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Zhou Z, Wu Z, Zhang L, Dai Y, Shao G, Ren C, Huang P. Mitophagy in mammalian follicle development and health. Reprod Biol 2024; 24:100889. [PMID: 38733657 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2024.100889] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Mitophagy, the cellular process that removes damaged mitochondria, plays a crucial role in maintaining normal cell functions. It is deeply involved in the entire process of follicle development and is associated with various ovarian diseases. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of mitophagy regulation, emphasizing its role at different stages of follicular development. Additionally, the study illuminates the relationship between mitophagy and ovarian diseases, including ovary aging (OA), primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A detailed understanding of mitophagy could reveal valuable insights and novel strategies for managing female ovarian reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengrong Zhou
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Zhipeng Wu
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Liufang Zhang
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Yue Dai
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Genbao Shao
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Caifang Ren
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China
| | - Pan Huang
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, PR China.
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Song Y, Zhang N, Zhang Y, Wang J, Lv Q, Zhang J. Single-Cell Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Development-Specific Networks at Distinct Synchronized Antral Follicle Sizes in Sheep Oocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:910. [PMID: 38255985 PMCID: PMC10815039 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020910] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of the ovarian antral follicle is a complex, highly regulated process. Oocytes orchestrate and coordinate the development of mammalian ovarian follicles, and the rate of follicular development is governed by a developmental program intrinsic to the oocyte. Characterizing oocyte signatures during this dynamic process is critical for understanding oocyte maturation and follicular development. Although the transcriptional signature of sheep oocytes matured in vitro and preovulatory oocytes have been previously described, the transcriptional changes of oocytes in antral follicles have not. Here, we used single-cell transcriptomics (SmartSeq2) to characterize sheep oocytes from small, medium, and large antral follicles. We characterized the transcriptomic landscape of sheep oocytes during antral follicle development, identifying unique features in the transcriptional atlas, stage-specific molecular signatures, oocyte-secreted factors, and transcription factor networks. Notably, we identified the specific expression of 222 genes in the LO, 8 and 6 genes that were stage-specific in the MO and SO, respectively. We also elucidated signaling pathways in each antral follicle size that may reflect oocyte quality and in vitro maturation competency. Additionally, we discovered key biological processes that drive the transition from small to large antral follicles, revealing hub genes involved in follicle recruitment and selection. Thus, our work provides a comprehensive characterization of the single-oocyte transcriptome, filling a gap in the mapping of the molecular landscape of sheep oogenesis. We also provide key insights into the transcriptional regulation of the critical sizes of antral follicular development, which is essential for understanding how the oocyte orchestrates follicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jiaxin Zhang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Sheep & Goat Genetics Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (Y.S.)
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Gilchrist RB, Ho TM, De Vos M, Sanchez F, Romero S, Ledger WL, Anckaert E, Vuong LN, Smitz J. A fresh start for IVM: capacitating the oocyte for development using pre-IVM. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:3-25. [PMID: 37639630 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad023] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While oocyte IVM is practiced sporadically it has not achieved widespread clinical practice globally. However, recently there have been some seminal advances in our understanding of basic aspects of oocyte biology and ovulation from animal studies that have led to novel approaches to IVM. A significant recent advance in IVM technology is the use of biphasic IVM approaches. These involve the collection of immature oocytes from small antral follicles from minimally stimulated patients/animals (without hCG-priming) and an ∼24 h pre-culture of oocytes in an advanced culture system ('pre-IVM') prior to IVM, followed by routine IVF procedures. If safe and efficacious, this novel procedure may stand to make a significant impact on human ART practices. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The objectives of this review are to examine the major scientific advances in ovarian biology with a unique focus on the development of pre-IVM methodologies, to provide an insight into biphasic IVM procedures, and to report on outcomes from animal and clinical human data, including safety data. The potential future impact of biphasic IVM on ART practice is discussed. SEARCH METHODS Peer review original and review articles were selected from PubMed and Web of Science searches for this narrative review. Searches were performed using the following keywords: oocyte IVM, pre-IVM, biphasic IVM, CAPA-IVM, hCG-triggered/primed IVM, natural cycle IVF/M, ex-vivo IVM, OTO-IVM, oocyte maturation, meiotic competence, oocyte developmental competence, oocyte capacitation, follicle size, cumulus cell (CC), granulosa cell, COC, gap-junction communication, trans-zonal process, cAMP and IVM, cGMP and IVM, CNP and IVM, EGF-like peptide and IVM, minimal stimulation ART, PCOS. OUTCOMES Minimizing gonadotrophin use means IVM oocytes will be collected from small antral (pre-dominant) follicles containing oocytes that are still developing. Standard IVM yields suboptimal clinical outcomes using such oocytes, whereas pre-IVM aims to continue the oocyte's development ex vivo, prior to IVM. Pre-IVM achieves this by eliciting profound cellular changes in the oocyte's CCs, which continue to meet the oocyte's developmental needs during the pre-IVM phase. The literature contains 25 years of animal research on various pre-IVM and biphasic IVM procedures, which serves as a large knowledge base for new approaches to human IVM. A pre-IVM procedure based on c-type natriuretic peptide (named 'capacitation-IVM' (CAPA-IVM)) has undergone pre-clinical human safety and efficacy trials and its adoption into clinical practice resulted in healthy live birth rates not different from conventional IVF. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Over many decades, improvements in clinical IVM have been gradual and incremental but there has likely been a turning of the tide in the past few years, with landmark discoveries in animal oocyte biology finally making their way into clinical practice leading to improved outcomes for patients. Demonstration of favorable clinical results with CAPA-IVM, as the first clinically tested biphasic IVM system, has led to renewed interest in IVM as an alternative, low-intervention, low-cost, safe, patient-friendly ART approach, and especially for patients with PCOS. The same new approach is being used as part of fertility preservation in patients with cancer and holds promise for social oocyte freezing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B Gilchrist
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tuong M Ho
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Michel De Vos
- Brussels IVF, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Flor Sanchez
- Centro de Estudios e Investigaciones en Biología y Medicina Reproductiva, Lima, Peru
| | - Sergio Romero
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology and Fertility Preservation, Cayetano Heredia University (UPCH), Lima, Peru
- Centro de Fertilidad y Reproducción Asistida, Lima, Peru
| | - William L Ledger
- Fertility & Research Centre, Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
- City Fertility, Global CHA IVF Partners, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ellen Anckaert
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lan N Vuong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Johan Smitz
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Xu R, Pan M, Yin L, Zhang Y, Tang Y, Lu S, Gao Y, Wei Q, Han B, Ma B. C-Type Natriuretic Peptide Pre-Treatment Improves Maturation Rate of Goat Oocytes by Maintaining Transzonal Projections, Spindle Morphology, and Mitochondrial Function. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3880. [PMID: 38136917 PMCID: PMC10740921 DOI: 10.3390/ani13243880] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is a peptide molecule naturally found in follicles and can be used to extend meiotic resumption and enhance the potential for oocytes to develop. However, the mechanism by which CNP improves goat oocyte quality remains unclear. In this study, cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from goats were pre-treated with CNP prior to IVM, and the results showed that pre-treatment with CNP enhanced goat oocyte maturation. First, we discovered that CNP maintained communication between cumulus cells and oocytes by regulating the transzonal projections (TZPs). We then found that CNP treatment reduced abnormal spindle formation and increased the expression of genes associated with spindle assembly and the spindle assembly checkpoint. Moreover, further analysis showed that oocytes exhibited better antioxidant ability in the CNP treatment group, which mainly manifested in higher glutathione (GSH) and lower reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations. Enhanced mitochondrial activity was signified via the augmented expression of mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and fusion and fission-related genes, thus diminishing the apoptosis of the oocytes. Overall, these results provide novel insights into the potential mechanism by which CNP treatment before IVM can improve oocyte quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; (R.X.); (M.P.); (L.Y.); (Y.Z.); (Q.W.)
| | - Menghao Pan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; (R.X.); (M.P.); (L.Y.); (Y.Z.); (Q.W.)
| | - Lu Yin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; (R.X.); (M.P.); (L.Y.); (Y.Z.); (Q.W.)
| | - Yiqian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; (R.X.); (M.P.); (L.Y.); (Y.Z.); (Q.W.)
| | - Yaju Tang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; (R.X.); (M.P.); (L.Y.); (Y.Z.); (Q.W.)
| | - Sihai Lu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; (R.X.); (M.P.); (L.Y.); (Y.Z.); (Q.W.)
| | - Yan Gao
- Yulin Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Service Center, Yulin 719000, China
| | - Qiang Wei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; (R.X.); (M.P.); (L.Y.); (Y.Z.); (Q.W.)
| | - Bin Han
- Yulin Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Service Center, Yulin 719000, China
| | - Baohua Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; (R.X.); (M.P.); (L.Y.); (Y.Z.); (Q.W.)
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Gong X, Shen L, Zhang H, Ai J, Gilchrist RB, Zhao Y. CAPA-IVM improves the cytoplasmic quality of in vitro-matured oocytes from unstimulated mice. Theriogenology 2023; 212:117-128. [PMID: 37717515 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.09.004] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian tissue oocyte (OTO) in vitro maturation (IVM) is a strategy to improve fertility preservation efficiency. Here, the effects of capacitation IVM (CAPA-IVM) on OTO function were investigated. Immature cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from unstimulated 28-day-old mouse ovaries (mimicking OTOs) underwent CAPA-IVM, standard IVM (S-IVM) or in vivo maturation following ovarian stimulation (OS; positive control), and oocyte meiotic maturation and cytoplasmic quality were assessed. CAPA-IVM resulted in improved oocyte meiotic maturation (P < 0.05) and cumulus expansion (P < 0.0001) compared to S-IVM, with expansion comparable to the OS group. MII OTO ROS was lower after CAPA-IVM than S-IVM (P < 0.0001) but not as low as in the OS group (P = 0.036). CAPA-IVM resulted in a better oocyte mitochondrial distribution than S-IVM (P < 0.05) and was similar to the OS group (P > 0.05). Mitochondrial membrane potential in MII OTOs was higher after CAPA-IVM than S-IVM and OS (P < 0.0001). Compared with S-IVM, CAPA-IVM resulted in lower rates of spindle/chromosome configuration and cortical granule distribution abnormalities (P < 0.05), which were similar to OS levels (P > 0.05). MII OTO intracellular Ca2+ levels were similar in the CAPA-IVM and OS groups (P > 0.05), while S-IVM decreased intracellular Ca2+ (P < 0.05). CAPA-IVM and S-IVM decreased mitochondrial Ca2+ levels (P < 0.05). CAPA-IVM increased expression of antioxidant genes (Sod2 and Sirt1) and Egfr (P < 0.05) but not apoptotic genes (Bcl2, Bax and Bcl2/Bax; P > 0.05). CAPA-IVM increased the OTO maturation rate and quality of oocytes from unstimulated mice to the extent that many features of oocyte cytoplasmic quality were comparable to superovulated in vivo matured oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqi Gong
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Lin Shen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hanwang Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jihui Ai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- Discipline of Women's Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Yiqing Zhao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Salimov D, Lisovskaya T, Otsuki J, Gzgzyan A, Bogolyubova I, Bogolyubov D. Chromatin Morphology in Human Germinal Vesicle Oocytes and Their Competence to Mature in Stimulated Cycles. Cells 2023; 12:1976. [PMID: 37566055 PMCID: PMC10416848 DOI: 10.3390/cells12151976] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The search for simple morphological predictors of oocyte quality is an important task for assisted reproduction technologies (ARTs). One such predictor may be the morphology of the oocyte nucleus, called the germinal vesicle (GV), including the level of chromatin aggregation around the atypical nucleolus (ANu)-a peculiar nuclear organelle, formerly referred to as the nucleolus-like body. A prospective cohort study allowed distinguishing three classes of GV oocytes among 135 oocytes retrieved from 64 patients: with a non-surrounded ANu and rare chromatin blocks in the nucleoplasm (Class A), with a complete peri-ANu heterochromatic rim assembling all chromatin (Class C), and intermediate variants (Class B). Comparison of the chromatin state and the ability of oocytes to complete meiosis allowed us to conclude that Class B and C oocytes are more capable of resuming meiosis in vitro and completing the first meiotic division, while Class A oocytes can resume maturation but often stop their development either at metaphase I (MI arrest) or before the onset of GV breakdown (GVBD arrest). In addition, oocytes with a low chromatin condensation demonstrated a high level of aneuploidy during the resumption of meiosis. Considering that the degree of chromatin condensation/compaction can be determined in vivo under a light microscope, this characteristic of the GV can be considered a promising criterion for selecting the best-quality GV oocytes in IVM rescue programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniil Salimov
- Clinical Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Yekaterinburg 620014, Russia;
| | - Tatiana Lisovskaya
- Clinical Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Yekaterinburg 620014, Russia;
| | - Junko Otsuki
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Center, Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan;
| | - Alexandre Gzgzyan
- Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology Named after D. O. Ott, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia;
| | - Irina Bogolyubova
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194064, Russia;
- Department of Histology and Embryology Named after Prof. A.G. Knorre, St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, St. Petersburg 194100, Russia
| | - Dmitry Bogolyubov
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194064, Russia;
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Yuan X, Chen N, Feng Y, Li N, Pan X, Tian Y, Wang J, Jiang Y, He D, Li J, Gao F. Single-cell multi-omics profiling reveals key regulatory mechanisms that poise germinal vesicle oocytes for maturation in pigs. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:222. [PMID: 37480402 PMCID: PMC11072314 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04873-x] [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: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms controlling the transition from meiotic arrest to meiotic resumption in mammalian oocytes have not been fully elucidated. Single-cell omics technology provides a new opportunity to decipher the early molecular events of oocyte growth in mammals. Here we focused on analyzing oocytes that were collected from antral follicles in different diameters of porcine pubertal ovaries, and used single-cell M&T-seq technology to analyze the nuclear DNA methylome and cytoplasmic transcriptome in parallel for 62 oocytes. 10× Genomics single-cell transcriptomic analyses were also performed to explore the bi-directional cell-cell communications within antral follicles. A new pipeline, methyConcerto, was developed to specifically and comprehensively characterize the methylation profile and allele-specific methylation events for a single-cell methylome. We characterized the gene expressions and DNA methylations of individual oocyte in porcine antral follicle, and both active and inactive gene's bodies displayed high methylation levels, thereby enabled defining two distinct types of oocytes. Although the methylation levels of Type II were higher than that of Type I, Type II contained nearly two times more of cytoplasmic transcripts than Type I. Moreover, the imprinting methylation patterns of Type II were more dramatically divergent than Type I, and the gene expressions and DNA methylations of Type II were more similar with that of MII oocytes. The crosstalk between granulosa cells and Type II oocytes was active, and these observations revealed that Type II was more poised for maturation. We further confirmed Insulin Receptor Substrate-1 in insulin signaling pathway is a key regulator on maturation by in vitro maturation experiments. Our study provides new insights into the regulatory mechanisms between meiotic arrest and meiotic resumption in mammalian oocytes. We also provide a new analytical package for future single-cell methylomics study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Yuan
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Na Chen
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yance Feng
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Nian Li
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiangchun Pan
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuhan Tian
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | | | - Yao Jiang
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Dou He
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiaqi Li
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China.
- Comparative Pediatrics and Nutrition, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
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Ryu SA, Baek S, Kim KC, Lee ES, Lee ST. Effects of cumulus cells on the in vitro cytoplasmic maturation of immature oocytes in pigs. Theriogenology 2023; 206:133-139. [PMID: 37209433 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.04.021] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The exposure of cumulus cells to nuclear matured oocytes can be regulated through the forced delay of nuclear maturation or the alteration of in vitro maturation (IVM) time in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs). However, to date, no evidence has been presented for the enhancement of cytoplasmic maturation by them, indicating irrelevance of cumulus cells in cytoplasmic maturation. Therefore, in order to identify the requirement of cumulus cells in achieving the cytoplasmic maturation of immature oocytes, this study investigated the effects of cumulus cells on the in vitro cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes within COCs derived from porcine medium antral follicles (MAFs) post-the completion of nuclear maturation. For these, with IVM of COCs for 44 h (control), cumulus cell-free oocytes with completed nuclear maturation were in-vitro-matured additionally for 0, 6, or 12 h, and then a variety of factors representing the cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes were analyzed and compared. As the results, the IVM of COCs for 32 h showed complete nuclear maturation and incomplete cytoplasmic maturation. Moreover, after the removal of cumulus cells from COCs with the completion of nuclear maturation, IVM for an additional 6 or 12 h resulted in significant increases in the size of the perivitelline space, the proportion of oocytes with a normal intracellular mitochondrial distribution and a normal round first polar body, and the preimplantation development into the 2-cell and blastocyst stages after parthenogenetic activation. Simultaneously, they showed significant reduction in the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species and no significant differences in the total number of blastocysts. Furthermore, oocytes obtained by this approach did not significantly differ from control oocytes produced by IVM of COCs for 44 h. Our results demonstrate that the cumulus cells enclosing COCs derived from porcine MAFs are not essential for the completion of cytoplasmic maturation after complete nuclear maturation by COCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seon Ah Ryu
- Department of Applied Animal Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Song Baek
- Department of Applied Animal Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Keun Cheon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65201, USA
| | - Eun Song Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seung Tae Lee
- Department of Applied Animal Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea; Kustogen, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea.
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9
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Pham HH, Le AH, Nguyen AM, Ha UD, Nguyen TC, Pham TD, Le HL, Le TK, Huynh BG, Ho TM, Vuong LN. Cumulative live birth rate after oocyte in vitro maturation with a pre-maturation step in women with polycystic ovary syndrome or high antral follicle count. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023; 40:827-835. [PMID: 36821006 PMCID: PMC10224896 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02752-9] [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: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study evaluated the 24-month cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or high antral follicle count (AFC) who underwent oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) with pre-maturation step (CAPA-IVM). METHODS This multicenter, retrospective study was performed at IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, and IVFMD Phu Nhuan, My Duc Phu Nhuan Hospital from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2019. All women with PCOS or high AFC treated with a CAPA-IVM cycle were included. Cumulative live birth was defined as at least one live birth resulting from the initiated CAPA-IVM cycle. Where a woman did not return for embryo transfer, outcomes were followed up until 24 months from the day of oocyte aspiration. Logistic regression was performed to identify factors predicting the CLBR. RESULTS Data from 374 women were analyzed, 368 of whom had embryos for transfer (98.4%), and six had no embryos for transfer (1.6%). The oocyte maturation rate was 63.2%. The median number of frozen embryos was 4 [quartile 1, 2; quartile 3, 6]. Cumulative clinical pregnancy and ongoing pregnancy rates were 60.4% and 43.6%, respectively. At 24 months after starting CAPA-IVM treatment, the CLBR was 38.5%. Multivariate analysis showed that patient age and number of frozen embryos were significant predictors of cumulative live birth after CAPA-IVM. CONCLUSIONS CAPA-IVM could be considered as an alternative to in vitro fertilization for the management of infertility in women with PCOS or a high AFC who require assisted reproductive technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huy H Pham
- IVMFD Phu Nhuan, My Duc Phu Nhuan Hospital, 43R/2-4 Ho Van Hue, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
| | - Anh H Le
- IVMFD Phu Nhuan, My Duc Phu Nhuan Hospital, 43R/2-4 Ho Van Hue, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Anh M Nguyen
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Uyen D Ha
- IVMFD Phu Nhuan, My Duc Phu Nhuan Hospital, 43R/2-4 Ho Van Hue, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tri C Nguyen
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Toan D Pham
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Ho L Le
- IVMFD Phu Nhuan, My Duc Phu Nhuan Hospital, 43R/2-4 Ho Van Hue, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tien K Le
- IVMFD Phu Nhuan, My Duc Phu Nhuan Hospital, 43R/2-4 Ho Van Hue, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Bao G Huynh
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tuong M Ho
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Lan N Vuong
- HOPE Research Center, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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10
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In vivo and in vitro matured bovine oocytes present a distinct pattern of single-cell gene expression. ZYGOTE 2023; 31:31-43. [PMID: 36263617 DOI: 10.1017/s0967199422000478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Oocyte gene expression is a well controlled event that promotes gamete competence to undergo maturation, fertilization, and to support early embryo development, directly affecting reproductive outcomes. Considering that in vivo controlled ovarian stimulation or in vitro maturation (IVM) for the acquisition of mature oocytes has distinct implications for gene expression, we sought to evaluate the effects of these procedures on the expression of competence-related genes in single-cell oocytes. Healthy Nelore cows of reproductive age were synchronized to harvest in vivo matured oocytes; ovaries from slaughtered animals were used to obtain cumulus-oocyte complexes that were in vitro matured. Single-cell gene expression was performed using TaqMan Low-Density Arrays and 42 genes were evaluated. In silico analysis of protein interactions and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was performed. Reduced gene expression was observed for 24 targets in IVM oocytes when compared with those of in vivo matured oocytes (P < 0.05). Differences ranged from 1.5-fold to 4.8-fold higher in in vivo oocytes and the BMP15 (5.28), GDF9 (6.23), NOBOX (7.25), HSPA8 (7.85) and MSX1 (11.00) showed the greatest fold increases. The strongest score of functional interactions was observed between the CDC20 and CKS2, with the differentially expressed gene CDC20 being the main marker behind GO enrichment. IVM negatively affected the expression of important genes related to oocyte competency, and showed higher expression levels in in vivo matured oocytes. In vivo controlled ovarian stimulation may be a better strategy to achieve proper oocyte competence and increase the success of assisted reproductive technologies.
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11
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Luciano AM, Franciosi F, Dey P, Ladron De Guevara M, Monferini N, Bonumallu SKN, Musmeci G, Fagali Franchi F, Garcia Barros R, Colombo M, Lodde V. Progress toward species-tailored prematuration approaches in carnivores. Theriogenology 2023; 196:202-213. [PMID: 36423514 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.11.016] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
In the past four decades, the bovine model has been highly informative and inspiring to assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in other species. Most of the recent advances in ART have come from studies in cattle, particularly those unveiling the importance of several processes that must be recapitulated in vitro to ensure the proper development of the oocyte. The maintenance of structural and functional communications between the cumulus cells and the oocyte and a well-orchestrated chromatin remodeling with the gradual silencing of transcriptional activity represent essential processes for the progressive acquisition of oocyte developmental competence. These markers are now considered the milestones of physiological approaches to increase the efficiency of reproductive technologies. Different in vitro approaches have been proposed. In particular, the so-called "pre-IVM" or "prematuration" is a culture step performed before in vitro maturation (IVM) to support the completion of the oocyte differentiation process. Although these attempts only partially improved the embryo quality and yield, they currently represent a proof of principle that oocytes retrieved from an ovary or an ovarian batch shouldn't be treated as a whole and that tailored approaches can be developed for culturing competent oocytes in several species, including humans. An advancement in ART's efficiency would be desirable in carnivores, where the success is still limited. Since the progress in reproductive medicine has often come from comparative studies, this review highlights aspects that have been critical in other species and how they may be extended to carnivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Maria Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy.
| | - Federica Franciosi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Pritha Dey
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Magdalena Ladron De Guevara
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Noemi Monferini
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Sai Kamal Nag Bonumallu
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Giulia Musmeci
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Fernanda Fagali Franchi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Rodrigo Garcia Barros
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Martina Colombo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Valentina Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, 26900, Lodi, Italy
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12
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Chian R, Li J, Lim J, Yoshida H. IVM of human immature oocytes for infertility treatment and fertility preservation. Reprod Med Biol 2023; 22:e12524. [PMID: 37441160 PMCID: PMC10335168 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Thousands of healthy babies are born from in vitro maturation (IVM) procedures, but the rate of efficiency differs with the source of immature oocytes obtained. Recently, there are different IVM protocols proposed for infertility treatment and fertility preservation. Methods Based on the literature, the clinical application for IVM of immature oocytes was summarized. Main findings Results Immature oocytes may be retrieved from women after priming with or without the use of follicular stimulation hormone (FSH), human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) or a combination of both FSH and hCG. Successful pregnancy rates with IVM technology seem to be correlated with the number of immature oocytes obtained. With the source and culture course of immature oocytes, there are various IVM protocols. IVM of immature oocytes is profoundly affected by the culture conditions, but no breakthrough has been made by improving the IVM medium itself. Thus, the clinical application of IVM technology continues to evolve. Conclusion IVM technology is a useful technique for infertile women and fertility preservation. Mild stimulation IVF combined with IVM of immature oocytes is a viable alternative to the conventional stimulation IVF cycle treatment as it may prove to be an optimal first-line treatment approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ri‐Cheng Chian
- Center for Reproductive MedicineShanghai 10th People's Hospital of Tongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Jian‐Hua Li
- Reproductive Medical Center, Senior Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Seventh Medical Center of PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
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Izadi M, Rezvani ME, Aliabadi A, Karimi M, Aflatoonian B. Mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes as a promising new approach for the treatment of infertility caused by polycystic ovary syndrome. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1021581. [PMID: 36299896 PMCID: PMC9589245 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1021581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial metabolic and most common endocrine disorder that its prevalence, depending on different methods of evaluating PCOS traits, varies from 4% to 21%. Chronic low-grade inflammation and irregular apoptosis of granulosa cells play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of PCOS infertility. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-derived exosomes and extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer complexes that act as a means of intercellular transferring of proteins, lipids, DNA and different types of RNAs. It seems that this nanoparticles have therapeutic effects on the PCOS ovary such as regulating immunity response, anti-inflammatory (local and systemic) and suppress of granulosa cells (GCs) apoptosis. Although there are few studies demonstrating the effects of exosomes on PCOS and their exact mechanisms is still unknown, in the present study we reviewed the available studies of the functions of MSC-derived exosome, EVs and secretome on apoptosis of granulosa cells and inflammation in the ovary. Therefore, the novel cell-free therapeutic approaches for PCOS were suggested in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahin Izadi
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ebrahim Rezvani
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ali Aliabadi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Karimi
- Stem Cell Biology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Behrouz Aflatoonian
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Stem Cell Biology Research Center, Yazd Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- *Correspondence: Behrouz Aflatoonian,
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14
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Eleftheriou K, Peter A, Fedorenko I, Schmidt K, Wossidlo M, Arand J. A transition phase in late mouse oogenesis impacts DNA methylation of the early embryo. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1047. [PMID: 36184676 PMCID: PMC9527251 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04008-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A well-orchestrated program of oocyte growth and differentiation results in a developmentally competent oocyte. In late oogenesis, germinal vesicle oocytes (GVOs) undergo chromatin remodeling accompanied by transcriptional silencing from an NSN (non-surrounded nucleolus) to an SN (surrounded nucleolus) chromatin state. By analyzing different cytoplasmic and nuclear characteristics, our results indicate that murine NSN-GVOs transition via an intermediate stage into SN-GVOs in vivo. Interestingly, this transition can also be observed ex vivo, including most characteristics seen in vivo, which allows to analyze this transition process in more detail. The nuclear rearrangements during the transition are accompanied by changes in DNA methylation and Tet enzyme-catalyzed DNA modifications. Early parthenogenetic embryos, derived from NSN-GVOs, show lower DNA methylation levels than SN-derived embryos. Together, our data suggest that a successful NSN-SN transition in oogenesis including proper DNA methylation remodeling is important for the establishment of a developmentally competent oocyte for the beginning of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristeli Eleftheriou
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Center of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Antonia Peter
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Center of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ivanna Fedorenko
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Center of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katy Schmidt
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Center of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mark Wossidlo
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Center of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Julia Arand
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Center of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
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15
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Pors SE, Nikiforov D, Cadenas J, Ghezelayagh Z, Wakimoto Y, Jara LAZ, Cheng J, Dueholm M, Macklon KT, Flachs EM, Mamsen LS, Kristensen SG, Andersen CY. Oocyte diameter predicts the maturation rate of human immature oocytes collected ex vivo. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:2209-2214. [PMID: 36087150 PMCID: PMC9596637 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02602-0] [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: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To study the impact of oocyte diameter and cumulus cell mass on the potential for final maturation of immature human oocytes in vitro. Methods Immature oocytes (n = 1563) from 75 women undergoing fertility preservation by ovarian tissue cryopreservation (14–41 years) were collected. After preparation of the ovarian cortex for freezing, immature oocytes were collected from the surplus medulla. After collection, IVM was performed according to standard published methods. The mass of cumulus cell surrounding the immature oocyte was grouped according to size. After IVM, each oocyte was photographed, measured, and the diameter was calculated as a mean of two perpendicular measurements. Results The diameter of the oocytes ranged from 60 to 171 µm with a mean of 115 µm (SD:12.1) and an interquartile range from 107 to 124 µm. The oocyte diameter was positively associated with a higher incidence of MII (p < 0.001). MII oocytes had a significantly larger mean diameter than MI, GV, and degenerated oocytes. The size of the cumulus cell mass was significantly associated with the MII stage (p < 0.001) and larger oocyte diameter (p < 0.001). The results further confirm that the diameter of the fully grown oocyte is reached relatively early in human follicular development and that the factors governing oocyte maturation in vitro are connected to the surrounding cell mass and the oocyte. Conclusion The diameter of the oocyte is a highly determining factor in the nuclear maturation of the human oocyte during in vitro maturation, and the size of the cumulus cell mass is closely positively associated with a larger diameter.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Pors
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - D Nikiforov
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J Cadenas
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Z Ghezelayagh
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Y Wakimoto
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8501, Japan
| | - L A Z Jara
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J Cheng
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,People's Hospital of Guangxi Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530000, China
| | - M Dueholm
- The Fertility Clinic, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, 8200, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - K T Macklon
- Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - E M Flachs
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg University Hospital, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - L S Mamsen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S G Kristensen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - C Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
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16
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Park A, Oh HJ, Ji K, Choi EM, Kim D, Kim E, Kim MK. Effect of Passage Number of Conditioned Medium Collected from Equine Amniotic Fluid Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Porcine Oocyte Maturation and Embryo Development. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126569. [PMID: 35743012 PMCID: PMC9224282 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) is the most important first step in in vitro embryo production. One prerequisite for the success of IVM in oocytes is to provide a rich culture microenvironment that meets the nutritional needs of developing oocytes. We applied different equine amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium (eAFMSC-CM) from passages 7, 18, and 27 to porcine oocytes during IVM to determine its effects on oocyte development and subsequent embryo development, specifically. The eAFMSC-CM from passage 7 (eAFMSC-CMp7) has a considerable impact on 9 genes: BAX, BCL2, SOD2, NRF2, TNFAIP6, PTGS2, HAS2, Cx37, and Cx43, which are associated with cumulus cell mediated oocyte maturation. GSH levels and distribution of mitochondrial and cortical granules were significantly increased in oocytes incubated with eAFMSC-CMp7. In addition, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were high after IVM 44 h with eAFMSC-CMp7. After in vitro fertilization, blastocyst quality was significantly increased in the eAFMSC-CMp7 group compared to control. Lastly, the antioxidant effect of eAFMSC-CMp7 substantially regulated the expression of apoptosis, pluripotency related genes and decreased autophagy activity in blastocysts. Taken together, this study demonstrated that the eAFMSC-CMp7 enhanced the cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes and subsequent embryonic development by generating high antioxidant activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahyoung Park
- Division of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (A.P.); (H.J.O.); (K.J.); (E.M.C.); (D.K.)
| | - Hyun Ju Oh
- Division of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (A.P.); (H.J.O.); (K.J.); (E.M.C.); (D.K.)
| | - Kukbin Ji
- Division of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (A.P.); (H.J.O.); (K.J.); (E.M.C.); (D.K.)
| | - Eunha Miri Choi
- Division of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (A.P.); (H.J.O.); (K.J.); (E.M.C.); (D.K.)
| | - Dongern Kim
- Division of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (A.P.); (H.J.O.); (K.J.); (E.M.C.); (D.K.)
| | - Eunyoung Kim
- MK Biotech Inc., 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea;
| | - Min Kyu Kim
- Division of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea; (A.P.); (H.J.O.); (K.J.); (E.M.C.); (D.K.)
- MK Biotech Inc., 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Korea;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-042-821-5773
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17
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Fan L, Guan F, Ma Y, Zhang Y, Li L, Sun Y, Cao C, Du H, He M. N-Acetylcysteine improves oocyte quality through modulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway to ameliorate oxidative stress caused by repeated controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 34:736-750. [PMID: 35513370 DOI: 10.1071/rd22020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT N -acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is a potent antioxidant that can be used for many gynecological diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis. Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) is a critical step in infertility treatment. Our previous clinical studies have shown that repeated COH led to oxidative stress in follicle fluid and ovarian granulosa cells. AIMS In this study, we investigated whether NAC could inhibit oxidative stress in mice caused by repeated COH and improve the mitochondrial function of oocytes. METHODS Female Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were randomly assigned into three groups: normal group, model (repeated COH) group, NAC group. We examined the morphology, number and quality of mitochondria. The mechanism of regulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) by NAC to ameliorate oxidative stress was also investigated. KEY RESULTS Repeated COH caused oxidative damage in ovaries and oocytes and decreased oocyte quality, while NAC prevented oxidative damage and increased oocyte mitochondrial function. In in vitro experiments, it was verified that NAC can promote the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, which transcriptionally activates the expression of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, which removed excessive reactive oxygen species that causes mitochondria damage. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that NAC raises mitochondrial function in oocytes and improves oocyte quality through decreasing oxidative stress in mice with repeated COH. The underlying mechanism is related to the regulation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway. IMPLICATION This study provides a meaningful foundation for the future clinical application of NAC during repeated COH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijie Fan
- College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China; and Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050091, China
| | - Fengli Guan
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050091, China
| | - Yucong Ma
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050091, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050091, China
| | - Li Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050091, China
| | - Can Cao
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050091, China
| | - Huilan Du
- College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China; and Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050091, China
| | - Ming He
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050091, China
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18
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Buratini J, Soares ACS, Barros RG, Dellaqua TT, Lodde V, Franciosi F, Dal Canto M, Renzini MM, Luciano AM. Physiological parameters related to oocyte nuclear differentiation for the improvement of IVM/IVF outcomes in women and cattle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2022; 34:27-35. [PMID: 35231269 DOI: 10.1071/rd21278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro maturation (IVM) has been applied in numerous different contexts and strategies in humans and animals, but in both cases it represents a challenge still far from being overcome. Despite the large dataset produced over the last two decades on the mechanisms that govern antral follicular development and oocyte metabolism and differentiation, IVM outcomes are still unsatisfactory. This review specifically focuses on data concerning the potential consequences of using supraphysiological levels of FSH during IVM, as well as on the regulation of oocyte chromatin dynamics and its utility as a potential marker of oocyte developmental competence. Taken together, the data revisited herein indicate that a significant improvement in IVM efficacy may be provided by the integration of pre-OPU patient-specific protocols preparing the oocyte population for IVM and more physiological culture systems mimicking more precisely the follicular environment that would be experienced by the recovered oocytes until completion of metaphase II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Buratini
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Centre - Eugin Group, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Monza, Italy; and Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | | | - Rodrigo Garcia Barros
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Thaisy Tino Dellaqua
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Valentina Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Franciosi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Mario Mignini Renzini
- Biogenesi Reproductive Medicine Centre - Eugin Group, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Monza, Italy
| | - Alberto Maria Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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19
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Picton HM. Therapeutic Potential of In Vitro-Derived Oocytes for the Restoration and Treatment of Female Fertility. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2022; 10:281-301. [PMID: 34843385 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-020420-030319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Considerable progress has been made with the development of culture systems for the in vitro growth and maturation (IVGM) of oocytes from the earliest-staged primordial follicles and from the more advanced secondary follicles in rodents, ruminants, nonhuman primates, and humans. Successful oocyte production in vitro depends on the development of a dynamic culture strategy that replicates the follicular microenvironment required for oocyte activation and to support oocyte growth and maturation in vivo while enabling the coordinated and timely acquisition of oocyte developmental competence. Significant heterogeneity exists between the culture protocols used for different stages of follicle development and for different species. To date, the fertile potential of IVGM oocytes derived from primordial follicles has been realized only in mice. Although many technical challenges remain, significant advances have been made, and there is an increasing consensus that complete IVGM will require a dynamic, multiphase culture approach. The production of healthy offspring from in vitro-produced oocytes in a secondary large animal species is a vital next step before IVGM can be tested for therapeutic use in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Picton
- Reproduction and Early Development Research Group, Discovery and Translational Science Department, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom;
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20
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Zheng X, Guo W, Zeng L, Zheng D, Yang S, Xu Y, Wang L, Wang R, Mol BW, Li R, Qiao J. In vitro maturation without gonadotropins versus in vitro fertilization with hyperstimulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:242-253. [PMID: 34849920 PMCID: PMC9115328 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does in vitro maturation (IVM) result in non-inferior cumulative live birth rates compared to those after standard in vitro fertilization (IVF) in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? SUMMARY ANSWER One cycle of IVM, without any stimulation, was inferior to one cycle of standard IVF in women with PCOS in terms of 6-month cumulative live birth rates, when choosing single vitrified-warmed blastocyst transfer. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY IVM is an emerging alternative treatment for women with PCOS who need assisted reproductive technology. Since a minimal or even zero dose of gonadotropins are required in the IVM procedure, the occurrence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is eliminated. Only one clinical trial comparing the pregnancy outcome between IVM with FSH priming and IVF has been reported. However, it is still unknown whether IVM treatment without any stimulation can offer a similar live birth outcome in women with PCOS as compared to that in women receiving the standard IVF procedure with ovarian stimulation. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This single-centre, open-label randomized controlled non-inferiority trial in an academic infertility centre in China was performed between March 2018 and July 2019. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Women aged 20-38 years with PCOS and infertility scheduled for their first IVF attempt were eligible. In total, 351 women were randomly allocated to receive one cycle of unstimulated IVM (n = 175) or one cycle of standard IVF with a flexible GnRH antagonist protocol and hCG as ovulatory trigger (n = 176). A freeze-all and single blastocyst transfer strategy was used in both groups. The primary outcome was ongoing pregnancy (leading to live birth) within 6 months after randomization. A non-inferiority margin of 15% was considered. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The IVM procedure without additional gonadotropin resulted in a lower ongoing pregnancy (leading to live birth) within 6 months after randomization compared to standard IVF treatment (22.3% vs. 50.6%; rate difference -28.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -37.9% to -18.7%). Moderate-severe OHSS did not occur in the IVM group, while in the IVF group, ten women (5.7%) had moderate OHSS and one woman (0.6%) had severe OHSS. There was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of obstetric and perinatal complications. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The trial was conducted using an IVM protocol without additional stimulation in a single centre, which may limit its generalizability. In addition, a GnRH agonist trigger rather than hCG for IVF stimulation in women with PCOS would be more consistent with current clinical practice. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Although IVM is considered to be a convenient, inexpensive and safe alternative to IVF for women with PCOS, our results indicated that one cycle of IVM without any stimulation was inferior to one cycle of standard IVF in terms of the cumulative live birth rate. The inferiority of IVM without ovarian stimulation could be mainly due to the limitations in the developmental potential of embryos. Further IVM development should be tested and validated in a freeze-only and blastocyst transfer setting. Further RCTs are needed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of other IVM protocols or multiple cycles of IVM compared to IVF. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2016YFC1000201 and 2018YFC1002104) and the National Science Foundation of China (81730038). B.W.M. is supported by a NHMRC Investigator grant (GNT1176437). All other authors declare no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03463772. TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE 29 January 2018. DATE OF FIRST PATIENT’S ENROLMENT 16 March 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Centre for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- Research Units of Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment of Oocyte Maturation Arrest, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Centre for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Zeng
- Research Centre of Clinical Epidemiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Danni Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Centre for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Centre for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yalan Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Centre for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Lina Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Centre for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ben Willem Mol
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Aberdeen Centre for Women's Health Research, School of Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Centre for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Centre for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- Research Units of Comprehensive Diagnosis and Treatment of Oocyte Maturation Arrest, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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21
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Xu J, Zelinski MB. Oocyte quality following in vitro follicle development†. Biol Reprod 2021; 106:291-315. [PMID: 34962509 PMCID: PMC9004734 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro follicle development (IVFD) is an adequate model to obtain basic knowledge of folliculogenesis and provides a tool for ovarian toxicity screening. IVFD yielding competent oocytes may also offer an option for fertility and species preservation. To promote follicle growth and oocyte maturation in vitro, various culture systems are utilized for IVFD in rodents, domestic animals, wild animals, nonhuman primates, and humans. Follicle culture conditions have been improved by optimizing gonadotropin levels, regulatory factors, nutrient supplements, oxygen concentration, and culture matrices. This review summarizes quality assessment of oocytes generated from in vitro-developed antral follicles from the preantral stage, including oocyte epigenetic and genetic profile, cytoplasmic and nuclear maturation, preimplantation embryonic development following in vitro fertilization, as well as pregnancy and live offspring after embryo transfer. The limitations of oocyte quality evaluation following IVFD and the gaps in our knowledge of IVFD to support proper oocyte development are also discussed. The information may advance our understanding of the requirements for IVFD, with a goal of producing competent oocytes with genetic integrity to sustain embryonic development resulting in healthy offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- Correspondence: Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA. Tel: +1 5033465411; Fax: +1 5033465585; E-mail:
| | - Mary B Zelinski
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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22
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Sirard MA. The two-step process of ovarian follicular growth and maturation in mammals can be compared to a fruit ripening where quality depends on the second step. Biol Reprod 2021; 106:230-234. [PMID: 34939644 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab236] [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: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In human IVF, the main uncertainty factor impacting on success is oocyte quality, which largely depends on the follicular status at the time of collection. Decades of debate ensued to find the perfect stimulation protocol demonstrated the complexity of the ovarian response to exogenous gonadotropins and the dynamic nature of late folliculogenesis. Although several follicular markers, proteins, RNA from granulosa cells or microRNA and follicular fluid metabolites have been associated with outcome, the possibility to influence them during stimulation remains elusive. The heterogeneity of the follicle's maturity following control ovarian stimulation is also an important factor to explain average poor oocyte quality still observed today. In this review, the analogy between the apple ripening on the tree and follicular development is presented to focus the attention on a biphasic process: growth and differentiation. The molecular analysis of the progressive follicular differentiation indicates 2 competing phenomena: growth and differentiation where a delicate balance must operate from one to the other to ensure proper maturity at ovulation. As long as FSH stimulates growth, follicles remain green, and it is only when FSH is replaced by LH that the ripening process begins, and "apples" become red. Both fruits, follicles and apples, depend on a perfect timing of events to generate offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-André Sirard
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle (CRDSI).,Département des Sciences Animales, Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
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23
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Yang H, Kolben T, Meister S, Paul C, van Dorp J, Eren S, Kuhn C, Rahmeh M, Mahner S, Jeschke U, von Schönfeldt V. Factors Influencing the In Vitro Maturation (IVM) of Human Oocyte. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1904. [PMID: 34944731 PMCID: PMC8698296 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes is a promising assisted reproductive technology (ART) deemed as a simple and safe procedure. It is mainly used in patients with impaired oocyte maturation and in fertility preservation for women facing the risk of losing fertility. However, to date, it is still not widely used in clinical practice because of its underperformance. The influencing factors, such as biphasic IVM system, culture medium, and the supplementation, have a marked effect on the outcomes of oocyte IVM. However, the role of different culture media, supplements, and follicular priming regimens in oocyte IVM have yet to be fully clarified and deserve further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huixia Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 81377 Munich, Germany; (H.Y.); (T.K.); (S.M.); (C.P.); (J.v.D.); (S.E.); (C.K.); (M.R.); (S.M.); (V.v.S.)
| | - Thomas Kolben
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 81377 Munich, Germany; (H.Y.); (T.K.); (S.M.); (C.P.); (J.v.D.); (S.E.); (C.K.); (M.R.); (S.M.); (V.v.S.)
| | - Sarah Meister
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 81377 Munich, Germany; (H.Y.); (T.K.); (S.M.); (C.P.); (J.v.D.); (S.E.); (C.K.); (M.R.); (S.M.); (V.v.S.)
| | - Corinna Paul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 81377 Munich, Germany; (H.Y.); (T.K.); (S.M.); (C.P.); (J.v.D.); (S.E.); (C.K.); (M.R.); (S.M.); (V.v.S.)
| | - Julia van Dorp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 81377 Munich, Germany; (H.Y.); (T.K.); (S.M.); (C.P.); (J.v.D.); (S.E.); (C.K.); (M.R.); (S.M.); (V.v.S.)
| | - Sibel Eren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 81377 Munich, Germany; (H.Y.); (T.K.); (S.M.); (C.P.); (J.v.D.); (S.E.); (C.K.); (M.R.); (S.M.); (V.v.S.)
| | - Christina Kuhn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 81377 Munich, Germany; (H.Y.); (T.K.); (S.M.); (C.P.); (J.v.D.); (S.E.); (C.K.); (M.R.); (S.M.); (V.v.S.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Martina Rahmeh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 81377 Munich, Germany; (H.Y.); (T.K.); (S.M.); (C.P.); (J.v.D.); (S.E.); (C.K.); (M.R.); (S.M.); (V.v.S.)
| | - Sven Mahner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 81377 Munich, Germany; (H.Y.); (T.K.); (S.M.); (C.P.); (J.v.D.); (S.E.); (C.K.); (M.R.); (S.M.); (V.v.S.)
| | - Udo Jeschke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 81377 Munich, Germany; (H.Y.); (T.K.); (S.M.); (C.P.); (J.v.D.); (S.E.); (C.K.); (M.R.); (S.M.); (V.v.S.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Viktoria von Schönfeldt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 81377 Munich, Germany; (H.Y.); (T.K.); (S.M.); (C.P.); (J.v.D.); (S.E.); (C.K.); (M.R.); (S.M.); (V.v.S.)
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24
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Single-Cell Transcriptomics Analysis of Human Small Antral Follicles. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111955. [PMID: 34769386 PMCID: PMC8584910 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Human ovarian folliculogenesis is a highly regulated and complex process. Characterization of follicular cell signatures during this dynamic process is important to understand follicle fate (to grow, become dominant, or undergo atresia). The transcriptional signature of human oocytes and granulosa cells (GCs) in early-growing and ovulatory follicles have been previously described; however, that of oocytes with surrounding GCs in small antral follicles have not been studied yet. Here, we have generated a unique dataset of single-cell transcriptomics (SmartSeq2) consisting of the oocyte with surrounding GCs from several individual (non-dominant) small antral follicles isolated from adult human ovaries. We have identified two main types of (healthy) follicles, with a distinct oocyte and GC signature. Using the CellphoneDB algorithm, we then investigated the bi-directional ligand–receptor interactions regarding the transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ)/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), wingless-type (MMTV)-integration site (WNT), NOTCH, and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) signaling pathways between oocyte and GCs within each antral follicle type. Our work not only revealed the diversity of small antral follicles, but also contributes to fill the gap in mapping the molecular landscape of human folliculogenesis and oogenesis.
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25
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The Role of Mitochondria in Oocyte Maturation. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092484. [PMID: 34572133 PMCID: PMC8469615 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With the nucleus as an exception, mitochondria are the only animal cell organelles containing their own genetic information, called mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). During oocyte maturation, the mtDNA copy number dramatically increases and the distribution of mitochondria changes significantly. As oocyte maturation requires a large amount of ATP for continuous transcription and translation, the availability of the right number of functional mitochondria is crucial. There is a correlation between the quality of oocytes and both the amount of mtDNA and the amount of ATP. Suboptimal conditions of in vitro maturation (IVM) might lead to changes in the mitochondrial morphology as well as alternations in the expression of genes encoding proteins associated with mitochondrial function. Dysfunctional mitochondria have a lower ability to counteract reactive oxygen species (ROS) production which leads to oxidative stress. The mitochondrial function might be improved with the application of antioxidants and significant expectations are laid on the development of new IVM systems supplemented with mitochondria-targeted reagents. Different types of antioxidants have been tested already on animal models and human rescue IVM oocytes, showing promising results. This review focuses on the recent observations on oocytes’ intracellular mitochondrial distribution and on mitochondrial genomes during their maturation, both in vivo and in vitro. Recent mitochondrial supplementation studies, aiming to improve oocyte developmental potential, are summarized.
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26
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Xu F, Lawson MS, Bean Y, Ting AY, Pejovic T, De Geest K, Moffitt M, Mitalipov SM, Xu J. Matrix-free 3D culture supports human follicular development from the unilaminar to the antral stage in vitro yielding morphologically normal metaphase II oocytes. Hum Reprod 2021; 36:1326-1338. [PMID: 33681988 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can group culture with stage-specific anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) modulation support human follicular development and oocyte maturation in vitro? SUMMARY ANSWER In the presence of FSH, AMH supplementation at the secondary-to-early antral stage followed by AMH depletion promotes the coordinated growth and function of human follicles during group culture, thereby yielding mature oocytes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Stage-specific AMH modulation promotes in-vitro development of nonhuman primate follicles. The group culture method supports nonhuman primate follicle growth from the primary to antral stage, producing developmentally competent oocytes. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Ovarian tissue samples were collected from 19 patients of reproductive age (22-47 years old having menstrual cycles) who underwent oophorectomy or hysterectomy for clinical purposes. Tissue pieces were cultured in a matrix-free system for 3 weeks followed by isolation of follicles for the subsequent 6-week individual or group culture. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Pieces of ovarian cortical tissue were cultured to support primordial follicle activation and early-stage follicle growth. Secondary follicles isolated from cultured tissue were then randomly assigned to two groups for individual culture: control and AMH modulation, i.e., recombinant human AMH protein supplementation during the secondary-to-early antral stage followed by the addition of neutralizing anti-human AMH antibody. Secondary follicles were also cultured in groups with the same AMH modulation. Follicle survival, growth, steroid hormone and paracrine factor production, steroidogenic protein expression, as well as oocyte maturation and morphology were assessed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Follicles grew to the secondary stage during 3 weeks of ovarian tissue culture. In-vitro-developed follicles expressed AMH and levels of secreted AMH increased (P < 0.05) in the culture media over time. Secondary follicles isolated from cultured ovarian tissue survived and grew to the antral stage during 6 weeks of individual follicle culture. In-vitro-developed antral follicles produced granulosa and theca cell-derived steroid hormones and paracrine factors, which were detectable in the culture media. Germinal vesicle oocytes obtained from cultured follicles exhibited a perinucleolar chromatin rim configuration. AMH modulation did not alter follicle survival or oocyte maturation relative to those of the control follicles. However, follicle diameters, as well as steroid hormone and paracrine factor production, increased (P < 0.05) in the AMH-modulation group compared with the control group. Secondary follicles isolated from cultured ovarian tissue formed aggregates and grew to the antral stage during 6 weeks of group culture. In-vitro-developed antral follicles expressed steroidogenic enzymes and secreted steroid hormones were detectable in the culture media. Oocytes obtained from cultured follicle aggregates with AMH-modulation progressed to the metaphase II stage after IVM, containing a normal-sized first polar body and meiotic spindle. Oocytes exhibited a typical ultrastructure. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Follicles were obtained from fresh ovarian tissue of adult patients. Oocyte maturation rates were relatively low and oocytes were assessed by morphological evaluation. Owing to the lack of a control group, the beneficial effects of AMH modulation remained undetermined for the group culture in this study. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Stage-specific AMH modulation supports human follicular development in the matrix-free group culture, which is consistent with previously reported AMH actions on growing follicles in nonhuman primates. Oocytes generated by in-vitro-developed follicles achieve meiotic maturation with a typical morphology and ultrastructure, which supports in-vitro follicle maturation as a potential approach for fertility preservation in women. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) NICHD R01HD082208 and NIH Office of the Director P51OD011092. The authors have no competing interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuhua Xu
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Maralee S Lawson
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Yukie Bean
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Alison Y Ting
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Tanja Pejovic
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Koen De Geest
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Melissa Moffitt
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Shoukhrat M Mitalipov
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA.,Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Jing Xu
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.,Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA.,Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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27
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Luciano AM, Barros RG, Soares ACS, Buratini J, Lodde V, Franciosi F. Recreating the Follicular Environment: A Customized Approach for In Vitro Culture of Bovine Oocytes Based on the Origin and Differentiation State. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2273:1-15. [PMID: 33604842 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1246-0_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian ovary is a large source of oocytes organized into follicles at various stages of folliculogenesis. However, only a limited number of them can be used for in vitro embryo production (IVEP), while most have yet to complete growth and development to attain full meiotic and embryonic developmental competence. While the in vitro growth of primordial follicles in the ovarian cortex has the potential to produce mature oocytes, it is still at an experimental stage. The population of early antral follicles (EAFs), instead, may represent a reserve of oocytes close to completing the growth phase, which might be more easily exploited in vitro and could increase the number of female gametes dedicated to IVEP.Here we present in vitro culture strategies that have been developed utilizing physiological parameters to support the specific needs of oocytes at distinct stages of differentiation, in order to expand the source of female gametes for IVEP by maximizing the attainment of fertilizable oocytes. Furthermore, these culture systems provide powerful tools to dissect the molecular processes that direct the final differentiation of the mammalian oocyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Maria Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Rodrigo Garcia Barros
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ana Caroline Silva Soares
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Jose Buratini
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu, Brazil.,Biogenesi, Reproductive Medicine Centre, Monza, Italy
| | - Valentina Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Franciosi
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Herta AC, Akin N, Billooye K, Saucedo-Cuevas L, Lolicato F, Segers I, Anckaert E, Smitz J. Reversing complete mechanical transzonal projections disruption during mouse in vitro follicle culture with unaltered oocyte competence†. Biol Reprod 2021; 104:1373-1385. [PMID: 33709109 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro oocyte growth is widely studied as an alternative fertility preservation approach. Several animal models are used to generate extensive information on this complex process regulated by the constant and dynamic interaction between the oocyte and its somatic compartment throughout follicle growth and maturation. A two-dimensional attachment mouse secondary follicle culture system was used to assess the oocyte's capacity to overcome disconnection from its somatic companions at different developmental stages for final competence acquisition. To test this, complete mechanical denudation of oocytes from preantral (PA) and early antral (EA) follicles was performed. Established endpoints were the oocyte's potential to reconnect with somatic cells and the impact of connectivity disruption on mature oocyte quality. This study proves that oocytes from PA and EA cultured mouse follicles can overcome complete denudation, restoring likely functional transzonal projections with no significant differences in meiotic and developmental competence compared with those from intact cultured follicles. These novel findings constitute good premises for developing successful strategies to rescue human oocyte competence in the context of in vitro culture approaches such as nonhuman chorionic gonadotropin triggered in vitro maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamaria-Cristina Herta
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nazli Akin
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Katy Billooye
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laura Saucedo-Cuevas
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Francesca Lolicato
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ingrid Segers
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ellen Anckaert
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Johan Smitz
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Abstract
The results of in vitro maturation (IVM) investigations suggest the potential for wider clinical application. This document discusses the efficacy of IVM as reported in the published literature to date. This document replaces the document of the same name, last published in 2013.
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30
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Ferrer-Vaquer A, Barragán M, Rodríguez A, Vassena R. Altered cytoplasmic maturation in rescued in vitro matured oocytes. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:1095-1105. [PMID: 31119269 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez052] [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: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do culture conditions affect cytoplasmic maturation in denuded immature non-GV oocytes? SUMMARY ANSWER The maturation rate of denuded non-GV oocytes is not affected by culture media, but in vitro maturation seems to alter the mitochondrial membrane potential, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and actin cytoskeleton compared with in vivo maturation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In vitro maturation of denuded immature non-GV oocytes benefits cycles with poor in vivo MII oocyte collection, but maturation levels of non-GV oocytes are only scored by polar body extrusion. Since oocyte maturation involves nuclear as well as cytoplasmic maturation for full meiotic competence, further knowledge is needed about cytoplasmic maturation in in vitro culture. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This basic research study was carried out between January 2017 and September 2018. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A total of 339 denuded immature non-GV oocytes were cultured in SAGE 1-Step (177) or G-2 PLUS (162) for 6-8 h after retrieval, and 72 in vivo matured MII oocytes were used as controls. Cultured immature non-GV oocytes were scored for polar body extrusion and analysed for mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), ER clusters, cortical granules number and distribution, spindle morphology and actin cytoskeleton organization. The obtained parameter values were compared to in vivo matured MII oocyte parameter values. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The maturation rates of oocytes cultured in G-2 PLUS and SAGE 1-Step were similar (65% vs 64.2%; P = 0.91). The differences observed in cortical granule density were not statistically significant. Also spindle morphometric parameters were mostly similar between in vitro and in vivo matured MII oocytes. However, the number of ER clusters, the ΔΨm and the cortical actin thickness showed significant differences between in vivo MII oocytes and denuded immature non-GV oocytes cultured in vitro until meiosis completion. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Frozen-thawed oocytes together with fresh oocytes were used as controls. Due to technical limitations (fixation method and fluorochrome overlap), only one or two parameters could be studied per oocyte. Thus, a global view of the maturation status for each individual oocyte could not be obtained. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Characterization of in vitro matured oocytes at the cellular level will help us to understand the differences observed in the clinical outcomes reported with rescue IVM compared to in vivo MII oocytes and to improve the culture methods applied. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by intramural funding of Clinica Eugin and by the Torres Quevedo Program to A.F.-V. from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. No competing interests are declared.
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31
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Bogolyubova I, Bogolyubov D. Heterochromatin Morphodynamics in Late Oogenesis and Early Embryogenesis of Mammals. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061497. [PMID: 32575486 PMCID: PMC7348780 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
During the period of oocyte growth, chromatin undergoes global rearrangements at both morphological and molecular levels. An intriguing feature of oogenesis in some mammalian species is the formation of a heterochromatin ring-shaped structure, called the karyosphere or surrounded "nucleolus", which is associated with the periphery of the nucleolus-like bodies (NLBs). Morphologically similar heterochromatin structures also form around the nucleolus-precursor bodies (NPBs) in zygotes and persist for several first cleavage divisions in blastomeres. Despite recent progress in our understanding the regulation of gene silencing/expression during early mammalian development, as well as the molecular mechanisms that underlie chromatin condensation and heterochromatin structure, the biological significance of the karyosphere and its counterparts in early embryos is still elusive. We pay attention to both the changes of heterochromatin morphology and to the molecular mechanisms that can affect the configuration and functional activity of chromatin. We briefly discuss how DNA methylation, post-translational histone modifications, alternative histone variants, and some chromatin-associated non-histone proteins may be involved in the formation of peculiar heterochromatin structures intimately associated with NLBs and NPBs, the unique nuclear bodies of oocytes and early embryos.
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32
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Improve the developmental competence of porcine oocytes from small antral follicles by pre-maturation culture method. Theriogenology 2020; 149:139-148. [PMID: 32272343 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.02.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The oocytes from small antral follicle have low developmental potential to reach blastocyst due to incomplete cytoplasmic maturation during in vitro maturation (IVM). Thus, we developed an in vitro culture system for porcine oocytes derived from small antral follicles with l-ascorbic acid supplement during pre-maturation (pre-IVM) to support their development to blastocyst stage. Besides that, how l-ascorbic acid effect on the developmental competence of porcine oocytes with a special focus on histone modifications will be elucidated. The in vitro culture process consisted of two steps. The first step is 22 h of pre-IVM and the second step is 42 h of IVM. We utilized dibutyryl-cyclicAMP (dbcAMP) with L-ascorbic supplement during pre-IVM. Based on the result of this procedure, we proposed that the best culture condition in which hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) be added during the last 7 h of pre-IVM and continued culture to complete IVM. We observed that, in this culture system, the meiotic competence of porcine oocytes derived from small follicles was as high as those derived from large follicles after undergoing IVM. In addition, our study suggested that l-ascorbic acid supplementation at 100 μg/mL sharply enhanced the developmental potential of porcine oocytes. Interestingly, oocytes from small antral follicles treated with l-ascorbic acid could obtain the blastocyst quantity and quality as high as that of large antral follicles. The treated groups showed a significantly higher number of blastomeres compared to those in non-treated groups in both small and large follicle groups. Besides that, = The increasing levels of acetylation of histone H3 at lysine 9 (H3K9) and methylation of histone H3 at lysine 4 (H3K4) in blastocyst derived from small and large antral follicle under the present of l-ascrobic acid lead to a significant positive effect on the developmental competence and improvement in quality of porcine embryos.
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Improving the maturation rate of human oocytes collected ex vivo during the cryopreservation of ovarian tissue. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:891-904. [PMID: 32096110 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01724-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the present study was to improve the in vitro maturation (IVM) procedure using oocytes from surplus ovarian tissue after fertility preservation. METHODS Twenty-five patients aged 17-37 years were included in the study. Maturation was compared between oocytes collected in HEPES-buffered medium or saline, and we determined whether transport on ice prior to oocyte collection affected maturation. Two different IVM media were used that were supplemented with and without recombinant human midkine. Mature oocytes were assessed for aneuploidy using next-generation sequencing (NGS). RESULTS On average, 36 immature oocytes were collected from each patient (range 7-90, N = 895). Oocytes recovered from HEPES-buffered medium matured at a higher rate than oocytes recovered from saline (36% vs 26%, p < 0.01). Ovarian transportation on ice prior to the procedure negatively affected maturation compared with non-transported samples (42% vs 27%, p < 0.01). The addition of midkine improved maturation rate (34% vs 27%, p < 0.05). On average, 11 MII oocytes were obtained per patient (range 1-30). NGS of 53 MII oocytes and their first polar bodies indicated that 64% were euploid. CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrated unexpectedly high number of immature oocytes collected from surplus ovarian tissue without any stimulation. The overall MII rate was one in three, resulting in a total number of MII oocytes that was similar to the number obtained after ovarian stimulation. If these MII oocytes prove suitable for IVF, they will provide a substantial improvement in fertility preservation for patients and advance IVM as an interesting platform for further improvements in assisted reproduction.
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34
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Saenz-de-Juano MD, Ivanova E, Romero S, Lolicato F, Sánchez F, Van Ranst H, Krueger F, Segonds-Pichon A, De Vos M, Andrews S, Smitz J, Kelsey G, Anckaert E. DNA methylation and mRNA expression of imprinted genes in blastocysts derived from an improved in vitro maturation method for oocytes from small antral follicles in polycystic ovary syndrome patients. Hum Reprod 2019; 34:1640-1649. [PMID: 31398248 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does imprinted DNA methylation or imprinted gene expression differ between human blastocysts from conventional ovarian stimulation (COS) and an optimized two-step IVM method (CAPA-IVM) in age-matched polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients? SUMMARY ANSWER No significant differences in imprinted DNA methylation and gene expression were detected between COS and CAPA-IVM blastocysts. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Animal models have revealed alterations in DNA methylation maintenance at imprinted germline differentially methylated regions (gDMRs) after use of ARTs. This effect increases as more ART interventions are applied to oocytes or embryos. IVM is a minimal-stimulation ART with reduced hormone-related side effects and risks for patients. CAPA-IVM is an improved IVM system that includes a pre-maturation step (CAPA), followed by an IVM step, both in the presence of physiological compounds that promote oocyte developmental capacity. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION For DNA methylation analysis 20 CAPA-IVM blastocysts were compared to 12 COS blastocysts. For RNA-Seq analysis a separate set of 15 CAPA-IVM blastocysts were compared to 5 COS blastocysts. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS COS embryos originated from 12 patients with PCOS (according to Rotterdam criteria) who underwent conventional ovarian stimulation. For CAPA-IVM 23 women were treated for 3-5 days with highly purified hMG (HP-hMG) and no hCG trigger was given before oocyte retrieval. Oocytes were first cultured in pre-maturation medium (CAPA for 24 h containing C-type natriuretic peptide), followed by an IVM step (30 h) in medium containing FSH and Amphiregulin. After ICSI, Day 5 or 6 embryos in both groups were vitrified and used for post-bisulphite adaptor tagging (PBAT) DNA methylation analysis or RNA-seq gene expression analysis of individual embryos. Data from specific genes and gDMRs were extracted from the PABT and RNA-seq datasets. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE CAPA-IVM blastocysts showed similar rates of methylation and gene expression at gDMRs compared to COS embryos. In addition, expression of major epigenetic regulators was similar between the groups. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The embryos from the COS group were generated in a range of culture media. The CAPA-IVM embryos were all generated using the same sperm donor. The DNA methylation level of gDMRs in purely in vivo-derived human blastocysts is not known. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS A follow-up of children born after CAPA-IVM is important as it is for other new ARTs, which are generally introduced into clinical practice without prior epigenetic safety studies on human blastocysts. CAPA-IVM opens new perspectives for patient-friendly ART in PCOS. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) IVM research at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel has been supported by grants from the Institute for the Promotion of Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders (Agentschap voor Innovatie door Wetenschap en Technologie-IWT, project 110680), the Fund for Research Flanders (Fonds voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek-Vlaanderen-FWO-AL 679 project, project G.0343.13), the Belgian Foundation Against Cancer (HOPE project, Dossier C69Ref Nr 2016-119) and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (IOF Project 4R-ART Nr 2042). Work in G.K.'s laboratory is supported by the UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and Medical Research Council. The authors have no conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Saenz-de-Juano
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Animal Physiology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - E Ivanova
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - S Romero
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology and Fertility Preservation, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - F Lolicato
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Fertilab Barcelona, Via Augusta, 237-239, Barcelona 08021, Spain
| | - F Sánchez
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology and Fertility Preservation, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - H Van Ranst
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - F Krueger
- Bioinformatics Unit, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - M De Vos
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - S Andrews
- Bioinformatics Unit, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - J Smitz
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - G Kelsey
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - E Anckaert
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Sanchez F, Le AH, Ho VNA, Romero S, Van Ranst H, De Vos M, Gilchrist RB, Ho TM, Vuong LN, Smitz J. Biphasic in vitro maturation (CAPA-IVM) specifically improves the developmental capacity of oocytes from small antral follicles. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:2135-2144. [PMID: 31399916 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01551-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effectiveness of a biphasic IVM culture strategy at improving IVM outcomes in oocytes from small follicles (< 6 mm) compared with routine Standard IVM in patients with polycystic ovaries. METHODS This prospective pilot study was performed in 40 women with polycystic ovaries whose oocytes were randomized to two IVM culture methods. Patients received a total stimulation dose of 450 IU rFSH. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from follicles < 6 mm and ≥ 6 mm were retrieved and cultured separately in either a prematuration medium with c-type natriuretic peptide followed by IVM (CAPA-IVM), or STD-IVM. Primary outcomes were maturation rate, embryo quality, and the number of vitrified day 3 embryos per patient. RESULTS Use of the CAPA-IVM system led to a significant improvement in oocyte maturation (p < 0.05), to a doubling in percentage of good and top-quality day 3 embryos per COC, and to an increased number of vitrified day 3 embryos (p < 0.001), compared to STD IVM. Oocytes from follicles < 6 mm benefited most from CAPA-IVM, showing a significant increase in the amount of good and top-quality embryos compared to STD IVM. CAPA-IVM yielded significantly (p < 0.0001) less GV-arrested oocytes and larger oocyte diameters (p < 0.05) than STD IVM. CONCLUSIONS CAPA-IVM brings significant improvements in maturation and embryological outcomes, most notably to oocytes from small antral follicles (< 6 mm), which can be easily retrieved from patients with a minimal ovarian stimulation. The study demonstrates the robustness and transferability of the CAPA-IVM method across laboratories and populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flor Sanchez
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussel, Belgium.,Laboratory of Reproductive Biology and Fertility Preservation, Cayetano Heredia University (UPCH), Lima, Peru
| | - Anh H Le
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,HOPE Research Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Vu N A Ho
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,HOPE Research Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Sergio Romero
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussel, Belgium.,Laboratory of Reproductive Biology and Fertility Preservation, Cayetano Heredia University (UPCH), Lima, Peru
| | - Heidi Van Ranst
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Michel De Vos
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tuong M Ho
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,HOPE Research Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Lan N Vuong
- IVFMD, My Duc Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,HOPE Research Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Johan Smitz
- Follicle Biology Laboratory, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussel, Belgium.
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36
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Triggering method in assisted reproduction alters the cumulus cell transcriptome. Reprod Biomed Online 2019; 39:211-224. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.03.213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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37
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Son WY, Henderson S, Cohen Y, Dahan M, Buckett W. Immature Oocyte for Fertility Preservation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:464. [PMID: 31379739 PMCID: PMC6650526 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro maturation (IVM) of human immature oocytes has been offered to women who are at risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) caused by gonadotropin stimulation, such as PCO(S) patients or who have poor ovarian reserve. Cryopreservation of oocytes matured in vivo obtained in IVF cycles has improved after implementing the vitrification method and many successful results have been reported. Now, this procedure can be successfully offered to fertility preservation programs for patients who are in danger of losing their ovarian function due to medical or social reasons, and to oocyte donation programs. This vitrification technique has also been applied to cryopreserve oocytes obtained from IVM program. Some advantages of oocytes vitrification related with IVM are: (1) eliminating costly drugs and frequent monitoring; (2) completing treatment within 2 to 10 days (3) avoiding the use of hormones in cancer patients with hormone-sensitive tumors; and (4) retrieving oocytes at any point in menstrual cycle, even in the luteal phase. In addition, immature oocytes can also be collected from extracorporeal ovarian biopsy specimens or ovaries during caesarian section. Theoretically, there are two possible approaches for preserving immature oocytes: oocyte cryopreservation at the mature stage (after IVM) and oocyte cryopreservation at the Germinal Vesicle (GV)-stage (before IVM). Both vitrification of immature oocyte before/after IVM is not currently satisfactory. Nevertheless, many IVF centers worldwide are doing IVM oocyte cryopreservation as one of the options to preserve fertility for female cancer. Therefore, more studies are urgently required to improve IVM- and vitrification method to successfully preserve oocytes collected from cancer patients. In this review, present oocyte maturation mechanisms and recent progress of human IVM cycles will be discussed first, followed by some studies of the vitrification of human IVM oocyte.
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38
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Herta AC, Lolicato F, Smitz JEJ. In vitro follicle culture in the context of IVF. Reproduction 2018; 156:F59-F73. [PMID: 29980584 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The currently available assisted reproduction techniques for fertility preservation (i.e. in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro fertilization) are insufficient as stand-alone procedures as only few reproductive cells can be conserved with these techniques. Oocytes in primordial follicles are well suited to survive the cryopreservation procedure and of use as valuable starting material for fertilization, on the condition that these could be grown up to fully matured oocytes. Our understanding of the biological mechanisms directing primordial follicle activation has increased over the last years and this knowledge has paved the way toward clinical applications. New multistep in vitro systems are making use of purified precursor cells and extracellular matrix components and by applying bio-printing technologies, an adequate follicular niche can be built. IVM of human oocytes is clinically applied in patients with polycystic ovary/polycystic ovary syndrome; related knowhow could become useful for fertility preservation and for patients with maturation failure and follicle-stimulating hormone resistance. The expectations from the research on human ovarian tissue and immature oocytes cultures, in combination with the improved vitrification methods, are high as these technologies can offer realistic potential for fertility preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamaria C Herta
- Follicle Biology LaboratoryVrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Francesca Lolicato
- Follicle Biology LaboratoryVrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Johan E J Smitz
- Follicle Biology LaboratoryVrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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39
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Jafarzadeh H, Nazarian H, Ghaffari Novin M, Shams Mofarahe Z, Eini F, Piryaei A. Improvement of oocyte in vitro maturation from mice with polycystic ovary syndrome by human mesenchymal stromal cell-conditioned media. J Cell Biochem 2018; 119:10365-10375. [PMID: 30171726 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The outcome of in vitro maturation (IVM) in the patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is poor. Abnormal intraovarian paracrine interplay alters microenvironment for oocyte development through folliculogenesis and decreases developmental competence of oocytes in patients with PCOS. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) secrete a variety of cytokines and growth factors that could promote oocyte maturation in vitro. Thus, in the current study we aimed to evaluate the effect of human bone marrow MSC-conditioned media (hBM-MSC-CM), as a supplement, to enrich IVM medium for PCOS germinal vesicles (GVs). For this purpose, oocytes at GV and metaphase II (MII) stages were harvested from PCOS mice. The GVs were randomly divided into four groups and incubated for 24 hours in an IVM medium (TCM199, as the control group) or TCM199 supplemented by 25%, 50%, and 75% of hBM-MSC-CM (PCOS-CM25, PCOS-CM50, and PCOS-CM75 groups, respectively) so as to evaluate which dose(s) could enhance maturation rate of the GVs and their subsequent in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome. Furthermore, MII oocytes and their subsequent IVF outcome were considered as the in vivo matured (PCOS-IVO) group. The data showed that supplementation of IVM medium with 50% hBM-MSC-CM significantly increased cytoplasmic and nuclear maturation of the GVs (P < 0.001), and also fertilization and two-cell rate (P < 0.001) and blastocyst formation (P < 0.01) of in vitro matured oocytes from mice with PCOS. Overall, higher oocyte maturation and fertilization outcome in PCOS-CM50 group proposed that enrichment of IVM medium with hBM-MSC-CM could be considered as a promising approach to improve IVM of PCOS oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamideh Jafarzadeh
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Nazarian
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marefat Ghaffari Novin
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Shams Mofarahe
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Eini
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Abbas Piryaei
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Urogenital Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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40
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Sun J, Guo Y, Zhang Q, Bu S, Li B, Wang Q, Lai D. Chronic restraint stress disturbs meiotic resumption through APC/C-mediated cyclin B1 excessive degradation in mouse oocytes. Cell Cycle 2018; 17:1591-1601. [PMID: 29911914 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2018.1471316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychological stress, which exerts detrimental effects on human reproduction, may compromise the meiotic competence of oocytes. Meiotic resumption, germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), is the first milestone to confer meiotic competence to oocytes. In the practice of assisted reproductive technology (ART), the timing for GVBD is associated with the rates of cleavage and blastocyst formation. However, whether chronic stress compromises oocyte competence by influencing GVBD and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. In the present study, a chronic restraint stress (CRS) mouse model was used to investigate the effects of stress on oocyte meiotic resumption, as well as the mechanisms. Following a 4-week chronic restraint stress in female mice, the percentage of abnormal bipolar spindles increased and indicated compromised oocyte competence in the CRS group. Furthermore, we identified a decreased percentage of GVBD and prolonged time of GVBD in the CRS mouse oocytes compared with the control group. CRS simultaneously reduced the expression of cyclin B1 (CCNB1), which represents a regulatory subunit of M-phase/mature promoting factor (MPF). However, MG132, an inhibitor of anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), could rescue the prolonged time of GVBD and increase the expression level of CCNB1 of oocytes from the CRS mice. Collectively, our results demonstrated that stress disturbed meiotic resumption through APC/C-mediated CCNB1 degradation, thus providing a novel understanding for stress-related oocyte quality decline; moreover, it may provide a non-invasive approach to select high-quality gametes and novel targets for molecular therapy to treat stress-related female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyan Sun
- a The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Ying Guo
- a The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Qiuwan Zhang
- a The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Shixia Bu
- a The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Boning Li
- a The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Qian Wang
- a The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
| | - Dongmei Lai
- a The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , China
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41
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Sánchez F, Lolicato F, Romero S, De Vos M, Van Ranst H, Verheyen G, Anckaert E, Smitz JEJ. An improved IVM method for cumulus-oocyte complexes from small follicles in polycystic ovary syndrome patients enhances oocyte competence and embryo yield. Hum Reprod 2018; 32:2056-2068. [PMID: 28938744 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are meiotic and developmental competence of human oocytes from small (2-8 mm) antral follicles improved by applying an optimized IVM method involving a prematuration step in presence of C-Type Natriuretic Peptide (CNP) followed by a maturation step in presence of FSH and Amphiregulin (AREG)? SUMMARY ANSWER A strategy involving prematuration culture (PMC) in the presence of CNP followed by IVM using FSH + AREG increases oocyte maturation potential leading to a higher availability of Day 3 embryos and good-quality blastocysts for single embryo transfer. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY IVM is a minimal-stimulation ART with reduced hormone-related side effects and risks for the patients, but the approach is not widely used because of an efficiency gap compared to conventional ART. In vitro systems that enhance synchronization of nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation before the meiotic trigger are crucial to optimize human IVM systems. However, previous PMC attempts have failed in sustaining cumulus-oocyte connections throughout the culture period, which prohibited a normal cumulus-oocyte communication and precluded an adequate response by the cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) to the meiotic trigger. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A first prospective study involved sibling oocytes from a group of 15 patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to evaluate effects of a new IVM culture method on oocyte nuclear maturation and their downstream developmental competence. A second prospective study in an additional series of 15 women with polycystic ovaries characterized and fine-tuned the culture conditions. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Fifteen women with PCOS (according to Rotterdam criteria) underwent IVM treatment after 3-5 days of highly purified human menopausal gonadotropin (HP-hMG) stimulation and no human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger before oocyte retrieval. A first study was designed with sibling oocytes to prospectively evaluate the impact of an IVM culture method: 24 h PMC with CNP + 30 h IVM with FSH and AREG, on embryo yield, in comparison to the standard (30 h) IVM clinical protocol (Group I, n = 15). A second prospective study was performed in 15 women with polycystic ovaries, to characterize and optimize the PMC conditions (Group II, n = 15). The latter study involved the evaluation of oocyte meiotic arrest, the preservation of cumulus-oocyte transzonal projections (TZPs), the patterns of oocyte chromatin configuration and cumulus cells apoptosis following the 24 and 46 h PMC. Furthermore, oocyte developmental potential following PMC (24 and 46 h) + IVM was also evaluated. The first 20 good-quality blastocysts from PMC followed by IVM were analysed by next generation sequencing to evaluate their aneuploidy rate. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE PMC in presence of CNP followed by IVM using FSH and AREG increased the meiotic maturation rate per COC to 70%, which is significantly higher than routine standard IVM (49%; P ≤ 0.001). Hence, with the new system the proportion of COCs yielding transferable Day 3 embryos and good-quality blastocysts increased compared to routine standard IVM (from 23 to 43%; P ≤ 0.001 and from 8 to 18%; P ≤ 0.01, respectively). CNP was able to prevent meiosis resumption for up to 46 h. After PMC, COCs had preserved cumulus-oocyte TZPs. The blastocysts obtained after PMC + IVM did not show increased aneuploidy rates as compared to blastocysts from conventional ART. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION The novel IVM approach in PCOS patients was tested in oocytes derived from small antral follicles which have an intrinsically low developmental potential. Validation of the system would be required for COCs from different (larger) follicular sizes, which may involve further adjustment of PMC conditions. Furthermore, considering that this is a novel strategy in human IVM treatment, its global efficiency needs to be confirmed in large prospective randomized controlled trials. The further application in infertile patients without PCOS, e.g. cancer patients, remains to be evaluated. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The findings of this pilot study suggest that the efficiency gap between IVM and conventional IVF can be reduced by fine-tuning of the culture methods. This novel strategy opens new perspectives for safe and patient-friendly ART in patients with PCOS. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) IVM research at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel has been supported by grants from: the Institute for the Promotion of Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders (Agentschap voor Innovatie door Wetenschap en Technologie-IWT, project 110680); the Fund for Research Flanders (Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek-Vlaanderen-FWO, project G.0343.13), the Belgian Foundation Against Cancer (HOPE project, Dossier C69). The authors have no conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Sánchez
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - F Lolicato
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - S Romero
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, Brussels 1090, Belgium.,Centro de Estudios e Investigaciones en Biología y Medicina Reproductiva-BIOMER, Lima, Peru
| | - M De Vos
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, Brussels 1090, Belgium.,Centre for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - H Van Ranst
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - G Verheyen
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - E Anckaert
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - J E J Smitz
- Follicle Biology Laboratory (FOBI), UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, Brussels 1090, Belgium
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Bogolyubov DS. Karyosphere (Karyosome): A Peculiar Structure of the Oocyte Nucleus. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 337:1-48. [PMID: 29551157 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The karyosphere, aka the karyosome, is a meiosis-specific structure that represents a "knot" of condensed chromosomes joined together in a limited volume of the oocyte nucleus. The karyosphere is an evolutionarily conserved but morphologically rather "multifaceted" structure. It forms at the diplotene stage of meiotic prophase in many animals, from hydra and Drosophila to human. Karyosphere formation is generally linked with transcriptional silencing of the genome. It is believed that karyosphere/karyosome is a prerequisite for proper completion of meiotic divisions and further development. Here, a brief review on the karyosphere features in some invertebrates and vertebrates is provided. Special emphasis is made on terminology, since current discrepancies in this field may lead to confusions. In particular, it is proposed to distinguish the karyosphere with a capsule and the karyosome (a karyosphere devoid of a capsule). The "inverted" karyospheres are also considered, in which the chromosomes situate externally to an extrachromosomal structure (e.g., in human oocytes).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry S Bogolyubov
- Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Science, St. Petersburg, Russia.
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43
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Julania S, Walls ML, Hart R. The Place of In Vitro Maturation in PCO/PCOS. Int J Endocrinol 2018; 2018:5750298. [PMID: 30154841 PMCID: PMC6091445 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5750298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro maturation (IVM) of human oocytes is an emerging treatment option for women with polycystic ovary/polycystic ovary syndrome (PCO/PCOS) in addition to the standard in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. There has been significant improvements in pregnancy rates with IVM over the last two decades. This article reviews the place of IVM for women with PCO/PCOS, placing an emphasis on the predictors of successful pregnancy, optimization of culture media, IVM protocols, pregnancy rates, and neonatal outcomes following IVM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shital Julania
- King Edward Memorial Hospital, 374 Bagot Road, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia
| | - Melanie L. Walls
- Fertility North, Suite 213, Specialist Medical Centre, Joondalup Health Campus, Shenton Avenue, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia
- Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, Bethesda Hospital, 25 Queenslea Drive, Claremont, Perth, WA 6010, Australia
| | - Roger Hart
- Fertility Specialists of Western Australia, Bethesda Hospital, 25 Queenslea Drive, Claremont, Perth, WA 6010, Australia
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Australia, King Edward Memorial Hospital, 374 Bagot Road, Subiaco, Perth, WA 6008, Australia
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44
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Luciano AM, Sirard MA. Successful in vitro maturation of oocytes: a matter of follicular differentiation. Biol Reprod 2017; 98:162-169. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Maria Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Sciences and Food Safety, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marc-André Sirard
- Centre de Recherche en reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Département des Sciences Animales, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada
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45
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Naseri P, Alihemmati A, Rasta SH. How do red and infrared low-level lasers affect folliculogenesis cycle in rat's ovary tissue in comparison with clomiphene under in vivo condition. Lasers Med Sci 2017; 32:1971-1979. [PMID: 28801854 PMCID: PMC5682863 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-017-2296-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Folliculogenesis is a cycle that produces the majority of oocyte. Any disruption to this cycle leads to ovulation diseases, like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Treatments include drugs and surgery; lasers have also been used complementarily. Meanwhile, still there is no definite treatment for PCOS. This study investigated the photo-bio stimulation effect of near-infrared and red low-level laser on producing follicles and compared the result with result of using common drug, clomiphene. Therefore, the aim of this study was to propose the use of lasers autonomously treatment. So, there was one question: how do lasers affect folliculogenesis cycle in rat’s ovary tissue? In this study, 28 rats were assigned to four groups as follows: control (CT), clomiphene drug (D), red laser (RL), and near-infrared laser (NIRL). Afterwards, 14 rats of RL and NIRL groups received laser on the first 2 days of estrous cycle, each 6 days, for 48 days. During treatment period, each rat received energy density of 5 J/cm2. Seven rats in D group received clomiphene. After the experiment, lasers’ effects at two wavelengths of 630 and 810 nm groups have been investigated and compared with clomiphene and CT groups. Producing different follicles to complement folliculogenesis cycle increased in NIRL and RL groups, but this increase was significant only in the NIRL group. This indicates that NIRL increases ovarian activity to produce oocyte that certainly can be used in future studies for finding a cure to ovarian negligence to produce more oocyte and treat diseases caused by it like PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paria Naseri
- Department of Medical Physics and Department of Medical Bioengineering, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Stem Cell Research Centre, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Alireza Alihemmati
- Stem Cell Research Centre, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, 51666 Iran
| | - Seyed Hossein Rasta
- Department of Medical Physics and Department of Medical Bioengineering, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Stem Cell Research Centre, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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46
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The effect of follicle size and homogeneity of follicular development on the morphokinetics of human embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2017; 34:895-903. [PMID: 28470453 PMCID: PMC5476546 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-017-0935-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Our aim was to investigate follicular size (large, ≥17 mm and small, <17 mm) at the time of OPU and homogeneity of follicular development (homogenous development: follicles being present in a homogenous spread of all sizes; heterogeneous: a predominance of small and large follicles) by analysing the morphokinetics of embryo development. Methods In this prospective cohort study, 2526 COCs belonging to 187 patients were cultured to day 5. Embryos were evaluated morphokinetically. Four subgroups were defined: large follicles from heterogeneous cycles (LHet) and homogenous cycles (LHom) and small follicles from heterogeneous cycles (SHet) and homogenous cycles (SHom). Results Rates of fertilization, blastocyst formation and top and good quality blastocysts were found to be significantly higher in embryos from the LHom group (p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p < 0.001). Small follicles from both homogenous and heterogeneous cycles had significantly lower blastocyst formation and top and good quality blastocyst rates (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). Embryos from SHet had significantly more direct cleavages (p = 0.011). Time to reach blastocyst was shorter in SHom than LHet and LHom (p = 0.002; p = 0.027, respectively). However, once the blastocyst stage was achieved, implantation rates were not significantly different between subgroups, the highest rate being observed in the LHom group. Multivariable analysis revealed that homogeneity of follicular development and follicular size had a significant effect on blastocyst development and quality (p = 0.049; p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion Follicular dynamics, illustrated by follicular size and homogeneity of follicular development, influence early human embryo development. Patterns of follicular growth have an impact on embryo quality and viability which is reflected in morphokinetic variables. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10815-017-0935-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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47
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Fasano G, Dechène J, Antonacci R, Biramane J, Vannin AS, Van Langendonckt A, Devreker F, Demeestere I. Outcomes of immature oocytes collected from ovarian tissue for cryopreservation in adult and prepubertal patients. Reprod Biomed Online 2017; 34:575-582. [PMID: 28365199 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The efficiency of oocyte in-vitro maturation (IVM) and vitrification procedures after ex-vivo collection from ovarian tissue were assessed according to patient age, number of retrieved oocytes and tissue transport conditions. The combined procedure was performed in 136 patients: 130 adults (mean 27.6 ± 5.6 years) and six prepubertal girls (mean 8.7 ± 2.3 years). A higher mean number of oocytes were collected in girls compared with adults (11.5 ± 8.0 versus 3.8 ± 4.2, respectively, P < 0.001) but the percentage of degenerated oocytes was significantly higher in girls (35.5% versus 17.1%, respectively, P < 0.001). IVM rates were significantly lower in prepubertal than postpubertal population (10.3% versus 28.1%, P = 0.002). In adults, a negative correlation was observed between number of retrieved oocytes and age (P = 0.002; r = -0.271); the correlation was positive between anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and number of collected oocytes (P = 0.002; r = 0.264). IVM rates were not correlated with AMH levels (r = 0.06) or age (r = -0.033). At present, nine oocytes and one embryo have been warmed in four patients and one biochemical pregnancy obtained. This suggests the combined procedure could be an additional option for fertility preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Fasano
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Campus Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Belgium; Fertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CUB-Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Belgium.
| | - Julie Dechène
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Campus Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Belgium
| | - Raffaella Antonacci
- Fertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CUB-Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Belgium
| | - Jamila Biramane
- Fertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CUB-Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Belgium
| | - Anne-Sophie Vannin
- Fertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CUB-Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Belgium
| | - Anne Van Langendonckt
- Fertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CUB-Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Belgium
| | - Fabienne Devreker
- Fertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CUB-Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Belgium
| | - Isabelle Demeestere
- Research Laboratory on Human Reproduction, Campus Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Belgium; Fertility Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, CUB-Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Belgium
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48
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Lee H, Elahi F, Lee J, Lee ST, Hyun SH, Lee E. Supplement of cilostamide in growth medium improves oocyte maturation and developmental competence of embryos derived from small antral follicles in pigs. Theriogenology 2017; 91:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Shishova KV, Lavrentyeva EA, Khamidullina AI, Zatsepina OV. Position of the nucleus in mouse germinal vesicle–stage oocytes with different chromatin configurations. Russ J Dev Biol 2016. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360416060060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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50
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Dieci C, Lodde V, Labreque R, Dufort I, Tessaro I, Sirard MA, Luciano AM. Differences in cumulus cell gene expression indicate the benefit of a pre-maturation step to improve in-vitro bovine embryo production. Mol Hum Reprod 2016; 22:882-897. [PMID: 27559149 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaw055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does the gene expression profile of cumulus cells (CC) accompanying oocytes with different degrees of chromatin compaction within the germinal vesicle (GV) reflect the oocyte's quality and response in culture during in-vitro embryo production (IVP). SUMMARY ANSWER The transcriptomic profile of the CC is related to oocyte competence, setting the stage for the development of customized pre-maturation strategies to improve IVP. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Oocytes complete the acquisition of their competence during antral follicle development. During this period, the chromatin configuration within the GV changes dynamically and is indicative of oocyte's developmental potential. The interactions between somatic and germ cells modulate chromatin morphology and function and are critical for acquisition of oocyte competence. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) were isolated from 0.5 to 6 mm antral follicles. Surrounding CC were separated from the oocyte and classified as GV0, GV1, GV2 and GV3 according to the degree of the oocyte's chromatin compaction. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHOD RNA extracted from CC of each group was amplified and hybridized on a bovine embryo-specific 44 K Agilent slide. The CC_GV1, CC_GV2 and CC_GV3 classes were each hybridized against the CC_GV0 class, representing an early oocyte differentiation stage with poor development competence. The data were normalized and fold changes of the differentially expressed genes were determined. Microarray data were validated using quantitative RT-PCR on selected targets. Microarray data were further analyzed through: (i) between-group analysis (BGA), which classifies the samples according to their transcriptomic profiles; (ii) cluster analysis according to the expression profile of each gene; and (iii) Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) to study gene regulation patterns and predicted functions. Furthermore, CC of each GV group were cultured and apoptotic cells were assessed after 3 h by caspase analysis. Finally, based on the analysis of CC transcriptomic profiles and the relationship between morphological features of the COC and the oocyte chromatin configuration, a customized, stage-dependent oocyte pre-maturation (pre-IVM) system was used to improve oocyte developmental potential before IVM. For this, the blastocyst rate and quality were assessed after in-vitro maturation and fertilization of pre-matured oocytes. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Overall, quantitative RT-PCR results of a subset of five selected genes were consistent with the microarray data. Clustering analysis generated 16 clusters representing the main profiles of transcription modulation. Of the 5571 significantly differentially expressed probes, the majority (25.49%) best fitted with cluster #6 (downregulation between CC_GV0 and CC_GV1 and stable low levels in successive groups). IPA identified the most relevant functions associated with each cluster. Genes included in cluster #1 were mostly related to biological processes such as 'cell cycle' and 'cell death and survival', whereas genes included in cluster #5 were mostly related to 'gene expression'. Interestingly, 'lipid metabolism' was the most significant function identified in clusters #6, #9 and #12. IPA of gene lists obtained from each contrast (i.e., CC_GV0 vs. CC_GV1; CC_GV0 vs. CC_GV2; CC_GV0 vs. CC_GV3) revealed that the main affected function in each contrast was 'cell death and survival'. Importantly, apoptosis was predicted to be inhibited in CC_GV1 and CC_GV2, but activated in CC_GV3. Caspase analysis indicated that a low percentage of CC_GV0 was prone to undergo apoptosis but apoptosis increased significantly in CC from oocytes with condensed chromatin, reaching a peak in CC_GV3 (P < 0.05). Finally, the tailored oocyte pre-maturation strategy, based on morphological features of the COC and the oocyte chromatin configuration, demonstrated that pre-IVM improved the developmental capability of oocytes at early stages of differentiation (GV1-enriched COC) but was detrimental for oocytes at more advanced stages of development (GV2 and GV3-enriched COC). LARGE SCALE DATA The data are available through the GEO series accession number GSE79886. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study was conducted with bovine samples. Whether or not the results are applicable to human oocytes requests further elucidation. Embryo transfer experiments are required to determine whether the improvement in blastocyst rates in the tailored system leads to increased live birth rates. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The identification of multiple non-invasive biomarkers predictive of oocyte quality can greatly strengthen the pre-IVM approach aimed to improve IVM outcomes. These results have potentially important implications in treating human infertility and in developing breeding schemes for domestic mammals. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported in part by NSERC Strategic Network EmbryoGENE, Canada and in part by CIG-Marie Curie Actions-Reintegration Grants within the EU 7FP (n. 303640, 'Pro-Ovum'). The authors declare no potential conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Dieci
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Lodde
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Rémi Labreque
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction, Département des Sciences Animales, Université Laval, 2440, boulevard Hochelaga, Québec, (Québec) G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Isabelle Dufort
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction, Département des Sciences Animales, Université Laval, 2440, boulevard Hochelaga, Québec, (Québec) G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Irene Tessaro
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy.,Present address: I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Via R. Galeazzi, 4, 20161 Milan, Italy
| | - Marc-André Sirard
- Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction, Département des Sciences Animales, Université Laval, 2440, boulevard Hochelaga, Québec, (Québec) G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Alberto M Luciano
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy
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