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Schlapp G, Meikle MN, Pórfido JL, Menchaca A, Crispo M. Zygote cryobanking applied to CRISPR/Cas9 microinjection in mice. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306617. [PMID: 38980864 PMCID: PMC11232997 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Microinjection of CRISPR/Cas9 requires the availability of zygotes that implies animal breeding, superovulation schemes, and embryo collection. Vitrification of zygotes may allow having ready-to-use embryos and to temporally dissociate the workload of embryo production from microinjection. In this study, fresh (F group) or vitrified (V group) zygotes were microinjected with CRISPR/Cas9 system to test the hypothesis that vitrified zygotes could be a suitable source of embryos for microinjection. In Experiment 1 (in vitro evaluation), B6D2F1/J zygotes were microinjected and cultured until blastocyst stage. Embryo survival and cleavage rates after microinjection were similar between groups (~50% and ~80% respectively; P = NS). Development rate was significantly higher for F than V group (55.0% vs. 32.6%, respectively; P<0.05). Mutation rate did not show statistical differences among groups (P = NS). In Experiment 2 (in vivo evaluation), C57BL/6J zygotes were microinjected and transferred to recipient females. Embryo survival was significantly lower in fresh than in vitrified zygotes (49.2% vs. 62.7%, respectively; P<0.05). Cleavage rate did not show statistical differences (~70%; P = NS). Pregnancy rate (70.0% vs. 58.3%) and birth rate (11.9% vs. 11.2%) were not different between groups (F vs. V group; P = NS). Offspring mutation rate was higher for F than V group, in both heterodimer analysis (73.7% vs. 33.3%, respectively; P = 0.015) and Sanger sequencing (89.5% vs. 41.7%, respectively; P = 0.006). In conclusion, vitrified-warmed zygotes present a viable alternative source for CRISPR/Cas9 microinjection when the production of fresh embryos is impeded by limited technical support. The possibility of zygote cryobanking to perform microinjection sessions on demand seems to be a suitable alternative to avoid the breeding and maintenance of animals all over the year, enhancing the implementation of CRISPR technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geraldine Schlapp
- Laboratory Animal Biotechnology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - María Noel Meikle
- Laboratory Animal Biotechnology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Jorge Luis Pórfido
- Laboratory Animal Biotechnology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Alejo Menchaca
- Plataforma de Salud Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA), Montevideo, Uruguay
- Fundacion IRAUy, Instituto de Reproducción Animal de Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Martina Crispo
- Laboratory Animal Biotechnology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Todorov P, Hristova E, Petrova N, Milachich T. Three live births after human embryo vitrification with the use of aluminum oxide as an intermediate cooling agent: a case report. F S Rep 2024; 5:145-151. [PMID: 38983741 PMCID: PMC11228792 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To study the possibility of increasing the cooling rates of the vitrification procedure in a closed system with the use of aluminum oxide as an intermediate coolant. Design Case report. Subjects Six patients undergoing procedures for assisted reproduction. Intervention Comparative studies of cryopreservation of donor embryos with aluminum oxide as an intermediate cooling agent (experimental group) and without it (control group) have been performed. After thawing, the embryo morphology and its potential to develop to the blastocyst stage have been assessed. The methodology was then applied to clinical practice. Main Outcome Measures Twenty embryos of 6 patients have been vitrified on day 4 after fertilization with the use of aluminum oxide as an intermediate coolant. Fourteen of them have been thawed. All have displayed normal morphology and 10 have formed blastocysts after 24 hours of culture. Four of the patients received embryo transfer with 2 embryos and the other 2 with single embryos. Results After preliminary comparative studies of embryos frozen with aluminum oxide and a control group, the results showed no statistically significant difference between their quality and potential to reach to blastocyst stage. That gave us ground to apply the methodology in clinical practice. After the embryo transfer, 3 clinical pregnancies with successful live births have been obtained. Conclusions Our experience shows that preimplantation embryos can be cryopreserved aseptically, in closed systems, with the help of aluminum oxide as an intermediate coolant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Plamen Todorov
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
- Invitro OB Gyn Medical Center "Dimitrov," Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Elena Hristova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Nadya Petrova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
- Invitro OB Gyn Medical Center "Dimitrov," Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Tanya Milachich
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Marco-Jiménez F, Garcia-Dominguez X, García-Valero L, Vicente JS. A 3D-Printed Large Holding Capacity Device for Minimum Volume Cooling Vitrification of Embryos in Prolific Livestock Species. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13050791. [PMID: 36899646 PMCID: PMC10000242 DOI: 10.3390/ani13050791] [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: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Although many devices have been developed to reduce sample volume, with an explosion of methods appearing in the literature over the last decade, commercially available devices with simultaneous vitrification of a larger number of embryos are scarce, with the apparent gap for their use in prolific livestock species. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of a new three-dimensional (3D)-printed device that combines minimum volume cooling vitrification with simultaneous vitrification of a larger number of rabbit embryos. Late morulae/early blastocysts were vitrified with the open Cryoeyelet® device (n = 175; 25 embryos per device), the open Cryotop® device (n = 175; 10 embryos per device), and the traditional closed French mini-straw device (n = 125; 25 embryos per straw) and compared in terms of in vitro development and reproductive performance after transfer to adoptive mothers. Fresh embryos constituted the control group (n = 125). In experiment 1, there was no difference in the development rate to the blastocyst hatching stage between the CryoEyelet® and the other devices. In experiment 2, the CryoEyelet® device showed a higher implantation rate compared with the Cryotop® (6.3% unit of SD, p = 0.87) and French mini-straw® (16.8% unit of SD, p = 1.00) devices. In terms of offspring rate, the CryoEyelet® device was similar to the Cryotop® device but superior to the French straw device. Regarding embryonic and fetal losses, the CryoEyelet® showed lower embryonic losses compared to other vitrification devices. The analysis of bodyweight showed that all devices showed a similar outcomes-a higher birthweight but a lower body weight at puberty than those in the fresh transfer embryos group. In summary, the CryoEyelet® device can be used for the vitrification of many late morulae or early blastocyst stage rabbit embryos per device. Further studies should be performed to evaluate the CryoEyelet® device in other polytocous species for the simultaneous vitrification of a large number of embryos.
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Fan J, Wang Y, Chen YE. Genetically Modified Rabbits for Cardiovascular Research. Front Genet 2021; 12:614379. [PMID: 33603774 PMCID: PMC7885269 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.614379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabbits are one of the most used experimental animals for investigating the mechanisms of human cardiovascular disease and lipid metabolism because they are phylogenetically closer to human than rodents (mice and rats). Cholesterol-fed wild-type rabbits were first used to study human atherosclerosis more than 100 years ago and are still playing an important role in cardiovascular research. Furthermore, transgenic rabbits generated by pronuclear microinjection provided another means to investigate many gene functions associated with human disease. Because of the lack of both rabbit embryonic stem cells and the genome information, for a long time, it has been a dream for scientists to obtain knockout rabbits generated by homologous recombination-based genomic manipulation as in mice. This obstacle has greatly hampered using genetically modified rabbits to disclose the molecular mechanisms of many human diseases. The advent of genome editing technologies has dramatically extended the applications of experimental animals including rabbits. In this review, we will update genetically modified rabbits, including transgenic, knock-out, and knock-in rabbits during the past decades regarding their use in cardiovascular research and point out the perspectives in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianglin Fan
- Department of Pathology, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Molecular Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Research, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan.,School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Yanli Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Y Eugene Chen
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Alshaheen TA, Awaad MHH, Mehaisen GMK. Leptin improves the in vitro development of preimplantation rabbit embryos under oxidative stress of cryopreservation. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246307. [PMID: 33529203 PMCID: PMC7853501 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitrification is an economically effective method for embryo cryopreservation in human and livestock animals; however, it carries the risk of damage by the exposure to severe oxidative stress. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of leptin at different levels on the in vitro development of fresh and vitrified preimplantation embryos in a rabbit model. Normal embryos at morulae stage were randomly cultured for 2 h with 0, 10, 20 or 100 ng/mL of leptin, then were cultured for further 48 h as freshly or after vitrification. Thereafter, developed blastocysts form the best leptin level in fresh and vitrified embryos along with their controls were allocated to analyze the pro-oxidant (malondialdehyde, MDA; nitric oxide, NO), antioxidant (total antioxidant capacity, TAC; superoxide dismutase, SOD; glutathione peroxidase, GPx), apoptotic (Bcl-2 associated X protein, BAX; heat shock 60kD protein member 1, HSP60; tumor necrosis factor alpha, TNFα) and developmental (sex determining region Y box protein 2, SOX2; Nanog homeobox protein, NANOG; Octamer-binding protein 4, OCT4) biomarkers. Results indicate that expanding and hatching rates of embryos were significantly higher at 20 ng/mL leptin than the other levels, while vitrification had an independent suppression effect on the in vitro development rates. The MDA and NO were significantly higher, while TAC, SOD and GPx were significantly lower in the vitrified than fresh embryos. In contrast, leptin treatment significantly decreased the pro-oxidant biomarkers and increased the antioxidant biomarkers in both fresh and vitrified embryos. Vitrification significantly increased the antiapoptotic biomarkers, and decreased the developmental biomarkers in embryos. In contrast, leptin decreased the BAX and TNFα, increased the HSP60, and moreover, ameliorated the reduction of developmental biomarkers in the vitrified embryos. These results conclude that leptin could be used as antiapoptotic and antioxidant promotor to support the in vitro embryonic development, particularly under oxidative stress emerged from cryopreservation programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek A. Alshaheen
- Department of Animal and Fish Production, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed H. H. Awaad
- Department of Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Gamal M. K. Mehaisen
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Transgenic rabbits have contributed to the progress of biomedical science as human disease models because of their unique features, such as the lipid metabolism system similar to humans and medium body size that facilitates handling and experimental manipulation. In fact, many useful transgenic rabbits have been generated and used in research fields such as lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis, cardiac failure, immunology, and oncogenesis. However, there have been long-term problems, namely that the transgenic efficiency when using pronuclear microinjection is low compared with transgenic mice and production of knockout rabbits is impossible owing to the lack of embryonic stem cells for gene targeting in rabbits. Despite these limitations, the emergence of novel genome editing technology has changed the production of genetically modified animals including the rabbit. We are finally able to produce both transgenic and knockout rabbit models to analyze gain- and loss-of-functions of specific genes. It is expected that the use of genetically modified rabbits will extend to various research fields. In this review, we describe the unique features of rabbits as laboratory animals, the current status of their development and use, and future perspectives of transgenic rabbit models for human diseases.
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Metabolomic Analysis Reveals Changes in Preimplantation Embryos Following Fresh or Vitrified Transfer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197116. [PMID: 32993198 PMCID: PMC7582512 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs) are recognised as safe, and most of the offspring seem apparently healthy, there is clear evidence that ARTs are associated with changes in the embryo’s developmental trajectory, which incur physiological consequences during the prenatal and postnatal stages of life. The present study aimed to address the influence of early (day-3 embryos) embryo transfer and cryopreservation on embryo survival, size, and metabolome at the preimplantation stage (day-6 embryos). To this end, fresh-transferred (FT) and vitrified-transferred (VT) embryos were compared using naturally-conceived (NC) embryos as a control reference. The results show that as in vitro manipulation was increased (NC < FT < VT), both embryo survival rate (0.91 ± 0.02, 0.78 ± 0.05 and 0.63 ± 0.05, for NC, FT, and VT groups, respectively) and embryo size (3.21 ± 0.49 mm, 2.15 ± 0.51 mm, 1.76 ± 0.46 mm of diameter for NC, FT, and VT groups, respectively) were significantly decreased. Moreover, an unbiased metabolomics analysis showed overall down-accumulation in 40 metabolites among the three experimental groups, with embryo transfer and embryo cryopreservation procedures both exerting a cumulative effect. In this regard, targeted metabolomics findings revealed a significant reduction in some metabolites involved in metabolic pathways, such as the Krebs cycle, amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and arachidonic acid metabolisms. Altogether, these findings highlight a synergistic effect between the embryo transfer and vitrification procedures in preimplantation embryos. However, the ex vivo manipulation during embryo transfer seemed to be the major trigger of the embryonic changes, as the deviations added by the vitrification process were relatively smaller.
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Tiersch CJ, Liu Y, Tiersch TR, Monroe WT. 3-D Printed Customizable Vitrification Devices for Preservation of Genetic Resources of Aquatic Species. AQUACULTURAL ENGINEERING 2020; 90:102097. [PMID: 32831431 PMCID: PMC7434064 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquaeng.2020.102097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Sperm vitrification as an alternative approach to conventional cryopreservation (equilibrium freezing) allows quick and low-cost sample preservation and is suitable for small-bodied aquatic species with miniscule testis, fieldwork at remote locations, and small-scale freezing for research purposes. The goal of this present study was to develop operational prototypes of 3-dimensional (3-D) printed vitrification devices with innovative components that can provide comprehensive functionalities for practical repository development for aquatic species. The design featured an elongated loop to suspend a thin film of sperm sample in cryoprotectant, a retractable sleeve to protect the vitrified samples and allow permanent labeling, a handle to facilitate processing and storage, and a shaft with annular grooves to guide positioning of the protective retractable sleeve. To span a wide range of sample capacities and configurations, a total of 39 different configurations (3 loop lengths ×13 loop heights) were fabricated by 3-D printing with the thermoplastics polylactic acid (PLA) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). A total of 86 devices were fabricated with ABS filament with a print failure rate of 9%, and 97 devices were fabricated with PLA filament with a failure rate of 20%. Major types of printing failures included disconnected loops, insufficient build surface adhesion, stringing, and inconsistent extrusion. The sample volume capacity ranged from 1-47 μL and had linear relationships to the loop lengths and layer numbers. Vitrified samples were observed in 10-mm and 15-mm loops fabricated with PLA and ABS but not in 20-mm loops. This study demonstrated the feasibility of development of standardized low-cost ($0.05 material cost) devices fabricated by 3-D printing with practical functions including vitrification, volume control, labeling, protection, and storage within conventional systems. These prototypes can be further developed, standardized, and used to assist development of germplasm repositories to protect the genetic resources of aquatic species by user groups such as breeders, hatcheries, aquariums, and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor J Tiersch
- Craft & Hawkins Department of Petroleum Engineering, Louisiana State University, 3207 Patrick F. Taylor Hall, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, USA
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University, 149 E. B. Doran Building, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70803, USA
| | - Terrence R Tiersch
- Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, 2288 Gourrier Avenue, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70820, USA
| | - William T Monroe
- Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University, 149 E. B. Doran Building, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70803, USA
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Nagy ZP, Shapiro D, Chang CC. Vitrification of the human embryo: a more efficient and safer in vitro fertilization treatment. Fertil Steril 2020; 113:241-247. [PMID: 32106970 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cryopreservation has become a central pillar in assisted reproduction, reflected in the exponential increase of "freeze all" cycles in the past few years. Vitrification makes it possible to cool and warm human eggs and embryos with far less cryo-damage than 'slow-freeze' and allows nearly intact survival of embryos with very high survival rates for eggs as well. This has resulted in a complete transformation how we manage treatment for in vitro fertilization patients. Fresh transfers can be avoided without compromising outcomes, and in fact, cumulative pregnancy/delivery rates may be improved by performing sequential elective "frozen" single embryo transfers. Some recent evidence suggests that previously vitrified embryos give better perinatal outcomes than fresh embryo transfers. Frozen embryo transfer, especially when coupled with preimplantation genetic testing allows for highly efficient single embryo transfers that translate to more singleton and therefore safer pregnancies, as well as healthier babies. Additionally, vitrification has also opened new options for patients, most notably fertility preservation (through oocyte cryopreservation), and donor egg banking.
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Experimental Evidence Reveals Both Cross-Infection and Cross-Contamination Risk of Embryo Storage in Liquid Nitrogen Biobanks. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10040598. [PMID: 32244732 PMCID: PMC7222773 DOI: 10.3390/ani10040598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This study was conducted to demonstrate the potential hazards of cross-infection and cross-contamination of embryos during storage in liquid nitrogen biobanks. For the harmless and successful cryopreservation of embryos, the vitrification method must be chosen meticulously to guarantee not only a high post-thaw survival of embryos, but also to reduce the risk of disease transmission when those embryos are in storage for long periods. Abstract In recent decades, gamete and embryo cryopreservation have become routine procedures in livestock and human assisted reproduction. However, the safe storage of germplasm and the prevention of disease transmission continue to be potential hazards of disease transmission through embryo transfer. This study aimed to demonstrate the potential risk of cross-infection of embryos from contaminated liquid nitrogen, and cross-contamination of sterile liquid nitrogen from infected embryos in naked and closed devices. Additionally, we examined the effects of antibiotic-free media on culture development of infected embryos. The study was a laboratory-based analysis using rabbit as a model. Two experiments were performed to evaluate both cross-infection (liquid nitrogen to embryos) and cross-contamination (embryos to liquid nitrogen) of artificially inoculated Salmonella Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Aspergillus brasiliensis. Rapid cooling through vitrification was conducted on rabbit embryos, stored for a year, thawed, and cultured. In vivo produced late morulae–early blastocyst stages (72 h) embryos were used (n = 480). Embryos were cultured for 1 h in solutions with and without pathogens. Then, the embryos were vitrified and stored in naked and closed devices for one year in two liquid nitrogen biobanks (one pathogen-free and the other artificially contaminated). Embryos were warmed and cultured for a further 48 h, assessing the development and the presence of microorganism (chromogenic media, scanning electron microscopy). Embryos stored in naked devices in artificially contaminated liquid nitrogen became infected (12.5%), while none of the embryos stored in closed devices were infected. Meanwhile, storage of artificially infected embryos incurred liquid nitrogen biobank contamination (100%). Observations by scanning electron microscopy revealed that all the microorganisms were caught in the surface of embryos after the vitrification-thawed procedure. Nevertheless, embryos cultured in antibiotics and antimycotic medium developed to the hatched blastocyst stage, while artificially infected embryos cultured in antibiotic-free medium failed to develop. In conclusion, our findings support that both cross-contamination and cross-infection during embryo storage in liquid nitrogen biobanks are plausible. So, to ensure biosafety for the cryogenic storage, closed systems that avoid direct contact with liquid nitrogen must be used. Moreover, it seems essential to provide best practice guidelines for the cryogenic preservation and storage of gametes and embryos, to define appropriate quality and risk management procedures.
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The harmful effect of removing the extracellular vitrification medium during embryo cryopreservation using a nylon mesh device in rabbit. Cryobiology 2020; 93:44-48. [PMID: 32112807 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2020.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
During the last decades, many techniques have been developed to reduce sample volume and improve cooling and warming rates during embryo vitrification. The vast majority are based on the "minimum drop size" concept, in which the vitrification solution around embryos is reduced by aspiration, leaving a tiny part of volume surrounding embryos. However, novel cryodevices were aimed to remove the entire vitrification solution. This study was designed to compare the "minimum drop size" technique using Cryotop® with the nylon mesh as cryodevice on rabbit morula embryos. The outcomes assessed were the in vitro development rates (experiment 1) and the offspring rates at birth (experiment 2). Embryos were vitrified in a two-step procedure; equilibrium (10% EG + 10% Me2SO) for 2 min and vitrification (20% EG + 20% Me2SO) for 1 min. In experiment 1, embryos (n = 323) were warmed and subsequently in vitro cultured for 48 h to assess the embryo developmental capability to reach the hatching-hatched blastocyst stage. In experiment 2, embryos were transferred using the laparoscopic technique (n = 369) to assess the offspring rate at birth. In this context, rates of in vitro embryo development were similar between vitrified groups (0.73 ± 0.042% and 0.66 ± 0.047% for Cryotop® and nylon mesh device, respectively), but lower than in the fresh group (0.97 ± 0.016%, p < 0.05). In experiment 2, there were no significant differences in survival rates (offspring born/total embryos transferred) among the Cryotop® device group and fresh group (0.41 ± 0.049% and 0.49 ± 0.050%, respectively). But significantly lower value was obtained in the nylon mesh device group (0.18 ± 0.030%). These results indicate that nylon mesh is not suitable as cryodevice for rabbit morula vitrification, remaining those using the "minimum drop size" methodology as the best option.
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Ducheyne KD, Rizzo M, Daels PF, Stout TAE, de Ruijter-Villani M. Vitrifying immature equine oocytes impairs their ability to correctly align the chromosomes on the MII spindle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:1330-1338. [PMID: 30967171 DOI: 10.1071/rd18276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitrified-warmed immature equine oocytes are able to complete the first meiotic division, but their subsequent developmental competence is compromised. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of vitrifying immature horse oocytes on the chromosome and spindle configuration after IVM. Cumulus-oocytes complexes (COCs) were collected and divided into two groups based on mare age (young ≤14 years; old ≥16 years). COCs were then either directly matured invitro or vitrified and warmed before IVM. Spindle morphology and chromosome alignment within MII stage oocytes were assessed using immunofluorescent staining, confocal microscopy and three-dimensional image analysis. Vitrification reduced the ability of oocytes to reach MII and resulted in ultrastructural changes to the meiotic spindle, including shortening of its long axis, and an increased incidence of chromosomes failing to align properly at the metaphase plate. We hypothesise that aberrant chromosome alignment is an important contributor to the reduced developmental competence of vitrified equine oocytes. Contrary to expectation, oocytes from young mares were more severely affected than oocytes from older mares; we propose that the reduced effect of vitrification on oocytes from older mares is related to pre-existing compromise of spindle assembly checkpoint control mechanisms in these mares.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaatje D Ducheyne
- Department of Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; and Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3684CM Utrecht, Netherlands; and Corresponding author
| | - Marilena Rizzo
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3684CM Utrecht, Netherlands; and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Messina University, Viale Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Peter F Daels
- Department of Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3684CM Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marta de Ruijter-Villani
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3684CM Utrecht, Netherlands
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Tiersch NJ, Childress WM, Tiersch TR. Three-Dimensional Printing of Vitrification Loop Prototypes for Aquatic Species. Zebrafish 2019; 16:252-261. [PMID: 29768115 PMCID: PMC6531896 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2017.1520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitrification is a method of cryopreservation that freezes samples rapidly, while forming an amorphous solid ("glass"), typically in small (μL) volumes. The goal of this project was to create, by three-dimensional (3D) printing, open vitrification devices based on an elliptical loop that could be efficiently used and stored. Vitrification efforts can benefit from the application of 3D printing, and to begin integration of this technology, we addressed four main variables: thermoplastic filament type, loop length, loop height, and method of loading. Our objectives were to: (1) design vitrification loops with varied dimensions; (2) print prototype loops for testing; (3) evaluate loading methods for the devices; and (4) classify vitrification responses to multiple device configurations. The various configurations were designed digitally using 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) software, and prototype devices were produced with MakerBot® 3D printers. The thermoplastic filaments used to produce devices were acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polylactic acid (PLA). Vitrification devices were characterized by the film volumes formed with different methods of loading (pipetting or submersion). Frozen films were classified to determine vitrification quality: zero (opaque, or abundant crystalline ice formation); one (translucent, or partial vitrification), or two (transparent, or substantial vitrification, glass). A published vitrification solution was used to conduct experiments. Loading by pipetting formed frozen films more reliably than by submersion, but submersion yielded fewer filling problems and was more rapid. The loop designs that yielded the highest levels of vitrification enabled rapid transfer of heat, and most often were characterized as being longer and consisting of fewer layers (height). 3D printing can assist standardization of vitrification methods and research, yet can also provide the ability to quickly design and fabricate custom devices when needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - William M. Childress
- Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
| | - Terrence R. Tiersch
- Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
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Torres L, Tiersch TR. Addressing Reproducibility in Cryopreservation, and Considerations Necessary for Commercialization and Community Development in Support of Genetic Resources of Aquatic Species. JOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY 2018; 49:644-663. [PMID: 30467453 PMCID: PMC6241537 DOI: 10.1111/jwas.12541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
For the past six decades a repeated cycle of developing new cryopreservation protocols or simply reinventing them to counteract a lack of reproducibility has led to hundreds of published studies that have offered little to the establishment of a genetic resources community for aquatic species. This has hampered repository development and inhibited industrial application. Most protocols were developed without standardized approaches, leading to irreproducible studies and questionable or meaningless comparisons. Thus cryopreservation of germplasm in aquatic species would greatly benefit from strategies to facilitate reproducibility. Our objectives were to: (1) identify major sources of irreproducibility across research, small-scale, repository, and commercial-scale development levels, (2) provide recommendations to address reproducibility challenges, and (3) offer suggestions on how researchers can directly influence commercial development and application of cryopreservation research. Sources of irreproducibility include lack of standardized procedural approaches, lack of standardized terminology, and lack of reporting guidelines. To address these challenges, we propose implementation of standard operating procedures (SOP), support of stock centers and internet content for development of training programs, and strengthening of the role of scientific journals and reviewers in reducing the frequency of irreproducible outcomes. Reproducibility is the foundation for quality management programs and product reliability, and therefore standardization is necessary to assure efficient transition to commercial-scale application and repository development. Progress can only be possible through community-based approaches focused on coalescence and consensus of disparate groups involved in aquatic species cryopreservation and management of genetic resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Torres
- Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA 70820
| | - Terrence R Tiersch
- Aquatic Germplasm and Genetic Resources Center, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA 70820
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15
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Teixeira M, Commin L, Gavin-Plagne L, Bruyère P, Buff S, Joly T. Rapid cooling of rabbit embryos in a synthetic medium. Cryobiology 2018; 85:113-119. [PMID: 30048627 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2018] [Revised: 07/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Embryo cryopreservation media usually contain animal-derived products, such as bovine serum albumin (BSA). These products present two major disadvantages: an undefined variable composition and a risk of pathogen transmission. We aimed to evaluate the effect of replacing BSA in rabbit embryo rapid cooling "freezing" and warming media with a chemically defined medium with no animal-derived products: STEM ALPHA. Cryo3 ("Cryo3"). A total of 1540 rabbit morulae were divided into three cryopreservation groups (group 1: BSA, group 2: 20% Cryo3 and group 3: 100% Cryo3) and a fresh controls group. After rapid cooling, embryos were cultured (in vitro approach), or transferred into synchronized does (in vivo approach). In the in vitro approach, post-warm survival rates obtained with 100% Cryo3 (94.9%) were superior to BSA (90.8%) and 20% Cryo3 (85.6%). The blastocyst formation rate was similar between BSA, 20% Cryo3 and 100% Cryo3 groups (85.1, 77.9 and 83.3%, respectively), as was the expansion/hatching rate (63.1, 63.4 and 58.0%, respectively) and embryo mitochondrial activity. In the in vivo approach, pregnancy (80.0, 68.0 and 95.2%, respectively), implantation (40.5, 45.9 and 44.8%, respectively), and live-foetus rates (35.6, 35.5 and 38.1%, respectively) were similar between the three groups. To conclude, Cryo3 can replace BSA in rabbit embryo rapid cooling "freezing" and warming media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magda Teixeira
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Interaction cellule environnement, Marcy l'Etoile, France.
| | - Loris Commin
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Interaction cellule environnement, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Lucie Gavin-Plagne
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Interaction cellule environnement, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Pierre Bruyère
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Interaction cellule environnement, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Samuel Buff
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Interaction cellule environnement, Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Thierry Joly
- Université de Lyon, VetAgro Sup, Interaction cellule environnement, Marcy l'Etoile, France; Université de Lyon, ISARA-Lyon, Lyon, France
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16
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Successful re-establishment of a rabbit population from embryos vitrified 15 years ago: The importance of biobanks in livestock conservation. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199234. [PMID: 29912976 PMCID: PMC6005500 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic resource banks (GRB) are a valuable tool for maintaining genetic variability and preserving breeds from pathogens or catastrophe, enabling us to assess and correct breeding schemes, minimizing the impact of genetic drift and facilitating diffusion. This study tests their efficiency in re-establishing two extinct populations of a synthetic rabbit line selected for daily weight gain, using vitrified embryos from two generations (18th and 36th) separated by 15 years of genetic selection. The effect of long-term storage of vitrified embryos in liquid nitrogen was also evaluated. A total of 516 vitrified embryos using the same protocol were transferred into 54 recipients. The embryos had been maintained in liquid nitrogen during 2 different periods, (i) 1 year (301 embryos and 26 transfers, 36th generation) and (ii) 15 years (259 embryos and 28 transfers, 18th generation). A total of 80.0% (8/10 to 18th) and 60.0% (9/15 to 36th) of the foundational sire families were eventually re-established. Over approximately one year, animals within each population were crossed to produce the next generation and re-establish the original population size. Our study demonstrated that our GRB of embryos vitrified 15 years ago is a successful strategy to re-establish rabbit populations to continue the breeding programme.
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Mandawala A, Harvey S, Roy T, Fowler K. Cryopreservation of animal oocytes and embryos: Current progress and future prospects. Theriogenology 2016; 86:1637-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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18
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Lee JW, Cha JH, Shin SH, Kim YJ, Lee SK, Cha HJ, Kim JH, Ahn JH, Kim HY, Pak KA, Yoon JS, Park SY, Park CK. Long Cut Straw Provides Stable the Rates of Survival, Pregnancy and Live Birth for Vitrification of Human Blasotcysts. Dev Reprod 2016; 20:219-225. [PMID: 27796003 PMCID: PMC5078147 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2016.20.3.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Most of the commercial devices for vitrification are directly immersed into the warming solution (WS) for increasing of warming rate. However, the previous modified cut standard straw (MCS) which has reported is difficult to immerse into the WS. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the long cut straw (LCS) could be useful as a stable tool for vitrified-warmed human blastocysts. A total of 138 vitrified-warmed cycles were performed between November 2013 and November 2014 (exclusion criteria: women ≥38 years old, poor responder, surgical retrieval sperm, and severe male factor). The artificial shrinkage was conducted using 29-gauge needles. Ethylene glycol and dimethyl sulfoxide (7.5% and 15% (v/v)) were used as cryoprotectants. Freezing and warming were conducted using the LCS tool. The cap of LCS was removed using the forceps in the liquid nitrogen (LN2) and then directly immersed into the first WS for 1 min at 37℃ (1 M sucrose). Only re-expanded blastocysts were transferred after it was cultured in sequential media for 18-20 h. A total of 294 blastocysts were warmed, and all were recovered (100%). Two hundred eighty-five embryos were survived (96.9%). The vitrifiedwarmed blastocysts of all patients were transferred without any cancellation. We were able to achieve a reasonable implantation (24.2%), following by clinical pregnancy (36.2%), which then continued to ongoing pregnancy (36.2%), and live birth (31.2%). Using LCS is achieved the acceptable rates of survival, pregnancy and live birth. Therefore, the LCS could be considered as a stable and simple tool for human embryo vitrificaton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Woo Lee
- 1Agaon Fertility Clinic, Seoul 08391, Korea; College of Animal Life Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ji-Hae Kim
- 1Agaon Fertility Clinic, Seoul 08391, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Choon-Keun Park
- College of Animal Life Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea
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