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Fouéré C, Sanchez MP, Boussaha M, Fritz S, Vinet A, Kiefer H, Boichard D, Hozé C. A large population study to assess the magnitude of prenatal programming in dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci 2024; 107:5913-5923. [PMID: 38608953 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
The performance of an adult dairy cow may be influenced by events that occur before her birth. The present study investigated the potential effects of 2 prenatal groups of factors, assisted reproductive technologies and maternal characteristics (e.g., dam parity), on offspring performance during their first lactation in populations of 2 dairy cow breeds: French Holstein and Montbéliarde. The different assisted reproductive technologies studied included the type of semen (conventional or X-sorted) used for AI and the technology of conception used (AI, embryo transfer, or in vitro fertilization). Three maternal characteristics were considered: (1) the dam age at first calving, (2) dam parity number, and (3) indicators of dam udder health during gestation (SCS and events of clinical mastitis). First, we investigated whether heifer survival from 3 d to 18 mo old was associated with any of the prenatal factors considered. We then estimated the associations of these prenatal factors with 8 traits of commercial interest: (1) stature, (2-4) milk, fat, and protein yields, (5) SCS, (6) clinical mastitis, and (7-8) heifer and cow conception rate, all measured on genotyped cows. Linear models were used for this study with the prenatal factors as covariates in the model, and for the 8 traits, phenotypes were adjusted for their corresponding genomic EBV. The results indicated that the survival rate of heifers born from embryo transfer was significantly higher than that of heifers born from AI (probably due to preferential management practices), and the other prenatal factors did not explain large differences in heifer survival. Among the Montbéliarde cows born from AI, those born from X-sorted semen showed a lightly but significantly lower milk yield than those born without X-sorting of the semen (-52 kg of milk in the first lactation). Among the Holstein cows, those born from embryo transfer presented significantly lower milk performance than cows born from AI. Regarding the maternal characteristics, none or very weak associations were found between the dam age at first calving and the offspring performance in both breeds. Dam parity, on the other hand, was associated with offspring performance for milk, fat, and protein yield in both breeds, but not in the same direction. In the Holstein breed, an increase in dam parity was favorable for offspring performance for milk, fat, and protein yield, whereas in the Montbéliarde breed, an increase in dam parity was associated with lower milk and protein yield and no association was found for fat yield. The udder health of the dam during gestation was not or only weakly associated with the traits studied in the offspring. Although some significant associations were identified due to the large sample size, the effects were modest, typically less than 1% of the phenotypic mean, and were not consistently observed across the 2 breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Fouéré
- Eliance, 75012 Paris, France; Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| | - M P Sanchez
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - M Boussaha
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - S Fritz
- Eliance, 75012 Paris, France; Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - A Vinet
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - H Kiefer
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - D Boichard
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - C Hozé
- Eliance, 75012 Paris, France; Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France.
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2
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Meesters M, Van Eetvelde M, Beci B, Opsomer G. The importance of developmental programming in the dairy industry. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 262:107428. [PMID: 38340370 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The concept of developmental programming suggests that environmental influences during pre- and early postnatal life that can have long-term effects on future health and performance. In dairy cattle, maternal body growth, age, parity and milk yield, as well as environmental factors during gestation, have the potential to create a suboptimal environment for the developing fetus. As a result, the calf's phenotype may undergo adaptations. Moreover, developmental programming can have long-term effects on subsequent birth weight, immunity and metabolism, as well as on postnatal growth, body composition, fertility, milk yield and even longevity of dairy cows. This review provides an overview of the impact of developmental programming on later health and performance in dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Meesters
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Mieke Van Eetvelde
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Barbara Beci
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Geert Opsomer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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3
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Denicol AC, Siqueira LGB. Maternal contributions to pregnancy success: from gamete quality to uterine environment. Anim Reprod 2023; 20:e20230085. [PMID: 37720724 PMCID: PMC10503891 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2023-0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The establishment and maintenance of a pregnancy that goes to term is sine qua non for the long-term sustainability of dairy and beef cattle operations. The oocyte plays a critical role in providing the factors necessary for preimplantation embryonic development. Furthermore, the female, or maternal, environment where oocytes and embryos develop is crucial for the establishment and maintenance of a pregnancy to term. During folliculogenesis, the oocyte must sequentially acquire meiotic and developmental competence, which are the results of a series of molecular events preparing the highly specialized gamete to return to totipotency after fertilization. Given that folliculogenesis is a lengthy process in the cow, the occurrence of disease, metabolic imbalances, heat stress, or other adverse events can make it challenging to maintain oocyte quality. Following fertilization, the newly formed embryo must execute a tightly planned program that includes global DNA remodeling, activation of the embryonic genome, and cell fate decisions to form a blastocyst within a few days and cell divisions. The increasing use of assisted reproductive technologies creates an additional layer of complexity to ensure the highest oocyte and embryo quality given that in vitro systems do not faithfully recreate the physiological maternal environment. In this review, we discuss cellular and molecular factors and events known to be crucial for proper oocyte development and maturation, as well as adverse events that may negatively affect the oocyte; and the importance of the uterine environment, including signaling proteins in the maternal-embryonic interactions that ensure proper embryo development. We also discuss the impact of assisted reproductive technologies in oocyte and embryo quality and developmental potential, and considerations when looking into the prospects for developing systems that allow for in vitro gametogenesis as a tool for assisted reproduction in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Carolina Denicol
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America
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4
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Velazquez MA, Idriss A, Chavatte-Palmer P, Fleming TP. The mammalian preimplantation embryo: Its role in the environmental programming of postnatal health and performance. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 256:107321. [PMID: 37647800 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
During formation of the preimplantation embryo several cellular and molecular milestones take place, making the few cells forming the early embryo vulnerable to environmental stressors than can impair epigenetic reprogramming and controls of gene expression. Although these molecular alterations can result in embryonic death, a significant developmental plasticity is present in the preimplantation embryo that promotes full-term pregnancy. Prenatal epigenetic modifications are inherited during mitosis and can perpetuate specific phenotypes during early postnatal development and adulthood. As such, the preimplantation phase is a developmental window where developmental programming can take place in response to the embryonic microenvironment present in vivo or in vitro. In this review, the relevance of the preimplantation embryo as a developmental stage where offspring health and performance can be programmed is discussed, with emphasis on malnutrition and assisted reproductive technologies; two major environmental insults with important implications for livestock production and human reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Velazquez
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Abdullah Idriss
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Pathology and laboratory medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, P.O. Box 40047, MBC J-10, Jeddah 21499, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Tom P Fleming
- Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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5
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Speckhart SL, Oliver MA, Ealy AD. Developmental Hurdles That Can Compromise Pregnancy during the First Month of Gestation in Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1760. [PMID: 37889637 PMCID: PMC10251927 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Several key developmental events are associated with early embryonic pregnancy losses in beef and dairy cows. These developmental problems are observed at a greater frequency in pregnancies generated from in-vitro-produced bovine embryos. This review describes critical problems that arise during oocyte maturation, fertilization, early embryonic development, compaction and blastulation, embryonic cell lineage specification, elongation, gastrulation, and placentation. Additionally, discussed are potential remediation strategies, but unfortunately, corrective actions are not available for several of the problems being discussed. Further research is needed to produce bovine embryos that have a greater likelihood of surviving to term.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alan D. Ealy
- School of Animal Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (S.L.S.); (M.A.O.)
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Hansen PJ. Review: Some challenges and unrealized opportunities toward widespread use of the in vitro-produced embryo in cattle production. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 1:100745. [PMID: 37567654 PMCID: PMC10659117 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100745] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The embryo produced by in vitro oocyte maturation, fertilization, and embryonic development is an important resource for genetic improvement and has the potential to improve female fertility and to be programmed to produce offspring with superior ability for health and production. The cultured embryo is also an important component of several realized and potential technologies such as gene editing, somatic cell nuclear cloning, stem cell technologies and gamete generation in vitro. Full realization of the opportunities afforded by the in vitro-produced embryo will require overcoming some technical obstacles to cost-effective implementation of an embryo transfer program. Among the research goals for improving the penetration of embryo transfer in the cattle industry are development of methods to increase the supply of oocytes from genetically elite females, enhance the proportion of oocytes that become transferrable embryos, improve the fraction of embryos that establish pregnancy after transfer, reduce pregnancy wastage after pregnancy diagnosis, and identify culture conditions to optimize postnatal phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-0910, USA.
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7
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Lafontaine S, Labrecque R, Blondin P, Cue RI, Sirard MA. Comparison of cattle derived from in vitro fertilization, multiple ovulation embryo transfer, and artificial insemination for milk production and fertility traits. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:4380-4396. [PMID: 37028966 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
The use of assisted-reproduction technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) is increasing, particularly in dairy cattle. The question of consequences in later life has not yet been directly addressed by studies on large animal populations. Studies on rodents and early data from humans and cattle suggest that in vitro manipulation of gametes and embryos could result in long-term alteration of metabolism, growth, and fertility. Our goal was to better describe these presumed consequences in the population of dairy cows produced by IVF in Québec (Canada) and to compare them to animals conceived by artificial insemination (AI) or multiple ovulation embryo transfer (MOET). To do so, we leveraged a large phenotypic database (2.5 million animals and 4.5 million lactations) from milk records in Québec aggregated by Lactanet (Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada) and spanning 2012 to 2019. We identified 304,163, 12,993, and 732 cows conceived by AI, MOET, and IVF, respectively, for a total of 317,888 Holstein animals from which we retrieved information for 576,448, 24,192, and 1,299 lactations (total = 601,939), respectively. Genetic energy-corrected milk yield (GECM) and Lifetime Performance Index (LPI) of the parents of cows were used to normalize for genetic potential across animals. When compared with the general Holstein population, MOET and IVF cows outperformed AI cows. However, when comparing those same MOET and IVF cows with only herdmates and accounting for their higher GECM in the models, we found no statistical difference between the conception methods for milk production across the first 3 lactations. We also found that the rate of Lifetime Performance Index improvement of the IVF population during the 2012 to 2019 period was less than the rate observed in the AI population. Fertility analysis revealed that MOET and IVF cows also scored 1 point lower than their parents on the daughter fertility index and had a longer interval from first service to conception, with an average of 35.52 d compared with 32.45 for MOET and 31.87 for AI animals. These results highlight the challenges of elite genetic improvement while attesting to the progress the industry has made in minimizing epigenetic disturbance during embryo production. Nonetheless, additional work is required to ensure that IVF animals can maintain their performance and fertility potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Lafontaine
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1K 7P4, Canada
| | - Rémi Labrecque
- SEMEX Boviteq, 3450 Rue Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Patrick Blondin
- SEMEX Boviteq, 3450 Rue Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Roger I Cue
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Montréal, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Marc-André Sirard
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1K 7P4, Canada.
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8
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Lafontaine S, Cue RI, Sirard MA. Gestational and health outcomes of dairy cows conceived by assisted reproductive technologies compared to artificial insemination. Theriogenology 2023; 198:282-291. [PMID: 36634442 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Herd gestation and health management are key aspects of effective dairy farm operations and animal welfare improvement. Unfortunately, very little is known about the developmental divergences induced by assisted reproduction technologies (ART) and their consequences once the animal is mature. Indeed, the gestational and health outcomes of this subset of the Holstein population is yet to be characterized. In this study, the intergenerational impacts of ART conception were assessed by looking at the gestation and health outcomes of a large cohort of cows (n = 284,813) for which the conception methods were known. Our results showed that cows conceived by multiple ovulation embryo transfer (MOET) and in vitro fertilisation (IVF) displayed longer gestations: +0.37 ± 0.079 and +0.65 ± 0.21 day compared to cows conceived by artificial insemination (AI). Surprisingly, animals conceived by all methods experienced a similar 1-day decline in average gestation length from 2012 to 2019. Cows conceived by IVF were not more likely to experience stillbirths but were affected by common diseases such as ovarian cysts, mastitis, and uterine diseases in different proportions compared to cows conceived by other methods. This study provides new and unique information on ART animals regarding perinatal mortality and general health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Lafontaine
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, G1K 7P4, Canada
| | - Roger I Cue
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Marc-André Sirard
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, G1K 7P4, Canada.
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9
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Beilby KH, Kneebone E, Roseboom TJ, van Marrewijk IM, Thompson JG, Norman RJ, Robker RL, Mol BWJ, Wang R. Offspring physiology following the use of IVM, IVF and ICSI: a systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:272-290. [PMID: 36611003 PMCID: PMC10152177 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the birth of the first baby using IVF technology in 1978, over 10 million children have been conceived via ART. Although most aspects of ARTs were developed in animal models, the introduction of these technologies into clinical practice was performed without comprehensive assessment of their long-term safety. The monitoring of these technologies over time has revealed differences in the physiology of babies produced using ARTs, yet due to the pathology of those presenting for treatment, it is challenging to separate the cause of infertility from the effect of treatments offered. The use of systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the impacts of the predominant ART interventions used clinically in human populations on animals produced in healthy fertile populations offers an alternative approach to understanding the long-term safety of reproductive technologies. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the evidence available from animal studies on physiological outcomes in the offspring conceived after IVF, IVM or ICSI, compared to in vivo fertilization, and to provide an overview on the landscape of research in this area. SEARCH METHODS PubMed, Embase and Commonwealth Agricultural Bureaux (CAB) Abstracts were searched for relevant studies published until 27 August 2021. Search terms relating to assisted reproductive technology, postnatal outcomes and mammalian animal models were used. Studies that compared postnatal outcomes between in vitro-conceived (IVF, ICSI or IVM) and in vivo-conceived mammalian animal models were included. In vivo conception included mating, artificial insemination, or either of these followed by embryo transfer to a recipient animal with or without in vitro culture. Outcomes included birth weight, gestation length, cardiovascular, metabolic and behavioural characteristics and lifespan. OUTCOMES A total of 61 studies in five different species (bovine, equine, murine, ovine and non-human primate) met the inclusion criteria. The bovine model was the most frequently used in IVM studies (32/40), while the murine model was mostly used in IVF (17/20) and ICSI (6/8) investigations. Despite considerable heterogeneity, these studies suggest that the use of IVF or maturation results in offspring with higher birthweights and a longer length of gestation, with most of this evidence coming from studies in cattle. These techniques may also impair glucose and lipid metabolism in male mice. The findings on cardiovascular outcomes and behaviour outcomes were inconsistent across studies. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Conception via in vitro or in vivo means appears to have an influence on measurable outcomes of offspring physiology, manifesting differently across the species studied. Importantly, it can be noted that these measurable differences are noticeable in healthy, fertile animal populations. Thus, common ART interventions may have long-term consequences for those conceived through these techniques, regardless of the pathology underpinning diagnosed infertility. However, due to heterogeneous methods, results and measured outcomes, highlighted in this review, it is difficult to draw firm conclusions. Optimizing animal and human studies that investigate the safety of new reproductive technologies will provide insight into safeguarding the introduction of novel interventions into the clinical setting. Cautiously prescribing the use of ARTs clinically may also be considered to reduce the chance of promoting adverse outcomes in children conceived before long-term safety is confidently documented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiri H Beilby
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ezra Kneebone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tessa J Roseboom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Indah M van Marrewijk
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeremy G Thompson
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Robert J Norman
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Robker
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ben Willem J Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Aberdeen Centre for Women's Health Research, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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10
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Gómez E, Murillo A, Carrocera S, Pérez-Jánez JJ, Benedito JL, Martín-González D, Gimeno I. Fitness of calves born from in vitro-produced fresh and cryopreserved embryos. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:1006995. [PMID: 36504844 PMCID: PMC9730881 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1006995] [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: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In cattle, vitrified/warmed (V/W) and frozen/thawed (F/T), in vitro-produced (IVP) embryos, differ in their physiology and survival from fresh embryos. In this study, we analyzed the effects of embryo cryopreservation techniques on the offspring. IVP embryos cultured with albumin and with or without 0.1% serum until Day 6, and thereafter in single culture without protein, were transferred to recipients on Day 7 as F/T, V/W, or fresh, resulting in N = 24, 14, and 13 calves, respectively. Calves were clinically examined at birth, and blood was analyzed before and after colostrum intake (Day 0), and subsequently on Day 15 and Day 30. On Day 0, calves from V/W and F/T embryos showed increased creatinine and capillary refill time (CRT) and reduced heartbeats. Calves from F/T embryos showed lower PCO2, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume than calves from V/W embryos while V/W embryos led to calves with increased Na+ levels. Colostrum effects did not differ between calves from fresh and cryopreserved embryos, indicating similar adaptive ability among calves. However, PCO2 did not decrease in calves from V/W embryos after colostrum intake. Serum in culture led to calves with affected (P < 0.05) temperature, CRT, HCO 3 - , base excess (BE), TCO2, creatinine, urea, and anion gap. On Day 15, the effects of embryo cryopreservation disappeared among calves. In contrast, Day 30 values were influenced by diarrhea appearance, mainly in calves from V/W embryos (i.e., lower values of TCO2, HCO 3 - , and BE; and increased glucose, anion gap, and lactate), although with no more clinical compromise than calves from fresh and F/T embryos. Diarrhea affected PCO2 and Na+ in all groups. Embryo cryopreservation, and/or culture, yield metabolically different calves, including effects on protein and acid-base metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Gómez
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Gijón, Spain,*Correspondence: Enrique Gómez
| | - Antonio Murillo
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Gijón, Spain
| | - Susana Carrocera
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Gijón, Spain
| | | | - Jose Luis Benedito
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary School, University of Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - David Martín-González
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Gijón, Spain
| | - Isabel Gimeno
- Servicio Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (SERIDA), Centro de Biotecnología Animal, Gijón, Spain
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11
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Rabaglino MB, Secher JBM, Hyttel P, Kadarmideen HN. In vitro and in vivo-produced male dairy calves show molecular differences in the hepatic and muscular energy regulation. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:1113-1124. [PMID: 35766406 PMCID: PMC9562124 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In cattle, the in vitro production (IVP) of embryos is becoming more relevant than embryos produced in vivo, i.e. after multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET). However, the effects of IVP on the developmental programming of specific organs in the postnatal calves are yet unknown. Previously, we reported an epigenomic and transcriptomic profile of the hypothalamus–pituitary–testicular axis compatible with its earlier activation in IVP calves compared to MOET animals. Here, we studied the hepatic and muscular epigenome and transcriptome of those same male dairy calves (n = 4 per group). Tissue samples from liver and semitendinosus muscle were obtained at 3 months of age, and the extracted gDNA and RNA were sequenced through whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and RNA-sequencing, respectively. Next, bioinformatic analyses determined differentially methylated cytosines or differentially expressed genes [false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05] for each Omic dataset; and nonparametrically combined genes (NPCG) for both integrated omics (P < 0.05). KEGG pathways enrichment analysis showed that NPCG upregulated in the liver and the muscle of the IVP calves were involved in oxidative phosphorylation and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. In contrast, ribosome and translation were upregulated in the liver but downregulated in the muscle of the IVP calves compared to the MOET calves (FDR < 0.05). A model considering the effect of the methylation levels and the group on the expression of all the genes involved in these pathways confirmed these findings. In conclusion, the multiomics data integration approach indicated an altered hepatic and muscular energy regulation in phenotypically normal IVP calves compared to MOET calves.
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Affiliation(s)
- María B Rabaglino
- Quantitative Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Group, Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jan Bojsen-Møller Secher
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Groennegaardsvej 7, 1870 Frederiksberg C
| | - Poul Hyttel
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Groennegaardsvej 7, 1870 Frederiksberg C
| | - Haja N Kadarmideen
- Quantitative Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Group, Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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12
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Lopes JS, Soriano-Úbeda C, París-Oller E, Navarro-Serna S, Canha-Gouveia A, Sarrias-Gil L, Cerón JJ, Coy P. Year-Long Phenotypical Study of Calves Derived From Different Assisted-Reproduction Technologies. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:739041. [PMID: 35083305 PMCID: PMC8784852 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.739041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies play a major role in the cattle industry. An increase in the use of in vitro-derived embryos is currently being seen around the globe. But the efficiency and quality of the in vitro-derived embryos are substandard when compared to the in vivo production. Different protocols have been designed to overcome this issue, one of those being the use of reproductive fluids as supplementation to embryo culture media. In this study, in vitro-derived calves produced with reproductive fluids added to their embryo production protocol were followed for the first year of life pairwise with their in vivo control, produced by artificial insemination (AI), and their in vitro control, produced with standard supplementation in embryo production. The objective was to assess if any differences could be found in terms of growth and development as well as hematological and biochemical analytes between the different systems. All the analysed variables (physical, hematological, and biochemical) were within physiological range and very similar between calves throughout the entire experiment. However, differences were more evident between calves derived from standard in vitro production and AI. We concluded that the use of reproductive fluids as a supplementation to the embryo culture media results in calves with closer growth and development patterns to those born by AI than the use of bovine serum albumin as supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordana S. Lopes
- Physiology of Reproduction Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina Soriano-Úbeda
- Physiology of Reproduction Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Evelyne París-Oller
- Physiology of Reproduction Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Sergio Navarro-Serna
- Physiology of Reproduction Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Analuce Canha-Gouveia
- Physiology of Reproduction Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Lucía Sarrias-Gil
- Physiology of Reproduction Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Joaquin Cerón
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis (Interlab-UMU), Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pilar Coy
- Physiology of Reproduction Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
- *Correspondence: Pilar Coy
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13
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Sirard MA. How the environment affects early embryonic development. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:203-213. [PMID: 35231267 DOI: 10.1071/rd21266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the field of animal reproduction, the environment associated with gametes and embryos refers to the parents' condition as well as conditions surrounding gametes and embryos in vivo or in vitro . This environment is now known to influence not only the functionality of the early embryo but potentially the future phenotype of the offspring. Using transcriptomic and epigenetic molecular analysis, and the bovine model, recent research has shown that both the female and the male metabolic status, for example age, can affect gene expression and gene programming in the embryo. Evidence demonstrates that milking cows, which are losing weight at the time of conception, generates compromised embryos and offspring with a unique metabolic signature. A similar phenomenon has been associated with different culture conditions and the IVF procedure. The general common consequence of these situations is an embryo behaving on 'economy' mode where translation, cell division and ATP production is reduced, potentially to adapt to the perceived future environment. Few epidemiological studies have been done in bovines to assess if these changes result in a different phenotype and more studies are required to associate specific molecular changes in embryos with visible consequences later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-André Sirard
- Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Département des Sciences Animales, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
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14
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Baruselli PS, Rodrigues CA, Ferreira RM, Sales JNS, Elliff FM, Silva LG, Viziack MP, Factor L, D'Occhio MJ. Impact of oocyte donor age and breed on in vitro embryo production in cattle, and relationship of dairy and beef embryo recipients on pregnancy and the subsequent performance of offspring: A review. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:36-51. [PMID: 35231233 DOI: 10.1071/rd21285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic selection combined with in vitro embryo production (IVEP) with oocytes from heifer calves provides a powerful technology platform to reduce generation interval and significantly increase the rate of genetic gain in cattle. The ability to obtain oocytes with developmental competence from calves has been recognised for more than 60years. There is renewed interest in the potential of this reproductive technology as the beef and dairy industries seek to identify and multiply animals that satisfy consumer demand for efficient utilisation of natural resources, with minimal environmental impact and high product quality. Heifer calves show a good follicular response to FSH stimulation and oocytes can be recovered by ovum pick-up (OPU). However, the efficiency of OPU/IVEP remains lower for calves compared with peripubertal heifers and cows, in both indicus (Zebu, Bos indicus ) and taurus (Bos taurus ) breeds. Indicus cattle generally have more follicles, yield a greater number of oocytes, and have a better IVEP outcome, compared with taurus cattle. The treatment of prepubertal heifers with bovine somatotrophin (bST) and propylene glycol before OPU/IVEP has yet to show a major improvement in embryo production. Holstein (taurus) dairy heifers derived from different reproductive technologies (AI, MOET, OPU/IVEP) showed a similar age at puberty and first-lactation milk production. OPU/IVEP Holstein embryos transferred to beef or dairy cows likewise yielded heifers with the same performance. The gains in productivity that can be achieved with strategic use of OPU/IVEP in heifer calves make this a relevant and highly important reproductive technology in cattle breeding. Ongoing optimisation of the technology is needed for the potential of OPU/IVEP in young donors to be fully realised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro S Baruselli
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil
| | | | - Roberta M Ferreira
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil
| | | | - Flávia M Elliff
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Laísa G Silva
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Mariana P Viziack
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Luana Factor
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Michael J D'Occhio
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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15
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Rabaglino MB, Bojsen-Møller Secher J, Sirard MA, Hyttel P, Kadarmideen HN. Epigenomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal early activation of the HPG axis in in vitro-produced male dairy calves. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21882. [PMID: 34460963 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101067r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In cattle, several calves born after IVP ("in vitro" embryo production) present similar birthweight to those generated after MOET (multiple ovulation and embryo transfer). However, the underlying molecular patterns in organs involved in the developmental process are unknown and could indicate physiological programming. The objectives of this study were: (1) to compare epigenomic and transcriptomic modifications in the hypothalamus, pituitary, gonadal and adrenal organs between 3 months old ovum pick-up-IVP and MOET male calves (n = 4 per group) and (2) to use blood epigenomic data to proxy methylation of the inner organs. Extracted gDNA and RNA were sequenced through whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and RNA sequencing, respectively. Next, bioinformatic analyses determined differentially methylated cytosines (DMC) and differentially expressed genes (DEG) (FDR < 0.05) in IVP versus MOET samples and the KEGG pathways that were overrepresented by genes associated with DMC or DEG (FDR < 0.1). Pathways related to hypothalamus, pituitary, gonadal (HPG) axis activation (GnRH secretion in the hypothalamus, GnRH signaling in the pituitary, and steroidogenesis in the testicle) were enriched in IVP calves. Modeling the effect of the methylation levels and the group on the expression of all the genes involved in these pathways confirmed their upregulation in HPG organs in IVP calves. The application of the DIABLO method allowed the identification of 15 epigenetic and five transcriptomic biomarkers, which were able to predict the embryo origin using the epigenomic data from the blood. In conclusion, the use of an integrated epigenomic-transcriptomic approach suggested an early activation of the HPG axis in male IVP calves compared to MOET counterparts, and the identification of potential biomarkers allowed the use of blood samples to proxy methylation levels of the relevant internal organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- María B Rabaglino
- Quantitative Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Group, Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Marc-André Sirard
- Departement des Sciences Animales, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Inter-générationnelle (CRDSI), Université Laval, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Poul Hyttel
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Haja N Kadarmideen
- Quantitative Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Group, Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
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16
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Reese S, Pirez MC, Steele H, Kölle S. The reproductive success of bovine sperm after sex-sorting: a meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17366. [PMID: 34462506 PMCID: PMC8405645 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96834-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In the three decades since its inception, the sex-sorting technology has progressed significantly. However, field studies report conflicting findings regarding reproductive outcomes. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis of all trials published between 1999 and 2021. Non-return rates after 24 or 60 d (NRR 24/60), pregnancy, calving, abortion, and stillbirth rates were compared after AI with sex-sorted vs non-sorted sperm. Additionally, the impact of recent developments in the sex-sorting technology was assessed. Of 860 studies found, 45 studies (72 trials) provided extractable data and were included. Overall, the results of this meta-analysis provided evidence that the NRR 24/60 was diminished by 13%, pregnancy rates were reduced by 23% (25% cows, 21% heifers) and calving rates were reduced by 24% when using sex-sorted sperm. Enhancing the dosage to 4 million sex-sorted sperm/straw (including recent improvements, high vs low dose) as well as using fresh sex-sorted sperm (sorted vs non-sorted) increased pregnancy rate ratios by 7 percentage points. The refinement of the sex-sorting technology after 2015 resulted in a lowered reduction of pregnancy and calving rate of 19% and 23%, respectively. Whereas abortion rates were similar, the stillbirth of male calves was increased by 6.3%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Reese
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Miguel Camara Pirez
- School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Heather Steele
- School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sabine Kölle
- School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland.
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17
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Ealy AD, Speckhart SL, Wooldridge LK. Cytokines That Serve as Embryokines in Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082313. [PMID: 34438770 PMCID: PMC8388520 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review will explore how some cytokines also influence early embryonic development. We term these types of molecules as embryokines. Understanding how cytokines serve as embryokines could offer new opportunities to improve embryo development and the overall health of the embryo so that pregnancies will be retained after embryo transfer and so that viable offspring are produced. At least two cytokines may offer these benefits to bovine embryos produced in vitro. Additional cytokines also are identified in this review that may contain beneficial activities on bovine embryos. Abstract The term “embryokine” has been used to denote molecules produced by the endometrium, oviduct, or by embryo itself that will influence embryo development. Several cytokines have been identified as embryokines in cattle and other mammals. This review will describe how these cytokines function as embryokines, with special emphasis being placed on their actions on in vitro produced (IVP) bovine embryos. Embryokines are being explored for their ability to overcome the poor development rates of IVP embryos and to limit post-transfer pregnancy retention efficiencies that exist in IVP embryos. This review will focus on describing two of the best-characterized cytokines, colony-stimulating factor 2 and interleukin 6, for their ability to modify bovine embryo quality and confirmation, promote normal fetal development, and generate healthy calves. Additional cytokines will also be discussed for their potential to serve as embryokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan D. Ealy
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Savannah L. Speckhart
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA;
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18
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Zolini AM, Block J, Rabaglino MB, Tríbulo P, Hoelker M, Rincon G, Bromfield JJ, Hansen PJ. Molecular fingerprint of female bovine embryos produced in vitro with high competence to establish and maintain pregnancy†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:292-305. [PMID: 31616926 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective was to identify the transcriptomic profile of in vitro-derived embryos with high competence to establish and maintain gestation. Embryos produced with X-sorted sperm were cultured from day 5 to day 7 in serum-free medium containing 10 ng/ml recombinant bovine colony-stimulating factor 2 (CSF2) or vehicle. The CSF2 was administered because this molecule can increase blastocyst competence for survival after embryo transfer. Blastocysts were harvested on day 7 of culture and manually bisected. One demi-embryo from a single blastocyst was transferred into a synchronized recipient and the other half was used for RNA-seq analysis. Using P < 0.01 and a fold change >2-fold or <0.5 fold as cutoffs, there were 617 differentially expressed genes (DEG) between embryos that survived to day 30 of gestation vs those that did not, 470 DEG between embryos that survived to day 60 and those that did not, 432 DEG between embryos that maintained pregnancy from day 30 to day 60 vs those where pregnancy failed after day 30, and 635 DEG regulated by CSF2. Pathways and ontologies in which DEG were overrepresented included many related to cellular responses to stress and cell survival. It was concluded that gene expression in the blastocyst is different between embryos that are competent to establish and maintain pregnancy vs those that are not. The relationship between expression of genes related to cell stress and subsequent embryonic survival probably reflects cellular perturbations caused by embryonic development taking place in the artificial environment associated with cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Zolini
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - J Block
- Zoetis Inc., Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - M B Rabaglino
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud, CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina.,Quantitative Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Group, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - P Tríbulo
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - M Hoelker
- Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Institute of Animal Science, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Teaching and Research Station Frankenforst, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bonn, Königswinter, Germany.,Center of Integrated Dairy Research, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - G Rincon
- Zoetis Inc., Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - J J Bromfield
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - P J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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19
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Magata F, Urakawa M, Matsuda F, Oono Y. Developmental kinetics and viability of bovine embryos produced in vitro with sex-sorted semen. Theriogenology 2020; 161:243-251. [PMID: 33340757 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to elucidate the developmental kinetics, growth potential, and viability of bovine embryos produced in vitro with sexed semen. Bovine oocytes were fertilized in vitro using unsorted and X-sorted semen from the same Holstein bulls, and the kinetics of in vitro development were continuously monitored for 10 d through time-lapse cinematography. The blastocyst formation rate was lower in the X-sorted group than in the unsorted group (P < 0.01), whereas the normal fertilization rate did not differ between groups. Morphokinetic evaluation revealed that the incidence of blastomere fusion during the first cleavage division, termed reverse cleavage, was higher in the X-sorted group (P < 0.01). Furthermore, embryos produced with X-sorted semen showed slower growth throughout the developmental period than embryos produced with unsorted semen (P < 0.01). The cell number of the trophectoderm and inner cell mass of blastocysts was reduced in the X-sorted group (P < 0.01). In embryos that developed to the blastocyst stage, the hatchability (P < 0.05), chromosomal normality (P < 0.01), and survivability after the conventional frozen-thawing process (P < 0.05) were reduced in the X-sorted group compared to that in the unsorted group, indicating a compromised viability of embryos derived from X-sorted semen. Taken together, the first cleavage dysmorphism, delayed embryo growth, and impaired viability of embryos developed to the blastocyst stage may explain the mechanism of reduced fertility in embryos derived from sexed semen. The kinetic evaluation of early embryo development and de-selection of embryos presenting the aberrant first cleavage would be valid for clinical application to produce sexed embryos with high implantation potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Magata
- Research and Development Group, Zen-noh Embryo Transfer Center, Kamishihoro, Hokkaido, Japan; Department of Veterinary Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - M Urakawa
- Research and Development Group, Zen-noh Embryo Transfer Center, Kamishihoro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - F Matsuda
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Y Oono
- Research and Development Group, Zen-noh Embryo Transfer Center, Kamishihoro, Hokkaido, Japan
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20
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Siqueira LG, Silva MVG, Panetto JC, Viana JH. Consequences of assisted reproductive technologies for offspring function in cattle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 32:82-97. [PMID: 32188560 DOI: 10.1071/rd19278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal fetuses, neonates and adult offspring derived by assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have been reported in humans, rodents and domestic animals. The use of ART has also been associated with an increased likelihood of certain adult diseases. These abnormalities may arise as a result of an excess of or missing maternally derived molecules during invitro culture, because the invitro environment is artificial and suboptimal for embryo development. Nonetheless, the success of ART in overcoming infertility or improving livestock genetics is undeniable. Limitations of invitro embryo production (IVEP) in cattle include lower rates of the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy and an increased incidence of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Moreover, recent studies demonstrated long-term effects of IVEP in cattle, including increased postnatal mortality, altered growth and a slight reduction in the performance of adult dairy cows. This review addresses the effects of an altered preimplantation environment on embryo and fetal programming and offspring development. We discuss cellular and molecular responses of the embryo to the maternal environment, how ART may disturb programming, the possible role of epigenetic effects as a mechanism for altered phenotypes and long-term effects of ART that manifest in postnatal life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz G Siqueira
- Embrapa Gado de Leite, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil 36038-330; and Corresponding author.
| | | | - João C Panetto
- Embrapa Gado de Leite, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil 36038-330
| | - João H Viana
- Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília, DF, Brazil 70770-917
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21
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Vries AD, Kaniyamattam K. A review of simulation analyses of economics and genetics for the use of in-vitro produced embryos and artificial insemination in dairy herds. Anim Reprod 2020; 17:e20200020. [PMID: 33029212 PMCID: PMC7534553 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2020-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of in-vitro produced (IVP) embryo transfer (ET) in dairy herds is growing fast. Much of this growth is on dairy farms where the focus is on milk production and not on selling breeding stock. The value of implementing IVP-ET in a dairy herd arises from a higher genetic merit of the IVP-embryo, but the cost to produce a pregnancy with an IVP embryo is greater than the cost of artificial insemination (AI). The first objective of this study was to review estimates of the net benefit of using IVP-ET over AI in dairy herds using existing literature. Another objective was to show how much IVP-ET use in a herd is optimal. Most of the literature is based on simulation modeling, including our own work that focuses on the dairy industry in the USA. We found that the most profitable use of AI and IVP-ET is often a combination of the two. More IVP-ET should be used when the value of surplus calves is greater and the cost of IVP-ET is lower, among many other factors. In the future, use of IVP-ET will be further improved by more accurately identifying superior donors and recipients, reducing the generation interval, and achieving greater efficiency in embryo production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert De Vries
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Karun Kaniyamattam
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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22
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Dos Santos Mendonça A, Franco MM, de Oliveira Carvalho J, Machado GM, Dode MAN. DNA Methylation of the Insulin-Like Growth Factor 2-Imprinted Gene in Trophoblast Cells of Elongated Bovine Embryo: Effects of the In Vitro Culture. Cell Reprogram 2020; 21:260-269. [PMID: 31596623 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2019.0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is an essential epigenetic mark for embryo development and can be susceptible to environment factors such as in vitro conditions. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of in vitro culture until Day (D) 14 of the development on the embryo size and DNA methylation pattern of the insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2)-imprinted gene. To achieve this, we produced bovine embryos completely in vivo, completely in vitro, and in vitro until D7 and then in vivo up to D14. The embryos produced in in vitro were smaller than those in other two groups (p = 0.024); no differences in embryo size were observed between genders. The in vitro embryos showed a higher level of DNA methylation in the IGF2 as compared with that in the completely in vivo-produced (IVV) embryos (p = 0.009). Furthermore, totally in vitro-produced male embryos showed higher levels of DNA methylation as compared with those observed for the totally IVV male embryos (p = 0.034). No differences were observed among genders for IGF2 DNA methylation. These results showed that the window between D7 and D14 is critical for embryo development and alterations in the environmental conditions during this period can impair DNA methylation establishment of important developmental imprinted genes. This study brings unprecedented data for bovine embryos regarding the impact of the environmental conditions during the posthatching development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anelise Dos Santos Mendonça
- Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba Parque Tecnológico Campus, Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Maurício Machaim Franco
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Parque Estação Biológica, Brasília, Brazil.,Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | | | | | - Margot Alves Nunes Dode
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Parque Estação Biológica, Brasília, Brazil.,School of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.,Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
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23
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Reproductive Outcomes and Endocrine Profile in Artificially Inseminated versus Embryo Transferred Cows. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10081359. [PMID: 32781545 PMCID: PMC7459650 DOI: 10.3390/ani10081359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Bovine embryos are nowadays produced in laboratories, frozen and transferred to other cows. However, the percentage of pregnancies obtained after these transfers as well as difficulties found during labor, especially due to increased size of calves, are a matter of great concern. One of the possible explanations for these problems relies on the embryo being produced in in vitro conditions (laboratory settings), more specifically the culture medium (liquid) used to develop these embryos. In an attempt to better mimic what happens naturally, female reproductive liquids (from oviducts and uterus) were used as a supplement to the culture of the embryos. As controls, embryos produced using the standard protocol in the laboratory were produced, as well as embryos derived from artificial insemination of cows (in vivo). An evaluation on the pregnancy rates, how the hormonal profile of the recipients changed during pregnancy, difficulties during parturitions, and phenotype of calves were recorded. Results showed that all the groups were very similar, but many differences were noted on the hormonal profiles during pregnancy. In conclusion, all systems provided safe production of calves, but long-term analysis of these calves is necessary to understand the future impact of the laboratory protocols. Abstract The increasing use of in vitro embryo production (IVP) followed by embryo transfer (ET), alongside with cryopreservation of embryos, has risen concerns regarding the possible altered pregnancy rates, calving or even neonatal mortality. One of the hypotheses for these alterations is the current culture conditions of the IVP. In an attempt to better mimic the physiological milieu, embryos were produced with female reproductive fluids (RF) as supplements to culture medium, and another group of embryos were supplemented with bovine serum albumin (BSA) as in vitro control. Embryos were cryopreserved and transferred while, in parallel, an in vivo control (artificial insemination, AI) with the same bull used for IVP was included. An overview on pregnancy rates, recipients’ hormonal levels, parturition, and resulting calves were recorded. Results show much similarity between groups in terms of pregnancy rates, gestation length and calves’ weight. Nonetheless, several differences on hormonal levels were noted between recipients carrying AI embryos especially when compared to BSA. Some calving issues and neonatal mortality were observed in both IVP groups. In conclusion, most of the parameters studied were similar between both types of IVP derived embryos and the in vivo-derived embryos, suggesting that the IVP technology used was efficient enough for the safe production of calves.
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Abstract
Development of assisted reproductive technologies has been driven by the goals of reducing the incidence of infertility, increasing the number of offspring from genetically elite animals, facilitating genetic manipulation, aiding preservation and long-distance movement of germplasm, and generating research material. Superovulation is associated with reduced fertilization rate and alterations in endometrial function. In vitro production of embryos can have a variety of consequences. Most embryos produced in vitro are capable of establishing pregnancy and developing into healthy neonatal animals. However, in vitro production is associated with reduced ability to develop to the blastocyst stage, increased incidence of failure to establish pregnancy, placental dysfunction, and altered fetal development. Changes in the developmental program mean that some consequences of being produced in vitro can extend into adult life. Reduced competence of the embryo produced in vitro to develop to the blastocyst stage is caused largely by disruption of events during oocyte maturation and fertilization. Conditions during embryo culture can affect embryo freezability and competence to establish pregnancy after transfer. Culture conditions, including actions of embryokines, can also affect the postnatal phenotype of the resultant progeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-0910, USA;
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Maicas C, Hutchinson IA, Cromie AR, Lonergan P, Butler ST. Characteristics of offspring derived from conventional and X-sorted bovine sperm. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:7509-7520. [PMID: 32505400 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2020-18178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this retrospective study was to compare survival during the first year of life and adult performance of offspring derived from artificial insemination (AI) with X-sorted or conventional sperm processed from the same ejaculates. We analyzed a data set that included AI of dairy heifers and lactating cows with fresh conventional sperm (3 × 106 sperm per straw), fresh X-sorted sperm (1 or 2 × 106 sperm per straw), or frozen X-sorted sperm (2 × 106 sperm per straw). The data set contained records of 5,179 offspring born on 396 farms. Offspring were classified as born from conventional sperm (CONV) if they were the product of an insemination with fresh conventional sperm, or born from X-sorted sperm (SS) if they were product of any of the 3 X-sorted sperm treatments. Generalized linear mixed models were used to evaluate the effect of sperm treatment on (1) survival during the first year of life; (2) reproductive performance, lactation performance, and survival of female offspring; and (3) slaughter characteristics of male offspring. Stillbirth rates and mortality rates during the first 2 mo of life were greater for male calves (2.8 and 5.0%, respectively) than for female calves (1.6 and 2.0%, respectively). No differences between offspring derived from SS and CONV were detected for incidences of stillbirth or mortality during the first 12 mo of life within sex of calf. Reproductive performance, milk volume, milk fat, milk protein yields during first; second; and third lactations, and survival to third lactation did not differ between female offspring derived from CONV and SS. Across all age groups, CONV steers had heavier carcasses than SS steers (325.3 vs. 318.3 kg), but there were no differences in weight between CONV and SS steers within any of the age groups (≤24, 25-27, 28-30, and >30 mo of age). The distribution of slaughter age did not differ between CONV and SS steers when the analysis was restricted to herds that reared steers derived from both types of sperm. Carcass conformation and fat scores of steers were not affected by sperm treatment. There was no difference in carcass weight between young bulls (≤2 yr) derived from CONV or SS. In conclusion, the results provide no evidence of differences in survival during the first year of life between offspring derived from CONV or SS, or for any of the reproductive and lactation performance characteristics studied between female offspring derived from CONV or SS. Modest differences in carcass weight between CONV and SS steers were detected, but this may reflect differences in management and husbandry in the rearing herds rather than the sex-sorting process. A controlled study using steers derived from conventional or X-sorted sperm from split ejaculates and reared under the same husbandry conditions is needed to clarify whether there is a true difference in body weight gain due to the sex-sorting process.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Maicas
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland P61 C996; School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland D04 N2E5
| | - I A Hutchinson
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland P61 C996
| | - A R Cromie
- Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, Highfield House, Shinagh, Bandon, Co. Cork, Ireland P72 X050
| | - P Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland D04 N2E5
| | - S T Butler
- Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland P61 C996.
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Ibrahim LA, Rizo JA, Fontes PLP, Lamb GC, Bromfield JJ. Seminal plasma modulates expression of endometrial inflammatory meditators in the bovine†. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:660-671. [PMID: 30329018 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Seminal plasma has conventionally been viewed as a transport and survival medium for mammalian sperm; however, its role now extends beyond this process to actively targeting female tissues. Studies in rodents, swine, and humans demonstrate that seminal plasma induces molecular and cellular changes within the endometrium or cervix following insemination. Seminal-plasma-induced alterations to the maternal environment have been theorized to facilitate embryo development, modulate maternal immunity toward the conceptus, and potentially improve pregnancy success. It is unknown if bovine seminal plasma modulates the uterine environment following insemination in the cow, where routine use of artificial insemination reduces maternal exposure to seminal plasma. We hypothesize that seminal plasma modulates the expression of inflammatory mediators in the endometrium, altering the maternal environment of early pregnancy. In vitro, seminal plasma altered intact endometrial explant expression of CSF2, IL1B, IL6, IL17A, TGFB1, IFNE, PTGS2, and AKR1C4. Furthermore, endometrial epithelial cell CSF2, CXCL8, TGFB1, PTGS2, and AKR1C4 expression were increased after seminal plasma exposure, while endometrial stromal cell CSF2, IL1B, IL6, CXCL8, IL17A, TGFB1, PTGS2, and AKR1C4 expression were increased following seminal plasma exposure. Endometrial expression of IL1B was increased in the cow 24 h after uterine infusion of seminal plasma, while other evaluated inflammatory mediators remained unchanged. These data indicate that seminal plasma may induce changes in the bovine endometrium in a temporal manner. Understanding the role of seminal plasma in modulating the maternal environment may aid in improving pregnancy success in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila A Ibrahim
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jason A Rizo
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Pedro L P Fontes
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - G Cliff Lamb
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - John J Bromfield
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Garcia-Dominguez X, Vicente JS, Marco-Jiménez F. Developmental Plasticity in Response to Embryo Cryopreservation: The Importance of the Vitrification Device in Rabbits. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10050804. [PMID: 32384788 PMCID: PMC7278459 DOI: 10.3390/ani10050804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This study was conducted to demonstrate how embryo manipulation techniques incur phenotypic changes throughout life. This study reports the first evidence demonstrating that the vitrification device used is not a trivial decision, providing valuable information about how the cooling–warming rates during vitrification can be partly responsible of the postnatal phenotypic variations. Abstract In this study, we evaluated the effect of embryo vitrification using two different devices on adulthood phenotype in rabbits. In vitro development, prenatal embryo survival, body weight, growth performance, haematological and biochemical peripheral blood analysis, reproductive performance, and lactation performance traits were compared between the experimental groups. They derived from naturally-conceived embryos (NC), fresh-transferred embryos (FT), vitrified-transferred embryos using mini-straw (VTs), or vitrified-transferred embryos using Cryotop (VTc). Straw-vitrified embryos exhibited lower in vitro developmental rates and in vivo survival rates following embryo transfer compared to its Cryotop-vitrified counterparts. Moreover, the VTs group exhibited higher foetal losses than VTc, FT, and NC groups. Independently of the vitrification device, vitrified-transferred (VT) offspring showed a skewed sex ratio in favour of males, and an increased birth bodyweight. In contrast, postnatal daily growth was diminished in all ART (i.e., FT and VT) animals. In adulthood, significant differences in body weight between all groups was founded—all ART progenies weighed less than NC animals and, within ART, VT animals weighed less than FT. For VT groups, weight at adulthood was higher for the VTs group compared with the VTc group. Peripheral blood parameters ranged between common values. Moreover, no differences were found in the fertility rates between experimental groups. Furthermore, similar pregnancy rates, litter sizes, and the number of liveborns were observed, regardless of the experimental group. However, decreased milk yield occurred for VTc and FT animals compared to VTs and NC animals. A similar trend was observed for the milk composition of dry matter and fat. Concordantly, reduced body weight was found for suckling kits in the VTc and FT groups compared to VTs and NC animals. Our findings reveal that developmental changes after the embryo vitrification procedure could be associated with an exhibition of the embryonic developmental plasticity. Moreover, to our best knowledge, this study reports the first evidence demonstrating that the vitrification device used is not a trivial decision, providing valuable information about how the cooling–warming rates during vitrification can be partly responsible of the postnatal phenotypic variations.
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Bovine Sperm Sexing Alters Sperm Morphokinetics and Subsequent Early Embryonic Development. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6255. [PMID: 32277124 PMCID: PMC7148378 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63077-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
In artificial insemination the use of sex-sorted bovine sperm results in reduced conception, the causes of which are only partly understood. Therefore, we set out to investigate the effects of sexing on bovine sperm function and early embryonic development. Computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) of sperm of the same bulls (n = 5), before and after sexing, demonstrated significantly reduced fast (A) and slow (B) progressively motile sperm (p < 0.05) after sexing. Sexed-sperm also revealed significantly less hyperactivated sperm (p < 0.05). As shown by time-lapse videomicroscopy of in vitro produced embryos (n = 360), embryos derived from sexed-sperm displayed significantly increased incidences of arrest at the 4-cell stage (p < 0.05). The relative risk for shrinkage/fusion of blastomeres with subsequent lysis was 1.71 times higher in the embryos derived from sexed-sperm as compared to conventional embryos (p < 0.05) resulting in significantly reduced blastocyst rates (p < 0.001). The relative risk for cleavage was 2.36 times lower in the embryos derived from sex-sorted sperm (p < 0.001). Additionally, sexed-sperm-derived embryos showed reduced survival times (hazard ratio HR = 1.54, p < 0.001) which were bull dependent (p < 0.001). However, the percentage of apoptotic cells was similar to conventional embryos. Furthermore, embryos derived from sexed-sperm were found to reach developmental stages at similar timings as conventional embryos. Our results suggest that reduced conception rates after sexing are due to altered sperm morphokinetics, decreasing the chance of sperm to reach and fertilise the oocyte, and aberrant early embryonic development.
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Carvalho MR, Aboujaoude C, Peñagaricano F, Santos JEP, DeVries TJ, McBride BW, Ribeiro ES. Associations between maternal characteristics and health, survival, and performance of dairy heifers from birth through first lactation. J Dairy Sci 2020; 103:823-839. [PMID: 31677831 PMCID: PMC7094727 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-17083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate whether health, survival, and performance of dairy heifers from birth through first lactation are associated with parity and health status of their dams. Holstein heifers (n = 1,811) derived from artificial insemination were categorized as (1) daughters of primiparous cows that, consequently, were nonlactating heifers during gestation (Prim-NoL; n = 787); (2) daughters of multiparous cows that did not have any clinical diseases in the previous lactation (Mult-NoCD; n = 638); and (3) daughters of multiparous cows that had at least one clinical disease in the previous lactation (Mult-CD; n = 386). Clinical diseases of the multiparous dams included retained placenta, metritis, mastitis, lameness, and digestive and respiratory problems. Data collected for evaluation of daughters included genotypic and phenotypic characteristics at birth, morbidity, reproductive performance, and culling from birth through 305 d in milk of first lactation. Orthogonal contrasts were used to evaluate the effect of the parity of the dam (Prim-NoL vs. Mult-NoCD + Mult-CD) and the effect of clinical disease occurrence in the previous lactation among multiparous dams (Mult-NoCD vs. Mult-CD). Compared with daughters of multiparous cows, daughters of Prim-NoL were lighter at birth (36 vs. 41 kg), had greater genetic merit for production traits (e.g., genomic estimated breeding value for milk yield: 875 vs. 746 kg), were less likely to leave the herd (17 vs. 28%) and to lose pregnancy as a heifer (9 vs. 14%), calved earlier (703 vs. 711 d old), were less likely to have clinical diseases as a first lactation cow (30 vs. 37%), and had reduced performance in the first lactation when considering their genetic merit (e.g., 305-d yield of energy-corrected milk: 11,270 vs. 11,539 kg). Compared with daughters of Mult-NoCD, daughters of Mult-CD were less likely to have digestive problems as a heifer (17 vs. 27%) and clinical disease as a first lactation cow (32 vs. 42%), but were also more likely to leave the herd as a heifer (32 vs. 25%) even though genetic merit for production traits were similar (e.g., genomic estimated breeding value for milk: 744 vs. 749 kg). In conclusion, both parity and health status of the dam in the previous lactation were associated with morbidity, survival, and performance of their daughters from birth through 305 d in milk of the first lactation and might represent factors affecting developmental programming of dairy heifers in utero.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Carvalho
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - C Aboujaoude
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - F Peñagaricano
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611
| | - J E P Santos
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611
| | - T J DeVries
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - B W McBride
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - E S Ribeiro
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1.
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Conditions of embryo culture from days 5 to 7 of development alter the DNA methylome of the bovine fetus at day 86 of gestation. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 37:417-426. [PMID: 31838628 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01652-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We tested whether in vitro production (IVP) causes changes in DNA methylation in fetal liver and skeletal muscle and if exposure of cultured embryos to colony-stimulating factor 2 (CSF2) alters DNA methylation. METHODS Female fetuses were produced by artificial insemination or transfer of an IVP embryo. Embryos were treated from days 5 to 7 after fertilization with CSF2 or vehicle. DNA methylation in fetal liver and skeletal muscle was determined by post-bisulfite adaptor tagging-based sequencing. The degree of DNA methylation for CpG sites in 50-bp windows of the promoter region 500 bp upstream of the transcriptional start site was compared between treatments. RESULTS For liver, there were 12 genes (6% of those analyzed) in which DNA methylation was affected by treatment, with one 50-bp window per gene affected by treatment. For muscle, the degree of DNA methylation was affected by treatment for 32 windows (19% of the total windows analyzed) representing 28 distinct genes (23% of analyzed genes). For 19 of the 28 genes in muscle, the greatest deviation in DNA methylation was for the CSF2 group. CONCLUSION Results are consistent with alterations in the methylome being one of the mechanisms by which IVP can result in altered fetal development and postnatal function in the resultant offspring. In addition, results indicate that maternally derived cell-signaling molecules can regulate the pattern of DNA methylation.
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Hansen PJ, Tríbulo P. Regulation of present and future development by maternal regulatory signals acting on the embryo during the morula to blastocyst transition - insights from the cow. Biol Reprod 2019; 101:526-537. [PMID: 31220231 PMCID: PMC8127039 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The preimplantation embryo has a remarkable ability to execute its developmental program using regulatory information inherent within itself. Nonetheless, the uterine environment is rich in cell signaling molecules termed embryokines that act on the embryo during the morula-to-blastocyst transition, promoting blastocyst formation and programming the embryo for subsequent developmental events. Programming can not only affect developmental processes important for continuance of development in utero but also affect characteristics of the offspring during postnatal life. Given the importance of embryokines for regulation of embryonic development, it is likely that some causes of infertility involve aberrant secretion of embryokines by the uterus. Embryokines found to regulate development of the bovine embryo include insulin-like growth factor 1, colony stimulating factor 2 (CSF2), and dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 1. Embryo responses to CSF2 exhibit sexual dimorphism, suggesting that sex-specific programming of postnatal function is caused by maternal signals acting on the embryo during the preimplantation period that regulate male embryos differently than female embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Paula Tríbulo
- Instituto de Reproducción Animal Córdoba (IRAC), Zona Rural General Paz, Córdoba, Argentina
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Ealy AD, Wooldridge LK, McCoski SR. BOARD INVITED REVIEW: Post-transfer consequences of in vitro-produced embryos in cattle. J Anim Sci 2019; 97:2555-2568. [PMID: 30968113 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skz116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro embryo production (IVP) in cattle has gained worldwide interest in recent years, but the efficiency of using IVP embryos for calf production is far from optimal. This review will examine the pregnancy retention rates of IVP embryos and explore causes for pregnancy failures. Based on work completed over the past 25 yr, only 27% of cattle receiving IVP embryos will produce a live calf. Approximately 60% of these pregnancies fail during the first 6 wk of gestation. When compared with embryos generated by superovulation, pregnancy rates are 10% to 40% lower for cattle carrying IVP embryos, exemplifying that IVP embryos are consistently less competent than in vivo-generated embryos. Several abnormalities have been observed in the morphology of IVP conceptuses. After transfer, IVP embryos are less likely to undergo conceptus elongation, have reduced embryonic disk diameter, and have compromised yolk sac development. Marginal binucleate cell development, cotyledon development, and placental vascularization have also been documented, and these abnormalities are associated with altered fetal growth trajectories. Additionally, in vitro culture conditions increase the risk of large offspring syndrome. Further work is needed to decipher how the embryo culture environment alters post-transfer embryo development and survival. The risk of these neonatal disorders has been reduced by the use of serum-free synthetic oviductal fluid media formations and culture in low oxygen tension. However, alterations are still evident in IVP oocyte and embryo transcript abundances, timing of embryonic cleavage events and blastulation, incidence of aneuploidy, and embryonic methylation status. The inclusion of oviductal and uterine-derived embryokines in culture media is being examined as one way to improve the competency of IVP embryos. To conclude, the evidence presented herein clearly shows that bovine IVP systems still must be refined to make it an economical technology in cattle production systems. However, the current shortcomings do not negate its current value for certain embryo production needs and for investigating early embryonic development in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan D Ealy
- Department of Animal & Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Lydia K Wooldridge
- Department of Animal & Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
| | - Sarah R McCoski
- Department of Animal & Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA
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Ortiz WG, Rizo JA, Carvalheira LR, Ahmed BMS, Estrada-Cortes E, Harstine BR, Bromfield JJ, Hansen PJ. Effects of intrauterine infusion of seminal plasma at artificial insemination on fertility of lactating Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:6587-6594. [PMID: 31103294 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2019-16251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
An inflammatory response is induced in the reproductive tract by deposition of semen during natural mating. This response might facilitate establishment and maintenance of pregnancy and alter the phenotype of the offspring by modifying the microenvironment of the reproductive tract. Here, we hypothesized that intrauterine infusion of 0.5 mL of seminal plasma at the time of artificial insemination (AI) in first-service lactating Holstein cows will improve pregnancy success after insemination. Cows were inseminated (511 primiparous cows inseminated with X-sorted semen, 554 multiparous cows inseminated with X-sorted semen, and 627 multiparous cows inseminated with conventional semen) using the Double-Ovsynch protocol. Cows were randomly assigned to receive intrauterine infusion of either 0.5 mL of seminal plasma or saline immediately after AI. There was no overall effect of seminal plasma infusion on the percentage of inseminated cows diagnosed pregnant at d 32 or 60 after AI, pregnancy loss, or percent of inseminated cows calving. If cows were inseminated with conventional semen, seminal plasma reduced pregnancies at d 32 and tended to reduce calvings. There was no effect of seminal plasma if cows were inseminated with X-sorted semen. Seminal plasma infusion increased the birth weight of heifer calves born using X-sorted semen but not conventional semen. These results do not support a beneficial effect of seminal plasma on pregnancy success after AI, but exposure to seminal plasma may program fetal development to affect phenotype at birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- W G Ortiz
- Department of Animal Sciences and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-0910
| | - J A Rizo
- Department of Animal Sciences and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-0910
| | - L R Carvalheira
- Departmento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, BeloHorizonte, MG, Brazil CEP 31270-901
| | - B M S Ahmed
- Department of Animal Sciences and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-0910
| | - E Estrada-Cortes
- Department of Animal Sciences and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-0910
| | | | - J J Bromfield
- Department of Animal Sciences and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-0910
| | - P J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences and D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-0910.
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Moore SG, Hasler JF. A 100-Year Review: Reproductive technologies in dairy science. J Dairy Sci 2018; 100:10314-10331. [PMID: 29153167 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive technology revolutionized dairy production during the past century. Artificial insemination was first successfully applied to cattle in the early 1900s. The next major developments involved semen extenders, invention of the electroejaculator, progeny testing, addition of antibiotics to semen during the 1930s and 1940s, and the major discovery of sperm cryopreservation with glycerol in 1949. The 1950s and 1960s were particularly productive with the development of protocols for the superovulation of cattle with both pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin/equine chorionic gonadotrophin and FSH, the first successful bovine embryo transfer, the discovery of sperm capacitation, the birth of rabbits after in vitro fertilization, and the development of insulated liquid nitrogen tanks. Improved semen extenders and the replacement of glass ampules with plastic semen straws followed. Some of the most noteworthy developments in the 1970s included the initial successes with in vitro culture of embryos, calves born after chromosomal sexing as embryos, embryo splitting resulting in the birth of twins, and development of computer-assisted semen analysis. The 1980s brought flow cytometric separation of X- and Y-bearing sperm, in vitro fertilization leading to the birth of live calves, clones produced by nuclear transfer from embryonic cells, and ovum pick-up via ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration. The 20th century ended with the birth of calves produced from AI with sexed semen, sheep and cattle clones produced by nuclear transfer from adult somatic cell nuclei, and the birth of transgenic cloned calves. The 21st century has seen the introduction of perhaps the most powerful biotechnology since the development of artificial insemination and cryopreservation. Quick, inexpensive genomic analysis via the use of single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping chips is revolutionizing the cattle breeding industry. Now, with the introduction of genome editing technology, the changes are becoming almost too rapid to fully digest.
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Affiliation(s)
- S G Moore
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211.
| | - J F Hasler
- Vetoquinol USA, Fort Worth, TX; 427 Obenchain Rd., Laporte, CO 80535
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Effects of sex on response of the bovine preimplantation embryo to insulin-like growth factor 1, activin A, and WNT7A. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2018; 18:16. [PMID: 30055575 PMCID: PMC6064047 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-018-0176-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations in maternal environment can sometimes affect embryonic development in a sexually-dimorphic manner. The objective was to determine whether preimplantation bovine embryos respond to three maternally-derived cell signaling molecules in a sex-dependent manner. RESULTS Actions of three embryokines known to increase competence of bovine embryos to develop to the blastocyst stage, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), activin A, and WNT member 7A (WNT7A), were evaluated for actions on embryos produced in vitro with X- or Y- sorted semen from the same bull. Each embryokine was tested in embryos produced by in vitro fertilization of groups of oocytes with either pooled sperm from two bulls or with sperm from individual bulls. Embryos were treated with IGF1, activin A, or WNT7A on day 5 of culture. All three embryokines increased the proportion of cleaved zygotes that developed to the blastocyst stage and the effect was similar for female and male embryos. As an additional test of sexual dimorphism, effects of IGF1 on blastocyst expression of a total of 127 genes were determined by RT-qPCR using the Fluidigm Delta Gene assay. Expression of 18 genes was affected by sex, expression of 4 genes was affected by IGF1 and expression of 3 genes was affected by the IGF1 by sex interaction. CONCLUSION Sex did not alter how IGF1, activin A or WNT7A altered developmental competence to the blastocyst stage. Thus, sex-dependent differences in regulation of developmental competence of embryos by maternal regulatory signals is not a general phenomenon. The fact that sex altered how IGF1 regulates gene expression is indicative that there could be sexual dimorphism in embryokine regulation of some aspects of embryonic function other than developmental potential to become a blastocyst.
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Sirard MA. 40 years of bovine IVF in the new genomic selection context. Reproduction 2018; 156:R1-R7. [PMID: 29636405 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The development of a complex technology such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) requires years of experimentation, sometimes comparing several species to learn how to create the right in vitro environment for oocytes, spermatozoa and early embryos. At the same time, individual species characteristics such as gamete physiology and gamete interaction are recently evolved traits and must be analysed within the context of each species. In the last 40 years since the birth of Louise Brown, IVF techniques progressed and are now used in multiple domestic and non-domestic animal species around the world. This does not mean that the technology is completely matured or satisfactory; a number of problems remain to be solved and several procedures still need to be optimized. The development of IVF in cattle is particularly interesting since agriculture practices permitted the commercial development of the procedure and it is now used at a scale comparable to human IVF (millions of newborns). The genomic selection of young animals or even embryos combined with sexing and freezing technologies is driving a new era of IVF in the dairy sector. The time has come for a retrospective analysis of the success and pitfalls of the last 40 years of bovine IVF and for the description of the challenges to overcome in the years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-André Sirard
- Centre de Recherche en ReproductionDéveloppement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des Sciences de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
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Duranthon V, Chavatte-Palmer P. Long term effects of ART: What do animals tell us? Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:348-368. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Tríbulo P, Siqueira L, Oliveira L, Scheffler T, Hansen P. Identification of potential embryokines in the bovine reproductive tract. J Dairy Sci 2018; 101:690-704. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Kaniyamattam K, Block J, Hansen PJ, De Vries A. Economic and genetic performance of various combinations of in vitro-produced embryo transfers and artificial insemination in a dairy herd. J Dairy Sci 2017; 101:1540-1553. [PMID: 29153526 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2017-13475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to find the optimal proportions of pregnancies from an in vitro-produced embryo transfer (IVP-ET) system and artificial insemination (AI) so that profitability is maximized over a range of prices for embryos and surplus dairy heifer calves. An existing stochastic, dynamic dairy model with genetic merits of 12 traits was adapted for scenarios where 0 to 100% of the eligible females in the herd were impregnated, in increments of 10%, using IVP-ET (ET0 to ET100, 11 scenarios). Oocytes were collected from the top donors selected for the trait lifetime net merit (NM$) and fertilized with sexed semen to produce IVP embryos. Due to their greater conception rates, first ranked were eligible heifer recipients based on lowest number of unsuccessful inseminations or embryo transfers, and then on age. Next, eligible cow recipients were ranked based on the greatest average estimated breeding values (EBV) of the traits cow conception rate and daughter pregnancy rate. Animals that were not recipients of IVP embryos received conventional semen through AI, except that the top 50% of heifers ranked for EBV of NM$ were inseminated with sexed semen for the first 2 AI. The economically optimal proportions of IVP-ET were determined using sensitivity analysis performed for 24 price sets involving 6 different selling prices of surplus dairy heifer calves at approximately 105 d of age and 4 different prices of IVP embryos. The model was run for 15 yr after the start of the IVP-ET program for each scenario. The mean ± standard error of true breeding values of NM$ of all cows in the herd in yr 15 was greater by $603 ± 2 per cow per year for ET100 when compared with ET0. The optimal proportion of IVP-ET ranged from ET100 (for surplus dairy heifer calves sold for ≥$300 along with an additional premium based on their EBV of NM$ and a ≤$100 embryo price) to as low as ET0 (surplus dairy heifer calves sold at $300 with a $200 embryo price). For the default assumptions, the profit/cow in yr 15 was greater by $337, $215, $116, and $69 compared with ET0 when embryo prices were $50, $100, $150, and $200. The optimal use of IVP-ET was 100, 100, 62, and 36% of all breedings for these embryo prices, respectively. At the input price of $165 for an IVP embryo, the difference in the net present value of yr 15 profit between ET40 (optimal scenario) and ET0 was $33 per cow. In conclusion, some use of IVP-ET was profitable for a wide range of IVP-ET prices and values of surplus dairy heifer calves.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeremy Block
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611
| | - Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611
| | - Albert De Vries
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611.
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