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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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2
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Gorobets O, Gorobets S, Polyakova T, Zablotskii V. Modulation of calcium signaling and metabolic pathways in endothelial cells with magnetic fields. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2024; 6:1163-1182. [PMID: 38356636 PMCID: PMC10863714 DOI: 10.1039/d3na01065a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Calcium signaling plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including muscle contraction, cell division, and neurotransmitter release. Dysregulation of calcium levels and signaling has been linked to a range of pathological conditions such as neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Here, we propose a theoretical model that predicts the modulation of calcium ion channel activity and calcium signaling in the endothelium through the application of either a time-varying or static gradient magnetic field (MF). This modulation is achieved by exerting magnetic forces or torques on either biogenic or non-biogenic magnetic nanoparticles that are bound to endothelial cell membranes. Since calcium signaling in endothelial cells induces neuromodulation and influences blood flow control, treatment with a magnetic field shows promise for regulating neurovascular coupling and treating vascular dysfunctions associated with aging and neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, magnetic treatment can enable control over the decoding of Ca signals, ultimately impacting protein synthesis. The ability to modulate calcium wave frequencies using MFs and the MF-controlled decoding of Ca signaling present promising avenues for treating diseases characterized by calcium dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oksana Gorobets
- National Technical University of Ukraine, "Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute" Ukraine
| | - Svitlana Gorobets
- National Technical University of Ukraine, "Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute" Ukraine
| | - Tatyana Polyakova
- Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences Prague Czech Republic
| | - Vitalii Zablotskii
- Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences Prague Czech Republic
- International Magnetobiology Frontier Research Center (iMFRC), Science Island Hefei China
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3
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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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Savy V, Stein P, Shi M, Williams CJ. PMCA1 depletion in mouse eggs amplifies calcium signaling and impacts offspring growth†. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:1439-1451. [PMID: 36130203 PMCID: PMC10144700 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Egg activation in mammals is triggered by oscillations in egg intracellular calcium (Ca2+) level. Ca2+ oscillation patterns can be modified in vitro by changing the ionic composition of culture media or in vivo by conditions affecting mitochondrial function, such as obesity and inflammation. In mice, disruption of Ca2+ oscillations in vitro impacts embryo development and offspring growth. Here we tested the hypothesis that, even without in vitro manipulation, abnormal Ca2+ signaling following fertilization impacts offspring growth. Plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPases (PMCA) extrude cytosolic Ca2+ to restore Ca2+ homeostasis. To disrupt Ca2+ signaling in vivo, we conditionally deleted PMCA1 (cKO) in oocytes. As anticipated, in vitro fertilized cKO eggs had increased Ca2+ exposure relative to controls. To assess the impact on offspring growth, cKO females were mated to wild type males to generate pups that had high Ca2+ exposure at fertilization. Because these offspring would be heterozygous, we also tested the impact of global PMCA1 heterozygosity on offspring growth. Control heterozygous pups that had normal Ca2+ at fertilization were generated by mating wild type females to heterozygous males; these control offspring weighed significantly less than their wild type siblings. However, heterozygous offspring from cKO eggs (and high Ca2+ exposure) were larger than heterozygous controls at 12 week-of-age and males had altered body composition. Our results show that global PMCA1 haploinsufficiency impacts growth and support that abnormal Ca2+ signaling after fertilization in vivo has a long-term impact on offspring weight. These findings are relevant for environmental and medical conditions affecting Ca2+ handling and for design of culture conditions and procedures for domestic animal and human assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Savy
- Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Paula Stein
- Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Min Shi
- Biostatistics & Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Carmen J Williams
- Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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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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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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7
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Graham CF, Windsor S, Ajduk A, Trinh T, Vincent A, Jones C, Coward K, Kalsi D, Zernicka-Goetz M, Swann K, Thomas ALR. Dynamic shapes of the zygote and two-cell mouse and human. Biol Open 2021; 10:273839. [PMID: 34935907 PMCID: PMC8713988 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059013] [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: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse zygote morphokinetics were measured during interphase, the mitotic period, cytokinesis, and two-cell stage. Sequences of rounder-distorted-rounder shapes were revealed, as were changing patterns of cross section area. A calcium chelator and an actin-disrupting agent inhibited the area changes that occurred between pronuclear envelope breakdown and cytokinesis. During cell division, two vortices developed in each nascent cell and they rotated in opposite directions at each end of the cell, a pattern that sometimes persisted for up to 10 h. Exchange with the environment may have been promoted by these shape and area cycles and persisting circulation in the cytoplasm may have a similar function between a cell's interior and periphery. Some of these movements were sporadically also seen in human zygotes with abnormal numbers of pronuclei and the two-cell stages that developed from these compromised human zygotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris F Graham
- Zoology Department, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, UK.,Nuffield Department of Women's Reproductive Health, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Shane Windsor
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Bristol, Queens Building, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TR, UK
| | - Anna Ajduk
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, POLAND
| | - Thanh Trinh
- Nuffield Department of Women's Reproductive Health, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK.,Cleveland Clinic Fertility Center, 26900 Cedar Rd., Beachwood, OH 44122, USA
| | - Anna Vincent
- Oxford Fertility, Oxford University, Oxford Business Park North, Alec Issigonis Way, Oxford, OX4 2HW, UK
| | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Women's Reproductive Health, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Kevin Coward
- Nuffield Department of Women's Reproductive Health, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Dilraj Kalsi
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9D, UK
| | | | - Karl Swann
- School of Biosciences, Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Adrian L R Thomas
- Zoology Department, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, UK
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8
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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: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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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9
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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: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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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Calcium Oscillatory Patterns and Oocyte Activation During Fertilization: a Possible Mechanism for Total Fertilization Failure (TFF) in Human In Vitro Fertilization? Reprod Sci 2020; 28:639-648. [PMID: 32813196 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00293-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This paper reviews the effects of calcium oscillatory patterns in oocytes and early embryo development. Total fertilization failure (TFF) is the failure of fertilization in all oocytes in a human IVF cycle, even after treatment with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). It is not well understood and currently attributed to oocyte activation deficiency. Calcium signaling is important in oocyte activation events. Calcium oscillations, in particular, have been reported in animal and human oocytes after fertilization. Abnormal calcium oscillations after fertilization may be the principal mechanism for TFF. While studies also establish strong associations between abnormal calcium oscillatory patterns and suboptimal developmental outcomes, critical basic parameters and their mechanism of action have yet to be identified. Empirical use of artificial oocyte activation (AOA) methods has shown initial success in helping patients overcome TFF. The AOA methods attempt to raise calcium levels after fertilization, but the efficacy and safety of these AOA methods are still in early stages of addressing TFF. Additional information about calcium oscillatory patterns and the effects of AOA in human ART may allow the prevention of TFF or allow treatment of TFF patients effectively and safely.
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Stein P, Savy V, Williams AM, Williams CJ. Modulators of calcium signalling at fertilization. Open Biol 2020; 10:200118. [PMID: 32673518 PMCID: PMC7574550 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium (Ca2+) signals initiate egg activation across the animal kingdom and in at least some plants. These signals are crucial for the success of development and, in the case of mammals, health of the offspring. The mechanisms associated with fertilization that trigger these signals and the molecules that regulate their characteristic patterns vary widely. With few exceptions, a major contributor to fertilization-induced elevation in cytoplasmic Ca2+ is release from endoplasmic reticulum stores through the IP3 receptor. In some cases, Ca2+ influx from the extracellular space and/or release from alternative intracellular stores contribute to the rise in cytoplasmic Ca2+. Following the Ca2+ rise, the reuptake of Ca2+ into intracellular stores or efflux of Ca2+ out of the egg drive the return of cytoplasmic Ca2+ back to baseline levels. The molecular mediators of these Ca2+ fluxes in different organisms include Ca2+ release channels, uptake channels, exchangers and pumps. The functions of these mediators are regulated by their particular activating mechanisms but also by alterations in their expression and spatial organization. We discuss here the molecular basis for modulation of Ca2+ signalling at fertilization, highlighting differences across several animal phyla, and we mention key areas where questions remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Stein
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Virginia Savy
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Audrey M. Williams
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Carmen J. Williams
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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12
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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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13
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Szpila M, Walewska A, Sabat-Pośpiech D, Strączyńska P, Ishikawa T, Milewski R, Szczepańska K, Ajduk A. Postovulatory ageing modifies sperm-induced Ca 2+ oscillations in mouse oocytes through a conditions-dependent, multi-pathway mechanism. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11859. [PMID: 31413272 PMCID: PMC6694115 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48281-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Postovulatory ageing of mammalian oocytes occurs between their ovulation and fertilization and has been shown to decrease their developmental capabilities. Aged oocytes display numerous abnormalities, including altered Ca2+ signalling. Fertilization-induced Ca2+ oscillations are essential for activation of the embryonic development, therefore maintaining proper Ca2+ homeostasis is crucial for the oocyte quality. In the present paper, we show that the mechanism underlying age-dependent alterations in the pattern of sperm-triggered Ca2+ oscillations is more complex and multifaceted than previously believed. Using time-lapse imaging accompanied by immunostaining and molecular analyses, we found that postovulatory ageing affects the amount of Ca2+ stored in the cell, expression of Ca2+ pump SERCA2, amount of available ATP and distribution of endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria in a manner often strongly depending on ageing conditions (in vitro vs. in vivo). Importantly, those changes do not have to be caused by oxidative stress, usually linked with the ageing process, as they occur even if the amount of reactive oxygen species remains low. Instead, our results suggest that aberrations in Ca2+ signalling may be a synergistic result of ageing-related alterations of the cell cycle, cytoskeleton, and mitochondrial functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Szpila
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland.,Laboratory of RNA Biology and Functional Genomics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawinskiego 5A, 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Walewska
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland.,Laboratory of Intracellular Ion Channels, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pasteura 3, 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Sabat-Pośpiech
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland.,Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool, L69 3BX, UK
| | - Patrycja Strączyńska
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland.,School of Medicine with the Division of Dentistry in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, pl. Traugutta 2, 41-800, Zabrze, Poland
| | - Takao Ishikawa
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Robert Milewski
- Department of Statistics and Medical Informatics, Medical University of Bialystok, Szpitalna 37, 15-295, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Szczepańska
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Ajduk
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland.
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Bonte D, Ferrer-Buitrago M, Dhaenens L, Popovic M, Thys V, De Croo I, De Gheselle S, Steyaert N, Boel A, Vanden Meerschaut F, De Sutter P, Heindryckx B. Assisted oocyte activation significantly increases fertilization and pregnancy outcome in patients with low and total failed fertilization after intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a 17-year retrospective study. Fertil Steril 2019; 112:266-274. [PMID: 31133387 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the extent to which assisted oocyte activation (AOA) improves clinical outcomes in patients diagnosed with oocyte activation deficiencies (OADs). DESIGN Retrospective cohort study comparing AOA cycles and previous intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles in couples experiencing low or total failed fertilization after ICSI. Importantly, the sperm-related oocyte-activating capacity was examined in all patients before AOA with the use of the mouse oocyte activation test (MOAT). SETTING Infertility center at a university hospital. PATIENT(S) A total of 122 couples with a history of low or total failed fertilization after ICSI. INTERVENTION(S) ICSI, MOAT, AOA, and embryo transfer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Fertilization, pregnancy, and live birth rates. RESULT(S) MOAT revealed 19 patients with a sperm-related OAD (MOAT group 1), 56 patients with a diminished sperm-related oocyte-activating capacity (MOAT group 2), and 47 patients with a suspected oocyte-related OAD (MOAT group 3). AOA (191 cycles) significantly improved fertilization, pregnancy, and live birth rates in all MOAT groups compared with previous ICSI attempts (243 cycles). Fertilization rates after AOA were significantly different among MOAT groups 1 (70.1%), 2 (63.0%), and 3 (57.3%). Between MOAT group 1 and 3, significant differences in pregnancy (49.0% vs. 29.4%) and live birth (41.2% vs. 22.1%) rates were observed. In total, 225 embryo transfers resulted in 60 healthy live births following AOA. CONCLUSION(S) Patients undergoing diagnostic testing before AOA show a significant improvement in clinical outcomes compared with previous cycles. Our findings highlight that AOA should be reserved for patients with clear OADs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davina Bonte
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Minerva Ferrer-Buitrago
- 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
| | - Mina Popovic
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Vanessa Thys
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ilse De Croo
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefanie De Gheselle
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Steyaert
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annekatrien Boel
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frauke Vanden Meerschaut
- 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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15
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Fluks M, Szczepanska K, Ishikawa T, Ajduk A. Transcriptional status of mouse oocytes corresponds with their ability to generate Ca2+ release. Reproduction 2019; 157:465-474. [PMID: 30817322 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In fully grown ovarian follicles both transcriptionally active (NSN) and inactive (SN) oocytes are present. NSN oocytes have been shown to display lower developmental potential. It is possible that oocytes that have not completed transcription before meiosis resumption accumulate less RNA and proteins required for their further development, including those responsible for regulation of Ca2+ homeostasis. Oscillations of the cytoplasmic concentration of free Ca2+ ions ([Ca2+]i) are triggered in oocytes by a fertilizing spermatozoon and are crucial for inducing and regulating further embryonic development. We showed that NSN-derived oocytes express less inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor type 1 (IP3R1), store less Ca2+ ions and generate weaker spontaneous [Ca2+]i oscillations during maturation than SN oocytes. Consequently, NSN oocytes display aberrant [Ca2+]i oscillations at fertilization. We speculate that this defective regulation of Ca2+ homeostasis might be one of the factors responsible for the lower developmental potential of NSN oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Fluks
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Takao Ishikawa
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Ajduk
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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16
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Ferrer-Buitrago M, Dhaenens L, Lu Y, Bonte D, Vanden Meerschaut F, De Sutter P, Leybaert L, Heindryckx B. Human oocyte calcium analysis predicts the response to assisted oocyte activation in patients experiencing fertilization failure after ICSI. Hum Reprod 2019; 33:416-425. [PMID: 29329390 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can human oocyte calcium analysis predict fertilization success after assisted oocyte activation (AOA) in patients experiencing fertilization failure after ICSI? SUMMARY ANSWER ICSI-AOA restores the fertilization rate only in patients displaying abnormal Ca2+ oscillations during human oocyte activation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Patients capable of activating mouse oocytes and who showed abnormal Ca2+ profiles after mouse oocyte Ca2+ analysis (M-OCA), have variable responses to ICSI-AOA. It remains unsettled whether human oocyte Ca2+ analysis (H-OCA) would yield an improved accuracy to predict fertilization success after ICSI-AOA. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Sperm activation potential was first evaluated by MOAT. Subsequently, Ca2+ oscillatory patterns were determined with sperm from patients showing moderate to normal activation potential based on the capacity of human sperm to generate Ca2+ responses upon microinjection in mouse and human oocytes. Altogether, this study includes a total of 255 mouse and 122 human oocytes. M-OCA was performed with 16 different sperm samples before undergoing ICSI-AOA treatment. H-OCA was performed for 11 patients who finally underwent ICSI-AOA treatment. The diagnostic accuracy to predict fertilization success was calculated based on the response to ICSI-AOA. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Patients experiencing low or total failed fertilization after conventional ICSI were included in the study. All participants showed moderate to high rates of activation after MOAT. Metaphase II (MII) oocytes from B6D2F1 mice were used for M-OCA. Control fertile sperm samples were used to obtain a reference Ca2+ oscillation profile elicited in human oocytes. Donated human oocytes, non-suitable for IVF treatments, were collected and vitrified at MII stage for further analysis by H-OCA. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE M-OCA and H-OCA predicted the response to ICSI-AOA in 8 out of 11 (73%) patients. Compared to M-OCA, H-OCA detected the presence of sperm activation deficiencies with greater sensitivity (75 vs 100%, respectively). ICSI-AOA never showed benefit to overcome fertilization failure in patients showing normal capacity to generate Ca2+ oscillations in H-OCA and was likely to be beneficial in cases displaying abnormal H-OCA Ca2+ oscillations patterns. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The scarce availability of human oocytes donated for research purposes is a limiting factor to perform H-OCA. Ca2+ imaging requires specific equipment to monitor fluorescence changes over time. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS H-OCA is a sensitive test to diagnose gamete-linked fertilization failure. H-OCA allows treatment counseling for couples experiencing ICSI failures to either undergo ICSI-AOA or to participate in gamete donation programs. The present data provide an important template of the Ca2+ signature observed during human fertilization in cases with normal, low and failed fertilization after conventional ICSI. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Flemish fund for scientific research (FWO-Vlaanderen, G060615N). The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ferrer-Buitrago
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - L Dhaenens
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Y Lu
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - D Bonte
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - F Vanden Meerschaut
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - P De Sutter
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - L Leybaert
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - B Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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17
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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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18
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Roychoudhury S, Maldonado-Rosas I, Agarwal A, Esteves SC, Henkel R, Sharma R. Human sperm handling in intracytoplasmic sperm injection processes: In vitro studies on mouse oocyte activation, embryo development competence and sperm oxidation-reduction potential. Andrologia 2018; 50:e12943. [PMID: 29315724 DOI: 10.1111/and.12943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) are routinely used in handling spermatozoa for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). As there are still concerns about possible adverse effects on the embryo, this study investigated sperm handling in a mouse ICSI model to (i) evaluate oocyte activation after injection of spermatozoa selected for rotational or linear motion in PVP; (ii) assess the effect of sperm selection in PVP, HA and medium on oocyte activation; (iii) examine the effects of PVP and HA on parthenogenetic oocyte activation and embryo development; and (iv) assess the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of spermatozoa exposed to PVP, HA or medium. Oocyte activation was higher when spermatozoa exhibited rotational motion rather than linear motion (79% vs. 52%; p = .05). There was no difference in oocyte activation and embryo development after parthenogenetic oocyte activation after sperm injection using PVP, HA or medium-incubated spermatozoa. PVP-selected spermatozoa exhibited lower (p < .0001) ORP levels than using HA. Thus, results indicate that the sperm handling method and the type of medium used impact ICSI outcomes. Overall, sperm incubation in PVP, HA and medium yields similar outcomes with regard to oocyte activation and embryo development. However, PVP provides more antioxidative protection than HA and should therefore be preferred for sperm manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Roychoudhury
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar, India
| | | | - A Agarwal
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - S C Esteves
- ANDROFERT, Center for Male Reproduction, Campinas, Brazil
| | - R Henkel
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - R Sharma
- American Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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19
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Lu Y, Bonte D, Ferrer-Buitrago M, Popovic M, Neupane J, Van der Jeught M, Leybaert L, De Sutter P, Heindryckx B. Culture conditions affect Ca2+ release in artificially activated mouse and human oocytes. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 30:991-1001. [DOI: 10.1071/rd17145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Inconsistent fertilisation and pregnancy rates have been reported by different laboratories after application of ionomycin as a clinical method of assisted oocyte activation (AOA) to overcome fertilisation failure. Using both mouse and human oocytes, in the present study we investigated the effects of ionomycin and Ca2+ concentrations on the pattern of Ca2+ release and embryonic developmental potential. In the mouse, application of 5 μM ionomycin in potassium simplex optimisation medium (KSOM) or 10 µM ionomycin in Ca2+-free KSOM significantly reduced the Ca2+ flux and resulted in failure of blastocyst formation compared with 10 μM ionomycin in KSOM. Increasing the Ca2+ concentration up to three- or sixfold did not benefit mouse embryonic developmental potential. Similarly, 10 μM ionomycin-induced rise in Ca2+ in human oocytes increased with increasing total calcium concentrations in the commercial medium. Remarkably, we observed significantly reduced mouse embryo development when performing AOA over a period of 10 min in Quinn’s AdvantageTM Fertilisation medium (Cooper Surgical) and IVFTM medium (Vitrolife) compared with Sydney IVF COOK cleavage medium (Cook Ireland), using the same sequential culture system from the post-activation stage to blastocyst formation stage in different AOA groups. In conclusion, concentrations of both ionomycin and Ca2+ in culture media used during AOA can have significant effects on Ca2+ release and further embryonic developmental potential.
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Ferrer-Buitrago M, Bonte D, De Sutter P, Leybaert L, Heindryckx B. Single Ca 2+ transients vs oscillatory Ca 2+ signaling for assisted oocyte activation: limitations and benefits. Reproduction 2017; 155:R105-R119. [PMID: 29122969 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Oocyte activation is a calcium (Ca2+)-dependent process that has been investigated in depth, in particular, regarding its impact on assisted reproduction technology (ART). Following a standard model of signal transduction, Ca2+ drives the meiotic progression upon fertilization in all species studied to date. However, Ca2+ changes during oocyte activation are species specific, and they can be classified in two modalities based on the pattern defined by the Ca2+ signature: a single Ca2+ transient (e.g. amphibians) or repetitive Ca2+ transients called Ca2+ oscillations (e.g. mammals). Interestingly, assisted oocyte activation (AOA) methods have highlighted the ability of mammalian oocytes to respond to single Ca2+ transients with normal embryonic development. In this regard, there is evidence supporting that cellular events during the process of oocyte activation are initiated by different number of Ca2+ oscillations. Moreover, it was proposed that oocyte activation and subsequent embryonic development are dependent on the total summation of the Ca2+ peaks, rather than to a specific frequency pattern of Ca2+ oscillations. The present review aims to demonstrate the complexity of mammalian oocyte activation by describing the series of Ca2+-linked physiological events involved in mediating the egg-to-embryo transition. Furthermore, mechanisms of AOA and the limitations and benefits associated with the application of different activation agents are discussed.
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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
| | - Petra De Sutter
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST)Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Physiology GroupDepartment of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 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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Milewski R, Szpila M, Ajduk A. Dynamics of cytoplasm and cleavage divisions correlates with preimplantation embryo development. Reproduction 2017; 155:1-14. [PMID: 28993454 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
In vitro fertilization has become increasingly popular as an infertility treatment. In order to improve efficiency of this procedure, there is a strong need for a refinement of existing embryo assessment methods and development of novel, robust and non-invasive selection protocols. Studies conducted on animal models can be extremely helpful here, as they allow for more extensive research on the potential biomarkers of embryo quality. In the present paper, we subjected mouse embryos to non-invasive time-lapse imaging and combined the Particle Image Velocimetry analysis of cytoplasmic dynamics in freshly fertilized oocytes with the morphokinetic analysis of recordings covering 5 days of preimplantation development. Our results indicate that parameters describing cytoplasmic dynamics and cleavage divisions independently correspond to mouse embryo's capacity to form a high-quality blastocyst. We also showed for the first time that these parameters are associated with the percentage of abnormal embryonic cells with fragmented nuclei and with embryo's ability to form primitive endoderm, one of the cell lineages differentiated during preimplantation development. Finally, we present a model that links selected cytoplasmic and morphokinetic parameters reflecting frequency of fertilization-induced Ca2+-oscillations and timing of 4-cell stage and compaction with viability of the embryo assessed as the total number of cells at the end of its preimplantation development. Our results indicate that a combined analysis of cytoplasmic dynamics and morphokinetics may facilitate the assessment of embryo's ability to form high-quality blastocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Milewski
- Department of Statistics and Medical InformaticsMedical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Marcin Szpila
- Department of EmbryologyFaculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Ajduk
- Department of EmbryologyFaculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Milewski R, Ajduk A. Time-lapse imaging of cleavage divisions in embryo quality assessment. Reproduction 2017; 154:R37-R53. [PMID: 28408705 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most important procedures for treating infertility. As several embryos are usually produced in a single IVF cycle, it is crucial to select only the most viable ones for transfer to the patient. Morphokinetics, i.e. analysis of the dynamics of cleavage divisions and processes such as compaction and cavitation, has provided both biologists and clinicians with a new set of data regarding embryonic behaviour during preimplantation development and its association with embryo quality. In the current review, we focus on biological significance of morphokinetic parameters and show how they can be used to predict a reproductive outcome. We also explain the statistics behind the predictive algorithms and discuss the future perspectives of morphokinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Milewski
- Department of Statistics and Medical InformaticsMedical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Anna Ajduk
- Department of EmbryologyFaculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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23
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QIU X, LI N, XIAO X, LI Y. Aggregation of a parthenogenetic diploid embryo and a male embryo improves the blastocyst development and parthenogenetic embryonic stem cell derivation. Turk J Biol 2017. [DOI: 10.3906/biy-1612-30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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24
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Nikiforaki D, Vanden Meerschaut F, de Roo C, Lu Y, Ferrer-Buitrago M, de Sutter P, Heindryckx B. Effect of two assisted oocyte activation protocols used to overcome fertilization failure on the activation potential and calcium releasing pattern. Fertil Steril 2016; 105:798-806.e2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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25
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Ebner T, Montag M. Artificial oocyte activation: evidence for clinical readiness. Reprod Biomed Online 2016; 32:271-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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26
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Deficiencies in extrusion of the second polar body due to high calcium concentrations during in vitro fertilization in inbred C3H/He mice. ZYGOTE 2015; 24:603-16. [DOI: 10.1017/s096719941500060x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
SummarySuccessful in vitro fertilization (IVF) of all inbred strains of laboratory mice has not yet been accomplished. We have previously shown that a high calcium concentration improved IVF in various inbred mice. However, we also found that in cumulus-free ova of C3H/He mice such IVF conditions significantly increased the deficiency of extrusion of the second polar body (PBII) in a dose-dependent manner (2% at 1.71 mM and 29% at 6.84 mM, P < 0.05) and that PBII extrusion was affected by high calcium levels at 2–3 h post-insemination. While developmental competence of ova without PBII extrusion to blastocysts after 96 h culture was not affected, a significant reduction in the nuclear number of the inner cell mass was observed in blastocyst fertilized under high calcium condition. We also examined how high calcium concentration during IVF affects PBII extrusion in C3H/He mice. Cumulus cells cultured under high calcium conditions showed a significantly alleviated deficient PBII extrusion. This phenomenon is likely to be specific to C3H/He ova because deficient PBII extrusion in reciprocal fertilization between C3H and BDF1 gametes was observed only in C3H/He ova. Sperm factor(s) was still involved in deficient PBII extrusion due to high calcium concentrations, as this phenomenon was not observed in ova activated by ethanol. The cytoskeletal organization of ova without PBII extrusion showed disturbed spindle rotation, incomplete formation of contractile ring and disturbed localization of actin, suggesting that high calcium levels affect the anchoring machinery of the meiotic spindle. These results indicate that in C3H/He mice high calcium levels induce abnormal fertilization, i.e. deficient PBII extrusion by affecting the cytoskeletal organization, resulting in disturbed cytokinesis during the second meiotic division. Thus, use of high calcium media for IVF should be avoided for this strain.
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Darwish E, Magdi Y. A preliminary report of successful cleavage after calcium ionophore activation at ICSI in cases with previous arrest at the pronuclear stage. Reprod Biomed Online 2015; 31:799-804. [PMID: 26507280 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Artificial oocyte activation (AOA) has been previously suggested as a means to overcome the problem of total fertilization failure, which affects about 1-3% of the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. A preliminary study on the application of chemical AOA was conducted using A23187 Ca(2+) ionophore to improve embryonic development in four women with a history of complete fertilization arrest and inability to transit to cleavage stage during previous ICSI trials. Data indicated that activated oocytes resulted in better fertilization, embryonic development and clinical pregnancy in one of the four couples. Therefore, ICSI combined with AOA using Ca(2+) ionophore may be useful in selected patients with cleavage failure, and may help the zygotes to reach more advanced developmental stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehab Darwish
- El Nada Fertility and Gynecology Center, 9 Alkobry street, Banha, Qalubeiya, Egypt
| | - Yasmin Magdi
- El Nada Fertility and Gynecology Center, 9 Alkobry street, Banha, Qalubeiya, Egypt.
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28
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Sfontouris IA, Nastri CO, Lima ML, Tahmasbpourmarzouni E, Raine-Fenning N, Martins WP. Artificial oocyte activation to improve reproductive outcomes in women with previous fertilization failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:1831-1841. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
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29
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Nikiforaki D, Vanden Meerschaut F, De Gheselle S, Qian C, Van den Abbeel E, De Vos WH, Deroo T, De Sutter P, Heindryckx B. Sperm involved in recurrent partial hydatidiform moles cannot induce the normal pattern of calcium oscillations. Fertil Steril 2014; 102:581-588.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Revised: 05/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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30
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Lee K, Wang C, Spate L, Murphy CN, Prather RS, Machaty Z. Gynogenetic Activation of Porcine Oocytes. Cell Reprogram 2014; 16:121-9. [DOI: 10.1089/cell.2013.0074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kiho Lee
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65201
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Chunmin Wang
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Lee Spate
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65201
| | - Clifton N. Murphy
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65201
| | - Randall S. Prather
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65201
| | - Zoltan Machaty
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907
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31
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Frequency decoding of calcium oscillations. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2014; 1840:964-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2013.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2013] [Revised: 09/27/2013] [Accepted: 11/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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32
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Vanden Meerschaut F, Nikiforaki D, Heindryckx B, De Sutter P. Assisted oocyte activation following ICSI fertilization failure. Reprod Biomed Online 2014; 28:560-71. [PMID: 24656559 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2014.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2013] [Revised: 01/12/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The capacity of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to permit almost any type of spermatozoa to fertilize oocytes has made it the most successful treatment for male factor infertility. Despite its high success rates, fertilization failure following ICSI still occurs in 1-3% of couples. Assisted oocyte activation (AOA) is being increasingly applied in human assisted reproduction to restore fertilization and pregnancy rates in couples with a history of ICSI fertilization failure. However, controversy still exists mainly because the artificial activating agents do not mimic precisely the initial physiological processes of mammalian oocyte activation, which has led to safety concerns. This review addresses the mechanism of human oocyte activation and the relatively rare phenomenon of fertilization failure after ICSI. Next, it describes the current diagnostic approaches and focuses on the application, efficiency and safety of AOA in human assisted reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frauke Vanden Meerschaut
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Ghent, De Pintelaan 185 - 1P4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dimitra Nikiforaki
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Ghent, De Pintelaan 185 - 1P4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Ghent, De Pintelaan 185 - 1P4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Petra De Sutter
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital Ghent, De Pintelaan 185 - 1P4, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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33
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Nikiforaki D, Vanden Meerschaut F, Qian C, De Croo I, Lu Y, Deroo T, Van den Abbeel E, Heindryckx B, De Sutter P. Oocyte cryopreservation and in vitro culture affect calcium signalling during human fertilization. Hum Reprod 2013; 29:29-40. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
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34
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Ajduk A, Zernicka-Goetz M. Quality control of embryo development. Mol Aspects Med 2013; 34:903-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2013.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2012] [Revised: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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35
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Kashir J, Deguchi R, Jones C, Coward K, Stricker SA. Comparative biology of sperm factors and fertilization-induced calcium signals across the animal kingdom. Mol Reprod Dev 2013; 80:787-815. [PMID: 23900730 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Fertilization causes mature oocytes or eggs to increase their concentrations of intracellular calcium ions (Ca²⁺) in all animals that have been examined, and such Ca²⁺ elevations, in turn, provide key activating signals that are required for non-parthenogenetic development. Several lines of evidence indicate that the Ca²⁺ transients produced during fertilization in mammals and other taxa are triggered by soluble factors that sperm deliver into oocytes after gamete fusion. Thus, for a broad-based analysis of Ca²⁺ dynamics during fertilization in animals, this article begins by summarizing data on soluble sperm factors in non-mammalian species, and subsequently reviews various topics related to a sperm-specific phospholipase C, called PLCζ, which is believed to be the predominant activator of mammalian oocytes. After characterizing initiation processes that involve sperm factors or alternative triggering mechanisms, the spatiotemporal patterns of Ca²⁺ signals in fertilized oocytes or eggs are compared in a taxon-by-taxon manner, and broadly classified as either a single major transient or a series of repetitive oscillations. Both solitary and oscillatory types of fertilization-induced Ca²⁺ signals are typically propagated as global waves that depend on Ca²⁺ release from the endoplasmic reticulum in response to increased concentrations of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP₃). Thus, for taxa where relevant data are available, upstream pathways that elevate intraoocytic IP3 levels during fertilization are described, while other less-common modes of producing Ca²⁺ transients are also examined. In addition, the importance of fertilization-induced Ca²⁺ signals for activating development is underscored by noting some major downstream effects of these signals in various animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Kashir
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK
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Takahashi T, Igarashi H, Amita M, Hara S, Matsuo K, Kurachi H. Molecular mechanism of poor embryo development in postovulatory aged oocytes: mini review. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2013; 39:1431-9. [PMID: 23876057 DOI: 10.1111/jog.12111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Oocyte quality is a key factor in determining embryo development; however, we have a poor understanding of what constitutes oocyte quality or the mechanisms governing it. Postovulatory aging of oocytes that have not been fertilized for a prolonged time after ovulation is known to significantly impair oocyte quality and subsequent embryo development after fertilization. Embryos derived from postovulatory-aged oocytes are prone to undergo apoptosis due to the decreased Bcl-2 expression. Postovulatory aging of oocytes changes the patterns of Ca(2+) oscillations at fertilization as a result of impaired Ca(2+) regulation in the endoplasmic reticulum. Moreover, postovulatory aging of oocytes impairs mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate production as a result of increasing oxidative stresses. Oxidative stresses also affect intracellular Ca(2+) regulation and impair embryo development after fertilization. Collectively, the mechanism of postovulatory oocyte aging might be involved in reactive oxygen species-induced mitochondrial injury followed by abnormal intracellular Ca(2+) regulation in the endoplasmic reticulum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshifumi Takahashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
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37
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Abstract
Calcium (Ca2+) signals are involved in the regulation of oocyte maturation and play a critical role during fertilization. In the egg, Ca2+is stored in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum and a signal is generated when the stored Ca2+is released through specialized channels in the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum to elevate the free Ca2+concentration in the cytoplasm. Extracellular Ca2+is also important, indicated by the fact that the mobilization of luminal Ca2+is typically followed by Ca2+entry across the plasma membrane. The transmembrane Ca2+flux replenishes the endoplasmic reticulum, and thus, it is essential to sustain prolonged Ca2+signals. It also seems to be responsible for the stimulation of important signaling cascades required for complete egg activation. Characterization of the pathway that mediates Ca2+entry implies that its major components include STIM1, a protein that senses the filling status of the stores, and ORAI1, a channel protein located in the plasma membrane. Defining the mechanism and functions of Ca2+entry will not only lead to a better understanding of egg physiology but may also help improving the efficiency of a number of assisted reproductive technologies.
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Vanden Meerschaut F, Nikiforaki D, De Roo C, Lierman S, Qian C, Schmitt-John T, De Sutter P, Heindryckx B. Comparison of pre- and post-implantation development following the application of three artificial activating stimuli in a mouse model with round-headed sperm cells deficient for oocyte activation. Hum Reprod 2013; 28:1190-8. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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39
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Vanden Meerschaut F, Leybaert L, Nikiforaki D, Qian C, Heindryckx B, De Sutter P. Diagnostic and prognostic value of calcium oscillatory pattern analysis for patients with ICSI fertilization failure. Hum Reprod 2012; 28:87-98. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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40
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Morris J. Substance Ontology Cannot Determine the Moral Status of Embryos. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICINE AND PHILOSOPHY 2012; 37:331-50. [PMID: 22892242 DOI: 10.1093/jmp/jhs026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jason Morris
- Fordham College at Lincoln Center, Department of Natural Sciences, 113W 60th St. LL813, New York, NY 10023, USA.
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41
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Toxic effects of Hoechst staining and UV irradiation on preimplantation development of parthenogenetically activated mouse oocytes. ZYGOTE 2012; 22:32-40. [PMID: 22784634 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199412000251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Parthenogenetic activation of oocytes is a helpful tool to obtain blastocysts, of which the inner cell mass may be used for derivation of embryonic stem cells. In order to improve activation and embryonic development after parthenogenesis, we tried to use sperm injection and subsequent removal of the sperm head to mimic the natural Ca2+ increases by release of the oocyte activating factor. Visualization of the sperm could be accomplished by Hoechst staining and ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. To exclude negative effects of this treatment, we examined toxicity on activated mouse oocytes. After activation, oocytes were incubated in Hoechst 33342 or 33258 stain and exposed to UV irradiation. The effects on embryonic development were evaluated. Our results showed that both types of Hoechst combined with UV irradiation have toxic effects on parthenogenetically activated mouse oocytes. Although activation and cleavage rate were not affected, blastocyst formation was significantly reduced. Secondly, we used MitoTracker staining for removal of the sperm. Sperm heads were stained before injection and removed again after 1 h. However, staining was not visible anymore in all oocytes after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. In case the sperm could be removed, most oocytes died after 1 day. As MitoTracker was also not successful, alternative methods for sperm identification should be investigated.
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42
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Lee K, Wang C, Machaty Z. STIM1 is required for Ca2+ signaling during mammalian fertilization. Dev Biol 2012; 367:154-62. [PMID: 22565091 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2012] [Accepted: 04/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
During fertilization in mammals, a series of oscillations in the oocyte's intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration is responsible for oocyte activation and stimulation of embryonic development. The oscillations are associated with influx of Ca(2+) across the plasma membrane that is probably triggered by the depletion of the intracellular stores, a mechanism known as store-operated Ca(2+) entry. Recently, STIM1 has been identified in oocytes as a key component of the machinery that generates the Ca(2+) influx after store depletion. In this study, the involvement of STIM1 in the sperm-induced Ca(2+) oscillations and its significance in supporting subsequent embryo development were investigated. Downregulation of STIM1 levels in pig oocytes by siRNA completely inhibited the repetitive Ca(2+) signal triggered by the fertilizing sperm. In addition, a significantly lower percentage of oocytes cleaved or formed blastocysts when STIM1 was downregulated prior to fertilization compared to the control groups. Restoring STIM1 levels after fertilization in such oocytes by means of mRNA injection could not rescue embryonic development that in most cases was arrested at the 2-cell stage. On the other hand, STIM1 overexpression prior to fertilization did not alter the pattern of sperm-induced Ca(2+) oscillations and development of these fertilized oocytes up to the blastocyst stage was also similar to that registered in the control group. Finally, downregulation of STIM1 had no effect on oocyte activation when activation was stimulated artificially by inducing a single large elevation in the oocyte's intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration. These findings suggest that STIM1 is essential for normal fertilization as it is involved in the maintenance of the long-lasting repetitive Ca(2+) signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiho Lee
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
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43
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Calcium Oscillations, Oocyte Activation, and Phospholipase C zeta. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2012; 740:1095-121. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-2888-2_50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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44
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Adult body weight is programmed by a redox-regulated and energy-dependent process during the pronuclear stage in mouse. PLoS One 2011; 6:e29388. [PMID: 22216268 PMCID: PMC3247262 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2011] [Accepted: 11/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals fertilization triggers a series of Ca(2+) oscillations that not only are essential for events of egg activation but also stimulate oxidative phosphorylation. Little is known, however, about the relationship between quantitative changes in egg metabolism and specific long-term effects in offspring. This study assessed whether post-natal growth is modulated by early transient changes in NAD(P)H and FAD(2+) in zygotes. We report that experimentally manipulating the redox potential of fertilized eggs during the pronuclear (PN) stage affects post-natal body weight. Exogenous pyruvate induces NAD(P)H oxidation and stimulates mitochondrial activity with resulting offspring that are persistently and significantly smaller than controls. Exogenous lactate stimulates NAD(+) reduction and impairs mitochondrial activity, and produces offspring that are smaller than controls at weaning but catch up after weaning. Cytosolic alkalization increases NAD(P)(+) reduction and offspring of normal birth-weight become significantly and persistently larger than controls. These results constitute the first report that post-natal growth rate is ultimately linked to modulation of NAD(P)H and FAD(2+) concentration as early as the PN stage.
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Rhythmic actomyosin-driven contractions induced by sperm entry predict mammalian embryo viability. Nat Commun 2011; 2:417. [PMID: 21829179 PMCID: PMC3265380 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms1424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2011] [Accepted: 06/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertilization-induced cytoplasmic flows are a conserved feature of eggs in many species. However, until now the importance of cytoplasmic flows for the development of mammalian embryos has been unknown. Here, by combining a rapid imaging of the freshly fertilized mouse egg with advanced image analysis based on particle image velocimetry, we show that fertilization induces rhythmical cytoplasmic movements that coincide with pulsations of the protrusion forming above the sperm head. We find that these movements are caused by contractions of the actomyosin cytoskeleton triggered by Ca2+ oscillations induced by fertilization. Most importantly, the relationship between the movements and the events of egg activation makes it possible to use the movements alone to predict developmental potential of the zygote. In conclusion, this method offers, thus far, the earliest and fastest, non-invasive way to predict the viability of eggs fertilized in vitro and therefore can potentially improve greatly the prospects for IVF treatment. Cytoplasmic flows—the movement of cytoplasmic material—can be detected following the fertilization of an egg by a sperm in many species. In this study, rhythmic cytoplasmic flows are shown to be induced in mice by calcium-induced cytoskeleton contractions which could be used to predict the successful outcome of fertilization.
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Kim AM, Bernhardt ML, Kong BY, Ahn RW, Vogt S, Woodruff TK, O’Halloran TV. Zinc sparks are triggered by fertilization and facilitate cell cycle resumption in mammalian eggs. ACS Chem Biol 2011; 6:716-23. [PMID: 21526836 DOI: 10.1021/cb200084y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In last few hours of maturation, the mouse oocyte takes up over twenty billion zinc atoms and arrests after the first meiotic division, until fertilization or pharmacological intervention stimulates cell cycle progression toward a new embryo. Using chemical and physical probes, we show that fertilization of the mature, zinc-enriched egg triggers the ejection of zinc into the extracellular milieu in a series of coordinated events termed zinc sparks. These events immediately follow the well-established series of calcium oscillations within the activated egg and are evolutionarily conserved in several mammalian species, including rodents and nonhuman primates. Functionally, the zinc sparks mediate a decrease in intracellular zinc content that is necessary for continued cell cycle progression, as increasing zinc levels within the activated egg results in the reestablishment of cell cycle arrest at metaphase. The mammalian egg thus uses a zinc-dependent switch mechanism to toggle between metaphase arrest and resumption of the meiotic cell cycle at the initiation of embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison M. Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 250 E. Superior St., Suite 3-2303, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| | - Miranda L. Bernhardt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 250 E. Superior St., Suite 3-2303, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| | - Betty Y. Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 250 E. Superior St., Suite 3-2303, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| | | | - Stefan Vogt
- X-ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 S. Cass Ave., Argonne, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Teresa K. Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 250 E. Superior St., Suite 3-2303, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, 2205 Tech Drive, Hogan 2-100, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Thomas V. O’Halloran
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, 2205 Tech Drive, Hogan 2-100, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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Takahashi T, Igarashi H, Amita M, Hara S, Kurachi H. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of various types of oocyte aging. Reprod Med Biol 2011; 10:239-249. [PMID: 29699098 DOI: 10.1007/s12522-011-0099-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2011] [Accepted: 06/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well established that age-related decline of a woman's fertility is related to the poor developmental potential of her gametes. The age-associated decline in female fertility is largely attributable to the oocyte aging caused by ovarian aging. Age-associated oocyte aging results in a decrease in oocyte quality. In contrast to ovarian aging, there is a concept of postovulatory oocyte aging. Postovulatory aging of oocytes, not being fertilized for a prolonged time after ovulation, is known to significantly affect the development of oocytes. Both categories of oocyte aging have similar phenotypes of reproductive failure. However, the mechanisms of the decline in oocyte quality are not necessarily equivalent. An age-dependent increase in aneuploidy is a key determinant of oocyte quality. The reduced expression of molecules regulating cell cycle control during meiosis might be involved in the age-dependent increase in aneuploidy. The mechanism of age-associated oocyte aging might be involved in mitochondrial dysfunction, whose etiologies are still unknown. Alternatively, the mechanism of postovulatory oocyte aging might be involved in reactive oxygen species-induced mitochondrial injury pathways followed by abnormal intracellular Ca2+ regulation of the endoplasmic reticulum. We suggest that future research into the mechanism of oocyte aging will be necessary to develop a method to rescue the poor developmental potential of aged oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshifumi Takahashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine 990-9585 Yamagata Japan
| | - Hideki Igarashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine 990-9585 Yamagata Japan
| | - Mitsuyoshi Amita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine 990-9585 Yamagata Japan
| | - Shuichiro Hara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine 990-9585 Yamagata Japan
| | - Hirohisa Kurachi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine 990-9585 Yamagata Japan
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Structural and functional changes linked to, and factors promoting, cytoplasmic maturation in mammalian oocytes. Reprod Med Biol 2011; 10:69-79. [PMID: 29699083 DOI: 10.1007/s12522-011-0079-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2011] [Accepted: 02/21/2011] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In most mammals, oocyte maturation is the final process of oogenesis, from the prophase of the first meiosis (germinal vesicle stage) to the metaphase of the second meiosis (MII), during which the oocyte acquires fertilizable competence as well as post-fertilization development competence. The nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation processes occur in synchrony but independently. Cytoplasmic maturation entails biochemical and structural changes in the cytoplasm, which give rise to oocytes capable of being fertilized and developing into embryos. Herein we review the literature and results from our own experiments on the structural and molecular events regulating cytoplasmic maturation in oocytes, concentrating on (1) the appropriate reorganization of active mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum, a structural and functional feature of cytoplasmic maturation, and (2) factors involved in regulatory mechanisms such as cumulus cell-oocyte gap junctional signaling, cumulus cell-oocyte bidirectional paracrine signaling, and the complex interactions of these signaling processes and follicular fluid constituents in the follicle environment.
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Combettes L, Dupont G. [Experimental and computational approach of calcium signaling]. Med Sci (Paris) 2011; 27:170-6. [PMID: 21382325 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2011272170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In many cell types, specific and robust signalling relies on a high level of spatiotemporal organization of Ca(2+) dynamics. In response to external stimulation, Ca(2+) signals ranging from a small increase of a few tens of nanomolar concentrations at the mouth of an inositol 1, 4, 5-trisphosphate receptor to the periodic propagation of waves invading an organ or a tissue, can be observed. Here, we review our combined experimental and computational approach of Ca(2+) dynamics, which has been mainly carried out on liver hepatocytes. We focus in particular on the understanding of the relationship between elementary Ca(2+) increases, Ca(2+) oscillations and intra- or intercellular Ca(2+) waves. The physiological impact of such signalling on liver function is also discussed.
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Versieren K, Heindryckx B, Lierman S, Gerris J, De Sutter P. Developmental competence of parthenogenetic mouse and human embryos after chemical or electrical activation. Reprod Biomed Online 2010; 21:769-75. [PMID: 21051286 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2010.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2010] [Revised: 06/24/2010] [Accepted: 07/01/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Parthenogenetic reconstruction is one major strategy to create patient-specific stem cells. The aim of this study was to find the best artificial activation protocol for parthenogenetic activation of mouse and human oocytes comparing different methods. In a first set of experiments, in-vivo matured mouse oocytes and human failed-fertilized, in-vitro and in-vivo matured oocytes were artificially activated by a chemical (ionomycin) or electrical stimulus. In a second set of experiments, a combination of activating agents (electrical pulses followed by ionomycin or SrCl(2)) was applied in an aim to improve developmental competence. All embryos were evaluated daily until day 6 after activation. Mouse blastocysts were differentially stained to evaluate blastocyst quality. For mouse oocytes and human failed-fertilized oocytes, blastocyst development was significantly higher after electrical activation (P<0.05). For human in-vitro and in-vivo matured oocytes, blastocyst formation was only obtained after electrical activation of in-vitro matured oocytes. After combining activating agents, no differences in development could be observed. In conclusion, this study revealed that for both mouse and human oocytes development to the blastocyst stage was significantly better after electrical activation compared with chemical activation. Combining activating agents had no further positive effect on developmental potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Versieren
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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