β-carotene improves oocyte development and maturation under oxidative stress in vitro

miRNA-125a regulates porcine oocyte maturation in vitro by targeting ADAR

Follicular fluid extracellular vesicles are beneficial for in vitro oocyte maturation and development; however, their effect on the expression profiles of oocyte microRNAs (miRNAs) and the roles of related miRNAs are unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate miRNA expression in mature oocytes cultured in follicular fluid extracellular vesicles and the effect of miRNA-125a (miR-125a) on oocyte maturation. The expression profiles of the miRNAs were determined by microRNA sequencing, followed by target gene prediction analysis. We transfected miR-125a mimics and an miR-125a inhibitor to evaluate the effect of modulated miRNA-125a on cumulus expansion, oocyte maturation rate, changes in cytoplasmic maturation-related indicators, and changes in the expression of oocyte maturation-related, cumulus expansion-related, and predicted target genes. We found that miR-125a overexpression decreased the levels of cumulus expansion-related, oocyte maturation-related, and predicted target genes, adenosine deaminase RNA specific (ADAR), and lipid droplet number, and it increased the percentage of oocytes with abnormal cortical granule distribution. Inhibiting miR-125a increased the expression levels of oocyte maturation-related and target genes, number of lipid droplets, and endoplasmic reticulum function, and it decreased lipid droplet size. Mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species levels were not significantly different between groups. In conclusion, our results suggest that extracellular vesicles may improve oocyte quality by modulating ADAR through regulating miR-125a.

From Orchard to Wellness: Unveiling the Health Effects of Sweet Cherry Nutrients

This review paper explores the multifaceted relationship between sweet cherry nutrients and human health, aiming to uncover the comprehensive impact of these bioactive compounds from orchard to wellness. Furthermore, it highlights how advanced crop techniques can be pivotal in optimizing these beneficial compounds. Synthesizing existing literature, the paper examines the diverse bioactive nutrients in sweet cherries, including antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals, and elucidating their mechanisms of action and potential health benefits. From antioxidant properties to anti-inflammatory effects, the paper elucidates how these nutrients may mitigate chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and neurodegenerative conditions. Additionally, it explores their role in promoting gastrointestinal health, enhancing exercise recovery, and modulating sleep patterns. The review discusses emerging research on the potential anti-cancer properties of sweet cherry compounds, highlighting their promising role in cancer prevention and treatment. Furthermore, it delves into the impact of sweet cherry consumption on metabolic health, weight management, and skin health. By providing a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of sweet cherry nutrients and their health effects, this paper offers valuable insights for researchers, healthcare professionals, and consumers interested in utilizing nature's bounty for holistic wellness.

Reactive oxygen species signalling in the deterioration of quality of mammalian oocytes cultured in vitro: Protective effect of antioxidants

The in vitro fertilization (IVF) is the first choice of infertile couples worldwide to plan for conception. Besides having a significant advancement in IVF procedure, the success rate is still poor. Although several approaches have been tested to improve IVF protocol, minor changes in culture conditions, physical factors and/or drug treatment generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in oocytes. Due to large size and huge number of mitochondria, oocyte is more susceptible towards ROS-mediated signalling under in vitro culture conditions. Elevation of ROS levels destabilize maturation promoting factor (MPF) that results in meiotic exit from diplotene as well as metaphase-II (M-II) arrest in vitro. Once meiotic exit occurs, these oocytes get further arrested at metaphase-I (M-I) stage or metaphase-III (M-III)-like stage under in vitro culture conditions. The M-I as well as M-III arrested oocytes are not fit for fertilization and limits IVF outcome. Further, the generation of excess levels of ROS cause oxidative stress (OS) that initiate downstream signalling to initiate various death pathways such as apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis and deteriorates oocyte quality under in vitro culture conditions. The increase of cellular enzymatic antioxidants and/or supplementation of exogenous antioxidants in culture medium protect ROS-induced deterioration of oocyte quality in vitro. Although a growing body of evidence suggests the ROS and OS-mediated deterioration of oocyte quality in vitro, their downstream signalling and related mechanisms remain poorly understood. Hence, this review article summarizes the existing evidences concerning ROS and OS-mediated downstream signalling during deterioration of oocyte quality in vitro. The use of various antioxidants against ROS and OS-mediated impairment of oocyte quality in vitro has also been explored in order to increase the success rate of IVF during assisted reproductive health management.

Anethole supplementation during in vitro maturation increases in vitro goat embryo production in a concentration-dependent manner

During in vitro maturation (IVM) cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) are exposed to conditions that can trigger oxidative stress, thus, reducing oocyte maturation and viability. Aiming to mitigate these detrimental conditions, the effects of IVM medium supplementation with anethole have been tested. Anethole, also known as trans-anethole (1-methoxy-4 [1-propenyl]-benzene), is a naturally occurring phenylpropanoid with various pharmacological properties, including antioxidant effects. However, no study has examined anethole effect on goat COCs during IVM. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different anethole concentrations on oocyte maturation, oxidative stress, and in vitro development of caprine embryos after parthenogenetic activation. Goat COCs were selected and randomly distributed into the following treatments: TCM-199+ medium (control), or TCM-199+ medium supplemented with 30 μg/mL (AN30); 300 μg/mL (AN300) or 2000 μg/mL (AN2000) of anethole. After IVM, part of the COCs was chosen for oocyte viability and chromatin configuration, intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential assessment. Another part of COCs was parthenogenetically activated, and presumptive zygotes were cultured for 7 days. Results demonstrated that anethole at 30 μg/mL increased oocyte maturation and cleavage rates when compared to the other treatments (P < 0.05), as well as oocyte viability and in vitro embryo production when compared to the control treatment (P < 0.05). Additionally, treatment with anethole at 2000 μg/mL decreased oocyte nuclear maturation and cleavage rates when compared to other treatments (P < 0.05) and embryo production if compared to control and AN30 treatments (P < 0.05). Moreover, anethole at 2000 μg/mL increased mitochondrial membrane potential when compared to the other treatments (P < 0.05). In conclusion, anethole exerts a concentration-dependent effect during goat COCs IVM. For a more desirable outcome of oocyte viability and maturation, and in vitro embryo production, the use of anethole at 30 μg/mL is recommended.

Iron overload triggering ECM-mediated Hippo/YAP pathway in follicle development: a hypothetical model endowed with therapeutic implications

Disruption of iron homeostasis plays a negative role in follicle development. The dynamic changes in follicle growth are dependent on Hippo/YAP signaling and mechanical forces. However, little is known about the liaison between iron overload and the Hippo/YAP signalling pathway in term of folliculogenesis. Here, based on the available evidence, we established a hypothesized model linking excessive iron, extracellular matrix (ECM), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and Hippo/Yes-associated protein (YAP) signal regarding follicle development. Hypothetically, the TGF-β signal and iron overload may play a synergistic role in ECM production via YAP. We speculate that the dynamic homeostasis of follicular iron interacts with YAP, increasing the risk of ovarian reserve loss and may enhance the sensitivity of follicles to accumulated iron. Hence, therapeutic interventions targeting iron metabolism disorders, and Hippo/YAP signal may alter the consequences of the impaired developmental process based on our hypothesis, which provides potential targets and inspiration for further drug discovery and development applied to clinical treatment.

Reproductive toxicity of enrofloxacin in Caenorhabditis elegans involves oxidative stress-induced cell apoptosis

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (FQs) that persist and bioaccumulate in the environment have aroused people's great concern. Here, we studied the adverse effects of FQs in soil animals of Caenorhabditis elegans via food-chronically exposure. The result shows C. elegans exposed to FQs exhibited reproductive toxicity with small-brood size and low-egg hatchability. To study the underlying mechanism, we conduct a deep investigation of enrofloxacin (ENR), one of the most frequently detected FQs, on nematodes which is one of commonly used animal indicator of soil sustainability. The concentration-effect curves simulated by the Hill model showed that the half effect concentrations (EC₅₀) of ENR were (494.3 ± 272.9) µmol/kg and (107.4 ± 30.9) µmol/kg for the brood size and the hatchability, respectively. Differential gene expression between the control and the ENR-exposure group enriched with the oxidative stress and cell apoptosis pathways. The results together with the enzyme activity in oxidative stress and the cell corpses suggested that ENR-induced reproductive toxicity was related to germ cell apoptosis under oxidative stress. The risk quotients of some soil and livestock samples were calculated based on the threshold value of EC₁₀ for the egg hatchability (2.65 µmol/kg). The results indicated that there was possible reproductive toxicity on the nematodes in certain agricultural soils for the FQs. This study suggested that chronic exposure to FQs at certain levels in environment would induce reproductive toxicity to the nematodes and might reduce the soil sustainability, alarming the environment risks of antibiotics abuse.

Importance of Antioxidant Supplementation during In Vitro Maturation of Mammalian Oocytes

The in vitro embryo production (IVEP) technique is widely used in the field of reproductive biology. In vitro maturation (IVM) is the first and most critical step of IVEP, during which, the oocyte is matured in an artificial maturation medium under strict laboratory conditions. Despite all of the progress in the field of IVEP, the quality of in vitro matured oocytes remains inferior to that of those matured in vivo. The accumulation of substantial amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within oocytes during IVM has been regarded as one of the main factors altering oocyte quality. One of the most promising approaches to overcome ROS accumulation within oocytes is the supplementation of oocyte IVM medium with antioxidants. In this article, we discuss recent advancements depicting the adverse effects of ROS on mammalian oocytes. We also discuss the potential use of antioxidants and their effect on both oocyte quality and IVM rate.

The Effect of β-Carotene, Tocopherols and Ascorbic Acid as Anti-Oxidant Molecules on Human and Animal In Vitro/In Vivo Studies: A Review of Research Design and Analytical Techniques Used

Prolonged elevated oxidative stress (OS) possesses negative effect on cell structure and functioning, and is associated with the development of numerous disorders. Naturally occurred anti-oxidant compounds reduce the oxidative stress in living organisms. In this review, antioxidant properties of β-carotene, tocopherols and ascorbic acid are presented based on in vitro, in vivo and populational studies. Firstly, environmental factors contributing to the OS occurrence and intracellular sources of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation, as well as ROS-mediated cellular structure degradation, are introduced. Secondly, enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanism of anti-oxidant defence against OS development, is presented. Furthermore, ROS-preventing mechanisms and effectiveness of β-carotene, tocopherols and ascorbic acid as anti-oxidants are summarized, based on studies where different ROS-generating (oxidizing) agents are used. Oxidative stress biomarkers, as indicators on OS level and prevention by anti-oxidant supplementation, are presented with a focus on the methods (spectrophotometric, fluorometric, chromatographic, immuno-enzymatic) of their detection. Finally, the application of Raman spectroscopy and imaging as a tool for monitoring the effect of anti-oxidant (β-carotene, ascorbic acid) on cell structure and metabolism, is proposed. Literature data gathered suggest that β-carotene, tocopherols and ascorbic acid possess potential to mitigate oxidative stress in various biological systems. Moreover, Raman spectroscopy and imaging can be a valuable technique to study the effect of oxidative stress and anti-oxidant molecules in cell studies.

Tomatoes: An Extensive Review of the Associated Health Impacts of Tomatoes and Factors That Can Affect Their Cultivation

Simple Summary

The research outlined in this review paper discusses potential health benefits associated with a diet enriched with tomatoes and tomato products. This includes details of previous studies investigating the anticancer properties of tomatoes, protection against cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes, maintenance of a healthy gut microbiome, and improved skin health, fertility, immune response, and exercise recovery. The specific parts of a tomato fruit that contribute these health benefits are also outlined. The potential disadvantages to a tomato-rich diet are detailed, especially the consumption of supplements that contain compounds found in tomatoes, such as lycopene. This review also discusses how the cultivation of tomato plants can affect the nutritional value of the fruit harvested. Different environmental growing conditions such as light intensity, growing media, and temperature are explained in terms of the impact they have on the quality of fruit, its nutrient content, and hence the potential health benefits acquired from eating the fruit.

Abstract

This review outlines the health benefits associated with the regular consumption of tomatoes and tomato products. The first section provides a detailed account of the horticultural techniques that can impact the quality of the fruit and its nutritional properties, including water availability, light intensity, temperature, and growing media. The next section provides information on the components of tomato that are likely to contribute to its health effects. The review then details some of the health benefits associated with tomato consumption, including anticancer properties, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and skin health. This review also discusses the impact tomatoes can have on the gut microbiome and associated health benefits, including reducing the risk of inflammatory bowel diseases. Other health benefits of eating tomatoes are also discussed in relation to effects on diabetes, the immune response, exercise recovery, and fertility. Finally, this review also addresses the negative effects that can occur as a result of overconsumption of tomato products and lycopene supplements.

Potential use of bacterial pigments as anticancer drugs and female reproductive toxicity: a review

Abstract Natural bioactive compounds obtained from microorganisms, have awakened particular interest in the industry nowadays. This attention comes when natural resources depletion is pronounced, and the acquisition of both new plant origin resources and bioactive products, represents a challenge for the next generations. In this sense, prospecting for large-scale production and use of bacterial pigments is a necessary strategy for the development of novel products. A wide variety of properties have been attributed to these substances and, among them, their therapeutic potential against important diseases, such as cancer. There is consensus that available chemotherapy protocols are known to detrimentally affect cancer patients fertility. Hence, considerable part of the deleterious effects of chemotherapy is related to the drugs cytotoxicity, which, in addition to cancer cells, also affect normal cells. Therefore, the intrinsic properties of bacterial pigments associated with low cytotoxicity and relevant cell selectivity, certified them as potential anticancer drugs. However, little information is available about reproductive toxicity of these new and promising compounds. Thus, the present review aims to address the main bacterial pigments, their potential uses as anticancer drugs and their possible toxic effects, especially on the female gonad.

Uso potencial de pigmentos bacterianos como drogas anticâncer e toxicidade reprodutiva feminina: uma revisão

Resumo Os compostos bioativos naturais obtidos de microrganismos têm despertado especial interesse da indústria nos últimos anos. Esta atenção ocorre em um momento em que o esgotamento de recursos naturais é pronunciado, e a aquisição de novos insumos e produtos bioativos de origem vegetal representa um desafio para as próximas gerações. Neste sentido, a prospecção para a produção e uso em larga escala dos pigmentos bacterianos tem representado uma importante estratégia para o desenvolvimento de novos produtos. Uma grande variedade de propriedades foi atribuída a estas substâncias, entre elas, o potencial terapêutico contra doenças importantes, como o câncer. Existe um consenso de que os protocolos quimioterápicos disponíveis são conhecidos por afetarem negativamente a fertilidade de pacientes com câncer. Grande parte dos efeitos deletérios da quimioterapia está relacionado à citotoxicidade das drogas usadas para este fim, que além das células cancerosas, afetam as células normais. Nesse sentido, as propriedades naturais atribuídas aos pigmentos bacterianos associadas à baixa citotoxicidade e relevante seletividade, os qualificaram como potenciais drogas anticâncer. No entanto, pouco se tem de informação a respeito da toxicidade reprodutiva destes novos e promissores compostos. Dessa forma, a presente revisão tem o objetivo de abordar os principais pigmentos bacterianos, suas utilizações potenciais como drogas anticâncer, bem como os seus possíveis efeitos tóxicos, sobretudo, sobre a gônada feminina.

Tannin Supplementation Improves Oocyte Cytoplasmic Maturation and Subsequent Embryo Development in Pigs

To investigate the effects of tannins (TA) on porcine oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM), different concentrations of TA (0, 1, 10 and 100 μg/mL) were supplemented with a maturation medium and the COCs and subsequent embryonic development were examined. The results showed that 10 µg/mL TA significantly improved the cumulus expansion index (CEI), cumulus-expansion-related genes (PTGS1, PTGS2, PTX-3, TNFAIP6 and HAS2) expression and blastocyst formation rates after parthenogenetic activation (PA), in vitro fertilization (IVF) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) compared to the control groups, but not oocyte nuclear maturation. Nevertheless, 10 µg/mL TA dramatically enhanced the mRNA expression of oocyte-development-related genes (BMP15, GDF9, CDC2 and CYCLIN B1), GSH, ATP, SOD1, PGC1α, BMP15, GDF9 and CDC2 levels and reduced intracellular ROS level in porcine oocytes. These results indicated that porcine oocyte cytoplasmic maturation was improved by 10 µg/mL TA treatment during IVM. In contrast, a high concentration of TA (100 μg/mL) significantly decreased the CEI and PTGS1, PTGS2, PTX-3 and HAS2 mRNA expressions in cumulus cells, and reduced oocyte nuclear maturation and the total cell numbers/blastocyst. In general, these data showed that 10 μg/mL TA supplementation has beneficial effects on oocyte cytoplasmic maturation and subsequent embryonic development in pigs.

Beta-carotene and its protective effect on gastric cancer

Beta-carotene is an important natural pigment that is very beneficial to human health. It is widely found in vegetables and fruits. The three main functions are antioxidant effects, cell gap junction-related functions and immune-related functions. Because of its diverse functions, beta-carotene is believed to prevent and treat many chronic diseases. Gastric cancer is one of the most important diseases it can treat. Gastric cancer is a type of cancer with a high incidence. Its etiology varies, and the pathogenesis is complex. Gastric cancer seriously affects human health. The role of beta-carotene, a natural nutrient, in gastric cancer has been explored by many researchers, including molecular mechanisms and epidemiological studies. Molecular studies have mainly focused on oxidative stress, cell cycle, signal transduction pathways and immune-related mechanisms of beta-carotene in gastric cancer. Many epidemiological surveys and cohort studies of patients with gastric cancer have been conducted, and the results of these epidemiological studies vary due to the use of different research methods and analysis of different regions. This paper will summarize the results of these studies, mainly in terms of molecular mechanisms and epidemiological research results, which will provide a systematic basis for future studies of the treatment and prognosis of gastric cancer. This paper will help researchers identify new research directions.

Iron Overload-Induced Ferroptosis Impairs Porcine Oocyte Maturation and Subsequent Embryonic Developmental Competence in vitro

Accumulating evidence indicates that ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death. This type of iron-dependent programmed cell death is different from traditional forms of regulated cell death, such as apoptosis and autophagy. However, the role of ferroptosis in porcine oocyte maturation and the associated mechanism remain unclear. In the present research, we investigated the effects of ferric ammonium citrate (FAC), a specific ferroptosis inducer, on porcine oocyte meiotic maturation and quality and subsequent embryonic developmental competence. FAC treatment caused obvious accumulation of intracellular ferrous ions in porcine oocytes. At the end of the in vitro maturation (IVM) period, there was a significant decrease in the polar body (PB) extrusion rate and an increase in the percentage of abnormal oocytes in the FAC treatment groups, indicating that iron overload-induced ferroptosis may suppress the meiotic process during porcine oocyte maturation. We also found that after FAC treatment, the subsequent two-cell rate, four-cell rate and blastocyst formation rate were significantly decreased in porcine parthenogenetic activation (PA) embryos, indicating that iron overload-induced ferroptosis decreased porcine oocyte quality. Further analysis revealed that FAC treatment not only enhanced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, decreased intracellular free thiol levels and induced mitochondrial dysfunction but also triggered autophagy in porcine oocytes. Taken together, these findings suggest that iron overload-induced ferroptosis impairs porcine oocyte meiosis and decreases porcine oocyte quality, possibly by increasing oxidative stress, inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and triggering autophagy.

β-carotene Rescues Busulfan Disrupted Spermatogenesis Through Elevation in Testicular Antioxidant Capability

β-carotene, precursor of vitamin A, is an excellent antioxidant with many beneficial properties. It is a lipid-soluble antioxidant and a very effective quencher of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to reduce the oxidative stress. In contrast to vitamin A, β-carotene is not toxic even consumed in higher amount when it is delivered from natural plant products. Recently, we found that β-carotene acts as a potential antioxidant in the oocyte to improve its quality. Even though many studies have been reported that β-carotene has the beneficial contribution to the ovarian development and steroidogenesis, it is unknown the effects of β-carotene on the spermatogenesis. This investigation aimed to explore the hypothesis that β-carotene could improve spermatogenesis and the underlying mechanism. And we found that β-carotene rescued busulfan disrupted spermatogenesis in mouse with the increase in the sperm concentration and motility. β-carotene improved the expression of genes/proteins important for spermatogenesis, such as VASA, DAZL, SYCP3, PGK2. Moreover, β-carotene elevated the testicular antioxidant capability by the elevation of the antioxidant glutathione and antioxidant enzymes SOD, GPX1, catalase levels. In conclusion, β-carotene may be applied for the infertile couples by the improvement of spermatogenesis, since, worldly many couples are infertile due to the idiopathic failed gametogenesis (spermatogenesis).

Sarcoma-180 tumor affects the quality of oocytes in mice

Numerous factors can affect the quality of oocytes; however, the effects of cancer on the quality of oocytes and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, the effects of the sarcoma-180 (S-180) cell line on the quality of oocytes were investigated using S-180 tumor-bearing mice. In total, 42 female C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the tumor-bearing group and the control group, with 21 mice per group. The weight of the mice and ovaries were recorded, and blood glucose, serum insulin, lipopolysaccharide, triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels were analyzed using the corresponding detection kits. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to observe the pathological changes of the ovarian tissue, and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to analyze the expression levels of meiosis arrest female 1 (MARF1), SUMO-specific protease 7 (SENP7), aralkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT), cell division cycle 25B and glycine-rich protein 3. The results of the present study revealed that the number of oocytes in the two groups of mice was similar; however, the number of abnormal oocytes was increased in the tumor-bearing group. The serum levels of TG and TC were significantly elevated in the tumor-bearing group compared with in the control group (P<0.01). Additionally, RT-qPCR analysis demonstrated that the expression levels of SENP7 were downregulated, while the expression levels of MARF1 and AANAT were upregulated in the ovaries of the tumor-bearing group compared with in the control group (P<0.01). In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggested that cancer may affect the reproductive system of mice and decrease the quality of oocytes by regulating the expression levels of reproduction-associated genes. These results provided novel insights into the reproductive ability of patients with cancer.

Effects of tris (2-carboxyethyl) phosphine hydrochloride treatment on porcine oocyte in vitro maturation and subsequent in vitro fertilized embryo developmental capacity

Oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) is a crucial process that determines subsequent in vitro embryo production. The present study investigated the effects of the antioxidant tris (2-carboxyethyl) phosphine hydrochloride (TCEP-HCL) on the in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes and in vitro developmental competence of fertilized embryos. Oocytes were matured in IVM medium based on four concentration groups of TCEP-HCL (0, 50, 100, and 200 μM) treatment. 100 μM TCEP-HCL treatment significantly increased the oocyte first polar body extrusion rate, monospermy rate and subsequent in vitro fertilized embryo developmental capacity (cleavage rate, blastocyst formation rate, and blastocyst total cell number) compared to those in the control group. Furthermore, 100 μM TCEP-HCL treatment significantly reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species, significantly increased glutathione levels and mitochondrial content compared to those in the control group. Moreover, 100 μM TCEP-HCL treatment significantly decreased the oocyte apoptosis, blastocyst apoptosis compared to that in the controls. In summary, these results indicate that 100 μM TCEP-HCL treatment improves the quality and developmental capacity of in vitro-fertilized embryos by decreasing oxidative stress in porcine oocytes.

Cyanidin improves oocyte maturation and the in vitro production of pig embryos

The objective of this study was to reduce the negative effects of oxidative stress by decreasing the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through supplementation of the major antioxidants present in elderberries: kuromanin and cyanidin. Oocytes (n = 1150) were supplemented with 100 or 200 μM of kuromanin or cyanidin during maturation, and then evaluated for ROS levels or fertilized and evaluated for penetration, polyspermic penetration, male pronucleus formation, and embryonic development. The ROS levels and incidence of polyspermic penetration were lower (P < 0.05) in oocytes supplemented with 100 μM cyanidin when compared with other treatments. Supplementation of 100 μM cyanidin increased (P < 0.05) MPN and blastocyst formation compared with other treatments. However, supplementation of 100 μM kuromanin did not have significant effects on the criteria evaluated, and supplementation of 200 μM kuromanin had significant (P < 0.05) detrimental effects for each criterion. Additional oocytes (n = 1438) were supplemented with 100 μM cyanidin during maturation and evaluated for glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activity. Supplementation of 100 μM cyanidin increased (P < 0.05) catalase activity and intracellular GSH levels compared with no supplementation of cyanidin. These results indicate that supplementing cyanidin during maturation reduces oxidative stress by reducing ROS levels and increasing GSH concentrations within the oocyte.

Effects of Supplementation with Natural Antioxidants on Oocytes and Preimplantation Embryos

For most infertile couples, in vitro fertilization (IVF) represents the only chance to conceive. Given the limited success of IVF procedures, novel approaches are continuously tested with the aim of improving IVF outcomes. Growing attention is devoted today to the potential benefit of natural antioxidants in the optimization of infertility treatments. This review summarizes current data in this context, focusing on both experimental studies on oocytes/embryos and clinical trials on antioxidants supplementation. Based on information gained from experimental studies, antioxidant supplementation may have beneficial effects on IVF outcomes in terms of quality and cryotolerance of in vitro produced embryos, together with positive effects on in vitro maturation oocytes and on early embryonic development. Unfortunately, from the clinical side, there is a paucity of evidence favoring the protective qualities of antioxidants. Among the antioxidants considered, coenzyme Q10 may be regarded as one of the most promising for its positive role in rescuing the oxidative stress-induced damages, but further data are needed. It is concluded that further trials are necessary to characterize the potential clinical value of antioxidants in IVF treatments.

Precision Betacarotene Supplementation Enhanced Ovarian Function and the LH Release Pattern in Yearling Crossbred Anestrous Goats

The possible out-of-season effect of beta-carotene supplementation on ovulation rate (OR), antral follicles (AFN), and total ovarian activity (TOA = OR + AFN) as related to the LH release pattern in yearling anestrous goats was evaluated. In late April, Alpine-Saanen-Nubian x Criollo goats (n = 22, 26 N) were randomly allotted to: (1) Beta-carotene (BETA; n = 10, orally supplemented with 50 mg/goat/d; 36.4 ± 1.07 kg live weight (LW), 3.5 ± 0.20 units, body condition score (BCS) or (2) Non-supplemented (CONT; n = 12, 35.2 ± 1.07 kg LW, 3.4 ± 0.2 units BCS). Upon estrus synchronization, an intensive blood sampling (6 h × 15 min) was accomplished in May for LH quantifications; response variables included (pulsatility-PULSE, time to first pulse-TTFP, amplitude-AMPL, nadir-NAD and area under the curve-AUC). Thereafter, an ultrasonography scanning was completed to assess OR and AFN. The Munro algorithm was used to quantify LH pulsatility; if significant effects of time, treatment or interaction were identified, data were compared across time. Neither LW nor BCS (p > 0.05) or even the LH (p > 0.05); PULSE (4.1 ± 0.9 pulses/6 h), NAD (0.47 ± 0.13 ng) and AUC (51.7 ± 18.6 units) differed between treatments. Nonetheless, OR (1.57 vs. 0.87 ± 0.18 units) and TOA (3.44 vs. 1.87 ± 0.45 units) escorted by a reduced TTFP (33 vs. 126 ± 31.9 min) and an increased AMPL (0.55 vs. 0.24 ± 0.9 ng), favored to the BETA supplemented group (p < 0.05), possibly through a GnRH-LH enhanced pathway and(or) a direct effect at ovarian level. Results are relevant to speed-up the out-of-season reproductive outcomes in goats while may embrace translational applications.