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Abdul Rahman NS, Mohamed Noor Khan NA, Eshak Z, Sarbandi MS, Mohammad Kamal AA, Abd Malek M, Abdullah F, Abdullah MA, Othman F. Exogenous L-Glutathione Improves Vitrification Outcomes in Murine Preimplantation Embryos. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11112100. [PMID: 36358471 PMCID: PMC9686984 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11112100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitrification is an important tool to store surplus embryos in assisted reproductive technology (ART). However, vitrification increases oxidative damage and results in decreased viability. Studies have reported that L-glutathione (GSH) supplementation improves the preimplantation development of murine embryos. Glutathione constitutes the major non-protein sulphydryl compound in mammalian cells, which confers protection against oxidative damage. However, the effect of GSH supplementation on embryonic vitrification outcomes has yet to be reported. This study aims to determine whether GSH supplementation in culture media improves in vitro culture and vitrification outcomes, as observed through embryo morphology and preimplantation development. Female BALB/c mice aged 6−8 weeks were superovulated through an intraperitoneal injection of 10 IU of pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG), followed by 10 IU of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) 48 h later. The mated mice were euthanized by cervical dislocation 48 h after hCG to harvest embryos. Two-cell embryos were randomly assigned to be cultured in either Group 1 (GSH-free medium), Group 2 (GSH-free medium with vitrification), Group 3 (0.01 mM GSH-supplemented medium), or Group 4 (0.01 mM GSH-supplemented medium with vitrification). Non-vitrified (Groups 1 and 3) and vitrified (Groups 2 and 4) embryos were observed for morphological quality and preimplantation development at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. In the non-vitrified groups, there were significant increases in the number of Grade-1 blastocysts in GSH cultures (p < 0.05). Similarly, in the vitrified groups, GSH supplementation was also seen to significantly increase blastocyst formation. Exogenous GSH supplementation resulted in a significant increase in intracellular GSH, a release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, and a parallel decrease in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in vitrified eight-cell embryos (p < 0.05). GSH supplementation was shown to upregulate Bcl2 expression and downregulate Bax expression in the vitrified preimplantation embryo group. The action of exogenous GSH was concomitant with an increase in the relative abundance of Gpx1 and Sod1. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the novel use and practical applicability of GSH supplementation for improving embryonic cryotolerance via a decrease in ROS levels and the inhibition of apoptotic events by improvement in oxidative status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nor-Shahida Abdul Rahman
- Maternofetal and Embryo Research Group (MatE), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nor-Ashikin Mohamed Noor Khan
- Maternofetal and Embryo Research Group (MatE), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
- Correspondence:
| | - Zolkapli Eshak
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam Campus, Bandar Puncak Alam 42300, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mimi-Sophia Sarbandi
- Maternofetal and Embryo Research Group (MatE), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, Tapah Campus, Tapah Road 35400, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Aqila-Akmal Mohammad Kamal
- Maternofetal and Embryo Research Group (MatE), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mastura Abd Malek
- Maternofetal and Embryo Research Group (MatE), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Fathiah Abdullah
- Maternofetal and Embryo Research Group (MatE), Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perak Branch, Tapah Campus, Tapah Road 35400, Perak, Malaysia
| | | | - Fezah Othman
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
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Alonso-Alonso S, Santaló J, Ibáñez E. Efficient generation of embryonic stem cells from single blastomeres of cryopreserved mouse embryos in the presence of signalling modulators. Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 34:576-587. [PMID: 35157826 DOI: 10.1071/rd21297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Derivation of embryonic stem cells (ESC) from single blastomeres is an interesting alternative to the use of whole blastocysts, but derivation rates are lower and the requirements for successful ESC obtention are still poorly defined. AIMS To investigate the effects of embryo cryopreservation and of signalling modulators present during embryo culture and/or ESC establishment on ESC derivation efficiency from single 8-cell mouse blastomeres. METHOD Fresh and cryopreserved 2-cell embryos were cultured and biopsied at the 8-cell stage. Single blastomeres were cultured in the presence of 2i or R2i cocktails, with or without adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). We analysed ESC derivation efficiencies and characterised pluripotency genes expression and karyotype integrity of the resulting lines. We also evaluated the impact of embryo preculture with R2i on epiblast cell numbers and derivation rates. KEY RESULTS The ESC generation was not compromised by embryo cryopreservation and ACTH was dispensable under most of the conditions tested. While 2i and R2i were similarly effective for ESC derivation, R2i provided higher karyotype integrity. Embryo preculture with R2i yielded increased numbers of epiblast cells but did not lead to increased ESC generation. CONCLUSIONS Our findings help to define a simplified and efficient procedure for the establishment of mouse ESC from single 8-cell blastomeres. IMPLICATIONS This study will contribute to improving the potential of this experimental procedure, providing a tool to investigate the developmental potential of blastomeres isolated from different embryonic stages and to reduce the number of embryos needed for ESC derivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Alonso-Alonso
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Josep Santaló
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Elena Ibáñez
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
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3
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Marsico TV, de Camargo J, Valente RS, Sudano MJ. Embryo competence and cryosurvival: Molecular and cellular features. Anim Reprod 2019; 16:423-439. [PMID: 32435286 PMCID: PMC7234140 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2019-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Global cattle genetic market is experiencing a change of strategy, large genetic companies, traditionally recognized in the artificial insemination field, have also begun to operate in the embryo market. Consequently, the demand for in vitro produced (IVP) embryos has grown. However, the overall efficiency of the biotechnology process remains low. Additionally, the lack of homogeneity of post-cryopreservation survival results of IVP embryos still impairing a massive dissemination of this biotechnology in the field. A great challenge for in vitro production labs is to increase the amount of embryos produced with exceptional quality after each round of in vitro fertilization. Herein, we discuss the molecular and cellular features associated with the competence and cryosurvival of IVP embryos. First, morphofunctional, cellular and molecular competence of the embryos were addressed and a relationship between embryo developmental ability and quality were established with cryosurvival and pregnancy success. Additionally, determinant factors of embryo competence and cryosurvival were discussed including the following effects: genotype, oocyte quality and follicular microenvironment, in vitro production conditions, and lipids and other determining molecules. Finally, embryo cryopreservation aspects were addressed and an embryo-focused approach to improve cryosurvival was presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thamiris V. Marsico
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, SP, Brasil.
| | - Janine de Camargo
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brasil.
| | - Roniele S. Valente
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, SP, Brasil.
| | - Mateus J. Sudano
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, SP, Brasil.
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pampa, Uruguaiana, RS, Brasil.
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Chen L, Barnett RE, Horstmann M, Bamberger V, Heberle L, Krebs N, Colbourne JK, Gómez R, Weiss LC. Mitotic activity patterns and cytoskeletal changes throughout the progression of diapause developmental program in Daphnia. BMC Cell Biol 2018; 19:30. [PMID: 30594127 PMCID: PMC6310958 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-018-0181-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Diapause is a form of dormancy that is genetically predetermined to allow animals to overcome harsh environmental conditions. It is induced by predictive environmental cues bringing cellular activity levels into a state of suspended animation. Entering diapause requires organismal, molecular and cellular adaptation to severely reduced energy flows. Cells must therefore have evolved strategies that prepare them for periods with limited metabolic resources. However, changes that occur on the (sub-)cellular level have not been thoroughly described. Results We investigated mitotic activity and we monitored cytoskeletal network changes in successive stages of diapausing and non-diapausing Daphnia magna embryos using (immuno-)fluorescent labeling. We find that embryos destined to diapause show a delayed and 2.5x slower mitotic activity in comparison to continuously developing embryos. Development is halted when D. magna embryos reach ~ 3500 cells, whereupon mitotic activity is absent and cytoskeletal components are severely reduced, rendering diapause cells compact and condensed. Conclusion In the initiation phase of diapause, the slower cell division rate points to prolonged interphase duration, preparing the cells for diapause maintenance. During diapause, cytoskeletal depletion and cellular condensation may be a means to save energy resources. Our data provide insights into the sub-cellular change of diapause in Daphnia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luxi Chen
- Department of Animal Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity, Ruhr-University Bochum, NDEF 05/751, Universitaetsstrasse 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Rosemary E Barnett
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Martin Horstmann
- Department of Animal Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity, Ruhr-University Bochum, NDEF 05/751, Universitaetsstrasse 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Verena Bamberger
- Department of Animal Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity, Ruhr-University Bochum, NDEF 05/751, Universitaetsstrasse 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Lea Heberle
- Department of Animal Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity, Ruhr-University Bochum, NDEF 05/751, Universitaetsstrasse 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Nina Krebs
- Department of Animal Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity, Ruhr-University Bochum, NDEF 05/751, Universitaetsstrasse 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - John K Colbourne
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Rocío Gómez
- Departamento de Biología. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Linda C Weiss
- Department of Animal Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity, Ruhr-University Bochum, NDEF 05/751, Universitaetsstrasse 150, 44780, Bochum, Germany.
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Yue H, Zhu X, Li S, Wang F, Wang X, Guan Z, Zhu Z, Niu B, Zhang T, Guo J, Wang J. Relationship Between INPP5E Gene Expression and Embryonic Neural Development in a Mouse Model of Neural Tube Defect. Med Sci Monit 2018; 24:2053-2059. [PMID: 29626185 PMCID: PMC5903545 DOI: 10.12659/msm.906095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The INPP5E gene encodes for the inositol polyphosphate-5-phosphatase (INPP5E) 72 kDa protein that regulates the phosphoinositide signaling pathway and other cellular activities, but the functional role of this gene in embryonic neurodevelopment and neural tube defect (NTD) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to use a mouse model of NTD to investigate the expression levels of the INPP5E gene during neural development and the occurrence of NTD. Material/Methods In an established NTD mouse model, stereoscopy was used to look for morphological defects. Transcription and expression levels of the INPP5E gene in neural tissues were detected using real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blotting in the NTD mouse embryos and compared with control mouse embryos. Results The expression levels of the INPP5E gene decreased as embryonic development progressed in the neural tissue of control mice embryos, but showed no obvious trend in the neural tissues of the NTD mouse embryos. The expression levels of the INPP5E gene in NTD mouse embryos were significantly lower compared with control embryos, at the time of neural tube closure (gestational day 11.5). Conclusions The INPP5E gene regulates the process of embryonic neural development. Abnormal levels of expression of the INPP5E gene may contribute to NTDs. Increased knowledge of the expression pattern of the INPP5E gene may lead to an advanced understanding of the molecular mechanism of embryonic neurodevelopment and identify more specific directions to explore potential treatments for NTDs associated with abnormalities in INPP5E gene expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huixuan Yue
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Xiting Zhu
- Emory Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Shen Li
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Fang Wang
- Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Xiuwei Wang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Zhen Guan
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Zhiqiang Zhu
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Bo Niu
- Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Ting Zhang
- Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Jin Guo
- Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China (mainland)
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6
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Gurgul A, Romanek J, Pawlina-Tyszko K, Szmatoła T, Opiela J. Evaluation of changes arising in the pig mesenchymal stromal cells transcriptome following cryopreservation and Trichostatin A treatment. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0192147. [PMID: 29390033 PMCID: PMC5794156 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryopreservation is an important procedure in maintenance and clinical applications of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). Although the methods of cell freezing using various cryoprotectants are well developed and allow preserving structurally intact living cells, the freezing process can be considered as a severe cellular stress associated with ice formation, osmotic damage, cryoprotectants migration/cytotoxicity or rapid cell shrinkage. The cellular response to freezing stress is aimed at the restoring of homeostasis and repair of cell damage and is crucial for cell viability. In this study we evaluated the changes arising in the pig mesenchymal stromal cell transcriptome following cryopreservation and showed the vast alterations in cell transcriptional activity (5,575 genes with altered expression) suggesting the engagement in post-thawing cell recovery of processes connected with cell membrane tension regulation, membrane damage repair, cell shape maintenance, mitochondria-connected energy homeostasis and apoptosis mediation. We also evaluated the effect of known gene expression stimulator—Trichostain A (TSA) on the frozen/thawed cells transcriptome and showed that TSA is able to counteract to a certain extent transcriptome alterations, however, its specificity and advantages for cell recovery after cryopreservation require further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Gurgul
- National Research Institute of Animal Production, Department of Genomics and Molecular Biology, Balice, Poland
| | - Joanna Romanek
- National Research Institute of Animal Production, Department of Animal Reproduction Biotechnology, Balice, Poland
| | - Klaudia Pawlina-Tyszko
- National Research Institute of Animal Production, Department of Genomics and Molecular Biology, Balice, Poland
| | - Tomasz Szmatoła
- National Research Institute of Animal Production, Department of Genomics and Molecular Biology, Balice, Poland
| | - Jolanta Opiela
- National Research Institute of Animal Production, Department of Animal Reproduction Biotechnology, Balice, Poland
- * E-mail:
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7
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Hamirah NK, Kamsani YS, Mohamed Nor Khan NA, Ab Rahim S, Rajikin MH. Effects of Nicotine and Tocotrienol-Rich Fraction Supplementation on Cytoskeletal Structures of Murine Pre-Implantation Embryos. Med Sci Monit Basic Res 2017; 23:373-379. [PMID: 29217815 PMCID: PMC5731215 DOI: 10.12659/msmbr.905447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cytoskeletal structures, in particular actin and tubulin, provide a fundamental framework in all cells, including embryos. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of nicotine, which is a source of oxidative stress, and subsequent supplementation with Tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) on actin and tubulin of 2- and 8-cell murine embryos. Material/Methods Thirty female Balb/C mice were divided into 4 groups: Group 1 received: subcutaneous (sc) injection of 0.9% NaCl; Group 2 received sc injection of 3.0 nicotine mg/kg bw/day; Group 3 received 3.0 sc injection of nicotine mg/kg bw/day +60 mg/kg bw/day TRF; and Group 4 received 60 sc injection of TRF mg/kg bw/day for 7 consecutive days. The animals were superovulated with 5 IU PMSG followed by 5 IU hCG 48 h later. Animals were cohabited with fertile males overnight and euthanized through cervical dislocation at 24 h post coitum. Embryos at the 2- and 8-cell stages were harvested, fixed, and stained to visualize actin and tubulin distributions by using CLSM. Results Results showed that at 2-cell stage, actin intensities were significantly reduced in the nicotine group compared to that of the control group (p<0.001). In Group 3, the intensity of actin significantly increased compared to that of the nicotine group (p<0.001). At 8-cell stage, actin intensity of the nicotine group was significantly lower than that of the control group (p<0.001). The intensities of actin in Group 3 were increased compared to that of nicotine treatment alone (p<0.001). The same trend was seen in tubulin at 2- and 8-cell stages. Interestingly, both actin and tubulin structures in the TRF-treated groups were enhanced compared to the control. Conclusions This study suggests that TRF prevents the deleterious effects of nicotine on the cytoskeletal structures of 2- and 8-cell stages of pre-implantation mice embryos in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Kamsani Hamirah
- Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Jalan Hospital, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia.,Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yuhaniza Shafinie Kamsani
- Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Jalan Hospital, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia.,Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia.,Maternofetal and Embryo Research Group (MatE), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Jalan Hospital, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
| | - Nor-Ashikin Mohamed Nor Khan
- Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Jalan Hospital, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia.,Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia.,Maternofetal and Embryo Research Group (MatE), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Jalan Hospital, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
| | - Sharaniza Ab Rahim
- Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Jalan Hospital, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia.,Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hamim Rajikin
- Institute of Medical Molecular Biotechnology, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Jalan Hospital, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia.,Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia.,Maternofetal and Embryo Research Group (MatE), Universiti Teknologi MARA, Jalan Hospital, Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
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Abstract
Vitrification is widely used to cryopreserve supernumerary embryos following in vitro fertilization (IVF). The mouse model was used to investigate the effects of vitrification on blastomere viability, using viability markers, and on the cytoskeleton, by analysing spindle/chromosome configurations, using confocal scanning microscopy. Ninety cleavage and morula stage dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO)/EG vitrified mouse embryos were either processed immediately following warming for viability assessment by labelling with the fluorescent markers carboxyfluorescein-diacetate succinimidylester (CFSE) and propidium iodide (PI) or were cultured to the blastocyst stage and immunostained with α-tubulin antibody to visualize microtubules and DAPI or PI to visualize DNA. Sixty-five fresh embryos were also used as the control. Vitrified embryos showed high survival rates following warming, but they had a higher incidence of damaged blastomeres compared with fresh embryos. Most mitotic spindles examined in all groups were normal, but multivariable analysis revealed that the proportion of abnormal spindles was significantly higher in vitrified/warmed embryos (P < 0.05). This study is the first to examine the immediate effects of vitrification on blastomere viability, using fluorescent markers and shows that although vitrification results in a higher incidence of damaged blastomeres, vitrified embryos may compensate for this limited number of damaged/abnormal cells, as development to the blastocyst stage was not compromised.
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9
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Guo H, Wang Y, Chen Q, Chai W, Lv Q, Kuang Y. Effect of Natural Cycle Endometrial Preparation for Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer in Patients with Advanced Endometriosis. Med Sci Monit 2016; 22:4596-4603. [PMID: 27889789 PMCID: PMC5126939 DOI: 10.12659/msm.898044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of natural cycle (NC) endometrial preparation for frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) in women with advanced endometriosis. Material/Methods This retrospective study included 179 patients with stage III–IV endometriosis who underwent 233 FET cycles at a tertiary care academic reproductive medical center between March 2011 and August 2013 (group A). The control group included 258 patients with tubal factor infertility who underwent 300 FET cycles (group B). Both groups were prepared for FET using a NC protocol. Rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy, live birth, ongoing pregnancy, miscarriage, and pregnancy complication were recorded. Results The implantation rate (A: 36.0%, B: 30.4%, P=0.06), the pregnancy rate (A: 50.2%, B: 45.3%, P=0.263), and the live birth rate (A: 39.91%, B: 39.0%, P=0.428) were similar between the stage III–IV endometriosis and tubal factor infertility groups. No differences were observed in ongoing rates of pregnancy, miscarriage, and pregnancy complications, independent of endometriosis severity. No congenital birth defects were found. When high-quality embryos are transferred, pregnancy results were not affected by active endometriosis. Although severe endometriosis did not affect birth rate, higher frequencies of premature delivery (mean gestational age A: 37 weeks, B: 38.3 weeks, P=0.044) and low birth weight were observed (<2500 g A: 26.4%, B: 16.6%, P=0.047). Conclusions There was no difference in pregnancy outcomes between patients with endometriosis and those with tubal infertility. Pregnancy outcomes in patients with endometriosis were not affected by endometriosis severity. Pregnancy outcomes were not affected by active endometrial cyst.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Guo
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Qiuju Chen
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Weiran Chai
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Qifeng Lv
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Yanping Kuang
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China (mainland)
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State of actin cytoskeleton and development of slow-frozen and vitrified rabbit pronuclear zygotes. Cryobiology 2015; 72:14-20. [PMID: 26687386 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2015.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Revised: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
This study was focused on the effect of cryopreservation on the state of actin cytoskeleton and development of rabbit pronuclear zygotes. Zygotes were collected from superovulated females and immediately used for 1) slow-freezing in a solution containing 1.5 M 1,2-propanediol and 0.2 M sucrose, or 2) vitrification in a solution containing 42.0% (v/v) of ethylene glycol, 18.0% (w/v) of dextran and 0.3 M sucrose as cryoprotectants. After thawing or warming, respectively, zygotes were evaluated for 1) actin distribution, 2) in vitro or 3) in vivo development to blastocyst. Comparing actin filaments distribution, a significantly higher number of vitrified zygotes with actin distributed in cell border was observed (55 ± 7.7 vs. 74 ± 6.1% for slow-frozen vs. vitrified, respectively). After 24 and 72 h of in vitro development, significant differences in the cleavage and morula rate among the groups were observed (9 ± 2.4 and 3 ± 1.3 vs. 44 ± 3.0 and 28 ± 2.7% for slow-frozen vs. vitrified, respectively). None of the slow-frozen zygotes reached the blastocyst stage, in contrast to the vitrified counterparts (11 ± 1.9%). Under in vivo culture conditions, a significant difference in blastocyst rate was observed between vitrified and fresh embryos (6 ± 1.5 vs. 35 ± 4.4% respectively). Our results showed that alterations in actin cytoskeleton and deteriorated development are more evident in slow-frozen than vitrified pronuclear zygotes. Vitrification method seems to be a more effective option for rabbit zygotes cryopreservation, although pronuclear zygotes manipulation per se resulted in a notable decrease in embryo development.
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Successful cryopreservation of whole sheep ovary by using DMSO-free cryoprotectant. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 32:1267-75. [PMID: 26089084 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-015-0513-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The study aims to assess the protective effects of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-free solution based on trehalose on the cryopreservation of a whole sheep ovary and evaluate its use as an efficient cryoprotectant. METHOD Twenty-one ovaries collected from 6- to 8-month-old non-pregnant female sheep were randomly distributed into three groups, namely, a fresh group, a DMSO-free group, and a DMSO group. The morphology, cell apoptosis (by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay), and mRNA transcript of Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX) and cold inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRP) (by real-time PCR) of the thawed sheep ovaries and fresh controls were tested to establish a criterion for appraising the results of the cryopreservation. RESULTS (i) The histological assessment indicated that the structure of the DMSO-free ovaries remained largely intact and comparable to those of the fresh control groups; whereas, significant damage was observed in the ovaries of the DMSO group (P < 0.05). (ii) The TUNEL assay and mRNA transcript of the BAX assessment showed that the apoptosis parameter in the fresh group was the lowest among all the groups (P < 0.05), and the parameter in the DMSO-free group was significantly lower than that in the DMSO group (P < 0.05). (iii) The level of the CIRP transcripts increased the most in the DMSO-free group followed by the DMSO group and the fresh control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that a DMSO-free cryoprotectant solution, especially a trehalose cryoprotectant, is an efficient cryoprotectant and has a beneficial effect on the cryopreservation of whole sheep ovaries.
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