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Jitngamsujarit S, Salang L, Saengboonmee C, Sorin S, Thithuan K, Pongsritasana T, Sukkasame S. Advancing Age May Decrease Mitochondrial Activity in Cumulus Cells. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2800. [PMID: 38792342 PMCID: PMC11122456 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13102800] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The goal of this study was to compare mitochondrial activity in cumulus cells (CCs) between young and advancing-aged women, the factors that affect mitochondrial activity, and their association with blastocyst quality. Materials and methods: This prospective study included 80 infertile women who underwent ICSI between May and October 2023. Participants were divided into two groups: older and younger than 38. The oocyte mitochondrial activity from CCs was evaluated using MitoTracker, and the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) was also evaluated. Results: The univariate and multivariate analyses revealed a significant difference in the MFI between the woman ≥ 38 age group and the lower age group (162.68 ± 79.87 vs. 228.39 ± 121.38; p-value = 0.005; 95%CI 19.97, 111.45). The factors that affected the MFI were women ≥ 38 years of age (p-value = 0.005; 95%CI -111.45, -19.91), total gonadotropin dosages (p-value = 0.006; 95%CI -0.08, 0.01), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) triggering (p-value = 0.006; 95%CI 36.46, 210.06). However, only women aged ≥38 years remained statistically significant after a multivariable regression analysis (p-value = 0.014; 95%CI -121.00, -14.30). In addition, only male age (mean age ± SD = 38.26 ± 5.13) was associated with high blastocyst quality in univariate and mixed multivariate analyses (OR 0.91; 95%CI 0.56, 3.04). The chemical pregnancy rate was not significantly different between the two age groups (34.5% vs. 56.7%; p-value = 0.162; 95%CI 0.2, 1.30). Conclusion: Advancing age decreased mitochondrial activity in CCs but did not affect blastocyst quality. By contrast, male age may be a predictor of high-grade blastocyst quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suwichaya Jitngamsujarit
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.J.); (T.P.); (S.S.)
| | - Lingling Salang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.J.); (T.P.); (S.S.)
| | - Charupong Saengboonmee
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (C.S.); (S.S.); (K.T.)
| | - Supannika Sorin
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (C.S.); (S.S.); (K.T.)
| | - Kanyarat Thithuan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (C.S.); (S.S.); (K.T.)
| | - Thanida Pongsritasana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.J.); (T.P.); (S.S.)
| | - Sineenart Sukkasame
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (S.J.); (T.P.); (S.S.)
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Mayeur A, Magnan F, Mathieu S, Rubens P, Sperelakis Beedham B, Sonigo C, Steffann J, Frydman N. What importance do donors and recipients attribute to the nuclear DNA-related genetic heritage of oocyte donation? Hum Reprod 2024; 39:770-778. [PMID: 38420661 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae030] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How do oocyte donors and recipients perceive the genetic link related to the transfer of nuclear DNA between donors and offspring? SUMMARY ANSWER Whether they are donors or recipients, individuals attach great importance to the transmission of their genetic heritage, since 94.5% would opt for the pronuclear transfer method to preserve this genetic link in the context of oocyte donation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Since 1983, the use of oocyte donation has increased worldwide. Performed in France since the late 1980s and initially offered to women with premature ovarian insufficiency, its indications have progressively expanded and now it is proposed in many indications to prevent the transmission of genetically inherited diseases. This has resulted in an increase in the waiting time for access to oocyte donation due to the difficulty in recruiting oocyte donors in French ART centres. Several articles have discussed how to fairly distribute donor oocytes to couples, but few have interviewed women in the general population to record their feelings about oocyte donation, as either the donor or recipient and the importance given to the genetic link between the oocyte donors and the children born. Mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) is a technique originally developed for women at risk of transmitting a mitochondrial DNA mutation. Recently, MRT has been considered for embryo arrest and oocyte rejuvenation as it could help females to reproduce with their own genetic material through the transfer of their oocyte nucleus into a healthy donor oocyte cytoplasm. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We conducted an opinion survey from January 2021 to December 2021, during which 1956 women completed the questionnaire. Thirteen participants were excluded from the analysis due to incomplete responses to all the questions. Consequently, 1943 women were included in the study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We specifically developed a questionnaire for this study, which was created and distributed using the Drag'n Survey® software. The questionnaire consisted of 21 items presented alongside a video created with whiteboard animation software. The aim was to analyse whether certain factors, such as age, education level, marital status, number of children, use of ART for pregnancy, video viewing, and knowledge about oocyte donation, were associated with feelings towards oocyte donation, by using a univariate conditional logistic regression model. This statistical method was also used to assess whether women would be more inclined to consider oocyte donation with the pronuclear transfer technique rather than the whole oocyte donation. All parameters found to be statistically significant in the univariate analysis were subsequently tested in a multivariate model using logistic regression. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Most women were concerned about the biological genetic contribution of the donated oocyte (94.8%). The most common reason for a women's reluctance to donate their oocytes was their unwillingness to pass on their genetic material (33.3%). Nearly 70% of women who were initially hesitant to donate their oocytes indicated that they would reconsider their decision if the oocyte donation was conducted using donated cytoplasm and the pronuclear transfer technique. Concomitantly, >75% of the respondents mentioned that it would be easier to receive a cytoplasm donation. The largest proportion of the population surveyed (94.5%) expressed their support for its legalization. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION In this study, a substantial portion of the responses came from individuals with medical or paramedical backgrounds, potentially introducing a recruitment bias among potential donors. The rate of missing responses to the question regarding the desire to become an oocyte donor was 13.6%, while the question about becoming an oocyte cytoplasm donor had a missing response rate of 23%. These missing responses may introduce a bias in the interpretation of the data. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study was the first to demonstrate that, for the French population studied, the combination of oocyte cytoplasm donation with pronuclear transfer could offer a promising approach to enhance the acceptance of oocyte donation for both the donor and the recipient. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) No external funding was used for this study. The authors have no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mayeur
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart, France
- Université de Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - F Magnan
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart, France
| | - S Mathieu
- École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE), Paris Sciences Lettres (PSL), GSRL UMR8582, Paris, France
| | - P Rubens
- Service de Médecine Génomique des Maladies rares, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Groupe Hospitalier Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Imagine, INSERM UMR1163, Paris, France
| | - B Sperelakis Beedham
- Service de Médecine Génomique des Maladies rares, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Groupe Hospitalier Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
| | - C Sonigo
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Université Paris Saclay, Service de Médecine de la Reproduction et Préservation de la Fertilité, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart, France
- France Université Paris Saclay, Inserm, Physiologie et physiopathologie endocrinienne, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - J Steffann
- Service de Médecine Génomique des Maladies rares, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Groupe Hospitalier Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, Institut Imagine, INSERM UMR1163, Paris, France
| | - N Frydman
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction-CECOS, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart, France
- Université de Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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3
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Hong T, Park S, An G, Bazer FW, Song G, Lim W. Norflurazon causes cell death and inhibits implantation-related genes in porcine trophectoderm and uterine luminal epithelial cells. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 186:114559. [PMID: 38432436 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114559] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Norflurazon, an inhibitor of carotenoid synthesis, is a pre-emergent herbicide that prevents growth of weeds. The norflurazon is known to hamper embryo development in non-mammals. However, specific toxic effects of norflurazon on mammalian maternal and fetal cells have not been elucidated. Thus, the hypothesis of this study is that norflurazon may influence the toxic effects between maternal and fetal cells during early pregnancy in pigs. We aimed to examine the toxic effects of norflurazon in porcine trophectoderm (Tr) and uterine luminal epithelium (LE) cells. Norflurazon, administered at 0, 20, 50 or 100 μM for 48 h was used to determine its effects on cell proliferation and cell-cycle arrest. For both uterine LE and Tr cell lines, norflurazone caused mitochondrial dysfunction by inhibiting mitochondrial respiration and ATP production, and down-regulated expression of mRNAs of mitochondrial complex genes. Norflurazon increased cell death by increasing intracellular calcium and regulating PI3K and MAPK cell signaling pathways, as well as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, ER-mitochondrial contact, and autophagy-related target proteins. Norflurazone also inhibited expression of genes required for implantation of blastocysts, including SMAD2, SMAD4, and SPP1. These findings indicate that norflurazon may induce implantation failure in pigs and other mammals through adverse effects on both Tr and uterine LE cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeyeon Hong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunwoo Park
- Department of Plant & Biomaterials Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-si, Gyeongnam, 52725, Republic of Korea
| | - Garam An
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-2471, USA
| | - Gwonhwa Song
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Whasun Lim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
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Hosseinzadeh S, Masoudi AA. Investigating the expression of fertility-regulating LncRNAs in multiparous and uniparous Shal ewe's ovaries. Genome 2024; 67:78-89. [PMID: 37983732 DOI: 10.1139/gen-2023-0055] [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] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Sheep is the primary source of animal protein in Iran. Birth type is one of the significant features that determine total meat output. Little is known about how long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) affect litter size. The purpose of this research is to investigate the DE-LncRNAs in ovarian tissue between multiparous and uniparous Shal ewes. Through bioinformatics analyses, LncRNAs with variable expression levels between ewes were discovered. Target genes were annotated using the DAVID database, and STRING and Cytoscape software were used to evaluate their interactions. The expression levels of 148 LncRNAs were different in the multiparous and uniparous ewe groups (false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05). Eight biological process terms, nine cellular component terms, 10 molecular function terms, and 38 KEGG pathways were significant (FDR < 0.05) in the GO analysis. One of the most significant processes impacting fertility is mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, followed by oocyte meiosis, gonadotropin-releasing hormone signaling pathway, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, oxytocin signaling pathway, and cAMP signaling pathway. ENSOARG00000025710, ENSOARG00000025667, ENSOARG00000026034, and ENSOARG00000026632 are LncRNAs that may affect litter size and fertility. The most crucial hub genes include MAPK1, BRD2, GAK, RAP1B, FGF2, RAP1B, and RAP1B. We hope that this study will encourage researchers to further investigate the effect of LncRNAs on fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahram Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Masoudi
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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5
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Lacconi V, Massimiani M, Carriero I, Bianco C, Ticconi C, Pavone V, Alteri A, Muzii L, Rago R, Pisaturo V, Campagnolo L. When the Embryo Meets the Endometrium: Identifying the Features Required for Successful Embryo Implantation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2834. [PMID: 38474081 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Evaluation of the optimal number of embryos, their quality, and the precise timing for transfer are critical determinants in reproductive success, although still remaining one of the main challenges in assisted reproduction technologies (ART). Indeed, the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments relies on a multitude of events and factors involving both the endometrium and the embryo. Despite concerted efforts on both fronts, the overall success rates of IVF techniques continue to range between 25% and 30%. The role of the endometrium in implantation has been recently recognized, leading to the hypothesis that both the "soil" and the "seed" play a central role in a successful pregnancy. In this respect, identification of the molecular signature of endometrial receptivity together with the selection of the best embryo for transfer become crucial in ART. Currently, efforts have been made to develop accurate, predictive, and personalized tests to identify the window of implantation and the best quality embryo. However, the value of these tests is still debated, as conflicting results are reported in the literature. The purpose of this review is to summarize and critically report the available criteria to optimize the success of embryo transfer and to better understand current limitations and potential areas for improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Lacconi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant'Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Micol Massimiani
- Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant'Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilenia Carriero
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Bianco
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Ticconi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Pavone
- Reproductive Sciences Laboratory, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Alteri
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Ludovico Muzii
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Rocco Rago
- Physiopathology of Reproduction and Andrology Unit, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Via dei Monti Tiburtini 385/389, 00157 Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Pisaturo
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Campagnolo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Braun E. Mitochondrial replacement techniques for treating infertility. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2024:jme-2023-109660. [PMID: 38383152 DOI: 10.1136/jme-2023-109660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondrial replacement techniques (MRTs) usually aim to prevent the genetic transmission of maternally inherited mitochondrial diseases. Until now, only the UK and Australia have implemented specific legal regulations of MRTs. In both countries, clinical trials on these techniques are only permissible for cases with a high risk of severe mitochondrial disease in the offspring. However, these techniques can also be applied to treat infertility, especially for older women with impaired oocyte quality. In some countries without legal regulation of these techniques, MRTs are already offered for this purpose. Yet, this application of MRTs has received insufficient attention in the bioethical literature so far.In this paper, I examine whether there are ethical reasons to prohibit trials on MRTs in the context of infertility when they are permitted for preventing mitochondrial disease. Allowing MRTs in one context but not the other might be justified either because their application in the context of mitochondrial disease (1) is supported by a more convincing evidence base, (2) has a higher potential benefit or (3) has a lower risk. I compare both applications of MRTs with respect to these three factors. I conclude that there is no convincing reason to prohibit clinical trials on MRTs for infertility when they are permitted in the context of mitochondrial disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Braun
- Institute for Medical Ethics and History of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Philosophy, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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7
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Zhong K, Zhang Z, Cheng W, Liu G, Zhang X, Zhang J, Sun S, Wang B. Photodynamic O 2 Economizer Encapsulated with DNAzyme for Enhancing Mitochondrial Gene-Photodynamic Therapy. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302495. [PMID: 38056018 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Emerging research suggests that mitochondrial DNA is a potential target for cancer treatment. However, achieving precise delivery of deoxyribozymes (DNAzymes) and combining photodynamic therapy (PDT) and DNAzyme-based gene silencing together for enhancing mitochondrial gene-photodynamic synergistic therapy remains challenging. Accordingly, herein, intelligent supramolecular nanomicelles are constructed by encapsulating a DNAzyme into a photodynamic O2 economizer for mitochondrial NO gas-enhanced synergistic gene-photodynamic therapy. The designed nanomicelles demonstrate sensitive acid- and red-light sequence-activated behaviors. After entering the cancer cells and targeting the mitochondria, these micelles will disintegrate and release the DNAzyme and Mn (II) porphyrin in the tumor microenvironment. Mn (II) porphyrin acts as a DNAzyme cofactor to activate the DNAzyme for the cleavage reaction. Subsequently, the NO-carrying donor is decomposed under red light irradiation to generate NO that inhibits cellular respiration, facilitating the conversion of more O2 into singlet oxygen (1 O2 ) in the tumor cells, thereby significantly enhancing the efficacy of PDT. In vitro and in vivo experiments reveal that the proposed system can efficiently target mitochondria and exhibits considerable antitumor effects with negligible systemic toxicity. Thus, this study provides a useful conditional platform for the precise delivery of DNAzymes and a novel strategy for activatable NO gas-enhanced mitochondrial gene-photodynamic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaipeng Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qinghai Normal University, Xining, 810008, China
| | - Zefan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Wenyuan Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Guangyao Liu
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, P. R. China
- Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, P. R. China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Magnetic Resonance, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, P. R. China
| | - Shihao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Baodui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry and Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
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Fan J, Liu C, Zhao Y, Xu Q, Yin Z, Liu Z, Mu Y. Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals Differences in Chromatin Remodeling and Energy Metabolism among In Vivo-Developed, In Vitro-Fertilized, and Parthenogenetically Activated Embryos from the Oocyte to 8-Cell Stages in Pigs. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:465. [PMID: 38338108 PMCID: PMC10854501 DOI: 10.3390/ani14030465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In vitro-fertilized (IVF) and parthenogenetically activated (PA) embryos, key to genetic engineering, face more developmental challenges than in vivo-developed embryos (IVV). We analyzed single-cell RNA-seq data from the oocyte to eight-cell stages in IVV, IVF, and PA porcine embryos, focusing on developmental differences during early zygotic genome activation (ZGA), a vital stage for embryonic development. (1) Our findings reveal that in vitro embryos (IVF and PA) exhibit more similar developmental trajectories compared to IVV embryos, with PA embryos showing the least gene diversity at each stage. (2) Significant differences in maternal mRNA, particularly affecting mRNA splicing, energy metabolism, and chromatin remodeling, were observed. Key genes like SMARCB1 (in vivo) and SIRT1 (in vitro) played major roles, with HDAC1 (in vivo) and EZH2 (in vitro) likely central in their complexes. (3) Across different types of embryos, there was minimal overlap in gene upregulation during ZGA, with IVV embryos demonstrating more pronounced upregulation. During minor ZGA, global epigenetic modification patterns diverged and expanded further. Specifically, in IVV, genes, especially those linked to H4 acetylation and H2 ubiquitination, were more actively regulated compared to PA embryos, which showed an increase in H3 methylation. Additionally, both types displayed a distinction in DNA methylation. During major ZGA, IVV distinctively upregulated genes related to mitochondrial regulation, ATP synthesis, and oxidative phosphorylation. (4) Furthermore, disparities in mRNA degradation-related genes between in vivo and in vitro embryos were more pronounced during major ZGA. In IVV, there was significant maternal mRNA degradation. Maternal genes regulating phosphatase activity and cell junctions, highly expressed in both in vivo and in vitro embryos, were degraded in IVV in a timely manner but not in in vitro embryos. (5) Our analysis also highlighted a higher expression of many mitochondrially encoded genes in in vitro embryos, yet their nucleosome occupancy and the ATP8 expression were notably higher in IVV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianlin Fan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetic Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (J.F.); (C.L.); (Y.Z.); (Q.X.); (Z.Y.)
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetic Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (J.F.); (C.L.); (Y.Z.); (Q.X.); (Z.Y.)
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Yunjing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetic Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (J.F.); (C.L.); (Y.Z.); (Q.X.); (Z.Y.)
| | - Qianqian Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetic Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (J.F.); (C.L.); (Y.Z.); (Q.X.); (Z.Y.)
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Zhi Yin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetic Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (J.F.); (C.L.); (Y.Z.); (Q.X.); (Z.Y.)
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetic Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (J.F.); (C.L.); (Y.Z.); (Q.X.); (Z.Y.)
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Yanshuang Mu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetic Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (J.F.); (C.L.); (Y.Z.); (Q.X.); (Z.Y.)
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
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9
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Lounas A, Breton Y, Lebrun A, Laflamme I, Vernoux N, Savage J, Tremblay MÈ, Pelletier M, Germain M, Richard FJ. The follicle-stimulating hormone triggers rapid changes in mitochondrial structure and function in porcine cumulus cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:436. [PMID: 38172520 PMCID: PMC10764925 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50586-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Oocyte maturation is a key process during which the female germ cell undergoes resumption of meiosis and completes its preparation for embryonic development including cytoplasmic and epigenetic maturation. The cumulus cells directly surrounding the oocyte are involved in this process by transferring essential metabolites, such as pyruvate, to the oocyte. This process is controlled by cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent mechanisms recruited downstream of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) signaling in cumulus cells. As mitochondria have a critical but poorly understood contribution to this process, we defined the effects of FSH and high cAMP concentrations on mitochondrial dynamics and function in porcine cumulus cells. During in vitro maturation (IVM) of cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs), we observed an FSH-dependent mitochondrial elongation shortly after stimulation that led to mitochondrial fragmentation 24 h later. Importantly, mitochondrial elongation was accompanied by decreased mitochondrial activity and a switch to glycolysis. During a pre-IVM culture step increasing intracellular cAMP, mitochondrial fragmentation was prevented. Altogether, the results demonstrate that FSH triggers rapid changes in mitochondrial structure and function in COCs involving cAMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amel Lounas
- 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, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Yann Breton
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Maladies infectieuses et immunitaires, Département de microbiologie-infectiologie et d'immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V4G2, Canada
| | - Ariane Lebrun
- 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, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Isabelle Laflamme
- 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, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Nathalie Vernoux
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, Département de médecine moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Julie Savage
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, Département de médecine moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Neurosciences, Département de médecine moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Martin Pelletier
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Axe Maladies infectieuses et immunitaires, Département de microbiologie-infectiologie et d'immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V4G2, Canada
| | - Marc Germain
- Département de biologie médicale, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Québec, G8Z 4M3, Canada
| | - François J Richard
- 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, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada.
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10
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Hayman J, Fortune DW. Sexual Orientation in Twins: Evidence That Human Sexual Identity May Be Determined Five Days Following Fertilization. Cureus 2023; 15:e51346. [PMID: 38161549 PMCID: PMC10757681 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Human same-sex sexual attraction has been recorded from the beginning of written history. It remains a controversial topic, but recent theories favor prenatal influences. A paradox is the occurrence of same-sex orientation in twins in that there is a higher level of concordance in monozygous twins compared to that in dizygous twins or non-twin siblings. If sexual orientation was entirely genetically determined monozygous twins would be expected to have identical sexual inclinations. Monozygous twins have twice the incidence of sexual concordance in comparison to dizygous twins but a third of these pairs have different sexual identities. An explanation for this disparity may lie in the time an embryo splits to form two separate fetuses. If splitting occurs early in twin development each twin may develop his or her own sexual identity; splitting occurring later results in twins that have the same sexual dispositions. A possible process for such determination may be in the mitochondria, with universal maternal inheritance of a proportion of normal functioning but alternate mitochondria. Variation in the distribution of these mitochondria in neural precursor cells becomes a mechanism for the development of intrinsic sexual orientation and for the spectrum of human sexual inclinations. The timing of embryonic splitting may be determined from the examination of fetal membranes, and the concept of early fetal sexual orientation is open to support or disproval.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Hayman
- Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, AUS
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11
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Ijuin A, Ueno H, Hayama T, Miyai S, Miyakoshi A, Hamada H, Sueyoshi S, Tochihara S, Saito M, Hamanoue H, Takeshima T, Yumura Y, Miyagi E, Kurahashi H, Sakakibara H, Murase M. Mitochondrial DNA mutations can influence the post-implantation development of human mosaic embryos. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1215626. [PMID: 37635871 PMCID: PMC10451077 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1215626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Several healthy euploid births have been reported following the transfer of mosaic embryos, including both euploid and aneuploid blastomeres. This has been attributed to a reduced number of aneuploid cells, as previously reported in mice, but remains poorly explored in humans. We hypothesized that mitochondrial function, one of the most critical factors for embryonic development, can influence human post-implantation embryonic development, including a decrease of aneuploid cells in mosaic embryos. Methods: To clarify the role of mitochondrial function, we biopsied multiple parts of each human embryo and observed the remaining embryos under in vitro culture as a model of post-implantation development (n = 27 embryos). Karyotyping, whole mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing, and mtDNA copy number assays were performed on all pre- and post-culture samples. Results: The ratio of euploid embryos was significantly enhanced during in vitro culture, whereas the ratio of mosaic embryos was significantly reduced. Furthermore, post-culture euploid and culturable embryos had significantly few mtDNA mutations, although mtDNA copy numbers did not differ. Discussion: Our results indicate that aneuploid cells decrease in human embryos post-implantation, and mtDNA mutations might induce low mitochondrial function and influence the development of post-implantation embryos with not only aneuploidy but also euploidy. Analyzing the whole mtDNA mutation number may be a novel method for selecting a better mosaic embryo for transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akifumi Ijuin
- Reproduction Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
- Department of OB and GYN, Yokohama City University School of Medicine Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hiroe Ueno
- Reproduction Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tomonari Hayama
- Reproduction Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
- Department of GYN, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Miyai
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Ai Miyakoshi
- Reproduction Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Haru Hamada
- Reproduction Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Sumiko Sueyoshi
- Reproduction Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
- Department of OB and GYN, Yokohama City University School of Medicine Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shiori Tochihara
- Reproduction Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Marina Saito
- Reproduction Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Haruka Hamanoue
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Teppei Takeshima
- Reproduction Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yasushi Yumura
- Reproduction Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Etsuko Miyagi
- Department of OB and GYN, Yokohama City University School of Medicine Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kurahashi
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hideya Sakakibara
- Department of GYN, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Mariko Murase
- Reproduction Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
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12
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Liu RP, Wang J, Wang XQ, Wang CR, He SY, Xu YN, Li YH, Kim NH. Xanthoangelol promotes early embryonic development of porcine embryos by relieving endoplasmic reticulum stress and enhancing mitochondrial function. Reprod Biomed Online 2023; 47:103211. [PMID: 37246104 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.04.002] [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: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does the addition of an antioxidant agent, xanthoangelol (XAG), to the culture medium improve in-vitro development of porcine embryos? DESIGN Early porcine embryos were incubated in the presence of 0.5 μmol/l XAG in in-vitro culture (IVC) media and analysed using various techniques, including immunofluorescence staining, reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection, TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL), and reverse transcription followed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). RESULTS The addition of 0.5 μmol/l XAG to IVC media increased the rate of blastocyst formation, total cell number, glutathione concentrations and proliferative capacity, while reducing reactive oxygen species concentrations, apoptosis and autophagy. In addition, upon XAG treatment, the abundance of mitochondria and mitochondrial membrane potential significantly increased (both P < 0.001), and the genes related to mitochondrial biogenesis (TFAM, NRF1 and NRF2) were significantly up-regulated (all P < 0.001). XAG treatment also significantly increased the endoplasmic reticulum abundance (P < 0.001) and reduced the concentrations of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) marker GRP78 (P = 0.003) and expression of the ERS-related genes EIF2α, GRP78, CHOP, ATF6, ATF4, uXBP1 and sXBP 1 (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSION XAG promotes early embryonic development in porcine embryos in vitro by reducing oxidative stress, enhancing mitochondrial function and relieving ERS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Ping Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China; College of Agriculture, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Xin-Qin Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
| | - Chao-Rui Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
| | - Sheng-Yan He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
| | - Yong-Nan Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China
| | - Ying-Hua Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China.
| | - Nam-Hyung Kim
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, China.
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13
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Cimadomo D, de los Santos MJ, Griesinger G, Lainas G, Le Clef N, McLernon DJ, Montjean D, Toth B, Vermeulen N, Macklon N. ESHRE good practice recommendations on recurrent implantation failure. Hum Reprod Open 2023; 2023:hoad023. [PMID: 37332387 PMCID: PMC10270320 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoad023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How should recurrent implantation failure (RIF) in patients undergoing ART be defined and managed? SUMMARY ANSWER This is the first ESHRE good practice recommendations paper providing a definition for RIF together with recommendations on how to investigate causes and contributing factors, and how to improve the chances of a pregnancy. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY RIF is a challenge in the ART clinic, with a multitude of investigations and interventions offered and applied in clinical practice, often without biological rationale or with unequivocal evidence of benefit. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION This document was developed according to a predefined methodology for ESHRE good practice recommendations. Recommendations are supported by data from the literature, if available, and the results of a previously published survey on clinical practice in RIF and the expertise of the working group. A literature search was performed in PubMed and Cochrane focussing on 'recurrent reproductive failure', 'recurrent implantation failure', and 'repeated implantation failure'. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS The ESHRE Working Group on Recurrent Implantation Failure included eight members representing the ESHRE Special Interest Groups for Implantation and Early Pregnancy, Reproductive Endocrinology, and Embryology, with an independent chair and an expert in statistics. The recommendations for clinical practice were formulated based on the expert opinion of the working group, while taking into consideration the published data and results of the survey on uptake in clinical practice. The draft document was then open to ESHRE members for online peer review and was revised in light of the comments received. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The working group recommends considering RIF as a secondary phenomenon of ART, as it can only be observed in patients undergoing IVF, and that the following description of RIF be adopted: 'RIF describes the scenario in which the transfer of embryos considered to be viable has failed to result in a positive pregnancy test sufficiently often in a specific patient to warrant consideration of further investigations and/or interventions'. It was agreed that the recommended threshold for the cumulative predicted chance of implantation to identify RIF for the purposes of initiating further investigation is 60%. When a couple have not had a successful implantation by a certain number of embryo transfers and the cumulative predicted chance of implantation associated with that number is greater than 60%, then they should be counselled on further investigation and/or treatment options. This term defines clinical RIF for which further actions should be considered. Nineteen recommendations were formulated on investigations when RIF is suspected, and 13 on interventions. Recommendations were colour-coded based on whether the investigations/interventions were recommended (green), to be considered (orange), or not recommended, i.e. not to be offered routinely (red). LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION While awaiting the results of further studies and trials, the ESHRE Working Group on Recurrent Implantation Failure recommends identifying RIF based on the chance of successful implantation for the individual patient or couple and to restrict investigations and treatments to those supported by a clear rationale and data indicating their likely benefit. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This article provides not only good practice advice but also highlights the investigations and interventions that need further research. This research, when well-conducted, will be key to making progress in the clinical management of RIF. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS The meetings and technical support for this project were funded by ESHRE. N.M. declared consulting fees from ArtPRED (The Netherlands) and Freya Biosciences (Denmark); Honoraria for lectures from Gedeon Richter, Merck, Abbott, and IBSA; being co-founder of Verso Biosense. He is Co-Chief Editor of Reproductive Biomedicine Online (RBMO). D.C. declared being an Associate Editor of Human Reproduction Update, and declared honoraria for lectures from Merck, Organon, IBSA, and Fairtility; support for attending meetings from Cooper Surgical, Fujifilm Irvine Scientific. G.G. declared that he or his institution received financial or non-financial support for research, lectures, workshops, advisory roles, or travelling from Ferring, Merck, Gedeon-Richter, PregLem, Abbott, Vifor, Organon, MSD, Coopersurgical, ObsEVA, and ReprodWissen. He is an Editor of the journals Archives of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biomedicine Online, and Editor in Chief of Journal Gynäkologische Endokrinologie. He is involved in guideline developments and quality control on national and international level. G.L. declared he or his institution received honoraria for lectures from Merck, Ferring, Vianex/Organon, and MSD. He is an Associate Editor of Human Reproduction Update, immediate past Coordinator of Special Interest Group for Reproductive Endocrinology of ESHRE and has been involved in Guideline Development Groups of ESHRE and national fertility authorities. D.J.M. declared being an Associate Editor for Human Reproduction Open and statistical Advisor for Reproductive Biomedicine Online. B.T. declared being shareholder of Reprognostics and she or her institution received financial or non-financial support for research, clinical trials, lectures, workshops, advisory roles or travelling from support for attending meetings from Ferring, MSD, Exeltis, Merck Serono, Bayer, Teva, Theramex and Novartis, Astropharm, Ferring. The other authors had nothing to disclose. DISCLAIMER This Good Practice Recommendations (GPR) document represents the views of ESHRE, which are the result of consensus between the relevant ESHRE stakeholders and are based on the scientific evidence available at the time of preparation. ESHRE GPRs should be used for information and educational purposes. They should not be interpreted as setting a standard of care or be deemed inclusive of all proper methods of care, or be exclusive of other methods of care reasonably directed to obtaining the same results. They do not replace the need for application of clinical judgement to each individual presentation, or variations based on locality and facility type. Furthermore, ESHRE GPRs do not constitute or imply the endorsement, or favouring, of any of the included technologies by ESHRE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - D Cimadomo
- IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, GENERA, Clinica Valle Giulia, Rome, Italy
| | | | - G Griesinger
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
- University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - G Lainas
- Eugonia IVF, Unit of Human Reproduction, Athens, Greece
| | - N Le Clef
- ESHRE Central Office, Strombeek-Bever, Belgium
| | - D J McLernon
- School of Medicine Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - D Montjean
- Fertilys Fertility Centers, Laval & Brossard, Canada
| | - B Toth
- Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - N Vermeulen
- ESHRE Central Office, Strombeek-Bever, Belgium
| | - N Macklon
- Correspondence address. ESHRE Central Office, BXL7—Building 1, Nijverheidslaan 3, B-1853 Strombeek-Bever, Belgium. E-mail:
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14
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Tesarik J, Mendoza-Tesarik R. Mitochondria in Human Fertility and Infertility. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108950. [PMID: 37240296 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108950] [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: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In human spermatozoa and oocytes (and their surrounding granulosa cells), mitochondria carry out important functions relating to human fertility and infertility. Sperm mitochondria are not transmitted to the future embryo, but are closely related to the generation of energy needed for sperm movement, capacitation, and acrosome reactions, as well as for sperm-oocyte fusion. On the other hand, oocyte mitochondria produce energy required for oocyte meiotic division and their abnormalities can thus cause oocyte and embryo aneuploidy. In addition, they play a role in oocyte calcium metabolism and in essential epigenetic events during the oocyte-to-embryo transition. They are transmitted to the future embryos and may thus cause hereditary diseases in the offspring. Due to the long life span of the female germ cells, the accumulation of mitochondrial DNA abnormalities often causes ovarian aging. Mitochondrial substitution therapy is the only way of dealing with these issues nowadays. New therapies based on mitochondrial DNA editing are under investigation.
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15
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Van Winkle LJ. Molecular and Clinical Advances in Understanding Early Embryo Development. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081171. [PMID: 37190080 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The articles in this Special Issue address a wide variety of topics concerning molecular and clinical advances in understanding early embryo development [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Lon J Van Winkle
- Department of Medical Humanities, Rocky Vista University, Parker, CO 80122, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
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16
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Abramczyk H, Sobkiewicz B, Walczak-Jędrzejowska R, Marchlewska K, Surmacki J. Decoding the role of cytochrome c in metabolism of human spermatozoa by Raman imaging. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:983993. [PMID: 36506104 PMCID: PMC9732575 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.983993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The normal functioning of sperm cells requires cytochrome c in the redox balanced forms: reduced and oxidized. The oxidized form of cytochrome c is localized in the mitochondrial intermembrane space and is a part of the electron transport chain. This ensures that electron shuttling between the complex III, cytochrome c, and complex IV can occur leading to controlled effective oxidative phosphorylation (respiration) and ATP production needed for most steps in spermatozoal maturation, motility, hyperactivation and fertilization. We studied the biochemical composition of specific organelles in sperm cells by Raman imaging. The structures of the head consisting of the nucleus and acrosome, the midpiece representing mitochondria, and the tail characterized by the sperm axoneme surrounded by outer dense fiber and covered by the membrane were measured. Metabolic biochemical analysis of mitochondria, head and tail of sperm cells, and seminal plasma by using Raman imaging combined with chemometric classification method of Cluster Analysis has been obtained. Our results show that cytochrome c, which is a key protein that is needed to maintain life (respiration) and cell death (apoptosis), is located in sperm mitochondria in the oxidized or reduced form of the heme group. This work demonstrated that an application of Raman micro-spectroscopy can be extended to monitoring the redox state of mitochondrial cytochrome c in sperm cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halina Abramczyk
- Lodz University of Technology, Institute of Applied Radiation Chemistry, Laboratory of Laser Molecular Spectroscopy, Lodz, Poland,*Correspondence: Halina Abramczyk, ; Jakub Surmacki,
| | | | | | - Katarzyna Marchlewska
- Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Jakub Surmacki
- Lodz University of Technology, Institute of Applied Radiation Chemistry, Laboratory of Laser Molecular Spectroscopy, Lodz, Poland,*Correspondence: Halina Abramczyk, ; Jakub Surmacki,
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17
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Lukaszuk K, Podolak A. Does Trophectoderm Mitochondrial DNA Content Affect Embryo Developmental and Implantation Potential? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5976. [PMID: 35682656 PMCID: PMC9180963 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115976] [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: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A retrospective case control study was undertaken at the molecular biology department of a private center for reproductive medicine in order to determine whether any correlation exists between the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content of trophectoderm and embryo developmental potential. A total of 275 couples underwent IVF treatment, producing a total of 716 embryos. The trophectoderm was biopsied from each embryo at the blastocyst stage (day 5 or day 6 post-fertilization) subjected to low-pass next-generation sequencing (NGS), for the purpose of detecting aneuploidy. For each sample, the number of mtDNA reads obtained after analysis using NGS was divided by the number of reads attributable to the nuclear genome. The mtDNA copy number was found to be higher in aneuploid embryos than in those that were euploid (mean mtDNA ratio ± SD: 1.13 ± 1.37 versus 1.45 ± 1.78, p = 0.02) and in day 5 biopsies compared to day 6 biopsies (1.41 ± 1.66 vs. 1.19 ± 1.27, p = 0.001), whereas no statistically significant differences in mtDNA content were seen in relation to embryo morphology (1.58 ± 2.44 vs. 2.19 ± 2.89, p = 0.12), genetic sex (1.27 ± 1.29 vs. 1.27 ± 1.18, p = 0.99), maternal age (1.31 ± 1.41 vs. 1.33 ± 1.29, p = 0.43), or its ability to implant (1.14 ± 0.88 vs. 1.21 ± 1.16, p = 0.39). mtDNA has small potential to serve as an additional, independent biomarker for embryo selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Lukaszuk
- Invicta Research and Development Center, 81-740 Sopot, Poland;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Amira Podolak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
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18
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The Relaxin-3 Receptor, RXFP3, Is a Modulator of Aging-Related Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084387. [PMID: 35457203 PMCID: PMC9027355 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During the aging process our body becomes less well equipped to deal with cellular stress, resulting in an increase in unrepaired damage. This causes varying degrees of impaired functionality and an increased risk of mortality. One of the most effective anti-aging strategies involves interventions that combine simultaneous glucometabolic support with augmented DNA damage protection/repair. Thus, it seems prudent to develop therapeutic strategies that target this combinatorial approach. Studies have shown that the ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF) GTPase activating protein GIT2 (GIT2) acts as a keystone protein in the aging process. GIT2 can control both DNA repair and glucose metabolism. Through in vivo co-regulation analyses it was found that GIT2 forms a close coexpression-based relationship with the relaxin-3 receptor (RXFP3). Cellular RXFP3 expression is directly affected by DNA damage and oxidative stress. Overexpression or stimulation of this receptor, by its endogenous ligand relaxin 3 (RLN3), can regulate the DNA damage response and repair processes. Interestingly, RLN3 is an insulin-like peptide and has been shown to control multiple disease processes linked to aging mechanisms, e.g., anxiety, depression, memory dysfunction, appetite, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. Here we discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying the various roles of RXFP3/RLN3 signaling in aging and age-related disorders.
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