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Yurchuk T, Likszo P, Witek K, Petrushko M, Skarzynski DJ. New Approach to the Cryopreservation of GV Oocytes and Cumulus Cells through the Lens of Preserving the Intercellular Gap Junctions Based on the Bovine Model. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6074. [PMID: 38892259 PMCID: PMC11172894 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116074] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Differences in structural and functional properties between oocytes and cumulus cells (CCs) may cause low vitrification efficiency for cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs). We have suggested that the disconnection of CCs and oocytes in order to further cryopreservation in various ways will positively affect the viability after thawing, while further co-culture in vitro will contribute to the restoration of lost intercellular gap junctions. This study aimed to determine the optimal method of cryopreservation of the suspension of CCs to mature GV oocytes in vitro and to determine the level of mRNA expression of the genes (GJA1, GJA4; BCL2, BAX) and gene-specific epigenetic marks (DNMT3A) after cryopreservation and in vitro maturation (IVM) in various culture systems. We have shown that the slow freezing of CCs in microstraws preserved the largest number of viable cells with intact DNA compared with the methods of vitrification and slow freezing in microdroplets. Cryopreservation caused the upregulation of the genes Cx37 and Cx43 in the oocytes to restore gap junctions between cells. In conclusion, the presence of CCs in the co-culture system during IVM of oocytes played an important role in the regulation of the expression of the intercellular proteins Cx37 and Cx43, apoptotic changes, and oocyte methylation. Slow freezing in microstraws was considered to be an optimal method for cryopreservation of CCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taisiia Yurchuk
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (P.L.)
- Department of Cryobiology of Reproductive System, Institute for Problems of Cryobiology and Cryomedicine of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 61-016 Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Pawel Likszo
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (P.L.)
| | - Krzysztof Witek
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (P.L.)
| | - Maryna Petrushko
- Department of Cryobiology of Reproductive System, Institute for Problems of Cryobiology and Cryomedicine of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 61-016 Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Dariusz J. Skarzynski
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (P.L.)
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Qiu P, Zhang Y, Lv M, Wang L, Shi D, Luo C. Establishing a 3D-cultured system based on alginate-hydrogel embedding benefits the in vitro maturation of porcine Oocytes. Theriogenology 2024; 225:33-42. [PMID: 38788627 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The in vitro maturation (IVM) quality of oocytes is directly related to the subsequent developmental potential of embryos and a fundamental of in vitro embryo production. However, conventional IVM methods fail to maintain the gap-junction intercellular communication (GJIC) between cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), which leads to insufficient oocyte maturation. Herein, we investigated the effects of three different three-dimensional (3D) culture methods on oocyte development in vitro, optimized of the alginate-hydrogel embedding method, and assessed the effects of the alginate-hydrogel embedding method on subsequent embryonic developmental potential of oocytes after IVM and parthenogenetic activation (PA). The results showed that Matrigel embedding and alginate-hydrogel embedding benefited the embryonic developmental potential of oocytes after IVM and PA. With the further optimization of alginate-hydrogel embedding, including crosslinking and decrosslinking of parameters, we established a 3D culture system that can significantly increase oocyte maturation and the blastocyst rate of embryos after PA (27.2 ± 1.5 vs 36.7 ± 2.8, P < 0.05). This 3D culture system produced oocytes with markedly increased mitochondrial intensity and membrane potential, which reduced the abnormalities of spindle formation and cortical granule distribution. The alginate-hydrogel embedding system can also remarkably enhance the GJIC between COCs. In summary, based on alginate-hydrogel embedding, we established a 3D culture system that can improve the IVM quality of porcine oocytes, possibly by enhancing GJIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Qiu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding & Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, 75 Xiuling Road, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Yunchuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding & Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, 75 Xiuling Road, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Meiyun Lv
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding & Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, 75 Xiuling Road, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding & Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, 75 Xiuling Road, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Deshun Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding & Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, 75 Xiuling Road, Nanning, 530005, China.
| | - Chan Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding & Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, 75 Xiuling Road, Nanning, 530005, China.
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Casillas F, Flores-González A, Juárez-Rojas L, López A, Betancourt M, Casas E, Bahena I, Bonilla E, Retana-Márquez S. Chronic stress decreases fertility parameters in female rats. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2023; 69:234-244. [PMID: 36848400 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2023.2171822] [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] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Multiple effects of stress on health have been reported; however, reproductive alterations in oocytes and cumulus cells have not been fully described. In females, chronic stress has been shown to produce alterations in the estrous cycle, to decrease oocyte in vivo maturation, and to increase the percentage of abnormal oocytes. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the oocytes from chronically stressed female rats could recover and mature in vitro by providing them with all the necessary culture conditions, as well as to evaluate the functionality of the GAP junctions, and the viability and DNA integrity of the cumulus cells, which are crucial for the complete maturation and development of the oocyte. For this, rats were stressed daily by cold water immersion (15 °C) during 15 min for 30 consecutive days. Corticosterone serum levels in rats increased as an indicator of stress. Chronic stress decreased the percentage of in vitro matured oocytes because the cumulus cells presented irreparable damage to their DNA that led to their death, being unable to establish bidirectional communication with the oocyte for its meiotic resumption through the GAP junctions, which were also damaged. These findings could partially explain an association between stress and infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahiel Casillas
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Metropolitan Autonomous University- Iztapalapa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Flores-González
- Master's Degree in Animal Reproduction Biology, Metropolitan Autonomous University- Iztapalapa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Lizbeth Juárez-Rojas
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Metropolitan Autonomous University- Iztapalapa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alma López
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University- Iztapalapa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Miguel Betancourt
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University- Iztapalapa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Casas
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University- Iztapalapa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Iván Bahena
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University- Iztapalapa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Edmundo Bonilla
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University- Iztapalapa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Socorro Retana-Márquez
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Metropolitan Autonomous University- Iztapalapa Unit, Mexico City, Mexico
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Zhuan Q, Li J, Du X, Zhang L, Meng L, Luo Y, Zhou D, Liu H, Wan P, Hou Y, Fu X. Antioxidant procyanidin B2 protects oocytes against cryoinjuries via mitochondria regulated cortical tension. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2022; 13:95. [PMID: 35971139 PMCID: PMC9380387 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-022-00742-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Irreversible cryodamage caused by oocyte vitrification limited its wild application in female fertility preservation. Antioxidants were always used to antagonist the oxidative stress caused by vitrification. However, the comprehensive mechanism underlying the protective role of antioxidants has not been studied. Procyanidin B2 (PCB2) is a potent natural antioxidant and its functions in response to vitrification are still unknown. In this study, the effects of PCB2 on vitrified-thawed oocytes and subsequent embryo development were explored, and the mechanisms underlying the protective role of PCB2 were systematically elucidated. RESULTS Vitrification induced a marked decline in oocyte quality, while PCB2 could improve oocyte viability and further development after parthenogenetic activation. A subsequent study indicated that PCB2 effectively attenuated vitrification-induced oxidative stress, rescued mitochondrial dysfunction, and improved cell viability. Moreover, PCB2 also acts as a cortical tension regulator apart from strong antioxidant properties. Increased cortical tension caused by PCB2 would maintain normal spindle morphology and promote migration, ensure correct meiosis progression and finally reduce the aneuploidy rate in vitrified oocytes. Further study reveals that ATP biosynthesis plays a crucial role in cortical tension regulation, and PCB2 effectively increased the cortical tension through the electron transfer chain pathway. Additionally, PCB2 would elevate the cortical tension in embryo cells at morula and blastocyst stages and further improve blastocyst quality. What's more, targeted metabolomics shows that PCB2 has a beneficial effect on blastocyst formation by mediating saccharides and amino acids metabolism. CONCLUSIONS Antioxidant PCB2 exhibits multi-protective roles in response to vitrification stimuli through mitochondria-mediated cortical tension regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingrui Zhuan
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Li
- grid.452458.aDepartment of Reproductive Medicine, Reproductive Medical Center, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei China
| | - Xingzhu Du
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Luyao Zhang
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290State Key Laboratories of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Meng
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290State Key Laboratories of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuwen Luo
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Zhou
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyu Liu
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Pengcheng Wan
- grid.469620.f0000 0004 4678 3979State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihhotze, China
| | - Yunpeng Hou
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290State Key Laboratories of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangwei Fu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihhotze, China.
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López A, Betancourt M, Ducolomb Y, Rodríguez JJ, Casas E, Bonilla E, Bahena I, Retana-Márquez S, Juárez-Rojas L, Casillas F. DNA damage in cumulus cells generated after the vitrification of in vitro matured porcine oocytes and its impact on fertilization and embryo development. Porcine Health Manag 2021; 7:56. [PMID: 34663451 PMCID: PMC8522150 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-021-00235-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The evaluation of the DNA damage generated in cumulus cells after mature cumulus-oocyte complexes vitrification can be considered as an indicator of oocyte quality since these cells play important roles in oocyte developmental competence. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if matured cumulus-oocyte complexes exposure to cryoprotectants (CPAs) or vitrification affects oocytes and cumulus cells viability, but also if DNA damage is generated in cumulus cells, affecting fertilization and embryo development. Results The DNA damage in cumulus cells was measured using the alkaline comet assay and expressed as Comet Tail Length (CTL) and Olive Tail Moment (OTM). Results demonstrate that oocyte exposure to CPAs or vitrification reduced oocyte (75.5 ± 3.69%, Toxicity; 66.7 ± 4.57%, Vitrification) and cumulus cells viability (32.7 ± 5.85%, Toxicity; 7.7 ± 2.21%, Vitrification) compared to control (95.5 ± 4.04%, oocytes; 89 ± 4.24%, cumulus cells). Also, significantly higher DNA damage expressed as OTM was generated in the cumulus cells after exposure to CPAs and vitrification (39 ± 17.41, 33.6 ± 16.69, respectively) compared to control (7.4 ± 4.22). In addition, fertilization and embryo development rates also decreased after exposure to CPAs (35.3 ± 16.65%, 22.6 ± 3.05%, respectively) and vitrification (32.3 ± 9.29%, 20 ± 1%, respectively). It was also found that fertilization and embryo development rates in granulose-intact oocytes were significantly higher compared to denuded oocytes in the control groups. However, a decline in embryo development to the blastocyst stage was observed after CPAs exposure (1.66 ± 0.57%) or vitrification (2 ± 1%) compared to control (22.3 ± 2.51%). This could be attributed to the reduction in both cell types viability, and the generation of DNA damage in the cumulus cells. Conclusion This study demonstrates that oocyte exposure to CPAs or vitrification reduced viability in oocytes and cumulus cells, and generated DNA damage in the cumulus cells, affecting fertilization and embryo development rates. These findings will allow to understand some of the mechanisms of oocyte damage after vitrification that compromise their developmental capacity, as well as the search for new vitrification strategies to increase fertilization and embryo development rates by preserving the integrity of the cumulus cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma López
- Biological and Health Sciences Program, Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City, Mexico.,Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Miguel Betancourt
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Yvonne Ducolomb
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juan José Rodríguez
- Genetic and Environmental Toxicology Research Unit, FES-Zaragoza-UMIEZ Campus II, National Autonomous University of Mexico, 09230, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Casas
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Edmundo Bonilla
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Iván Bahena
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Socorro Retana-Márquez
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, Av. San Rafael Atlixco 186, Leyes de Reforma, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Lizbeth Juárez-Rojas
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, Av. San Rafael Atlixco 186, Leyes de Reforma, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Fahiel Casillas
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, Av. San Rafael Atlixco 186, Leyes de Reforma, 09340, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Xu J, Sun L, Wu C, Zhang S, Ju S, Rui R, Zhang D, Dai J. Involvement of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy in mitochondrial functional disruption under oxidative stress in vitrified porcine oocytes. Theriogenology 2021; 174:160-168. [PMID: 34455243 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.08.028] [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: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Vitrification is an effective technique for fertility preservation, but is known to lead to mitochondrial dysfunction in porcine oocytes. Mitophagy is induced to rebalance mitochondrial function, a process in which reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a role. In this study, vitrified-warmed porcine oocytes were incubated for 4 h with the oxidant AAPH or antioxidant α-tocopherol to alter ROS levels. A series of tests suggested that vitrification damaged mitochondrial structure and caused dysfunction, including blurred mitochondrial cristae, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, decreased mtDNA copy number and increased ROS generation. This dysfunction resulted in mitophagy and the loss of embryonic developmental potential. Incubation with AAPH or α-tocopherol altered mitochondrial function and mitophagy flux status in vitrified oocytes. The PINK1/Parkin pathway was involved in oxidative stress regulation in vitrified oocytes. Under AAPH-induced oxidative stress, increased fluorescence intensity of Parkin, increased expression of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3B-II, and decreased expression of MFN2 and p62 were observed, whereas the opposite effects were induced under α-tocopherol treatment. The inhibition of ROS by α-tocopherol benefitted mitochondrial homeostasis and alleviated PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy, resulting in the recovery of embryonic developmental potential in vitrified porcine oocytes. Therefore, this study provides a new mechanism for the application of antioxidants to aid the cryopreservation of porcine oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiehuan Xu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201106, China; Division of Animal Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Municipal Key Laboratory of Agri-genetics and Breeding, Shanghai 201106, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai 201106, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, 210095, China
| | - Lingwei Sun
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201106, China; Division of Animal Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Municipal Key Laboratory of Agri-genetics and Breeding, Shanghai 201106, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai 201106, China
| | - Caifeng Wu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201106, China; Division of Animal Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Municipal Key Laboratory of Agri-genetics and Breeding, Shanghai 201106, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai 201106, China
| | - Shushan Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201106, China; Division of Animal Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Municipal Key Laboratory of Agri-genetics and Breeding, Shanghai 201106, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai 201106, China
| | - Shiqiang Ju
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, 210095, China
| | - Rong Rui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Jiangsu, 210095, China
| | - Defu Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201106, China; Division of Animal Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Municipal Key Laboratory of Agri-genetics and Breeding, Shanghai 201106, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai 201106, China.
| | - Jianjun Dai
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201106, China; Division of Animal Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Municipal Key Laboratory of Agri-genetics and Breeding, Shanghai 201106, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai 201106, China.
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Hao T, Xu X, Hao H, Du W, Pang Y, Zhao S, Zou H, Yang S, Zhu H, Yang Y, Zhao X. Melatonin improves the maturation and developmental ability of bovine oocytes by up-regulating GJA4 to enhance gap junction intercellular communication. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 33:760-771. [PMID: 34585659 DOI: 10.1071/rd21145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin (MT) increases oocyte maturation by reducing reactive oxygen species level and enhancing oocyte antioxidant capacity. However, the mechanisms via which MT works are still poorly understood. In the present study, the effects of MT on the maturation rate and development ability of bovine oocytes were investigated. Then, the transcriptome of oocytes treated by MT was sequenced. Finally, the expression of gap junction protein alpha 4 (GJA4) protein and cAMP level were detected in bovine oocytes, and isoprenaline (enhancer of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC)) and heptanol (inhibitor of GJIC) were used to investigate the effect of MT on GJIC activity in bovine oocytes. Our results showed that MT significantly improved the maturation, developmental ability and mRNA expression of GJA4 of bovine oocytes. Meanwhile, MT significantly increased GJA4 protein level and cAMP level in bovine oocytes. In contrast to heptanol, both isoproterenol and MT significantly increased GJIC activity, nuclear maturation and the development ability of bovine oocytes. However, MT significantly restored the nuclear maturation and developmental ability of oocytes treated by heptanol. In conclusion, our results showed that MT improves the maturation and developmental ability of bovine oocytes by enhancing GJIC activity via up-regulating GJA4 protein expression in IVM progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Hao
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Xi Xu
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Haisheng Hao
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Weihua Du
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Yunwei Pang
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Shanjiang Zhao
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Huiying Zou
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Sha Yang
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Huabin Zhu
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Yuze Yang
- Beijing General Station of Animal Husbandry, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Xueming Zhao
- Embryo Biotechnology and Reproduction Laboratory, Institute of Animal Sciences (IAS), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), No. 2 Yuanmingyuan Western Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, PR China
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8
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López A, Ducolomb Y, Casas E, Retana-Márquez S, Betancourt M, Casillas F. Effects of Porcine Immature Oocyte Vitrification on Actin Microfilament Distribution and Chromatin Integrity During Early Embryo Development in vitro. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:636765. [PMID: 33959606 PMCID: PMC8093386 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.636765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitrification is mainly used to cryopreserve female gametes. This technique allows maintaining cell viability, functionality, and developmental potential at low temperatures into liquid nitrogen at −196°C. For this, the addition of cryoprotectant agents, which are substances that provide cell protection during cooling and warming, is required. However, they have been reported to be toxic, reducing oocyte viability, maturation, fertilization, and embryo development, possibly by altering cell cytoskeleton structure and chromatin. Previous studies have evaluated the effects of vitrification in the germinal vesicle, metaphase II oocytes, zygotes, and blastocysts, but the knowledge of its impact on their further embryo development is limited. Other studies have evaluated the role of actin microfilaments and chromatin, based on the fertilization and embryo development rates obtained, but not the direct evaluation of these structures in embryos produced from vitrified immature oocytes. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate how the vitrification of porcine immature oocytes affects early embryo development by the evaluation of actin microfilament distribution and chromatin integrity. Results demonstrate that the damage generated by the vitrification of immature oocytes affects viability, maturation, and the distribution of actin microfilaments and chromatin integrity, observed in early embryos. Therefore, it is suggested that vitrification could affect oocyte repair mechanisms in those structures, being one of the mechanisms that explain the low embryo development rates after vitrification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma López
- Biological and Health Sciences Program, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico.,Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Yvonne Ducolomb
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Casas
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Socorro Retana-Márquez
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Miguel Betancourt
- Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Fahiel Casillas
- Department of Biology of Reproduction, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
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