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Leese HJ, Sturmey RG. Determinants of thermal homeostasis in the preimplantation embryo: a role for the embryo's central heating system? J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:1475-1480. [PMID: 38717600 PMCID: PMC11224206 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03130-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
A number of factors may impinge on thermal homeostasis in the early embryo. The most obvious is the ambient temperature in which development occurs. Physiologically, the temperature in the lumen of the female tract is typically lower than the core body temperature, yet rises at ovulation in the human, while in an IVF setting, embryos are usually maintained at core body temperature. However, internal cellular developmental processes may modulate thermal control within the embryo itself, especially those occurring in the mitochondria which generate intracellular heat through proton leak and provide the embryo with its own 'central heating system'. Moreover, mitochondrial movements may serve to buffer high local intracellular temperatures. It is also notable that the preimplantation stages of development would generate proportionally little heat within their mitochondria until the blastocyst stage as mitochondrial metabolism is comparatively low during the cleavage stages. Despite these data, the specific notion of thermal control of preimplantation development has received remarkably scant consideration. This opinion paper illustrates the lack of reliable quantitative data on these markers and identifies a major research agenda which needs to be addressed with urgency in view of laboratory conditions in which embryos are maintained as well as climate change-derived heat stress which has a negative effect on numerous clinical markers of early human embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry J Leese
- Centre for Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
| | - Roger G Sturmey
- Biomedical Institute for Multimorbidity, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK.
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Cimadomo D, Innocenti F, Taggi M, Saturno G, Campitiello MR, Guido M, Vaiarelli A, Ubaldi FM, Rienzi L. How should the best human embryo in vitro be? Current and future challenges for embryo selection. Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2024; 76:159-173. [PMID: 37326354 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.23.05296-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In-vitro fertilization (IVF) aims at overcoming the causes of infertility and lead to a healthy live birth. To maximize IVF efficiency, it is critical to identify and transfer the most competent embryo within a cohort produced by a couple during a cycle. Conventional static embryo morphological assessment involves sequential observations under a light microscope at specific timepoints. The introduction of time-lapse technology enhanced morphological evaluation via the continuous monitoring of embryo preimplantation in vitro development, thereby unveiling features otherwise undetectable via multiple static assessments. Although an association exists, blastocyst morphology poorly predicts chromosomal competence. In fact, the only reliable approach currently available to diagnose the embryonic karyotype is trophectoderm biopsy and comprehensive chromosome testing to assess non-mosaic aneuploidies, namely preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A). Lately, the focus is shifting towards the fine-tuning of non-invasive technologies, such as "omic" analyses of waste products of IVF (e.g., spent culture media) and/or artificial intelligence-powered morphologic/morphodynamic evaluations. This review summarizes the main tools currently available to assess (or predict) embryo developmental, chromosomal, and reproductive competence, their strengths, the limitations, and the most probable future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Cimadomo
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy -
| | - Federica Innocenti
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Marilena Taggi
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
- Lazzaro Spallanzani Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gaia Saturno
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
- Lazzaro Spallanzani Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria R Campitiello
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, ASL Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Maurizio Guido
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alberto Vaiarelli
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo M Ubaldi
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Carlo Bo University of Urbino, Urbino, Italy
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3
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Winstanley YE, Liu J, Adhikari D, Gonzalez MB, Russell DL, Carroll J, Robker RL. Dynamics of Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number and Membrane Potential in Mouse Pre-Implantation Embryos: Responses to Diverse Types of Oxidative Stress. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:367. [PMID: 38540426 PMCID: PMC10970549 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria undergo a myriad of changes during pre-implantation embryo development, including shifts in activity levels and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication. However, how these distinct aspects of mitochondrial function are linked and their responsiveness to diverse stressors is not well understood. Here, we show that mtDNA content increased between 8-cell embryos and the blastocyst stage, with similar copy numbers per cell in the inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE). In contrast, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was higher in TE than ICM. Culture in ambient oxygen (20% O2) altered both aspects of mitochondrial function: the mtDNA copy number was upregulated in ICM, while MMP was diminished in TE. Embryos cultured in 20% O2 also exhibited delayed development kinetics, impaired implantation, and reduced mtDNA levels in E18 fetal liver. A model of oocyte mitochondrial stress using rotenone showed only a modest effect on on-time development and did not alter the mtDNA copy number in ICM; however, following embryo transfer, mtDNA was higher in the fetal heart. Lastly, endogenous mitochondrial dysfunction, induced by maternal age and obesity, altered the blastocyst mtDNA copy number, but not within the ICM. These results demonstrate that mitochondrial activity and mtDNA content exhibit cell-specific changes and are differentially responsive to diverse types of oxidative stress during pre-implantation embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmyn E. Winstanley
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; (Y.E.W.)
| | - Jun Liu
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Deepak Adhikari
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Macarena B. Gonzalez
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; (Y.E.W.)
| | - Darryl L. Russell
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; (Y.E.W.)
| | - John Carroll
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Rebecca L. Robker
- Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia; (Y.E.W.)
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
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Wang CM, Liu CM, Jia XZ, Zhao SB, Nie ZY, Lv CT, Jiang Q, Hao YL. Expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A in granulosa cells: implications for oocyte maturation and in vitro fertilization outcomes. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:363-370. [PMID: 38079076 PMCID: PMC10894778 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-03001-9] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) is a widely used treatment for infertility, with oocyte maturation and quality having a significant impact on oocyte fertilization, embryo development, and fetal growth. Mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) is essential for maintaining the mitochondrial oxidative respiratory chain and supplying energy for oocyte development, fertilization, and embryonic development. In this study, we aimed to examine TFAM expression in women undergoing IVF-ET and assess its impact on the IVF outcomes. METHODS We recruited 85 women who underwent IVF-ET treatment for infertility. On the date of egg collection, granulosa cells were extracted from the clear follicular fluid of the first mature egg using ultrasound-guided needle aspiration. The collected granulosa cells served three purposes: (1) detecting TFAM gene expression in granulosa cells via immunocytochemistry, (2) determining TFAM mRNA expression using reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), and (3) measuring TFAM protein expression through western blotting. RESULT Based on the results, we found that TFAM was localized and expressed in the cytoplasm of granulosa cells, whereas no expression was detected in the nucleus. Granulosa cells exhibited a linear correlation between TFAM mRNA and TFAM protein expression. The study participants were divided into three groups using the ternary method based on relative TFAM mRNA expression thresholds of 33% and 76%: the low-expression group (n = 30), the moderate-expression group (n = 27), and the high-expression group (n = 28). When compared to the other two groups, the moderate expression group exhibited a significantly higher egg utilization rate, 2 pronucleus rate, fertilization rate, and clinical pregnancy rate (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION TFAM was detected in the cytoplasm of human ovarian granulosa cells. Women with moderate TFAM expression demonstrate enhanced outcomes in IVF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong-Min Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Road, Chang 'an District, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Chun-Miao Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Xin-Zhuan Jia
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Road, Chang 'an District, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Shi-Bin Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Road, Chang 'an District, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Zhao-Yan Nie
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Road, Chang 'an District, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Cui-Ting Lv
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Road, Chang 'an District, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Qian Jiang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Road, Chang 'an District, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China
| | - Ya-Li Hao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Road, Chang 'an District, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China.
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Tsopp E, Kilk K, Taalberg E, Pärn P, Viljaste-Seera A, Kavak A, Jaakma Ü. Associations of the Single Bovine Embryo Growth Media Metabolome with Successful Pregnancy. Metabolites 2024; 14:89. [PMID: 38392981 PMCID: PMC10890179 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14020089] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigated whether metabolomic fingerprints of bovine embryo growth media improve the prediction of successful embryo implantation. In this prospective cohort study, the metabolome from in vitro-produced day 7 blastocysts with successful implantation (n = 11), blastocysts with failed implantation (n = 10), and plain culture media without embryos (n = 5) were included. Samples were analyzed using an AbsoluteIDQ® p180 Targeted Metabolomics Kit with LC-MS/MS, and a total of 189 metabolites were analyzed from each sample. Blastocysts that resulted in successful embryo implantation had significantly higher levels of methionine sulfoxide (p < 0.001), DOPA (p < 0.05), spermidine (p < 0.001), acetylcarnitine-to-free-carnitine ratio (p < 0.05), C2 + C3-to-free-carnitine ratio (p < 0.05), and lower levels of threonine (nep < 0.001) and phosphatidylcholine PC ae C30:0 (p < 0.001) compared to control media. However, when compared to embryos that failed to implant, only DOPA, spermidine, C2/C0, (C2 + C3)/C0, and PC ae C30:0 levels differentiated significantly. In summary, our study identifies a panel of differential metabolites in the culture media of bovine blastocysts that could act as potential biomarkers for the selection of viable blastocysts before embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina Tsopp
- Chair of Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kalle Kilk
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Egon Taalberg
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Pille Pärn
- Chair of Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Anni Viljaste-Seera
- Chair of Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ants Kavak
- Chair of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ülle Jaakma
- Chair of Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, 51006 Tartu, Estonia
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Nishio E, Iwata A, Kawasaki R, Iwao K, Nishizawa H, Fujii T. Metabolomic and microbiome analysis of cervicovaginal mucus in in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer: Toward predicting pregnancy success. Reprod Med Biol 2024; 23:e12568. [PMID: 38476960 PMCID: PMC10927931 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose In the context of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), factors other than egg quality may be key determinants of treatment success, in particular, maternal factors related to uterine endometrial receptivity and unidentified factors. We therefore aimed to analyze the metabolome and microbiome in IVF-ET patients who did and did not achieve pregnancy. Methods Cervicovaginal mucus was collected from patients undergoing IVF-ET. Metabolite analysis was conducted by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and the microbiota were determined by the polymerase chain reaction using universal 16S-rRNA gene bacterial primers by MiSeq sequencing. Patients were classified as pregnant (N = 10) or nonpregnant (N = 13). Metabolic pathways were examined by MetaboAnalyst. Results Three metabolic pathways, including alanine-aspartate-glutamate metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, and cysteine-methionine metabolism, were commonly decreased at the time of embryo transfer irrespective pregnant outcomes. Notably, pyruvate was decreased in the pregnant group. Amino acid metabolites showed inverse correlations with the presence of anaerobic microbiota in the nonpregnant group. Conclusions Metabolism decreased during embryo transplantation, with a notable decrease in pyruvate metabolism, particularly in patients who became pregnant. The behavior of metabolites in the pregnant and nonpregnant groups suggests that metabolome analysis in the cervicovaginal mucus may be a diagnostic marker for predicting pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Nishio
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyFujita Health University, School of MedicineToyoakeAichiJapan
| | - Aya Iwata
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyFujita Health University, School of MedicineToyoakeAichiJapan
- Department of GynecologyFujita Health University Okazaki Medical CenterOkazakiAichiJapan
| | - Rie Kawasaki
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyFujita Health University, School of MedicineToyoakeAichiJapan
- Department of GynecologyFujita Health University Okazaki Medical CenterOkazakiAichiJapan
| | - Kukimoto Iwao
- Pathogen Genomics CenterNational Institute of Infectious DiseasesTokyoJapan
| | - Haruki Nishizawa
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyFujita Health University, School of MedicineToyoakeAichiJapan
| | - Takuma Fujii
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyFujita Health University, School of MedicineToyoakeAichiJapan
- Department of GynecologyFujita Health University Okazaki Medical CenterOkazakiAichiJapan
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7
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Todorova PK, Jackson BT, Garg V, Paras KI, Brunner JS, Bridgeman AE, Chen Y, Baksh SC, Yan J, Hadjantonakis AK, Finley LWS. Amino acid intake strategies define pluripotent cell states. Nat Metab 2024; 6:127-140. [PMID: 38172382 PMCID: PMC10842923 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-023-00940-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian preimplantation development is associated with marked metabolic robustness, and embryos can develop under a wide variety of nutrient conditions, including even the complete absence of soluble amino acids. Here we show that mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) capture the unique metabolic state of preimplantation embryos and proliferate in the absence of several essential amino acids. Amino acid independence is enabled by constitutive uptake of exogenous protein through macropinocytosis, alongside a robust lysosomal digestive system. Following transition to more committed states, ESCs reduce digestion of extracellular protein and instead become reliant on exogenous amino acids. Accordingly, amino acid withdrawal selects for ESCs that mimic the preimplantation epiblast. More broadly, we find that all lineages of preimplantation blastocysts exhibit constitutive macropinocytic protein uptake and digestion. Taken together, these results highlight exogenous protein uptake and digestion as an intrinsic feature of preimplantation development and provide insight into the catabolic strategies that enable embryos to sustain viability before implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlina K Todorova
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin T Jackson
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Louis V. Gerstner Jr Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vidur Garg
- Developmental Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Katrina I Paras
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julia S Brunner
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anna E Bridgeman
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yanyang Chen
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sanjeethan C Baksh
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jielin Yan
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Louis V. Gerstner Jr Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Lydia W S Finley
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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Latham KE. Preimplantation genetic testing: A remarkable history of pioneering, technical challenges, innovations, and ethical considerations. Mol Reprod Dev 2024; 91:e23727. [PMID: 38282313 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23727] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) has emerged as a powerful companion to assisted reproduction technologies. The origins and history of PGT are reviewed here, along with descriptions of advances in molecular assays and sampling methods, their capabilities, and their applications in preventing genetic diseases and enhancing pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, the potential for increasing accuracy and genome coverage is considered, as well as some of the emerging ethical and legislative considerations related to the expanding capabilities of PGT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith E Latham
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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McKinley E, Speckhart SL, Keane JA, Oliver MA, Rhoads ML, Edwards JL, Biase FH, Ealy AD. Influences of Supplementing Selective Members of the Interleukin-6 Cytokine Family on Bovine Oocyte Competency. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:44. [PMID: 38200775 PMCID: PMC10778514 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010044] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This work explored whether supplementing selective members of the interleukin-6 (IL6) cytokine family during in vitro bovine oocyte maturation affects maturation success, cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) gene expression, fertilization success, and embryo development potential. Human recombinant proteins for IL6, IL11, and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) were supplemented to COCs during the maturation period, then fertilization and embryo culture commenced without further cytokine supplementation. The first study determined that none of these cytokines influenced the rate that oocytes achieved arrest at meiosis II. The second study identified that LIF and IL11 supplementation increases AREG transcript abundance. Supplementation with IL6 supplementation did not affect AREG abundance but reduced HAS2 transcript abundance. Several other transcriptional markers of oocyte competency were not affected by any of the cytokines. The third study determined that supplementing these cytokines during maturation did not influence fertilization success, but either LIF or IL11 supplementation increased blastocyst development. No effect of IL6 supplementation on subsequent blastocyst development was detected. The fourth experiment explored whether each cytokine treatment affects the post-thaw survivability of cryopreserved IVP blastocysts. None of the cytokines supplemented during oocyte maturation produced any positive effects on post-thaw blastocyst re-expansion and hatching. In conclusion, these outcomes implicate IL11 and LIF as potentially useful supplements for improving bovine oocyte competency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endya McKinley
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (E.M.); (S.L.S.); (J.A.K.); (M.A.O.); (M.L.R.); (F.H.B.)
| | - Savannah L. Speckhart
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (E.M.); (S.L.S.); (J.A.K.); (M.A.O.); (M.L.R.); (F.H.B.)
| | - Jessica A. Keane
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (E.M.); (S.L.S.); (J.A.K.); (M.A.O.); (M.L.R.); (F.H.B.)
| | - Mary A. Oliver
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (E.M.); (S.L.S.); (J.A.K.); (M.A.O.); (M.L.R.); (F.H.B.)
| | - Michelle L. Rhoads
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (E.M.); (S.L.S.); (J.A.K.); (M.A.O.); (M.L.R.); (F.H.B.)
| | - J. Lannett Edwards
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA;
| | - Fernando H. Biase
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (E.M.); (S.L.S.); (J.A.K.); (M.A.O.); (M.L.R.); (F.H.B.)
| | - Alan D. Ealy
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (E.M.); (S.L.S.); (J.A.K.); (M.A.O.); (M.L.R.); (F.H.B.)
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10
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Trohl J, Schindler M, Buske M, de Nivelle J, Toto Nienguesso A, Navarrete Santos A. Advanced maternal age leads to changes within the insulin/IGF system and lipid metabolism in the reproductive tract and preimplantation embryo: insights from the rabbit model. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad040. [PMID: 38001038 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad040] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive potential in women declines with age. The impact of ageing on embryo-maternal interactions is still unclear. Rabbits were used as a reproductive model to investigate maternal age-related alterations in reproductive organs and embryos on Day 6 of pregnancy. Blood, ovaries, endometrium, and blastocysts from young (16-20 weeks) and advanced maternal age phase (>108 weeks, old) rabbits were analysed at the mRNA and protein levels to investigate the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system, lipid metabolism, and stress defence system. Older rabbits had lower numbers of embryos at Day 6 of pregnancy. Plasma insulin and IGF levels were reduced, which was accompanied by paracrine regulation of IGFs and their receptors in ovaries and endometrium. Embryos adapted to hormonal changes as indicated by reduced embryonic IGF1 and 2 levels. Aged reproductive organs increased energy generation from the degradation of fatty acids, leading to higher oxidative stress. Stress markers, including catalase, superoxide dismutase 2, and receptor for advanced glycation end products were elevated in ovaries and endometrium from aged rabbits. Embryonic fatty acid uptake and β-oxidation were increased in both embryonic compartments (embryoblast and trophoblast) in old rabbits, associated with minor changes in the oxidative and glycative stress defence systems. In summary, the insulin/IGF system, lipid metabolism, and stress defence were dysregulated in reproductive tissues of older rabbits, which is consistent with changes in embryonic metabolism and stress defence. These data highlight the crucial influence of maternal age on uterine adaptability and embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Trohl
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Faculty of Medicine, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Maria Schindler
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Faculty of Medicine, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Maximilian Buske
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Faculty of Medicine, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Johanna de Nivelle
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Faculty of Medicine, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Alicia Toto Nienguesso
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Faculty of Medicine, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anne Navarrete Santos
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Faculty of Medicine, Halle (Saale), Germany
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Lundin K, Bentzen JG, Bozdag G, Ebner T, Harper J, Le Clef N, Moffett A, Norcross S, Polyzos NP, Rautakallio-Hokkanen S, Sfontouris I, Sermon K, Vermeulen N, Pinborg A. Good practice recommendations on add-ons in reproductive medicine†. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2062-2104. [PMID: 37747409 PMCID: PMC10628516 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Which add-ons are safe and effective to be used in ART treatment? SUMMARY ANSWER Forty-two recommendations were formulated on the use of add-ons in the diagnosis of fertility problems, the IVF laboratory and clinical management of IVF treatment. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The innovative nature of ART combined with the extremely high motivation of the patients has opened the door to the wide application of what has become known as 'add-ons' in reproductive medicine. These supplementary options are available to patients in addition to standard fertility procedures, typically incurring an additional cost. A diverse array of supplementary options is made available, encompassing tests, drugs, equipment, complementary or alternative therapies, laboratory procedures, and surgical interventions. These options share the common aim of stating to enhance pregnancy or live birth rates, mitigate the risk of miscarriage, or expedite the time to achieving pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION ESHRE aimed to develop clinically relevant and evidence-based recommendations focusing on the safety and efficacy of add-ons currently used in fertility procedures in order to improve the quality of care for patients with infertility. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS ESHRE appointed a European multidisciplinary working group consisting of practising clinicians, embryologists, and researchers who have demonstrated leadership and expertise in the care and research of infertility. Patient representatives were included in the working group. To ensure that the guidelines are evidence-based, the literature identified from a systematic search was reviewed and critically appraised. In the absence of any clear scientific evidence, recommendations were based on the professional experience and consensus of the working group. The guidelines are thus based on the best available evidence and expert agreement. Prior to publication, the guidelines were reviewed by 46 independent international reviewers. A total of 272 comments were received and incorporated where relevant. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The multidisciplinary working group formulated 42 recommendations in three sections; diagnosis and diagnostic tests, laboratory tests and interventions, and clinical management. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Of the 42 recommendations, none could be based on high-quality evidence and only four could be based on moderate-quality evidence, implicating that 95% of the recommendations are supported only by low-quality randomized controlled trials, observational data, professional experience, or consensus of the development group. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These guidelines offer valuable direction for healthcare professionals who are responsible for the care of patients undergoing ART treatment for infertility. Their purpose is to promote safe and effective ART treatment, enabling patients to make informed decisions based on realistic expectations. The guidelines aim to ensure that patients are fully informed about the various treatment options available to them and the likelihood of any additional treatment or test to improve the chance of achieving a live birth. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) All costs relating to the development process were covered from ESHRE funds. There was no external funding of the development process or manuscript production. K.L. reports speakers fees from Merck and was part of a research study by Vitrolife (unpaid). T.E. reports consulting fees from Gynemed, speakers fees from Gynemed and is part of the scientific advisory board of Hamilton Thorne. N.P.P. reports grants from Merck Serono, Ferring Pharmaceutical, Theramex, Gedeon Richter, Organon, Roche, IBSA and Besins Healthcare, speakers fees from Merck Serono, Ferring Pharmaceutical, Theramex, Gedeon Richter, Organon, Roche, IBSA and Besins Healthcare. S.R.H. declares being managing director of Fertility Europe, a not-for-profit organization receiving financial support from ESHRE. I.S. is a scientific advisor for and has stock options from Alife Health, is co-founder of IVFvision LTD (unpaid) and received speakers' fee from the 2023 ART Young Leader Prestige workshop in China. A.P. reports grants from Gedeon Richter, Ferring Pharmaceuticals and Merck A/S, consulting fees from Preglem, Novo Nordisk, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Gedeon Richter, Cryos and Merck A/S, speakers fees from Gedeon Richter, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Merck A/S, Theramex and Organon, travel fees from Gedeon Richter. The other authors disclosed no conflicts of interest. DISCLAIMER This Good Practice Recommendations (GPRs) document represents the views of ESHRE, which are the result of consensus between the relevant ESHRE stakeholders and are based on the scientific evidence available at the time of preparation.ESHRE GPRs should be used for information and educational purposes. They should not be interpreted as setting a standard of care or bedeemedinclusive of all proper methods of care, or be exclusive of other methods of care reasonably directed to obtaining the same results.Theydo not replace the need for application of clinical judgement to each individual presentation, or variations based on locality and facility type.Furthermore, ESHRE GPRs do not constitute or imply the endorsement, or favouring, of any of the included technologies by ESHRE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - K Lundin
- Department Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - J G Bentzen
- The Fertility Department, Rigshospitalet Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - G Bozdag
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - T Ebner
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Gynecological Endocrinology, Kepler University, MedCampus IV, Linz, Austria
| | - J Harper
- Institute for Women’s Health, London, UK
| | - N Le Clef
- European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - A Moffett
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - N P Polyzos
- Department Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - K Sermon
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - N Vermeulen
- European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - A Pinborg
- The Fertility Department, Rigshospitalet Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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12
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Cimadomo D, Rienzi L, Conforti A, Forman E, Canosa S, Innocenti F, Poli M, Hynes J, Gemmell L, Vaiarelli A, Alviggi C, Ubaldi FM, Capalbo A. Opening the black box: why do euploid blastocysts fail to implant? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:570-633. [PMID: 37192834 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A normal chromosomal constitution defined through PGT-A assessing all chromosomes on trophectoderm (TE) biopsies represents the strongest predictor of embryo implantation. Yet, its positive predictive value is not higher than 50-60%. This gap of knowledge on the causes of euploid blastocysts' reproductive failure is known as 'the black box of implantation'. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Several embryonic, maternal, paternal, clinical, and IVF laboratory features were scrutinized for their putative association with reproductive success or implantation failure of euploid blastocysts. SEARCH METHODS A systematic bibliographical search was conducted without temporal limits up to August 2021. The keywords were '(blastocyst OR day5 embryo OR day6 embryo OR day7 embryo) AND (euploid OR chromosomally normal OR preimplantation genetic testing) AND (implantation OR implantation failure OR miscarriage OR abortion OR live birth OR biochemical pregnancy OR recurrent implantation failure)'. Overall, 1608 items were identified and screened. We included all prospective or retrospective clinical studies and randomized-controlled-trials (RCTs) that assessed any feature associated with live-birth rates (LBR) and/or miscarriage rates (MR) among non-mosaic euploid blastocyst transfer after TE biopsy and PGT-A. In total, 41 reviews and 372 papers were selected, clustered according to a common focus, and thoroughly reviewed. The PRISMA guideline was followed, the PICO model was adopted, and ROBINS-I and ROB 2.0 scoring were used to assess putative bias. Bias across studies regarding the LBR was also assessed using visual inspection of funnel plots and the trim and fill method. Categorical data were combined with a pooled-OR. The random-effect model was used to conduct the meta-analysis. Between-study heterogeneity was addressed using I2. Whenever not suitable for the meta-analysis, the included studies were simply described for their results. The study protocol was registered at http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ (registration number CRD42021275329). OUTCOMES We included 372 original papers (335 retrospective studies, 30 prospective studies and 7 RCTs) and 41 reviews. However, most of the studies were retrospective, or characterized by small sample sizes, thus prone to bias, which reduces the quality of the evidence to low or very low. Reduced inner cell mass (7 studies, OR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.27-0.52, I2 = 53%), or TE quality (9 studies, OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.43-0.67, I2 = 70%), overall blastocyst quality worse than Gardner's BB-grade (8 studies, OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.24-0.67, I2 = 83%), developmental delay (18 studies, OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.49-0.63, I2 = 47%), and (by qualitative analysis) some morphodynamic abnormalities pinpointed through time-lapse microscopy (abnormal cleavage patterns, spontaneous blastocyst collapse, longer time of morula formation I, time of blastulation (tB), and duration of blastulation) were all associated with poorer reproductive outcomes. Slightly lower LBR, even in the context of PGT-A, was reported among women ≥38 years (7 studies, OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.75-1.00, I2 = 31%), while obesity was associated with both lower LBR (2 studies, OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.55-0.79, I2 = 0%) and higher MR (2 studies, OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.08-2.99, I2 = 52%). The experience of previous repeated implantation failures (RIF) was also associated with lower LBR (3 studies, OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.55-0.93, I2 = 0%). By qualitative analysis, among hormonal assessments, only abnormal progesterone levels prior to transfer were associated with LBR and MR after PGT-A. Among the clinical protocols used, vitrified-warmed embryo transfer was more effective than fresh transfer (2 studies, OR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.05-2.33, I2 = 23%) after PGT-A. Lastly, multiple vitrification-warming cycles (2 studies, OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.22-0.77, I2 = 50%) or (by qualitative analysis) a high number of cells biopsied may slightly reduce the LBR, while simultaneous zona-pellucida opening and TE biopsy allowed better results than the Day 3 hatching-based protocol (3 studies, OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.18-1.69, I2 = 0%). WIDER IMPLICATIONS Embryo selection aims at shortening the time-to-pregnancy, while minimizing the reproductive risks. Knowing which features are associated with the reproductive competence of euploid blastocysts is therefore critical to define, implement, and validate safer and more efficient clinical workflows. Future research should be directed towards: (i) systematic investigations of the mechanisms involved in reproductive aging beyond de novo chromosomal abnormalities, and how lifestyle and nutrition may accelerate or exacerbate their consequences; (ii) improved evaluation of the uterine and blastocyst-endometrial dialogue, both of which represent black boxes themselves; (iii) standardization/automation of embryo assessment and IVF protocols; (iv) additional invasive or preferably non-invasive tools for embryo selection. Only by filling these gaps we may finally crack the riddle behind 'the black box of implantation'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Cimadomo
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Rienzi
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", Urbino, Italy
| | - Alessandro Conforti
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Eric Forman
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Centre, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Federica Innocenti
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Poli
- Centrum voor Kinderwens, Dijklander Hospital, Purmerend, The Netherlands
- Juno Genetics, Rome, Italy
| | - Jenna Hynes
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Centre, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura Gemmell
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Centre, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alberto Vaiarelli
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Alviggi
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
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13
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Gonzalez-Plaza A, Cambra JM, Garcia-Canovas M, Parrilla I, Gil MA, Martinez EA, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Martinez CA, Cuello C. Cryotop vitrification of large batches of pig embryos simultaneously provides excellent postwarming survival rates and minimal interference with gene expression. Theriogenology 2023; 206:1-10. [PMID: 37148716 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.04.011] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The most commonly used technique to vitrify pig embryos is the super open pulled straw (SOPS), where a maximum of 6 embryos can be vitrified simultaneously per device without compromising the minimum volume necessary for optimal preservation. Since optimal embryo transfer (ET) demands a transfer of 20-40 embryos per recipient, the customary use of SOPS complicates embryo warming and ET in field conditions. Such complications could be avoided when using the Cryotop® (OC) system, which has been proven to be an effective option for vitrifying at least 20 porcine embryos simultaneously. This study aimed to investigate the changes in the transcriptome of blastocysts caused by vitrification using both systems. In vivo-derived blastocysts were OC- (n = 60; 20 embryos/device) and SOPS- (n = 60; 4-6 embryos/device) vitrified and cultured for 24 h after warming. Nonvitrified blastocysts (n = 60) cultured for 24 h postcollection acted as controls. At the end of culture, 48 viable embryos from each group (6 pools of 8 embryos) were selected for microarray (GeneChip® Porcine Genome Array, P/N 900624, Affymetrix) analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The survival rate of embryos vitrified with the OC and SOPS systems (>97%) was similar to that of the control embryos (100%). Microarray analysis of each vitrification system compared to the control group showed 245 DEGs (89 downregulated and 156 upregulated) for the OC system and 210 (44 downregulated and 166 upregulated) for the SOPS system. Two pathways were enriched for the DEGs specifically altered in each vitrification system compared to the control (glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and carbon metabolism pathways for the OC system and amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism and lysosome pathways in the SOPS group). The OC group showed 31 downregulated and 24 upregulated genes and two enriched pathways (mineral absorption and amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism pathways) when compared to the SOPS group. In summary, vitrification with the OC system altered fewer genes related to apoptosis and activated genes related to cell proliferation. We conclude that vitrification with either the OC or SOPS system has a moderate to low effect on the transcriptome of in vivo-derived porcine blastocysts. Further investigation is needed to elucidate how the differences in the transcriptome of embryos vitrified with these systems affect their subsequent developmental ability after ET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Gonzalez-Plaza
- Department of Medicine & Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education & Research (CMN), University of Murcia. Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Josep M Cambra
- Department of Medicine & Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education & Research (CMN), University of Murcia. Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuela Garcia-Canovas
- Department of Medicine & Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education & Research (CMN), University of Murcia. Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Medicine & Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education & Research (CMN), University of Murcia. Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Maria A Gil
- Department of Medicine & Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education & Research (CMN), University of Murcia. Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Emilio A Martinez
- Department of Medicine & Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education & Research (CMN), University of Murcia. Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain
| | - Heriberto Rodriguez-Martinez
- Department of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (BKV), BKH/Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Cristina A Martinez
- Department of Animal Reproduction. National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Cristina Cuello
- Department of Medicine & Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, International Excellence Campus for Higher Education & Research (CMN), University of Murcia. Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), Murcia, Spain.
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14
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Banliat C, Mahé C, Lavigne R, Com E, Pineau C, Labas V, Guyonnet B, Mermillod P, Saint-Dizier M. The proteomic analysis of bovine embryos developed in vivo or in vitro reveals the contribution of the maternal environment to early embryo. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:839. [PMID: 36536309 PMCID: PMC9764490 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-09076-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite many improvements with in vitro culture systems, the quality and developmental ability of mammalian embryos produced in vitro are still lower than their in vivo counterparts. Though previous studies have evidenced differences in gene expression between in vivo- and in vitro-derived bovine embryos, there is no comparison at the protein expression level. RESULTS A total of 38 pools of grade-1 quality bovine embryos at the 4-6 cell, 8-12 cell, morula, compact morula, and blastocyst stages developed either in vivo or in vitro were analyzed by nano-liquid chromatography coupled with label-free quantitative mass spectrometry, allowing for the identification of 3,028 proteins. Multivariate analysis of quantified proteins showed a clear separation of embryo pools according to their in vivo or in vitro origin at all stages. Three clusters of differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were evidenced according to embryo origin, including 463 proteins more abundant in vivo than in vitro across development and 314 and 222 proteins more abundant in vitro than in vivo before and after the morula stage, respectively. The functional analysis of proteins found more abundant in vivo showed an enrichment in carbohydrate metabolism and cytoplasmic cellular components. Proteins found more abundant in vitro before the morula stage were mostly localized in mitochondrial matrix and involved in ATP-dependent activity, while those overabundant after the morula stage were mostly localized in the ribonucleoprotein complex and involved in protein synthesis. Oviductin and other oviductal proteins, previously shown to interact with early embryos, were among the most overabundant proteins after in vivo development. CONCLUSIONS The maternal environment led to higher degradation of mitochondrial proteins at early developmental stages, lower abundance of proteins involved in protein synthesis at the time of embryonic genome activation, and a global upregulation of carbohydrate metabolic pathways compared to in vitro production. Furthermore, embryos developed in vivo internalized large amounts of oviductin and other proteins probably originated in the oviduct as soon as the 4-6 cell stage. These data provide new insight into the molecular contribution of the mother to the developmental ability of early embryos and will help design better in vitro culture systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Banliat
- grid.12366.300000 0001 2182 6141INRAE, CNRS, Tours University, IFCE, UMR PRC, Nouzilly, France ,Union Evolution, Rue Eric Tabarly, Noyal-Sur-Vilaine, France
| | - Coline Mahé
- grid.12366.300000 0001 2182 6141INRAE, CNRS, Tours University, IFCE, UMR PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | - Régis Lavigne
- grid.410368.80000 0001 2191 9284Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France ,grid.410368.80000 0001 2191 9284Univ Rennes, CNRS, Inserm, Biosit UAR 3480 US_S 018, Protim Core Facility, Rennes, France
| | - Emmanuelle Com
- grid.410368.80000 0001 2191 9284Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France ,grid.410368.80000 0001 2191 9284Univ Rennes, CNRS, Inserm, Biosit UAR 3480 US_S 018, Protim Core Facility, Rennes, France
| | - Charles Pineau
- grid.410368.80000 0001 2191 9284Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France ,grid.410368.80000 0001 2191 9284Univ Rennes, CNRS, Inserm, Biosit UAR 3480 US_S 018, Protim Core Facility, Rennes, France
| | - Valérie Labas
- grid.12366.300000 0001 2182 6141INRAE, CNRS, Tours University, IFCE, UMR PRC, Nouzilly, France ,Pixanim, INRAE, Tours University, CHU of Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Benoit Guyonnet
- Union Evolution, Rue Eric Tabarly, Noyal-Sur-Vilaine, France
| | - Pascal Mermillod
- grid.12366.300000 0001 2182 6141INRAE, CNRS, Tours University, IFCE, UMR PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | - Marie Saint-Dizier
- grid.12366.300000 0001 2182 6141INRAE, CNRS, Tours University, IFCE, UMR PRC, Nouzilly, France
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15
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Brison DR. IVF children and healthy aging. Nat Med 2022; 28:2476-2477. [PMID: 36536255 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-022-02098-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Brison
- Maternal & Fetal Health Research Centre, Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK.
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16
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Wathes DC. Developmental Programming of Fertility in Cattle-Is It a Cause for Concern? Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12192654. [PMID: 36230395 PMCID: PMC9558991 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cattle fertility remains sub-optimal despite recent improvements in genetic selection. The extent to which an individual heifer fulfils her genetic potential can be influenced by fetal programming during pregnancy. This paper reviews the evidence that a dam's age, milk yield, health, nutrition and environment during pregnancy may programme permanent structural and physiological modifications in the fetus. These can alter the morphology and body composition of the calf, postnatal growth rates, organ structure, metabolic function, endocrine function and immunity. Potentially important organs which can be affected include the ovaries, liver, pancreas, lungs, spleen and thymus. Insulin/glucose homeostasis, the somatotropic axis and the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis can all be permanently reprogrammed by the pre-natal environment. These changes may act directly at the level of the ovary to influence fertility, but most actions are indirect. For example, calf health, the timing of puberty, the age and body structure at first calving, and the ability to balance milk production with metabolic health and fertility after calving can all have an impact on reproductive potential. Definitive experiments to quantify the extent to which any of these effects do alter fertility are particularly challenging in cattle, as individual animals and their management are both very variable and lifetime fertility takes many years to assess. Nevertheless, the evidence is compelling that the fertility of some animals is compromised by events happening before they are born. Calf phenotype at birth and their conception data as a nulliparous heifer should therefore both be assessed to avoid such animals being used as herd replacements.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Claire Wathes
- Department for Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield AL9 7TA, UK
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