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Nakai M, Suzuki SI, Fuchimoto DI, Sembon S, Kikuchi K. Oocyte activation with phospholipase Cζ mRNA induces repetitive intracellular Ca 2+ rises and improves the quality of pig embryos after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. J Reprod Dev 2024; 70:229-237. [PMID: 38853022 PMCID: PMC11310388 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2023-105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
For the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedure in pigs, an electrical pulse (EP) has been used as an effective method for oocyte stimulation, but unlike sperm, EP is unable to induce Ca2+ oscillations. In this study, we investigated the effects of generating artificial Ca2+ oscillations with phospholipase Cζ (PLCζ) mRNA, a candidate sperm factor, on fertilization, embryonic development, and gene expression after ICSI. Firstly, the concentration of PLCζ mRNA of a fixed volume (1.0 pl) that would induce a pattern of Ca2+ rise similar to that of in vitro fertilized (IVF) sperm was examined and determined to be 300 ng/μl. Secondly, the effects of oocyte stimulation methods on fertilization and embryonic development were investigated. ICSI-oocytes were activated by EP (EP group) or by PLCζ mRNA (PLCζ group). Furthermore, IVF-oocytes (IVF group) and ICSI-oocytes with and without an injection of buffer (buffer and untreated groups, respectively) were used as controls. It was found that the rates of normal fertilization in the PLCζ and EP groups were significantly higher than those in the buffer and untreated groups. The blastocyst formation rates did not differ among the groups. The embryo quality in the EP group was inferior to those in the PLCζ and IVF groups. Additionally, the expression level of a proapoptosis-related gene (Caspase-3) in the EP group was significantly higher than those in the PLCζ and IVF groups. Our data suggest that oocyte activation by PLCζ mRNA has the effect of improving embryo quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiko Nakai
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0901, Japan
| | - Shun-Ichi Suzuki
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0901, Japan
| | - Dai-Ichiro Fuchimoto
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0901, Japan
| | - Shoichiro Sembon
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0901, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kikuchi
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0901, Japan
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Bellido-Quispe DK, Arcce IML, Pinzón-Osorio CA, Campos VF, Remião MH. Chemical activation of mammalian oocytes and its application in camelid reproductive biotechnologies: A review. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 266:107499. [PMID: 38805838 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian oocyte activation is a critical process occurring post-gamete fusion, marked by a sequence of cellular events initiated by an upsurge in intracellular Ca2+. This surge in calcium orchestrates the activation/deactivation of specific kinases, leading to the subsequent inactivation of MPF and MAPK activities, alongside PKC activation. Despite various attempts to induce artificial activation using distinct chemical compounds as Ca2+ inducers and/or Ca2+-independent agents, the outcomes have proven suboptimal. Notably, incomplete suppression of MPF and MAPK activities persists, necessitating a combination of different agents for enhanced efficiency. Moreover, the inherent specificity of activation methods for each species precludes straightforward extrapolation between them. Consequently, optimization of protocols for each species and for each technique, such as PA, ICSI, and SCNT, is required. Despite recent strides in camelid biotechnologies, the field has seen little advancement in chemical activation methods. Only a limited number of chemical agents have been explored, and the effects of many remain unknown. In ICSI, despite obtaining blastocysts with different chemical compounds that induce Ca2+ and calcium-independent increases, viable offspring have not been obtained. However, SCNT has exhibited varying outcomes, successfully yielding viable offspring with a reduced number of chemical activators. This article comprehensively reviews the current understanding of the physiological activation of oocytes and the molecular mechanisms underlying chemical activation in mammals. The aim is to transfer and apply this knowledge to camelid reproductive biotechnologies, with emphasis on chemical activation in PA, ICSI, and SCNT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - César Augusto Pinzón-Osorio
- Laboratório de Fisiopatologia e Biotécnicas da Reprodução Animal (FiBRA), Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Farias Campos
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Mariana Härter Remião
- Laboratório de Genômica Estrutural, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas, RS, Brazil
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Bellido-Quispe DK, Mujica Lengua FR, Contreras Huamani M, Palomino JM. Effect of chemical activators after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) on embryo development in alpacas. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 263:107432. [PMID: 38401395 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Low motility and low sperm concentration are characteristics of alpaca semen. Thus, the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) technique represents an alternative to improve the reproductive capacity of the male. However, the effect of post-ICSI activation in alpaca is not yet known. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of chemical activators on alpaca embryo development after ICSI. Alpaca ovaries were collected from a local slaughterhouse and transported to the laboratory. Category I, II and III oocytes were matured for 30 h at 38.5 °C. After ICSI, injected oocytes were randomly divided and activated as follows: i) 5 μM ionomycin for 5 min, ii) 7% ethanol for 4 min, iii) 5 μM ionomycin for 5 min, window period 3 h plus 7% ethanol for 4 min, iv) 5 μM ionomycin for 5 min, window period 3 h, a second ionomycin treatment for 5 min, followed by 1.9 mM 6-DMAP for 3 h, v) 10 mM SrCl2 for 3 h. Culture was carried out for 5 days in SOFaa at 38.5 °C. The cleavage rate was the lowest in the SrCl2 group, morula development was the lowest in the SrCl2 and without activation groups, and blastocyst stage was not different between groups (P<0.05). The rates with SrCl2 were lower in total embryos produced, whereas in transferable embryos they were lower with 2Io/6-DMAP and with SrCl2 (P<0.05). In conclusion, alpaca oocyte activation is more efficient with ionomycin and ethanol to produce transferable embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dionet Keny Bellido-Quispe
- Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, Estación Experimental Agraria Canaán, Laboratorio de Biotecnología Reproductiva, Ayacucho, Peru.
| | - Fidel Rodolfo Mujica Lengua
- Universidad Nacional de San Cristóbal de Huamanga, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Laboratorio de Biotecnología, Ayacucho, Peru
| | - Mijaíl Contreras Huamani
- Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, Estación Experimental Agraria Canaán, Laboratorio de Biotecnología Reproductiva, Ayacucho, Peru
| | - J Manuel Palomino
- Universidad Científica del Sur, Carrera de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnica, Lima, Peru
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Khamis H, Cohen O. Coupled action potential and calcium dynamics underlie robust spontaneous firing in dopaminergic neurons. Phys Biol 2024; 21:026005. [PMID: 38382117 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/ad2bd4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Dopaminergic neurons are specialized cells in the substantia nigra, tasked with dopamine secretion. This secretion relies on intracellular calcium signaling coupled to neuronal electrical activity. These neurons are known to display spontaneous calcium oscillationsin-vitroandin-vivo, even in synaptic isolation, controlling the basal dopamine levels. Here we outline a kinetic model for the ion exchange across the neuronal plasma membrane. Crucially, we relax the assumption of constant, cytoplasmic sodium and potassium concentration. We show that sodium-potassium dynamics are strongly coupled to calcium dynamics and are essential for the robustness of spontaneous firing frequency. The model predicts several regimes of electrical activity, including tonic and 'burst' oscillations, and predicts the switch between those in response to perturbations. 'Bursting' correlates with increased calcium amplitudes, while maintaining constant average, allowing for a vast change in the calcium signal responsible for dopamine secretion. All the above traits provide the flexibility to create rich action potential dynamics that are crucial for cellular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadeel Khamis
- Gateway Institute for Brain Research, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, United States of America
| | - Ohad Cohen
- Gateway Institute for Brain Research, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, United States of America
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Gao Y, Yang D, Fang Y, Wang X, Li D. Live birth following an innovative artificial oocyte activation protocol using double calcium stimulators. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023; 136:2101-2103. [PMID: 36914951 PMCID: PMC10476707 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yingzhuo Gao
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China
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Quintana-Vehí A, Martínez M, Zamora MJ, Rodríguez A, Vassena R, Miguel-Escalada I, Popovic M. Significant differences in efficiency between two commonly used ionophore solutions for assisted oocyte activation (AOA): a prospective comparison of ionomycin and A23187. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:1661-1668. [PMID: 37247099 PMCID: PMC10352473 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02833-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite the success of ICSI in treating severe male factor infertile patients, total fertilization failure (FF) still occurs in around 1-3% of ICSI cycles. To overcome FF, the use of calcium ionophores has been proposed to induce oocyte activation and restore fertilization rates. However, assisted oocyte activation (AOA) protocols and ionophores vary between laboratories, and the morphokinetic development underlying AOA remains understudied. METHODS A prospective single-center cohort study involving 81 in vitro matured metaphase-II oocytes from 66 oocyte donation cycles artificially activated by A23187 (GM508 CultActive, Gynemed) (n=42) or ionomycin (n=39). Parthenogenesis was induced, and morphokinetic parameters (tPNa, tPNf, t2-t8, tSB, and tB) were compared between the 2 study groups and a control group comprising 39 2PN-zygotes from standard ICSI cycles. RESULTS Ionomycin treatment resulted in higher activation rates compared to A23187 (38.5% vs 23.8%, p=0.15). Importantly, none of the A23187-activated parthenotes formed blastocysts. When evaluating the morphokinetic dynamics between the two ionophores, we found that tPNa and tPNf were significantly delayed in the group treated by A23187 (11.84 vs 5.31, p=0.002 and 50.15 vs 29.69, p=0.005, respectively). t2 was significantly delayed in A23187-activated parthenotes when compared to the double heterologous control embryo group. In contrast, the morphokinetic development of ionomycin-activated parthenotes was comparable to control embryos (p>0.05). CONCLUSION Our results suggest that A23187 leads to lower oocyte activation rates and profoundly affects morphokinetic timings and preimplantation development in parthenotes. Despite our limited sample size and low parthenote competence, standardization and further optimization of AOA protocols may allow wider use and improved outcomes for FF cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M Martínez
- Clínica EUGIN, C/ Balmes 236, 08006, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M J Zamora
- Clínica EUGIN, C/ Balmes 236, 08006, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - R Vassena
- Eugin Group, 08006, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - M Popovic
- Eugin Group, 08006, Barcelona, Spain
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Artificial oocyte activation with ionomycin compared with A23187 among patients at risk of failed or impaired fertilization. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 46:35-45. [PMID: 36379856 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.08.105] [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: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Do fertilization rates differ between intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles treated with artificial oocyte activation (AOA) using 10 µmol/l ionomycin or commercial A23187 in women at risk of failed or impaired fertilization? DESIGN This single-centre, 7-year retrospective cohort study included 157 couples with a history of total fertilization failure (TFF, 0%) or low fertilization (<30%) after ICSI, or with severe oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia (OAT) in the male partner. Couples and underwent 171 ICSI-AOA cycles using either 10 µmol/l ionomycin or commercial A23187. The embryological and clinical outcomes were compared. RESULTS Fertilization rates in the ionomycin group were significantly higher than those in the A23187 group for all three subgroups (TFF, 46.9% versus 28.4%, P = 0.002; low fertilization, 67.7% versus 49.2%, P < 0.001; severe OAT, 66.4% versus 31.6%, P < 0.001). AOA with ionomycin significantly increased the day 3 cleavage rate (P = 0.009) when compared with A23187 in the low fertilization group, but not in the TFF or severe OAT group (both P > 0.05). The rates of day 3 good-quality embryos, clinical pregnancy, implantation and live birth, and the cumulative live birth, did not differ between the two groups (all P > 0.05). A total of 64 live births resulted in 72 healthy babies born. CONCLUSIONS AOA with 10 µmol/l ionomycin may be more effective than commercial A23187 in improving oocyte activation in patients at risk of failed or impaired fertilization, especially in cases of sperm-related defects.
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Chen X, Zhao H, Lv J, Dong Y, Zhao M, Sui X, Cui R, Liu B, Wu K. Calcium ionophore improves embryonic development and pregnancy outcomes in patients with previous developmental problems in ICSI cycles. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:894. [PMID: 36460987 PMCID: PMC9717248 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-05228-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calcium (Ca2+) ionophores are now mainly considered as efficient treatments for fertilization failure. Recently, its application for rescuing poor embryo development was proposed but still non-routine. This study aimed to explore whether Ca2+ ionophore improves embryo development and pregnancy outcomes in patients with poor embryo development in previous intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. METHODS This study included 97 patients undergoing assisted oocyte activation (AOA) with Ca2+ ionophore (calcimycin, A23187) treatment. Preimplantation embryonic development and clinical outcomes were compared between ICSI-AOA cycles (AOA group) and previous ICSI cycles of the same patients in which poor embryo developmental potential was present (non-AOA group). Subgroups stratified by maternal age (< 35, 35-40, ≥ 40 years, respectively) were analyzed separately. RESULTS A total of 642 MII oocytes were collected in AOA group, and 689 in non-AOA group. Significantly higher day 3 good quality embryo rate (P = 0.034), good quality blastocyst formation rate (P < 0.001), and utilization rate (P < 0.001) were seen in AOA group. Similar results were seen in each subgroup. For pregnancy outcomes, there were significant differences in clinical pregnancy rate (P = 0.039) and live birth rate (P = 0.045) in total group. In subgroup aged < 35 years, biochemical (P = 0.038), clinical (P = 0.041), and ongoing pregnancy rate (P = 0.037) in AOA group were significantly higher than that in non-AOA group. No significant improvement for clinical outcomes for subgroups aged 35-40 and aged ≥40. CONCLUSION The study suggests that calcimycin could improve preimplantation development and pregnancy outcomes in patients aged < 35 years with embryo developmental problems in previous ICSI cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Chen
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
| | - Haibin Zhao
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
| | - Jiale Lv
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
| | - Yi Dong
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
| | - Maoning Zhao
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
| | - Xinlei Sui
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
| | - Ran Cui
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
| | - Boyang Liu
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
| | - Keliang Wu
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,Shandong Technology Innovation Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 Shandong China
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Claudin-10 Expression Is Increased in Endometriosis and Adenomyosis and Mislocalized in Ectopic Endometriosis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12112848. [PMID: 36428908 PMCID: PMC9689821 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12112848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Claudins, as the major components of tight junctions, are crucial for epithelial cell-to-cell contacts. Recently, we showed that in endometriosis, the endometrial epithelial phenotype is highly conserved, with only minor alterations. For example, claudin-11 is strongly expressed; however, its localization in the endometriotic epithelial cells was impaired. In order to better understand the role of claudins in endometrial cell-to-cell contacts, we analyzed the tissue expression and localization of claudin-10 by immunohistochemistry analysis and two scoring systems. We used human tissue samples (n = 151) from the endometrium, endometriosis, and adenomyosis. We found a high abundance of claudin-10 in nearly all the endometrial (98%), endometriotic (98−99%), and adenomyotic (90−97%) glands, but no cycle-specific differences and no differences in the claudin-10 positive endometrial glands between cases with and without endometriosis. A significantly higher expression of claudin-10 was evident in the ectopic endometrium of deep-infiltrating (p < 0.01) and ovarian endometriosis (p < 0.001) and in adenomyosis in the cases with endometriosis (p ≤ 0.05). Interestingly, we observed a shift in claudin-10 from a predominant apical localization in the eutopic endometrium to a more pronounced basal/cytoplasmic localization in the ectopic endometria of all three endometriotic entities but not in adenomyosis. Significantly, despite the impaired endometriotic localization of claudin-10, the epithelial phenotype was retained. The significant differences in claudin-10 localization between the three endometriotic entities and adenomyosis, in conjunction with endometriosis, suggest that most of the aberrations occur after implantation and not before. The high similarity between the claudin-10 patterns in the eutopic endometrial and adenomyotic glands supports our recent conclusions that the endometrium is the main source of endometriosis and adenomyosis.
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Tao Y. Oocyte Activation during Round Spermatid Injection: State of the Art. Reprod Biomed Online 2022; 45:211-218. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Effect of A23187 ionophore treatment on human blastocyst development-a sibling oocyte study. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:1225-1232. [PMID: 35357606 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02467-3] [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: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate whether treatment with commercially available ready-to-use A23187 ionophore (GM508-CultActive) improves embryo development outcome in patients with a history of embryo developmental problems. METHODS This is a uni-center prospective study in which sibling oocytes of patients with embryos of poor quality on day 5 in the previous cycle were treated or not with CultActive. RESULTS Two hundred forty-seven metaphase II (MII) oocytes from 19 cycles performed between 2016 and 2019 were included in the study. After ICSI, the sibling oocytes were assigned to the treatment group or to the control group, following an electronically generated randomization list. A number of 122 MII were treated with CultActive and 125 MII had no treatment and were assigned to the control group. No difference in fertilization rate (p = 0.255) or in the capacity of embryos to reach good quality on day 5 (p = 0.197) was observed between the two groups. The utilization rates defined as the number of embryos transferred or cryopreserved per mature oocyte (p = 0.438) or per fertilized oocytes (p = 0.299) were not significantly different between the treated group and the control group. CONCLUSION The results of the current study do not support the use of CultActive in cases with embryo developmental problems.
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Kashir J, Ganesh D, Jones C, Coward K. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Open 2022; 2022:hoac003. [PMID: 35261925 PMCID: PMC8894871 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoac003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oocyte activation deficiency (OAD) is attributed to the majority of cases underlying failure of ICSI cycles, the standard treatment for male factor infertility. Oocyte activation encompasses a series of concerted events, triggered by sperm-specific phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ), which elicits increases in free cytoplasmic calcium (Ca2+) in spatially and temporally specific oscillations. Defects in this specific pattern of Ca2+ release are directly attributable to most cases of OAD. Ca2+ release can be clinically mediated via assisted oocyte activation (AOA), a combination of mechanical, electrical and/or chemical stimuli which artificially promote an increase in the levels of intra-cytoplasmic Ca2+. However, concerns regarding safety and efficacy underlie potential risks that must be addressed before such methods can be safely widely used. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Recent advances in current AOA techniques warrant a review of the safety and efficacy of these practices, to determine the extent to which AOA may be implemented in the clinic. Importantly, the primary challenges to obtaining data on the safety and efficacy of AOA must be determined. Such questions require urgent attention before widespread clinical utilization of such protocols can be advocated. SEARCH METHODS A literature review was performed using databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, etc. using AOA, OAD, calcium ionophores, ICSI, PLCζ, oocyte activation, failed fertilization and fertilization failure as keywords. Relevant articles published until June 2019 were analysed and included in the review, with an emphasis on studies assessing large-scale efficacy and safety. OUTCOMES Contradictory studies on the safety and efficacy of AOA do not yet allow for the establishment of AOA as standard practice in the clinic. Heterogeneity in study methodology, inconsistent sample inclusion criteria, non-standardized outcome assessments, restricted sample size and animal model limitations render AOA strictly experimental. The main scientific concern impeding AOA utilization in the clinic is the non-physiological method of Ca2+ release mediated by most AOA agents, coupled with a lack of holistic understanding regarding the physiological mechanism(s) underlying Ca2+ release at oocyte activation. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The number of studies with clinical relevance using AOA remains significantly low. A much wider range of studies examining outcomes using multiple AOA agents are required. WIDER IMPLICATIONS In addition to addressing the five main challenges of studies assessing AOA safety and efficacy, more standardized, large-scale, multi-centre studies of AOA, as well as long-term follow-up studies of children born from AOA, would provide evidence for establishing AOA as a treatment for infertility. The delivery of an activating agent that can more accurately recapitulate physiological fertilization, such as recombinant PLCζ, is a promising prospect for the future of AOA. Further to PLCζ, many other avenues of physiological oocyte activation also require urgent investigation to assess other potential physiological avenues of AOA. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS D.G. was supported by Stanford University’s Bing Overseas Study Program. J.K. was supported by a Healthcare Research Fellowship Award (HF-14-16) made by Health and Care Research Wales (HCRW), alongside a National Science, Technology, and Innovation plan (NSTIP) project grant (15-MED4186-20) awarded by the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). The authors have no competing interests to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Kevin Coward
- Correspondence address. Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OS3 9DU, UK. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3577-4041
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Double ionophore application in cases with previous failed/low fertilization or poor embryo development. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 44:829-837. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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14
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Ferrer-Buitrago M, Tilleman L, Thys V, Hachem A, Boel A, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Deforce D, Leybaert L, De Sutter P, Parrington J, Heindryckx B. Comparative study of preimplantation development following distinct assisted oocyte activation protocols in a PLC-zeta knockout mouse model. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:801-815. [PMID: 32898251 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian fertilization encompasses a series of Ca2+ oscillations initiated by the sperm factor phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ). Some studies have shown that altering the Ca2+ oscillatory regime at fertilization affects preimplantation blastocyst development. However, assisted oocyte activation (AOA) protocols can induce oocyte activation in a manner that diverges profoundly from the physiological Ca2+ profiling. In our study, we used the newly developed PLCζ-null sperm to investigate the independent effect of AOA on mouse preimplantation embryogenesis. Based on previous findings, we hypothesized that AOA protocols with Ca2+ oscillatory responses might improve blastocyst formation rates and differing Ca2+ profiles might alter blastocyst transcriptomes. A total of 326 MII B6D2F1-oocytes were used to describe Ca2+ profiles and to compare embryonic development and individual blastocyst transcriptomes between four control conditions: C1 (in-vivo fertilization), C2 (ICSI control sperm), C3 (parthenogenesis) and C4 (ICSI-PLCζ-KO sperm) and four AOA groups: AOA1 (human recombinant PLCζ), AOA2 (Sr2+), AOA3 (ionomycin) and AOA4 (TPEN). All groups revealed remarkable variations in their Ca2+ profiles; however, oocyte activation rates were comparable between the controls (91.1% ± 13.8%) and AOA (86.9% ± 11.1%) groups. AOA methods which enable Ca2+ oscillatory responses (AOA1: 41% and AOA2: 75%) or single Ca2+ transients (AOA3: 50%) showed no significantly different blastocyst rates compared to ICSI control group (C2: 70%). In contrast, we observed a significant decrease in compaction (53% vs. 83%) and blastocyst rates (41% vs. 70%) in the absence of an initial Ca2+ trigger (AOA4) compared with the C2 group. Transcription profiles did not identify significant differences in gene expression levels between the ICSI control group (C2) and the four AOA groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ferrer-Buitrago
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FAST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,CREA. Medicina de la Reproducción S.L. Calle San Martín, 4 - 46003 (Valencia, Spain)
| | - L Tilleman
- Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - V Thys
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FAST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - A Hachem
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK.,Department of Anatomy, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Diwaniyah City, Iraq
| | - A Boel
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FAST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - F Van Nieuwerburgh
- Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - D Deforce
- Laboratory for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - L Leybaert
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - P De Sutter
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FAST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - J Parrington
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - B Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FAST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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15
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Martínez M, Durban M, Santaló J, Rodríguez A, Vassena R. Assisted oocyte activation effects on the morphokinetic pattern of derived embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2021; 38:531-537. [PMID: 33405007 PMCID: PMC7884506 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-02025-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Assisted oocyte activation (AOA) can restore fertilization rates after IVF/ICSI cycles with fertilization failure. AOA is an experimental technique, and its downstream effects remain poorly characterized. Clarifying the relationship between AOA and embryo, morphokinetics could offer complementary insights into the quality and viability of the embryos obtained with this technique. The aim of this study is to compare the preimplantation morphokinetic development of embryos derived from ICSI-AOA (experimental group) vs. ICSI cycles (control group). METHODS A retrospective cohort study was carried out with 141 embryos from fresh oocyte donation cycles performed between 2013 and 2017; 41 embryos were derived from 7 ICSI-AOA cycles and 100 embryos from 18 ICSI cycles. Morphokinetic development of all embryos was followed using a time-lapse system. RESULTS We show that embryos from both groups develop similarly for most milestones, with the exception of the time of second polar body extrusion (tPB2) and the time to second cell division (t3). CONCLUSIONS We conclude that ionomycin mediated AOA does not seem to affect the morphokinetic pattern of preimplantation embryo development, despite the alterations found in tPB2 and t3, which could directly reflect the use of a Ca2+ ionophore as a transient and quick non-physiologic increase of free intracytoplasmic Ca2+.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Martínez
- Eugin, Calle Balmes 236, 08006, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Durban
- Eugin, Calle Balmes 236, 08006, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Santaló
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología en Inmunología, Facultad de Biociencias, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Rodríguez
- Eugin, Calle Balmes 236, 08006, Barcelona, Spain
| | - R Vassena
- Eugin, Calle Balmes 236, 08006, Barcelona, Spain.
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Storey A, Elgmati K, Wang Y, Knaggs P, Swann K. The role of ATP in the differential ability of Sr2+ to trigger Ca2+ oscillations in mouse and human eggs. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:gaaa086. [PMID: 33543292 PMCID: PMC7846092 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
At fertilization in mice and humans, the activation of the egg is caused by a series of repetitive Ca2+ oscillations which are initiated by phospholipase-C(zeta)ζ that generates inositol-1,4,5-trisphophate (InsP3). Ca2+ oscillations and egg activation can be triggered in mature mouse eggs by incubation in Sr2+ containing medium, but this does not appear to be effective in human eggs. Here, we have investigated the reason for this apparent difference using mouse eggs, and human eggs that failed to fertilize after IVF or ICSI. Mouse eggs incubated in Ca2+-free, Sr2+-containing medium immediately underwent Ca2+ oscillations but human eggs consistently failed to undergo Ca2+ oscillations in the same Sr2+ medium. We tested the InsP3-receptor (IP3R) sensitivity directly by photo-release of caged InsP3 and found that mouse eggs were about 10 times more sensitive to InsP3 than human eggs. There were no major differences in the Ca2+ store content between mouse and human eggs. However, we found that the ATP concentration was consistently higher in mouse compared to human eggs. When ATP levels were lowered in mouse eggs by incubation in pyruvate-free medium, Sr2+ failed to cause Ca2+ oscillations. When pyruvate was added back to these eggs, the ATP levels increased and Ca2+ oscillations were induced. This suggests that ATP modulates the ability of Sr2+ to stimulate IP3R-induced Ca2+ release in eggs. We suggest that human eggs may be unresponsive to Sr2+ medium because they have a lower level of cytosolic ATP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Storey
- Wales Fertility Institute, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Yisu Wang
- School of Biosiences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Paul Knaggs
- Wales Fertility Institute, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Karl Swann
- School of Biosiences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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17
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Rathinam E, Govindarajan S, Rajasekharan S, Declercq H, Elewaut D, De Coster P, Martens L, Leybaert L. The calcium dynamics of human dental pulp stem cells stimulated with tricalcium silicate-based cements determine their differentiation and mineralization outcome. Sci Rep 2021; 11:645. [PMID: 33436827 PMCID: PMC7804324 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80096-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium (Ca2+) signalling plays an indispensable role in dental pulp and dentin regeneration, but the Ca2+ responses of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) stimulated with tricalcium silicate-based (TCS-based) dental biomaterials remains largely unexplored. The objective of the present study was to identify and correlate extracellular Ca2+ concentration, intracellular Ca2+ dynamics, pH, cytotoxicity, gene expression and mineralization ability of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) stimulated with two different TCS-based biomaterials: Biodentine and ProRoot white MTA. The hDPSCs were exposed to the biomaterials, brought in contact with the overlaying medium, with subsequent measurements of extracellular Ca2+ and pH, and intracellular Ca2+ changes. Messenger RNA expression (BGLAP, TGF-β, MMP1 and BMP2), cytotoxicity (MTT and TUNEL) and mineralization potential (Alizarin red and Von Kossa staining) were then evaluated. Biodentine released significantly more Ca2+ in the α-MEM medium than ProRoot WMTA but this had no cytotoxic impact on hDPSCs. The larger Biodentine-linked Ca2+ release resulted in altered intracellular Ca2+ dynamics, which attained a higher maximum amplitude, faster rise time and increased area under the curve of the Ca2+ changes compared to ProRoot WMTA. Experiments with intracellular Ca2+ chelation, demonstrated that the biomaterial-triggered Ca2+ dynamics affected stem cell-related gene expression, cellular differentiation and mineralization potential. In conclusion, biomaterial-specific Ca2+ dynamics in hDPSCs determine differentiation and mineralization outcomes, with increased Ca2+ dynamics enhancing mineralization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elanagai Rathinam
- Department of Paediatric Dentistry and Special Care, PAECOMEDIS Research Cluster, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Srinath Govindarajan
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB-Center for Inflammation Research, Technologiepark 71, 9052, Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sivaprakash Rajasekharan
- Department of Paediatric Dentistry and Special Care, PAECOMEDIS Research Cluster, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Heidi Declercq
- Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials Group, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Tissue Engineering Lab, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, 8500, Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Dirk Elewaut
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB-Center for Inflammation Research, Technologiepark 71, 9052, Zwijnaarde, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter De Coster
- Department of Reconstructive Dentistry and Oral Biology, Dental School, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Martens
- Department of Paediatric Dentistry and Special Care, PAECOMEDIS Research Cluster, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Department of Basic And Applied Medical Sciences - Physiology Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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18
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Zafar MI, Lu S, Li H. Sperm-oocyte interplay: an overview of spermatozoon's role in oocyte activation and current perspectives in diagnosis and fertility treatment. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:4. [PMID: 33407934 PMCID: PMC7789549 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-020-00520-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The fertilizing spermatozoon is a highly specialized cell that selects from millions along the female tract until the oocyte. The paternal components influence the oocyte activation during fertilization and are fundamental for normal embryo development; however, the sperm-oocyte interplay is in a continuous debate. This review aims to analyze the available scientific information related to the role of the male gamete in the oocyte activation during fertilization, the process of the interaction of sperm factors with oocyte machinery, and the implications of any alterations in this interplay, as well as the advances and limitations of the reproductive techniques and diagnostic tests. At present, both PLCζ and PAWP are the main candidates as oocyte activated factors during fertilization. While PLCζ mechanism is via IP3, how PAWP activates the oocyte still no clear, and these findings are important to study and treat fertilization failure due to oocyte activation, especially when one of the causes is the deficiency of PLCζ in the sperm. However, no diagnostic test has been developed to establish the amount of PLCζ, the protocol to treat this type of pathologies is broad, including treatment with ionophores, sperm selection improvement, and microinjection with PLCζ protein or RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ishraq Zafar
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hang Kong Road, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jeifang Avenue, Wuhan, 430022, People's Republic of China
| | - Honggang Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health/Center of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 13 Hang Kong Road, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China. .,Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, 128 Sanyang Road, Wuhan, 430013, People's Republic of China.
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Diagnosis and Treatment of Male Infertility-Related Fertilization Failure. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9123899. [PMID: 33271815 PMCID: PMC7761017 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9123899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects approximately 15% of reproductive-aged couples worldwide, of which up to 30% of the cases are caused by male factors alone. The origin of male infertility is mostly attributed to sperm abnormalities, of which many are caused by genetic defects. The development of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has helped to circumvent most male infertility conditions. However, there is still a challenging group of infertile males whose sperm, although having normal sperm parameters, are unable to activate the oocyte, even after ICSI treatment. While ICSI generally allows fertilization rates of 70 to 80%, total fertilization failure (FF) still occurs in 1 to 3% of ICSI cycles. Phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ) has been demonstrated to be a critical sperm oocyte activating factor (SOAF) and the absence, reduced, or altered forms of PLCζ have been shown to cause male infertility-related FF. The purpose of this review is to (i) summarize the current knowledge on PLCζ as the critical sperm factor for successful fertilization, as well as to discuss the existence of alternative sperm-induced oocyte activation mechanisms, (ii) describe the diagnostic tests available to determine the cause of FF, and (iii) summarize the beneficial effect of assisted oocyte activation (AOA) to overcome FF.
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20
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Wang F, Li A, Meng TG, Wang LY, Wang LJ, Hou Y, Schatten H, Sun QY, Ou XH. Regulation of [Ca 2+] i oscillations and mitochondrial activity by various calcium transporters in mouse oocytes. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2020; 18:87. [PMID: 32799904 PMCID: PMC7429721 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-020-00643-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte activation inefficiency is one of the reasons for female infertility and Ca2+ functions play a critical role in the regulation of oocyte activation. We used various inhibitors of Ca2+ channels located on the membrane, including sarcoplasmic/ endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ATPases (SERCAs, the main Ca2+ pumps which decrease the intracellular Ca2+ level by refilling Ca2+ into the sarcoplasmic reticulum), transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channel subfamily member 7 (TRPM7, a Ca2+/Mg2+-permeable non-selective cation channel), T-type Ca2+ channels and calcium channel Orai1, to investigate their roles in [Ca2+]i oscillation patterns and mitochondrial membrane potential during oocyte activation by real-time recording. Our results showed that SERCAs, TRPM7 and T-type Ca2+ channels were important for initiation and maintenance of [Ca2+]i oscillations, which was required for mitochondrial membrane potential elevation during oocyte activation, as well as oocyte cytoskeleton stability and subsequent embryo development. Increasing the knowledge of calcium transport may provide a theoretical basis for improving oocyte activation in human assisted reproduction clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317 China
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309China State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Ang Li
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309China State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Tie-Gang Meng
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317 China
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309China State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Le-Yun Wang
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309China State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Li-Juan Wang
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309China State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Yi Hou
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309China State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Heide Schatten
- grid.134936.a0000 0001 2162 3504Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317 China
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309China State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Xiang-Hong Ou
- Fertility Preservation Lab, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, 510317 China
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21
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Improvement in Menopause-Associated Hepatic Lipid Metabolic Disorders by Herbal Formula HPC03 on Ovariectomized Rats. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:1409376. [PMID: 32765626 PMCID: PMC7387985 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1409376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Postmenopausal women have an increased risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We formulated a combination of three herb mixtures (HPC03) and observed lipid-lowering efficacy. HepG2 cells were treated with oleic acid to induce an NAFLD model (in vitro). Also, we investigated potential of HPC03 in an ovariectomize- (OVX-) induced NAFLD model (in vivo). We separated the mice into six groups, as follows: SHAM, OVX, OVX + β-estradiol, and OVX + HPC03 (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg). Rats were administered with/without HPC03 for 12 weeks. HPC03 dose dependently inhibited the lipid accumulation involved in lipogenesis in HepG2 cells. The body weight, fat mass, and weights of the liver were decreased in the OVX group than that in the other groups. HPC03 had decreased adiposity that was induced by OVX. HPC03 treatment reduced liver lipid deposition and prevented the increase in serum and liver triglyceride export when there was a deficiency in estradiol. HPC03 improves OVX-induced fatty liver and lipid metabolism. These findings suggest that HPC03 from postmenopausal women has a protective effect during NAFLD conditions.
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22
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Influence of oocyte selection, activation with a zinc chelator and inhibition of histone deacetylases on cloned porcine embryo and chemically activated oocytes development. ZYGOTE 2020; 28:286-290. [PMID: 32285760 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199419000856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of alternative protocols to improve oocyte selection, embryo activation and genomic reprogramming on in vitro development of porcine embryos cloned by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). In Experiment 1, in vitro-matured oocytes were selected by exposure to a hyperosmotic sucrose solution prior to micromanipulation. In Experiment 2, an alternative chemical activation protocol using a zinc chelator as an adjuvant (ionomycin + N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN) + N-6-dimethylaminopurine (6-DMAP)) was compared with a standard protocol (ionomycin + 6-DMAP) for the activation of porcine oocytes or SCNT embryos. In Experiment 3, presumptive cloned zygotes were incubated after chemical activation in a histone deacetylase inhibitor (Scriptaid) for 15 h, with the evaluation of embryo yield and total cell number in day 7 blastocysts. In Experiment 1, cleavage rates tended to be higher in sucrose-treated oocytes than controls (123/199, 61.8% vs. 119/222, 53.6%, respectively); however, blastocyst rates were similar between groups. In Experiment 2, cleavage rates were higher in zygotes treated with TPEN than controls but no difference in blastocyst rates between groups occurred. For Experiment 3, the exposure to Scriptaid did not improve embryo development after cloning. Nevertheless, the total number of cells was higher in cloned zygotes treated with Scriptaid than SCNT controls. In conclusion, oocyte selection by sucrose as well as treatments with zinc chelator and an inhibitor of histone deacetylases did not significantly improve blastocyst yield in cloned and parthenotes. However, the histone deacetylases inhibitor produced a significant improvement in the blastocyst quality.
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23
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Leemans B, Stout TAE, Soom AV, Gadella BM. pH-dependent effects of procaine on equine gamete activation†. Biol Reprod 2019; 101:1056-1074. [PMID: 31373616 PMCID: PMC6877780 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Procaine directly triggers pH-dependent cytokinesis in equine oocytes and induces hypermotility in stallion spermatozoa, an important event during capacitation. However, procaine-induced hyperactivated motility is abolished when sperm is washed to remove the procaine prior to sperm-oocyte co-incubation. To understand how procaine exerts its effects, the external Ca2+ and Na+ and weak base activity dependency of procaine-induced hyperactivation in stallion spermatozoa was assessed using computer-assisted sperm analysis. Percoll-washed stallion spermatozoa exposed to Ca2+-depleted (+2 mM EGTA) procaine-supplemented capacitating medium (CM) still demonstrated hyperactivated motility, whereas CM without NaCl or Na+ did not. Both procaine and NH4Cl, another weak base, were shown to trigger a cytoplasmic pH increase (BCECF-acetoxymethyl (AM)), which is primarily induced by a pH rise in acidic cell organelles (Lysosensor green dnd-189), accompanied by hypermotility in stallion sperm. As for procaine, 25 mM NH4Cl also induced oocyte cytokinesis. Interestingly, hyperactivated motility was reliably induced by 2.5-10 mM procaine, whereas a significant cytoplasmic cAMP increase and tail-associated protein tyrosine phosphorylation were only observed at 10 mM. Moreover, 25 mM NH4Cl did not support the latter capacitation characteristics. Additionally, cAMP levels were more than 10× higher in boar than stallion sperm incubated under similar capacitating conditions. Finally, stallion sperm preincubated with 10 mM procaine did not fertilize equine oocytes. In conclusion, 10 mM procaine causes a cytoplasmic and acidic sperm cell organelle pH rise that simultaneously induces hyperactivated motility, increased levels of cAMP and tail-associated protein tyrosine phosphorylation in stallion spermatozoa. However, procaine-induced hypermotility is independent of the cAMP/protein tyrosine phosphorylation pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Leemans
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Departments of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart M Gadella
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Departments of Farm Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Bonte D, Thys V, De Sutter P, Boel A, Leybaert L, Heindryckx B. Vitrification negatively affects the Ca 2+-releasing and activation potential of mouse oocytes, but vitrified oocytes are potentially useful for diagnostic purposes. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 40:13-25. [PMID: 31740224 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION To what extent does vitrification affect the Ca2+-releasing and activation potential of mouse oocytes, which are commonly used to determine the oocyte activation potential of human spermatozoa? DESIGN The effect of mouse oocyte vitrification on Ca2+ dynamics and developmental competence after oocyte activation was assessed and compared with fresh mouse oocytes. Moreover, the Ca2+ store content of the endoplasmic reticulum was determined at different time points during the vitrification-warming procedure. Finally, the Ca2+ pattern induced by cryoprotectant exposure was determined. RESULTS After human sperm injection into mouse oocytes, Ca2+ dynamics but not fertilization rates were significantly altered by vitrification warming (P < 0.05). Ca2+ dynamics in response to SrCl2 or ionomycin were also altered by oocyte vitrification. In contrast, activation and blastocyst rates after SrCl2 exposure were not affected (P > 0.05), whereas activation rates after ionomycin exposure were significantly lower in vitrified-warmed oocytes (P < 0.05); blastocyst rates were not affected (P > 0.05). Cryoprotectant exposure was associated with a strong drop in endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ store content. Oocytes rapidly recovered during warming and recovery in Ca2+-containing media; a threshold area under the curve of Ca2+ dynamics to obtain activation rates above 90% was determined. CONCLUSIONS Vitrified-warmed mouse oocytes display reduced Ca2+-releasing potential upon oocyte activation, caused by cryoprotectant exposure. With adapted classification criteria, these oocytes could be used for diagnosing oocyte activation deficiencies in patients. Evaluating the Ca2+-signalling machinery in vitrified-warmed human oocytes is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davina Bonte
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, Ghent 9000, Belgium.
| | - Vanessa Thys
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Petra De Sutter
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Annekatrien Boel
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Physiology group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaagn 10, GhentGhent 9000, Belgium
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, C. Heymanslaan 10, Ghent 9000, Belgium
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Ferrer-Buitrago M, Bonte D, Dhaenens L, Vermorgen S, Lu Y, De Sutter P, Heindryckx B. Assessment of the calcium releasing machinery in oocytes that failed to fertilize after conventional ICSI and assisted oocyte activation. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 38:497-507. [PMID: 30745236 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Can oocyte-related activation deficiencies be evaluated in oocytes that failed to fertilize after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) combined with assisted oocyte activation (AOA)? DESIGN Evaluation of the spindle-chromosome complexes and intracellular distribution of inositol trisphosphate type 1 receptors (IP3R1) in in-vitro matured (IVM) and failed-to-fertilize oocytes from patients undergoing AOA. Assessment of the oocyte-related Ca2+ releasing capacity in response to Ca2+ ionophores and sperm microinjection in oocytes that failed to fertilize after ICSI or ICSI-AOA. RESULTS IVM oocytes from patients undergoing conventional ICSI (control) and ICSI-AOA (study group) revealed a similar normalcy of spindle-chromosome complexes and distribution patterns of IP3R1. Failed-to-fertilize oocytes from both groups showed significant differences in proportion of normal or abnormal spindle-chromosome complex conformations. However, migration of IP3R1 was identified in a higher proportion of failed-to-fertilize oocytes after ICSI-AOA than after conventional ICSI. It was further observed that oocytes which failed to fertilize, either after ICSI or ICSI-AOA, mostly retain their capacity to respond to stimuli such as exposure to Ca2+ ionophores or to sperm microinjection. CONCLUSIONS Evaluation of spindle-chromosome normalcy and distribution of IP3R1 does not help identify the presence of Ca2+ releasing deficiencies in these oocytes. However, oocyte Ca2+ analysis adds value in identifying Ca2+ releasing incapacity of oocytes that failed to fertilize after ICSI or ICSI-AOA. Some patients experiencing fertilization failure after ICSI-AOA present with a suspected activation deficiency downstream of the Ca2+ machinery, which cannot be overcome by ICSI-AOA based on the use of Ca2+ ionophores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minerva Ferrer-Buitrago
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Davina Bonte
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lien Dhaenens
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sanne Vermorgen
- Ghent University (UGent Honours Programme in Life Sciences), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Yuechao Lu
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Petra De Sutter
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
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Paudel S, Sindelar R, Saha M. Calcium Signaling in Vertebrate Development and Its Role in Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E3390. [PMID: 30380695 PMCID: PMC6274931 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence over the past three decades suggests that altered calcium signaling during development may be a major driving force for adult pathophysiological events. Well over a hundred human genes encode proteins that are specifically dedicated to calcium homeostasis and calcium signaling, and the majority of these are expressed during embryonic development. Recent advances in molecular techniques have identified impaired calcium signaling during development due to either mutations or dysregulation of these proteins. This impaired signaling has been implicated in various human diseases ranging from cardiac malformations to epilepsy. Although the molecular basis of these and other diseases have been well studied in adult systems, the potential developmental origins of such diseases are less well characterized. In this review, we will discuss the recent evidence that examines different patterns of calcium activity during early development, as well as potential medical conditions associated with its dysregulation. Studies performed using various model organisms, including zebrafish, Xenopus, and mouse, have underscored the critical role of calcium activity in infertility, abortive pregnancy, developmental defects, and a range of diseases which manifest later in life. Understanding the underlying mechanisms by which calcium regulates these diverse developmental processes remains a challenge; however, this knowledge will potentially enable calcium signaling to be used as a therapeutic target in regenerative and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudip Paudel
- College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23187, USA.
| | - Regan Sindelar
- College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23187, USA.
| | - Margaret Saha
- College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23187, USA.
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de Macedo MP, Glanzner WG, Rissi VB, Gutierrez K, Currin L, Baldassarre H, Bordignon V. A fast and reliable protocol for activation of porcine oocytes. Theriogenology 2018; 123:22-29. [PMID: 30273737 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Oocyte activation is physiologically triggered by the sperm during fertilization, however, production of porcine embryos by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or parthenogenetic activation (PA) requires artificial oocyte activation. Although effective protocols for artificial oocyte activation have been developed, current protocols require long exposures to non-specific inhibitors, which do not mimic the physiological process and may have detrimental consequences for embryo development. This study attempted to mimic the physiological activation events induced by fertilization, through the manipulation of Ca2+ and Zn2+ levels, and protein kinase C (PKC) as well as cyclin dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) activities, with the aim of developing an improved protocol for activation of porcine oocytes. In the first experiment, matured oocytes were exposed to ionomycin (Ion) for 5 min, and then treated with a specific CDK1 inhibitor (RO-3306) and/or PKC activator (OAG) for different time intervals. The highest rate of pronuclear (PN) formation (58.8%) was obtained when oocytes were treated with PKCa + CDK1i for 4 h. Second, PN formation and embryo development were evaluated in oocytes exposed for different times to a Zn2+ chelator (TPEN) following Ion treatment. This revealed that 15 min was the minimal exposure time to TPEN required to maximise oocyte activation and embryo development. Next, we observed that treatment with PKCa + CDK1i for 4 h after TPEN for 15 min decreased embryo development compared to TPEN alone. Lastly, we compared the efficiency of the Ion (5 min) plus TPEN (15 min) protocol (IT-20) with a control protocol used in our laboratory (CT-245) for production of PA, SCNT and ICSI embryos. In PA embryos, IT-20 resulted in higher cleavage (72% vs 49.2%) and blastocyst from cleaved embryos (65.5% vs 46.2%) compared to CT-245. In ICSI embryos, higher PN rates were obtained with the IT-20 protocol compared with CT-245 and the non-activated (N-A) group. Moreover, the two protocols were equally efficient for activation of SCNT embryos. Based on these findings, we propose that IT-20 is a fast and effective protocol for activation of porcine oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana P de Macedo
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Werner G Glanzner
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Vitor B Rissi
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction - BioRep, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Karina Gutierrez
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Luke Currin
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Hernan Baldassarre
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - Vilceu Bordignon
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada.
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Swann K. The role of Ca 2+ in oocyte activation during In Vitro fertilization: Insights into potential therapies for rescuing failed fertilization. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2018; 1865:1830-1837. [PMID: 29746897 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
At fertilization the mature mammalian oocyte is activated to begin development by a sperm-induced series of increases in the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration. These so called Ca2+ oscillations, or repetitive Ca2+ spikes, are also seen after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and are primarily triggered by a sperm protein called phospholipase Czeta (PLCζ). Whilst ICSI is generally an effective way to fertilizing human oocytes, there are cases where oocyte activation fails to occur after sperm injection. Many such cases appear to be associated with a PLCζ deficiency. Some IVF clinics are now attempting to rescue such cases of failed fertilization by using artificial means of oocyte activation such as the application of Ca2+ ionophores. This review presents the scientific background for these therapies and also considers ways to improve artificial oocyte activation after failed fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Swann
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK.
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