruminates, and then explore how other secretory factors derived from either the conceptus or endometrium influence establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Insight into how the endometrium responds to male vs. female conceptuses or conceptuses produced by in vitro methods will also be described. Specific focus will be placed on describing how "omic" technologies and other cutting-edge techniques have assisted with identifying novel conceptus and/or endometrial factors and their functions. Recent findings indicate that the endometrial transcriptome and histotroph are altered by conceptus sex, quality, and origin, suggesting that the endometrium is a sensor of conceptus biochemistry. Although the endometrium has a certain level of flexibility in terms of conceptus-maternal interactions, this interplay is not sufficient to retain some pregnancies. However, new information inspires us to learn more and will help develop technologies that mitigate early embryonic loss and reproductive failure in ruminants and other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Mathew
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Katie D Peterson
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - L Kirsten Senn
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Mary A Oliver
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Alan D Ealy
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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Wooldridge LK, Keane JA, Rhoads ML, Ealy AD. Bioactive supplements influencing bovine in vitro embryo development. J Anim Sci 2022; 100:6620796. [PMID: 35772761 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovum pickup and in vitro production (IVP) of bovine embryos are replacing traditional multiple ovulation embryo transfer (MOET) as the primary means for generating transferable embryos from genetically elite sires and dams. However, inefficiencies in the IVP process limit the opportunities to produce large numbers of transferable embryos. Also, the post-transfer competency of IVP embryos is inferior to embryos produced by artificial insemination or MOET. Numerous maternal, paternal, embryonic, and culture-related factors can have adverse effects on IVP success. This review will explore the various efforts made on describing how IVP embryo development and post-transfer competency may be improved by supplementing hormones, growth factors, cytokines, steroids and other bioactive factors found in the oviduct and uterus during early pregnancy. More than 40 of these factors, collectively termed as embryokines, are reviewed here. Several embryokines contain abilities to promote embryo development, including improving embryo survivability, improving blastomere cell numbers, and altering the distribution of blastomere cell types in blastocysts. A select few embryokines also can benefit pregnancy retention after IVP embryo transfer and improve neonatal calf health and performance, although very few embryokine-supplemented embryo transfer studies have been completed. Also, supplementing several embryokines at the same time holds promise for improving IVP embryo development and competency. However, more work is needed to explore the post-transfer consequences of adding these putative embryokines for any adverse outcomes, such as large offspring syndrome and poor postnatal health, and to specify the specific embryokine combinations that will best represent the ideal conditions found in the oviduct and uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia K Wooldridge
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Jessica A Keane
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Michelle L Rhoads
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Alan D Ealy
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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15
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Wooldridge LK, Ealy AD. Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Stimulates Primitive Endoderm Expansion in the Bovine Inner Cell Mass. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2021.796489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous work determined that bovine interleukin-6 (IL6) increases inner cell mass (ICM), primitive endoderm (PE), and total cell number in in vitro produced (IVP) bovine blastocysts. Another IL6 family member, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), has the potential to produce the same effects of IL6 due to the presence of its receptor in bovine blastocysts. We compared the abilities of LIF and IL6 to increase ICM cell numbers in day 7, 8, and 9 IVP bovine blastocysts. Supplementation with 100 ng/ml LIF from day 5 onward improved blastocyst formation rates on days 7 and 8 similar to what was observed when supplementing 100 ng/ml IL6. However, LIF supplementation did not cause an increase in ICM numbers like was observed after supplementing IL6. On day 9, increases in PE cell numbers were detected after LIF supplementation, but 300 ng/ml LIF was required to achieve the same effect on PE numbers that was observed by providing 100 ng/ml IL6. Collectively, these results show that LIF can mimic at least some of the effects of IL6 in bovine blastocyst.
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16
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Jiang H, Li JX. Interaction networks between the Fallopian tubes and the embryo in human tubal pregnancy: Current knowledge and perspectives. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2021; 47:4139-4147. [PMID: 34558156 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
AIM More than 90% of ectopic pregnancies occur in the Fallopian tubes. As the pathogenesis of tubal pregnancy remains largely unclear, the development of strategies to prevent and treat tubal pregnancy still represents a major clinical challenge. This review thoroughly summarizes the current data, aiming to determine the genes and signaling pathways that are involved in the pathophysiology of human tubal pregnancy. METHODS An electronic search from databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Chinese databases was carried out using key words pertaining to the pathogenesis of tubal pregnancy from the perspectives of both the Fallopian tubes and the embryo. A review of the literatures including review articles, experimental, and observational studies and case reports published between 1999 and 2021 was conducted. RESULTS Tubal pregnancy results from the interaction networks between the Fallopian tube and the embryo rather than from simple tubal abnormality. Furthermore, the embryo-maternal communication is supposed to start from the preimplantation period to the implantation period. CONCLUSION A greater understanding of the interaction networks between the Fallopian tubes and the embryo is of great significance for the prevention and medical treatment of tubal pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Jiang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Longgang District Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital of Shenzhen City, Shenzhen City, China
| | - Jian-Xiong Li
- Department of Gynaecology, Longgang District Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital of Shenzhen City, Shenzhen City, China
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17
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Ealy AD, Speckhart SL, Wooldridge LK. Cytokines That Serve as Embryokines in Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082313. [PMID: 34438770 PMCID: PMC8388520 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review will explore how some cytokines also influence early embryonic development. We term these types of molecules as embryokines. Understanding how cytokines serve as embryokines could offer new opportunities to improve embryo development and the overall health of the embryo so that pregnancies will be retained after embryo transfer and so that viable offspring are produced. At least two cytokines may offer these benefits to bovine embryos produced in vitro. Additional cytokines also are identified in this review that may contain beneficial activities on bovine embryos. Abstract The term “embryokine” has been used to denote molecules produced by the endometrium, oviduct, or by embryo itself that will influence embryo development. Several cytokines have been identified as embryokines in cattle and other mammals. This review will describe how these cytokines function as embryokines, with special emphasis being placed on their actions on in vitro produced (IVP) bovine embryos. Embryokines are being explored for their ability to overcome the poor development rates of IVP embryos and to limit post-transfer pregnancy retention efficiencies that exist in IVP embryos. This review will focus on describing two of the best-characterized cytokines, colony-stimulating factor 2 and interleukin 6, for their ability to modify bovine embryo quality and confirmation, promote normal fetal development, and generate healthy calves. Additional cytokines will also be discussed for their potential to serve as embryokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan D. Ealy
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Savannah L. Speckhart
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA;
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18
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Seekford ZK, Wooldridge LK, Dias NW, Timlin CL, Sales ÁF, Speckhart SL, Pohler KG, Cockrum RR, Mercadante VRG, Ealy AD. Interleukin-6 supplementation improves post-transfer embryonic and fetal development of in vitro-produced bovine embryos. Theriogenology 2021; 170:15-22. [PMID: 33957485 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The use of in vitro produced embryos in dairy and beef cattle has increased in recent years, but compromised post-transfer pregnancy success prevents producers from capturing all the benefits this technology can provide. This study explored whether supplementing interleukin-6 (IL6) during in vitro embryo development influences post-transfer development of the embryo-proper, fetus and placenta during early gestation in cattle. Slaughterhouse-derived cumulus oocyte complexes underwent IVM (day -1) and IVF (day 0). On day 5 post-fertilization, embryos were treated with either 0 (CONT) or 100 ng/mL recombinant bovine IL6. No difference in blastocyst formation was detected on day 7.5 post-fertilization, but an increase (P < 0.05) in inner cell mass cell numbers and tendency for increased (P = 0.08) trophectoderm cell numbers were detected in IL6-treated blastocysts. A subset of the blastocysts was loaded individually into transfer straws, and embryo transfer (ET) was completed using estrous cycle stage-matched, nonlactating commercial beef and dairy cows. A subset of cows from each group underwent timed artificial insemination (TAI). Pregnancy rates were similar among all three treatment groups at day 28 and 70. No differences in crown-rump length (CRL), crown nose length (CNL), abdominal diameter (AD), or placental fluid volume (PFV) were detected between TAI and ET-IL6 groups. Reductions (P < 0.05) in CRL and AD were detected at day 56 and a tendency for a reduction (P = 0.08) in PFV was detected on day 35 when comparing the ET-CONT group with the TAI group. Reductions (P < 0.05) in CRL and PFV on day 28 and CNL and AD on day 56 as well as a tendency for a reduction (P = 0.08) in PFV on day 35 were detected when contrasting ET-CONT with ET-IL6. Circulating plasma pregnancy-associated glycoprotein concentrations were similar among all treatment groups. In summary, IL6 treatment to IVP embryos before ET produced pregnancies that more closely resembled TAI-generated pregnancies than pregnancies generated using conventionally cultured embryos. These findings failed to find any adverse effects of IL6 supplementation on early development of the embryo-proper and fetus or on placental activity. Rather, these observations suggest that IL6 treatment may normalize the developmental trajectory of the embryo-proper and fetus for in vitro produced embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary K Seekford
- Department of Animal & Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Lydia K Wooldridge
- Department of Animal & Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Nicholas W Dias
- Department of Animal & Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Claire L Timlin
- Department of Animal & Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Álvaro F Sales
- Department of Animal & Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | | | - Ky G Pohler
- Department of Animal Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Alan D Ealy
- Department of Animal & Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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