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Chen X, Hong L, Mo M, Xiao S, Yin T, Liu S. Contributing factors for pregnancy outcomes in women with PCOS after their first FET treatment: a retrospective cohort study. Gynecol Endocrinol 2024; 40:2314607. [PMID: 38349325 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2024.2314607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aim to explore the contributing factors of clinical pregnancy outcomes in PCOS patients undergoing their first FET treatment. METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on 574 PCOS patients undergoing their first FET treatment at a private fertility center from January 2018 to December 2021. RESULTS During the first FET cycle of PCOS patients, progesterone levels (aOR 0.109, 95% CI 0.018-0.670) and endometrial thickness (EMT) (aOR 1.126, 95% CI 1.043-1.419) on the hCG trigger day were associated with the clinical pregnancy rate. Similarly, progesterone levels (aOR 0.055, 95% CI 0.007-0.420) and EMT (aOR 1.179, 95% CI 1.011-1.376) on the hCG trigger day were associated with the live birth rate. In addition, AFC (aOR 1.179, 95% CI 1.011-1.376) was found to be a risk factor for preterm delivery. CONCLUSIONS In women with PCOS undergoing their first FET, lower progesterone levels and higher EMT on hCG trigger day were associated with clinical pregnancy and live birth, and AFC was a risk factor for preterm delivery. During FET treatment, paying attention to the patient's endocrine indicators and follicle status may have a positive effect on predicting and improving the pregnancy outcome of PCOS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Reproductive Medical Centre, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ling Hong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Meilan Mo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shan Xiao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tailang Yin
- Reproductive Medical Centre, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Su Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproduction and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Shafienia H, Hoseini SM, Khalili MA, Heydari L, Sheikhha MH, Montazeri F. The possible regulatory role of miR-514 and miR-642b in cumulus cells on the oocyte maturation in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100863. [PMID: 38367330 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100863] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common endocrine disorder in reproductive-age women. Accordingly, abnormal microenvironment may negatively influence oocyte developmental competence as a result of the altered expression profile of cumulus cells (CCs), mainly the key players of oocyte maturation, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and prostaglandin E receptor-2 (PTGER2). This study aimed to examine the expression levels of miR-514, miR-642b, and their candidate target genes (EGFR and PTGER2, respectively) in CCs of immature and mature oocytes in patients with PCOS. A total of 40 oocytes at germinal vesicle (GV) and 40 oocytes at metaphase II (MII) stages were retrieved from 30 PCOS women. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to analyze the expression level of miR-514, miR-642b, EGFR, and PTGER2 in cumulus cells (CCS) of each oocyte. The expression level of miRNAs and their candidate target genes were compared between CCs of GV and MII oocytes. Our study suggests an inverse relationship exists between the expression levels of miR-514 and EGFR, and miR-642b and PTGER2. Furthermore, we observed that CCs of GV oocytes had higher levels of EGFR and PTGER2 mRNA and lower levels of miR-514 and miR-642b expression compared to those of MII oocytes. The present study demonstrated that miR-514 and miR-642b can regulate oocyte development by targeting EGFR and PTGER2, respectively. Therefore, examination of these miRNAs in CCs could be promising parameters to predict oocyte competence in PCOS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanieh Shafienia
- Abortion Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - Seyed Mehdi Hoseini
- Biotechnology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Khalili
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - Leila Heydari
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hasan Sheikhha
- Biotechnology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran.
| | - Fateme Montazeri
- Abortion Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran.
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He SY, Liu W, Huang CM, Huang HM, Cao QL, Li YX, Xu YN, Kim NH, Li YH. Enhancing antioxidant levels and mitochondrial function in porcine oocyte maturation and embryonic development through notoginsenoside R1 supplementation. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14631. [PMID: 38828566 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
This study examines the impact of Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1), a compound from Panax notoginseng, on the maturation of porcine oocytes and their embryonic development, focusing on its effects on antioxidant levels and mitochondrial function. This study demonstrates that supplementing in vitro maturation (IVM) medium with NGR1 significantly enhances several biochemical parameters. These include elevated levels of glutathione (GSH), nuclear factor erythrocyte 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and mRNA expression of catalase (CAT) and GPX. Concurrently, we observed a decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and an increase in JC-1 immunofluorescence, mitochondrial distribution, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC1α) and nuclear NRF2 mRNA levels. Additionally, there was an increase in ATP production and lipid droplets (LDs) immunofluorescence. These biochemical improvements correlate with enhanced embryonic outcomes, including a higher blastocyst rate, increased total cell count, enhanced proliferative capacity and elevated octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4) and superoxide dismutase 2 (Sod2) gene expression. Furthermore, NGR1 supplementation resulted in decreased apoptosis, reduced caspase 3 (Cas3) and BCL2-Associated X (Bax) mRNA levels and decreased glucose-regulated protein 78 kD (GRP78) immunofluorescence in porcine oocytes undergoing in vitro maturation. These findings suggest that NGR1 plays a crucial role in promoting porcine oocyte maturation and subsequent embryonic development by providing antioxidant levels and mitochondrial protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Yan He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Pharmacy and Food Engineering, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Wen Liu
- Laboratory Animal Center, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Animal Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Chu-Man Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Pharmacy and Food Engineering, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Hui-Mei Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Pharmacy and Food Engineering, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Qi-Long Cao
- Qingdao Haier Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Qingdao, China
| | - Yun-Xiao Li
- Qingdao Haier Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Qingdao, China
| | - Yong-Nan Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Pharmacy and Food Engineering, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Nam-Hyung Kim
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Pharmacy and Food Engineering, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Ying-Hua Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Pharmacy and Food Engineering, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
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Ahuja K, Batra V, Kumar R, Datta TK. Transient suppression of Wnt signaling in poor-quality buffalo oocytes improves their developmental competence. Front Vet Sci 2024; 10:1324647. [PMID: 38274663 PMCID: PMC10808588 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1324647] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction One of the most evolutionary conserved communication systems, the Wnt signaling pathway is a major gene regulatory pathway that affects the developmental competence of oocytes and regulates most embryonic developmental processes. The present study was undertaken to modulate the canonical Wnt (Wingless/integration) signaling pathway in the poor-quality (colorless cytoplasm after Brilliant Cresyl Blue staining, BCB-) buffalo cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) to improve their in vitro maturation (IVM) and embryo production (IVEP) rates. Methods The expression of key Wnt pathway genes was initially assessed in the good (blue cytoplasm after Brilliant Cresyl Blue staining, BCB+) and poor quality (BCB-) buffalo COCs to establish a differential activity of the Wnt pathway. The BCB- COCs were supplemented with the Wnt pathway inhibitor, Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) and later subjected to IVM and IVEP along with the BCB+ and BCB- controls. The cumulus expansion index (CEI), rate of nuclear maturation (mean percentage of oocytes in the MII stage) and embryo production, and the expression of developmentally important genes were evaluated to assess the effect of Wnt pathway inhibition on the development competence of these poor-quality oocytes. Results The Wnt pathway genes exhibited a significantly higher expression (p < 0.05) in the poor-quality BCB- oocytes compared to the good-quality BCB+ oocytes during the early maturation stages. The supplementation of BCB- COCs with 100 ng/mL DKK1 effectively inhibited the expression of the key mediators of the Wnt pathway (β-catenin and dishevelled homolog 1, DVL1). DKK1 supplemented BCB- COCs exhibited significantly improved cytoplasmic and nuclear maturation indices, development rates and significantly elevated expression (p < 0.05) of genes implicated in germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and embryonic genome activation (EGA) vis-à-vis BCB- control COCs. Conclusion These data indicate that inhibition of the Wnt pathway during the initial course of oocyte maturation can improve the development competence of poor-quality buffalo oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kriti Ahuja
- Animal Genomics Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Vipul Batra
- Animal Genomics Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
- Lifespan and Population Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Animal Genomics Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
| | - Tirtha Kumar Datta
- Animal Genomics Lab, Animal Biotechnology Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India
- ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, India
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Yu L, Liu M, Xu S, Wang Z, Liu T, Zhou J, Zhang D, Dong X, Pan B, Wang B, Liu S, Guo W. Follicular fluid steroid and gonadotropic hormone levels and mitochondrial function from exosomes predict embryonic development. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1025523. [PMID: 36440207 PMCID: PMC9682035 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1025523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Human follicular fluid (FF) is a complex biological fluid that contributes to the micro-environment of oocyte development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of steroid and gonadotropic hormones levels and mitochondrial function in embryo development during in vitro fertilization cycles. METHODS This was a cohort study of 138 women receiving IVF/ICSI, including 136 FF samples from 109 infertile women. FF steroid and gonadotropic hormones levels were tested by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and immunoassays. The mRNA expression levels of mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complex genes from FF exosomes were detected by qPCR. RESULTS Analysis of these individual FF concentrations revealed that LH and FSH concentrations were higher in follicles in which the oocyte developed into a top quality (TQ) blastocyst (LH: 9.44 ± 2.32mIU/ml, FSH: 9.32 ± 1.01mIU/ml) than those in which there was a failure of fertilization (LH: 5.30 ± 0.84mIU/ml, FSH: 6.91 ± 0.62mIU/ml). In contrast, follicular cortisone concentrations were lower for oocytes that resulted in a TQ blastocyst (12.20 ± 0.82mIU/ml). The receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that FF LH and FSH levels predicted TQ blastocyst with excellent AUC value of 0.711 and 0.747. Mitochondrial ETC complex I and III mRNA levels were increased in the FF exosomes of TQ blastocyst. Correlation analysis showed that mRNA levels of ETC complex I was positively correlated with LH and FSH levels in FF. CONCLUSION The levels of FF steroid and gonadotropic hormones from single follicle can predetermine subsequent embryo development to some extent. Furthermore, impaired exosome mitochondrial dysfunction is a potiential event that causes hormone change in embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Miao Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiji Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenxin Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Te Liu
- Shanghai Geriatric Institute of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaye Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Doudou Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Dong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Baishen Pan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Beili Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Guo, ; Suying Liu, ; Beili Wang,
| | - Suying Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Guo, ; Suying Liu, ; Beili Wang,
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiamen Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wusong Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Guo, ; Suying Liu, ; Beili Wang,
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Tesfaye D, Menjivar N, Gebremedhn S. Current knowledge and the future potential of extracellular vesicles in mammalian reproduction. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:174-189. [PMID: 35231266 DOI: 10.1071/rd21277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), which contain various functional classes of vesicles, namely exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies, represent the major nano-shuttle to transfer bioactive molecules from donor to recipient cells to facilitate cell-to-cell communication in the follicular, oviduct, and uterine microenvironments. In addition to transferring various molecular cargos in the form of miRNAs, mRNAs, proteins, lipids, and DNA molecules, the relative proportion of those molecular cargos in the reproductive fluids can be associated with the physiological and pathological condition of the host animal. Inside the follicle, EV-mediated circulation of miRNAs has been reported to be associated with the growth status of the enclosed oocytes, the metabolic status, and the advanced maternal aging of the animal. Importantly, EVs have the potential to protect their cargo molecules from extracellular degradation or modification while travelling to the recipient cells. This fact together with the enormous availability in almost all biological fluids and spent culture media make them attractive in the search for biomarkers of oocyte/embryo developmental competence, receptive maternal environment and a multitude of reproductive pathophysiological conditions. One of the key factors that have contributed to the lower efficiency of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) is the absence of several maternal in vivo factors in the ART procedures. For this, several studies have been conducted to supplement various components present in the follicular and oviductal fluids into the existing ART procedures and significant positive impacts have been observed in terms of embryo cleavage rate, blastocyst rate, resistance to stress, and survival after cryopreservation. The potential of EVs in shuttling protective messages against environmental and physiological stressors has been evidenced. The effective use of the EV-coupled molecular signals against stress-associated conditions has the potential to pave the path for the application of these protective signals against oxidative stress-associated pathological conditions including PCOS, ageing, and endometritis. In this review, we provide current knowledge and potential future use of EVs as remedies in reproductive pathophysiological conditions, mainly in follicular and oviductal microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawit Tesfaye
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3051 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
| | - Nico Menjivar
- Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 3051 Rampart Road, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA
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Alaee S, Asadollahpour R, Hosseinzadeh Colagar A, Talaei-Khozani T. The decellularized ovary as a potential scaffold for maturation of preantral ovarian follicles of prepubertal mice. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2021; 67:413-427. [PMID: 34445905 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2021.1968542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
ABBREVIATIONS GAG: glycosaminoglycan; ECM: extracellular matrix; 2D: two-dimensional; E2: estradiol; P4: progesterone; BMP15: bone morphogenetic protein 15; GDF9: growth differentiation factor 9; ZP2: zona pellucida 2; Gdf9: growth/differentiation factor-9; Bmp6: bone morphogenetic protein 6; Bmp15: bone morphogenetic protein 15.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Alaee
- Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Raheleh Asadollahpour
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
| | | | - Tahereh Talaei-Khozani
- Tissue Engineering Lab, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Bezerra FTG, Paulino LRFM, Silva BR, Silva AWB, Souza Batista ALP, Silva JRV. Effects of epidermal growth factor and progesterone on oocyte meiotic resumption and the expression of maturation-related transcripts during prematuration of oocytes from small and medium-sized bovine antral follicles. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:1190-1199. [PMID: 32943135 DOI: 10.1071/rd20099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and progesterone (P4) on growth, the resumption of meiosis and expression of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E(eIF4E), poly(A)-specific ribonuclease (PARN), oocyte-specific histone H1 (H1FOO), oocyte maturation factor Mos (cMOS), growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF9) and cyclin B1 (CCNB1) mRNA in oocytes from small and medium-sized antral follicles after prematuration and maturation invitro. Oocytes from small (<2.0mm) and medium (3.0-6.0mm) antral follicles were cultured in medium containing EGF (10ng mL-1), P4 (100 µM) or both. After culture, growth rate, resumption of meiosis and eIF4E, PARN, H1FOO, cMOS, GDF9 and CCNB1 mRNA levels were evaluated. P4 increased cMOS, H1FOO and CCNB1 mRNA levels after the culture of oocytes from small antral follicles, and EGF increased CCNB1 mRNA levels in these oocytes. In the medium-sized antral follicles, P4 alone or in combination with EGF increased oocyte diameter after prematuration invitro. In these oocytes, the presence of either EGF or P4 in the culture medium increased cMOS mRNA levels. In conclusion, P4 increases cMOS, H1FOO and CCNB1 mRNA levels after the culture of oocytes from small antral follicles. P4 and the combination of EGF and P4 promote the growth of oocytes from medium-sized antral follicles, and both EGF and P4 increase cMOS mRNA levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Taiã G Bezerra
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction, Federal University of Ceara, Sobral-CE, Brazil
| | - Laís R F M Paulino
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction, Federal University of Ceara, Sobral-CE, Brazil
| | - Bianca R Silva
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction, Federal University of Ceara, Sobral-CE, Brazil
| | - Anderson W B Silva
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction, Federal University of Ceara, Sobral-CE, Brazil
| | - Ana L P Souza Batista
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction, Federal University of Ceara, Sobral-CE, Brazil
| | - José R V Silva
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction, Federal University of Ceara, Sobral-CE, Brazil; and Corresponding author.
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de Ávila ACFCM, Bridi A, Andrade GM, Del Collado M, Sangalli JR, Nociti RP, da Silva Junior WA, Bastien A, Robert C, Meirelles FV, Perecin F, da Silveira JC. Estrous cycle impacts microRNA content in extracellular vesicles that modulate bovine cumulus cell transcripts during in vitro maturation†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:362-375. [PMID: 31504242 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoparticles secreted by ovarian follicle cells. Extracellular vesicles are an important form of intercellular communication, since they carry bioactive contents, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), mRNAs, and proteins. MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNA capable of modulating mRNA translation. Thus, EVs can play a role in follicle and oocyte development. However, it is not clear if EV contents vary with the estrous cycle stage. The aim of this study was to investigate the bovine miRNA content in EVs obtained from follicles at different estrous cycle stages, which are associated with different progesterone (P4) levels in the follicular fluid (FF). We collected FF from 3 to 6 mm follicles and evaluated the miRNA profile of the EVs and their effects on cumulus-oocyte complexes during in vitro maturation. We observed that EVs from low P4 group have a higher abundance of miRNAs predicted to modulate pathways, such as MAPK, RNA transport, Hippo, Cell cycle, FoxO, oocyte meiosis, and TGF-beta. Additionally, EVs were taken up by cumulus cells and, thus, affected the RNA global profile 9 h after EV supplementation. Cumulus cells supplemented with EVs from low P4 presented upregulated genes that could modulate biological processes, such as oocyte development, immune responses, and Notch signaling compared with genes of cumulus cells in the EV free media or with EVs from high P4 follicles. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that EV miRNA contents are distinct in follicles exposed to different estrous cycle stage. Supplementation with EVs impacts gene expression and biological processes in cumulus cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandra Bridi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriella Mamede Andrade
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maite Del Collado
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliano Rodrigues Sangalli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Perecin Nociti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Alexandre Bastien
- Animal Science Department, Research Center in Reproductive Biology, Institute on Nutrition and Functional Foods, Laval University, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Claude Robert
- Animal Science Department, Research Center in Reproductive Biology, Institute on Nutrition and Functional Foods, Laval University, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Flávio Vieira Meirelles
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Felipe Perecin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliano Coelho da Silveira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
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Stratifying Cumulus Cell Samples Based on Molecular Profiling to Help Resolve Biomarker Discrepancies and to Predict Oocyte Developmental Competence. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126377. [PMID: 34203623 PMCID: PMC8232172 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To increase the efficiency of assisted reproductive techniques (ART), molecular studies have been performed to identify the best predictive biomarkers for selecting the most suitable germ cells for fertilization and the best embryo for intra-uterine transfer. However, across different studies, no universal markers have been found. In this study, we addressed this issue by generating gene expression and CpG methylation profiles of outer cumulus cells obtained during intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). We also studied the association of the generated genomic data with the clinical parameters (spindle presence, zona pellucida birefringence, pronuclear pattern, estrogen level, endometrium size and lead follicle size) and the pregnancy result. Our data highlighted the presence of several parameters that affect analysis, such as inter-individual differences, inter-treatment differences, and, above all, specific treatment protocol differences. When comparing the pregnancy outcome following the long protocol (GnRH agonist) of ovarian stimulation, we identified the single gene markers (NME6 and ASAP1, FDR < 5%) which were also correlated with endometrium size, upstream regulators (e.g., EIF2AK3, FSH, ATF4, MKNK1, and TP53) and several bio-functions related to cell death (apoptosis) and cellular growth and proliferation. In conclusion, our study highlighted the need to stratify samples that are very heterogeneous and to use pathway analysis as a more reliable and universal method for identifying markers that can predict oocyte development potential.
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11
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Almubarak AM, Kim E, Yu IJ, Jeon Y. Supplementation with Niacin during in vitro maturation improves the quality of porcine embryos. Theriogenology 2021; 169:36-46. [PMID: 33932650 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, has a pivotal role in energy metabolism, cellular signaling cascades regulating gene expression, and apoptosis. However, the effect of Niacin on porcine early embryo developmental competence remains to be elucidated. The present study aimed to assess the effects of Niacin treatment during in vitro maturation (IVM) on the nuclear maturation of porcine oocytes and subsequent development of in vitro embryos. In addition, the expression profiles of selected genes related to lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and apoptosis were assessed. The IVM medium was supplemented with different concentrations of Niacin (0, 300, 600, and 900 μM). The results showed that a high concentration of Niacin (900 μM) significantly decreased cumulus expansion compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed among the experimental groups for nuclear maturation rate. Niacin treatments (300, 600, and 900 μM) during IVM significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced glutathione levels. Treatment with 300 and 600 μM significantly (p < 0.05) lowered the reactive oxygen species levels compared to treatment with 900 μM and the control group. Niacin supplementation to the IVM media significantly improved the cleavage and blastocyst rates compared to the control group. Supplementation with 300 and 600 μM of Niacin significantly increased the total cell number of blastocysts compared to supplementation with 900 μM or the control groups. Cytoplasmic lipid droplets were significantly reduced after 600 μM treatment. Supplementation of Niacin to IVM media positively affected the relative expression of genes related to energy and oxidative status (SIRT1), pro-apoptosis (BAX), anti-apoptosis (BCL2), and lipid metabolism (ACACA and PNPLA2) in cumulus cells and oocytes. Taken together, Niacin supplementation to porcine IVM media improved the developmental competence of early embryos mainly through protection against oxidative stress and its influence on energy metabolism and apoptosis pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areeg M Almubarak
- Department of Theriogenology and Reproductive Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bio-safety Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, 54596, Republic of Korea; Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Khartoum North, Khartoum, 11111, Sudan
| | - Eunji Kim
- Department of Theriogenology and Reproductive Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bio-safety Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Il-Jeoung Yu
- Department of Theriogenology and Reproductive Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bio-safety Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, 54596, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yubyeol Jeon
- Department of Theriogenology and Reproductive Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Bio-safety Research Institute, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, 54596, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Premature Luteinization May Impact In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes Through Dual Action on Both Uterus and Embryos. CURRENT OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13669-021-00304-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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13
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de Ávila ACFCM, da Silveira JC. Role of extracellular vesicles during oocyte maturation and early embryo development. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 32:56-64. [PMID: 32188558 DOI: 10.1071/rd19389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The follicle is a dynamic microenvironment in the ovary where the oocyte develops. Intercellular communication between somatic cells and the oocyte inside the follicle is essential to generate a competent gamete. Extracellular vesicles are nanoparticles secreted by cells that mediate cell-to-cell communication in the follicle microenvironment and can be obtained from the follicular fluid. These extracellular vesicles have been studied as biomarkers and supplementation tools to mimic physiological conditions during assisted reproductive techniques because they are vehicles of bioactive molecules. Therefore, this paper reviews the importance of changes in the ovarian follicle and the effects of extracellular vesicles from follicular fluid during oocyte maturation and early embryo development. Finally, we propose that is important to consider the source of the extracellular vesicles to improve diagnostic methods and to increase invitro embryo production.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C F C M de Ávila
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Avenida Duque de Caxias Norte 225, 13635-900 Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - J C da Silveira
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Avenida Duque de Caxias Norte 225, 13635-900 Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil; and Corresponding author.
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14
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New markers of human cumulus oophorus cells cultured in vitro – transcriptomic profile. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/acb-2020-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The presence of CCs around the oocyte after ovulation is one of the key elements contributing to oocyte developmental competence. In the presented study, we used CCs from 12 patients aged 18-40 diagnosed with infertility. After harvesting cells on day 1, 7, 15 and 30 of culture, total RNA was isolated and transcriptomic analysis was performed. The DAVID software indicated the following GO BP terms: “cell junction organization”, “cell migration”, “cell morphogenesis involved in differentiation”, “cell morphogenesis” and “cell motility”. Of the genes belonging to all ontological groups, the most downregulated were: SLC7A8, DFNB31, COL1A1, CDC42SE1, TGFBR3, HMGB1, with the most upregulated genes being: ANXA3, KIAA1199, HTR2B, VCAM1, DKK1.
While many studies focus on attempts to obtain fully competent oocytes, scientists still have difficulty attaining adequate results in vitro. Lack of adequate knowledge often results in low in vitro fertilization efficiency. Therefore, our research focuses on CCs cells, thanks to which the oocyte most likely acquires developmental competence. The main purpose of the study was to identify the potential molecular markers responsible for cell junction organization, migration, differentiation, morphogenesis and motility.
Running title: New markers of human cumulus oophorus cells cultured in vitro
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15
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Chromosome Missegregation in Single Human Oocytes Is Related to the Age and Gene Expression Profile. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21061934. [PMID: 32178390 PMCID: PMC7139522 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21061934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The growing trend for women to postpone childbearing has resulted in a dramatic increase in the incidence of aneuploid pregnancies. Despite the importance to human reproductive health, the events precipitating female age-related meiotic errors are poorly understood. To gain new insight into the molecular basis of age-related chromosome missegregation in human oocytes, we combined the transcriptome profiles of twenty single oocytes (derived from females divided into two groups according to age <35 and ≥35 years) with their chromosome status obtained by array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). Furthermore, we compared the transcription profile of the single oocyte with the surrounding cumulus cells (CCs). RNA-seq data showed differences in gene expression between young and old oocytes. Dysregulated genes play a role in important biological processes such as gene transcription regulation, cytoskeleton organization, pathways related to RNA maturation and translation. The comparison of the transcription profile of the oocyte and the corresponding CCs highlighted the differential expression of genes belonging to the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily. Finally, we detected the loss of a X chromosome in two oocytes derived from women belonging to the ≥35 years age group. These aneuploidies may be caused by the detriment of REEP4, an endoplasmic reticulum protein, in women aged ≥35 years. Here we gained new insight into the complex regulatory circuit between the oocyte and the surrounding CCs and uncovered a new putative molecular basis of age-related chromosome missegregation in human oocytes.
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Hassani F, Ebrahimi B, Moini A, Ghiaseddin A, Bazrafkan M, Hassanzadeh GH, Valojerdi MR. Chitosan Hydrogel Supports Integrity of Ovarian Follicles during In Vitro Culture: A Preliminary of A Novel Biomaterial for Three Dimensional Culture of Ovarian Follicles. CELL JOURNAL 2019; 21:479-493. [PMID: 31376330 PMCID: PMC6722450 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2020.6393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Objective Testing novel biomaterials for the three dimensional (3D) culture of ovarian follicles may ultimately lead to a culture model which can support the integrity of follicles during in vitro culture (IVC). The present study reports the first application of a chitosan (CS) hydrogel in culturing mouse preantral follicles. Materials and Methods In this interventional experiment study, CS hydrogels with the concentrations of 0.5, 1, and 1.5% were first tested for fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Compressive Strength, viscosity, degradation, swelling ratio, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cytotoxicity and live/dead assay. Thereafter, mouse ovarian follicles were encapsulated in optimum concentration of CS (1%) and compared with those in alginate hydrogel. The follicular morphology, quality of matured oocyte and steroid secretion in both CS and alginate were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of folliculogenesis, endocrine, and apoptotic related genes was also evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and compared with day that in 0. Results The rates of survival, and diameter of the follicles, secretion of estradiol, normal appearance of meiotic spindle and chromosome alignment were all higher in CS group compared with those in alginate group (P≤0.05). The expression of Cyp19a1 and Lhcgr in CS group was significantly higher than that of the alginate group (P≤0.05). Conclusion The results showed that CS is a permissive hydrogel and has a beneficial effect on encapsulation of ovarian follicle and its further development during 3D culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Hassani
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bita Ebrahimi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashraf Moini
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Roointan-Arash Maternity Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Endocrinology and Female Infertility, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Ghiaseddin
- Biomedical Engineering Group, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahshid Bazrafkan
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - G Holamreza Hassanzadeh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Electronic Address:
| | - Mojtaba Rezazadeh Valojerdi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.Electronic Address:,
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O'Brien Y, Wingfield M, O'Shea LC. Anti-Müllerian hormone and progesterone levels in human follicular fluid are predictors of embryonic development. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2019; 17:47. [PMID: 31217014 PMCID: PMC6585091 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-019-0492-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human follicular fluid is an intricate biological fluid contributing to the developing oocyte microenvironment. Accumulating evidence suggests that sex hormones present in follicular fluid (FF) may play an important role in regulating oocyte developmental potential. The aim of this study was to determine if anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and progesterone (P4) levels in FF are correlated with oocyte quality as defined by subsequent embryonic development. METHODS This was a prospective cohort study of 88 women undergoing IVF/ICSI at a university associated fertility clinic. Follicular fluid was collected from the first follicle aspirated at the time of oocyte retrieval. The corresponding oocyte was individually cultured in order to track its developmental outcome. FF-AMH and P4 concentrations from follicles where the oocyte fertilised normally and developed into a blastocyst on day 5 (Group 1: BLAST, n = 23) were compared with FF from follicles where the oocyte fertilised normally but failed to reach blastocyst stage by day 5 (Group 2: FERT, n = 19). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of maternal age, body mass index, previous live births, previous pregnancy loss, number of antral follicles, number of oocytes recovered, IVF:ICSI ratio or percentage of recovered oocytes that fertilised. RESULTS FF-AMH and P4 levels were significantly increased in Group 1: BLAST compared to Group 2: FERT (P = 0.007 and P = 0.013 respectively). Twenty-one FF samples had an AMH level > 15 pmol/L, of which 17 related to oocytes that progressed to blastocyst stage, providing a positive prediction value (PPV) of 76.96%. Eleven FF samples had a P4 level > 60 mg/ml, of which 10 progressed to blastocyst stage, providing a PPV of 90.99%. Six samples had an AMH level > 15 pmol/L and a P4 level > 60 mg/ml, of which 100% progressed to blastocyst stage, providing a PPV of 96.83%. CONCLUSIONS FF-AMH and P4 levels from individual follicles can accurately predetermine subsequent embryonic development. Combining follicular fluid analysis with routine morphological assessment, could allow for a more accurate and sensitive method of determining embryonic developmental competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne O'Brien
- Merrion Fertility Clinic, 60 Mount Street Lower, Dublin 2, Ireland
- National Maternity Hospital, Holles St, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 2, Ireland
- UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Mary Wingfield
- Merrion Fertility Clinic, 60 Mount Street Lower, Dublin 2, Ireland
- National Maternity Hospital, Holles St, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 2, Ireland
- UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Lynne C O'Shea
- UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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18
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Moore SG, Cummins SB, Mamo S, Lonergan P, Fair T, Butler ST. Genetic merit for fertility traits in Holstein cows: VI. Oocyte developmental competence and embryo development. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:4651-4661. [PMID: 30852009 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-15813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The hypothesis of this study was that cows with good genetic merit for fertility traits (Fert+) would produce oocytes and embryos of greater quality than cows with poor genetic merit for fertility traits (Fert-) and that mRNA expression of candidate genes would reflect the observed differences in quality. The aim of the study, therefore, was to determine the effect of genetic merit for fertility traits on morphological classification and mRNA abundance of key genes in immature oocytes and cumulus cells following ovum pick-up and in embryos following superovulation, artificial insemination (AI), and uterine flushing. In experiment 1, 17 Fert+ and 11 Fert- cows, ranging from 54 to 84 d in milk, were submitted to ovum pick-up on 4 occasions during a 2-wk period. Recovered cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) were morphologically graded. Oocytes and cumulus cells were separated, and mRNA abundance of genes associated with oocyte developmental competence was measured. There was no effect of genotype on the distribution of COC grades or on the mRNA abundance of the candidate genes in grade 1 COC. In experiment 2, 20 Fert+ and 19 Fert- cows, ranging from 71 to 189 d in milk, were submitted to superovulation and AI. The uteri of cows that responded to the superovulation protocol (17 Fert+ and 16 Fert- cows) were nonsurgically flushed 7 d postovulation. Recovered embryos were morphologically graded, and mRNA abundance of genes associated with embryo development was measured in grade 1 blastocysts. The response to the superovulation protocol was assessed by counting the number of codominant follicles on the day of AI, which was similar for both genotypes (22.0 ± 9.7 and 19.8 ± 8.2 for Fert+ and Fert- cows, respectively). There was no effect of genotype on the proportion of transferable embryos recovered or on the mRNA abundance of the candidate genes tested in the grade 1 blastocysts. Of the total embryos classified as blastocysts, however, the Fert+ cows tended to have a greater proportion of grade 1 blastocysts compared with Fert- cows (90% vs. 64%, respectively). In conclusion, genetic merit for fertility traits had a no effect on mRNA abundance of the candidate genes that were examined in immature oocytes and cumulus cells and in embryos recovered after superovulation. The observed differences in morphological blastocyst quality following superovulation would suggest that the superior reproductive performance of Fert+ cows could arise during the later stages of embryo development from d 7 until maternal recognition of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S G Moore
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland P61 P302
| | - S B Cummins
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland P61 P302; School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland D04 N2E5
| | - S Mamo
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland D04 N2E5
| | - P Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland D04 N2E5
| | - T Fair
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland D04 N2E5
| | - S T Butler
- Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland P61 P302.
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19
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Hoshino Y. Updating the markers for oocyte quality evaluation: intracellular temperature as a new index. Reprod Med Biol 2018; 17:434-441. [PMID: 30377396 PMCID: PMC6194278 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The developmental competence of an embryo is principally dictated by the oocyte. Usually, oocyte selection is based on morphological properties; however, all morphological criteria that are currently used for the grading and screening of oocytes are not able to eliminate the subjectivity. Despite recent studies of the molecular factors related to oocyte quality, it is technically difficult to develop an index based on these factors, and new indices that reflect intracellular conditions are necessary. METHODS Morphological and molecular factors influencing developmental competence were comprehensively reviewed, and intracellular temperature was evaluated as a new marker of oocyte quality. MAIN FINDINGS The intracellular temperature of mature oocytes was high in fresh oocytes and decreased with time after polar body release. Under the same conditions, the intracellular temperature and its distribution differed among oocytes, suggesting that temperature represents the state of each oocyte. CONCLUSION Intracellular temperature is advantageous as an objective and quantitative indicator of oocyte quality. Further studies should evaluate the link between temperature and cellular phenomena to establish its use as an indicator of quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumi Hoshino
- Graduate School of Biosphere ScienceHiroshima UniversityHiroshimaJapan
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20
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Mitochondrial and metabolic adjustments during the final phase of follicular development prior to IVM of bovine oocytes. Theriogenology 2018; 119:156-162. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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21
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Jaton C, Schenkel F, Sargolzaei M, Cánova A, Malchiodi F, Price C, Baes C, Miglior F. Genome-wide association study and in silico functional analysis of the number of embryos produced by Holstein donors. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:7248-7257. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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22
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Kaponis A, Chronopoulou E, Decavalas G. The curious case of premature luteinization. J Assist Reprod Genet 2018; 35:1723-1740. [PMID: 30051348 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-018-1264-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Premature luteinization (PL) affects 12.3-46.7% of fresh in vitro fertilization cycles, and there is accumulating evidence confirming its negative effect on success rates. However, despite its clinical significance, PL is poorly understood and defined. This narrative review aims to provide a fresh look at the phenomenon of PL by summarizing the existing evidence and re-evaluating fundamental issues. METHODS A thorough electronic search was conducted covering the period from 1978 until January 2018 in PubMed, Embase, and Medline databases, and references of relevant studies were cross-checked. Meeting proceedings of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine were also hand searched. RESULTS In the curious case of PL, one should go back to the beginning and re-consider every step of the way. The pathogenesis, definition, measurement methods, clinical implications, and management strategies are discussed in detail, highlighting controversies and offering "food for thought" for future directions. CONCLUSIONS Authors need to speak the same language when studying PL in order to facilitate comparisons. The terminology, progesterone cut-off, measurement methods and days of measurement should be standardized and globally accepted; otherwise, there can be no scientific dialog. Future research should focus on specific patient profiles that may require a tailored approach. Progesterone measurements throughout the follicular phase possibly depict the progesterone exposure better than an isolated measurement on the day of hCG. Adequately powered randomized controlled trials should confirm which the best prevention and management plan of PL is, before introducing any strategy into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apostolos Kaponis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Patras University School of Medicine, General University Hospital of Patras, Rio, 26504, Patras, Greece
| | - Elpiniki Chronopoulou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Patras University School of Medicine, General University Hospital of Patras, Rio, 26504, Patras, Greece.
| | - George Decavalas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Patras University School of Medicine, General University Hospital of Patras, Rio, 26504, Patras, Greece
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Nawaz MY, Jimenez-Krassel F, Steibel JP, Lu Y, Baktula A, Vukasinovic N, Neuder L, Ireland JLH, Ireland JJ, Tempelman RJ. Genomic heritability and genome-wide association analysis of anti-Müllerian hormone in Holstein dairy heifers. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:8063-8075. [PMID: 30007805 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-14798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is an ovarian growth factor that plays an important role in regulation of ovarian follicle growth. The objectives of this study were to estimate the genomic heritability of AMH and identify genomic regions associated with AMH production in a genome-wide association (GWA) analysis. Concentrations of AMH were determined in 2,905 dairy Holstein heifers genotyped using the Zoetis medium density panel (Zoetis Inclusions, Kalamazoo, MI) with 54,519 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers remaining after standard genotype quality control edits. A linear mixed model was used to model the random effects of sampling day and genomics on the logarithm of AMH. The genomic heritability (± standard error of the mean) of AMH was estimated to be 0.36 ± 0.03. Our GWA analysis inferred significant associations between AMH and 11 SNP markers on chromosome 11 and 1 SNP marker on chromosome 20. Annotated genes with significant associations were identified using the Ensembl genome database (version 88) of the cow genome (version UMD 3.1; https://www.ensembl.org/biomart). Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that 2 gene ontology (GO) terms were significantly enriched in the list of candidate genes: G-protein coupled receptor signaling pathway (GO:0007186) and the detection of chemical stimulus involved in sensory perception (GO:0050907). The estimated high heritability and previously established associations between AMH and ovarian follicular reserve, fertility, longevity, and superovulatory response in cattle implies that AMH could be used as a biomarker for genetic improvement of reproductive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Y Nawaz
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823
| | - F Jimenez-Krassel
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823
| | - J P Steibel
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823
| | - Y Lu
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823
| | - A Baktula
- Zoetis Inclusions, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
| | | | - L Neuder
- Green Meadow Dairy Farm, Elsie, MI 48831
| | - J L H Ireland
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823
| | - J J Ireland
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823
| | - R J Tempelman
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48823.
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O’Doherty AM, O’Brien YM, Browne JA, Wingfield M, O’Shea LC. Expression of granulosa cell microRNAs, AVEN and ATRX are associated with human blastocyst development. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:836-848. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alan M. O’Doherty
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, Veterinary Science Centre; University College Dublin; Dublin Ireland
| | - Yvonne M. O’Brien
- Merrion Fertility Clinic; National Maternity Hospital; Dublin Ireland
| | - John A. Browne
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, Veterinary Science Centre; University College Dublin; Dublin Ireland
| | - Mary Wingfield
- Merrion Fertility Clinic; National Maternity Hospital; Dublin Ireland
- School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science; University College Dublin; Dublin Ireland
| | - Lynne C. O’Shea
- School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science; University College Dublin; Dublin Ireland
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25
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O'Brien Y, Wingfield MB. Reproductive ageing-turning back the clock? Ir J Med Sci 2018; 188:161-167. [PMID: 29500731 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-018-1769-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unintended childlessness is a distressing, and often unintended, consequence of delayed childbearing and reproductive ageing. The average maternal age at first birth has risen steadily in many industrialised countries since the 1980s. There are many societal factors involved in the decision to postpone motherhood. As a result, many women are postponing having children until it is too late. In this review, we aim to summarise the reasons behind delayed childbearing, the impact of delayed childbearing and the scientific advances that seek to reverse reproductive ageing and ensure reproductive autonomy for women. METHODS An extensive literature search of PubMed was conducted to include all published articles on delayed childbearing and the consequences of reproductive ageing. Secondary articles were identified from key paper reference listings. CONCLUSION If the current reproductive trends continue, many women will find themselves in the harrowing position of being unintentionally childless. In addition, many will inevitably turn to assisted reproductive technologies in an effort to protect and preserve their reproductive autonomy. However, it is not always possible to reverse the effects of reproductive ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne O'Brien
- Merrion Fertility Clinic, National Maternity Hospital, 60 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2, D02 NH93, Ireland.
- National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Mary B Wingfield
- Merrion Fertility Clinic, National Maternity Hospital, 60 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2, D02 NH93, Ireland
- National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Tšuiko O, Jatsenko T, Parameswaran Grace LK, Kurg A, Vermeesch JR, Lanner F, Altmäe S, Salumets A. A speculative outlook on embryonic aneuploidy: Can molecular pathways be involved? Dev Biol 2018; 447:3-13. [PMID: 29391166 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The journey of embryonic development starts at oocyte fertilization, which triggers a complex cascade of events and cellular pathways that guide early embryogenesis. Recent technological advances have greatly expanded our knowledge of cleavage-stage embryo development, which is characterized by an increased rate of whole-chromosome losses and gains, mixoploidy, and atypical cleavage morphokinetics. Embryonic aneuploidy significantly contributes to implantation failure, spontaneous miscarriage, stillbirth or congenital birth defects in both natural and assisted human reproduction. Essentially, early embryo development is strongly determined by maternal factors. Owing to considerable limitations associated with human oocyte and embryo research, the use of animal models is inevitable. However, cellular and molecular mechanisms driving the error-prone early stages of development are still poorly described. In this review, we describe known events that lead to aneuploidy in mammalian oocytes and preimplantation embryos. As the processes of oocyte and embryo development are rigorously regulated by multiple signal-transduction pathways, we explore the putative role of signaling pathways in genomic integrity maintenance. Based on the existing evidence from human and animal data, we investigate whether critical early developmental pathways, like Wnt, Hippo and MAPK, together with distinct DNA damage response and DNA repair pathways can be associated with embryo genomic instability, a question that has, so far, remained largely unexplored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Tšuiko
- Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Bio- and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu 50411, Estonia; Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu 50410, Estonia
| | | | - Lalit Kumar Parameswaran Grace
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm 17176, Sweden
| | - Ants Kurg
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu 51010, Estonia
| | - Joris Robert Vermeesch
- Laboratory of Cytogenetics and Genome Research, Center of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Fredrik Lanner
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention, and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 14186, Sweden
| | - Signe Altmäe
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu 50410, Estonia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada 18071, Spain.
| | - Andres Salumets
- Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Bio- and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu 50411, Estonia; Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu 50410, Estonia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu 51014, Estonia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki 00029, Finland
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Ruebel ML, Cotter M, Sims CR, Moutos DM, Badger TM, Cleves MA, Shankar K, Andres A. Obesity Modulates Inflammation and Lipid Metabolism Oocyte Gene Expression: A Single-Cell Transcriptome Perspective. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2017; 102:2029-2038. [PMID: 28323970 PMCID: PMC5470765 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2016-3524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT It is hypothesized that obesity adversely affects the ovarian environment, which can disrupt oocyte maturation and embryonic development. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to compare oocyte gene expression profiles and follicular fluid (FF) content from overweight/obese (OW) women and normal-weight (NW) women who were undergoing fertility treatments. DESIGN Using single-cell transcriptomic analyses, we investigated oocyte gene expression using RNA sequencing. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Eleven OW women and 13 NW women undergoing fertility treatments were enrolled. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Oocyte messenger RNA profiles as well as serum and FF hormone and lipid levels were assessed. RESULTS OW women had significantly higher body mass index, body fat percentage, and serum homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance index compared with NW women (P < 0.01). Serum leptin and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels as well as FF leptin, CRP, and triglyceride levels were increased (P < 0.05) in OW compared with NW women. Oocytes from OW women had increased expression of proinflammatory (CXCL2; P = 0.071) and oxidative stress-related (DUSP1; P = 0.051) genes but had decreased expression of GAS7 (fat metabolism; P = 0.065), TXNIP (oxidative stress; P = 0.055), and transcription factors ID3 (P = 0.075) and TWIST1 (P = 0.099) compared with NW women. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide evidence for the significant influence of body composition on oocyte transcript abundance in women undergoing hormonal induction to retrieve oocytes. They further identify the potential for maternal diet to influence oocyte gene expression. The preconception period is, therefore, an important window of opportunity to consider for lifestyle interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan L. Ruebel
- Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
- Department of Animal Science and Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
| | - Matthew Cotter
- Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
| | - Clark R. Sims
- Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Dean M. Moutos
- Arkansas Fertility and Gynecology Clinic, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Thomas M. Badger
- Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Mario A. Cleves
- Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Kartik Shankar
- Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
| | - Aline Andres
- Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205
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Vanni VS, Somigliana E, Reschini M, Pagliardini L, Marotta E, Faulisi S, Paffoni A, Vigano’ P, Vegetti W, Candiani M, Papaleo E. Top quality blastocyst formation rates in relation to progesterone levels on the day of oocyte maturation in GnRH antagonist IVF/ICSI cycles. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176482. [PMID: 28520729 PMCID: PMC5435161 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cycles with progesterone elevation during controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for IVF/ICSI are commonly managed with a "freeze-all" strategy, due to a well-recognized detrimental effect of high progesterone levels on endometrial receptivity. However, also a detrimental effect of elevated progesterone on day-3 embryo quality has recently been found with regards to top quality embryo formation rate. Because blastocyst culture and cryopreservation are largely adopted, we deemed relevant to determine whether this detrimental effect is also seen on blastocyst quality on day 5-6. This issue was investigated through a large two-center retrospective study including 986 GnRH antagonist IVF/ICSI cycles and using top quality blastocyst formation rate as the main outcome. Results showed that on multivariate analysis sperm motility (p<0.01) and progesterone levels at ovulation triggering (p = 0.01) were the only two variables that significantly predicted top quality blastocyst formation rate after adjusting for relevant factors including female age, BMI, basal AMH and total dose of FSH used for COS. More specifically, progesterone levels at induction showed an inverse relation with top quality blastocyst formation (correlation coefficient B = -1.08, 95% CI -1.9 to -0.02) and ROC curve analysis identified P level >1.49 ng/ml as the best cut-off for identification of patients at risk for the absence of top quality blastocysts (AUC 0.55, p<0.01). Our study is the first to investigate the top quality blastocyst formation rate in relation to progesterone levels in IVF/ICSI cycles, showing that increasing progesterone is associated with lower rates of top quality blastocyst. Hence, the advantages of prolonging COS to maximize the number of collected oocytes might eventually be hindered by a decrease in top quality blastocysts available for transfer, if increasing progesterone levels are observed. This observation extends the results of two recent studies focused on day-3 embryos and deserves further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. S. Vanni
- Centro Scienze Natalità, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - E. Somigliana
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - M. Reschini
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - L. Pagliardini
- Centro Scienze Natalità, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - E. Marotta
- Centro Scienze Natalità, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - S. Faulisi
- Centro Scienze Natalità, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - A. Paffoni
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - P. Vigano’
- Centro Scienze Natalità, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - W. Vegetti
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - M. Candiani
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - E. Papaleo
- Centro Scienze Natalità, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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O'Shea LC, Daly E, Hensey C, Fair T. ATRX is a novel progesterone-regulated protein and biomarker of low developmental potential in mammalian oocytes. Reproduction 2017; 153:671-682. [PMID: 28250240 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
A multi-species meta-analysis of published transcriptomic data from models of oocyte competence identified the chromatin remodelling factor ATRX as a putative biomarker of oocyte competence. The objective of the current study was to test the hypothesis that ATRX protein expression by cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) reflects their intrinsic quality and developmental potential. In excess of 10,000 bovine COCs were utilised to test our hypothesis. COCs were in vitro matured (IVM) under conditions associated with reduced developmental potential: IVM in the presence or absence of (1) progesterone synthesis inhibitor (Trilostane); (2) nuclear progesterone receptor inhibitor (Aglepristone) or (3) an inducer of DNA damage (Staurosporine). ATRX protein expression and localisation were determined using immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis. A proportion of COCs matured in the presence or absence of Trilostane was in vitro fertilised and cultured, and subsequent embryo development characteristics were analysed. In addition, ATRX expression was investigated in 40 human germinal vesicle-stage COCs. Our results showed that ATRX is expressed in human and bovine germinal vesicle oocytes and cumulus cells. In bovine, expression decreases after IVM. However, this decline is not observed in COCs matured under sub-optimal conditions. Blastocyst development rate and cell number are decreased, whereas the incidence of abnormal metaphase phase spindle and chromosome alignment are increased, after IVM in the presence of Trilostane (P < 0.05). In conclusion, localisation of ATRX to the cumulus cell nuclei and oocyte chromatin, after IVM, is associated with poor oocyte quality and low developmental potential. Furthermore, ATRX is dynamically regulated in response to progesterone signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynne C O'Shea
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences .,School of Medicine
| | | | - Carmel Hensey
- School of Bimolecular and Biomedical ScienceUniversity College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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30
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Biase FH. Oocyte Developmental Competence: Insights from Cross-Species Differential Gene Expression and Human Oocyte-Specific Functional Gene Networks. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 21:156-168. [DOI: 10.1089/omi.2016.0177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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31
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Paramio MT, Izquierdo D. Recent advances in in vitro embryo production in small ruminants. Theriogenology 2016; 86:152-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Revised: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Virant-Klun I, Leicht S, Hughes C, Krijgsveld J. Identification of Maturation-Specific Proteins by Single-Cell Proteomics of Human Oocytes. Mol Cell Proteomics 2016; 15:2616-27. [PMID: 27215607 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m115.056887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocytes undergo a range of complex processes via oogenesis, maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development, eventually giving rise to a fully functioning organism. To understand proteome composition and diversity during maturation of human oocytes, here we have addressed crucial aspects of oocyte collection and proteome analysis, resulting in the first proteome and secretome maps of human oocytes. Starting from 100 oocytes collected via a novel serum-free hanging drop culture system, we identified 2,154 proteins, whose function indicate that oocytes are largely resting cells with a proteome that is tailored for homeostasis, cellular attachment, and interaction with its environment via secretory factors. In addition, we have identified 158 oocyte-enriched proteins (such as ECAT1, PIWIL3, NLRP7)(1) not observed in high-coverage proteomics studies of other human cell lines or tissues. Exploiting SP3, a novel technology for proteomic sample preparation using magnetic beads, we scaled down proteome analysis to single cells. Despite the low protein content of only ∼100 ng per cell, we consistently identified ∼450 proteins from individual oocytes. When comparing individual oocytes at the germinal vesicle (GV) and metaphase II (MII) stage, we found that the Tudor and KH domain-containing protein (TDRKH) is preferentially expressed in immature oocytes, while Wee2, PCNA, and DNMT1 were enriched in mature cells, collectively indicating that maintenance of genome integrity is crucial during oocyte maturation. This study demonstrates that an innovative proteomics workflow facilitates analysis of single human oocytes to investigate human oocyte biology and preimplantation development. The approach presented here paves the way for quantitative proteomics in other quantity-limited tissues and cell types. Data associated with this study are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD004142.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma Virant-Klun
- From the ‡Reproductive Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slajmerjeva 3, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Stefan Leicht
- §European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christopher Hughes
- ¶British Columbia Cancer Research Agency, 675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jeroen Krijgsveld
- §European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; ‖German Cancer Research Center and Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 581, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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33
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Elevated Progesterone Levels on the Day of Oocyte Maturation May Affect Top Quality Embryo IVF Cycles. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0145895. [PMID: 26745711 PMCID: PMC4706317 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In contrast to the impact of elevated progesterone on endometrial receptivity, the data on whether increased progesterone levels affects the quality of embryos is still limited. This study retrospectively enrolled 4,236 fresh in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles and sought to determine whether increased progesterone is associated with adverse outcomes with regard to top quality embryos (TQE). The results showed that the TQE rate significantly correlated with progesterone levels on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger (P = 0.009). Multivariate linear regression analysis of factors related to the TQE rate, in conventional IVF cycles, showed that the TQE rate was negatively associated with progesterone concentration on the day of hCG (OR was -1.658, 95% CI: -2.806 to -0.510, P = 0.005). When the serum progesterone level was within the interval 2.0–2.5 ng/ml, the TQE rate was significantly lower (P <0.05) than when the progesterone level was < 1.0 ng/ml; similar results were obtained for serum progesterone levels >2.5 ng/ml. Then, we choose a progesterone level at 1.5ng/ml, 2.0 ng/ml and 2.5 ng/ml as cut-off points to verify this result. We found that the TQE rate was significantly different (P <0.05) between serum progesterone levels < 2.0 ng/ml and >2.0 ng/ml. In conclusion, the results of this study clearly demonstrated a negative effect of elevated progesterone levels on the day of hCG trigger, on TQE rate, regardless of the basal FSH, the total gonadotropin, the age of the woman, or the time of ovarian stimulation. These data demonstrate that elevated progesterone levels (>2.0 ng/ml) before oocyte maturation were consistently detrimental to the oocyte.
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Sadr SZ, Ebrahimi B, Shahhoseini M, Fatehi R, Favaedi R. Mouse preantral follicle development in two-dimensional and three-dimensional culture systems after ovarian tissue vitrification. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2015; 194:206-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2015.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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35
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Khan D, Guillemette C, Sirard M, Richard F. Characterization of FSH signalling networks in bovine cumulus cells: a perspective on oocyte competence acquisition. Mol Hum Reprod 2015; 21:688-701. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gav032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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36
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Urrego R, Herrera-Puerta E, Chavarria NA, Camargo O, Wrenzycki C, Rodriguez-Osorio N. Follicular progesterone concentrations and messenger RNA expression of MATER and OCT-4 in immature bovine oocytes as predictors of developmental competence. Theriogenology 2014; 83:1179-87. [PMID: 25662108 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Revised: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The ability of bovine embryos to develop to the blastocyst stage and to implant and generate healthy offspring depends greatly on the competence of the oocyte. Oocyte competence is attributed to its close communication with the follicular environment and to its capacity to synthesize and store substantial amounts of messenger RNA. Higher developmental competence of bovine oocytes has been associated with both the expression of a cohort of developmental genes and the concentration of sex steroids in the follicular fluid. The aim of this study was to identify differences in the expression of FST in cumulus cells and OCT-4 and MATER in oocytes and the influence of the follicular progesterone and follicular estrogen concentration on the competence of bovine oocytes retrieved 30 minutes or 4 hours after slaughter. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were left in postmortem ovaries for 30 minutes (group I) or 4 hours (group II) at 30 °C. Aspirated oocytes were then subjected to IVM, IVF, and IVC or were evaluated for MATER and OCT-4 messenger RNA abundance by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Total RNA was isolated from pools of 100 oocytes for each experimental replicate. Progesterone and estradiol concentration in follicular fluid was evaluated by immunoassay using an IMMULITE 2000 analyzer. Three repeats of in vitro embryo production were performed with a total of 455 (group I) and 470 (group II) COCs. There were no significant differences between the cleavage rates (72 hours postinsemination [hpi]) between both groups (63.5% vs. 69.1%). However, blastocyst (168 hpi) and hatching (216 hpi) rates were higher (P < 0.05) in group II compared with those of group I (21.3% vs. 30.7% and 27.6% vs. 51.5%, respectively). Group II oocytes exhibited the highest MATER and OCT-4 abundance (P < 0.05). Follicular estradiol concentration was not different between both the groups, whereas the progesterone concentration was lower (P ≤ 0.05) in group II follicles. These results indicate that retrieving COCs 4 hours after slaughter could increase bovine in vitro developmental competence, which is linked to higher levels of oocyte MATER and OCT-4 transcripts and lower follicular progesterone concentration. Moreover, the results of the present study contribute to the identification of factors involved in the developmental competence of immature oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Urrego
- Grupo CENTAURO, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia; Grupo INCA-CES, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad CES, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - E Herrera-Puerta
- Grupo INCA-CES, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad CES, Medellín, Colombia; Grupo Biología CES-EIA, Universidad CES, Medellín, Colombia
| | - N A Chavarria
- Grupo INCA-CES, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad CES, Medellín, Colombia
| | - O Camargo
- Grupo Genes, Gametos y Embriones, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - C Wrenzycki
- Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Matoba S, Bender K, Fahey AG, Mamo S, Brennan L, Lonergan P, Fair T. Predictive value of bovine follicular components as markers of oocyte developmental potential. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 26:337-45. [PMID: 23514964 DOI: 10.1071/rd13007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The follicle is a unique micro-environment within which the oocyte can develop and mature to a fertilisable gamete. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of a panel of follicular parameters, including intrafollicular steroid and metabolomic profiles and theca, granulosa and cumulus cell candidate gene mRNA abundance, to predict the potential of bovine oocytes to develop to the blastocyst stage in vitro. Individual follicles were dissected from abattoir ovaries, carefully ruptured under a stereomicroscope and the oocyte was recovered and individually processed through in vitro maturation, fertilisation and culture. The mean (±s.e.m.) follicular concentrations of testosterone (62.8±4.8 ngmL(-1)), progesterone (616.8±31.9 ngmL(-1)) and oestradiol (14.4±2.4 ngmL(-1)) were not different (P>0.05) between oocytes that formed (competent) or failed to form (incompetent) blastocysts. Principal-component analysis of the quantified aqueous metabolites in follicular fluid showed differences between oocytes that formed blastocysts and oocytes that degenerated; l-alanine, glycine and l-glutamate were positively correlated and urea was negatively correlated with blastocyst formation. Follicular fluid associated with competent oocytes was significantly lower in palmitic acid (P=0.023) and total fatty acids (P=0.031) and significantly higher in linolenic acid (P=0.036) than follicular fluid from incompetent oocytes. Significantly higher (P<0.05) transcript abundance of LHCGR in granulosa cells, ESR1 and VCAN in thecal cells and TNFAIP6 in cumulus cells was associated with competent compared with incompetent oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoko Matoba
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Katrin Bender
- Institute of Food and Health, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Alan G Fahey
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Solomon Mamo
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Lorraine Brennan
- Institute of Food and Health, Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Patrick Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Trudee Fair
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Bergandi L, Basso G, Evangelista F, Canosa S, Dalmasso P, Aldieri E, Revelli A, Benedetto C, Ghigo D. Inducible nitric oxide synthase and heme oxygenase 1 are expressed in human cumulus cells and may be used as biomarkers of oocyte competence. Reprod Sci 2014; 21:1370-7. [PMID: 24607880 DOI: 10.1177/1933719114525268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The interplay between oocyte and surrounding cumulus cells (CCs) during follicular growth influences oocyte competence to undergo fertilization and sustain embryo development. The expression of many genes and proteins in CCs has been suggested as potential biomarker of oocyte competence in human in vitro fertilization (IVF). In the present study, we analyzed 90 human cumulus-oocyte complexes obtained during IVF procedure: 30 CCs were analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and 60 CCs using Western blotting analysis to detect gene and protein expression of some enzymes related to oxidative stress, that is, the 3 nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1). In the group of 60 CCs, we also investigated the expression and phosphorylation of IkBα, a known inhibitor of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway, which controls several redox-sensitive genes. The expression of the messenger RNAs (mRNAs) was related to the oocyte morphological analysis performed by polarized light microscopy and to the occurrence of normal fertilization after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. We observed that the amount of iNOS and HO-1 mRNAs and proteins is significantly higher, and that in the meanwhile the NF-κB pathway is activated, in CCs corresponding to oocytes that were not fertilized in comparison to CCs whose corresponding oocyte showed normal fertilization. Instead, no correlation between the fertilization and the oocytes' morphological data was observed. These results suggest that the increase in iNOS and HO-1 mRNAs expression in CCs is a negative index of oocyte fertilizability and might be an useful tool for oocyte selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Bergandi
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino, S. Anna Hospital, Torino, Italy Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Gemma Basso
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino, S. Anna Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Francesca Evangelista
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino, S. Anna Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Stefano Canosa
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino, S. Anna Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Paola Dalmasso
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Revelli
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino, S. Anna Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Chiara Benedetto
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino, S. Anna Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Dario Ghigo
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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O'Shea LC, Hensey C, Fair T. Progesterone Regulation of AVEN Protects Bovine Oocytes from Apoptosis During Meiotic Maturation1. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:146. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.111880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
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Labrecque R, Sirard MA. The study of mammalian oocyte competence by transcriptome analysis: progress and challenges. Mol Hum Reprod 2013; 20:103-16. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gat082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Aardema H, Roelen BA, van Tol HT, Oei CH, Gadella BM, Vos PL. Follicular 17β-estradiol and progesterone concentrations and degree of cumulus cell expansion as predictors of in vivo-matured oocyte developmental competence in superstimulated heifers. Theriogenology 2013; 80:576-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2013] [Revised: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/27/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Ruvolo G, Fattouh RR, Bosco L, Brucculeri AM, Cittadini E. New molecular markers for the evaluation of gamete quality. J Assist Reprod Genet 2013; 30:207-12. [PMID: 23371558 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-013-9943-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Only 30 % of IVF cycles result in a pregnancy, so that multiple embryos need to be replaced, per treatment cycle, to increase pregnancy rates, resulting in a multiple gestation rate of 25 %. The use of new markers in the gamete selection, could reduce the number of the oocytes to be fertilized and embryos to be produced, but the tools to evidence the gamete competence remain unavailable and more studies are needed to identify bio-markers to select the best oocyte and sperm to produce embryos with higher implantation potentiality. METHODS To define oocyte competence, the apoptosis of the surrounding cumulus cells and the oxygen consumption rates for individual oocytes before fertilization seems to provide a non-invasive marker of oocyte competence and hence a quantitative assessment of the reproductive potential for the oocyte. The chromatin integrity seems to be used also as biological marker of sperm competence, together with the morphological evaluation of large vacuoles in the head. RESULTS The apoptosis rate of cumulus cells lower than 25 % and an higher oxygen consumption could be an evidence of an overall metabolic activity, related to a better fertilization ability and embryo cleavage quality. The apoptosis rate of the sperm chromatin, evaluated by direct Tunel in situ analysis, seems to be, also for the male gamete, a marker of competence and implantation potentiality, in particular when it is lower than 20 %. The evaluation of the presence of large vacuoles in the sperm head prior to perform ICSI seems to increase the implantation rate, but it is not associated to chromatin integrity. CONCLUSIONS The biological concept of competence appears unrelated to any morphological parameters, so that it is necessary to investigate new molecular markers in the gamete selection. Apoptosis of cumulus cells in the oocytes and spermatozoa, revealing the presence of large vacuoles, could help to determine the competence of the gamete to be fertilize.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ruvolo
- Centro di Biologia della Riproduzione, Via V. Villareale 54, Palermo, Italy.
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Gene expression profiling of human oocytes developed and matured in vivo or in vitro. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:879489. [PMID: 23509795 PMCID: PMC3590615 DOI: 10.1155/2013/879489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2012] [Revised: 12/07/2012] [Accepted: 12/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The quality of the human oocyte determines the success of fertilization and affects the consequent embryo development, pregnancy and birth; it therefore serves as a basis for human reproduction and fertility. The possibility to evaluate oocyte quality in the in vitro fertilization programme is very limited. The only criterion which is commonly used to evaluate oocyte quality is its morphology. There is a mass of oocytes in the in vitro fertilization programme which are not fertilized in spite of normal morphology. In the past, several attempts focused on oocyte gene expression profiling by different approaches. The results elucidated groups of genes related to the human oocyte. It was confirmed that some factors, such as oocyte in vitro maturation, are detectable at the molecular level of human oocytes and their polar bodies in terms of gene expression profile. Furthermore, the first genetic evaluations of oocyte-like cells developed in vitro from human stem cells of different origin were performed showing that these cells express some genes related to oocytes. All these findings provide some new knowledge and clearer insights into oocyte quality and oogenesis that might be introduced into clinical practice in the future.
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Genomic assessment of human cumulus cell marker genes as predictors of oocyte developmental competence: impact of various experimental factors. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40449. [PMID: 22848380 PMCID: PMC3407221 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2012] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Single embryo transfer (SET) is the most successful way to reduce the frequency of multiple pregnancies following in vitro fertilisation. However, selecting the embryo for SET with the highest chances of pregnancy remains a difficult challenge since morphological and kinetics criteria provide poor prediction of both developmental and implantation ability. Partly through the expression of specific genes, the oocyte-cumulus interaction helps the oocyte to acquire its developmental competence. Our aim was therefore to identify at the level of cumulus cells (CCs) genes related to oocyte developmental competence. Methodology/Principal Findings 197 individual CCs were collected from 106 patients undergoing an intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection procedure. Gene expression of CCs was studied using microarray according to the nuclear maturity of the oocyte (immature vs. mature oocyte) and to the developmental competence of the oocyte (ability to reach the blastocyst stage after fertilisation). Microarray study was followed by a meta-analysis of the behaviour of these genes in other datasets available in Gene Expression Omnibus which showed the consistency of this list of genes. Finally, 8 genes were selected according to oocyte developmental competence from the 308 differentially expressed genes (p<0.0001) for further validation by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Three of these 8 selected genes were validated as potential biomarkers (PLIN2, RGS2 and ANG). Experimental factors such as inter-patient and qPCR series variability were then assessed using the Generalised Linear Mixed Model procedure, and only the expression level of RGS2 was confirmed to be related to oocyte developmental competence. The link between biomarkers and pregnancy was finally evaluated and level of RGS2 expression was also correlated with clinical pregnancy. Conclusion/Significance RGS2, known as a regulator of G protein signalling, was the only gene among our 8 selected candidates biomarkers of oocyte competence to cover many factors of variability, including inter-patient factors and experimental conditions.
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Fair T, Lonergan P. The Role of Progesterone in Oocyte Acquisition of Developmental Competence. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 47 Suppl 4:142-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02068.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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