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Garcia-Canovas M, Parrilla I, Cuello C, Gil MA, Martinez EA. Swine in vitro embryo production: Potential, challenges, and advances. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 270:107600. [PMID: 39270509 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Pig production, a vital sector of the meat industry, faces demands for improved quality, efficiency, and sustainability. Advancements in breeding, disease control, and artificial insemination have enhanced production, while biotechnologies such as in vitro embryo production (IVP) and genetic engineering offer further progress. In vitro embryo production could facilitate the global exchange of valuable genetic material, accelerate breeding programs, and improve productivity, and it is essential for generating genetically modified (GM) pigs. These GM pigs have two main applications: first, they allow for targeted modifications aimed at improving production traits relevant to pig production in agriculture, such as meat quality and disease resistance. Second, they serve as valuable biomedical models for human disease research, regenerative medicine, and organ transplantation. Yet, despite notable advancements in recent decades, the efficiency of the current IVP systems for porcine embryos remains a challenge. Compared to the in vivo environment, suboptimal culture conditions lead to issues such as elevated polyspermy, poor embryo development, and the production of low-quality blastocysts. This review provides an overview of the key steps and recent advancements in porcine IVP technology. We will emphasize the promising utilization of oocytes from live females of high genetic value through ovum pick-up and the incorporation of extracellular vesicles and cytokines into IVP media. These innovative strategies hold immense potential to significantly enhance embryo development and overall success rates in porcine IVP, and could open the door for significant progress in both agriculture and biomedicine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Garcia-Canovas
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - Cristina Cuello
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain
| | - Maria A Gil
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain.
| | - Emilio A Martinez
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research "Campus Mare Nostrum", Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain
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2
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Párraga-Ros E, Álvarez-Martín Ú, Seva J, Coy P, Romar R. The impact of in vitro embryo production on placental and umbilical cord vascularization is minimized by the addition of reproductive fluids. Theriogenology 2023; 208:149-157. [PMID: 37329589 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.05.029] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Animals born from in-vitro-produced (IVP) embryos show changes in the placenta and umbilical cord vascularization. This study compares the placental and umbilical vascular morphometry in pigs (n = 19) born through artificial insemination (AI group) or after transfer of IVP embryos cultured with (RF-IVP group) or without (C-IVP group) reproductive fluids. The relationship between vascular parameters and animal growth during the first year of life was also analyzed. Samples were collected at birth, fixed, paraffin-embedded, cut in sections, stained, and photographed for vascular and morphometric analysis with ImageJ® and Slide Viewer®. The average daily weight gain was individually scored from birth to the first year of life. No differences were found in placental vascular morphometry among groups, except for the vascular area of small vessels (arterioles, venules, and small vessels) that was higher in the C-IVP group. Regarding the umbilical cord, the values for perimeter (AI: 26.40 ± 3.93 mm; IVP: 30.51 ± 4.74 mm), diameter (AI: 8.35 ± 1.01 mm; IVP: 10.26 ± 1.85 mm), area (AI: 43.18 ± 12.87; IVP: 56.61 ± 14.89 mm2), and Wharton's jelly area (AI: 36.86 ± 12.04 mm2; IVP 48.88 ± 12.80 mm2) were higher in IVP-derived than AI-derived animals, whereas arterial and venous morphometric data were similar between groups. A correlation study showed that placental and umbilical cord vascular phenotypes affect the further growth of pigs. In conclusion, assisted reproductive technologies impact small caliber vessels in the placenta and morphometric parameters in the umbilical cord. The addition of reproductive fluids in IVP-embryo contributes to reduce the differences with in vivo-derived animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Párraga-Ros
- Department of Anatomy and Comparative Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), Murcia, Spain
| | - Úrsula Álvarez-Martín
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), Murcia, Spain
| | - Juan Seva
- Department of Anatomy and Comparative Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), Murcia, Spain
| | - Pilar Coy
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
| | - Raquel Romar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education and Research (Campus Mare Nostrum), Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain.
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3
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Velazquez MA, Idriss A, Chavatte-Palmer P, Fleming TP. The mammalian preimplantation embryo: Its role in the environmental programming of postnatal health and performance. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 256:107321. [PMID: 37647800 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
During formation of the preimplantation embryo several cellular and molecular milestones take place, making the few cells forming the early embryo vulnerable to environmental stressors than can impair epigenetic reprogramming and controls of gene expression. Although these molecular alterations can result in embryonic death, a significant developmental plasticity is present in the preimplantation embryo that promotes full-term pregnancy. Prenatal epigenetic modifications are inherited during mitosis and can perpetuate specific phenotypes during early postnatal development and adulthood. As such, the preimplantation phase is a developmental window where developmental programming can take place in response to the embryonic microenvironment present in vivo or in vitro. In this review, the relevance of the preimplantation embryo as a developmental stage where offspring health and performance can be programmed is discussed, with emphasis on malnutrition and assisted reproductive technologies; two major environmental insults with important implications for livestock production and human reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Velazquez
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Abdullah Idriss
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Pathology and laboratory medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, P.O. Box 40047, MBC J-10, Jeddah 21499, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Tom P Fleming
- Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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4
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Hakala SM, Fujioka H, Gapp K, De Gasperin O, Genzoni E, Kilner RM, Koene JM, König B, Linksvayer TA, Meurville MP, Negroni MA, Palejowski H, Wigby S, LeBoeuf AC. Socially transferred materials: why and how to study them. Trends Ecol Evol 2022; 38:446-458. [PMID: 36543692 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2022.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
When biological material is transferred from one individual's body to another, as in ejaculate, eggs, and milk, secondary donor-produced molecules are often transferred along with the main cargo, and influence the physiology and fitness of the receiver. Both social and solitary animals exhibit such social transfers at certain life stages. The secondary, bioactive, and transfer-supporting components in socially transferred materials have evolved convergently to the point where they are used in applications across taxa and type of transfer. The composition of these materials is typically highly dynamic and context dependent, and their components drive the physiological and behavioral evolution of many taxa. Our establishment of the concept of socially transferred materials unifies this multidisciplinary topic and will benefit both theory and applications.
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Karcz A, Van Soom A, Smits K, Verplancke R, Van Vlierberghe S, Vanfleteren J. Electrically-driven handling of gametes and embryos: taking a step towards the future of ARTs. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:1852-1875. [PMID: 35510672 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc01160j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Electrical stimulation of gametes and embryos and on-chip manipulation of microdroplets of culture medium serve as promising tools for assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). Thus far, dielectrophoresis (DEP), electrorotation (ER) and electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) proved compatible with most laboratory procedures offered by ARTs. Positioning, entrapment and selection of reproductive cells can be achieved with DEP and ER, while EWOD provides the dynamic microenvironment of a developing embryo to better mimic the functions of the oviduct. Furthermore, these techniques are applicable for the assessment of the developmental competence of a mammalian embryo in vitro. Such research paves the way towards the amelioration and full automation of the assisted reproduction methods. This article aims to provide a summary on the recent developments regarding electrically stimulated lab-on-chip devices and their application for the manipulation of gametes and embryos in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Karcz
- Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST), Imec and Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium.
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4 entrance 4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4 entrance 4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Katrien Smits
- Reproductive Biology Unit (RBU), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133 D4 entrance 4, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Rik Verplancke
- Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST), Imec and Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Sandra Van Vlierberghe
- Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Campus Sterre, building S4, Krijgslaan 281, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Vanfleteren
- Centre for Microsystems Technology (CMST), Imec and Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 126, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium.
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6
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Cimini C, Moussa F, Taraschi A, Ramal-Sanchez M, Colosimo A, Capacchietti G, Mokh S, Valbonetti L, Tagaram I, Bernabò N, Barboni B. Pre-Treatment of Swine Oviductal Epithelial Cells with Progesterone Increases the Sperm Fertilizing Ability in an IVF Model. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12091191. [PMID: 35565617 PMCID: PMC9103098 DOI: 10.3390/ani12091191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatozoa are infertile immediately after ejaculation and need to undergo a functional modification, called capacitation, in order to acquire their fertilizing ability. Since oviductal epithelial cells (SOECs) and progesterone (P4) are two major modulators of capacitation, here we investigated their impact on sperm functionality by using an IVF swine model. To that, we treated SOECs with P4 at 10, 100, and 1000 ng/mL before the coincubation with spermatozoa, thus finding that P4 at 100 ng/mL does not interfere with the cytoskeleton dynamics nor the cells’ doubling time, but it promotes the sperm capacitation by increasing the number of spermatozoa per polyspermic oocyte (p < 0.05). Moreover, we found that SOECs pre-treatment with P4 100 ng/mL is able to promote an increase in the sperm fertilizing ability, without needing the hormone addition at the time of fertilization. Our results are probably due to the downregulation in the expression of OVGP1, SPP1 and DMBT1 genes, confirming an increase in the dynamism of our system compared to the classic IVF protocols. The results obtained are intended to contribute to the development of more physiological and efficient IVF systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Cimini
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
| | - Fadl Moussa
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
- Doctoral School of Science, Technology Lebanese University, Beirut 1107, Lebanon
| | - Angela Taraschi
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
- Istituto Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Marina Ramal-Sanchez
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
| | - Alessia Colosimo
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
| | - Giulia Capacchietti
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
| | - Samia Mokh
- National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS), Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission (LAEC), Laboratory for Analysis of Organic Compound (LACO), Beirut 8281, Lebanon;
| | - Luca Valbonetti
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (CNRIBBC/EMMA/Infrafrontier/IMPC), National Research Council, 00015 Rome, Italy
| | - Israiel Tagaram
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
| | - Nicola Bernabò
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (CNRIBBC/EMMA/Infrafrontier/IMPC), National Research Council, 00015 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Barbara Barboni
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (C.C.); (F.M.); (A.T.); (M.R.-S.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.V.); (I.T.); (B.B.)
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Effect of two 'progressively motile sperm-oocyte' ratios on porcine in vitro fertilization and embryo development. ZYGOTE 2022; 30:543-549. [PMID: 35362399 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199422000053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Sperm motility and viability of cryopreserved semen vary between boars and straws, which influences the outcomes of in vitro embryo production (IVEP). However, progressive motility is usually not considered during IVEP. The aim of this study was to assess fertilization with a 500:1 and 250:1 'progressively motile sperm to oocyte' ratio on IVEP outcomes using semen from three Duroc and three Landrace boars. Frozen-thawed sperm was centrifuged through a 45/90% Percoll® density gradient and sperm quality parameters were assessed. In vitro matured oocytes were fertilized at the two ratios, a portion was stained 10-12 h after start of fertilization to analyze fertilization and polyspermy, while the remaining zygotes were cultured up to day 7. The 500:1 ratio resulted in a higher fertilization and blastocyst yield on day 6 compared with the 250:1 ratio, but no effect of ratio was observed for polyspermy, cleavage rate or blastocyst cell number. Individual differences between boars were observed for fertilization, cleavage and blastocyst rates, but not for the other IVEP outcomes. In conclusion, a higher fertilization and blastocyst yield was obtained with the 500:1 ratio compared with the 250:1 ratio, while polyspermy level was consistent across ratios. Differences in IVEP outcomes were still observed between the individual boars although adjusted for progressive motility. Promising blastocyst yields and high total blastocyst cell counts were obtained with sperm from both breeds.
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Reproductive fluids, added to the culture media, contribute to minimizing phenotypical differences between in vitro-derived and artificial insemination-derived piglets. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2022; 13:593-605. [PMID: 34986913 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174421000702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The addition of reproductive fluids (RF) to the culture media has shown benefits in different embryonic traits but its long-term effects on the offspring phenotype are still unknown. We aimed to describe such effects in pigs. Blood samples and growth parameters were collected from piglets derived from in vitro-produced embryos (IVP) with or without RF added in the culture media versus those artificially inseminated (AI), from day 0 to month 6 of life. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed on day 45 of life. We show here the first comparative data of the growth of animals produced through different assisted reproductive techniques, demonstrating differences between groups. Overall, there was a tendency to have a larger size at birth and faster growth in animals derived from in vitro fertilization and embryo culture versus AI, although this trend was diminished by the addition of RFs to the culture media. Similarly, small differences in hematological indices and glucose tolerance between animals derived from AI and those derived from IVP, with a sex-dependent effect, tended to fade in the presence of RF. The addition of RF to the culture media could contribute to minimizing the phenotypical differences between the in vitro-derived and AI offspring, particularly in males.
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Coy P, Romar R, Romero-Aguirregomezcorta J. The embryo culture media in the era of epigenetics: is it time to go back to nature? Anim Reprod 2022; 19:e20210132. [PMID: 35493788 PMCID: PMC9037603 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2021-0132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This review is intended to draw attention to the importance of the culture media composition on the health of the embryos, fetuses, newborns, and adults derived from assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Although current research and industry trends are to use chemically defined media because of their suitability for manufacturing, commercialization, and regulatory purposes, compelling evidence indicates that those media fail to adequately account for the biological demands of early embryogenesis. Here, we list the main undesirable consequences of the ART described in the literature and results we and others have obtained over the past decade exploring an alternative and more natural way to support embryo growth in vitro: inclusion of endogenous reproductive fluids as additives in the ART culture media for pigs, cows, and humans. This review systematically assesses the pros and cons of using reproductive fluid additives, as well as the requirements to implement this approach in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Coy
- Universidad de Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, Spain
| | - Raquel Romar
- Universidad de Murcia, Spain; Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, Spain
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Canha-Gouveia A, Prieto-Sánchez MT, Sánchez-Ferrer ML, Mollá M, Martínez-Soto JC, París-Oller E, Soriano-Úbeda C, Landeras J, Coy P. Physicochemical and Functional Characterization of Female Reproductive Fluids: A Report of the First Two Infants Born Following Addition of Their Mother's Fluids to the Embryo Culture Media. Front Physiol 2021; 12:710887. [PMID: 34552502 PMCID: PMC8451538 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.710887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Culture media supplemented with reproductive fluids (RF) have been used in livestock species, improving the efficiency and quality of in vitro produced embryos. However, usefulness in humans is still unknown. In this study, we collected human reproductive fluids (HRFs) ex vivo (from 25 patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy plus bilateral salpingectomy) and in vivo (from 31 oocyte donors). Afterward, protocols to evaluate their osmolality, pH, total protein concentration, endotoxin level, and sterility were optimized, establishing security ranges for their use as natural additives. In addition, a functional assay was developed with bovine embryos grown in vitro in a medium supplemented with 1% of collected HRFs. Finally, a proof of concept was performed with six patients on post ovulation day 2 to evaluate the full-term viability of embryos grown in media supplemented with autologous uterine fluid, collected under in vivo conditions. Two of the embryos resulted in successful pregnancy and delivery of healthy babies. In conclusion, this study establishes a complete quality control sheet of HRFs as additives for embryo culture media and shows first preliminary data on obtaining healthy offspring derived from embryos grown in media supplemented with HRFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Analuce Canha-Gouveia
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Maria Teresa Prieto-Sánchez
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Virgen de la Arrixaca" University Clinical Hospital, Murcia, Spain
| | - Maria Luisa Sánchez-Ferrer
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Virgen de la Arrixaca" University Clinical Hospital, Murcia, Spain
| | - Marta Mollá
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain.,IVI Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Evelyne París-Oller
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina Soriano-Úbeda
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Landeras
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain.,IVI Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pilar Coy
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
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