Trophectoderm cells of human mosaic embryos display increased apoptotic levels and impaired differentiation capacity: a molecular clue regarding their reproductive fate?

STUDY QUESTION

Are there cell lineage-related differences in the apoptotic rates and differentiation capacity of human blastocysts diagnosed as euploid, mosaic, and aneuploid after preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) based on concurrent copy number and genotyping analysis?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Trophectoderm (TE) cells of mosaic and aneuploid blastocysts exhibit significantly higher levels of apoptosis and significantly reduced differentiation capacity compared to those of euploid blastocysts.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Embryos diagnosed as mosaic after PGT-A can develop into healthy infants, yet understanding the reasons behind their reproductive potential requires further research. One hypothesis suggests that mosaicism can be normalized through selective apoptosis and reduced proliferation of aneuploid cells, but direct evidence of these mechanisms in human embryos is lacking. Additionally, data interpretation from studies involving mosaic embryos has been hampered by retrospective analysis methods and the high incidence of false-positive mosaic diagnoses stemming from the use of poorly specific PGT-A platforms.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Prospective cohort study performing colocalization of cell-lineage and apoptotic markers by immunofluorescence (IF). We included a total of 64 human blastocysts donated to research on Day 5 or 6 post-fertilization (dpf) by 43 couples who underwent in vitro fertilization treatment with PGT-A at IVI-RMA Valencia between September 2019 and October 2022. A total of 27 mosaic blastocysts were analyzed.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

The study consisted of two phases: Phase I (caspase-3, n = 53 blastocysts): n = 13 euploid, n = 22 mosaic, n = 18 aneuploid. Phase II (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL), n = 11 blastocysts): n = 2 euploid, n = 5 mosaic, n = 4 aneuploid. Following donation for research, vitrified blastocysts were warmed, cultured until re-expansion, fixed, processed for IF, and imaged using confocal microscopy. For each blastocyst, the following cell counts were conducted: total cells (DAPI+), TE cells (GATA3+), inner cell mass (ICM) cells (GATA3-/NANOG+), and apoptotic cells (caspase-3+ or TUNEL+). The incidence of apoptosis was calculated for each blastocyst by dividing the number of caspase-3+ cells (Phase I) or TUNEL+ cells (Phase II) by the number of TE or ICM cells. Statistical analysis was performed according to data type and distribution (P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant).

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Phase I: Mosaic blastocysts displayed a similar number of total cells (49.6 ± 15 cells at 5 dpf; 58.8 ± 16.9 cells at 6 dpf), TE cells (38.8 ± 13.7 cells at 5 dpf; 49.2 ± 16.2 cells at 6 dpf), and ICM cells (10.9 ± 4.2 cells at 5 dpf; 9.7 ± 7.1 cells at 6 dpf) compared to euploid and aneuploid blastocysts (P > 0.05). The proportion of TE cells retaining NANOG expression increased gradually from euploid blastocysts (9.7% = 63/651 cells at 5 dpf; 0% = 0/157 cells at 6 dpf) to mosaic blastocysts (13.1% = 104/794 cells at 5 dpf; 3.4% = 12/353 cells at 6 dpf) and aneuploid blastocysts (27.9% = 149/534 cells at 5 dpf; 4.6% = 19/417 cells at 6 dpf) (P < 0.05). At the TE level, caspase-3+ cells were frequently observed (39% = 901/2310 cells). The proportion of caspase-3+ TE cells was significantly higher in mosaic blastocysts (44.1% ± 19.6 at 5 dpf; 43% ± 16.8 at 6 dpf) and aneuploid blastocysts (45.9% ± 16.1 at 5 dpf; 49% ± 15.1 at 6 dpf) compared to euploid blastocysts (26.6% ± 16.6 at 5 dpf; 17.5% ± 14.8 at 6 dpf) (P < 0.05). In contrast, at the ICM level, caspase-3+ cells were rarely observed (1.9% = 11/596 cells), and only detected in mosaic blastocysts (2.6% = 6/232 cells) and aneuploid blastocysts (2.5% = 5/197 cells) (P > 0.05). Phase II: Consistently, TUNEL+ cells were only observed in TE cells (32.4% = 124/383 cells). An increasing trend was identified toward a higher proportion of TUNEL+ cells in the TE of mosaic blastocysts (37.2% ± 21.9) and aneuploid blastocysts (39% ± 41.7), compared to euploid blastocysts (23% ± 32.5), although these differences did not reach statistical significance (P > 0.05).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The observed effects on apoptosis and differentiation may not be exclusive to aneuploid cells. Additionally, variations in aneuploidies and unexplored factors related to blastocyst development and karyotype concordance may introduce potential biases and uncertainties in the results.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Our findings demonstrate a cell lineage-specific effect of aneuploidy on the apoptotic levels and differentiation capacity of human blastocysts. This contributes to unravelling the biological characteristics of mosaic blastocysts and supports the concept of clonal depletion of aneuploid cells in explaining their reproductive potential.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This work was funded by grants from Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico Industrial (CDTI) (20190022) and Generalitat Valenciana (APOTIP/2019/009). None of the authors has any conflict of interest to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

The association between periodontitis and cerebrovascular disease, and dementia. Scientific report of the working group of the Spanish Society of Periodontology and the Spanish Society of Neurology

OBJECTIVE

This article reviews the scientific evidence on the relationship between periodontitis and neurological disease, and particularly cerebrovascular disease and dementia. We also issue a series of recommendations regarding the prevention and management of periodontitis and these neurological diseases at dental clinics and neurology units.

DEVELOPMENT

In response to a series of questions proposed by the SEPA-SEN working group, a literature search was performed, with no restrictions on study design, to identify the most relevant articles on the association between periodontitis and cerebrovascular disease and dementia from the perspectives of epidemiology, treatment, and the biological mechanisms involved in these associations.

CONCLUSIONS

Periodontitis increases the risk of ischaemic stroke and Alzheimer dementia. Recurrent bacterial infections and increased low-grade systemic inflammation seem to be possible biological mechanisms underlying this association. Limited evidence suggests that various oral health interventions can reduce the future risk of cerebrovascular disease and dementia.

A greener approach for synthesizing metal-decorated carbogels from alginate for emerging technologies

In the present work, a series of metal nanoparticle-decorated carbogels (M-DCs) was synthesized starting from beads of parent metal-crosslinked alginate aerogels (M-CAs). M-CAs contained Ca(ii), Ni(ii), Cu(ii), Pd(ii) and Pt(iv) ions and were converted to M-DCs by pyrolysis under a N2 atmosphere up to pyrolysis temperatures of TP = 600 °C. The textural properties of M-CAs are found to depend on the crosslinking ion, yielding fibrous pore networks with a high specific mesoporous volume and specific surface area SV (SV ∼ 480-687 m2 g-1) for M-CAs crosslinked with hard cations, Ca(ii), Ni(ii) and Cu(ii), and comparably loose networks with increased macroporosity and lower specific surface (SV ∼ 240-270 m2 g-1) for Pd(ii) and Pt(iv) crosslinked aerogels. The pyrolysis of M-CAs resulted in two simultaneously occurring processes: changes in the solid backbone and the growth of metal/metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs). The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed a significant influence of the crosslinking cation on the decomposition mechanism and associated change in textural properties. Scanning electron microscopy-backscattered electron imaging (SEM-BSE) and X-ray diffraction revealed that metal ions (molecularly dispersed in the parent aerogels) formed nanoparticles composed of elementary metals and metal oxides in varying ratios over the course of pyrolytic treatment. Increasing the TP led to generally larger nanoparticles. The pyrolysis of the nickel-crosslinked aerogel (Ni-CA) preserved, to a large extent, the mesoporous structure and resulted in the evolution of fine (∼14 nm) homogeneously dispersed Ni/NiO nanoparticles. Overall, this work presents a green approach for synthesizing metal-nanoparticle containing carbon materials, useful in emerging technologies related to heterogeneous catalysis and electrocatalysis, among others.

Synergistic Hydrothermal Conversion of Aqueous Solutions of CO2 and Biomass Waste Liquefaction into Formate

CO₂ utilization by conversion into useful chemicals can contribute to facing the problem of increasing CO₂ emissions. Among other alternatives, hydrothermal transformation stands out by the high conversions achieved, just using high-temperature water as the solvent. Previous works have demonstrated that several organic compounds with hydroxyl groups derived from biomass can be used as reductants of NaHCO₃ aqueous solutions as inorganic CO₂ sources. Formate was obtained as the main product as it was produced by conversion both of the inorganic carbon and of the organic reductants, whose transformation into formate was promoted by the addition of NaHCO₃. Based on these results, in this work, the hydrothermal conversion of NaHCO₃ is performed together with the liquefaction of lignocellulosic biomass (sugarcane bagasse and pine needles) in a one-pot process. Results show that yields to formate of 10% wt/wt (with respect to the initial concentration of biomass) are achieved by hydrothermal treatment of NaHCO₃ and lignocellulosic biomass at 250 °C with a residence time of 180 min. Other products, such as acetic acid and lactic acid, were also obtained. These results demonstrate the feasibility of the hydrothermal reduction of CO₂ combined with the hydrothermal liquefaction of residual biomass in a simultaneous process.

Protective Effect of Quercetin 3-O-Glucuronide against Cisplatin Cytotoxicity in Renal Tubular Cells

Quercetin, a flavonoid with promising therapeutic potential, has been shown to protect from cisplatin nephrotoxicity in rats following intraperitoneal injection, but its low bioavailability curtails its prospective clinical utility in oral therapy. We recently developed a micellar formulation (P-quercetin) with enhanced solubility and bioavailability, and identical nephroprotective properties. As a first aim, we herein evaluated the oral treatment with P-quercetin in rats, which displayed no nephroprotection. In order to unravel this discrepancy, quercetin and its main metabolites were measured by HPLC in the blood and urine after intraperitoneal and oral administrations. Whilst quercetin was absorbed similarly, the profile of its metabolites was different, which led us to hypothesize that nephroprotection might be exerted in vivo by a metabolic derivate. Consequently, we then aimed to evaluate the cytoprotective capacity of quercetin and its main metabolites (quercetin 3-O-glucoside, rutin, tamarixetin, isorhamnetin and quercetin 3-O-glucuronide) against cisplatin toxicity, in HK-2 and NRK-52E tubular cell lines. Cells were incubated for 6 h with quercetin, its metabolites or vehicle (pretreatment), and subsequently 18 h in cotreatment with 10-300 μM cisplatin. Immediately after treatment, cell cultures were subject to the MTT technique as an index of cytotoxicity and photographed under light microscopy for phenotypic assessment. Quercetin afforded no direct cytoprotection and quercetin-3-O-glucuronide was the only metabolite partially preventing the effect of cisplatin in cultured tubule cells. Our results identify a metabolic derivative of quercetin contributing to its nephroprotection and prompt to further explore exogenous quercetin-3-O-glucuronide in the prophylaxis of tubular nephrotoxicity.

P–189 The transcriptional profile of arrested cleavage stage human embryos

Study question

What are the molecular pathways overactivated in arrested cleavage stage human embryos?

Summary answer

There is an upregulation of mitochondrial activity and cellular stress-related pathways in arrested cleavage embryos, which is in agreement with the “quiet hypothesis”.

What is known already

mtDNA content decreases during embryo development, however there is a high increase in mtDNA content in arrested cleavage embryos that may correspond to a response to intrinsic or extrinsic factor creating stress. This reasoning would be in agreement with stablished hypothesis showing that a basal metabolism with a moderate-low energy consumption is actually a sign of embryo health, so a viable embryo does not need to use an extra energy to accommodate to the environment (Leese, 2012). The study of the transcriptional profile during human embryo development will give further information about key molecular process involved in in-vitro embryonic competence.

Study design, size, duration

A prospective cohort study was performed with 11 MII oocytes (average age= 22,9 years), 10 non-arrested cleavage embryos (average age= 29,9 years), 5 arrested cleavage embryos (average age= 38,8 years) and 8 blastocysts (average age= 39,1 years). All specimens were warmed and sampled in PCR tubes with 2 μl of suitable reaction buffer for the RNA sequencing protocol.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Specimens were analyzed by single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Correlation studies, principal component and differential expression analysis were performed with DESeq2 package. Differential gene expression analyses were done using the parametric Wald test, with Benjamini-Hochberg multiple test correction (padj). Finally, Fgsea algorithm was used for enrichment analysis on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways and Gene ontology (GO) terms.

Main results and the role of chance

We do not observe mitochondria-related activity pathways significantly (P&gt;.05) deregulated between MII oocytes and non-arrested cleavage embryos considering GO and KEGG categories.

When comparing non-arrested cleavage embryos versus blastocysts, we observe several ATP production/consumption and cristae formation-related pathways significantly (P&lt;.05) upregulated in blastocysts compared to non-arrested cleavage embryos considering GO and KEGG categories. This change in activity coincides with the metabolic activation event that occurs in the blastocyst stage.

However, when we analyze arrested cleavage embryos versus non-arrested cleavage embryos, we observe several ATP production related-pathways and mitochondria-related apoptosis pathways significantly (P&lt;.05) upregulated in arrested cleavage embryos compared to non-arrested cleavage embryos considering GO categories. With KEGG categories, we notice a significant (P&lt;.05) upregulation of oxidative phosphorylation in arrested cleavage embryos. On the other hand, when we analyze the differences between arrested cleavage embryos and blastocysts, taking into account the differences related to the change of embryo stage, we do not observe ATP production or consumption-related pathways significantly (P&gt;.05) deregulated considering GO and KEGG categories. Then, human arrested embryos in parallel with the increase in mtDNA content, display an upregulation of mitochondrial activity and cellular stress which is in line with the expected overactive metabolism of non-viable embryos.

Limitations, reasons for caution

All analyzed blastocyst were aneuploid, so we are unable to determine what the results would be with euploid blastocysts. Also, although age can it be ruled out, no differences were observed between mean age from cleavage stage embryos (arrested and non-arrested ones) and blastocyst.

Wider implications of the findings: This study evidences the relation between extreme mtDNA content increase and the identification of the pathways involved in active metabolism and apoptosis in arrested cleavage stage human embryos.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

The morphokinetic signature of mosaic embryos: evidence in support of their own genetic identity

OBJECTIVE

To provide full morphokinetic characterization of embryos ranked with different degrees of chromosomal mosaicism.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

University-affiliated private in vitro fertilization clinic.

PATIENT(S)

We analyzed 1,511 embryos from 424 intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles by culturing embryos in a time-lapse imaging system and performing next-generation sequencing. We assessed 106 mosaic embryos.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Comparison of chromosomal, morphological, and morphokinetic characteristics of blastocysts classified as euploid, aneuploid, low-degree mosaic (30% to <50% aneuploid cells in trophectoderm biopsy), and high-degree mosaic (50% to <70% aneuploid cells in trophectoderm biopsy). Statistical analysis was performed using χ2, Kruskal-Wallis, or analysis of variance tests according to data type and distribution. A two-way random effects model was used to calculate interoperator correlation of annotations, and a logistic mixed effects model was performed to evaluate the effect of confounders on morphokinetic timing.

RESULT(S)

The mosaicism rate was ∼7% regardless of parental age. Mosaicism and uniform aneuploidies were not evenly distributed across chromosomes. The percentage of high-quality blastocysts significantly decreased from euploid (66.9%) to mosaic (52.8%) and aneuploid (47.7%). Aneuploid blastocysts significantly delayed development compared with euploid blastocysts in start of compaction (median, 84.72 hours postmicroinjection [hpm], interquartile range [IQR], 13.2; vs. median, 82.10 hpm, IQR, 11.5), start of blastulation (median, 101 hpm; IQR, 11.7; vs. median, 98.29 hpm, IQR, 10.5), and timing of blastocyst (median, 108.04 hpm, IQR, 11.50; vs. median, 104.71 hpm, IQR, 11.35). However, embryo morphokinetics were not correlated to the degree of mosaicism or to a mosaicism configuration that was apt for embryo transfer.

CONCLUSION(S)

Morphokinetic timing of mosaic embryos overlaps with that of euploid and aneuploid embryos, which may reflect their unique genetic and developmental identity. Although this suggests mosaic embryos are not simply a misdiagnosis by-product, further studies are needed to reveal the true identity of this particular type of embryo.

Sterile Insect Technique Programme against Mediterranean Fruit Fly in the Valencian Community (Spain)

Simple Summary

The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wied.), is one of the most destructive fruit pests in the world. In the Valencian Community, it has become a key pest affecting many fruits, but mainly citrus, the most important crop cultivated. Traditionally, control of C. capitata has been based on the use of insecticides. In line with the trend in recent years to minimize the use of insecticides and promote environment-friendly techniques, in 2007 the Department of Agriculture of Valencia implemented an area-wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM) programme for the suppression of C. capitata, in which the sterile insect technique (SIT) is the primary method of application integrated with other suppression methods. As a result, there has been a large reduction in the aerial spraying of insecticides as well as a growth trend in exports of citrus and fresh fruits from the Valencian Community in recent years.

Abstract

The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wied.), is an endemic pest in fruit-growing areas of the Spanish Mediterranean coast. In the Valencian Community, it represents a serious problem in the cultivation of citrus and numerous species of fruit, such as peach, cherry, apricot, persimmon, etc. For over 50 years, the Department of Agriculture of Valencia has led, promoted, and carried out a C. capitata control programme to protect crops, especially citrus fruits, because this community is the largest national producer and the leading region for fresh citrus exports in the world. Traditionally, pest control has been based on the use of insecticides. However, a reduction of more than 90% of a target wild population was achieved in the frame of a pilot integrated pest management (IPM) project based on the sterile insect technique (SIT), which was implemented from 2003 to 2006. Based on this successful result, in 2007 the Department of Agriculture of Valencia initiated an area-wide integrated pest management (AW-IPM) programme for the suppression of C. capitata, using the SIT as the primary control method. Complementary activities are implemented periodically in hotspots and during different time periods depending on the pest population dynamics. As a result, there has been a reduction of more than 90% in the use of insecticides by aerial means to control C. capitata, as well as a growth trend in exports of citrus and fresh fruits from the Valencian Community in recent years. This paper provides a historical review of the Valencian programme and briefly describes how technological innovations and decision-making tools have contributed to programme efficiency.

A Micellar Formulation of Quercetin Prevents Cisplatin Nephrotoxicity

The antioxidant flavonoid quercetin has been shown to prevent nephrotoxicity in animal models and in a clinical study and is thus a very promising prophylactic candidate under development. Quercetin solubility is very low, which handicaps clinical application. The aim of this work was to study, in rats, the bioavailability and nephroprotective efficacy of a micellar formulation of Pluronic F127-encapsulated quercetin (P-quercetin), with improved hydrosolubility. Intraperitoneal administration of P-quercetin leads to an increased plasma concentration and bioavailability of quercetin compared to the equimolar administration of natural quercetin. Moreover, P-quercetin retains overall nephroprotective properties, and even slightly improves some renal function parameters, when compared to natural quercetin. Specifically, P-quercetin reduced the increment in plasma creatinine (from 3.4 ± 0.5 to 1.2 ± 0.3 mg/dL) and urea (from 490.9 ± 43.8 to 184.1 ± 50.1 mg/dL) and the decrease in creatinine clearance (from 0.08 ± 0.02 to 0.58 ± 0.19 mL/min) induced by the nephrotoxic chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin, and it ameliorated histological evidence of tubular damage. This new formulation with enhanced kinetic and biopharmaceutical properties will allow for further exploration of quercetin as a candidate nephroprotector at lower dosages and by administration routes oriented towards its clinical use.

5G Beyond 3GPP Release 15 for Connected Automated Mobility in Cross-Border Contexts

Fifth-generation (5G) mobile networks aim to be qualified as the core connectivity infrastructures to address connected automated mobility (CAM), both from a technological and from a business perspective, for the higher automation levels defined by the automotive industry. Specifically, in some territories such as the European Union the cross-border corridors have relevance, as they are the cohesive paths for terrestrial transport. Therefore, 5G for CAM applications is planned to be deployed there first. However, cross-border contexts imply paramount communication challenges, such as seamless roaming, not addressed by current technology. This paper identifies relevant future 5G enhancements, specifically those specified by Third-Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) releases beyond Release 15, and outlines how they will support the ambitions of highly automated driving in cross-border corridors. In order to conduct this study, a set of representative use cases and the related communication requirements were identified. Then, for each use case, the most relevant 5G features were proposed. Some open issues are described at the end.

Effect of Feed Form and Whole Grain Feeding on Gastrointestinal Weight and the Prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni in Broilers Orally Infected

Two independent trials were carried out to evaluate the effect of feed form, whole wheat (WW) and oat hulls (OH) addition on gastrointestinal (GIT) weight and Campylobacter jejuni colonization in orally infected birds. In Trial 1, there were six treatments factorially arranged with two feed forms (mash vs pellets), and three levels of WW from 1-21/22-42d: 0/0, 7.5/15%, 15/30%. Broilers were allocated in cages (3 birds/cage, 12 cages/treatment). In Trial 2, there were three treatments: a mash diet, a mash diet including WW (7.5% from 1-21 and 15% from 22-42d), and a third treatment including also 5%OH. Broilers were allocated in floor pens (1 pen with 30 birds/treatment). At 14d, all broilers in Trial 1 or 3 broilers/pen in Trial 2 were orally challenged with 1.5 x 105 cfu of C. jejuni ST-45 /. In Trial 1, birds fed pelleted diets consumed 13.5% more feed, gained 31% more weight, and presented 12.9% better feed conversion for the whole trial (P<0.05). Pelleting decreased the relative weight of GIT and gizzard and increased the relative weight of proventriculus (P<0.05). Mash diets decreased pH in the gizzard (P<0.05). Inclusion of WW decreased the relative weight of proventriculus, increased gizzard weight, and reduced pH in the gizzard (P<0.05). At 21d of age, mash tended to reduce C. jejuni compared to pellets (7.85 vs 8.27 log10cfu/g; P = 0.091) and WW inclusion at 7.5/15% reduced C. jejuni colonization when compared to lower and higher inclusion (P<0.05). In Trial 2, birds fed T3 (WW+OH) showed 1.38 log10cfu/g less than birds fed Control diet (P<0.05). In conclusion, despite of the clear morphological changes in the GIT derived of FF and WW inclusion, no clear reductions in C. jejuni populations in the ceca were observed. However, WW and OH inclusion to mash diets significantly reduced cecal C. jejuni colonization at 42 days.

Novel windows for “solar commodities”: a device for CO2 reduction using plasmonic catalyst activation

A novel plasmonic reactor concept is proposed and tested to work as a visible energy harvesting device while allowing reactions to transform CO₂ to be carried out. Particularly the reverse water gas shift (RWGS) reaction has been tested as a means to introduce renewable energy into the economy. The development of the new reactor concept involved the synthesis of a new composite capable of plasmonic activation with light, the development of an impregnation method to create a single catalyst reactor entity, and finally the assembly of a reaction system to test the reaction. The composite developed was based on a Cu/ZnO catalyst dispersed into transparent aerogels. This allows efficient light transmission and a high surface area for the catalyst. An effective yet simple impregnation method was developed that allowed introduction of the composites into glass microchannels. The activation of the reaction was made using LEDs that covered all the sides of the reactor allowing a high power delivery. The results of the reaction show a stable process capable of low temperature transformations.