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Jung S, Sul H, Oh D, Jung YG, Lee J, Hyun SH. Slow freezing cryopreservation of Korean bovine blastocysts with an additional sucrose pre-equilibration step. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1400899. [PMID: 38659455 PMCID: PMC11039926 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1400899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Embryo cryopreservation is a valuable technique used for preserving genetic resources for long periods. However, the survival rate of embryos is dependent on the method used. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the efficiency of slow freezing method but with an additional dehydration step prior to freezing to overcome the formation of ice crystals. Methods Oocytes collected from the ovaries of native Korean cattle subjected to in vitro fertilization were cultured for 7 days until the formation of expanded blastocysts. Before freezing, the blastocysts were placed in four pre-equilibration media: a control medium with no addition of sucrose, and three experimental media with the addition of 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 M sucrose, respectively. Then, the pre-equilibrated embryos were frozen. Embryo survival and hatching rates were evaluated morphologically at 24, 48, and 72 h after thawing. Immunofluorescence staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, and gene expression analysis of the re-expanded blastocytes were examined 24 h after freeze-thawing. Results The survival rate was significantly higher in the 0.1 M group than in the control group (p < 0.05), and the hatching rate at 72 h was significantly higher in the 0.25 and 0.5 M groups than in the control group (p < 0.05). TUNEL-positive cells were significantly lower in the 0.25 M group than in the control group (12.5 ± 0.9 vs. 8.3 ± 0.8; p < 0.05). The gene expression of BCL2 associated X, heat shock protein 70 kDa, and aquaporin 3 in the 0.25 M group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion Our study revealed that treatment with 0.25 M sucrose before slow freezing improved the viability of bovine embryos after freeze-thawing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungki Jung
- Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- ET Biotech Co. Ltd., Jangsu, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Dongjin Oh
- Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Joohyeong Lee
- Department of Companion Animal Industry, Semyung University, Jecheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hwan Hyun
- Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Veterinary Biosecurity and Protection, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
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Cajas YN, Cañón-Beltrán K, de la Blanca MGM, Sánchez JM, Fernandez-Fuertes B, González EM, Rizos D. Role of reproductive fluids and extracellular vesicles in embryo–maternal interaction during early pregnancy in cattle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 34:117-138. [PMID: 35231231 DOI: 10.1071/rd21275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The coordinated interaction between the developing embryo and the maternal reproductive tract is essential for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy in mammals. An early cross-talk is established between the oviduct/uterus and the gametes and embryo. This dialogue will shape the microenvironment in which gamete transport, fertilisation, and early embryonic development occur. Due to the small size of the gametes and the early embryo relative to the volume of the oviductal and uterine lumina, collection of tissue and fluid adjacent to these cells is challenging in cattle. Thus, the combination of in vivo and in vitro models seems to be the most appropriate approach to better understand this fine dialogue. In this respect, the aim of this review is to summarise the recent findings in relation to gamete/embryo-maternal interaction during the pre-elongation period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia N Cajas
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; and Laboratorio de Biotecnología de la Reproducción Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Cuenca (UC), EC010205 Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Karina Cañón-Beltrán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain; and Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Ambientales, Programa de Medicina Veterinaria, Fundación Universitaria Juan de Castellanos (JdC), 150001 Tunja, Colombia
| | - María Gemma Millán de la Blanca
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José M Sánchez
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Fernandez-Fuertes
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Encina M González
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Veterinary Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Dimitrios Rizos
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Center Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (CSIC-INIA), Ctra de la Coruña KM 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Azari M, Kafi M, Asaadi A, Pakniat Z, Abouhamzeh B. Bovine oocyte developmental competence and gene expression following co-culturing with ampullary cells: An experimental study. Int J Reprod Biomed 2021; 19:371-380. [PMID: 33997596 PMCID: PMC8106812 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v19i4.9063] [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: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is no sufficient information on the impact of bovine ampullary oviductal epithelial cells (BAOECs) on in vitro oocyte maturation competence and gene expression. Objective This study aimed to examine the oocyte developmental competence following co-culturing with a monolayer of fresh and frozen-thawed ampullary cells. Materials and Methods Bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were distributed into three groups: control group; where in COCs were cultured in cell-free media for 24 hr and FML and FTML groups in which the COCs were cultured in maturation media for 18 hr and then transferred into a media containing fresh and frozen-thawed BAOECs monolayer, respectively (BAOECs were extracted from the oviducts of slaughtered cattle and were then cultured freshly or frozen-thawed) for a further 6 hr. After 24 hr, the expanded COCs were evaluated for nuclear maturation, fertilization rate, and gene expression (GDF9, StAR, CASP3, and FSHr). Results Nuclear maturation rate in the FTML group was significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.02). The fertilization rate of FTML group was significantly higher than the control and FML groups (p = 0.05 and p = 0.03, respectively). In terms of gene expression, GDF9 were upregulated in the presence of the BAOECs during the last 6 hr of the in vitro maturation (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the expression of the StAR gene in the FTML group was higher than the other groups (p = 0.02). Conclusion Ampullary cells co-culturing (especially frozen-thawed cells) for in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes yields encourages the results and demonstrates the beneficial effect of co-culture on gene expression and developmental competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Azari
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Kafi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Anise Asaadi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zohreh Pakniat
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Beheshteh Abouhamzeh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Moshaashaee T, Zavareh S, Pourbeiranvand S, Salehnia M. The Effect of Sodium Selenite on Expression of Mitochondrial Transcription Factor A during In Vitro Maturation of Mouse Oocyte. Avicenna J Med Biotechnol 2021; 13:81-86. [PMID: 34012523 PMCID: PMC8112142 DOI: 10.18502/ajmb.v13i2.5526] [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: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Sodium Selenite (SS) supplemented media on oocyte maturation, expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and embryo quality. METHODS Mouse Germinal Vesicle (GV) oocytes were collected after administration of Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin (PMSG); in experimental group 1, oocytes were cultured and then subjected for in vitro maturation in the absence of SS, and in experimental group 2, they were matured in vitro in the presence of 10 ng/ml of SS up to 16 hr. The control group included MII oocytes obtained from the fallopian tubes after ovarian stimulation with PMSG, followed by human chorionic gonadotropin. Then, the expression of TFAM in MII oocytes in all three groups was investigated using real-time RT-PCR. The fertilization and embryo developmental rates were assessed, and finally the quality of the blastocysts was evaluated using propidium iodide staining. RESULTS The oocyte maturation rate to MII stage in SS treated group was significantly higher than non-treated oocytes (75.65 vs. 68.17%, p<0.05). Also, the rates of fertilization, embryo development to blastocyst stage as well as the cell number of blastocyst in SS supplemented group were higher than other experimental group (p<0.05). There was a significant decrease in TFAM gene expression in both in vitro groups compared to the group with in vivo obtained oocytes (p<0.05). Moreover, there was a significant increase in TFAM gene expression in oocytes that matured in the presence of SS compared to that of the group without SS (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Supplementation of oocyte maturation culture media with SS improved the development rate of oocytes and embryo and also enhanced TFAM expression in MII oocytes which can affect the mitochondrial biogenesis of oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Moshaashaee
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Zavareh
- Faculty of Biology, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran
| | - Shahram Pourbeiranvand
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojdeh Salehnia
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Extracellular Vesicles from Follicular and Ampullary Fluid Isolated by Density Gradient Ultracentrifugation Improve Bovine Embryo Development and Quality. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020578. [PMID: 33430094 PMCID: PMC7826877 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been isolated from follicular (FF) and ampullary oviduct fluid (AOF), using different isolation methods. However, it is not clear whether different purification methods can affect the functionality of resulting EVs. Here, we compared two methods (OptiPrep™ density gradient ultracentrifugation (ODG UC) and single-step size exclusion chromatography (SEC) (qEV IZON™ single column)) for the isolation of EVs from bovine FF and AOF. Additionally, we evaluated whether the addition of EVs derived either by ODG UC or SEC from FF or AOF during oocyte maturation would yield extra benefits for embryo developmental competence. The characterization of EVs isolated using ODG UC or SEC from FF and AOF did not show any differences in terms of EV sizes (40–400 nm) and concentrations (2.4 ± 0.2 × 1012−1.8 ± 0.2 × 1013 particles/mL). Blastocyst yield and quality was higher in groups supplemented with EVs isolated from FF and AOF by ODG UC, with higher total cell numbers and a lower apoptotic cell ratio compared with the other groups (p < 0.05). Supplementing in vitro maturation media with EVs derived by ODG UC from AOF was beneficial for bovine embryo development and quality.
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Challenges in studying preimplantation embryo-maternal interaction in cattle. Theriogenology 2020; 150:139-149. [PMID: 31973965 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of the complex embryo-maternal interactions during the preimplantation period requires the analysis of the very early stages of pregnancy encompassing early embryonic development, maternal recognition and the events leading to implantation. Despite the fact that embryo development until blastocyst stage is somewhat autonomous (i.e., does not require contact with the maternal reproductive tract and can be successfully recapitulated in vitro), many studies on ruminant embryo production have focused on the fundamental question of why: (i) only 30%-40% of immature oocytes develop to the blastocyst stage and (ii) the quality of such blastocysts continually lags behind that of blastocysts produced in vivo. Clear evidence indicates that in vitro culture conditions are far from optimal with deficiencies being manifested in short- and long-term effects on the embryo. Thus, enhanced knowledge of mechanisms controlling embryo-maternal interactions would allow the design of novel strategies to improve in vitro embryo conditions and reproductive outcomes in cattle.
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