Metabolic PCOS Features Are Ameliorated by Mitochondrial Uncoupler BAM15 in a PCOS Mouse Model

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine condition characterized by endocrine, reproductive and metabolic dysfunction. At present, there is no cure for PCOS and current treatments are suboptimal. Obesity and adverse metabolic features are prevalent in women with PCOS, with weight loss having a beneficial effect on PCOS features. The use of dietary interventions aimed at weight loss have low long-term compliance in women suffering from PCOS. Recent data from animal studies has shown that a small molecule mitochondrial uncoupler, BAM15, is an effective method to pharmacologically treat obesity and metabolic diseases. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of BAM15 to ameliorate PCOS-traits in a hyperandrogenic PCOS mouse model. As expected, exposure of female mice to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) induced the PCOS metabolic features of increased body weight (P<0.05), lean mass (P<0.001), increased parametrial and mesenteric fat pad weights (both P<0.05) and adipocyte hypertrophy (P<0.05). Additionally, DHT-induced PCOS mice exhibited insulin resistance measured by HOMA-IR, increased cholesterol and fasting triglyceride levels and hepatic steatosis (all P<0.05). In contrast, DHT-induced PCOS females treated with BAM15 displayed body weights which were comparable with controls, a significant decrease in parametrial and mesenteric fat depot weights (P<0.05) and reduced adipocyte hypertrophy. Furthermore, BAM15 treatment decreased insulin resistance, cholesterol and fasting triglyceride levels, as well as the degree of hepatic steatosis observed in PCOS females, to levels comparable with controls. PCOS mice presented the reproductive PCOS traits of irregular cycles and ovulatory dysfunction, however BAM15 did not improve these PCOS traits. These findings demonstrate that the pharmacologic mitochondrial uncoupler BAM15 is able to ameliorate metabolic PCOS features in a hyperandrogenic PCOS mouse model. These data provide compelling evidence to support BAM15 as a potential innovative and viable therapeutic approach to manage metabolic traits associated with PCOS.

Atomic scale investigation of the volume phase transition in concentrated PNIPAM microgels

Combining elastic incoherent neutron scattering and differential scanning calorimetry, we investigate the occurrence of the volume phase transition (VPT) in very concentrated poly-(N-isopropyl-acrylamide) (PNIPAM) microgel suspensions, from a polymer weight fraction of 30 wt. % up to dry conditions. Although samples are arrested at the macroscopic scale, atomic degrees of freedom are equilibrated and can be probed in a reproducible way. A clear signature of the VPT is present as a sharp drop in the mean square displacement of PNIPAM hydrogen atoms obtained by neutron scattering. As a function of concentration, the VPT gets smoother as dry conditions are approached, whereas the VPT temperature shows a minimum at about 43 wt. %. This behavior is qualitatively confirmed by calorimetry measurements. Molecular dynamics simulations are employed to complement experimental results and gain further insights into the nature of the VPT, confirming that it involves the formation of an attractive gel state between the microgels. Overall, these results provide evidence that the VPT in PNIPAM-based systems can be detected at different time- and length-scales as well as under overcrowded conditions.

OR08-2 Androgen Receptor- Vs Estrogen Receptor-Mediated Actions in the Development of Distinct Clinical Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Phenotypes

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal disorder characterised by reproductive, endocrine and metabolic abnormalities. Currently, as the origins of PCOS remain unknown, mechanism-based treatments are not feasible and management relies on treatment of symptoms. However if the underlying mechanisms involved in the development of PCOS were uncovered then this would allow development of new interventions for PCOS. Hyperandrogenism is a key defining characteristic of PCOS and clinical and animal studies support an important role for androgen driven actions in the development of PCOS. However, while testosterone (T) is consistently elevated in PCOS patients, it can be aromatized into estradiol which can act via the estrogen receptor (ER). To determine if ER-mediated actions play a role in the development of PCOS, we assessed the ability of T vs dihydrotestosterone (DHT, non-aromatizable androgen) excess to induce PCOS traits in wild type (WT, control) and androgen receptor knockout (ARKO) mice, who have a loss of androgen receptor (AR) but not ER actions. WT and ARKO prepubertal mice were implanted with a blank, T or DHT implant and examined after 12 weeks. As expected, T and DHT excess were able to induce the PCOS trait of anovulation in WT mice as no corpora lutea (CL) were observed in their ovaries (CL number: WT+blank: 9.5±2.1; WT+DHT: 0±0; WT+T: 0±0, P<0.01). In contrast, ARKO mice treated with DHT implants ovulated, but those treated with T still exhibited ovulatory disruption (P<0.05) (CL number: ARKO+blank: 2.3±0.3; ARKO+DHT: 3.3±0.4; ARKO+T: 0.4 ±0.4). This finding implies that ER actions in the absence of AR actions can induce ovulatory dysfunction, one reproductive feature of PCOS. In WT mice, DHT but not T excess induced metabolic features of PCOS (e.g. body weight (WT+blank: 23.4g±0.5; WT+DHT: 27.1g±0.6; WT+T: 22.5g±0.67, P<0.01), however neither androgen had an effect in ARKO mice (body weight, ARKO+blank: 23.1g±0.4; ARKO+DHT: 24.1g±0.7; ARKO+T: 23.5g±0.4). This data demonstrates a key role for AR signalling in the establishment of reproductive and metabolic traits of PCOS, but also suggests that ER-mediated actions may also contribute to the development of reproductive features of PCOS. These results suggest that lean PCOS patients lacking hyperandrogenism but with reproductive features of PCOS may have a distinct pathophysiology and prognosis from hyperandrogenic-PCOS patients, requiring a different treatment approach.

Adipokines and the female reproductive tract

It is well known that adipose tissue can influence puberty, sexual maturation, and fertility in different species. Adipose tissue secretes molecules called adipokines which most likely have an endocrine effect on reproductive function. It has been revealed over the last few years that adipokines are functionally implicated at all levels of the reproductive axis including the gonad and hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Many studies have shown the presence and the role of the adipokines and their receptors in the female reproductive tract of different species. These adipokines regulate ovarian steroidogenesis, oocyte maturation, and embryo development. They are also present in the uterus and placenta where they could create a favorable environment for embryonic implantation and play a key role in maternal-fetal metabolism communication and gestation. Reproductive functions are strongly dependent on energy balance, and thereby metabolic abnormalities can lead to the development of some pathophysiologies such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Adipokines could be a link between reproduction and energy metabolism and could partly explain some infertility related to obesity or PCOS.

Oocyte developmental competence is reduced in sows during the seasonal infertility period

The modern domestic sow exhibits a period of impaired reproductive performance during the late summer and early autumn months, known as 'seasonal infertility'. A reduction in farrowing rate due to pregnancy loss is the most economically important manifestation of seasonal infertility. The aim of the present study was to determine whether there are changes in oocyte developmental competence associated with season. Ovaries were collected in pairs from sows sourced from commercial piggeries and slaughtered 4 days after weaning during winter and summer-autumn. Following oocyte IVM and parthenogenetic activation, the ability of oocytes from large follicles to form blastocysts was greater in winter (54.94 ± 6.11%) than in summer (21.09 ± 5.59%). During winter, the proportion of oocytes developing to the blastocyst stage from large follicles was significantly higher (54.94 ± 6.11%) than those oocytes from small follicles (23.17 ± 6.02%). There was no effect of season on the proportion of oocytes developing to the blastocyst stage from small follicles. There was no effect of follicle size on blastocyst formation from those oocytes recovered during summer. Blastocysts derived from small follicles during summer had the lowest number of cells (24.25 ± 1.48) compared with blastocysts derived from large follicles during winter (37.5 ± 1.3; P < 0.05). The mean progesterone concentration in follicular fluid collected from small follicles was greater in winter than summer (1235.55 ± 164.47 v. 701.3 ± 115.5 nmol L(-1), respectively; P < 0.001). The mean progesterone concentration in the follicular fluid of large follicles was also greater in winter than in summer (2470.9 ± 169.1 v. 1469.2 ± 156.5 nmol L(-1), respectively; P < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between progesterone concentration and oocyte developmental competence. The results indicate that porcine oocytes fail to reach their full developmental potential during the period of seasonal infertility, suggesting that the pregnancy losses observed at this time of year may be due to reduced oocyte developmental competence.

330. SEASONAL EFFECTS ON OVARIAN DYNAMICS AND OOCYTE DEVELOPMENTAL COMPETENCE IN SOWS EXPERIENCING EARLY-PREGNANCY LOSS

Seasonal infertility in the domestic sow has a considerable economic impact on the pig industry. Reduced oocyte quality and increased wean-to-service interval (WSI) have been observed during the seasonal infertility period (1, 2). The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between season, WSI, ovarian dynamics and oocyte quality in sows experiencing early-pregnancy loss. Sows that experienced early-pregnancy loss were grouped according to their previous WSI (≤ 6 or > 6 d) and the presence (CL) or absence (NCL) of corpora lutea on their ovaries at the time of slaughter. Groups were WSI≤6d/CL, WSI≤6d/NCL, WSI>6d/CL and WSI>6d/NCL. Cumulus–oocyte complexes were recovered from antral follicles (3–8 mm) and subjected to parthenogenetic activation following in vitro maturation in summer (n = 742) and late-spring (n = 594). Data were analysed using a generalised linear mixed-model in GenStat release 10. The mean number of CL/sow was greater (11.57 ± 3.30) in late-spring compared to summer (9.26 ± 0.99; P < 0.05). There were no effects of WSI on oocyte developmental potential. A greater proportion of oocytes developed to the blastocyst stage in summer (55.94 ± 5.17%) compared to late-spring (31.18 ± 6.38%; P < 0.05). Blastocysts derived from oocytes collected in summer had a greater number of cells (46.60 ± 1.17) than blastocysts derived from oocytes collected in spring (43.2 ± 0.95; P < 0.05). Blastocysts derived from oocytes of CL ovaries had more cells (47.08 ± 1.13) than those derived from oocytes of NCL ovaries (42.91 ± 0.75; P < 0.05). It appears that sows experiencing early-pregnancy loss have inherently poor oocyte quality. The greater developmental potential of oocytes in summer suggests a proportion of sows culled for early-pregnancy loss in summer have good oocyte quality, but fail to conceive and/or initiate pregnancy due to other summer-autumn related factors, such as heat stress. (1) Bertoldo et al., Reproduction, Fertility and Development, in press.(2) Bertoldo et al., 2009. Theriogenolgy, 72: 393–400.

205 CUMULUS CELL MORPHOLOGY BEFORE AND AFTER IN VITRO MATURATION AS AN INDICATOR OF PORCINE OOCYTE DEVELOPMENTAL COMPETENCE

Effective in vitro maturation (IVM) is essential for successful in vitro embryo production. The morphology of the cumulus investment before and after IVM may be a useful noninvasive indicator of oocyte quality. In pigs, oocyte developmental competence is reduced during the summer months. The aim of this study was to determine whether the morphology of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) before and after IVM are associated with oocyte quality, using COC collected from small and large follicles in summer and winter as models of poor and good oocyte quality. Ovaries were collected from sows slaughtered 4 days after weaning. The COC recovered from small (3-4 mm) and large (5-8 mm) antral follicles were morphologically graded and parthenogenetically activated following IVM during winter (n = 1419; 10 replicates) and summer (n = 2803; 10 replicates). Grade 1 and 2 COC had >2 layers of compact cumulus cells and a homogenous cytoplasm. Grade 3 COC were either partially or fully denuded, had a heterogeneous cytoplasm, or were vacuolated or dark in color. Grade 4 COC had expanded cumulus cells. Cumulus expansion was also assessed subsequent to IVM. The COC recorded as having a cumulus expansion index (CEI) of 1 had the poorest expansion with no detectable response to IVM, whereas those with a CEI of 4 had the greatest amount of expansion, including that of the corona radiata. Data were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model in GenStat® (release 10, VSN International, Hemel Hempstead, UK). There was an effect of follicle size for Grade 1 COC, with COC from large follicles in both seasons yielding better quality COC (P < 0.05). The proportion of COC in Grade 2 was higher in small follicles during winter compared with large follicles, but there were no differences between follicle sizes during summer (P < 0.05). The proportion of COC with CEI 1 was highest in COC from small follicles during summer (P < 0.05). The proportion of COC from large follicles with CEI 2 was higher during summer compared with winter (P < 0.05). There were no seasonal or follicle size effects on COC with CEI 3 or 4 (P > 0.05). The proportion of oocytes that developed to blastocysts was greater in winter than in summer (39.06% ± 5.67 v. 22.27% ± 4.01; P < 0.05). Oocytes derived from large follicles had a greater ability to form blastocysts compared with those from small follicles (37.13% ± 5.65 v. 23.32% ± 4.56; P < 0.06). Morphological assessment of cumulus cells before and after IVM may be a useful tool to evaluate the effects of follicle size on oocyte developmental competence. However, the results of the present study indicate that cumulus cell morphology is not a good indicator of the effect of season on oocyte developmental competence.

176. INHIBITION OF PORCINE OOCYTE NUCLEAR MATURATION IN VITRO USING A PHOSPHODIESTERASE INHIBITOR AND AN ADENYLATE CYCLASE ACTIVATOR

Asynchronous nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation is thought to contribute to poor embryo production in vitro. Nuclear arrest is mediated by cAMP and can be maintained within the oocyte using non-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitors (3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine ; IBMX) and the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin (FSK) (1). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of IBMX and FSK supplementation on porcine oocyte nuclear maturation during COC recovery and IVM using a defined culture system. In all experiments, cAMP modulators were added to Hepes-buffered media held in collection tubes. COCs recovered from 3–5 mm diameter follicles of prepubertal ovaries were cultured in basic maturation media in the absence of FSH. Nuclear maturation was assessed using orcein dye. In Experiment 1, IVM media was supplemented with 0, 50 or 500 µM IBMX. In Experiment 2, IVM media was supplemented with 0, 5, 10, 50 and 100µM FSK. In Experiment 3, IVM medium was supplemented with combinations of IBMX and FSK to give the treatments; control, 50IBMX/50FSK, 50IBMX/100FSK, 500IBMX/50FSK and 500IBMX/100FSK. Nuclear maturation was assessed at 0, 2, 4 and 18 h after the onset of IVM. At 18 h of culture, there were no differences in the proportion of oocytes supplemented with 0, 50 or 500 µM IBMX reaching MII. Incubation with 10, 50 or 100 µM FSK resulted in 8-16% of oocytes at MII at 18 h compared to the other groups (25–29%; P < 0.001). The combinations of IBMX and FSK resulted in greater proportions (86–98%) of oocytes remaining at the GV stage at 18 h compared to the control (16%; P < 0.001). There were no differences in the proportion of oocytes remaining at the GV stage at the earlier time points (P > 0.05). The results demonstrate that these cAMP modulators, in combination, are highly effective in maintaining porcine oocyte meiotic arrest in vitro for an extended period. (1) Albuz FK et al., Proceedings of the 25th Annual Meeting of ESHRE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2009.

129. REDUCED OOCYTE DEVELOPMENTAL COMPETENCE DURING THE PERIOD OF SEASONAL INFERTILITY IN PIGS

Reduced farrowing rate due to early pregnancy loss is a manifestation of seasonal infertility in pigs. It has been hypothesised that the early disruption of pregnancy is due to poor oocyte developmental competence. The aim of this study was to determine if there are seasonal differences in oocyte developmental competence. Ovaries were collected from sows slaughtered 4 days after weaning. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) recovered from small (3–4mm) and large (5–8mm) antral follicles were morphologically graded and subjected to parthenogenetic activation following in vitro maturation (IVM) during the winter (n = 1419) and summer (n = 2803). Cumulus expansion was assessed subsequent to IVM. Data were analysed using a generalised linear mixed model in GenStat release 10. There was an effect of season on oocyte grade, with a larger proportion of oocytes collected in summer being graded suitable for IVM, compared with winter oocytes (P<0.05). A larger proportion of COCs had expanded cumulus during the winter than in the summer, which suggested that the preovulatory LH surge had already occurred. There was a season x follicle size interaction affecting cumulus expansion (P<0.05). There were no seasonal effects on the proportion of oocytes reaching metaphase II or cleaving after parthenogenetic activation. However, the proportion of oocytes from large follicles that developed to the blastocyst stage was higher in winter than in summer (55% vs 23%; P<0.05). There was no effect of season on the proportion of oocytes developing to the blastocyst stage from small follicles. However, during summer there was a reduction in the cell number of blastocysts derived from small follicles (P<0.05). Our results suggest that porcine oocytes are less able to reach their full developmental potential during the period of seasonal infertility, and that the associated pregnancy losses are due to reduced oocyte developmental competence.

271. Effect of season on sow ovarian morphology

Reduced farrowing rate caused by embryonic mortality is a manifestation of seasonal infertility in pigs. The ability of the oocyte to mature, be fertilised and sustain embryonic development is acquired gradually by the oocyte throughout folliculogenesis. This study was undertaken to determine if seasonal differences in ovarian morphology are associated with reduced reproductive performance displayed during seasonal infertility. Sows culled after weaning were sourced from two genetically distinct herds (Farms A and B). Pairs of ovaries were collected from sows 4 days post-weaning during winter (n = 131) and summer (n = 275). Ovarian weight (Farm A only) and the numbers of small (3–4 mm) and large (5–8 mm) follicles were assessed (Farms A and B). Data did not follow normality and was analysed using the Mann–Whitney test. Mean ovarian weight per sow during winter (20.0 ± 1.3 g) was significantly heavier than that during summer (15.3 ± 0.8 g; P < 0.05). Farm A ovaries had a greater total number of antral follicles in winter compared with summer, and a greater number of antral follicles in winter compared with Farm B ovaries (P < 0.05). In Farm A ovaries, the proportion of follicles that were large was greater in summer compared with winter (78% v. 66%; P < 0.05), but the follicular distribution did not change with season in Farm B ovaries. While the findings demonstrate that ovarian weight was greater in winter compared with summer, they suggest that this difference was not the result of changes in the number or distribution of surface antral follicles. The difference in ovarian weight is possibly due to differences in ovarian tissue resulting from regressed corpora lutea. Further studies are being undertaken to assess the effect of season on oocyte developmental competence and the steroid content of follicular fluid isolated from small and large follicles.

[Training courses for coordinators in matters of safety and health]

Bill 528/99 increased the number of technicians who can carry out the tasks of the Safety Coordinators after having attended a specific course. In order to do this and to give precise indications regarding the contents of these 494 Courses, it was decided to issue a special Decree to deal specifically with this matter. In spite of the fact that the deadline agreed on for the issue of this Decree expired almost four years ago, no regulatory act has yet been passed. Although in no way wanting to act as a substitute for those delegated by the Legislator, this contribution will put forward a plan for the 494 Course and will also define a didactic methodology and different contents concerning the qualification and specialization of the technicians to be trained.

[Training quality and quality training]

There is a growing need for all organizations to carry out in-house training based on concrete strategies to be able to face the risks involved in the working context. The area that is most in need of this training is the building sector as it has always been penalized by the poor qualification and cultural levels of its operators, which are among the lowest in the working world. The need to determine in-house training which meets this requirement calls for a particularly effective practical and methodological approach. To achieve this aim, not only is it important that the training programme and the trainers fulfil the requirements of the Legislator, but they must also aim at both improving the technical quality and increasing the qualifications and cultural growth of the human resources. The purpose of this contribution is to advance a correct methodological approach aimed at training quality and quality training.