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Fernández-Hernández P, Valero-González M, Fuentes-Romero B, Iglesias-García M, Ezquerra-Calvo LJ, Martín-Cuervo M, Macías-García B. Resolution of two cases of ovarian abscesses in mares subjected to ovum pick up. Equine Vet J 2024; 56:751-758. [PMID: 38083902 DOI: 10.1111/evj.14031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, for in vitro embryo production in live mares, immature oocytes are retrieved by transvaginal follicular aspiration or ovum pick up (OPU). Occasionally, ovarian abscesses have been described after OPU, but no current consensus exists on how to treat this condition. OBJECTIVES To describe diagnosis and successful treatment of ovarian abscesses in two mares subjected to OPU. STUDY DESIGN Case report. METHODS Case records were reviewed and summarised. RESULTS In the first case, a pony mare showed tachypnoea, tachycardia, high temperature, leukocytosis, left hindlimb lameness and slight increase in concentration of serum amyloid A. Ultrasonography revealed an increase in the size of the left ovary and two well defined structures suggestive of ovarian abscess. A left ovariectomy by standing laparoscopy was the treatment of choice: the diagnosis was confirmed, and bacterial culture produced heavy growth of Streptococcus equi Zooepidemicus. In the second mare, an abnormal structure was observed in the left ovary in a routine transrectal ultrasonographic exam in the absence of any clinical signs or abnormal blood parameters. A medical approach was chosen and a sample of the purulent material was aspirated with a transvaginal ultrasound-guided approach. The sample yielded a heavy growth of Streptococcus equi Zooepidemicus after culture. Treatment was initiated with rifampicin and trimethoprim-sulfadiazine based on the antibiogram results and the abscess completely resolved after 40 days. MAIN LIMITATIONS Limited to two cases. CONCLUSIONS Ovarian abscesses in mares can be successfully treated both surgically and medically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Fernández-Hernández
- Departamento de Medicina Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Grupo de Investigación Medicina Interna Veterinaria (MINVET), Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Maria Martín-Cuervo
- Departamento de Medicina Animal, Grupo MECIAN, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Beatriz Macías-García
- Departamento de Medicina Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Grupo de Investigación Medicina Interna Veterinaria (MINVET), Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
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2
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Fuentes F, Contreras MJ, Arroyo-Salvo C, Cabrera P P, Silva M, Merino O, Arias ME, Felmer R. Effect of exogenous sperm capacitation inducers on stallion sperm. Theriogenology 2024; 226:29-38. [PMID: 38824691 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.05.042] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Although under appropriate laboratory conditions, sperm from different mammalian species can be capacitated in vitro, the optimal conditions for sperm capacitation in the stallion have been elusive. This study evaluated the effect of different capacitating inducers in Whitten and Tyrode media and assessed their impact on capacitation-related factors. Stallion sperm were incubated with different combinations of capacitating inducers at 38.5 °C in an air atmosphere. Sperm quality variables such as motility, mitochondrial membrane potential, and lipid peroxidation were assessed. Membrane fluidity and intracellular calcium levels were evaluated as early markers of capacitation, while tyrosine phosphorylation events and the sperm's ability to perform acrosomal exocytosis were used as late capacitation markers. Finally, these sperm were evaluated using a heterologous zona pellucida binding assay. The findings confirm that capacitating conditions evaluated increase intracellular calcium levels and membrane fluidity in both media. Similarly, including 2 or 3 inducers in both media increased tyrosine phosphorylation levels and acrosomal exocytosis after exposure to progesterone, confirming that stallion sperm incubated in these conditions shows cellular and molecular changes consistent with sperm capacitation. Furthermore, the zona pellucida binding assay confirmed the binding capacity of sperm incubated in capacitation conditions, a key step for stallion in vitro fertilization success. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of these conditions on in vitro fertilization in the horse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Fuentes
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Center of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Doctoral Program in Applied Cellular and Molecular Biology, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Maria Jose Contreras
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Center of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Camila Arroyo-Salvo
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Center of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Paulina Cabrera P
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Center of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Mauricio Silva
- Department of Veterinary Sciences and Public Health, Universidad Catolica de Temuco, Temuco, Chile
| | - Osvaldo Merino
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine. Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Maria Elena Arias
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Center of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Department of Agricultural Production, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Ricardo Felmer
- Laboratory of Reproduction, Center of Reproductive Biotechnology (CEBIOR-BIOREN), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Department of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.
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3
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de Castro RCF, Buranello TW, Recchia K, de Souza AF, Pieri NCG, Bressan FF. Emerging Contributions of Pluripotent Stem Cells to Reproductive Technologies in Veterinary Medicine. J Dev Biol 2024; 12:14. [PMID: 38804434 PMCID: PMC11130827 DOI: 10.3390/jdb12020014] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The generation of mature gametes and competent embryos in vitro from pluripotent stem cells has been successfully achieved in a few species, mainly in mice, with recent advances in humans and scarce preliminary reports in other domestic species. These biotechnologies are very attractive as they facilitate the understanding of developmental mechanisms and stages that are generally inaccessible during early embryogenesis, thus enabling advanced reproductive technologies and contributing to the generation of animals of high genetic merit in a short period. Studies on the production of in vitro embryos in pigs and cattle are currently used as study models for humans since they present more similar characteristics when compared to rodents in both the initial embryo development and adult life. This review discusses the most relevant biotechnologies used in veterinary medicine, focusing on the generation of germ-cell-like cells in vitro through the acquisition of totipotent status and the production of embryos in vitro from pluripotent stem cells, thus highlighting the main uses of pluripotent stem cells in livestock species and reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raiane Cristina Fratini de Castro
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 01001-010, SP, Brazil; (R.C.F.d.C.); (T.W.B.); (K.R.)
| | - Tiago William Buranello
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 01001-010, SP, Brazil; (R.C.F.d.C.); (T.W.B.); (K.R.)
| | - Kaiana Recchia
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 01001-010, SP, Brazil; (R.C.F.d.C.); (T.W.B.); (K.R.)
| | - Aline Fernanda de Souza
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil;
| | - Naira Caroline Godoy Pieri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil;
| | - Fabiana Fernandes Bressan
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 01001-010, SP, Brazil; (R.C.F.d.C.); (T.W.B.); (K.R.)
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Pirassununga 13635-900, SP, Brazil;
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De Coster T, Zhao Y, Tšuiko O, Demyda-Peyrás S, Van Soom A, Vermeesch JR, Smits K. Genome-wide equine preimplantation genetic testing enabled by simultaneous haplotyping and copy number detection. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2003. [PMID: 38263320 PMCID: PMC10805710 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48103-7] [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: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In different species, embryonic aneuploidies and genome-wide errors are a major cause of developmental failure. The increasing number of equine embryos being produced worldwide provides the opportunity to characterize and rank or select embryos based on their genetic profile prior to transfer. Here, we explored the possibility of generic, genome-wide preimplantation genetic testing concurrently for aneuploidies (PGT-A) and monogenic (PGT-M) traits and diseases in the horse, meanwhile assessing the incidence and spectrum of chromosomal and genome-wide errors in in vitro-produced equine embryos. To this end, over 70,000 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) positions were genotyped in 14 trophectoderm biopsies and corresponding biopsied blastocysts, and in 26 individual blastomeres from six arrested cleavage-stage embryos. Subsequently, concurrent genome-wide copy number detection and haplotyping by haplarithmisis was performed and the presence of aneuploidies and genome-wide errors and the inherited parental haplotypes for four common disease-associated genes with high carrier frequency in different horse breeds (GBE1, PLOD1, B3GALNT2, MUTYH), and for one color coat-associated gene (STX17) were compared in biopsy-blastocyst combinations. The euploid (n = 12) or fully aneuploid (n = 2) state and the inherited parental haplotypes for 42/45 loci of interest of the biopsied blastocysts were predicted by the biopsy samples in all successfully analyzed biopsy-blastocyst combinations (n = 9). Two biopsies showed a loss of maternal chromosome 28 and 31, respectively, which were confirmed in the corresponding blastocysts. In one of those biopsies, additional complex aneuploidies not present in the blastocyst were found. Five out of six arrested embryos contained chromosomal and/or genome-wide errors in most of their blastomeres, demonstrating their contribution to equine embryonic arrest in vitro. The application of the described PGT strategy would allow to select equine embryos devoid of genetic errors and pathogenetic variants, and with the variants of interest, which will improve foaling rate and horse quality. We believe this approach will be a gamechanger in horse breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- T De Coster
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Y Zhao
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - O Tšuiko
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - S Demyda-Peyrás
- Department of Genetics, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Animal Production, Veterinary School, National University of La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - A Van Soom
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - J R Vermeesch
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - K Smits
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
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Hedia M, Angel-Velez D, Papas M, Peere S, Gerits I, De Coster T, Van den Branden E, Govaere J, Van Soom A, Leroy JLMR, Smits K. Oxidative stress in donor mares for ovum pick-up delays embryonic development. Theriogenology 2024; 213:109-113. [PMID: 37826984 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
The in vitro production of equine embryos via ovum pick-up (OPU) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has increased rapidly. There is a marked effect of the individual mare on the outcome of OPU-ICSI, but little is known about the influence of the mare's health condition. This study aimed to investigate the potential associations between the concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs), and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) in serum of oocytes' donor mares and the subsequent embryonic development. Just before OPU, a blood sample was collected from 28 Warmblood donor mares, that were subjected to a routine OPU-ICSI program. The serum concentrations of IL-6, d-ROMs, and BAP were assayed photometrically. The maturation, cleavage and blastocyst rate as well as the kinetics of blastocyst development were recorded. The average blastocyst rate was 24.68 ± 5.16% and the average concentrations of IL-6, d-ROMs, and BAP were 519.59 ± 157.08 pg/mL, 171.30 ± 4.55 carratelli units (UCARR), and 2711.30 ± 4.55 μmol/L, respectively. Serum concentrations of IL-6, d-ROMs, and BAP were not significantly different between mares yielding at least one blastocyst (552.68 ± 235.18 pg/mL, 168.36 ± 5.56 UCARR, and 2524.80 ± 159.55 μmol/L) and mares yielding no blastocysts (468.47 ± 179.99 pg/mL, 175.85 ± 7.89 UCARR, and 2999.50 ± 300.13 μmol/L, respectively). Serum concentrations of d-ROMs were significantly lower in mares with fast growing (at day 7-8 post ICSI; 148.10 ± 8.13 UCARR) compared to those with slow growing blastocysts (≥ day 9 post ICSI; 179.41 ± 4.89 UCARR; P = 0.003). Taken together, the serum concentration of IL-6, d-ROMs, and BAP do not determine the mare's ability to produce blastocysts in vitro. Although it may be questioned whether a single sample is representative of the mare's health status, changes in serum metabolites related to oxidative stress at the time of oocyte retrieval were linked to a delayed blastocyst development in a clinical OPU-ICSI outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Hedia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium; Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt; Gamete Research Centre, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - Daniel Angel-Velez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium; Research Group in Animal Sciences-INCA-CES, Universidad CES, 050021, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Marion Papas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium; Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sofie Peere
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ilse Gerits
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Tine De Coster
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Emma Van den Branden
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Jan Govaere
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Jo L M R Leroy
- Gamete Research Centre, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Katrien Smits
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
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6
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Hedia M, Leroy JLMR, Govaere J, Van Soom A, Smits K. Lipid metabolites, interleukin-6 and oxidative stress markers in follicular fluid and their association with serum concentrations in mares. Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:2221-2228. [PMID: 37055645 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10122-0] [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: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
The application of trans-vaginal ovum pick up (OPU) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is well established for commercial in vitro embryo production in horses. These assisted reproductive techniques are especially applied during the non-breeding season of the mare. However, little is known about how the health of the oocyte donor may affect the biochemical composition of the follicular fluid (FF) in small and medium-sized follicles routinely aspirated during OPU. This study aimed to investigate associations between systemic and FF concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), total cholesterol, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs), biological antioxidant potential (BAP), and oxidative stress index (OSI) during the non-breeding season in mares. At the slaughterhouse, serum and FF of small (5-10 mm in diameter), medium (> 10-20 mm in diameter), and large (> 20-30 mm in diameter) follicles were sampled from 12 healthy mares. There was a strong positive association (P < 0.01) between the concentration of IL-6 in serum and those measured in small (r = 0.846), medium (r = 0.999), and large (r = 0.996) follicles. Serum concentrations of NEFA were positively correlated (P < 0.05) with those measured in small (r = 0.726), medium (r = 0.720), and large (r = 0.974) follicles. Values of total cholesterol and OSI in serum and medium follicles were significantly associated (r = 0.736 and r = 0.696, respectively). The serum concentrations of all lipid metabolites were markedly higher than those measured in FF of small- and medium-sized follicles. Values of IL-6 and OSI did not change significantly between serum and all follicle classes (P ≥ 0.05). To conclude, changes in the blood composition associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and disturbed lipid metabolism of mares may lead to an inadequate oocyte microenvironment, which could affect oocyte quality and the success rate of OPU/ICSI programs. Further research should indicate whether these changes may ultimately affect in vitro oocyte developmental capacity and subsequent embryo quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Hedia
- Gamete Research Centre, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.
- Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Jo L M R Leroy
- Gamete Research Centre, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Jan Govaere
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Katrien Smits
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Velazquez MA. Nutritional Strategies to Promote Bovine Oocyte Quality for In Vitro Embryo Production: Do They Really Work? Vet Sci 2023; 10:604. [PMID: 37888556 PMCID: PMC10611302 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10100604] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of bovine oocytes to reach the blastocyst stage (i.e., embryo with around 150 cells in cattle) in vitro can be affected by technical (e.g., culture medium used) and physiological factors in oocyte donors (e.g., age, breed). As such, the nutritional status of oocyte donors plays a significant role in the efficiency of in vitro embryo production (IVEP), and several nutritional strategies have been investigated in cattle subjected to ovum pick-up (OPU). However, there is no clear consensus on the reliability of nutritional schemes to improve IVEP in cattle. Available evidence suggests that a moderate body condition score (i.e., 3 in a 1-5 scale) in cattle is compatible with a metabolic microenvironment in ovarian follicles that will promote embryo formation in vitro. The usefulness of fatty acid and micronutrient supplementation to improve IVEP in cattle is debatable with the current information available. Overall, the supply of maintenance nutritional requirements according to developmental and productive stage seems to be enough to provide bovine oocyte donors with a good chance of producing embryos in vitro. Future nutrition research in cattle using OPU-IVEP models needs to consider animal well-being aspects (i.e., stress caused by handling and sampling), which could affect the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Velazquez
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
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de la Fuente A, Scoggin C, Bradecamp E, Martin-Pelaez S, van Heule M, Troedsson M, Daels P, Meyers S, Dini P. Transcriptome Signature of Immature and In Vitro-Matured Equine Cumulus-Oocytes Complex. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13718. [PMID: 37762020 PMCID: PMC10531358 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813718] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Maturation is a critical step in the development of an oocyte, and it is during this time that the oocyte advances to metaphase II (MII) of the meiotic cycle and acquires developmental competence to be fertilized and become an embryo. However, in vitro maturation (IVM) remains one of the limiting steps in the in vitro production of embryos (IVP), with a variable percentage of oocytes reaching the MII stage and unpredictable levels of developmental competence. Understanding the dynamics of oocyte maturation is essential for the optimization of IVM culture conditions and subsequent IVP outcomes. Thus, the aim of this study was to elucidate the transcriptome dynamics of oocyte maturation by comparing transcriptomic changes during in vitro maturation in both oocytes and their surrounding cumulus cells. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were obtained from antral follicles and divided into two groups: immature and in vitro-matured (MII). RNA was extracted separately from oocytes (OC) and cumulus cells (CC), followed by library preparation and RNA sequencing. A total of 13,918 gene transcripts were identified in OC, with 538 differentially expressed genes (DEG) between immature OC and in vitro-matured OC. In CC, 13,104 genes were expressed with 871 DEG. Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed an association between the DEGs and pathways relating to nuclear maturation in OC and GTPase activity, extracellular matrix organization, and collagen trimers in CC. Additionally, the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor gene (FSHR) and luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor gene (LHCGR) showed differential expressions between CC-MII and immature CC samples. Overall, these results serve as a foundation to further investigate the biological pathways relevant to oocyte maturation in horses and pave the road to improve the IVP outcomes and the overall clinical management of equine assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro de la Fuente
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Charles Scoggin
- LeBlanc Reproduction Center, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington, KY 40511, USA
| | - Etta Bradecamp
- LeBlanc Reproduction Center, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington, KY 40511, USA
| | - Soledad Martin-Pelaez
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Machteld van Heule
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Mats Troedsson
- Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Peter Daels
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Stuart Meyers
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Pouya Dini
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Cortez JV, Hardwicke K, Cuervo-Arango J, Grupen CG. Cloning horses by somatic cell nuclear transfer: Effects of oocyte source on development to foaling. Theriogenology 2023; 203:99-108. [PMID: 37011429 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
The cloning of horses is a commercial reality, yet the availability of oocytes for cloned embryo production remains a major limitation. Immature oocytes collected from abattoir-sourced ovaries or from live mares by ovum pick-up (OPU) have both been used to generate cloned foals. However, the reported cloning efficiencies are difficult to compare due to the different somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) techniques and conditions used. The objective of this retrospective study was to compare the in vitro and in vivo development of equine SCNT embryos produced using oocytes recovered from abattoir-sourced ovaries and from live mares by OPU. A total of 1,128 oocytes were obtained, of which 668 were abattoir-derived and 460 were OPU-derived. The methods used for in vitro maturation and SCNT were identical for both oocyte groups, and the embryos were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium/Nutrient Mixture F-12 Ham medium supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum. Embryo development in vitro was assessed, and Day 7 blastocysts were transferred to recipient mares. The embryos were transferred fresh when possible, and a cohort of vitrified-thawed OPU-derived blastocysts was also transferred. Pregnancy outcomes were recorded at Days 14, 42 and 90 of gestation and at foaling. The rates of cleavage (68.7 ± 3.9% vs 62.4 ± 4.7%) and development to the blastocyst stage (34.6 ± 3.3% vs 25.6 ± 2.0%) were superior for OPU-derived embryos compared with abattoir-derived embryos (P < 0.05). Following transfer of Day 7 blastocysts to a total of 77 recipient mares, the pregnancy rates at Days 14 and 42 of gestation were 37.7% and 27.3%, respectively. Beyond Day 42, the percentages of recipient mares that still had a viable conceptus at Day 90 (84.6% vs 37.5%) and gave birth to a healthy foal (61.5% vs 12.5%) were greater for the OPU group compared with the abattoir group (P < 0.05). Surprisingly, more favourable pregnancy outcomes were achieved when blastocysts were vitrified for later transfer, probably because the uterine receptivity of the recipient mares was more ideal. A total of 12 cloned foals were born, 9 of which were viable. Given the differences observed between the two oocyte groups, the use of OPU-harvested oocytes for generating cloned foals is clearly advantageous. Continued research is essential to better understand the oocyte deficiencies and increase the efficiency of equine cloning.
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Lewis N, Canesin H, Choi YH, Foss R, Felix M, Rader K, Hinrichs K. Equine in vitro produced blastocysts: relationship of embryo morphology, stage and speed of development to foaling rate. Reprod Fertil Dev 2023; 35:338-351. [PMID: 36731455 DOI: 10.1071/rd22224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Information on factors associated with developmental competence of equine in vitro -produced (IVP) blastocysts is lacking. AIMS To determine the relationships of stage, grade, day of development, and specific morphological parameters of equine IVP blastocysts, to pregnancy and foaling rates. METHODS Photomicrographs of 316 IVP embryos with known pregnancy outcomes were scrutinised individually by four observers. Inter-observer variation was assessed, and pregnancy outcome evaluated in relation to day of blastocyst development and assigned grade and stage. Individual component analysis was performed to determine the association of specific morphological parameters with foaling rate. KEY RESULTS Overall pregnancy rate was 76.9% and foaling rate was 56.3%. The day of embryo development did not affect pregnancy rate but significantly affected foaling rate. Embryo stage did not affect foaling rate. Embryo grade affected foaling rate only for Day-9 embryos. Some morphological features in the bovine grading system did not predict outcome in equine IVP embryos. Significant individual parameters differed between Stage 5 and Stage 6 equine blastocysts. CONCLUSIONS Day of blastocyst development is the major factor related to foaling rate for equine IVP embryos. Notably, there was no effect of embryo stage on foaling rate and no evidence that prolonging culture until embryos advance in stage increases foaling rate. The standard bovine grading system is not directly applicable to equine IVP embryos; equine-specific staging and grading systems are proposed. IMPLICATIONS This information will allow laboratories to identify embryos with the highest developmental competence. Use of the proposed systems will increase consistency in embryo assessment among laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niamh Lewis
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield Campus, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Heloisa Canesin
- Equine Embryology Laboratory, CH Equine Reproduction, Adamantina, Brazil
| | - Young Ho Choi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Rob Foss
- Equine Medical Services, Inc., Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Matheus Felix
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; and Department of Clinical Studies - New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, 382 W. Street Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA
| | - Kindra Rader
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Katrin Hinrichs
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; and Department of Clinical Studies - New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, 382 W. Street Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA
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11
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Dai S, Di Z, Li N, Zeng S. Optimization of recovery and maturation methods for cumulus-oocyte complexes in jennies. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58:168-175. [PMID: 36214091 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14276] [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: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Embryo production in donkeys is inefficient compared with that in other livestock. Obtaining a sufficient number of MII oocytes is the first step to solving this problem. In this study, the number, morphology and maturation rates of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) obtained from abattoir-derived ovaries or live jennies were compared. The diameter of follicles from abattoir-derived ovaries was measured and divided into group 1 (2-6 mm), group 2 (6-10 mm), group 3 (10-20 mm), group 4 (20-28 mm) and group 5 (>28 mm). The results showed that the number of follicles per ovary in group 2 (3.6 ± 0.28) and 3 (4.2 ± 0.90) was higher than that in the other groups (p < .05). The recovery rate in group 3 was higher than group 1 (48.8% vs. 26.8%, p = .00), but lower than group 5 (48.8% vs. 76.5%, p = .025). The percentage of grade A COCs in group 3 was higher than group 2 (59.3% vs. 39.5%, p = .00) and group 1 (59.3% vs. 26.7%, p = .00). Moreover, the percentage of grade A COCs in group 4 (55.0%, p = .710) and group 5 (46.2%, p = .351) was reduced compared with that in group 3. From the above results, the developing follicles (group ovum pick-up [OPU], 10-20 mm) and preovulation follicles (group OPU-Preov, >35 mm) were aspirated from live jennies using OPU. Although there was no difference in the recovery rates of COCs between group 3 and OPU (48.8% vs. 43.0%, p = .184), the percentage of grades A COCs in group OPU was higher than group 3 (72.5% vs. 59.3%, p = .036). There was no difference in the maturation rate between group 3 and OPU (60.3% vs. 69.3%, p = .171) after the COCs matured in vitro. The rates of recovery (72.2%) and maturation (92.3%) in group OPU-Preov were higher than those in other groups (p < .05). Moreover, the effects of maturation time and serum type on maturation rates were evaluated in groups B44 (44 h, FBS), B36 (36 h, FBS) and D44 (44 h, foetal donkey serum, FDS). These results indicated that the maturation rate in group B36 was lower than group B44 (13.1% vs. 47.0%, p = .00) and group D44 (13.1% vs. 53.3%, p = .00). In conclusion, the quality of donkey COCs from OPU was higher than that from abattoir-derived ovaries, the suitable time of donkey in vitro maturation (IVM) was 44 h, and FBS could be replaced with FDS in donkey IVM medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizhen Dai
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengyang Di
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shenming Zeng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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12
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Catalán J, Martínez-Rodero I, Yánez-Ortiz I, Mateo-Otero Y, Bragulat AF, Nolis P, Carluccio A, Yeste M, Miró J. Metabolic profiling of preovulatory follicular fluid in jennies. Res Vet Sci 2022; 153:127-136. [PMID: 36356420 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2022.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Follicular fluid is formed from the transudation of theca and granulosa cells in the growing follicular antrum. Its main function is to provide an optimal intrafollicular microenvironment to modulate oocyte maturation. The aim of this study was to determine the metabolomic profile of preovulatory follicular fluid (PFF) in jennies. For this purpose, PFF was collected from 10 follicles of five jennies in heat. Then, PFF samples were analysed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and heteronuclear single quantum correlation (2D 1H/13C HSQC). Our study revealed the presence of at least 27 metabolites in the PFF of jennies (including common amino acids, carboxylic acids, amino acid derivatives, alcohols, saccharides, fatty acids, and lactams): 3-hydroxybutyrate, acetate, alanine, betaine, citrate, creatine, creatine phosphate, creatinine, ethanol, formate, glucose, glutamine, glycerol, glycine, hippurate, isoleucine, lactate, leucine, lysine, methanol, phenylalanine, proline, pyruvate, threonine, tyrosine, valine, and τ-methylhistidine. The metabolites found here have an important role in the oocyte development and maturation, since the PFF surrounds the follicle and provides it with the needed nutrients. Our results indicate a unique metabolic profile of the jennies PFF, as it differs from those previously observed in the PFF of the mare, a phylogenetically close species that is taken as a reference for establishing reproductive biotechnology techniques in donkeys. The metabolites found here also differ from those described in the TCM-199 medium enriched with fetal bovine serum (FBS), which is the most used medium for in vitro oocyte maturation in equids. These differences would suggest that the established conditions for in vitro maturation used so far may not be suitable for donkeys. By providing the metabolic composition of jenny PFF, this study could help understand the physiology of oocyte maturation as a first step to establish in vitro reproductive techniques in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Catalán
- Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, IT-64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Iris Martínez-Rodero
- Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iván Yánez-Ortiz
- Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain; Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Yentel Mateo-Otero
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Ana Flores Bragulat
- Equine Production Laboratory, Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, National University of Río Cuarto, AR- X5800 Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Pau Nolis
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, ES-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Augusto Carluccio
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Loc. Piano d'Accio, IT-64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003 Girona, Spain; Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), ES-08010 Barcelona, Spain..
| | - Jordi Miró
- Unit of Animal Reproduction, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, ES-08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain.
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13
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Lopes JS, Ivanova E, Ruiz S, Andrews S, Kelsey G, Coy P. Effect of Superovulation Treatment on Oocyte's DNA Methylation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:16158. [PMID: 36555801 PMCID: PMC9785075 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Controlled ovarian stimulation is a necessary step in some assisted reproductive procedures allowing a higher collection of female gametes. However, consequences of this stimulation for the gamete or the offspring have been shown in several mammals. Most studies used comparisons between oocytes from different donors, which may contribute to different responses. In this work, we use the bovine model in which each animal serves as its own control. DNA methylation profiles were obtained by single-cell whole-genome bisulfite sequencing of oocytes from pre-ovulatory unstimulated follicles compared to oocytes from stimulated follicles. Results show that the global percentage of methylation was similar between groups, but the percentage of methylation was lower for non-stimulated oocytes in the imprinted genes APEG3, MEG3, and MEG9 and higher in TSSC4 when compared to stimulated oocytes. Differences were also found in CGI of imprinted genes: higher methylation was found among non-stimulated oocytes in MEST (PEG1), IGF2R, GNAS (SCG6), KvDMR1 ICR UMD, and IGF2. In another region around IGF2, the methylation percentage was lower for non-stimulated oocytes when compared to stimulated oocytes. Data drawn from this study might help to understand the molecular reasons for the appearance of certain syndromes in assisted reproductive technologies-derived offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordana S. Lopes
- Physiology of Reproduction Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Elena Ivanova
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Salvador Ruiz
- Physiology of Reproduction Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Simon Andrews
- Bioinformatics Group, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Gavin Kelsey
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Pilar Coy
- Physiology of Reproduction Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Institute for Biomedical Research of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, 30100 Murcia, Spain
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14
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Briski O, Salamone DF. Past, present and future of ICSI in livestock species. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106925. [PMID: 35148927 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.106925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
During the past 2 decades, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has become a routine technique for clinical applications in humans. The widespread use among domestic species, however, has been limited to horses. In horses, ICSI is used to reproduce elite individuals and, as well as in humans, to mitigate or even circumvent reproductive barriers. Failures in superovulation and conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF) have been the main reason for the use of this technology in horses. In pigs, ICSI has been successfully used to produce transgenic animals. A series of factors have resulted in implementation of ICSI in pigs: need to use zygotes for numerous technologies, complexity of collecting zygotes surgically, and problems of polyspermy when there is utilization of IVF procedures. Nevertheless, there have been very few additional reports confirming positive results with the use of ICSI in pigs. The ICSI procedure could be important for use in cattle of high genetic value by maximizing semen utilization, as well as for utilization of spermatozoa from prepubertal bulls, by providing the opportunity to shorten the generation interval. When attempting to utilize ICSI in ruminants, there are some biological limitations that need to be overcome if this procedure is going to be efficacious for making genetic improvements in livestock in the future. In this review article, there is an overview and projection of the methodologies and applications that are envisioned for ICSI utilization in these species in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Briski
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Agronomía, Departamento de Producción Animal, Buenos Aires, Laboratorio Biotecnología Animal (LabBA), Av. San Martin 4453, Ciudad Autónoma de, Buenos Aires 1417, Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción Animal (INPA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - D F Salamone
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Agronomía, Departamento de Producción Animal, Buenos Aires, Laboratorio Biotecnología Animal (LabBA), Av. San Martin 4453, Ciudad Autónoma de, Buenos Aires 1417, Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción Animal (INPA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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15
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Fluks M, Tamborski S, Szkulmowski M, Ajduk A. Optical coherence microscopy allows for quality assessment of immature mouse oocytes. Reproduction 2022; 164:83-95. [PMID: 35900349 DOI: 10.1530/rep-22-0178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In brief Optical coherence microscopy is a label-free and non-invasive imaging technique capable of 3D subcellular structure visualization. Here we show that this method allows for quality assessment of immature mouse oocytes based on their chromatin conformation and can be a valuable addition to the toolkit used in assisted reproduction procedures. Abstract The success of assisted reproductive technologies, and particularly in vitro maturation, is tightly linked to the quality of oocytes. Therefore, there is a need for robust, reliable, and easy-to-assess biomarkers of oocyte developmental competence. Microscopy techniques visualizing oocyte intracellular structure could provide such biomarkers. However, fluorescence imaging methods, applied frequently in biology and allowing for detailed structural and dynamic studies of single cells, require fluorescent tags to visualize cellular architecture and may cause short- and long-term photo-damage. On the other hand, traditional light microscopy, although relatively non-invasive, does not provide detailed structural information. Optical coherence microscopy (OCM) is a promising alternative, as it does not require sample pre-processing or labelling and can provide 3D images of intracellular structures. Here we applied OCM to assess the chromatin conformation of immature mouse oocytes, a feature that corresponds with their transcriptional status and developmental competence and cannot be examined by traditional light microscopy. We showed that OCM distinguished oocytes with so-called non-surrounded nucleoli (NSN) and surrounded nucleoli (SN) chromatin conformation with very high sensitivity and specificity and that OCM scanning did not decrease the quality of oocytes. Finally, we cross-referenced OCM data with the oocyte ability to undergo normal nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation and proven that indeed oocytes scored with OCM as NSN mature less effectively than oocytes scored as SN. Our results suggest that OCM may be a valuable addition to the imaging toolkit used in assisted reproduction procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Fluks
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Szymon Tamborski
- Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland
| | - Maciej Szkulmowski
- Institute of Physics, Faculty of Physics, Astronomy, and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland
| | - Anna Ajduk
- Department of Embryology, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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16
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Ruggeri E, Young C, Ravida N, Sirard MA, Krisher R, de la Rey M, Herbst C, Durrant B. Glucose consumption and gene expression in granulosa cells collected before and after in vitro oocyte maturation in the southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum). Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 34:875-888. [PMID: 35871524 DOI: 10.1071/rd22071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT With two northern white rhinos (NWR) remaining, the continued existence of this species relies on studying their relative, the southern white rhino (SWR). AIMS (1) Characterise gene expression in granulosa cells (GC) from SWR cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) prior to (Pre-) and after (Post-) in vitro maturation (IVM), comparing culture media and oocytes from donors treated with or without gonadotropin stimulation prior to ovum recovery; and (2) evaluate COC glucose consumption in spent media. METHODS COCs were retrieved from four SWRs. Granulosa cells were collected before and after IVM in SDZ or IZW medium. Total RNA was evaluated by qPCR. KEY RESULTS Oocyte maturation was greater in SDZ than IZW media. Expression of genes associated with follicle development increased in Pre-IVM GC. Six genes were differentially expressed in Post-IVM GC from stimulated compared to unstimulated donors. COCs from stimulated animals consumed more glucose. Fifty seven percent of oocytes in SDZ medium consumed all available glucose. CONCLUSIONS Gene expression changed upon in vitro maturation and gonadotropin stimulation. Higher glucose availability might be needed during IVM. IMPLICATIONS This is the first study examining GC gene expression and COC metabolic requirements in rhinoceros, which are critical aspects to optimise IVM of rhinoceros oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ruggeri
- Reproductive Sciences, Beckman Center for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027, USA
| | - C Young
- Reproductive Sciences, Beckman Center for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027, USA
| | - N Ravida
- Reproductive Sciences, Beckman Center for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027, USA
| | - M A Sirard
- Departement des Sciences Animales, Centre de Recherce en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Inter-générationnelle (CRDSI), Université Laval, Pavillion Des Services, Local 2732, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - R Krisher
- Genus PLC, 1525 River Road, De Forest, WI 53532, USA
| | - M de la Rey
- Embryo Plus, 41 Hendrik Vrewoerd Avenue, Brits 0250, South Africa
| | - C Herbst
- Embryo Plus, 41 Hendrik Vrewoerd Avenue, Brits 0250, South Africa
| | - B Durrant
- Reproductive Sciences, Beckman Center for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027, USA
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17
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Biasetti P, Hildebrandt TB, Göritz F, Hermes R, Holtze S, Galli C, Lazzari G, Colleoni S, Pollastri I, Spiriti MM, Stejskal J, Seet S, Zwilling J, Ngulu S, Mutisya S, Kariuki L, Lokolool I, Omondo P, Ndeereh D, de Mori B. Ethical Analysis of the Application of Assisted Reproduction Technologies in Biodiversity Conservation and the Case of White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) Ovum Pick-Up Procedures. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:831675. [PMID: 35591869 PMCID: PMC9113018 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.831675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Originally applied on domestic and lab animals, assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs) have also found application in conservation breeding programs, where they can make the genetic management of populations more efficient, and increase the number of individuals per generation. However, their application in wildlife conservation opens up new ethical scenarios that have not yet been fully explored. This study presents a frame for the ethical analysis of the application of ART procedures in conservation based on the Ethical Matrix (EM), and discusses a specific case study—ovum pick-up (OPU) procedures performed in the current conservation efforts for the northern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni)—providing a template for the assessment of ART procedures in projects involving other endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierfrancesco Biasetti
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
- Ethics Laboratory for Veterinary Medicine, Conservation, and Animal Welfare, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- *Correspondence: Pierfrancesco Biasetti
| | - Thomas B. Hildebrandt
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität, Berlin, Germany
- Thomas B. Hildebrandt
| | - Frank Göritz
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Hermes
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne Holtze
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cesare Galli
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Cremona, Italy
| | - Giovanna Lazzari
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Cremona, Italy
| | - Silvia Colleoni
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Cremona, Italy
| | - Ilaria Pollastri
- Ethics Laboratory for Veterinary Medicine, Conservation, and Animal Welfare, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Maria Michela Spiriti
- Ethics Laboratory for Veterinary Medicine, Conservation, and Animal Welfare, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Jan Stejskal
- ZOO Dvůr Králové, Dvůr Králové nad Labem, Czechia
| | - Steven Seet
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Zwilling
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Barbara de Mori
- Ethics Laboratory for Veterinary Medicine, Conservation, and Animal Welfare, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Legnaro, Italy
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18
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Julia G, Barbara KM, Sebastian S, Joanna K, Agnieszka N, Julianna Ł, Elżbieta K, Monika BP. Extracellular vesicles from follicular fluid may improve the nuclear maturation rate of in vitro matured mare oocytes. Theriogenology 2022; 188:116-124. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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19
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Rim CS, Kim YS, Rim CH, Ri YJ, Choe JS, Kim DS, Kim GS, Il Ri J, Kim RC, Chen H, Xiao L, Fu Z, Pak YJ, Jong UM. Effect of roscovitine pretreatment for increased utilization of small follicle-derived oocytes on developmental competence of somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos in pigs. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 241:106987. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.106987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Srirattana K, Hufana‐Duran D, Atabay EP, Duran PG, Atabay EC, Lu K, Liang Y, Chaikhun‐Marcou T, Theerakittayakorn K, Parnpai R. Current status of assisted reproductive technologies in buffaloes. Anim Sci J 2022; 93:e13767. [PMID: 36123790 PMCID: PMC9787342 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Buffaloes are raised by small farm holders primarily as source of draft power owing to its resistance to hot climate, disease, and stress conditions. Over the years, transformation of these animals from draft to dairy was deliberately carried out through genetic improvement program leading to the development of buffalo-based enterprises. Buffalo production is now getting more attention and interest from buffalo raisers due to its socioeconomic impact as well as its contribution to propelling the livestock industry in many developing countries. Reproduction of buffaloes, however, is confronted with huge challenge and concern as being generally less efficient to reproduce compared with cattle due to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors such as poor estrus manifestation, silent heat, marked seasonal infertility, postpartum anestrus, long calving interval, delayed puberty, inherently low number of primordial follicles in their ovaries, high incidence of atresia, and apoptosis. Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are major interventions for the efficient utilization of follicle reserve in buffaloes. The present review focuses on estrus and ovulation synchronization for fixed time artificial insemination, in vitro embryo production, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos, somatic cell nuclear transfer, the factors affecting utilization in various ARTs, and future perspectives in buffaloes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanokwan Srirattana
- Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural TechnologySuranaree University of TechnologyNakhon RatchasimaThailand
| | - Danilda Hufana‐Duran
- Reproduction and Physiology SectionDepartment of Agriculture‐Philippine Carabao CenterScience City of MunozNueva EcijaPhilippines,Department of Animal ScienceCentral Luzon State UniversityScience City of MunozNueva EcijaPhilippines
| | - Eufrocina P. Atabay
- Reproduction and Physiology SectionDepartment of Agriculture‐Philippine Carabao CenterScience City of MunozNueva EcijaPhilippines
| | - Peregrino G. Duran
- Reproduction and Physiology SectionDepartment of Agriculture‐Philippine Carabao CenterScience City of MunozNueva EcijaPhilippines,Department of Animal ScienceCentral Luzon State UniversityScience City of MunozNueva EcijaPhilippines
| | - Edwin C. Atabay
- Reproduction and Physiology SectionDepartment of Agriculture‐Philippine Carabao CenterScience City of MunozNueva EcijaPhilippines,Department of Animal ScienceCentral Luzon State UniversityScience City of MunozNueva EcijaPhilippines
| | - Kehuan Lu
- Animal Reproduction InstituteGuangxi UniversityNanningGuangxiChina
| | - Yuanyuan Liang
- Department of Reproductive MedicineLiuzhou General HospitalLiuzhouGuangxiChina
| | - Thuchadaporn Chaikhun‐Marcou
- Obstetrics Gynecology Andrology and Animal Biotechnology Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary MedicineMahanakorn University of TechnologyBangkokThailand
| | - Kasem Theerakittayakorn
- Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural TechnologySuranaree University of TechnologyNakhon RatchasimaThailand
| | - Rangsun Parnpai
- Embryo Technology and Stem Cell Research Center, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural TechnologySuranaree University of TechnologyNakhon RatchasimaThailand
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21
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Effect of Mare Age on Transcript Abundance of Connexins-37 and -43, Zona Pellucida Proteins, and Sperm Binding. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 108:103796. [PMID: 34818616 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103796] [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: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Zona pellucida (ZP) proteins are important for fertilization and sperm binding and are closely associated with cumulus cells. Communication between cumulus and oocytes is facilitated by intracellular membrane channels composed of connexins. The extent aging impacts potential differences in fertilization and reductions in fertility is not well understood. This study characterized age-related differences in transcript abundance of ZP proteins and connexins in cells from ovarian follicles. Additionally, differences in sperm binding to oocytes from old and young mares was evaluated. For experiment 1, oocytes, corona radiata, cumulus, and granulosa cells were collected from mares classified as young (4-12 years) or old (> 20 years). Transcript abundance was evaluated for connexins -37 (GJA4) and -43 (GJA1); zona pellucida glycoproteins 1, 2, 3, and 4 (ZP1, ZP2, ZP3, ZP4); Tubulin (TUBA1A), and equine chorionic gonadotropin β. For experiment 2, oocytes that failed to cleave following intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were stored in salt solution for up to 4 years and used for sperm binding assays. Transcript abundance for GJA1 was decreased in oocytes, corona radiata, and granulosa cells while GJA4 was decreased in cumulus cells from old compared to young mares. Additionally, ZP1 tended to be decreased in corona radiata and cumulus cells from old mares. Oocytes from old mares tended to bind less spermatozoa compared young mares. Oocytes that failed to cleave following ICSI can be used for sperm binding studies for up to 2 years without losses in sperm binding. Our findings suggest that maternal age may contribute to changes in cellular communication and the ZP that could impact sperm binding.
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22
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Orsolini MF, Meyers SA, Dini P. An Update on Semen Physiology, Technologies, and Selection Techniques for the Advancement of In Vitro Equine Embryo Production: Section II. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113319. [PMID: 34828049 PMCID: PMC8614388 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In order to improve fertilization and pregnancy rates within artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization techniques in horses, producers may choose to select the best sperm within an ejaculate. In this paper, we review conventional and novel methods of sperm selection. Abstract As the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and in vitro embryo production (IVP) expand in the equine industry, it has become necessary to further our understanding of available semen selection techniques. This segment of our two-section review will focus on the selection of spermatozoa based on quality and sex for equine intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), as well as current and future developments in sperm sorting technologies. Ultimately, novel methods of semen selection will be assessed based on their efficacy in other species and their relevance and future application towards ARTs in the horse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan F. Orsolini
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Stuart A. Meyers
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Pouya Dini
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
- Correspondence:
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23
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Hall SJG, Brenig B, Ashdown RA, Curry MR. Conservation of rare wild‐living cattle
Bos taurus
(L.): coat colour gene illuminates breed history, and associated reproductive anomalies have not reduced herd fertility. J Zool (1987) 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - B. Brenig
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine University of Göttingen Göttingen Germany
| | | | - M. R. Curry
- School of Life Sciences University of Lincoln Lincoln UK
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24
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Bezerra FTG, Paulino LRFM, Silva BR, Silva AWB, Souza Batista ALP, Silva JRV. Effects of epidermal growth factor and progesterone on oocyte meiotic resumption and the expression of maturation-related transcripts during prematuration of oocytes from small and medium-sized bovine antral follicles. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:1190-1199. [PMID: 32943135 DOI: 10.1071/rd20099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and progesterone (P4) on growth, the resumption of meiosis and expression of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E(eIF4E), poly(A)-specific ribonuclease (PARN), oocyte-specific histone H1 (H1FOO), oocyte maturation factor Mos (cMOS), growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF9) and cyclin B1 (CCNB1) mRNA in oocytes from small and medium-sized antral follicles after prematuration and maturation invitro. Oocytes from small (<2.0mm) and medium (3.0-6.0mm) antral follicles were cultured in medium containing EGF (10ng mL-1), P4 (100 µM) or both. After culture, growth rate, resumption of meiosis and eIF4E, PARN, H1FOO, cMOS, GDF9 and CCNB1 mRNA levels were evaluated. P4 increased cMOS, H1FOO and CCNB1 mRNA levels after the culture of oocytes from small antral follicles, and EGF increased CCNB1 mRNA levels in these oocytes. In the medium-sized antral follicles, P4 alone or in combination with EGF increased oocyte diameter after prematuration invitro. In these oocytes, the presence of either EGF or P4 in the culture medium increased cMOS mRNA levels. In conclusion, P4 increases cMOS, H1FOO and CCNB1 mRNA levels after the culture of oocytes from small antral follicles. P4 and the combination of EGF and P4 promote the growth of oocytes from medium-sized antral follicles, and both EGF and P4 increase cMOS mRNA levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Taiã G Bezerra
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction, Federal University of Ceara, Sobral-CE, Brazil
| | - Laís R F M Paulino
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction, Federal University of Ceara, Sobral-CE, Brazil
| | - Bianca R Silva
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction, Federal University of Ceara, Sobral-CE, Brazil
| | - Anderson W B Silva
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction, Federal University of Ceara, Sobral-CE, Brazil
| | - Ana L P Souza Batista
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction, Federal University of Ceara, Sobral-CE, Brazil
| | - José R V Silva
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Physiology of Reproduction, Federal University of Ceara, Sobral-CE, Brazil; and Corresponding author.
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25
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Benammar A, Derisoud E, Vialard F, Palmer E, Ayoubi JM, Poulain M, Chavatte-Palmer P. The Mare: A Pertinent Model for Human Assisted Reproductive Technologies? Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:2304. [PMID: 34438761 PMCID: PMC8388489 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although there are large differences between horses and humans for reproductive anatomy, follicular dynamics, mono-ovulation, and embryo development kinetics until the blastocyst stage are similar. In contrast to humans, however, horses are seasonal animals and do not have a menstrual cycle. Moreover, horse implantation takes place 30 days later than in humans. In terms of artificial reproduction techniques (ART), oocytes are generally matured in vitro in horses because ovarian stimulation remains inefficient. This allows the collection of oocytes without hormonal treatments. In humans, in vivo matured oocytes are collected after ovarian stimulation. Subsequently, only intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is performed in horses to produce embryos, whereas both in vitro fertilization and ICSI are applied in humans. Embryos are transferred only as blastocysts in horses. In contrast, four cells to blastocyst stage embryos are transferred in humans. Embryo and oocyte cryopreservation has been mastered in humans, but not completely in horses. Finally, both species share infertility concerns due to ageing and obesity. Thus, reciprocal knowledge could be gained through the comparative study of ART and infertility treatments both in woman and mare, even though the horse could not be used as a single model for human ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achraf Benammar
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Foch Hospital, 92150 Suresnes, France
| | - Emilie Derisoud
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - François Vialard
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Eric Palmer
- Académie d’Agriculture de France, 75007 Paris, France;
| | - Jean Marc Ayoubi
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Foch Hospital, 92150 Suresnes, France
| | - Marine Poulain
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Foch Hospital, 92150 Suresnes, France
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France; (A.B.); (E.D.); (F.V.); (J.M.A.); (M.P.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, BREED, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
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Kaps M, Okada CTC, Gautier CM, Aurich J, Aurich C. Deslorelin Slow-Release Implants Delay Ovulation and Increase Plasma AMH Concentration and Small Antral Follicles in Haflinger Mares. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061600. [PMID: 34071625 PMCID: PMC8229780 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In horses, oocyte collection followed by intra-cytoplasmatic sperm injection is increasingly used. The yield of oocytes is a limiting factor and depends on the number of follicles present on the ovary during oocyte collection. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the effect of slow-release implants containing the GnRH analogue deslorelin on the number of follicles and on hormones regulating follicular development. Six mares received a deslorelin implant and six mares served as controls. The interval to the first spontaneous ovulation was prolonged in treated mares. The treatment changed the release pattern of the gonadotrophins LH and FSH. Changes in the number of follicles 10 to 15 mm in diameter were detected in deslorelin-treated mares. These changes were also reflected by increasing plasma anti-Muellerian hormone concentrations, a hormone produced by growing follicles. In conclusion, deslorelin implants induce changes in ovarian follicle subpopulations and could be a promising tool for the preparation of mares for assisted reproductive procedures. Abstract There is an increasing interest in the manipulation of ovarian follicular populations in large domestic animals because this could prove beneficial for assisted reproductive techniques such as ovum pick-up (OPU). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of deslorelin slow-release implants (SRI) on the interovulatory interval, antral follicle count (AFC), number of follicles of different size ranges and plasma anti-Muellerian hormone (AMH) concentration in mares. To synchronize their estrous cycles, Haflinger mares (n = 12) were treated twice with a PGF2α analogue. One day after the second injection (day 0), mares received a 9.4 mg deslorelin SRI (group DES, n = 6) or 1.25 mg deslorelin in a short-acting formulation (CON; n = 6), respectively. Regular transrectal ultrasonography of the genital tract was performed and blood samples were collected for the analysis of progesterone, AMH and gonadotrophins. The interval from implant insertion to the first spontaneous ovulation was 23.8 ± 10.5 days in group DES compared to 17.0 ± 3.9 days in group CON (p < 0.05). For the concentrations of LH, FSH and AMH, interactions between time and treatment were detected (p < 0.05). The AFC and the mean number of follicles with 5 to 10, 10 to 15 and 15 to 20 mm in diameter changed over time (p < 0.05). A time x treatment interaction was demonstrated for follicles of 10 to 15 mm in diameter (p < 0.05). The changes in this follicular subpopulation were reflected by increased plasma AMH concentration in group DES. In conclusion, 9.4 mg deslorelin implants show minor effects with regard to estrus suppression in mares, whereas the changes in the subpopulation of small ovarian follicles could be a promising tool for preparation of mares for OPU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martim Kaps
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (M.K.); (C.T.C.O.); (C.M.G.)
| | - Carolina T. C. Okada
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (M.K.); (C.T.C.O.); (C.M.G.)
| | - Camille M. Gautier
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (M.K.); (C.T.C.O.); (C.M.G.)
| | - Jörg Aurich
- Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Andrology, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Christine Aurich
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (M.K.); (C.T.C.O.); (C.M.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-1-25077-6400
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27
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Springer C, Wolf E, Simmet K. A New Toolbox in Experimental Embryology-Alternative Model Organisms for Studying Preimplantation Development. J Dev Biol 2021; 9:15. [PMID: 33918361 PMCID: PMC8167745 DOI: 10.3390/jdb9020015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Preimplantation development is well conserved across mammalian species, but major differences in developmental kinetics, regulation of early lineage differentiation and implantation require studies in different model organisms, especially to better understand human development. Large domestic species, such as cattle and pig, resemble human development in many different aspects, i.e., the timing of zygotic genome activation, mechanisms of early lineage differentiations and the period until blastocyst formation. In this article, we give an overview of different assisted reproductive technologies, which are well established in cattle and pig and make them easily accessible to study early embryonic development. We outline the available technologies to create genetically modified models and to modulate lineage differentiation as well as recent methodological developments in genome sequencing and imaging, which form an immense toolbox for research. Finally, we compare the most recent findings in regulation of the first lineage differentiations across species and show how alternative models enhance our understanding of preimplantation development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Springer
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (C.S.); (E.W.)
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (C.S.); (E.W.)
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Kilian Simmet
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (C.S.); (E.W.)
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Fujishiro T, Aoyama T, Hano K, Takasu M, Takeuchi M, Hasegawa Y. Microinjection System to Enable Real-Time 3D Image Presentation Through Focal Position Adjustment. IEEE Robot Autom Lett 2021. [DOI: 10.1109/lra.2021.3067857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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29
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de Mori B, Spiriti MM, Pollastri I, Normando S, Biasetti P, Florio D, Andreucci F, Colleoni S, Galli C, Göritz F, Hermes R, Holtze S, Lazzari G, Seet S, Zwilling J, Stejskal J, Mutisya S, Ndeereh D, Ngulu S, Vigne R, Hildebrandt TB. An Ethical Assessment Tool (ETHAS) to Evaluate the Application of Assisted Reproductive Technologies in Mammals' Conservation: The Case of the Northern White Rhinoceros ( Ceratotherium simum cottoni). Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:312. [PMID: 33530613 PMCID: PMC7911958 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) can make a difference in biodiversity conservation. Their application, however, can create risks and raise ethical issues that need addressing. Unfortunately, there is a lack of attention to the topic in the scientific literature and, to our knowledge, there is no tool for the ethical assessment of ARTs in the context of conservation that has been described. This paper reports the first applications of the Ethical Assessment Tool (ETHAS) to trans-rectal ovum pick-up (OPU) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures used in a northern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni) conservation project. The ETHAS consists of two checklists, the Ethical Evaluation Sheet and the Ethical Risk Assessment, and is specifically customized for each ART procedure. It provides an integrated, multilevel and standardized self-assessment of the procedure under scrutiny, generating an ethical acceptability ranking (totally, partially, not acceptable) and a risk rank (low, medium, high), and, hence, allows for implementing measures to address or manage issues beforehand. The application of the ETHAS to the procedures performed on the northern white rhinoceros was effective in ensuring a high standard of procedures, contributing to the acceptability and improved communication among the project's partners. In turn, the tool itself was also refined through an iterative consultation process between experts and stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara de Mori
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (M.M.S.); (I.P.)
- Ethics Laboratory for Veterinary Medicine, Conservation and Animal Welfare, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (P.B.); (D.F.); (F.A.)
| | - Maria Michela Spiriti
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (M.M.S.); (I.P.)
- Ethics Laboratory for Veterinary Medicine, Conservation and Animal Welfare, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (P.B.); (D.F.); (F.A.)
| | - Ilaria Pollastri
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (M.M.S.); (I.P.)
- Ethics Laboratory for Veterinary Medicine, Conservation and Animal Welfare, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (P.B.); (D.F.); (F.A.)
| | - Simona Normando
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (M.M.S.); (I.P.)
- Ethics Laboratory for Veterinary Medicine, Conservation and Animal Welfare, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (P.B.); (D.F.); (F.A.)
| | - Pierfrancesco Biasetti
- Ethics Laboratory for Veterinary Medicine, Conservation and Animal Welfare, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (P.B.); (D.F.); (F.A.)
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, D-10315 Berlin, Germany; (F.G.); (R.H.); (S.H.)
| | - Daniela Florio
- Ethics Laboratory for Veterinary Medicine, Conservation and Animal Welfare, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (P.B.); (D.F.); (F.A.)
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, University of Bologna, 40064 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Andreucci
- Ethics Laboratory for Veterinary Medicine, Conservation and Animal Welfare, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (P.B.); (D.F.); (F.A.)
| | - Silvia Colleoni
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, 26100 Cremona, Italy; (S.C.); (C.G.); (G.L.)
| | - Cesare Galli
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, 26100 Cremona, Italy; (S.C.); (C.G.); (G.L.)
- Avantea Foundation, 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Frank Göritz
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, D-10315 Berlin, Germany; (F.G.); (R.H.); (S.H.)
| | - Robert Hermes
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, D-10315 Berlin, Germany; (F.G.); (R.H.); (S.H.)
| | - Susanne Holtze
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, D-10315 Berlin, Germany; (F.G.); (R.H.); (S.H.)
| | - Giovanna Lazzari
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, 26100 Cremona, Italy; (S.C.); (C.G.); (G.L.)
- Avantea Foundation, 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Steven Seet
- Science Communication, Science Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, D-10315 Berlin, Germany; (S.S.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jan Zwilling
- Science Communication, Science Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, D-10315 Berlin, Germany; (S.S.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jan Stejskal
- ZOO Dvůr Králové, 54401 Dvůr Králové nad Labem, Czech Republic;
| | - Samuel Mutisya
- Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy, Nanyuki 10400, Kenya; (S.M.); (S.N.); (R.V.)
| | | | - Stephen Ngulu
- Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy, Nanyuki 10400, Kenya; (S.M.); (S.N.); (R.V.)
| | - Richard Vigne
- Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy, Nanyuki 10400, Kenya; (S.M.); (S.N.); (R.V.)
| | - Thomas B. Hildebrandt
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, D-10315 Berlin, Germany; (F.G.); (R.H.); (S.H.)
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Free University of Berlin, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
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Claes A, Cuervo-Arango J, Colleoni S, Lazzari G, Galli C, Stout TA. Speed of in vitro embryo development affects the likelihood of foaling and the foal sex ratio. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:468-473. [PMID: 32172777 DOI: 10.1071/rd19298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The success of invitro embryo production (IVEP) in horses has increased considerably during recent years, but little is known about the effect of the speed of invitro embryo development. Blastocysts (n=390) were produced by intracytoplasmic sperm injection of IVM oocytes from warmblood mares, cryopreserved, thawed and transferred into recipient mares on Days 3, 4, 5 or 6 after ovulation. The time required for invitro-produced (IVP) embryos to reach the blastocyst stage was recorded (Day 7 vs Day 8). The likelihood of foaling was affected by the speed of invitro embryo development and recipient day after ovulation at transfer. The odds ratio for foaling was ~0.63 for transfer of Day 8 (46%) compared with Day 7 (56%) IVP blastocysts. The highest likelihood of pregnancy (72%) and foaling (60%) was observed when IVP blastocysts were transferred to recipient mares on Day 4 after ovulation. Finally, the sex (colt:filly) ratio was higher after transfer of Day 7 (71%:29%) than Day 8 (54%:46%) IVP blastocysts, suggesting that the speed of embryo development is sex dependent. In conclusion, the speed of invitro embryo development in our IVEP system affects the likelihood of foaling and the sex of the foal.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Claes
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584CM Utrecht, The Netherlands; and Corresponding author.
| | - J Cuervo-Arango
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - S Colleoni
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Via Porcellasco, 7/F, 26100 Cremona CR, Italy
| | - G Lazzari
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Via Porcellasco, 7/F, 26100 Cremona CR, Italy; and Fondazione Avantea, Via Cabrini, 12 26100 Cremona CR, Italy
| | - C Galli
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, Via Porcellasco, 7/F, 26100 Cremona CR, Italy; and Fondazione Avantea, Via Cabrini, 12 26100 Cremona CR, Italy
| | - T A Stout
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Manipulating the Epigenome in Nuclear Transfer Cloning: Where, When and How. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010236. [PMID: 33379395 PMCID: PMC7794987 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The nucleus of a differentiated cell can be reprogrammed to a totipotent state by exposure to the cytoplasm of an enucleated oocyte, and the reconstructed nuclear transfer embryo can give rise to an entire organism. Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has important implications in animal biotechnology and provides a unique model for studying epigenetic barriers to successful nuclear reprogramming and for testing novel concepts to overcome them. While initial strategies aimed at modulating the global DNA methylation level and states of various histone protein modifications, recent studies use evidence-based approaches to influence specific epigenetic mechanisms in a targeted manner. In this review, we describe-based on the growing number of reports published during recent decades-in detail where, when, and how manipulations of the epigenome of donor cells and reconstructed SCNT embryos can be performed to optimize the process of molecular reprogramming and the outcome of nuclear transfer cloning.
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Petrovas G, Kosior MA, Presicce GA, Russo M, Zullo G, Albero G, Alkan S, Gasparrini B. FSH Stimulation with Short Withdrawal Improves Oocyte Competence in Italian Mediterranean Buffalo ( Bubalus bubalis). Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E1997. [PMID: 33143113 PMCID: PMC7693096 DOI: 10.3390/ani10111997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of different FSH doses and FSH coasting times before ovum pick-up (OPU) on follicular growth and oocyte competence in buffalo. Experiment 1 involved two different FSH treatments: 40 mg FSH given three (FSH3) or six (FSH6) times, 2 days after dominant follicle removal were tested, with OPU carried out after 40-44 h of coasting. In experiment 2, OPU was carried out after FSH6 protocol followed by 28-32 h (C1), 40-44 h (C2), or 64-68 h (C3) of coasting time. Cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were classified, in vitro matured, fertilized, and cultured. The results demonstrated that FSH6 increased the total number of follicles, the number and percentages of medium and large follicles, the number and the proportion of good quality oocytes, and the number of grade 1,2 and fast-developing blastocysts compared to the control. C3 decreased the percentage of good quality oocyte and blastocyst rates compared to C1 and C2. A higher percentage of fast blastocysts and average number of grade 1,2 blastocysts was observed in C1 compared to C3, with intermediate values found in C2. The improved efficiency in terms of blastocyst yields suggests the use of FSH6 + C1 protocol for ovarian superstimulation in buffalo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Petrovas
- Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, 34320 Istanbul, Turkey; (G.P.); (S.A.)
| | - Michal Andrzej Kosior
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production (DMVPA), Federico II University of Naples, 80137 Naples, Italy; (M.A.K.); (G.Z.); (G.A.); (B.G.)
| | | | - Marco Russo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production (DMVPA), Federico II University of Naples, 80137 Naples, Italy; (M.A.K.); (G.Z.); (G.A.); (B.G.)
| | - Gianluigi Zullo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production (DMVPA), Federico II University of Naples, 80137 Naples, Italy; (M.A.K.); (G.Z.); (G.A.); (B.G.)
- National Buffalo Breeders’ Association (ANASB), 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Albero
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production (DMVPA), Federico II University of Naples, 80137 Naples, Italy; (M.A.K.); (G.Z.); (G.A.); (B.G.)
| | - Serhat Alkan
- Veterinary Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, 34320 Istanbul, Turkey; (G.P.); (S.A.)
| | - Bianca Gasparrini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production (DMVPA), Federico II University of Naples, 80137 Naples, Italy; (M.A.K.); (G.Z.); (G.A.); (B.G.)
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Squires EL. Perspectives on the development and incorporation of assisted reproduction in the equine industry. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 31:1753-1757. [PMID: 31727207 DOI: 10.1071/rd19365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Marked changes in equine breeding technologies have occurred over the past 25 years. Although there have been numerous reviews on assisted reproduction techniques for horses, few publications include the acceptance and impact of these techniques on the horse industry. In this review, several techniques are discussed, with an emphasis on how they developed in the horse industry and altered equine reproductive medicine. Embryo transfer has become a widely used technology, allowing multiple foals to be produced per year. Embryos can be collected, cooled or frozen, and shipped to a distant facility for transfer into recipient mares. Failure to obtain embryos from some mares stimulated the development of oocyte collection and transfer. Oocyte technologies became more practical when intracytoplasmic sperm injection was developed in the early 2000s. There are now facilities across the world that routinely produce embryos invitro. Cryopreservation of oocytes has lagged because of limited success, but embryo cryopreservation is commonplace. Techniques such as sex-sorted semen, superovulation and genetic diagnosis of embryos are not widely used, and they will require more development before they are established in the horse industry in a cost-efficient manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- E L Squires
- Reproductive Management, 5536 North County Road 3, Fort Collins, CO 80524, USA.
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Cuervo-Arango J, Claes AN, Stout TAE. Mare and stallion effects on blastocyst production in a commercial equine ovum pick-up-intracytoplasmic sperm injection program. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 31:1894-1903. [PMID: 31634435 DOI: 10.1071/rd19201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study retrospectively examined the degree to which success within a commercial ovum pick-up (OPU)-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) program varied between individual mares and stallions. Over 2 years, 552 OPU sessions were performed on 323 privately owned warmblood mares. For mares that yielded at least one blastocyst during the first OPU-ICSI cycle, there was a 77% likelihood of success during subsequent attempts; conversely, when the first cycle yielded no blastocyst, the likelihood of failure (no embryo) in subsequent cycles was 62%. In mares subjected to four or more OPU sessions, the mean percentage of blastocysts per injected oocyte was 20.5% (range 1.4-46.7%), whereas the mean number of blastocysts per OPU-ICSI session was 1.67 (0.2-4.2). Age did not differ significantly between mares that yielded good or poor results. The number of recovered oocytes per OPU was positively associated with the likelihood of success (P<0.001). Although there were considerable between-stallion differences, most stallions (14/16) clustered between 15.6% and 26.8% blastocysts per injected oocyte, and the number of blastocysts per OPU (mean 1.4; range 0.2-2.2) was less variable than among mares. In conclusion, although both mare and stallion affect the success of OPU-ICSI, mare identity and the number of oocytes recovered appear to be the most reliable predictors of success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Cuervo-Arango
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584CM Utrecht, Netherlands; and Corresponding author.
| | - Anthony N Claes
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584CM Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584CM Utrecht, Netherlands
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Study of the Metabolomics of Equine Preovulatory Follicular Fluid: A Way to Improve Current In Vitro Maturation Media. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10050883. [PMID: 32438699 PMCID: PMC7278476 DOI: 10.3390/ani10050883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Production of equine embryos in vitro is currently a commercial technique and a reliable way of obtaining offspring. In order to produce those embryos, immature oocytes are retrieved from postmortem ovaries or live mares by ovum pick-up (OPU), matured in vitro (IVM), fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and cultured until day 8-10 of development. However, at best, roughly 10% of the oocytes matured in vitro and followed by ICSI end up in successful pregnancy and foaling, and this could be due to suboptimal IVM conditions. Hence, in the present work, we aimed to elucidate the major metabolites present in equine preovulatory follicular fluid (FF) obtained from postmortem mares using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR). The results were contrasted against the composition of the most commonly used media for equine oocyte IVM: tissue culture medium 199 (TCM-199) and Dulbecco's modified eagle medium/nutrient mixture F-12 Ham (DMEM/F-12). Twenty-two metabolites were identified in equine FF; among these, nine of them are not included in the composition of DMEM/F-12 or TCM-199 media, including (mean ± SEM): acetylcarnitine (0.37 ± 0.2 mM), carnitine (0.09 ± 0.01 mM), citrate (0.4 ± 0.04 mM), creatine (0.36 ± 0.14 mM), creatine phosphate (0.36 ± 0.05 mM), fumarate (0.05 ± 0.007 mM), glucose-1-phosphate (6.9 ± 0.4 mM), histamine (0.25 ± 0.01 mM), or lactate (27.3 ± 2.2 mM). Besides, the mean concentration of core metabolites such as glucose varied (4.3 mM in FF vs. 5.55 mM in TCM-199 vs. 17.5 mM in DMEM/F-12). Hence, our data suggest that the currently used media for equine oocyte IVM can be further improved.
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Fanelli D, Panzani D, Rota A, Tesi M, Camillo F, Bollwein H, Herrera C. Cryopreservation of donkey embryos: Comparison of embryo survival rate after in vitro culture between conventional freezing and vitrification. Theriogenology 2020; 154:11-16. [PMID: 32470704 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Embryo cryopreservation ensures that genetic biodiversity is preserved over time. This study evaluates the survival of donkey embryos subjected to slow freezing and vitrification after thawing and in vitro culture. Seven-day-old in vivo produced donkey embryos were subjected to slow freezing (SF, N = 14) or vitrification (VIT, N = 22). After one year of cryopreservation, embryos were warmed, washed and placed in incubation for in vitro culture (IVC). In order to assess the embryo viability, the quality grade and developmental stage were recorded after thawing and after 24 and 48 h of IVC. Eleven embryos (SF = 4 and VIT = 7) were incubated under a time-lapse camera, for up to 68 h, in order to determine the area and growth. The survival rate was not influenced by the procedure but by the developmental stage: after 48 h of IVC blastocyst survival rate (1/8, 12.5%) was significantly lower compared to both morulas (8/12, 66.7%) and early blastocysts (11/16, 68.7%) (P < 0.05). Embryo diameter class at recovery did not significantly influence the survival rate. In terms of the embryos that were judged to be alive after 48 h of IVC, quality grade 1 was observed in 7/8 (88%) and 4/12 (33%) of the SF and VIT embryos, respectively (P < 0.05). After time-lapse analysis, the IVC embryo area as well as growth percentage were statistically higher in the SF than the VIT embryos (P < 0.05). In conclusion, no difference in survival rates was found between the two cryopreservation procedures, although embryo quality was more negatively affected by vitrification.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Fanelli
- Veterinary Sciences Department, Pisa University, San Piero a Grado, Via Livornese, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
| | - D Panzani
- Veterinary Sciences Department, Pisa University, San Piero a Grado, Via Livornese, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Rota
- Veterinary Sciences Department, Pisa University, San Piero a Grado, Via Livornese, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Tesi
- Veterinary Sciences Department, Pisa University, San Piero a Grado, Via Livornese, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Camillo
- Veterinary Sciences Department, Pisa University, San Piero a Grado, Via Livornese, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - H Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Department for Farm Animals, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
| | - C Herrera
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Department for Farm Animals, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
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Palmer E, Chavatte-Palmer P. Contribution of Reproduction Management and Technologies to Genetic Progress in Horse Breeding. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 89:103016. [PMID: 32563446 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive technologies aim at improving fertility with the ultimate result of improving genetic selection. In equidae, the respective contribution of different methods of horse management and breeding to genetic progress remain difficult to evaluate as breeding strategies affect the number of offspring per mare or stallion whereas different selection methods (based on pedigree, performance, genomics or progeny's performance) will be applicable at different ages, leading to different accuracy in the estimation of the breeding value. Here, a mathematical model was applied to evaluate theoretical genetic progress depending on breeding conditions in horses. The model showed that for breeding systems ranging from 0.6 to 2 foals/year/mare and from 10 to 150 foals/year for stallions, when selection of the best animals is strictly made by a truncation, the genetic progress is accelerated by (1) increasing the number of offspring per year, (2) the start of reproduction as soon as the age of 2 in both sexes, and (3) reducing the number of years of use for stallions from 10 to 5 years. The calculation showed that using all ways of improvement could provide an increase in genetic progress of up to +270% and +226% in mares and stallions, respectively, above the basal reference situation of 100%. In the Selle Français breed, the observed reproductive management parameters (10 years generation interval, 10 foals/stallion and 0.55 foals/mare) are close to the worst conditions of the model. In addition, the best mares are not selected for breeding. In conclusion, new reproductive technologies, genomic selection, and breeding younger animals will increase genetic gain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Palmer
- Académie d'Agriculture de France, Paris, France.
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, France; Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, Maisons-Alfort, France
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38
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Lazzari G, Colleoni S, Crotti G, Turini P, Fiorini G, Barandalla M, Landriscina L, Dolci G, Benedetti M, Duchi R, Galli C. Laboratory Production of Equine Embryos. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 89:103097. [PMID: 32563445 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Assisted reproduction technologies (ART) are well developed in humans and cattle and are gaining momentum also in the equine industry because of the fact that the mare does not respond to superovulation but can donate large numbers of oocytes through ovum pick up (OPU). After collection, the oocytes can be fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using a variety of stallion semen samples, even of poor quality, and the resulting embryos can establish high pregnancy rates after cryopreservation and transfer. The discoveries that equine oocytes can be held at room temperature without loss of viability and that an increase in vitro maturation time can double the number of embryos produced are fueling the uptake of the OPU technique by several clinics that are shipping oocytes of their client's mares to specialized ICSI laboratories for embryo production and freezing. In this article, we present a retrospective analysis of 10 years of work at Avantea with a special focus on the last 3 years. Based on our data, an average production of 1.7 to 2 embryos per OPU-ICSI procedure can be obtained from warmblood donor mares with a pregnancy rate of 70% and a foaling rate in excess of 50%. OPU-ICSI offers the added value of freezing embryos that allows the development of embryo commercialization worldwide to the benefit of top horse breeders who are endorsing this technology as never before.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Lazzari
- Avantea, Cremona, Italy; Fondazione Avantea Onlus, Cremona, Italy; Equigea, Ocala, FL.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Cesare Galli
- Avantea, Cremona, Italy; Fondazione Avantea Onlus, Cremona, Italy; Equigea, Ocala, FL
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Head-Mounted Display-Based Microscopic Imaging System with Customizable Field Size and Viewpoint. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20071967. [PMID: 32244620 PMCID: PMC7181164 DOI: 10.3390/s20071967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the use of microinjections has increased in life science and biotechnology fields; specific examples include artificial insemination and gene manipulation. Microinjections are mainly performed based on visual information; thus, the operator needs high-level skill because of the narrowness of the visual field. Additionally, microinjections are performed as the operator views a microscopic image on a display; the position of the display requires the operator to maintain an awkward posture throughout the procedure. In this study, we developed a microscopic image display apparatus for microinjections based on a view-expansive microscope. The prototype of the view-expansive microscope has problems related to the variations in brightness and focal blur that accompany changes in the optical path length and amount of reflected light. Therefore, we propose the use of a variable-focus device to expand the visual field and thus circumvent the above-mentioned problems. We evaluated the observable area of the system using this variable-focus device. We confirmed that the observable area is 261.4 and 13.9 times larger than that of a normal microscope and conventional view-expansive microscopic system, respectively. Finally, observations of mouse embryos were carried out by using the developed system. We confirmed that the microscopic images can be displayed on a head-mounted display in real time with the desired point and field sizes.
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Clinical Application of in Vitro Embryo Production in the Horse. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 89:103011. [PMID: 32563449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The first reports of in vitro embryo production (IVEP) by conventional in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection in horses date respectively from approximately 30 and 25 years ago. However, IVEP has only become established in clinical practice during the last decade. The initial slow uptake of IVEP was largely because the likelihood of success was too low to make it an economically viable means of breeding horses. During the last decade, the balance has shifted, primarily because of significant improvements in the efficiency of recovering immature oocytes from live donor mares (historically <25%; now >50%) and in the successful culture of zygotes to the blastocyst stage in vitro (historically <10%; now >20%). It has also been established that immature oocytes can be "held" at room temperature for at least 24 hours, allowing overnight transport to a laboratory with expertise in IVEP. Moreover, because in vitro-produced embryos can be cryopreserved with no appreciable reduction in viability, they can be shipped and stored until a suitable recipient mare is available for transfer. Most importantly, in an established equine ovum pick-up intracytoplasmic sperm injection (OPU-ICSI) program, blastocyst production rates now exceed 1 per procedure, and posttransfer foaling rates exceed 50%, such that overall efficiency betters that of either embryo flushing or oocyte transfer. Moreover, OPU-ICSI can be performed year round and allows embryo production from mares with severe acquired subfertility and extremely efficient use of scarce or expensive frozen semen. Cumulatively, these factors have stimulated rapid growth in demand for IVEP among sport horse breeders.
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Squires E. Current Reproductive Technologies Impacting Equine Embryo Production. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 89:102981. [PMID: 32563442 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.102981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Numerous reproductive technologies have been developed in the past several decades, which have dramatically changed the way mares are bred. This review will focus on embryo recovery and transfer, cooled-shipped embryos, embryo freezing, oocyte freezing, oocyte collection and transfer, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and sexed semen. Embryo transfer procedures have been constant for many years and the costs have not changed. The major change has been the ability to store embryos at 5 C for 12-24 hours and transport them to recipient stations. Embryo freezing has become more common using the technique of vitrification of embryos >300 μm or deflating embryos >300 μm before freezing. Oocyte vitrification has resulted in poor pregnancy rates although the technique works well in women. The ability to collect oocytes from mares and fertilize them by sperm injection has revolutionized the veterinarian's approach to infertility in the mare and/or stallion. A transvaginal approach can be used to collect oocytes from preovulatory follicles and unstimulated follicles 5-25 mm in size. Although traditional in vitro fertilization does not work well in the horse, ICSI can be used to produce blastocysts which, upon nonsurgical transfer into recipients, provide a pregnancy rate similar to fresh embryos collected from donor mares. Sorting sperm by flow cytometry into X- and Y-bearing spermatozoa has been shown to provide about a 50% pregnancy rate with freshly sorted sperm but only 12% with sorted, frozen/thawed stallion sperm. It is likely that more advanced reproductive techniques will be developed in the future. Their acceptance will depend on how well they work, perceived need, cost, and, to some extent, the breed associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Squires
- Department of Veterinary Science, Reproductive Management, Fort Collins, CO.
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Oseguera-López I, Ruiz-Díaz S, Ramos-Ibeas P, Pérez-Cerezales S. Novel Techniques of Sperm Selection for Improving IVF and ICSI Outcomes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:298. [PMID: 31850340 PMCID: PMC6896825 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Almost 50% of the infertility cases are due to male factors. Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) allow to overcome the incapacity of these patients' spermatozoa to fertilize the oocyte and produce a viable and healthy offspring, but the efficiency of the different techniques has still the potential to improve. According to the latest reports of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States (CDC), the percentages of deliveries per ART cycle in 2014 and 2016 were 21 and 22%, respectively. Among the reasons for this relatively low efficiency, the quality of the spermatozoa has been pointed out as critical, and the presence of high percentages of DNA-damaged spermatozoa in patients' ejaculates is possibly one of the main factors reducing the ARTs outcomes. Thus, one of the main challenges in reproductive medicine is to ensure the highest quality of the spermatozoa used in ARTs, and specifically, in terms of genetic integrity. The latest techniques for the preparation and selection of human spermatozoa are herein discussed focusing on those proven to improve one or several of the following parameters: sperm genetic integrity, fertilization capacity, embryo production, and in vitro survival, as well as pregnancy and delivery rates following in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In addition, we discuss the potential of techniques developed in non-human mammals that could be further transferred to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Ruiz-Díaz
- Mistral Fertility Clinics S.L., Clínica Tambre, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Priscila Ramos-Ibeas
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
| | - Serafín Pérez-Cerezales
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain
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Presicce GA, Neglia G, Salzano A, Padalino B, Longobardi V, Vecchio D, De Carlo E, Gasparrini B. Efficacy of repeated ovum pick-up in Podolic cattle for preservation strategies: a pilot study. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2019.1684213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Antonio Presicce
- Agenzia Regionale per lo Sviluppo e l'Innovazione dell'Agricoltura del Lazio (ARSIAL), Roma, Italy
| | - Gianluca Neglia
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali, University of Napoli “Federico II”, Napoli, Italy
| | - Angela Salzano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali, University of Napoli “Federico II”, Napoli, Italy
| | - Barbara Padalino
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agro-Alimentari, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italia
| | - Valentina Longobardi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali, University of Napoli “Federico II”, Napoli, Italy
| | - Domenico Vecchio
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale sull’igiene e le tecnologie dell’allevamento e delle produzioni bufaline, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Esterina De Carlo
- Centro di Referenza Nazionale sull’igiene e le tecnologie dell’allevamento e delle produzioni bufaline, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Bianca Gasparrini
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Produzioni Animali, University of Napoli “Federico II”, Napoli, Italy
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44
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Marin DFD, de Souza EB, de Brito VC, Nascimento CV, Ramos AS, Filho STR, da Costa NN, Cordeiro MDS, Santos SDSD, Ohashi OM. In vitro embryo production in buffaloes: from the laboratory to the farm. Anim Reprod 2019; 16:260-266. [PMID: 33224285 PMCID: PMC7673586 DOI: 10.21451/1984-3143-ar2018-0135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Transvaginal follicular aspiration technique together with in vitro embryo production are the biotechnological alternatives currently available to support genetic improvement breeding programs in buffalo species. However, aspects related to animal management, lack of knowledge of the metabolic needs and biochemical peculiarities of gametes and embryos, as well as the reproductive physiology characteristics have hampered progress in the results. Despite the low availability of good quality oocytes collected after OPU in donors as a physiological characteristic of buffalo species, high rates of oocyte maturation, modest embryo cleavage, blastocyst production and pregnancy rates after transvaginal embryo transfer in recipients could be obtained in buffalo in vitro embryo production programs. The results of implementing an in vitro embryo production program in buffaloes in the northern region of Pará state, Brazil, and results published by other groups demonstrate the feasibility of implementing this biotechnology in the routine of breeding programs. Nevertheless, in order to achieve better and consistent results, it is necessary to deepen the knowledge on the peculiarities of reproductive biology in this specie. Selection of donor animals based on ovarian size and ovarian follicular reserve and on the rate of blastocyst production is presented as an effective alternative to increase the efficiency of the in vitro embryo production technique applied to the buffalo species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eduardo Baia de Souza
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Cunha de Brito
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | | | - Anelise Sarges Ramos
- Setor de Reprodução Animal, Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA). Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Otavio Mitio Ohashi
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Belém, Pará, Brazil
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45
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Cuervo-Arango J, Claes AN, Stout TA. A retrospective comparison of the efficiency of different assisted reproductive techniques in the horse, emphasizing the impact of maternal age. Theriogenology 2019; 132:36-44. [PMID: 30986613 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Advancing maternal age is known to negatively affect fertility in the horse. This age-related decrease in fertility has been linked primarily to reduced oocyte quality rather than to impaired uterine function. In the past decade, the use of ovum pick-up (OPU) and ICSI to produce foals has rapidly gaining popularity amongst sport horse breeders. However, it is not yet known how maternal age influences the efficiency of a commercial OPU-ICSI program and whether the age effect is similar to that observed for other ART in the horse. To answer this question, reproductive records of 289 mares bred by natural mating (NM), 328 mares bred by AI, 205 embryo donor mares (AI-EF-ET), and 473 mares submitted for OPU-ICSI and ET were analyzed retrospectively using a regression model to investigate the effects of maternal age and breeding technique on the likelihood of producing a viable pregnancy. The reproductive efficiency (quantified as the proportion of mares that yielded at least one Day 45 pregnancy) of the different breeding techniques NM, AI, AI-EF-ET and OPU-ICSI-ET was 63.3, 43.9, 45.8 and 37.4%, respectively (P < 0.05). However, the frequent production of multiple embryos per ICSI session (up to 10 embryos in one attempt), makes OPU-ICSI-ET as effective as AI-EF-ET when measured in terms of the mean number of Day 45 pregnant recipients per donor mare. Increasing maternal age was associated with a reduction (P < 0.05) in the reproductive efficiency of all breeding techniques (NM, AI, AI-EF-ET) except OPU-ICSI-ET (P > 0.05). In the OPU-ICSI-ET group, increasing maternal age was associated with a lower number of follicles aspirated and oocytes recovered per mare. Nevertheless, the percentage of blastocysts per injected oocyte, and post-ET likelihoods of pregnancy and pregnancy loss were not influenced by the age of the oocyte donor mare (P > 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Cuervo-Arango
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, the Netherlands.
| | - Anthony N Claes
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - Tom A Stout
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
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46
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Sakaguchi K, Maylem ERS, Tilwani RC, Yanagawa Y, Katagiri S, Atabay EC, Atabay EP, Nagano M. Effects of follicle-stimulating hormone followed by gonadotropin-releasing hormone on embryo production by ovum pick-up and in vitro fertilization in the river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Anim Sci J 2019; 90:690-695. [PMID: 30854764 PMCID: PMC6593430 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we examined the effects of superstimulation using follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) followed by gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) on buffalo embryo production by ultrasound‐guided ovum pick‐up (OPU) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Nine Murrah buffaloes were subjected to OPU‐IVF without superstimulation (control). The morphologies of the oocytes collected were evaluated, and oocytes were then submitted to in vitro maturation (IVM). Two days after OPU, same nine buffaloes were treated with twice‐daily injections of FSH for 3 days for superstimulation followed by a GnRH injection. Oocytes were collected by OPU 23–24 hr after the GnRH injection and submitted to IVM (the superstimulated group). The total number of follicles, number of follicles with a diameter > 8 mm, and number of oocytes surrounded by multi‐layered cumulus cells were higher in the superstimulated group than in the control group (p ≤ 0.05). After IVF, the percentages of cleavage and development to blastocysts were higher in the superstimulated group than in the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, superstimulation improved the quality of oocytes and the embryo productivity of OPU‐IVF in river buffaloes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichiro Sakaguchi
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.,Research Fellow of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Excel Rio S Maylem
- Reproductive Biotechnology and Physiology Laboratory, Philippine Carabao Center, National Headquarters, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
| | - Ramesh C Tilwani
- Reproductive Biotechnology and Physiology Laboratory, Philippine Carabao Center, National Headquarters, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
| | - Yojiro Yanagawa
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Seiji Katagiri
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Edwin C Atabay
- Reproductive Biotechnology and Physiology Laboratory, Philippine Carabao Center, National Headquarters, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
| | - Eufrocina P Atabay
- Reproductive Biotechnology and Physiology Laboratory, Philippine Carabao Center, National Headquarters, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
| | - Masashi Nagano
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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47
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Egashira J, Ihara Y, Khatun H, Wada Y, Konno T, Tatemoto H, Yamanaka KI. Efficient in vitro embryo production using in vivo-matured oocytes from superstimulated Japanese Black cows. J Reprod Dev 2019; 65:183-190. [PMID: 30745496 PMCID: PMC6473104 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2018-155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined whether the use of in vivo-matured oocytes, collected by ovum pick-up (OPU) from superstimulated Japanese Black cows, can improve the productivity and quality of in vitro produced embryos. The cows were superstimulated by treatment with progesterone, GnRH, FSH and prostaglandin F2α according to a standardized protocol. The resulting in vivo-matured oocytes were collected by OPU and used subsequently for the other experiments. The immature oocytes from cows in the non-stimulated group were collected by OPU and then subjected to maturation in vitro. We found that the rate of normally distributed cortical granules of the matured oocyte cytoplasm in the superstimulated group was significantly higher than that in the non-stimulated group. The normal cleavage rate (i.e., production of embryos with two equal blastomeres without fragmentation) and freezable blastocyst rate were significantly higher in the superstimulated group than in the non-stimulated group. Among the transferable blastocysts, the ratio of embryos from normal cleavage was also significantly higher in the superstimulated group than in the non-stimulated group. For in vivo-matured oocytes, it was observed that the pregnancy rates were significantly higher when normally cleaved embryos were used for transfer. Taken together, these results suggest that high-quality embryos with respect to developmental kinetics can be efficiently produced with the use of in vivo-matured oocytes collected by OPU from superstimulated Japanese Black cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junki Egashira
- Faculty of Agriculture, Saga University, Saga 840-8502, Japan.,The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan.,Saga Prefectural Livestock Experiment Station, Saga 849-2305, Japan
| | - Yusuke Ihara
- Faculty of Agriculture, Saga University, Saga 840-8502, Japan
| | - Hafiza Khatun
- Faculty of Agriculture, Saga University, Saga 840-8502, Japan.,The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan.,Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Yasuhiko Wada
- Faculty of Agriculture, Saga University, Saga 840-8502, Japan.,The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Konno
- The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan.,Faculty of Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Hideki Tatemoto
- The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan.,Faculty of Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Yamanaka
- Faculty of Agriculture, Saga University, Saga 840-8502, Japan.,The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
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48
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Cuervo-Arango J, Claes AN, Beitsma M, Stout TAE. The Effect of Different Flushing Media Used to Aspirate Follicles on the Outcome of a Commercial Ovum Pickup-ICSI Program in Mares. J Equine Vet Sci 2019; 75:74-77. [PMID: 31002097 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The in vitro production of embryos by ovum pickup (OPU) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is gaining popularity among horse breeders and veterinarians. Various collection media are available for flushing follicles during OPU. The objective of this study was to determine whether the type of flushing media used to aspirate follicles and collect oocytes influences the outcome of a commercial equine OPU-ICSI program. Two commercial embryo flushing media (EFM1 and EFM2) supplemented with heparin were compared with a flushing media designed specifically for the collection of oocytes (oocyte flushing media [OFM]) on the outcome of OPU-ICSI parameters in 234 Warmblood mares. The OPU-ICSI performed in mares using one of the EFM1 resulted in a lower (P < .05) blastocyst rate and blastocysts per OPU-ICSI session (11.9 ± 13.2%, 0.88 ± 1.3) than the OFM (19.2 ± 15.2%, 1.24 ± 1.2). Unlike the EFM2 solution, the heparin used to prepare the EFM1 contained preservatives including benzyl alcohol, a component known to alter the oocyte membrane, which might have been responsible for the lower developmental competence of oocytes collected with EFM1. In conclusion, exposure of oocytes (<1.5 hours) to one of the flushing medium tested in this study affected negatively the outcome of the OPU-ICSI commercial program when compared with flushing media designed for collection of equine oocytes. Care should be taken when choosing the components of the flushing media used to collect oocytes. Further research should be carried out to confirm the potential negative effect of the preservatives used in multidose heparin vials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Cuervo-Arango
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Equine Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Anthony N Claes
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Equine Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mabel Beitsma
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Equine Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tom A E Stout
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Equine Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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49
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Tríbulo P, Rivera RM, Ortega Obando MS, Jannaman EA, Hansen PJ. Production and Culture of the Bovine Embryo. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 2006:115-129. [PMID: 31230276 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9566-0_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A protocol for production of bovine embryos from oocytes collected from ovaries obtained from an abattoir is described. The protocol includes methods for in vitro maturation of oocytes, capacitation of sperm, fertilization, and development of the resultant embryos to the blastocyst stage. The protocol can be easily modified to use oocytes collected by ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Tríbulo
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | | | | | - Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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50
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Effect of OPU Session Periods on the Efficiency of In Vitro Embryo Production in Elite Korean Native Cow. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL REPRODUCTION AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.12750/jet.2018.33.4.265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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